How we understand God forms the way we view ourselves. This is because everything starts with God; He is the Creator and Sustainer of us and everything. Thus, we depend on Him, not only for our existence, but also for our identity. Paul recognized this when he defended his apostleship. He understood that if his apostleship rested on himself, he had no authority on which to stand. But if his apostleship rested on Jesus and God who raised Him from the dead, he could see himself in new light. He was a servant of the life-giving God and His resurrected Son. This principle is true of us too. When we understand God as our Father and Jesus as our Savior, we are able to understand ourselves better. We will see ourselves as sinful people in need of a rescue, but God as One who gave Himself to provide that rescue. We’ll see that our lives aren’t a broken mess lived for our own glory, but a picture of God’s will for His glory. You see, God didn’t leave us floundering, trying to figure out who we are on our own. He made us, sustained us, and saved us to give us a view of ourselves in light of Himself. And now we have more purpose and perspective than we could ever conjure up ourselves. So, when you struggle with your self-image, don’t look inside yourself. Do what Paul did: Look to God; strengthen your theology; and see yourself as God sees you. – Pastor Rory
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: BTH–Stewardship–Matthew 25
10AM: Pastor Rory–A Savior Who Lives–Luke 23:50-24:12 (sermon notes)
6PM: Evening Gathering–Pastor Nate–Hosea 13:12-14