Trusting God Builds Holiness| Eric Upton | Year of Holiness

Kingdom Culture Phoenix exists to disciple people to know and follow Jesus through Word and Spirit.Being presence-driven isn’t a strategy for a better life. It is the pathway to a holy life. This week Pastor Eric continues in Exodus 17: 1-7. ✅ A Test in the WildernessExodus 17:1 (ESV) "...They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink."Rephidim means "resting place" — yet the people found no rest there.They forgot to be grateful for what God had already provided.Gratitude softens the heart.When we forget gratitude, our hearts harden. ✅ The Danger of Blame & QuarrelingExodus 17:2 (ESV) "Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, 'Give us water to drink.'”Quarrel (רִיב - rîv): Hostility and opposition.Israel’s sin:Demanded God's provisionDoubted God's protectionDenied God's presenceAre we guilty of putting an “Or else…” ultimatum on God?Blame gives us a false sense of control when life feels out of control. ✅ Accusation from a Place of LackExodus 17:3 (ESV) "...Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us... with thirst?"The things we thirst for often become the evidence we use to accuse God.Instead of accusation, here's how to respond when we feel lack:Gratitude: Thank God out loud for His past provisions.Remembrance: Recall and speak where He has answered before.Declaration: Speak Scripture to declare who God is.Faith: Borrow faith from the Bible, community testimonies, and your own story.✅ God Provides Even in Our AccusationExodus 17:4-6 (ESV) "Behold, I will stand before you... strike the rock, and water shall come out of it."God’s mercy: He responds not with punishment, but with provision.Jesus is the rock.John 7:37-38 (ESV): "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink... out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."On the cross, Jesus was struck — and from His side flowed the living water we need.✅ The Real Question of the HeartExodus 17:7 (ESV) "Is the LORD among us or not?"This is always the question behind our grumbling and doubt.The answer is always: Yes, He is.Trusting God is the way we walk in holiness. Presence > Solutions📲 Want to grow deeper?• KC Connect – Discover how to hear from God + live your calling.Text KCCONNECT to 94000 or  CLICK HERE.• Sermon Notes – Dive deeper into Scripture + takeaways. CLICK HERE.• Give to Fuel the Mission – Text GIVEKC to 94000 or CLICK HERE.• Questions? Reach us at [email protected]🎧 Listen now & share it with a friend — let’s walk in freedom, holiness, and the power of real redemption. 🕊️🔥About Kingdom Culture PhoenixKingdom Culture Phoenix exists to disciple people to know and follow Jesus in Word and Spirit.For more information, visit:https://www.kingdomculturephx.com