NCCF Church Sharing

April 20, 202122mWatch on YouTube

Speaker: NCCF Church Title: NCCF Church Sharing Date: 04/18/2021 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 members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The speaker shares three key areas of encouragement from the Lord: maintaining trust despite setbacks, remembering to look to heaven during difficulties, and guarding one's thoughts. He uses the example of the Israelites at the Red Sea to illustrate trusting God's faithfulness publicly, even when circumstances are challenging. He also warns against allowing the worries of the world and the deceitfulness of riches to choke spiritual growth, emphasizing the need to guard one's mind.

Outline

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

The Lord did not bring me here just to watch me failWhen facing a major project failure at work, the speaker rejected doomsday thoughts and chose to trust in God's faithfulness rather than giving in to fear.

Learning from the Israelites at the Red SeaLike the Israelites who panicked at the Red Sea despite seeing miracles, we should avoid a doomsday attitude when setbacks happen and instead trust God publicly.Exodus 14:11

Looking to heaven amidst difficultiesDrawing from John's vision in Revelation, we are reminded to look to heaven and remember that God is still on the throne when scary things happen on earth.Revelation 14:1

Being careful about the thoughts in our mindJesus' parable of the sower warns that the worries of the world and deceitfulness of riches can gradually enter in and choke our spiritual lives if we are not careful.

Making our garden breathe out fragranceWhether going through cold, difficult winds or warm, successful times, our lives should always bring out fragrance to the Lord through the power of His Holy Spirit.Song of Solomon 4:16

The nearness of God and His disciplineWhile we often associate God's nearness with success and answered prayers, Hebrews teaches that those whom the Lord loves, He disciplines to keep us near Him.Psalm 73:28

Keeping on the alert for the appointed timeJust as we heed hurricane warnings, we must heed the biblical warning to stay alert and purify ourselves because we do not know when Jesus will return or when death will come.

The rooster crowing as a call to returnThe mention of the rooster crowing reminds us of Peter's denial and restoration, showing that even after a massive mistake, we can immediately turn back to God for repentance.

Living each day seriously and loving one anotherReflecting on someone who lived his final months with purpose inspires us to guard our hearts, be fervent in love for one another, and keep God as our primary focus.