Today, Bishop Paul Sharp explored the profound theme of unbelief and its impact on our spiritual journey. First, we begin with acknowledging that God's actions are always purposeful, even when they seem confusing to us. Drawing from Hebrews 3:12, Bishop Sharp discussed the danger of an "evil heart of unbelief" and how it can lead us away from God. This isn't just about doubting; it's about a deep-seated, diabolical unbelief that can harden our hearts and make us resistant to God's ways.
Next, Bishop Sharp encourages us to reflect on our initial experiences with God, those moments of revelation that transformed our lives. It's crucial to hold on to that initial faith and confidence, remaining steadfast until the end. He also examines the subtlety of fear and how it often disguises itself as caution or wisdom. Fear, at its root, is a branch of unbelief. To overcome fear, we must address the underlying unbelief and cultivate a deep understanding of God's ways.
The sermon emphasized the importance of worship as a means to align ourselves with God's ways. Worship shifts our focus from our circumstances to God, allowing us to move from the natural to the supernatural. This alignment with God's ways is essential for experiencing His works and miracles in our lives.
Bishop Sharp also discussed the dangers of a hard heart, which is often a result of prolonged unbelief. A hard heart is resistant, callous, and not easily moved by God's Spirit. It's crucial to remain tender and sensitive to God's leading, avoiding the pitfalls of doubt and unbelief.
Finally, we were encouraged to seek alignment with God's ways rather than just His works. This involves a deep, intimate relationship with God, characterized by faith, humility, and a willingness to follow His lead, even when it doesn't make sense to us.