A Sure Hope

Christians are called to stand out in the world, and to have an influence upon it. This is something we sign up for the moment we accept God’s gift of grace and love. However, as Pastor Dave reminds us today, sometimes we don’t actually show our Christian side to the world. We need to be a light to the darkness around us!

The Word of God is such an integral part of the DNA of Christians. As Pastor Dave shares today, it was a vital part of the growth of the early church, and the best way to get to know God and His will for each person’s life! It can change us, and change our outlook on life, and be an anchor in every storm we encounter!

Often times when we feel the Holy Spirit directing us, we get sidetracked with the inner debate over whether we are really hearing the Holy Spirit or not. As Pastor Dave teaches us in today’s message, that confusion is a very effective tool of Satan. We certainly should be discerning, but if we feel the Holy Spirit leading, we just need to follow.

Everyone likes to feel like they are in control. Surrendering to God’s will can be daunting. As Pastor Dave tells us in today’s message, when we give ourselves over to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead us into God’s will, we will experience a peace that goes beyond our understanding.

It is very common for laypeople in the church to underestimate their importance in the body. Sometimes this turns into justification of compromise or complacency in our lives. As Pastor Dave reminds us, each and every believer has a responsibility to actively seek God on a daily basis.

As Pastor Dave continues to lead us through the book of Acts, he draws a comparison between Paul’s role and that of a general. As a leader, he took his responsibility seriously. He watched out for the things that would harm their souls and didn’t mince words when it was necessary to warn against those things.

How committed are you? Today, with Pastor Dave, we continue to learn from the Apostle Paul. He had a focus. He had a purpose. He didn’t worry or fear the trials and difficulties. He was focused on his commitment of spreading the gospel. He knew nothing was more important than his call from the Lord and was willing to endure all things to accomplish it.

Do you long to hear the words “good job faithful servant”? As we are committed and faithful to our ministry that the Lord has called us to, this is what we will hear. Pastor Dave reminds us of this important truth through the example of Paul. He was devoted first to God, then to his ministry. He stayed strong and finished the race. May we do the same.

Are you sleeping through your religion? Well, today with Pastor Dave, we will learn that it is time to wake up! Unfortunately, many people fall into this category. They go through the motions, and do all the things they are “supposed” to do, but deep inside their heart is not where it needs to be. It’s about a relationship, not a religion. Fall in love with Jesus and come alive today!

No one is righteous and we can’t do certain things to obtain that standing. Although, as Pastor Dave will teach us, many people will try. We may eat certain things, take communion a certain time, fellowship a specific place but none of these things make us righteous. Our righteousness is found only in Christ. Do you know Him?

Thank Jesus for the gift of exhortation! We hear today, from Pastor Dave, just how needed it is. Those with this gift are willing to speak truth. They are doers of the word, not just hearers. It’s not about judging, it’s about giving others the biblical truth they so desperately need! Who do you know that needs to hear truth?

We are reminded today, from Pastor Dave, about the importance of encouragement. We’ve all had times in which we are feeling down and all of a sudden someone comes along and says just the right thing. It makes all the difference. Paul was an encourager like this to the disciples. Let’s encourage others as well.

Are you a peaceful person? Today, Pastor Dave will remind us that as Christians we can have peace that surpasses all understanding. As we face difficulties and trials others should see peace in us that comes from knowing we serve a sovereign God. This allows us to witness about Jesus, the author of our peace.

How do we view other people? Are we looking at them the way Jesus would? Pastor Dave will teach us that Paul did this. He viewed every other person as someone who needs a savior. This gave him purpose and urgency as he approached each situation. May you have the eyes of Jesus as you engage others today.

How do we view other people? Are we looking at them the way Jesus would? Pastor Dave will teach us that Paul did this. He viewed every other person as someone who needs a savior. This gave him purpose and urgency as he approached each situation. May you have the eyes of Jesus as you engage others today.

We all have a call and a specific purpose. Do you know what your call is? Today, Pastor Dave will teach us that Paul knew without a doubt that his call was to proclaim the gospel. As Paul was obedient to his call, it also brought happiness that only comes from the Lord. As you seek the Lord, He will reveal your call also.

Have you ever desired true happiness? Have you ever really looked for it? Where did you look? Today, Pastor Dave will teach us that Paul had this happiness that we all desire. Not only did he have this happiness, but he also had purpose. We will hear today that both of these things are found in Christ alone.

In war, there is no reason to monitor closely enemies who are of little to no threat. If we are not serving the Lord, then we are no threat to the enemy. Pastor Dave challenges us today to look at our lives and consider how threatening we are to Satan. Are we serving God in such a way that frightens the enemy?

Have you ever considered just who it is the devil decides to attack? Pastor Dave asserts today that those who know Jesus, who desire to serve Him, elicit the attention of the devil. The enemy wants to keep a close eye on those serving the Lord because he does not want God to receive glory!

Many people can be drawn in by spectacle. Often, the crowds who followed Jesus simply wanted to see the next miracle He was going to perform. God can work through miracles, but as Pastor Dave shares today, God also works through the day-to-day lives of His faithful believers.

What do you qualify as a miracle? Pastor Dave suggests to us today that there are many miracles happening all the time! God is always moving, in big things and small. What miracles are happening in your life? If we take some time to observe and praise the Lord, we can be encouraged!

It takes great courage to tell people that they are wrong. It takes even greater boldness to tell people that they will suffer for their wrong decisions. Today, we will hear of Paul’s boldness in preaching the truth that Jesus is the only Way to get to heaven. All other ways lead to destruction.

While on earth, Jesus declared Himself to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Pastor Dave will lead us in investigating these claims today, and in doing so, we will see that Jesus is so much more for those who truly believe in Him. Jesus comes alongside us and provides us peace.

In today’s message, Paul asks a group of Ephesian disciples a straight-forward question: Have you received the Holy Spirit? Pastor Dave asserts that this inquiry should be easily answered because the power of the Spirit, if He has truly come upon us, cannot be overlooked!

On one of his journeys, Paul encountered a group of disciples and was compelled to ask them if they had received the Holy Spirit. In today’s lesson, Pastor Dave walks us through what made Paul ask this question, and the importance and impact of the Holy Spirit in our lives.