Prayer: Never the Same November.

Philippians 2:12-15 (NLT): “Dear friends, you always followed by instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do every-thing without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, (shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people).” 

Shining like the stars—they are always there, you just don’t notice them until it’s dark! Darkness Reveals the Light. Light Shines Brightest in the Dark. They are Works and Wonders of God.

WORK HARD TO SHOW THE RESULTS OF YOUR SALVATION—–> Work It Out! 

I Worked Out Once—It’s Hard Work. Working out will make you stronger (muscles). Working out will make you last longer (endurance). Working out will make you feel better (cardio and neuro activity). Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling (NKJV).

If I’m Saved, Why do I have to work out my salvation?

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV): “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” 

–Because You Can Do A Work “For Christ” But Not “In Christ.” Read the Parable of the wheat and the tares in Matthew 13. Matthew 3:8 (NLT): “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” The English Standard Version (ESV) says, “Therefore bear fruits worth of repentance. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV): “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”  

7 FRUIT OF REPENTANCE: Diligence Produced——-> Steadfastness. Clearing of Yourselves—–> Old Ways of Life. Indignation——–> Righteous Anger. Fear of Lord——–> Wisdom and Knowledge. 

Vehement Desire———-> Hunger and Thirst. Zeal———-> Passion. Vindication—————–> Absolution and Exhoneration. 

FOR GOD IS WORKING IN YOU——-> Work It In. His Intentions (His Will, His Plans), It’s an Anointing. To Anoint = To Smear. His Anointing is to Carry Out His WILL. Are you living to satisfy your intentions or His? Proverbs 19:21 (NLT): “You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” 

Your Instructions (His Word; His Work). It’s an Appointing: a series of assignments. The Will of God is Known Whenever the Word of God Is Present. 2 Tim 1:11 (NIV): “And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.” 

Do Everything Without Complaining or Arguing——-> Let It Go: So that No One Can Criticize You. A Critical Spirit Sows and Reaps Criticism. Complaining Leads to Casualty. Desert Wandering; Manna and Quail From Heaven; Water at Mirabah; Sink Holes, Fire. Nothing Angers the Lord Like Complainers. 

Complainers Are Drainers. – Complainers Are Restrainers. – Complainers Are Detainers.

Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV): “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

Proverbs 4:18-19 (NKJV): “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble.”

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Rev. Bryan A. Tomes 

Crossroads Community Church 

www.crossroadsconnects.com