Clickable Time Stamps

05:37 Family Sharing and Song Service – Ken, Jean and Sariah Schmidt
33:08 Sunday Praise – Elder Ivan Bird
41:19 Special Music – “Gentle Shepherd” – Nathan Reed, Mary Reed, Margaret Fountain, Jim Stayton
43:43 Welcome and Call to Worship – Elder Andrew Dunning
55:08 Scripture Reading – Elder Paul Cornish
56:21 Special Music – “Let It Be Said Of Us” – Nathan Reed, Mary Reed, Margaret Fountain, Jim Stayton
60:50 Sermon – “Your Latter Days” – Elder Paul Cornish

Summary

The sermon highlights the themes of divine selection, gentleness, and the importance of love among believers. Using a personal testimony about a near-fatal heart attack experience, Elder Paul Cornish emphasizes that individuals are ordained to fulfill God’s purpose in their lives. The scripture from John 15:16-18 serves as a reminder that true fruitfulness comes from God’s choice and command to love one another, despite the world’s challenges. Paul reflects on the gentle nature of Jesus and how it manifests in the community, particularly through the life of a beloved member, Pam Barrett. Ultimately, the message calls for listeners to embrace their divine calling and respond to God’s gentleness while recognizing the urgency of living out their faith amidst life’s trials.

Highlights

1. Chosen by God: The scripture emphasizes that believers are chosen and ordained by God to bear lasting fruit.
2. Command to Love: Jesus commands believers to love one another, which is essential in the face of worldly hate.
3. Personal Testimony: Paul shares a powerful testimony about experiencing a heart attack, showing how God’s mercy can save lives.
4. Gentleness in Crisis: The gentleness of medical responders reflects the gentleness of Christ during moments of crisis.
5. Faith Amidst Trials: Paul’s faith remained strong even during the pain and uncertainty of a heart attack.
6. Eternal Perspective: Life’s circumstances are temporary, but the condition of one’s heart echoes into eternity.
7. Call to Action: The sermon concludes with a call for individuals to respond to their divine calling and prepare for Christ’s return.

Key Insights

1. Divine Ordination: The concept of being “ordained” is not limited to traditional roles like priesthood; it extends to every believer’s mission in life. This insight encourages individuals to recognize their unique purpose and the divine tasks they are called to fulfill in their communities.
2. Importance of Community Love: The command to love one another is fundamental to Christian identity. Paul’s emphasis on love as a response to adversity reminds the congregation that their relationships are a reflection of their faith and a testament to God’s character.
3. Testimonies as Strengthening Tools: Sharing personal testimonies can inspire faith in others. Paul’s recounting of his heart attack experience serves as a powerful reminder of God’s grace and the importance of community support during difficult times.
4. Life’s Fragility: Paul’s experience highlights life’s unpredictability. Recognizing that family, health, and stability can be taken away at any moment encourages believers to cherish their relationships and prioritize spiritual commitments.
5. Latter Days Context: The distinction between personal “latter days” and the broader concept of “latter days” in scripture emphasizes that each believer has a unique timeline and responsibility to fulfill God’s mission while they are still alive.
6. Response to God’s Gentleness: The call to respond to God’s gentleness is a crucial insight. It insists that the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit should not be ignored, as they guide believers toward their divine purpose and prepare them for Christ’s return.
7. Urgency of Faith Activation: The sermon underscores the importance of actively engaging with one’s faith. By encouraging believers to accept their baptism and calling, the speaker reinforces the idea that faith is not passive but requires action and commitment.

Conclusion

This sermon serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of love, community, and responding to divine callings amidst life’s uncertainties. By sharing personal testimonies and reflecting on scripture, Paul encourages the congregation to embrace their roles in God’s plan, foster loving relationships, and prepare for the future with faith and hope. The message of gentleness is not just about the demeanor with which we approach each other, but also about actively living out our faith in a world that often lacks kindness. As believers, responding to the call of gentleness and love is paramount in navigating both personal challenges and wider societal issues. This journey of faith is not just about individual salvation but about the collective witness of a community that embodies Christ-like love and gentleness in every aspect of life.