July 2nd, 2010
“When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.’” John 11:43-44 (NIV)
Are you living the life God has given?
Jesus left heaven and came to earth to dwell among us and ultimately give His life in death upon the cross so that we could know and experience true life. Jesus has removed the obstacles and provided the only way to salvation. Jesus is the way.
Death could not prevent Jesus from bringing forth life even to Lazarus, who had been dead four days. As the stench of death permeated the graveyard, Jesus called Lazarus by name to come forth from the dead. As Lazarus came out of the tomb, Jesus commanded them to take the graves clothes off and to let him go.
What is keeping you from living the life God has given? What kind of grave clothes have kept you bound? Release those things which prevent you from walking in the fullness of God’s provision. Let go of those thoughts and attitudes that inhibit the flow of the Holy Spirit in your life. Jesus has paid full price for your freedom. Jesus has called you forth from the dead.
- “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” Eph 2:1-2 (NIV)
- “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NIV)
Take the grave clothes off and walk in the grace God provides.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
February 1st, 2010
“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.” 1 Thess 1:4-5 (NIV)
Be intentional in sharing the gospel. Paul, Silas, and Timothy brought the gospel to the Thessalonians (Acts 17:1-4). The gospel came with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power (I Cor 2:4-5). Many of the Thessalonians responded by turning to God from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thess 1:9). The gospel transformed their lives and influenced their culture.
In Christ, we have the cure to the cancer of sin. We have been entrusted with the gospel of light that delivers people from the kingdom of darkness. God has armed us with the Good News of Jesus Christ and empowered us with the Holy Spirit to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. God still uses human instrumentality in the redemptive process.
Will you be faithful to share the gospel intentionally? Paul, Silas, and Timothy lived among the Thessalonians to benefit them, to bless them, and to bring Christ to them. Instead of allowing the pagan culture to influence them, Paul, Silas, and Timothy intentionally influenced the culture by continuing the ministry of Jesus.
Be a thermostat, not a thermometer. A thermostat sets the environment while a thermometer reflects the environment. God has not called us to be absorbed by the culture, but to influence the culture with the gospel. Be a spiritual thermostat for the Lord by sharing the gospel intentionally.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
November 4th, 2009
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21 (NIV)
Jesus prayed for your salvation and for your spiritual maturation. Jesus prayed that you would believe in Him through the gospel message someone would share with you. Think about the impact of Jesus’ prayer for you.
Over the past two thousand years, the salvation story has been communicated to individuals. Many of those who received the message and believed in Jesus alone for salvation were instrumental in sharing the salvation story with others. The prayer Jesus prayed in the Upper Room in the presence of His disciples continues to impact the eternal destinies of every people group.
Receiving the message of Jesus and reciprocating the message of Jesus is vital for advancing the Gospel. To withhold the Good News is fatal.
- “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Romans 10:14 (NIV)
- “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.” 2 Cor 4:3 (NIV)
Jesus prayed for those of us who would believe in Him. Jesus prayed for those who would believe in Him through your message. God has given you a message to share that will change eternity for those who believe in Jesus.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
March 9th, 2008
“And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.” Mark 13:10 (NIV)
There are over 12,000 people groups among the nations of the earth. Jesus died on the cross so that everyone person who calls upon His Name will be saved. Jesus is the hope of the world. There is no other payment for the penalty of our sin. Jesus is the only way.
- “‘Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.’” Acts 4:12 (NIV)
- “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 (NIV)
- “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)
What will you do to ensure that the message of the gospel gets to every people group on earth? How will you participate in the redemptive process? How many people will be in heaven because of your witness?
Shine the light of Jesus and share the love of Jesus every moment of every day. Seize every opportunity that God gives you to make Jesus known. Pray for the lost. Share your salvation story and lead others to come to know Jesus. We are not waiting on Jesus to come. Jesus has commissioned us and empowered us to get the gospel to all nations.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor