Lasting Spiritual Resolutions

(audio sermon by Gary Sampson)

Spiritual resolutions impact our lives the most. Jesus taught that we should count the cost before committing. Why not make a quality commitment to a godly resolution for 2018?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Speakers notes follow –

Lasting Spiritual Resolutions

Luke 14. 25-35

Resolution for new year? Hands up who has

2008 Pole – Top three resolutions:

Men – 1 Stop smoking, 2 Spend less, 3 Lose weight

Women – 1 Lose weight, 2 Be better person, 3 Stop smoking

Others – less TV, jogging, no choc – Taken as joke – little things – last till Jan 3!

But could be more serious resolution – home early be with family, start home industry to supplement income

But even more serious – deciding to follow Christ – perhaps you’ve put it off – deciding to get committed – drop entanglements

Spiritual decisions impact most – means being serious about them –

Crowd following Jesus – he doubts sincerity – enjoying hype – miracle bread

Seen political crowds – some serious, others not

So Jesus gets tough – ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate (let go of) father’ – Jews/Gentiles changing religion got cut off – a serious resolution!

I challenge you to have a resolution – spiritual one – be serious – why not change for the better?

A wasted life is just a collection of wasted days – all given same number of opportunities in 2018 – 365 – can use for God or let drift

Here are a few – 1 Up hour early to worship. 2 Read Bible in year. 3 Attend weekly homegroup. 4 Serve in church – obvious but will change you

We need to plan to succeed –

Twitter followers said – love God more, grow spiritually, make Jesus number one -easy to say – need plans to achieve

Jesus said anyone building a tower counts cost – this involves planning – how many stones – days paid labour

BIOY Jan 2016 – 48 started, 3 still going – cost was high – didn’t finish!

Bible in one year – min per day / Worship team – practices Sat / Sound team – 7am

Salt losing its saltiness – used illustration of food – but another use –

Sermon on Mount – overlooking Sea of Galilee – see fishermen spent night fishing – crating fish – no refrigeration – fish in layers of salt – turns to disciples: “You are the salt of the earth” (Mt.5:13)

Message of kingdom timeless – world rotting – new earth nothing rots

Our message a taste of eternal life – world needs saltiness of Christians

Salt is different/unique – In the world not of it – in but distinct

Two types of useless salt – lost taste/stays in bucket – doesn’t mix with fish

Need a resolution? – one that maintain saltiness (difference) but impacts unbelievers – the world

Feel free to comment below or share this message with others.
You will make us really happy if you click LIKE in our Facebook fan box on the right above (below on mobile). Thanks.

Comments

comments