Home > Church Family > Sermon Summaries > 28 Apr 2001, Pr George Porter - Life is Simple

Life is Simple

28 Apr 2001, Pr George Porter

(George is Thornleigh's Church Pastor)

Theme:

Life and Salvation with God is Simple. This Salvation Life is found in Christ alone.

Introduction:

I recently visited Frankfurt and many other large cities in Europe. Living in Weisbarden close to Frankfurt, I made several observations. Dwelling apartments were multi-highrise and jammed together. Streets were flooded with vehicles. At night after work residents were stressed out seeking and finding parking space for the night. Often parking several kilometres from their residence. Society seemed to be stressed beyond measure by the complications of modern city dwelling.

I noticed in Weisbaden, large metal domes placed in the streets. On these cylinders were placed authorized advertising. I noticed one cigarette advertisement which displayed the happy stressless faces of a handsome male and a beautiful lady. In the background was a Camel. The caption was, "Life is Simple. Life is a Camel"

The reasoning behind the advertisement was obvious. Life in the city was complicated, stressful, busy and a worry. Camel cigarettes will rectify all problems and give the desired life. Salvation is Camel. How misleading... I mused and ever since have kept reminding myself that Life only in God and Christ is simple.

A. Life is God

In Acts 2:36-38 Pastor Peter in his pentecostal sermon stressed that life and salvation are not complicated but simple. Simply "repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remision of sins, and you shall receive the the gift of the Holy Ghost".

Pastor Paul is recorded as making life and salvation very simple. In Acts 16:25-31 is recorded the answer he gave to the gaolers question - "What must I do to be saved?" Paul's answer was not complicated but simple and assuring. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved and all your household family too." Life and salvation is simple. It is man who complicates the issues.

Pastor Peter again in Acts 10:34-35 makes it very clear that Salvation and life in Christ is simple not complicated. Peter was convinced that God does not play favourites with people. Whoever, of any nationality or culture, respects God and believes in Him and His Son and does what is right is accepted by God. What could be more simple. This is global life and Global Universal simlicity.

This peace and Life is found only in the Lord Jesus Christ.

B. Life Only In Jesus Christ

Pastor Paul made it very clear in Ephesians 1:16-23 that Life and Salvation is simply ours by faith and belief in the Person of Jesus Christ. God simply gives to us through Christ the spirit of wisdom and revelation through the ever growing knowledge of Christ's working in us. This knowledge enlightens our understanding. It gives us hope for the future of life here and beyond. Simply, it is our inheritance of eternal life. So majestic, so awesome, yet so simple.

Again in Ephesians 2:1-10 Pastor Paul states that God has delivered us from sin, evil desires and death by His rich Mercy and great Love. He has made us to sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. The most simple and accurate expression describing our salvation is recorded in verses 8-10. "For by grace are you saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the Gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has ordained that we should walk in them."

Paul goes on to say in verses 19-22 that we are "no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints". We are of God's family and household. So simple and so assuring. He concludes that we are built together with Christ Jesus for God to live in us by His Spirit.

The issue is and the facts are, Life is Simple in Christ. His life is Salvation. Life is Choice. In choosing Christ we have life.

Life is believing in Jesus Christ
Life is trusting in Jesus Christ
Life is depending on Jesus Christ

Life is Salvation gifted to those who choose to have God live in their minds.

Isaiah makes the simple very plain in chapter 26:3-4. His claim is that life is peaceful and simple when we have our minds in tune with our God.

Jesus Christ himself in John 14:6 declared that, He was the Way, the Truth and the Life. So simple. All we do is believe Him and let Him control our thoughts and desires and activities.

You say, "It is not so simple. There are complications." True, as Christ himself said in John 16:33 after unconditionally promising us all His peace, also promised the complications. He said, "You will have real trouble." Then He explained the simple part. "But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world"

Life and Salvation is so simple friends. Just put your faith and trust in Him.

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