Sermon Recap 6-5-11

Morning: The sermon, "The End of Discipline," focused on Hebrews 12:7-14. In this passage, the author of Hebrews explains the goal of discipline which is holiness.

He reminds us that we have to start with the right perspective. We need to see discipline in wider terms than punishment. All teaching and training fall into the category of discipline. Discipline is an act of love, because it demonstrates care and concern. Having the right perspective helps us to develop a mature understanding.

It is crucial to our further growth, that we develop a mature understanding. We need to recognize that parents show courage when they correct their children. Most parents are attempting to teach their children responsibility, hard work, and respect when they discipline. We have to look at the motives. A mature understanding is easier to gain if we focus on the the product and not the process.

Discipline is unpleasant when it happens. The trick is to focus on the goal, and respond to the correction. If we look at what we are becoming, or what we are train our children to become, discipline becomes easier to bear. The discipline of a parent brings about righteousness in a child. The discipline of God brings about holiness in his children.

The end of discipline is holiness. God desires to shape us to reflect his glory. He wants the world to see his character in us. We strive for this end because without holiness no one will see God.

Evening: At 5:00 PM, we finished our VBS Clinic. We looked at Day 5: Connect with Life. The life application of day 5 is "I can live for Jesus."  At 6:00, we looked at Acts 1:1-11. In this passage, Jesus explains the mission of his church: be my witnesses.