January 6, 2019
Morning Service

Last week we were challenged to enter the new year by putting our “Faith into action.”  We wanted to not only be “hearers of the word but doers as well.”  We looked at 3 “hot topics” that we all will be faced with this year and at the attitudes that we should approach them with.  Our perspective must be first based upon our faith and always do everything in love.  Towards the end of the message I wrote this: “My prayer is that we all begin to put our faith into action and try to make this world a better place.”  Little did I know the path that my prayer would take me down the next day.  I am always very aware that the challenges I put forth to you must first apply to me as well.  This is not a story about me, this is a story about Christ using me as a tool (instrument of righteousness) in His hand.

Rom 6:13  And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

            I simply presented myself available to God in His tool belt and He chose to use me to help fulfill His purpose.  I was the hammer and He is the Carpenter.  This is a story about Him not me.  I am going to try to be transparent about all that I felt and all that happened, but I truly simply said “Yes” and went along for the ride.

It all started harmless enough as we made our plans for New Year’s eve.  We were off to the movies to see “Aqua man” and then to the grocery store.  The plan for New Year’s day was to watch tons of football from the comfort of a certain recliner.  It all began with a phone call on the way to the movie and a choice to be made.

I.                    Denial & Acceptance

II.                  Counsel & Confirmation

III.               Logistics

IV.              Reality of the moment

V.                Courage & resolve that God is in control

VI.              The Trip & Faith building

VII.           Arrival & more confirmation

VIII.         Football but no recliner

IX.              Ice in Texas

X.                God in Texas

 

Reassurance of salvation

Act 2:38  Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Rom 10:9-10  that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  (10)  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Rom 6:23  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Eph 2:8-10  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,  (9)  not of works, lest anyone should boast.  (10)  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

 

Future concerns dealing with what lies ahead.

1Co 15:51-57  Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—  (52)  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  (54)  So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY."  (55)  "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? O HADES, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?"  (56)  The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.  (57)  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

a.      Don’t be afraid, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”  Heb. 13:5. I stressed God is in control and Bill was in His hands.

XI.            Family concerns

XII.      Gospel Message; seeds sown.

a.      God is faithful; seeds sown and purpose revealed.

b.      Changing something terrible into something beautiful

 

Final assurance

Psa 23:1-6  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  (2)  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  (3)  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.  (4)  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  (5)  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.  (6)  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

c.      We as sheep simply follow our shepherd.  We fully trust Him to take us where He chooses is best for us.  We are not afraid; for He is with us. That was true for Bill as well as it was true for me. We do not know His plans, but only follow faithfully because He does not lie and promises us this is where we are headed:

John 14:1-3  "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  (2)  In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

            Our hope will end in sight and our faith will not be needed.  Jesus said “Don’t worry I’ve got this all planned out; I am in control.”

 

Heavenly Father please grant us the perspective that You are in control and we are simply tools in Your hand and give us the courage to act upon it for Your glory.