“The New World Order” 5. There is a popular book out these days entitled The Deity Formally Known as Select Passages God and in it the author talks about some of our cultural misconceptions of October 11, 2009 God. What misconceptions about God have led our culture to turn away from the “God world order” and embrace the next “new world order?” Sermon Notes

Introduction Bringing it Home

1. Generally speaking, Scott Peck is right, “Life is difficult.” Life is filled with I. The ancient appearance of a “new world order.” Genesis 6:5; Genesis 11:1-9; challenges and problems and we need solutions. That’s true for you too, isn’t Isaiah 14:13 it? When you look back over the last year or so, to whom have you turned for

solutions? Have there been ways in which you’ve leaned on both of these II. The modern attempt at a “new world order.” world orders for solutions to your difficulties? Are there ways in which you

want to be leaning more on the “God world order?” III. The future arrival of a “new world order.” Isaiah 2:4; Psalm 72:2-4, 7

Conclusion- What’s wrong with pursuing a “new world order?” 2. This one’s a little risky ☺. God has shown a pattern of confusing man’s

efforts when we align ourselves on someone or something other than Him. As 1. It promises a peace it cannot produce. 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Daniel 8:25; our Creator, He knows how life works best and he wants us to go with His Isaiah 57:21 plan. Has God been working in you to redirect some of your life plans? How

have you seen God confuse some of your plans recently when your focus has 2. It presumes a unity that is impossible. :9 drifted off of His plan?

3. It paves the way for a one-world ruler.

4. It produces the roadmap for a global economy.

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Small Group Questions What can you say about the aligned efforts of people, based on this passage? From the very beginning there has been a struggle for the hearts and minds of What did God say about the effectiveness of their collective, aligned effort? people. This week we take a close look at that struggle as we contrast the “new world order” and the “God world order.” Dream a little now. What could happen if the church (big C) aligned all her efforts and resources on the “God world order?” How might our world Getting Started change? How might Shadow Mountain impact San Diego? 1. What are some of the common characteristics of the “new world order” in our culture today? Based on Pastor Jeremiah’s sermon, what would you say are the priorities of the “new world order?” 4. Think a little more together about the notion of trust. When you think about the “new world order” vs. the “God world order” which are you more inclined to trust. Look at the following verses and talk about the condition of the heart of 2. What’s the evidence of this orientation in the lives of people you know? How man apart from Jesus. do modern Americans live out the priorities of the “new world order?” If someone is directed by this philosophy how might they live their lives? Genesis 6:5, 8:21

Jeremiah 16:9-12, 17:9

Psalm 51:5; 53:1-3 Digging Deeper

1. Much of the “new world order” philosophy is centered on finding solutions for Proverbs 28:26 the global problems in our world. Take a little time in your group and list out

some of those problems. Try to get clear, as a group, on the issues the new Ecclesiastes 9:3 world order is trying to solve.

Mark 7:20-23

Romans 1:21-25, 28-32

2. When we bring up the issue of global problems and solutions we are led to the

word “trust.” We may be looking for solutions but whom do we trust to really What do these verses do to your confidence in the potential of “man” to solve solve the core problems of our lives and our world? What do the world events the very real problems of our world today? of the last year do for your confidence in manmade solutions? Why do you

think there has never been a time in history when man was “the solution” to

his own problems? How do you actually know what you trust? How can you tell when you really

trust someone or something? What does real trust look like when it’s lived

out?

3. Take another look at one of the first “new world orders” by reading Genesis

11:1-9. How would you summarize the collective aspirations or desired goals

of these people?