God of Promise | Overflow Church Grand Prairie, Tx | Notes
Overflow Church Grand Prairie, Tx
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Intimacy With God
RELATIONSHIP: INTIMACY

Gospel call is relational
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3 NIV

THE BLESSING IN RELATIONSHIP

Hearing
John 10:27 NIV
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Closeness
John 17:22-23 NLT “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

Walking out life
1 John 2:6 NLT Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

Walking with God means that you are actively being transformed into Godʼs image.

1 John 1:6-7 NLT So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

RIGHTEOUSNESS: THE COST OF INTIMACY
Two types of righteousness:
1. Who you are in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2. What you are called to walk in with your free will. (How much do you want?)

What damages your relationship with God?
Walking in darkness:
Ezekiel 16:15-16 NLT “But you thought your fame and beauty were your own. So you gave yourself as a prostitute to every man who came along. Your beauty was theirs for the asking. You used the lovely things I gave you to make shrines for idols, where you played the prostitute. Unbelievable! How could such a thing ever happen?

Jesus paid for it, we must choose to walk in it.

1 Peter 2:24 NLT He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.

Sin separates, but righteousness connects.
Matthew 5:8 NIV Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

The call of Godʼs righteousness can only be accomplished through intimacy, in which God gives His grace.

HOW TO WALK IN RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Surrender: God wants nothing less then your FULL LIFE!

Jesus needs to be number one in your life.

Pursuit:As a Christian,you are called to walk the way Jesus walked. We are able to walk like Him by spending time with Him daily.

Obedience: Whatever this Book calls you to, go and God will give you the grace to do it. Ask for grace, and radically obey. We love Jesus back by our obedience to Him.

The Supernatural Power of Friendship




 Genesis 1:27–28 (NIV) 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.

Matthew 19:4–6 (NIV) 4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
*Genesis 2:18-25

Marriage= One Man, One Woman, For One lifetime.

Marriage Has a Mandate.  

Fulfillment comes from fulfilling God’s purposes together.

EVEN in Marriage, the goal is to seek first the kingdom. (Mt 6:33)

Our culture has set marriages up for failure:

You have to be committed when it's bad to experience when it’s good.


Destructive marriage mindsets:
1. Comparison

2. Competition

3. Manipulation

4. Separation(Independence)
“It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a community to have a healthy marriage”

5. Deception

When you got married you gave up your right to privacy

6. Tension (Unresolved conflict)
Marriage isn’t about perfection but redemption.

Remember:
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (NLT) 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1. Tenderness> Strength
“Vulnerable couples are more healthy than strong individuals.”

2. Devotion> Emotion
Strong marriages are not built on emotion, they are built on devotion. 

Devotion to Jesus: The most important relationship in marriage is with the Lord.

3. Partnership> Individual rolls
The best gift you can give your kids is showing them what it looks like to have a healthy relationship with your spouse. 


4. Future> The Past

The Marriage Covenant




 
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) 
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
All the covenants point to the New Covenant.
There were many covenants but they were all imperfect because they were using an imperfect mediator.

The Jesus Covenant. 
Jesus is the mediator
Hebrews 9:15 (NLT)…He is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. 

Hebrews 8:6–13 (NIV ) The ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. 7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 9 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. 10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” 13 By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.
*Jeremiah 31:31–34

Terms of the New Covenant:
1. Reconciliation
"I will remember their sins no more."
  • Luke 19:10 (NLT) For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.

2 Corinthians 5:19 (NIV) God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

2. Regeneration
"A New Heart & A New Spirit."
Ezekiel 36:22–27 (NLT) 24 For I will gather you up from all the nations and bring you home again to your land. 25 “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.

2 Corinthians 5:17(NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

3. Reclamation
"I will be their God and the will be my people."
“Under the old covenant, our relationship with God was a result of performance. In the new covenant performance is a result of relationship.”

4. A Companion
"I will put my spirit in you to follow my decrees."
  • He leads us into comfort.
  • He leads us into obedience.

“Holiness is not about perfection but direction.” 
"Grace is not simply a pass when you do what’s wrong. Grace gives you the power to do what is right."

5. The God of Promise revealed.
John 1:16–18 (NLT)16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.

“Jesus revealed a father, who becomes our father.”

John 17:26 (NLT) I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”

Yahweh-Jireh: The Lord our Provider Genesis 22:8, 14
Yahweh-Rapha: The Lord our Healer Exodus 15:26
Yahweh –Nissi The Lord our Banner Exodus 17:15
Yahweh – Qadesh The Lord our Sanctifier Leviticus 20:8, Ezekiel 20:12
Yahweh Shalom The Lord our Peace Judges 6:24
Yahweh Raah The Lord our Shepherd Psalms 23:1
Yahweh-Tsidkenu The Lord our Righteousness Jeremiah 23:6
Yahweh – Shammah The Lord Ever Present Ezekiel 48:35

2 Corinthians 1:20–22 (NLT) 20 For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 21 It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, 22 and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.

The sign Communion
Matthew 26:26–28 (NIV) 26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

The Jesus Covenant | The New Covenant



Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) 
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.


2 Samuel 7:1–16 (NLT)1 When King David was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all the surrounding enemies, 2 the king summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of God is out there in a tent!” 3 Nathan replied to the king, “Go ahead and do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with you.”  4 But that same night the Lord said to Nathan, 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord has declared: Are you the one to build a house for me to live in? 6 I have never lived in a house, from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until this very day. I have always moved from one place to another with a tent and a Tabernacle as my dwelling. 7 Yet no matter where I have gone with the Israelites, I have never once complained to Israel’s tribal leaders, the shepherds of my people Israel. I have never asked them, “Why haven’t you built me a beautiful cedar house?” ’ 8 “Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth! 10 And I will provide a homeland for my people Israel, planting them in a secure place where they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past, 11 starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. “ ‘Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! 12 For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. 13 He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. 15 But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. 16 Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’ 

  • We have a tendency to live by God's demands, not God desire. This is what made David different. 
  • When we go beyond the regulations he exceeds our expectations.

The Davidic Covenant:
1.A Great Name(v9) 
2. A Homeland (v10)
3. Rest: Justice and Peace. (V10, 11)
4. A Dynasty of Kings(V11)
5. An everlasting throne/kingdom(16)


1000 years after David
Luke 1:31–33 (NLT) 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”


Through the Son of David….
1. A Great Name
Colossians 3:3–4 (NLT) 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

1 Peter 2:10 (NIV) Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God.


2. A Homeland
Revelation 21:4 (NLT) He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.

3. Rest: Peace & Justice.
Isaiah 9: 7 (NIV) The greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

4. A Dynasty
Ephesians 2:19–22 (NLT) 19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. 22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
God rebuilt us so we could host him!

5. An Eternal King!
Philippians 2:9–11 (NLT) 9 God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

“You don’t get the Kingdom without the King.”

Dynasty of Kings- The Davidic Covenant



Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)  Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

Exodus 2:24–25 (NLT)24 God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act.

Mosaic Covenant: Sinai Covenant, Covenant with Israel….
Exodus 19:3–6 (NLT) 3…Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”

The Shadow of the law
Hebrews 10:1 (NIV) The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming

The law had a problem.
The laws were good, people are bad. 

Hebrews 8:6–10 (NLT) 6 But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. 7 If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. 8 But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. 9 This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. 10 But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

The law served a
 time & purpose.
Galatians 3:23–25 (NIV) 23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.
 
Until the covenant was fulfilled.…
Jesus Fully-Filled it! (Matt 5:17)
Hebrews 8:13 (NLT) When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date


The law had a sign.
The sabbath
“To rest or stop or cease from work.”
Exodus 31:12–13 (NLT) 12 The Lord then gave these instructions to Moses: 13 “Tell the people of Israel: ‘Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.

Hebrews 10:11–14 (NLT) 11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.

"We can't do anything to add to the work of Jesus we simply enjoy it benefits"
“The new covenant is not rooted in good works but in 
Good News.”


The law involves People.
“MY Kingdom of priests MY Holy Nation”

"The mosaic covenant was a covenant with Israel. The new covenant is for those in Christ."

“You have be in Him to get in on it.”
1 Peter 2:9 (NLT) You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

Close:
Romans 10:4 (NLT) For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.

Shadow & Light The Mosaic Covenant



Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) 
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm,
 for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

Tower of Babel: (Genesis 11)
Disobedience
Pride
Independence

Abraham:
Genesis 12:1–2 (NLT) The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.
The Abrahamic Covenant:
1. Dominion 
Abraham would have to leave comfort.

2. Descendants 

3. Blessing 
Blessing gets on you as it goes through you.

Abraham is a prototype of promise.
Galatians 3:29 (NLT)You belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God's promise to Abraham belongs to you.

Elements of a Blood Covenant:
1. Parties involved. 

2. The terms of agreement
Faith & Friendship.
James 2:23 (NLT) "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." He was even called the friend of God.

3. Ceremony
Genesis 15:9–11(NLT) 9 The Lord told him, "Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." 10 So Abram presented all these to him and killed them. Then he cut each animal down the middle and laid the halves side by side; he did not, however, cut the birds in half. 11 Some vultures swooped down to eat the carcasses, but Abram chased them away.
Genesis 15:9–17-18 (NLT)
17 After the sun went down and darkness fell, 
Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses. 18 So the Lord made a covenant with Abram that day and said, "I have given this land to your descendants…

Jesus the Lamb
Hebrews 13:20 (NLT) Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood.

4. A Symbol/Seal
In the New Covenant: 
communion as a point of remembrance.
There is a second reminder.
Hebrews 10:15–16 (NLT) 15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says, 16 "This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, 
and I will write them on their minds." (Ezekiel 36: 27)
 
The Holy Spirit is the fire that is passed through the covenant!
"He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11)

Acts 1:4–5 (NLT) He commanded them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

Pentecost:
Pentecost empowers us with a person so that we can fulfill our part of the partnership!

We Start seeing what Yahweh promised Abraham
1. Dominion
2. Descendants
Acts 1:8 (NLT) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  
3. Blessing
Acts 2:1–6 (NIV) 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.

-At Babel they were working, at Pentecost they were waiting.
-At Babel language was confused, At Pentecost language was understood.
-At Babel the people were scattered in judgment, at Pentecost the people were sent to spread the good news.
-At Babel it was for the fame of man, At Pentecost it was for the the glory of God.

Unity: They were together
 "Unity is the catalyst and the product of revival." 
Upper room: Pursuing the same thing. 


"Our greatest weapon is coming together, going after the same thing.
 The presence of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit."

We need a modern Pentecost!
Acts 19:2 (NIV) "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"



Blood & Fire- The Abrahamic Covenant



Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) 
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm,
 for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

One of the greatest things that God has give us is his name!
Psalm 138:1–3 (NLT)1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; 
I will sing your praises before the gods. 2 I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise
 your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. 3 As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.

Two primary names in Hebrew
ELOHIM 
  • Genesis 1:1 (NIV) In the beginning Elohim 
YHWH
He is not just the creator and lawgiver; he is the personal promise keeper.

The Adamic Covenant 
Part 1: The Edenic Covenant
Genesis 1:27–28 (NLT) 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it….
  • Designed in God’s image
  • Divine Blessing 
  • Dominion
  • Disclaimer

Genesis 2:15–17 (NLT) 15 The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. 16 But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—17 except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”

Even in a perfect scenario, sin entered the world.

“Life is not found in being independent to choose for ourselves what is right and wrong. Life is found in within the context of our divine intention.”

Genesis 3:7–10 (NLT )At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

Part 2: The Adamic Covenant
Genesis 3:15 (NLT) I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”
1. Punishes the enemy
1 John 3:8 (NLT) The Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.
2. Promises a redeemer
3. Provides a covering

Genesis 3:21 (NLT) The Lord God (YHWH Elohim)made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.

-Covenant (Barit(h) An agreement made by the passing between flesh.
Romans 5:16–21 (NLT) 16 The result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. 20 God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. 21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalm 34:5 (NIV) Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.


In the begining God promised- The Adamic Covenant



John 10:7–11 (NIV), I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd.

Joesph(Genesis 37)
Genesis 50:20–21 (NIV) 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

“We have to recognize that what we often feel like rejection is simply redirection."

Rejection is not…
1. Rejection is not opposition
2. Rejection from people is not a rejection from God.
3. Someone else's blessing is not rejection. 

Self-Rejection/Acceptance
  • We should be accurate in self-assessment.
  • Romans 12:3 (NIV) Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment…
1. Unhealthy Comparison 
2. Healthy Comparisons
We need to be inspired when others do well, not intimidated.”

3 Points of affirmation.
1. Adopted
Ephesians 1:3–5 (NLT) 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

“Know who you are, by knowing whose you are.” 

Psalm 94:14 (NIV)For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.

2. Adored 
James 1:18 (NLT) He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

“You are more than accepted by God; you are exceptional to God.”

3. Appointed
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.


2 Timothy 2:20–21 (NLT) 20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

Ministry:
Hebrews 4:15–16 (NIV)15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need