The Big Picture

"The Big Picture"

 A person's last words are often the most meaningful words they will ever speak.

 Last words...

• encourage

• value and love

• direction and purpose

• perspective

• recenter

• truths 

 People are not the only ones who do this, but so has God.

 What were God's last words?

 Malachi 4:6 [NIV],"He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers..."

 Matthew 1:1-2 [NIV],A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah... 

Biblical usage...

• tongues, 17

• healing, 13

• prophecy, 21

• evangelist, 2

• teacher,  4

• pastor, 9

• apostle, 19

• prophet, 227

• sons and daughters, 2,000

• Father, 4,000

Where do we think God is putting the emphasis?

 1 Corinthians 4:14-15 [NKJV],I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers... 

 Right Information + Right Choices + Commitment = Transformation.

 "The church formula teaches us that we don't need anyone but Jesus."

 We don't learn...

• covenant relationships

• kingdom responsibilities

• grace and life-giving culture 

• honor

• unconditional love

• accountability

• servanthood

• unity

• belong

• inner healing

1 Samuel 16:5-11 [NLT],Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice, too. 6 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, "Surely this is the Lord's anointed!" 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them.  People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 8 Then Jesse told his son Abinadab to step forward and walk in front of Samuel.  But Samuel said, "This is not the one the Lord has chosen." 9 Next Jesse summoned Shimea, but Samuel said, "Neither is this the one the Lord has chosen." 10 In the same way all seven of Jesse's sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen any of these." 11 Then Samuel asked, "Are these all the sons you have?"  "There is still the youngest," Jesse replied, "But he's out in the fields watching the sheep and goats." 

 How many spiritual sons have we left out in the fields of life?

 Hesed-"sticky love, bonded love, mercy, loving kindest, steadfast love, compassion, and goodness." 

 1 Corinthians 4:14-17 [NKJV],I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, IMITATE ME. 17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

 MSG,I'm writing as a father to you, my children.  I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled. There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up.  

• Is anyone imitating you?

• Are you imitating anyone

• Who are you fathering/mothering?

• Who is your spiritual father/mother?

• Who is your life all mixed up with?

• Who are you enjoying "sticky love" with?

• Do you really want to do this all alone?