“First Things First” – Week Four
Sunday marks the last week of our “First Things First” series and the beginning of the study of Acts. The final “first thing” for the Christian is sharing this fabulous good news about knowing God. When God becomes important, when we find something to live for that helps not only in this life, but also promises eternal life, we naturally want to tell others.
Jesus wants others to hear the message, so, amazingly, He partners with men and women to do just that. Sometimes that scares us to think the burden is on us, especially living in a highly secularized culture which often seems less than receptive. But Jesus says, “I will be with you so depend on Me as you tell others about your faith.” We can rejoice in the blessing of being used by God to bring God’s gift of eternal life to others.
Read Luke 10:1-20 and Acts 1:8-9 and think about these questions:
- How has this “First Things First” series rearranged your priorities?
- In which area do you need to grow: spending more time with Jesus, investing more in God’s kingdom, or learning not to worry?
- Pray for someone to cross your path this week, with whom you can share the good news
READ THE SERMON: First Things First, Part Four: Sent On a Mission
“First Things First” Series
“Don’t Worry; Be Happy!” The choir sings that this Sunday. Wow, that’s strange. Isn’t that a secular song? Yes, it is, but all of us, whether believers are not, tend to do exactly that. So why is it that so many of us do so much worrying?
We all would like to worry less! And, in our passage Jesus logically argues against worry and shows us how to let it go. The antidote is found in getting our priorities right and learning to see God as God really is.
Do you want your relationship with God to relieve your worry? I do! Let’s explore the Bible’s most famous passage on worry and hear God’s voice to you. That voice is powerful and the desire is to free you from anxiety. Don’t worry. Trust God.
To prepare read Matthew 6:19-34 and Psalm 139:1-18. Ask yourself
- What things worry you? Are they included in this passage?
- What priorities will you rearrange to seek God?
- Make a list of your worries. Then envision placing them in God’s hands and leaving them there.
READ THE SERMON: No Worries!
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“First Things First” Series
This month we are talking about First Things First. But how do you keep those first things as your top priority? Motivational speakers excel at helping us keep the right priorities. I bet there are times you have been motivated by someone who made you want to go right out there and apply what they said. You were most likely motivated by both their words and their own personal experience. What did they say?
This is the best in the whole world . . . don’t quit, don’t quit, don’t quit!
Jesus motivates us to cherish the opportunity for heaven with all we have. Over and over again he paints a picture of the kingdom of heaven and asks us to look at it – from this angle and that angle – until we begin to see its value. Jesus’ greatest desire is for us to understand how tremendous it is. And so he talks and talks.
Come listen to his stories this Sunday and receive the greatest gift God has for you. To prepare, read Matthew 13:44-53 and ask yourself these questions:
- What holds great value in your life?
- How is the kingdom of heaven valuable to you?
- How will you embrace and enjoy what God has given to you?
READ THE SERMON: How Valuable is the Kingdom!