Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Sunday Circles - Life Lessons

Sunday Circles
        Building Your Family With Friends
Church On The Rock
Gtcotr/sc082414

Prayer
Hymn: I’ll Fly Away
Memory Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Lesson: Life Lessons
Character: David

                Pastor Ron’s remarks and intro of first principle

First Principle: Both God and man know success is more than a one step process.
Scripture Reference: Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.
The seven days of creation teach us principles of logical progression. For example, grass was grown before cows were created.
Success is more than a one step process.
Question: In what area of life has this principle applied to you?
Follow Up Question: What is your next step?
Conclusion: Life is a journey that includes many steps which demand we build on the last one and take the next one. Our lives have an expected and productive order. From first grade to graduation, each step prepares us for the next one. When we stop stepping we stop growing. Even death is a step which life should have prepared us to take. There’s a next step in every area of life. Take a deep breath, don’t worry, you’re not there yet and the next step is not always up to you.

Pastor Ron’s remarks and intro of second principle

Second Principle: Bad decisions, wrong decisions, and costly mistakes are a part of the process and not always the problem.
Scripture Reference:  Psalms 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
David, like many other Bible characters, made a bad decision which created a costly mistake.
The Apostle Peter cursed and denied knowing Jesus at his most critical hour.
At some point, Rahab decided to become a prostitute.
The Apostle Paul persecuted and imprisoned Christians as his committed life’s work.
All of these, however, have one more thing in common. They turned their failures over to God and where sin did abound, grace did much more abound.
Bad decisions aren’t always sin but they can still be costly.
Question: How can tests, trials, temptations, and tribulation work for us?   
Follow Up Question: What are some things you have learned from your mistakes?
Conclusion: The Bible says no one is perfect save Christ. Our imperfections lend us to making bad decisions, wrong decisions, and, at times, even costly mistakes. Life, however, does not have to end with your last worst decision. God will forgive you, secure you, restore you, and bring you to victory if you will but place your life in His hands. God is not interested in punishing us and neither should we punish ourselves. Life is a process, give your life to God.


Pastor Ron’s remarks and intro of third principle

Third Principle: What you are going through is not punishment for your past but positioning for your future.
Scripture Reference:  David running from Saul
David hid from Saul for many years, yet he remained loyal to both God and the king.
The hardships David faced prepared and positioned him for the future God had already designed.
Question: What are some things you can do to encourage yourself when going through difficult times?
Follow Up Question: How can we encourage others in their difficult times?
Conclusion: How we act under pressure reveals who we are and what we are made of. It has been said that a diamond is nothing more than an old piece of coal that made good under pressure. Are the pressures of life making you or breaking you? God is getting you ready for that which He already has ready for you.


Pastor Ron’s closing remarks
·        Connect Cards; Offering and Prayer
·        Memory Verse

·        Pre-Praise & Worship Prayer will be hosted by one of our Elders, John and Fronnie LeBlanc in the Sanctuary Studio. Worship will begin in just a few minutes.