{"id":650,"date":"2023-08-08T17:30:55","date_gmt":"2023-08-08T17:30:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/?page_id=650"},"modified":"2023-08-08T17:30:55","modified_gmt":"2023-08-08T17:30:55","slug":"good-news-for-gods-people","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/good-news-for-gods-people\/","title":{"rendered":"GOOD NEWS FOR GOD’S PEOPLE"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GOOD NEWS FOR GOD\u2019S PEOPLE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Corinthians 1:1-9<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GREETING:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, good morning everyone. It\u2019s so good to be with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTRODUCTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I want to begin with a question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever looked at your life and the struggles you face (maybe the stumbles you\u2019ve made, or the slow pace at which you\u2019ve think you\u2019ve grown spiritually), and wondered\u2026<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At some point will God give up on me? <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or maybe you\u2019ve wondered if, because of your poor choices or bad habits or constant struggles<\/strong>, if it\u2019s possible to go beyond God\u2019s interest in you?  Or maybe if you\u2019ll exceed His goodness<\/strong> and exhaust His GRACE<\/strong>?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, if you\u2019ve ever wondered that \u2014 then you\u2019ve come to the right place today. Because I have some GOOD NEWS FOR YOU \u2014 for GOD\u2019S PEOPLE! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TRANSITION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I was 15 years old, my parents took me on a trip to Europe<\/strong>. It was a remarkable experience. We saw some amazing sights \u2014 we went to Rome and saw the coliseum<\/strong>, and the the Vatican City and saw St Peter’s Basilica<\/strong>; we went to Paris and saw the Eiffel Tower<\/strong>, and to London where we saw Big Ben<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But one of the most fascinating sights to me was seeing the leaning tower of Pisa. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tower is located in the quaint town of Pisa, in Italy<\/strong>. For centuries it was assumed that the designer was \u2014 a 12th century architect <\/strong>named, Bonnano<\/strong> Pisano. <\/strong>Now, in recent years there has speculation as to whether he was the actual designer or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, whoever it was that designed it<\/em>, you can be sure of this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They didn\u2019t design the tower to lean!<\/strong>It was designed to stand upright! (In all of its ways).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, I also know that whoever the original designer was<\/em> \u2014 he also died before the tower was complete. Because, it took 199 years to construct it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isn\u2019t that crazy? ! It took so long, especially in comparison to other historical monuments. Like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 The statue of liberty \u2014 <\/strong>which took 9 years to build <\/strong>and 4 months to erect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Roman<\/strong> Coliseum <\/strong>\u2014 which took 10 years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Big Ben \u2014 <\/strong>only took 13 years<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Buckingham<\/strong> Palace<\/strong> \u2014 took 23 years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014But the Tower of Pisa <\/strong>continued to be a work in progress for 199 years.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, most of those who worked on the tower, never got to see the finished product. And I\u2019m not sure we\u2019ve seen the finished product yet<\/strong>. Because it\u2019s still leaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Here’s my point.<\/strong> Much like the tower of Pisa<\/strong>\u2026Spiritual growth (the process of becoming holy, the process of becoming like Jesus) \u2014 doesn\u2019t happen overnight. While salvation is instantaneous<\/strong>\u2026 The process of becoming, like Jesus, our sanctification,<\/strong> takes time. It doesn’t happen quickly and sometimes seems like it will never be done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don\u2019t give up <\/strong>\u2014 because God is faithful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

God won\u2019t abandon you<\/strong>\u2026He is in for the long haul. And that\u2019s the message of the opening chapter of 1 Corinthians 1. <\/strong>So, if you have your Bible, turn there with me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MESSAGE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And as you do\u2026I\u2019ll give you some background on this book and this church. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The book of 1 Corinthians <\/strong>was written by the apostle Paul <\/strong>to the new and growing congregation in the ancient port city<\/strong> of Corinth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was a Roman<\/strong> colony<\/strong> on the lower tip of Greece<\/strong>. In that day, Corinth<\/strong> was a bustling city\u2026flowing with both people<\/strong> and money<\/strong>. It was a short distance from Athens<\/strong>. And was a place of sport and entertainment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was a place Paul<\/strong> visited on his second<\/strong> missionary<\/strong> journey<\/strong>. And while there, he won people to Jesus, and started a church. So as you might imagine, he had a great love for the people. But they were a bit of a mess\u2026and had a lot of growing up to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because their lives reflected the culture in which they lived. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corinth<\/strong> was a port city that majored in trade.  It attracted lots of people from all over the world. <\/strong>It was quite transient<\/strong> \u2014 and filled with a mix of thought and practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was a place where people went to escape morality. One of the attractions of Corinth<\/strong> was a pagan temple to Aphrodite<\/strong> \u2014 housing over a thousand temple prostitutes. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, as you can imagine\u2026the city was filled with greed<\/strong> and deceit<\/strong> and moral<\/strong> corruption<\/strong> and sexual<\/strong> perversion<\/strong>, and drunkenness<\/strong> and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And what was found in the community could also be found in the church. Because, it was young. And as people were coming in\u2026they brought their bad habits<\/strong> and sinful practices<\/strong> with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So the church was in disarray,<\/strong> and needed guidance<\/strong> and correction<\/strong>. So God<\/strong> used<\/strong> Paul<\/strong> to address their struggles \u2014 by reminding them first of WHO THEY WERE <\/strong>in Christ. And more importantly, to remind them of GOD\u2019S COMMITMENT TO THEM! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, Paul<\/strong> writes to say \u2014 that while they may look more like the tower of Pisa<\/strong> than the Eiffel<\/strong> Tower\u2026God<\/strong> was still working on them…and I tell you, He\u2019s still working on you as well.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you have your Bible \u2014 look with me at 1 Corinthians<\/strong> chapter 1<\/strong>. Beginning in verse 1<\/strong>, Paul<\/strong> writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Paul<\/em><\/strong>, called to be an apostle of <\/em>Christ<\/em><\/strong>Jesus<\/em><\/strong>by the will of God, and our brother <\/em>Sosthenes<\/em><\/strong>,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 <\/em><\/strong>To the church of <\/em>God<\/em><\/strong> in <\/em>Corinth<\/em><\/strong>, <\/em>to those sanctified in <\/em>Christ<\/em><\/strong>Jesus<\/em><\/strong>and <\/em>called to be his holy people<\/em>, t<\/em>ogether with all those everywhere<\/em> who call on the name of our <\/em>Lord Jesus Christ<\/em><\/strong>\u2014their Lord and ours: <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 <\/em><\/strong>Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the <\/em>Lord Jesus Christ.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 <\/em><\/strong>I always thank my God for you <\/em>because of his grace given you in <\/em>Christ Jesus.<\/em><\/strong>5 <\/em><\/strong>For in him you have been enriched in every way\u2014with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge\u2014 <\/em>6 <\/em><\/strong>God thus confirming our testimony about <\/em>Christ<\/em><\/strong> among you. <\/em>7 <\/em><\/strong>Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift <\/em>as you eagerly wait for our <\/em>Lord Jesus Christ <\/em><\/strong>to be revealed. <\/em>8 <\/em><\/strong>He will also keep you firm to the end, so that <\/em>you will be blameless<\/em> on the day of our <\/em>Lord Jesus Christ.<\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

9 God is faithful, <\/em><\/strong>who has called you into fellowship with his Son, <\/em>Jesus Christ our Lord.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 NIV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listen again to that last verse \u2014 because, I think it\u2019s the key to understanding this passage\u2026as well as the rest of First Corinthians<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026<\/em>God is faithful,<\/em><\/strong> who has called you into fellowship with <\/em>his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord<\/em><\/strong>.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is really \u2014 GOOD NEWS!<\/strong> It\u2019s good news for God\u2019s people.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While this church had a lot of struggles and shortcomings, they could be certain of this \u2014 God loved them, He called them, and He hadn\u2019t given up on them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, as we take a closer look at this passage, allow me to point out three aspects of Gods work in your life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. You\u2019ve been given a holiness you didn\u2019t earn.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul<\/strong> begins this letter saying…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 <\/em><\/strong>To the church of <\/em>God<\/em><\/strong> in <\/em>Corinth<\/em><\/strong>, <\/em>to those sanctified in <\/em>Christ<\/em><\/strong>Jesus<\/em><\/strong>and <\/em>called to be his holy people<\/em>,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The word sanctified<\/strong> refers to something that\u2019s already been accomplished. And while there is a very distinct process that Christ<\/strong> has BEGUN<\/strong> in you \u2014 to make you more and more like Him, there\u2019s also a distinctive act<\/strong> that has taken place in the past! Where God (through Jesus<\/strong>) has DECLARED<\/strong> you to be His. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He has made you HOLY<\/strong>\u2026sanctified \u2014 meaning “set apart\u201d <\/strong>for Him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You and I have (in Christ), been set apart<\/strong> so that we might become who we were meant to be. You have been given a HOLINESS<\/strong> that you didn\u2019t earn. But it\u2019s more of a TITLE<\/strong> that you get to GROW INTO.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be sanctified is to be set apart, called<\/strong> to be holy; it is a sacred identification<\/strong>\u2014 but it\u2019s just the beginning of a life-long journey towards obedience and Christ-likeness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So when Paul<\/strong> states in verse 2<\/strong>, that those in that Corinthian<\/strong> church HAD BEEN SANCTIFIED \u2014 <\/strong>He was referencing the salvific<\/strong> work that Christ<\/strong> had done on the cross for them. And through  faith \u2014 Jesus DECLARED them to be SANCTIFIED. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve given yourself to Jesus<\/strong> \u2014 if you\u2019ve surrendered your life to Christ<\/strong> \u2014 if you\u2019ve been saved, then Paul<\/strong> says to you \u2014 as he said to them, you have been sanctified<\/strong> in WORD<\/em><\/strong>, that you may become sanctified<\/strong> in DEED<\/em><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And as you do, you will  grow into the person that He has called you to be. You will become<\/strong> holy<\/strong>, like Jesus<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE GOOD NEWS <\/strong>of this passage \u2014 is that while you haven\u2019t earned it, Christ<\/strong> has gifted you with the honor of being called righteous<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, this gift comes with an invitation <\/strong>\u2014 an invitation for you to l<\/strong>earn to walk-in<\/strong> the HOLINESS<\/strong> you\u2019ve been given. In fact, that\u2019s what the rest of this letter would address. How to LIVE FOR JESUS!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So remember, like the tower of Pisa,<\/strong> you\u2019re a work-in-progress<\/strong>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s good news \u2014 becauseGod isn’t finished with you yet!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

YOU\u2019VE BEEN GIVEN A HOLINESS YOU DIDN\u2019T EARN. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So give yourself some grace\u2026but never abandon the pursuit of becoming like Jesus.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well\u2026to this, Paul<\/strong> would add:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. You\u2019ve been given more than YOU NEED.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, I know it\u2019s tempting to think that God has called you to something too big for you to do.<\/strong> And He has. Because you can\u2019t live a HOLY LIFE on your own<\/strong>\u2026in your own strength, it\u2019s impossible. But that\u2019s where the next bit of GOOD NEWS<\/strong> comes in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because, Paul says \u2014 God has given you all you need<\/strong> to be the person He\u2019s called you to be!  Listen again to verse 5<\/strong>. He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 <\/em><\/strong>For in him <\/em>you have been enriched in every way<\/em><\/strong>\u2014with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge\u2014 <\/em>6 <\/em><\/strong>God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. <\/em>7 <\/em><\/strong>Therefore you do <\/em>not lack any spiritual gift <\/em><\/strong>as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul<\/strong> is saying, everything you need\u2026God has given you. The Bible<\/strong> is replete with examples of God doing this.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ll just give you one\u2026Consider the story of Moses<\/strong> in Exodus 3. God<\/strong> called Him to go before Pharaoh<\/strong> and lead His people out of slavery\u2026to lead them into freedom\u2026to lead them to the promised land. And what did Moses<\/strong> say? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do that!\u201d In fact, Moses questioned God\u2019s call <\/strong>on his life. He asked, \u201cWho am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?\u201d And God said, \u201cI will be with you.”<\/em> (Exodus 3:11-12, NIV<\/strong>) This story continues with Moses questioning God. And at one point, God says, \u201cWhat is that in your hand?\u201d And Moses says, \u201cIt\u2019s a staff.\u201d God said, \u201cThrow it down.\u201d And he did, and it became a snake<\/strong>. And God said, \u201cPick it up.\u201d And it turned back into a staff<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good was displaying (on a sign), that He and His power would be present with a Moses throughout his life. And so, again and again\u2026 Moses<\/strong> would use that staff to fulfill his call and every time he did, he was reminded that God would help him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And in the same way \u2014 God<\/strong> has promised to supply you with His Spirit (as a gift) to help you <\/strong>do His will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because, God doesn\u2019t call us to fail!<\/strong> He calls us to fulfill His purposes. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Paul<\/strong> notes here \u2014 God<\/strong> has called you to live a life of HOLINESS<\/strong> and GODLINESS<\/strong> and RIGHTEOUSNESS. <\/strong>And He has gifted you with all you need to do so!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, Paul<\/strong> says, \u201cin him <\/em>you have been enriched in every way.\u201d <\/em><\/strong>Don\u2019t miss this, God equips those He calls! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What a promise! He will give you everything you need \u2014 and more!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This would prove to be one of the ongoing themes of Paul\u2019s<\/strong> letters<\/strong> to the early church<\/strong>. One of encouragement. One of promise. Later, in Philippians 4, Paul <\/strong>would write to another church and say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.<\/em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Philippians 4:19 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than a promise of material provisions \u2014 this is a promise of strength and spiritual provision to all who would LIVE FOR HIM.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, don\u2019t look for an excuse to bail on Jesus<\/strong> \u2014 because He won\u2019t bail on you. To the contrary, God (through the work of Jesus<\/strong>), will supply you with every gift you need to live SURRENDERED LIFE <\/strong>to Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because, whatever God<\/strong> calls<\/em><\/strong>you to do, He will also equip<\/em><\/strong> you <\/em>to do it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re ever tempted to think, “I’m not sure I have what it takes to do what God has called me to do.\u201d Or, \u201cI’m not sure that I have what it takes to be the person God intends me to be.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understand \u2014 you don\u2019t (on your own). But you do<\/em><\/strong>through His strength and power!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Philippians 2:13, Paul<\/strong> says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/em>For God is working in you, giving you the desire <\/em>and the power<\/em><\/strong> to do what pleases him.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Philippians 2:13 (NLT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s the same message that Paul<\/strong> gives us in 1 Corinthians 1<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it may seem like there\u2019s a disconnect between our calling<\/strong> and our condition<\/strong>\u2026and while it may seem like we are a work in progress\u2026<\/strong>even so, God<\/strong> has given you more than you need to accomplish His will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, don\u2019t give up! Keep striving to be who He\u2019s called you to be! Because God isn’t finished with you yet! <\/strong>And that\u2019s GOOD NEWS<\/strong>! <\/strong>Remember\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

YOU\u2019VE BEEN GIVEN A HOLINESS YOU DIDN\u2019T EARN. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

YOU\u2019VE BEEN GIVEN MORE THAN YOU NEED.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And lastly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. You\u2019ve been given A PROMISE OF victory!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul would write to that struggling church and remind them \u2014 that while they may look more like the world<\/strong> than they did the people they were called to be\u2026 God had a victory in store for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listen again to verse 8<\/strong>. Here Paul reminds them of that promise of victory <\/strong>when he writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8 <\/em><\/strong>He will also keep you firm to the end, so that <\/em>you will be blameless<\/em> on the day of our <\/em>Lord Jesus Christ.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul was confident that God would finish what He had started \u2014 not because of their determination or perfection \u2014 but because of God\u2019s faithfulness<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simply put, we can never be good enough on our own \u2014 we can\u2019t fix our problems, and we can\u2019t earn eternity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, Jesus was and IS the answer to our problems and the of our victory. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When He went<\/strong> to the cross. He defeated death, he\u2019ll, and the grave. Moreover \u2014 He triumphed over all things. And because of His victory \u2014 we too can be triumphant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As John tells us,<\/strong> \u201c<\/em>Whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life.\u201d<\/em> (John 3:16) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Romans 8, Paul<\/strong> say that Jesus<\/strong> was the \u201cfirstborn among many brothers\u201d<\/em> (Romans 8:29<\/strong>). And, in that same fashion, we who believe<\/strong> in Him will never fully die. For though we die \u2014 yet will we live! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s be clear \u2014 there will be days<\/strong> (even seasons) in life that are hard and trying.<\/strong> But, when they come \u2014 they don\u2019t have to give up in defeat. Because in Christ we have the victory<\/strong>! And no matter what comes our way, we will never walk alone. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, regardless of how long it may take for us to overcome our struggles with temptation<\/strong> and our battle with this flesh<\/strong>. God is committed to our victory. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Paul<\/strong> said in Philippians 1:6,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 In the end, we can be certain that Christ <\/strong>will stand with us. And in Him, we have a promise of victory!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, today \u2014 if you feel like you\u2019ll never<\/strong> get there\u2026don\u2019t give up! Because God is with you. And He has given you a promise of victory! <\/strong>You may not see it clearly today\u2014but rest assured, victory is yours!  <\/strong>As Paul<\/strong> says in verse 9…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

9 \u201cGod is faithful, <\/em><\/strong>who has called you<\/em> into fellowship with his Son, <\/em>Jesus Christ our Lord.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So let\u2019s rejoice! And celebrate\u2026because this is GOOD NEWS FOR GOD\u2019S PEOPLE!  <\/strong>Amen?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CONCLUSION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we close I want to remind you\u2026Your potential to become someone great in God’s kingdom may not be obvious to you\u2026and it may not be obvious to others. <\/strong>But God believes in you.<\/strong> And He hasn\u2019t given up on you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 <\/strong>YOU\u2019VE BEEN GIVEN A HOLINESS YOU DIDN\u2019T EARN. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 <\/strong>YOU\u2019VE BEEN GIVEN MORE THAN YOU NEED.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 <\/strong>YOU\u2019VE BEEN GIVEN THE PROMISE OF VICTORY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you feel a little like that leaning tower of Pisa.<\/strong> Maybe you feel like you lean a little bit. <\/em><\/strong>Just know that \u2014 He who began a good work in you will see it to completion<\/em>\u2026even if it to takes the rest of your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what are you to do? Simply yield to Him. Each and every day \u2014 surrender your heart and will to His. Trust Him. Love Him. And FOLLOW<\/strong> after Him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may be leaning a bit <\/strong>..but the more you yield yourself to Him, <\/strong>the more He\u2019ll shape you into that HOLY and Sanctified person He\u2019s called you to be! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, you are a work in progress. <\/strong>And that\u2019s GOOD NEWS FOR GOD\u2019S PEOPLE! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PRAYER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we conclude,<\/strong> I want to pray for you. But before I do, I want to challenge you to really embrace this message. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if you\u2019d like to SURRENDER<\/strong> your life to Christ<\/strong>, invite Him to live in you \u2014 then would you pause where you are and pray with me? Maybe you\u2019d pray something like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heavenly<\/em><\/strong>Father<\/em><\/strong>, I admit that I am a sinner and I\u2019ve made many mistakes in my life. Too often, I\u2019ve chosen my way over yours. But <\/em>all that changes today<\/em>. Because, I believe in Your Son, Jesus. I believe that He came from Heaven to earth to pay for my sin. I believe He died on the cross, shed His blood, was put in a grave \u2014 and rose again. So, today \u2014 I put my faith in Him. <\/em>Forgive me of my sin<\/em><\/strong>. Save me and give me new life in you forever.<\/em>I pray this in Jesus name, Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you prayed that prayer \u2014 I\u2019m so proud of you. Before you leave today, let someone know! We<\/strong> want to celebrate with you<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And now\u2026for the rest of us\u2026let me pray for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heavenly Father, we thank you\u2026for your incredible patience with us. Thank you for your constant grace and never-ending love for us. Help us to recognize the gift you\u2019ve given us in our salvation\u2026and the holiness you\u2019ve bestowed upon us through Jesus. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And help us to daily surrender our will and our lives to you. May you keep working to straighten out the bends in our character. And fulfill your purpose in making us upright, holy, and a reflection of Jesus in this world.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep offering us grace \u2014 and help us to embrace it. And as you do\u2026may we live our lives for you. We pray this in Jesus name\u2026amen!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hey friends, thanks again for letting us join you today. I hope you leave here with a renewed hope in Jesus. I love you much. And hope to see you again real soon. God bless you! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

GOOD NEWS FOR GOD\u2019S PEOPLE 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 GREETING: Well, good morning everyone. It\u2019s so good to be with you. INTRODUCTION: I want to begin …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-650","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/650","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=650"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/650\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":652,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/650\/revisions\/652"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}