Built Different - Part 1 - You're Built Different, So Build Different

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Built Different - Part 1 - You're Built Different, So Build Different

Part 1 - You're Built Different, So Build Different

October 13, 2024 • Pastor Zac Elliott • Jude, 1 Peter 2:4–7

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This is part 1 of "Built Different," our series at Fusion Christian Church about how Christians are different from the world and how we should act because of that. In this message, Pastor Zac teaches through the first half of the book of Jude, offering insights into how we should stand out from the way of the world and not be like those who fall into judgment.

How are we built different?

According to Peter, we are like stones being built into a spiritual house. From the first half of Jude, we will see four ways that we are "built different" from the world.

We contend for the faith.

As Christians, we must stand up for our beliefs. We should not be like those who desire to be in God's army but aren't willing fight for our beliefs. It is essential that we combat false teaching and refuse to let it spread in the church.

We live in reverent fear of God's judgment.

Though the subject is unpopular, we must not forget that God's judgment is very real. If we forget God's judgment, we will downplay our sin, because his judgment serves as a warning that our sins are deadly serious. As the bible teaches in many places, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowing this, we should maintain a healthy fear of God's judgment.

We walk under authority.

We must always remember that God is the only true authority. Though some Christians are fond of "rebuking" things in their prayers, Jude tells us that not even the archangels do that. Instead, we submit to God and offer every situation up to his judgment.

We learn from the examples God gives us.

Pay attention to the examples of evil behavior Jude gives so that we might learn to avoid the mistakes they made. Cain thought he knew better than God and refused to offer a worthy sacrifice. Balaam tried to curse God's people for money, an when that didn't work, he encouraged seduction as a way to draw them away from God. Korah despised Moses' leadership, rebelling against the one God had chosen to lead the people. God severely punished the sin of all three men.

Through it all, remember that God has made you a new creation, and that we should respond to that by acting differently in the world.

Built Different - Part 4 - How can my faith be built different?

November 3, 2024 • Pastor Matt Moore • 1 Corinthians 3:10–15, 2 Corinthians 5:18–20, 1 Peter 2:4–7, Titus 3:3–7, Matthew 7:24–27

This is part 4 of "Built Different," our series at Fusion Christian Church about how Christians are different from the world and how we should act because of that. In this message, Pastor Matt teaches us how we can build our faith in a way that's different. Starting with 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, we will walk through how to build our faith. You need a foundation before you can build In our main passage, we read that each of us must start with the foundation of Jesus Christ. He is the chief cornerstone, and we must build our faith beginning with him. We can and will and should build on top of that foundation using good materials, but it is essential that the building begins with Jesus. We need to build wisely Again, returning to our main passage, we see the admonition for each of us to "take care" how we build upon our foundation. Once we have Jesus Christ as our starting block, we must choose carefully how to build after that. We need to build with materials that will last When the day of judgment comes, what we have built will be tested. We need to be sure to build with good materials so that when testing comes, our work stands the test. What material will last? The first material which lasts is the word of God. When we build our faith using God's Word, we build a faith that will last. There are four steps to building our faith with God's word, the first being to simply read it. If we do not read it, how can we make any use of it? The second step is to meditate on the scriptures, keeping them always in mind so that we can fully digest their meaning. The third step is to memorize it. Obviously, memorizing the whole bible is a tall task, so start small and memorize what you can! Any scripture memorized can be a benefit to the believer. The fourth step is to apply God's word. Knowing what God's word says is not much help if we don't ultimately put it into practice. The second material which lasts is people. To build our faith with people, we need to participate in the ministry of reconciliation which Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 5. God designed us to be in relationship with him, and our duty as Christians is to bring as many people as possible back into that relationship.

Built Different - Part 3 - We're Built to Serve

October 27, 2024 • Elder Reuben Villar • 1 Peter 4:10–11, Genesis 12:2–3, Matthew 28:18–20, Romans 8:11

This is part 3 of "Built Different," our series at Fusion Christian Church about how Christians are different from the world and how we should act because of that. In this message, Elder Reuben teaches us how we as Christians are built to serve. We Are Blessed to Be a Blessing The blessings God gave us were given so that we could be a blessing to others. Abraham was able to become a blessing to many nations because God blessed him with a son. What gifts do you have that you can bless others with? We Have the Power of the Holy Spirit Often we feel as though we are inadequate or unequipped to serve, but the Holy Spirit can enable us to do more than we ever thought possible. The Holy Spirit will empower you with gifts so that you can boldly step out in faith. If you are hesitant to step out and serve, pray that the Spirit would strengthen you and lead you to serve in the way God has for you. We are Wired to Serve God has given each of us unique gifts. We are to use these gifts to serve God and others. God did not design us to sit on our hands, but to go out and serve. How is God calling you? If we learn to recognize our gifts, we will learn where we should serve. Consider speaking to other Christians about what your spiritual gifts are. Perhaps you have giftings you haven't yet discovered! In all things, we must remember that serving God and others is a primary goal for a Christian. Consider checking out some local service opportunities.

Built Different - Part 2 - You're Built Different, So Build Different

October 20, 2024 • Pastor Zac Elliott • Jude 14–25, Zechariah 3:1–5, 1 John 2:5, Philippians 1:6

This is part 2 of "Built Different," our series at Fusion Christian Church about how Christians are different from the world and how we should act because of that. In this sermon, Pastor Zac finishes teaching through the book of Jude and we continue to learn how to build our faith. He begins with teaching what the result of bad building is. What does it look like when I build the wrong way? Here are 7 characteristics of a person who has built the wrong way: grumbling, boasting, manipulating, scoffing, self-centeredness, divisiveness, and lack of the Holy Spirit. Are you guilty of any of these? If so, examine your life and make sure you have been building it on Jesus and not your own desires. Christians should not look like this, so what do we do to look different? How should you build? There are several ways to build our lives based on what Jude says. We build our faith; pray in the Spirit; keep ourselves in God's love; and plunder hell to populate heaven. Build your faith. Our faith will not magically build itself! We must intentionally build our faith by doing the things Jesus commanded of us. Pray in the Spirit. Praying in the Spirit is sometimes made too complicated for believers. What it primarily means is to pray that God's will be done. When we pray for God's will to be done, it helps align our hearts with God's. Keep yourself in God's love. Love is a choice, not a feeling. If you base your love on feelings, it will collapse. Love is a commitment that we must stick to even when we don't feel like it. To love God, we must try to keep his commands even when we don't want to. Plunder hell to populate heaven. Among God's commands is to evangelize to those who are in danger of the fire of God's judgment. Our job is to pull people from the jaws of hell and bring them to God. One of the best ways to grow our own faith is to share it with others. Choose one thing you can do to start building your faith. In a final word of practical advice, choose one small area to start in. Don't try to tackle too many things at once, but instead pick one small thing that you can do first.