Women’s Retreat
May 10 - 11, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Message & Sermon Notes
The Golden Rule
Matthew 7:12
Pastor Jason Carlson
Matthew 7:12
“Oh, that all men acted on it, and then there would be no slavery, no war, no sweating, no striking, no lying, no robbing; but all would be justice and love! What a kingdom is this which has such a law! This is the Christian Code. This is the condensation of all that is right and generous. We adore the King out of whose mouth and heart such a law could flow. This one rule is a proof of the divinity of our holy religion. The universal practice of it by all who call themselves Christians would carry conviction to Jew, Turk, and infidel, with greater speed and certainty than all the apologies and arguments which the wit or piety of men could produce. Lord, teach it to me! Write it on the fleshly tablets of my renewed heart! Write it out in full in my life!” – Charles Spurgeon
Understanding and living the Golden Rule as Jesus People:
- The Golden Rule flows out of a golden promise
Matthew 7:7-11
Leviticus 19:17-18
Micah 6:8
Isaiah 1:16-17
Exodus 20:12-17
- The Golden Rule feeds into a golden perspective
“What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.” – Confucius
“What is hateful to yourself, do to no other.” – Rabbi Hillel
Matthew 5:43-48
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12
Three ways the Golden Rule shapes our perspective:
1) Our service isn’t based on how others serve us, but on how we’d like to be served.
2) Our service is limited only by our desire and imagination.
3) Our service is not confined to family and friends.
- The Golden Rule is found in a golden Prince
1) We need to look to Christ’s model
Philippians 2:3-8
2) We need to rely on Christ’s empowerment
John 3:3
2 Corinthians 5:17
Acts 1:8
John 15:4-5,11
Galatians 5:22-23
John 13:1-17
John 13:34-35
Sermon Discussion Questions
Questions for reflection:
- How might our world look different if the Golden Rule was widely embraced?
- How might your life look different if you were to consistently embrace the Golden Rule?
Questions for discussion:
- Is the Golden Rule a realistic ethical standard for humanity? Why or why not?
- How does Jesus’ version of the Golden Rule differ from other religions’ versions? Why does this matter?
- What difference does a personal relationship with Jesus make in living out the Golden Rule?
Sundays at Lakes Free
Welcome Visitors!
If you are visiting for the first time today, stop by the Next Steps counter to pick up a welcome gift from Lakes Free!
Worship Services: 9:00 & 10:40 am. (Livestream at 10:40am)
Sunday School & Adult Bible Fellowships (ABFs):
Nursery & Preschool Sunday School: 9:00 & 10:40am
Elementary Sunday School: 9:00am
Middle & High School Sunday School: 9:00am
Adult Bible Fellowships: 9:00 & 10:40am (More info here)
Lakes Cafe Open Sunday Mornings: Purchase a cup of coffee for $2 and 100% will be donated to support Lakes Free missionaries. Each month will feature a current Lakes Free Mission partner.
What is the Next Steps Area? You may be wondering what, exactly, is the corner with Next Steps written on the wall? It’s your 1-stop information place for any “next steps” you have such as resources, registrations, questions or ways to get connected at Lakes Free.
Children’s Activity Packs: Activity packs for kids attending worship services are available at the main Worship Center door.
Announcements
Family/Child Dedication Service: Sunday, May 12, 9:00am & 10:40am. Please let us know if you will be participating in the Family Dedication Service. Participation in a previous family dedication class is required. Contact church office with questions. Sign up here.
Outdoor Work Night: Thursday, May 16, 6:00-8:00pm. All are welcome!
Lakes Free Golf League: Mondays, 5:15pm | Begins May 6 | Chisago Lakes Golf Course. Come and be part of building relationships with other Christian guys. All levels of play welcome! For more details and cost, pick up an info sheet at Next Steps. Please contact Tom Tengwall, 651-214-1197 to sign up.
Congregational Meeting: Sunday, May 5, 12:00pm, Worship Center. At this meeting we will approve new members, hear updates, and vote on a candidate for Pastor of Student Ministries.
New Baby Girl: Congratulations to Travis & Victoria McCollum on the birth of their daughter, Ellia Jean Marie, on April 24. Ellia was welcomed home by big sister and brother, Adallyn and Walker.
New Member Candidates: The Elder Board has interviewed and recommends the following individuals be accepted for membership at our Congregational Meeting on May 5: Gerald & Marlene Kern, Max & Elsie Rymer, Charles & Lois Durenberger, Chris & Vicki Taylor, Mark & Louise Bye, Deloris Bethke, Darrell & Sue Anderson, Larry Pearl, Mark & Nancy Carlson, Linda Smith.
Vacation Bible School: June 10-14. For kids who have completed K-5th grade. Cost: $15. Register here
Upcoming Events
Serve
God has gifted each of us with unique abilities, gifts, and passions that can be used to glorify Him and invest in others. We encourage everyone to use those gifts and passions to serve others here at Lakes Free. Let us help you discover the joy of serving!