LifePointe Christian Church
Speaker: Derek Gute, Adult Ministries Pastor
Daniel 1:3-5 NIV
Daniel 1:8 NIV
Daniel knew the importance of preserving his differences, especially when those differences had to do with his beliefs and practices
Daniel 1:12-16 NIV
Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Daniel 6:5 NIV
Daniel 6:10 NIV
What would my response be?
What will you choose:
Christ or Conformity?
How others respond to our differences isn’t as important as the honor we show God when we strive to preserve our differences that come as a result of our relationship with Him.
Extravagant acts of kindness
Over the top generosity
Give people the benefit of the doubt
Service over self
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
Preserve the…
Devotion of your heart
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.”
If Jesus is truly Lord of our life, then we will sacrifice something to follow Him
Preserve the…
Reason for our hope
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone in my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.”
Psalm 62:1-2, 5
Colossians 1:27 NIV
1 Timothy 6:17 NIV
Preserve the…
Method of communication
“But do this with gentleness and respect.”
How we share the reason for our hope is almost as important as the reason itself.
Difference:
“A way in which people or things are not the same.”
“Difference is painful. It’s hard to stand out. Too often we think we have to compromise in order to open the door to get to where we want to be. However, our difference may be the key to unlocking the door.”
“Don’t exchange what makes you different for what makes you common. Keep your edges sharp. Difference is powerful. And your difference makes a difference!”
-Devon Franklin