No relationship ever stays the same – we are
either growing closer or we are drifting apart. 

What Causes Believers to Drift Away?

1. _______________(26-31)

2. _________________________________(37-38)

3. _______________(51)

4. _______________________________(54, 66-72)

If you try to enjoy the world’s campfire, you
will get burned!

Q: What Is
God’s Response to Our Drifting?

A: __________________________

“Restore us
to yourself, O Lord, that we may
be restored! Renew our days as of old” (Lamentations 5:21, ESV)

“But go, tell
his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will
see him, just as he told you.”

(Mark 16:7, ESV)

“The
Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”

(Luke 24:34, ESV)

“and that he
appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.”

(1 Corinthians 15:5, ESV)

“When they
had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you
love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love
you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon,
son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love
you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon,
son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the
third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything;
you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

(John 21:15–17, ESV)

Why Doesn’t God Reject Believers

When We Sin?

1.      
Because His Love Is _______________

“The
steadfast love of the Lord never
ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is
your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23, ESV)

2.Because Salvation Is Not Based On My____________

“he saved us,
not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own
mercy,” (Titus 3:5, ESV)

3.Because
Jesus Has Already Taken My____________

“He is the
propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the
whole world.” (1 John 2:2, ESV)

4.Because Jesus Understands My _______________

“For we do
not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one
who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews
4:15, ESV)

Some Important Distinctions

“There is
therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans
8:1, ESV)

·        
There is a
difference between _______________ and _______________

·        
There is a
difference between _______________ and _______________

·        
_______________ is just
payment for past offenses

·        
_______________ is
correction for the future

“For the Lord
disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is
for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what
son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without
discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children
and not sons.” (Hebrews 12:6–8, ESV)

Q: As A
Believer, What Do I Do When I Sin?

A: ___________________________

“Therefore
thus says the Lord: “If you
return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me.” (Jeremiah 15:19,
ESV)

“If we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse
us from all unrighteousness.”

(1 John 1:9, ESV)

“Remember
therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at
first.” (Revelation 2:5, ESV)

“Create in me
a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from
your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of
your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:10–12, ESV)

Ready to take your Next Step?

·        
Go by the Next Steps area today after the
service

·        
Fill out a Connect Card and drop it in the
offering box

·        
Text Next to
803-637-8484

·        
Go to FBCFM.COM and click “Next Steps.”