Category Archives: sermon
An Extraordinary Life
How to Start Living the Life God Intended You to Have
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
–1 Corinthians 13:13
Last month we talked about God’s love for you and today I will continue on with the subject of love, but more specifically, the importance of love for one another.
The Bible tells us (Isaiah 53:2) that while He walked this earth, Jesus “…had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him”. But people were drawn to Jesus! His loving and compassionate demeanor captivated strangers and spoke louder than any words could.
The same applies to you and me. Whether an acquaintance or loved one, the different kinds of relationships we have are part and parcel of our life in this world. God created us out of love, and our actions towards one another should emulate His love for each and every one of us. As followers of Christ, it is up to us to share this message —not through words, but by becoming a living testimony of the loving God we serve.
But how do we get there?
Imagine your body as a great vessel. How it appears on the outside inconsequential, but the inside holds the substance of what makes you…you.To start living the life God intended you to have, you must first empty your vessel. Why? Because God can only fill us up once we’ve relinquished our own opinions and personal agendas. But watch out! Once He starts pouring, He doesn’t stop!
As God begins to manifest His tender compassion through us, we can literally feel His love coursing through and overflowing outside of ourselves. This phenomenon is exactly what drew the crowds to Jesus, and it also gave Him the strength to fulfill His destiny—His miraculous provision, saving us.
Of course it’s exciting to tell people about our Father and all He’s done for us, and by all means, continue spreading the Good News! But if you’re interested in living an extraordinary life, living at your best and highest purpose, you must quiet your own voice and allow God to speak to the hearts of others.
Everyone is welcome,
Pastor Tony Hoult
God Goes Out of His Way to Love You
Yes, Even You….
God’s love for us is so great, that while we were yet sinners, He went out of His way and sent His only Son to save us.
There’s not much to debate when it comes to the underlying message of God’s Word. The Greek word Agape is used in the Bible to express the love that God has for us. It is the ultimate and most self-sacrificing love that there is. Agape is what was displayed on the cross by Jesus Christ. In John 3:16 it is written that “God so loved (agapao) the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” You see, God sent Jesus, not to condemn you for your sin, but to save you—His beloved and precious child.
When Jesus came to us, He sought out all people. Good or bad, He went out to all places and never turned anyone away. When He walked this earth, He did so with everyday people. Sinners, the helpless, the harassed and the rejected all found comfort in the compassion of Christ.
Jesus came to earth and lived in a human body just like you do. He understands you. He knows the pressure, the pain and the temptations you face everyday. He hears your cries and pities and every one of your groans. Even in the midst of despair, God is with you. Even when the world isn’t loving you, Jesus is still loving you!
You don’t have to clean up your life before seeking out the Lord. He wants to meet you where you’re at. Our Father goes out of His way to pick you up, (regardless of where you’re at) and guide you to the life He intended you to have. If you’re waiting for acceptance, forgiveness and understanding – you’re waiting for something you already have. He’s already died for your sins. He loved you before, He loves you now and forever. But it’s up to you to let Him in!
Once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are a new creation in Christ! Jesus has given those who believe in Him the Holy Spirit, who enables us to be constantly changing into His image. Who cares who accepts you or rejects you if it’s not Jesus? Stop putting your faith in people, and begin putting it into the One who loved you first. Remember what He is doing in you – cleansing you, refining you, healing you, and above all, loving you.