STEP 1

REALITY

Jan. 21, 2023

STEP 1

We admit the reality that we are powerless over our addictions, brokenness and sinful patterns. That in our own power our lives are unmanageable!

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out (Romans 7:18)

When we first start down the path of restoration, we have to remember that restoration comes because of a holy God who loves us, made us, and has big plans for us.

Jeremiah 29:11 states that specifically

Something dreadful in our lives had to have happened first for us to come to the point of brokenness.

Then moving forward to desiring our need to obtain real restoration that we may have never had before!

Let me say this unequivocally.

Each and every person on this planet needs restoration in their lives. Unless they know how to not sin anymore, we need healing and that only comes because of the relationship with Jesus Christ.

What an individual does at the point of brokenness will help set their trajectory growing forward.

Notice I said growing, and not going!

Reality

By definition, reality means the world or state of things as they actually exist.

Another way of saying it is this, something that is perceived as real and is physically experienced by the senses. Reality is relative

Each individual has his or her own perception of reality.

Implication is that because each of us perceives the world through our own eyes, reality itself changes from person to person.

What is true is that everyone perceives reality differently, reality could care less about our perceptions.

What God says becomes reality.(Psalms 33:6, 9) (read out loud)

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.(vs9), For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.

The sound waves that came out of God's mouth became light particles, energy, and matter.

The Bible clearly points to the word of God as the basis for reality

Gods reality is what we need to really live and survive

By a raising of hands, how many people here or watching online, were successful at running their own lives? (Crickets)

That reaction there is…….. Reality!

Who created you? God did!

Who knows you better than you know yourself ? God does.

Who turns your ashes of life into beauty? God does.

MATERIALS NEEDED

What do you need in your quest for reality?

Bible

Accountability partner

Prayer time daily and consistently

This recovery/discipleship meeting weekly

Disengagement from those things that squander your perception of reality!

Final Thoughts

The image of a bride is a powerful one. So powerful that God compares the church to a bride.

In the Bible, the people of God are the bride.

Jesus is the groom.

When God completes His Kingdom, the entire church (the bride) will experience heaven with Jesus (the groom).

Scripture is clear. We are not to attempt the Christian life in isolation.

(You're shaking your heads now? )

The commitment to God's Word requires the community of God, the church!

Sometimes, all you need to know is that you’re not alone.

Spiritually, you Do Not grow in isolation.

Nobody can grow alone. (LOUDLY)

It takes others, family! (LOUDLY)

Restoration is yours, if you want it! (LOUDLY)

Reflection time

Describe what your perception of reality was before you became broken?

What does God want you to do with His perception of reality for YOU?

How will you accomplish this?