This message is from Pastor Danny Ng. This message follows on from the “God of Second Chances” to read this message click here.
Key Verse: Jeremiah 18:11-12
God reformed and warned in verse 11-12. Heed the things we have heard and do not harden your hearts (Hebrews 2:1, 3:7). This strong warning is for those who have had many chances to respond to the gospel. Let’s not take God’s second chances for granted.
Some ways to reform our ways and actions:
1. Preparation through prayer
In order to reform our ways and actions we must have a clear understanding and know what God wants (1 John 2:28-3:3). Judah exchanged God’s glory for worthless idols. Idols are anything that attracts and distracts us from walking with God causing us to forget and forsake God’s glory. (1 John 5:21). Preparation through prayer helps us to keep our focus and fellowship on Jesus as He reveals the things we need to know and put it into action. Even when Jesus was on earth the disciples saw Him praying most of the time so He was prepared to do the Father’s will. Preparation through prayer is beneficial to reform our ways and our actions in a more effective manner.
2. Plan according to God’s plan
Our preparation and planning should be top priority for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. How are we going to defend our faith in this generation? There are so many teachings, so many arguments sending doubts to this generation. One way we can cooperate with God is plan according to His plan. Our God wisely and lovingly directs all creation to fulfil His plan and He will bring events to pass according to His appointed time. Our duty is to submit to His authority and make the effort to reform our ways and our actions for His praise and glory. This is how we plan according to God’s plan reforming our ways and actions so that they are in line with God’s plan (Ephesians 1:4,11).
3. Partner with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Some may need to reform your heart, the way you think, the way you talk, how you use your time. It can be challenging to make these changes on our own. God has sent the Holy Spirit now dwelling inside us to help us. However we need to make the decision and choice to partner with the Holy Spirit. We must humble ourselves and yield to the Holy Spirit to lead us. We can then expect to see a real transformation as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us. (Romans 8:1,26-28). Partner with the Holy Spirit who helps us to reform our ways and our actions. Don’t wait until you are perfect and then only start serving God. Start yielding and partnering with the Holy Spirit as He perfects and refines you along the way. (Romans 12:1-2).
Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart. God has warned us and given us ways to reform our ways and our actions: preparation through prayer, planning according to God’s plan, and partnering with the Holy Spirit.
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If you would like to accept Jesus into your heart please pray the following prayer.
“Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin. I now invite Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Saviour.”
If you have just prayed this prayer and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, congratulations! We invite you to contact us as we would love to pray a blessing over your life and help guide you on your journey.
The next step. As a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.
- Get baptised as commanded by Christ.
- Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.
- Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.
- Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.
- Find a local church where you can worship God.
God bless you.