Pastor David Keuss - Hope without Compromise

Oftentimes as Christ followers we try to over-spiritualize if an area or a people or neighborhood or a family is receptive to the gospel of Jesus.  Thankfully, Jesus and his appointed representatives were especially clear on how we can know if we are investing wisely or wasting our time on a neighborhood or such.  The gospel is God's promise to us that if we believe in Jesus as our Savior and confess He is Lord, God will forgive us our sins.  A few things should caution against over-thinking the whole thing. 1.) Jesus' command to the disciples.  When Jesus sent out the disciples to preach the good news and to help people, he commanded them to stay in a place or home that was receptive.  If a place or home was not receptive, they were to wipe the dust off their feet as a sign of that problem and to be free of that place.  They then were to move on. (Matthew 10:14; Luke 9:5; Mark 6:10-11 stay vs go; Acts 13:51 wipe dust off) 2.) Jesus' example.  When Jesus went to a plac

Dr. Paul D. Tripp, a Christian author counselor and teacher, shares a reminder we all need regularly: " No human being is capable of carrying your hope; this side of heaven, we're all weak and flawed. No circumstance can carry your hope; every situation you're in is touched by the brokenness of the fall and isn't under your control. Amassing physical pleasures and possessions won't give you lasting hope; for all of their momentary enjoyment, they fill the senses but don't satisfy the heart. " As you ponder this, try to focus on placing your hope in Jesus, practically, in what you consider a blessing or success each day.  It is the calling of God on Israel when they are returning to the Promised Land after Exile to place their first priority of hope and comfort in the LORD, not themselves or their houses or properties, Haggai chapter one.  Where is your hope?

 In the Rio Olympics a number of athletes are giving Glory to God.  Check out some of the following articles: Rifle Competition- http://www.bpnews.net/47336/olympics-thy-will-be-done-is-shooters-prayer Swimming- http://blogs.christianpost.com/god-reports/olympic-swimmer-phelps-credits-purpose-driven-life-for-turnaround-reconciling-with-father-27950/ and delivers a win in Swimming... https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/michael-phelps-u-s-win-gold-in-4x100-freestyle-relay-031042707.html and another.... http://www.bpnews.net/47349/olympics-swimmer-wins-gold-shares-source-of-happiness  Diving, Gymnatics, More- https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/6-christian-athletes-to-watch-at-rio-2016 Be sure to pray for these athletes that they give a great testimony.