January 24th Teaching outline

                                                                     Celebrate Life…By:
                                                        “Maturing Beyond Non-Commitment”
 


                                                    WHY SHOULD I COMMIT MY LIFE TO GOD?
 

• Because God shaped me for a purpose.

“For even before I was born, God had chosen me to be his and called me - what kindness and grace.” (Gal. 1:15, LB)
 

• Because God knows what’s best for me.

“I know the plans for you, says the Lord. They are plans to give you a future and a hope.” (Jer. 29:11, LB)
 

• Because I’m grateful for my salvation.

“Christ saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace.” (2 Tim. 1:9. NRSV)
 

• God promises to reward my commitment.

“in everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” (Prov. 3:6, LB)
 
                                              WHAT KEEPS US FROM TAKING THIS STEP?
 

1.  Short-Term Values.

Mark 4:19, I John 2:17
 
  2.     Past Failures.Moses – Exodus 2:11-15
David – 2 Samuel 11:14-27
Paul – Acts 7:57 - 8:3
  
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me…” Phil. 3:13-14

 3.     Being Self – Absorbed. Mark 8:35
 
 
                                                               I Gain by Losing…by Letting Go!
 

 God’s Word for today:

Don’t just commit to making money.
            Commit to making a difference.
 
                       Don’t just try to save your life.
                                  Jesus taught, “Give your life to God”
 
                                        Don’t just live for yourself and your family.
                                                       Give your life away!