We Are His Hands
Matthew 25:31-46

The righteous, are identified in 2 ways:

1. They provided others with simple acts of kindness

2. They used their resources to be a blessing

It’s not so much wrong-doing that brings the harshest scorn,
but the failure to do good… The sin of omission is seen as more
serious than the sin of commission.

The biggest problem that most of us face in life is selfishness
or self-centeredness! We may not want to admit that, but it’s the truth.

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least
of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
v. 40

 “The bearers of Jesus’ word receive a final word of promise
for their work. They are now Christ’s fellow workers, and will be like him
in all things. Thus they are to meet those to whom they are sent as if
they were Christ himself. They are bearers of his presence.
They bring with them the most precious gift in the world, the
gift of Jesus Christ.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer The Cost of Discipleship

 We are Christ bearers before others in our homes, in the church,
in school, at work, in the whole world.

4/6/08

Everybody is Going Somewhere
Matthew 7:13-14

1. gateS & roadS - ARE a choice

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you
that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.
Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
Deuteronomy 30:19

The devil is standing outside the wide gate swinging open the door inviting
everyone to go in and have the time of there life.

It is a choice – a choice you will have to live, and die with. 

2. The SMALL & Narrow is restrictive

“I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God
unless he is born again.”
John 3:3

How many people after they die and face the judgment seat of
God will say, “Well I was going to get saved but I was just putting it
off till a convenient time in my life.
OR
 I made it to the small gate and didn’t go in because
I was a good person and didn’t think I needed all those restrictions in my life.
 

3. The WIDE & BROAD is a way of deception

“There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.”
Proverbs 14:12

When we travel upstream it’s a daily battle going against our natural inclinations.
God’s desire is for all to find the small gate

3-2-08

How To Conquer A Penny
1 Samuel 1:1-20

Hannah Was…

 1. Downcast
“… Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.”
vs. 7b

2. Unwavering
Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the LORD's temple.  In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD.”
vs. 9-10

“When any needy heart begins to truly pray, heaven itself stirs in response to the cry for help.  Hannah’s story is not about melodrama or emotional fanaticism.  It is inspired Scripture that teaches us the power of a heart that pleads its case before the Lord.”
Jim Cymbala

3. Blessed
“ Samuel… was a product of heaven’s response to a heart that
poured itself out to the Lord in prayer.”
Jim Cymbala

 --What obstacles are you facing that has you so brow beaten?--

--What tribulations are you facing that keeps you up in the mid night hour?--

--What trials are you facing that keeps you pacing the floor at night?--

--What has happened in your life to cause you to question God’s very existence… if He is real or not?--

--Is it family problems? Is it yourself? broken relationships ? Bills? Sickness in the body? A Job?--

--Is it your past life? What has caused you to feel like giving up?--

--What is your (Penny) Peninnah? What is your Obstacle?--

2/24/08