Sermon Leftovers

When you think about the idea of "honor", you probably think about people who deserve to be honored because of what they've done. We honor our sports heroes who win championships. We honor the high-achievers who win spelling-bees and robotics competitions. We honor musicians who entertain us with hit songs. We rightly honor our veterans who were willing to give their all to ensure our well-being. It is good and appropriate for us to often honor the sacrifices made by those who served our country. Most of the time, we honor those who have earned it through their actions. However... God also expects us to honor people, not because of what they've done, but because of who they are! Paul writes in Ephesians 6:2: “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise). To honor is to: - prize - respect - value - view as worthy Paul expects people to honor their parents, not because their parents have earned it, but because they have b

It is a joy to serve God. If it isn’t, you’re probably just serving yourself by pretending to serve God. Being a servant of God means several things which on their own should bring enough joy to sufficiently quell any unhappiness. Being God’s servant means I am dwelling in the household of God. Although it isn’t Eden exactly, it is the closest we on the post-fall earth can come.  By serving God, I am willingly participating as a member of his family and community.  Being a servant of God means I have meaningful and eternal work to accomplish. God does not call us to mundane, repetitive work; but rather to the greatest, most important task imaginable; we are called to participate in his redemptive work.  Being a servant means I have security. I do not need to worry about my safety or my future. My master will take care of me. If I trust that God is more powerful than any force, I can be certain He will not be overpowered or surprised by anything that comes into my life. Thus,