If You Say So - To Others

Justin Magness

Pastor Matt wrapped up the “If You Say So” sermon series with a teaching over the hope, faith, and peace that can only be found in Christ, and how having a thorough understanding of this will lead us to walk in a manner in complete contradiction to the World around us.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 that “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the Excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.”

How do we as Christians deal with trouble in our life without distress? By the riches of God’s grace in our life through the finished work at the cross. We get to rejoice in hope of the Glory of God. (Romans 5:1-5)

How do we as Christians not live in despair during times of unknown? By the peace of God that surpasses all knowledge and understanding. By the understanding that Christ shall be magnified in every circumstance. (Phil 4:1-9, Phil 1:19-21)

How do we as Christians react when we are persecuted? By the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by the Holy Spirit that was fully poured into our hearts at Salvation. (Eph. 3:13-19)

How do we respond when we are cast down by the world? With the love of Christ which has been given to us at salvation. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ because our life is now IN Christ. (Romans 8:35-39)

We as Christians far too often allow ourselves to be tossed to and fro by the things of this world. We see salvation as nothing more than a “get out of Hell free” card and we react just like the world does when chaos and despair enter our life. Having a strong understanding of who we are IN Christ and the power we received from the Holy Spirit IN US to equip us for anything the world can throw our way, will allow us to live a life that is a contradiction to what the world expects.

The resource for getting that stronger understanding is the Bible and thankfully we all have access to one. If you would like guidance on where to begin; Heritage has a number of small groups, Men’s only 318 groups, and Ladies only Renew groups that will pour into you.