Growing in Grace

Greg Laurie January 20, 2018 "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one--as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me." —John  17:20 –21 Have you ever noticed there are some people who like to fight? They like to argue, and they are unhappy when they are happy. So they find something to get worked up about, something new to debate. They love conflict. It’s a sad way to live. When I was a younger Christian, I felt that it was my job to set everyone straight. I had been a Christian for about a year and had been reading the Bible and going to church almost every night of the week. I thought , I’m going to set everyone straight.  That was the way I was. I knew everything. I had the answer to every question. And if you held a view different from mine, then I was going to talk you...

Fans get caught up on what people see on the outside. What people see doesn't reflect who they really are. . . Jesus wants His followers to be authentic. What Christ wants in a follower is someone who isn't pretending on the outside to have it all together.  When the relationship on the inside is right, the outside will follow.  Fans grow tired of trying to maintain an outer appearance that doesn't match an inner passion. -"Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman

When Jesus defines the relationship He makes it clear; He wants to be your one and only. 1) For what do you sacrifice your money?  2) when you're hurt, where do you go for comfort?  3) What disappoints or frustrates you the most?  4) What is it that really gets you excited? Following Jesus means following Him alone. Trying to follow Jesus part-time or halfhearted is impossible. The relationship He wants with you requires is impossible. If following Jesus cost you everything, would it still be worth it?  -From "Not a Fan", Kyle Idleman Photo Credit

Photo Credit Like the Pharisees, many fans have given their minds to the study of God , but they never surrendered their hearts. . . Do you just know about Jesus, or do you really know Him?  You can have knowledge without having intimacy. Where there is intimacy there should be a growing knowledge. -"Not a Fan", Kyle Idleman

Has following Jesus cost you anything? Have you made a decision for Jesus or have you committed to Jesus? There is no forgiveness without repentance. There is no salvation without surrender. There is no life without death. There is no believing without committing. When Jesus defines the relationship He wants with us, He makes it clear that being a fan who believes without making any real commitment to follow isn't an option. -From "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman

Jeremiah had trained his memory to look on the bright side, the hopeful side-which is always God's side. He knew God was at work even during dark times in his past, and Jeremiah let that powerful truth bring hope and comfort to his soul.  -from "A Spectacle of Glory" by Joni Eareckson Tada Photo Credit

What if all of life comes down to this one question? What if there really is a heaven and a hell? Where will I spend eternity? This may be the most important question you ever answer. A fan is an enthusiastic admirer. Photo Credit "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman