Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (NASB2020). To go along with that verse is a quote from A.W. Tozer in his book, Knowledge of the Holy: “What comes to our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” To combine the two: what we focus on when we think about God will define us.
The buzz saw we run into as we form our thoughts is a teeny, tiny influence called “culture.” (Remove tongue from cheek). Much is said these days that we all worship the same God and that all roads lead to the same place. Is this true? Is it egotistical? Is it sectarian to say that? Is it judgmental?
This Sunday my sermon is going to confront these accusations head on. For the purpose of information the first part of the message is going to show how different faiths represent God. Deism. Mormonism. JW. Scientology. Islam. Hinduism. New Age. And more. I think folks will be rather surprised to see what other faiths believe.
The second half of the message will be a look at Deuteronomy 4:15-40 and see what God thinks of our “idol” worship. One high point I will be bringing out is that Religion is spelled “DO.” Christianity is spelled “DONE.” Religion is based on people doing something; Christianity is based on what Christ has done.
I would love to have you join us in person at 9:00 or 10:45. If you are unable to do so, then please join us online at the same time. We have a Facebook Page and also a YouTube channel. You can access either by going to the church’s website and clicking on the link.
What a great topic, Bill! May the Lord bless the words of your mouth this Sunday.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. And that is what I pray for.
You highlight the important difference between Christianity and any other world religion… even atheism. DO vs DONE.
In all major religions (and even some Christian denominations) the focus is on the DO… When we replace that mentality with the fact that Jesus has already completed the requirements, we can focus on the relationship and with the relationship comes the doing out of Love and Joy vs obligation or requirement.
Praying for your message this week that it be received well and applied by all those who hear it.
You summarized it well Ryan. And I most certainly appreciate your prayers. This one will touch some nerves.
Thanks for Tozer, Bill. Always worthy of our attention!
I hope that today went well for you, and that you’re hearing God whisper, ‘well done, good and faithful servant.’
Thanks Linda. I am a terrible judge of my own efforts on a Sunday morning. The ones I think did well, maybe not so. The ones I thought were duds, I’m told they weren’t. Such is yesterday’s. I had a very strong conviction of my topic and felt it was so-so but then I got an email that said differently. I’ll listen to the email! 🙂 🙂
Oh, wow! I LOVE your quote, “Religion is spelled “DO.” Christianity is spelled “DONE.” Wonderful life-giving words, Pastor Bill!
Thanks Cheryl. I like simple. 🙂