I am undecided on what I feel, I do enjoy the context of the message. But I think it is unclear on truly the difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge. I think we all can say we have had this thought in our own life. I can analyze this in my own mind, I can think of thousands reasons why I might not be saved and then I can think of thousand things to say I am saved. I don't know how many times that I asked myself if I have head knowledge and not heart knowledge. Our heart is deceitfully wicked who can discern it?
I don't think that we can get what we want with our faith. As long as it is according to His will then that is different. And if I have some area in my life that I struggle with, God won't hear my prayer.
When I read Romans 1:16 its the power of God through the gospel that is able to save men. That it is capable of saving other, basically nothing by human ability will save something, we can have alter calls and programs. But many don't realize that the gospel is sufficient for salvation. If we have not experienced the power of God in some area in my life, I didn't believe, according to that verse. Paul is saying I am not ashamed of the Gospel, it is able, I am confident in its ability to save, I am not afraid to preach nothing else but God crucified.
I agree with the theme of the sermon, it is a message to be preached in many churches. I do disagree with the verse for the text though. Don't take this wrong, I do think if we do not have a consistent decline of problematic sin in my life, then i would take heed to my conversion. I have area in my life I struggle with, i probably will for a long time. I hate it and desire to be delivered completely, I have faith to seek God. I notice a lot of people that were converted in scripture had faith, they went to Christ. That is faith, a person can say they have faith and never approach the throne of GOd, but If I truly have faith, I will seek the Lord. I will be like Zaccheus climbed the tree to see Jesus, he had faith. Are we climbing trees in our prayer, am I fighting the crowds to get to that tree. All I know to do is simple, go to Christ for mercy, I know I have many issues that I need healed from. I think of Christ washing the disciples feet, he knew that only a portion of them needed to washed, they rest was clean...God knows that we are not completely clean. He wants to wash our feet with his mercy and forgiveness.
Sorry for the preaching attitude. I still liked the sermon for many other points.
In Him
Mike
