Brothers and Sisters of Peace Moravian Church:

@PEACE
Peace Moravian Church
A Stephen Ministry Congregation
Charlotte, NC 28226
www.peacemoravian.com
July 6, 2008

On this day of anniversary celebration for one of the founding fathers of the Moravian faith (John Huss), observed with Holy Communion, Pastor Doss delivered a brief but meaningful sermon message dealing with one of the greatest challenges we (Christians) face today in holding true to our faith…the inability to “die to self” and put God first in our lives. Bringing attention to the importance of our participation at the Lord’s Table (Holy Communion), he would remind us that the most important thing for us to remember is that it is not about us…it is about Christ and his sacrifice for us on the Cross at Calvary. As he would say later in his message, “The Lord’s Table calls us to surrender (ourselves), seek to serve him, and put Christ and his cause first in our lives.” Contrary to what many believe today, and central to Pastor Doss’ message theme, living our faith is “not about me”…it is about putting Christ first in our lives and giving him full authority over all that we do.

Pastor Doss referenced several individuals and groups who understood this well. He spoke of John the Baptist who knew that the world’s knowledge of Jesus must increase as his role decreased in order for the world to better understand the reason for Christ’s coming to earth. He spoke of the above-mentioned John Huss as he stood firm to his faith…doing so even to the point of death. And, he spoke of the early Moravians who sold themselves into slavery so that they might lead others to Christ. Each of these understood that the proper relationship is God first, self second. There is no other formula that works in getting ourselves right with God. We get right with God as we fully allow Christ into our hearts and set out to do the work he calls us to do in his name.

Pastor Doss made reference to various polls that have been taken in recent years that show the view of the world’s population towards many religions and their activities. As you can imagine, many claim a faith in God, but few, very few, admit to a deep level of faith, trust, and personal dedication. Most in today’s world, as these polls show, do not feel a commitment to the Lord as being a necessity for their self-serving lifestyles. For them, it is life “my way, by my terms, and at a time that is convenient to me”. They do what they do without counting the costs to their inner being or considering the reward of eternal citizenship in God’s kingdom as being something for which they should strive to achieve. They live for self (“What’s in it for me?”) and for the moment!

Jesus spoke this same message to his disciples and those who witnessed his activities during his days on earth. The guidance he offered them transcends all of time and carries the same importance for us today…to those who seek to follow him. To have a right relationship with God the Father, we must make the decision to put the value of worldly goods and ways secondary to a deep and meaningful personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In other words, we must invite Christ to come fully into our hearts and then seek to maintain that
relationship with him by focusing on doing the work he challenges us to do in his name. Again, it’s God first, self second. There is no other formula that brings such true and lasting peace to our lives.

God, through Christ, welcomes those who seek to live their lives in full obedience of these principles. If your relationship with God needs to be renewed, refreshed, or revitalized, invite Christ into your heart today. It’s really simple: invite Christ into your heart, nurture the relationship with daily routines that draw you closer to him, and make doing “His will” top priority in your life.

PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father, because of our desires of wanting a new or deeper relationship with you, hear us as we grant you full access to our hearts and minds. Give us strength as we seek to go against the self-serving, “me first” mentality of the world and place everything we have into your care. We know the truth of your words, and we know the depths of your love; help us to step forward with newness of life and purpose as we invite you into our hearts. Help us to have the faith values of our forefathers and give us the strength to share those values with those of our world today. Come into our hearts and help us as we work to change our attitudes from self-serving to Christ-centered. Amen.

NOTE:
If you have enjoyed this message, please share it with a friend or family member for their enjoyment as well. Share it also with someone who needs to know the Lord and the grace and love He extends to all. The Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ is intended to be available to all people…may this be an instrument dedicated to that purpose!