STEP 1 REALITY

ASK IF SOMEONE WOULD BE WILLING TO READ OUR RP MISSION STATEMENT

GOOD EVENING AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026!

HAVE YOU MADE ANY RESOLUTIONS YET? MY PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT IS STILL THE SAME. TO GIVE PEOPLE HOPE & ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE WORD OF GOD!

IF YOU HAVE NOT MADE A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT YET, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO SO ASAP.

I MEAN SERIOUSLY WHY WAIT?

WE ARE OF COURSE IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY SO OUR STEP IS GOING TO BE STEP 1

REALITY! (IS THERE SOMEONE WHO WOULD BE WILLING TO READ STEP 1 AS WELL?)

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)

HOW MANY PEOPLE HERE OR WATCHING AT HOME WOULD AGREE THAT YOU WERE/ARE POWERLESS OVER YOUR ADDICTIONS, BROKENESS, AND SINFUL PATTERNS?

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

ILLUSTRATIONS:

As a young boy, I discovered that what my father said held weight in our family. If he promised a trip to the zoo, we planned our day around that certainty. His words created tangible expectations. In Scripture, God's promises are infinitely more powerful. When He declares that He has plans for our future, we can trust in that reality wholeheartedly.

Our lives should reflect an understanding that God's word isn't just words; it's a commitment that shapes our very existence.

In the story of Lazarus, Jesus demonstrated the power of His word. He merely spoke, "Lazarus, come forth," and death could not resist.

This moment illustrates how God's declarations transcend human limitations. When God speaks, impossibilities become possible; despair gives way to hope.

This reassurance encourages us to embrace the truth that God’s word is life-changing and should be the foundation upon which we build our faith and our lives.

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.

APPLICATIONS:

You may often find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the stress of daily life, wondering if what you want will ever come to pass.

Remember that God’s word is powerful and can reshape your reality. Start each day with a declaration that aligns with Scripture, such as Isaiah 55:11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. claiming that His promises for your life will not return empty.

Write down specific verses that speak to your circumstances—whether it’s provision, healing, or peace—and put them where you can see them daily.

As you remind yourself of God’s promises, you will begin to see shifts in your mindset and circumstances.

During worship at church, you might feel distant from God, questioning His presence in your life. Recognize that the songs we sing are declarations of God’s truth, meant to shape our reality. (PRAISE & WORSHIP TIME-SHOULD BE EXACTLY THAT! PRAISING AND WORSHIPING GOD)

Engage fully by reflecting on the lyrics and allowing them to penetrate your heart. Choose one song that resonates with you and commit to singing it as a prayer throughout the week.

This worship will not only connect you more deeply with God but will also reaffirm His promises in your life, reminding you of the reality He is creating in you.

BIBLICAL FIREPOWER

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)

AT THIS TIME WE WILL DISMISS OUR ONLINE FAMILY UNTIL WE SEE YOU AGAIN NEXT WEEK! THANK YOU FOR JOINING US IN OUR NUTS & BOLTS VIDEO

Reflection time

What is the significance of admitting our powerlessness over addictions and sinful patterns ?

How can you apply the idea of God's promises shaping your reality in your daily life?

How can the concept of restoration through a relationship with Jesus affect your perspective on life's challenges?