Are You a Risk-Taker?

I don't really consider myself a risk-taker. If you examine most parts of my life, you would not label me as a risk-taker. I'm afraid of trying most new foods, I'm afraid to experiment with any new drinks at Starbucks, don't like most roller-coasters, hate going into cold water, usually slow to make new friends, etc., etc., etc. The list could go on and on. However when I take a deep examination of my life, I realize that I have to make constant decisions to take risks in order to fulfill my dreams.

When I read the Bible, I notice a constant theme with all of the individuals listed - they took faith-filled risks in their lives in order to fulfill God's purpose in their life. Every time we read about someone in the Bible, there was always some measure of risk that came with their life. You think about people like Noah, who risked his reputation and his family to follow God’s calling. Or what about the 12 disciples, who left their jobs, their security to follow Jesus? The early church in Acts is another great example of people taking risks for the sake of spreading the message of Christianity. The Christian life is about ordinary people taking risks so that God can do extraordinary things.

Last Sunday I spoke about this topic and my hope is that I can be part of a community of people who are willing to make changes to their lives so they can faithfully take risks for God.

So how can you be more of a risk-taker today?

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Standing Firm in Your Faith

When I was about 6 years old, my Dad took me to a beach in Southern California. We had recently moved to California, so this was one of my first experiences to the beach. I couldn’t swim at the time, but my Dad decided I should stand in the shallow waters to feel the waves hit my feet. Very reluctantly, I took my Dad’s hand and ventured into the vast ocean. As we stood in the shallow water, my Dad kept telling me to stand firm and keep my feet planted in the ground. He kept repeating, “stand firm, keep your feet planted.” We would then stare out into the ocean and see these large waves occur, then we would feel the ripple effects of the wave hit my feet. I can’t remember if I was having fun at the time or extremely scared. Suddenly this huge wave was forming in the distance, but for some reason, I wasn’t prepared. I briefly lost my focus and unplanted my foot. When the ripple effect of the wave hit my legs, I lost my balance and went under. All I remember is that I was fully immersed in the water. All I remember seeing is little fishes swimming around my hand. Because I wasn’t prepared by standing firm in the water, the wave knocked me to the ground.

In life, there are other ways we can stand firm.

The most important way we can stand firm in life is through our Christian faith. In our world today, standing firm in our faith is an essential part of Christianity. What does it mean to “stand firm”? Standing firm means holding on to what you believe. Standing firm means taking what the Bible teaches and applying it to our own lives. Standing firm means keeping your morals and values in everyday life. Standing firm means your Christian faith holds fast during times of trials.

Standing firm is a critical aspect of our Christian faith.

Standing firm in our faith is so important in our ever-changing society. Too many times in our society, we are forced to compromise what we believe. What the world will tell you is this, “it doesn’t matter what you believe in, because what you believe in is right.” Or many other people hold a universalist view of faith and say that all paths lead to heaven and it doesn’t really matter if you believe in Jesus Christ. Whatever way you think is right, is right.

Everyday in our lives we are forced to make decisions that intersect with what we believe. It happens with how we speak, in how we deal with people, in what we buy, in what we watch, in what we read.

At church our current sermon series is "Philippians: Faith in Everyday Life. " We get to look at how we can practically live in this world as a Christian. If you're struggling with the grind of life, I encourage you to read the book of Philippians.

Philippians 1:12-30
12Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
27Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.