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Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 PURPOSE The Rest Of Your Life – Part 4 9/15/2024 Three Approaches to Identity – Trevin Wax 1. Look Around 2. Look In 3. Look Up You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5 ESV God invited David into relationship and that is what gave David significance and his identity. Stop looking to your feeling to determine who you are because Jesus already told you. “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” Luke 22:31-34 NIV Fail: ekleipó – to cease. Eclipse is the english word. The enemy’s tool is often to position us and put something in front of us in a way that blocks our view of God. After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. John 21:1-3 ESV God often draws us back to him by reminding us of when we met him. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. John 21:4-9 ESV When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17 ESV 5 Lies of Identity (Henri Novwen) - I am what I have - I am what I do - I am what other people say or think about me - I am nothing more than my worst moment - I am nothing less than my best moment Jesus asking 3 times do you love me cancels out his denials and restores his purpose pointing him toward his future. He will point you to your future, but he still wants us to deal with the present. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” John 21:18-19 ESV Some of you look at others to measure your faith and life and Jesus is telling you follow me and be about my business. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5 ESV You are going to be ok, you are going to fail, but you have to get up, remember who you are and get back to it.. Purpose flows from identity

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 PRESENCE The Rest Of Your Life – Part 3 9/8/2024 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3 NIV Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 NIV Life is not always green pastures. Even in our dark valleys our shepherd is with us. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. John 10:10-13 NIV “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:14-15 NIV But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:34b-41 NIV But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Mark 4:34b-35 NIV Sometimes Jesus will ask you to leave a place your are comfortable because he not only wants you to know him with your mind but with your heart. Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. Mark 4:35 NIV There were also other boats with him. Mark 4:36 NIV A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Mark 4:37 NIV Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. Mark 4:38 NIV Storms don’t shock the one who made the waves. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Mark 4:38 NIV Being honest with God is better than lying to yourself. ” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Mark 4:39 NIV “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:40 NIV They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:41 NIV We need to learn He is here, and He is present Reflection and Discussion 1. How does trusting God as our Shepherd provide comfort and assurance when we are in life's dark valleys? 2. What does it mean to walk through dark valleys without fear, and how does God's presence help us overcome that fear? 3. How do God's discipline and guidance bring comfort and peace when we are facing hardships or uncertainty? 4. In what ways does God provide for us, even in the midst of our struggles and challenges? 5. How can we trust in God's goodness and mercy, even when we can't see a way out of difficult or dark situations?

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 The Rest of Your Life Posture 9/2/24 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalms 23 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (ESV) Luke 10:38–42 Posture Current Nature To get for oneself To earn and deserve To add to what I already have Multitasking, Juggling, Success up to you How do I adopt a posture of obedience? Transform the way I think (Romans 12:1-2) You have to be taught Posture Biblical Truth He Makes Me Lie Down -בִּנְא֣וֹת דֶּ֭שֶׁא יַרְבִּיצֵ֑נִי עַל־ מֵ֖י - to stretch oneself out, to cause to lie down He Leads - מֵ֖י מְנֻח֣וֹת יְנַהֲלֵֽנִי׃ - to lead or guide to a watering place, bring to a place of rest, refresh Restores - נַפְשִׁי יְשׁוֺבֵב (shub) to turn back; specifically to restore, refresh, repair Listening ἀκούω (akouó) to give ear to one, listen, hearken, to yield to ones teaching, to obey Distracted - περισπάω (perispaó) distract, trouble greatly. To draw away, to be driven about mentally, to be distracted:, i. e. to be over-occupied, too busy, about a thing Serve διακονέω (diakoneó) - caring for the needs of others as the Lord guides in an active, practical way. To minister to Good - ἀγαθός (agathos) inherently (intrinsically) good; as to the believer, describes what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their life, through faith, the 'good part,' which insures salvation to him who chooses it. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. v.3 The LORD - I AM is my shepherd (John 10:11-16) Makes me, leads me, restores - Action is the Shepherds Posture matters - Am I ready to be led “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Martha was busy/distract3ed with what is ok Mary was focused on what is truly good How much are you carrying? Supposed to be yoked to Jesus (Matt. 11) Good Portion will not be taken away - salvation found Choosing what is best gives clarity to every other choice Jesus has compassion on those anxious, troubled, and distracted He offers what cannot be taken away Reflection and Discussion Have you chosen a shepherd? Who are you yoked to? Whats your attitude toward multitasking? What are you juggling? Have you ever been tired doing what is good (service)? Whats your reaction to being made to lie down? Forced rest? How do you surrender control of all you’ve got up in the air? What is your current posture towards Jesus (the Shepherd)? Asking, Taking Want? Can you take the step of letting Jesus juggle while you hold on to him? How will you choose to be Mary in your posture this week?

PAUSE The Rest of Your Life 8/25/24 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalms 23 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:27-30 The Rest of Your Life Reality Pressure to Succeed, Achieve, Perform Demands on Your Time Social Media, Internet. Streaming Platforms Loud, Nonstop, Texting, Facetime, Snapchat, Instagram Caffeine/Energy Drinks, Diet/Exercise, Up Late, Sleep Less BUSY! Biblical Truth Not Want - אֶחְסָֽר׃לֹ֣א (lo chaser) lack nothing; no need (absolute statement) Restores - נַפְשִׁי יְשׁוֺבֵב(shub) to turn back; specifically to restore, refresh, repair Labor/Weary - κοπιάω (kopiaó) to grow weary, toil until exhausted, tired physically and mentally Heavy Laden - φορτίζω (phortizó) to overload, cause someone to be weighted down (feeling the weight of the law and sin) Rest - ἀναπαύω (anapauó) to give rest, give intermission from labor, active to refresh Rest - ἀνάπαυσις (anapausis) inner rest (tranquility of the soul) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Everyone has a Shepherd Everyone wants something or someone God promises he is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-16) God takes care of all that you need (Matthew 6:25-34) Take my yoke upon you Everyone carries a Yoke How is what/who your serving working for you? Is your burden light? No man can serve to two masters (Matthew 6:24) One Yoke two oxen. A Yoke is meant for two - You and Jesus Jesus is gentle and humble Jesus doesn’t need anything Do you need REST? Do you desire RESTORATION? Are you ready to hit PAUSE so the ‘Rest of your Life’ can be at a different pace? Reflection and Discussion Have you felt lost? Wandering? Under attack? In a dark valley? Living life at a crazy pace? Burning out? Handling everything yourself? Who is your Shepherd? Whose yoke are you carrying? What does the concept of REST bring up for you? Can you even imagine taking time to PAUSE? When we discussed bricks that people carry, what came to mind for you? How has handling life your way been? Are you ready for some rest? A Pause? Read Psalm 23 and Matthew 11 each day this week asking yourself to trust the Good Shepherd and choosing to where His yoke. You’ll likely have to lay down some of what your carrying to walk this path. Are you ready, willing, then follow.

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 PEOPLE PEOPLE BEFORE POLITICS 8/18/2024 The Challenge: Faith before politics For some of you, you don’t see any conflict between your faith and your politics. “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32 NIV They all are and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. Matthew 15:37 NIV It Can’t Be: Bible First, Politics second Or Jesus First, Political party second Jesus didn’t come to take sides. He came to TAKE over. To get this right we have to do what Jesus did, People first, Politics second We can disagree on what’s best for people, but we can’t disagree that what’s best for people is what’s best. Jesus tell us what’s best? Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:37-38 NIV And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:39-40 NIV Here is what is true, so we need to just accept it: Your behavior makes perfect sense to you. Everybody’s behavior makes perfect sense to him or her. Your political views make sense to you. Everybody’s political views make sense to him or her. When you don’t know how someone could believe what they believe, or support who they support it is because there is something you don’t know. To keep your faith in front of your politics: Be a Student not a Critic. Jesus followers should be the most confident, curious, composed, compassionate people in the room. Four Questions To Avoid Election Infection: 1. What led you to hold that view? 2. Have you always held this view? 3. Have you met him? Her? OH. 4. I get most of my information from the media. How about you? People before politics brings influence and opportunity. Talk About It 1. What biblical principles should guide a Christian's decision when voting in a presidential election? 2. How should a Christian balance their civic duty to vote with their ultimate allegiance to God's kingdom? 3. How can Christians engage in political discourse during presidential elections in a way that reflects Christ's love and humility? 4. What role should prayer play in a Christian's approach to participating in presidential elections?

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 I BELIEVE 8/11/2024 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:16–18 ESV Believe: πιστεύω (pisteuō) 1. to believe, put one's faith in, trust, with an implication that actions based on that trust will follow; to place confidence in 2. used in the NT of the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul 3. to trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something: saving faith RESTORATION MOVEMENT - No creed but Christ - No book but the Bible - No name but the Divine - Where scripture speaks we speak - Where scripture is silent we are silent - Christian alone, but not the only Christians What you believe matters . . . God Jesus The Holy Spirit Creation Mankind Bible Salvation Purpose in Life Spiritual Gifts Communion People Marriage Eternity Giving Sacrifice Marriage, Gender and Sexuality Sanctity of Human Life Believe leads to life change You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14–16 ESV