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Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:5-13; Romans 15:4; Exodus 31:18 – 32:22

1. Defining Undercurrent

Undercurrent:

• A current of water below the surface, moving in a different direction from any surface current
• An undercurrent is not an obvious hazard but strong undercurrents can be very dangerous
• Some undercurrents are fast and strong enough that they actively pull you along with them

Recognizing an Undercurrent –

• Water with an undercurrent is more likely to be still or have only small waves due to movement of water under the surface
• You may see clumps of debris or streaks of mud or sand moving through the water

Defining an Undercurrent of a Different Kind:
An underlying feeling or influence, especially one that is contrary to the prevailing atmosphere and is not expressed openly

• Something below the surface
• Moving in a different direction
• Not an obvious hazard, but can be very dangerous
• If strong enough can pull you along with them
• Movement under the surface

2. When Undercurrents Exist in the Church:

A. Gossip – Spreading of unfavorable information about someone else

• Making negative comments about someone that doesn’t need to be said
• Will what I am about to say tend to tear down or build up the person I’m about to talk about?

B. Slander – Making a false statement or misrepresentation about another person that defames or damages the person’s reputation

C. Sarcasm and Ridicule (“just kidding”) – speech that tends to put down, humiliate, belittle or hurt another person

D. Complaining – Not happy with what God is allowing in my life at this moment

E. Discontentment

F. Frustration – The result of some immediate event that has blocked plans or desires

G. Undermining God’s Established Authority

H. Cliques – Small exclusive circle of people

I. Unforgiveness

• Resentment – Anger that is held on to (internalized)
• Bitterness – Smoldering resentment, animosity

J. Critical or Judgmental Spirit

• Looking to find fault with someone or something

K. Negativity

• Glass stays half empty person

L. Controlling – Seeking to control others or circumstances to our advantage or to get what we want

M. Carrying out ministry in the flesh

3. The Danger from Undercurrents in the Church:

A. Division
Strikes at the heart of unity and being in one accord as a body

B. Distraction

• God’s glory is diminished
• The gospel and reaching the lost are not priority
• The hand of God is not acknowledged

C. Desertion (from the truth and application of God’s Word)

D. Derailment

• Those on the sidelines that are being exposed to the undercurrents
• Those that are being influenced or pulled along by the undercurrents

E. Dissolution (a breaking or into parts; disintegration) – Church Splits

Here are the completed notes from the Sunday Morning Worship Service August 7, 2016:

Scripture: Hebrews 11:6

Wake up to the presence of the living God!

1. God exists – Hebrews 11:6 “Believe that He is”
The God of Scripture is the only real and true God who exists

• A deep conviction that God is real.

2. Apply an understanding of who this God really is to life:

“O God, who is like unto Thee!” -Psalm 71:19b

• Infinite – Limitless (Jeremiah 23:24; 1 Kings 8:27)
• Holy – Separate, set-apart, absolute purity (Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:16)
• Eternal – Everlasting, always was, always is, always will be (Deuteronomy 33:27)
• Immutable – Unchanging (Malachi 3:6)
• Omniscient – All knowing (Psalm 139:3)
• Omnipresent – Everywhere present (Psalm 139:7)
• Omnipotent – All powerful (Revelation 19:6)
• Righteous / Just – Always does what is just and right (Deuteronomy 32:4)
• Faithful – Firm, certain, trustworthy, dependable (Deuteronomy 7:9)
• Wise – The ability to rightly apply knowledge (1 Timothy 1:17; Jude 25)
• Sovereign – Absolute control, supreme authority and sole ruler (Psalm 135:6)
• Merciful – Compassion, pity, not getting what we deserve (Ephesians 2:4)
• Gracious – Unmerited favor, getting what we don’t deserve (Ephesians 2:7, 8)
• Love – Seeks the highest good of the one loved, unconditional, sacrificial (1 John 4:8)
• Wrath -Righteous indignation at all evil, execution of judgment on unrighteousness (Romans 1:18)
• Incomprehensible – No one can remotely understand and comprehend God (Isaiah 55:8)
• Glorious – Weighted down with brilliance, brightness, radiance, shining (Psalm 8:1)

3. What the reality of God’s existence means to you personally:

A. God knows all about you

B. God absolutely loves you

C. God has a plan for your life (that plan unfolds in the pages of Scripture)
Conform you to the image of His Son – Romans 8:29

• This begins with salvation
• Serve Him with your life – Ephesians 2:10; 4:11, 12; Matthew 28:19, 20
• Glorify Him in all you do – Revelation 4:11; 1 Corinthians 10:31

4. How God is completely missed

A. Going through the motions
B. Complacency
C. Not taking sin against God seriously
D. Not being intentional about your relationship with Him
E. Not being intentional about spiritual growth
F. Not making God’s plan – a part of your plans
G. Atmospheric revival but unchanged lives
Warning About Demon Faith – Scripture: James 2:19

• The devils (demons) believe and tremble
• Counterfeit Faith – Faith that does not result in salvation
• They believe in God
• They face His judgment – Matthew 8:29b

What is Demon Faith?

• Belief in the one true God and tremble at its implications

Demons know the identity and truth about Jesus
Demon Quotes:
“I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God” – Luke 4:34b
“Thou art Christ the Son of God” – Luke 4:41
“Jesus I know” – Acts 19:15
Demons have a belief that does not change their direction

• Demons tremble but do not repent
• Saving faith brings repentance, which results in change

2 Reasons Demon Faith does not result in Salvation:

1. Demons believe in God, but are in rebellion against Him
   One third of heavens angels joined Lucifer in rebellion against God
2. Demons believe in God, but want nothing to do with Him
   Demon Quote: “Let us alone, what have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth”-Luke 4:34a

15 Questions to Consider when Deciding
If Something Is Right or Wrong
(Part #2 of a 2 Part Series)

Opening Scripture Text:
Review Part # 1 (Questions 1 – 8)

1. What does the Bible say about this? (2 Timothy 3:16)

2. Can I do this knowing that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in me? (1 Cor. 6:19, 20)

3. Can I do this for the glory of God? (1 Corinthians 10:31)

4. Would I like to be doing this when Jesus comes? (1 John 2:28)

5. Can I do this in Jesus name? (Colossians 3:17a)
“Name” – Representing Jesus with His approval

6. Can I thank God for this? (Colossians 3:17b)

7. Is this wise use of my time? (Ephesians 5:16)

8. Is this wise use of my money? (Matthew 6:20, 21)

Part # 2 (Questions 9 – 15)
15 Questions to Consider
When Deciding If Something Is Right or Wrong:

9. Could this cause someone else to stumble? (Romans 14:12, 13)
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather,
that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his
brother’s way.

10. Could this lead me to lust? (Matthew 5:28)
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

11. Am I properly separating myself from the influence of unbelievers? (2 Corinthians 6:17)
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

12. Is this acceptable for me to think about? (Psalm 19:14)
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

13. Could this desensitize me to sin? (Hebrews 3:13)
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

14. Is this setting wickedness before my eyes (Psalm 101:3)
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

15. Is there still question in my mind about this? (Romans 14:23)
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Bonus Question –
Has your guard went up at all during this series?

15 Questions to Consider when Deciding
If Something Is Right or Wrong
(Part #1 of a 2 Part Series)

Opening Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:31

Reminder of what it means to Glorify God:

To honor, magnify, exalt, elevate, to shed radiance or splendor on God To acknowledge His attributes and praise Him for whom He is

According to Dr. Charles Stanley (Living the Extraordinary Life):

“Disobedience is rebellion against God – irreverence toward Him.  It is a statement from your heart proclaiming that you have chosen your way over God’s way. When you are disobedient, you are essentially refusing to acknowledge God’s authority, right, and power in your life.”

Last week – How God Communicates
1. The Word of God (The Bible) – 2 Timothy 3:16
This is the primary way God speaks today
2. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit will never lead you where the Word of God forbids you to go . . . NO EXCEPTIONS
3. Other People
4. Circumstances

Part # 1
15 Questions to Consider
When Deciding If Something Is Right or Wrong:

1. What does the Bible say about this? (2 Timothy 3:16)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2. Can I do this knowing that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in me?
(1 Corinthians 6:19, 20)
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which
is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are
bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit,
which are God’s.
3. Can I do this for the glory of God? (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Glorify God: To honor, magnify, exalt, elevate, to shed radiance or splendor on God
4. Would I like to be doing this when Jesus comes? (1 John 2:28)
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
5. Can I do this in Jesus name? (Colossians 3:17a)
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
“Name” – Representing Jesus with His approval
To act consistently with who Christ is and with what He wants
6. Can I thank God for this? (Colossians 3:17b)
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
7. Is this wise use of my time? (Ephesians 5:16)
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
8. Is this wise use of my money? (Matthew 6:20, 21)
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also