it’s not about the rules, it’s about…

it’s about Jesus

it's about how his life, his death, and his resurrection sets us free from the rules and the lies that we think keep us from God.

it’s about People

it's about the people who follow Jesus taking his message of life and hope beyond our walls to a broken and hurting world.

what if we did what Jesus said?

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:19–20, NLT)

what if there was a life available to us that looks much different than what most of us experience, but is exactly what God made us for, and exactly what our hearts long for?

what if this life is not a life that constrains and restricts, but a life that is itself truly life– life outside the box

THE LIFE GOD BLESSESlife outside the box

life in the box

• never admit weakness• hide your pain• push your agenda• satisfy yourself

• take care of yourself• indulge your passions• talk about peace

• protect yourself – don’t stand out

Jesus’ Main Message

“Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.” (Matthew 4:23, NLT)

what is the kingdom?

life outside the box –

life of the un-grieved Spirit

life lived under the blessing and loving rule of God

The life of the un-grieved Spirit

• invisible, (Jn 18:36)• Inhabitable, (Mt 5:3)• Internal, (Rom 14:17)

• Inherited, (Col 1:12; Eph 5:5)• Salvation, (Jn 3:3-8)

• Sovereignty, (Jn 5:21; 6:44)

CANDIDATES FOR LIFE OUTSIDE THE BOX

The Life God Blesses

Matthew 5:3-10 (NLT)

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

Matthew 5:4 (NLT)

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Matthew 5:5 (NLT)

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

Matthew 5:6 (NLT)

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

Matthew 5:7 (NLT)

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 5:8 (NLT)

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

Matthew 5:9 (NLT)

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

Matthew 5:10 (NLT)

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

the way up begins at the bottom

candidates

• persecuted for living the un-grieved life• makers of peace• pure in heart• merciful• hungry

• willingly forgotten• suffering• broken

BLESSINGS OF LIFE OUTSIDE THE BOX

The Life God Blesses

a life reflecting God’s approval

blessings

• inherit the life of the un-grieved Spirit• reflect their Father

• see God• shown mercy• satisfied

• get everything• receive comfort

• inherit the life of the un-grieved Spirit