SUNDAY THOUGHTS...TUNE UP?

 

A common misconception is that the Christian life is all about staying out of trouble and avoiding messes. But Following Jesus isn’t about avoiding something; it’s about becoming something!

 

 

 

 

 

As humans we should understand…

 

NOBODY IS PERFECT

 

We don’t have to look any further than the mirror to learn that truth.

 

What we may not understand is this:

 

There is a PERFECT that nobody is…

 

The very fact that we can sometimes acknowledge we have messed up or we are broken in one or more areas of our life is the result of our understanding that there is a standard outside of ourselves that we do not measure up too.

 

WE MESSED IT UP AND WE NEED A TUNE UP!

 

Foundational to our Christian understanding is that Jesus Loves us even when we are messed up. (Jn. 3:16)

 

God loves you but….

 

HE LOVES YOU TOO MUCH TO LEAVE YOU THE WAY YOUR ARE.

 

Christianity is not about staying out of trouble

 

 

 

 

 

The Apostle Paul was a church planter and author of 13 of the new Testament books.

 

One letter he wrote to the church of Philippi located in Greece was so helpful to the Christians that they made copies and preserved it and later it became a part of the New Testament.

 

We call it the book of Philippians but actually it was a letter to this church and it’s leaders.

 

 

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, (Phil. 1:3-5 NIV)

 

“Every time I remember you”

 

At this point Paul has not seen them for 10 years. He is writing to them from Rome and he is not a tourist there…He is actually in Prison.

 

Nero is the Roman Emperor it is a dark time for all Christians.

 

As I read these words over and over in preparation for our time together. I was reminded how much I love the church and the people who serve here.

 

 

 

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you…”

 

Say this with me: HE WHO BEGAN

 

Here is what Paul is saying, from the moment your surrendered your life, hopes, dreams to Jesus and you made Him the leader…HE BEGAN A WORK IN YOU!

 

You cannot rush spiritual formation.

 

You can cram for an exam but you must wait for growth.

 

Look at the last two words: IN YOU

 

Christianity is an inside out faith!

 

-Christianity is not behavior modification

-It is not you need to be good.

-It is not just staying out of trouble.

 

The essence of Christianity is God renewing our Hearts and God renewing our minds.

 

Our part is allowing God to work in us and on us! (pic of tech under hood of car)

 

 

“will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

 

That means this is a life-long process! Turn to your neighbor and say: That explains it! There is still hope for you and me!

 

God is not trying to keep you from something He is working to complete something in you!

 

God is working to Mature and Secure you.

 

 

Alan Kirkpatrick /Realtor

Austin Texas Homes

Fax 512-514-1926

Office/Cell 512-709-3336

email: alan@alaninaustin.