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Job's faith was tested through terrible losses - and through the terrible counsel of well-meaning friends. Job and his friends were unaware of what was really happening; they could not see "God's big picture". As they tried to make sense of the situation, the friends hurt Job, clinging to their incorrect "formula" that blamed him for his suffering. God never explained himself - but instead reminded them that HE is God and they are not! Let's stop treating God like a vending machine! He is the Sovereign Lord - and he is our Heavenly Father! Job 1:1-22, Job 2:1-10, Isaiah 55:8-9, Job 38:1-7, Job 42:1-3, Romans 11:33-36, Job 42:12-17

Young and old people need to connect, be a blessing to one another and help one another advance the Kingdom of God. Old people - don't "retire from purpose"; you still have work to do - you have treasure in you that needs to be poured into others Young people - you are packed with potential and purpose. But you need to learn from your older brothers and sisters. - One day you should be passing on what you have learned from those older than you to those who are younger than you! Proverbs 20:29, 1 Timothy 4:12, Psalm 92:12-15, 1 Samuel 3:2-11, Ruth 1:16-17 & 4:13, 2 Timothy 2:1-3, Philippians 2:19-22

God has put us where we are and has work for us to do there. The devil wants to intimidate us, but the Holy Spirit gives us power, love and self-discipline - and he will work in us and through us to do the good things that he has prepared for us to do. This church - this lighthouse: - is built the rock of Jesus and the solid ground of his love - orientates ships that are in the dark - orientates people by the light of God's word Ephesians 2:10, Joshua 1:9, John 16:33, Matthew 11:29-30, John 13:34-35, Romans 1:16, Psalm 119:105, Ephesians 3:10

Because of Jesus, we enjoy peace with God - but we do not enjoy peace with the devil and his demons! Jesus is rescuing people from the dominion of darkness - through his church - and the devil is fighting back. We are at war whether we like it or not! So, we need to equip ourselves for battle! - know the truth - as revealed in the Bible - live a righteousness life - live in readiness - walk by faith - live sure of your salvation - learn to wield the Sword of the Spirit - be a person of prayer Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Peter5:8, John 8:31-32, Romans 6:12, Isaiah 60:1, Hebrews 11:1, Colossians 1:13-14, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Matthew 4:4-10, Philippians 4:6-7

God's timing is different from ours. That often means that we have to wait for him.He will do what he has promised, but in his perfect time. When we find ourselves waiting, we should - Make sure that it was GOD we heard - and that we heard correctly. - Not try to "claim" promises made to someone else. - "Put it on the shelf" - it will make sense later. - Share it with someone who could carry it after us. - Be faithful with what God has given us to do now. - Exercise diligence, faith and patience. Isaiah 53, Acts 1:6-11, 2 Peter 3:3-10, Habakkuk 2:2-3, Hebrews 6:10-12

We previously learned that faith is neither foolishness nor presumption. Biblical heroes of faith such as Abraham, Jacob and Joseph teach us more about what true, "real-life" faith looks like. Three questions will help us determine if our faith is true: 1. Did God say it to me/us? 2. Am I willing to obey even if I don't receive? 3. Can I worship while suffering and waiting? Faith is not focussed on the outcome, but on the God who controls the outcome! Hebrews 11:10-22, Romans 10:17

The account of Daniel teaches us some extremely helpful lessons for times when we feel as if we've been thrown into a proverbial "lions' den"! In times of crisis and persecution: - Maintain your integrity - Keep your "prayer window" open - Trust God in the "lion's den" - Let your faithfulness preach Daniel 6:1-28, 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:13, Galatians 6:7, Psalm 7:15-16, Revelation 5:5, 1 Peter 2:12

There are some important things that we should never forget - like taking heart medication! Similarly, there are things about God that we should never forget - such as his sovereignty. God has absolute authority, complete control, and final say over everything, and no one can stop him or overrule Him. If WE were in control, most of us would change almost everything that makes us uncomfortable - and that's exactly why we should NOT be in control! As children of the Sovereign Lord, we should respond to our situations: - with TRUST, not understanding - with SURRENDER, not struggle - with REST, not worry - with PRAISE, not complaint Isaiah 46:9, Deuteronomy 6:12, Psalm 103:2, Daniel 4:35, Psalm 115:3, Proverbs 3:5, Luke 22:42, Psalm 46:10, Job 1:21

When we receive the grace of God, we are set free from sin and called into a new life of righteousness. But some misunderstand, even abuse, this grace. We must learn from Jesus, who came with grace and truth. He's the friend of sinners, but not the friend of sin! He welcomes sinners as a doctor welcomes the sick - todeliver them from their sin. Jesus taught us to deal with sin with grace and truth, seeking resolution, but as privately as possible. He also taught us toput boundaries in place when someone is unrepentant. Romans 6:6-18, John 1:17, Luke 5:27-32, Matthew 18:15-17

Faith is hearing God and obeying. We hear his words, believe them and act on them. Faith is not foolishness. The foolish do as they please - or do nothing - and expect God to always provide and rescue. Faith is also not presumption. The presumptuous claim promises made to someone else for themselves. The presumptuous take risks that God did not ask them to take. The presumptuous expect God to bless their independent actions and plans. True faith trusts God always, asks God for wisdom and revelation, listens, hears, believes and obeys. Romans 10:17, Hebrews 11:1, Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 21:25

The Christian life has been likened to a marathon. A glorious start leads to a long journey to the finish. When running gets hard, remember: - Jesus chose us and is 100% committed to us - Our grip on him may fail, but his grip on us will not fail - Our commitment keeps us in the race - Commitment abides, obeys and endures - Fellowship is essential for mutual encouragement 2 Timothy 4:7, Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 2:12-13, Matthew 24:13, John 15:16, John 10:28, John 15:4, Luke 9:23, Hebrews 10:23-25 & 36

Because God has extended such wonderful grace to us, we extend the same kind of grace to others: - We bless or forgive even though it's undeserved - We pay a price that's rightfully due to them even though it can feel unjust & unnatural - We extend compassion, kindness, gentleness & patience - We bear with weaknesses & different ways - We forgive without counting or recording offenses - We serve with the gifts that God has given us - We choose words that build up & don't break down Colossians 3:12-14, Matthew 18:21-35, Hebrews 12:15, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 4:29-31

God sees everything that we are going through. He knows our struggles and pains. In our worst circumstances, God offers us hope - so we should persevere in our hard places, not give up. Difficult seasons will not last forever. And God will not forsake us - even when people do. Genesis 16:1-16, 1 Corinthians 1:26, Psalm 121:1-2, Acts 14:22, Romans 8:28

The grace of God is foundational to the Christian faith and should shape how we live - gratefully, humbly and confidently! We are saved by the grace of God - so we live in humble gratitude! We are called by the grace of God - our call has everything to do with him, not us! We are empowered by the grace of God - WE can't do what he asks - but HE can! We are sustained by the grace of God - through every weakness and hardship! Romans 5:1-2, Ephesians 2:8-9, Matthew 20:13-15, Ephesians 3:7-8, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, Acts 4:33, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Romans 12:6-8, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Galatians 4:13-15

Our sense of identity affects how we think and live - but it can be badly formed by many factors. The Bible gives a clear view of who we are once we belong to Jesus - so we should let this re-form our sense of identity: - We are no longer who we were (or who we thought we were). - We are not just accepted - we are chosen - by God! - As vulnerable as we may feel, we are secure in God's grip! - We are significant - God custom-made us to play our part in his plan! - We belong to Jesus - so we live for him, not ourselves. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, 1 Peter 2:9, John 10:27-28, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Revelation 19:6-9, Ephesians 5:31-32