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You are here: Home / Sermons / The Gift of “Now”

The Gift of “Now”

December 15, 2024

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    Introduction:

    • Message Title: “The Gift of Now”
    • Expansion of “Just a Moment with Pastor Dan” devotional piece from last Friday.

    Text: Philippians 3:12-14

      • Paul considers everything he used to value as worthless compared to knowing Christ and having faith in Him.
      • Paul’s approach to living out a life of faith:
        • Not yet arrived.
        • Not focusing on the past.
        • Keep moving forward.

    Main Idea: Each moment is a gateway to new possibilities.

     I.  The Essential Question: “What Am I Going to Do Now?”

    • The essential question we face every day.
    • “Now” is our workstation.
    • Athletes focus on “now” to improve performance.
    • When making a wrong turn, look for the nearest place to turn around.
    • Processing “now” involves choosing how to look at and respond to our feelings and circumstances.
      • Options: Ignore feelings, sublimate them, be proactive in love, confide in someone, talk to the Lord, analyze them.
    • This perspective allows us to engage the present moment with purpose and a biblical mindset.
    • Recognize we have options and be alert to the enemy’s tactics.
    • Safeguard: Understanding our “always” status.

     

     II.  Our “Always” Status

    • Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
    • In Christ, believers are perpetually in a state of forgiveness, acceptance, and love from God.
    • Our “always” status means no baggage from the past and no barrier between us and God.
    • Confession is about receiving God’s consolation and growing in trust, not about getting right with God.
    • God’s dealings with us always come from a place of affection and acceptance.
    • Even when suffering consequences, God cares for us.
    • Galatians 2:20 – Living with reliance on Jesus and His work.
    • Jesus’ sacrifice secures our confidence in God’s love and the Holy Spirit’s sufficiency.
    • God’s favor was established through Christ, and His promises are always with us.
    • Each moment is a gateway to new possibilities.

     

    III. The Grace Difference

    • Grace is unconditional, immutable, unwavering.
    • Human promises can fall apart, but God’s promises remain.
    • Love involves risk (Isaiah 65:2-3)
      • God’s love is given with the hope of our response.
      • – God’s enduring patience with us.
    • Jude 21 – Keep yourselves in the love of God by believing and embracing it.
    • Each moment is a fresh start with God’s grace.

     

    Conclusion:

    • We are as spiritual or unspiritual as we are in the moment.
    • Accept the grace of the gospel, engage with your “now,” and let each moment be a fresh start.
    • Each moment is a gateway to new possibilities.
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