The 7 People that will Help You to Heaven, Part 1 by Justin Renton
November 5, 2023
Sermon summary:
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel (the sermon starts at 44 mins).
We all need a prophet, someone who calls you back to the Word of God, proclaim the truth, and what you need to do; no matter how difficult it is. Good students make good teachers, and we are called to help others be learners and imitate and put into practice what we've learned.
A soulmate is someone with whom you have a special and deep affinity. It is a unique and special relationship. You need someone who will tell you without fear what you need to hear. It requires a deep sense of trust, a willingness to pay the price for friendship, not being afraid to show emotion or affection, and someone who will help you find strength in God. And, while you can have more than one encourager in your life, everyone needs that one person who knows everything about you. That person will encourage you to be more like Jesus. Practically, it means someone who will pitch up, meet, give, reach out when others don't, help you fulfill God's will for your life, and stand with you even when you stumble.
You can convince yourself that your point of view is the correct one when you want something to go your way. Spiritual advice has an eternal impact. Be humble enough to ask for help. Get an advisor and ask what you need to change. A mentor will help you to be like and live for Jesus. Don't under-estimate the power of having a mentor.
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.