Faithwalkers Booster Shot

Faithwalkers Booster Shot

The new year is off and running and I am trying to get things in order. I love how the new year feels like a new start on just about everything. I can implement new eating habits, get back into exercising, and start my One Year Bible reading again. “Refocus” would be a theme for me. The best lead-up to this is Faithwalkers. As good as all those habits are, they are nothing without faith. (Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”)

For those who couldn’t make it or have never gone, you are really missing out. Wow! So much to take in and chew on in terms of encouragement and challenge! The messages will be posted online in coming days. https://faithwalkersmidwest.com/media is where you will find them.

The theme this year was “Between Two Worlds” going over the book of 1 Peter. Each speaker had a section of verses on which they taught. It’s hard living in a world that hates us as believers, yet Christ calls us to be ambassadors to the lost. That task is not for the faint of heart! The following is a summary of the main speakers and their theme or a quote that stood out to me.

Tom Brown – 1 Peter 1:1-12 – Trials – “… now, for a little while, if necessary…” Trials are temporary. They all have an end date. God doesn’t do unnecessary. When trials come we have a choice to give in to the pain or to trust God. John Bunyan (author of Pilgrim’s Progress) considered his time in prison to be the sweetest communion with Christ of his whole life. That was 12 long years in prison away from his family.

Guang – 1 Peter 1:13-21 – Live Out Your Holy Calling, O Ye Citizens of Heaven – God gives us a new heart imported from Heaven. “Obedient children” is his (Guang’s) favorite concept as a father and brings him joy. Same is true of God. 1.) Obedience isn’t easy. 2.) Choose whom you will obey. 3.) The power source for obedience is the working of the Holy Spirit. 4.) Obedience requires discipline. 5.) There is a high bar for obedience – Jesus set the standard. 6.) Genuine faith produces genuine obedience. 7.) An obedient and righteous life is a life well-lived.

Rob Gerber – 1 Peter 1:22-23 – Love – The way the world loves is so different from the way the Bible talks about love. Real love doesn’t just happen – it’s intentional, sacrificial. Fall in love with your Heavenly Master and your local church. You will be intrigued with Rob’s story of a young man who says his dad loves him when he’s out of jail but won’t see him when he’s in jail.

Mike Whitney – 1 Peter 2:1-8 – A Living Stone and A Holy People – Put away relational sins that destroy brotherly love (malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander). “A healthy baby is a hungry baby.” “The lack of desire for God’s word is the death rattle of our faith.”

Dan Rude – 1 Peter 2:9-9-10 – Proclamation and Transformation – “Where Christ is not proclaimed, He is not received.” It must be done in wisdom and love. Just like sowing seeds, it’s often anticlimactic. “Proclaiming Jesus is often scary and therefore must be done on purpose.” You will love his story on Chinese believers who got themselves arrested so that they could witness to those in prison.

Chris Biang – 1 Peter 2:11-12 – Ambassadors – Don’t suffer from being “the ugly American” with the gospel. How should you as a believer behave in a culture that is very different from your life in Christ knowing that people are watching? This message is filled with lots of “practicals.”

Spencer Bernard – 1 Peter 2:13-25 – Submission to Authority and Suffering Righteously – This passage is convicting and so was Spencer’s message. We must rely on Christ to be able to endure harsh treatment by unbelievers in authority over us. Whew!! It goes entirely against our American way of thinking.

Matt Heerema – 1 Peter 3:1-7 – Marriage is God’s design – Our laws do not create marriage, God does. “If you are married to another sinner, you will suffer.” Selfishness is at the root of all marriage difficulties. Marriage and family is more important than ministry.

Charlie Meyer – 1 Peter 3:8-18 – Facing Hardship – “We seek transportation out of our problems, but God promises transformation.” He gets to reward us when we accept them and respond in faith.

Jeff Wieman – 1 Peter 4:1-7 – The End of All Things is at Hand – Perspective is everything. Be self- controlled and serious so that you can pray. What should we turn from and to? Pray…pray… pray. God is the only One with wisdom and answers your prayers.

Mark Darling – Dare to Defy, Live for God – A passionate call as only Mark can deliver. You are going to want to hear about Sophie Shoal plus Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Peter Steele – 1 Peter 4:7-9 – You are a Target – Active shooter situations are dangerous, and experts are often too far away. We need to be “all in”. There are 3 reasons we often aren’t and how we endanger ourselves when we forget Whose we are and what our purpose is supposed to be.

Luke Hukee – 1 Peter 5:1-5 – Humility and the Favor of God – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Ways to grow in humility…

Rory Whitney – 1 Peter 5:8- end – It Is Worth It! – You have an enemy who would like to devour you. You have to make choices and have faith, or you will fall. My kids and I make bets on whether Rory will cry during his messages because he is passionate and tender-hearted. You will have to listen to find out!

These are just the Main Session speakers. There are tons more seminars on separate topics. Hopefully you find some- time riding in the car, taking a hot bath, or any other time where you sit down- to think and marinate in some truth.

Welcome to 2018!!

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