Men’s Advance Recap

A recap of the men’s time this morning…

Ten Thousand Unthanked Providences — Daily!  John Piper, desiringGod, Jan. 12, 2021

I can’t help but pause here to make an observation about the way the world responds to God’s providence. If there is a storm at sea and an ocean liner is sunk, or if a hazardous weather condition brings down a commercial airliner and lives are lost, there is often an outcry – both publicly and in the personal grief of family members – about the failure of God to prevent this disaster (“Where was God?”). Intense grief is real and painful and understandable from all who experience loss in these disasters…

But where is the corresponding emotional intensity, or even mild recognition, of God’s providence when one hundred thousand airplanes land safely every day? That is roughly how many scheduled flights there are every day in the world. And that does not include general aviation, air taxis, military, and cargo. Where is the incessant chorus of amazement and thanks that today God provided ten million mechanical and natural and personal factors to conspire perfectly to keep these planes in the air and bring them to their desired destinations safely — and most of them carrying people who neglect and demean God every day?

We reviewed the first page of the SSB Men’s Advance handout held on January 8, 2022 as a reminder for the second half of the year.

Halfway through 2022 we realize that the storm around us is very real and intensifying.  Inflation, angst with government, lies, disregard for law and civility (SCOTUS), murders and massacres (Uvalde), threats of famine (baby food formula), evil’s rise (Disney’s exposure), rewriting of history (1619), and the waning of church influence in America (fewer believe there is a God).

Peter, a follower of Jesus, found himself in a storm – a very bad storm (Matthew 14:22-33).  But, with eyes on Jesus, he did well (“When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high and don’t be afraid of the dark” [You’ll Never Walk Alone, Rodgers & Hammerstein, from Carousel]).

The second half of 2022 will most likely find the storm intensifying.  What do we need to do today to prepare?  As Peter taught us: “Eyes on Jesus!”

Psalm 69:32, The humble shall see this and be glad; and you who seek God, your hearts shall live.

Amos 5:4, For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live;”

Amos 5:14, Seek good and not evil, that you may live; so the Lord God of hosts will be with you.

Colossians 3:1-4, If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Truths to understand and embrace for victory in the second half of 2022:

1. IF? Saved? On His terms?  You need to be saved marked by repentance and submission.
2. Seek things above – where Christ is seated!  There we see Jesus in Power(Sovereign), Prestige and Preparation (coming).  Such a view gives us hope and peace. 
3. Set mind on things above – the world calls and presses – be in the Word with aggression!
4. You died – life is hidden in God – it is His agenda, His will, His work – obey
5. “Christ who is our life!” – what is your passion? your love? your priorities?
6. God, 2. spouse, 3. children, 4. work, 5. stuff – The world has these upside down!
7. He appears – He is coming – maybe very soon! As His bride – READY!
8. you will appear with Him in glory!

“At the end of a storm is a golden sky and the sweet silver song of a lark.”  Walk on!!!!