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REAL HOPE FOR REAL LIVES 11. CHRISTIANITY IS COUNTER-CULTURAL (Matthew 5:1-16)

There were no ordered points in Mike’s outline as he was summarising previous messages in the series and using a variety of quotes to demonstrate how real Christianity is counter-cultural and that we really do have to stand out. Below are those quotes which he used: 1. “Probably the greatest tragedy of the church throughout…

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REAL HOPE FOR REAL LIVES 9. BUSYNESS (Luke 10:38-42)

Martha – “busy, busy, busy all the time, time, time.” Mary – “busy, busy, busy, BUT NOT all the time, time, time.” Martha is DISTRACTED Mary is DEVOTED 1. How does busyness distract us?: We DOUBT or UNDERMINE God’s goodness, grace and glory We FOCUS on self or others and become PROUD Our JOY is…

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REAL HOPE FOR REAL LIVES 8. FRIENDSHIP (1 Sam 18:1-5, 19:1-7, 23:15-18)

1. The MODEL of FRIENDSHIP David and Jonathan – soul mates, standing together, strengthening one-another in God 2. The MUSTS of FRIENDSHIP All-inclusive Intentional Humble, Accountable, Relational, Dependable 3. The MASTER of FRIENDSHIP Jesus – laying down His life for His friends

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REAL HOPE FOR REAL LIVES 7. GUILT! (Psalm 32)

A) GUILT – FALSE OR TRUE False Guilt Satan inflicted and Self-perpetuated   True Guilt Recognises our standing before God and our salvation from God   B) GUILT – WHAT WE MUST DO   Acknowledge our sin – Psalm 32:5(a)   Accept and Appreciate God’s forgiveness – Psalm 32:5(b)   Address the Accuser with Gospel…

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REAL HOPE FOR REAL LIVES 6. PRIDE! (Jer 9:23-24, 1 Cor 1:26-31)

A) PRIDE Shows itself: 1. In our WISDOM We think we know better than God 2. In our POWER We rely on our strength rather than God’s 3. In our RICHES We get our value from “things” rather than God B) PRIDE Leads to: 1. ENVY – we think we’re more worthy 2. BITTERNESS –…

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REAL HOPE FOR REAL LIVES 5. REJECTION! (Genesis 50:15-21, Isaiah 53:1-6, Psalm 27:9-14)

ITS HURT Excruciating   ITS HEART I don’t measure up   ITS HOPE In Christ’s rejection In the acceptance of truth In the process of change In the sovereignty of grace

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REAL HOPE FOR REAL LIVES 4. LONELINESS! (Ecc 4:9-12, Prov 18:19-24, Psalm 142)

1. ITS REALITY! The world’s most devastating malady 2. ITS ROBBERY! Robs us of confidence, identity, humanity & dignity 3. ITS REMEDY! A community of care The Friend who sticks closer than a brother

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REAL HOPE FOR REAL LIVES 2. LUSTFUL INTENT (Matthew 5:27-30)

Understand that you’re in a Battle It’s SERIOUS It’s SHARED We’re WOUNDED We’re WEAK Use the right Weapon The Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God God’s Word Convicts, Comforts and Command Fight fire with fire The Promises of God far outshine the Promises of Lust The Pleasures of God far outweigh…