Hope’s Sweet Spot

Hope’s Sweet Spot

THEOLOGY

Hope’s Sweet Spot

THEOLOGY

MISSIONAL

Hope’s Sweet Spot

THEOLOGY

SPIRITFILLEDMISSIONAL

Hope’s Sweet Spot

THEOLOGY

SPIRITFILLEDMISSIONAL

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Hope’s Sweet Spot

THEOLOGY

SPIRITFILLEDMISSIONAL

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Hope’s Sweet Spot

THEOLOGY

SPIRITFILLEDMISSIONAL

COMPLIMENTARIANELDER—LED /

Hope’s Sweet Spot

THEOLOGY

SPIRITFILLEDMISSIONAL

COMPLIMENTARIANELDER—LED /

Hope’s Sweet Spot

THEOLOGY

SPIRITFILLEDMISSIONAL

COMPLIMENTARIANELDER—LED /

Hope’s Sweet Spot

THEOLOGY

SPIRITFILLEDMISSIONAL

COMPLIMENTARIANELDER—LED /

Hope’s Sweet Spot

THEOLOGY

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COMPLIMENTARIANELDER—LED /

Hope’s Sweet Spot

THEOLOGY

SPIRITFILLEDMISSIONAL

COMPLIMENTARIANELDER—LED /

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

First of all, we are Christians.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

First of all, we are Christians.

Second, we are Evangelicals.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

First of all, we are Christians.

Second, we are Evangelicals.

Third, we follow the Protestant, Reformed view of God and Salvation.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

First of all, we are Christians.

Second, we are Evangelicals.

Third, we follow the Protestant, Reformed view of God and Salvation.

Fourth, we are Baptistic in our polity andview of Baptism.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Three Lenses:1. Scripture2. History

3. Pragmatically

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-14

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-143Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his

sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he

has freely given us in the One he loves.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-147In him we have redemption through his blood, the

forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and

understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have

reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-1411In him we were also chosen, having been predestined

according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we,

who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ

when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with

a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his

glory.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-14

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-143Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his

sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he

has freely given us in the One he loves.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-143Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his

sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he

has freely given us in the One he loves.Big Idea #1

God is to be praised since he has blessed us withEVERY spiritual blessing in Christ - DOXOLOGY

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-143Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his

sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he

has freely given us in the One he loves.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-143Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his

sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he

has freely given us in the One he loves.Big Idea #2

God is the one who chose us, predestined us to be:Holy and Blameless

Adopted as his children

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-143Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his

sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he

has freely given us in the One he loves.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-143Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his

sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he

has freely given us in the One he loves.Big Idea #3

This all happens because of grace which isUNDESERVED MERIT

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-147In him we have redemption through his blood, the

forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and

understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have

reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-147In him we have redemption through his blood, the

forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and

understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have

reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

Big Idea #4This grace also redeems and forgives us of all of our sins.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-147In him we have redemption through his blood, the

forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and

understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have

reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-147In him we have redemption through his blood, the

forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and

understanding. 9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have

reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

Big Idea #5God made this known to us, under his initiative

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-1411In him we were also chosen, having been predestined

according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we,

who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ

when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with

a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his

glory.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-1411In him we were also chosen, having been predestined

according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we,

who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ

when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with

a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his

glory.Big Idea #6God being the giver and initiater of our faith leads

clearly to doxology

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-1411In him we were also chosen, having been predestined

according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we,

who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ

when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with

a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his

glory.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 1:3-1411In him we were also chosen, having been predestined

according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we,

who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ

when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with

a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his

glory.Big Idea #7Anyone who wishes to be included in this must believe,

and then they are marked with a deposit of the Holy Spirit

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 2:1-10

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 2:1-101As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the

ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are

disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following

its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 2:1-104But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been

saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable

riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 2:1-108For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—

and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s

workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 2:1-101As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the

ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are

disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following

its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

Big Idea #7We are absolute toast without God doing something for

us.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 2:1-104But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been

saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable

riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 2:1-104But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been

saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable

riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.Big Idea #8

Eph 2:4 is the sweetest But in the world! God MADE US alive EVEN WHEN we were dead – by grace alone!

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 2:1-104But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been

saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable

riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 2:1-104But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been

saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable

riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.Big Idea #9

Not only that, but God changes us in Christ. He does this for the primary purpose of showing Himself as glorious

to the entire universe!

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 2:1-108For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—

and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s

workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Theology (part 1)A Protestant, Reformed Understanding of God

Ephesians 2:1-108For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—

and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s

workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Big Idea #10It is by grace alone, nothing to be boasted about by us at

all. This leads then, not to a life of sin, but to a life of following Christ.

1. Sola scriptura ("by Scripture alone”)

1. Sola scriptura ("by Scripture alone”)2. Sola fide ("by faith alone”)

1. Sola scriptura ("by Scripture alone”)2. Sola fide ("by faith alone”)3. Sola gratia ("by grace alone”)

1. Sola scriptura ("by Scripture alone”)2. Sola fide ("by faith alone”)3. Sola gratia ("by grace alone”)4. Solus Christus or Solo Christo ("Christ

alone" or "through Christ alone”)

1. Sola scriptura ("by Scripture alone”)2. Sola fide ("by faith alone”)3. Sola gratia ("by grace alone”)4. Solus Christus or Solo Christo ("Christ

alone" or "through Christ alone”)5. Soli Deo gloria ("glory to God alone")

The five “points” of Calvinism

TULIP

T – Total Depravity. This doesn’t mean people are as bad as they can be. It means that sin is in every part of one’s being, including the mind and will, so that a person cannot save himself.

The five “points” of Calvinism

TULIP

T – Total Depravity.U – Unconditional Election. God chooses to save people unconditionally; that is, they are not chosen on the basis of their own merit.

The five “points” of Calvinism

TULIP

T – Total Depravity.U – Unconditional Election.L – Limited Atonement. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross was for the purpose of saving the elect. Christ’s death on the cross was sufficient for all people, but only efficient for those who will believe.

The five “points” of Calvinism

TULIP

T – Total Depravity.U – Unconditional Election.L – Limited Atonement.I – Irresistable Grace. When God has chosen someone, he opens their eyes to the wonders of who He is. Then, out of their own free will, they always chose to accept Christ as Savior and follow him.

The five “points” of Calvinism

TULIP

T – Total Depravity.U – Unconditional Election.L – Limited Atonement.I – Irresistable Grace. P – Perseverence of the saints. Those people God chooses cannot lose their salvation; they will continue to believe. A life marked by growing obedience and Christlikeness is required, but it is given through the wonders of God’s power working in us ultimately.

So What?What difference does this

make?

So What?What difference does this

make?

1. How do you view God?

So What?What difference does this

make?

2. How do you view yourself?