What Is Your God, When You Have No God?
Notes
Transcript
WELCOME / EXHORTATION
WELCOME / EXHORTATION
WELCOME:
Good morning and welcome to Freedom's Way Baptist Church! We are delighted to gather together this beautiful Sunday morning as a church family to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Whether you are a longtime congregation member or joining us for the first time today, we are truly grateful that you chose to spend your Sunday morning with us.
If you are visiting for the first time, we extend a special welcome to you. We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, so please don't hesitate to fill out a newcomer's card on the back table.Put in the breadbasket when you’re done filling it out.
EXHORTATION :
ILLUSTRATION :
A North Carolina man is being called a hero after he risked his own life to save a woman from Hurricane Helene's raging floodwaters in Ashe County.
Cellphone video shows the moment the waters carried away a home with the woman inside. That's when Eddie Hunnell, who happened to be in Grassy Creek for his son's wedding, jumped into action. Hunnell said he saw the home coming down the river when he noticed a group of onlookers screaming for help.
As the group watched in horror at what was happening, Hunnel realized it was now or never.
"When it was happening, I was trying to make the calculated risk of, 'How do we save her?'"
Without hesitation, Hunnell jumped into the floodwaters with only a rope and a life vest. He braved the strong current of the New River and reached Leslie Worth. He was then able to get her to the bank safely.
"I grew up swimming on a swim team," he said. "I was a lifeguard. I'm in OK shape, but I couldn't watch her die."
APPLICATION
MANY PEOPLE WERE WARNED TO LEAVE , BUT MANY CHOSE TO STAY OR COULD NOT LEAVE
COULD YOU IMAGINE IF THAT MAN HAD SWAM OUT TO HER HOUSE AND SHE SAID NO THANKS I DON’T NEED RESCUING IM ACTUALLY ENJOYING THE RIDE
BUT SHE DIDN'TSAY THAT, IT WAS NOW OR NEVER
DON’T WAIT TILL ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARE SWEPT AWAY BY THE HURRICANES OF LIFE
ITS NOW OR NEVER CHRIST WANT TO RESCUE YOU AS EVERYTHING AROUND YOU IS BEING WASHED AWAY
THAT MAN COULD NOT JUST WATCH HER DIE, AND NEITHER CAN CHRIST BUT IT IS STILL UP TO YOU TO MAKE THAT CHOICE
DON’T DELAY RECEIVE HIM TODAY
ANNOUNCEMENT
INTRODUCTION :
CIT (Central Idea/Theme)
The need to prioritize worship of God in a society that often elevates politics, brands, and celebrities to the status of idols.
Declaration
Many people today worship false gods, whether they be political figures, brands, or celebrities, while neglecting the true worship of God.
Proposition
As Christians, we must recognize the distractions around us, return our focus to God, and engage in genuine worship that aligns with biblical teachings.
Purpose
To encourage believers to identify and eliminate distractions that pull them away from God, fostering a deeper relationship and commitment to Christ.
Transitional Sentence
Let’s examine what the Bible teaches us about true worship and how we can avoid the pitfalls of idolatry in our lives.
Main Points
Instruction and Guidance (Deuteronomy 12:1-28)
Scripture Reference:
1 These are the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the Lord God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.
Explanation:
God provided clear instructions to Moses regarding how the Israelites were to worship Him. This guidance is crucial for us as Christians today. Just as God communicated directly to His people, He continues to speak to us through His Word.
Illustration:
Just as those passionate about politics or celebrities seek information obsessively—attending rallies or following every tweet—Christians are called to immerse themselves in God’s Word and teachings, making it a daily priority.
Application:
Regular church attendance and personal Bible study are essential for understanding God's will and applying it to our lives. Set aside time each week to reflect on the sermons and study passages in the Bible that resonate with your life.
Central Focus
Scripture Reference:
2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:
Explanation:
Worship is directed toward a central figure, which should be God, not the distractions of the world. This scripture emphasizes the importance of removing distractions that lead to the worship of false gods.
Illustration:
Many worship politicians, brands, or celebrities as authorities in their lives. For example, some people follow political leaders with blind loyalty, allowing their political ideology to dictate their morals and actions.
Application:
We must intentionally center our lives on Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as our ultimate source of truth and purpose. Consider establishing a morning routine that begins with prayer and Scripture reading to refocus your day on God.
Text or Doctrine
Scripture Reference:
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Explanation:
Our worship is guided by the Scriptures and the teachings associated with our faith. The Bible is our manual for understanding God’s will and aligning our lives with His purpose.
Illustration:
While others may read political articles or celebrity biographies to form their beliefs, Christians should prioritize reading the Bible and literature that deepens their understanding of God. Think of how a fan might obsess over a musician’s latest album; believers should have that same fervor for God’s Word.
Application:
Make it a habit to engage with Scripture and writings that illuminate your faith and strengthen your connection with God. Join a Bible study group or start a reading plan to keep yourself accountable.
Expressions of Devotion
Scripture Reference:
33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
Explanation:
Our devotion to God should be expressed through worship, music, and our actions. These expressions foster community and strengthen our faith.
Illustration:
While some express their devotion through political chants or celebrity fandom, we express ours through hymns and worship services. Think of the powerful atmosphere in a worship service where believers unite to sing praises.
Application:
Let your love for Christ be evident through your worship. Encourage your family to join you in singing praise songs at home or participate in church worship events. Share your testimony and how God has impacted your life to inspire others.
Rituals and Ceremonies
Scripture Reference:
3 And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.
Explanation:
God commanded the destruction of false idols and rituals to maintain pure worship. Rituals that do not honor God lead us away from the truth and into idolatry.
Illustration:
Just as the Israelites had to remove distractions, we must confront modern rituals that draw us away from God, such as ideologies that contradict biblical teachings. For instance, societal norms that glorify lifestyles contrary to God’s Word can become new altars of worship.
Application:
Establish personal and communal rituals that honor God, such as prayer, worship, and service to others. Engage in church events and community service as acts of worship that glorify God and reflect His love in the world.
Conclusion
Dietrich Bonhoeffer's words remind us of the dangers of silence and complacency in the face of evil: *“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”*
We must not allow ourselves to be lulled into idolizing anything but God. In a world filled with distractions, we need to remember that our allegiance is to Christ alone.
Let us refocus our hearts and minds on Him, recognizing that no matter the state of politics or the economy, **Christ is still King**. If you do not have a relationship with God, we invite you to discover His love and grace today.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, if there’s anyone here today who needs to know You, may they not leave without experiencing Your love. Help those who need to realign their lives with You.
IN JESUS NAME Amen.