We are caught  112220 1 Thess 4:13- 5:11 Your point to ponder: Our chaos will end when we are caught up with Jesus. v.13-18 Nobody who loves Jesus gets left behind What do you wonder about Jesus’ return? v.1-5 Jesus will come unannounced for those unprepared. Will you be surprised? v.6-11 The difference is like night and day. What does being awake look like?

OUTLINE We have choices 1 Thess. 4:9-12 Your sermon in a sentence for today: Chaos makes the choice to live for Jesus even more important. v.9 Love each other. When did you chose to love in the last week? When did you not? v.10 Love more and more. How can you love more? v.11 Three thing you can lovingly do: Lead a quiet life, mind your own business, work with your hands Which do you need to work on? v.12 Your work witness matters. How’s yours?

We are Chasted (sexually pure) 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 Your sermon in a sentence: Followers of Christ are to be Chaste. v.1-2 We live to please God. Who are you living to please? By what authority do you get or give instruction? v.3-5 God’s will for sex is clear and pure. How holy and honorable is your sexuality? v.6-8 Exploitation of people is always wrong. What is impure in your life?

Sermon by Justin Smith November 1, 2020

Obadiah’s Obligation 7.30.17 Greatest Hits Sermon 1 Kings 18:1-16 At the end of the day what makes a hero a hero is making the hard choices and doing what needs to be done-no matter what. There is something exhilarating about that level of commitment –we see it as heroic. But this can also be scarey. Are heroes ever scared? Of course! Remember you can’t be brave till you are scared-and heroes are always brave! (which means they are also always scared). Here again is a difference, between a humanistic (marvel/dc) hero and a Godly hero –the first one does his or her heroics by the power and for the glory of self. The Godly hero is made heroic by the power of God and for His glory alone. A heroic cliché that most everyone knows-though it was never actually said in a movie by a hero (sorry John Wayne fans)-is the ultimate expression of heroic hubris or pride–say it with me “Sometimes a man’s gotta do… what a man’s gotta do” but just like I messed you up with bad old childrens ss church rhyme (this is the church… do it?) –I’m gonna mess this heroic cliché up too-b/c all Godly heroes believe our point-and b/c I believe you are called to be a Godly hero too I want you to believe it as well- and it’s also a better rhyme… The point: Sometimes a man’s gotta do… what God wants him to! Tell you neighbor with the best John Wayne voice… that will be our call and response thru out this message... Sub-point #1: Obadiah’s occupational obstruction. What can you leverage for the Lord? #2  Obadiah’s obvious objection. What are you afraid to do for God? Do you think you’ve done enough? #3  Obadiah’s opportune obedience. Even though you are afraid will you still follow through? Go be the hero God needs you to be today-Godspeed!

We are Church 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 The sermon in a sentence: The church can survive and even thrive in the chaos. v.13 The Word of God is Jesus (the Words of God are the Bible). What do you do with the Word of God? v.14-16 Imitators are welcome… to suffer… for a little while. Do you believe the church will suffer resistance? Are you willing to wait for the wrath? v.17-18 The church never has to be totally separated! What plan B will you make backfire on the devil this week? v.19-20 The church is all you will take to heaven with you. Who is your pride and joy?

We are Family 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Your sermon in a sentence is this: We find hope in the chaos by realizing we are Family of the heavenly father v.1-6 Chaos can either pull a family apart or push them together What is the current chaos doing to the family? What will you let the current chaos do? v.7-9 Chaos can make us care more if we let it Who needs more love/care right now? Who is dear to you in the family of God? v.10-12 Chaos is crushed by a good father. Who can you encourage, comfort and urge on this week?

 You are Chosen 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Your point: In Jesus we are chosen. v.1-4 The 3 marks of a chosen person: faith, loveand endurance Are these evident in you? v.5-7 Chosen people still experience severe suffering What does it reveal in you? v.8-10 When you are chosen there is a change. What rings out from you? Where is your faith known?

Dry Bones Dance Ezekiel 37:1-14 v.1-7 God can put together what has been broken. What or who does God need to re-assemble in your life? v.8-11 God can resurrect what has been dead. What or who needs new life? v.12-14 Life is coming for all who know he is the Lord. Who will call you out of your grave?

Good Sheep Bad Sheep Ezekiel 34:17-31 The Point: Good sheep follow the Great shepherd and His rules. v.17-19 Think of others not just yourself! What is one way you can care for others this week? v.20-22 No bulling allowed! Who have you been bumping? v.23-25 Follow the leader. How can you submit to authority this week? v.26-29 You can have all you need How have you experienced God providence or protection this week? v.30-31 You will know who you are and who’syou are. Who is your shepherd? Who is your flock?