 In the book of Judges, there is a recurring cycle of sin and rebellion. And unfortunately, it's a cycle familiar to many of us:
The key principle is this: 'Without trust, we go bust!' This statement highlights the fundamental issue faced by God's chosen people – a persistent lack of trust leading to disobedience. The Lord speaks clearly and simply to His people: obedience is the evidence of trust in the Lord. It shows faith in His ability to fulfill His promises. When we obey God's commands, we express our trust in His promise-keeping nature. However, when the Israelites disobeyed God, it displayed a lack of trust. They believed that their way was superior to God's way, leading them into sin and rebellion. One significant consequence of Israel's disobedience was God no longer driving out their enemies from the land. The Canaanites and Amorites became constant thorns in their side, their idols a continuous temptation. Their disobedience wasn't due to a lack of power, but rather a lack of trust and faith. The Israelites didn't seek God's help; they attempted to handle things on their own. They fell short, not due to a lack of strength but a lack of faith and trust. Likewise, you must ask yourself about the "Canaanites" in your life - the sinful things that you need to drive out. You can either follow Israel's example and allow these sins to pull you away from Jesus, becoming your own worst enemy, or you can trust Jesus fully, admitting your inability to conquer sin on your own. You must allow Christ's power, through His Spirit in you, to drive out your idols. The consequences of disobedience are devastating, as we see in Judges 2:10-15. Israel neither knew the Lord nor acknowledged Him. They served the idols of Baal, forgetting the God that had saved them. Like them, you can easily fall into the trap of "FOMO" – the fear of missing out – chasing after the world's fleeting pleasures, only to discover that such pursuits are ultimately futile and empty. Even after being rescued by God, Israel fell back into sinful ways when their judge died, serving other gods and indulging in corrupt practices. The crucial question, then, is how can you break this cycle of sin and rebellion in your own life? How can you avoid becoming your own worst enemy? To break this cycle, here are 4 helpful steps:
Remember, without trust, we go bust! - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on July 2, 2023.
0 Comments
Our summer sermon series is dedicated to exploring the Book of Judges. We aim to demonstrate that the Old Testament teaches us to endure in Christ, offering hope and encouraging patience. In Judges, we revisit the story of the Israelites after the death of Joshua, following their journey from victory to complacency.
Joshua led the Israelites to victory, securing 80% of the Promised Land. However, after Joshua’s death, we see a marked shift in the attitudes of God’s chosen people. The Book of Joshua is positive and victorious, while the Book of Judges reveals a comfortable and complacent community. The Israelites, satisfied with the 80% land possession, began to lose their drive for total victory. The tribe of Judah, obedient to God's plan, successfully claimed their promised land, setting a strong example. However, as we survey the other tribes, we notice a recurring pattern of complacency and unwillingness to fight. Many tribes, despite having witnessed God’s miracles, refused to drive out their enemies, choosing instead to settle next to them. As a result, they slowly adopted the morals and idols of these pagan nations, leading to their spiritual decline. Fast forward to 2023, and we see the same patterns emerging in our own lives and churches. When we experience growth and blessings, it's tempting to become comfortable, to settle for less than total victory, to slide into spiritual complacency. This is what is sometimes called the Silver-Medal-Syndrome — being content with second place, not pushing as hard as we used to. However, Paul warns against such complacency. Despite being arrested and awaiting trial, he encouraged believers to "press on," to continue striving for the heavenly prize that God, through Christ Jesus, has promised us (Philippians 3:12-14). We should be motivated by the fact that Jesus chased us down and took hold of our lives. But how do we resist the temptation of comfort and complacency? Hebrews 12:1 advises us to "strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” As we navigate through life, we must continually discard anything that hinders our spiritual journey and keeps us from pressing forward. In summary, the Old Testament (and particularly the Book of Judges) offers us invaluable lessons about spiritual growth and vigilance. It serves as a constant reminder to guard against spiritual complacency and always strive for total victory in the Lord. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 6/25/23. We all know life is filled with ups and downs, moments of joy and moments of fear. In these trying times, we often feel alone, especially if we've lost loved ones or we're facing a personal struggle. You know, those times when we’re scared, and our human fathers or mothers are not around to reassure us or hold us tight. But remember, we are never alone.
What are you most afraid of right now? Is it the fear of losing a loved one or perhaps your financial security? Maybe you're scared of growing old or facing a serious illness. You see, fear is a universal experience. It doesn’t discriminate; it reaches all of us at different times and in different ways. And yes, the world can feel like a scary place. But the beautiful message from Sunday's sermon is that we have an unfailing guide and protector who is always present. Our Heavenly Father, alongside His awesome son, Jesus, are always walking with us. They know exactly what they're doing, and they provide us with the power, wisdom, and presence we need to navigate our lives. This is an incredible truth that we have to remind ourselves of each day. Our battles with sin and the pains of this world might make us feel like we're at the end of our rope. But the Good News from this sermon, drawn from Romans 8, is that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is also in us. With this power, we are no longer slaves to sin and fear. Remember, we are children of God. When the Holy Spirit is living inside us, we are no longer slaves to fear. Even in the midst of the worst situations - terminal illness, tragic accidents, or facing our deepest fears - Jesus is there with us. And when we call out to Him, we call Him "Abba," our Heavenly Father. This personal and intimate term reminds us that we belong to Him. We're His kids! You see, we are more than just ordinary people. We are heirs of the Creator of the cosmos. We are co-heirs with Jesus Christ. Nothing can separate us from Christ's love. And the power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. If you're struggling with fear, anxiety, or any sort of trouble, remember that as a member of God's family, you can call upon His courage and boldness. If you're battling depression and doubt, call upon Jesus' calmness, peace, and joy. Never forget who you are. You're a beloved child of God, an heir to His kingdom. Remember, you belong to the One who walks with us through every valley, and His power and wisdom are available to us. - Adapted from the sermon preached at WLCC on June 18, 2023. Often, we may find ourselves tangled in painful and lousy relationships, asking the question, "How do I survive this situation?" Rarely do we even dare to ask how to thrive in that kind of a situation.
But this last Sunday at church,we talked about how the answer to this question lies in the principle of Entering Their World that we see in the life of Jesus. Here's what that looks like:
In conclusion, thriving in difficult relationships is possible when we choose to Enter Their World, just like Jesus did. This approach allows us to navigate the complexities of human relationships with grace, patience, and love, even when it seems impossible. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on June 11, 2023.  Welcome to a fascinating exploration of the incredible power of forgiveness! We would love to invite you to join us on a transformative journey where forgiveness takes center stage, fortifying relationships and unlocking a world of possibilities. Let's dive into the profound impact forgiveness can have on our lives and connections.
Relationships are undoubtedly complex, with their fair share of ups and downs. Yet, forgiveness emerges as the secret ingredient that fuels stronger and more resilient bonds. It's the game-changer that propels relationships to new heights and breathes life into our connections. Of course, forgiveness is easier said than done, right? Waiting for an apology or harboring grudges can keep us stuck in the past. But why carry the weight of bitterness when we have the power to set ourselves free? By choosing forgiveness, we liberate ourselves from the burden of resentment and open the door to personal growth and happiness. What makes forgiveness even more remarkable is that it's an ongoing journey, not a one-time event. It requires courage, patience, and a touch of divine intervention. As we navigate this path, we discover the depths of our character and the transformative nature of forgiveness. With each step, we unearth our resilience and find solace in the presence of a higher power guiding our way. Embracing forgiveness is a testament to our capacity for compassion. It radiates positivity and creates a ripple effect, touching the lives of those around us. By practicing forgiveness, we become architects of understanding, fostering a world where empathy thrives and bridges are built. So, are you ready to embark on this extraordinary journey? Arm yourself with grace, wield the sword of compassion, and let forgiveness be your guiding star. Together, let's rise to new heights, transforming lives and shaping a brighter future—one act of forgiveness at a time. "Let us show kindness to one another, with tender hearts, forgiving one another, just as God forgave us." - Ephesians 4:32 Join us on this remarkable path of forgiveness, where relationships flourish and hearts find peace. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on June 4, 2023. |
Welcome to the pastors' blog!
These are powerful posts adapted from our pastors' weekly sermons. 
Previous posts
November 2024
|
RSS Feed