Decision 2024
Conflicted • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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The word “conflicted” means feeling uncertain or having mixed emotions about something. It often describes a situation where a person is torn between two or more opposing feelings or decisions.
Recap the last three weeks.
Wk #1: What’s Love got to do with it?
Picture of oil and water: https://i0.wp.com/chubaoyolu.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/istock-494471168.jpg?resize=700%2C1050&ssl=1
Basket of eggs: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQmgO7ZLy73SkOJo-lAy4Yaidk4MwnaLuEgzA&s
An egg is a emulsifier: It has the power to bring the oil and the water together.
I am celebrating the power of an egg the Apostle Paul is celebrating the Power of Love he says that the love of God is an emulsifier that brings parties that normally wouldn't come together together.
God has called us to love even if we don’t agree with the other side.
1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
MSG: I am bankrupt.
So we chose to vote love. How has that gone for you leading up to this election?
Wk #2: Conflicted / Citizenship
Duel Citizenship
Grow where God plants you.
4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.
God has a plan
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Wk #3: Conflicted Kingdom
Acknowledging that there is not one but two.
36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
My kingdom is not of this world
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
You will be my witnesses
If American Christ followers were as passionate about Jesus and seeing their family and community coming to know Jesus as they are about their politics we would have transformed communities and a country.
Your vote can change policies but only the Gospel of Jesus can change a lives.
At the end of the day nobody's eternity is changed by anything but the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that's what every Christian should be known for.
I saw a lawn sign posted in my neighborhood: Decision 2024: Vote Jesus
What does that mean? Either way… we win!
Jesus addresses worrying about tomorrow / what they eat or drink / Their needs.
30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Dodgers vs. Yankees: If my Dodgers lose it will not be the end of the world to me.
I remember hearing about an article that came out years ago about when the Raiders played in LA that stated that the LAPD would have extra officers on call during home games. If the Raiders looked like they were going to win the extra officers were called off. If it looked like the Raiders were going to lose they would call them in. Why? There was an reported increase of domestic violence when there was a home loss. Are you kidding me.
Real change doesn’t come from politics or governments, but from Jesus transforming people with His grace and truth.
I may not like the outcome of this political season but either way
Let’s put this all in perspective. Which would you rather have? All your candidates and policies you voted for win or have your loved one that does not know Jesus yet come to the saving grace of salvation?
On their death bed as they take their last breath, you will not be saying well they did not know Jesus but at least my political party won. At that point political party and policies are thrown out the door.
Let’s stay focused on the prize that has eternal consequences.
20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. 21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.
