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September 21, 2015
God's Condition for His Full Blessing - Romans 12
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The Lord wants to give each of us an abundance of blessings. Let's explore what is required so that we may enjoy all that He has planned.
Today's passage clarifies the one necessary condition for receiving His best: full surrender. Every aspect of our being - body, soul, and spirit - is to be a living sacrifice. This may sound dreary, but contrary to human logic, true freedom is found only when we fully yield to Christ.
In the Old Testament, sacrifice was very common. To atone for sin, a person could bring a lamb to the altar. The animal was set apart for God's purposes as a holy offering, and through its death, restitution was made.
When we give ourselves as a sacrifice, there is, thankfully, no need for our blood to be shed. Jesus died to atone for all our sin. But out of love and gratitude, every aspect of our lives should be dedicated to Him.
What does a surrendered life entail? Most importantly, it involves complete commitment to Christ, unaltered by the world's influence. Our desires and old ways of functioning are no longer driving forces. Instead, His Spirit guides, and His will is the goal. Yielding to Him means following His way in attitude, words, thoughts, and deeds - and doing so unapologetically, unwaveringly, fearlessly.
You have a choice - either be content with less than God's best, or give yourself fully to Him. Complete surrender is not an easy road; it means dying to your desires and selfishness. But remember that the Lord is willing and able to do more than we can even imagine.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
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Upcoming Sermon
Series Continuation
Last year, as well as earlier this year we studied In The Beginning..., how this world began. We covered the topics of God, Creation, the fall of Satan, the fall of mankind, and the promise of redemption. We briefly covered the first 3 chapters of Genesis. Join us as we continue this series, as we cover the next few chapters in Genesis. Lord willing, we will look at Cain and Abel, Generations of Adam, Noah, and other topics.
Last Week:
In your anger, don't give the devil a guest room in your heart. We deal with our anger in the wrong ways of being spewers and stewers. Anger is like a fire. If it is sinful anger, we need to put it out. If it is righteous, then we need to fan it.
Sunday's message is available for
streaming or for download on our sermons page, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will pick up our series of Genesis In The Beginning... by studying CSI: Genesis from Genesis 4.
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Upcoming Events
September 27 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering
Cantata Practice at the church at 5 PM
October 4 - Special Business Meeting about the Parsonage Fund
Carry In Fellowship Dinner following the Worship service
November 20-22 - Missions Conference. We will be having the families of the Hopkins to Peru and the Greens to Taiwan.
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