Emmanuel Community Church

Quote: “Jesus knew what Peter could become, He saw Peter's potential and the same is true of you” Response: God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 It is not about our potential, but what we are because of Jesus. Jesus is not impressed with our potential, it’s our faith that matters. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Hebrews 11:6

Stories can also put people to sleep. They might also encourage people not to take God’s Word seriously. The Bible is not just a collection of stories, they are accurate accounts. The Bible is the truth; we are to live by it. God’s Word is life. It cannot be altered. The preaching and fellowship should be for nourishing, encouraging, and equipping God’s people. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16

6 Seek the Lord while you can find him.Call on him now while he is near. 7 Let the wicked change their waysand banish the very thought of doing wrong.Let them turn to the Lordthat he may have mercy on them.Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. 8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,so my ways are higher than your waysand my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55

It’s very important to make sure that we are on the right path. The Bible describes only two paths that we can be on: “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13-14 “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. Luke 13:24 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27

Excellent sermon showing that all wisdom comes from God and is revealed through Jesus Christ. (Job 28:28; Col.1:28; 1 Corinthians 1:30-31; Colossians 2:1-3; James 1:5) Great points regarding the eternal consequences of sin, not just in this life, but especially in the life to come. God sees all sin, even if we think we got away with it (Jeremiah 17:10; Ecclesiastes 12:14) and it will be revealed on Judgement Day. (Hebrews 9:27; 1 Timothy 5:24) However, God is rich in mercy and He frees us from our bondage to foolishness and sinful lives that would justly condemn us to hell for eternity. (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23). He accomplishes this through His wisdom, grace and mercy by granting us the gift (Romans 6:23) of repentance and saving faith in Jesus’ complete, finished work on the cross. (2 Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5) Thank you Lord Jesus for freeing us captives! (John 8:34; Luke 4:18-19)

This message has conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment to come, as well as God’s grace. Well said; wisdom is a person that we should follow to have life: God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 1 Corinthians 1:30 And yes, when we have wisdom we can discern the difference between truth and lies: So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies. 1 John 2:21