STYLE WITHOUT SUBSTANCE (10 OF 10)
by Steve Wagers
Scripture: Nehemiah 13
This content is part of a series.
Style without Substance (10 of 10)
Series: A Closer Look at the Book: NEHEMIAH
Pastor Steve N. Wagers
Nehemiah 13
March 22. 2009
Sermon Outline
1. What He FINDS!
A) Disobeyed the Word of God
1) Moral Corruption
2) Generational Confusion
B) Disgraced the House of God
C) Dishonored the Day of God
2. What He FIXES!
A) Immediately
B) Courageously
C) Seriously
3. What He FINISHES!
A) The Prayer of a Faithful Man
B) The Passion of a Focused Man
Mention the word 'perestroika' in Russia today, and you will be greeted with cynicism. The reason is quite obvious. In his book, then Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev made frequent reference to the credibility gap between words and deeds. He insisted that people did not want political slogans that failed to square with reality.
'Perestroika' means, "The unity of words and deeds," and on that basis Gorbachev attempted to reform the Soviet system. It was a noble aim, but for the Russian people, its failure was painfully evident. The unity between political promises and social reality was a myth; therein, bringing the downfall of Gorbachev's administration. [1]
Every day we watch inconsistency lived out before us on the world's stage. We hear people say one thing; and, then, watch people do another thing. All sorts of promises are given, but not many promises are kept. That is how corporate ladders are climbed, positions are gained, and elections are won.
The sad reality is that the same is true of the lives of many Christians. They lips communicate one message; but, their lives demonstrate another message. They look like Jesus on Sunday; but, they live like Satan on Monday. They hang out in the bar on Saturday night, and then pick up their Bible on Sunday morning.
Granted, if we were competing for style points, it would be no contest. But, the Christian life is not so much about style, as it is about substance. We have put a lot of emphasis on the outward appearance; but, Ch ...
Series: A Closer Look at the Book: NEHEMIAH
Pastor Steve N. Wagers
Nehemiah 13
March 22. 2009
Sermon Outline
1. What He FINDS!
A) Disobeyed the Word of God
1) Moral Corruption
2) Generational Confusion
B) Disgraced the House of God
C) Dishonored the Day of God
2. What He FIXES!
A) Immediately
B) Courageously
C) Seriously
3. What He FINISHES!
A) The Prayer of a Faithful Man
B) The Passion of a Focused Man
Mention the word 'perestroika' in Russia today, and you will be greeted with cynicism. The reason is quite obvious. In his book, then Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev made frequent reference to the credibility gap between words and deeds. He insisted that people did not want political slogans that failed to square with reality.
'Perestroika' means, "The unity of words and deeds," and on that basis Gorbachev attempted to reform the Soviet system. It was a noble aim, but for the Russian people, its failure was painfully evident. The unity between political promises and social reality was a myth; therein, bringing the downfall of Gorbachev's administration. [1]
Every day we watch inconsistency lived out before us on the world's stage. We hear people say one thing; and, then, watch people do another thing. All sorts of promises are given, but not many promises are kept. That is how corporate ladders are climbed, positions are gained, and elections are won.
The sad reality is that the same is true of the lives of many Christians. They lips communicate one message; but, their lives demonstrate another message. They look like Jesus on Sunday; but, they live like Satan on Monday. They hang out in the bar on Saturday night, and then pick up their Bible on Sunday morning.
Granted, if we were competing for style points, it would be no contest. But, the Christian life is not so much about style, as it is about substance. We have put a lot of emphasis on the outward appearance; but, Ch ...
There are 27223 characters in the full content. This excerpt only shows a 2000 character sample of the full content.
Price: $5.99 or 1 credit
