Sunday Words of Encouragement July 12, 2015

This morning was another wonderful time at church. Our Sunday School teacher (G) recapped his message from last week when we were gone. The class discussed the ramifications of the recent Supreme Court ruling. The thing Christians have to remember about the world around us is stated clearly in Romans 1:20 and 32:
20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
...
32Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

G’s message was titled “In The World Not of It” as he continues to remind us that we are in this world but we are beings apart who are not to be like everyone else. We are still studying Romans and G noted that Paul’s preaching focused on three issues:
1) We are to seek righteousness through Christ, which is the foundation of Christianity;
2) We are to exercise self-control over the lusts of man; and
3) We are to be mindful of the coming day of Judgment.
The “World” lives with no righteousness and no self-control.  Jesus directed his followers to go into the world to preach the gospel, make disciples and change the hearts of people.  Jesus did not send the apostles out to change the government or law.
Sometimes we allow too much of the world into our church systems. Churches try to reach the masses instead of reaching individuals. Instead of acknowledging and living as those set apart from the world, we too often blend with the world.
G proceeded to give us 25 passages that show how the world lives different than Christians.
Christians must exercise control against a) the lusts of the eyes, b) lust (cravings) of the flesh and c) pride.

Pastor's message was titled “Facing Life With God”. He noted that we live in a world where people are easily frazzled and stressed. But we grow through stress, trials and tribulation. The growing process includes a matter of knowing Who You Are.  He shared Psalm 46 which he presented in three parts that signify our standing as those who know who they are in God; those who have assurance that God is in control. Verses 1-3: I will not fear. Verses 4-7: I will not be moved and verses 8-11: I will rest in Him (in His control).

This morning we sang this song as one of our Worship songs.
It goes so well with both messages! Looking for a City.

Verses for Today:
2 Corinthians 10:2-5
2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Lord, I thank you for the peace that you give through assurance of knowing You are in control. Help me to share Your light in a dark world until You return in Your glory.