April 13, 2018: SOAP #3053: 1Samuel 14; 1Chronicles 4; 2Corinthians 13

Scripture:  2Corinthians (NIV) 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize [know] that Christ Jesus is in you— unless, of course, you fail the test?

Observation:  If anyone should know if I am a believer, it should be me!   I do not need to go to a doctor, or a lawyer, or a pastor to have an examination to see if I am a Christian.  I can examine myself.  Does Christ live in me?  How can I know?

First, I know it by faith in God’s Word.  1John 1:9 says “if I confess my sins God is faithful and just to forgive me my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.”   Amazing!    According to Romans 10:9-10 I confess Jesus as Lord and I believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead.  Therefore, according to His Word, I am saved!

Second, I know it by the differences He makes in me!   Oh, the peace of His presence!  All things do work together for good! (Romans 8:28)

Third, I know it because He talks to me.  He is with me and He speaks into my thoughts.  He helps me understand what I read and what I see around me.  He puts thoughts in my mind that show me how to live.  As I read the Bible, I see the things he has brought to my mind.

Application:   I walk, and I talk with Him!  How could it be possible that He is alive in me and I not know it?  (If I am not sure, I need to read the short book of 1John to see what is available for me to KNOW.)

Prayer:    Holy Spirit, what an amazing life that you share with me!  You never leave me.  I can always count on you. I trust you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!