Category: 2012 Sermons

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2012-11-25: Christmas Originals – The Original Missionaries

Sermon Audio: Christmas Originals – The Original Missionaries
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Scripture Text: Luke 2:8-20
Duration: 18:38
Size: 8.52 MB

Christmas Originals
The Original Missionaries
Luke 2:8-20

There is perhaps no more of an opportune time for our doing this…than in this season in which we especially celebrate the Savior’s birth.

I. They Received A Declaration

The angels had delivered a message to the shepherds…it was the declaration of Good News.

We ought to be Christmas Missionaries in the very finest sense…taking the declaration we have heard and received and with great anticipation we should be hurrying to tell others the message.

II. The Shepherds began an activity of Decoration

It is like they were turning on beautiful Christmas lights with each person that the shepherds told.

There is nothing that beautifies the world more than God’s marvelous love made known to all people throughout your community and then throughout the earth.

III. It made a difference in the shepherds lives Dedication

Sure these shepherds returned to their fields but they returned different. They returned changed.

Their lives were changed by God and theirs’ was a dedication to praising and glorifying God with their lives.

I want to encourage you in this season of special opportunity to take the Declaration you have received and to go out and get involved with Decoration spreading the Good News to others…and never grow weary in your changed life of Dedication to praising and glorifying God.

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2012-11-04: Spiritual Disciplines – Stewardship

Sermon: Spiritual Disciplines – Stewardship
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 24:01
Size: 11.0 MB

Spiritual Disciplines
Stewardship

I think that what I present today will be more broadly biblical than just a talk on tithing.

What is a Steward?

There are some notable stewards in the Bible, Joseph being the most notable.

A good steward always remembers that they are a servant of the master or the king, and does all that he or she does with an eye to what is best for their master’s household or kingdom.

Our Stewardship Of the Land Psalm 24:1

An understanding that the land belongs to the Lord has many implications.

As stewards of the land, we are supposed to look after our own needs, but we are to do it in a way that allows others to look after their needs.

Our Stewardship of Our Bodies 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

How does God want you to use the body that he has put you in charge of?

Our Stewardship of Money & Possessions 2 Corinthians 9:7

If we belong to God, then all that we have belongs to God.

I think that God is more concerned with your gracious relationship with your spouse than money coming into the plates.

Our Stewardship of the Gospel & the Grace & Gifts of God 1 Peter 4:10

If you are a Christian, you have Gifts given to the church through you.

How to Steward

Know God

If there is anything that we know about our God is that he is extremely generous, one could even say extravagant.

We are to steward the belonging of God in the same way that he has graced us with them

Gratitude

When we foster an attitude of gratitude for all that God has given us, including our position as stewards, it keeps us from imagining that creation and money is ours for doing as we please.

Practices

Change your Mind
Change your Bankbook
Change your Stomach
Change your footprint