Pastor Lawton's Sermon

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January 3, 2010 - "What is More Important?"

Sermon Outline

What Is More Important?
Matthew 9:14-17 (p. 687)

From old to new

• Jesus was born into a specific culture and system

• The Old Covenant
• Between God and the Children of Israel

• Faith & grace vs. a religious system

• The Old way
• Fast for the sake of fasting (v. 14 – 15)
• The old structure could not contain the new relationship (v. 16 – 17)
• Christ himself was the fulfillment of the law

Beyond an external system

• Relationship first (Hosea 6:6)
• Jesus wanted to see changed hearts not just changed actions

• The new way is right because it is Christ centered
• Not just because it’s new
• Not because it’s anti- religious

• How Should We Then Live?

The goal is to be more like Christ, not more religious

Religion has become the priority if…

• Observing the rituals or living by the system becomes a matter of pride
• There is no love/compassion or forgiveness present
• We are jealous of others who are more “religious” than us
• Observance becomes the only measure of our faith
• There is no place for others to come to Christ in our system (no second chances)
• We have lost a passion for Christ and an appreciation for what He has done for us

Because I love God I will…

• Go to church on Sundays
• Study his Word
• Talk to Him everyday
• Be baptized
• Show love and compassion to others
• Pray for others
• Tell others about Jesus
• Participate in Communion

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