August 28 2016 Let There Be Life

Let There Be Life

Memory Verse: Exodus 20:13 "You shall not murder."

I. WHAT THIS COMMAND IS NOT ABOUT:

1. It is not prohibiting killing animals

Genesis 9:3 "Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything."

2. It is not prohibiting capital punishment

Leviticus 24:17-18 (GN)"Anyone who commits murder shall be put to death ... the principle is a life for a life."

Romans 13:4 (JB) "The government is there to serve God for your benefit...they carry out God's revenge by punishing wrongdoers."

3. It is not prohibiting going to war

Ecclesiastes 3:8 "...There is a time for war..."

II. HOW THIS COMMAND APPLIES TO THE FAMILY

1. God says NO to suicide

Romans 14:7 "We are not our own bosses to live and die as we ourselves might choose."

Job 14:5 (GN) "The length of a man's life is decided beforehand - the number of months he will live. You (God) have settled it..."

2. God says NO to mercy killing

Job 12:10 (GN) "It is God who directs the lives of His creatures; everyman's life is in His power."

3. God says NO to abortion

Psalm 139:13-16 (GN) "You (God) created every part of me; You put me together in my mother's womb... When my bones were being formed ... when I was growing there in secret, You knew I was there - You saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me were all recorded in Your book before any of them ever began."

October 26 2014 Fully Engaged In My Walk With God

Fully Engaged in My Walk with God

Memory Verse: “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” - 2 Chronicles 16:9

KEY TRUTH: GOD IS FULLY ENGAGED WITH ME.

See Psalm 139:1 – 18

God shows His engagement to me through JESUS CHRIST

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” --John 3:16

I show my engagement with God through BECOMING MORE LIKE JESUS

“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son…” --Romans 8:29

KEY QUESTION: AM I  FULLY ENGAGED WITH GOD?

“Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart.” -Psalm 26:2

10 Pillars of a Fully Engaged Walk with God

1. My faith is involved in every aspect of my life

2. Because of my faith, I have meaning and purpose in my life

3. My faith gives me an inner peace

4. I am a person who is spiritually committed

5. I spend time in worship every day        

6. Because of my faith, I have forgiven people who have hurt me deeply            

7. My faith has called me to develop my given gifts and talents                            

8. I will take unpopular stands to defend my faith

9. I speak words of kindness to those in need of encouragement
                        
10. I talk about my faith with those who are not yet Christians                    

(Adapted from www.gallupfaith.com)

KEY DECISION: TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY ENGAGEMENT

My Engagement Measurement

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ACTION: What is one step I can take this week to be more engaged with God?

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” – James 4:8