Parking Garage for Your Soul
Some people believe they are just their physical bodies.
However, your body is merely a temporary vessel for your soul.
As the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,
who lives in you and was given to you by God?
You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.
So you must honor God with your body.”
Your body is always changing, and so are you. You are not your body but part of something eternal and changeless.
By God's grace, you are a new person each day, and each day you choose whom to serve.
Choose life; choose Christ.
As Paul asked in 2 Corinthians 13:5:
“Or do you not realize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?”
Jesus Christ literally dwells within believers.
When problems arise, I pray and seek guidance from God, rather than reacting with blame or shame.
I contemplate what is important in God’s eyes and how my reactions affect those I love.
Problems will come, but how we respond is what matters.
Mother Teresa said:
"In this life we cannot do great things.
We can only do small things with great love."
Accepting the world as it is has allowed me to relax.
I have realized that saving the world is not my purpose; Christ has already accomplished that.
My goal is to serve the Lord and trust His will.
If it is His will, great things will happen, but not because of me.
True intelligence is not about being studious but about finding fulfillment in all circumstances.
I once thought my intelligence and ambition would lead to greatness, but I learned it’s not about me. It’s about God.
Mark Twain said:
“It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.”
It’s not about what I want or feel; it’s about controlling my thoughts.
If my feelings stem from thoughts, then controlling my thoughts means controlling my feelings.
Keep your mind on Christ and give love.
My reactions to situations shape my world.
If I respond with love, grace returns to me.
This is what it means to have the Spirit of God inside you.
When you act based on God’s laws, you are freed from the curse of sin.
Know the Will of the Father and Fall Back in the Knowing
I've learned to trust God and strive to imitate Jesus.
Trusting my feelings has often led to failure.
God is the only infallible source of truth.
"Never lie to someone who trusts you and never trust someone that lies to you."
God is in control, and it’s a relief to know that the responsibility of saving the world is not mine.
If the world were to conform to my whims, it would be chaotic.
Thank God that He is in control.
Christ empowers me beyond the concepts of success and failure.
When I judge others, I define myself.
I strive to stay in the process, enjoying life and allowing the universe’s flow to handle the details.
Flow with the Spirit of God into His peaceful presence.
Peaceful minds are stronger than any physical force.
Stay on purpose and let God handle the details.
If God is the perfect judge and loves us perfectly, why would He create souls just to condemn them?
The Old Testament presents a multifaceted image of God—cruel, unjust, kind, loving, and jealous.
Yet, love requires justice. God disciplines us for disobedience, but His extraordinary love and grace allow us into His presence.
Free will is a dignified gift from God. If we choose to reject God, He allows the consequences of that choice.
Life without God is hell. God embodies what is good, holy, and just.
Sin is anything contrary to God’s nature, and hell is devoid of all that is good.
Consider a parent’s love for their children.
Parents risk unconditional love, hoping it is returned.
The freedom to choose love means there is always the risk of rejection.
The reward of a child’s love outweighs the risk.
Similarly, God’s morality aligns with His nature.
Societies that reject God face consequences.
Sinful actions are judged, and those not aligned with God’s goodness are removed.
Reflect on what is truly important to you.
Distinguish between attachments and enjoyment. Ask yourself:
How would you react if a valued physical object were suddenly gone?
How would you feel if you lost everything you want but had what you need to survive?
What is your reaction if your desired goals are not achieved?
Life is about discovering what’s important and aligning with God’s will.
You are not what you own or achieve;
you are a reflection of your values and faith.
End of Suffering Sermon