If we were to flash forward 6 months and see where you would be at that point would you be happy if nothing changes? If you could affect where you will be instead, what would you you do? And why aren’t you? That is in essence what our sermon series is all about.

Our future isn’t always pretty. In fact the Bible is pretty clear that we can face a lot of challenges from the world when we follow Christ. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 [show]2 Timothy 3:1-5 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. [2]For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3]heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, [4]treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, [5]having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (ESV)

Ungodly people will challenge us to follow their ways. And some will persecute us for our beliefs. 2 Tim 3:12-13 [show]2 Timothy 3:12-13 [12]Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, [13]while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (ESV)
We will be persecuted, it isn’t a matter of if but a matter of when.

2 Tim 3:14-17 [show]2 Timothy 3:14-17 [14]But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it [15]and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16]All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17]that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (ESV)
Continue in what we have started. We can because God has breathed His Word to equip us. Equip that we can confident, good examples, fullfilled at work, be at peace and more. Our vision of the future is to aquire stuff, God’s vision is different. He wants us to bear fruit, to have peace, to know love, to be courageous–all the intrinsic things.

How does that happen? We need God to be fueling us. We need brain foods. The Scriptures provide us teaching and rebuking. Rebuking as in don’t go over that bridge, it has collapsed. It provides us with power food as well.

We can know the Bible inside and out and not let it affect us — belemic bible reading. We need to pray (P.R.A.Y.) the scripture. Praise God. See in scripture who God is and praise Him. Repentance, allow God’s Word to rebuke us to the point of confessing our sin. Ask, ask for power to live the Christ centered life. Yield to what God wants to teach and do in our lives.

When we pray the scripture, we will ask for the right things, God’s will.

We don’t really know what will come our way in reality six months from now. But when we rely on God, we know everything will be taken care of.

What God wants is that we are fully equipped that when the world around us is collapsing we are a stronghold for God.