Four journeys, one destination

Four testimonies of the power, love and grace of God were shared in our worship service today.  Isn’t it amazing that while each one had distinct differences, they were all the same genre — the grace of God working in the lives of these four to the glory of God.  How and when each came to a saving knowledge of Jesus was different.  Some came early in childhood while others were called out of good works to the grace of God for salvation.  All shared they are not perfect, but all are pursuing the transforming work of God in their lives.  They have seen His hand moving, changing and providing in their lives.  It hasn’t always been easy, but God has always been good and faithful. 

I Peter 3:13-17 tells us “And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed.  “And do not be afraid of their threats, do not be troubled.”  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.  For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”   These testimonies and the others we have heard in recent months all testify to God’s faithfulness to save and to change or transform lives submitted to Him. 

I want to challenge you with these verses from Peter to realize that we live in a culture today that doesn’t want to hear about the faithfulness of God or His transforming power because it takes their power away from doing whatever they desire.  When we are set apart to the Lord, living holy lives before Him, we will stand out without even saying a word.  And when someone asks for the reason, we are to share it boldly and in meekness/humility and fear.  Not fear of men, but reverence towards God.  Our devotion to God should stand out and we should share the truth with the one asking; and it should be done with the understanding they are a creation of God with infinite worth and in desperate need of a Savior.  And if God wills that it costs us to be faithful to Him, that is better than remaining silent or acting differently, which would be evil.  Evil in acting unlike the God who has saved us and transformed us and in whom we have our hope. 

Darlene read Galatians 2:20 this morning.  It is good to be reminded of these words: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  We all, believers, need this reminder of whom and what we live for; not ourselves, the Savior who saved us.  

Pressing on…

Ron Tipton, Senior Pastor