Grace Baptist Church; Pampa Texas

Great peace comes in knowing that our salvation is secure through the work of Jesus Christ. Just as Jews needed to hear this truth over 2,000 years ago, believers need the same reminder.

We're all adding something to the body we are a part of. What we have to ask is: is it eternal or temporal. It's something we need to take heed and give attention to. Are we?

Any honest person knows that sin is powerful and exercises authority over any willing individual. This mornings message reminds us of sins effect on any persons life and the key to spiritual victory.

Paul called the believers of Corinth carnal and gave them proof of his claim. If someone accused of being carnal, would they have the evidence needed to convict us?

It's a bold claim to suggest we are servant's of God. However, if we desire to understand and know God's word, we need to be able say that this is so. It's a challenging thought.

This passage reminds us of the faithfulness of God. The key, however, is that we are patient for the fulfilling of God's promises. This can be difficult, but it is well worth it.

The natural and carnal man cannot understand the thinking and discernment of the spiritual man. When we expect the natural and carnal man to understand things from a spiritual standpoint, we are only frustrating ourselves, unnecessarily. Consider what Paul had to say in this short passage.

While we should all strive to follow God, we help ourselves when follow the example of godly men and women. Tonight's message simply encourages us to find someone whose life we can imitate...and do so.

In the midst of spiritual attacks, we are forced to place our trust in something for our protection and deliverance. We will either trust in God and what His word reveals of Him, or we will trust in ourselves. The correct choice is obvious.

Often, we want the world/unsaved to understand and accept the truths of God's word. Such a desire is unrealistic. Without the aid of the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to understand and accept what God's word declares. Sadly, when we are carnal, it is also impossible. Tonight's message explains this truth.

Over the course of ones life, many goals are set. When it comes to a persons spiritual life, they may also express goals, but may not know how to obtain them. This mornings message lets us know what is needed in order for us to finish well in our spiritual lives.

Can a person be saved...loose their salvation...and be born again...repeatedly? This evening's text reveals some of the faults with such a teaching.

If lies exist, how do we recognize them? If we recognize them, what is our reaction toward them? Many Christians fail to recognize lies, and if they do, they seldom hate them like they should.

It seems obvious that God would allow a person to grow in their spiritual lives; however, this assumption is wrong. In order for a person to grow in their spiritual lives, it depends on...

In life, every person will need direction. There are times we will have no idea what decision we should take. It's in times like these that it's good to know that God has the answers. There's only one condition to receiving the answer. The question is whether or not the desire for direction is greater than the requirement.

While Paul knew he could produce "results" in his ministry because of his God-given gifts, he also knew the results would not be genuine. Today, 'results' can still be manufactured with a good sales pitch, but the results will be empty. Consider the words of Paul and compare them to many of the tactics we see employed in today's churches.

Our relationship with God's word impacts how we get through the struggles of life. Because of this, it would make sense for us to give attention to this relationship.

After salvation, spiritual development should take place. Sadly, for many, while they should be mature and helping others, they still need to be taught themselves. They should be past this.

As we grow in in our Christian lives, it is imperative that we remember God did the work in our lives through Christ Jesus. We are not responsible for our spiritual growth. While we know this, our pride can get in the way and cause us to glory in ourselves rather than Christ.

In the midst of persecution, the writer experienced the faithfulness of God's word in his life. This was no accident. There's an important principle to consider from this passage: If we expect God's faithfulness to be made known in our lives, we must be faithful.

Christ learned obedience, and it's cost, through submitting himself to suffering. Such suffering perfected Him so eternal salvation could be known. It only makes sense that we consider this thought: Our perfection/completion will only be found through obedience...even in the midst of suffering.

While there is an adoption of worldly philosophy by the masses, Paul made it clear that such an approach leads a person nowhere. The question worthy of consideration is: "How many Christians are adopting the worlds philosophy in their lives?". It's something we need to consider.

The God who formed us can also give us understanding as it relates to His word; in every area of life. All we have to do is trust that He can, and then ask for His help. We do not have to be ignorant in relation to God's word.

We claim to have a personal relationship with God, through Christ. If this is so, then that should effect our prayer life and how we come to God. Often, we fail to come to God as we should or fail to come with any measure of confidence that He will work. It should not be this way for a child of God.