2024-11-24 SALVATION

Title: Seek the Lord While He May Be Found

Have you ever felt like something was missing in your life? Maybe you've wondered if there's more to this world than what meets the eye. If so, you're not alone. Many of us have felt that tug at our hearts, urging us to seek something greater. In a recent sermon, we explored a powerful message from Isaiah 55:6, which calls us to "Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near." This invitation is not just a suggestion—it's a call to action that can transform your life.

The main point of the sermon was clear: God wants us to seek Him with urgency and sincerity. This isn't about religion or rituals; it's about a personal relationship with Jesus. The sermon emphasized that there are only two kinds of people in the world—those who are saved and those who are lost. If you know Jesus, your sins are forgiven, and you have the promise of eternal life. But if you don't, there's an urgency to seek Him now, while your heart is tender, your mind is clear, and your body is alive.

Why is this important? Because every day you live without Jesus, your heart can grow harder, and the voice of God can become quieter. The statistics shared in the sermon were eye-opening: 94% of people who come to Jesus do so before the age of 18. This highlights the importance of seeking God early in life, but it also serves as a reminder that it's never too late to turn to Him.

So, what should you do? The sermon laid out three simple steps:

1. Seek the Lord with a tender heart. When your heart is open, you're more receptive to God's call. Don't wait until it's too late.

2. Seek the Lord with a clear mind. Understand the gospel and what Jesus did for you on the cross. If you can comprehend this, you're capable of making a decision for Christ.

3. Seek the Lord while you're alive. There's no second chance after death. The time to make a decision is now.

The sermon concluded with a powerful reminder that Jesus has already made the way for us. He died for our sins and rose again, offering us forgiveness and eternal life. The question is, will you accept His invitation?

What will you do this week to seek the Lord? Maybe it's spending more time in prayer, reading the Bible, or talking to someone about your faith. Whatever it is, take a step towards Jesus. Without taking this step, you might miss out on the life He has planned for you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your invitation to seek You. Help us to respond with open hearts and clear minds. May we not delay in coming to You, knowing that You are near and ready to receive us. Guide us in our journey of faith, and let us find our true purpose in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

2024-11-17 The Gospel At Work: Being Vocational Missionaries

Title: The Gospel at Work: Being Vocational Missionaries

Have you ever felt like your work is just a fog you’re navigating through, unsure of where you’re headed or why you’re even doing it? You’re not alone. Many of us find ourselves on autopilot, cruising through our daily tasks without a clear sense of purpose. But what if your work could be more than just a job? What if it could be a mission field, a place where you live out your faith and make a real impact?

In a recent sermon, we explored how the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, challenges us to view our work through God’s eyes. Paul’s message is clear: work is not just a means to an end; it’s a calling, a vocation that God has given us to fulfill His purposes. Let’s dive into how we can transform our work into a mission that glorifies God and blesses others.

Understanding Work as a Calling

Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 remind us that work is a fundamental part of our Christian life. He warns against idleness and encourages believers to work diligently, not just for personal gain but as a testimony to the gospel. This perspective shifts our understanding of work from a mundane task to a divine calling.

God Himself is a working God, as seen in Genesis 2:1-3, where He creates and then rests. We are created in His image, designed to work and steward His creation. Our work, whether as teachers, engineers, or stay-at-home parents, is a reflection of God’s work in the world. It’s an opportunity to bring about human flourishing and to serve others.

Living Out Your Faith at Work

So, how do we take our faith to work? It starts with understanding that our vocation is a primary space for our sanctification. In our jobs, we learn discipline, responsibility, and generosity. We are called to work quietly, provide for ourselves, and not grow weary in doing good (2 Thessalonians 3:12-13).

This means being intentional about how we conduct ourselves at work. Are we known for our integrity, kindness, and diligence? Do we see our workplace as a mission field where we can share the love of Christ through our actions and words? By aligning our work with God’s mission, we become vocational missionaries, using our skills and talents to further His kingdom.

Finding Purpose and Rhythm

In today’s fast-paced world, finding balance can feel like chasing unicorns. Instead, we should seek rhythm in our work and rest. God instituted the Sabbath as a time for rest and reflection, reminding us that our worth is not tied to our productivity. By cultivating healthy rhythms, we can avoid burnout and find joy in our work.

Moreover, our work should teach us responsibility and generosity. As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:8, providing for our families is a fundamental aspect of our faith. But beyond that, we are called to be generous, using our resources to bless others and support the work of the church.

Conclusion

The point is, your work matters to God. It’s not just a job; it’s a calling to be a light in the world. So, what will you do this week to take your faith to work? How can you be a vocational missionary in your workplace, living out the gospel in tangible ways?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of work and the opportunity to serve You through our vocations. Help us to see our jobs as a calling and a mission field. Give us the strength to work diligently, the wisdom to find rhythm in our lives, and the courage to be a light in our workplaces. May our work glorify You and bless those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.