Oct-2014
If Not You, then Who
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
In a society where many people have a me first mentality it is sometimes difficult to strike the balance between confidence and arrogance. While believing in your own ability is important and critical in developing our youth, understanding who is really the author and finisher of our faith is imperative. Knowing that you didn't create yourself, didn't wake yourself up, and acknowledging that you didn't keep yourself through many storms? "If Not You then who?
The apostle Paul reminds the church at Ephesus that they did not save themselves. No matter how good they are, how much they say they love God, the truth of the matter is that it was the grace of God, through faith that manifested their salvation. This is true in every aspect of our lives, no matter what we are facing and what we are doing, it is God's grace that guarantees our victory. It is God's grace that keeps us and strengthens us for our struggle. It is God's grace that protects us, provides for us and protects us even from ourselves. Beloved, don't doubt yourself, but also don't disrespect your God, you didn't do it, and if you didn't give praise to the one who did?
"If Not You Then Who?
Pastor SP Courtney
What You Do and How You do It Matters!
"Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. - 3rd John 1:11
Many people believe they are good people. Most believers will proclaim that they have good character and that in comparison to those in the world they are really good people. Yet, many times we find even those so called good people doing things that would be displeasing to our God. We find those good people, using language that's inappropriate, treating others with disrespect and mal content. If we say we are of god, then being good should reflect in our doing good. "What You Do and How You do it Matters?
John writes in his 3rd epistle that the expectations for all believers is to not follow or continue doing anything that is evil. If it is true, that misery loves company, it is also true that evil loves companionship. Be mindful not to be drawn into evil and ungodly acts or situations. Commit to doing what you know is Godly, following Christ and the word of God. For what you do represent who you are. If we belong to Christ then before we do it, we must consider who we are and whose we are. "What You do and how You do it Matters!
Pastor SP Courtney
What is it that makes us clean??
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (John 15:3)
When we consider that sin represents uncleanliness and filthiness. That being clean spiritually refers to being Godly and walking in righteousness and not in sin, we must ask the question how clean are we? If we consider ourselves clean, exactly how or who is responsible for cleansing us? If we were born in sin and shaped in iniquity, when do we
consider ourselves washed and reborn in righteousness? ?What is it that makes us clean?
The Apostle John records Jesus in the final stages of His early ministry giving encouragement to his followers.. After
identifying himself as the true vine and all believers as the fruit bearing branches , Jesus calls those in Him clean? The word clean suggest purity as in no uncleanliness., a state that is opposite of our nature. The word said the mechanism for our cleanliness is the word of God. If we as believers are going to walk in holiness, in righteousness in truth, then we must walk in and by God?s word. How clean are you? The answer lies within how much time you spend in God?s word. Do we study to show ourselves approved? Do we wash our hearts, minds and spirits in the word? Do
speak His word into our own lives and the lives of those we love? If you are not as clean as you think you should be, then you to commit yourself to His word. What is it that makes us clean??
Pastor SP Courtney
