The Gospel has Many Precious Things

Sermon Topic 7/13/13 New York Reunion Elder Adam Porter
The Gospel has many precious things for us … like that gem in the parable (Matthew 13:45-46). And like a diamond, that a cutter cuts facets into to bring out the sparkle, the Gospel has many facets, each with its own sparkle … it is a priceless jewel.
It takes a reunion like this to help us to appreciate the Gospel.
Thinking about looking at our own reflections in a mirror … how do others view us, and our Father?
The fellowship we share helps us evaluate ourselves … who we are in the eyes of God. There is a spiritual manifestation in each reunion that we grow on – the testimonies, callings, etc.
The perfect Gospel was in the mind of God … delivered thru the Son … to imperfect people. Pray that the Spirit helps His servants … as in 2 Peter 1:21, to move them to speak.
God has a vested interest in each of us, and in our families … not only to our eternal salvation, but how we interact with one another and how we hear and witness that Gospel. We’re learning joy in prayer and worship.
Philippians 2:1-3 … living outside ourselves, preferring one another. We’re all asking each other how we’re doing … can’t believe how this time is over so quickly … we have concern for each other.
Philippians 2:4-11 … EVERY tongue shall confess … the sacrifice each of you made to be here, the concern for one another – lifts up the name of Jesus, the Author of this assemblage.
We want to adorn ourselves with the Gospel in this reunion … we are endeavoring to absorb the character of Christ.
Our testimony is not going to come from a pristine pulpit and fancy clothes … at an inopportune time, maybe in an inopportune mood … we can be called to give a reason for the hope that lies within us (1 Peter 3:15 msl). We believe that He will give us what to say.
Philippians 3:13-15 … looking ahead … I’ve been thinking about that verse, the high calling, for the last two weeks.
You here have heard that calling … that character is being developed in you. At times as we read that, we may realize that we’ve been given a better understanding … and should be willing to take hold and depart from long-held traditions. Spiritual discernment – abiding in His will and His desire – that can be hard. The sacrifices that we make in the name of Jesus Christ are a sweet savor to God.
The high calling of enduring and pressing forward … Paul had a lot of baggage in his past, and now and then expressed it, but also expressed joy at his turning and calling to bear the Gospel.
Priest Bruce Haines closed with Moroni 6:9 … and stated that the word “testify” could be in there.