Stay The Course!

We aren't sailing on a peaceful sea, but trying navigate through an ocean filled with dangerous and faith-killing obstacles. Therefore, we don't get sloppy in our faith, but pay attention.

Last Sunday we looked at the following passage:

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Hebrews 2:1-4

No one every wakes up and says, "I think I'll throw my faith away today!". It is a slow and often unnoticed slipping away that ends in a hard heart containing a dead faith. The book of Hebrews was written to people like us, believers and followers of Christ who can easily drift away. This passage is the first of five warnings to us. Drifting causes doubt, doubt produces a dullness towards the Word, dullness leads to despising and ultimately this despising changes to defying the Word. It begins when we drift away from the basics of our faith. The key is keeping our eyes, thoughts and lives focused on Jesus Christ. We can practically do this daily by reading His Word, real communication through prayer, and acknowledging His glory in worship.

I encourage all of us, especially those who have been in the faith awhile, don't get sloppy. No one is above silently slipping in a ritualistic faith rather than holding fast and paying attention the real faith in Jesus Christ. Take some time, evaluate, mediate, and deliberate (just had to have 3!!) and STAY THE COURSE.

God bless,

John

Does our company determine our character?

Good Morning,

Tonight's study will begin a section of Acts that deals with some specific examples of how the early church dealt with persecution from the outside, pollution from within, and politics in the body of believers.

However, my favorite verses in these chapters come from chapter 4, "They took note that they had been with Jesus." What stood out to the religious leaders was the fact that these men (Peter and John) reminded them of Jesus.

Ever notice how easy it is to be negative around negative people or how you can just slide into being positive in a positive group? Of course, we are all human! Time with the Lord, time in His Word will effect you. In Hebrews 4 we are reminded the the Word is living and active, spend time with Him and people will notice.

God bless,


John

What is attractive about our lives?

I often joke with Laura that it was my wit and timing that won her heart. As we face the onslaught of the commericialization of Valentine's day, let's challenge ourselves to think about the attractiveness of our lives. There will always be someone more witty, with better timing, more beautiful, handsome, winsome, more humility, more confidence than ourselves. This is why we must turn to Jesus. Having His presence in our lives trumps any personality trait or self-accomplishment we could imagine.

"People may view the church as irrelevant, but when they get down to who Jesus is they usually show more interest." -Warren Bird in Lost in America

A church or a person filled with the spirit of Christ will attract attention and because they are filled with Christ's spirit they will reflect this attention to His glory. This is why we are going to spend the next several Sunday mornings looking at the book of Hebrews. This letter/essay was written to those who had accepted Jesus as Lord, but like ourselves, had some doubts about their decision. This series of sermons will hopefully let us see the glory of Jesus Christ and better reflect that glory in our lives.

This will be a great time to invite friends, doubters, and others who are looking for a real picture of who Jesus is not merely religious jargon about Him.

May God bless,


John

Great thought from last night's study!

Last night we looked at Acts chapter 3. In verse 19 Peter tells the crowd, "Repent and turn to God..." That word repent had already been used in Acts and it will continue to be used in the presentation of the Gospel to the return of Christ. However, "Turn to God" is interesting, considering the context. Remember Peter is in the temple area, people who were there to worship, pray and fulfill what they believed God was calling them to. Yet, with all their religious activity they still needed to "turn to God". A valuable lesson and thought for us today. I believe it is a healthy process to evaluate the reason or our motivation for all our activity, even religious activity. Is my walk with the Lord more about pious activity or is my life a reflection of the transforming grace poured upon me because I have turned to God? I appreciate thoughts given to me such as this and ask that you let me know what you think or if God speaks to you through His Word today.
May God bless,
John

Acts study picking up steam!

Well after about 5 days of sickness and fever I'm planning on teaching tonight. We will be looking at Acts 3 and preparing for some very pivotal chapters. In chapters 4-6 we will see how Satan tried to destory the work of the early church through persection, pollution and politics. (Three "P's") However we want to say it I believe we are all learning the value of seeing how the early church acted and reacted to attacks. They prayed for strength, wisdom and courage to boldly preach and teach the gospel. I pray that we can be that type of church, in doing so we too will see God do amazing things in our lives. So bring an appetite at 5:30 and be ready to dig into God's Word at 6:30 every Wednesday. I also want to say "Way to Go!" to all of you who are bringing your friends out to enjoy our studies together. Truly you are an inspiring group of believers!

See You Tonight,

John