After many years of experience, I can confidently answer that being a Christian builds strong people. I am not talking about muscle bound mental light weights. Tight butts are interesting, but everyone has a butt. I’m talking about people of strong character, people that you can build a life around. People you want to raise your kids. Also, people you can trust to have your back. Strong Character equals love and faithfulness
As pastors, one of our goals is to help believers develop strong character. Moreover, this goal aligns with Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples. The most famous version of the Great Commission is in Matthew, where on a mountain in Galilee Jesus calls on his followers to change the world. Do you remember specifically what Jesus told them? He said “Go and make disciples of all nations…” Therefore, our commission is to make disciples, to change lives and to develop in them the same strength of character that was in Jesus.
How does one go about making disciples? Luckily, we have a blueprint for what a disciple should look like. Galatians 5:22-23 lists nine fruits of the Spirit. This sermon put just two of these luscious fruits on display: love and faithfulness.
Strong Character: Love and Faithfulness is a 20-minute sermon, in Microsoft Word format. A lot of people try to make the answer for gaining the favor of God complicated. But, I have read about all of God’s favorites in the scriptures, and I have known many great servants of God. The two things they all have in common is their love for people and their faithfulness.
Key message:
Key scriptures:
Matthew 28:16-20 and Galatians 5:22-23
Other resources:
Make this Strong Character: Love and Faithfulness sermon more impactful by also purchasing the PowerPoint presentation.
Also, see the blog Strong Character.
Author’s Background:
Chuck Locklear is a retired high school principal with 20 years of experience as a public-school administrator and instructional leader. A sought-after speaker and teacher, Chuck enjoys sharing the educational and managerial programs that he developed. These include: Creative Problem Solving, Leadership in the Millennial Generation, and Developing a Culture of Thinking. He is the creator and publisher of CustomerCare,a magazine focused on providing knock-your-socks-off customer service.Chuck earned a Masters in Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership and has three-decades of experience as a church leader, teacher, and pastor. This includes serving on the deacon boards of four churches and in leadership roles for five different denominations. Currently, Chuck serves as pastor for Warren Hope in Warren, Michigan.