ABF 19.5 LN

We talk about how we’re marred because of the Fall, but praise God for our restoration thru Jesus’ work on the cross
Psalm 8
There are lessons to be learned from the profundity of being made in the image of God
We can learn from others who properly wielded their agency
How can all the animals resist and even attack us if all the animals are under our authority?
We damaged our reflection of God’s image in Genesis, and also affected directly all of creation
Instead of work, instead we toil. We think of work simply to pay our debts
Hebrews 2:8
We’ve misused our agency as we run out of resources (even like Helium) and abuse our relationship with the world and all its beauty and provision
Hebrews 2:9, though we have bastardized God’s design–God provided hope for restoration
Ephesians 2:10, we’re created anew in Christ as God’s masterpiece
We look toward Christ for how our power and agency should be restored
Luke 4:1-13
When Jesus was tempted to use his own power, Jesus chose to operate in humility in God’s order instead of raising himself up toward being equal with the Father
Mark 4:39, Jesus rebukes the storm and chastises his disciples for their lack of reliance on God
John 14:10, Jesus explains how he does these miraculous works
Thru himself, he shows who the Father is
Matthew 14:22-33, Peter walked by faith for a hot second
It’s possible for Man to have real dominion when it’s done for the power and glory of God
The miracle-performing apostles rebuked crowds who tried to worship them–because it was not them who accomplished the miracles but it was God who did it
None of these things are really about the miracles
But they do demonstrate the proper use of agency
None of these blessings can be bought or even earned
Romans 8, sinful nature never obeyed God’s law and never will please Him
V19, all creation waits eagerly to be back in right relationship, eternally–from from the curse

Americans don’t have to worry about blatant, physical persecutions
But we fall victim to laziness when it comes to doing right by our agency in this freedom
Do we skip our Bible reading and feel ok with it? Or skipping fellowship opportunities?
Do we strengthen the Fellowship and God’s glory?
How far down the priority list are these types of things?
Christ did not let a little thing like hunger influence how he did right by God; Do we?
Its when we decide to take care of ourselves when our problems begin

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