Life Lessons 2019
Gtcotr/ss063019
Welcome to Family Sunday at COTR. For more than 30 years we have been planning and enjoying these occasional Sundays as a special time for the whole family to Worship and hear the Word together. As well, each 5th Sunday, which comes around once each quarter, is our opportunity to give our Children’s Workers a break so they can attend the main service with their families.
We truly appreciate every one of our Children’s Sunday School, Scooterville and Children’s Church team members. They deserve our thanks for the wonderful ministry they provide to our children.
With all of the water baptisms we witnessed today and the great reports of last week’s VBA, it’s time to celebrate. 164 children asked Jesus into their hearts and they raised more than $3100 to complete a worthwhile project at our Children’s Home in India. God bless all the families who attended along with the 102 workers at this year’s Son Treasure Island VBA.
Now, let’s open our hearts to the word for this morning and see what truths God will share with us today. Perhaps one of these 5 Life Lessons will be something that will benefit you or your family this week. Life Lesson number one:
1. What you say will be said.
Luke 12: 3 "Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.”
• When we tell someone a secret, it may no longer be a secret.
• For years I have taught that usually every one tells one. It is rare when they don’t.
• So, don’t be surprised when you hear someone has repeated what you said.
• This truth should make us be more cautious about the things we say.
• James 3:2 says, “If we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.”
• The Scriptures tell us that if a person offends and hurts others with their words their worship of God might be in vain.
• Solomon said the reason people are snared and entrapped is due to their unruly mouth. (Proverbs 6:2)
• God’s Word says it’s not what goes in but rather what comes out of a person’s mouth that defiles them. (Mark 7)
• Proverbs 18 reveals that death and life are in the power of the tongue.
• Jesus said He takes account of every word we speak and, “By our words we will be justified or by our words we will be condemned.”
• Evidently what we say is being recorded for playback someday …
• Don’t be surprised – What you say will be said!
2. What you do will be found out.
Luke 12:2 "For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.”
It’s not just the bad stuff that gets found out, but also the good stuff.
Matthew 6:4 “… your (Heavenly) Father who sees (your charitable deeds done) in secret will Himself reward you openly.”
• On the one hand the devil is trying to set you up to surprise you and show your friends and family how bad you are …
• While on the other hand God is trying to set you up to show everyone how wonderful and true and loving and kind and gracious and benevolent you are …
• Who are you going to work with?
• Remember – The power of sin is in the secret. Shine the light and the darkness will flee!
• But don’t be surprised – What you do will be found out.
3. What you believe will be tested.
Mark 4:17 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.
• Jesus told His disciples that the Word of God is like a seed and we are like God’s garden. When we hear the Word the devil comes immediately, like birds in the springtime, trying to steal the seed before it can take root in the ground. (Mark 4:15)
• Today, God is going to give you a special seed of His powerful Word. Just remember: When you leave here, you are headed for a test.
o Pass the test!
o It’s an open book test! For goodness sake … open the book!
o And you can shout out to a friend.
o Or call on the Teacher and He will give you the right answer.
4. What you compromise to keep you will lose.
Mark 8:35 “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
• We are not going to live without temptation.
• The same sins that ruled your old life will try to rule the new.
• There are no new temptations … they just come in nicer packages and look more attractive. Not new and improved, just repackaged.
• For what would you be willing to compromise your integrity?
➢ Love
➢ Sex
➢ Money
➢ Power
➢ Position
• We must establish principles before we encounter problems.
5. Nothing changes until something changes.
• Geographical cures don’t work.
• There is no greener grass. Life will be only as good as you make it.
• You may in need of a new life manager
• May I recommend the Holy Spirit – He will help you manage you …
➢ Repent of your sin
➢ Recover yourself from that snare of the devil.
These 5 Lessons of Life are the truth and have been since creation. Teach them to your children and to your children’s children.
• Make it a habit to always say good things about others … things you hope they hear. Not manipulation, just your heart. It will please God.
• Choose the high road and do things you’d be proud for everyone to know about.
• Hold on to your faith concerning God and concerning others in whom you believe. Don’t let the devil rob you of the blessings which come from simple trust. If you find yourself disappointed in others … don’t let that experience color the rest of your life.
• Refuse to compromise your integrity for some short-term gains. And by the way, you are leaving here on your way to the next test!
• The outside won’t change what’s inside, but the inside can change the outside. Work on what is inside your life … work on you … your heart, your mind, your emotions, your thoughts, your hurts, your hopes and your relationship with reality.
