Power with Purpose!

We started Session 2 with a couple of people missing. We hope Perry and Michelle got rested up!

Session 2 focused on Romans 12:1 where we are encouraged by Paul to do our reasonable service by surrendering ourselves to God. We discussed the fact that this is not the easiest thing for a person to do seeing as how in doing so, we may have to let go of some securities offered to us by our position in the world.

Would you jeopardize your job to follow Christ? How about a relationship? If it meant choosing between God and something or someone else, what would you do?We must come to realize that letting go of some things we perceive as security would actually be the smart move. After all, if it comes between you and God, it ain't right!

Sadly, statistics show that 8 out of 10 American Christians would not have the faith to surrender to God at any cost. In too many people's lives, faith has been confused and even replaced by a consumer mentality and the ease with which our flesh is satisfied by the taking for granted our freedom, liberty, and well-being even in these uncertain economic times.

In the meantime, our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world have come to understand that surrendering to God might mean literally surrendering their lives in view of how Christians are persecuted in other nations.

Our discussion continued with the understanding that surrendering to God is a process that happens over time; but, it must start with a definite declaration that you are (a little poker lingo here), "all in." Like achieving a goal - it starts by making up your mind and setting one in the first place; then planning and living to achieve that goal.

When you tell God that you're "all in," He is poised to give you His best for your life. You gotta surrender on purpose!

Our first R12 session went wonderfully! Chip's video was an overview of the entire series and it was a good explanation of how Romans 12 is indeed the executive summary for becoming an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ.

After 11 chapters of explaining the condition of man, God's redemption and salvation, and the establishment of the church, chapter 12 was broken down into a five-part summary of discipleship: Surrendered to God (verse 1), Separate from the world system (verse 2), Sober in Self-Assessment (verses 3-8), Serving in Love (verses 9-13), and Supernaturally responding to evil (verses 14-21).

Click here to learn more about how R12 can help you in becoming an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ!

Pride absolves us from responsibility. Pride tells us everything is all right when it's not.
Pride is a liar.
Pride is impatient, jealous, and envious. Pride is boastful, selfish, and quick-tempered.
Pride keeps a record of every mistake you make. Pride rejoices in evil, hates loyalty, and never hopes or trusts.

However - pride will always fail if you will let it.

Our small group has been studying the book of Ephesians over the past few weeks. Through a DVD program called "The Miracle of Life Change" from Chip Ingram, we have learned that Ephesians chapters 1 through 3 explain all that God has done and established for his church. In chapters 4 through 6, we are shown what we are to do as members of the body of Christ.

Ephesians is also a spiritual training manual. Notice how, in chapter 1, it starts with who we are and what Christ has done for us. It is not until Chapter 6 that we are instructed to "put on the full armor..." It's kinda like in military firearms training: you are taught what a weapon is is before you are even allowed to look at one, much less pick one up. Only after careful training and practice are you finally allowed to fire a weapon. The same reasoning applies to scripture: these are God's words. If mishandled or used improperly they can have deadly consequences. Only those that ...study to show themselves approved... can wield such awesome power, and then only under the humility one cultivates under the power of the Holy Ghost.

Get into training! It makes all the difference.

How many situations have you been in where you felt the overwhelming need to act, but didn't know what to do? Maybe those are the times when God walks up behind you, gently moves you aside, looks at the situation and says, "Stand still and let me handle this."
I often find myself wondering about my ability to hear the voice of God. I become afraid that I will miss something that He has to say to me. I find that it needs to be settled in my heart that; if God wants to speak to me, He will make it known and I will know that it is Him.
We must all learn to stand still at times; maybe even set aside a small portion of our day just to come into His presence, be still, and wait.
Trusting God - Proverbs 3:5-6

Standing Still:
to see salvation - Ex 14:13, 2Chr 20:17
to hear God's command - Num 9:8
to hear God's Word - Jos 3:8-9, 1Sa 9:27
for God's supernatural favor - Jos 10:12-14
and consider God's wonders - Job 37:14

A Still small voice - 1Kings 19:11-2
A small cloud brings great rain - 1Kings 18:44

Finally, read Job, chapters 4 and 5, and know that God is in control!