Sermons on Character (Page 8)
The Way Forward Is Back
Have you ever been lost? I have taken wrong turns in the USA—a long way backGod’s people regularly lost their way…Adam and Eve driven from the Garden of EdenCain did evil to his brotherNoah’s wicked GenerationAfter EgyptUnbelief costsFunerals in the desertDidn’t have to be God always provided a way back…Each time God offered a door of mercy for them to walk through Galatians 1:6-9 (NASB) 6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you [a]by the grace of Christ,…
Relationships 102—Before You Commit
All relationships are to be based on love for God and, in turn, love for one another. Some things are best learned now *Disagreement doesn’t change facts*Both parties find this reality hard to believe*But men can actually chew gum and walk at the same time*There are a variety personality types*Only God can change the heart*Men and women communicate differently*Adjust you must! 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NASB) 4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does…
God At Work – Again
Four things that God wants: 1.Maturity– Grow in faith and knowledge– Leaving behind an infantile life 2.Decisiveness– Choose this day – Some are neither ‘Hot nor cold.’ 3.Consistency– Rid yourself of doubts– Some burn ‘Hot and cold.’ 4.Strength If you want God to work in you? Seek that which is pleasing in His sight. Philippians 1:6 (NASB) 6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.…
Relationships 101
Everyone is included•We want to be at peace with all•We want unshifting principles for everyday life•We want everyone we meet to benefit•We want to be genuine•We want no compromises•We want souls to be won to Christ Ephesians 4:26-29 (NASB) 26 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil [a]an opportunity. 28 He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share…
How To Bear A Burden
The BurdenWho is Burdened?1.It helps to know specifically:•We all have things in common•Sin and temptation•Circumstance of church, family, work, school, health…•Fear comes upon us•Sooner of later it is us 2.What•Personal—private sin or temptation•Sickness—affecting your future•Disappointment—relationships, work issues, child trouble•Loneliness—divorce, friendship issues•Financial—setback•Temptation—changes bring opportunities•Not accountable to old friends•Guilt—Past and/or present sins•Situations handled badly—Regret Galatians 6:2 (NASB) 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Seeing Yourself
Human beings are not famous for seeing themselves as they really appear. It’s not the outside. It’s our habits that build over time… . Thoughtlessness•Rudeness in the name of humour•Arrogance•Messiness•Eating habits•Wastefulness•Selfishness•Aggression•Judgmental•Bad language 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NASB) 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
Add Love, Too
Conditional v Unconditional Love Love—Dangerous when ill-defined. It pays to check for any unrealistic conditions The Greatest Commandements GOD IS LOVE !!! 2 Peter 1:7 (NASB) 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
Criticism…Again?
Always going to be those—1.Professional complainers2.Burdened down with hurt to share3.Sinners reflecting their guilt4.Who just-don’t-care how you feel5.Selfishly looking to take advantage6.Who think they’re funny7.Are poor communicators8.We just don’t get Forms of criticism…1. Blame2. Condemnation3. Protest4. Destructive behaviour5. Silence6. Withholding of payment7. Boycott Criticism Best Defeated Through Resilience Proverbs 11:14 (NASB) 14 Where there is no guidance the people fall,But in abundance of counselors there is [a]victory.
Add Moral Excellence, Too
Man is made in the Image of God God’s Character is reflected in man Love Goodness Kindness Mercy Compassion Grace Righteousness If there was ever a time that was in need of moral heroes, this would be the time. Our generation is very much like those described in the book of Judges where it says that “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25) 2 Peter 1:5 (NASB) 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in…
Add Knowledge, Too
The Knowledge that MattersThe Facts are— •If you are not teaching your children who God really is,… I assure you the world is giving them their version •The Bible has transformed civilization. Its impact is unquestioned •The Bible will transform you! The Bible gives: •Peace in fear •Calm in crisis •Power and strength in weakness •Light in darkness 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NASB) 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral [a]excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and…