Untitled Sermon

What gives you satisfaction in life? What fills your heart all the way to the brim? Let me tell you what has fills my heart. On my birthday, Andrew wrote me a note which says, “Dad, you are my superhero and I love you.” Yes, that did the job. My heart was full after I read that. Even as I go back to it, the note makes me smile. It will give me joy for years to come. But what happens if Andrew gives me the same note next birthday? I’d still enjoy it, but it wouldn’t quite have the same effect. The note would represent a season of our lives which is past. My heart hungers for something new and beautiful from the current season. Isn’t it interesting that even something as wonderful as my son’s love for me has a diminishing effect on my heart?There are many such things in our lives. Think of your marriage, your career, your home, your reputation. This raises an important question. Is there anything that can fill my heart and keep it filled? Is there anything which can give me a constant flowing source of joy and meaning? Is there anything that can do this permanently?Many teachers and philosophers have made their pitches. They’ve tried to sell us their philosophies about the human spirit and the power of positive thinking, though these may seem to help for a while, they eventually fall short. How so? None of them survive death. Maybe I am just picky, but I want something to fill my heart to the brim, keep me filled, AND make my life count even after my days on earth are done. Nothing the world offers passes this last test. Just think of all the millions and billions of people who have died and no one on earth remembers even their names. No, I want something that will give me meaning and purpose forever. Is there anything that meets my criteria. Only one thing remains. The Bible says the Secret of Life is Jesus Christ. Just look at these few scriptures: 1. Jesus said,

​ ESV10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

2. He also said,

​ ESV33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

3. The psalmist said,

​ ESV4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

4. Jesus said

​ ESV14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Now let me add another layer. Can anything make my life count even when my days on earth are done? One of the great human fears is to be forgotten in death. So much of our value comes in being known by others. It’s unnerving to think that within a couple generations after I’m gone, even my descendants will probably not even know my name and they will probably not care about who I was because they will have their life problems. Is there such a thing which can give my life meaning even after I’ve faced that great enemy death? Can anything secure me in the mind of another Further, is there anyway, even in death, that I could consciously experience fullness and satisfaction?