Comforter, 30 November 2025
30 11 25 Filed in: Sermons | Handel's Messiah
Comforter
Handel’s Messiah
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
November 30, 2025
Isaiah 40:1-5
Series Big Idea: Handel’s Messiah may be the greatest work of music ever created, bringing praise and glory to the Creator.
Big Idea: The Messiah is our comforter.
Advent Theme: Hope
The holidays are here again! Thanksgiving is in the rear-view mirror, December begins tomorrow, and the season of Advent has officially begun. Some say this is the most wonderful time of the year. For others, it’s a challenging season for any number of reasons. Though we usually use the word “Christmas” to describe the next several weeks, the word “Advent” is becoming increasingly popular, perhaps because of the proliferation of advent calendars.
Advent is all about arrival. For hundreds of years, prophets spoke of a coming Messiah, the promised deliverer of the Jews. This season celebrates His arrival about two thousand years ago while we anticipate the return of the King—his second arrival—any day now!
Jesus has been called many names—from profanity to royalty—and during this Advent season we are going to explore many titles and roles of the Messiah who is, who was, and who will return soon.
The date was Saturday, December 3, 2011. My wife, Heather, and I were seated in Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium, and it was there that we experienced Messiah for the first time. I knew the Hallelujah Chorus and was familiar with many of the other songs, but what struck me was the lyrics. They are all taken directly from the Bible.
Many years ago I had the idea of preaching through the songs of Messiah and we will start today! Handel’s Messiah has three parts, the first of which covers the themes of Christmastime, the arrival of Jesus to our planet. The second and third parts deal with Holy Week, the death and resurrection of Jesus which we’ll revisit when Easter approaches.
Messiah is likely the most heard, sung, and recorded piece of classical music on earth. Handel wrote the 260 pages of music in just 24 days, a work that spans three hours and includes nine-piece orchestra, choir, and soloists. The words were assembled by Handel’s friend Charles Jennens who used the 1662 Anglican Book of Common Prayer as a guide. There are eighty verses of scripture in the libretto, only ten from the gospels of Matthew and Luke. The majority of the text is ancient prophecy predicting details about the coming of Christ. There are over 100 Old Testament prophecies uniquely fulfilled by the Messiah!
Messiah premiered in Dublin, Ireland on April 13, 1742, and later was performed in London. It made its U.S. debut in 1818 at Boylston Hall in Boston.
Messiah begins with three songs from Isaiah 40:1-5. I want to share samples of them with you today. But first, a bit of context.
Isaiah is a prophet who wrote the book that bears his name around 700 BC. The people of Israel were struggling under the expansion of the Assyrian empire. Like much of the Jewish Bible—the Old Testament—themes of God’s salvation and judgment abound. God goes to extraordinary lengths to show his love for humanity, we turn away from Him, and things go south!
As Isaiah’s writing, God’s people are in bad shape.
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. (Isaiah 40:1, NIV)
Whenever you see something repeated in scripture, take notice. Ancient scrolls and languages did not have bold, italics, or different colors to get our attention. They had to literally spell it out! God tells His people they will be comforted amid their bondage. Deliverance is coming, and it came most profoundly about 700 years later in the first coming of the Messiah.
I realize some of you may not be fans of classical music…yet! In 1990, a group of Christian singers and musicians came together for an updated version of Messiah, simply called Handel’s Young Messiah.
Strangely, three years later, The New Young Messiah was released with a different group of artists.
My favorite recording of this music is 1992’s Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration. Quincy Jones brought together an all-star cast of gospel and R&B artists ranging from Take 6 and Dianne Reeves to Patti Austin, Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau and the Richard Smallwood Singers.
Jesus brings comfort to our lives, whatever the circumstances. He is present through the Holy Spirit in every believer. Do you need comfort today? Call out to Jesus.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’S hand double for all her sins. (Isaiah 40:2, NIV)
Jerusalem had been held captive for seventy years. The trial was the result of their sin, but that is coming to an end. Now Isaiah speaks of John the Baptist, a New Testament figure who will come on the seen about 700 years later.
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:3, NIV)
This is a vivid description of John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus.
Verse 4…
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. (Isaiah 40:4, NIV)
Raising and lowering was a metaphor for preparing a road for a dignitary. We might call this today, “Rolling out the red carpet.” Get ready for the Messiah, people! Isaiah said it then about the first arrival. We can proclaim it today as the return of Christ is near.
And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:5, NIV)
I want God’s glory to be the bottom line of my life. During suffering, Isaiah declared God’s glory would be revealed. These days, it seems like nobody is paying attention to the LORD God Almighty…but just you wait!
So What?
Today, we wait for the return, the second arrival of Jesus.
He’s coming soon. He promised! Are you ready? Do you know him? He’s the reason we’re here!
Actually, God is with us…now! The Holy Spirit is here until Jesus returns. Sure, you can’t touch the Holy Spirit, but that doesn’t diminish the power or reality of the One who is at work making us more like Christ, preparing us for the Messiah’s promised return, filling us with gifts and fruit, and bringing comfort to us in our dark days.
I want to encourage all of you to experience Handel’s Messiah, too. You can attend a live performance, stream the songs, watch video performances, visit websites about the musical masterpiece, or just show up next Sunday as we continue the series.
My prayer is that this season we would center ourselves on Jesus the Messiah. Rather than giving into fear, we can experience the Prince of Peace, the God of comfort. Instead of focusing on wish lists and credit cards, let’s remember what Christmas is all about, a King born in Bethlehem who will return soon and he shall reign forever and ever. Hallelujah!
Handel’s Messiah
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
November 30, 2025
Isaiah 40:1-5
Series Big Idea: Handel’s Messiah may be the greatest work of music ever created, bringing praise and glory to the Creator.
Big Idea: The Messiah is our comforter.
Advent Theme: Hope
The holidays are here again! Thanksgiving is in the rear-view mirror, December begins tomorrow, and the season of Advent has officially begun. Some say this is the most wonderful time of the year. For others, it’s a challenging season for any number of reasons. Though we usually use the word “Christmas” to describe the next several weeks, the word “Advent” is becoming increasingly popular, perhaps because of the proliferation of advent calendars.
Advent is all about arrival. For hundreds of years, prophets spoke of a coming Messiah, the promised deliverer of the Jews. This season celebrates His arrival about two thousand years ago while we anticipate the return of the King—his second arrival—any day now!
Jesus has been called many names—from profanity to royalty—and during this Advent season we are going to explore many titles and roles of the Messiah who is, who was, and who will return soon.
The date was Saturday, December 3, 2011. My wife, Heather, and I were seated in Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium, and it was there that we experienced Messiah for the first time. I knew the Hallelujah Chorus and was familiar with many of the other songs, but what struck me was the lyrics. They are all taken directly from the Bible.
Many years ago I had the idea of preaching through the songs of Messiah and we will start today! Handel’s Messiah has three parts, the first of which covers the themes of Christmastime, the arrival of Jesus to our planet. The second and third parts deal with Holy Week, the death and resurrection of Jesus which we’ll revisit when Easter approaches.
Messiah is likely the most heard, sung, and recorded piece of classical music on earth. Handel wrote the 260 pages of music in just 24 days, a work that spans three hours and includes nine-piece orchestra, choir, and soloists. The words were assembled by Handel’s friend Charles Jennens who used the 1662 Anglican Book of Common Prayer as a guide. There are eighty verses of scripture in the libretto, only ten from the gospels of Matthew and Luke. The majority of the text is ancient prophecy predicting details about the coming of Christ. There are over 100 Old Testament prophecies uniquely fulfilled by the Messiah!
Messiah premiered in Dublin, Ireland on April 13, 1742, and later was performed in London. It made its U.S. debut in 1818 at Boylston Hall in Boston.
Messiah begins with three songs from Isaiah 40:1-5. I want to share samples of them with you today. But first, a bit of context.
Isaiah is a prophet who wrote the book that bears his name around 700 BC. The people of Israel were struggling under the expansion of the Assyrian empire. Like much of the Jewish Bible—the Old Testament—themes of God’s salvation and judgment abound. God goes to extraordinary lengths to show his love for humanity, we turn away from Him, and things go south!
As Isaiah’s writing, God’s people are in bad shape.
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. (Isaiah 40:1, NIV)
Whenever you see something repeated in scripture, take notice. Ancient scrolls and languages did not have bold, italics, or different colors to get our attention. They had to literally spell it out! God tells His people they will be comforted amid their bondage. Deliverance is coming, and it came most profoundly about 700 years later in the first coming of the Messiah.
I realize some of you may not be fans of classical music…yet! In 1990, a group of Christian singers and musicians came together for an updated version of Messiah, simply called Handel’s Young Messiah.
Strangely, three years later, The New Young Messiah was released with a different group of artists.
My favorite recording of this music is 1992’s Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration. Quincy Jones brought together an all-star cast of gospel and R&B artists ranging from Take 6 and Dianne Reeves to Patti Austin, Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau and the Richard Smallwood Singers.
Jesus brings comfort to our lives, whatever the circumstances. He is present through the Holy Spirit in every believer. Do you need comfort today? Call out to Jesus.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’S hand double for all her sins. (Isaiah 40:2, NIV)
Jerusalem had been held captive for seventy years. The trial was the result of their sin, but that is coming to an end. Now Isaiah speaks of John the Baptist, a New Testament figure who will come on the seen about 700 years later.
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:3, NIV)
This is a vivid description of John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus.
Verse 4…
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. (Isaiah 40:4, NIV)
Raising and lowering was a metaphor for preparing a road for a dignitary. We might call this today, “Rolling out the red carpet.” Get ready for the Messiah, people! Isaiah said it then about the first arrival. We can proclaim it today as the return of Christ is near.
And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:5, NIV)
I want God’s glory to be the bottom line of my life. During suffering, Isaiah declared God’s glory would be revealed. These days, it seems like nobody is paying attention to the LORD God Almighty…but just you wait!
So What?
Today, we wait for the return, the second arrival of Jesus.
He’s coming soon. He promised! Are you ready? Do you know him? He’s the reason we’re here!
Actually, God is with us…now! The Holy Spirit is here until Jesus returns. Sure, you can’t touch the Holy Spirit, but that doesn’t diminish the power or reality of the One who is at work making us more like Christ, preparing us for the Messiah’s promised return, filling us with gifts and fruit, and bringing comfort to us in our dark days.
I want to encourage all of you to experience Handel’s Messiah, too. You can attend a live performance, stream the songs, watch video performances, visit websites about the musical masterpiece, or just show up next Sunday as we continue the series.
My prayer is that this season we would center ourselves on Jesus the Messiah. Rather than giving into fear, we can experience the Prince of Peace, the God of comfort. Instead of focusing on wish lists and credit cards, let’s remember what Christmas is all about, a King born in Bethlehem who will return soon and he shall reign forever and ever. Hallelujah!
Hell is for Real, 16 November 2025
Hell is for Real
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
One Minute After You Die
November 16, 2025
Mark 9:43-48
Big Idea: Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
Scripture Reading: Mark 9:43-48
Several years ago my friend, Jim, died…for about fifteen minutes. Doctors were able to revive him and he lived another year or two before dying…and remaining so. Shortly after being revived, I asked him if he saw a bright light during those fifteen minutes. He thought for a moment and said, “No.” After a brief pause, I asked, “Did it get hot?!”
Last Sunday we began our two part series one minute after you die with a look at “the good place,” heaven. Today, we’re going to explore “that other place.”
You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.
The subject makes many uncomfortable, but the odds you will die someday are quite good! Are you ready? Do you have a will? Have you planned your funeral? Most importantly, are you ready to meet your Maker? Judgment Day is coming for all of us.
Heaven is for real. Hell is for real, too. C.S. Lewis wrote,
There is no doctrine which I would more willingly remove from Christianity than this, if it lay in my power. But it has the full support of Scripture and, specially, of Our Lord's own words; it has always been held by Christendom; and it has the support of reason. If a game is played, it must be possible to lose it.
In a world full of gray, Jesus seemed to indicate we will all spend eternity in one of two places, destinations we commonly call heaven and hell. One of the most common objections to the Christian faith is, “Why would a loving God send someone to hell?” Lewis again,
There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, “Thy will be done”, and those to whom God says, in the end, “Thy will be done.” All that are in hell choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find to those who knock, it is opened.
God has granted each of us free will, the ability to make decisions. We make thousands of them each day, but the greatest decision is whether to follow God or violate the first two of the ten commandments and make ourselves god, to create an idol of the person in the mirror. To put it plainly, heaven is where God dwells, and, therefore, it’s for people who want to be with God. Hell is where God is distant and, therefore, it’s for people who don’t want to be with God. We all get to choose, and our decision will be honored for eternity.
Judgment Day is coming. Are you ready?
Our Churches of God, General Conference denomination describes it like this:
We believe in the judgment of God.
We believe those who have trusted in Jesus for salvation will stand before the judgment of Christ to give account for their works done for him (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is there they will receive crowns for lives pleasing to him (Hebrews 6:10). We believe the judgment of the believer’s sin was taken by Christ on Calvary and has been forgiven and purged from the memory of God (Hebrews 10:17).
We believe those who have rejected God’s offer of salvation and have not received Christ as their Savior will stand before the great white throne judgment. Their names will not be found in the Lamb’s Book of Life. They will suffer the eternal consequence of that rejection and their sin (Revelation 20:11, 15).
Just as Led Zeppelin sang about a stairway to heaven, AC/DC sang about being on a highway to hell. It’s not a pleasant destination. People have many ideas of hell, many shaped more by Dante’s Inferno or medieval imagery, like that in the Sistine Chapel, than the Bible. There are even jokes like this (that are funny, but hell is no laughing matter…and accordions get a bad rap!).
Let’s look at Jesus’ words:
If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,
48 where
“ ‘the worms that eat them do not die,
and the fire is not quenched.’ (Mark 9:43-48)
Is Jesus speaking literally or metaphorically when he says, “The fire never goes out?” Does it really matter? Do you want to find out?
Here’s Jesus again:
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:12-13)
Judgment Day is coming. Are you ready? We talked about heaven last week, but what exactly is hell?
Hell has been defined as “the state of utter and irrevocable damnation to which the unregenerate soul is condemned after death.” – Van A. Harvey
The subject of hell has been debated for thousands of years. There are four primary views on hell:
1. Purgatory is a Catholic belief involves a state between death and heaven for purification. Last Sunday I mentioned a state between death and heaven but it’s like a waiting area, not a place of preparation.
2. Universalism implies people will have a second chance after death to get right with God, where hell is not eternal punishment but merely a state for correction. It sounds great but seems to contradict Jesus’ teachings.
3. Annihilation or terminal punishment is where people are destroyed rather than suffering forever.
4. Eternal Conscious Torment, the traditional view where the wages of sin are punished for eternity.
Before speaking of the new heavens and the new earth, the text in Revelation says,
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15)
Hell is for real.
So What?
I imagine many of you shrug your shoulders after a sermon about hell thinking, “I’ve got nothing to worry about. I prayed that magic prayer and have my ‘get out of hell free’ card.” I always find these words of Jesus sobering:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)
Are you doing the will of the Father? Are you obeying God and His word? It’s easy to say yes to Jesus on Sunday, but what about Monday? We are saved not by works, but by grace, by the blood of Jesus on the cross. But true faith is shown through our actions. Jesus’ half-brother wrote,
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder…faith without deeds is useless…dead. (James 2:19, 20b, 26b)
We get to choose where to spend eternity. God will honor our choice.
Heaven is for real and Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
Hell is for real and Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
Even if you are faithfully following Jesus, what about your friends, neighbors, and family? Do they know Jesus? If not, are you praying for them? Have you had spiritual conversations with them? Have you shared your story? Have you invited them to join us here on Sunday morning? Perhaps a great next step for you is to spend the next month praying for them each day and then invite them to one of our four Christmas Eve services (3, 5, 7, 9 PM).
We all deserve hell. We all deserve eternal separation from God for our sins. All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, His perfect standard. He doesn’t grade on a curve. The real scandal is not that there’s anyone in hell, but that there’s anyone in heaven! This is why Jesus died…so we can know God, have our sins washed white as snow, and live an abundant life now and beyond the grave.
Perhaps some of you have had a wake-up call this morning. You know you’re not following Jesus, even though you’ve joined us today. I’m glad you’re here. It’s not an accident. Today is the day of salvation. I’m not merely trying to scare the hell out of you, I want to introduce you to Jesus. This isn’t about religion or rules or taking away your fun, but it’s all about freedom, hope, peace, joy, and purpose. Jesus went to great lengths to become one of us, to model what it means to be human, to die for us, to conquer sin and death, and to invite us to follow him. You can begin by saying, “Jesus, I give you my life.” If that’s you, please tell me. I want to give you some gifts and celebrate with you.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
That’s incredible news, but not everyone knows it…and not everyone accepts it. Say yes to Jesus. He said yes to you! Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
For further study:
· Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
· Erasing Hell by Francis Chan
· Stop Erasing Hell by Preston Sprinkle
· One Minute After You Die by Erwin Lutzer
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
One Minute After You Die
November 16, 2025
Mark 9:43-48
Big Idea: Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
Scripture Reading: Mark 9:43-48
Several years ago my friend, Jim, died…for about fifteen minutes. Doctors were able to revive him and he lived another year or two before dying…and remaining so. Shortly after being revived, I asked him if he saw a bright light during those fifteen minutes. He thought for a moment and said, “No.” After a brief pause, I asked, “Did it get hot?!”
Last Sunday we began our two part series one minute after you die with a look at “the good place,” heaven. Today, we’re going to explore “that other place.”
You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.
The subject makes many uncomfortable, but the odds you will die someday are quite good! Are you ready? Do you have a will? Have you planned your funeral? Most importantly, are you ready to meet your Maker? Judgment Day is coming for all of us.
Heaven is for real. Hell is for real, too. C.S. Lewis wrote,
There is no doctrine which I would more willingly remove from Christianity than this, if it lay in my power. But it has the full support of Scripture and, specially, of Our Lord's own words; it has always been held by Christendom; and it has the support of reason. If a game is played, it must be possible to lose it.
In a world full of gray, Jesus seemed to indicate we will all spend eternity in one of two places, destinations we commonly call heaven and hell. One of the most common objections to the Christian faith is, “Why would a loving God send someone to hell?” Lewis again,
There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, “Thy will be done”, and those to whom God says, in the end, “Thy will be done.” All that are in hell choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find to those who knock, it is opened.
God has granted each of us free will, the ability to make decisions. We make thousands of them each day, but the greatest decision is whether to follow God or violate the first two of the ten commandments and make ourselves god, to create an idol of the person in the mirror. To put it plainly, heaven is where God dwells, and, therefore, it’s for people who want to be with God. Hell is where God is distant and, therefore, it’s for people who don’t want to be with God. We all get to choose, and our decision will be honored for eternity.
Judgment Day is coming. Are you ready?
Our Churches of God, General Conference denomination describes it like this:
We believe in the judgment of God.
We believe those who have trusted in Jesus for salvation will stand before the judgment of Christ to give account for their works done for him (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is there they will receive crowns for lives pleasing to him (Hebrews 6:10). We believe the judgment of the believer’s sin was taken by Christ on Calvary and has been forgiven and purged from the memory of God (Hebrews 10:17).
We believe those who have rejected God’s offer of salvation and have not received Christ as their Savior will stand before the great white throne judgment. Their names will not be found in the Lamb’s Book of Life. They will suffer the eternal consequence of that rejection and their sin (Revelation 20:11, 15).
Just as Led Zeppelin sang about a stairway to heaven, AC/DC sang about being on a highway to hell. It’s not a pleasant destination. People have many ideas of hell, many shaped more by Dante’s Inferno or medieval imagery, like that in the Sistine Chapel, than the Bible. There are even jokes like this (that are funny, but hell is no laughing matter…and accordions get a bad rap!).
Let’s look at Jesus’ words:
If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,
48 where
“ ‘the worms that eat them do not die,
and the fire is not quenched.’ (Mark 9:43-48)
Is Jesus speaking literally or metaphorically when he says, “The fire never goes out?” Does it really matter? Do you want to find out?
Here’s Jesus again:
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:12-13)
Judgment Day is coming. Are you ready? We talked about heaven last week, but what exactly is hell?
Hell has been defined as “the state of utter and irrevocable damnation to which the unregenerate soul is condemned after death.” – Van A. Harvey
The subject of hell has been debated for thousands of years. There are four primary views on hell:
1. Purgatory is a Catholic belief involves a state between death and heaven for purification. Last Sunday I mentioned a state between death and heaven but it’s like a waiting area, not a place of preparation.
2. Universalism implies people will have a second chance after death to get right with God, where hell is not eternal punishment but merely a state for correction. It sounds great but seems to contradict Jesus’ teachings.
3. Annihilation or terminal punishment is where people are destroyed rather than suffering forever.
4. Eternal Conscious Torment, the traditional view where the wages of sin are punished for eternity.
Before speaking of the new heavens and the new earth, the text in Revelation says,
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15)
Hell is for real.
So What?
I imagine many of you shrug your shoulders after a sermon about hell thinking, “I’ve got nothing to worry about. I prayed that magic prayer and have my ‘get out of hell free’ card.” I always find these words of Jesus sobering:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)
Are you doing the will of the Father? Are you obeying God and His word? It’s easy to say yes to Jesus on Sunday, but what about Monday? We are saved not by works, but by grace, by the blood of Jesus on the cross. But true faith is shown through our actions. Jesus’ half-brother wrote,
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder…faith without deeds is useless…dead. (James 2:19, 20b, 26b)
We get to choose where to spend eternity. God will honor our choice.
Heaven is for real and Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
Hell is for real and Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
Even if you are faithfully following Jesus, what about your friends, neighbors, and family? Do they know Jesus? If not, are you praying for them? Have you had spiritual conversations with them? Have you shared your story? Have you invited them to join us here on Sunday morning? Perhaps a great next step for you is to spend the next month praying for them each day and then invite them to one of our four Christmas Eve services (3, 5, 7, 9 PM).
We all deserve hell. We all deserve eternal separation from God for our sins. All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, His perfect standard. He doesn’t grade on a curve. The real scandal is not that there’s anyone in hell, but that there’s anyone in heaven! This is why Jesus died…so we can know God, have our sins washed white as snow, and live an abundant life now and beyond the grave.
Perhaps some of you have had a wake-up call this morning. You know you’re not following Jesus, even though you’ve joined us today. I’m glad you’re here. It’s not an accident. Today is the day of salvation. I’m not merely trying to scare the hell out of you, I want to introduce you to Jesus. This isn’t about religion or rules or taking away your fun, but it’s all about freedom, hope, peace, joy, and purpose. Jesus went to great lengths to become one of us, to model what it means to be human, to die for us, to conquer sin and death, and to invite us to follow him. You can begin by saying, “Jesus, I give you my life.” If that’s you, please tell me. I want to give you some gifts and celebrate with you.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
That’s incredible news, but not everyone knows it…and not everyone accepts it. Say yes to Jesus. He said yes to you! Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
For further study:
· Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
· Erasing Hell by Francis Chan
· Stop Erasing Hell by Preston Sprinkle
· One Minute After You Die by Erwin Lutzer
Heaven is for Real, 9 November 2025
10 11 25 Filed in: Sermons | One Minute after You Die
Heaven is for Real
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
One Minute After You Die
November 9, 2025
Revelation 21:1-4
Big Idea: Heaven is for real and Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.
This is true whether it’s your wealth, your health, or your soul. When is the last time you seriously pondered death? The odds are pretty good we will experience it! Many deny the reality of death while others simply procrastinate creating a will, a password cheat sheet for loved ones, an advance healthcare directive, or developing a relationship with God.
Today we begin a two-week, pre-holiday series entitled “one minute after you die.” There have been many books and even movies that tell stories of people who have died and returned and their experiences. In fact, one in 25 USAmericans have had a near-death experience. Have you? Unfortunately, the stories lack consistency with one another so while they are fascinating, they’re not authoritative. I have not died—yet—so I can’t tell you exactly what happens one minute after you die…but the Bible offers glimpses of what is to come.
Paul wrote to a church in modern day Greece:
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
I’ve been to a lot of funerals. Many of them are filled with hope because of the faith of the deceased. Paul continues…
For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17)
We typically call this place heaven, though technically there are at least three different biblical words that we translate heaven in English. To add to the complexity, the eternal home for followers of Jesus will not be heaven, exactly, but what is called the new heavens and the new earth. Genesis begins in a garden and Revelation ends in a city, the New Jerusalem. So, when we say “heaven,” we may be speaking of different places, times, or realities, but all beyond this life.
Author John Taylor notes,
Scripture consistently affirms that believers enter immediately into the presence of Jesus. Paul’s confidence was unflinching: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). He called it “better by far” to depart and be with Christ (Philippians 1:23). These verses leave little room for delay or unconscious “soul sleep.” From the earliest centuries of Christian theology to modern scholarship, the consensus has held that the soul of a believer goes instantly to be with Christ.
Theologians call this the intermediate state — a conscious, peaceful existence in God’s presence between death and the future resurrection. It’s “intermediate” not because it’s incomplete, but because it’s not the end of the story. The body, still under the weight of mortality, remains in the ground. Yet the soul experiences rest, awareness and worship in a reality more vivid than the one left behind. Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross confirm that immediacy: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Not “someday.” Today.
What is heaven like? Let’s begin by shattering a few myths. Heaven is not…
- Floating on clouds forever
- People becoming angels
- Our final home (there will be a new earth and New Jerusalem)
- For everyone (only those who say “yes” to Jesus and make him Lord)
- Where memories or individuality are erased
- Boring
Actually, Christians will spend eternity not in heaven, but on a new earth. Our scripture reading today says,
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)
Words cannot express the beauty, the glory, the peace, the paradise. If you want a simple definition, heaven is where God dwells. Jesus taught his disciples to pray,
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9-10)
Heaven is where God dwells. There are moments when heaven kisses earth, where God’s manifest presence is real, when you know the atmosphere has changed. Maybe you experienced that this morning as we were praising the LORD in song. Perhaps you witnessed justice served, the poor blessed, new life birthed, or were simply awed by the beauty and majesty of God’s creation. We often think of heaven as a place “up there” where we will go to escape “down here,” but that’s not exactly right as we’ll see in a moment. Let me say again heaven is where God dwells.
I love the question pastor John Piper posed several years ago:
“If you could have Heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with Heaven, if Christ was not there?” – John Piper, “God Is the Gospel”
The best thing about heaven is God’s presence. Jesus said.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? (John 14:1-2)
The ancient Greek word for “rooms’ is “monai” which is not a final resting place but a temporary stop on a journey that will lead you somewhere else.
Jesus continues…
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:3-4)
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5)
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
It's important to note the thief on the cross beside Jesus at the crucifixion was not “saved” because he was a good person. He was given the death penalty, after all. What saved him, what gave him the right to enter paradise was his faith in Jesus Christ.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
This past week I was given a simple tool to engage in spiritual conversations with people. Many struggle to share their faith, either feeling awkward, unprepared, or simply fearful of rejection. Here’s a question you can ask anyone that doesn’t mention God, Jesus, the Bible, or church:
Do you believe there is life after death?
Listen to their response and see if it doesn’t create opportunities to share the good news, the gospel. Usually, heaven and hell enter the discussion, with the inevitable question, “How does one get to heaven?” It’s not by being good or even religious. Heaven requires perfection. Only Jesus was perfect, and therefore one can only enter heaven through Jesus. Judgment Day is coming for us all. When we say yes to Jesus, we are adopted into his family, we join his team. We begin a relationship with him in this life which will continue for eternity.
So What?
Many people believe heaven is where good people die and bad people go to the other place. The reality is we’re all bad. We’ve all sinned. We’ve all missed the mark. I don’t deserve heaven. Mother Teresa and Billy Graham don’t deserve heaven. The pope doesn’t deserve heaven. We all deserve eternal separation from God for our sins.
The good news—the gospel—is Jesus is LORD, he is good, he is perfect, and he died on the cross to pay the punishment we deserve. Hallelujah!
The goal of this life is not to go to heaven when we die, but rather to bring heaven to earth now, offering healing and hope to our broken world. Heaven is where God dwells, and we want Him to rule and reign here now in the renewal of all things. When Jesus rose from the dead, it was the “launching of God’s new world” (N.T. Wright).
You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.
If you’re ready, are you preparing others? Do they know Jesus?
If not, you can begin by saying yes to Jesus. Simply say, “Jesus, I give you my life.” If that’s you today, would you please tell me or one of our leaders? We want to celebrate with you and help you get started on your journey.
Heaven is for real and Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
For further study:
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
One Minute After You Die
November 9, 2025
Revelation 21:1-4
Big Idea: Heaven is for real and Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.
This is true whether it’s your wealth, your health, or your soul. When is the last time you seriously pondered death? The odds are pretty good we will experience it! Many deny the reality of death while others simply procrastinate creating a will, a password cheat sheet for loved ones, an advance healthcare directive, or developing a relationship with God.
Today we begin a two-week, pre-holiday series entitled “one minute after you die.” There have been many books and even movies that tell stories of people who have died and returned and their experiences. In fact, one in 25 USAmericans have had a near-death experience. Have you? Unfortunately, the stories lack consistency with one another so while they are fascinating, they’re not authoritative. I have not died—yet—so I can’t tell you exactly what happens one minute after you die…but the Bible offers glimpses of what is to come.
Paul wrote to a church in modern day Greece:
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
I’ve been to a lot of funerals. Many of them are filled with hope because of the faith of the deceased. Paul continues…
For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17)
We typically call this place heaven, though technically there are at least three different biblical words that we translate heaven in English. To add to the complexity, the eternal home for followers of Jesus will not be heaven, exactly, but what is called the new heavens and the new earth. Genesis begins in a garden and Revelation ends in a city, the New Jerusalem. So, when we say “heaven,” we may be speaking of different places, times, or realities, but all beyond this life.
Author John Taylor notes,
Scripture consistently affirms that believers enter immediately into the presence of Jesus. Paul’s confidence was unflinching: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). He called it “better by far” to depart and be with Christ (Philippians 1:23). These verses leave little room for delay or unconscious “soul sleep.” From the earliest centuries of Christian theology to modern scholarship, the consensus has held that the soul of a believer goes instantly to be with Christ.
Theologians call this the intermediate state — a conscious, peaceful existence in God’s presence between death and the future resurrection. It’s “intermediate” not because it’s incomplete, but because it’s not the end of the story. The body, still under the weight of mortality, remains in the ground. Yet the soul experiences rest, awareness and worship in a reality more vivid than the one left behind. Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross confirm that immediacy: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Not “someday.” Today.
What is heaven like? Let’s begin by shattering a few myths. Heaven is not…
- Floating on clouds forever
- People becoming angels
- Our final home (there will be a new earth and New Jerusalem)
- For everyone (only those who say “yes” to Jesus and make him Lord)
- Where memories or individuality are erased
- Boring
Actually, Christians will spend eternity not in heaven, but on a new earth. Our scripture reading today says,
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)
Words cannot express the beauty, the glory, the peace, the paradise. If you want a simple definition, heaven is where God dwells. Jesus taught his disciples to pray,
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9-10)
Heaven is where God dwells. There are moments when heaven kisses earth, where God’s manifest presence is real, when you know the atmosphere has changed. Maybe you experienced that this morning as we were praising the LORD in song. Perhaps you witnessed justice served, the poor blessed, new life birthed, or were simply awed by the beauty and majesty of God’s creation. We often think of heaven as a place “up there” where we will go to escape “down here,” but that’s not exactly right as we’ll see in a moment. Let me say again heaven is where God dwells.
I love the question pastor John Piper posed several years ago:
“If you could have Heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with Heaven, if Christ was not there?” – John Piper, “God Is the Gospel”
The best thing about heaven is God’s presence. Jesus said.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? (John 14:1-2)
The ancient Greek word for “rooms’ is “monai” which is not a final resting place but a temporary stop on a journey that will lead you somewhere else.
Jesus continues…
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:3-4)
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5)
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
It's important to note the thief on the cross beside Jesus at the crucifixion was not “saved” because he was a good person. He was given the death penalty, after all. What saved him, what gave him the right to enter paradise was his faith in Jesus Christ.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
This past week I was given a simple tool to engage in spiritual conversations with people. Many struggle to share their faith, either feeling awkward, unprepared, or simply fearful of rejection. Here’s a question you can ask anyone that doesn’t mention God, Jesus, the Bible, or church:
Do you believe there is life after death?
Listen to their response and see if it doesn’t create opportunities to share the good news, the gospel. Usually, heaven and hell enter the discussion, with the inevitable question, “How does one get to heaven?” It’s not by being good or even religious. Heaven requires perfection. Only Jesus was perfect, and therefore one can only enter heaven through Jesus. Judgment Day is coming for us all. When we say yes to Jesus, we are adopted into his family, we join his team. We begin a relationship with him in this life which will continue for eternity.
So What?
Many people believe heaven is where good people die and bad people go to the other place. The reality is we’re all bad. We’ve all sinned. We’ve all missed the mark. I don’t deserve heaven. Mother Teresa and Billy Graham don’t deserve heaven. The pope doesn’t deserve heaven. We all deserve eternal separation from God for our sins.
The good news—the gospel—is Jesus is LORD, he is good, he is perfect, and he died on the cross to pay the punishment we deserve. Hallelujah!
The goal of this life is not to go to heaven when we die, but rather to bring heaven to earth now, offering healing and hope to our broken world. Heaven is where God dwells, and we want Him to rule and reign here now in the renewal of all things. When Jesus rose from the dead, it was the “launching of God’s new world” (N.T. Wright).
You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.
If you’re ready, are you preparing others? Do they know Jesus?
If not, you can begin by saying yes to Jesus. Simply say, “Jesus, I give you my life.” If that’s you today, would you please tell me or one of our leaders? We want to celebrate with you and help you get started on your journey.
Heaven is for real and Judgment Day is coming…are you ready?
For further study:
- Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
- Heaven by Randy Alcorn
- The Heaven Promise by Scot McKnight
- One Minute After You Die by Erwin Lutzer
- Remember Heaven by Matt McCullough
- Imagine Heaven by John Burke
Contentment, 2 November 2025
02 11 25 Filed in: Sermons | Philippians
Contentment
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
November 2, 2025
Philippians 4:10-23
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: In a world of anxiety and chaos, we can find contentment in Christ.
How are you today? Is anyone tired? Anxious? Stressed? Chill?
If there’s one thing USAmericans lack, it’s contentment. We are busy, busy, busy…often with nothing to show for it. We buy stuff…tons of stuff, but much of it ends up in next year’s garage sale. We take our kids from game to lesson to practice in what seems like an Uber driver audition. We bet on sports and the lottery hoping for a shortcut to wealth. We play games, watch tv (or worse), scroll through social media, seemingly inspiring Bono to sing, “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.”
In a world of anxiety and chaos, we can find contentment in Christ.
Today we’re finishing our series on this short book and Paul has a slight dilemma. He loves these people and he’s grateful for their gifts, yet he wants them to not send any more money. He never wants to be accused of preaching for money, instead saying the gospel is a free gift. Side note: if I was independently wealthy, I’d love to preach here for free, but I like to eat and live indoors—like many of you—so I am thankful for the opportunity to receive a paycheck…but I assure you I don’t do this “for” the money!
Writing from prison, he says,
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. (Philippians 4:10)
These people have helped Paul while he was in prison, praying for him and ensuring he received food and care, something the government didn’t do back then. He never actually says “thanks” in this section, but he is grateful.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:11)
There’s the word, content. It means “contained.” If you can be content in a Roman prison, you can be content anywhere…whatever the circumstances! He’s content. He is not in financial need. He’s more excited about how the giving will bless the giver than himself, the recipient.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)
Paul has experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of life on earth. Many of us can relate. We’ve encountered the ups and downs of finances, health, relationships, and emotions. But have you been flogged, exposed to death, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked, gone without food, been cold and naked? This is Paul’s story, yet he talks about being content. So, what’s the secret, Paul?
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
Mic drop!
The culture says money, pleasure, and power will make you happy, and they will…for a moment. But true contentment is not dependent upon current conditions. As I say sometimes, “It is well with my soul, but not my circumstances.”
Athletes may use this verse as a motivational slogan, which is fine, but it applies to all of life, and in this context, he is actually saying he can do “all these things,” the ability to live through wealth or poverty or food or hunger, not his ability to achieve anything.
Paul said he has learned to be content in all circumstances, because he can do all things through Christ. Pastor Eugene Peterson notes,
Mature Christians are able to do all things because they don’t have to do everything. They acquire strength to live because they don’t have to be anxious and constantly attentive to trivia, and they don’t have to take responsibility for the whole world on their shoulders[1].
Control is usually an illusion, unless we’re talking about our attitude. God is in control…we’re not. Jesus said, “Apart from me, you can do…nothing (John 15:5).”
Paul was God-sufficient instead of self-sufficient. Paul could face anything, because in every situation he had Christ. The same is true or can be true for us, but it begins with letting go, surrender, and being willing to sacrifice, obey, and pay the price. Paul certainly did. He not only had the LORD, he had friends praying and supporting him.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. (Philippians 4:14-16)
Paul’s in prison thanking these people for their aid. What selflessness. As I’ve said before, I’d be writing, “Please get me out of here!”
Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:17-18)
Paul is full…he has more than enough. Epaphroditus—who we looked at a few weeks ago—delivered money to Paul from the Philippians, perhaps 600 miles or more on foot! Why? Because the Church is a family that takes care of one another, that welcomes the stranger, that responds to the needs of others, even distributing money. This was evident from the very beginning of the Church in Acts 2:
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. (Acts 2:44-45)
We don’t separate the spiritual and physical. We care about the whole person, because we are to love God with all of heart, soul, mind, and body.
Paul’s rejoicing at the gifts sent by the Philippians, yet he not only shows personal appreciation, he acknowledges how their generosity is actually worship to the LORD.
This is still true today. When you give to College First Church of God, it’s an act of worship. It’s a step of faith, declaring God owns it all and you can’t outgive Him. I’m grateful for your generosity, church, but beyond paying the bills, I know your sacrifice is pleasing to God and He will honor and bless you for it. I thank my God for you!
I might add it’s a joy to give to support God’s work here and beyond. When you and I give to College First, we are supporting evangelists, missionaries, Next Gen leaders, and the needy in Findlay and around the world. Our benevolence fund has helped countless people over the years and is available for all of you to give and receive. We have a simple form at the office you and submit on behalf of yourself or a friend. We are a family. We do life together. We help, love, and serve one another. It’s who we are.
By the way, we can’t outgive God. In fact, Paul tells these generous, sacrificial givers…
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
What needs will God meet? All of them! Every single one! How? Often through God’s people, the Church. The Philippians have met Paul’s needs (and then some).
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:20)
The glory of God is the bottom line of College First, of the Great Lakes Conference, of the Churches of God, General Conference, of life itself! For ever and ever. Amen! Then he concludes with a common conclusion…
Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. (Philippians 4:21-22)
And finally,
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Philippians 4:23)
Amen!
So What?
In a few moments, you will enter the real world, so to speak. Having been loved and equipped, you will be sent out to do the week ahead…work, play, rest, recreation, conversations, worship, etc. The culture will send you a barrage of messages seeking to make you discontent. That’s the purpose of most advertisements—you won’t be content until you buy this, look like this, drive this, experience this. It’s a lie!
Family, we must spend time with one another in community. Life’s too hard to go it alone. And we must spend time in God’s Word regularly, not to be religious, but to speak truth to our minds that are filled with lies every day. Start with 5 minutes a day. The American Dream is a lie and we’re swimming in it, drowning in it. Narcissism is a lie. It’s not all about you! Control is a lie. He’s God and you’re not! Sometimes I feel like the purpose of my preaching is to deprogram you—and me—from the lies of the world, which are often subtle yet destructive.
Look around. Are people happy? Are they experience peace, freedom, joy? Although it’s decades old, I feel like Mick Jagger’s song could be the hymn of America: I can’t get no satisfaction.
Contrast that with the timeless wisdom of a converted Jew writing from prison:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13, NKJV)
In a world of anxiety and chaos, we can find contentment in Christ. He’s where the joy is. He’s where the abundant life is. He’s where contentment is. To God be the glory.
Amen.
Credits: some ideas from W. Jerry Murray
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
November 2, 2025
Philippians 4:10-23
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: In a world of anxiety and chaos, we can find contentment in Christ.
How are you today? Is anyone tired? Anxious? Stressed? Chill?
If there’s one thing USAmericans lack, it’s contentment. We are busy, busy, busy…often with nothing to show for it. We buy stuff…tons of stuff, but much of it ends up in next year’s garage sale. We take our kids from game to lesson to practice in what seems like an Uber driver audition. We bet on sports and the lottery hoping for a shortcut to wealth. We play games, watch tv (or worse), scroll through social media, seemingly inspiring Bono to sing, “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.”
In a world of anxiety and chaos, we can find contentment in Christ.
Today we’re finishing our series on this short book and Paul has a slight dilemma. He loves these people and he’s grateful for their gifts, yet he wants them to not send any more money. He never wants to be accused of preaching for money, instead saying the gospel is a free gift. Side note: if I was independently wealthy, I’d love to preach here for free, but I like to eat and live indoors—like many of you—so I am thankful for the opportunity to receive a paycheck…but I assure you I don’t do this “for” the money!
Writing from prison, he says,
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. (Philippians 4:10)
These people have helped Paul while he was in prison, praying for him and ensuring he received food and care, something the government didn’t do back then. He never actually says “thanks” in this section, but he is grateful.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:11)
There’s the word, content. It means “contained.” If you can be content in a Roman prison, you can be content anywhere…whatever the circumstances! He’s content. He is not in financial need. He’s more excited about how the giving will bless the giver than himself, the recipient.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)
Paul has experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of life on earth. Many of us can relate. We’ve encountered the ups and downs of finances, health, relationships, and emotions. But have you been flogged, exposed to death, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, shipwrecked, gone without food, been cold and naked? This is Paul’s story, yet he talks about being content. So, what’s the secret, Paul?
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
Mic drop!
The culture says money, pleasure, and power will make you happy, and they will…for a moment. But true contentment is not dependent upon current conditions. As I say sometimes, “It is well with my soul, but not my circumstances.”
Athletes may use this verse as a motivational slogan, which is fine, but it applies to all of life, and in this context, he is actually saying he can do “all these things,” the ability to live through wealth or poverty or food or hunger, not his ability to achieve anything.
Paul said he has learned to be content in all circumstances, because he can do all things through Christ. Pastor Eugene Peterson notes,
Mature Christians are able to do all things because they don’t have to do everything. They acquire strength to live because they don’t have to be anxious and constantly attentive to trivia, and they don’t have to take responsibility for the whole world on their shoulders[1].
Control is usually an illusion, unless we’re talking about our attitude. God is in control…we’re not. Jesus said, “Apart from me, you can do…nothing (John 15:5).”
Paul was God-sufficient instead of self-sufficient. Paul could face anything, because in every situation he had Christ. The same is true or can be true for us, but it begins with letting go, surrender, and being willing to sacrifice, obey, and pay the price. Paul certainly did. He not only had the LORD, he had friends praying and supporting him.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. (Philippians 4:14-16)
Paul’s in prison thanking these people for their aid. What selflessness. As I’ve said before, I’d be writing, “Please get me out of here!”
Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:17-18)
Paul is full…he has more than enough. Epaphroditus—who we looked at a few weeks ago—delivered money to Paul from the Philippians, perhaps 600 miles or more on foot! Why? Because the Church is a family that takes care of one another, that welcomes the stranger, that responds to the needs of others, even distributing money. This was evident from the very beginning of the Church in Acts 2:
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. (Acts 2:44-45)
We don’t separate the spiritual and physical. We care about the whole person, because we are to love God with all of heart, soul, mind, and body.
Paul’s rejoicing at the gifts sent by the Philippians, yet he not only shows personal appreciation, he acknowledges how their generosity is actually worship to the LORD.
This is still true today. When you give to College First Church of God, it’s an act of worship. It’s a step of faith, declaring God owns it all and you can’t outgive Him. I’m grateful for your generosity, church, but beyond paying the bills, I know your sacrifice is pleasing to God and He will honor and bless you for it. I thank my God for you!
I might add it’s a joy to give to support God’s work here and beyond. When you and I give to College First, we are supporting evangelists, missionaries, Next Gen leaders, and the needy in Findlay and around the world. Our benevolence fund has helped countless people over the years and is available for all of you to give and receive. We have a simple form at the office you and submit on behalf of yourself or a friend. We are a family. We do life together. We help, love, and serve one another. It’s who we are.
By the way, we can’t outgive God. In fact, Paul tells these generous, sacrificial givers…
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
What needs will God meet? All of them! Every single one! How? Often through God’s people, the Church. The Philippians have met Paul’s needs (and then some).
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:20)
The glory of God is the bottom line of College First, of the Great Lakes Conference, of the Churches of God, General Conference, of life itself! For ever and ever. Amen! Then he concludes with a common conclusion…
Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. (Philippians 4:21-22)
And finally,
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Philippians 4:23)
Amen!
So What?
In a few moments, you will enter the real world, so to speak. Having been loved and equipped, you will be sent out to do the week ahead…work, play, rest, recreation, conversations, worship, etc. The culture will send you a barrage of messages seeking to make you discontent. That’s the purpose of most advertisements—you won’t be content until you buy this, look like this, drive this, experience this. It’s a lie!
Family, we must spend time with one another in community. Life’s too hard to go it alone. And we must spend time in God’s Word regularly, not to be religious, but to speak truth to our minds that are filled with lies every day. Start with 5 minutes a day. The American Dream is a lie and we’re swimming in it, drowning in it. Narcissism is a lie. It’s not all about you! Control is a lie. He’s God and you’re not! Sometimes I feel like the purpose of my preaching is to deprogram you—and me—from the lies of the world, which are often subtle yet destructive.
Look around. Are people happy? Are they experience peace, freedom, joy? Although it’s decades old, I feel like Mick Jagger’s song could be the hymn of America: I can’t get no satisfaction.
Contrast that with the timeless wisdom of a converted Jew writing from prison:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13, NKJV)
In a world of anxiety and chaos, we can find contentment in Christ. He’s where the joy is. He’s where the abundant life is. He’s where contentment is. To God be the glory.
Amen.
Credits: some ideas from W. Jerry Murray
Citizens, 26 October 2025
26 10 25 Filed in: Sermons | Philippians
Citizens
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
October 26, 2025
Philippians 3:17-4:9
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: Our citizenship is in heaven and we need to live like it.
There’s a lot of talk these days about citizenship. We’ve heard words like immigration, refugee, green card, and asylum as people flee danger and seek to establish a new life. Many spend years trying to gain the citizen status others experience since birth, and that citizenship carries with it a certain identity.
What is your citizenship? Has it ever changed? Would you like it to change? Do you know the rights and benefits of your citizenship? Are you a good citizen?
PRAY
Today we’re continuing our series on the book of Philippians, a short letter written by Paul from a Roman prison to a church he started in modern day Greece. Last week we read Paul’s words about the supremacy of knowing Jesus. Our text today begins,
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. (Philippians 3:17)
One of the fascinating aspects of parenting is watching your kids mimic you. This can be hilarious…or frightening. The old song Cats in the Cradle reflects this. Much of what we learn in life is caught, not taught. Paul is saying watch me, follow me. That’s bold! This is one of the sobering things about leadership at any level…followers are watching…and often imitating. I actually prefer what Paul wrote to those in Corinth:
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
And as I don’t follow Christ, don’t follow my example! Years ago, someone eased my mind a bit when they said, “I’m not a perfect example, but I’m a living example.” I can embrace that. Of course, Paul’s purpose in saying follow my example is the threat of others who could harm the church in Philippi.
For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. (Philippians 3:18-19)
It’s so easy to live for temporary things like money, power, and pleasure, the things of this world.
But our citizenship is in heaven. (Philippians 3:20a)
Philippians were Roman citizens, which was prestigious, but Paul is saying being a citizen of heaven is infinitely better. This world is not our home.
The biggest sporting event in the world, the World Cup, will be held next year, hosted for the second time by the United States. Fans will not only cheer, but they will also wear the flags, colors, and uniforms of their country. In a sense, they are representing their nation. I’m always fascinated to know who a first-generation citizen roots for, their birth country or their present home. Citizenship matters.
I love this country and I’m grateful for our freedoms, but my greatest allegiance is not to a flag but a kingdom…the Kingdom of God. We must never let our earthly citizenship take priority over our citizenship in heaven.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 3:20-21)
Are you ready for this? What hope! Every day my body becomes lowlier! I’m looking forward to an upgrade. Jesus’ resurrected body offers a preview of what ours will become. The best is yet to come!
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Philippians 4:1)
He loves this church (as I love you, College First!). They are more precious to him than diamonds and jewels and he wants them to remain faithful to the LORD. Stand firm!
Now he mentions two women by name who don’t always agree with one another.
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:2-3)
Disagreements are nothing new, even among godly men and women. The world would say cancel, but we are called to reconcile, love one another, These people are saved. Their names are in the book of life and they are citizens of heaven. Instead of arguing, Paul offers a series of instructions to his readers. First,
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Rejoice…in your circumstances? No. Paul’s writing from prison! Rejoice in the Lord. In case you missed it the first time, he repeats it. Rejoice! When? Always! Next,
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5)
Gentleness is part of the fruit of the Holy Sprit. Some have translated it fairmindedness or graciousness. He says the Lord is near. His return is near. His presence is near. Even today, church, the Lord is near. That brings me peace. Thirdly,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
Heather put a sign in our bathroom which said, “Worry about nothing. Pray about everything.” It used to bug me because I like to worry! The original Greek word for anxious here is to be pulled in different directions. Can you relate? Hope here, fear there. It’s been said that worry is the greatest threat thief of joy, the theme of this letter. One researcher discovered 8 percent of the things we worry about are matters of legitimate concern! Also, worry is a sin (Matthew 6:24-34). The alternative is so much better, casting our burdens, fears, anxiety, and worry to the LORD.
Paul uses three different words: prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. Here, prayer may mean adoration, worship, devotion. When you talk with the LORD, it’s always good to start with praise. It reminds us of the power and faithfulness of our conversation partner. Then we can pour out our hearts with requests before expressing appreciation.
Another tool I often use is ACTS: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication or requests and petitions. If prayer is just a wish lists, you’ll both get bored!
What’s the result of rejoicing, gentleness, and prayer?
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
The peace of God beats the stress and chaos of the world any day! It’s the antidote to worry. The language Paul uses is from the military. The Philippians were very familiar with Roman guards keeping watch.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Count your blessings not your complaints! God’s character is filled with the good things—the virtues in this list.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9)
These are his spiritual children. He loves them and wants them to grow and mature. True belief doesn’t remain in our heads. It must be demonstrated through actions…daily. Obedience is God’s love language. We will experience His peace as we have right praying and right thinking which leads to right living.
So What?
Citizens behave differently than tourists. They learn the language and the culture. They wear the uniform, so to speak, and pledge their allegiance to both the flag and the territory.
What is your citizenship? Are you an American Christian or a Christian American? I realize some of you are neither—and we’re so glad you’re here! Welcome! But do we live primarily as citizens of heaven or earth?
Are you trying to keep up with the Joneses, running from place to place, consuming the finest goods and services you can afford (or some you can’t afford)? Is your life filled with the pursuits of power, pleasure, and control?
Or are you living for an audience of One, seeking to love God and love others as yourself, trusting in God’s provisions and having an attitude of gratitude?
It all begins in our head…and moves to our heart and hands. Let’s read this again:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny!
We all know this intellectually, but what fills your mind? What entertains you? What informs you? The media is filled with violence, gossip, lies, perversion, rebellion, and temptations of every kind, including comparison. How is it influencing us?
I challenge you—and myself—to think on good things, true things, noble things, right things, pure things lovely things, admirable things, excellent things, praiseworthy things…heavenly things—because that’s where our citizenship is found. Let's live like it!
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
October 26, 2025
Philippians 3:17-4:9
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: Our citizenship is in heaven and we need to live like it.
There’s a lot of talk these days about citizenship. We’ve heard words like immigration, refugee, green card, and asylum as people flee danger and seek to establish a new life. Many spend years trying to gain the citizen status others experience since birth, and that citizenship carries with it a certain identity.
What is your citizenship? Has it ever changed? Would you like it to change? Do you know the rights and benefits of your citizenship? Are you a good citizen?
PRAY
Today we’re continuing our series on the book of Philippians, a short letter written by Paul from a Roman prison to a church he started in modern day Greece. Last week we read Paul’s words about the supremacy of knowing Jesus. Our text today begins,
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. (Philippians 3:17)
One of the fascinating aspects of parenting is watching your kids mimic you. This can be hilarious…or frightening. The old song Cats in the Cradle reflects this. Much of what we learn in life is caught, not taught. Paul is saying watch me, follow me. That’s bold! This is one of the sobering things about leadership at any level…followers are watching…and often imitating. I actually prefer what Paul wrote to those in Corinth:
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
And as I don’t follow Christ, don’t follow my example! Years ago, someone eased my mind a bit when they said, “I’m not a perfect example, but I’m a living example.” I can embrace that. Of course, Paul’s purpose in saying follow my example is the threat of others who could harm the church in Philippi.
For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. (Philippians 3:18-19)
It’s so easy to live for temporary things like money, power, and pleasure, the things of this world.
But our citizenship is in heaven. (Philippians 3:20a)
Philippians were Roman citizens, which was prestigious, but Paul is saying being a citizen of heaven is infinitely better. This world is not our home.
The biggest sporting event in the world, the World Cup, will be held next year, hosted for the second time by the United States. Fans will not only cheer, but they will also wear the flags, colors, and uniforms of their country. In a sense, they are representing their nation. I’m always fascinated to know who a first-generation citizen roots for, their birth country or their present home. Citizenship matters.
I love this country and I’m grateful for our freedoms, but my greatest allegiance is not to a flag but a kingdom…the Kingdom of God. We must never let our earthly citizenship take priority over our citizenship in heaven.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 3:20-21)
Are you ready for this? What hope! Every day my body becomes lowlier! I’m looking forward to an upgrade. Jesus’ resurrected body offers a preview of what ours will become. The best is yet to come!
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Philippians 4:1)
He loves this church (as I love you, College First!). They are more precious to him than diamonds and jewels and he wants them to remain faithful to the LORD. Stand firm!
Now he mentions two women by name who don’t always agree with one another.
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:2-3)
Disagreements are nothing new, even among godly men and women. The world would say cancel, but we are called to reconcile, love one another, These people are saved. Their names are in the book of life and they are citizens of heaven. Instead of arguing, Paul offers a series of instructions to his readers. First,
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Rejoice…in your circumstances? No. Paul’s writing from prison! Rejoice in the Lord. In case you missed it the first time, he repeats it. Rejoice! When? Always! Next,
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5)
Gentleness is part of the fruit of the Holy Sprit. Some have translated it fairmindedness or graciousness. He says the Lord is near. His return is near. His presence is near. Even today, church, the Lord is near. That brings me peace. Thirdly,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
Heather put a sign in our bathroom which said, “Worry about nothing. Pray about everything.” It used to bug me because I like to worry! The original Greek word for anxious here is to be pulled in different directions. Can you relate? Hope here, fear there. It’s been said that worry is the greatest threat thief of joy, the theme of this letter. One researcher discovered 8 percent of the things we worry about are matters of legitimate concern! Also, worry is a sin (Matthew 6:24-34). The alternative is so much better, casting our burdens, fears, anxiety, and worry to the LORD.
Paul uses three different words: prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. Here, prayer may mean adoration, worship, devotion. When you talk with the LORD, it’s always good to start with praise. It reminds us of the power and faithfulness of our conversation partner. Then we can pour out our hearts with requests before expressing appreciation.
Another tool I often use is ACTS: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication or requests and petitions. If prayer is just a wish lists, you’ll both get bored!
What’s the result of rejoicing, gentleness, and prayer?
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
The peace of God beats the stress and chaos of the world any day! It’s the antidote to worry. The language Paul uses is from the military. The Philippians were very familiar with Roman guards keeping watch.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Count your blessings not your complaints! God’s character is filled with the good things—the virtues in this list.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9)
These are his spiritual children. He loves them and wants them to grow and mature. True belief doesn’t remain in our heads. It must be demonstrated through actions…daily. Obedience is God’s love language. We will experience His peace as we have right praying and right thinking which leads to right living.
So What?
Citizens behave differently than tourists. They learn the language and the culture. They wear the uniform, so to speak, and pledge their allegiance to both the flag and the territory.
What is your citizenship? Are you an American Christian or a Christian American? I realize some of you are neither—and we’re so glad you’re here! Welcome! But do we live primarily as citizens of heaven or earth?
Are you trying to keep up with the Joneses, running from place to place, consuming the finest goods and services you can afford (or some you can’t afford)? Is your life filled with the pursuits of power, pleasure, and control?
Or are you living for an audience of One, seeking to love God and love others as yourself, trusting in God’s provisions and having an attitude of gratitude?
It all begins in our head…and moves to our heart and hands. Let’s read this again:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny!
We all know this intellectually, but what fills your mind? What entertains you? What informs you? The media is filled with violence, gossip, lies, perversion, rebellion, and temptations of every kind, including comparison. How is it influencing us?
I challenge you—and myself—to think on good things, true things, noble things, right things, pure things lovely things, admirable things, excellent things, praiseworthy things…heavenly things—because that’s where our citizenship is found. Let's live like it!