Outward Projection

Focus: Our Lens of Life

Outward Projection – Sermon Notes Pastor Mike Snodgrass

November 3rd, 2024

Our Lives Are Guided By What We Perceive In Life!

• Object Permanence
• Point of View

Thought: Our “point of view” is completely constructable and in our responsibility.

Genesis 3:1 (NIV)

Thought: Our moral compass has been broken ever since the fall!

Thought: Our outward projection is a product of our perceived focus.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan – An Observation On Perspective

Luke 10:25-29 (NIV)

Thought: The Good Samaritan Story provides a distinct separation in perspectives.

• The choices made are a reflection of the individual perspectives.

Thought: Through the parable stories, Jesus is stressing the perspective of Heaven!

• Jesus is asking us to make a choice between our perspective and His.

Our Outward Projection

Thought: It is vital as a disciple of Jesus that we understand the importance of our focus and perspective.

Thought: What is your focus and what condition do you see life through?

Acts 28:25-28 (NIV)

Thought: The Jews rejected Paul’s sermon and explanation of Jesus.

Thought: Perspective and values have been consistent throughout history until the last 300 years.

Historical Perspectives

Thought: We can trace history to see that we live in a world that struggles with the idea of perspective

• Jewish Tradition relied on the Torah and its teachings.
• Early Church relied upon the Torah and the testimony of the believers, “LOOK UP”
• The Enlightenment shifted this perspective

Thought: The Enlightenment, a philosophical movement that dominated in Europe during the 18th century, was centered around the idea that REASON is the primary source of authority and legitimacy

• Immanuel Kant – Look into your mind. “Look within for values” Rationalism
• Jean Jacques Rousseau – “Look within your heart, passions” Romanticism
• Friedrich Nietzsche – “Might is right” Assert yourself and will your desires to determine what is right. Perfectionism

Thought: We live in a postmodern world or some refer to it as a contemporary culture.

Choose Your Perspective

Joshua 24:15 (NIV)

Thought: Our focus can change over time

• Our lenses may have been created by how we are Raised or Taught.
• Our lenses may become cracked or dirty with Doubt.
  • Genesis 3:1
• Our lenses may become cracked or dirty with Pain.
  • JOHN 5:2-9

John 5:2-9 (NIV)

Thought: The man did not ask Jesus for help.

Thought: Did the man lose the will to be cured? What was his perspective and focus?

• Jesus healed the man despite not knowing who Jesus was.

Let’s Clean and Repair Our Lens

Thought: How do we establish belief and confidence with a healthy lens?

Thought: As a believer and disciple in Jesus, I must understand the TRUTH and AUTHORITY of SCRIPTURE.

John 1:1-2 (NIV)

THOUGHT: As a believer and disciple in Jesus, I must understand the TRUTH and AUTHORITY of JESUS!

Matthew 28:18 (NIV)

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Malachi 3:6 “I the Lord do not change”… (NIV)

Thought: In order to produce healthy fruit in my life, my outward projection needs to be focused through a healthy lens and based in HIS TRUTH!