"Deep Scars" | "Scars and Bandaids" | Pastor Bobby Chandler

Supernatural Growth and Healing in the Church

Baptisms and Community Growth

• Over the last two months, 88 individuals have been baptized into the Kingdom of Heaven, with an additional 15 to 17 new believers scheduled for baptism today.

• The speaker emphasizes the supernatural growth of their church community, referring to it as a family that is expanding rapidly.

Believe the Impossible Fund Update

• The "Believe the Impossible" (BTI) fund has raised approximately $587,000, nearing $600,000. Only $150,000 more is needed to complete the first phase of their project.

• Gratitude is expressed towards congregants for their faithful giving and support, highlighting that God has promised to use this church to impact Hickory positively.

Impact Beyond Walls

• A night of worship attracted over 2,000 attendees and resulted in 67 baptisms, showcasing God's work even before moving into a new building.

• The speaker introduces a new series titled "Scars and Band-Aids," aimed at helping individuals heal from past emotional wounds.

Healing from Past Wounds

• The series focuses on healing from relationship damage and trauma by recognizing that God sets believers apart for holiness.

• Many believers are living freely in some areas but still mirror worldly behaviors in relationships; they often jump from one relationship to another without true healing.

Importance of True Healing

• Using an analogy about physical wounds, the speaker stresses that superficial fixes (like Band-Aids on emotional wounds) do not lead to true healing.

• Believers are encouraged to seek God's presence rather than chasing after status or relationships that ultimately lead to further hurt.

Seeking Joy Through Brokenness

• Referencing King David's repentance in Psalms 51:10–12, the speaker highlights God's desire to cleanse hearts from past mistakes.

• Joy is described as a spiritual need provided by God; it cannot be found through worldly pursuits but only through divine connection.

Understanding Pain for Growth

• The necessity of experiencing pain and brokenness is emphasized as part of understanding one's need for healing and reliance on God.

• The speaker compares human desires for immediate gratification with children’s demands for things they don’t understand yet; true fulfillment comes from seeking God’s presence rather than just His blessings.

Healing from Past Wounds: A Journey to Renewal

The Power of Jesus' Cleansing

• The speaker reflects on personal sin and the desire for renewal, emphasizing faith in God's ability to cleanse a stained heart.

• The message is that regardless of past mistakes, individuals can approach Jesus for cleansing and healing due to His sacrifice on the cross.

Addressing Scars vs. Open Wounds

• Recent conversations reveal that many are struggling with deep scars from past experiences rather than just open wounds.

• People often hide their scars, leading to an identity tied to past mistakes instead of recognizing their true self in Christ.

Identity Beyond Mistakes

• The speaker asserts that one's identity should not be defined by mistakes but by being washed clean through Jesus.

• Many struggle with feelings of abandonment, which can lead to clinginess in relationships as a coping mechanism.

Loneliness and Healing Choices

• Loneliness can occur even when doing the right thing; individuals may feel isolated after committing their lives to Jesus.

• Healing from deep scars requires a conscious choice to bring those wounds before Jesus for healing.

Trusting in God's Promises

• Psalm 147:3 emphasizes that only Jesus can heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds, contrasting this with worldly distractions like substance abuse.

• Full healing is presented as a choice between releasing pain or remaining in it; belief in God’s promises is crucial for moving forward.

Speaking Life into Existence

• Doubts about love and relationships reflect a dangerous mindset; believing God is essential since He embodies love.

• What one chooses to focus on will manifest in life; thus, seeking God's truth over lies leads to fulfillment.

Assurance of Divine Presence

• Psalm 27:10 reassures that even if earthly relationships fail, God remains close and supportive during times of abandonment.

Deep Scars: Healing Through Jesus

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit is described as a comforter and advocate, bringing clarity and power into believers' lives.

• Jesus emphasizes his mission to heal the brokenhearted, indicating that he understands those who feel fragmented or scarred.

Understanding Scars and Healing

• Jesus invites individuals to confront their scars, illustrating that his own scars symbolize love and healing for others.

• A biblical reference (John 5:6) highlights the importance of choice in seeking healing; Jesus asks a man who had been ill for 38 years if he wants to be made whole.

Choosing Healing Over Trauma

• The speaker challenges listeners to choose healing over remaining in trauma or depression, urging them to speak positively over their lives.

• The message titled "Deep Scars" focuses on moving past deep emotional wounds while recognizing one's inherent value despite past experiences.

Lessons from Paul’s Life

• The speaker shifts focus to Paul, noting his loneliness and abandonment as significant aspects of his journey, making him relatable in discussing deep scars.

• Paul’s transformation serves as an example that God can redeem anyone regardless of their past mistakes or experiences.

Perspective on Past Mistakes

• Listeners are encouraged to view their past scars as reminders of God's grace rather than failures.

• Paul's story begins with his approval of Stephen's stoning (Acts 8:1), showcasing a heart issue that later transforms through faith.

Growth Amidst Persecution

• Despite persecution faced by early Christians, it is noted that this led to growth within the church rather than destruction.

• The scattering of believers was reinterpreted as sowing seeds for the Gospel, emphasizing resilience against adversity.

Understanding Paul's Transformation and the Nature of Anger

The Struggle with Past Actions

• Paul reflects on his past actions where he harmed those he would later come to love, highlighting the difficulty of moving forward from such experiences.

• He acknowledges that many people struggle with their past behaviors, especially in relationships, where they may have spoken negatively or hurt others before experiencing a change of heart.

Paul's Mission Against the Church

• Initially, Saul (Paul) was on a mission to harm the church and its believers out of anger towards their faith.

• His actions included breaking into homes and imprisoning men and women, showcasing his deep-seated rage against those pursuing God.

The Deceptiveness of the Heart

• Emphasizing that following one's heart can lead to destructive choices, Paul warns that our hearts can desire harmful things contrary to God's will.

• Jeremiah 17:9 is cited to illustrate that human hearts are deceitful and wicked by nature; only God truly understands their depths.

Cultural Reflections on Anger

• Observations about modern culture reveal an increase in aggression among people who are often hurt themselves, leading them to lash out at others.

• The prevalence of violence being filmed for entertainment purposes highlights a societal desensitization towards pain and suffering.

Healing from Hurt

• The speaker notes that "hurt people hurt people," indicating a cycle where individuals inflict pain due to their unresolved issues.

• A call is made for self-reflection: Are we allowing anger to control us instead of seeking healing through God?

Managing Anger

• It’s crucial for individuals not to let anger dictate their actions or words; this can create fear among others regarding how one might react.

• Ephesians 4:26–27 warns against letting anger take control as it provides an opportunity for negative influences like the devil to enter our lives.

Understanding Anger and Relationships

The Dangers of Anger

• Anger and hurtful words can destroy relationships and hinder one's spiritual journey, similar to the warning given to Cain regarding his brother Abel.

• Cain's jealousy towards Abel stemmed from Abel's willingness to give to God, highlighting how personal insecurities can lead to anger against others who are faithful.

Personal Reflection on Trusting God

• The speaker shares a personal struggle with trusting God in financial matters, illustrating how this lack of trust can breed bitterness.

• Observing others' blessings while feeling distant from God often leads to resentment; the speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience as a remedy for anger.

Controlling Sin and Relationships

• Genesis 4:6 warns that sin desires control over individuals, but one must actively manage their emotions to prevent relational damage.

• The speaker challenges listeners to reflect on familial relationships affected by anger and jealousy, urging them not to sever ties permanently.

Steps Towards Healing

• Ephesians 4:31-32 encourages letting go of negative emotions like bitterness and rage; healing requires internal battles rather than mere checklists.

• True healing involves surrendering all pieces of one's broken heart to God for restoration, including hidden feelings of rage or bitterness.

Embracing New Life Through Christ

• By submitting anger to God, individuals can experience the fruits of the Holy Spirit such as peace, joy, love, patience, kindness, and self-control.

• The transformation through baptism signifies leaving behind old selves consumed by anger; believers are encouraged to embrace their new identity in Christ.

The Transformation of Saul

Saul's Past Filled with Anger

• Saul was characterized by threats and condemnation towards followers of Christ; his life exemplifies how unchecked anger can lead one astray.

Seeking Control Over Others

• Saul sought authority from religious leaders to imprison Christians; this reflects how personal anger can manifest in harmful actions toward others.

Open Communication vs. Manipulation

• The speaker highlights that without open communication rooted in trust, relationships suffer manipulation—often leading individuals away from each other due to fear of conflict.

Hope for Change

• Despite being lost in his ways, Jesus pursued Saul—a reminder that even those going down the wrong path can encounter divine intervention.

What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?

The Transformative Power of Jesus

• Jesus appears in our lives when we think we have everything figured out, teaching us the essence of servitude and offering a life that surpasses worldly offerings.

• Emphasizes the importance of allowing past mistakes to transform into "scars of Grace," as exemplified by Paul's encounter with Jesus.

New Perspectives Through Christ

• Reflecting on past relationships, one may realize foolishness in decisions driven by love or lust; Paul initially placed confidence in his achievements rather than faith.

• Paul’s identity was rooted in his status as a Pharisee and Hebrew, showcasing how he sought validation through accomplishments instead of divine guidance.

The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

• A mindset focused on flesh opposes God's plans; submission to God is often resisted due to self-reliance and intellect.

• God sets boundaries for our protection, yet many resist His guidance, leading to internal conflict between desires and spiritual direction.

Recognizing Spiritual Blindness

• The struggle between sinful nature and spiritual desires creates an internal battle; acknowledging this can lead to better choices.

• Many blame God for failed relationships despite prior warnings; ignoring red flags leads to disappointment but also opportunities for growth.

Healing Through Submission

• Sometimes God allows us to experience heartbreak so we can return to Him, realizing worldly pursuits do not fulfill us.

• Spiritual blindness prevents understanding God's truth; people may attend church but remain closed off from receiving His message fully.

Value Beyond Human Approval

• True healing comes from recognizing value in God's presence rather than seeking approval from others; our worth is defined by our relationship with Him.

• On judgment day, God will assess our faithfulness rather than earthly status—encouraging focus on serving Him over societal expectations.

The Journey of Humility: Paul's Transformation

The Role of Pride and Humility

• The only way to be freed from pride is through humility, often requiring a fall or humbling experience. God uses these moments to teach us.

• Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus is highlighted; he experiences a divine light, referred to as the Shekinah glory, which symbolizes God's presence.

• The brightness of Jesus' light outshines the sun at noon, illustrating that when Jesus enters our lives, hidden darkness is revealed and healing begins.

Encountering Jesus: A Call to Repentance

• When Saul hears Jesus calling his name, it reflects a gentle approach rather than condemnation. This shows God's love even for those who seem far from Him.

• Saul's companions lead him after he falls blind; this reversal of roles signifies humility as those he once led now guide him.

• Saul's blindness represents his spiritual condition—God reveals what was already present in his heart, prompting self-reflection.

Spiritual Blindness and Revelation

• Paul’s physical blindness serves as a metaphor for spiritual blindness; God exposes inner veils that prevent understanding and connection with Him.

• Only through belief in Jesus can these veils be removed, allowing individuals to comprehend truth and experience freedom (2 Corinthians 3:14-17).

Ananias’ Obedience and Faith

• Ananias receives a vision instructing him to pray for Saul despite fear; this highlights obedience over societal fears.

• His willingness to act demonstrates faith in God’s plan even when it involves confronting an enemy.

Transformation Through Prayer

• Ananias lays hands on Saul, leading to his sight being restored and receiving the Holy Spirit—a pivotal moment in Paul's transformation.

• This event illustrates how God orchestrates encounters between believers for mutual growth and healing.

Prayer and Transformation

The Power of Prayer

• A pastor, feeling overwhelmed and failing in his ministry, experiences emotional turmoil and seeks divine intervention through prayer.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual insight when praying for others, highlighting that God may have already revealed truths to them.

Overcoming Personal Barriers

• Many individuals block the Holy Spirit's influence due to distractions from worldly achievements and relationships, leading to a sense of emptiness.

• Jesus invites individuals to remove their veils of distraction to experience fulfillment through Him rather than through external validation.

Freedom Through Humility

• True freedom comes from reliance on Jesus rather than self-confidence; the speaker challenges listeners to reflect on their sources of strength.

• The discussion shifts to Paul’s struggles with his past, emphasizing that even after coming to faith, one can still battle memories and mistakes.

Paul's Testimony of Redemption

• Paul recounts his violent past against believers, illustrating the depth of his transformation after encountering Jesus.

• Jesus appoints Paul as a servant despite his history, showcasing God's ability to repurpose pain into purpose for His glory.

Embracing Grace and Healing

• Paul acknowledges his unworthiness yet recognizes that it is by grace he stands redeemed; this grace is available for all who seek it.

• Listeners are encouraged to choose healing over bitterness, as they can transform their scars into testimonies of God’s grace.

Call for Reflection and Prayer

• The speaker invites those who feel burdened by hurt or past mistakes to seek healing through prayer and surrendering their hearts to God.

• Emphasizing real freedom involves prioritizing obedience over public opinion; participants are encouraged to let go of grievances towards those who have wronged them.

Next Steps at Authentic Church

Invitation to Engage with the Church

• The speaker encourages viewers to take the next step by signing up for online participation in Authentic Church, emphasizing inclusivity regardless of geographical location.

• Acknowledgment is given to the audience for their viewership, expressing gratitude and appreciation for their engagement with the church's content.

• Viewers are prompted to subscribe or follow Authentic Church on social media platforms to stay updated on new content releases.

• An invitation is extended for those interested in contributing financially to the church, highlighting opportunities for support and involvement.