Dates: 11th & 12th Oct, 2016
Summary
The speaker addresses common questions regarding Christian life, emphasizing that assurance of salvation comes only from the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus' sacrifice. He stresses that maintaining fellowship with God requires confessing sin immediately and forgiving others. Furthermore, true spiritual growth demands actively pursuing God, as stagnation leads to spiritual regression.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How can I get the assurance from God that I am saved?Assurance comes only through the Holy Spirit bearing witness that we are children of God, combined with personal faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.
Why are we still paying the price for Adam and Eve eating the fruit?While we inherit a fallen nature from Adam, everyone has also personally sinned and stands in need of redemption through Jesus.
I confessed my sins but didn't get the assurance of salvationAsk God to grant you assurance, but stand firmly on the truth of Scripture that God is faithful to cleanse those who confess their sins.
How can I remain in the presence of Jesus always?Maintain an unbroken fellowship by dealing immediately with any conscious sin and choosing to forgive anyone who has wronged you.
How to know if God is happy with what I am doing?God is pleased when you trust Him completely by faith, and the ongoing proof of His work in you is a growing likeness to Christ.
I keep falling into the same sin. Will God forgive me?God's forgiveness has no limit if you truly repent, and a growing grief over repeated failure indicates that you are on the path of spiritual growth.
How do I respond to a friend who says they are gay and cannot help their feelings?Acknowledge that while human feelings are complex, any sexual relationship outside of a traditional marriage between a man and a woman is defined as sin by God's word.
How should I resist advances from the opposite sex at the workplace?Follow the example of Joseph by fleeing from temptation and maintaining strict, respectful boundaries rather than trying to fight it in your own strength.
How can I find pleasure in God to resist lust and the desire for a partner?If you are of a marriageable age, finding pleasure in God naturally aligns with seeking a godly marriage partner according to His design.
Is it wrong to choose a believer from another church for marriage?While godly character is essential, it is crucial that both partners share a mutual value for the local expression of the body of Christ to avoid future division.
I fear I will forget everything I learned. How do I make it sink in my heart?Memorize Scripture by actively obeying it, writing down what God speaks to you, and sharing these truths with others.
Brothers in the church spoke to me rudely. How do I overcome feeling hurt?Guard against self-pity, remember that even rude words cannot cause Jesus to sin, and look to Christ's example of enduring unfair treatment.
I fall a lot into condemnation and see sin everywhere. How should I examine myself?True repentance leads to the joy of justification and a lifted head, rather than wallowing in self-pity and paralyzing guilt.
Closing prayer and words of gratitudeThe leaders close the conference by thanking the participants, praising God for His reality as a loving heavenly father, and committing everyone to walk in the Spirit.
