"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 2:7
God’s Word tells us that we will suffer for our relationship with Christ; this is true especially when we share His gospel to the world. Sometimes when we witness for Him, we will look into people’s eyes before opening our mouths and we give up because we think we are going to be rejected anyway.
God did not give us a spirit of fear (cowardice), but rather power (greek: dunamis, from where we get the word dynamite.) In other words, if we are fearful to be His ambassador to a lost world – that’s on us. He gave us everything we need: His Holy Spirit, His power, and His love.
It is a great truth that we have power to bravely go forward as a soldier of the cross and show people the way to eternal life. However, without love – we would overpower people. God wants us to be compassionate, so He gave us love. God does not want us to water down the truth, yet he does not want us to beat people with the truth either. (You know, you have met some Christians who are very brave but lack tact and compassion when they talk to unbelievers.)
Our text also tells us that with power and with love, God has also given us a sound mind. Our thoughts are no longer clouded by darkness or sin, and we are alert to the needs of others around us. Who else but God, the Creator, knew people would need truth tempered with love so they could come to a relationship with Him? Maybe I am fearful, unloving, and thinking ungodly thoughts. No problem: where sin abounds, grace even more abounds. (Romans 5:20) Turn back to Him; He will not only take you back, but He will change your heart so you won't want to return to your old ways!
We have seats waiting for you this Sunday; take this as a personal invitation to visit Berkshire Hills Baptist Church at our 11:00 AM Morning Service. Listen to the complete sermon below.
It is a great truth that we have power to bravely go forward as a soldier of the cross and show people the way to eternal life. However, without love – we would overpower people. God wants us to be compassionate, so He gave us love. God does not want us to water down the truth, yet he does not want us to beat people with the truth either. (You know, you have met some Christians who are very brave but lack tact and compassion when they talk to unbelievers.)
Our text also tells us that with power and with love, God has also given us a sound mind. Our thoughts are no longer clouded by darkness or sin, and we are alert to the needs of others around us. Who else but God, the Creator, knew people would need truth tempered with love so they could come to a relationship with Him? Maybe I am fearful, unloving, and thinking ungodly thoughts. No problem: where sin abounds, grace even more abounds. (Romans 5:20) Turn back to Him; He will not only take you back, but He will change your heart so you won't want to return to your old ways!
We have seats waiting for you this Sunday; take this as a personal invitation to visit Berkshire Hills Baptist Church at our 11:00 AM Morning Service. Listen to the complete sermon below.
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