Matthew 16:13-16 (NIV)

Our worth is not determined by others' opinions but by how God sees us.

In a world where social media and public opinion shape our self-image, it's easy to believe the lie that our identity is defined by what others think of us.

The Question of Identity...

• Jesus Asks: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” — Matthew 16:13 (NIV)
• Responses from Others: “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” — Matthew 16:14 (NIV)

The Impact of Others' Opinions on Our Self-Worth:

1. Insecurity: Constantly seeking validation can lead to a fragile self-image.
2. Conformity: The pressure to meet others' expectations can distract us from our true calling.
3. Comparison: Measuring ourselves against others can diminish our unique purpose in God’s plan.

The Importance of Personal Revelation...

• Jesus' Question: “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” -Matthew 16:15 (NIV)
• God’s Revelation: “Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’” -Matthew 16:16 (NIV)
• Jesus' Affirmation: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” -‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When we get a revelation of who Jesus we discover who we are!

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)

Our value is not defined by our achievements, but by God's love for us.

Many of us fall into the trap of believing that our worth is tied to what we accomplish. This lie can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a distorted sense of identity.

The Truth of Our Identity:

1. Saved By Grace...

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

1. Created for Good Works...

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” — Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Our purpose is rooted in God's plan, not merely in our productivity.

Three Traps of Defining Ourselves by Our Work:

1. Performance Trap: The constant need to achieve
2. Comparison Trap: Measuring our worth against others
3. Identity Trap: Being defined by our work

Our worth comes from being a child of God, not from our achievements!

Luke 12:15-21 (NIV)

Our worth is defined by our relationship with God, not by our material possessions.

Every time we believe a lie, we empower the liar!

The Warning...

“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’” — Luke 12:15 (NIV)

The Wealth of the Man...

“And he told them this parable: ‘The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, “What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops?”’” — Luke 12:16-17 (NIV)

The Words of the Man...

“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry.”’” — Luke 12:18-19 (NIV)

The Wisdom of God...

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” — Luke 12:20 (NIV)

1. Life is more important than wealth.
2. Wealth doesn't determine worth.
3. Worth comes from God.

When you doubt your worth, just look at the cross.

Nudge: Nourishing Growth in God's Garden
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

'I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. '

1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Nudge Evangelism is waking people up to see that Jesus is already at work in their lives.

I define evangelism as “nudge” and evangelists as “nudgers.”

-Len Sweet

Point 1: Planting with Purpose
I plant the seed... 1 Corinthians 3:6

Point 2: Watering with Willingness
Apollos water it... 1 Corinthians 3:6

Point 3: Partnering with God

but God has been making it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6

For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

1 Corinthians 3:9

We can't do God's part but we can do our part!

August 31, 2025
Series: At the Movies

Sermon: Step Up and Make a Difference...

Scripture:

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭82‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

INTRODUCTION: 'Making a Difference' is not an option but a mandate!

Understand the WHAT...

Defend the weak and fatherless...Psalm 82:3a

Video 1: Milestone

Understand the WHY...

Deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 82:4b

Video 2: God's children are not for sale.

Understand the WHEN...

Video 3: When God tells you to do something you cannot hesitate.

“Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Video 4: Island Raid

CONCLUSION: Actions speak louder than words!

Video 5: Closing Music

August 24,2025
Series: At the Movies

Sermon: The Forge

Scripture: Proverbs 27:17

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Proverbs 27:17 (NASB1995)

INTRODUCTION: Do you want to get more done with less effort?

Step Up...

Maturing in life requires a step up!

Video 1

Give Up...

To give up is to surrender to Jesus.

Video 2: Isaiah's Prayer of Surrender

Grow Up...

It's through mentorship you learn to be a fountain of life and not a drain on society.

Video 3: Be a Fountain

Life giving relationships make you better and stronger.

Video 4: The Sword

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

Godly relationships grow you up and bless you!

Video 5: The Blessing

August 17, 2025
Series: At the Movies

Sermon: What was I made for?

Scripture: Psalm 139:13-14

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

INTRODUCTION: You are an original, don't die a copy! (John Mason)

Video: 1: Barbie Women Speech

Video 2: Barbie Escapes the Box... Mattel Scene

How do we escape the box?

We are Known by the Creator...

“But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Video 3: Barbie meets Ruth Handler Scene

We Must Know the Creator...

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Vs. Psalm 139:13

Video 4: Barbie Acknowledges Her Creator/Identity

“...but the people who know their God will display strength and take action.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭11‬:‭32‬ ‭NASB

CONCLUSION: As you get to know Jesus, you begin to discover what you were made for!

Video 5: What was I made for song scene