March 9, 2014 – Pastor Tim – “Inspiring Faith”
Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
How can I, or how do I inspire others in faith?
With words and actions. My life through Him.
Revelation 12:11, And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
The Word of God gives me faith, and a good testimony will inspire my faith.
- Each of us have a testimony that we can share.
2 Corinthians 5:18, Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
The Ministry of Reconciliation, our lives are to draw, reflect, and reconcile a lost and dying world. What we have experienced can help others. God’s will is that none would perish, but, come to the saving knowledge of Christ. We do not have to go through struggles or challenges to give God glory. However, when we with God’s help overcome, we can use our testimony to be glory to God and reconcile the lost or discouraged to Christ.
- Is not the Gospel the testimony of Christ?
- So there are two testimonies we should know … ours and His. We should be prepare to share either or both at any moment (as the Spirit leads).
If when I got saved, I said, “now I will be good, really good” I have missed the point of my salvation. Our salvation is not so that we will be good, our salvation is for us to be a living testimony of God’s mercy, grace, power and glory. Sometimes it takes time to realize it has never been about me and what I want. It’s always been about God’s plan, and Christ Work in me and in the world. I’m saved because it is part of His plan, not because I had a great idea. Never consider whether you are of use, but always consider that you are not your own but His. Our obedience makes us useful. In order for us to fully understand what God wants from us, we have got to stop thinking of ourselves first. I should probable stop thinking God is lucky I’m on His team, and I should be humbled by the fact He choose me.
The apostle Paul tried not to consider himself at all.
Acts 20:24, “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
Think of the satisfaction it will be to hear,
“…Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful…” Matthew 25:21a
If we truly want to be happy, we must learn to do what God calls us to do. Real happiness does not simple come from doing something for God. It comes from discovering God’s purpose for our being on this earth. How do we know what that is? Good question. The more time we spend in God’s company, the closer we will get to an answer. It is only in getting to know God that we can find out what He wants of us.
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