The Christian Spirit
December 14, 2008
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Text: Philippians 4:21-23
Christmas Spirit - defined - The Christian Spirit - looks like?
God has a prayer for His children - For us to be the people with the Christian Spirit
The people with the Christian Spirit. How?
1) Have a heart for Home
V21 - Saints - changed - in Christ - home - "I'll be home . . ."
A) Christmas on Douglas street - In Christ - meaning? LIFE! Saved - growing
B) "House of God" - Dilapidated - Glory of God had departed - Ichabod
What goes on inside reflects what goes on outside! How do I prevent dilapidation?
When the word "all" is changed - When we lose perspective! Hearts for home - self?
No gossiping! No slandering, no arguing, no complaining, look out for comfort zone cliques, rejoice when others have something good happen! Pray! Forgive!
How do you have this heart? Receive Jesus Christ as Lord and savior with all your heart!
2) Have a spirit of Grace
V23 - Be a person of Grace! Take it with you!
What is Grace? God's unmerited favor - Benevolence - Kindness, love, care, compassion, concern
My story at RBC and names - God considers you first!
What kind of spirit do you carry with you? Scrooge - self centered or Christ centered?
Grace or grump, grace or greed - Karate Kid - Close eye - What do they see when they say your name? Loud, loving, critical, kind, nosy, nice, caring, cranky?
Jesus has compassion for people - He knows we are all struggling!
How to take grace with you? 1) Hear them ring - your words reveal your heart. 2) Get the big picture of life! John Challis - 3) Worship God in truth - trash idols! 4) Love people sincerely
A person of integrity in Christ will care about others. You won't leave people in a lurch!
Conclusion
God has a plan and prayer for you and for His church. To be the people with the Christian Spirit. There is hope! If God's people will have this heart and spirit then we will be those people God needs right now in this world. "My personal observations - Positive and negative"
Summing up this letter to OHC - Be Christ centered people! Authentic Christians! Fight the stranglehold of the me mentality and show the power of God in your life!