God And The Church Series

This we believe part 1

Galatians 1:6-9

How many this morning wants to experience what is laid up for you in heaven?

If we want to walk in all the fullness that God has for us then it’s important that we understand what the scriptures say.

If we don’t have a basis for our faith then we can be easily turned aside. If you want the full assurance of your salvation, then you need to know that the Bible gives you that assurance.

So I’m beginning a series of messages this week on “This we Believe”.

There is so much political correctness that’s out there that we can get intimidated about what we think or believe because we might offend someone.

Let me assure you of one thing this morning, the Word of God is going to offend some people.

Matthew 13:20-21 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

But Jesus said in Matthew 11:6 …and blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Some might say, “Pastor how can you think that Christians are the only ones that’s right. There’s only one God and everyone worships Him in a little different way.”

Church, we must understand yes there is only one true and living God, but not every religion is worshiping that true and living God.

Islam does not worship Jehovah God, Buddhist do not worship the true and living God, the Mormons do not worship the true and living God, the Jehovah witnesses do not worship the true and living God. I could go on, but I think you understand that not every religion is correct.

So does it really matter what you believe as long as you believe in God? Yes it does.

That’s why I think it’s important that I take the next few weeks and cover what we believe as a local body and as a denomination, so you will have a scriptural foundation to build your faith on.

What you truly believe is what you will live out in your life.

It’s not enough to talk a good spiritual talk, you’ve go to live it out in your life and I’ve found what you truly value is what you will do.

If you truly value and recognize the power of prayer, you would be praying more. And let me stop right here for a moment, it’s critical that everyone that can be here on Friday nights praying.

We can not go to that next level unless we are a church of prayer. I know I preach a lot about it, but it’s so important.

Jesus said, My house shall be called a house of prayer! That is the work of the church, 15 minutes before service is not enough.

But pastor, I don’t have enough time to come to one more service. Then I challenge you to check your priorities closely, our purpose is to work for the kingdom of God, and we must be willing to do what ever it takes to fulfill the will of God for our family, our church and His kingdom.

You’re going to do whatever you truly value in your life.

If you truly valued the Word of God, you would be making an effort to spend time in the Word.

If you truly valued coming to the House of God, which the Word tells us not to forsake, then you would be here every time you possible could.

But Brother Owens, this is a new day, a new time and a new culture.

None of that negates the Word of God. I don’t care what culture you came from, the Word of God is for all times, all races and all cultures.

As Nathan pointed out last week, we were not the original recipients of salvation. But the Word declares “Whosoever will may come”. That now includes you and me.

Every word in this blessed book is there for a reason and none of them are up to use to ignore.

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. KJV

Every time you don’t live out the Word of God in your life you add another layer of deception in your life and you will get to a point where what you desire is more important in your life than what God desires and that’s where the enemy has you.

So this morning I want to share with you what we believe concerning our loyalty to God and Commitment to the Church.