You have some very important promises in God's word. You see, Gods word means what it says -- not what you want it to say. We are responsible for every word that we speak and every deed that we do. There are many out in the world watching us and say to themselves, "I'm just as good as they are even though they may not have accepted Christ as their Savior." That is such a big reason for all who claim Christianity to walk in the footsteps of the Lord, just as they are written in the word.

Philippians chapter 2 verse 12 is a scripture often quoted. It says we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. All too often, we want to live by the freedom that we are doing what God has planned for our life without the fear and trembling. We are neither fearful of the wrath of God nor are we acting responsible. We are not allowed to make up the words to match what we think it means, as I just said there are no gray places in the word of God. It literally means what it says.

However we do have hope in our Lord as He died to give us the wonderful promises and will guide us on the path to righteousness. We have a journey, just as Jesus did when he bore the cross, dragging it to that awful hill where he was crucified. Just as our Father was with Jesus he will be with you through each trial. We must be followers to reach our heavenly home. Believe me, it will be worth it all when we see Jesus and meet with the loved ones who have gone on before us. Just think without the cross and shed blood, we would have no hope. Thank God for a perfect plan.

Pastor Bob Cartwright next took us to a very important part of this plan. In 1st Corinthians chapter 3 verses 2 and 3, we read that we were once new children in the Lord, actually, we were as a baby because we did not know the word. We see in the first of these verses that we were fed milk, and not meat for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now were ye able. There is a growing process it begins with study and prayer in order to feel that spirit that will direct you in the right path. In verse 3, we see the things that are in the way of our growth things we must overcome with Jesus' help. We know that we are yet carnal; for whereas there is among you envying, and strife and divisions, are ye not carnal, when you walk as men instead he wants us to walk as Children of the Most High God. Taking on the new man and laying aside the sins that so easily besets you, you must have a hunger to learn more about this new way of life.

It's a work in progress and we will forever be learning until we reach the goal of a heavenly home. It's an individual calling and we must work out every detail with the help of the word. That is why we are to choose this day whom we will serve. We are to walk uprightly and not have a spirit of judgment toward our fellow brothers and sisters. The devil delights in our failures, if he can get you to turn your eyes away from Jesus and look on the natural side of life, he will have worn and will put every stumbling block in your path. Just take control of your destiny by casting all your care upon Jesus for he careth for you. In Ephesians chapter 6 verses 10-14 we learn that we must put on the whole armour of God for we fight against powers of darkness that only God can help you through. We are often in a battle with the old devil and because of our eternal Father we can be victorious.

In closing, Pastor gave us Hebrews chapter 2 verses 1-3, which tells us that we have to give heed to the more important things in the word, lest we let the promises slip. In verse 3 it tells us there is an escape, if we neglect so great a salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Christ speak. It would be a great benefit to you if you just sit down and search the word for every promise that is in this precious book. Write them down and keep them in a place where you will often review what you found. It will be a lot of help and encouragement to you and others who might read your list.

In closing, we went to the book of Philippians chapter 2 Verse 5, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Wow -- that is an awesome thought to be like Christ is a very wonderful promise. But it is still up to us to be responsible and walk in his footsteps.

Till next week God Bless and come visit anytime.