02 Dec The Answer That Came Late
Pastor Vincent - 29 May 2014
The Priceless Gospel, One That Is Truly Binding
After listening to many messages, we need to uprightly ask ourselves these questions: 1. What is gospel to you? 2. How precious is this gospel to you? (are you willing to give up your personal desires just to pursue it? How much do you need it?) 3. Are you bound to this gospel like the silken fetter? A real and progressive faith-living is one that is constantly experiencing AND confirming the work of Holy Spirit inside us. To a born again man, the gospel is not mere knowledge but the heart of God, i.e. constantly loving, tearing down the old self and rebuilding the new thinking and living system in us. This is because the working of God in people He loves is like "Silken fetters", "binding" our hearts to His love and leading, so that we are walking closer and closer with Him, and desiring to be in sync with His heart more and more. Therefore, ask yourself, is the gospel you have come to know - one that is truly binding? A gospel that is truly binding is not cheap nor easy, instead, it is priceless, the truth, and sometimes giving us difficult moments and putting us in paradoxical situations - yet with it comes the glory of God, crown of life and inner strength from the power of Holy Spirit to walk through each difficult moments.
From Series: "All English Service"
More From "All English Service"
 |
The Covenant To The New Generation19 September 2013 |
|
|
Answers We Need To Receive For Evangelism26 September 2013 |
|
|
The Way Of Evangelism: Christ Convictions3 October 2013 |
|
|
Follow The Lord's Instruction Closely In Spiritual Battle10 October 2013 |
|
|
Beware Of The Influence Of Sin17 October 2013 |
|
|
Pray To Receive Transcending Power24 October 2013 |
|
|
The Undeserved Became The Deserving31 October 2013 |
|
|
Great Victory Comes Through Partnership With God7 November 2013 |
|
|
No Problem Too Big If You Obey14 November 2013 |
|
|
A Different Spirit That Follows The Lord Wholeheartedly21 November 2013 |
|
Powered by Series Engine
The Answer That Came Late
Waiting is usually agonizing for most people. And often when we are made to wait, we tend to feel that God has singled us out for this unwanted process and we always ask, “Why me, Lord? How long, O Lord?” Yet, waiting is a frequent lesson observed in the Bible. In fact, “wait” could be the most precious answer God has given us. For during the wait, we are forced to confront this question: “What is our chief treasure and joy?” Is what we are waiting for more than God Himself”? If our chief joy lies in the final outcome at the end of the wait, then we will surely be miserable during the wait; but if our highest delight is in the Lord, who is present with us even right now, our hearts will find strength as we wait.
Verses to read:
<Gen 21:1-7>
1. The Lord did just as He had promised.
- Faithful.
- Did the impossible.
- God will make us laugh, eventually.
2. But it takes time…
1) Understand what God does in the waiting process.
- Repeatedly affirms His promise.
- Waits till all human factors failed.
***We are most concerned about the outcome, but what God values more is the process of moulding the recipient.
- Wants us to desire God more than a son [or any other desire].
***Something actually happens when nothing seems to be happening.
- Before the most important answer comes, there needs to be better preparation.
***“Wait” could be the most precious answer God gives us. The wait can make us cherish God more than cherishing a particular outcome.
2) Our response during the wait.
- Continue to wait for God, even if nothing or the opposite of what we hope for happens.
- Jesus said, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” <Jn 5:17>
- Our faith in His goodness today can help us trust His faithfulness tomorrow.
- Let our waiting be a testimony.
- Give thanks that God is a “waiting” God.
- Confirm little graces >>> restore greater faith.
- Seek out what God wants us to submit.
- <Ps 118:24> This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. [ESV]
- Do not take shortcuts.
***What is our chief treasure and joy?
***Is what we are waiting for more than God Himself?
3. Our response after receiving the long-awaited answer is important.
- Obedience.
- Persistent trust in God.
Reflections:
- Share your experience in your waiting process. How do you sustain your faith and hope?
- How have you confirmed God’s work even when things appear contrary to God’s truth/promises?
No Comments