Loving Generously: The Sale - Matthew 19 (2021-05-09)

The goal of the series: To become a church of compassion comprised of people willing to serve our community selflessly by showing and sharing the gospel.

Too many people are consumed with worry and anxiety about what tomorrow might hold. This fear can be paralyzing. As Christians, we believe that our loving heavenly Father is always looking out for us. He takes care of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field and that gives us confidence that he will take care of us too. There is no benefit from worry, in fact, anxiety only hurts us. We should trust God and allow Him to guide our steps.

God’s great mercy became a transforming reality through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This mercy is a result of God’s love for us and this love invites us to live differently in the present. We are to be living sacrifices that no longer conform to the patterns of the world. The world around us is deceptive, selfish, angry and foolish. These cannot be the patterns we live by today. Rather, we must renew the way we think and in doing so we will discover God’s will for us in the present. 

Jesus Christ demonstrated his love for humanity by sacrificially giving his life on the cross and resurrecting from the dead. Because of this incredible act of love, those who are in Christ have become new creations. All of our past mistakes, sins and miscues have been covered by the blood of Jesus. Our past no longer has the last word and final say over our lives and we have been given a fresh start. We have been reconciled to God and we in turn can give hope to others by making an appeal for God’s forgiving love to them as well.

As Jesus was being crucified, the soldiers mocked him by placing a crown of thorns on his head and placing a sign over his head that read “king of the Jews.” They did not see him as the true King who rules and reigns. After Jesus’ resurrection, he revealed himself to his disciples and because of his defeat of death, he claims all authority over heaven and earth. It was Jesus’ love for us that held him on the cross. His love reigns in our lives when we put our faith, hope and trust in him.

Boaz was able & willing to redeem Ruth

Christ is able & willing to redeem You

Upon redemption, Boaz gave rest to Ruth

Upon redemption, Jesus gives rest to You

In James 4:6, it states, "“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” In Ruth 3, we see Ruth's humility in welcoming the right counsel, working in the right way, and waiting for the right time.

What is a Deacon? Discover the ROLE, REQUIREMENTS, and REWARD of a Deacon

The blessings of God are for those who seek it, share it, and even those who are surprised by it.