I'm going to start adding a new kind of post to my collection. Instead of just my random thoughts about things, I'm also going to post things I've heard others say that God has used to make me think; to stretch my heart and mind; to continue to grow me up. Because... whenever I hear things like that, I really want to share it with others. So I often mention what "they" said, to some family members or friends. But I think posting things here will be a good way for me to pass along some of the things God is teaching me through the teaching of others. So if you're interested, read on! If not, no worries. There are a lot of other things to read out there on the internets.
So... my first offering of "Awesome Things I've Learned From Others" is from Isaac Bennet's message from last Sunday. He was talking about what it means to be A LIVING SACRIFICE. He was teaching out of Romans 12. He said...
It's one thing to die as a martyr. It's another thing to live as a martyr; as a living sacrifice. And that's what God has called us (His followers) to do.
- Jesus said...“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 16:24-25
- Paul said... Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1
- With a surrendered will - conformed to His ways, and not conformed to the world.
- By loving others without hypocrisy - don't just say you love others, but actually live a life of love toward others with your heart and hands. Put them before yourself.
- By hating evil things - turning away from all sin. Not just the ugly, evil looking sins, but also the ones that satan (or our own mind) makes look very appealing, and even rational.
- By persisting in prayer - steadfast, always talking with God, open communication, always listening for His voice.
- By blessing those who persecute us - those who are mean to us, or harm us in some way. Be kind to them. Pray for them. Show them grace and mercy and love. Trust God to deal with them.
