“THEY DIED WITH THEIR BOOTS ON”
LAST STAND AT SKULL HILL - PART 4
JUNE 8, 2008
REVIEW:
Part 1 - THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY: Jesus stood alone so we can stand together! We are fighting from victory not for it! The war is won, but the battles aren’t done! The definition of victory is standing in the end! Know your enemy!
Part 2 - TRUE GRIT: Truth is to live your life honestly by what God says! Truth keeps us from being tripped up by our temptations! We choose to act in obedience to God and love towards others! Circumstance is not reality, Jesus is!
Part 3 – OPEN RANGE: Being right with God, I can become right with others! I become right with others as I act right before others! My right standing with God keeps me standing right in the face of Satan’s attacks!
Today….
Ephesians 6:15 (NASB) and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;
What is the “preparation of the gospel of peace?”
It’s the GOOD NEWS of peace with God!
Ephesians 2:17-19 Paul writes…AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household,
Isaiah 52:7 How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings GOOD NEWS, Who announces PEACE, And brings GOOD NEWS of happiness, Who announces SALVATION, And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Philippians 3:20-4:7 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way STAND FIRM IN THE LORD, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL COMPREHENSION, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS.
1 John 2:1-2 (NASB) My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.
How does this GOOD NEWS protect us in the battle?
It keeps us READY!
“Bad news gets us ready for defeat, but the Good News gets us ready for victory!”
Romans 16:20 (NASB) The God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your FEET. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
John 8:44 (NASB) "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
1 Peter 5:8 (NASB) Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
BIG IDEA:
The Good News, of Peace with God,
keeps us READY for battle!
How do we “put on” the Gospel of Peace?
We SHARE the Good News!
Acts 20:24 (NASB) "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
Romans 1:15-17 (NASB) So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."
1 Peter 3:14-16 (NASB) But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
Romans 10:9-15 (NASB) that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!"
“We will often be judged by the world much more by how we walk than by how we talk!” - Unknown
"Preach the Gospel wherever you go, and if necessary, use words.” - St. Francis of Assisi
Hebrews 10:31 (NASB) It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Philemon vs. 4-7 (NASB) I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
I will SHARE my GOOD NEWS with __________________________________________________________this week!
HOW TO ACCEPT CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOR:
1. ACCEPT THAT GOD HAS NOT BEEN FIRST PLACE IN YOUR LIFE AND ASK HIM TO FORGIVE YOUR SINS.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from every wrong." 1 John 1:9
2. BELIEVE THAT JESUS DIED TO PAY FOR YOUR SINS AND THAT HE ROSE AGAIN, AND IS ALIVE TODAY.
"If you confess that Jesus is your Lord, and you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name (Jesus) by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
3. RECEIVE GOD’S FREE GIFT OF SALVATION. YOU CAN’T EARN IT.
"For it is by grace you are saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8,9
Our relationship to God is not restored by anything we do, but on the basis on what Jesus already did for us!
4. ASK JESUS CHRIST TO COME INTO YOUR LIFE AND BE THE LORD OF YOUR LIFE.
"To all who receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God. All we need to do is to trust Him to save us. All those who believe this are reborn! - not a physical rebirth... but from the will of God!"
John 1:12-13
"Jesus says, ’Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in...” Rev. 3:30
A prayer for you to pray…
"Dear Jesus, thank you for making me and loving me, even when I’ve ignored you and gone my own way. I realize I need you in my life and I’m sorry for my sins. I ask you to forgive me. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. Please help me to understand it more. As much as I know how, I want to follow you from now on. Please come into my life and make me a new person inside. I accept your gift of salvation. Please help me to grow now as a Christian."
“THEY DIED WITH THEIR BOOTS ON”
LAST STAND AT SKULL HILL - PART 4
JUNE 8, 2008
REVIEW:
Part 1 - THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY: Jesus stood alone so we can stand together! We are fighting from victory not for it! The war is won, but the battles aren’t done! The definition of victory is standing in the end! Know your enemy!
Part 2 - TRUE GRIT: Truth is to live your life honestly by what God says! Truth keeps us from being tripped up by our temptations! We choose to act in obedience to God and love towards others! Circumstance is not reality, Jesus is!
Part 3 – OPEN RANGE: Being right with God, I can become right with others! I become right with others as I act right before others! My right standing with God keeps me standing right in the face of Satan’s attacks!
TODAY…
Ephesians 6:15 (NASB) and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;
15 (NIV) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
15 (NLT) For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
15 (AMP) And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.
Well, unlike Pastor Bill, I am NOT a western movie fan, but my dad is….
Stole title…1941 Western called They Died with Their Boots On…10TH/final movie featuring Errol Flynn & Olivia de Havilland…NOT completely historically accurate & more of a retelling of Custer myth…story of General Custer…enters West Point @ 23…through our Civil War (1861-1865)…finally to his death (1876) at Little Big Horn = Custer’s Last Stand!
In fact…many cemeteries from our American West History are called “Boot Hill,” a common name for the burial grounds of gunfighters, or those who "died with their boots on,” meaning they died in battle! The most notable, of course, being the Boothill Graveyard down in Tombstone.
SPEAKING OF BOOTS (HOLD ONE UP!)…FOR BATTLE OR FOR CATTLE, THE COWBOY BOOT DESIGNED LIKE THIS FOR A PURPOSE…
• Rounded, narrow toe – get foot into stirrup easily
• Slick, treadless leather sole – foot slide in & out stirrup easily
• Tall heel – keep foot sliding thru stirrup
• Tall shaft – held boot in place without lacing, protected leg from rubbing on stirrup leathers + brush and thorns when ON horse & from rocks, brush, thorns & rattlesnakes when OFF horse
• Loose fit – prevent being dragged - body weight could pull your foot out of the boot if you fell off horse while the boot remained stuck in the stirrup
• High tops – no fill with mud or water crossing water
Roman soldier’s shoes served a purpose too! They wore a kind of half-boot called a caliga (CA’LIGA). And those caligae were one of the things that MADE THEM SUPERIOR to their enemies. As a matter of fact, those shoes were such an important part of the Roman soldier’s success, they came to be known for them. The FOOT-SOLDIERS were often called caligati. They were known for their shoes. Their shoes made them successful in STANDING FIRM AGAINST THEIR ENEMY!
What made the caligae UNIQUE was that they had spikes driven down through the soles. Basically, the Roman army had learned to use CLEATS! Combat was all done hand-to-hand. It was very bloody. And the longer the battle raged, the more blood was spilled. And the more blood that covered the ground, the slipperier it became. In hand-to-hand combat, slipping and falling meant almost sure defeat.
So inevitably…soldier with the most sure FOOTING won the battle! The Roman soldier’s spiked half-boots gave him the best FOOTING possible. No matter how thick the battle became. No matter what the conditions. In the rain and muck and mud and blood, his footing held secure. He was able to stand his ground FIRMLY and fight!
See here…15 Once our loins are girded with TRUTH and our breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS has been fitted into position, we put on our strong army boots or caligae, described as "shoes thickly studded with sharp nails" to ensure a good grip.
The military successes both of Alexander the Great and of Julius Caesar were due in large measure to their armies’ being well shod and thus able to undertake long marches at incredible speed over rough terrain.
What does that mean to us TODAY? How did he finish verse 13? STAND FIRM! How did he start off verse 14? STAND FIRM! Back in verse 11 he talked about STANDING FIRM against the scemes of the devil. In verse 13 he said that we need to take up the whole armor of God so we can withSTAND in the evil day and having done all to…STAND FIRM !
Then…tells us about the BOOTS we’re supposed to STAND IN! These BOOTS/CLEATS/caligae give us the traction to be able to STAND our ground FIRMLY in any condition or circumstance. Paul calls them THE GOSPEL OF PEACE. He says…PREPARE YOURSELF BY PUTTING ON THE GOOD NEWS OF PEACE BOOTS!
See…we gonna just STAND…or we gonna STAND FIRM!?!?!?!
Every week – 3 ARMOR questions: 1. What does it look like?
2. How does it protect me?
3. How do I put it on?
1. What is the “preparation of the gospel of peace?”
• NOT peace between nations or between people!
• IS peace between man and God!
• OUR peace of mind and peace of heart!
• God’s Peace that comes from our very SALVATION!
It’s the GOOD NEWS of peace with God!
Gospel = GOOD NEWS!
When there’s good news and bad news, which do want to hear first?
JOKE: Doctor: I have some good news and I have some bad news. Patient: What’s the good news? Doctor: The good news is that the tests you took showed that you have 24 hours to live. Patient: That’s the good news? What’s the bad news? Doctor: The bad news is that I forgot to call you yesterday!
Verse 15 is not altogether easy to understand. Literally…"and having fitted yourselves as to the feet in READINESS of the gospel of peace."
But what is this READINESS or PREPARATION? It can mean preparedness! Part of our armor is our READINESS to go out at any moment to announce the Good News of Jesus Christ to others!
As in Ephesians 2:17-19 Paul also writes…17AND HE (Jesus!) CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; 18for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, (POSITIONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS!)
Where Paul is recalling….
Isaiah 52:7 How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings GOOD NEWS, Who announces PEACE And brings GOOD NEWS of happiness, Who announces SALVATION, And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
But PREPARATION can also mean a PREPARED FOUNDATION or BASE. IOW…
THE GOSPEL…THE GOOD NEWS…OF PEACE WITH GOD, through which we as BELIEVERS have already been reconciled (POSITIONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS) gives us a sure foothold in our spiritual battles! A FIRM FOOTING!!!
Belt, breastplate, shield, helmet, sword = do no good with a FIRM FOOTING!
Paul also wrote…Philippians 3:20-21, 4:4-7 20For our citizenship is in heaven (POSITIONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS), from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. 1Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way STAND FIRM IN THE LORD, my beloved. 4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES ALL COMPREHENSION, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS.
Only salvation brings peace with God! Only a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST brings PEACE in troubled times….when we’re in the battle!
The GOSPEL OF PEACE is the fact that, if you are a Christian, you are no longer at war with God. You are at peace with Him. God poured His wrath out on His Son, so that you can live in peace with Him—so that you can be reconciled to Him. When you trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you accept the fact that He paid the price for you to live in peace with God.
1 John 2:1-2 (NASB) My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.
Jesus took God’s wrath for your sins so that you could be reconciled to Him. So that you can live in peace with Him. That is the GOSPEL OF GRACE!
“It’s the GOOD NEWS, of PEACE WITH GOD, that gives us a FIRM FOOTING for battle!”
2. How does this GOOD NEWS protect us in the battle?
It keeps us READY!
It’s like the shoes you’re wearing on your feet is the READINESS that comes from this GOSPEL OF PEACE. The good news in our lives keeps us READY for the battle.
You can’t face a battle without shoes on!
• Ain’t ever seen no cowboys shootin’ it up barefoot! They barely bathe without their boots on!
• Israelites didn’t go into the desert without their sandals on! (Exodus 12:11)
• You don’t see hockey players out on the ice without skates on! Ouch!
• A football player isn’t going out on the field without his cleats on!
• Firemen sleep next to their boots so when alarm rings they put them on and are ready to go!
• Soldiers don’t go out into battle without their boots on! Their READINESS TRAINING is even called BOOTcamp!
Not going to do well in battle without PREPPING your FEET!
Paul writes and says, “You need to put on the gospel of peace READY for victory.”
Don’t discount the value of the GOOD NEWS of Christ in keeping you READY to win the victory of Christ in everyday life!
“Bad news gets us ready for defeat, but the Good News gets us ready for victory!”
What NEWS are you listening to the most? The bad news or the good news? There’s lots of sources in our lives right now for bad news. Any newspaper, any local newscaster. It’s not wrong to know the news of what’s happening in this world but the question is what NEWS are you listening to the most?
Jesus says He’s got some GOOD NEWS for our lives that we need to listen to and that we need SHARE!
You’ve heard of 20/20, well here’s the 16/20 Report…Romans 16:20a (NASB) The God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your FEET!
Hear that? Interesting! UNDER YOUR FEET! Under your BARE feet? I don’t think so! Under your “feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
When I read things, or hear things on the news, it breaks my heart the world we live in. But I have to remember: that’s not the whole story!
LISTEN TO ME! THE DEVIL IS A LIAR! John 8:44 (NASB) "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
The 16/20 Report is the TRUTH! Satan is at work in our world – yes! We learned Week One:
1 Peter 5:8 (NASB) Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
He is trying to mess up our lives and our world but…THE GOD OF PEACE WILL SOON CRUSH SATAN UNDER YOUR FEET!!!! Very, very soon. That’s GOOD NEWS that this world isn’t going to continue forever. That’s the GOOD news. All this other stuff that we read that’s what’s happening in our world. But the GOOD NEWS – that’s the rest of the story that God has.
Romans 16 tells me that what’s happening now is not what’s going to happen then. That I’m getting a little slice, all these evil things that Satan’s bringing in – the GOOD NEWS OF PEACEN WITH GOD is the most important news in this world.
Wanna be READY…..our SOLES (“souls") need to be covered with the Gospel of Peace!
Then you can STAND FIRM in the face of the enemy!
• You can STAND FIRM when Satan tells you you’re no good!
• You can STAND FIRM when Satan throws past sins in your face!
• You can STAND FIRM when Satan accuses you of things Jesus has forgiven you for!
When you PREPARE yourself by putting on the BOOTS OF THE GOOD NEWS OF PEACE WITH GOD, you will STAND FIRM! The more the enemy throws at you, the more your caligae will declare that you STAND FIRM, reconciled in perfect relationship with the King!
BIG IDEA:
The Good News, of Peace with God,
keeps us READY for battle!
3. How do we “put on” the Gospel of Peace?
How do we wear it? We share it!
We SHARE the Good News!
How do I wear this news? When I get up EVERY morning, how do I put it on?
Share your lives! Share your 4-T GENEROSITY! Share your time! Share your talent! Share your treasure! And most importantly…share your TESTIMONY!
Acts 20:24 (NASB) "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
Romans 1:15-17 (NASB) So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. 16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."
What are you ashamed of? Open your mouth! Share the Good News! Share was Christ has done in your life! It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes!
My Dad and my Uncle Rex…
1 Peter 3:14-16 (NASB) 14But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, 15but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
ALWAYS be READY to SHARE the HOPE that is in you! Don’t have to know THE BRIDGE ILLUSTRATION or THE ROMAN ROAD or whatever! Just share with others how God has changed your life!
“CHANGED LIVES CHANGE LIVES!”
Romans 10:9-15 (NASB) 9that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." 14How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" (quotes Isaiah 52:7)
How beautiful are YOUR FEET? How beautiful it is when someone shares with another person the GOOD NEWS about Jesus Christ!
“We will often be judged by the world much more by how we walk than by how we talk!”
“St. Francis of Assisi’s said, "Preach the Gospel wherever you go, and if necessary, use words," IOW…it’s not JUST words! But eventually it REQUIRES WORDS! At some point….GOTTA OPEN YOUR MOUTH……
But let me ask you (LISTEN TO ME!) — are you reconciled to God this morning? Have you accepted the relationship with God that Jesus died to provide?
If not, you’re not standing against the wiles of the devil, you’re standing squarely with the devil and your enemy is God.
Hebrews 10:31 (NASB) It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
THERE IS NO ARMOR THAT WILL PROTECT YOU FROM GOD! The only thing that will satisfy His wrath is blood. Yours…or the blood of Jesus! It’s your choice. God provided the blood of His only begotten Son so He wouldn’t have to take yours. Have you accepted Him? Have you accepted His sacrifice? Have you accepted His peace?
If you have accepted His peace are you securely wearing it? Have you staked your ground in the fact that you are saved? That you are at peace with the creator of the universe?
Attacks are inevitable. They will come—they are coming—they are here! Are you ready? Have you got your armor on? Will you STAND and STAND FIRM?
If you’re not ready…..on the back of your sermon notes….
HOW TO ACCEPT CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOR:
1. ACCEPT THAT GOD HAS NOT BEEN FIRST PLACE IN YOUR LIFE AND ASK HIM TO FORGIVE YOUR SINS.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from every wrong." 1 John 1:9
2. BELIEVE THAT JESUS DIED TO PAY FOR YOUR SINS AND THAT HE ROSE AGAIN, AND IS ALIVE TODAY.
"If you confess that Jesus is your Lord, and you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name (Jesus) by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
3. RECEIVE GOD’S FREE GIFT OF SALVATION. YOU CAN’T EARN IT.
"For it is by grace you are saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8,9
Our relationship to God is not restored by anything we do, but on the basis on what Jesus already did for us!
4. ASK JESUS CHRIST TO COME INTO YOUR LIFE AND BE THE LORD OF YOUR LIFE.
"To all who receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God. All we need to do is to trust Him to save us. All those who believe this are reborn! - not a physical rebirth... but from the will of God!"
John 1:12-13
"Jesus says, ’Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in...” Rev. 3:30
A prayer for you to pray…
"Dear Jesus, thank you for making me and loving me, even when I’ve ignored you and gone my own way. I realize I need you in my life and I’m sorry for my sins. I ask you to forgive me. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. Please help me to understand it more. As much as I know how, I want to follow you from now on. Please come into my life and make me a new person inside. I accept your gift of salvation. Please help me to grow now as a Christian."
TAKE A MOMENT…CLOSE EYES..BOW HEADS….ALL PRAY THIS…
If 1st time….THE CARD…GET BAPTIZED….
Believers…our TESTIMONY becomes even more real when we share it with somebody else!
Philemon vs. 4-7 (NASB) 4I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; 6and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. 7For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
Sharing your faith, re-affirms and re-vitalizes your own faith!
Why invite you to come watch our Baptisms….boosts your faith!
I know you may not get a chance everyday to share the GOOD NEWS specifically with somebody, but the Bible says when we’re ready to, when we’re looking for opportunities, when we’re looking for people to pray for that they’ll understand the GOOD NEWS, that’s one of the things that gets us READY for victory in everyday life!
Think about somebody who doesn’t know the Lord and needs to hear the GOOD NEWS OF GOD’S PEACE. Who’s your “IMPOSSIBLE?”
I WILL SHARE MY GOOD NEWS WITH _________________________THIS WEEK!
DENA’S A NATURAL AT SHARING THE GOOD NEWS….many of you have read in our Newsletter….Theresa Matthews Story….Sign up at http://rockpointchurch.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=148&Itemid=243
On April 16th, 6 & ½ weeks ago…our lives were turned completely upside down….Satan and his legions attacked with a FULL ON DIRECT ASSAULT….Dena in CA…after Home Group…waiting…THE NEWS….Randy’s crash…”PEACE OF GOD moment” on the freeway…Bob Beaver’s (son Luke = driver, son Dylan died at scene) call next day…(PUT REAL BOOTS ON) only left hospital once when I PUT MY BOOTS ON AND WENT TO VISIT LUKE & PARKER & FAMILIES….PUT MY BOOTS ON AND OFFICIATED Dylan’s Memorial Service & shared the gospel…brought Randy home….rehab started…WE’VE CONTINUED TO PUT BOOTS ON visiting Luke, only one still in hospital.…3 weeks ago, Dave & Kim Courter end up on my doorstep….sold us copiers, Kim worked at Power Ranch El…invited to RPC…started attending….PUT MY BOOTS ON AND WENT TO THEIR HOUSE….re-committed lives to Christ….PUT MY BOOTS ON & invited them to my Home Group & baptized them last Sunday (with 20 others BTW!)…came to my Home Group this last Wednesday….YEAH GOD!
But best part….Little Randy PUT HIS GOOD NEWS OF GOD’S PEACE BOOTS ON and shared about Dave & Kim with Bob and Luke week ago Saturday…willing to be in another crash if someone else could find God!
Want a FIRM FOOTING against the enemy? PUT YOUR BOOTS ON! Share the GOOD NEWS of PEACE WITH GOD!
When I die…I wanna die with MY boots on….ALWAYS HAVING BEEN READY!
I can’t do anything about the battles you’re facing. The great thing is we can know we can walk out of here with victory in our lives today! It can be won because of what Jesus has done!
REMEMBER…VICTORY IS STANDING, STANDING FIRM, AT THE END!
LET’S STAND….PRAY….STAY STANDING…
Watch this…Here’s“The Point” (2:05) video (www. floodgateproductions.com)
