© www.sharefaith.com Philippians 3:10 tells us to live so as intimately know the Lord and to work continually to be transformed to the death of the flesh. That surely spells s-a-c-r-i-f-i-c-e! Of all the spiritual disciplines, sacrifice most closely aligns with the character and mission of Jesus. That means every one of us must enter into the discipline of sacrifice, not just those called into the front line in ministry. If your song includes the verses, my comfort, my desires, my dreams, my plans, rather than your life being all about God, then you need to change your tune! In aligning your life with Christ, He will teach you all about personal, relational and financial sacrifice–and you will live to tell the tale. Don’t listen to the world, the flesh or the devil; listen to the Lord and serve Him well. If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
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Boy, another heavy subject! In 1 Timothy 4:7-8, he tells the disciples to discipline themselves for the purpose of godliness…not rules and regulations, but for godliness. In seeking this godliness, we must make sure that we have a focused determination, a huge change in attitude and behavior AND be prepared for the many heartbreaks and setbacks that often accompany these changes. But even though difficult choices and hard work are required, it results in an increased ability to enjoy God and all His goodness. Remember, it’s easy to become RELIGIOUS instead of godly…so let us discipline ourselves, rather, for the purpose of GODLINESS! (Sermon Originally Recorded: 12/19/12)
Once we surrender ourselves into God’s hands, we accept His authority, discipline, training and nurturing. We begin a lifelong process of being transformed into the glorious image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Proverbs 3:5, 6; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (KJV, “direct thy paths…”) The Hebrew word for direct means to do good, do right, be straight, make smooth, and to be evenly hammered, from the base meaning of straightening out a crooked object. Most certainly we come to Jesus crooked, twisted, and rough on the edges. We come lost in darkness and without hope of eternal life. (See Psalm 51:5) However, God being rich in mercy receives us through the sacrifice of Jesus and patiently and skillfully “hammers” out the corruption and flesh so prevalent in our hearts. Paul was certainly saved but he said "I die daily." (1 Corinthians 15:31) Remember, God “...disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness." (Hebrews 12:10) Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of sermon and/or download mp3 file.)
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