Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson Bryan Hudson

William Barclay: “The distinguishing mark of the true Church is an abounding and overflowing gratitude. Thanksgiving is the constant and characteristic note of the Christian life.” J. B. Lightfoot: “Thanksgiving is the end of all human conduct, whether observed in words or works.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18, In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.Philippians 4:6, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Lesson From Redwood Trees: Rooted and Built up in HimColossians 2:7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 
Redwoods do not survive alone. They form “tribes” or communities. Sometimes they grow so close to each other they merge at the base into one tree. The first thing they provide each other is strength and support: intertwining roots.  Not deep, but wide, living in an embrace of others.
 

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Hebrews 12:26, Whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Serving God acceptably is the outcome of things that cannot be shaken. 
Part of the process of arriving at a place where things cannot be shaken involves removing the things that can be shaken.
1 Peter 5:10, But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
The word “suffer” is defined: To be affected, to undergo; “to permit further" 
We have all experienced suffering or shaking. I know it because you are still standing in faith today!
Remember:  Justice = Righteousness. 
Justice begins with how we relate to God based on the Grace He has provided to us. 
Justice is God’s order in you
Righteousness is God’s ability working through you

Hebrews 12:26, Whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
 
Hebrews chapter 12 presents five topics of context and focus.
 
The Race of Faith
The Discipline of God
Renewal of Spiritual Vitality
The Glorious Heavenly Company
Following the Heavenly Voice
 
We are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. We are not receiving a membership or an association. We have received A RELATIONSHIP!

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. (Isaiah 1:17) 
The contexts of the words justice and judgment suggest the following:
1. One cannot preach righteousness without doing justice.
2. Justice must be done in the spirit of righteousness.
3. Authenticity is essential for one’s lifestyle. Live according to Christ and the word of God.
4. One must take action in helping those who are disadvantaged. 
5. Resist oppressors by holding persons accountable who would take advantage of others.
6. Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. 
Justice = Righteousness 
Righteousness = Justice
In the Bible the words are sometimes used interchangeably. Psalms 89:14 
KJV: Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.
NIV: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you
There are three types of justice
1. Biblical Justice
2. Social Justice
3. Civil Justice

Matthew 6:13, And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Remember that’s God’s design is for you to experience VICTORY EVERYDAY! 
Kingdom - The domain of the KingPower - grace, ability, provisionGlory - God’s presenceForever (Everyday and into eternity)