Untitled Sermon

Walk the Walk

I believe God has given us many challenges here. Like Brian's sermon on Idol Worship, one is to watch for greed in your life. Another of the most potent challenges that God wants us to do in our culture is what they should have done in theirs. PRACTICE THEIR FAITH There are several ways to do this. But it seems that there are communities of Christians who bring the love of Jesus to the hurting, broken people. If the world ever needed that - it is now. Just as much as we needed it in 1964. I challenge you to be a loving, caring person to show others who God is.

Help me if you can; I'm feeling down. And I do appreciate you being 'round Help me get my feet back on the ground. Won't you please, please help me!

In oh so many ways, My independence seems to vanish in the haze But every now and then, I feel so insecure. I know that I just need you like I've never done before. John Lennon

Most of the time, you will not hear another one asking out loud for help like John Lennon. Many times, they are just quiet. There is a location in Australia that is the world's leading place to commit suicide. The funny thing is that this area called ‘the Gap’ is a wealthy neighborhood. Beautiful views from a white sand cliff over Sydney Harbor. This is the place Don Richie chose to retire from the insurance business. This place sounds like Laodicea, but unlike Laodicea, He began to see all the jumpers and paid attention. After a while, he would walk up to those who were delaying and ask, “Hi, my name is Don. Would you care for a cup of tea?” This man was Donald Taylor Ritchie, OAM; He was an Australian who intervened in many suicide attempts. He officially rescued at least 180 people. In 2006, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia. He died in 2012. I pray that someone else picked up his torch.

(Do Something – Matthew West)

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once, you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1Pet2:21-25

David Akin wrote some statements:

Keep Their Walk with God 1 Pet1:10-12. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,

1. We maintain our walk by being concerned for the pleasure of God 1:10

2. We maintain our walk by being certain of the purpose of God 1:10

3. We maintain our walk by being controlled by the power of God 1:12

4. We maintain our walk by being consumed with the praise of God 1:12

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.

II. We Must Perform the Things of Christ In Our Actions 3:5-11

1. Toward ourselves, we must put to death sinful desires 3:5-7

a. Sinful desires may express themselves sexually 3:5

b. Sinful desires may express themselves selfishly 3:5

c. Sinful desires may express themselves shortsightedly 3:5

d. Sinful desires may express themselves shamefully 3:5

8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

2. Toward others we must put to death sinful deeds 3:8-11

a. Sinful desires may express themselves emotionally 3:8

b. Sinful desires may express themselves verbally 3:8-9

c. Sinful desires may express themselves inconsistently 3:9-10

d. Sinful desires may express themselves racially 3:11

e. Sinful desires may express themselves socially 3:11

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.

I. We Must Have A Committed Prayer Life 4:2-4

1. We must pray with intensity. 4:2

2. We must pray in intercession. 4:3

3. We must pray with intent. 4:3-4

Live wisely among those who are not believers and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

II. We Must Have a Consistent Public Life 4:5-6

1. We must walk in wisdom. 4:5

2. We must talk with wisdom. 4:6

a. Controlled by grace.

b. Careful in response.

c. Concerned for others.