2 Timothy 3:1-5 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

1. The things we search for in this life tend to be __________ - __________.

2. While we are seeking self-esteem, Jesus has come to __________ our ________.

3. God doesn't __________ our selfish existence, He __________ it and brings us into __________ centered on Christ.

Scripture Readings
Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
John 1:29-42a

Take It With You!

Here we will offer thoughts and meditations on the message to help us as we contemplate and discuss and wrestle with what we are hearing.

[George] Barna's studies suggest that most Americans value time and efficiency over everything else, minimizing long-term commitments, maintaining "independence and individuality at all costs," even to the point of being skeptical of institutions, people, and authorities. After all, people are being told everyday, "You are unique" and you shouldn't submit to the expectations of others. Above all, "Trust your feelings to guide you. Relying upon absolute principles places unrealistic limitations on you. Only you know what's right or best for you at any given moment, in those circumstances." Finally, "Set goals and achieve them... Have fun... Stay in good health... Discover and revel in the purpose of your life." These are the principal values according to Barna's surveys of American adults today...

The challenge before us as Christian witnesses is whether we will offer Jesus Christ as the key to fulfilling our narcissistic preoccupations or as the redeemer who liberates us from its guilt and power. Does Christ come to boost our ego or to crucify our ego and raise us up as new creatures with our identity in him? According to the apostle Paul, there is glory awaiting us, to be sure, but it is glory that comes to us by virtue of our being in Christ: "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (Col 3:3-4). Our righteousness before a holy God is not inherent; it is a gift to those who are in themselves unrighteous.

- Michael Horton, Christless Christianity. pgs. 32, 33.