We're humans. We're not mindless robots. We've been given the ability to think for ourselves. We have been given a choice. We can choose to live our lives according to our own understanding...by the lusts of the flesh...OR we can choose to submit to God and allow HIM to work in and through us. You see, there really are only TWO options. And God will not force us in either direction. We have to decide who we will serve. So who will it be? Will you submit to God...or will you submit to your flesh? Will you choose LIFE...or death.

The Scriptures teach us that God loved the world so much, that He sent His only Son, that whoever would believe in HIM would not perish, but have everlasting life. So you see, He LOVES you. He has a plan for your life! He sent His Son to this earth...with YOU in mind. He desires your heart...all of it. He desires your devotion and love. God, the Creator of the Universe, longs for a deep and intimate relationship with YOU! He wants to empower you to walk in His ways. He wants you to be victorious in this life.

We're humans. Our perspective is limited. Our wisdom is lacking. Our understanding is flawed. In our flesh, we cannot comprehend the things of God. And even as believers, sometimes, we only get a partial picture of what God is trying to say. Sometimes, that can be due to an issue in our own lives...an area that needs to be dealt with. But often times, it's because our Father is slowly revealing Himself to us...in His timing. As we recognize truth and submit to it...He will continue to give us more and more understanding.

The Scriptures teach us that TWO is better than ONE. But as Pastor Terry will share with us today, that doesn't mean that we're to date or get married...for the sake of BEING with another person. As believers, we can't just marry ANYONE. We must wait for the one that God has for us. We'll be reminded that we're not to date unbelievers. That's a recipe for disaster. Instead, we're to be PRAYING for someone who is like-mined. Who we will be equally yoked with. A person that is submitted to God and has a desire to serve.

Think before you speak. This is a GREAT rule of thumb for us ALL. Often times, we speak before we've truly considered the impact of what we are saying might have on others. But as believers, we must understand that our words have meaning. They can impact people...sometimes positively...other times...negatively. So before you open your mouth...think about what you're going to say. Ask the FATHER to give you the words to speak. Make sure that you are being an accurate representation of HIM.

Think of the story of Noah. Could you imagine the mocking and ridiculing that he had to endure? He spent day and night creating a massive boat. And this boat was going to house his family...during the flood. But at that time, rain wasn't even common knowledge! I'm sure he was laughed at and taunted. But you know what? Even through all the persecution, Noah pressed on. He trusted in God. He believed that He was in control. And sadly, the people found out the hard way. Don't let that be YOUR fate. HEAR the voice of God and follow Him.

If Jesus came back today, how would he find you? What lifestyle would he see? Well, regardless of whether He comes back today, tomorrow, or one hundred years from now...we NEED to be ready. But being ready isn't something we can do on our own. If you want to spend eternity in Heaven with God...you must be submitted to Him. You must allow His work of grace to work in your life. That's the only way you can be CHANGED. For it's by grace through faith that we are cleansed and forgiven of our unrighteousness.

What is UNDER THE SUN mentality? Pastor Terry will refer to it quite a bit today. It's a perspective where you're only concerned with the things of this earth. You're only concerned with gaining knowledge, wisdom and worldly gain. But as believers, we can't do that. We're to have a heavenly perspective. We're to have our minds fixed on the things above. So instead of having the UNDER THE SUN mentality...try thinking ABOVE the sun! Think of the things of God! Submit to Him and serve. You will BE a blessing and you will RECEIVE blessings!

Do you think...that if you are dedicated enough...determined enough...and DRIVEN...that you can CHANGE yourself? Sure, you might be able to produce some external changes, but you cannot change your HEART. There's only ONE way we can be TRULY changed...and that's by the work of God's grace in our lives. You see, if it were possible to change our OWN hearts, then there would be no need for Jesus. But as the Scriptures teach us, the ONLY way we can be changed...is when we're willing to allow God to work in and through us.

In our study today, we'll discuss perspectives. Pastor Terry will encourage us to have a HEAVENLY perspective. He'll tell us we need to have our minds set on the things above. It's so easy to get distracted with the things of this earth. However, we need to remember that this is not our home. We are only here for a time. One day, we'll pass on from this life...and as believers...we have HEAVEN to look forward to! What a joyous blessing the Father has given us to look forward to!