Barry Farr speaks about trust and trustworthiness, and also talks about the possible change in how we meet (and how we can pray) depending on what the president announces tonight. He also updates us on how we can pray for Craig and Taryn.
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By Christopher Bompas
It’s remarkable how we can be so specific about our beverages (hot or cold, never in-between), the clothes we wear, the music we listen to, etc. and yet be so uncertain about what kind of relationship we have with Jesus. We can often be ‘lukewarm’ and not even know it, not realising the boundless riches available to us in Christ.
What are the signs of being a lukewarm Christian?
1) You aren’t certain that you are right with God.
2) You rationalise your sin.
3) You’re a Sunday Christian but on other days you’re indistinguishable from any one else.
4) You’re not reading the scripture or praying.
5) You rarely share your faith with others.
6) You only turn to God when you want something.
7) You appear fine but you’re secretly struggling with fear, anger and loneliness.
Does any of this ring a bell? The Good News is that Christ is ready to restore you if you let Him.
Repent. The first command issued by the Church is to repent because sin poisons the relationship that we have with God. No matter what you have done, Christ’s Blood will wash you clean if you ask. (2 Peter 3:9)
Surrender to Christ. You have to choose between Christ and your family, Christ and your job, Christ and friends, Christ or your hobbies. This doesn’t mean you cannot have these things, of course, but it’s about what comes first. The Cross is ample proof that His love for you is boundless. When you put Him first, everything that you need will follow. (Galatians 2:20)
Break the cycle of sin. Do not rely on your willpower to resist temptation. Rather arrange your lifestyle in such a manner that you put yourself in a position where the possibility of sinning is minimised. For example, if you’re an alcoholic you shouldn’t be hanging around at a bar! (Matthew 5:30)
Go back to the basics. If you’re not praying and reading the Bible, you are spirituality starving. Not only are you likely to remain spiritually stagnant but you will find yourself going backwards. (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Word gives us the gospel, which is what we need.
Involve God in your decisions. Slow down. You won’t die if you don’t make a decision this minute. Rather wait upon the Lord for Him to tell you what to do (Proverbs 3:5-6). Moreover, the Bible is singularly our greatest reference guide to God’s will. Once you do act, however, act fully. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Trust him. The righteous live by faith. Your spiritual life comes alive when you put all your trust in Christ. (Romans 1:17)
Here is a song to help you raise your spiritual temperature. Let’s be on fire for Christ!
One of the greatest desires and needs we have as people is the need to find trust in others. We long to have people in our lives that we can rely on, call on in times of need, and trust with our lives. Sadly we do let each other down – often. But there is someone who calls on us to trust Him with our life, and that is Jesus. We need to learn to trust in Jesus, for He is trustworthy.
Our Part
We looked at Psalm 56:3: “When I am afraid I will trust in you.” We have covered the experience of fear many times with our children. This week we wanted to emphasise that no matter what we are feeling or experiencing, we need to learn to trust in Jesus with our lives. When we learn to have trust in Jesus, we find the ability, the hope and courage to not fear what we experience or what may lie ahead. Our fear is kept afar when we are filled with trust in Jesus. Trusting Jesus means we that we know that he will care for us, protect us and love us throughout what happens.
We looked at how in the Gospels, an official from Capernaum feared that his son would die. He had one last hope and that was to trust in Jesus. When Jesus chose not to follow the official to his house but rather assure him that his son would live, the official again had to trust in Jesus. On his way home he heard the incredible news that his son is well. His trust in Jesus paid off.
Your Part
Speak to your children about what it means to trust someone. Tell them Bible stories where men and women had to trust God over and over again, and how God always proved to be trustworthy. Talk to your children about what they may fear. We heard some interesting points from our older children. Assure them of how trusting Jesus helps to combat fear.
We often encourage our children to love Jesus. A place to start that may be simpler for children is for them to first learn to trust Jesus. When they learn to trust Jesus, then it becomes easy to love him.
– The Children’s Church team