I was naked when I preached this message so I set this video to my PowerPoint slides rather than the emotional pornography the congregation was exposed to. (You’re welcome.)
Synopsis: True love is valued most by those who feel like they deserve it the least. This is the story of my personal discovery of the God who sees everything that’s wrong with me, but loves me anyways…
(Having problems with the embedded video? Click here to view on YouTube.)
I know you don’t have time to watch an entire sermon in a single sitting, so I chopped this one into smaller pieces. To make it simple, here’s the whole enchilada (all four parts) for you to chew on at your own pace. Just click the links to watch the videos. Enjoy! ~Kraig
Part 1 (the part about ME) – In this introductory segment, I share some of my favorite memories and explain the importance of memories in the big picture of my marriage and life — especially during tough times.
Part 2 (the part about all of US) – Unfortunately, crisis is universal, unavoidable and inevitable in every life, marriage, family and close relationship. Watch this segment to learn what’s at stake when you experience a crisis of faith.
Part 3 (the part about GOD) – Watch this segment to see how God prepared Joshua & the Israelites for times of crisis. Their example serves as a biblical model for us today.
Part 4 (the part about YOU) – This is my favorite part! In this segment you’ll learn 3 specific things you can do to prevent a CRISIS of faith from becoming a LOSS of faith.
Here’s a clip from my Memorial Day sermon. In this intro video you’ll learn the value of memories (for nations, marriages, families, friendships, and in life) – especially during difficult times. Additional segments are available on YouTube (or will be available on YouTube as I find time to upload them).
What’s one of your favorite memories?
I really wanted to be done preaching by 12:30. I even set the alarm on my phone and took it with me to the pulpit.
It didn’t work.
I saw it pop-up on my screen (pictured here) & thought, “No, I will not shut up. I cannot.”
Maybe that’s what Peter & John felt when they were essentially told to “shut up” in Acts 4:18.
But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard” (vv. 19-20).
I wonder if they’d feel the same way today. In the midst of the business of modern life, would they shut up … because it’s lunchtime?
Probably not.
Y’know in many ways, our culture has told ALL OF US to shut up – and for the most part, we’ve dutifully complied with their demands.
“Faith is a personal matter,” they say. “Believe whatever you want; but keep your beliefs to yourself.”
Hmmm…
I will not.
I cannot.
Don’t worry, we’ll still try to dismiss by 12:30 every Sunday (or 10:30 if you attend the first service). Just understand that sometimes, “We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard” – even if it’s lunchtime and our phones tell us to “Shut up!”
Likewise, I challenge you – as a follower of Jesus Christ – to resist the pressure to shut up about your faith.
Don’t be rude, overbearing, or hyperspiritual. Don’t get “preachy” or “holier than thou.”
Nobody likes that guy.
Just love Christ and love people. And when others take notice, tell them about the things that Christ has done for you. Tell them why you believe.
Who knows? Maybe they’ll decide to follow Christ, too. And wouldn’t that be a pleasant surprise?
I suspect that might make God happy – even if it makes our culture uncomfortable.
You tell me, “Do you think God wants us to obey [our culture] rather than him?”
Probably not.
So I will not.
In fact, I cannot … SHUT UP … about everything I have seen and heard.
