Intro:

Good morning! In our Proverbs "Summer of Wisdom," guest speaker Tiffany Aicklen challenges us: we trust God, but God also desires to trust us. He longs for people of integrity and honesty for partnership.

Scripture References: Proverbs 3:5-6, 10:9, 19:1, 28:27, 11:3, 19:5, 24:26, 25:18, 26:28, 12:22, Matthew 23:16-22, Exodus 22:9

Key Points:

• God's Desire to Trust Us: God longs for His people to have integrity and honesty, wanting to partner and trust us with His Kingdom.
• Integrity: Wholeness, Not Duplicity: "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely" (Prov 10:9). Be the same person in public/private—whole, not fractured. Lack of integrity hurts trust. Live whole.
• Honesty: Truth, Not Lies: "A false witness will not go unpunished" (Prov 19:5). Lies harm. "An honest answer is like a kiss" (Prov 24:26). Lord detests lies, delights in trustworthiness (Prov 12:22). Jesus, our model, was pure truth; we're called to "let your 'yes' be 'yes'."
• Trust as Relational Equity: Lack of integrity is a "breach of trust" (Ex 22:9)—it damages relationships. Trust is vital glue, preserving our most valuable relationship with God. Our choices matter; we desire to delight Him. Small acts of dishonesty (like the "cilantro test") reveal deeper heart issues impacting God's trust.
• Building Trust: Essential Elements: Understanding, Motive, Ability, Character, and Track Record. God embodies all five perfectly. He understands, is for us (even at His cost), is able, has perfect character, and a perfect track record.

Conclusion:

We aren't perfectly trustworthy, but God is. Press into relationship with Him, the trustworthy One. We cannot be just on our own; we trust in Jesus, who is just and justifies us.

Calls to Action:

• Repent: Confess trust breaches with God/others—lies, hidden sins.
• Run to God: Don't hide. His grace frees us; His blood covers, cleanses, and restores.
• Communion & Prayer: Come to the table, remembering Jesus bridged the gap. If your heart is cold or you need to feel God's presence, seek prayer. Bring all into the light; Jesus' gospel sets us free!

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Intro:

Good morning! We’re navigating a tough week, having just hosted a funeral for Drew Hall, deeply loved in our community, who passed away in a climbing accident. Our hearts are with his wife and daughters. Next week, our Exeter church family, who we just prayed off, joins us for baptisms – this is the life of the church: joy and sorrow, but Jesus is always with us. Today, we delve into listening, a profound theme from Proverbs.

Scripture References: Proverbs 2:1-5, Proverbs 5:1-2, Proverbs 22:17, Proverbs 13:1, Proverbs 15:31-32, Proverbs 4:20, Proverbs 5:1, Genesis 1, Psalm 33:6, Deuteronomy 6, Genesis 21:17, Proverbs 15:29, Luke 24:25-32

Key Points:

• God Is Always Speaking, Calling Us to Listen:
  • Proverbs emphasizes God's constant communication, urging us to be attentive listeners.
  • The Seattle School of Theology's daily "chime" ritual reminds students their work is done in the presence of a living, speaking God.
• Listening for Wisdom and Instruction:
  • Proverbs consistently calls us to listen for knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:1-5, 5:1-2, 22:17).
  • It also stresses receiving instruction and discipline (Proverbs 13:1, 15:31-32). Embracing God's loving discipline transforms us.
  • Proverbs’ urgent tone (e.g., Proverbs 4:20, 5:1) highlights the gravity of listening to God's words. It’s the single most important thing we can learn.
• Listening in God's Grand Story:
  • Creation: From Genesis 1 ("Let there be light"), God speaks first. Our design is to listen and respond. Keith Anderson notes God's voice in creation is the first evidence of His love. Intentional listening means emptying our agenda, being curious, and present. Grab a "Five Ways to Practice Listening" card at the connect table!
  • Old Testament (Shema): Deuteronomy 6 commands, "Listen, O Israel... love the Lord your God." Listening precedes loving. God's listening (e.g., Hagar and Ishmael in Genesis 21:17) isn't for His knowing, but to express His love, care, and that we are known (Proverbs 15:29). What He hears is never a barrier to His love.
  • Jesus' Incarnation: Jesus often said, "Let anyone who has ears hear." The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:25-32) shows disciples, disillusioned by Christ's crucifixion, unknowingly walking with Jesus. As He spoke, their hearts "burned." Encountering Jesus opens our ears and hearts to God's voice. Proximity to Jesus happens in simple, earthy ways (walking, sharing a meal, being with companions).
• The Problem is Connection, Not God's Speaking:
  • Like the story of Pete Gregg unknowingly broadcasting his podcast, God is always speaking. The problem is often our connection.
  • Busyness, disappointment, a cold heart, or distance from Jesus can hinder our listening. Our job is to approach God with intentionality, love, and closeness to Jesus.

Conclusion:

Our ability to listen to God is foundational. From creation to Jesus, God's story shows He actively speaks and listens out of love. This security allows us to confidently listen to Him.

Call to Action:

As we come to the table, remember Christ's presence bridges all distance. If your heart feels cold, or you need to know God hears you, pray with us. We'll worship and take communion, remembering Jesus, who perfectly embodied listening and drew close to us, offering new life. Be responsive to prayer; we want to connect you to Jesus.

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Intro:

This morning, we're diving into Proverbs to explore God's heart for the poor. This builds on last week's sermon on justice. We'll hear from community members dedicated to this work. Who are the poor? It's complex, encompassing food insecurity, homelessness, and material lack, as Michael Simmon from the Rescue Mission shared. While our nation has safety nets, biblical understanding goes deeper.

Scripture References: Proverbs 5:1-14, Proverbs 29:7, Proverbs 31:20, Proverbs 22:9, Proverbs 28:27, Proverbs 17:5, Proverbs 19:17, Matthew 25, Luke 4, 1 John 3:17-18, Galatians 2:9-10, Acts 3:1-9

Key Points:

• Poverty's Complex Causes: Proverbs acknowledges poverty results from both bad choices and injustice. Avoid instant judgment; it's a mix of personal decisions, family, and systemic issues.
• The Righteous Care for the Poor:
  • "The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern" (Proverbs 29:7).
  • The Proverbs 31 wife, epitomizing wisdom, "opens her arms to the poor" (Proverbs 31:20). Caring for the poor should be central to followers of Jesus.
• Rewards for Caring for the Poor:
  • "The generous will themselves be blessed" (Proverbs 22:9).
  • "Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses" (Proverbs 28:27). There's eternal reward and divine warning.
• God Identifies with the Poor:
  • "Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker" (Proverbs 17:5).
  • "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord" (Proverbs 19:17).
  • Matthew 25 highlights: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these... you did for me." God takes our actions personally.
• A Holistic Gospel:
  • Our gospel must be good news to the poor. Jesus' mission began with proclaiming good news to the poor (Luke 4:18).
  • Avoid two errors:
    1. Serving the poor while neglecting Jesus/discipleship: Without Jesus, healing from deep pain is incomplete (Heidi Heredia).
    2. Preaching the gospel but neglecting the poor: "How can the love of God be in that person?" (1 John 3:17). Our gospel needs "feet"—actions. The early church was known for this care.
• Helping Without Hurting:
  • Avoid increasing shame/savior complex: Don't disempower. Use asset-based community development (Steve Corbett) – resource their gifts to restore dignity (e.g., Creekside Community Church selling gifts).
  • Avoid "parachuting": Partner with indigenous ministries. Building relationships and local ownership are key (Dave Schlich). Jesus is already at work; we join Him.
  • Avoid giving relief to those who need development: Understand relief (immediate aid), rehabilitation (getting out of the pit), development (learning to walk again). Our goal is full restoration.
  • Panhandling: Michael Simmon advises against cash. Offer connection, food/hygiene items. "Being seen" is vital.
  • The goal: restore full humanness, glorifying God in right relationship with Him, self, others, and creation.

Conclusion:

Many are helping without hurting (Rescue Mission, Gleanings, Dream Center). We're called to embody this holistic gospel.

Call to Action:

Remember Acts 3:1-9: Peter and John gave the lame man healing in Jesus' name, not just money. We empower people to "walk, jump, and praise God." Ask God for your part and pray for those leading this work.

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