God’s Economy Is Sound

God’s Economy is Sound

 I just got home from Baton Rouge today after spending a great day with our new Administrative Bishop Robert Moore. I believe that he and his wife Patty has a heart for our great state and I believe they are going to do a great job.

 I just saw on the news that the dow is now below 10,000 and although our economy may be on the rocks can I say that The fundamentals of God’s economy are sound!  In times of great economic and financial upheaval in the United States and around the World God is still on the throne and He is still in control. I’m going to just briefly state a few things that I believe are equated with God’s economy, and I trust you are encouraged.

 THE FUNDAMENTAL OF GRACE REMAINS AMAZINGLY FREE!

 His grace is still amazing!  Grace in it’s essence means “unmerited favor”.  In other words, we receive the grace of God in our lives as a totally FREE gift that we cannot earn regardless of how hard we try. 

The Bible tells us in: Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 

For some reason, it is so difficult for people to reach out and simply accept this gift, but this is what must happen for Christ to truly come into our lives. You may have heard the statement, “If it’s free, it’s for me!”  Well, Salvation is free, yet it was not cheap by any means!  Christ willingly laid down His life for us. 

THE FUNDAMENTAL OF WAGES ARE STILL THE SAME!

On the other side of the point made previously, we must also remember that God’s wages are still the same for those who would reject His precious gift of mercy as we see in the Word of God: Rom. 6:23a For the wages of sin is death…

Of course we know the second part of that verse speaks of the gift of God, but too many people overlook the important first part of this verse because we would much rather enjoy a “gift”, than get this “wage”.

Why is this important in the discussion of God’s economy?  It is important because we must recognize as Christians that it is both our duty and privilege to share the Gospel with a world that still needs to hear an adequate presentation of the Gospel.  Take time to become acquainted with a simple way to share your faith, backed up by the Word of God.  Also, live your faith in front of people that will even lead them to a point of asking you how you can have so much peace in tumultuous times!

If you are a Christian, I encourage you to share your faith with people in these challenging times.  Spiritual doors are wide open, and we have the answer!  His Name is Jesus.

THE FUNDAMENTAL OF GIVING REMAINS TRUE!

God GAVE His Son, and Jesus GAVE His life, and in those 2 acts of mercy showed the very essence of what God is all about.  These are our examples of sacrificial giving.

The Bible tells us in: Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Yes, in 2008 this principle is still true!  When we give, there is something miraculous about it that in turn not only meets the need of the church or person we are giving to, but it also honors God with our obedience to His Word.  Giving is a sign that we recognize we are not the source of our blessings, and that without Him giving into our lives, we would have no hope on a number of levels.

Should you still give in difficult times?  Absolutely!  It’s almost like asking if you should still breathe even when it’s hard to catch your breath!  I believe we need to be a giving people now more than ever.

If you see a need that you CAN meet with God’s help, do what you can to meet that need and begin to experience the joy of giving.  The Government can’t do it all, and often times has substituted because the Church overall has not helped to meet the needs of the poor.

These are just a few of the ways that I feel the fundamentals of God’s economy are still sound, and I would encourage you to search the Word for more encouragement and inspiration.

This is a time to ADVANCE on the enemy and not RETREAT!

Rest assured… God’s Economy is Sound!

Anticipate!!!

Pastor Bryan Strickland