Holiness
Is Holiness Outdated? The Choice Is Yours
03/06/11
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Hebrews 12:1-14
The Bible tells us that God loves every person unconditionally. God’s love for us is so great that He gives the freedom to people to decide if they want Jesus Christ to be their Savior and Lord. God will not force anyone to worship and serve Him. That’s why the decision is yours. Someone else cannot make that decision for you. Each person must decide for themselves to surrender their life to Jesus and ask Him to forgive their sin and be their Savior.
The author of Hebrews writes to encourage those who choose to follow Jesus to not allow anything to hinder their relationship with Christ. In verse1 Christians are to throw off anything that is interfering with them growing in their relationship with Jesus. That means taking ownership of sinful lifestyle choices and repenting. Repentance means to agree with God that something in your life is sin and then dealing with it.
He instructs believers to keep their focus on Christ. Crisis, temptation, outside influences, other people can all cause a Christian to turn away from following Christ. The author says keep focusing on the Lord. He reminds us that Jesus himself is familiar with obstacles and pain. The Lord understands and wants to help you run the Christian race effectively.
The choice is yours. What will you do with Jesus? The Lord wants to have an intimate, growing relationship with you. For those who choose Christ, the path is not always easy but Jesus assures you that He is with you every step, supplying everything you need for this journey called life.
Podcast
The Bible tells us that God loves every person unconditionally. God’s love for us is so great that He gives the freedom to people to decide if they want Jesus Christ to be their Savior and Lord. God will not force anyone to worship and serve Him. That’s why the decision is yours. Someone else cannot make that decision for you. Each person must decide for themselves to surrender their life to Jesus and ask Him to forgive their sin and be their Savior.
The author of Hebrews writes to encourage those who choose to follow Jesus to not allow anything to hinder their relationship with Christ. In verse1 Christians are to throw off anything that is interfering with them growing in their relationship with Jesus. That means taking ownership of sinful lifestyle choices and repenting. Repentance means to agree with God that something in your life is sin and then dealing with it.
He instructs believers to keep their focus on Christ. Crisis, temptation, outside influences, other people can all cause a Christian to turn away from following Christ. The author says keep focusing on the Lord. He reminds us that Jesus himself is familiar with obstacles and pain. The Lord understands and wants to help you run the Christian race effectively.
The choice is yours. What will you do with Jesus? The Lord wants to have an intimate, growing relationship with you. For those who choose Christ, the path is not always easy but Jesus assures you that He is with you every step, supplying everything you need for this journey called life.
Podcast
Is Holiness Outdated? A Distinctive Lifestyle
02/27/11
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Philippians 2:12-13
In I Peter we read that God is holy and that Christians are called to be holy. Paul writes in Philippians 2:12-13 to “work out your own salvation.” It is true that only God is holy in the sense of being free of any and all moral evil. God is set apart from his creation. He is perfect in every way. While we have all sinned (Romans 3:23) Christ makes us pure and removes our sin. So if Christ makes you pure, if Christ forgives your sin, then what does it mean to “work out your own salvation” or “be holy”?
As a follower of Jesus you are called to live out your salvation each day. The Holy Spirit works in your life to produce good fruit and gives you strength to live out your faith. Holy living creates intimacy with God, strengthens your prayer life, and God will work through you to draw others to Himself.
Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world. Your faith in Christ is to make a difference in daily living. You become a light to people in darkness. You become the hands and feet of Jesus to people in need or crisis. As you “work out your salvation” God will do far more than you could ever ask or imagine.
Podcast
In I Peter we read that God is holy and that Christians are called to be holy. Paul writes in Philippians 2:12-13 to “work out your own salvation.” It is true that only God is holy in the sense of being free of any and all moral evil. God is set apart from his creation. He is perfect in every way. While we have all sinned (Romans 3:23) Christ makes us pure and removes our sin. So if Christ makes you pure, if Christ forgives your sin, then what does it mean to “work out your own salvation” or “be holy”?
As a follower of Jesus you are called to live out your salvation each day. The Holy Spirit works in your life to produce good fruit and gives you strength to live out your faith. Holy living creates intimacy with God, strengthens your prayer life, and God will work through you to draw others to Himself.
Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world. Your faith in Christ is to make a difference in daily living. You become a light to people in darkness. You become the hands and feet of Jesus to people in need or crisis. As you “work out your salvation” God will do far more than you could ever ask or imagine.
Podcast
Is Holiness Outdated? God's Call on Your Life
02/20/11
Dr. Phil Wilkes, 1Peter 1:15-16
Peter quotes a passage out of Leviticus when he writes, “be holy because I am holy.” God spoke this truth to his people in the Old Testament. Peter reminds us that the God we serve is holy. God is perfect in every way. Verses 15-16 remind us of the nature of God. We also need to understand the importance of walking in obedience. Sin is always destructive. Our world today scoffs at the notion that something is sinful. Yet God tells us that sin will negatively impact your life. That’s why Peter urges believers to walk closely with the Lord. When you come to faith in Christ you take on the characteristics of your Heavenly Father. Your life will become a beacon of hope to others trapped in destructive lifestyles. Christ will make his appeal through you as you allow God to set you apart for his purposes.
Podcast
Peter quotes a passage out of Leviticus when he writes, “be holy because I am holy.” God spoke this truth to his people in the Old Testament. Peter reminds us that the God we serve is holy. God is perfect in every way. Verses 15-16 remind us of the nature of God. We also need to understand the importance of walking in obedience. Sin is always destructive. Our world today scoffs at the notion that something is sinful. Yet God tells us that sin will negatively impact your life. That’s why Peter urges believers to walk closely with the Lord. When you come to faith in Christ you take on the characteristics of your Heavenly Father. Your life will become a beacon of hope to others trapped in destructive lifestyles. Christ will make his appeal through you as you allow God to set you apart for his purposes.
Podcast