This morning, Pastor Johnston continues with points VII and VIII of the series of messages "CHARACTER MATTERS"...

Intro - Reputation is what we are perceived to be outwardly, while character is what we really are inwardly. The Bible tells us that man looks on the outward (reputation) while God looks on the heart (character). In the end, man does not judge us, God does, so yes, Character Matters!

• I. Ruben: the Shame of Instability - Vs. 3-4



• II. Simeon & Levi: the Disgrace of Cruelty - Vs. 5-7



• III. Judah: the Blessing of Humility - Vs. 8-12



• IV. Zebulun: the Joy of Opportunity - v. 13



• V. Issachar: the Danger of Laxity - Vs. 14-15



• VI. Dan: the Peril of Subtlety - Vs. 16-17



• VII. GAD: The Triumph of IMPORTUNITY - Vs. 18-19



• VIII. ASHER: The Privilege of PRODUCTIVITY - v. 20

Concl. The wisest man who ever lived (Solomon) said that "The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong",(Eccl. 9:11). In other words, though it helps to have talent, talent alone does't win races or battles. The fact is, Tenacity wins over Talent everytime. God is looking for Christians who love Him enough to run the race with perseverance in order to be spiritually productive for His glory. Does that describe you? James 1:12