We welcome you to Stone's Hill today!

A typical Stone's Hill service has:

* music (so feel free to sing out);

* some announcements (things that are upcoming that you can be a part of);

* a message out of the Bible (God speaks to us through his Word);

* and an opportunity for you to respond to the message (either immediately in the case of a decision that needs to be made OR in the future as you live out the message in your daily life.)

So relax and enjoy your morning! We're so glad you are here!

MESSAGE TEXT
Psalm 139:1-24
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Introduction
Psalm 139 links us with God. This song, like few other passages of Scripture, connects us with our Creator. It answers four of the most frequently asked questions that come to our minds about God:
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1.How well does God know me? (139:1–6)
2.How close is God to me? (139:7–12)
3.How carefully has God made me? (139:13–18)
4.How much will God protect/help me? (139:19–24)
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MESSAGE OUTLINE
Psalm 139 clearly divides into 4 stanzas of 6 verses each in our English text.
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Omniscience (v.1-6) How well does God know me? Inside and out – every thought and motive known. He knows what I do, what I think, where I go, and what I need.
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Omnipresence (v.7-12) How close is God to me? Death, distance, and darkness cannot evade His presence. In and around – no escaping.
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Omnipotence (v.13-18) How carefully did God make me? Custom and unique – designed for a purpose.
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Omnicompetent (v.19-24) Malediction (a cursing as opposed to benediction, a blessing) – How much does God protect me?
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PROPOSITION
With such invasive knowledge, presence, and power, we might feel intimidated because we’re afraid God is like us and will exploit us in some way with this inside information. We make the assumption that if God has this absolute power, he will do with it what you would do with it. Gossip and threaten and blackmail. But instead, we learn that God’s love is so complete that we can actually rest in being known and will never be abandoned because of what God finds in us. So instead of feeling suffocated with God’s all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present, all-holy being, we feel liberated and covered by His grace. So ultimately, David is comforted by this, not threatened.
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APPLICATION
This psalm makes much of God. If all these omnis are true and oriented toward me, what does that say about my identity as a human being, my worth as an image bearer of God, the value of my God-knitted body, and the fact that God uses all this transcendence to watch and keep tabs on the minute details of my life?

Being created by God, we are inherently valuable. Our worth is not determined by our achievements, our possessions, or the opinions of others, but by the simple fact that we are created by God. This understanding should shape how we view ourselves and others. Hollywood is promoting a worldview that says if your body is not perfect, you should stop being a burden to yourself and society and just kill yourself.

Being created for a relationship with God, we are called to live in communion with Him. Our lives are not meant to be lived in isolation, but in a loving relationship with our Creator. We were not just made by God; we were made for God. We were designed to live in relationship with Him, to reflect His love and glory in the world. You may not believe in God. . . . But I do, and because of that I believe in the value of all people. I believe we are all made in His image and likeness. That’s why I believe all people are worth something. If you believe that people only get their value from each other, then people can take that away. But if our value comes from God, then nobody has the right to say someone who walks is worth more than someone who doesn’t.

Being made in the image of God is not just a privilege; it's also a responsibility. We are called to be stewards of God's creation, to care for the earth and all its inhabitants. We are also called to be ambassadors for Christ, to represent Him in the world and to share His love and truth with others.
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CONCLUSION
You've been watched your entire life. The One that saw Nathaniel under the tree sees you and knows you. Come to Christ today!