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Where do you look for the answer to the question, “Who am I?” Will a mirror show you? Your most recent performance review? The possessions in your house or belongings stashed away in a storage unit? Those might provide answers, but none of them will leave you satisfied. For the right answer to the question, you have to look to the right source. The good news? God doesn’t keep the answer hidden from us. And when we have the right answer, we also have what we need to live the right lives. Series: No Question About Our Identity

Values. We’ll hear a lot of talk about values from political candidates seeking election. But it’s hard to vote for someone who talks about the importance of values… only to see those same elected politicians later make headlines for ignoring those very values during their term in office. We have certain values as individuals; we also do as a congregation. We’ll focus on those values this morning - both knowing them and living them - and see how they help shape us to be the church God calls us to be. Series: No Question About Our Identity

Identity. Meaning. Purpose. These are the things that keep man searching until he finds answers. As believers, we know the search ends in God’s Word, where we find the answers. But, do we have the same clarity when it comes to knowing why we belong to our church? Perhaps, not surprisingly, we’ll find the answers in the same place: God’s Word. Series: No Question About Our Identity

It might be expected for someone to look sorry when they are caught doing something wrong. You might even see tears and hear words of apology. But you might not be surprised if the shock of being caught wears off and so does the intensity of the repentance. Real repentance looks different. God doesn’t want us to simply go through religious motions like some sort of show. God’s desire is that our repentance would demonstrate sincere sorrow over sin. It might be unexpected, but God wants us to see the grace and forgiveness he has shown us in Christ, and in response, to love him back deeply and sincerely. Series: Unexpected Truths

It has been said that we tend to judge ourselves by our intentions, while judging others by their actions. So in my mind, while that driver deserved to get pulled over, my ticket was unwarranted because I was actually doing the right thing by not putting other drivers at risk and keeping up with the flow of traffic. Maybe this helps to explain why we struggle with how God dispenses his grace. Surely we, with our good intentions and all, deserve it. But others? Look at how they live! Is grace really for them? Jonah could relate to this struggle. He was perplexed when he saw God’s mercy on an enemy nation. Like Jonah, we need to stop assuming God’s grace is only for us and/or a select few. It’s not; it’s for “them,” too. Series: Unexpected Truths

Forgiveness does not come naturally to human beings. It is expected that humans will defend themselves, lash out when attacked, hold grudges, and bite back. So, when human beings hear that they are forgiven, they may even be suspicious or skeptical. Jesus tells a parable that contrasts the forgiveness of God with our own unforgiving sinful nature. God forgives our huge debt. Who can comprehend such unexpected mercy? Certainly not unmerciful servants, who refuse to forgive small debts. Have mercy on us, Lord, and teach us to forgive like you! Series: Unexpected Truths

When danger strikes, most people instinctively move away from it. Fire, violence, accidents, and disasters trigger a natural desire to find protection and safety. Yet first responders do the opposite. Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics run toward the very scenes others are fleeing. They enter burning buildings, approach violent situations, and kneel beside the injured in chaotic moments. This response is unexpected because it goes against basic human instinct. Today God calls us to be spiritual first responders when we see people in trouble because of sin. Instead of self-preservation and comfort, we choose service to them and to our Lord. Our motive is the grace of God and his desire for the salvation of all mankind. Series: Unexpected Truths

Some teach that if a person follows God, God responds by granting worldly prosperity and peace. However, the Bible explains that if we are part of the Church of God, we will have to bear crosses. Believers suffer in this world, sometimes just because they are believers. Why bother? We carry our crosses in gratitude for Jesus carrying his cross, the one far too heavy for us because it was weighted down with our sin. We carry our crosses because we know that in those moments of struggle, we are forced to turn to Christ and rely on his strength. This is the unexpected path – the one Jesus himself walked. So, as Jesus did, we bear the cross before we wear the crown. Series: Unexpected Truths

Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” It’s the most important question in the world, and it is a question every human being must answer. Today, as in Jesus’ day, there is no shortage of answers offered to the question. The expected answer may be dead wrong. But the real answer - the truth - is unexpected. And, just as unexpected, is the truth about those entrusted with his work. Series: Unexpected Truths

“All are welcome!” Is that true at our church? Or is church meant only for people of the right heritage who behave the right way - “good church folk”? Is it conceivable that a stranger could walk into church unexpectedly and for some reason, you would ask yourself, “What is someone like that doing here?” Or perhaps you ask that question about yourself. “There seem to be godly people here. I’m not like them. Do I really belong?” Today Jesus shows us that the Church is for all people. All of us, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or social status, have the same problem of sin. More importantly, we all have the same solution: our Savior. Series: Unexpected Truths

The psalmists pray for God’s protection. God promises his people his protection. So… why do we still experience hurt and harm? Does God ignore our prayers? Is he being dishonest when promising his protection? No, in fact, his protection is far more extensive than we could ever ask for or imagine. Trust him. Series: What Makes Christians Different?

I trust the plants will get watered… when I see it raining outside. I trust that I’ll have plenty to pay the bills… when the checking account balance is hefty. I trust that I won’t go hungry… when the fridge and pantry are stocked. But when there are no gray clouds? When the account balance is barely above water? When I can clearly see the back of the fridge and pantry? Trust doesn’t come so easily during those times. How foolish of us, though, to presume that what we see with our eyes is more reliable than what God promises in his Word: he will provide. Always. Series: What Makes Christians Different?

What do you consider your life’s top priorities? Many people start with family and friends. Financial security and health follow closely. Reputation and recreation make the cut. How about faith? Is it the top priority? What if other priorities must be sacrificed to keep faith the top priority? The Bible helps Christians keep worldly wealth in perspective. It can buy the things of this world, things that rust and decay, but there is something more valuable. True riches are spiritual riches. Those can be found only in God and his eternal blessings for us in Christ. And that kind of wealth will have a far greater impact in our lives than any worldly wealth ever could. Series: What Makes Christians Different?

Believer or not, it’s pretty well understood that idolatry isn’t a good thing. And, believer or not, it’s pretty natural to assume that idolatry is something that applies to others, not me. But when God defines idolatry, his definition refuses to allow the cushion of wiggle room we’d like to think we have. We are to love him first and best. Certainly not “after” anything or anyone else. But also, not “in addition to.” And, not “alongside.” Unless we love him first and best, we are idolaters. Rejoice, then, that it’s his love for us that is first and best, and upon which the certainty of our salvation rests. Series: What Makes Christians Different?

Planting seed by hand can be extraordinary. In your hand, the seed looks lifeless and insignificant. You put the seed into the soil, and suddenly, all by itself, the seed germinates and sprouts and reaches to the sun. Except when it doesn’t! Plant multiple seeds, and often only some will grow. The Bible describes Christians as planted by the Word. Why do some people grow in faith, and not others? What makes Christians different? The Bible describes the supernatural process by which God calls people to faith through the gospel. He promises that his Word always accomplishes his purpose. One of those purposes is for those who have been planted by the Word to participate in the continuation of planting the seed of God’s Word so that he might grow faith in others, too. Series: What Makes Christians Different?