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Faith to the Finish Heb. 10:32-39 (KJV) “But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. 36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Remember when we were born again? Remember how simple the gospel was and good we felt to be part of an everlasting kingdom? We received the assurance of making things right with a mighty God. We were assured that we would never be afraid again. We knew that no matter what came our way, we would be able to overcome it because God is now on our side. We told everyone about Jesus. Jesus was the one that made it all possible. We would never have known God as Father if we had not believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Then, little by little, life got hard. We were tested, tried, tempted. All we knew was that Christ overcame, so we could too. We went to church, heard sermons, tried out the instruction, got prayer and gained ground little by little. It wasn’t right. People talked about us. They laughed at us and called us, “Holier than thou.” We lost our friends that wouldn’t believe with us and found ourselves in a new group called the church. It was as if the Father said, “Meet your new friends.” Not that we wanted new friends—it was just that we had lost all of our other friends. Then we were reminded of a reward. Wow! What could it be? Would we get our old friends back? Would this “spiritual battle” be over? The minister told us, God would give us patience. Patience? We’ve never had to wait for anything in our lives! “Patience for the promise,” said the minister. So now, we have been waiting. Some of us have been waiting a few weeks. Some of us have been waiting for generations. What is the point? Why does it have to be this way? God is exercising our faith. Do we really believe what we have been taught through the generations? Is Christ really coming back to establish His Kingdom on Earth? How much longer? We are living in an era that is very confusing about religion. Politicians tell us that all religion is basically the same and that everyone prays to the same God. They tell us that all religions are relatively peaceful, but there are extremist groups that misunderstand. The Koran is allowed in schools, but the Bible isn’t. Kids are allowed to wear shirts showing nudity and violence to school, but none with pro-life verbiage. Is the Holy Bible the only true book? Is the only way to God through Jesus? Let us not believe the Word of God because we have been taught what to believe. Let us move on to maturity and believe the Word of God because it is true. Jesus Christ said, “I am the truth” (John 14:6). Our increased relationship with Him will increase our faith and will bring us to the promise. Some Christians are questioning whether it is worth the separation to maintain a belief that the Word of God is the only standard for truth. But scripture tells us in 1 Cor. 9:24-25 (KJV) “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” Who of us will say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” 2 Tim. 4:7-8 (KJV)? Do not draw back! Finish, oh people of God. The promise is near! -S. Chad Ross March Newsletter 2003 | Faith to the Finish | Are You Ready to Ride? Pastor's Journal March 2003 | Destiny in Flames | Precious Seed - part 3 of 3 |
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
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