Friday, September 24, 2021

“FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Believing” - 9-26-21

 “FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Believing” - 9-26-21

As we worship together "from house to house," we trust you you with all our being.  We believe in your Son, Jesus.  We have faith that our sins have been forgiven and our lives are forever changed by the death and resurrection of your Son.

If you cannot join us this Sunday, we invite you to sing along with the worship videos.  We encourage you to take the Lord’s Supper.  In this way, we can take communion together even though we are apart.  Pray for one another.  Watch my message,  “FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Believing.”  Respond to the invitation.  Enjoy the bonus video.

WORSHIP




COMMUNION

Read John‬ ‭11:25-26‬ ‭NIV‬‬, “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”  Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, we believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life.  We trust in the sacrifice of your Son.  We ask you to strengthen our belief and give us courage to live out our faith.  We are grateful for the gift of salvation.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Take the Lord's Supper.

PRAYER

Pray for those who are being persecuted for their faith that they might hold onto their faith.  Pray for strength for them as they endure hardships for the sake of Christ.

MESSAGE


CHALLENGE

Journaling is an effective tool for spiritual development.  Writing connects our minds, bodies, and spiritual lives.  My challenge to you during this series is to journal about the topic of Sunday’s  message on Monday through Friday of the next week.  This week I would like you to journal about Who you believe, When you first believed, What you believe, Why you still believe, and How you can demonstrate you believe.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word at Kenwood Church.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these way, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I encourage you to speak with me via phone (248-476-8222) or an email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org).  I would be honored to speak with you about what God is doing in your life and try to connect you with a community of faith in your area.

Bonus Video




“FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Believing” - 9-26-21

 “FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Believing” - 9-26-21


INTRODUCTION


Fundamentals of the Christian Life

Where do we begin

Hear, believe, repent, confess, baptism, and faithful living

Hearing and listening


I don’t remember not believing.  I do remember not trusting.


VIDEO - Cece Winans “Believe for It” (Official Lyric Video)


I.  BELIEVING


“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

‭‭ John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬


“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified,”

‭‭ Romans‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬


A.  “Believe” defined

1.  Accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of.

“The superintendent believe Lancaster’s story.”

2.  Hold (something) as an opinion; think or suppose.

“I believe we’ve already met.”

B.  “Believe” in the Bible

1.  Relational - “trust”


You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death. It is easy to say you believe a rope to be strong as long as you are merely using it to cord a box. But suppose you had to hang by that rope over a precipice. Wouldn't you then first discover how much you really trusted it? 

C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed


2.  Propositional also

a.  Trusted truths

b.  Accurate information 


The content of belief is important: Jonathan Whitfield was preaching to coal miners in England. He asked one man, "What do you believe?" "Well, I believe the same as the church." "And what does the church believe?" "Well, they believe the same as me." Seeing he was getting nowhere, Whitfield said, "And what is it that you both believe?" "Well, I suppose the same thing.”

Jonathan Whitfield


II. BELIEVING GOD


"Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that thou mayest believe, but believe that thou mayest understand." 

Augustine


A.  Trusting

1.  Trust is personal.

2.  Trust demands action.

3.  Trust requires risk.  

B.  Trusting God


“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

‭‭ Hebrews‬ ‭11:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬


1.  Heart - passion

2.  Soul - spiritual self

3.  Mind - intellect

4.  Strength - physical body


III.  BELIEVING GOD TODAY


“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.”

‭‭ 1 Peter‬ ‭1:8-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬


A.  Beyond hypothetical


B.  Beyond “spirituality”


C.  Our very lives


People refuse to believe that which they don't want to believe, in spite of evidence. When explorers first went to Australia they found a mammal which laid eggs; spent some time in water, some on land; had a broad, flat tail, webbed feet, and a bill similar to a duck. Upon their return to England, they told the populace of this, and all felt it was a hoax. They returned to Australia and found a pelt from this animal and took it back to England, but the people still felt it was a hoax. In spite of the evidence, they disbelieved because they didn't want to believe. 

cf. J. McDowell, Answers to tough questions, under "miracles"


CONCLUSION


Believing.  Believing God.  Believing God today.


“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

‭‭ John‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬


CHALLENGE


Journaling is an effective tool for spiritual development.  Writing connects our minds, bodies, and spiritual lives.  My challenge to you during this series is to journal about the topic of Sunday’s  message on Monday through Friday of the next week.  This week I would like you to journal about Who you believe, When you first believed, What you believe, Why you still believe, and How you can demonstrate you believe.


INVITATION


It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.  

Saturday, September 18, 2021

Video: “FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Hearing and Listening” - 9-19-21

“FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Hearing and Listening” 9-19-21

As we worship together "from house to house," we submit ourselves to the Word of God.  We allow it to transform and change us.  We want it to make us more like Jesus.

If you cannot join us this Sunday, we invite you to sing along with the worship videos.  We encourage you to take the Lord’s Supper.  In this way, we can take communion together even though we are apart.  Pray for one another.  Watch my message "FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Hearing and Listening.”  Respond to the invitation.  Enjoy the bonus video.

WORSHIP





COMMUNION

Read John‬ ‭1:1, 3-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”  Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, we are grateful for the light.  The light that casts out all darkness and lights our way to you.  We are thankful that we can live in the light as You are in the light.  Cast out all darkness from us and draw us closer to you.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Take the Lord's Supper.

PRAYER

Pray for one another as we strive to live the life of Christ before a watching world.

MESSAGE


CHALLENGE

Journaling is an effective tool for spiritual development.  Writing connects our minds, bodies, and spiritual lives.  My challenge to you during this series is to journal about the topic of Sunday’s  message on Monday through Friday of the next week.  This weeks I would like you to journal about hearing God through His Word, through the voice of God’s people, through the Holy Spirit, through the Gospel.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word at Kenwood Church.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these way, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I encourage you to speak with me via phone (248-476-8222) or an email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org).  I would be honored to speak with you about what God is doing in your life and try to connect you with a community of faith in your area.

Bonus Video












 

“FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Hearing and Listening” - 9-19-21

 “FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Hearing and Listening” - 9-19-21


INTRODUCTION


VIDEO - “Word of God Speak” - MercyMe Lyric Video (Emily Mader)


ONCE THERE WAS A MAN...


Once there was a man who dared God to speak.

Burn the bush like you did for Moses, God. And I will follow.

Collapse the walls like you did for Joshua, God. And I will fight.

Still the waves like you did on Galilee, God. And I will listen.

And so the man sat by a bush, near a wall, close to the sea and waited for God to speak.

And God heard the man, so God answered.

He sent fire, not for a bush, but for a church.

He brought down a wall, not of brick, but of sin.

He stilled the storm, not of the sea, but of a soul.

And God waited for man to respond.

And he waited. . .

And he waited. . .

And waited.

But because the man was looking at bushes, not hearts; bricks and not lives, seas and not souls, he decided that God had done nothing.

Finally he looked to God and asked, ‘Have you lost your power?’

And God looked at him and said, ‘Have you lost your hearing?’

- Max Lucado in his book, Gentle Thunder


I.  HEARING THE GOOD NEWS


A.  The power of the Gospel

“for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

‭‭ Romans‬ ‭10:13-14‬ ‭NIV‬

B.  The necessity of the preaching the Gospel

“And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

‭‭ Romans‬ ‭10:15-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬


II. HEARING GOD’S VOICE


THE MAN WHOSE HEART IS PURE


Charles Spurgeon: “The man whose heart is pure, will be able to see God in nature. When the heart is clean, he will hear God's footfall everywhere in the garden of the earth in the cool of the day. He will hear God's voice in the tempest, sounding in peal on peal from the tops of the mountains. He will behold the Lord walking on the great and mighty waters, or see him in every leaf that trembles in the breeze. Once he gets the heart right, then God can be seen everywhere. To an impure heart, God cannot be seen anywhere; but to a pure heart God is to be seen everywhere."


A.  The Word of God


1.  The Bible


Lets examine what the Bible tells us is the spiritual food for a Christian. 1 Peter 2:2 tells us, 


“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,”  

1 Peter 2:2 NIV


As infants have a taste for their mother's milk, so we are to develop a taste and a craving for the life-giving Word of God. Growing in Christ requires that we spend time in His word.


Commentator Matthew Henry puts it like this, "A new life requires suitable food. They, being newly born (spiritually), must desire the milk of the word. Infants desire common milk, and their desires toward it are fervent and frequent."


“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

‭‭ 2 Timothy‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬


2.  Preaching


“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.”

‭‭ 1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭NIV‬‬


C.  Godly counsel


D.  The Body of Christ


E.  The Holy Spirit

III.  LISTENING FOR THE VOICE OF GOD


We use hear for sounds that come to our ears, without us necessarily trying to hear them!  For example, 'They heard a strange noise in the middle of the night. ... Listen is used to describe paying attention to sounds that are going on. For example, 'Last night, I listened to my new Mariah Carey CD.

BBC.co.uk


Listening is an action.  Hearing is a passive event.


A.  Read/listen to the Word

1.  Daily Bible reading has never been easier.

2.  Find a plan that is right for you.

3.  Stick to it.

B.  Listen to the Word preached

1.  Attend church

2.  Listen/watch 

3.  Be careful

C.  Study the Word

1.  Attend Bible School

2.  Join a study

3.  Be careful

D.  Talk with Godly people

1.  Surround yourself with God’s people

2.  Discuss your spiritual life with others

E.  Listen to the Holy Spirit

1.  Remain open to God’s prompting

2.  “Test the spirits” - 1 John 4:1-6

3.  Know the Word that is in harmony with the Holy Spirit


CONCLUSION


Hearing the Good News.  Hearing God’s voice.  Listening for the voice of God


CHALLENGE


Journaling is an effective tool for spiritual development.  Writing connects our minds, bodies, and spiritual lives.  My challenge to you during this series is to journal about the topic of Sunday’s  message on Monday through Friday of the next week.  This weeks I would like you to journal about hearing God through His Word, through the voice of God’s people, through the Holy Spirit, through the Gospel.


INVITATION


It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.  

Saturday, September 11, 2021

Video: “FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Where do I begin . . .” - 9-12-21

“FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Where do I begin . . .” - 9-12-21

As we worship together "from house to house," we give praise and honor to our mighty King.  We lift Him up as our Lord.  We celebrate Jesus as our Savior.  We worship God in His majesty.

If you cannot join us this Sunday, we invite you to sing along with the worship videos.  We encourage you to take the Lord’s Supper.  In this way, we can take communion together even though we are apart.  Pray for one another.  Watch my message, "FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Where do I begin . . .” - 9-12-21.  Respond to the invitation.  Enjoy the bonus video.

WORSHIP




COMMUNION

Read Ephesians‬ ‭4:32‬ ‭NIV, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, we remember at this moment that you have forgiven us for all our sins.  We pray that as we contemplate your sacrifice that we might understand our responsibility to forgive one another.  Give us the courage, love, and strength to forgive those who have wronged us.  Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Take the Lord's Supper.

PRAYER

Pray for our witness to a watching world.  Pray for wisdom to discover ways to demonstrate the life of Christ to our community.

MESSAGE


CHALLENGE

Journaling is an effective tool for spiritual development.  Writing connects our minds, bodies, and spiritual lives.  My challenge to you during this series is to journal about the topic of Sunday’s  message on Monday through Friday of the next week.  This weeks I would like you to journal about the moment you heard, believed, repented, confessed, were baptized, and began to live the Christian life.  Write as much or as little as you would like but write something.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word at Kenwood Church.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these way, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I encourage you to speak with me via phone (248-476-8222) or an email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org).  I would be honored to speak with you about what God is doing in your life and try to connect you with a community of faith in your area.

Bonus Video













 

“FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Where do I begin . . .” - 9-12-21

 “FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Where do I begin . . .” - 9-12-21


INTRODUCTION


Where do I begin?  I have noticed that we spend a lot of our time talking about what a person needs to do to become “saved” and how we should behave after we are saved.  Walter Scott spoke of the five-finger exercise  - faith, repentance, baptism, remission of sin, and the gift of the Holy Spirit - as seen in Acts 2:38.  We at times will talk about moral and ethical implications of Christianity and discuss how we ought to live.  I don’t think we spend nearly enough time talking about the fundamentals of the Christian life.  While there certainly are moral implications behind such a study, I wish to look at the Christian life through the lens of those actions we identify as “part of the salvation process” - hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, baptism, and living a faithful life.  So, I am going to begin at the beginning of our Christian life and move on from there.


VIDEO - “More to This Life” Steven Curtis Chapman


‬ “Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her. 


When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” 


The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 


About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” 


The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 


They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. 


When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” 


But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.” 


The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭16:16-40‬ ‭NIV‬‬


What happened to the jailer?


I.  MY TESTIMONY


A.  Grew up in the church


B.  Understood the Story


C.  Did not see the connection to me


D.  Followed God’s will 


II. BECOMING CHRISTIAN

A.  Hear


“for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

‭‭ Romans‬ ‭10:13-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

B.  Believe


“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

‭‭ John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬


“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified,”

‭‭ Romans‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬


C.  Repent


 “So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

‭‭ Romans‬ ‭2:3-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬


““Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭17:29-31‬ ‭NIV‬‬


 “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

‭‭ 2 Peter‬ ‭3:8-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬


D.  Confess


“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬


“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”

‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭10:32-33‬ ‭NIV‬‬


“Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.”

‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭16:16-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬


“Phillip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”  The eunuch answered, “ I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 

Acts 8:37 NIV (not in all manuscripts)


E.  Baptism


“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38-39‬ ‭NIV‬‬


“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

‭‭ Mark‬ ‭16:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬


F.  Faithful living


“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

‭‭ 2 Timothy‬ ‭4:6-8‬ ‭NIV


“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”

‭‭ Revelation‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬


III.  LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE


“It is not what men eat but what they digest that makes them strong; Not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; not what we preach but what we practice that makes us Christians.”

Anonymous


A.  More than behavior


B.  More than history


C.  More than confirmation of our personal theology.


D.  More than just the beginning.


E.  No more than doing what you know


Don’t waste your time waiting and longing for large opportunities which may never come. But faithfully handle the little things that are always claiming your attention.

F.B. Meyer


CONCLUSION


Our testimony.  Our coming to Christ.  Our life in Christ.  Our lives are a continuation of coming to Christ.  The Christian life does not end at our Christian birth.  


CHALLENGE


Journaling is an effective tool for spiritual development.  Writing connects our minds, bodies, and spiritual lives.  My challenge to you during this series is to journal about the topic of Sunday’s  message on Monday through Friday of the next week.  This weeks I would like you to journal about the moment you heard, believed, repented, confessed, were baptized, and began to live the Christian life.  Write as much or as little as you would like but write something.


INVITATION


It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.