{"id":1165,"date":"2019-10-06T14:20:25","date_gmt":"2019-10-06T21:20:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/?p=1165"},"modified":"2019-10-06T14:37:20","modified_gmt":"2019-10-06T21:37:20","slug":"from-chaos-to-charis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/2019\/10\/06\/from-chaos-to-charis\/","title":{"rendered":"From Chaos to Charis!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"color:black;font: 10pt arial;\"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:WordDocument>   <w:View>Normal<\/w:View>   <w:Zoom>0<\/w:Zoom>   <w:TrackMoves\/>   <w:TrackFormatting\/>   <w:PunctuationKerning\/>   <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas\/>   <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false<\/w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>   <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false<\/w:IgnoreMixedContent>   <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false<\/w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>   <w:DoNotPromoteQF\/>   <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US<\/w:LidThemeOther>   <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE<\/w:LidThemeAsian>   <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE<\/w:LidThemeComplexScript>   <w:Compatibility>    <w:BreakWrappedTables\/>    <w:SnapToGridInCell\/>    <w:WrapTextWithPunct\/>    <w:UseAsianBreakRules\/>    <w:DontGrowAutofit\/>    <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark\/>    <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp\/>    <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables\/>    <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx\/>    <w:Word11KerningPairs\/>    <w:CachedColBalance\/>   <\/w:Compatibility>   <m:mathPr>    <m:mathFont m:val=\"Cambria Math\"\/>    <m:brkBin m:val=\"before\"\/>    <m:brkBinSub m:val=\"&#45;-\"\/>    <m:smallFrac m:val=\"off\"\/>    <m:dispDef\/>    <m:lMargin m:val=\"0\"\/>    <m:rMargin m:val=\"0\"\/>    <m:defJc m:val=\"centerGroup\"\/>    <m:wrapIndent m:val=\"1440\"\/>    <m:intLim m:val=\"subSup\"\/>    <m:naryLim m:val=\"undOvr\"\/>   <\/m:mathPr><\/w:WordDocument> <\/xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState=\"false\" DefUnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"   DefSemiHidden=\"true\" DefQFormat=\"false\" DefPriority=\"99\"   LatentStyleCount=\"267\">   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"0\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Normal\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 7\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 8\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 9\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 7\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 8\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 9\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"35\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"caption\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"10\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Title\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"1\" Name=\"Default Paragraph Font\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"11\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Subtitle\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"22\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Strong\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"20\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Emphasis\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"59\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Table Grid\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Placeholder Text\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"1\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"No Spacing\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Revision\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"34\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"List Paragraph\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"29\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Quote\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"30\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Intense Quote\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"19\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Subtle Emphasis\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"21\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Intense Emphasis\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"31\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Subtle Reference\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"32\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Intense Reference\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"33\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Book Title\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"37\" Name=\"Bibliography\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"TOC Heading\"\/>  <\/w:LatentStyles> <\/xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object  classid=\"clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D\" id=ieooui><\/object> \n\n<style> st1\\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } <\/style>\n\n <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> \n\n<style>  \/* Style Definitions *\/  table.MsoNormalTable \t{mso-style-name:\"Table Normal\"; \tmso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; \tmso-tstyle-colband-size:0; \tmso-style-noshow:yes; \tmso-style-priority:99; \tmso-style-qformat:yes; \tmso-style-parent:\"\"; \tmso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; \tmso-para-margin:0in; \tmso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; \tmso-pagination:widow-orphan; \tfont-size:11.0pt; \tfont-family:\"Calibri\",\"sans-serif\"; \tmso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; \tmso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; \tmso-fareast-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; \tmso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; \tmso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; \tmso-bidi-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} <\/style>\n\n <![endif]--><\/p>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;color:#212121\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-1165-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Pentecost-17-10-06-19.mp3?_=1\" \/><source type=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/FILELINK?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Pentecost-17-10-06-19.mp3\">http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Pentecost-17-10-06-19.mp3<\/a><\/audio>&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">October 6, 2019<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">1 Timothy 1:12-17<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">From Chaos to Charis!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align:justify;tab-stops:13.5pt .5in 2.5in 238.5pt 337.5pt\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners\u2014of whom I am the worst.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Now, to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Amen.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(NIV1984)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Are you familiar with a poem entitled <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cLife is but a Weaving\u201d<\/i>?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It is also known as <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThe Tapestry.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It goes like this:<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align:center\" align=\"center\"><em><br \/> <\/em><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align:center\" align=\"center\"><em>My life is but a weaving <\/em><br \/>\n<em>Between my God and me. <\/em><br \/>\n<em>I cannot choose the colors <\/em><br \/>\n<em>He weaveth steadily. <\/em><br \/>\n<em>Oft\u2019 times He weaveth sorrow; <\/em><br \/>\n<em>And I in foolish pride <\/em><br \/>\n<em>Forget He sees the upper <\/em><br \/>\n<em>And I the underside. <\/em><br \/>\n<em>Not \u2019til the loom is silent <\/em><br \/>\n<em>And the shuttles cease to fly <\/em><br \/>\n<em>Will God unroll the canvas <\/em><br \/>\n<em>And reveal the reason why. <\/em><br \/>\n<em>The dark threads are as needful <\/em><br \/>\n<em>In the weaver\u2019s skillful hand <\/em><br \/>\n<em>As the threads of gold and silver <\/em><br \/>\n<em>In the pattern He has planned <\/em><br \/>\n<em>He knows, He loves, He cares; <\/em><br \/>\n<em>Nothing this truth can dim. <\/em><br \/>\n<em>He gives the very best to those <\/em><br \/>\n<em>Who leave the choice to Him.<\/em><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align:center\" align=\"center\"><em><br \/> <\/em><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">I like this poem.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I like it because it very nicely reminds us of a very important truth, a truth that we all too often forget.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>That truth centers on the fact that the Lord our God is the One who is weaving the tapestry of our life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>God has a plan for each and every one of us.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>At times His plan for our life may seem rather chaotic\u2014 at least from our perspective.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>At times His plan for our life may be very different from what we had planned for our life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>But as this poem reminds us, God\u2019s plan is always the best plan!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">I\u2019d like you to remember this poem as we study our sermon text for today.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Here in 1 Timothy chapter one the apostle Paul gives us a glimpse into the story of God\u2019s plan for Paul\u2019s life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In a nutshell Paul reveals to us that his life was a journey\u2014 a journey that I think can be described with the words of our sermon theme for today:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">From Chaos to Charis.<\/i><\/b><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Let\u2019s note two things this morning.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>First let\u2019s note that a life without Christ is indeed a life that is filled with chaos.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then let\u2019s see that a life with Christ is truly a life that is overflowing with charis.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Right about now you might be wondering, what in the world is <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccharis\u201d<\/i>?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So, before we proceed let me learn you a little bit of Greek.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cCharis\u201d<\/i> is the Greek word for <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cgrace.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This Greek word is used 155 times on the pages of the New Testament Scriptures\u2014 119 of those times it is simply translated into English as <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cgrace.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(Other translations of the word include:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cfavor\u201d<\/i> and <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cthanks.\u201d<\/i>)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cCharis\u201d<b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"> <\/b><\/i>is the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cundeserved love\u201d<\/i> that the good Lord so freely and so richly showers upon us.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Since I am somewhat partial to alliteration I included this Greek word in our theme for today:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">From Chaos to Charis.<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Let\u2019s turn to our text, shall we.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The life of the apostle Paul is indeed an extremely good example of how a life without Christ is indeed a life that is filled with chaos.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Paul describes this portion of his life in verses 13 and 15 of our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In verse 13 he describes himself as <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201c\u2026 a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man.\u201d<\/i> <span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;<\/span>In verse 15 he sums up this portion of his life by confessing that he is the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cworst\u201d<\/i> of <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201csinners.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Was Paul perhaps being a little \u201cover-dramatic\u201d here?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Not at all\u2014 especially when you look at Paul\u2019s life from God\u2019s perspective!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>To see how Paul\u2019s life was at one time marred by chaos all we need to do is look at Paul\u2019s life back when he was still known as Saul.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Saul the Pharisee was indeed a man who lived his life in chaos\u2014 especially from God\u2019s perspective.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Saul was a <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cblasphemer,\u201d<\/i> someone who <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cspoke against God.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>After the execution of Stephen (Acts 7:54-8:1) Saul made it his personal life\u2019s mission to <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cdestroy the <\/i>(Christian)<i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\"> church\u201d <\/i>(Acts 8:3).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Saul quickly became the pre-eminent persecutor of God\u2019s church and violently dragged both men and women off to prison for proclaiming Jesus as the Promised Messiah, this world\u2019s only Savior from sin.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Once Saul had swept through the city of Jerusalem he set his sights on doing the same thing in the city of Damascus.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See Acts 9:1-2)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When Paul the apostle looked back at his life as Saul the Pharisee he saw that from God\u2019s perspective his life had indeed been marred by chaos.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When Paul the apostle looked back at his life without Christ he had no choice but to confess that he was indeed the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cworst\u201d<\/i> of <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201csinners.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">At the same time Paul was now able to see how the good Lord had a plan to bring him from chaos to <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccharis.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Look at verse 14 of our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Paul writes, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThe grace (charis) of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Even though Saul was indeed a <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cblasphemer,\u201d<\/i> a <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cpersecutor\u201d<\/i> and a <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cviolent man,\u201d<\/i> even though Paul was indeed the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cworst\u201d<\/i> of <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201csinners\u201d<\/i> the Lord God had planned from all of eternity to bring Paul out of that chaos by showering him with <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccharis\u201d<\/i>\u2014 <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cgrace.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In fact, the picture that Paul uses here is nothing short of amazing.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Very literally Paul says that the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccharis,\u201d<\/i> the<i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\"> <\/i>\u201c<i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">grace,\u201d<\/i> of our Lord <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201coverflowed\u201d<\/i> or <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cwas present beyond measure\u201d<\/i> in his life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>No matter how much chaos may have ruled Paul\u2019s life before he knew Christ as his Savior, the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccharis,\u201d<\/i> the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cgrace\u201d<\/i> that he received <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cin Christ Jesus\u201d<\/i> was most certainly <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cbeyond measure.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Now one might think that Paul would be somewhat reluctant to have the chaos of his life without Christ openly revealed for everyone to see.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Why was Paul willing to have this part of his life put on public display?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Look at verse 15 -16 of our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Paul writes, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cHere is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners\u2014 of whom I am the worst.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Paul is indeed a beautiful example of our sermon theme for today:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">From Chaos to Charis.<\/i><\/b><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Purely by grace, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccharis,\u201d<\/i> Paul was brought from being a <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cblasphemer\u201d<\/i> to being a believer.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Purely by grace, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">charis,<\/i> Paul was transformed from someone who persecuted Christ to someone who praised Christ.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Purely by grace, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">charis,<\/i> Paul was changed from someone who reacted violently at the message of the Gospel to someone who rejoiced victoriously at the message of the Gospel.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Purely by grace, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">charis<\/i>, Paul was brought from being the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cworst of sinners\u201d <\/i>to being a saved child of God.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">From Chaos to Charis<\/span><\/i><\/b><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\"><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Can God do that for you, my friends?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Listen very closely before you answer that question.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">Can<\/b> God bring you from the chaos of a life without Christ to the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccharis\u201d<\/i> of a life in Christ?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He already has!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Through the powerful message of the Gospel (See Romans 1:16-17) working through Word and Sacrament the good Lord has already brought you from chaos to <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccharis\u201d<\/i>!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Even if at one time you rivaled Paul himself for being the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cworst of sinners\u201d<\/i> this cross guarantees to you that the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccharis<\/i>,<i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201d<\/i> the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cgrace,\u201d<\/i> of God has been poured out on you <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cbeyond measure.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(Pointing to the cross)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>No matter what \u201cskeletons\u201d Satan may try to drag out of your closet and put on display for everyone to see, through faith in Christ Jesus you can now say with Paul, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cHere is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners\u2014 of whom I am the worst.\u201d<\/i> <span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;<\/span>You <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">are<\/i><\/b> saved; you <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">are<\/i><\/b> forgiven purely because of the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccharis,\u201d <\/i>the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cgrace\u201d<\/i> of the Lord your God.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">There\u2019s just one more point that we need to glean from this text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Sometimes our life here on this earth still seems rather chaotic, doesn\u2019t it?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We experience troubles at home, troubles at school, troubles at work.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We face financial difficulties and failing health.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Worries keep us awake at night.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>People disappoint us.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>How do we deal with the chaos that we all too often encounter in life?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We stay focused on the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccharis\u201d<\/i> of our God!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Just as God has already brought us out of the chaos of a life without Christ and into the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccharis\u201d<\/i> of a life with Christ, so also one day the good Lord will usher us out of the chaos of this world into the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ccharis\u201d<\/i> of His heavenly Home.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>All the difficulties that we deal with here remind us that this world and everything it offers to us adds up to absolutely nothing.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What the good Lord has waiting for us in heaven truly is priceless!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">My prayer this morning, my friends, is that you will indeed remember the four little words:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">From Chaos to Charis.<\/i><\/b><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Remembering those four little words will bring you the comfort of knowing that no matter how chaotic your life may seem from your perspective the Lord who loves you so much that He was willing to die for you (Pointing to the cross) knows what He is doing.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As the One who is weaving the tapestry of your life your God has a plan for you!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Since God sees your entire life from His perspective He knows exactly how everything will most certainly work together for your eternal good.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See Romans 8:28)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>At the same time remembering those four little words <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">From Chaos to Charis<\/i><\/b> will give you the confidence to look at what God has already done for you (Pointing to the cross), lead you to trust in what God has waiting for you in eternity and then enable you to joyfully proclaim with the apostle Paul, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cNow to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">To God be the glory!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Amen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\"><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"postie-attachments\">Download sermon audio ::  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Pentecost-17-10-06-19.mp3\">Pentecost-17-10-06-19.MP3<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost October 6, 2019 1 Timothy 1:12-17 From Chaos to Charis! &nbsp; I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.&nbsp; Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1165","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sermon"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1165","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1165"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1165\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1165"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1165"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1165"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}