Northside Church
One of the toughest parts about being a Christian, is understanding the importance of being in alignment with God. We need to know where we went off track, we need to know what we don't know or understand our limitations, get in the shop (or the Word) and get it fixed. Once it is repaired, maintenance is the key to keeping it on the road. But you have to count the cost... and repairs are expensive these days, especially to something as important as your soul.
One of the toughest parts about being a Christian, is understanding the importance of being in alignment with God. We need to know where we went off track, we need to know what we don't know or understand our limitations, get in the shop (or the Word) and get it fixed. Once it is repaired, maintenance is the key to keeping it on the road. But you have to count the cost... and repairs are expensive these days, especially to something as important as your soul.
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Psalm 37:23-24 KJV
Now that we have identified the problem, we have to get it fixed.
a. There are ALWAYS options for fixing a problem.
b. But there are not always MANY that are the correct solution.
You have to look for the best solution/fix.
a. You have to be able to look for help.
b. Not all the repairs are DIY.
i. There are somethings in life that you can do and “fix” on your own, but knowing what you don’t know is a powerful and liberating tool
ii. You have to be able identify what you don’t know. (Humility)
iii. You have to be willing to ask for help. (Teachable)
Romans 12:3 ESV
Some options may not seem to be as expensive, but you get what you pay for.
i. Knowing who is helping.
ii. Trusting in their direct/fix the problem (refer to the IRS scanner guy)
Remember, you are the reason you are out of alignment in the first place.
i. Doing it yourself
ii. Not asking for help
iii. Thinking that you know it all and how to fix it
iv. These are all symptoms that keep you from getting the issues fixed.
Knowing what you don’t know!
a. People are afraid to admit their inadequacies.
i. Taken as a sign of weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV
James 4:6-7 ESV
1 Peter 5:5-6 ESV
Admitting you need help is the first step to getting help.
John 3:30 ESV
You have access to all the wisdom of the universe, if you just reach out and ask for it.
James 1:5 ESV
Determining to get it fixed right the first time will save time, effort, stress, and resources.
Being in a rush, doing a shabby job, ALWAYS costs more in the end.
Studying and understanding the options
a. Here we see the importance of Discipleship.
Acts 2:42 ESV
True Discipleship
i. Means church attendance.
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
Ingesting and digesting the Word of God
Ephesians 4:11-13 ESV
Meditation on God’s Word and Precepts
1. Garbage in, garbage out
Psalm 1:1-3 ESV
Psalm 19:14 ESV
Walking in God’s Word
Romans 10:17 ESV
1. This means reading and studying with OTHER people.
2. Getting another point of view
3. Allowing the Spirit to speak through your brothers and sisters.
Colossians 3:16 ESV
Godly observation
i. You have to be willing to allow others to guide you.
ii. Take advice from people who have been there/done that!
Hebrews 13:17 ESV
Counting the Cost
i. Corrections are necessary.
ii. Corrections are timely.
iii. Corrections are part of regular maintenance.
iv. Corrections can be costly