Word of Hope Christian Family Church
Bible Verse for today

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. - Matthew 18:20(NIV Version)

Tragedies in the Church House

Every Sunday, many people all over the world sit in church buildings, listen to the Gospel, and then go their own way with a false sense of security. They are quite convinced that if they were to die, they’d go to heaven. To them, it’s quite simple. They think, Heaven is where the good people go, and since I’m good, I’m going there.

Oftentimes, these really are good people by most community standards. In fact, their conduct is often superior to some who have been saved and are committed to Christ. Like the rich young ruler who came to Jesus (Luke 18:18-23), they have kept the commandments as best they know how but fail to recognize how needy they actually are. Their confidence is based on the notion that since God loves everybody, He certainly wouldn’t let any good person go to hell.

The problem really boils down to a misunderstanding of what salvation is all about. Salvation is not some behavior modification program built on self-effort, but rather a transformation of the inner person. When you are saved, you receive a new disposition that the Bible refers to as “born again.” This new birth means Jesus comes into your life to express Himself through you. Yes, it does result in good conduct, but this new behavior comes from the Holy Spirit living within you, not from your determination to improve yourself. Your life will thereafter be based on a moment by moment submission to God’s will, from which you will derive purpose, direction, and meaning – as well as the genuine security only He can give.

BELIEF BRINGS SUCCESS

Philippians 4:13

It is a fact of the Christian life that spiritual battles are often won or lost in the mind.  The Devil loves to mislead our thinking.  Why else do you suppose we are called to put on the helmet of salvation everyday? (Ephesians 6:17).  It is because our minds present such a tempting target to the Enemy!  Knowing that Satan is out to deceive us, we must focus our minds on three fundamental beliefs.

Believe that God has gifted you to do what He has called you to do.  Your life is no coincidence, the Father has a specific plan for each one of His children. (Jer. 29:11)  He has empowered you with the spiritual gifts to accomplish what He has in mind.  Therefore, do not be afraid!  The One who called you is strong enough to keep you.

Believe that you can do whatever He calls you to do.  If you allow fear and doubt to knock you off course, then you have become disobedient to the will of your heavenly Father.  Do not permit the Enemy to rob you of your calling!  Be assured that you are, in fact, able to do all things through the power of God. (Phil. 4:13)

Believe in the principles of Scripture to guide you.

God has not left you in a distant land with no instructions.  Just as a map leads soldiers to the specific target, so will God’s Word direct your path in the way He wants you to go.

Do you struggle with self doubt as you go about your life?  Turn your doubts over to God, and accept His call to the successful Christian life.