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  CATO CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

August 4, 2013 Sermon - You Are Appointed/Ordained to Go

8/5/2013

 
Yesterday, continuing our study of John 15, Ron had us looking at the fact that as friends of Jesus we are to go and produce fruit that abides.  We focused on vs 16... I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide...     (you can review the full sermon outline from our resources page)

Here are a few thoughts to chew on this week as you seek to apply the message in your life:
  • we are all appointed/ordained for a purpose; special service; set apart for a special reason
  • we're to go- withdraw from our personal social circles and go into the world
  • as we go, everywhere we go, in our ordinary every day lives we are to bear fruit and that fruit should abide (and it will if we are abiding in Christ)  
We can bear fruit for eternity in the course of our every day ordinary lives. 
Fruit is Christlikeness in ordinary life, potentially impacting the eternal destiny of others 

I try to start each day using a personal adaptation of a simple prayer from Ruben Job's little book "Three Simple Rules".  It occurs to me that it helps me to apply much of what I heard in yesterday's message.  Perhaps you will find it useful too:

Inviting God’s intervention in our lives
Loving Teacher, come and make your home in my heart today. Dwell within me all day long and save me from error or foolish ways. Teach me today to do no harm, to do good, and assist me so that I may stay in loving relationship with you and my neighbor. Help me today to be an answer to another’s prayer so that I may be one of your signs of hope in the world you love.

Last week Verne Montana posted a comment that seems to summarize a really good way to live out this weeks message: 
A comment to last weeks blog post by Verne Montana
I'm not sure when God chose me out of this world, but I know he did. 
Upon being diagnosed with a serious form of cancer I could have reacted in three ways as I see it. I could have stayed on the wide road I had been traveling most of my life where people give and receive good luck wishes and "positive energy" in situations like I found myself. Or I could have become bitter and resentful and turned away from God all together. Or I could do what I did and Immediately turn to God for help and made the commitment to accept and follow Jesus for the rest of my days. Was I already chosen at this point to have made such an immediate and resolute choice? 
And now I realize I was bearing fruit shortly after this, major fruit, the peace that surpasses all understanding. After initially being filled with feelings of terror and anxiety I soon felt hopeful and contented and at peace with my situation. So I am proof that one does not need to know scripture and in some cases even misunderstand it for this process to occur!
It is puzzling why God reached in and pulled me out of the darkness, why me?. I too did not bring anything to the table. And since then all I have done is respond to his grace and mercy in humble amazement. I think I have tried to be obedient when I felt called to action or something presented itself. And when picking up ones cross to bear on a daily basis I do not view mine harder than others. I place everything in God's hands and am strengthened by two simple common bits of scripture.

Luke 22:42 Father if you are willing take this cup from me, nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.

Proverbs3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Sue Pierce
8/6/2013 09:24:20 am

A few thoughts...After hearing Ron preach a week ago Sunday, my daughter, Karen (visiting from Colorado) said that it was obvious that Pastor Ron preaches from his heart. She remarked how evident it is that he has researched, wrestled with, and prayed about the material he is preaching. I couldn't agree more and feel blessed that our pastor preaches with such passion.
Also, I so appreciate Jim's summary and comments on the sermons. I am also blessed by his wisdom and the work he has done with the website.
Lastly, I was again challenged by this weeks sermon. I needed to be reminded how important it is to remain in Christ all the time. How important it is to strive to walk in good conduct all the time...I think I need to apologize to the Staples clerk I so obviously showed my annoyance with because the long line was moving much to slowly for me. I read this challenging question someplace, "Do people want to know Jesus more because they know me?" I also liked the way Pastor put it when he asked, "Would you do that if Jesus was standing right next to you?" Praying that my conduct will delight God and that I can produce fruit that remains as a result of abiding in Christ.

larry
8/6/2013 01:48:19 pm

"we are all appointed/ordained for a purpose; special service; set apart for a special reason" I must say that throughout my Christian walk I have never felt more full and content than when I knew I was walking in the works that God had appointed for me . It's really an awesome thing when you know you are right where God wants you to be, doing what God wants you to do.
It doesn't have to be something that we think of as "major" either, it can be as simple as sharing your faith, helping one in need, lending a listening ear, showing compassion, rejoicing with those who rejoice or morning with those who morn.

Ron Dusharm
8/9/2013 09:28:46 am

Thank you for sharing Sue, this blog really blesses my heart. I really hope more people begin to use it and comment. And by the way Sue, I think there is a Staples clerk somewhere we all need to apologize to, unfortunately. Praise God for his grace!


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