Pulpit Voices: What Nazarenes Are Preaching

By J. Phillip Fuller

Better Than Incredible

The principle behind the “Better Than Incredible” series emerges from the following scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Timothy 6:19, Ephesians 3:20 & 21, and John 10:10. The Pauline texts emphasize how life in Christ is a new creation transcending the old (2 Corinthians 5:17) that is to be pursued in such a way as to gain a life (presumably even on earth) “that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19). Such a life is possible due to God’s ability to do “immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). These passages accurately reflect Christ’s description of his own ministry to bring about an “abundant life” (John 10:10 KJV) to those who follow him.

A life that is better-than-incredible is not about financial prosperity, perfect relationships, or even physical health. Such a life is demonstrated in dedication of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in their response to Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:17-18). A better-than-incredible life reflects the depth of Paul’s witness, “I have learned the secret of being content” (Philippians 4:12) in every situation.

The Christian faith bears witness to a better-than-incredible life, one that is not dependant upon improved circumstances, but a life that can be lived in the context of the daily grind. Such a life impacts the way they worship, work, and serve others. Below are seven messages in the series.

Better Than Incredible Worship

The journey to a better-than-incredible life begins with worship. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, worship establishes clear priorities. Romans 12:1-2 underscores that worship is the very act of offering our life to God. To offer anything less introduces a short circuit that jeopardizes the life God intends for his disciples. The better-than-incredible life is not based on personal ability rather on a personal availability to God.

A Better Than Incredible Career

Paul wrote to the disciples in the city of Colossae these words, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24). This passage raises these questions: What is your life motivation? Who is your boss? What are you going to do with what you accumulate in this life? A better-than-incredible life calls us to work with the right motives, with integrity, and for God as our boss. Our careers become less about us and increasingly about pleasing God.

Creative planning: Ask a dedicated business leader to identify the transformation in her life once she dedicated her business life to God.

Better Than Incredible Service to Others

Matthew 25:40ff “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ The better-than-incredible life clearly moves the spotlight from self to others. Jesus’ example and his words reflect a deep commitment to service to others (see Mark 10:45). By releasing our talents, treasure, time, and touch into the lives of others we release the power of God to transform us. We extend our vision by our loving interactions of service to acquaintances and strangers alike.
Creative planning: On this day promote and celebrate all compassionate connection ministries in your congregation. Give people an opportunity to offer themselves in service to others.

Better Than Incredible Parenting

Genesis 39 records the infamous incident between Potiphar’s wife and Joseph. The story portrays a young man who makes a good choice in a difficult situation. One goal of parenting is to lead children to make good choices. Better-than-incredible parenting includes the following seven principles for parents to promote such wise decisions, (1) sharpen your personal convictions, (2) establish clear-cut objectives and priorities, (3) let love be supreme, (4) explain your convictions and live them consistently, (5) feed your children responsibility, (6) houseclean your attitudes, and (7) seek after God’s leadership for your children instead of your own leadership for them. (Hendricks, 55-71)

Creative Planning: Provide a fill-in-the-blank teaching outline with the seven principles listed above. Give appropriate credit to Howard Hendricks.)

Better Than Incredible Friendships

Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times and a brother is born in adversity.” Great friendships are more than a shared passion for a favorite sports team or hobby. Great friendships provide resources graciously from one person to another. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ,” Paul writes to the Galatians (6:2). Seekers often indicate that the influence of a friend directed them to God. When disciples offer genuine friendship they open the door of the gospel. Ironically, Jesus was criticized for his friendship with sinners, yet he is the model for a life that is better-than-incredible by intentionally creating a pathway to God for others by his simple act of friendship.

Creative Planning: Use a diagram to show how webs of friendships have led people to Christ.

Better Than Incredible Entertainment

“Laughter is foolish” (Ecclesiastes 2:2 NIV). Such words seem harsh words in an age of endless entertainment opportunities. By what measure should a disciple make selective entertainment choices? Not everything is beneficial. A permissive culture presumes benefits in every action. In contrast to the permissiveness of the culture, the disciple is urged to be careful since “even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief” Proverbs 14:13. In order to gain a life that is better-than-incredible God asks his disciples to set aside certain entertainment for his greater purposes?

Creative planning: Promote a TV-Free week for in advance of this message. For
a secular resource look to <www.tvturnoff.org>.

A Better Than Incredible Future

A better-than-incredible life takes into account the attitude of Paul who wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 NIV). Such an attitude requires a new perspective on life seeing it as the rehearsal for what God has in store for the believer. Life in Christ is the best life for the here-and-now, not because it guarantees a life free from suffering or difficulties, but because it is the promise of a better-than-incredible future. “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13)

Creative Planning: Design a worship service around the theme of heaven. In advance ask primary age children to write their descriptions of heaven. Share the children’s insights in the worship service.

Resources

Hendricks, Howard. Heaven Help the Home. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1990.
Unless otherwise noted scriptural references are to the New International Version.

Phillip Fuller is the senior pastor at Calvary Church of the Nazarene in Annandale, Virginia