About This Project

Oftentimes it is when we think we have finally made it, when we are at the pinnacle of success, that Satan attacks us the most viciously. As Christians, we will face both internal and external struggles. Learning how to thank God when the Enemy attacks might seem counterintuitive but God always has enough power– no matter what we are facing to work through us to accomplish His purpose and magnify Christ.

We look around and see Cancel culture and movements like the LGBTQ lobby attempting to redesign our culture. We are surrounded by news stories such as the Oral Roberts University NCAA victory being criticized for their Christian beliefs while at the same time entertainers like Lil Nas X release “Satan Shoes” which sell out in a matter of minutes.

It’s easy to get so caught up in the world like we see King David doing regarding his handling of the Ark of the Covenant in 1 Samuel 6 that we forget how to practice the presence of God. Holiness is not about being good, it is being separate, altogether different, and unique.  We must remember that we are supposed to be hated by the world yet remember to be the Church and love those who hate us. We have the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us and prayer at our fingertips which fuels the heavenly realms so we can be equipped to fight and win the battle we are in.

We have to be aware that Christianity is trending downward in America and as many as three churches close per day. It’s time for us as the Church to start uniting around what is actually important: fighting the battles that the Lord has called us to fight. The Church started with 120 people (Acts 1:15) after its pinnacle of over 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21). She has shrunk before and will again.  The numbers do not matter, it’s about the God of the Church and the Holy Spirit of the Church that matters.  It is time to clean-house, repent, and seek the presence of God.  We need to humble ourselves and live as lights in the world. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us!” (Romans 8:31)

 

Key Verse: Romans 8:31

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

 

Theme:  God ALWAYS has enough POWER; Whatever you are facing, God is ABLE!

 

Scriptures Studied:  Romans 5:10; Luke 6:28; Proverbs 25:22; Luke 10:16-20; Genesis 6:5; Psalm 14:1; Ephesians 4:18-19;  Luke 10:16-20; 2 Samuel 5:17-19; 2 Corinthians 11:24-28; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Ephesians 6:12; 2 Samuel 5; 1 Samuel 6:7-8; 1 Chronicles 13:3; Matthew 6:11; Proverbs 3:5; Daniel 10:13; 2 Samuel 6; Deuteronomy 10:8; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Samuel 5:1-4; Acts 5:1-11; Acts 1:15; Matthew 14:13-21;

 

Further Study:

A Brief History of Israel

 

Points to Note:

Reminder, the story of Saul & David is Our Story:

  • Saul: [Kingdoms of this world] Self-Centered, Demanding, Disobedient to God, Seeks His Own Glory
  • David: [Kingdom of God]  Other-Centered, Giving/Self-Sacrificing, Obedient to God, Seeks the Glory of God

 

Kingdom of Saul | Self-Absorbed and Insecure | Passing Away

  • Every moment is about himself
  • Everyone is suspect
  • Everyone is a threat
  • Willing to kill for his kingdom
  • Estranged from everyone he loved
  • On the road to self-destruction

 

Kingdom of David | Self-Less & Dependent on God | Arriving

  • Wounded by the Lord
  • Made useful to those wounded in the world
  • Contrite, Compassionate, and Hungry for God
  • Made ready to serve others

 

Symbolism:

  • Lil Nas X is an example of what a modern-day pagan is.
  • Sounds of marching on the Balsam trees= God wants David to know he is not alone, God’s armies are marching there.
  • The taking away of the idols of another nation (2 Samuel 5:20-21) symbolized not just a conquering of a nation but also a conquering of their gods.
  • New cart= not how they were to carry the Ark.
  • The death of Uzzah was God indicating He had enough of their treating His presence with contempt.
  • The term “holy, holy, holy” indicates that there is no one like God

 

Episode Points:

As Christians we must realize 3 things:

  1. We are supposed to be hated by the world.
  2. We must love those who hate us.
  3. We must remember we are the church!

 

When the enemy attacks:

  1. You remember the real enemy. (Eph 6:12… the evil forces)
  2. You unite with your true family

 

In Summary:

  1. YES, the Church is shrinking and membership is decreasing. BUT… is that really a bad thing?
  2. YES, the World is starting to put pressure on the body of Christ. BUT… is that a bad thing?

 

Recognize the Following:

  • We have to be careful of “freaking out” when the world is the world.
  • As a Christian, you will face both an internal and external struggle.
  • TRUTH > At times Christian – you will experience attacks from all sides -Expect it AND KNOW the Lord is powerful enough for it.
  • We need to remain focused on what is essential:  the Gospel, the Lord Jesus, and the Resurrected King.
  • It’s time for us as the Church to start uniting around what is actually important: Fight the battles that the Lord has called us to fight.
  • The results of Israel’s History:  Israel had spent so much time fighting itself and its selfishness for so long (50+ years) they forgot how to treat the presence of the Lord.
  • Holiness does not mean being good, it means being separate, altogether different, and unique from the world.
  • David doesn’t let his success in battle get in his way of humbling himself before God for direction.
  • TRUTH > Modern Christianity needs To stop trying to be the world and live as lights in the world
  • TRUTH> GOD will USE all things to accomplish His purpose through us – to bear witness to the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.
  • Prayer is fuel to the heavenly realm so you can fight and win the battle you are in with the tactics you need for today.

 

Questions to Consider:

  1. Have you noticed a change in your church practices?
  2. How much time are you devoting to prayer?
  3. Do you pray to have your Father in heaven to surround your family and home with angels? Are you praying for church leadership?
  4. How much time are you devoting to try and “gain” in this world versus seeking the presence of God?
  5. Are you able to put aside pride and humble yourself for God’s direction?
  6. How can you be a “light” in the world this week? You have an opportunity to put a dent in that 47% who do not know the Lord.

 

Further Consideration:

 

Viewer Questions: [You can always send us interesting news articles at ask@thedeepend.tv or text them to 508-316-9333 as well as ask any questions you may have (It’s anonymous!]

 

Category
The Deep End, Season 4
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