LIFE IS LIKE A BOX OF JELL-O
Mark 4:26
TEXT: Jesus also said, “Here is another illustration of what the Kingdom of God is like ..." (NLT)
PROPOSITION: To motive the unsaved hearer and saved hearer to give his/her life fully to the care of God.
INTRODUCTION: Have on display several boxes of Jell-O in different flavors and colors.
I. LIKE JELL-O, LIFE COMES IN MANY FLAVORS
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,11a (NLT)
There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to lose. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak up. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
11a. God has made everything beautiful for its own time.
Quote: Life is made up of 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we react to what happens to us.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT) Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
II. LIKE JELL-O, LIFE DOESN’T REALLY JELL UNTIL IT IS EXPOSED TO SOME HOT WATER
1 Peter 4:12,13 (NKJV) Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
Romans 5:1-4 (NKJV) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation pro-duces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
James 1:2-4 (NKJV) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
III. LIKE JELL-O, LIFE CAN GET SHAKY, BUT GOD IS ABLE TO HOLD IT ALL TOGETHER
Isaiah 59:19b (NKJV) When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.
Acts 2:25b-29 (NKJV) ‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in the grave, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’
Psalm 37:23-24 (NKJV) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.
IV. LIKE JELL-O, LIFE IS FUN TO LOOK AT, BUT TO TRULY EXPERIENCE IT, YOU MUST TASTE IT IN ALL OF ITS SWEETNESS
John 10:10 (NKJV) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
1 John 5:11-12 (NKJV) 11And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
Psalm 34:4-8 (NKJV) I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
CONCLUSION:
