March 30, 2008

Three Cases of Mistaken Identity!
- Dave Bollenbacher

•  Matthew 14:22-26
•  John 20:11-15
•  John 21:1-5

What causes us to miss Christ…

Our fears

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 1 John 4:18

Our “fixes”

“Seeing them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.” Mark 6:48

Our despair

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulations, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Our past

“ Not it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying, ‘Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to you them,” Joshua 1:1-2

Our routines

It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. Psalm 127:2 NLT

Three Ways to Recognize Christ

1. Accept His Challenges

•  Love your enemies

•  Pray for those who hurt you

•  Find life by giving it away

•  Become great by serving everyone

•  Forgive repeatedly to those who come repenting

2. Experience His Intimacy

“But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel , ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched.”

3. Remember His Power