<p>LASTING INFLUENCE OF INSPIRING MOMS! Happy Mother’s Day (1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8)</p><p>I. THE LASTING LEGACY OF A MOM’S TLC! A. Inspiring moms are the supreme example of tender loving care. 1. But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children (1 Thessalonians 2:7). 2. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity (Colossians 3:12-14).</p><p>B. TLC transforms callous hearts into receptive, teachable hearts. Our OIKOS relationships are nurtured by tender loving care.</p><p>II. THE LASTING LEGACY OF A MOM’S TRUTH! A. Inspiring moms love to impart biblical truths into the lives of others. 1. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God (1 Thessalonians 2:8a). 2. Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation (1 Peter 2:2).</p><p>B. Truth renews baffled minds with the clear teaching of God’s Word. Our OIKOS relationships are impacted by truth that can set them free.</p><p>III. THE LASTING LEGACY OF A MOM’S TIME! A. Inspiring moms invest personal time into their family relations. 1. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us (1 Thessalonians 2:8). 2. “ Besides making sacrifices, having patience, and giving nourishment, a mother also protects her child. It was this fact that enabled King Solomon to discover which woman was the real mother of the living child (1 Ki 3:16–28)” - Warren Wiersbe. B. Time expresses value and worth to those we truly care about. Our OIKOS relationships are improved as we spend time with each person. ------Sermon questions for personal application or small group discussion: 1. How is your Mom an inspiring example to you? What lasting legacy has been left by her life? 2. Do you have a growing compassion for people? How did Jesus respond in Matthew 9:36- 38? 3. How do you discern truth from error? What are ways to impart God’s Word into our OIKOS? 4. John 3:22 declares that Jesus was spending time with His disciples – How do you use your time?</p><p>Mother’s Day sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, May 8th, 2016.</p>