It has become commonplace—almost epidemic today—to proclaim Christ as Savior while living a life which Scriptures would clearly call worldly—even blasphemous at times. It has become commonplace to feel safe and secure in our salvation and walk with God simply because we’ve said a prayer and got baptized at some point; or had an emotional moment of repentance, or a time of walking with God in our life only to slowly go back to a completely worldly walk. Some seemingly get close to God every time there is trouble in their lives only to trust self again when the burden has passed. With so, so many “Christians” living their lives in this manner today, it is absolutely imperative that we address how this looks to God.
And what the true state of a person’s salvation and heart may be in this mindset. Like it or not, believe it or not, scripturally we are drawing very near the end. Not only are lives and hearts being torn apart as many walk falsely in their faith, but many will soon be caught unprepared and lost when the trump sounds very soon. There is an age-old notion and debate as to whether a person can lose their Salvation after they have truly accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. With all of my heart—backed by overwhelming Scriptures—I believe God’s Word teaches that: God will never leave nor forsake you and that nothing will make God stop loving and wanting you. But that you and I have every freedom and potential to leave Him: Hebrews 3:12-14; Galatians 4:8-9, 11; Colossians 1:21-23; 2 Peter 3:17-18; Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:11-13; 1 Corinthians 15:1-2; Matthew 5:13. These verses literally spell out the fact that we can leave Him, but never does God give up on us or abandon us in our sins or doubts: 2 Timothy 2:13.
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I had several directions that I planned to potentially go this week…Wanting some “Lifting and Faith-Increasing” sermons…After the many hard-pressing sermons we have endured lately!
As is often the case…God Spoke clearly… And I had to change course!...And this Message seemed to take on the mentality that Jude…The half-brother of Jesus… Had when penning his Epistle. Jude 1:3 The subject of today’s Study is, not only needed and powerful!...But one of the most uplifting… In our day… That we could hear!...And is actually… Almost a Part 2… To last week’s Study!...From How much God Loves you… To… What are we going to do about it?! So… Please open your minds… Prepared your hearts… And GROW WITH ME TODAY! The majority of the sincerest, believing, devoted Christians are not truly bringing God joy and pleasure in their lives today. When we hear this, we almost feel defeated and hopeless, wondering how much more do you need to do to make Him happy? Or, you instantly go to self-condemnation in your mind, thinking, “You don’t have to tell me how much I mess up, or how bad I am. I already know, thank you very much.” But the answer is so much simpler than this, and so much more wonderful and powerful in what it says about our God, as though God Himself, were saying it to you now. Your Christian life—your choice to believe in, and follow Christ—is not about living better than you did before. It’s not about sinning less and doing more for Him. It’s not about struggling to keep His commands; it’s not even mainly about trusting that His sacrifice is all that can save you—it’s about seeing His unfathomable love for you and being so moved by His pure love and selfless pursuit of you; that you are broken by His dedication and attraction, blown away by the worth and joy He has placed in you. And in turn, accepting it so deeply that you so sincerely love Him back. Nothing on earth is more important than having His presence in your life, than wanting to be the source of His joy and pleasure, than being close with Him, no matter the cost: Mark 12:28-30.
We are going to talk about something today that many people long to discuss, but as Christians—and sometimes, even non-Christians—they are very often hesitant to talk about. And that is those moments in every believers life when, for various reasons, the haunting thought suddenly grips your heart: “What if it isn’t true?” “What if everything I have ever believed is all just a mistake?” “What if I am wasting my life on a lie?” Most wrestle with these moments in silence, for fear of being shamed or looking weak and unfaithful, or even sinful to God. Guilt joins with doubt to magnify the struggle. Our first endeavor today is to see the Biblical response towards honest moments of doubt, and also to help us all see the difference between sincere doubt, for various reasons in life and a choice to disbelieve—to reject Truth—in spite of evidence, knowledge, and revelation.
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