Doug's first sermon

             Southern Christian Convention preaching contest

                                             Age 16?

Who here thinks God is the greatest?

We all say that in here at conventions among Christians, but what about elsewhere?

Have you noticed (we are all really guilty of it) that people brush off the Lord?

-school nerds: (lunch table or sports), cheating (exams or homework)

-work: gossiping and stealing work pay

-friends: cussing, drinking, trying to be cool

Illustration

I think a lot of us live like this but (Duet. 6:5)

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

I remember the first time I was in Sunday school class that gave stickers for memory verses...competing and prizes. I learned and heard John 3:16 for the first time.   Now don't  just rattle it off.... Open your Bibles and look at it as I READ. "For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  I think we tend to forget the importance of this verse. This is what it is all about. God's love is the greatest.

How can anyone not try their hardest to serve God?  God doesn't ask much of us.  Not like.......

Noah: in building the ark...He looked insane to everyone.

Joseph: stayed with Mary risking his pure and honest reputation

Paul: a former pharisee who had to change all his former beliefs

I sure can't remember, I don't know about you, the last time God asked me to do anything near that caliber.

Are your friends gonna get you to heaven? Have your friends given their life for you? Why are we turning our backs on God just to look cool? You don't have to be a Bible Bandit or a Holy Roller to show you are a christian, but you do need to stand firm against the bad influences we are surrounded by.

I heard this song (I am sure you will know it). It is just a good little reminder of what is important and forever...not popularity, money, but God. I'll sing it for you. It may seem far fetched so just bear with me.

Rudolph the red nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw it. You would even say it glows.

If you let Jesus be in you, others will see his light shine through you.

All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names. They wouln't let poor Rudolph play in any reindeer games.

People will persecute you for whatever reason, and it is hard, that is why we must have faith in God.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say, Rudolph with your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight.

God loves us and is always here for us, He will carry us along in hard times.

Then all the reindeer loved him and they shouted out with glee, Rudolph the rednosed reindeer, you'll go down in history.

Love, honor, and serve God and you are a part of history. You are a part of this....(Holding up the BIBLE).

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."