“The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia–your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” 1 Thess 1:8-10 (NIV) Martin Luther King, Jr., was a man used of God as a pastor and civil rights leader to bring unity in the midst of diversity in America. He poetically and eloquently magnified the value God places on human beings. Dr. King mobilized our nation to look beyond the color of our skin and to embrace the content of our character. The movement of God is discernable when people turn to God from idols. An idol is anything that takes the place of God in your life. When people turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God, it’s called a movement of God. In my lifetime, I have seen people who were far from God at one point and then witness the redemptive activity of God bring them to full surrender to the Lordship of Christ. You just cannot explain that in human terms. When a life is transformed by God, He deserves all the glory. Have you turned to God from idols? Are you serving the living and true God? Are you waiting for and anticipating the return of Jesus? Are you ready to join God in His redemptive activity to bring others into a saving relationship with Jesus? Join the movement of God! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor
Category: Turn
Turn from sin and self. “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Luke 13:3b (NIV) What comes to mind when you here the words “about face?” It means to make a 180 degree turn. It means to turn around in order to go the opposite direction. When Jesus told the woman caught in the act of adultery to go and sin no more, He was telling her to repent. To repent is to have a change of mind which results in a change of behavior. Trust Christ alone for salvation. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Cor 15:3b-4 (NIV) The most incredible news I have ever embraced took place on March 28, 1979, when I turned from my sin and trusted Christ alone for my salvation. The wonderful news that transformed my life is found in this next verse. Read it slowly. “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) Have you confessed Jesus as Lord? Do you believe that God raised Jesus from the dead? If so, re-visit the event of your salvation and trace the progress of your spiritual maturity. If not, confess your sin and invite Jesus to take over your life from this moment on. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care