1. Simon Says

2. Sure steps toward a closer relationship with God

3. Acknowledgement

4. Repentance

5. Obedience

6. Obedience Means: Knowing and Doing (James 1:22-25)

7. James 1:25b doing it (obeying) — they will be blessed in what they do.

8. Do you want to be happy?

13. God wants us to be obedient

14. Jesus is our example of obedience

15. Hebrews 5:7a During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death,

16. Hebrews 5:7b and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

17. Hebrews 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered

18. Hebrews 5:9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

19. Hebrews 5:10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

20. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15 NIV)

22. Why do we obey?

23. Are we coerced?

24. Why do we obey? Are we coerced?  Forced by others  Motivated by Fear  Law & Punishment

29. Why do we obey?

30. Can we choose?

31. Why do we obey? Can we choose?  Our decision  Motivated by Love  Grace & Compassion

36. 1 John 4:19 “We love because God first loved us.”

37. God wants us to be obedient because we want to

38. Jesus told them a Parable

39. The Pharisees were listening

40. Matthew 21:28a What do you think? There was a man who had two sons.

41. Matthew 21:28b He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'

42. Matthew 21:29 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

43. Matthew 21:30a Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing.

44. Matthew 21:30b He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.

45. Matthew 21:31a "Which of the two did what his father wanted?"

46. Matthew 21:31b "The first," they answered.

47. Matthew 21:31c Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.

48. Matthew 21:32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

49. Some people are like the first son They say “no” to God But later they REPENT

50. Some people are like the first son REPENTANCE leads to OBEDIENCE

51. Some people are like the second son They say “yes” to God But they don’t OBEY

52. Some people are like the second son These are the biggest problem for God.

53. The best option... Say “yes” to a relationship with God and obey what God says

54. Do you want to be happy?

55. Luke 11:28 "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

56. Obedience brings... μακαριοσ Blessing Contentment Satisfaction Happiness

57. When you think about obeying God...

58. God’s plan is to bless you. This comes through obedience.