Existing Truth

Author Bill Hull once wrote, “Most seasoned Christians are not in need of large segments of new truth, but rather need to be reminded of existing truth that can bring new meaning to their lives.”  If this is true for you, then let me encourage you this week by reminding you of some existing truths:

1.      God Spoke/God Speaks

o   Martin Luther stated, “When the Scripture speaks, God speaks.”  Because Scripture is speaking to us, we memorize, meditate, study, teach, and share his truth.  Everything in life ministry is guided by the truth in Scripture.  The Holy Spirit uses scripture to change our lives so we look more like Jesus, both individually and as a body of believers.

o   Genesis 1:3 “And God said…” - Creation began when God spoke.  His words literally created everything.  When he said “let there be light,” there was light.  It happened because he is God.  When I say “let there be coffee,” nothing happens.  Obviously, this is because I am not God.

o   When God spoke, he created something new.  His words had meaning and power and they still do.

o   2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is breathed out by …”

2.      Jesus died as a payment for your sin.

o   The Gospel simply put, is acknowledging that we are sinners, we cannot fix ourselves, Jesus can and wants too!

o   1 Timothy 1:15 – “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”

o   1 John 2:2 – He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

3.      The local church is established by God for a purpose

o   Ephesians – pretty much this whole book!

4.      Opportunities or Obligations?

o   Like I mentioned in this past Sunday’s sermon, we are all called to invite others on the journey.  One thing that I try to do is to stay open to opportunities that God brings my way.  Sometimes it’s a chance to share the Gospel; other times it’s a chance to speak a word of His truth into that person’s life.  There are many other opportunities that God has brought that way, but should we also consider them obligations, since we are ambassadors for Christ?

o   Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you”

o   Ephesians 5:14 – “… Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

o   Romans 13:12 – “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.  So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”