I wanted to follow-up and encourage you on what our emphasis has been as we move into 2017. We have basically laid out our vision and it is rooted in the Apostle Paul’s prayer found in Ephesians 3:14-19. Our desire, goal, and pursuit, as individuals and a church, into the new year is to “Know Christ, His love, and experience the Biblical realities of walking in the fullness of God.”
Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Ephesians
Every Christian knows by their knowledge of God’s Word and personal experience the life of following Christ is a daily spiritual war of great spiritual intensity. Some days more so than others, but the reality of the Christian life is summed up in one word – conflict. It is a conflict that will never cease in this life; will take no vacation or offer any terms of surrender.
Ephesians 6:10-18 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,…
Imagine this scenario and I will use me as the example. It is Sunday morning about 11:00 a.m. I am mounting the platform getting ready to preach. As is the custom in my church, I have you stand for the reading of the scripture. As you are standing, I say, “Brothers and sisters. I had a rough week. I was snappy with my wife, irritated over some situations in my life causing me to complain. My personal quiet time has been hit and miss, more miss than hit… What would you think of me after such a brutal display of my innermost struggles of the past week?
Nothing is more attractive to a hurting world seeking truth, purpose, and comfort than a Christian who lives to model Jesus Christ, not primarily in actions, but in character. Get the character or heart right toward Christ and actions always follow. There is something irresistible about a believer exuding the spiritual qualities found in Jesus. They are magnetic, encouraging, and open up many opportunities to proclaim Him.
Ephesians 6:10-17 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the…