sunday's scuds (september 16, 2007)

Dwight continued the series The Secret Revealed. We're discovering that the secret is living a life of character. Today's message title: Settling for Imitation. Here are the scuds:

• "Not everybody's willing to pay the price to have character."
• "So we opt for success (or satisfaction) instead."
• "It's doesn't really bother us what others know about us. What bothers us is what we know about ourselves and what God knows about us."
• "When people ask me, 'How can I pray for you?' I always give them three things: pray that I would have wisdom, courage, and purity."
• "The quickest and best way to learn anything is by following a model. Fortunately, God gave us a model to learn from: Jesus Christ."
• "God's ultimate plan for you and me is not that we realize the American dream. His ultimate plan is that you and I would be like Jesus."
• "God didn't send us a book to learn from, he didn't send us a seminar, he sent a person, a model to learn from and follow."
• "'I just need to be more committed,' doesn't cut it. You and are aren't competent enough to rely on commitment alone."

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

• "'Oh, well, God understands...this is just the way I am,' doesn't cut it. God understands but he doesn't approve."
• "God has not only given us a model but he's given us a means: abiding in Christ."
• "Character is not produced by us. It's produced through us."
• "Believing in God won't change you. Going to church won't change you. Abiding in Christ will change you."
• "Adopt this attitude: I can't...but He can through me."
• "It's not about trying harder...it's not about doing more. It's about abiding in Christ."

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13