Doug Norman
For the past three weeks we have heard the importance of living a life separated from "the world." Today, we look at Abraham's response to God in the face of a collapsing society. Although he was "separated" from Sodom, he still interceded for the city. As God's representatives on the earth, we too should have a burden for a perishing world.
In part three of this series we look into Jesus' warning to "Remember Lot's wife." Jesus is clearly warning the last day's church of the danger in becoming attached to the things of the world. In this we see the love that God has for His people. He knows the world is passing away and those who are attached to it will pass away as well. Rather than fall subject to this world, God calls us to draw nearer to Him and find freedom and refuge in His arms.
Today in the United States we are living in a very similar climate as the church in Corinth. The temptation and pull of this world is very real and often difficult to resist. But God's Word gives us clear instruction to avoid the world's pull at all cost. As followers of Christ will must adopt an eternal perspective and be aware of future reward - not to be enticed with temporal satisfaction.
Since the time of Adam and Eve, God has desired that He have a people who are set apart for His glory. There is a clarion call throughout the scripture for those who receive Christ to come out from under the influence of the world. Sadly, the influence of the world has permeated much of the western church. Can we still hear the mercy call of God, to come out!?
All four of the gospels and the book of Acts record what has been called the "Great Commission." After His resurrection from the dead, Jesus gives clear instruction for the church: Be empowered by The Holy Spirit so you may be my witness! Although "mass evangelism" is good, as followers of Jesus we must not lose sight of the importance of winning one - Jesus left us this example.
A message will not be posted for today, the service consisted mainly of (5) testimonial videos. As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, we rejoice in Jesus' victory over death, hell and the grave! Our entire faith rests on the resurrection - for had Jesus not risen from death - His ministry would have been in vain. But thanks be to God, He is Alive! Because He Lives, we can live also!
God calls us to a lifestyle of faith. Our faith is not to remain at the same level but rather to grow and mature. God is the one who develops our faith so that we can have confidence in His promises. We see this play out in the life of Abraham and itserves as a great testimony for our own lives.
Who is it that experiences the power of God? The power of God & the kingdom of God are received by those who simply believe! Hebrews 11:6 tells us that to receive from God we must believe that He is & that He is a re-warder! What stands in the way of you experiencing God's power? Remove your doubt & let your faith arise!
God does not bless willful sin! The Word of God is clear on this topic and therefore the church must teach this in love. Through our relationship with Jesus Christ we are made overcomers and sin no longer dominates our life! We do not have to surrender to besetting sin - Jesus leads us to victory!
In the book of Jude, the follower of Jesus Christ is given a clear warning. As we see a rise of spiritual apostasy within the church we are to stand and fight for the pure doctrine and teachings of the New Testament. Knowing that our fight is not natural but rather spiritual, Jude lists four important areas of focus for the church during this time.
