Part 1: Preparation
Notes
Transcript
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Introduction:
Life is full of change. Transitions can be both exciting and stressful. That’s because we can’t see into the future. We can’t tell what comes next. But what if there was a way to prepare for the next season? What if you could do something now to influence where you end up then?
Are there things that we can do now to prepare for what’s next?
In , the brother of Jesus tells us the importance of not only listening but doing. We are to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. We are to get rid of all filth and evil in our lives. How do we do that? By HUMBLING accepting the Word of God which He plants into us. How does He plant the Word in us? Reading the Word daily, listening to the Word in the car, listening to the Word being preached.
Body:
I. Transitions
A. Transitions are always stressful, even the ones we look forward to, because they cause change which always causes stress.
This series answers the question: how do we prepare for what’s next? graduations (high school and college), weddings, first baby, second baby, teaching your child how to drive, empty nest, new school, retirement, etc.
This series is going to answer the question: Are there things that we can do now to prepare for what’s next?
B. There are two things we must remember about transitions or we may lose perspective:
1) Wherever you go, there you are.
a. No matter where you are, you are still there which means the things you deal with or are struggling with with be there with you as well. A switch isn’t going to be flipped and all of a sudden you will live differently.
b. a new view + a new do does not = a new you
2) There is no necessary correlation between knowing what’s next and
being prepared for what’s next.
a. Don’t say “once I get to this place” or “as soon as I can do this” or “when I know this” then I will do what I have to do.
b. Illustration of Jordan and college
C. Preparation is way better than a promise and a plan.
In , the brother of Jesus tells us the importance of not only listening but doing. We are to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. We are to get rid of all filth and evil in our lives. How do we do that? By HUMBLING accepting the Word of God which He plants into us. How does He plant the Word in us? Reading the Word daily, listening to the Word in the car, listening to the Word being preached. A promise is said in
25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
II. Deceiving ourselves
II. Deceiving ourselves
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.
24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.
James 1:22-24
A. Back in the day they only listened to the Word. (v. 22)
A. If you think simply reading or hearing something is going to make a difference, you are deceiving yourself.
you are deceiving yourself.
B. If you think simply reading (daily) or hearing (church) something is going to make a difference, you are deceiving yourself.
i. Just showing up doesn’t help you grow in your faith! Actually doing it makes a difference.
ii. the reason to come to church is to apply something God is speaking to us about
C. A mirror requires a response. (vv. 23-24)
We look in the mirror on our way out of the house and see a change needs made (hair not right, outfit doesn’t match, stuff on face, etc.) No one looks in the mirror and leaves. They fix what needs fixing.
Everyone responds to the mirror: Christians and non-Christians. Behaviors and our outward appearance are different!
D. If you are in the habit of seeing something but doing nothing, you will see
something and do nothing in the next season of life as well.
i. The Christian “moo” in response to what is being preached.
ii. Again, don’t say “once I get to this place” or “as soon as I can do this” or “when I know this” then I will do what I have to do.
iii. The seasons of life are connected.
III. Preparation (v.25)
25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
James 1:
A. To “look carefully” or to “study” here means to lean over and look closely and intently examine what you are looking at until you know what it is. It takes time and patience!
A. The perfect law is to love others as Jesus has loved us.
B. The perfect law is the Word of God! (Ex. To love others as Jesus has loved us; Greater love is when a friend lays down his life for his friends.)
C. Being a doer now is preparation for being a doer later.
D. Jesus taught that the way we lay a solid foundation for our lives is by being a doer and not just a hearer.
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15 “If you love me, obey my commandments.
Love others, give, forgive others, etc.
doer and not just a hearer.
9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re currently in a season of change or your life is stable, there’s something you can do now that will set you up for success then. Become a doer of God’s Word. Apply what you hear. Not only does application make all the difference now, it will prepare you for the future. It will also enable you to answer the call when God says it’s time to go here or do this.
This week try and determine the one thing you can do now to prepare for the next season?
The habit of doing will make you happy. There is a blessing to those who not only hear but do what the Word of God says.
25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.
25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.
Two important questions:
1) What is that thing in your life that you need to stop doing now? (when I get to this point I’ll stop doing it, etc)
2) What is that thing in your like that you need to start doing in order to obey God (instead of saying you’ll do it in your next season).
Do what God calls you to do in this season so you are prepared to do what God wants you to do in the next season.
This week try and determine the one thing you can do now to prepare for the next season?
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June 24, 2018
To our Fellowsville AG Family,
It was 6 years ago this month that we came here to Tunnelton, WV to begin a new adventure. We had no idea what God was going to do, but we knew this is where He wanted us. In those 6 years, our church has seen a makeover in our building which brought new life, our attendance has almost tripled, and the community knows we are here to share and show the love of Jesus. Through many outreaches, this church family has clothed more than 500 people, fed over 300 people, and made sure more than 100 families had toys for their children at Christmas each year. ZoneUth, Little Church, Kidz Church, SoulSisters and Royal Rangers were born and have flourished. There is no way we can look back and not see what God has done in 6 years.
As with any journey, there comes a time when change is necessary. Today, June 24th, 2018, I want to share with all of you that God is changing the journey of me and my family. God has called us to Franklin, NC as I will be joining the Senior Staff at the Men’s Teen Challenge of the Smokies. Thursday, July 26th will be my last day as Pastor here at Fellowsville Assembly of God. Please know that as this resignation may come as a surprise to you, it truly surprised Charity and myself. We were not praying to leave, asking to leave, or even seeking a new path. However, we were and always will be open to what God wants for us. This opportunity fell into place in ways I can’t even begin to understand. Only God could have ordained it.
Over these next few weeks, we pray that we can say goodbye to each of you personally. We also hope that you will pray for us as God prepares us for this next season of our ministry. We will continue to pray for Fellowsville AG and the direction God has for you. We will pray that God sends you a Pastor and family who can pick up the gauntlet and do even more as God’s vessels than we could ever imagine. I still believe great things are yet to come.
In closing, these last 6 years have taught us so much and we have learned a lot that we will take with us. Each and every one of you hold a special place in our hearts. We have made many friendships here that we will always cherish. It’s so nice to have social media where we can keep up, say hello, and be prayer partners. As my family and Fellowsville AG each continue a journey on a new path, let’s remember our God is BIG, to keep God first, expect the unexpected, and that God is always on the move.
We love you all.
Humbly submitted,
Pastor Jason and family.