Culture Shift
Culture of Hope
November 29, 2015 • Dan Crosby
Culture: the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group: the sum total of ways of living built up by a group of human beings and transmitted from one generation to another. Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NLT) - For I know the plans I have for you,” says the lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12) In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13) If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14) I will be found by you,” says the lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. FEAR - F alse - E evidence - A appearing - R eal - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Psalms 3 - Ps 91:7 - A thousand may fall at my side, 10 thousand at my right hand - but NOTHING will come near me! - 1John 4:4 (NLT) - But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 2 Timothy 1: 7 (NLT)- For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 (NLT) - 54) Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. 55) O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56) For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57) But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58) So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. - Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Practicals of Creating a Hopeful Culture around you Fasting helps create a Culture Hope! (Tuesdays) - What do you put your attention to? - 2 Timothy 4:2 (NKJV) - Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. - Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT) - 5) Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6) Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. - 2 Kings 6 - Discussion Questions 1. Have you experienced a culture of fear around you? (i.e. conversations people are having around you, listening to the news…) 2. How can you CREATE A CULTURE of Hope around you - not just in this season but continuously? Challenge: Have Hope/life filled words ready to speak into any situation
Culture of Thanks
November 22, 2015 • Dan Crosby
Culture of Thanks - Culture Shift Pt. 1 Notes 11-22-15 We live in a world full of many cultures Culture: the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group: the sum total of ways of living built up by a group of human beings and transmitted from one generation to another. What happens when we enter that Culture, is the question? Light dispels darkness Ephesians 5:8 - For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! YOU ARE LIGHT!! John 8:12 - Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” Jesus gave us the Light! John 1:3-5 (MSG) - Everything was created through him; nothing—not one thing!— came into being without him. What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out It cannot be put out! Colossians 1:11-14;27 - 11) being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12) and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13) For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 27) To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. - 1 John 4:4 (NLT) - But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. A Culture of Thanks will change your perspective Colossians 3:13-15 (NLT) - 13) You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14) He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15) In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Proverbs 17:22 - A merry (cheerful, Thankful) heart does good like a medicine - Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Practicals of Creating a Culture around you Create a culture of Thanks by praying with Thanks! - Not just asking for stuff - Thankful for what you have - Thankful for what He has done - Thankful for what is to come - Thankful for answered prayer Fasting helps create a Culture Thanks! The “Special Plate” or “Hot Seat” can create a Culture of Thanks! - Thanking others - For who they are - What they have done You decide to do this it will change the atmosphere around you – The Culture WILL Shift! Discussion Questions 1. Does Culture shift when you walk into the room? 2. How can you create a culture of Thanks around you - not just in this season but continuously? Challenge: do the “Special Plate” or “Hot Seat” with family or friends this week