2024-09-22 BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Title: Living in the Light: Embracing Spiritual Growth Together

You might wonder why spiritual growth is so important. Why should you care about growing in your faith? The truth is, your spiritual journey is not just about you; it's about how you can impact others and live a life that reflects Jesus. In our recent sermon, we explored the parallels between physical fitness and spiritual growth, and how both require intentionality, consistency, and community. Let's dive into how you can take concrete steps to grow in your faith and help others do the same.

The Main Point: Commit to Spiritual Growth Together

The main point of the sermon is clear: We are called to be committed to one another's spiritual growth by helping each other grow in Jesus as we wait for His return. This commitment involves remembering that Jesus' return is sure and sudden, resisting complacency, resting in the finished work of Christ, and realizing that salvation is just the beginning of our relationship with Him.

Remember That Jesus' Return is Sure and Sudden

You need to understand that Jesus' return is not a distant possibility; it's a certainty. The Bible tells us that His return will be like a thief in the night—unexpected and sudden. This should motivate you to live a life that is always ready for His return. Are you living in a way that reflects this urgency?

Resist the Urge to Live in Complacency

It's easy to become spiritually lazy, especially when life gets busy. But Paul reminds us that we are children of the light, not of the darkness. This means we should be awake, self-controlled, and actively growing in our faith. Are you complacent in your spiritual life? If so, it's time to wake up and take action.

Rest in the Finished Work of Christ

One of the most freeing truths of the gospel is that Jesus has already won the victory. You don't have to strive for salvation; you work from it. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross means that you are not appointed to wrath but to obtain salvation. Are you resting in this truth, or are you still trying to earn God's favor?

Realize That Salvation is Just the Beginning

Salvation is not the end goal; it's the starting point of a lifelong journey with Jesus. Paul encourages us to build each other up and to be committed to one another's spiritual growth. Are you investing in the spiritual growth of those around you? Are you allowing others to invest in you?

Action Steps to Take

1. Be Intentional: Set aside time each day for prayer and Bible study. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
2. Join a Community: Get involved in a small group or Bible study where you can encourage and be encouraged by others.
3. Serve Others: Look for opportunities to serve in your church or community. Serving others helps you grow and keeps you focused on Jesus.
4. Share Your Faith: Don't keep the good news to yourself. Share it with your friends, family, and coworkers.

Conclusion

The point is, Jesus wants your whole heart. What will you do this week to give it to Him? Will you commit to growing in your faith and helping others do the same? Remember, your outlook determines your outcome. If you focus on Jesus and His mission, you'll find purpose and joy in your spiritual journey.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation and the promise of Your return. Help us to live with urgency, resisting complacency and resting in Your finished work. Guide us to invest in the spiritual growth of others and to be open to their investment in us. May our lives reflect Your love and grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

2024-09-15 THE ETHIC OF GRIEVE

Title: Living in Light of Eternity: The Christian Ethic of Grief

You might wonder how to handle grief when a loved one who knew Jesus passes away. It's a question that touches all of us at some point. How do we navigate the pain and loss while holding onto our faith? In our recent sermon series, "Living in Light of Eternity," we explored this very topic, focusing on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Let's dive into how we can grieve with hope, anchored in the promise of Jesus' resurrection and His return.

Grieving with Hope

Grief is a universal experience, but as Christians, we are called to grieve differently. Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, emphasizes that our grief should be anchored in the hope of the resurrection. He writes, "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Why is this important? Because our hope is not in this world but in the promise that Jesus died and rose again. This resurrection hope assures us that those who have died in Christ will also rise. This changes everything about how we process grief. We don't grieve as those without hope because we know that death is not the end.

The Promise of Reunion

One of the most comforting aspects of our faith is the promise of reunion with our loved ones who have passed away in Christ. Paul reassures us that when Jesus returns, "the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

What does this mean for you? It means that your loved ones who have died in Christ are not lost forever. There will be a glorious reunion when Jesus returns. This hope should transform how we live today, knowing that our separation is only temporary.

Living Today in Light of Eternity

The reality of Jesus' return and the resurrection of the dead should transform how we live today. Paul concludes this passage by saying, "Therefore, encourage one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18). This isn't just a future hope; it's a present comfort.

How can you apply this? Here are some concrete steps:

1. Anchor Your Grief in Hope: When you grieve, remind yourself of the resurrection hope. Jesus' victory over death is your victory too.
2. Encourage Others: Use the promise of Jesus' return to comfort and encourage those who are grieving. Share these words of hope with them.
3. Live Expectantly: Let the reality of Jesus' imminent return shape your daily life. Live as if He could come back today, because He could.

Conclusion

The point is clear: Jesus' resurrection and His promise to return should transform how we grieve and how we live. What will you do this week to anchor your grief in the hope of the resurrection? How can you encourage someone else with these words of comfort?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope we have in Jesus' resurrection and His promise to return. Help us to anchor our grief in this hope and to live each day in light of eternity. Comfort those who are grieving and use us to bring Your words of encouragement to them. In Jesus' name, Amen.