Sermons About Attention
The Father Heart of Paul (part one)
The Father Heart of Paul (part one) The Importance of “Father” to Paul 1. Paul had a special relationship to God as Father (Rom. 8:15, Gal. 4:6) 2. Paul viewed himself as a spiritual father, and his role as father was very important to him (1 Cor. 4:15, 2 Cor. 6:13, Gal 4:19, 2 Tim. 1:2, Titus 1:4) 3. Paul saw himself as being in a lineage of father’s that led back to God the Father (Eph. 3:14-15) Five Ways Paul Loves His Children 1. Attention (time) – A father’s heart is an attentive heart (Rom. 1:9-10, 1 Cor. 1:4, 2 Tim. 1:3) 2. Affection – A father’s heart is filled with affection for his children (2 Tim. 1:2-4, I Cor. 4:17, 2 Cor. 6:11-13) - Hugs, kisses, and words of affection (“I love you, I miss you, I can’t wait to see you again” - Affection must always be unconditional 3. Affirmation – A father’s heart overflows with affirmation (I Cor. 16:13, 1 Tim. 4:12, 1 Tim. 6:11-14, I Thess. 2:11, 2 Tim. 2:1, 2 Tim. 4:1-2) - “You can do it, I believe in you!” 4. Approval – A father’s heart gives approval for a job well done (2 Cor. 7:4, 1 Thess. 2:20, 2 Thess. 1:4) - “Good job, I’m so proud of you, way to go!” 5. Admonishment – A father’s heart gives admonition when needed - It is never shaming (1 Cor. 4:14) - It always strives to build up, not tear down (2 Cor. 13:10)
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Faith that Stops God in His Tracks
We all have different things in life that get our attention. What about Jesus? What gets his attention? That’s what we will talking about today as we look at a true story in the Bible about a woman whose faith literally stopped Jesus in his tracks and directed His attention toward her.
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Growing In Grace
GROWING IN GRACE "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV) Growth is not how many Growth is how much "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV) I. PUT OFF THE OLD "Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." Matthew 9:17 (NIV) "It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace..." Hebrews 13:9 (NIV) "Who then will condemn us? Will Christ? No! For He is the one who died for us and came back to life again for us..." Romans 8:34 (TLB) * Trying to grow by doing good * Trying to grow by keeping rules * Trying to grow by feeling bad II. PUT ON THE NEW "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) "For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:3 (NLT) * We don't have to achieve our new life. * We don't have to keep our new life * We do have to put on our new life. III. BE RENEWED IN YOUR MIND "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 (NIV) "Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" Gal. 3:3 (NIV) 2 QUESTIONS Why does it take so long? Where do I get started? TRUST "... He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:6 (NIV) "for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Phil. 2:13 (NIV)
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When God Messes Up Your Plans
God’s Gifts at Christmas Part 3: When God Messes Up Your Plans “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.†Jeremiah 29:11 Three reasons why God messes up your plans: 1. God wants to get your attention “But my people would not listen to me . . .†Psalm 81:11 (NIV) There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 16:25 (NIV) 2. God has a different plan for your life “I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.†Jeremiah 29:11 (Message paraphrase) i. God’s plan is BIGGER than our plan ii. God’s plan is GREATER than our plan iii. God’s plan is more REWARDING than any other plan in life “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.†1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT) 3. God wants you to trust him And without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6a (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV) i. God has a plan and purpose for your life ii. God will be with you no matter what you face iii. Trusting God is the most relaxed, rational, sane way to live You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever . Psalm 138:8 (NIV) Thank you for being a part of The Waters this Christmas. Our Christmas prayer is that you may more fully know the love of God and his purposes for your life. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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How Do We Help Each Other Grow?
Better Together – 40 Days of Community How Do We Help Each Other Grow? Philippians 1:1-11 Six ways to help someone grow spiritually 1. By showing appreciation to them. (Verse 3) 2. By paying attention to them. (Verse 4) 3. By giving acceptance to them. (Verse 5) 4. By believing in them. (Verse 6) 5. By having a deep affection for them. (Verse 7) 6. By being sincere and transparent about our own life.(Verse 9,10) How can spiritual growth be measured? You can see the fruit of right living. (Verse 11)
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