Sustainable Life!
The world is fading
1 John 2:17 NLT
And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
Mosaic must be sustainable
Even the coolest, hippest, most theologically clear church that was a product of only ourselves would fade one day. It must be sourced from Jesus Christ
Moses wanted sustainability
Exodus 33:15 NLT
Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.
Jesus is sustainability
John 15:5 NLT
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
Humanity has always had a choice
Genesis 4:1-6 NLT
Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, “With the LORD’s help, I have produced a man!” Later she gave birth to his brother and named him Abel. When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD. Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. “Why are you so angry?” the LORD asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected?
Choice
Choice is how we decide and then follow through with what will have first place in our hearts.
Choice is in the heart
Psalm 51:16-17 NLT
You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, OGod.
Choice
Choice is not so much about the actions as what the actions reflect about our heart.
Each of us must choose
Joshua 24:15 NLT
But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.”
Choice
Even though different ideas and paths are available for our hearts to choose, not all choices will sustain our lives. We still, must choose whom or what we will serve. "Everybody serves somebody" Bob Dylan
Our hearts shape our lives
Proverbs 4:23 NLT
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Choice
Whatever is at the core of our heart, what matters most to us, will shape the rest of our lives.
But then, Life happens
Matthew 7:24-29 NLT
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.
Choice
The foundation of our choice is revealed as the circumstances of life wash against us, like wavs on a beach. Illustration: easier to build in Arizona
The Sustainable Life
Living a life of choice (intent) can easily be reflected by our... Connection to the Body of Christ - we have a gift and it is destined for good through the Church. Financial Stewardship - the practice of tithing protects us from worshipping other stuff. "Stuff" is a tool, a resource and a blessing. But it is a terrible god. Time allocation - In and of itself, time is not sustainable. It is to be used, but some of us get used by time. When time is short, we have lost control and it owns us. Choosing God first trusts Him with production & perspective.
Choose it or lose it!
Here is a prayer that might help you make the choice of God being first in your heart: Father, help me to turn away from all the other things that get "first choice of my time, talent & treasure." I purpose to spend time with you and with other Christ followers as a priority. I purpose to tithe... even though I dont' see how I can do that with my current obligations, help me to reorganize and start somewhere. I purpose to serve others in the way that you have shaped me in a way that helps build up the Body of Christ. Thanks you for choosing me! Amen. (you can also share your own request here)
Mosaic is currently "unsustainable"... but trusting...
Help support the movement of Sustainable Life & Sustainable church by tithing or giving to Seattle Mosaic through the Seattle Church Planting site. Thank you!