Deliverance & Gratitude
It is easy to simplistically assume that if we trust in Christ and are considered by God to be his favored and adopted children then all should go relatively well for us—but of course that is not what the Bible teaches. Throughout the Bible we are reminded of the wide variety of reasons God chooses to providentially lead us through “the valley of the shadow of death.” The good news for God’s favored children is that he delivers us—even in our dying. And when he “redeems” us from our trouble, whether temporal or eternal, we should be careful to broadcast his deliverance as broadly as possible. Consider Psalm 107, which says that some of God’s children “wandered in desert wastes” (v.4), others “sat in darkness and in the shadow of death” (v.10), some had trouble on the seas (v.23), and others simply fell into all kinds of problems due to their own foolish decisions (v.17). No matter the dilemma, in each case in Psalm 107 the sufferers call out to the Lord, experience relief, and rejoice in God’s mercy toward them. Each act of “redemption,” we are told, needs to be celebrated. So when the Lord grants relief, regardless of how small it may be, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble” (v.2).
-- Pastor Mike
OCTOBER OFFER
Because the claims of Christ are true, they hold up to scrutiny and careful examination. It is our Christian duty and personal calling to stay sharp and alert, “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). That is why we are dedicating this month on Focal Point to discuss The Big Questions of the faith—How can we be sure there’s a God? What’s so special about the Bible? Is Christianity really the only way? These and other issues are what we absolutely need to understand in a world that is hostile to faith. The good news is, there are definitive answers to be found in God’s Word.
Apologetics, or the defense of the faith, is a topic I frequently address in our Round Table discussions at Compass Bible Church. Our team at Focal Point has put together some of those conversations on a 2 GB flash drive (or DVD if you prefer) for personal or group study. If you are the sort of person who prefers to watch a video than spend hours reading a book, this one is for you. I’m confident you will find these discussions practical, informative and engaging. Request No Apology Necessary with your donation of any amount this month.
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