Power Of Continuing

Power Of Continuing

Key Scripture:  "But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News."  Colossians 1:23

Power Point:

     Looking at America now, it's sometimes hard to remember how we began.  It seems as though today we give up very easily. Even just a few years ago, there was a culture of "continuing".  People stayed with things.  They worked through them.  Today it seems to be easier to just give up and take up something new.  Because of that, one of God's greatest lessons to us is to teach us the art of "continuing".  According to His way of thinking, continuing is key to kingdom living; to becoming more like Jesus.

     The word "continue"means to "stay still, stay in your place, to persevere and keep persisting in what you are doing." Here are some of the things that God expects us to continue in:

Continue in My word: John 8:3

Continue in My love, John 15:9

Continue in grace, Acts 4:3

Continue in faith, Acts 14:22

Continue in His goodness, Romans 11:23

Continue in prayer, Colossians 4:2

Continue in what you have learned, 2 Timothy 3:4

Continue in brotherly love, Hebrews 13:1

    When you think about it, the Christian life is not a bed of roses is it?

  Continuing can be hard work!  In difficult times we're not allowed to give up, give out, or give in are we?  We'll told to stay in our places with bright shining faces; to persevere and keep on persisting in the Truth that will ultimately set us free. We can do that because of the Holy Spirit given to us by Jesus.

     Aren't you glad that Jesus gave us such a perfect example of "continuing"?  In spite of His closest friends trying to talk Him out of going to Jerusalem (where they knew He was probably going to die), Scripture says that "Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem". He did not run away, He ran toward the enemy. The truth is He knew exactly was waiting for Him and He continued.

     Beloved, the Body Of Christ is not meant to be an army of quitters who give up at the slightest obstacle that is placed in their path.  We are meant to continue.  Why?  Because if we have the same Spirit in us that Jesus did, there is victory ahead. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus had to work through the place in His soul where every doubt and fear was being leveled at Him.  But He did work through. He continued until the Spirit strengthened Him and He could persist and persevere. Fortunately for us, the story did not end in the Garden. It did not end at the Cross. It continued until everything that God had promised and prophesied was finished. Completely.

     You may find yourself in a place where His love is in question.  Love WILL have the final word.  You may find yourself in a place where His goodness appears to be hidden, or where what you thought you knew is being challenged to the nth degree. Set your face, and set your faith toward the finish line.  Continue Beloved. When Jesus died, the Resurrection followed. He promised us an abundant life. He meant it. Because He persevered we can have that same incredible Spirit power in us to continue. 
     I believe I see a resurrection in your future.

His work is finished, but the story of your life?  It is "to be continued".  
Will you?

Power Thought:

Never, never, never give up!  (Winston Churchill)