Comfort And The Cross

Comfort And The Cross

Deacon Hui Zhen - 5 December 2013

Grace And Transformation

All English Service

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:1-5 NIV) It is by grace we have been saved. More than pardoning of the sins, the greatest grace and favor of God is a contrite spirit giveth us each time we hear the gospel. Grace does not allow one to wallow in their weaknesses, grace propels one to come before God each time she falls, and continuously be transformed by the renewing of mind. Genuine transformation of the inner being come from you deeply knowing the depth of God's grace.

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1. The traps of Comfort.

  • “Suffering”: Abstract
  • The problem of “not having problems”
    • Resistant to even little inconveniences
    • Stay in comfort zones
  • <Lk 9> 23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.
  • Spiritual battles faced in comfort:
    • People proud toward God (no need for Him)
    • God-loving spirit put to sleep
    • Flesh is stirred up

2. Be intentional about carrying the cross in the midst of comfort.

  • [one slide] Cross and Comfort: Opposites or Correlated?
  • If we do not carry cross intentionally:
    • Devil will get us
    • World will consume us
    • Many things other than God will influence us
    • Accusations grow
    • Get listless about “God-stuff”
    • Evangelism becomes non-urgent
  • People who want to live by the truth will remain in a constant state of battling and tension
  • Carry the Cross: Centre on God, Gospel and Kingdom 

3. The importance of gatherings.

  • <Heb 10> 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
  • <Mt 18> 19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
  • Value creates Momentum
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Preacher Hui Jun
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Huijun serves as Secretary of The Blessed RUN Ministries. She is also the Preacher at The Life Church and Missions (Singapore). She graduated from Singapore Bible College and currently lives in Singapore with her husband, Chengji.

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