Men's Retreat Message #3

What follows are my notes for the #3 of 4 messages I delivered at Lake Ellen Bible Camp's Men's Fall Retreat. My goal was to share what Living in Brokenness looks like at FBC.

Disclaimer:

While based on Scripture these talks are heavily influence by my reading of Tim Keller http://download.redeemer.com/pdf/learn/resources/Centrality_of_the_Gospel-Keller.pdf, Peter Scazzero's Emotional Healthy Church, CJ Mahney's The Cross Centered Life, Jerry Bridges' The Discipline of Grace and Dr. Grant Osborne's ECNT Revelation Commentary.


Intro Questions:

What is the purpose of life?  Glorify God
How?  By enjoying him forever..."God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." John Piper
Driving Force:  God's Grace/Gospel/Jesus
Is Christianity rules or a relationship?  It is not a bunch of does and don'ts, but rather a relationship with the living God.  You do not obey to earn favor rather you obey to maintain the relationship.  John 14:21-24, John 15.  The Two Great Commandments and the Great Commission are key.

We are in a battle...there is a great Youtube clip from Deadliest Catch titled "Man Overboard."  We are surrounded by individuals who are drowning and crying out get me on board I do not want to die...they need us to live in brokenness so that they can see the glory of God shine through us yet too many times we flee, fight or hide...

"If we expose our sin, God will cover it up, but if we cover our sin, God will expose it." Austin Duncin

Lessons from an OT battle field:

1 Samuel 13:5-7
1 Samuel 14:1-15

Jonathan wasn't a lone ranger
- God was with him (Holy Spirit)
- Army was present (Church although not armed w/ worldly weapons)
- Armor Bearer (LTG)

Challenge:  You need an Armor Bearer in your life...who are you doing life with?  Or are you doing it alone?

We at FBC challenge/encourage everyone to be in a Life Transformation Group (2-4 individuals who read/discuss large volumes of Scripture, hold one another accountable, pray for those outside of the faith), but they are only effective if we are willing to be broken and vulnerable.