Winning Another Way - Part 4 “Winning the End Game”

We can either make a point or we can make a difference
We see our culture as people to be engaged, not an enemy to be fought.
Actions speak louder than words, reactions speak louder than either.

1. Our reaction toward others should reflect our view of God’s action toward us.

Matthew 5:44-47 Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven… If you love those who love you, what recognition will you get? And if you welcome your own people, what are you doing more than others?

2. Faith isn’t being lazy, incompetent, or irresponsible and expecting God to fix it.

3. The outcome of Jesus earthly ministry didn’t appear to be very fruitful.
Luke 9: 51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him 53 But the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?" 55 But He turned and
rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of."

Luke 9:44 The Son of Man is going to be delivered over to human hands." 45 But they did not understand what this meant. 46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.

4. Our reactions often reveal who we think controls outcomes.

John 19:10 “You refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said, "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" 11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. 12 From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free…

5. What does it look like to know God is in control of outcomes.

1 Peter 2:23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.