7. Stewards

1 Peter 4:7-11

This is our final message in our Devoted or Distracted series.  Our text today will teach us about Stewards. In biblical times, a steward was a person who was hired to serve the members of the owner’s household. The steward was to utilize and manage the resources of the owner to meet the needs of each of the members of his household.  

In our text, Peter tells us that we have received grace-gifts from God. And, “as each has received a gift,” we are to “use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). So, we are stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us. And He has entrusted them to us primarily for the benefit of others. Let’s open our hearts and minds as to how God wants us to best use our gifts to serve others.  

-Pastor Terry

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6. Contentment

Philippians 4:10-20

Are you content? If we are honest, the majority of us would say "No, I am not content." How do we know this? Because we're always searching for something better, something more. It might be a bigger house, a nicer car, a better job, and so on. "If only I had…  _____(fill in the blank)______ Many are never satisfied. They're always on the search for that next big thing.

What does the Bible have to say about contentment? Is it wrong to want more? Is it wrong to want bigger and better? Let's search the scripture today and see what God has to say about being content.

-Pastor Terry

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5. Our Mission is Missions

Acts 17:1-6

For our church, George and Luisa Dimakos continue to make missions real to our people. Our church family loves the Dimakos family. Our people know that when they give to missions they are supporting not only the Dimakos family but the other missionary families CrossBridge supports.

George and Luisa have been missionaries in Greece since 1993. George started a church in Athens, helped start a church in the island of Zakynthos, and recently started a Farsi speaking church reaching Muslims. There is a “perfect storm” to reach the many Muslims in Greece. Many are turning to Christ. Today, our missionary George Dimakos will be speaking on Devoted or Distracted: Missions is our Mission.

-Pastor Terry

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3. Politics

Selected Passages

I've noticed that people are either devoted to or distracted by politics. It headlines the newspapers, the evening news, and the internet. As election day draws near there is just no escaping news about politics. It can be a very emotional and passionate topic. As I watch people and talk with them, from both political parties, I see many who are truly devoted followers of their candidate. There is nothing wrong with this in itself. But what does cause me concern is to see many Christians who are more passionate about their choice of a political leader than they are about our Lord Jesus Christ.

In my conversations with people I've been made aware that many have never thought to consider how to vote biblically. I believe many believers vote more for what their favorite candidate stands for rather than what the Word of God stands for. Every one of us is to vote responsibly; making a personal, informed, and biblical choice this November. Something to consider: If Christ is Lord of all of your life, then is He Lord of your political views. Are your views in line with His? In 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul says that his goal is "taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."  Every thought and every choice must be made in obedience to Christ. Let's look today what the Bible has to say about voting biblically.

-Pastor Terry

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1. The Original Distraction

Genesis 3

Do you find yourselves being easily distracted? It may be a busy schedule, the kids’ sporting events, important appointments, school activities, and so on. We make commitments but our overwhelming distractions can lead us away from those commitments. What is our main focus? As believers in Jesus Christ our focus should be on Him, being Christ-like, being a Christ-follower, and being totally devoted to our Lord. Would you agree with me that life's distractions often interrupt our focus on having a relationship with God?

Today, we'll be looking at Genesis 3 and see the original distraction that lead Adam and Eve away from God. It was a simple but layered approach that led them to disobey God. This choice that had catastrophic consequences for them and for all mankind. They took their eyes off of God and misplaced their devotion. The result? Let's look together at today's text.

-Pastor Terry

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