We want to do big things for God.
Agree or disagree? Good desire? Bad desire?
If you asked me, I think I would circle both. I would definitely want some further explanation.
First of all, motive. Why do we want to do big things for God? Asking that question isn’t just about being picky. God designed our salvation in such a way that we would only boast in Him. So, being motivated to do big things for God to earn God’s approval or to gain a reputation for oneself is actually sinful and dangerous.
Second, content. What do we mean by big things? Jesus was constantly trying to teach his followers this lesson. Giving a cup of cold water to someone in his name doesn’t seem big, but to Jesus it was. When Jesus taught his disciples about greatness, he talked about being the least. What’s big to us isn’t always big to God and what seems insignificant to us isn’t always insignificant at all.
Third, reality. I mean, there is a book called Ecclesiastes in the Bible! And Ecclesiastes makes it very clear whether we do big things or small things, we die in the end.
But now that I’ve nuanced this question to death, God is great, Jesus did die for us, life is short, and we totally should want to use the life we have to do whatever we can to put God’s glory on display.
In Titus 2:14, Paul puts it like this: Christ Jesus...gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
In case you missed the part I wanted to stress, I just went back and bold-printed it. Jesus died that we might be zealous. I think at some point I am going to have to do a sermon on this at church, but, zealous means something like passionate. Obviously, we all have different personalities. But, regardless of our personality, as believers, we should be people ON FIRE for doing good for the glory of Jesus.
Are we?
Some days maybe. Other days not so much. But, this is part of why we gather together as a church. We are coming together to be transformed by God as we see the glory of Jesus and our salvation on display in the gospel of Luke. This Sunday we are looking at Luke 2:1-21 where we will get a glimpse of how God is accomplishing our salvation through Jesus.
Come ready! Come expectant! Come praying!
Joshua
The world is constantly trying to shape your children’s view of reality.
Through stories, advertisements, movies, music, video games, the internet, they are telling your children what to believe, what not to believe, how the world works, what matters, what the problem with people is, what is the solution.
There are times, when, honestly, for me at least, it’s a little overwhelming.
But this is part of why we gather as a church. God uses our times together to remind us what’s real. We are being given the opportunity to have God shape our view of reality.
Of course, Satan doesn’t want that. Our flesh doesn’t want that. This is spiritual war. And because it’s spiritual war, we need to take listening to God’s Word seriously. One way we do that is through prayer. Will you be praying that God will be at work in your children and enable them to understand His Word and be transformed by it? Another way we do that is by being sober-minded and girding up the loins of our minds for action. In other words, by recognizing we need to work at hearing from God.
I’ve included some things in the sermon brief document that I think will help you and your children do that. Check them out. Print out what’s helpful. Or perhaps you can come up with a better plan yourself.
For the younger children this Sunday, you can have them listen for the word Caesar and angel.
To encourage them, my wife Marda will have some treats afterward.
Every blessing,
Joshua
Order of Worship
Welcome, Announcements and Call to Worship
Singing:
Scripture Reading (Luke 2:1-21) and Pastoral Prayer
Preaching of God’s Word: Luke 2:1-21
Singing: