Growth and Glory
How do you measure yourself?
We measure everything these days. Our weight, our goals, our performance, the list goes on. Do we measure our relationship with God? How would you do that? How has your discipleship gone? Is it better than last year? Are you making progress in your walk of faith? Make it your resolve this year to make progress in God.
Do You Love Me More Than These?
Peter had declared himself to be more dedicated to Jesus than anyone else, yet after Jesus’ execution and miraculous appearance to the disciples, Peter had decided decided to return to his old job as a fisherman. When Jesus showed up on the shore, Peter jumped out of the boat and swam to him. As Jesus, Peter, and the disciples ate a meal there on the shore in front of the boats, Jesus asked Peter, “Peter, do you love me more than these?”
It was a question Jesus had every right to ask. When the chips were down, did Peter really love Jesus more than the boats and his job? More than the other disciples? Did he just love Jesus when there were miracles and people thronging them saying how great they were, or did he love Jesus in the bad times when being associated with Jesus was a black mark?
What about you? Do your love Jesus more than these?
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Get Rid of the Garment
When Joshua led the people of Israel into Canaan, the town of Ai seemed insignificant. The spies told him “Just send a few men, they won’t put up much of a fight.” Everyone was shocked when the Israelite army was soundly defeated.
A single man had kept a garment as plunder from a city God had commanded be completely destroyed. He knew that he had sinned, but thought he could keep it hidden and no one would ever know. The secret sin of a single man stopped the army from winning an easy victory.
What is holding you back from accomplishing God’s work. No matter how insignificant or hidden you think it may be, it can turn an easy victory into a stunning defeat.
Outrageous Forgiveness
David was in utter despair. He had betrayed God in the most terrible way, and by his own admission deserved death. But God in His great mercy accepted David’s true repentance and David’s sin was not only forgiven, but his relationship with God was restored.
God doesn’t treat those he forgives like second class citizens of heaven. He desires to restore our relationship with Him, no how terrible the offense.
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Casual Christianity
When Hezekiah was king in Israel, the workers uncovered a scroll of the Law. When the king read the scroll he was shocked to see how far the kingdom had fallen from the standard that God had set. It is all too easy to treat God casually, and casual easily becomes apathetic. Before you know it, you have abandoned God entirely. If you have become casual, it is time to rethink your behavior, it is time to repent.
Sermon only without introduction to the leaders of the Reformation.
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