Why are we here? Not just here in Church, but why do we exist? The teaching of Scripture is that we exist for one reason…to be a reflection of the glory of God in the earth. We exist for His glory. We exist as demonstrations of His story. We exist for the Kingdom of God! We exist for a purpose that is bigger than ourselves…bigger than our individual happiness.

In the face of a contentious and even hostile social environment, how should we as Jesus followers react and engage in the discussion? Should our faith be confined to the four walls of the Church? Or should our faith and biblical teaching influence our involvement in civil and governmental affairs?

Moses encountered God face to face and as a result his face glowed with the glory of God. I believe God intends that you and I so live in His Presence that we become His Light bearers, the bearers of the glory of God in the earth today.

This morning we have heard from the Gideons, an international organization with a single-minded mission…putting the Word of God into the hands of people from all walks of life and in every possible setting. Why is this such a vital ministry? Because the Word of God is life transforming. The Word of God changes lives. The Word of God brings hope to the hopeless, reveals God’s love to those who have never experienced His love, releases people from the bondage of sin and brings forgiveness.

Have you ever scratched your head in perplexity and wondering...“What’s going on?” We’re in a war! It’s a war against an unseen enemy who is devoted to our destruction. You cannot go through life ignoring the signs and just hoping things will get better. You’ve got to engage the enemy! He must be resisted. He has already been defeated...but the victory must be implemented, the ground taken back must be occupied, the flag of the Kingdom must be planted!

One of the great truths of Scripture is that the Old Testament is filled with types and shadows that pre-figure what is to come in fulfillment through Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. In this morning’s message we have a perfect example of this. The principle is articulated by the Apostle Paul, contrasting Adam (the first Adam) with Christ (the second Adam). Paul then states this principle: first the natural, then the spiritual. The Apostle Paul utilized this interpretive tool throughout his writings, looking at historical events and people from the Old Testament and applying a spiritual interpretation and New Testament application. If you can grab hold of this interpretive tool, it will revolutionize your Bible study — the Old Testament “comes alive” for you and is more than just a historical account of important events.

The Apostle Paul clearly articulates what we are to be working toward as followers of Jesus Christ. Christianity is not passive...it is an active pursuit. Our transformation and life in Christ must be fought for!

This morning I want to speak on the subject of Real and Lasting Transformation, making our faith stick and last a lifetime! I’ve seen people begin the journey of faith and perhaps begin with a bang, but over time, fizzle out. It saddens me. As a pastor it is my responsibility to encourage, to motivate, to instruct, to inspire, and to model the Christian faith and the Christian life. I believe that I should live out my life in such a way that others desire to know and walk with Christ because of what they see He has done and is doing in my life.

This morning we conclude our Summer Spiritual Training Camp, a focus on some basic, fundamentals of the faith. We began the series with three questions: Why do I believe what I believe? Do I really know what I believe? Does what I believe really make a difference in my life? During the month of August we’ve looked at our Oneness in Christ, the statements “I Believe in Jesus Christ”, “I Believe in the Holy Spirit”, and “I Believe in the Forgiveness of Sins”. This morning we conclude with “I Believe in Life Everlasting” and we’ll be looking at the contrast between eternal life and eternal punishment. These messages have focused on the fundamentals of faith that must be individually wrestled with and resolved in one’s heart. You must determine what you believe, why you believe it, and what difference it makes in your life.

This morning we continue our Summer Spiritual Training Camp, a focus on some basic, fundamentals of the faith. We began the series with three questions: Why do I believe what I believe? Do I really know what I believe? Does what I believe really make a difference in my life? During the month of August we’ll be sharing some fundamentals of faith that must be individually wrestled with and resolved in one’s heart.