Speaker: Bill Simpson

Do you ever look at somebody who’s successful & wonder, how did they do that? They were lucky enough to be born into the right family. They were lucky enough to have some kind of big opportunity. They were lucky enough to have good genetics, or lucky enough to meet the right person, or lucky enough to have some breakthrough idea. But in most cases when people are really successful, at least in some area of their life, they’re not just lucky, but they’re …

In the most important areas in life, most Christians have adopted a theology of trying. Trying to serve God; trying to be a good Christian. … Why are you not changing? Because you’ve been trying for too long. Change your strategy. You need to stop trying and start training.

What do you want MOST? Not just what do you want—WHO do you want to become?
God’s Spirit in you Helps you choose what you want most/now—which is the greater reward.

Religion is all about us, & our efforts to please God. Relationship is about God’s perfect work in satisfying the debt for sin through Jesus. Religion is about what we do, or don’t do. Relationship is about what God did, & His perfect work.

You have no idea what one single act of obedience can set into motion, when you obey what our good God puts on your heart.

Will you commit to pray: “God, what are You leading me to do or to believe?” Then, as you get direction from God, take the next step. Trust Him with the outcome, and you simply obey.

What is your primary objective in life? All of us are called to leverage our lives for the spread of God’s glory on earth—the gospel. Are you leveraging your talents & resources to bring God glory, or to pursue your own stuff?

You can summarize the gospel in 4 words: JESUS IN MY PLACE. It’s not just that Jesus died for the sins of the world; he died for my sins; for me… Jesus was rejected in our place, so that we would never have to be. Jesus walked through Psalm 88 so I would never have to. So when I feel like God has forsaken me, I’m wrong. Why? If Jesus didn’t abandon me in the dark hours of the cross, would He ever leave me now?

Do you want to be happy? It’s found in forgiveness. It’s not being “guilt-free” that makes you happy; it’s being reconciled to God.