Description

Scripture References: Luke 9:57-62 (Main Text) Joshua 1; Matthew 11:2-6 / Luke 7:18-23

Intro: (Podcast Sermon Title Suggestion: Hard Faith for Hard Times: Responding to Offensive Jesus)

• Opening reflection: We seek glory, often in wrong places (career, money, approval). True glory is restored by God through the gospel (Man Camp encouragement).
• Introduce Luke 9:57-62 – Jesus' challenging, seemingly harsh words.
• We often minimize "Offensive Jesus," but these moments are opportunities to examine our hearts.

Key Points:

1. Harden Your Faith (Hazak) (Joshua 1):
   • Before entering the Promised Land, God told Joshua "Be strong (hazak) and courageous" – essentially, harden your resolve.
   • Like setting cement, faith needs to solidify, especially facing uncertainty or transition ("crossing the Jordan").
   • Requires moving forward in obedience even before seeing the full outcome (Israelites stepping into the flowing Jordan). Don't look back to the "desert" of unbelief.
2. Offense Exposes Heart Questions:
   • When we feel offended (by Jesus' words, difficult circumstances, church people), it often reveals deeper questions lurking in our hearts.
   • The core question behind the bitterness/hurt is usually: "Is God really good? Is He faithful? Is He who He says He is?"
3. Take Your Questions Directly to Jesus (Matt 11/Luke 7):
   • John the Baptist, potentially offended while imprisoned, sent disciples directly to Jesus asking, "Are you the one, or should we look for another?"
   • We must follow his example: Don't let offense fester, lead to bitterness, or cause you to drift away. Go directly to Jesus with your hardest questions.
4. Find Assurance in God's Word:
   • How did Jesus answer John? By pointing to the evidence of fulfilled Scripture (Isaiah).
   • We solidify our faith by returning to the Bible, asking the Holy Spirit to affirm God's character and truth in our hearts. This turns uncertain questions into confident faith statements.

Conclusion:

• Like Israel "East of the Jordan," we face uncertain times. Offenses will come.
• Don't retreat into the desert of unbelief. Deal with offense by taking your core questions to Jesus.
• Seek His assurance through His Word, allowing your faith to "harden" with godly resolve (hazak) to follow Him forward.

Call to Action:

• Identify the questions/offenses stirring in your heart. What are you really asking about God?
• Take these questions directly to Jesus in prayer.
• Open the Scriptures, asking the Holy Spirit to give you assurance and solidify your faith.
• Pray for a "hardened" resolve to trust and follow Him.
• Pray for those being baptized today – for enduring faith.
• Acknowledge and pray for Pastor Danny Bartlett during his transition.

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