Pastor Tony Ashmore begins a new series entitled "Reel Life" in this Sunday service.
Reel Life PT1
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, July 4, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
1 Peter 5:6-7 “6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
Big Idea:
“It’s not that people don’t like God. They think He doesn’t like them.”
The Movie Plot: Reckless Love!
1 John 4:17-19 (Message) 17-18God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.
19We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. (Before we even moved toward Him. Before we even thought about Him. His love toward me is not dependent on my performance. He loves me recklessly and unconditionally.)
“How do I take up ‘residence in a life of love’?” Begin with trusting God with something. Make a choice to give an area of concern to Him.
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
Nahum 1:7 (AMP) “The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understands) those who take refuge and trust in Him.”
Movie Clip: “I want to go home.”
“But I don’t know how to trust God. I don’t have the faith needed to trust God with any part of my life.” Get in the Word. Read the Book of John, concentrating on the Good News that Jesus loves you. As your faith comes to life in that area, move to specific scripture promises about the area you in which you need to trust God.
Romans 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”
“What if all my circumstances don’t change?” The Word changes you—equipping you to be an overcomer. The circumstances may or may not change, but you will find victory in trusting God.
1 John 5:4 “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.”
Romans 8:31-32;35-39 “31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?...35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[o] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Movie Clip: We Won!
“OK, I am going to trust God, starting today. Then what?” Get ready for everything to change as your focus moves from you to Him. You will find real life, the life you were meant to live. (note the line from the movie: “So this is my story.” Our story now becomes His story.)
Acts 20:24 “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”
A Life-Giving Church for People Just Like You!
Whether you are full of questions or ready to jump right in, there is a place for you at The Church at Mirror Lake. Our church is a place where you can build relationships with others, experience God in worship, be empowered by practical, life-giving teaching from God's Word, and have fun doing it.
Together, we are living the Winner's Life as we learn to love, serve, reach, grow and connect. So whether you're a spiritual seeker starting to ask questions about God, or a committed Christian looking to sink your faith roots even deeper, you'll feel at home at The Church at Mirror Lake.
If you believe Jesus really meant it when He said, "I came so people can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of," (John 10:10 Message Translation) then join us this weekend at one of our Jesus Celebrations. Until then, browse our website (a link is on the right of this page) where you'll find lots of helpful info and feel free to download one of our service messages or subscribe to our weekly podcast where you will receive the fresh, life-giving Word of God.
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