We are living in a chaotic, noisy and confusing time. It is hard to hear God’s call for you.

 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." (Romans 8:28-30).

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When you know God’s call for your life, the next step is to make a decision to surrender your life to God and His purpose. What does surrender mean? Giving up control of your plans. To follow God’s plans is to decide to trust in Him. When you are called, the next step is to be faithful by producing fruits of authentic Christianity.

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"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:22-25).  

 

To remain true to your calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ is to produce fruit in your life consistent with being led by God’s Holy Spirit. Being faithful to God means trusting in His love, goodness, and wisdom to the extent that you will follow His instructions even when you don’t understand or when obedience feels uncomfortable. Faithfulness involves sacrifice and ongoing commitment in the face of fear, trials, and opposition from others.

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People are looking for the real deal, especially when it comes to Christianity. Real Christianity is being called, chosen, and faithful. Yesterday, I heard at a conference that the problem isn’t that the majority of people haven’t heard about Jesus; the problem is that they are not seeing Jesus lived out in people's daily lives. We as humanity have not lived out what Genesis 1:27 says: that we were made in the image and likeness of Christ.

 

So, if Christ is real why aren't Christians living it out.  So how do we evangelize the good news about Jesus in today’s world? By sharing your story of an encounter with Christ. 

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You have faith in Him because of something you went through, and that something is where you encountered Him. It doesn’t have to be traumatic; it can be an experience.

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I remember when I was five years old, we were on a gravel road traveling back from my aunt and uncles. I was looking at my dad’s crop through the setting sun and thought to myself, “How did I get here to experience such a beautiful sight?” That moment is forever etched in my memory. I could take you to the place on that gravel road today where I experienced a moment with God.

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To know God and His call on your life begins with praying and studying God’s Word. Then live your life as an outward sign that Jesus is within you. This will allow us to share our encounters with Christ.

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Now it's time to start thinking about your encounters with Jesus!

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Pray Psalm 119:121-128.​

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