Yesterday was a rather intriguing sermon for me. Why? Because a passage that I have read a number of times did not resonate at the level it did last week. The passage is Ps. 127, it teaches that “If the Lord does not build your house then all your building is in vain.” You say, “Big Deal.” we typically assume that God is glorified by our efforts rather than by our alignment with His will and activity. The point is that the most important element to building your marriage, family, business, and/or city is GOD. If he is not actively building your home then it will not produce the desired outcome. Here are some application questions:
- What are your current efforts to build your home, business, and/or community?
- How are you ensuring that you are in alignment with God?
- What action is required of you to ensure that you are in alignment with God?
Today, I had the privilege to speak with the congregation about securing their financial future. I’m sure that the prescription caught many of them off guard. This should not be a surprise however, because God often has a different solution than we would come up. My most favorite part of the sermon is the introduction. I had an opportunity to talk about Rick Warren, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Warren Buffet. Each of them are making a major difference with their philanthropy.
Surely, we as believers should be extravagant givers for our Savior Jesus Christ because we honor Him. Proverbs 3:9-10 teaches that we should glorify God with the first of our increase. The “First Fruits” teaching was encouraging and challenging for many?
What are your thoughts on “First Fruits?”
1. People can earn eternal life without Christ
2. People cease to exist after life on earth
3. Since God knows your heart, you will go to Heaven
4. A good God will not allow good people (you) to face a Christ-less eternity
5. Only criminals will face eternity without Christ
6. Heaven and Hell are not real
1. You are a new person in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21)
2. You have peace with God (Col 1:20-22)
3. You have a new power for living (Gal. 2:20-21)
4. You have a new representative (Col. 3:1-3)
5. You are no longer under a curse (Gal. 3:13)
Coming Soon: 6 Myths About Eternal Life
Have you ever wondered “I’m saved, but now what?” The Truth is that Jesus wants you to have an incredible life (Jn. 10:10). The Dilemma is that He wants you to have this life according to His way and His will (Acts 4:12, Jn. 14:6). The Myth is that you somehow deserve, can earn, or will spend eternity with Christ on your own terms (Eph. 2:8-9) The Good News is that Jesus died and rose again so that you can live that extraordinary life for which your are designed (Jn. 3:16).
Here are 10 actions after believing in Christ:
1. Get your hands on a Bible and read it
2. Find a church that teaches the Bible clearly and confidently
3. Tell others about your new decision
4. Obey what God teaches you from the Bible, prayer, and your Church
5. Learn more about your new Savior, Jesus Christ, from the Bible
6. Talk to God about your life decisions, issues, and concerns
7. Expect people to criticize your new decision
8. Build relationships with Christians you respect
9. Start giving some of your time, abilities, and money to the Church
10. Remember, no one is perfect but Jesus
Coming soon: 5 Benefits of Trusting Christ for Salvation
5 Rules of DIS-Engagement
Remember the cartoon Popeye? Do you remember his saying, “I’ve had all I can stand and I can’t stands (Intentional) it no more!” What do you do when you get to that point in your marriage relationship and desire a divorce? Consider these 5 Rules before giving up.
1. Read the Principles of Jesus
2. Commit to Following Jesus
3. See if you have BIBLICAL justification
4. Check your heart before you Check Out
5. Understand Freedom of Choice does not Mean Freedom FROM Consequences
Here the entire sermon at www.discoverdestiny.org/media
Do you know people that are Single? Are you Single? Are you married and advising people that are Single? What would you say is the greatest reason of discontent for Singles? This week I taught what I believe one of the greatest reasons Singles are discontent. Normally, I would just spell it out here but you honestly need to go listen to this to grasp the principle. Please listen to it and let me know if you agree.
The sermon can be heard free of charge at www.discoverdestiny.org/media.
Each of us faces discontentment at some point in our lives. In fact, we face it more often than we probably care to admit. There are at least 4 indicators that you might be discontent: 1) Worry 2) Whining 3) Waiting without Hope 4) Wrestling with God.
Here are 5 steps to help you choose contentment over discontentment:
1) Reorient your life around the existence of God
2) Grow through life circumstances rather than just go through life circumstances
3) Submit to the sovereignty of God
4) Implement what God has invested in your life
5) Never doubt God’s supply
To hear the entire sermon free of charge and other inspirational biblical messages go to: www.discoverdestiny.org/media
Why do we gather for Easter Sunday? Why does the Church put so much effort into it? My answer is that Easter can be likened to the Christmas Superbowl. It is a natural holiday that most embrace/endure. The Good News of Easter is this:
1. No one deserves to go to Heaven or eternal life
2. Christ died for our sins
3. Christ was buried for our sins
4. Christ rose from the grave
The next step is ours, to believe these facts in our hearts! What are your thoughts about Easter?
Do you ever wonder if there are benefits associated with having a personal relationship with Christ? It dawned on me that it is critical to address the benefits that are associated with having a personal connection to Christ. If you have yet to start this relationship, forgive the church for not clearly sharing the benefits of knowing Christ. Here are six benefits of having a personal connection to Christ.
1.His Pardon of all of your moral failures
2. His Power is shared with you to navigate life
3. His Package: He gives you everything you need to live a satisfying and successful life.
4. His Promises: He commits Himself to spectific outcomes for your life.
5. His Partnership: He relates to you in every area of your life. He is never too busy or unavailable to respond to your need.
6.His Protection: We live in a challenging and dangerous time. God offers His ultimate protection from the evil present in our world.
If you would like to hear the entire context of this message, check it out at www.discoverdestiny.org/media free of charge along with other free audio resources.
