Sans Souci Baptist Church

A powerful encounter with God moved Abraham to leave his house and family, with no idea  knowing where he was going, but trusting God to lead him there. God speaks to Abraham eight times during the 25 year journey to Canaan, continuing to strengthen his faith and trust in God. 

The vital importance of hearing God speak to us personally, and our willingness to listen and respond to His voice.

Understanding the nature of true biblical faith and how you can receive it. We look at an example from the life of Abraham, described in scripture as 'The Father of Faith'.

Following a powerful encounter with God, Abraham and his wife Sarah make a huge decision to leave behind their house and land and embark on a journey, to an unknown destination with no idea how to get there, other than God would guide them. (Genesis chapter 11-25) 

The scriptures teach us about God's character and that He desires to be in intimate relationship with each one of us. Jesus reveals Himself as 'The Vine' and his followers as the branches. As long as we remain connected to Jesus, His life flows into us and the fruits of the Spirit are made manifest in our lives - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Jesus says "I am the TRUE vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful"  We must choose to allow God to prune us if we are to continue producing good fruit, and continue to grow in maturity and relationship with Jesus. (John 15:1-17)

The vital importance of building your life on Jesus, 'The Rock of our Salvation' by hearing and obeying His words.
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock." (Matthew 7:24-25)  

The wise of heart accept commands, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. (Prov 10:8)

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my stronghold in whom I take refuge, my shield, the glory of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalm 18:2, ISV)

Judging others inhibits our progress in the Kingdom of God, and causes our hearts to become hardened. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save it (John 3:17). Jesus came not to bring punishment, but mercy.  

Living in relationship with Jesus produces in us an inner goodness from which righteous actions and words flow. "Happy are those who are merciful to others, God will be merciful to them" (Matthew 5:7, GNT)

Jesus warns about the distraction of worry affecting our trust in God. He counsels us to seek first God's Kingdom and His righteousness, and God will also provide everything we need. 

Jesus teaching is founded on the reality that 'We walk by Faith not by sight',  God is here, God has a plan, and God is at work.

I'm not worried, so I can focus on what He is doing and I can rest.  See reality properly and you won't focus on the cares of this world!  (Matthew 6:25-30)

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].  Matthew 6:24 (AMP)

So if you have not been faithful in handling worldly wealth, how can you be trusted with true wealth?? Luke 16:11 (GNT)

Jesus showed amazement at the Faith of the Centurion and how he approached Jesus to heal his servant.  He exhibited humility despite his position of power in the Roman Army, he recognised  that Jesus was also a man under authority just as he was, and he was fully confident in Jesus' ability to heal, simply by saying the word!

We are called to be Ambassadors for Christ, a seemingly daunting task! However, Jesus has changed our identity. You are a new person and have what it takes to represent Him. 

As we have opportunity, let us participate with Jesus in the Ministry of Reconciliation, reconciling the unsaved back to God.