People like the idea of asking Jesus into their heart, to have just about enough Jesus to fill a chest pocket. He wants to give you more than a warm feeling and a home in heaven. He'll give you a whole new life. But you have to give your whole life to him.
Admit it. You are no good at changing yourself. You've tried and nothing changes. That's because change is God's work. This Sunday, we're talking about transformation. If you are serious, all the talk could finally lead to real change.
Some people tell you to live better by asking yourself, "What would Jesus do?" Problem is, you don't know what Jesus would say or do, because you don't know what he actually said and did. So, what does it mean to live like Jesus?
When there is a need in the body of Christ, God answers it with a person. You yourself are a gift to the church. You may be the only answer to someone else's need. So do whatever you can to help others. That's what spiritual gifts are all about.
The Bible fell out of the bundle as two North Korean women were doing laundry. They were executed. So next time you want to say that Bible-reading is boring, say it to one of the many around the world who would die for a single page.
It's like there are two fighting dogs inside you. One pulls you toward a life of selfishness, one pulls you toward a life of love. So which dog will win the fight in you? The one you feed.
Peter and John said they could never stop talking about the name of Jesus. They couldn't be stopped, but most us us can't seem to get started. If they were so unstoppable, why are we so stoppable?
Do you want another year like last year? If you keep doing what you have been doing, you'll keep getting what you've been getting. Let's talk seriously how to start moving forward.
Jesus' first coming into the world was as soft as winter snow and silent as night. But he's coming again, so prepare yourself. Next time you see him, it wont be silent or soft.