Each one knows that the world is continually watching our actions when they know that we are Christians; with this in mind, what is the most significant action a Christian can take each day?
All of us are to let our light shine before men so they can see our good works and glorify God in heaven (Matthew 5.16), but what if we took that answer a little deeper. While our example is important to the world, what is the driving force behind your example?
If you had to describe the driving force behind your example, what would it be?
What is the greatest act of a Christian?
Jesus, being asked, “What is the greatest command?” The question was valid, and the response was godly. Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.” (Matthew 22.37-38)
The great and first command is the greatest act a Christian can do each day – “Love the Lord.”
The second act of a Christian is the second command mentioned by Jesus, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 27.39)
As the end of May approaches, so does the end of school. Before the days of summer begin, a few of our young people will graduate and take another step in life. For those graduating college or high school, the next step may be to further education or to a new occupation. Each person will find a different secular path, but it is important to stay on the correct spiritual path.
The wise man Solomon has provided some sayings which might aid each one, not just the graduates, in our steps of life.
Remember your parents instructions because they have experience and they care about you – “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” (Proverbs 1:8-9)
Remember to always trust in the Lord – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Get wisdom and insight; keep learning – “Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.” (Proverbs 4:5)
When you plan, remember the Lord – “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)
To our graduates, we are proud of you and look forward to seeing where the Lord takes you. Remember to keep your eye on the prize of Heaven and press on every day towards the goal. (Philippians 3.12-14)
From time to time, we might need a few study ideas to dig us deeper in the Word or maybe a minister needs an outline to begin their lesson for Sunday Morning. Today are a few starter outlines based on the book of Jonah. These are not complete outlines, but something to get you started.
Be sure to check back next Wednesday for more Sermon Starters.
Jonah: The Prophet of a Second Chance
Topic #1: Jonah’s Influence
Jonah was influential in others lives due to God’s plan.
He influenced those he did not plan to influence – the sailors.
Who needs to find out your story?
Topic #2: Who are you prepared for?
God prepared a fish for Jonah to straighten him out; did God ever prepare someone for you? Is God preparing you for someone?
Jesus needed to go through Samaria (John 4)
Philip was sent to the Ethiopian (Acts 8)
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus
God shut a door on Paul preparing him for someone else.
Topic #3: Repentance in Disgust
In Jonah’s disgust he repented (changed heart) from the disgust of sin; do we find disgust in sin?
Do we find repentance while in the mire of sin?
Who pulls us out of the mire?
Topic #4: The Power of Simple Message
Jonah’s message was simple: “40 days and Nineveh will be destroyed”
The people responded to a simple message.
What are the results of simplicity?
Nineveh repented and responded to God.
Topic #5: Attitude of “Good Reason”
Jonah 4.9 – Then God said to Jonah, “Do you have good reason to be angry about the plant?” And he said, “I have good reason to be angry, even to death.” (NASB)
Did Jonah’s good reason question the Ninevites sincerity?
Enjoy the sermon starters and use them to glorify the Almighty God.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (1 Peter 1:3; ESV)
Easter is a time where many look to the resurrection of Christ as a reminder of their hope in God. Easter, for some, is more than a bunny, eggs, and candy along with the official ushering in of the spring season. For religious people, it is a reminder.
While Easter may be a reminder of the resurrection of Jesus, let us be mindful that our hope does not occur once a year, but our hope is an everyday hope. The tomb of Jesus is empty today, will be empty next Sunday and it was empty last week.
Our hope for salvation is in the promise Jesus made and He kept (Matthew 16.21; Luke 9.22). Jesus promised a resurrection and He fulfilled that promise (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20)
It is because of the resurrection of Jesus salvation is found in Him. He has brought us victory as we obey His word. We, too, can arise from the death of sin in the water of baptism,
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” (Romans 6:4-5)
I baptism we are united with the resurrection of Christ. Are you united with Him?
Someone is struggling who needs you. They are struggling with problems that no one knows about, and they need you. You might be the one person to brighten their day, and you might not even know it.
There is someone who is lonely, and they need you. They need to hear your voice, shake your hand or get a hug. Maybe they lost a spouse, a child, or they believe that no one cares; they need you. You might be the person to lift their spirits, and you might not even know it.
You are needed, and you may not ever realize how much.
You are needed because you are their family.
You are needed because we are to encourage one another (Hebrews 3.13). You are needed because you are to help bear the burdens of others (Romans 15.1; Galatians 6.1). You are needed because you are needed to laugh and cry together (1 Corinthians 12.26).
You are needed to stir up one another to “love and good works.” (Hebrews 10.24)
You are needed on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings and Wednesdays evenings to encourage one another and to good works, you need to be with your spiritual family (Hebrews 10.25). It makes a difference.
