His Brothers

January 30, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Faith, Salvation, Trust

His Brothers

For not even his brothers believed in him.
‭‭John‬ ‭7:5‬

The Lost Are Dying

Does it concern you to hear that someone near and dear to you doesn’t believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior? Do you have family members who are not save? As Christians we should be concerned for those who are lost.

Even Jesus faced the issue of His own half-brothers not believing that He was the Messiah until after He was resurrected from the dead. James, especially, did not believe in the faith until after Jesus died on the cross and arose from the grave. Then James became a leader in the early church in Jerusalem and was concerned about the faith of many others. Jude was another brother that eventually believed after the resurrection. They knew who Jesus was but they did not place their faith in Him as Lord until later in life.

This gives us hope and comfort that in the Lord’s timing there is salvation given to our family and friends that we love so much. We must never give up sharing our faith and testifying to others about who Jesus is to us. There is hope that one day they will see Jesus for who He really is. We must pray for our unbelieving family and friends and keep trying to win them to Christ. Sometimes we get so “churched” and close to our fellow believers that we lose sight of those who are lost and dying. We need to pray for those who do not have faith in Jesus nor eternal life. If you knew that someone you cared about was going to Hell would you make it a point to say something to assist the Hoy Spirit in saving their life?

Prayer

Lord, place a concern in my heart for those who are lost and without You.

Not Ashamed

January 29, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Trust

Not Ashamed

But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.
2 Timothy 1:12

Confidence and Boldness

Paul is in prison and awaiting death. He is recounting the cause for Christ that has led him to persecution and distress and now imprisonment. He is writing to a young preacher named Timothy who was a close brother and friend to Paul. Paul writes him to instruct and encourage the young preacher as he too may face persecution for the faith.

Paul was hated by the Jews for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. Even though he suffered persecution and waiting execution, Paul considers his calling to preach the gospel a worthy cause. He never backed down from telling the truth of the gospel and never avoided speaking when he had a chance to share the Word of God with anyone. His confidence in the Lord produced a boldness that glorified God. His faith and hope in Christ fueled his efforts of winning souls and building the Kingdom of Heaven.

Paul’s knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ strengthened him daily but God’s grace is what kept him striving to endure the hardships he faced. Our knowledge of God’s Word and our strong faith in Jesus allows us the same opportunities to share the gospel with boldness. Never shy away from telling the lost about the good news of Jesus and always be ready to give an answer for your faith. It is during times of persecution and trials that people either coward down or boldly step up. Be prepared today to speak words of comfort to those who are suffering or lost.

Prayer

Ask the Lord to give you boldness to speak the truth of the gospel to everyone everywhere.

Call Upon Me

January 25, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Faith, Trust

Call Upon Me

And call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.
Psalm 50:15

A Right Way of Thinking

The theme of Psalm 50 specifically deals with our view of God and how a wrong view of God can lead to a wrong way of thinking. It primary deals with our giving to God, financially.

The scene is portrayed in a courtroom where God is the judge and He gathers the faithful ones to the stand (vs. 5). It’s as if God’s people are the defendants on trial. The people were giving but foolishly thought God needed their sacrifices and it insulted Him (vs. 8). God reminded them that He didn’t need anything because He owns everything (vs 9-13).

Three things are listed in verses 14-15 that will establish a right way of thinking. First, every gift (tithe and offering) must be offered up to God with a heart of thanksgiving. Everything belongs to God and He gives to everyone liberally. It shouldn’t be an issue to give back to God a portion of what He has given to us. Second, vows are to be paid to the Most High as a way of keeping our promises made to Him. An example might be, “God if you will let me out of this speeding ticket, I will give $100 to someone in need.” Paying a vow expresses knowledge that God fulfilled His obligation. Third, call upon the Lord in the day of trouble. We need to acknowledge that He is in control of all things. He will delivers us and we praise His great name.

Give with gratitude, keep your promises, and call out to God for help. These things please the Lord and gives Him glory.

Prayer

Pray and glorify God for His amazing grace!