Monday, September 13, 2010

September 13, 2010

"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." Hebrews 9:27-28


This week I will begin my Fall Sermon Series entitled "Happily Ever After".



Before I get into the series let me take a look at the title. I didn't just draw this out of a hat, there is significance to it and I want to focus on that.



Of course, you readily recognize that phrase from fairly tales. The heroes and heroines ALWAYS live "happily ever after". Well, good for them, but it is never clearly specified exactly WHERE they live this happy ever after.




In this series I want to discuss things of greater importance to you - your "ever after". Will it be happy?



What makes for a happy ever after? How would you define "happy"?



Let me take a wild guess here but I'm thinking that "happy" would have to include God in the equation. In my 60 years on planet earth I can't think of anything truly happy that didn't involve God. I'm not sure what your experience has been but from what I have seen, happiness = God.



Since God created you and me to need Him and since He placed a God-sized hole in the center of your being, how can you possibly be happy without God? That is true for your now and for your forever.



Here's another radical thought. Your "ever after" starts now. You are in your "ever after", so if it is going to be happy that happiness needs to be realized now. The fact that you have an "ever after" is not in question. What is at risk is where you will spend your "ever after" and will it be happy?



Happiness begins with a Person. You must fill the hole in your life by receiving Christ as your Savior and getting connected with God. There is no lasting happiness apart from God - period - case closed.



When you receive God you receive His Presence. The Bible says, "In His presence is fullness of joy".

And when you receive God's Presence you get His Peace. His Peace comes from His pardon. Recieving Christ erases your sins and your guilt. That results in peace.



You also begin to realize God's Purpose for your life when you receive God. Living with purpose adds to your happiness!



So, "Happily Ever After" begins with being happy and being happy begins with God for all the reasons I mentioned and many more!



How will the tale of your life