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Live Like You Were Dying
Embrace Eternity
Pastor Tom
1-31-10

Introduction – The finish line at the end of life is called death. The question is “then what”? Luke 12: 13-21 (NLT)

• This man was not wicked, dishonest, evil, unethical or abusive. He was driven, ambitious, entrepreneurial and shrewd.
• God calls him a fool! He made three mistakes:

I. He lived like this life is all there is – A fatal miscalculation:

• His philosophy was the ‘here and now’ – The Dash I Corinthians 15:19 (NLT)
• Land of living and dying – Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)
• He wanted more – Ecclesiastes 2:18 (NLT)
• Not the right measurement – Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)

II. He lived like there would always be more time – A costly procrastination:

• The illusion of control – James 4:14 (NLT)
• Live each day to the fullest – Tomorrow is not guaranteed

III. He did not live his life in the light of the life to come – A missed preparation:

• Eternity is primary – success demands that we respond now in light of then– Passing through – II Corinthians 4:17-5:1 (NLT)
• Even disappointment is a sign, an aching and a hunger for better – Homesickness – I Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)
• Being prepared is life’s important issue – failing to prepare is the worst tragedy – Luke 9:25 (NLT)
• We must e reconciled to God – Why? Hebrews 9:27 (NLT)

Conclusion – Prepare for THEN….NOW!

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Live Like You Were Dying
Give Forgiveness
Pastor Tom
1-24-10

Introduction – Life is short so we should be wise in how we spend our days. Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

• With only 30 days to live, is there some bitterness that needs resolving, some restoration of relationships, some unfinished business needing to be taken care of? THE ROCK!
• God’s mandate – Romans 12:18 (NLT)
• Forgive – How much? Matthew 18:21-22

I. You’ve been released from God’s judgment…Celebrate.

• We are really messed up – Romans 3:10 (NLT), Colossians 1:21(TEV)
• We deserve to be condemned – Ephesians 2:3 (NIV)
• Instead God forgave – Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

II. Release others from your judgment…LIBERATE

• When forgiving we are like God – Proverbs 19:11 (NIV) – But pay backs are tasty!
• Is forgiving forgetting? NO! It is relinquishing my right to hurt you for hurting me – releasing from obligation. Colossians 3:13 (NLT)
• Let it go and bless them – Luke 6:27-28, 35-36 (NLT)
• God will bless you – Job 42:10 (NLT)

WHAT IF I REFUSE?

III. Release yourself to torture…. DEVASTATE

• Unforgiveness hurts us more than the person you are bitter towards – Matthew 18:32-35 (NLT)
• Bitterness is contagious – Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
• Break the cycle – II Samuel 2:26-27 (NLT)

Conclusion – Have the courage to say: ENOUGH – TODAY!

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Live Like You Were Dying
Love Deeper
Pastor Tom
1-17-10

Introduction – The love in our heart is useless until activated – John 13:35 (NLT)

• Is our heart expanding or shriveling?
• A challenge to our “play it safe”, “everything in moderation”, “what will people think” approach to love- John 12:1-8 (NLT)

I. Do the unexpected – v. 3

• Expensive, fragrant, rare perfume came sealed in an alabaster container
• This was a spontaneous, awkward, unrestrained, uninhibited, lavish, excessive expression of love – abandon and desperation
• College student in church

II. Do the unaffordable – vv. 4-6

• Connection between price and love
• TV show extreme makeover
• The early church – Acts 4:32(NIV); II Corinthians 8:3-4 (NLT)
• The most costly love – Romans 5:6-8 (NLT)

III. Do it NOW

• Jesus rushes to defend her – Mark 14:6-8 (NLT)
• It was good and what she could do
• Express love now… Speak it…Break open the jar… Our Heart

Conclusion – Why? It will be remembered! Mark 14:9 (NKJV) My hope is that Gilead’s legacy will be one of extravagant love.

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Live Like You Were Dying
Speak Sweeter
Pastor Tom
1-10-10

Introduction – Words have power, they can inspire, motivate, challenge and affirm. Conversely, they can de-motivate, wound and destroy. – Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

• The ‘split-personality’ of our tongues – James 3:9-10 (NLT)

I. Appreciate people

• Colossians 2:7 (NLT) – Gratitude is a defining marker of a Christ follower but it’s easy to grumble.
• Life is difficult – I Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
• Are we thankful to Jesus – Luke 17:12-18 (NLT)
• Practical – Thank people who serve you and shaped you

II. Encourage people…Build them up

• The challenge – I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
• The importance – Luke 24:51 (NIV)
• The need – Proverbs 16:24 (NLT); Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
• Practice – Write a note of encouragement this week

III. Pray for people

• Carry others before God – Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
• God’s heart for people – Exodus 28:29-30 (NIV)
• Stay alert and persistent – Ephesians 6:18 (NLT); Matthew 7:7-11 (NLT)

Conclusion – Give ‘Life’ with your words this week…Speak sweeter.

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Live Like You Were Dying
Romans 13:11-12
Pastor Tom
1-3-10

Introduction: If you found out that you only had 30 days to live, how would your life change? Spending time, relationships, eternity, things never done, how would God want you to live those 30 days?

• We are all terminal – Ecclesiastes 8:8a
• We will live somewhere forever – Psalm 90:5-6
• Jesus wants us to have abundant life – John 10:10b

Where Do We Start?
Romans 13:11-12

I. Live with a sense of urgency

• A dangerous word – “someday”
• Urgent is not faster or frantic – Matthew 6:27-30
• Embrace today – Psalm 118:24
• Commit to a “No Regret” week

II. Live with a sense of eternity Romans 13:11-12a

• Warning: eternity is rushing toward you – Hebrews 9:27
• Focus on the eternal – II Corinthians 4:18

III. Live with a sense of priority – Romans 13:12

• Adjust
• Take off – Frantic pace of life – Psalm 46:10
• Take off – Frantic pursuit of the ‘Good Life’
• Put on – time for relationships

Conclusion: Commit to living a “No Regrets” Week