Introduction – Part 5: What Is a Spiritual Survivor? (continued)
The Apostle Paul writes to the Ephesians, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise … because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17). Here again we notice that need for wisdom and discernment, for understanding.
This series of blog posts is about acquiring skills that will enable you to live through times of change with your values and your faith intact.
The specific challenges I’ll present were first brainstormed by fellow ministers and laypersons who helped me select the biblical truths that would be most relevant and beneficial. I’m grateful for their help. I trust that my work will do justice to their input, because in those meetings there was a distinct sense that the Lord was with us in the process.
All of us believe we are facing days of great change. These could even be the end times, the day when God takes us all home. In whatever circumstances we find ourselves, we are convinced that the Lord makes it possible for His people to be spiritual survivors.
In Fiddler, when Tevye’s daughter Hodel gets on the train to travel far, far away to Siberia to join her chosen fiancé, she says, “Papa, God alone knows when we shall see each other again.” And Tevye responds, “Then we will leave it in His hands.”
I don’t have a specific word from the Lord for you regarding the future. I, too, am content to “leave it in His hands”! But I do feel led to challenge us to be better prepared to live in a world of rapid change, and change that isn’t always as far, far away as we would like.
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Sunday’s coming. Do you have your sermon ready? Is it relevant? Will it effectively motivate your congregation to walk more in step with the Master? What about that Sermon Series you’ve been thinking about?
Or, if you’re someone who plans well ahead, have you asked yourself what you will preach for your Easter Sermon, your Advent Sermon, your Christmas Sermon?
David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Saturday or Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions.
We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
