As believers, we've been called to the ministry of our Father. We have been given the privilege of serving HIM. As we submit to Him and His Word, He will give us direction. You see, it's HE who has blessed us with gifts to serve. All WE must do is say YES to Him. We need to step out in faith...trusting that BY HIS GRACE...our God will enable us to obey His calling.

We are all human. We are all born with a sin nature...and therefore...we slip and fall. And as we function as a body...holding one another into account...we must remember to do all things in love. We're called to give exhortation, encouragement, and Biblical support to our brothers and sisters.

Believer, who do you surround yourself with? Are they people that will build you up, that will encourage you and hold you accountable? Are they people who stand for the truth? You see, these are the kind of people that we should find TRUE fellowship with. Ones that are committed to the Word of God above all else. People who love the Father.

Do you believe what God has said? Do you understand that His word is the only absolute source of truth? Are you taking the time to listen for His voice? Do you allow His Spirit to lead you in this life? You see, as believers we need to trust the wisdom and guidance of our Heavenly Father. We need to be those who hear AND do what He says.

How can a person be saved? This question will be posed in our lesson today. Pastor Terry will remind us that there is no possible way for us to earn our salvation. We cannot save ourselves. There's no amount of good we can do. You see, the ONLY way a person can be saved, is through the shed blood of the Messiah.

As believers, we need to trust in God. You see, in both the good times and the bad...we must learn that HE is in control. There's nothing that goes on without Him being aware of it. So when times are tough...lean on THIS Biblical promise: That He will work ALL things together for GOOD. For those who love Him and are the called according to HIS purpose.

There are MANY people today who say that they pray, but who are they praying to? You see, as believers, we pray to the God of the Bible. And that's because we believe in HIM, His WORD, and have FAITH that He'll answer our prayers. But for the many people out there who DO NOT have faith in Him...who aren't born-again...who are THEY praying to?

As believers, we've been called to serve in the ministry of our Heavenly Father. And part of that ministry...is to share the truth of His Word AND expose the lies of the enemy. We'll see in today's message, that that is exactly what Paul is doing. It's His goal to proclaim the name of our Messiah, regardless of the outcome.

The Scriptures teach us that when we take a stand for the name of our Messiah, we will be persecuted. Now our definition of persecution might be harassment at our place of employment, or the loss of a friendship. But around the world, persecution is often MUCH worse. So ask yourself this: Are you willing to step out in faith and share the truth?

The Scriptures are clear. We're are NOT supposed to add to or take away from what God has said. His Word is perfect...just as it is. And so is the gospel message. Simply put: We are saved by grace through faith, not of our works. Works will NEVER make us righteous. However, as saved individuals, we've been called to DO the works that our Father has prepared for us.