NCCF Church Sharing - March 15, 2015

March 16, 201533mWatch on YouTube

Speaker: Church Title: Sharing Time Date: 03-15-2015 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning member of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The central message is that true devotion to Christ requires giving Him one's entire heart, going beyond mere outward religious activity. The speaker emphasizes that the deepest desire should be to seek the person of God Himself, rather than focusing on religious results or service. Drawing parallels from Mary and Martha, and the principle that the reward for diligently seeking God is God Himself, the talk concludes that the degree of seeking Christ reveals the true value placed on Him.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

Give me your heart, my sonProverbs 23:26 reminds us that God wants our entire heart, desires, thoughts, and surrendered will rather than just outward religious duty.Proverbs 23:26

God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek HimHebrews 11:6 teaches that faith believes God rewards those who seek Him, and the ultimate reward God gives to those seeking Him is Himself.Hebrews 11:6

Valuing Christ through the degree of our searchJust as we search intensively for something valuable we have lost, the degree to which we seek the Lord shows how much we truly value Christ.

Circumstances versus the attitude of faithJust like students blaming their assigned companies for poor outcomes, Christians often blame their circumstances, but seeing God depends on faith and expectation rather than situation.

Two things to grow in faith forThe speaker shares two specific areas to have faith for: that Jesus will keep us from falling, and that God will teach us the fear of the Lord.Jude 1:24

Seeking the fear of the Lord like hidden treasureProverbs teaches that we must seek the fear of the Lord as hidden treasure, letting every little reminder in daily life stir up a cry for God to teach us reverence.

King Asa's good beginning and reliance on GodKing Asa started out doing right in the sight of the Lord, and God gave Judah victory and rest because they sought Him.

The danger of times of easeAfter a long period of peace and ease, King Asa drifted from God, relied on political alliances instead of the Lord, and grew angry when rebuked by the prophet.

Testing our spirituality in times of easeAnyone will seek God during difficulties, so our true spiritual state is revealed by how humble and connected our hearts remain to the Lord during times of ease.

How Jesus fought the devilLooking at Jesus in the wilderness, we see He fought spiritual opposition by humbling Himself, being led by the Holy Spirit, and living by every word from God.

Recognizing everyday fleshly trapsEveryday complaints, disrespect in marriage, selfishness, and disobedience give place to the enemy, functioning as self-worship rather than serving God.

A personal testimony of baptism and taking a standA final speaker expresses gratitude for the church community and announces an upcoming baptism, reading Mark 8:38 as a reminder to never be ashamed of Christ.

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NCCF Church Sharing - March 15, 2015

March 16, 2015 · 33m

Following Jesus