2 Corinthians 9:8

Pastor George Dix began his sermon today reminding us that Satan isn't happy that we made it to church today. Many of us had to struggle to get to here, but there is a definite purpose in our being here. We're here to experience God and hear a word from Him. We need a LIVING God. 

We don't know what may happen this week, but we DO know that we have a living God who love us, watches over us and is merciful. Every once in a while, we need to stop what we're doing and give God glory; not just for what God can do for us, but for what he's brought us out of. "Everybody has a closet". Many times we have disobeyed God and turned our backs on Him, but is forever merciful to us. For it is written:

"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness! The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him!" - Lamentations 3:22-24

At times, the word of the Lord can sting. If you're in church and God's word doesn't 'cut your toes' from time to time, you're in the wrong church. God knows our spiritual address and He knows our thoughts before they get to us. A God like that deserves reverence. Remember, God is not principally concerned with our wants, our needs and our desires. What He wants is our love and worship. For it is also written:

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." - Matthew 22:37

"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." - Deuteronomy 6:5

God has commissioned us to impact the world and do the work of the Kingdom. Whatever God calls us to do, he will give us the grace and provision to do so. Grace is defined as unmerited favor from God. Faith is what leads us to Grace.

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - Romans 10:17

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." - Romans 5:1-2

Faith comes to us through hearing the word of God. Faith leads to obedient action, and obedience to God's word leads to an outpouring of God's Grace.

Hearing ----> Faith ---> Obedience ----> Grace

Quote of the sermon:

"God doesn't make mistakes. If God cuts your head off, it's right." - Pastor George Dix, Jr.

This teaching series is available on CD.

Scripture References:

Sunday, November 4th, 2007

• John 14:23 - "IIf a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him...."
  
• John 15:3-9 - "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing"
  
• 2 Corinthians 9:8 - "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work"