Becoming Like Christ: Trust
Last winter I learn a shotgun lesson form my son. One day hunting my shells would not eject. Connor told me to switch the friction ring (a ring that works in the shell ejection cycle) in the opposite direction. A high or low brass (size of metal part of a shotgun shell) will affect the way the friction ring works.
There is ONE way for the gun to function correctly.
There is only one way for our faith to function correctly; trust in God. We understand the need for trust at the moment of salvation. Most of you will not doubt that dependence on Jesus death alone is the path to mercy and forgiveness. Too often, we leave the path of trust in our daily lives and try to work our issues by our own might.
The book of Romans provides great encouragement by saying "that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). This promise guides us to see the evil we face will be used for good. The promise also comes with two conditions. First, it is given to those who through trust in Christ have learned to love God. Second, it is based on those who recognize that they are called for God's purpose and not their own.
God's purpose for the Church is to conform you to the image of Christ. Blessings and bad moments all come together so that you reflect the dependence and submission God the Son has in God the Father.
You know that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Living as a disciple also driven through your trust in the grace and work of God.
The life of Joseph provides an example for us to follow, as we trust God for good in the face of evil. After his brothers sent him on a path to slavery, persecution, prison, and suffering; Joseph showed lasting trust to God. His response to the brothers: they intended to harm Joseph; God intended it for good (Gen 50:20).
"As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him" (Col 2:6). By faith we have been plugged into the power of the Holy Spirit and it will be by faith that we take on the risky adventure of following Jesus Christ wherever He leads.
What evil and hurt has dominated you over the last few weeks? How can you respond to the situation with true trust and faith that will bring about His good?
Matt Emerson
Taken from Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden
There is ONE way for the gun to function correctly.
There is only one way for our faith to function correctly; trust in God. We understand the need for trust at the moment of salvation. Most of you will not doubt that dependence on Jesus death alone is the path to mercy and forgiveness. Too often, we leave the path of trust in our daily lives and try to work our issues by our own might.
The book of Romans provides great encouragement by saying "that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). This promise guides us to see the evil we face will be used for good. The promise also comes with two conditions. First, it is given to those who through trust in Christ have learned to love God. Second, it is based on those who recognize that they are called for God's purpose and not their own.
God's purpose for the Church is to conform you to the image of Christ. Blessings and bad moments all come together so that you reflect the dependence and submission God the Son has in God the Father.
You know that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Living as a disciple also driven through your trust in the grace and work of God.
The life of Joseph provides an example for us to follow, as we trust God for good in the face of evil. After his brothers sent him on a path to slavery, persecution, prison, and suffering; Joseph showed lasting trust to God. His response to the brothers: they intended to harm Joseph; God intended it for good (Gen 50:20).
"As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him" (Col 2:6). By faith we have been plugged into the power of the Holy Spirit and it will be by faith that we take on the risky adventure of following Jesus Christ wherever He leads.
What evil and hurt has dominated you over the last few weeks? How can you respond to the situation with true trust and faith that will bring about His good?
Matt Emerson
Taken from Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden