DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Sermon Series: What does it mean to be a Christian?

Sermon Title: Glorification

Sermon Text: Revelation 21:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Sermon Points: 

1.) Glorification is God making old things new.

2.) Glorification is God with his people like never before. 

3.) Glorification is God restoring his people to perfect health forever. 


What to do while we wait (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

1.) Pray for God to give you discernment. 

2.) Pursue Christ, reject antiChrists. 

3.) Stay alert. 

4.) Never forget what God has promised to you. 

5.) Always work for the good of the church. 


Daily Devotional Guide

The esteemed theologian Hank Williams Jr. once sang, "If heaven ain't a lot like Dixie, I don't wanna go." Now I love the south. I've lived here all my life and wouldn't have it any other way. But I can't help but wonder if Mr. Williams really took the time to understand what he was singing. Think about it. If Heaven doesn't have gnats and Dollar Generals, I'll pass. What a terrible combination of ignorance and arrogance. 

But this song sums up much of what is wrong with how even some Christians view eternity. Some want more of this life only without the inconveniences. Oh, and if we can throw in being reunited with Grandma that'd be great too. Of course, there's not much concern for the presence of God. 

Thankfully, the Bible gives us a much better understanding of eternity than Hank WIlliams Jr. does. In the words of scripture, we find that Christ is at the center of all things and life with him after his return will be beyond what we can possibly imagine. 

The theological term we're focusing on this week is glorification. Theologians describe justification as I am saved, sanctification as I will be saved, and glorification as I will be saved. While we long for new bodies that can no longer be afflicted by cancer and injury, we must never forget the central focus. It's all about Jesus. Our hope is found in him alone. This is a hope that is guaranteed to become reality. 


Monday - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Tuesday - 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Wednesday - 1 Corinthians 15:12-34

Thursday - 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Friday - Ephesians 1:1-23

Saturday - 1 Peter 1:1-25

Sunday - Luke 8:1-15

DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Sermon Series: What does it mean to be a Christian? 

Sermon Title: Sanctification

Sermon Text: Colossians 3:1-17

Sermon Points: 

1.) A new direction to look

2.) A new battle to fight

3.) A new master to serve


- The Example of God


- The Peace of God


- The Word of God


- The Glory of God


Daily Devotional Guide

If you were given the chance to go back in time and teach something to the younger version of yourself, what would it be? For me, it would be sanctification. I know that sounds nerdy but I could've really used that lesson in my early years of following Christ. I was living with a misunderstanding that to be a Christian meant to be perfect. I knew I wasn't perfect so this left me with a lot of shame and doubt about my standing before God. I needed to learn about what theologians call progressive sanctification. I needed this week's sermon. In a lot of ways, I still do. You probably do too. 

Progressive sanctification isn't a hall pass to sin as often as you like. Rather, it's the recognition that you have not yet arrived. The old saying is true. You're not yet what you're supposed to be but you're also not what you used to be. That's sanctification. Put another way, it's the Spirit inspired process of becoming more like Jesus that began when you got saved and won't end until you meet Jesus. 

As you read, listen, and pray this week, ask God to open your eyes to the process. Ask him to help you to see how far you've come by his power. Ask him to give you a greater understanding of how far you have left to go. Sanctification is a process. But it is a process you will not go through alone. Thank God for the process and where it is sure to lead us. 


Monday - John 17:1-26

Tuesday - Romans 8:1-11

Wednesday - Romans 8:18-39

Thursday - Romans 12:1-2

Friday - Philippians 1:1-30

Saturday - 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Sunday - Psalm 119:9-16