Christian Foundations (6) - Rebound Techniques

REPENTANCE from dead works (Hebrews 6:1) means turning away from our old way of living by the flesh, depending on ourselves, living out from our own self, living from our own soul as our base of operation. Flesh (what we produce from ourselves) has no lasting value and does not please God (dead works). We need to learn live a new way: LIVING by FAITH, depending on GOD as the SOURCE of our LIFE, living under GRACE (God’s operational power in us), living and walking in (the power of) the SPIRIT. When different THINGS happen to us in life, we need to know how to RESPOND. We can either RESPOND (1) in the FLESH, which produces DEAD WORKS, or (2) in the SPIRIT, by operating in FAITH. In these situations, we need to apply the foundational doctrines of REPENTANCE from dead works (our flesh reaction) and FAITH toward God (our faith response). It’s not what happens to you, but how you respond that defines you, and determines your success or failure in life. In this message, Derek teaches 4 vital REBOUND Techniques: *(1). How to rebound from SIN, by coming to God and CONFESSING your sin (1John 1:9, Psa 32:1-5, 51:1-12). The flesh reaction is to hide and run from God (Gen 2:8-9). *(2). How to REBOUND from SUCCESS and BLESSING, by GIVING THANKS to God, acknowledging God as the Source of that blessing. That way, you keep yourself connected to God as your Source, and His grace will continue to flow to you (Proverbs 3:9-10). The flesh reaction is to become proud and forget God, to focus on, find your satisfaction and trust in that blessing. As a result, you disconnect yourself from the grace of God. *(3). How to REBOUND from SETBACKS and TRIALS. The flesh reaction to trials is to get discouraged and to blame God. The faith response to trials is to actively and purposefully REJOICE in God, thanking Him for working them for our good and eternal glory (Romans 8:28, Matthew 5:10-12, James 1:2-4,12, Romans 5:2-5, 2Cor4:17-18, 12:9-10). *4. How to REBOUND from HURTS and OFFENCES. The flesh reaction is to nurse and rehearse it, and become bitter and unforgiving. The faith response is to FORGIVE quickly, from the heart (Ephesians 4:32, Mark 11:25,26, Matthew 6:14,15).