Sunday, May 1, 2016

Time to Follow Jesus



 

As Pastor Allan began his morning message, I took notes and present a digested sermon here.

The Bible was written by holy men as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit.  The Old Testament brings us a wonderful history that leads us to Christ.

God has ordained leaders in the "Church," to guide us in teaching, worship, exhortation and encouragement.  As we become more aware of Jesus and his Holy Spirit, we become endued with power and fire to be used of God.  So be it.  So be filled and ready to follow Jesus. 
 
Examine yourselves to see where you are in the faith, and strive to become grounded in God’s Love.  God says in Proverbs 8:17  I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

Do not be as some who open their Bible at 11:00 o’clock to read and study and then fall asleep.  How much better it would be to get up an hour earlier than usual, to read study and pray. 

Some believe, but neglect to follow Christ and take personal responsibility.  They fail to walk the straight and narrow way, unless someone is watching. The Holy Spirit lives in all believers and sometimes He is embarrassed by our silly behavior.

Last week we spoke about “Giant Killers,” and giants in our lives.  Our situations often have stuff that seems like an immovable giant, but God with us we can claim our victory.

David slew the giant and was a hero.  Jesus is our champion, and He defeated Satan by dying on the cross and being resurrected on the third day.

We are seeking for a spiritual awakening in all our lives.  Those valleys of dry bones need resurrection life breathed upon them; Life to restore relationships with Jesus and to receive Spiritual life.  We must not remain in the Status Quo.

I am reminded of the three Hebrew Children tossed into the burning furnace, but God met them and preserved their life.  They stood up and said, “No compromise.  We refuse to bow down and accept something we do not believe in.” 

It is time for us as a church to reverse the curse, and take a stand for righteousness.

Pastor said, “I want a Spiritual awakening in the heart of our congregation as a whole."  Jesus desires to resolve every problem, as you commit to follow and obey the Holy Spirit.

Yes, we all have struggles, it is true, we all do, but we come to receive and not to turn our back on God and walk away.  Turn to face Jesus - - Look at Him, and he will make you fishers of men.  He said, “Take up your cross and follow me.”  Keep Jesus first in your life and never put him as second best.  Trust Jesus with your “stuff,” without reservation. 

As David said, “Take not your Holy Spirit from me,”  I also never want to lose the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 16:26  "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Let God show you His plan for your life.  Make sure it is God speaking if you think he is telling you to quit your job, leave your wife, or attend another church. Don't be foolish and jump off the deep end of wishful thinking.  Be faithful and seek God's will and He will show you what to do.

It is not necessary to gyrate, shake, and dance to receive the Holy Spirit.  Just desire Him and simply ask and you shall be filled. 

In our services we desire for God to move supernaturally, with healings, and miracles.  The greatest miracle is when sinners repent and receive Jesus into their lives.  God desires to meet you where you are now.  Let Him clean you up and give you a new heart.

You don’t need an appointment to receive Jesus.  He is always ready to meet you.

His voice goes forth; “No more hesitation NOW is the time to follow Jesus.”

 

2 comments:

shortybear said...

wonderful post

TC Avey said...

It seems to me that there are so many people desperate for answers, desperate for Truth. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are asleep.
It's time for the Church to wake up, to know what we believe and be bold in sharing it.
It's time we truly follow Jesus.