The second chapter of Luke tells of the Christmas story. For the people of that day it seemed as if all hope was gone. No doubt everyone was pursuing a sense of security, peace, and hope. Right in the middle of this - a great secret of God was about to be revealed! But it was only a secret because so few were willing to look where God was!
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to seek and to save that which was lost. The 15th chapter of Luke gives us three powerful illustrations of how God feels about sinners. This chapter provides hope for the lost and lessons for the church as to how we are to view those that are wayward.
There will always be a season in our life when we need renewed vision. The circumstances of life can cloud our vision and make it easy to lose focus of our purpose as followers of Christ. We need to have a fresh touch from Jesus to cause our eyes to be opened to His plans and purposes.
Like the apostle Paul, who always reported back on his ministry, Steve and Jan Worthy would like to tell about their ministry encounters over the past couple years. They go over events, highlights, and inspiring stories from three different countries. God came in power to a church in Kosova. They learned to obey the Lord even when it doesn't make sense. Over and over were there times where Steve and Jan experienced a move of the Holy Spirit. God is so good when we do our job and just be obedient.
It is often that we learn our greatest lesson in the classroom of suffering, hardship, and trial. Hebrews 12:5 tells us not to despise nor grow weary when these seasons of difficulty happen. In fact, God uses them to form and fashion us for His glory!!!
There comes a time in the Christian's life when we are faced with an important decision. Will we walk in agreement with God? God's Word speaks of strength, yet I feel so weak. God's Word tells me I am an overcomer, yet I only see defeat. We must be willing to believe the report of the Lord and refuse every contrary report!
In John 14, Jesus speaks of a peace that His followers would enjoy in spite of the opposition from enemies. Paul speaks of a peace that passeth all understanding in Philippians 4:7, which means beyond human understanding (a peace that does not make sense). The Lord offers this peace to those who no longer play religious games and humbly set their heart to serve Him.
Genesis 4:26 declares, "then began men to call upon the name of the Lord." The family of Seth recognized their need and dependence on God while the descendants of Cain centered their lives around 'self-reliance.' Our culture has sadly followed the way of Cain, but it's time to recognize our deep need for God and to pray!
Jesus has declared that his house is to be a house of prayer. It is to be a place of unhindered worship and access to God. The early church devoted themselves to prayer and we see throughout the book of Acts - God's amazing responses! If ever the church needs to devote themselves to prayer once again, it's now!
We continue our look at the importance of biblical fellowship. There are no lone rangers in the church. We were created to need one another. There is enough strife and division in the world. The church must be a place of safety, refuge, and trust. This also should filter into our everyday living as well!
