Stonecreek Church

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.

Suffering is normal, and through it we can believe God is good. This past Sunday, we heard from Pastor Steven Gibb as he unpacked 1 Peter 4:1-11 in our teaching series, Resilient: Following Jesus in a World That’s Falling Apart. We were made for eternity, and setting our eyes on the things of heaven means that we can live for the things that actually matter. What do you care about now that won’t matter in eternity? Time is short – don’t wait to live your life in a meaningful way. Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:1-11 Exiles on our way to eternity. Living Hope Suffering is normal. God is good. Time is short – don’t wait. Live in today, but live for eternity. "Time is what we want most, but what we use worst." William Penn Time matters because matters of time are matters of eternity. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 ​​So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 What do I care so much about now, that I know won’t matter in the end? What am I putting off? Do my prayers carry a sense of eternity? Who is at my table?

Who actually wants to be around you? This past Sunday, we heard from Pastor Steven Gibbs as we continued in our sermon series, Resilient: Following Jesus in a World That’s Falling Apart. We unpacked 1 Peter 3:8-22 and exactly what it means to suffer in a way that reflects the coming kingdom of God and our eternal purpose. The way that we respond when our world’s on fire reveals the reality of our soul. Do you set the temperature when you walk into a room?  Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. 1 Peter 3:8-22 If everyone jumped off a cliff, would you? Read Psalm 34 every day. Are you measuring or setting the temperature in the rooms you walk into? What temperature are you setting in the rooms you walk into?  Who is asking to be around you? “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Aren’t you grateful for people who will tell you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable? This past weekend, we heard from Pastor Aaron Bennett as he continued in our teaching series, Resilient: Following Jesus in a World That’s Falling Apart. We unpacked 1 Peter 3:1-7 and learned about the goodness that is in God’s created order for life. It’s not just what God teaches us, but why He teaches us. God’s creative order brings life. Wise people yield to His plan. Truth is more important than my ego. Truth matters.  Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:1-7 In this letter Peter is painting a picture of a new humanity, initiated by Jesus. LIVE GREAT LIVES AMONG THOSE WHO DON’T BELIEVE...SO THAT THEY MIGHT BELIEVE What are women called to submit to? Leadership and Love Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:22-25 Men — how are you leading in your home? Men — how are you sacrificing for your wives and family? God’s design brings life.  God’s design matters.  Christianity is a faith built on surrender to God’s goodness.