A am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ

1. The gospel is the power of God

2. The gospel is for salvation (deliver/rescue) 2 Thess. 2:14, Galatians 1:4

3. The gospel is for everyone 

In Jesus we are complete, Outside of Jesus we are incomplete.

How do we get "in Jesus" to be all we should be, could be and were meant to be? Baptism

Baptism a command of Jesus, Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; John 3:3-5

Baptized by immersion (Not sprinkling), Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12

Baptized for the remission of sins, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21

Baptized "into" Christ,2 Galatians 3:26-27

God is not a genie in a bottle who is here to grant every whim and wish. 

We must abide in Christ and in His word. When we do we will begin to ask for things in alignment with

God's will and then be more like to receive what we ask for.

King Saul sent his thugs to surround the house of David. They were to kill David at the first opportunity they had. David wrote "I will sing praises to God in the morning" He felt quite confident that he world survive the night. In this Psalm he describe why he felt so confident, God was his strength, defense and refuge in time of trouble. When we are surrounded by those who want our destruction, when we feel frightened or scared, when we are overwhelmed we should be like David and look to God as our defense, strength and refuge.

Paul was flawed but faithful! We too may be flawed but are we faithful?

Will we hear the words, "well Done!" ?

Keeping the faith can be found in some of the mundane things of life.

When we gather to worship regularly, when we take our God given roles in the family, when we have a good strong work ethic, and when we regularly (daily) pray and read scriptures this is how we "keep the faith". Can these things be said of you? If not you can change today!

Notice Paul says "My Coruse". It is his journey and no one else can do it for him.

The same is true for us, it is our course and no one can walk it for me.

Not all fights are good!

A good fight means it has a noble or worthy cause.

For those in the kingdom of Christ we are in a noble fight and a worthy cause as we engage with those who live in the kingdoms of men. The kingdom of Christ is not about carnal ware with bombs and bullets but rather using the sword of the spirt which is the word of God. With the word of God we set about to help those who are dead in sins come alive in Christ.