The 7 People that will Help You to Heaven, Part 1 by Justin Renton
November 5, 2023
Sermon summary:
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel (the sermon starts at 44 mins).
We all need a prophet, someone who calls you back to the Word of God, proclaim the truth, and what you need to do; no matter how difficult it is. Good students make good teachers, and we are called to help others be learners and imitate and put into practice what we've learned.
A soulmate is someone with whom you have a special and deep affinity. It is a unique and special relationship. You need someone who will tell you without fear what you need to hear. It requires a deep sense of trust, a willingness to pay the price for friendship, not being afraid to show emotion or affection, and someone who will help you find strength in God. And, while you can have more than one encourager in your life, everyone needs that one person who knows everything about you. That person will encourage you to be more like Jesus. Practically, it means someone who will pitch up, meet, give, reach out when others don't, help you fulfill God's will for your life, and stand with you even when you stumble.
You can convince yourself that your point of view is the correct one when you want something to go your way. Spiritual advice has an eternal impact. Be humble enough to ask for help. Get an advisor and ask what you need to change. A mentor will help you to be like and live for Jesus. Don't under-estimate the power of having a mentor.
Following Jesus comes with the cost of persecution and rejection. If we face none, it may reveal compromise or conformity to the world. Are we influencing culture—or being influenced by it? True faith shares Christ boldly, just as the early disciples did. Let’s trust God with courage and live boldly for the One we serve.
Giving is a powerful expression of worship and trust in God. Though He doesn’t need our money, our generosity reflects the posture of our hearts. We honour God by giving from our best, without strings attached, and keeping the promises we've made. Giving is to God—not to man—and it supports the church as a place of spiritual growth for our families and future generations.
We enjoyed a fantastic time of praise and worship and had a communion message by Brendan Devine (it starts at 1:11 mins). If you missed it, you can watch it on our YouTube channel and be uplifted.