ISDAMan
05-04-01, 10:50 PM
Friday Night Sermon -- Online Bible Study
From: www.NailScarred.net (http://www.NailScarred.net?sciforums.com)
Getting Down To Action Part 4
Part 17 Of A Study In 2 Corinthians
You know, we've looked at some different aspects of getting down to action. Last week, we touched upon being aware of what we choose because sin needs to be dealt with. This week, I'd just like to reflect upon the power of the right choice.
Earlier in the week, I received an e-mail from a friend that let me know how the last FNS's had personally effected her. The very next day, I got a call from a dear friend that I had not spoken to for far too long. She impressed upon me the effect that I have had on her and even told me of how much of an important link in her life the FNS's, and myself, have been. I'm not going to go into what these two women said. I just want you to know that, even though, I am aware that my service to God is having an effect, I was just not aware of it's power. That seems strange to say because of all that we have gone through here together. Nevertheless, from the things I was told, especially by one of these two, I really do need to make sure that I take this seriously enough. Sometimes the things we do seem so small and insignificant. I can tell you this, the Earthly man that has had the most powerful effect on my life was my sixth grade teacher, Mr. Dawson. All he ever did was be a real man in my presence. Now, I might not be able to do anything and everything, but, I can be a real man of God in your presence! I don't know about you, me, personally, I don't think that I uphold that standard enough. With all that we have talked about, with all of the verses that have gone on before this, I think it's clear that not only do we need to be in action, we need to be aware of our power and influence. Sometimes, making the right choice can be painfully difficult. Sometimes, you loose no matter the way you turn. Sometimes, you have to go back and admit that you were wrong. Sometimes, you have to accept someone else, even a sinner, pointing out your sin. Sometimes, you have to fight to be humble in spite of your success.
I know that I have some examining to do in my own life. What of you? Do you realize just how valuable the impact you are having for God is? Satan does! I can assure you of that! The more impact you make, the more you are aware of it and respond accordingly, the more he will try to stop you! I hope, for your sake, that he is against you. That's a good sign that you're working for God.
I received counsel from another friend just today about a matter. He pointed out the good effect that I have had in another area and how Satan was making his opportunity to bring division. In our discussion, I had said something to him. "Whenever a Christian takes the easy way out, Satan always takes the easy way in!" I had to go back and apply that to me and the situation. I helped bring about forward progress for God, Satan didn't like that and made sure to manipulate in a bit of division. My friend, on the other hand, brought back the unity, because he reminded me of the impact I was having for God. We need not let good things get thrown by the wayside because we forget about the reason and the power of the action we've been getting down to. Just as we spoke last week, other people will suffer or benefit by us. Most of the time, we will never fully know the impact we have really had. Let's take the time to appreciate the power God has appointed to us and keep striving for forward progress for God.
Trust God. It'll all work out. Oh, and leave your pride at home.
Christian website of the week: BIBLE STUDY TOOLS (http://bible.crosswalk.com/?www.nailscarred.net-ChristianSiteOfTheWeek05-04-01)
From: www.NailScarred.net (http://www.NailScarred.net?sciforums.com)
Getting Down To Action Part 4
Part 17 Of A Study In 2 Corinthians
You know, we've looked at some different aspects of getting down to action. Last week, we touched upon being aware of what we choose because sin needs to be dealt with. This week, I'd just like to reflect upon the power of the right choice.
Earlier in the week, I received an e-mail from a friend that let me know how the last FNS's had personally effected her. The very next day, I got a call from a dear friend that I had not spoken to for far too long. She impressed upon me the effect that I have had on her and even told me of how much of an important link in her life the FNS's, and myself, have been. I'm not going to go into what these two women said. I just want you to know that, even though, I am aware that my service to God is having an effect, I was just not aware of it's power. That seems strange to say because of all that we have gone through here together. Nevertheless, from the things I was told, especially by one of these two, I really do need to make sure that I take this seriously enough. Sometimes the things we do seem so small and insignificant. I can tell you this, the Earthly man that has had the most powerful effect on my life was my sixth grade teacher, Mr. Dawson. All he ever did was be a real man in my presence. Now, I might not be able to do anything and everything, but, I can be a real man of God in your presence! I don't know about you, me, personally, I don't think that I uphold that standard enough. With all that we have talked about, with all of the verses that have gone on before this, I think it's clear that not only do we need to be in action, we need to be aware of our power and influence. Sometimes, making the right choice can be painfully difficult. Sometimes, you loose no matter the way you turn. Sometimes, you have to go back and admit that you were wrong. Sometimes, you have to accept someone else, even a sinner, pointing out your sin. Sometimes, you have to fight to be humble in spite of your success.
I know that I have some examining to do in my own life. What of you? Do you realize just how valuable the impact you are having for God is? Satan does! I can assure you of that! The more impact you make, the more you are aware of it and respond accordingly, the more he will try to stop you! I hope, for your sake, that he is against you. That's a good sign that you're working for God.
I received counsel from another friend just today about a matter. He pointed out the good effect that I have had in another area and how Satan was making his opportunity to bring division. In our discussion, I had said something to him. "Whenever a Christian takes the easy way out, Satan always takes the easy way in!" I had to go back and apply that to me and the situation. I helped bring about forward progress for God, Satan didn't like that and made sure to manipulate in a bit of division. My friend, on the other hand, brought back the unity, because he reminded me of the impact I was having for God. We need not let good things get thrown by the wayside because we forget about the reason and the power of the action we've been getting down to. Just as we spoke last week, other people will suffer or benefit by us. Most of the time, we will never fully know the impact we have really had. Let's take the time to appreciate the power God has appointed to us and keep striving for forward progress for God.
Trust God. It'll all work out. Oh, and leave your pride at home.
Christian website of the week: BIBLE STUDY TOOLS (http://bible.crosswalk.com/?www.nailscarred.net-ChristianSiteOfTheWeek05-04-01)