I will be at Peace with who I am and Whose I am. I will not allow disappointments in my upbringing, family of origin issues, rejections and hurt, or any other such challenges to limit me in any way. I will not become calloused by hardships nor complacent due to unordinary privilege, ease, or comfort. I will live to fulfill God's Purpose for my life. DIG Read Genesis 5:1-32 DISCUSS What do you see here? What Stands out? Why do you think this passage is included? Why is it important? This long litany on lineage begs the question: What on earth am I here for? Each of the people mentioned in this long list had a story. Ask yourself, “What’s my story? What’s my purpose in life? What part am I to play?” How would you answer these questions? Note the reference to Adam's lineage in verse 1. He was made in God's likeness. It started so great but went bad so quickly. Why? Sin. What did Adam miss? Why did he disobey? Did he ever bounce back? Did he fulfill his purpose? Why or why not? Notice the refrain of the phrase, "and then he died." (vss. 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 27, 31). It pounds home the message that life is temporary. It lasts for a short season. Especially for us today as we don't live as long as they did in those days. For us, 100 years max. More like 90. Probably 80. The average age these days is actually 77.5. So having a finite amount of time should create a sense of urgency in all of us. We need to be fervent about maximizing our time and opportunity. What does this mean to you? Noah is mentioned in 5:28-32. Adam had a unique role to play as the first man. Noah also had a unique role to play as the first man after the reset. While it is important to know where you came from, I would argue that it matters more where you are going. Lineage can limit those who feel shortchanged. It doesn't have to. Or it can make those who have been blessed become complacent. It shouldn't. Where we have come from is one thing and a part of God's plan for our lives. We don't get to choose that part. But we do get to choose where we go from here. We get to choose our life's direction and determine our legacy. Discuss. DEDICATE Take Time to Memorize and Internalize this Verse. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Exodus 34:6-7

How We Got The Bible 1. How the OT Was Built Joshua 1:8 Daniel 9:2 Luke 24:44-45 2. How the NT Was Built Criteria for authenticity: 1) authorship, 2) orthodoxy, & 3) catholicity Bottom Line: The construction of the Bible is as God-breathed as the words contained within it! The Problem With Evil and Suffering 1. If God truly is good, why is there evil in the world? Genesis 3 Romans 5:12 Revelation 3:20 Revelation 21:1-7 2. How can a good God allow suffering? Job 3:8-10 1 Peter 4:1-3 2 Corinthians 4:17 3. Why these arguments will usually do more harm than good Ephesians 4:29 Matthew 11:28 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Faith & Reason  Matthew 7:24–27 1. Sheltering = Doubt 2. How do faith and reason work together? Look at the two men who built their houses on rock and sand; they are a good comparison for our context. 3. What people have achieved with faith and reason in the past?  What does the Trinity mean to me?  John 17:20-24 1. The Invitation 2. Made in His Image 3. The Answer

1. What are defenders? Jude 1:3 - Contend 2 Timothy 4:2 - Ready Romans 1:16 - Unashamed 2. Why should we be defenders? Jude 1:4 - There will be those who twist the word 2 Timothy 4:3 - People will not listen to sound doctrine 3. How can we defend? James 1:22,25 - Listen/Do/Know 1 Peter 3:15 (13-16) - Know the Reason Titus 1:9 (6-9) - Carry yourself well 2 Timothy 3:16-17

1. Where is your focus? James 5:1-6 2. What's taking your time? James 5:7-12 Galatians 5:22-25 Job 1:20-22 Job 12:13 Job 27:2-4 Job 42:2 3. What is your energy spent on? James 5:13-20 1 Kings 17:1

1. We are called to speak life, not death James 3:1-12 James 4:11-12 2. Seek Godly wisdom, not earthly wisdom James 3:13-17 3. Always get closer! James 4:1-10 4. Follow His lead James 4:13-17

1. Perseverance in trials leads to growth James 1:2-18 2. To be a good follower of Christ you have to do more than listen James 1:19-26 3. Faith in action leads to strong Believers James 2:1-26

1. Become a Citizen of the Kingdom. John 3:1-21 Matthew 16:24-27 2. Live for the Lord Romans 8:17 Romans 14:7-9 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 2. Be a good Steward of your Gifts, talents, and Calling. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

1. Know the race Matthew 28:16-20 2 Timothy 1:6-14 2. Live out your faith 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 Ephesians 2:1-10 Philippians 1:27-30 2 Timothy 1:6-14 3. Seek Growth Proverbs 19:16-17,20-23 Ephesians 3:14-21