GOD IS WITH YOU
(It can be difficult to know or accept that God is really with you)
As the church celebrates its 20th anniversary, there is no doubt that God is with us. The knowledge that God is with us serves two main purposes: it changes our perspective on life and moves us into action. However, it can be difficult to know or accept that God is really with you.
This is exactly what a young man named Gideon experienced. He said if God was with them, how come they were suffering in the hands of the Midianites?
Text Judges 6:11-16; Matthew 16:16-20
When Jacob had a dream, he exclaimed, God was here, and I was not aware of it (Genesis 28:10-22)
How do you know God is with you? God can use any means to let you know that He is with you.
Angles (e.g. Gideon Judges 6, Mary Luke 2)
Scripture (e.g., Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)
Life experiences (e.g., David 1 Sam 17:34-37; Psalm 23).
Hearing the gospel (Matthew 4:12-17)
Messages that go with the knowledge that God is with you.
You are special to God; therefore, set yourself apart for Him (e.g., in the case of Moses, Jeremiah, etc.)
Learn about God, His nature, likes and dislikes, how He does things ( Justice, Faithfulness, righteousness Jere 9:23-24; Matthew 23:23). God was with people on the way to the Promised Land, but those who did not please Him perished on the desert (1 Cor 10:1-5). We can learn this from Jesus.
ACTION : E.g., Samuel said to Saul, once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hands find because god is with you (1 Samuel 10: 7). Gideon was told to Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand (Judges 6:14). We are told to make disciples all over the world because God is with us (Matthew 16:19-20).
NB: When God is with you, do more (2 Kings 13:14-19)