Evangelism – Evangelism – Telling the Story: Telling the Story:

Recalling Our Slave Memory Recalling Our Slave Memory!!

Evangelism – The Story of Our Evangelism – The Story of Our Lives!Lives!

““All of Life is to be aimed at God, lived All of Life is to be aimed at God, lived before and to Him!”before and to Him!”

Biblical History is the Story of God ...Biblical History is the Story of God ...• Revealing Himself.Revealing Himself.• Calling men and women to Himself.Calling men and women to Himself.• Liberating them.Liberating them.• Redirecting them.Redirecting them.• Blessing them –Blessing them –

He honors men, that will honor Him.He honors men, that will honor Him. He glorifies us, that we might glorify Him.He glorifies us, that we might glorify Him.

Telling Your Story!Telling Your Story!

The Hebrew word, The Hebrew word, basarbasar – – • To tell, to proclaim, to report the news.To tell, to proclaim, to report the news.• It is the OT equivalent, roughly, to It is the OT equivalent, roughly, to

evangelize!evangelize!• It is the telling of an incident, the It is the telling of an incident, the

bringing of news.bringing of news.• It is the verbal, out-loud assertion of It is the verbal, out-loud assertion of

something decisive, not known or something decisive, not known or believed until this moment. believed until this moment.

II Samuel 18:24-27II Samuel 18:24-27

Two runners appear on the horizon. Two runners appear on the horizon. They are bearing messages for King They are bearing messages for King David. David. • One has good news – the battle has One has good news – the battle has

been won.been won.• The other has bad news – Absalom, the The other has bad news – Absalom, the

son of the King, is dead.son of the King, is dead. It is in It is in hearinghearing the news, that David the news, that David

immediately begins a lament. Not in immediately begins a lament. Not in the the happeninghappening, but in the , but in the hearinghearing..

This is the power of the Gospel …This is the power of the Gospel … The message connects the reality at the The message connects the reality at the

place of the place of the happeninghappening with the place of with the place of the the hearinghearing … and it is as if … and it is as if the the incident happens all over againincident happens all over again..

What happened What happened therethere – – happens happens herehere experientially. experientially.

What happened What happened thenthen, , is felt is felt nownow in terms of impact. in terms of impact.

This This there-herethere-here, then-nowthen-now is a part of is a part of the story every Christian tells.the story every Christian tells.

The Power of Telling ...The Power of Telling ...

ROMANS 10:14ROMANS 10:14 How shall they How shall they

CALL on whom CALL on whom they have not they have not BELIEVED?BELIEVED?

How can they How can they BELIEVE if they BELIEVE if they have not have not HEARD?HEARD?

How can they How can they HEAR unless HEAR unless someone TELLS someone TELLS them? them? You TELLTELL Someone YOUR STORY! Which

is really HIS STORY!

They HEAR IT! Really, get it!

They BELIEVE! Jesus is REAL! ALIVE!

BELIEVING, they CALL out! Sincerely, Genuinely, to Jesus!

What Happened THEN, happens again, NOW. What happened THERE, happens, HERE.

FAITH COMES BY HEARING ... THE STORY!FAITH COMES BY HEARING ... THE STORY!

The Issue of Silence ...The Issue of Silence ...Psalm 39Psalm 39

Movement One – At a Counter Point with the Movement One – At a Counter Point with the Powerful Wicked.Powerful Wicked.• I will guard my ways. I will bridle my tongue. With the I will guard my ways. I will bridle my tongue. With the

wicked present, I was dumb and silent, I held my peace. wicked present, I was dumb and silent, I held my peace. • My distress grew worse, my tongue became hot within me. My distress grew worse, my tongue became hot within me.

As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke ... 1-3As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke ... 1-3 (Sudden Aha!)(Sudden Aha!)

• What am I waiting on? My hope is in you? (Why did I let What am I waiting on? My hope is in you? (Why did I let them intimidate me?) I was mute, silent, I didn’t open my them intimidate me?) I was mute, silent, I didn’t open my mouth!mouth!

• FREEING PLEA – FREEING PLEA – Deliver me from Deliver me from my my sins. Don’t let sins. Don’t let meme be a reproach of be a reproach of

the foolish. Remove your plague. I am consumed by your the foolish. Remove your plague. I am consumed by your blows (dealing with me privately), correcting iniquity. I blows (dealing with me privately), correcting iniquity. I am like a vapor (before you). 39:7-11am like a vapor (before you). 39:7-11

(Cry for Help) (Cry for Help) Hear my prayer. Give ear to my cry! • DO NOT BE SILENT AT MY TEARS!DO NOT BE SILENT AT MY TEARS!• I am a STRANGER with you. There is distance in our I am a STRANGER with you. There is distance in our

relationship. Your gaze is piercing, your eyes are relationship. Your gaze is piercing, your eyes are disapproving. They melt me. They make me weak!disapproving. They melt me. They make me weak!

I determined to be SILENT ... Especially in I determined to be SILENT ... Especially in the presence of the wicked!the presence of the wicked!

O God, O God, DON’T BE SILENT! I can’t bear DON’T BE SILENT! I can’t bear

your disapproving gaze! Remove the distance your disapproving gaze! Remove the distance between us!between us!

SIN!SIN!

The Issue of Silence ...The Issue of Silence ...Psalm 39Psalm 39

Movement Three – (Sudden Aha!)Movement Three – (Sudden Aha!)• What am I waiting on? ... My hope is in you? (Why did I let What am I waiting on? ... My hope is in you? (Why did I let

them intimidate me?) ... Make me the reproach of the foolish? I them intimidate me?) ... Make me the reproach of the foolish? I was mute ... Silent ... Didn’t open my mouth!was mute ... Silent ... Didn’t open my mouth!

• FREEING REALITY – FREEING REALITY – What was happening to me ... Was under your sovereign What was happening to me ... Was under your sovereign

control ... IT WAS YOU WHO DID THIS TO ME!control ... IT WAS YOU WHO DID THIS TO ME! PRAY:PRAY:

• Remove Your Plague ... I am consumed by your hand ... You Remove Your Plague ... I am consumed by your hand ... You correct men for iniquity ... Make a man’s beauty melt ... Every correct men for iniquity ... Make a man’s beauty melt ... Every man is like a vapor (before you). 39:7-11man is like a vapor (before you). 39:7-11

Movement Four – (Cry for Help)Movement Four – (Cry for Help)• Hear my prayer ... Give ear to my cry ... • DO NOT BE SILENT AT MY TEARS!DO NOT BE SILENT AT MY TEARS!• I am a STRANGER with you ... Distance in our I am a STRANGER with you ... Distance in our

relationship ... relationship ... • Remove your gaze ... Your piercing, disapproving Remove your gaze ... Your piercing, disapproving

eyes ... They melt me, take my strength from me ... eyes ... They melt me, take my strength from me ...

39:2 ...CONFESSION: I 39:2 ...CONFESSION: I

HELD MY PEACE!HELD MY PEACE!

39:12 ... PLEA: HOLD 39:12 ... PLEA: HOLD

NOT YOUR PEACE!NOT YOUR PEACE!

I was silent before I was silent before

wicked men ... You wicked men ... You

were silent with me!were silent with me!

The Meaning of the Stones ...The Meaning of the Stones ...

All over Israel were these piles All over Israel were these piles of stones – of stones – • Some were memorials.Some were memorials.• Some were altars.Some were altars.• All marked the site of a significant All marked the site of a significant

event – a story in Israel’s history - of event – a story in Israel’s history - of God’s action in Israel’s behalf.God’s action in Israel’s behalf.

They were silent witnesses to the They were silent witnesses to the way God had moved through the way God had moved through the land showing himself alive.land showing himself alive.

A Land Laden with Stone Markers ...A Land Laden with Stone Markers ...

Some were markers:Some were markers:• In the Jordan ... In the Jordan ... Where the Priests Where the Priests

stood.stood.• At Gilgal ... At Gilgal ... Where they camped.Where they camped.

Some were altars:Some were altars:• Set up by the Patriarchs – Abraham, Set up by the Patriarchs – Abraham,

Isaac and Jacob (Bethel).Isaac and Jacob (Bethel).• Ebal and at Gerizim.Ebal and at Gerizim.• Mt. Carmel ... Mt. Carmel ... • Altar at the threshing floor of Onan.Altar at the threshing floor of Onan.

Altars and Markers of Stone ...Altars and Markers of Stone ... JACOBJACOB

• Rose early ... took the stone that he had put at Rose early ... took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. And this stone which I have set as a top of it. And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, pillar shall be God’s house, Genesis 28:17-19, 22Genesis 28:17-19, 22.

Pillar – doorposts, more often – a monument, a memorial stone, a boundary marker, a “WITNESS!”

MOSESMOSES• Sitting on a stone, with his hands raised in the Sitting on a stone, with his hands raised in the

war against Amalek. war against Amalek. Exodus 17.Exodus 17.• Exodus 20:25Exodus 20:25 - God calls for an altar of uncut - God calls for an altar of uncut

stone ...stone ...• Altars were made of uncut stones - “an altar of Altars were made of uncut stones - “an altar of

whole stones on which no man has wielded an whole stones on which no man has wielded an iron tool.” These stones became a place of iron tool.” These stones became a place of worship ... they offered on it burnt offerings to worship ... they offered on it burnt offerings to the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings. the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings.

Altars and Markers of Stone ...Altars and Markers of Stone ... JOSHUA JOSHUA – rehearses the law Joshua 8:30-32– rehearses the law Joshua 8:30-32

• The BOOK of LAW and the STONE as a witness, The BOOK of LAW and the STONE as a witness, • Thus a connection between the LAW and the Thus a connection between the LAW and the

STONE, STONE, • And the Book and the Stone, And the Book and the Stone, • And thus, the COVENANT and the STONE.And thus, the COVENANT and the STONE.

SAMUELSAMUEL• Sets up a stone – “hitherto has the Lord helped Sets up a stone – “hitherto has the Lord helped

us!” us!” I Samuel 7:12I Samuel 7:12 ELIJAH ELIJAH

• Takes twelve stones, the number of tribes ... And Takes twelve stones, the number of tribes ... And builds an altar in the name of the LORD ... builds an altar in the name of the LORD ... (prays) ... The fire of the LORD falls, it consumes (prays) ... The fire of the LORD falls, it consumes the burnt sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the the burnt sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the dust, and the water in the trench. dust, and the water in the trench. I Kings 18I Kings 18

Two Different Types of StonesTwo Different Types of Stones

UnUnscribed stones.scribed stones.• These were random markers often at the very These were random markers often at the very

spot of some significant event in Israel’s spot of some significant event in Israel’s history which involved God’s evident history which involved God’s evident intervention.intervention.

InInscribed stones.scribed stones.• Upon these were written the commandments Upon these were written the commandments

given by God to Moses, the very heart of the given by God to Moses, the very heart of the moral code of the nation. These were the moral code of the nation. These were the behavioral standards that would indicate that behavioral standards that would indicate that they were different set apart unto God and they were different set apart unto God and different from the nations around them.different from the nations around them.

Recall the Words of the Old Hymn?Recall the Words of the Old Hymn?

Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God hath done.Count your blessings, see what God hath done.

Count your many blessings, name them one by Count your many blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God one. Count your many blessings, see what God

hath done. (Johnson Oatman, Jr. 1897)hath done. (Johnson Oatman, Jr. 1897)

Memorial Memorial evokes the evokes the story story ......• The The storystory recalls the recalls the saving eventsaving event ... ... There/Here and There/Here and

Then/Now are connected. Then/Now are connected. The saving eventThe saving event resurrects resurrects gratitude gratitude (attitude) (attitude)

and and thankfulness thankfulness (verbal action which moves to (verbal action which moves to praise).praise).

• My posture is immediately affected. Pride is My posture is immediately affected. Pride is leveled – leveled – Humility is evoked.Humility is evoked.

Grace flowsGrace flows ... ... InIn the story-line ... the story-line ... Through Through to those hearing the story ... Flows to those hearing the story ... Flows toto me ... me ...

The Story of the The Story of the UnscribedUnscribed Stones Stones ......

Take for yourselves 12 stones out of Take for yourselves 12 stones out of the midst of the Jordan where the the midst of the Jordan where the priests’ feet stood firm ... priests’ feet stood firm ... • Each one take up a stone ....Each one take up a stone ....• ... that this may be a sign among you ... that this may be a sign among you when when

your children askyour children ask,, ‘‘What do these stones mean to you?’What do these stones mean to you?’

You shall answer: You shall answer: • - - the waters of the Jordan were cut offthe waters of the Jordan were cut off

... before the ark of the covenant of the LORD ... before the ark of the covenant of the LORD when it crossed over the Jordan,when it crossed over the Jordan,

• the waters of the Jordan were cut off.the waters of the Jordan were cut off. ““These stones are a memorial forever.” These stones are a memorial forever.”

These STONES remind us of

These STONES remind us of

a POWERFUL God who ACTS

a POWERFUL God who ACTS

in history to REDEEM, to

in history to REDEEM, to

RENEW and to RESTORE – to

RENEW and to RESTORE – to

show himself gloriously

show himself gloriously

alive alive TO THE GENERATIONS

TO THE GENERATIONS

OF HIS PEOPLE and

OF HIS PEOPLE and

THROUGHTHROUGH HIS PEOPLE to a

HIS PEOPLE to a

watching world

watching world ... ...

The Story of the The Story of the Inscribed Inscribed Stone Stone Tablets ...Tablets ...

Deuteronomy 6:20  Deuteronomy 6:20  ““When your son When your son asksasks you in time to you in time to come, saying, come, saying,

‘‘What is the meaning of the What is the meaning of the testimonies, testimonies,

the statutes, and the judgments which the the statutes, and the judgments which the LORD our God has commanded you?’LORD our God has commanded you?’

... then you shall say to your son: ... then you shall say to your son: ‘‘We were slavesWe were slaves ... ...

and the LORD brought us out of Egypt and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand ...with a mighty hand ...

and the LORD showed signs and and the LORD showed signs and wonders before our eyes, great and wonders before our eyes, great and severe ...severe ...

These STONES tell of a HOLY

These STONES tell of a HOLY

and COMPASSIONATE God. He

and COMPASSIONATE God. He

takes a people who were NO

takes a people who were NO

PEOPLE and makes them HIS. The

PEOPLE and makes them HIS. The

STONES reflect his character and

STONES reflect his character and

provide boundaries that keep us

provide boundaries that keep us

or our children from returning to

or our children from returning to

Slavery. They instruct our lives

Slavery. They instruct our lives

before our children and a

before our children and a

watching world.

watching world.

Action of God is Tied to the Action of God is Tied to the Character of God!Character of God!

When your children ask youWhen your children ask you• The meaning of the stones.The meaning of the stones.

• ... ... the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes and the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes and the stones ... the stones ...

Tell them:Tell them: • We were slaves, but God ... brought us out of We were slaves, but God ... brought us out of

Egypt ...Egypt ... COVENANT. HOW TO LIVE. NOT GO BACK INTO COVENANT. HOW TO LIVE. NOT GO BACK INTO

BONDAGE. Boundaries and Blessings.BONDAGE. Boundaries and Blessings.• ... The Lord dried up the waters of the Jordan ... The Lord dried up the waters of the Jordan

before us ...before us ... NATURE OF THE GOD OF THE COVENANT. REDEEMS. NATURE OF THE GOD OF THE COVENANT. REDEEMS.

DELIVERS. ACTS. FIGHTS FOR US. He is a living God. DELIVERS. ACTS. FIGHTS FOR US. He is a living God. Not like the idols. Hears. Sees. Acts.Not like the idols. Hears. Sees. Acts.

PURE & HOLY:

PURE & HOLY:

Character in our

Character in our

Lives!Lives!

POWERFUL &

POWERFUL &

ALIVE: ALIVE:

Dependence on

Dependence on

the Living God!

the Living God!

Notice the Generational Disconnect Notice the Generational Disconnect ... Joshua 4... Joshua 4

When your children ask youWhen your children ask you ... ... QUESTION: What do these stones mean ... QUESTION: What do these stones mean ... to to

you (Dad/Mom)?you (Dad/Mom)? • EXPLANATION: ... the waters of the Jordan EXPLANATION: ... the waters of the Jordan

were cut off ... Israel crossed on dry were cut off ... Israel crossed on dry ground ...ground ... ...for the Lord dried up ...for the Lord dried up the waters ...the waters ...

• REASON: REASON: THAT THAT ALL THE PEOPLES OF THE EARTH ALL THE PEOPLES OF THE EARTH

MAY KNOWMAY KNOW THE HAND OF THE LORD IS THE HAND OF THE LORD IS MIGHTY ...MIGHTY ...

AND AND THAT YOUTHAT YOU MAY FEAR (Reverence) MAY FEAR (Reverence) THE LORD YOUR GOD FOREVER. THE LORD YOUR GOD FOREVER.

Child! Yahweh did it

Child! Yahweh did it for for

you!you! That you would That you would

reverence Him in the

reverence Him in the

midst of the nations!

midst of the nations!

The Generational Disconnect ...The Generational Disconnect ... When your son ask youWhen your son ask you ... ...

What is the meaning of the testimonies, What is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, the judgments which the the statutes, the judgments which the Lord has commanded ... “Lord has commanded ... “you?”you?”(Notice how the son differentiates himself.)(Notice how the son differentiates himself.)

““WE” were SLAVES!WE” were SLAVES!• ... the Lord brought “... the Lord brought “US”US” out ... out ... • showed mighty signs before showed mighty signs before OUROUR eyes ... eyes ... • brought brought USUS out ... And then out ... And then ININ to give to give USUS

the land ... the land ... • He commanded He commanded USUS to observe these to observe these

statutes, for statutes, for OUROUR good ... that he might good ... that he might preserve preserve USUS ... ...

• It will be righteousness for It will be righteousness for USUS, if , if WE WE observe these commands ... observe these commands ... (Notice how the (Notice how the Father, without argument, INCLUDES the son.)Father, without argument, INCLUDES the son.)

The UNSCRIBED Stones

The UNSCRIBED Stones

recount God acting –

recount God acting –

miraculously – to provide,

miraculously – to provide,

sustain, deliver, liberate!

sustain, deliver, liberate!

The INSCRIBED Stones

The INSCRIBED Stones

remind us of how we must

remind us of how we must

act to stay free!act to stay free!

By the “miraculous”

By the “miraculous” POWER of God, the

POWER of God, the bondage of sin and Satan

bondage of sin and Satan are broken!are broken!But it is by TRUTH that we

But it is by TRUTH that we are both set free, and

are both set free, and kept free!kept free!

Son, you would not be where Son, you would not be where you are, have what you have – you are, have what you have – if God had not saved me. if God had not saved me. What you are, is because of What you are, is because of what God did for me, in me. what God did for me, in me. My faith, is your faith. My God My faith, is your faith. My God is your God. My blessings, are is your God. My blessings, are your blessings. You are part your blessings. You are part of my story. When God saved of my story. When God saved me, he was thinking of you!me, he was thinking of you!

Provocative Questions ... Provocative Questions ... PASSOVER – PASSOVER –

• YHWH ... Passed over the houses of Israel ... YHWH ... Passed over the houses of Israel ... And spared our firstborn. Ex. 12:27And spared our firstborn. Ex. 12:27

UNLEAVENED BREAD – UNLEAVENED BREAD – • Tell your son, we do this because of what the Tell your son, we do this because of what the

Lord did for me! Ex. 13:8Lord did for me! Ex. 13:8 A ANY Firstborn BIRTH, Sacrifice – A ANY Firstborn BIRTH, Sacrifice –

• Son ask, “Why?” – “the strength of the Lord’s Son ask, “Why?” – “the strength of the Lord’s hand redeemed us (YOU).” Ex. 13:14-15hand redeemed us (YOU).” Ex. 13:14-15

SYMBOLS around the house – SYMBOLS around the house – • Reminders of the covenant: YHWH displayed Reminders of the covenant: YHWH displayed

signs and wonders. Dt. 6:21signs and wonders. Dt. 6:21 STONES (2) – STONES (2) –

• The waters of the Jordan were cut off. God The waters of the Jordan were cut off. God dried up the waters! Josh. 4:6, 23.dried up the waters! Josh. 4:6, 23.

Note the Connection between the Note the Connection between the Stones and the Law Stones and the Law (God’s Righteous Code)!(God’s Righteous Code)! WRITTEN ON WRITTEN ON ScribedScribed STONES STONES

• Deuteronomy 27:8Deuteronomy 27:8And you shall write very plainly And you shall write very plainly on the stoneson the stones all the words all the words of this of this law.”law.”

• Exodus 24:12Exodus 24:12The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and ... I will give you and ... I will give you tablets of stonetablets of stone, and the , and the law and law and commandmentscommandments which I have written, that you may teach which I have written, that you may teach them.” And there ... he wrote on the them.” And there ... he wrote on the stonesstones a copy of the a copy of the law law of Moses ...of Moses ...

A STONE MARKER AS A MEMORIAL – A WITNESS!A STONE MARKER AS A MEMORIAL – A WITNESS!• Joshua 24:26Joshua 24:26

Joshua Joshua wrote these words in the Bookwrote these words in the Book of the of the LawLaw of God. And he of God. And he took a large stone, and set it up theretook a large stone, and set it up there under the oak that was under the oak that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.by the sanctuary of the LORD.

The New Testament and the The New Testament and the Witness of the Stones ...Witness of the Stones ...

The stone markers were meant to serve as a The stone markers were meant to serve as a silentsilent witness to the mighty acts of a Holy God. ... Israel was witness to the mighty acts of a Holy God. ... Israel was called called to give the stones a voiceto give the stones a voice! The stones were only ! The stones were only visual prompts ... cues ... A reason for the question!visual prompts ... cues ... A reason for the question!

The Pharisees called to Him ... The Pharisees called to Him ... • ““Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” • Jesus: “ ... if these (people) should keep silent, the stones Jesus: “ ... if these (people) should keep silent, the stones

would immediately cry out.” would immediately cry out.” • The disciples are doing their job ... Telling the story ... But The disciples are doing their job ... Telling the story ... But

if they were silent - The rocks would cry out!if they were silent - The rocks would cry out! JESUS charged: JESUS charged:

• Bear fruits worthy of repentance and do not think to say, Bear fruits worthy of repentance and do not think to say, ‘We have Abraham as ‘We have Abraham as ourour father.’ ... God is able to raise up father.’ ... God is able to raise up children to Abraham children to Abraham from these stones.from these stones. Matthew 3 Matthew 3

• InIn the stones are compelling stories that God was alive. the stones are compelling stories that God was alive. Evidence that was incontrovertible, indisputable, Evidence that was incontrovertible, indisputable, undeniable. undeniable. OnOn the stones were principles of holiness. the stones were principles of holiness.

In Peter, these two themes come together – In Peter, these two themes come together – • ... ... YOUYOU also, as also, as living stonesliving stones, are being built up a spiritual , are being built up a spiritual

house, a holy priesthood, to house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrificesoffer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

The Song of Moses – Ex. 15The Song of Moses – Ex. 15 I will sing unto the Lord for he has I will sing unto the Lord for he has

triumphed gloriously! The horse and rider triumphed gloriously! The horse and rider has he cast into the sea!has he cast into the sea!

The Lord is my strength, my song, my The Lord is my strength, my song, my salvation, my God, I will praise Him. I will salvation, my God, I will praise Him. I will exalt him.exalt him.

Yahweh is a man of war – Yahweh is his Yahweh is a man of war – Yahweh is his name.name.

Pharaoh’s chariots ... His army ... His Pharaoh’s chariots ... His army ... His chosen captains are in the bottom of the chosen captains are in the bottom of the sea. They sank like a rock.sea. They sank like a rock.

Who is like you among the gods?Who is like you among the gods?

Knowing Who We Are by Remembering Knowing Who We Are by Remembering Where We Came From ...Where We Came From ...

In Egypt!

Exodus ... Leave Egypt behind.

Miriam led a celebration, right at the edge of victory ... On the line between life and death

NEW KING

NEW KINGDOM

Equity, Fairness, Safe, Free, Fed, Blessed ...

NO LONGER SLAVES!

World now looks different ... Trees clap their hands ... Seas roar ...

FREE, REDEEMED, PEOPLE who were no people, now we are the people of God.

STATUS QUO .. Disconnect blessings from salvation experience ... At first grateful for God’s goodness, but don’t mention our slave days ... Then, we forget altogether!

LOST LOST OUR SLAVE MEMORY!OUR SLAVE MEMORY!

Israel, in some subsequent Israel, in some subsequent Generation, adopts other gods and Generation, adopts other gods and

– – Go back into Slavery!Go back into Slavery!BONDAGEBONDAGE

LIBERATIONLIBERATION

BaptizedBaptized

Go back into Slavery!

Prosperity causes Prosperity causes Amnesia! ...Amnesia! ...

massive, massive, programmatic programmatic

forgetting!forgetting!

To the World!

Liberated

Momma got saved ... Happy ... Sang ... Our life changed ... For the first time there was Money ... Food … Shinny shoes ... Family life became more stable … language changed … a real family ... No more talk about separation ... Arguments stopped ...

NEW KING … NEW KINGDOM

Love, truth, blessing and favor, goodness of God, fruit of the Spirit ... Transforming Word.

NO LONGER SLAVES!

World now looks different ... Trees clap their hands ... Seas roar ...

FREE, REDEEMED, PEOPLE who were no people, now we are the people of God.

STATUS QUO .. Disconnect blessings from salvation experience ... At first grateful for God’s goodness, but don’t mention our slave days ... Then, we forget altogether!

Lost our Slave Lost our Slave Memory!Memory!

We, or our Kids, or our grandkids – We, or our Kids, or our grandkids – go back into Slavery!go back into Slavery!

Daddy drank ... No money ... Fights ... Bad scene .. Fear ... Language ... Lack of sensitivity ...

Knowing Who We Are by Remembering Knowing Who We Are by Remembering Where We Came From ...Where We Came From ...

LOST LOST OUR SLAVE OUR SLAVE MEMORY!MEMORY!

BONDAGEBONDAGE

LIBERATIONLIBERATION

Go back into Slavery!

11stst Generation – Generation – Radically Saved! Radically Saved! Night & Day Night & Day Difference!Difference!

SINNERSSINNERS

SANCTIFIED … by Grace!SANCTIFIED … by Grace!

22ndnd Generation – Generation – Saved! Own the Saved! Own the new values of new values of Mom/Dad’s Mom/Dad’s faith, seen the faith, seen the Night & Day Night & Day Difference! Difference! Grateful Grateful Generation1Generation1

3rd & 4th Generation – Saved!?? Do not have

the same Reference Points … reluctantly

own the Values … practices … NOT LIVED THE TRANSFORMATION

– MAY NOT SEE THEMSELVES IN

DESPERATE NEED OF GRACE = GENERATION

OF PHARISEES!

RADICAL! RADICAL! TRANSFORMETRANSFORMEDD

CONFORMINGCONFORMING

Forget the story ... Don’t see themselves as a part of the generational drama. Become existential focusing on the present. Lose perspective. Have pieces – ethics, rules, rituals – don’t perceive the power of the story.

The story is transmitted

The story is transmitted

generationally. We invite our

generationally. We invite our

children into the story – we

children into the story – we

leave them with the memories

leave them with the memories

of what life was without God.

of what life was without God.

We give them the gift of

We give them the gift of

radical conversion stories, out

radical conversion stories, out

of our family tree.

of our family tree.

We define “who we are” in

We define “who we are” in

reference to the story!

reference to the story!

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Radical Radical

Conversions are Conversions are

the life-blood of the life-blood of

a Movement!a Movement!

Radical Salvation With a Lucid Radical Salvation With a Lucid Slave Memory recognizes …Slave Memory recognizes …

Can’t go back there.Can’t go back there. Can’t live there, like that, anymore.Can’t live there, like that, anymore. Can’t stay in that relationship.Can’t stay in that relationship. Can’t keep this job.Can’t keep this job. Can’t stay in this circle of friends – Can’t stay in this circle of friends –

not in the same way. Some will keep not in the same way. Some will keep me – inquisitive about what me – inquisitive about what happened. Others, will dump me.happened. Others, will dump me.

Can’t talk like that anymore.Can’t talk like that anymore. Can’t watch that anymore.Can’t watch that anymore. MY WHOLE WORLD IS DIFFERENT!MY WHOLE WORLD IS DIFFERENT!

Losing Our Slave Memory ...Losing Our Slave Memory ... Self-sufficient and self-delivered, the former Self-sufficient and self-delivered, the former

slaves have forgotten their precarious state and slaves have forgotten their precarious state and are now grateful to no one, not even God.are now grateful to no one, not even God.• The discipline of gratitude keeps our heart awake and The discipline of gratitude keeps our heart awake and

our eyes open to the goodness of God!our eyes open to the goodness of God!• With a toast to self’s accomplishments, slave stories With a toast to self’s accomplishments, slave stories

seem now out of place. They are hushed and placed off-seem now out of place. They are hushed and placed off-limits, erased from the script.limits, erased from the script.

Thus, the most precious memory of God is Thus, the most precious memory of God is forgotten – his dashing and daring rescue effort, forgotten – his dashing and daring rescue effort, resulting in their (our) deliverance.resulting in their (our) deliverance.The loss of the slave memory, results in the The loss of the slave memory, results in the

loss of a critical component of God’s very loss of a critical component of God’s very nature – the God of the oppressed, the poor, nature – the God of the oppressed, the poor,

the slaves ... the widow and the orphan – the slaves ... the widow and the orphan – the Redeemer, the Savior.the Redeemer, the Savior.

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Prosperity causes Prosperity causes Amnesia! ...Amnesia! ...

massive, massive, programmatic programmatic

forgetting!forgetting!

The Unrighteous will not inherit the The Unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom ...Kingdom ...

Neither fornicators or adulterers, or Neither fornicators or adulterers, or homosexuals. No thieves or homosexuals. No thieves or covetous, drunkards, revilers or covetous, drunkards, revilers or extortioners ... extortioners ...

SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU!SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU! But now you are washed, sancitified, But now you are washed, sancitified,

justified in the name of the Lord justified in the name of the Lord Jesus by the Spirit of our God.Jesus by the Spirit of our God.

The Significance of Stones ...The Significance of Stones ...

“ “ Where were you when I laid the foundations Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have of the earth? Tell Me, if you have

understanding ... To what were its understanding ... To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its foundations fastened? Or who laid its

cornerstone? Job 38:4-6 (Ps. 38:15; 24:2).cornerstone? Job 38:4-6 (Ps. 38:15; 24:2). Foundation Stones - with the building of a Foundation Stones - with the building of a

structure (Threshold!) was common.structure (Threshold!) was common. Free-Standing Stones - piles of stones that Free-Standing Stones - piles of stones that

served as monuments of remarkable events. served as monuments of remarkable events. These were established to perpetuate the These were established to perpetuate the memory of that transaction, often without memory of that transaction, often without an inscription. Yet, the history of the simple an inscription. Yet, the history of the simple marker was preserved by story ... It’s story marker was preserved by story ... It’s story repeated. It is a repeated. It is a memorialmemorial with a with a testimonytestimony..

You & I: You & I: Cannot Be Silent!Cannot Be Silent!

Family

Friends

AcquaintancesDisengaged Neutral Position

Position In-Between

PRIESTLY/ PROPHECTIC

Blessing/ Breakthrough

The Stage of Life!

Private Christian Life

The Evil The Evil One!One!

MY STORY is MY STORY is not merely not merely

something I something I TELL. TELL.

It is It is SOMETHING I SOMETHING I

LIVE!LIVE!

The The COMMITMENT COMMITMENT ZONE!ZONE!

This position allows for compromise!

Cold/Cold/HotHot

Can’t Lose Your Slave Memory!Can’t Lose Your Slave Memory! Luke 10:20Luke 10:20

• Nevertheless do Nevertheless do notnot rejoicerejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather you, but rather rejoicerejoice because your names are written in heaven. because your names are written in heaven.

Galatians 5:1Galatians 5:1• For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do

not submit again to a not submit again to a yokeyoke of slavery (to sin). of slavery (to sin).

Without your slave memory:Without your slave memory:• Forget what bondage to sin was like, go back.Forget what bondage to sin was like, go back.• Forget, you were not redeemed for this world, but for another one.Forget, you were not redeemed for this world, but for another one.• Fall into the illusion that you can taste the world, and not be Fall into the illusion that you can taste the world, and not be

corrupted by it.corrupted by it.• Become like the world, slaves in a different way, no longer free to Become like the world, slaves in a different way, no longer free to

serve God.serve God.LIBERATED FROM THE WORLD, HOW DARE WE BECOME LIBERATED FROM THE WORLD, HOW DARE WE BECOME

WORLDLY AGAIN? But it happens so subtly. WORLDLY AGAIN? But it happens so subtly.

The Warning About ForgettingThe Warning About Forgetting

Don’t Forget

Deuteronomy 8

v. 11 v. 14 v. 17

v. 7-10

Your History - Your History - God’s God’s

Guidance and Guidance and Provision thru Provision thru

the the wilderness!wilderness!

More Recent More Recent History – History –

Blessings in the Blessings in the new land: Eat ... new land: Eat ...

full. Beautiful full. Beautiful houses. Herds houses. Herds large ... Gold & large ... Gold &

silver have silver have multiplied!multiplied!

v. 12-13

He brought He brought you out of you out of Egypt ... Egypt ...

The house The house of of

bondage!bondage!

Slave Memory

Never stop being thankful for your

salvation!

Beware! Your heart will be lifted up (Pride)!

Tell Yourself ... My power, my hand (Deceived).

God gives you the

power to get wealth!

That he may establish his

covenant.

God gives you the

power to get wealth!

That he may establish his

covenant.Bringing you into a good land ...

Multiplying all you have ...

He led you ... He fed you ... (wanted) to do you good ...

v. 15-16

Blessings!Blessings!

Bondage!Bondage!