Finding Purpose and Meaning in Embracing Christ
Explore the challenges of setting priorities, seeking purpose in life, and addressing spiritual hunger through the lens of biblical teachings. Discover why early Christians embraced the faith, the importance of faithfulness over evangelism, and the current cultural challenges of deception, distraction, and disinterest.
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From the heart From the heart 6. The Challenge of Priorities Eccles 1:12 2:11 (p. 613) Colossians 3:5-17. (p. 1090)
An Uncontainable Message Why did early church become dominant religion? No advantage to convert Gafcon: Proclaiming Christ faithfully to Nations Bishop from Northern Nigeria Not sure they will live if they go to church Yet the church grows and grows
1. Purpose of Life Ecclesiastes the meaning of life Much of what we do is like chasing the wind Psychology Today: Living purposefully is key Solomon s realization Fear God & keep his commandments (Eccl 12:13) Why are people eager to embrace Christ?
2. Hunger in the Soul Living for wrong purpose does not deliver The hunger remains Turn away from distractions and false promises Seek the things above (Col. 3:1-2) Not neglect responsibilities: orient them correctly
2. Hunger in the Soul Two exhortations: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (v 15) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (V 16) Why embrace the Gospel? In Christ we find peace for our souls
2. Hunger in the Soul Early Church no exhortations to evangelism? Exhortations to faithfulness, holiness, service, Evangelism was happening but no pressure They raised the bar, yet people sought Jesus Why do people choose Christ? They see in Christians a quality of life, serenity,
3. Deceived, Distracted, Disinterested DECEIVED Spiritual indifference permeating a culture Three new gods Lack of REASON to believe science & secularism Lack of MOTIVATION somebody else can worry Lack of WILL religion is too much hassle. Worshipping one leads to worshipping all.
3. Deceived, Distracted, Disinterested The cultural shift is not delivering People are lonely, anxious, awkward, afraid, They are distracted and disinterested DISTRACTED Jesus: Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20)
3. Deceived, Distracted, Disinterested One group sown in Thorns Worldly concerns Pursuit of riches Licentious desire Distract people from cry of their soul MATERIAL Hi-tech society consumes attention SPIRITUAL People don t want to be alone with themselves
3. Deceived, Distracted, Disinterested DISINTERESTED Apathy: indifference to God
Living It So pervasive affecting not only non-Christians Culture sets the patterns of thought & behavior Takes significant re-training to break out Lack of zeal - spiritual anaemia Lack of power, joy, victory, Spread of the Gospel People saw what Christians had and wanted it
Living It We are selling our birthright when we compromise with the culture In Christ we find peace for our souls Re-ordering priorities changes character of our life A blessing & a gift
