"The Power of Breakthrough"

26 Judah recognized them and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her to my son Shelah. ” And he did not sleep with her again. 27 When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. 28 As she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it on his wrist and said, “This one came out first.” 29 But when he drew back his hand, his brother came out, and she said, “So this is how you have broken out!” And he was named Perez. 30 Then his brother, who had the scarlet thread on his wrist, came out. And he was named Zerah.
- Genesis 38:26-30

If you pursue me more than what this world could offer, success and promotion will pursue you.

Only God can turn a broken situation into a breakthrough for he is a God of breakthrough

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
-Proverbs 3:5-6

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram,
- Matthew 1:1-3

Through Christ, we are a people of breakthrough!

"Life is No Accident"

In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
- Psalm 102:25

Scientific Evidence

1. Cosmology - The study of the origin of the universe

2. Physics

3. DNA

13For you created my in most being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
- Psalm 139:13-14

Philosophical Evidence

“Whatever begins to exist has a cause behind it.”
- William Lane Craig

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
- Genesis 1:1-2

Psychological Evidence

We are made in the image of God 

I now believe that the universe was brought into existence by an infinite intelligence. I believe that this universe’s intricate laws manifest what scientists have called the mind of God. I believe that life and reproduction originate in a divine source Why do I believe this given that I expounded and defended atheism for half a century? The short answer is this. This is the world picture as I see it that has emerged from modern science. “
- Dr. Antony Flew

26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
- Genesis 1:26

“In the Beginning”

The Universe began, and it was caused by God’s command.

“Almost everyone now believes that the universe, and time itself, had a beginning at the Big Bang.”
- Stephen Hawking

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
- Genesis 1:1

The Cosmological Argument

1. Whatever begins to exist has a cause.

2. The universe began to exist.

3. Therefore, the universe has a cause.

The “Uncaused Cause” Must Be…

1. Eternal: Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 40:28; 1 Timothy 1:17; Romans 16:26; John 1:1.

2. Omnipresent: Jeremiah 23:24; Psalm 139:7-10; 1 Kings 8:27; Proverbs 15:3.

3. All-Powerful: Jeremiah 32:17; Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17; Job 37:23.

4. Immaterial (Spiritual): Genesis 1:2; John 4:24; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17.

The Universe began with human life in mind.

3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
- Hebrews 1:3, NIV

“A common sense interpretation of the facts suggests that a superintellect has monkeyed with physics, as well as with chemistry and biology, and that there are no blind forces worth speaking about in nature.”
- Fred Hoyle, Cosmologist

God made the Universe from nothing, and He can make great things from our lives too.

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
- John 1:1-3

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
- 2 Corinthians 5:17

“An Answer for Evil”

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
- 1 Peter 3:15, NIV

Good and evil confirm God’s existence.

“These, then, are the two points I wanted to make. First, that human beings, all over the earth, have this curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and cannot really get rid of it. Secondly, that they do not in fact behave in that way. They know the Law of Nature; they break it. These two facts are the foundation of all clear thinking about ourselves and the universe we live in”
- C.S. Lewis

“Without God all things are permissible.”
- Fryodor Doestoevesky

If God is absent, then evil abounds.

17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it, cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life…
- Genesis 3:17

Evil in Two Forms:

1. Moral Evil

28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness…
- Romans 1:28-29

2. Natural Evil

20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
- Romans 8:20-21

God’s cure for evil is revealed in the Gospel.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
- 1 Peter 2:24

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
- Revelation 22:3-4

"Journey Of The Heart"

"Faith is not merely a journey for the feet, but it is also a journey for the heart."
- AW Tozer

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.””
- ‭‭I Samuel‬ ‭16:7‬ ‭

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
- Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life”
- Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Heart Checkup

Am I harboring anger in my heart?

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
‭‭- James‬ ‭1:19-20‬

SOLUTION: Forgiveness

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
- Matthew 6:14-15

Am I harboring guilt in my heart?

“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
-‭ Psalm 32:1-5

Solution: Repentance

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
- Acts 3:19

Am I harboring greed in my heart?‭

“And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."”
- ‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:15‬ ‭

SOLUTION: Give

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”
‭‭- II Corinthians‬ ‭9:6-8‬ ‭NKJV

Am I harboring Fear in my heart?

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
- Isaiah 41:10

SOLUTION: LOVE

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
- ‭‭I John‬ ‭4:17-18‬ ‭

CONCLUSION

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”
- ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17:9-10‬ ‭

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
- ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:23-24‬

"Heart Health"

23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
- Proverbs 4:23

Understand that God’s purpose is a covenant relationship.

31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife…”
- Ephesians 5:31

Marriage is the goal

One plus One Equals

“…and the two will become one flesh.”
- Ephesians 5:31

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
- Matthew 6:33

Passion should fit the purpose

Latin meaning of infatuation means false fire

Passion in the right place builds purpose. Passion in the wrong place will destroy it.

"What is Love?"

“What a person desires is unfailing love…”
- Proverbs 19:22, NIV

We’re looking for unfailing love, but we have failed perspectives and failed sources.

Types of Love

1. Eros: Romantic or Sensual Love

2. Storge: Family Love

3. Philia: Brotherly Love

4. Agape: Sacrificial Love

God’s love brings the greatest satisfaction, and it is our greatest standard.

“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
- 1 John 4:10

Stay in God’s love.

“9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”
- John 15:9

Share God’s love.

“1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy… 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
- Philippians 2:1, 4

"Whose team are you on?"

1. Defense – Understand the spiritual attack of the enemy

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
- John 10:10 (ESV)

Understand the enemy’s advancement is spiritual in nature

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
- Ephesians 6:10-12

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
- Ephesians 6:13-18

19 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
- Isaiah 59:19 (KJV)

Offense – Use the playbook

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
- Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
- Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)

The Third Team - Team of Officials (Referees)

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)

Dunamis – Forceful, explosive power.

Exousia - The proper authority to use power.

Know the score

11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.
- 1 Chronicles 29:11 (ESV)

"Striving for Excellence"

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
- Colossians 3:23-24

Excellence is a Journey

3 Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
- Daniel 6:3

Anything we do for God is worth giving our best

Excellence honors God

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Excellence Inspires People

25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
- 1 Corinthians 9:25

14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.
- Acts 24:14-16

#EXTRAMILE

"Relational Unity"

8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
- 1 Peter 3:8-9

8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
- 1 Peter 4:8-10  

18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
- Matthew 4:18-19

Three F’s

• Follow God

• Fish for men

• Fellowship with the church

Above All… Love one another

8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
- 1 Peter 4:8

Show hospitality to one another

9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
- 1 Peter 4:9

Serve one another

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
- 1 Peter 4:10

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
- John 13:34-35

 #BETTER TOGETHER