We are not “of those” who through fear or timidity shrink back and stop pursuing what Jesus died to give us, but we are convinced and persuaded to take the actions necessary to possess, experience, and preserve everything that Jesus acquired for us in this life and in eternity!
“Faith is a requirement for the believer to please God.”
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11 : 6
“Faith is believing without the validation of feelings or the sense realm.”
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor 5 : 7
“Faith will require a decision.”
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
“Faith will require corresponding actions.”
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26
What are you expecting when you come to church on Sundays?
EXPECTATION. HUMILITY. DESPERATION. PREPARATION. URGENCY.
Jesus humbled himself and became obedient unto death. Our mind should be the same as Jesus. Humility and obedience are connected.
One of the greatest hinderances in the Church is spiritual pride. God is calling us to a level of longing – a desperation that affects our preparation and preparation affects our expectation. Our expectation on a Sunday morning should be at such a level that we know that something is going to happen. “We can eagerly expect” that we give our hearts to Him.
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” PHILIPPIANS 2:5-8
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16
Philippians 2:5–8, Romans 1:16, Philippians 1:20–21
“I’m ‘scoping’ Jesus, because I’ve got a race to run! Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith.
We lack endurance, because we’re not keeping our eyes on Jesus as the “Finisher.”
Hebrews 10:32-37; Mark 4:16-17; Hebrews 12:1-2; II Corinthians 4:18; Philippians 1:6
DO YOU NOT KNOW?
Your life doesn’t belong to you.
You were bought at a price.
Your life cost Jesus His life. He paid the debt that you were never able to repay.
Your body is a temple of Holy Spirit.
You are joined to the VINE – IF you abide in JESUS!
John 15:5–11, 1 Corinthians 2, 1 Corinthians 6
What wouldn’t you do to GET TO JESUS?
Guest speaker Matt Woodruff shares his story of addiction, redemption, and the freedom that comes from Jesus Christ ALONE.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
“I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.” Philippians 4:12-13 (TPT)
Colossians 1:13, Exodus 33:13, John 5:19, Matthew 6:8–13, Matthew 12:25–26