Growing a Strong Christian Faith -- Pastor Al Watkins

Hi everyone. My name is Al Watkins and

Hi everyone. My name is Al Watkins and

Hi everyone. My name is Al Watkins and I'm mighty glad to be here with you

I'm mighty glad to be here with you

I'm mighty glad to be here with you today and I'm glad you joined me for

today and I'm glad you joined me for

today and I'm glad you joined me for this Bible study. I want to talk about

this Bible study. I want to talk about

this Bible study. I want to talk about how to grow strong in your Christian

how to grow strong in your Christian

how to grow strong in your Christian faith. It's something that I applied to

faith. It's something that I applied to

faith. It's something that I applied to myself many years ago and I try to

myself many years ago and I try to

myself many years ago and I try to practice it each and every day as much

practice it each and every day as much

practice it each and every day as much as I possibly can. and I'd like to share

as I possibly can. and I'd like to share

as I possibly can. and I'd like to share it with you as I feel it might help you

it with you as I feel it might help you

it with you as I feel it might help you if you find yourself at a weak moment in

if you find yourself at a weak moment in

if you find yourself at a weak moment in your faith and your trust in God. Let's

your faith and your trust in God. Let's

your faith and your trust in God. Let's get started right off the bat by just

get started right off the bat by just

get started right off the bat by just talking about it. First of all, growing

talking about it. First of all, growing

talking about it. First of all, growing in faith is a daily journey. It requires

in faith is a daily journey. It requires

in faith is a daily journey. It requires a commitment on your part. God has

a commitment on your part. God has

a commitment on your part. God has already committed his part. So, our

already committed his part. So, our

already committed his part. So, our commitment must be that we must practice

commitment must be that we must practice

commitment must be that we must practice trusting in him and believing his

trusting in him and believing his

trusting in him and believing his actions are for our good. Here are the

actions are for our good. Here are the

actions are for our good. Here are the key steps that I found in my journey

key steps that I found in my journey

key steps that I found in my journey that would help strengthen a walk closer

that would help strengthen a walk closer

that would help strengthen a walk closer to God and grow in your faith. First of

to God and grow in your faith. First of

to God and grow in your faith. First of all, we find in James 4:8 that we need

all, we find in James 4:8 that we need

all, we find in James 4:8 that we need to deepen our relationship with God.

to deepen our relationship with God.

to deepen our relationship with God. James 4:8 says this, "Draw nigh to God

James 4:8 says this, "Draw nigh to God

James 4:8 says this, "Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you." That's

and he will draw nigh to you." That's

and he will draw nigh to you." That's good. Draw nigh to God and he will draw

good. Draw nigh to God and he will draw

good. Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. In other words, it's

nigh to you. In other words, it's

nigh to you. In other words, it's basically broken down into a simple

basically broken down into a simple

basically broken down into a simple principle. You try to get closer to God

principle. You try to get closer to God

principle. You try to get closer to God and because you're doing it, he

and because you're doing it, he

and because you're doing it, he recognizes that you need him and he'll

recognizes that you need him and he'll

recognizes that you need him and he'll draw close to you because he loves you

draw close to you because he loves you

draw close to you because he loves you and wants to help you on your journey

and wants to help you on your journey

and wants to help you on your journey through life. In other words, we must

through life. In other words, we must

through life. In other words, we must spend intentional time with God through

spend intentional time with God through

spend intentional time with God through prayer and worship of him. We must pray

prayer and worship of him. We must pray

prayer and worship of him. We must pray with him daily. Learn to talk and

with him daily. Learn to talk and

with him daily. Learn to talk and communicate with him. Not just to speak

communicate with him. Not just to speak

communicate with him. Not just to speak of what we want, what we need or what

of what we want, what we need or what

of what we want, what we need or what concerns us, but to listen to the

concerns us, but to listen to the

concerns us, but to listen to the answers in a conversation with him. And

answers in a conversation with him. And

answers in a conversation with him. And then spend time in worshiping him with

then spend time in worshiping him with

then spend time in worshiping him with others on Sunday mornings or, you know,

others on Sunday mornings or, you know,

others on Sunday mornings or, you know, whenever you can make it to a gathering

whenever you can make it to a gathering

whenever you can make it to a gathering where Christians gather. Talk to him

where Christians gather. Talk to him

where Christians gather. Talk to him every day, though. Make that a priority

every day, though. Make that a priority

every day, though. Make that a priority just as you would a close friend that

just as you would a close friend that

just as you would a close friend that you keep up with. Make prayer a

you keep up with. Make prayer a

you keep up with. Make prayer a priority. A conversation with God a long

priority. A conversation with God a long

priority. A conversation with God a long ways. Not just in times of need, but in

ways. Not just in times of need, but in

ways. Not just in times of need, but in times of a lifestyle that we must

times of a lifestyle that we must

times of a lifestyle that we must recognize we're not here alone. Set

recognize we're not here alone. Set

recognize we're not here alone. Set aside a quiet time and seek God daily

aside a quiet time and seek God daily

aside a quiet time and seek God daily through prayer and worship him regularly

through prayer and worship him regularly

through prayer and worship him regularly with others in fellowship.

Another thing is study and meditate on

Another thing is study and meditate on

Another thing is study and meditate on God's word. Reading his Bible is always

God's word. Reading his Bible is always

God's word. Reading his Bible is always important when you don't have time to

important when you don't have time to

important when you don't have time to totally spend with him and talking with

totally spend with him and talking with

totally spend with him and talking with him. Well, folks, you can always read

him. Well, folks, you can always read

him. Well, folks, you can always read about him. You can read what he's done

about him. You can read what he's done

about him. You can read what he's done throughout history as the Bible records

throughout history as the Bible records

throughout history as the Bible records it. You can also read what he's doing in

it. You can also read what he's doing in

it. You can also read what he's doing in contemporary times as you see the action

contemporary times as you see the action

contemporary times as you see the action of the living word. And you even get a

of the living word. And you even get a

of the living word. And you even get a glimpse into the future as you read

glimpse into the future as you read

glimpse into the future as you read about some of the prophecies yet to

about some of the prophecies yet to

about some of the prophecies yet to come. Study and meditate God's word is

come. Study and meditate God's word is

come. Study and meditate God's word is the second thing on my list. Romans

the second thing on my list. Romans

the second thing on my list. Romans 10:17

10:17

10:17 very simply says, "So then faith cometh

very simply says, "So then faith cometh

very simply says, "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of

by hearing and hearing by the word of

by hearing and hearing by the word of God." In other words, listening and

God." In other words, listening and

God." In other words, listening and learning is good, but it's not

learning is good, but it's not

learning is good, but it's not everything. It's what you listen and

everything. It's what you listen and

everything. It's what you listen and learn. The word of God tells the things

learn. The word of God tells the things

learn. The word of God tells the things that are necessary in eternal life.

that are necessary in eternal life.

that are necessary in eternal life. The Bible is the foundation of faith. We

The Bible is the foundation of faith. We

The Bible is the foundation of faith. We need to read it. We need to memorize it.

need to read it. We need to memorize it.

need to read it. We need to memorize it. We need to meditate on the word. Learn

We need to meditate on the word. Learn

We need to meditate on the word. Learn to trust what it says and on the

to trust what it says and on the

to trust what it says and on the scripture itself. We need to understand

scripture itself. We need to understand

scripture itself. We need to understand that that is God's promises to us when

that that is God's promises to us when

that that is God's promises to us when he's speaking to us through revealing

he's speaking to us through revealing

he's speaking to us through revealing what he has in mind for us. Apply what

what he has in mind for us. Apply what

what he has in mind for us. Apply what you learn by reading the Bible to your

you learn by reading the Bible to your

you learn by reading the Bible to your daily life. Start with a reading plan if

daily life. Start with a reading plan if

daily life. Start with a reading plan if you haven't started already. A reading

you haven't started already. A reading

you haven't started already. A reading plan I would suggest would be something

plan I would suggest would be something

plan I would suggest would be something like the Gospel of John. Read it first

like the Gospel of John. Read it first

like the Gospel of John. Read it first because he makes no bones about it.

because he makes no bones about it.

because he makes no bones about it. Jesus is Lord. Also, you may find

Jesus is Lord. Also, you may find

Jesus is Lord. Also, you may find comfort in reading the Psalms. And you

comfort in reading the Psalms. And you

comfort in reading the Psalms. And you might find comfort and reading Proverbs

might find comfort and reading Proverbs

might find comfort and reading Proverbs for wisdom and education. But read the

for wisdom and education. But read the

for wisdom and education. But read the Bible. First step, deepen that

Bible. First step, deepen that

Bible. First step, deepen that relationship with God by spending time

relationship with God by spending time

relationship with God by spending time with him. Second, in growing that

with him. Second, in growing that

with him. Second, in growing that relationship in our Christian faith,

relationship in our Christian faith,

relationship in our Christian faith, study and meditate on God's word.

Once we talk to God and once we read

Once we talk to God and once we read

Once we talk to God and once we read about God through his word, the Bible,

about God through his word, the Bible,

about God through his word, the Bible, we must recognize something right off

we must recognize something right off

we must recognize something right off the bat. We are children of God. Simply

the bat. We are children of God. Simply

the bat. We are children of God. Simply believe that Jesus loves you. He came

believe that Jesus loves you. He came

believe that Jesus loves you. He came for you. And by believing in him, you

for you. And by believing in him, you

for you. And by believing in him, you can find everlasting life according to

can find everlasting life according to

can find everlasting life according to God's word in the Bible, especially John

God's word in the Bible, especially John

God's word in the Bible, especially John 3:16. But another verse tells us

3:16. But another verse tells us

3:16. But another verse tells us something that's real important if we

something that's real important if we

something that's real important if we want to grow our faith and trust in God

want to grow our faith and trust in God

want to grow our faith and trust in God in our Christian life. That is this. We

in our Christian life. That is this. We

in our Christian life. That is this. We find it in James 1:22.

find it in James 1:22.

find it in James 1:22. Be ye doers of the word, not just

Be ye doers of the word, not just

Be ye doers of the word, not just hearers only. In other words, once we

hearers only. In other words, once we

hearers only. In other words, once we recognize God's word and he's speaking

recognize God's word and he's speaking

recognize God's word and he's speaking to us, we must recognize that he spoke

to us, we must recognize that he spoke

to us, we must recognize that he spoke to us for a reason. That is to put our

to us for a reason. That is to put our

to us for a reason. That is to put our wisdom that we've learned from him into

wisdom that we've learned from him into

wisdom that we've learned from him into everyday action in the life we live.

everyday action in the life we live.

everyday action in the life we live. Faith grows when you act upon the word

Faith grows when you act upon the word

Faith grows when you act upon the word of God. When he reveals something, it's

of God. When he reveals something, it's

of God. When he reveals something, it's important. Trust him even when you don't

important. Trust him even when you don't

important. Trust him even when you don't understand. It's called blind faith by

understand. It's called blind faith by

understand. It's called blind faith by somebody, but some people call it faith

somebody, but some people call it faith

somebody, but some people call it faith because God knows what he's doing. Let

because God knows what he's doing. Let

because God knows what he's doing. Let your faith guide choose your choices and

your faith guide choose your choices and

your faith guide choose your choices and actions. In other words, recognize God's

actions. In other words, recognize God's

actions. In other words, recognize God's word is permanent. It's always and it

word is permanent. It's always and it

word is permanent. It's always and it will be forever. Recognize this also

will be forever. Recognize this also

will be forever. Recognize this also that when we choose to follow God's will

that when we choose to follow God's will

that when we choose to follow God's will and God's voice and God's teachings that

and God's voice and God's teachings that

and God's voice and God's teachings that our life will be a life of obedience as

our life will be a life of obedience as

our life will be a life of obedience as unto a father himself, but closer than a

unto a father himself, but closer than a

unto a father himself, but closer than a brother, closer than a sister, and more

brother, closer than a sister, and more

brother, closer than a sister, and more love than you can ever, ever fully

love than you can ever, ever fully

love than you can ever, ever fully realize at all until we get to know it

realize at all until we get to know it

realize at all until we get to know it all in heaven. Let our faith

all in heaven. Let our faith

all in heaven. Let our faith choose the direction we go. Faith in

choose the direction we go. Faith in

choose the direction we go. Faith in God, trust in God, obedience in God, and

God, trust in God, obedience in God, and

God, trust in God, obedience in God, and the relationship with God will always

the relationship with God will always

the relationship with God will always guide us to the right direction and to

guide us to the right direction and to

guide us to the right direction and to the right places. Identify an area of

the right places. Identify an area of

the right places. Identify an area of your life you might want to start small

your life you might want to start small

your life you might want to start small by identifying an area in your life that

by identifying an area in your life that

by identifying an area in your life that you need to trust God more and take

you need to trust God more and take

you need to trust God more and take action by practicing in trust and faith

action by practicing in trust and faith

action by practicing in trust and faith that God knows what he's talking about

that God knows what he's talking about

that God knows what he's talking about and will be obedient. And by being

and will be obedient. And by being

and will be obedient. And by being obedient, he rewards us and the goodness

obedient, he rewards us and the goodness

obedient, he rewards us and the goodness that he has in his heart for us.

that he has in his heart for us.

that he has in his heart for us. The next thing I find in trying to grow

The next thing I find in trying to grow

The next thing I find in trying to grow my faith and be a stronger Christian and

my faith and be a stronger Christian and

my faith and be a stronger Christian and have a better relationship with God, I

have a better relationship with God, I

have a better relationship with God, I find it this way. By surrounding myself

find it this way. By surrounding myself

find it this way. By surrounding myself with other believers. Yes, that's right.

with other believers. Yes, that's right.

with other believers. Yes, that's right. You've always heard it in the secular

You've always heard it in the secular

You've always heard it in the secular way that no man is an island. Well, let

way that no man is an island. Well, let

way that no man is an island. Well, let me tell you something. Spiritually, no

me tell you something. Spiritually, no

me tell you something. Spiritually, no man is an island. We need God's power.

man is an island. We need God's power.

man is an island. We need God's power. We need God's presence. We need God's

We need God's presence. We need God's

We need God's presence. We need God's people in our lives. Recently, I spent a

people in our lives. Recently, I spent a

people in our lives. Recently, I spent a short period of time in a hospital

short period of time in a hospital

short period of time in a hospital situation. And there was nothing more

situation. And there was nothing more

situation. And there was nothing more pleasant in my room that came about each

pleasant in my room that came about each

pleasant in my room that came about each day was the people that loved me through

day was the people that loved me through

day was the people that loved me through the love of Christ that I've met along

the love of Christ that I've met along

the love of Christ that I've met along the way in fellowship of believers by

the way in fellowship of believers by

the way in fellowship of believers by being together in church with them at

being together in church with them at

being together in church with them at one point or time or sharing with them

one point or time or sharing with them

one point or time or sharing with them God on my end and hearing from them on

God on my end and hearing from them on

God on my end and hearing from them on their end. But the fellowship of

their end. But the fellowship of

their end. But the fellowship of believers with believers of God is

believers with believers of God is

believers with believers of God is tremendous because we're all trying to

tremendous because we're all trying to

tremendous because we're all trying to do God's will to one another. Hebrews

do God's will to one another. Hebrews

do God's will to one another. Hebrews 10:25 says this better than anything

10:25 says this better than anything

10:25 says this better than anything that we need not to forsake the assembly

that we need not to forsake the assembly

that we need not to forsake the assembly of ourselves as in the manner of some,

of ourselves as in the manner of some,

of ourselves as in the manner of some, but exhorting one another. Exhorting one

but exhorting one another. Exhorting one

but exhorting one another. Exhorting one another. Think about that. That's like

another. Think about that. That's like

another. Think about that. That's like being a cheerleader for the person on

being a cheerleader for the person on

being a cheerleader for the person on God's team. That's like being a player

God's team. That's like being a player

God's team. That's like being a player on God's team and receiving cheerleaders

on God's team and receiving cheerleaders

on God's team and receiving cheerleaders on your behalf for playing the game of

on your behalf for playing the game of

on your behalf for playing the game of life that God gave you. Surround

life that God gave you. Surround

life that God gave you. Surround yourself with other believers. Don't be

yourself with other believers. Don't be

yourself with other believers. Don't be like those who says, "Well, I'm saved

like those who says, "Well, I'm saved

like those who says, "Well, I'm saved and I'm satisfied." There's more to it

and I'm satisfied." There's more to it

and I'm satisfied." There's more to it than that. God didn't make us to sit on

than that. God didn't make us to sit on

than that. God didn't make us to sit on the back bench and do nothing. He

the back bench and do nothing. He

the back bench and do nothing. He created us for a specific reason and a

created us for a specific reason and a

created us for a specific reason and a purpose with a purpose and a destiny for

purpose with a purpose and a destiny for

purpose with a purpose and a destiny for each one of us to fulfill the witnessing

each one of us to fulfill the witnessing

each one of us to fulfill the witnessing that he is Lord in our life. Think about

that he is Lord in our life. Think about

that he is Lord in our life. Think about that by surrounding ourselves as it says

that by surrounding ourselves as it says

that by surrounding ourselves as it says in Hebrews 10:25. We can be a part of a

in Hebrews 10:25. We can be a part of a

in Hebrews 10:25. We can be a part of a bibleelving church or a small group. We

bibleelving church or a small group. We

bibleelving church or a small group. We can encourage and be encouraged as well

can encourage and be encouraged as well

can encourage and be encouraged as well by fellow believers. We need to join a

by fellow believers. We need to join a

by fellow believers. We need to join a Bible study or at least a church

Bible study or at least a church

Bible study or at least a church community.

community.

community. It's powerful when you find out that

It's powerful when you find out that

It's powerful when you find out that you're not alone in more ways than one.

Five on my list is this. Strengthen your

Five on my list is this. Strengthen your

Five on my list is this. Strengthen your prayer life. Now, I know I've already

prayer life. Now, I know I've already

prayer life. Now, I know I've already already talked about you praying to God

already talked about you praying to God

already talked about you praying to God and being in fellowship with him, being

and being in fellowship with him, being

and being in fellowship with him, being in relationship with him, talking with

in relationship with him, talking with

in relationship with him, talking with him on a daily basis. But let me tell

him on a daily basis. But let me tell

him on a daily basis. But let me tell you something that is part of the power

you something that is part of the power

you something that is part of the power of God by motivating us to be obedient.

of God by motivating us to be obedient.

of God by motivating us to be obedient. And by being obedient, we find that we

And by being obedient, we find that we

And by being obedient, we find that we receive rewards that we can't even

receive rewards that we can't even

receive rewards that we can't even fathom. Philippians 4 chapter 6 through7

fathom. Philippians 4 chapter 6 through7

fathom. Philippians 4 chapter 6 through7 we read, "Be careful for nothing." In

we read, "Be careful for nothing." In

we read, "Be careful for nothing." In other words, be anxious for nothing, but

other words, be anxious for nothing, but

other words, be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication

in everything by prayer and supplication

in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, and let your requests

with thanksgiving, and let your requests

with thanksgiving, and let your requests be made known to God. In other words,

be made known to God. In other words,

be made known to God. In other words, you can talk to God about anything, the

you can talk to God about anything, the

you can talk to God about anything, the good, the bad, and the ugly. But be sure

good, the bad, and the ugly. But be sure

good, the bad, and the ugly. But be sure to listen once you've given your

to listen once you've given your

to listen once you've given your petition or your request or your want or

petition or your request or your want or

petition or your request or your want or your need. He will sort it out for you,

your need. He will sort it out for you,

your need. He will sort it out for you, and what he says will be right for you.

and what he says will be right for you.

and what he says will be right for you. Prayer, remember, builds up our faith

Prayer, remember, builds up our faith

Prayer, remember, builds up our faith and keeps us connected with God. Prayer

and keeps us connected with God. Prayer

and keeps us connected with God. Prayer with boldness, however, does something

with boldness, however, does something

with boldness, however, does something else. It encourages our believing in God

else. It encourages our believing in God

else. It encourages our believing in God because we will know that he will answer

because we will know that he will answer

because we will know that he will answer no matter what it is when we bring it to

no matter what it is when we bring it to

no matter what it is when we bring it to him. no matter where we bring it to him.

him. no matter where we bring it to him.

him. no matter where we bring it to him. Keep a prayer journal if you like so you

Keep a prayer journal if you like so you

Keep a prayer journal if you like so you can see the things that God has done

can see the things that God has done

can see the things that God has done through his faithfulness and his love

through his faithfulness and his love

through his faithfulness and his love and presence for us.

We need to trust God even through the

We need to trust God even through the

We need to trust God even through the trials and temptations that he allows in

trials and temptations that he allows in

trials and temptations that he allows in our life. James 1:es 3 and 4 tells us

our life. James 1:es 3 and 4 tells us

our life. James 1:es 3 and 4 tells us that knowing this that the trying of our

that knowing this that the trying of our

that knowing this that the trying of our faith workketh patience, but let

faith workketh patience, but let

faith workketh patience, but let patience have her perfect work that ye

patience have her perfect work that ye

patience have her perfect work that ye may be perfect and entire wanting

may be perfect and entire wanting

may be perfect and entire wanting nothing.

nothing.

nothing. Boy, that's a mouthful right there.

Boy, that's a mouthful right there.

Boy, that's a mouthful right there. Let's read it again. James 13:4. Knowing

Let's read it again. James 13:4. Knowing

Let's read it again. James 13:4. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith

this, that the trying of your faith

this, that the trying of your faith workketh patience.

workketh patience.

workketh patience. Stopping right there. Think about this.

Stopping right there. Think about this.

Stopping right there. Think about this. The trying of our faith. In other words,

The trying of our faith. In other words,

The trying of our faith. In other words, we're going to find out that our patient

we're going to find out that our patient

we're going to find out that our patient grows. Our patience that is grows

grows. Our patience that is grows

grows. Our patience that is grows through the trials and temptations we

through the trials and temptations we

through the trials and temptations we face. So, when you're praying for

face. So, when you're praying for

face. So, when you're praying for patience, recognize this. God will send

patience, recognize this. God will send

patience, recognize this. God will send a trial or allow a trial to take place

a trial or allow a trial to take place

a trial or allow a trial to take place in your life so that you will grow to

in your life so that you will grow to

in your life so that you will grow to walk through it by trusting him. Let

walk through it by trusting him. Let

walk through it by trusting him. Let patience have its perfect work. He

patience have its perfect work. He

patience have its perfect work. He speaks of that it may be or rather we

speaks of that it may be or rather we

speaks of that it may be or rather we may be perfect and entire

may be perfect and entire

may be perfect and entire wanting nothing. In other words,

wanting nothing. In other words,

wanting nothing. In other words, recognizing that no matter what comes,

recognizing that no matter what comes,

recognizing that no matter what comes, God has a way for us to go through it.

God has a way for us to go through it.

God has a way for us to go through it. Now, speaking on these trials that we're

Now, speaking on these trials that we're

Now, speaking on these trials that we're talking of here, trials test and

talking of here, trials test and

talking of here, trials test and strengthen our faith. In other words, we

strengthen our faith. In other words, we

strengthen our faith. In other words, we grow strong through being faithful.

grow strong through being faithful.

grow strong through being faithful. Instead of complaining by what's going

Instead of complaining by what's going

Instead of complaining by what's going on in our life, trust that God is

on in our life, trust that God is

on in our life, trust that God is working it for our good. Romans 8:28

working it for our good. Romans 8:28

working it for our good. Romans 8:28 covers that by itself. Be patient and

covers that by itself. Be patient and

covers that by itself. Be patient and keep pressing forward. The next time you

keep pressing forward. The next time you

keep pressing forward. The next time you face a challenge, choose faith over the

face a challenge, choose faith over the

face a challenge, choose faith over the fear. And if it's something you just

fear. And if it's something you just

fear. And if it's something you just plain don't want to face, just remember

plain don't want to face, just remember

plain don't want to face, just remember this. Oh, Grandma's tales used to say

this. Oh, Grandma's tales used to say

this. Oh, Grandma's tales used to say something like this. Dreading

something like this. Dreading

something like this. Dreading is worse than doing. In other words,

is worse than doing. In other words,

is worse than doing. In other words, that's pretty good thought when you're

that's pretty good thought when you're

that's pretty good thought when you're thinking about this. Trusting God

thinking about this. Trusting God

thinking about this. Trusting God through a trial that you don't want to

through a trial that you don't want to

through a trial that you don't want to go through. Go on through it. God is

go through. Go on through it. God is

go through. Go on through it. God is with you through it. And that's good

with you through it. And that's good

with you through it. And that's good news because he did promise he would be

news because he did promise he would be

news because he did promise he would be with us always.

Finally, in growing our faith and

Finally, in growing our faith and

Finally, in growing our faith and growing our trust in the Christian walk

growing our trust in the Christian walk

growing our trust in the Christian walk we live walking and living in now, we

we live walking and living in now, we

we live walking and living in now, we need to share that faith we have with

need to share that faith we have with

need to share that faith we have with others. Even if it's just the mustard

others. Even if it's just the mustard

others. Even if it's just the mustard seed Jesus speaks of. Matthew 28:19-20

seed Jesus speaks of. Matthew 28:19-20

seed Jesus speaks of. Matthew 28:19-20 in a nutshell tells us this, and this is

in a nutshell tells us this, and this is

in a nutshell tells us this, and this is a paraphrase. Go ye therefore and teach

a paraphrase. Go ye therefore and teach

a paraphrase. Go ye therefore and teach all nations. No one is exempt from God's

all nations. No one is exempt from God's

all nations. No one is exempt from God's grace. So therefore, all need to hear

grace. So therefore, all need to hear

grace. So therefore, all need to hear the gospel of Christ. And that is our

the gospel of Christ. And that is our

the gospel of Christ. And that is our main purpose in life and our main

main purpose in life and our main

main purpose in life and our main purpose as being Christians to glorify

purpose as being Christians to glorify

purpose as being Christians to glorify God by telling others about him.

God by telling others about him.

God by telling others about him. Evangelism is a big word there. It

Evangelism is a big word there. It

Evangelism is a big word there. It strengthens our faith by being bold to

strengthens our faith by being bold to

strengthens our faith by being bold to tell the good news. We share our

tell the good news. We share our

tell the good news. We share our testimony if we don't have anything else

testimony if we don't have anything else

testimony if we don't have anything else to share and encourage others. And

to share and encourage others. And

to share and encourage others. And somebody asked me one time, "Well, I

somebody asked me one time, "Well, I

somebody asked me one time, "Well, I don't know what to tell people about

don't know what to tell people about

don't know what to tell people about Christ." Well, that's a good place to

Christ." Well, that's a good place to

Christ." Well, that's a good place to start. Tell him or her about what Christ

start. Tell him or her about what Christ

start. Tell him or her about what Christ has done for you. He saved you from an

has done for you. He saved you from an

has done for you. He saved you from an eternal hell into a glorious heaven

eternal hell into a glorious heaven

eternal hell into a glorious heaven forever. Be light in your family. Be a

forever. Be light in your family. Be a

forever. Be light in your family. Be a light in your family is the correct way

light in your family is the correct way

light in your family is the correct way of saying that. In other words, your

of saying that. In other words, your

of saying that. In other words, your family needs Christ. Be a light in your

family needs Christ. Be a light in your

family needs Christ. Be a light in your workplace because there's a lot of

workplace because there's a lot of

workplace because there's a lot of trials and tribulations going on there.

trials and tribulations going on there.

trials and tribulations going on there. And we need to be a light in our

And we need to be a light in our

And we need to be a light in our community. Look for an opportunity to

community. Look for an opportunity to

community. Look for an opportunity to share your your be your witness. Be that

share your your be your witness. Be that

share your your be your witness. Be that evangelist in your world. God's love is

evangelist in your world. God's love is

evangelist in your world. God's love is needed by somebody in your life this

needed by somebody in your life this

needed by somebody in your life this week and maybe even today.

week and maybe even today.

week and maybe even today. Remember, faith is like a muscle. The

Remember, faith is like a muscle. The

Remember, faith is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it

more you use it, the stronger it

more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Keep trusting, keep growing.

becomes. Keep trusting, keep growing.

becomes. Keep trusting, keep growing. Walk in faith each and every day. And

Walk in faith each and every day. And

Walk in faith each and every day. And you will grow in your own faith. You

you will grow in your own faith. You

you will grow in your own faith. You will grow in your own walk. Your

will grow in your own walk. Your

will grow in your own walk. Your relationship will become closer to God.

relationship will become closer to God.

relationship will become closer to God. And your faith will go stronger than

And your faith will go stronger than

And your faith will go stronger than ever.

ever.

ever. I'm Al Watkins. Some people call me

I'm Al Watkins. Some people call me

I'm Al Watkins. Some people call me Alton because that's my real name. and

Alton because that's my real name. and

Alton because that's my real name. and I'm glad to be here with you for this

I'm glad to be here with you for this

I'm glad to be here with you for this Bible study. If you have any questions

Bible study. If you have any questions

Bible study. If you have any questions or you'd like to reach me, you can do it

or you'd like to reach me, you can do it

or you'd like to reach me, you can do it by the email address that's showing on

by the email address that's showing on

by the email address that's showing on your screen right now. Remember, God

your screen right now. Remember, God

your screen right now. Remember, God loves you. I love you. And look forward

loves you. I love you. And look forward

loves you. I love you. And look forward to seeing you again as we have another

to seeing you again as we have another

to seeing you again as we have another Bible study soon on this channel that

Bible study soon on this channel that

Bible study soon on this channel that you're watching now. Remember to like

you're watching now. Remember to like

you're watching now. Remember to like it, to watch it, and to share it. and

it, to watch it, and to share it. and

it, to watch it, and to share it. and bless someone else if you were blessed

bless someone else if you were blessed

bless someone else if you were blessed today. God bless you until we meet

today. God bless you until we meet

today. God bless you until we meet again.