Pastor Jon introduced the second sermon as a follow up to last
week's message, "We're Better Together." He began his message by
explaining a relationship he developed at college with a janitor by
the name of Keith. Pastor Jon emphasized the fact that this janitor
always had a positive outlook on life and used the skills that God
blessed him with to have a profound influence on the lives of
students on Pastor Jon's campus. He explained that even though the
janitor didn't have the highest profile or highest paying job, that
didn't prevent him from showing God's glory everywhere he went. He
also shared that often times when we are going through times of
struggle; it helps to lift up the name of God in praise, much like
David did in many of the Psalms. Pastor Jon offered Psalm 135:1-4
as an example: "Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord;
Praise Him, O you servants of the Lord! You who stand in the house
of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God, Praise the
Lord, for the Lord is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is
pleasant. For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His
special treasure." Pastor Jon concluded his message with an
emphasis on four key points. First, we have an identity in Christ,
we are God's treasure and are called to be people of praise and
worship. Second, our identity is found in Christ alone. Jacob, who
identified himself as a deceiver, became Israel which means:
"Prince with God". Third, worshipping God requires us to let go of
our idols. Lastly, "we become like that which we worship" (see
Psalm 135:15-18). Jon shared a progression which helps us to
reflect the glory of God. Start with thanksgiving, then move into
praise and finally worship. In this way, rather than becoming like
the idols in this world, we begin to reflect the glory of God and
become more like Him.
