Matt Nelson - September 11, 2022
Living a Better Story
A BETTER STORY Living a Better Story 9.11.22 Alisdair MacIntyre Before we can answer the question, “Who am I and what am I to do” we must first ask the question, “What story or stories am I a part of?” James Bryan Smith We need a story that makes us quiver, not with fear but with delight. We need a story so big that we will never be able to grasp it, so vast that it can handle the darkness of evil and suffering, so immense that it can make sense of cancer and terrorism and death. To live a life of kingdom impact, we need a story that is bigger than ourselves. We need a story that is so good and big and full of hope that it answers every fear and reconciles every problem. We need a story that is motivated by love, not shame or regret. The story you believe will determine how you live. Matthew 16:13-15 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:16 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:17-19 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Your story – You were created for fellowship with the Father and you are loved beyond your wildest imaginations. Your mission – To join God on his mission of bringing the kingdom of God to earth through his church. Your future – God will recreate, renew, redeem, and restore everything that has been broken by sin into a life of unending joy and fellowship with Him.
From Series: "A Better Story"
We love a good story! Something that captures our imaginations and takes us somewhere. Something that gives our lives meaning, context, and hope. Unfortunately, we often get so caught up in trying to write our own story that we lose our God-given purpose. We trade a life of eternal kingdom impact for the temporary and empty rewards of our own desires. In this series, we will lay down our story for a better story and be intentional about leaving a legacy of kingdom impact and purpose.
