You Asked For: Are There Different Severities of Sin?

Understanding God's Perspective on Sin and Life

Life through Jesus offers something far greater than what our old life of sin and death could provide. While we may sometimes feel pulled back toward old habits and desires, they ultimately leave us empty and unfulfilled compared to the joy and peace found in Christ.

Can God Create a Rock So Big He Can't Lift It?

This question attempts to create a paradox to disprove God's unlimited nature. However, the question itself is flawed because it tries to put limits on a limitless God. Scripture tells us that "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26) and that His understanding has no limits (Psalm 147:5).

To illustrate the difference between a million and a billion, we talked about in terms we might understand. A million seconds works out to a little over 11 days. A billion seconds is….over 30 years! And a trillion seconds? It would take 1,000 generations to experience 1 trillion seconds. Our human minds struggle to comprehend true infinity - whether in terms of space, time, or power. The vastness of the universe, with its billions of galaxies, gives us just a glimpse of God's unlimited nature. He exists outside of our limited understanding of time and space. This perspective on God set’s up our next question.

Are There Different Levels of Sin?

From our human perspective, we often try to categorize sins as "worse" or "better." However, God's perspective is different. Romans 6:23 tells us "the wages of sin is death" - all sin leads to death and separation from God. While there may be different earthly consequences for various sins, God's primary concern is whether we are spiritually dead in sin or alive in Christ.

How Do We Receive New Life?

The path to life comes through:

1. Faith in Jesus Christ

2. Believing in His death and resurrection

3. Accepting His gift of righteousness

4. Being justified through faith

5. Experiencing baptism as a symbol of dying to sin and rising to new life

Life Application

This week, instead of comparing sins or trying to justify behavior, focus on this core question: Are you living in death or in life? Consider:

1. Do you truly believe Jesus loves you and offers new life?

2. Are you still finding satisfaction in things that lead to death?

3. What areas of your life need to be surrendered to experience more of Christ's life?

4. How can you pursue things that lead to life rather than death?

The challenge is to stop playing the comparison game with sin and instead embrace the new life Jesus offers - a life that finds no satisfaction in the empty promises of sin but finds complete fulfillment in Christ. We spent a lot of time in Romans this week. It’s so full of this language and helps us understand how we move from dead to sin to alive in Christ. Take some time this week to read Romans.

Presents or Presence: Week 4

Finding True Happiness in God's Presence:

As we approach the Christmas season, it's a time filled with joy, anticipation, and reflection. This week's sermon delved into the essence of true happiness and where it can be found. Are we seeking happiness in the gifts and material things of this world, or are we finding it in the presence of God? Let's explore the key points from Ecclesiastes and Psalms to understand how we can find lasting joy and satisfaction.

Disappointment in Material Gifts:

We've all experienced the disappointment of receiving a gift that didn't meet our expectations. Whether it was socks or something less exciting, these moments remind us that material things often fall short of bringing true happiness.

The Joy of Anticipation:

Conversely, the joy of receiving something we've longed for is unparalleled. This joy, however, is fleeting and often leaves us wanting more. The sermon highlighted that true happiness is not found in the getting but in being in God's presence.

The Wisdom of Solomon: Ecclesiastes 3:12-14

Solomon, known for his wisdom, explored the purpose of life and where true satisfaction lies. He tested wealth, pleasure, success, and found them all meaningless. However, he discovered that happiness is a gift from God, found in our daily lives when we do good, eat, drink, and find satisfaction in our work.

The Burden of Eternity

Solomon also noted that God has set eternity in our hearts, yet we cannot fathom His plans. This understanding can either be maddening or comforting, depending on our faith. Trusting that God makes everything beautiful in its time allows us to live in the moment and find joy in our daily lives.

Trusting and Obeying God: Psalms 37:3-6

David, Solomon's father, emphasized the importance of trusting in the Lord and doing good. When we commit our ways to God and take delight in Him, He gives us the desires of our hearts. This trust and obedience lead to true happiness, as God knows what will bring us the most joy.

The Fear of the Lord

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This fear is not about being afraid but having a deep respect and understanding of God's authority and love. Recognizing that being apart from God is what we should truly fear helps us stay close to Him and find happiness in His presence.

Life Application: Trust in God's Timing

Understanding that God makes everything beautiful in its time helps us trust Him with our past, present, and future. This week, focus on living in the moment and finding joy in your daily activities.

Obey God's Commands

True happiness comes from trusting and obeying God. Reflect on areas in your life where you may need to align more closely with His will. Are there steps of obedience you need to take?

Reflect on Your Heart's Desires

Ask yourself:

- What do I need to be truly happy?

- Where have I set my heart?

- Am I seeking happiness in material things or in God's presence?

Challenge for the Week

This week, challenge yourself to:

1. Trust God with your daily life and find joy in the present moment.

2. Take a step of obedience in an area where you feel God is leading you.

3. Reflect on your heart's desires and realign them with God's will.

Conclusion

True happiness is a gift from God, found not in the material things of this world but in His presence. By trusting and obeying Him, we can find lasting joy and satisfaction. As we celebrate this Christmas season, let's remember that the greatest gift we can receive is God's presence in our lives.

Presents or Presence: Week 3 - God Given Gifts

Discovering Your Unique Gifts in God's Presence!

Today, we dive into the profound topic of understanding our unique gifts and how they are fully realized in the presence of God. The message is not just about recognizing the talents and abilities that make us special, but also about understanding the deeper purpose behind these gifts. Let's explore how our gifts are meant to be enjoyed and used in God's presence, leading us to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

What Makes You Unique?Understanding Your Gifts

Have you ever wondered what makes you unique? What sets you apart from everyone else? These questions are crucial because they can determine much about your life, including your career path, relationships, and self-worth. God has promised to give us good gifts, making us special and unique. But it's essential to recognize that these gifts are not just for our benefit; they are meant to be used in His presence.

The Story of Jeff and the Drums

Pastor Jeff shared a personal story about discovering his gift for drumming. Initially, he wanted to play the saxophone but found it challenging. However, when he tried the snare drum, something clicked. This moment of realization was like a divine revelation, showing him that his gift was meant to be enjoyed and used in God's presence. This story serves as a reminder that our gifts are often discovered through trial and error, and they are best realized when we seek God's presence.

God's Masterful Creation: Psalm 139:13-16

David beautifully describes how God created us with intentionality and purpose in Psalm 139:13-16. He portrays God as an artist who carefully knits us together in our mother's womb. This imagery reminds us that we are not mistakes; we are masterpieces created by a loving God. When you look at yourself, do you see this kind of artistry on display? Do you believe that you are fearfully and wonderfully made? In Ephesians 2:10 Paul says that we are God’s workmanship, some versions saying “Masterpiece” and we were created with a purpose in mind. 

Reconciling Self-Worth with God's Creation

How you view yourself often reflects how you view your Creator. If you struggle with self-worth, it's essential to reconcile your identity with God's intentional creation. Recognize that your strengths, quirks, and even weaknesses are part of God's design. Embrace the fact that you are unique and special because God made you that way.

The Purpose of Our Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 that the Spirit gives different gifts to each of us for the common good. These gifts are meant to bless the church and help it fulfill its mission. Whether it's cooking, teaching, or any other talent, your gift has a purpose in God's kingdom. The key is to use these gifts in His presence, allowing them to be fully realized and effective.

Living Out Your Gifting

Our church recently witnessed this during the Damascus Way Christmas party. Volunteers used their unique gifts to serve and bless others, creating a beautiful example of living out their gifting in God's presence. When you use your gifts for God's glory, you find fulfillment and joy that goes beyond personal satisfaction. God gifted each of us differently! If you’re not sure what your gifts might be, a great way to figure it out is to try serving in different areas and seeing which area seems more naturally. If you’d love to know more about your area’s of giftedness, we’d love to connect with you. 

The Greatest Gift: Love: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 that our gifts are meaningless without love. Our primary purpose is to love and be loved by God. This love is the foundation of our identity and the ultimate reason for our creation. When we use our gifts in love, we fulfill our true purpose and experience the fullness of God's presence.

Embracing God's Love

God's love is the greatest gift we can receive and give. As we embrace this love, we find our true selves and our ultimate purpose. Jesus exemplified this love by coming to earth, living among us, and sacrificing Himself for our sins. By following His example, we can fully realize our gifts and live out our purpose in God's presence.

Life Application

This week, take time to reflect on your unique gifts and how you can use them in God's presence. Consider the following questions:

1. What are the gifts and talents that make you unique?

2. How can you use these gifts to bless others and glorify God?

3. Are you seeking God's presence in your daily life and using your gifts in His presence?

Challenge for the Week

Identify one way you can use your gifts to serve others this week. Whether it's volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply being a source of encouragement, use your gifts in love and in God's presence. As you do, you'll find greater fulfillment and purpose in your life.

Conclusion

Understanding and using our unique gifts in God's presence leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. By recognizing that our gifts are meant to be enjoyed and used in His presence, we can fully realize their potential. Embrace the love of God, seek His presence, and use your gifts to bless others. In doing so, you'll discover the true joy and purpose that God has for you.