Firsthand Faith

Introduction

21 Days of Prayer

Illustration: Hot Wheels - Grace is always greener

The value and importance of our relationship with God.

Personal

Unique

Special

The sin of coveting - wanting the experiences of others.

Seeking the experience rather than seeking God.

Text

Matthew 7:13–14 ESV

13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Matthew 7:13–14 The Message

13 “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. 14 The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

There are no shortcuts to our relationship with God.

It takes commitment, trust, and obedience.

Question: How can we avoid being influenced by rumors, and have a firsthand experience with God?

Philippians 1:9–11 ESV

9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Keep your focus on God

Build your faith through the knowledge of God’s Word

Embrace holiness

Do all to the glory of God