Updated: 11/3/2024
Sermon Prep
In-between this sermon and the last one, a lot of exciting things happened for my wife and I. For starters, we got to go camping with her cousin and see him as he flew in for a week to visit. Great way to disconnect and enjoy God’s sacred space.
Just days before this message, I found out I got a new job and that really excited me. My wife Glory was a bit frustrated because I had only been at this last job 8 months, so switching again was emotionally exhausting for her. The constant flux of things really tested her and it’s honestly understandable because I was acting out of pride the majority of 2023 in regards to my career.
At first in January, I looked for the highest paying job at a company that made me look good. Then I left that job in August of 2023 because of bad leadership and wanting to do something different. Next at this newest company, I was only there 4 months because they had insane metrics that meant I couldn’t afford to pay rent for my family. If I had just been patient and trusted Jesus, it all would’ve worked out.
Instead, I hid my job hunting from 3 different companies and job-hopped around all of last year until I ended up eventually where I was supposed to be in the first place. Pride is amazing thing in that you feel so right in your mind in the moment, but upon reflection you see how wrong it was to do what you did. Because of this mess that was my career in 2023, this sermon lacked because of it.
I barely got the prep done on time because of my double-minded nature focused on other things. I think I finished the prep during worship and that’s not fair to our congregation and especially to God who allows me to teach in the first place. Here’s the notes I had for this sermon:
Sermon Notes
Opening Line
- What places mean something to you?
Intro
- Every place you enter has meaning.
- Movie theaters, Westminster; Reunion Coffee House
Transition To Main Point
- Entering eternity with Jesus has meaning.
- The physical place where your relationship with Jesus started or the state of life then.
Main Point
- When you entered faith in Jesus matters.
- Luke 18:15-17 | Be Child-Like
- Touch them = Bless with laying hands on head and prayer.
- Disciples scolded children and their parents.
- Can only enter the kingdom as a child.
- Luke 18:18-30 | The Rich Ruler
- He assumed entering eternity was based on Jewish birthright and good works.
- Jesus questions goodness, then the rich ruler’s motives.
- You have to give all, in order to receive all.
- Luke 18:31-34 | Jesus’ Death Foretold
- Told this only to the twelve -> personal belonging.
- Jerusalem = city of peace; God abides.
- Disciples expected a conquerer, not crucifixion.
- Luke 18:35-43 | Blind Beggar Healed
- Jericho has multiple disputed meanings.
- City of the moon.
- Place of fragrance.
- To travel or wander.
- Blind beggar affirmed who Jesus was, not where he was from.
- By humility and faith in Jesus, he was healed.
- Jericho has multiple disputed meanings.
- Luke 19:1-10 | Jesus and Zacchaeus
- Everyone hated Zacchaeus in Jericho.
- Zacchaeus did what the rich ruler couldn’t.
- A home known for theft became known for gifts.
Why This Matters
- God’s grace can change the meaning of a place.
- Not just the place, but the people too.
- When you enter into eternal relationship with Jesus, places change.
Final Thoughts
This sermon all things considered was fine. With the death of Avant that I mentioned last time, I think his passing still effected me here too. It’s sad when someone you admire goes, whether or not they’re a Christian. All death is sad. I know some Christians accept the view that a death should be a celebration of life, but I strongly disagree.
A death is a time of mourning and an acknowledgement that things are off in this world. Yes, death isn’t the end but on Earth we need to allow our souls to express every emotion. When we enter eternity, that’s when the celebration starts. With that, Godspeed and Jesus bless.
chris cribari blog 