November 16, 2014 Base Budget Vote

Baseline

Luke 14:25-27

Synopsis: From my title today you might think I am using a sports motif. The dictionary lists the meaning of “baseline” that way before coming to the definition I am using: “a basic standard.” What is the “Baseline” for believers?

Jabez was mentioned in the records of the Old Testament that noted him as a person of faith and faithfulness (1 Chronicles 4:9-10). In his prayer he asked God to increase his boundaries and to bless him in life. Jesus taught that blessings like that come as a result of faithfulness (Luke 16:10-12). Of course the greatest blessing is eternal life. Surely that blessing comes as a result of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. Our part is to believe.

Faith and faithfulness go together in the lives of those who believe (Luke 14:25-35). The baseline for believers is the Holy Spirit. Those who have the Spirit have life. Those who do not have the Spirit do not have life (Romans 8:9-11).

Scripture Text (CEV): 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, NIV; Luke 16:10-12, NLT; Luke 14:25-35, CEV; Romans 8:9-11, NLT

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:34-35