Wikipedia:The past is the set of all events that occurred before a given point in time. The
past is contrasted with and defined by the present and the future.
Merriam – Webster: A past life, history, or course of action.
The difference between guilt and shame.
·Guilt is a sense of remorse and the desire to make amends; Shame is the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing we are flawed and unworthy of acceptance and belonging.
·Guilt overcome by the conviction of God’s spirit is encouraging because it leads to repentance; Guilt held onto weighs you down, is spiritually crippling, and leads to Shame.
How Satan uses shame against you.
·Satan will say you are unforgivable, but God will delight in your redemption (Romans 3:23-24).
·Satan will tell us repentance is not possible. God encourages us to change and grow (2 Corinthians 5:17)
·Satan is the Accuser. God is our Advocate (Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 8:12)
Declarations the Liar doesn’t want to hear you say.
1. God loves me (Romans 8:39)
·Believing that God love you is foundational for believing the rest of God’s promises
2. God chose me (Ephesians 1:4-5)
·Despite the good, the bad, and the ugly, God still chose to adopt you into His family
3. God will use me (Ephesians 2:10)
·Don’t let the voice of “look what you’ve one”, “you’re too this or that” disqualify you
Know that your wounds, your past, and your weaknesses – when surrendered to God – are actually what God uses powerfully in His service.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 – For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you believe you have done something unforgivable, or have you done something that you still need to forgive yourself for?
2. Who do you say, the world say, and God say you are?
3. Do you believe that God can use you?
4. Whose lives can you speak into to help them forgive themselves and see themselves as God does?
The Forge | Pants on Fire Part 1
My Past Defines Me
May 11, 2022 • Brian Oliver • 2 Corinthians 5:17, Psalm 103:12, Hebrews 8:12, Romans 8:39, Ephesians 1:4–5
The Forge | Pants on Fire Part 6
June 15, 2022 • Kyle Bennett • Genesis 2:16–17, Genesis 2:25, Genesis 3:1–6, Matthew 15:8, John 4:39
THE BEGINNING Genesis 2:16-17 Genesis 2:25 “And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.” Genesis 3:1-6 Genesis 3:10 “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” JESUS LOOKS AT THE HEART AND IS AFTER OUR HEARTS Matthew 15:8 “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” Matthew 15:18-20 Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 18:22-23 THE POWER OF TESTIMONY John 4:39 ANTIDOTES TO SIN The Light – 1 John 1:5-7 Being in a Group with Others James 5:16 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Armor of God – Ephesians 6:12-17 Discussion Questions Put yourself in the shoes of the rich young man. If Jesus were here, what would he ask you to give up and follow him? (Luke 18:22-23, Full Story Luke 18:18-27) Have you ever experienced the power of testimony? Whether it’s from sharing your testimony or from hearing someone else’s testimony? (John 4:39) Is there anything in your life that needs to come from the darkness into the light? (1 John 1:5-7)
The Forge | Pants on Fire Part 5
June 8, 2022 • Ben Pickthorn • Colossians 3:23, Luke 10:2
Lie 4 - What I do doesn’t matter. I couldn’t possibly make a lasting impact on the Kingdom "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23, NIV) The Exchange Rate Deception - P- programming (lead to) T- thoughts (lead to) F- feelings (lead to) A- action (lead to) R- results (solidify) Ways to Use Work for Kingdom Impact What you do Is part of God's broader purpose on Earth. Be all in with your heart and hands (see verse at top of page). What you do Imitates the nature of God. Abide In His presence so Fruit of His Spirit creates an essence of Christ In your workplace. Find ways to love others through your work. Speak the gospel to those you are working with. If compensated through your work, give generously & joyfully from the first fruits. "And he said to them, 'The harvest Is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers Into his harvest.'" (Luke 10:2) Discussion Questions Do you believe what you do matters? Don't hide the lie If It Is there. Put Jesus to work. Where is your mission field? Are you currently tending the crops of that field? Are you all In or holding back? How do you partner with God In helping you with this
The Forge | Pants on Fire Part 4
June 1, 2022 • Bob Kanyer
1. Exchange a lie for the truth. Why- How- 2. Break down this lie to shine truth "earn/worthy" what does He say? discipline & other pertinent truths 3. Apply it. Practice session Jesus, what's the lie I'm believing about ________? what do I do with lies, Jesus? Break partnership/reliance offer/exchange declare it, repeat other helps... Discussion Questions Am I interested in walking out my calling in Him? Do I believe I can? What does He say? Father, what do YOU say about me in this regard? Jesus, in what ways do I aim to "earn" Your grace, solo style? is "this material", this partnering with You regular "for me"? 1. Doing the exchange is easy, right? What is required to walk it out? 2. Can I do this alone? 3. Where do I start? 4. Where does Holy Spirit fit in here? 5. What's next?