Grace and Truth

If you remove God from your life something else will take over.  

The enemy has an agenda, and he uses culture to get to us. 

1. Satan tries to change our identity. 

Daniel means God is my Judge. 

His name was changed to Belteshazzar which means "Lady, Protect the King".

Hananiah means Yahweh has been gracious.  His name was changed to Shadrach which means I am fearful of God. 

Mishael means Who is What God is?  His name was changed to Meshach which means I am despised, contemptible, and humiliated. 

Azariah means Yahweh has helped.  His name was changed to Abednego which means Servant of Nebo.

God has the right name for you.  When culture shifts, we must know who we are  (Daniel 1:8).

2. Satan tries to get us to compromise our standards. 

You can't make a difference unless you are different.

When culture shifts, we must reaffirm our convictions.  (Daniel 1:9-10) 

3. Satan tries to create a confrontation.  

When culture shifts, we must respond the right way.

John 1:14 (NKJV)

And the Word (Jesus)  became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

 

John 17:17 (NKJV)

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 

 

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

 

Without truth, we are corrupt.  Without grace, we are condemned.  Without truth, we are worldly.  Without grace, we become judgmental.

 

Truth without grace is mean.  Grace without truth is meaningless.  Grace invites us to be free.  Truth sets us free.

John 8:32 (NKJV)

32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

 

Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands

 

Video

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/grace-and-truth

 

Discussion Guide

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/files/groups/guides/10-1-17.pdf