Walking in Truth

Many people get really upset if you suggest that some people won’t get into heaven. It’s an offensive thought that God would judge any human being to the point of denying them eternal rest. The thing is, it’s not God who’s denying them anything – it’s their own choice. God has made a way for anyone who will come to Him. As Pastor Johnny will warn in today’s message, it’s only when you choose not to accept that invitation that you choose an eternity of separation from Him.

Many believers in western, first-world countries could accurately be described as soft. Really the majority of us fit that description. We can certainly be thankful that we have religious freedom with minimal persecution and oppression, but in many countries where Christianity is illegal, you’ll find believers who don’t have the convenience of being lukewarm. As Pastor Johnny will point out in today’s message, when your faith could cost you your freedom or even your life, you have to take it seriously.

This is one of the most fundamental commandments for those who follow Jesus, yet it seems to be one of the hardest to live by. We allow petty differences and varied interpretations of Scripture to drive wedges between us. It’s sad and all too common amongst Christians. It not only creates unnecessary struggles in our own lives and church communities, but it reflects poorly on the Church as a whole, as well as our Savior who demonstrated incredible grace for us. Today, Pastor Johnny will remind us of the higher calling we have to love one another.

The greatest gift you could ever receive! The gift of salvation because of Jesus’ sacrifice at the cross! All you must do is accept his gift! As Pastor Johnny shares, He paid for this gift of salvation in full…once and for all. And He not only gives you an eternity in heaven with Him but freedom from sin here on earth. Freedom from your sins past, present, and future. Rest in His completed work. A work that was finished by a perfect savior to redeem and restore you…because He loves you.

Salvation is very simple. You’re either saved or you’re not. You’re in or you’re out. There is no in-between. As Pastor Johnny shares you are either going to spend eternity with God or you won’t. It’s your choice. So why not choose God today!? Admit you’re a sinner in need of a Savior. Believe that He died and rose again and confess that He is Lord of your life. When you believe that with all your heart, you are saved! You’ll be with Jesus for all eternity! Rejoice! You are now a child of God!

So, you haven’t exercised in years and you decide to jump into a marathon race. With no training, you toe the starting line and take off! How do you think it will go? You guessed it…not well. As Pastor Johnny shares this is how your spiritual life as a Christian can be without training. It’s a long race that requires training that only Christ can provide. And He is the only one qualified to train you because He has run the race…perfectly. So trust Him…He will help you run and win the race.

Could you imagine running a race and not knowing where the finish line was? You’re just running aimlessly hoping to find it! How do you find it? Well as Pastor Johnny shares Jesus helps you find and cross the spiritual finish line to heaven when you focus on Him…the author and perfector of your faith. So instead of running here and there looking for answers…looking for that elusive finish line…fix your eyes on Jesus and He will lead you there…because you can’t get there on your own.

When I was a teen, my dad started getting into shape. He started with running. It was tough, and at first, he ran a couple of blocks before he ran out of steam, but little by little, he pushed himself further, until eventually, he was running marathons. It was a process that took a lot of effort, and as we will hear from Pastor Johnny today, we are in a process for our spiritual race too! The great news is that the one who started us on this path is going to see it through to completion. We cross the finish line victorious because of Him!

Did you know that in weight training, if you only ever lift the same weight, you'll stop seeing gains? For growth, there always needs to be a next level of challenge, something to strive toward. Pastor Johnny shares, that the same applies to our spiritual life. If everything is going ok, then we tend to slack off in the spiritual disciplines. When things are hard, we run to God, lean on him, and our faith grows stronger. If we're running a race of faith, we should try hard things in order to grow our faith muscles!

If you found out that you'd been signed up to run a marathon what would your first reaction be? For me, it would be a bit of dread mixed with panic, because I have some understanding of the grueling training and the punishment a race like that promises. Pastor Johnny shares with us today that the race of faith we are on doesn't promise an easy road, but requires strength and endurance, and will surely be filled with difficulties. But don't worry, we have someone who will help us run it!