Saturday, October 21, 2006
preview
A few quotes from my message tomorrow on Mark 10:25-45, Our Mission Statement:
Are we forgetting that thechurch of Christ
We hear what we want to hear – and we ignore that which doesn’t match the conclusions we have already reached. We look to Scripture to back up our opinions and beliefs – rather than listen to Jesus’ words with an open mind and heart.
In the world, greatness is determined by how many people serve us. In Christ’s kingdom greatness is determined by how many people we serve. It’s not a matter of authority and control – but of humility and service. It’s not a matter of fame and recognition by the world – but of knowing that we have done God’s will. Someone wrote that the Lord never says, "Well done, good and famous servant," but he does say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Usually we tend to think of heaven as a place free from suffering – pain – and death. That’s certainly something to look forward to. However, there is another freedom, perhaps a greater freedom, which we will experience in heaven. And that is freedom from evil. The old nature, which plagued James, John, and their mother – and also plagues us – will be defeated. As promised by the prophet Hosea, “He will restore us, that we may live in his presence.” The constant battle which we fight every day with the old Adam will be over. No more will we face temptation. No more will we battle sin. No more will our conscience make us feel guilty. We will be truly free. We will be truly perfect. We will be truly holy.
Are we forgetting that the
We hear what we want to hear – and we ignore that which doesn’t match the conclusions we have already reached. We look to Scripture to back up our opinions and beliefs – rather than listen to Jesus’ words with an open mind and heart.
In the world, greatness is determined by how many people serve us. In Christ’s kingdom greatness is determined by how many people we serve. It’s not a matter of authority and control – but of humility and service. It’s not a matter of fame and recognition by the world – but of knowing that we have done God’s will. Someone wrote that the Lord never says, "Well done, good and famous servant," but he does say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Usually we tend to think of heaven as a place free from suffering – pain – and death. That’s certainly something to look forward to. However, there is another freedom, perhaps a greater freedom, which we will experience in heaven. And that is freedom from evil. The old nature, which plagued James, John, and their mother – and also plagues us – will be defeated. As promised by the prophet Hosea, “He will restore us, that we may live in his presence.” The constant battle which we fight every day with the old Adam will be over. No more will we face temptation. No more will we battle sin. No more will our conscience make us feel guilty. We will be truly free. We will be truly perfect. We will be truly holy.
