New Sermon Series! “Buts from the Pews” Excuses and Confessions from Ordinary Christians Week One: “But I’m Too Tired To Be A Christian Today”

Family… God is not a drill instructor… Sundays are like a Family Reunion High Demands? High Expectations? The following is one passage which describes some of God’s expectations for His family members…

Romans 12:9-16 Marks of the True Christian 9 tLet love be genuine. uAbhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 vLove one another with brotherly affection. wOutdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, xbe fervent in spirit,7 yserve the Lord. 12 zRejoice in hope, abe patient in tribulation, bbe constant in prayer. 13 cContribute to the needs of the saints and dseek to show hospitality. 14 eBless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 fRejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 gLive in harmony with one another. hDo not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.8 iNever be wise in your own sight.tuvwx7yz abc de fg h8 i

Romans 12: jRepay no one evil for evil, but kgive thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, llive peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, mnever avenge yourselves, but leave it9 to the wrath of God, for it is written, n“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, o“if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.jk lm9n o

Slothful in Zeal?

Mission Impossible? Love Sincerely Hate Evil (Strongly) Devote yourselves to each other Honor one another above yourself Patient in Affliction Faithful in Prayer Practice Hospitality Bless those who curse you Mourn with those who mourn Do not be proud Do not be conceited Do not repay evil with evil Live at peace Do not take revenge Overcome evil with good

Why would God ask us to do the impossible??? 1)The stakes are too high! 2)It makes us like Christ 3)Nothing is without purpose 4)God loves us MEDIOCRITY IS NOT AN OPTION! Revelation 3:15-16, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

Holy Spirit, BE OUR FIRE! You CAN because you are CALLED. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” Philippians 4:13 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10 Plug into the sources which WILL ignite you! –Bible Study (private and “family” –Sacraments (Holy Communion, Baptism) –Prayer/Fasting –Do. “Don’t pray for zeal and passion. Be vulnerable in love and quick to serve and both will consume you!”

Hebrews 2:10-12 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises."

Summary… The Holy Spirit is our source of ignition! Motivated by the Gospel Our ZEAL is an EAGER PURSUIT OF all things which please God! No Excuses! Mediocrity is not an option. I CAN because I AM CALLED!!!