The Cultural Narrative Vs. God’s Rich Story
Bethany Rivera 10/1/23
Read Ephesians 4:17-24
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Read Ephesians 1:17-23
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
God’s Truth
The universe has a design
We are created - we have a creator
We are given our identity by God
We have a redemptive identity in Christ
We are made for community
We have purpose and meaning from God
We look forward to the greater reality
6. Which do you need more of in your daily and weekly life - The Word of Truth, The Spirit of Truth, or Redeemed Community?
7. End with prayer for your FRANCES to come to know God’s rich truth and believe in Jesus! FRANCES - Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, Co-workers, Enemies, Strangers
Bethany Rivera 10/1/23
Read Ephesians 4:17-24
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
- How do you see Paul’s message as relevant for you and The Oaks Community Church today?
- How do you see the secular narrative in your day to day life?
- What did you learn about or take away from the breakdown of our current cultural waters?
- How do you see the “good news” of secularism failing?
Read Ephesians 1:17-23
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
- Which one of God’s rich truths do you need to hold to and think about or meditate on more this week? Ask the Holy Spirit to take this truth deep into your soul.
God’s Truth
The universe has a design
We are created - we have a creator
We are given our identity by God
We have a redemptive identity in Christ
We are made for community
We have purpose and meaning from God
We look forward to the greater reality
6. Which do you need more of in your daily and weekly life - The Word of Truth, The Spirit of Truth, or Redeemed Community?
7. End with prayer for your FRANCES to come to know God’s rich truth and believe in Jesus! FRANCES - Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, Co-workers, Enemies, Strangers