Stonecreek Church

13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper,     and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  Ephesians 5:13-17 What do I want out of life?  “Awake, O sleeper,     and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14 Culture Sedates Us Life Is Hard Comfort Chokes Us This is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. Mt. 13:22   What am I worried about? 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  Ephesians 5:15-17 Consider that there’s more to your life than this life.  Lord, stamp eternity on my eyeballs.  Jonathan Edwards “One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time.” John Piper So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 How much time do I waste? Is my attention intentional or accidental? What kind of person do I want to be? 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light.  Ephesians 5:13-14 Ask God to Open My Eyes Put Off Put On Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11  Next Steps What do I want out of life? What am I worried about? How much time do I waste? Is my attention intentional or accidental? What kind of person do I want to be?

Do you feel stuck? Like you’re bound to your anxiety, depression, and insecurity, chained to your less than ideal circumstances? This past Sunday, we heard from Pastor Joey McLaughlin as he closed out our sermon series, House of Prayer Pt. 2. He unpacked Paul’s prayer to the Philippian church. Paul had to remember his imprisonment in order to move forward: what if redeeming your past meant living your best life in the future? I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:3-11 Acts 16:13 …on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer…Acts 16:16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. Acts 16:23 …they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. Acts 16:25-28 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.”

Do you wish that your prayer life was better, more powerful, more meaningful than it is? This Sunday, Pastor Mike Reinsel continued in our second week of our series House of Prayer, Pt. 2 as he unpacked Ephesians 3:14-21. We learned that the purpose of prayer is simply the privilege of relationship with our Heavenly Father. What would happen if we started praying big, bold prayers because we actually believed in the abundant power of God?  “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21 Who is the most powerful person of prayer you know?How do I become better at prayer? 1. Our place and posture of prayer matter. Prayer isn’t a duty to be completed, but a highly privileged relationship to embrace.  With-ness  2. God’s deep desire for us is to be with Him first and to do for Him leading out from that. “And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.” Matthew 14:23 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12 “And rising early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35 “...and great crowds gathered to hear him and be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.”  Luke 5:16 “‘Be with’ God first through prayer and let our good work come out of that.” Ephesians 6:18 Our “busy-ness” is the enemy of our “with-ness.” God shapes us in the quiet. 3. God wants us to pray bold prayers.  Bold prayers are usually answered because we’re consistent in our time with God. What prayers are you praying?   

When we forget to pray, we rob our faith of its power. The power of Jesus sets us free to live the lives we were designed for. This past Sunday, we kicked off our new sermon series, House of Prayer Pt. 2, where Pastor Aaron Bennett taught us that prayer creates life-giving relationships. We learned that the teaching of the early church was compelling, but it was their love that was contagious. Powerful prayers lead to radical changes. Prayer creates life-giving relationships. (Great relationships are the secret to the life you really want.) “There are far too many people who settle for practicing a sterile religion rather than enjoying a growing, vibrant, personal relationship with the living God.” ― Henry T. Blackaby, Experiencing God “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Philemon 1:4-7 6 —I pray 6 — that the sharing of your faith = koinonia The teaching of the early church was compelling. The love of the early church was contagious. 6 —“I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective” “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 6 —“I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.” “Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:9-11 Practical Tips 1. Make a daily practice of praying for people you love. 2. Make a daily practice of praying with people you love. 3. Pray the scriptures back to God.

Where is Jesus and why hasn’t He come back yet? This past Sunday, Pastor Sean Curry reminded us that we are able to walk in a living hope that is rooted in the promise of a King that will return for His people. Knowing the heart of God should lead us to repentance and empower us to live daily like eternity starts tomorrow. We don’t know when Jesus will come back exactly, but we can trust that He will and love like His love is alive.  Am I prepared for when the storm is going to come? We walk in a living hope rooted in a King who is coming back. How do you want to be found by Jesus?

God protects His promise, and as children of His promise, God fiercely protects us. This past Sunday we heard from Pastor Aaron Bennett as he continued in our series, Resilient: Following Jesus in a World That’s Falling Apart. We unpacked chapter 2 of 2 Peter and learned just how deadly bad ideas can be. God will do whatever it takes to protect His promises, and because of the assurance of His rescue, we can be resilient with hopeful expectation. The Hidden Danger of Bad Ideas. God fiercely protects His promise. Bad ideas about little things can be disappointing. Bad ideas about big things can be deadly. Who influences you? If you want a great life, you have to be honest about the threats you’re facing. Either Jesus starts changing you, or you will start trying to change Jesus. Jesus doesn’t ignore sin. Jesus died to forgive sin. Jesus calls us to a new life, free from sin. The Gospel is God’s great promise. God saves His most ferocious anger for those who twist His promises so they can profit off of bad ideas. “They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” 2 Peter 2:19 1. In a world full of lies, teach yourself to crave God’s truth. 2. Walk in the truth and expose the lies. 3. Find practical ways to enjoy the freedom of knowing Jesus.

Are you living like this is all there is to life? This past Sunday we heard from Steven Gibbs as he unpacked 2 Peter 1:16-21 as we continued in our series, Resilient: Following Jesus in a World that’s Falling Apart. In order for us to live our lives well, with purpose, and with resilience, we have to do so with the understanding that God’s word is ultimate authority.  For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:16-21 Resilient Reminder Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. 1 Peter 1:12-15 Absorb God’s Words What am I forgetting about the life I want to live?  I choose to believe the Bible because it is a reliable collection of historical documents written down by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They report of supernatural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophecies and claim that their writings are Divine rather than human in origin.  Do I live like I believe the Bible is true?  And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.  Matthew 17:1-6 EVERYTHING GIVES WAY JESUS. Where do I need light in my life? Do I live like this life is all there is to my life? All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God[a] may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 What authority do I live by? We are people of a book. Our understanding of God is not shaped primarily by experience, tradition, popular opinion, culture or what we’re comfortable with…our understanding of God is shaped by the written word of God that points to the living word, Jesus. God’s words aren’t a weapon used to hurt people, but a lifeline to save them. This is our first source, final authority, the greatest love story ever written and the best part of all … it’s true.

Here’s the thing about change: many people don’t, everyone can, only the brave will. This past Sunday, we heard from Pastor Aaron Bennett as he kicked us off in our study of 2 Peter in our teaching series, Resilient: Following Jesus in a World That’s Falling Apart. In Christianity, growth isn’t just an invitation, but it is an expectation. Love changes things, but God’s love changes everything. By partnering with God in the power of His nature, we can become resilient disciples who don’t just change for ourselves, but who can change the world for the Kingdom of God. “Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body,[h] to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.” 2 Peter 1:1-15 Love changes things. Love changes things and God’s love changes everything.Resilient disciples don’t just endure the world. Resilient disciples change the world.How do people change?By knowing who you are.“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 How do people change? By changing what you want. Truth about change: Many people won’t  Everyone can Only the brave will “Don't be a slave of your desires or live like people who don't know God.” 1 Thessalonians 4:5 How do people change? By growing in your faith.How do people change? By knowing the reward. When it comes to change, Jesus is the power and the prize.

An idle mind is the Devil’s workshop and we can take a stand against his schemes with resilient resistance. This past Sunday, we heard from Pastor Sean Curry as he finished out our study on 1 Peter by breaking down the importance of having spiritual leaders in our lives. Without submitting to the authority of elders and to the authority of Jesus, we set ourselves up to fall victim to the enemy whose goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. A posture of humility is imperative to live resiliently.  Exiles on our way to eternity Living hope Suffering is normal God is good Time is short Missions is our calling Humility is our posture “Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” 1 Peter 4:19 “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed…” 1 Peter 5:1  “…shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” 1 Peter 5:2-4 “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 How do you lead?“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:6-7 What do you need to lay down to carry the burden of the Lord?“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” Colossians 2:15 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 “Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” 1 Peter 5:9 Resilient Resistance“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.” 1 Peter 5:10-12

How does living on mission help us to live resilient?1 Peter 4:12: Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.How do you posture yourself in the midst of your suffering?Hebrews 12:2 says  “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”Acts 5:29-32We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”Acts 5:41 “Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.1 Peter 4:14-15 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.Matthew 28:19-20: 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”“Go, if you feel like it and when it’s convenient. Be nice enough to people that hopefully they notice you go to church. Keep your faith private and silent if you need to though! I don’t want you to offend anybody. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age.”1 Peter 4:16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 1 Peter 4:17-18 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"Go, Send, or be disobedient1 Peter 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.