Surviving or Thriving

Here are the completed notes from the Sunday Morning service December 27, 2015:

“Remember, everyone will wind up somewhere. In a word, at their destiny. Few people get there on purpose.” -Clayton King

The search for fulfillment alone should tell us that there is an actual fulfillment to be had.

Scripture: John 10:10

Abundantly – Life that never ends; yet this abundance can also be enjoyed now in this present life.
Peace, security, purpose for living, joy of facing any adversary (including the grave) without fear and the ability to endure hardship with confident assurance.
“Eternal life is given – Abundant life is granted”

1. Surviving Life

A. Allow the past to control the future

  • Scars remind us of where we have been.
  • They don’t have to dictate where we are going
  • According to James Rinehart – “Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.”

B. Live in fear of the “what ifs”

  • Faith is not about everything turning out okay; Faith is about being okay no matter how things turn out.
  • The basis of faith is not knowing, but in trusting.

C. Live for the temporary and not the eternal

  • “The bigger game is the game of life – That’s the important one to win.” -Tammy Fitzgerald

D. Ignoring the Challenges

  • Not considering God’s will over your own plans
    • “When someone desires what God wants more than what they want, they position themselves to hear what God truly wants.” Pastor Peyton
  • Sin that needs to be dealt with
    • Dr. Charles Stanley asks two thought provoking questions –
    • “Why would anyone who genuinely loves God want to live for the very sins that cost Jesus His life?”
    • “How could any believer glory in what God abhors?”
  • Not doing those things that you know you need to be doing – James 4:17
    • “To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

2. Transiting to a Thriving Life

A. Understand that “Your daily choices have consequences”

B. Pursue God’s Ultimate Priority – Your Relationship with Christ
“Make your ultimate goal your own personal relationship with Him” -Oswald Chambers

C. Follow God’s calling for your life
Become Christ-like – Romans 8:29; Galatians 5:22, 23

D. Participate in God’s Mission
Use the gifts and abilities God has given you for His glory – 1 Peter 4:10, 11
God does not equip us to stagnate but to serve

Be equipped!
Planning: “Making preparations today for tomorrow’s opportunities” (Dr. Charles Stanley from “A Touch of His Wisdom”)