Last night I had the privilege to share my testimony with the men of The Fortress. As you know, I am fond of this place because it’s so easy to see God’s hand at work in people’s lives. Why? Simply put, the guys are here because they need help. But, to be honest, we all do, yet I don’t see the same type of ongoing transformation in churches across the country as I do at places like The Fortress.

That’s too bad, because there are lots of people with lots of problems in lots of churches that need lots of transformation. You tell me, do you think that collectively the church is living holy (“You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16) with regards to money, time, and diet? No, the church has lots of progress to make in just those areas alone. We should look far different than the world in these things, but we don’t. That’s amazing to me because we have the power of the Holy Spirit. The world doesn’t. And if these three things aren’t enough to understand what I’m talking about, ask yourself how the church is doing with regard to anxiety, depression, and other mental illness? How about lust and pornography?

I think you get the picture. The reason I am drawn to The Fortress is because the guys there know they have problems and are asking for help. They have dropped the whole pride thing and are willing to let God transform them, and He does! He truly is faithful to those who seek him.

Do yourself a favor and seek out places like The Fortress. Sure, you may need to drive a bit to get to one, but you’ll find something if you are looking. How might you help, you may wonder? You can start by simply being available. You’ll probably end up in a conversation with someone and find yourself sharing how God has helped you.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

If you are saved, I’m pretty sure if you have been comforted by God, right? Well, then go comfort someone by reassuring them of God’s faithfulness. It’s not that hard, and the rewards are many. Trust me on that.

You say you’d like to but simply don’t have the time? Well, then maybe that’s a problem that needs fixing first. How do you find the time? You get rid of things that really aren’t necessary in life. Look, the idea of going over to someone’s house for coffee is completely lost to us in America. What a shame! You have plenty of time for things like this. Oh, you’ll need to make some changes, to be sure, but you certainly have time.

Why should you listen to me? Because I’m telling you my spirit was filled last night and it’s still overflowing today. I got up early and prayed like I haven’t in some time. I’m connecting deeply with God, and I really like it. I really like it a lot, and I’m trying to convince you to join me.

Here was my message last night: make sure of your salvation and understand it. Dig into scripture to find out what it really was that God did for you when you were born again. Find out, again, in scripture, what promises God has made to his children. Who exactly was I before I was saved? Who am I now?

It is my firm conviction that the more you study these things, the more certain you will be about your salvation and the more certain you will be that it can never be lost. There is nothing more secure than the salvation of the saint! This makes you vastly different than the rest of the world, not because of you but because of God, so much so that you really have no desire to be like the world. A spiritual life is the only truly rewarding life there is. 

Anyway, you can try to get something started in your church, but don’t be surprised if you get frustrated and you fail to gain traction. Perhaps your church is different, and that would be great! Most people are simply too busy for stuff like this. Seek out and find a para-ministry. You many need to look around at several different organizations before you find something that fits you.

Pray about it. God is faithful. If you are willing to build the kingdom, he will use you. For sure.

Father, I pray this message encourages many to get out and get involved in evangelism and disciple making. Think of the reward they are missing! Father, don’t let Satan keep them occupied with distractions. Stir them to action for their own good and for your glory! Amen.

Copyright © 2020 Scott Powers