This message considers local evangelical church ministries and how they differ one from another.  They all have a basic theme of living to a higher standard, following biblical guidelines, proclaiming the eternal difference it will make if we follow its leadership and also encourage members to serve God, but something has changed.  In the recent past when someone died, people would comment that “he has gone to meet his maker”, but not any longer.  We have ceased to perceive God as our Creator and think in terms of being our supernatural benefactor.  The one to get help from when we have needs or desires that are beyond our abilities.

  The first thing we read in the Bible is, “God created the heaven and the earth” and then it goes on to detail each day of creation.  Further on it says, “The earth is the LORD'S, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” Ps. 24:1.  When we perceive God as our Creator it changes everything.  We become aware that we are created beings that are allowed to enjoy what God has created for himself; but only during our lifetime.  Our existence is an incredible gift, which we take for granted like a child born into a rich family.

  A great change takes place when we realize who we are and why we are here. We become more aware of where we are and start seeing the world as the magnificent place that God made to house mankind.  In the same way that a rich child would view the parents who have provided all the luxuries they had access too.  This leads to a new appreciation for their provider and slowly they see their surroundings not as their property but a result of the parent’s hard work.  After this life begins to have a higher purpose than just the three basic instincts of; Self Gratification, Self Propagation and Self Preservation and we begin to appreciate the Creators genius and his purpose for it all.  It also changes our service from duty into desire and it becomes a joy to follow the will of the one who has given each of us a chance of living eternally with him.

Salient Points: The way God wrote His book, Churches with different personalities, What your church makes you think about, What motivates you to serve, Taking credit for your work, The most predominate Old and New Testament Saints, What made them predominate, Living daily in God’s reality, Seeing God as the Creator of everything not just the provider, Where God wants our focus, Distracted from our purpose, Fulfilling God’s desire.

Scripture: Mt. 5:13-17, 1Sam. 17:32-37, 2Cor. 12:1-5 Psalm 145:1-5

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