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.
Words have the power to build up or break down. Speak with grace, avoid double-speak, and use words that reflect love, especially with our children.
God made us in His image to reflect his character. He loves us freely and calls us to walk in his presence and live in the freedom of forgiveness.
Following Jesus comes with the cost of persecution and rejection. If we face none, it may reveal compromise or conformity to the world. Are we influencing culture—or being influenced by it? True faith shares Christ boldly, just as the early disciples did. Let’s trust God with courage and live boldly for the One we serve.