Favoured by God—by Dr Marc and Keri Aguirre, & Pat Hlophe
May 14, 2023
Sermon summary:
What would be your criteria if you had to choose the mother of Jesus? God knew Mary's faith, faithfulness and humility, and that she trusted him.
She praised and glorified him. Whose favour do we seek? God's favour doesn't mean the absence of pain and suffering. Now is the time of God's favour.
Pat: As a single mum, partner with God as the father of your children.
Keri: God seeks godly offspring. We need each other to develop and deepend our convictions, and to find peace in challenging time. Parent with faith not fear. We are blessed to have spiritual formation to help each other.
Watch the full service here (the sermon starts at 50 mins)
The Holy Spirit gives guidance and direction in our missionary work. Are we doing the work the Spirit has set aside for each one of us to do? He knows the time, place and person to reach out to. Are we listening and obeying when he nudges us? The Holy Spirit forms Christ in all of us and it's a lifetime journey. Seek to be filled. Listen to his voice. Step out boldly.
Giving is an act of trust. It is also not an obligation but an act of worship. Give from the heart, not as a duty, but as a way to express gratitude. Giving is about unity in the church, it is motivated by grace, not guilt, and a spiritual act of joyful worship. Jesus demonstrated sacrificial giving through his actions, leaving us an example to follow.
To embrace Jesus's mission, I must first clothe myself with Jesus and have his character formed in me. He must become greater, I must become less. Then I"ll be able to do as Jesus did.
God's grace is with me. We need each other. Grace is a gift.