1. We've been completely forgiven
"In Christ we are set free by the blood of his death. And so we have forgiveness of sins because of God's rich grace." Ephesians 1:7
"All of us have strayed away like sheep. We've left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on Him the guilt and sins of us all . . . From prison and trial they led him away to his death. But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins and suffering their punishment? He had done no wrong, and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; then he was put in a rich man's grave. But it was God's plan that he should suffer . . . Yet when his life IS made an offering for sin, he WILL have a multitude of children." Isaiah 53:6-10 (NLT)
"Jesus was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised from the dead to make us right with God." Romans 4:25
ACTION PLAN: Write out a thank-you note to God. Thank Him for loving you first. Thank Him for sticking to His promises in the past. Thank Him for the promises that give you hope for tomorrow.
2. WE'RE NO LONGER AFRAID TO DIE
Jesus promised, "I AM the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again." John 11:25 (NLT)
"For forty days after his death Jesus appeared to people many times in many ways that proved beyond doubt that he was alive. They saw him, and he talked with them about the Kingdom of God." Acts 1:3
"Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and then he was raised from the dead on the third day. He was seen by Peter and then by the twelve apostles. After that, he was seen by more than five hundred of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died by now. Then he was seen by James and later by all of the apostles. Last of all, I saw him too . . ." 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
3. WE NOW HAVE GOD'S SPIRIT INSIDE US
Jesus said, "When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will receive power and will tell people everywhere about me – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
"I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly greathis power is to help those who believe him. It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead." Ephesians 1:19-20
ACTION PLAN: Think about what expecting God's power in your life looks like. What is God able to help you overcome? What is God able to help you endure? What is God able to transform in your life. How will God embolden you to share your story with others?
4. GOD WILL NEVER STOP LOVING US
God: "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17
"This is how we know who the children of God are: Anyone who does not obey God's command and doesn't love others is not a child of God. This is the message we've heard from the beginning: We must love each other!" 1 John 3:10-11
5. WE KNOW THE PURPOSES WE WERE CREATED FOR
"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me because his love endures forever!" Psalm 138:8
"I know the plans I have for you," say the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Jesus: "My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." John 10:10 (NLT)
"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, and have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
"For me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better." Philippians 1:21
ACTION PLAN: If it's been a while, or if you've never done so, re-read The Purpose Driven Life (What On Earth Am I Here For?) and re-discover the purposes that you were created for. Click here to purchase a copy.
6. WE HAVE AN ETERNAL HOME WAITING FOR US
"We have been born into a new life which has an inheritance that can't be destroyed or corrupted and can't fade away. That inheritance is kept in heaven for you!" 1 Peter 1:4
"No eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no mind has ever imagined, the wonderful things that God has prepared for those who love him!" 1 Corinthians 2:9
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be OPENED so that you may see and understand the HOPE to which God has called you!" Ephesians 1:18
"For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved!" Romans 10:9
Doable Discipleship: This week is the 100th episode of the Doable Discipleship podcast! Celebrate with Doug and Jason as they read some listener emails.. New episodes release every Tuesday. To watch or listen,click here.
Talk It Over: Have you ever discussed the weekend message in your small group? Talk It Over provides weekly small group discussion questions as a way to bring the weekend message into your small group. To view this week's Talk It Over,click here.
