October 13, 2013 Sunday Sermon - In A Little While

This week we continued to look at Christ’s farewell address to His disciples.  So far in our study we have seen that Jesus tells us there are three relationships that must be in order to keep us from stumbling; we must have a vital relationship with Jesus, one another and the world.  Remember in our study passage Jesus’ purpose is to prepare His disciples for life after He departs.  In John 16:1 Jesus tells His disciples; “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away.” In light of this Pastor Ron asked us a question every believer needs to ask themselves: “Why do we wonder and stumble? Ron directed our thinking to something that can be a stumbling block for all of us at times. 

Sometimes we stumble as we lose sight of the future because of the present pain…

Here are some points to consider this week as you meditate and pray about this weeks message:

• Ron noted, “sometimes we stumble as we lose sight of the future because of the present pain”.  That pain can take many forms, all of us can describe it in some area of our lives.  But these sufferings are temporary and can not compare with the glory that is to be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
  
• Consider the illustration Jesus used in John 16:21- “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.” 
• It is only natural not to consider yourself safe in this world; one only has to look at the economic uncertainty, social upheaval, worldwide violence and persecution to be anxious and discouraged about the future.  We need to remind ourselves that the future of the world system is not the whole story for Christ followers. For us life in this world is transitory and our real life is eternal and we are already living it.  God has given us everything we need to live this eternal life now and here: “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence”. (2 Peter 1:3)    

Remember you are not alone.  Nurture your relationship with the indwelling Holy Spirit.  Seek and expect His filling, leading and help everyday as your comforter and teacher sent from your Heavenly Father by Jesus Christ.

If you live your life for the honor and glory of God you will never fail or fall!

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1)

Can you look to your future in Christ beyond the pain and suffering you see today?
Are you thriving in your relationship with Christ?
If NOT, are you willing to do something about it?