Sketches of the Christian Life–3/5/2011

Deuteronomy 11:10-12

“For the land which you go to possess is not like the land of Egypt from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and watered it by foot, as a vegetable garden; but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven”

• God uses what you understand.
• The book of Joshua is more than just a history story. It is also a parallel to our crossing over into the Christian life.
• The battles of the Christian life (against the world, ourselves, Satan, etc.) won’t end until we get home, in Heaven.
• The Jews leaving Egypt is symbolic of the death of a life in bondage. Their entering the promised land is symbolic of the death of a meaningless life. The Jews fighting to rid the land of Canaan of wickedness is like our fighting to rid our lives of sin.
• Don’t lose sight of the love we are to have for the lost.
• The flesh will not die of natural causes. Period. It must be crucified every day!
• The Christian life isn’t a playground – it’s more of a battleground.
• When we come to Christ, our flesh and the world chase us. They are trying not to let us go. Resist it!
• Not only is God sovereign and true, but He also loves us.
• We have a responsibility to fight for what God has promised us. It will not all be handed to us.
• Drive your giants out of your life like the Israelites had to drive the giants out of the promised land!
• Expect and be prepared for ups and downs. But know that Jesus has overcome the world!
• Our bodies are broken because they house sin. Jesus’ body was broken to take our sin, so we may stand blameless before God Almighty.
• People don’t have to believe in God to benefit from His grace.
• You always have something to aim for. Strive to be like Jesus!
• It is not advisable to have question marks in your life with God.
• Is God real to you?
• God will provide for His people until the end.
• We should all be FAR more concerned with our sin footprint than we are with our carbon footprint.
• “Having a lab coat does not make you my god!” – Pastor Rick.
• Say you’re a Christian, but live like a devil? Expect the consequences.

God bless! ><>