It is a tradition in the Christian group at my college to have the graduating seniors say something to the rest a couple weeks before graduation. It occurred to me that although I have two more years ahead of me, I will not be present the latter part of the second year and may wish to have a fake graduation this upcoming year. So, because I love to make speeches, I started thinking about what I'd say. These are some of my ideas.
On the one hand there is so much I want to say I could preach multiple sermons to you. On the other hand I don't want to say much because really, following God isn't that complicated. So let me say this:
First and foremost God is glorious, wrapped in mysterious darkness, and holy like none other. The more you are aware of this the better.
Second, we humans are sinful, helpless, despicable and detestable in a hundred ways. Do not deceive yourself and think you can even measure up to your own standards, let alone Gods.
Third, thank God that in his great mercy he withholds destroying us for a time, but at the end of the age, his holiness with be unleashed and all evil will be thrashed and obliterated, shunned and locked far away into eternal darkness.
Fourth, Christ died to remove our sin and save us from destruction. His passion to save you is a mighty whirlwind and a mothers whisper. Do not harden your hearts when you hear it. His yoke is easy and his burden is light and nothing can ever compare to knowing God personally. It's nuts. Accept your sin and accept his death.
Fifth, for those who believe in God, he has but one work for us - to believe in the one he has sent. John 6:29. This is much harder than it sounds and much more rewarding. Knowings Gods glory, your sin, Christs salvation and the Holy Spirits power for you is immeasurably healing and satisfying. It roots out lust, greed, anger, fear, pain, bitterness, hopelessness, and all other human ailments (mental/spiritual ones). In Christ you need nothing, desire nothing other than him, fear nothing, nothing can hurt you, and you have a glorious hope to look forward to.
Sixth, for those who believe there are two commands - love God, love people. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, it is with your heart you believe God (Romans 10:10) - our primary work, soul - worship him with abandon, mind - study the word, his commands, know his glory and his power for you, and strength - do not be hearers of the word merely but also doers. And love your neighbor as yourself.
And this is love for God, to obey his commands. And his command is this - to love one another. Read 1st John.
What is love? To want the best for someone. What is the best for anyone? To be drawn closer to God. This is how God loves us, by sending his son so we can be with him. Therefore love yourself and love others by drawing close to God.
There are two primary ways to advance the kingdom of God, bringing new people to close God and bringing those close even closer. Evangelism and discipleship. This latter part should include your own discipleship.
Seventh and finally my brothers, life is not easy and you WILL fall. Today I set before you life and death, a blessing and a cure. Hold fast to life. "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door-frames of your houses and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)
And your God will never, ever, leave you.
[exit]
