Sunday Rewind 10.12.08

Today we concluded our series based around scenes from the movie, “Facing the Giants”. Over the course of these five weeks we’ve looked at themes that will help us face the giants in our lives, regardless of what they may be. Today's theme was "Never Give Up".

If you accept defeat, then that’s what you’ll get. But God did not call us to a life of defeat. He does not give us his presence so that we’ll quit. Life will bring it’s giants, but in Christ, we can overcome by never giving up. Here are a few things the disciple needs to know in order to overcome.

• A disciple knows that persecution is normal. Sometimes people think that coming to Christ protects you from all harm. But the reality is that the moment you accept Christ as you’re Savior, you make the world your enemy. I know we don't like to think this way, but we must, because if we don't accept persecution as normal, we will likely fall away the moment it comes.
• A disciple knows that even though the world is against us, we will make it, because God is on our side. Disaster can strike in an instant. When it does, what you believe deep down in your core will determine how you respond. Do you know that God is at your side, no matter what? Is that a core belief for you, or just something you hope for? When you start growing as a disciple of Jesus, you’ll find out who your real friends are. When persecution strikes, you may be left alone. But God promises to stand with you, no matter what.
• A disciple knows to never give up. Perseverance is not a state of mind. It’s an action…a decision based on truth. The problem is that because many people tie their faith to their feelings and, as a result, experience “roller coaster” spirituality. But the Christian faith is not centered on our emotions. It’s centered on God’s Word. It remains true, regardless of temporary circumstances. Do you believe what God says? Do you know you’re God’s child? Do you know you can do everything by God’s strength? Then you know to never give up.