December 9th, 2024
by Joey Hufstedler
by Joey Hufstedler
Hey Guys,
This past Sunday, we explored the powerful command from 2 Corinthians 13:5 to examine ourselves and test whether we are truly in the faith. The sermon, "In the Mirror of God’s Word," was a call to action for both believers and those seeking Christ. For those of us who are in Christ, it was a challenge to live out our faith with authenticity and devotion. For others, it was a plea to examine the state of their hearts and come to Jesus for salvation.
A Challenge to Examine Ourselves
As we took a hard look in the mirror of God’s Word, we were confronted with some important questions:
Self-examination isn’t always easy. It requires honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to admit where we’ve fallen short. But, as we’ve learned, this is a necessary step toward spiritual growth. Just as a mirror reflects what’s truly there, God’s Word reveals the truth about our hearts—whether we like it or not.
The Importance of Testing Our Faith
We were reminded that this self-examination isn’t about superficial religion; it’s about a true, living relationship with Jesus Christ. If Christ is in us, it should show. It should be evident in the way we think, speak, and act. But if we fail to reflect His image, we must repent and return to Him, allowing His grace to transform us once again.
As 2 Corinthians 13:5 states, “Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith; test yourselves!” The apostle Paul didn’t give us an option here—he commanded us to test our hearts and make sure that we’re walking in line with Christ. This isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process. Every day is an opportunity to reexamine our lives and make sure we’re living in a way that glorifies God.
The Call to Respond
For those who joined us seeking answers about salvation, the sermon was an invitation to examine the truth of the Gospel. The question was simple: Is Christ truly in you? If not, we invited you to take that step of faith—recognizing your need for a Savior and trusting in Jesus alone for salvation.
To those who made that decision, we celebrate with you! We’re rejoicing that you’ve begun a new journey with Christ. We encourage you to continue in your faith, seeking Him daily through prayer, scripture, and community. If you haven’t made that decision yet, it’s not too late. The offer of salvation is still open. Christ’s grace is sufficient to save all who call on His name.
What’s Next?
For believers, this sermon was a call to live out our faith with sincerity. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to examine our hearts. But now, we’re reminded of the importance of staying vigilant in our walk with God. Here are a few steps to take as we continue on this journey:
For anyone still seeking, don't hesitate to reach out. We’re here to walk with you in your spiritual journey.
Final Thoughts
The mirror of God’s Word has shown us the truth—both the beauty of His grace and the areas in our lives that need transformation. Let us continue to look into that mirror daily, allowing it to reveal the truth and shape us into the image of Christ. As we live in light of His Word, may our lives be a reflection of His love, holiness, and grace.
We look forward to walking this journey together with you, growing in faith and living for His glory. If you missed the sermon, feel free to watch it online. Let’s continue to examine ourselves and allow God’s Word to shape us into the people He’s called us to be.
Serving Him,
Bro. Joey
This past Sunday, we explored the powerful command from 2 Corinthians 13:5 to examine ourselves and test whether we are truly in the faith. The sermon, "In the Mirror of God’s Word," was a call to action for both believers and those seeking Christ. For those of us who are in Christ, it was a challenge to live out our faith with authenticity and devotion. For others, it was a plea to examine the state of their hearts and come to Jesus for salvation.
A Challenge to Examine Ourselves
As we took a hard look in the mirror of God’s Word, we were confronted with some important questions:
- Are we truly living as those who are in Christ?
- Is our life a reflection of His presence, His love, and His holiness?
- Have we allowed the world to cloud our vision of what it means to follow Him wholeheartedly?
Self-examination isn’t always easy. It requires honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to admit where we’ve fallen short. But, as we’ve learned, this is a necessary step toward spiritual growth. Just as a mirror reflects what’s truly there, God’s Word reveals the truth about our hearts—whether we like it or not.
The Importance of Testing Our Faith
We were reminded that this self-examination isn’t about superficial religion; it’s about a true, living relationship with Jesus Christ. If Christ is in us, it should show. It should be evident in the way we think, speak, and act. But if we fail to reflect His image, we must repent and return to Him, allowing His grace to transform us once again.
As 2 Corinthians 13:5 states, “Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith; test yourselves!” The apostle Paul didn’t give us an option here—he commanded us to test our hearts and make sure that we’re walking in line with Christ. This isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process. Every day is an opportunity to reexamine our lives and make sure we’re living in a way that glorifies God.
The Call to Respond
For those who joined us seeking answers about salvation, the sermon was an invitation to examine the truth of the Gospel. The question was simple: Is Christ truly in you? If not, we invited you to take that step of faith—recognizing your need for a Savior and trusting in Jesus alone for salvation.
To those who made that decision, we celebrate with you! We’re rejoicing that you’ve begun a new journey with Christ. We encourage you to continue in your faith, seeking Him daily through prayer, scripture, and community. If you haven’t made that decision yet, it’s not too late. The offer of salvation is still open. Christ’s grace is sufficient to save all who call on His name.
What’s Next?
For believers, this sermon was a call to live out our faith with sincerity. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to examine our hearts. But now, we’re reminded of the importance of staying vigilant in our walk with God. Here are a few steps to take as we continue on this journey:
- Commit to Daily Reflection: Set aside time each day to examine your heart, asking God to reveal areas where you need to grow.
- Live with Purpose: Make intentional decisions to live according to God’s Word, reflecting Christ in all you do. Seek opportunities to share the Gospel and serve others.
- Stay Accountable: Surround yourself with a community of believers who will encourage you and help you stay true to the faith.
For anyone still seeking, don't hesitate to reach out. We’re here to walk with you in your spiritual journey.
Final Thoughts
The mirror of God’s Word has shown us the truth—both the beauty of His grace and the areas in our lives that need transformation. Let us continue to look into that mirror daily, allowing it to reveal the truth and shape us into the image of Christ. As we live in light of His Word, may our lives be a reflection of His love, holiness, and grace.
We look forward to walking this journey together with you, growing in faith and living for His glory. If you missed the sermon, feel free to watch it online. Let’s continue to examine ourselves and allow God’s Word to shape us into the people He’s called us to be.
Serving Him,
Bro. Joey
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