Sunday Recap 1-15-12

Morning: Today was "Sanctity of Human Life Sunday." We opened with this video from the Miniature Earth Project.



The sermon, "Hope in God," examined 1 Timothy 6:17-19. In this passage, Paul gives Timothy some last minute reminders to pass on. They come in two clusters of commands.

The first cluster of commands state:

1. Do not be arrogant. Those of us who are blessed with wealth shouldn't assume that God was obligated to give it to us because we are good. Nor should we think others don't have wealth because they are bad. We have be blessed to be a blessing.

2. Do not trust in wealth. It may last for generations, but it might just split like Usain Bolt when the starting pistol is fired.

3. Put you hope in God. God is the provider of all the good things in our lives. He is the One who will carry us through our times of trouble. He is the One who will great us when this life is over.

Before Paul moves on the second cluster of commands, he reminds his reader that God has given them their wealth for enjoyment. They are to enjoy what they have, but that doesn't mean they can squander it on selfish extravagance.

He urges Timothy to command them:

1. To do good. They are to use their money in proper ways, not in ways that will destroy.

2. To be rich in good deeds. They should do good things in abundance. Doing good should be a regular part of their life.

3. To be generous. Just as God has gifted them with wealth, they are to use that wealth to help others. They should be glad to help those in need.

4. To be willing to share. We are called to share what we have.

In this way, Paul reminds us, we store up treasure in heaven, while laying a solid foundation. As we hope in God, and give from our abundance, we seize the the life that is truly life.

We ended with this song by Andrew Peterson:



Evening: We looked at Psalm 15, and talked about self-reflection. When we focus on God's requirements for man, it drives us to the cross of Christ. He alone is able to make us stand before God, and he does it with gladness.