In the Old Testament the Lord was working through the nation of Israel to take the message of redemption to the world, and the coming of the Messiah to the world. As Christ came, He presented Himself to the world as the Redeemer and Savior of all who would come to Him for salvation. In doing so, He also established a body for those who turn to Him from their sin. That body is called the church. This is more than a universal body, that all believers are apart of, it is manifested locally as a fellowship of believers who have joined together for discipleship, and reaching out to the community that they are planted. The key to this kingdom living, starts with Jesus. Jesus builds his church on the confession made by Peter in Matthew 16:16, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!” Jesus is building His church upon people who believe the the truth of the gospel. This truth is manifested in a recognition that I am a sinner (validated by the reality that I will one day die – Romans 6:23), and that I am in need of a Savior (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is … READ MORE

As we consider the Sovereignty of God, we need to remind ourselves of a few cautions: 1. We should never use God’s sovereignty as an excuse for our own shortcomings. I should never say simply that, “God wanted me to do that because that is how He made me.” God has never promised top work in the heart of others just to make up for our struggles. I must continue to work to learn, and grow.2. We should not allow God’s sovereignty to cause us to respond passively to the actions of other people that affect us. We should always take all prudent steps within the will of God to protect and advance our situation.3. We must never use the doctrine of God’s sovereignty to excuse our own sinful actions or decisions. We must understand that God will hold us accountable for our harmful decisions and sinful actions. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to u s and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Our duty is to obey the “things which are revealed” that is the will of … READ MORE

How shall we respond to the fact that God is able to and does in fact move in the minds and hearts of people to accomplish His will? Let’s think about this for a moment:1. We must trust God in all situations – Our careers and destinies are in His hands, no one can harm us or jeopardize our future apart from the sovereign will of God, this is not a fatalism, where we resign ourselves into God’s hands, but an active trust that our future is in good hands as we trust God with it.2. We should look to God in prayer in all situations when some aspect of our future lies in the hands of other individuals. We do not know how God will answer our prayers, or if He will move in the heart of other individuals, but it is enough to know that our destiny is in His hands, not those of other people. 3. Confidence in the sovereignty of God in the lives of people should keep us from becoming resentful and bitter when we are treated unjustly or maliciously by others. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will … READ MORE