Join us this Sunday for a powerful message from Pastor Scott George as we reflect on the story of Dismas, the thief on the cross, and what it means to finish well.
This Is My Story
March 23, 2025 | Pastor Scott George
Dismas - A Story of Finishing Well
Luke 23:32-34; 39-43,
"Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’”
What Others Are Saying About Finishing Well
- “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life.”
– Steve Jobs
- “Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.”
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
- “The end of a matter is better than its beginning.”
– Solomon (Ecclesiastes 7:8)
- “You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
– C.S. Lewis
- “Don't count the days, make the days count.”
– Muhammad Ali
Before the Sun Sets
1. Forgive someone who has offended you.
Colossians 3:13,
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
2. Tell someone how much you appreciate them.
Philippians 1:3-4,
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.
3. Give away something that’s meaningful to you.
Matthew 6:19-20,
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
4. Tell your story of God’s grace and share it with your family and the world.
Mark 5:19,
Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
5. Do something you’ve never done and have always wanted to do.
Psalm 37:4,
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
6. Write a personal note of thanks to people who need encouragement.
Ephesians 1:16,
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
7. Live generously.
1 Timothy 6:17-19,
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
8. Let go of what’s holding on to you.
Hebrews 12:1-2,
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.
9. Make time for those who matter most.
Proverbs 27:10,
Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family… better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.
10. Take more risks.
Luke 5:4 (NKJV),
When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
11. Get rid of your anger.
Ephesians 4:26,
“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.
