Sermon Outline

December 29, 2002

"Turning Over a New Leaf"
Acts 13:36-39

"For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses."

How do we know that the commitments we make will fit into the larger context of God's purpose?

Introduction

Epitaphs: Man's impression of another's life.

God's epitaph of David: "...served the purpose of God in his own generation..." (Acts 13:36)

Live with a Heart for God (vs. 36)

I Corinthians 10 — do all to the glory of God

Colossians 3 — work...as to the Lord

David served God in both large and small ways, in public and in private. He served God with the right attitude.

I Corinthians 13 — without love our efforts don't matter

"For we are...created in Christ Jesus to do good works...." (Ephesians 2:10)

However, David also sinned (adultery, murder) yet God forgave him. God uses evil to bring good. All things work out to God's glory. The son of David's adultery, Solomon, became one of Israel's greatest leaders, and one of his descendents was Jesus Christ. God said of David: "A man after my own heart who will do my will."

Live with Forgiveness (vs. 37, 38)

Good news can come from bad.

Christ overcame death and sin:
"the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay." (Acts 13:37)
"Therefore...through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you." (Acts 13:38)

All religions have in common:
1. Transcendence of God above man
2. A way to bridge the gap between God and man
3. Use candles

Man's response to the gap between God and man:
1. Seek to bridge the gap
2. Ignore the gap
3. Deny the gap

Because we receive forgiveness, we can also forgive others.

Live with Freedom (vs. 39)

"Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:39)

Justification: The pronouncement of God which accepts sinners as righteous in Christ and not liable for their sins.

"...[that I may] be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ..." (Philippians 3:9)

Justification gives freedom. Through faith in Christ we are:

• Free to live radically in and for Christ
• Free to enjoy life's pleasures
• Free from death

We can look forward to a rebirth and eternal life in the presence of God.