Summons Radio

We're reminded again today to wait on the LORD's perfect timing. Can you imagine being given a promise from God and then because of unbelief having to wait forty years to see that promise come to pass? And yet, that's just want happened to God's people Israel...they had to wander for forty years in the wilderness due to unbelief.

God doesn't need our help! Sometimes we get the notion to push God along or make His will happen in our time. This is the story of Abraham and Sarah...instead of waiting for God's timing, they took things into their own hands and the result was catastrophic. We need to trust God for His perfect will and His perfect timing.

There is nothing that we can do to be saved! NOTHING! We can't tithe enough, pray enough, or attend church enough. God offers His gift of salvation with no strings attached. Now, that doesn't mean that we can live however we want. In fact, it means the exact opposite...once we're saved, our hearts are changed to WANT to obey God.

A unilateral contract. What does that mean? It means that one of the two parties represented in the contract is committing to the FULL terms of the contract. The other party simply accepts the terms of the contract...sound familiar? That's a lot of verbiage to simply communicate the Gospel...Jesus provided all that we need to be saved...we just need to accept His free gift.

Looking forward and looking back is probably the best way to describe how a person could and can be saved through the old and new covenant. In the old covenant a person of faith looked forward to the coming of the Messiah. In the new covenant we look back at what Jesus, our Messiah, accomplished on the cross.

The Holy Standard of God's Word is utterly and completely impossible for us to fully obey. In fact, if we could, we wouldn't need Jesus to die for our sins...we would be holy by ourselves. But, as it stands, there is no one who is righteous before God. We need God to forgive us of our sins and then empower us by His Spirit to live obediently.

Today we're faced with some of the most difficult times that many of us can remember. The economy is bad, the entire globe seems to be in a state of constant flux. God is truly shaking everything that can be shaken. And yet, you and I, are as good as invincible until the LORD has accomplished everything that He wants for our lives.

In this day and age in which we live it's pretty easy to become discouraged. Today we'll learn about a time in the life of Abraham when he was discouraged and troubled. We'll learn that even though our current circumstance may seem extreme, God is always completely in control.

The king of Sodom in today's message represents the world and all that it has to offer...the shining lights, the flash in the pan. And it's a sad truth that Pastor Terry just shared...many believer's in the Body of Christ today are so consumed with the things of this earthly kingdom that they're of no use in the heavenly kingdom.

In today's message we'll learn about two kings...Melchizedek and Sodom. Pastor Terry will share with us the obvious differences between these two kings and which one Abraham chose to go with. And the decision Abraham made is symbolic for you and I...we can choose the God of Heaven or the enemy of our souls.

The life of Abraham is full of wonderful examples for us. But, one sticks out among them...the fact that Abraham was a rescuer. He went after his nephew Lot. And the question for us is, will we do the same? Will we go after those that have strayed from the faith, exhorting and encouraging them to repent and come home?

There are two examples in today's study...Abraham and Lot. Abraham was a man of faith who didn't take the easy road that the world had to offer. Lot was a man who seemed to be swallowed up by the world and all it's enticements. Which one are you Christian? Stop and ask yourself and make a decision right now to based upon your answer.

Lot is a perfect example of someone who began living a worldly life and eventually found themselves smack dab in the middle of danger. Christian, we need to heed the warning of Lot's life. Whenever the temptations of this world come upon us, remember that not far behind the world is a dangerous trap that leads to bondage.

What does it mean to leave our lot to the LORD? Well, today Pastor Terry teaches us that leaving our lot to the LORD is another way to say that you trust God for the entirety of your life...that you believe that God has your best in mind and will provide and bless you in ways that you could never conceive.

Even in the Body of Christ, conflicts arise. The blessing that believer's have is the Word of God and the power of God's Holy Spirit to enable resolution. Today we'll see an example in Abraham that each of us should consider...taking the low road...you've probably heard that term before. It simply means that you prefer someone else above yourself.

Did you hear that a moment ago Christian? Pastor Terry exhorted us to stay true, stay faithful to the LORD and what He's called us to. It's easy to do what Abraham did and leave the 'Bethel' that God has called us to for the 'Egypt' that is constantly enticing us. Trust in the LORD and He will direct your path.

Have you ever stopped to think about the things that you trust God for? We say that we trust a God we've never seen, for entrance into heaven that we've never seen. And yet, when it comes to the mortgage payment this month, we struggle. Do you see the inconsistency with this Christian. Trust God in all ways!

Throughout the Scriptures the symbolism is clear. Egypt represents this worldly system and all its fleshly entrapments. Falling into the traps of this world is often personified by making choices according to our own understanding. The Bible says that there is a way that seems right to a man...but, in the end it leads to death.

Our first step with God is to admit that we've sinned an fallen hopelessly short of His Holy standard. Second, we experience the cleansing power of His salvation. Then a whole new life opens to us. God begins to call and gift us in areas where He wants to use us for His glory.

What was our Savior's heart towards sinners? It was a heart of love! Jesus enters the homes of tax collector's and rubbed shoulders with harlots. Let's not be afraid to around those that need Jesus. How else will they hear the good news of our Messiah's salvation. Remember we're IN the world and not OF it!

Did Pastor Terry just describe you a moment ago...the mature Christian that's in a spiritual rut? Friend, it doesn't have to be that way! You can call out to God at any time and receive the renewal that He longs to give you. And then, God just might have a new task, a new ministry, something fresh for you to bring Him glory in.

Today we begin our series entitled Biblical Portraits-Abraham. Pastor Terry will sharing with us the many insights from the life of Abraham. And today we learn that when we make choices to exist outside of God's will for our lives we risk becoming dry and stagnant. The remedy for this is to cry out to the LORD for renewal.

When you stop and think about an idol...what's the first thing that comes to you mind? Is it the giant golden statue of Buddha at the front door of your favorite Chinese restaurant? That certainly IS an idol...but and idol can be something as simple as your finances. Whatever is most important in your life will likely reveal whether you have any idols or not.

Today Pastor Terry continues sharing with us the Biblical perspective of prayer. It may not be exactly what you thought it was. In fact, Pastor Terry says, that prayer is discovering God's will. It's a time when we not only speak to God, but more importantly, when we devotedly listen for His voice.

Did you hear that Christian? Pastor Terry just gave us a wonderful definition of prayer. Prayer is asking for what God wants. When we approach God in prayer it's easy to allow that time to become all about us and our needs...which is ok at times. But, our prayer time should also be about what God wants to accomplish...we should be listening.