But It Feels Right...

Can our feelings be trusted? How many times have you made an important decision based on how you feel? In his book, Finally Alive, John Piper offers some insightful thoughts on feelings.

"My feelings are not God. God is God. My feelings do not define truth. God's word defines truth. My feelings are echoes and responses to what my mind perceives. And sometimes--many times--my feelings are out of sync with the truth. When that happens--and it happens every day in some measure--I try not to bend the truth to justify my imperfect feelings, but rather, I plead with God: Purify my perceptions of your truth and transform my feelings so that they are in sync with the truth."

What great advice. Just because you feel a certain way about a matter does not mean it is right or correct. You must carefully examine your emotions and vet them against the truth of God's Word, because your emotions are skewed by your sin nature. Ask God for the wisdom to make good decisions.

Five Challenges

Here are the five challenges that I issued Sunday.  Based on the big idea that "the gift of God is Jesus Christ and in Him alone is eternal life," we should:

1. Accept Christ's Free Gift.

Realize that you cannot save yourself and that Christ died as your substitute.  Remember 1Cor. 10:5.

2. Study His Word So You Can Know Him and Obey Him.

Remember that there is no substitute for the voice of God in your life.  He still speaks to us today through His Word.  Read Psalm 119:11 and begin storing up God's Word in your heart.

3. Be Proactive in Developing Community. 

Don't sit back and wait for others to approach you...make the call!  Pursue accountability, seek opportunities to encourage and edify others.  Invite someone over for dinner!

4. Extend Grace to Others As It Has Been Extended To You.

Strive to leave others better than you found them.  Give people the benefit of the doubt.  Look for visible works of grace in the lives of others.  Don't be so quick to criticize and complain.  I am sure people have offended you...consider if you have offended anyone.  If so, repent and apologize.  

5. Pray For A Holy Ambition.

Read Romans 15:20.  John Piper in describing a holy ambition says:  "It comes from a personal encounter with the living Christ...shaped and informed and empowered by the written word of God."  He adds:  "God doesn't lead us into ambitions that are pointless--that you will regret at the end of your life.  There is always a need to be met--not a need in God, but in the world--by a holy ambition.  Holy ambitions are not about self-exaltation.  They are always a form of love.  They always meet someone's need."

To restate these five challenges in Explore Church language:

1. Explore Faith, Discover Life.

2. Explore Truth, Discover Direction.

3. Explore Friendship, Discover Traction.

4. Explore Service, Discover Impact.

5. Explore Potential, Discover Satisfaction.

And true satisfaction can be found in Christ alone!