Sermon Leftovers

James said that suffering leads to endurance and endurance makes us complete. Paul said that endurance builds character and character leads to hope. Chumbawamba said "I get knocked down; but I get up again." We would all like to think that once we start something, we work at it until we finish it. We believe that once we quit something, we never have to worry about it again. Truth is, we rarely finish what we start without slipping up a time or two along the way. We are rarely successful at quitting cold turkey. The secret is ENDURANCE. Success is the result of continuous effort in the face of overwhelming odds. Growth occurs when we dust ourselves off and keep going no matter how badly we've failed. Peter said we need to work out our salvation daily. On the cross, Jesus did everything necessary to set us free from the sin that enslaves us. He offers us that freedom, we only need to accept it and keep accepting it. John said if we confes

Many churches consistently push people toward small groups as a vehicle to help them grow. This isn't just a churchy thing, though. "Secular" research also suggests that the people whom we allow to influence us will either drag us down or pull us up to their level.

Mark 1:14-15: Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Our question is not just "How did Jesus act?" In view of His action, we must also ask, "What should be my reaction?" Don't be so consumed waiting for tomorrow's miracle, that you miss God's provisions and opportunities today. Anywhere the King's authority is accepted and obeyed is a kingdom outpost. Jesus came to inaugurate the Kingdom of God in the hearts of men . Repentance is more than just an apology. It is words, not actions. It is an intentional effort to discontinue the old in favor of the new. Belief is more than just a one time prayer asking Jesus into your heart. It is the full embrace of a new way of life. Repentance and belief is like remodeling an old house. It's best to simply tear out the old so that the new can be built appropriately. J