Sermon Title: Power on Our Journey
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
John 1:12
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God
Acts 1:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
“Why do Christians live like the devil?” Someone once asked me this question and what she was referring to is the fact many people call themselves Christians but don’t act like it. The passages listed above speak of God’s salvation and the power that comes from a relationship with Him. It does not speak of mere religion, but a mere, pure and powerful Christ following life. It is by establishing and maintaining this type of relationship with God that we are not given religion, but a life transforming heart that will allow us to live like Christians should.
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones writes the following concerning Acts 1:8: “There is…this most extraordinary addition that our Lord himself made: “Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This is truly staggering. Here was a Jew, born in poverty, one who worked as a carpenter, who began to preach at the age of thirty and after some three years was crucified on a cross, dying in utter weakness, and was laid in a tomb. But here he was, telling these men they would be witnesses to Him “unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Here is a message for the whole world.
I emphasize that because there are people who say that the Christian faith is all right if you happen to be interested in religion, but if you do not happen to have a religious mentality and outlook, then it does not matter, you can just take up what you like. But that is shown to be a lie by our Lord’s words. Here is a message that is to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth. Why? Because something happened in this person, Jesus, that affects every single individual who ever has been or ever shall be in this world of time.
Now if Christianity were merely a philosophy or a political idea, no one would be bound to believe it. There are rival schools of philosophy; there are rival teachings and theories, and one person believes this and another that. But what we are facing here is not what you and I believe, but facts, and the facts are about this person called Jesus—what He did and what He said and the meaning of His person. So there is nothing more tragic than when men and women say, “Shut your Bibles; the facts don’t matter at all. What does it matter whether Jesus was a man, or God as well as man?” They have got it all wrong. It is the person who matters most of all.”
This coming Sunday we will hear more about how God can powerfully impact our lives as Rev. Randol Mercer will bring the message. I encourage you to prepare your heart to receive a message of hope and renewal. Hope to see you then!
A picture of a Christian trying to live the
Christian life without the power of God:
