We are CALLED, EQUIPPED, and EMPOWERED to cling to God’s Name and maintain our faithful Witness by His Grace. We are given Grace to hold firmly to our confession of faith in God’s name and the strength to not deny our faith even in the face of severe adversity or death.
"Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:1-4
Ask God for His Grace to be a faithful witness to the truth of His Gospel.
“And to the angel of THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: I KNOW YOUR WORKS. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, AND HAVE FOLLOWED MY WORD, AND HAVE NOT DENIED MY NAME. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and make them know that I HAVE LOVED YOU. BECAUSE YOU HAVE KEPT MY WORD OF PERSEVERANCE, I also will keep you from the hour of the testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who live on the earth. I am coming quickly; HOLD FIRMLY TO WHAT YOU HAVE, so that no one will take your crown. THE ONE WHO OVERCOMES, I WILL MAKE HIM A PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE OF MY GOD, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I WILL WRITE ON HIM THE NAME OF MY GOD, and THE NAME OF THE CITY OF MY GOD, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ " Revelation 3:7-13
We are CALLED, EQUIPPED, and EMPOWERED to overcome all adversity and trials by HIS FAITH. We are given Jesus' full life, including His Humility, FAITH, and Obedience. Jesus is working His life into our lives, transforming us into His very image, the image of God, which is LOVE.
"and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25
We have been given everything we need to overcome by faith and perseverance; God promises rewards such as hidden manna, a white stone with a new name, authority over nations, the morning star, and a permanent place in God’s temple. These rewards signify approval, intimacy, authority, and eternal fellowship with God.
“To the angel of THE CHURCH OF LAODICEA write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Origin of the creation of God, says this: ‘I KNOW YOUR WORKS, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I WILL VOMIT YOU OUT OF MY MOUTH. Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,” and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, I advise you to BUY FROM ME GOLD REFINED BY FIRE so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to apply to your eyes SO THAT YOU MAY SEE. Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore BE ZEALOUS AND REPENT. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I WILL COME IN TO HIM AND WILL DINE WITH HIM, AND HE WITH ME. THE ONE WHO OVERCOMES, I will grant to him to SIT WITH ME ON MY THRONE, as I also overcame and sat with My Father on His throne. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ” Revelation 3:14-22
We are CALLED, EQUIPPED, and EMPOWERED to practice His Righteousness and His Love every minute of every day. Let His works work in you by Grace and be characterized by His love, faith, service, and perseverance. Pray and ask God to increase and empower His GOOD WORKS in you, demonstrating His growth in our lives marked by His faith and love in us!
We are CALLED, EQUIPPED, and EMPOWERED to hold firmly until JESUS RETURNS. We are given His Strength to keep the faith and maintain HIS WORKS, those that please God until the end. Through HIS strengthening, His fruit remains, keeping us firmly in God's word.
We are CALLED, EQUIPPED, and EMPOWERED to be ZEALOUS and buy Gold from God refined by fire (Grace). Ask and seek to receive His spiritual richness and purity, a gift of Grace from God. Ask God for His Strength to endure the trials that refine us by fire. Ask the Father for forgiveness for losing zealousness for His righteousness. Ask God to forgive you, REPENT FROM ALL COMPLACENCY AND ALL LUKEWARM FAITH.
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
We are CALLED and EQUIPPED and EMPOWERED to open the door to Christ because HE IS KNOCKING. Ask God to give us an immediate obedience to Christ's presence and the Holy Spirit's leadership. Invite the Holy Spirit into every aspect of your life and church, enjoying His Grace and His fellowship every moment of every day.
"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 1:6-7
We are CALLED, EQUIPPED, and EMPOWERED to listen to and FOLLOW the Holy Spirit in total and complete obedience. Jesus said, FOLLOW ME! He wouldn’t command us to follow HIM unless we could, by His Grace. Ask the Father for a deep sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, who speaks and leads all believers. We ask God for Grace to be receptive to His correction, encouragement, and direction, in Jesus' name.
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." Revelation 3:20
By adhering to GOD'S PLAN by Grace, all believers and all churches will master the complexities of faith, uphold the integrity of the Gospel, and engage in a life that brings glory to God through Jesus Christ--ALL BY HIS GRACE. The promise of His eternal rewards underscores the significance of His perseverance, purity, and passionate devotion for us as WE ARE SAVED BY HIS GRACE!
"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:25
The warnings to BELIEVERS AND CHURCHES highlighted in Revelation emphasize the dangers of losing one's initial hunger for God, tolerating false teachings and immoral behaviors, becoming complacent or lukewarm in faith, and facing spiritual decline. These warnings serve not just as cautionary tales but as a clarion call to all CHRIST'S FOLLOWERS, including those in the church at St. George, Utah, to undertake specific, proactive steps in their faith journey to avoid such consequences.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2
By God’s Grace, we can rekindle the passion and commitment to Christ that marked the beginning of our faith journey. He can deepen our relationship through daily prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture. Grace empowers us to engage in love and service that mirrors God’s love for His creation.
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
By God’s Grace, we can do regular self-examination, and our repentance is a continuous practice of His Grace. Acknowledge and turn away from sins and errors, seeking God's forgiveness and transforming Grace to live in a manner that pleases Him always in all things.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." Hebrews 12:1-2
By God’s Grace, we view trials as opportunities for growth in faith and character. By God’s Grace, we stand firm in the face of persecution or hardship, relying on God's strength and the support of our faith community.
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord." Ephesians 5:8-10
By God’s Grace, we are vigilant against false teachings and practices that can infiltrate and harm the church. His protection involves educating ALL BELIEVERS in biblical truth, encouraging discernment, and fostering a culture of accountability within the CHURCH COMMUNITY.
"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:1-2
By God’s Grace, we can live out our faith boldly and authentically, BEING THE LIGHT in our community. By God’s Grace, we uphold the truth of the Gospel in our words and actions and support those who face challenges for their faith.
"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
By God’s Grace, we receive spiritual maturity and victory over sin, being mindful of the promises to those who overcome. By God’s Grace, we grow in Grace, love, and knowledge of God, always aiming for a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him.
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7-12
By God’s Grace, we have a peaceful sense of anticipation and readiness for Christ's return. He includes HIS Grace for being faithful in service, worship, and community involvement and encouraging one another in faith.
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8
By God’s Grace, we guard against complacency and the lure of materialism by focusing on the true riches found in CHRIST ALONE. By Grace, we grow during trials that refine our faith as He makes us grow closer to God and more reliant on His daily provision and Grace.
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love." 2 Peter 1:5-8
By God’s Grace, we cultivate a welcoming environment for Christ's presence in our personal life and the church. By God’s Grace, we obey His guidance, correction, and companionship through prayer, worship, and obedience.
"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." Revelation 2:4-5
By God’s Grace, we listen attentively to what the Spirit says to the church. By God’s Grace, we are open to HIS correction; by Grace, we are willing to change and eager to follow God's leading.
By taking these actions, the Church at St. George, Utah, can align itself with God's desires, avoiding the consequences warned about in Revelation. God has given us Grace for a collective commitment to spiritual vigilance, purity, and passionate devotion, ensuring that HIS CHURCH remains a beacon of Grace, hope, truth, and LOVE in the world.
Followers and apprentices of Jesus Christ, living in the Grace that God provides, can engage in various practices daily to grow in faith, reflect His love, and extend His Kingdom.
Let us begin every day with the Holy Spirit in prayer, offering thanks, presenting requests, and seeking guidance. Maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day, staying in constant communion with God.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Let’s dedicate time to reading the Bible, allowing the Word of God to renew our minds, guide decisions, and transform our hearts. Let’s meditate on HIS TRUTH throughout the day.
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8
Let’s show God's love through acts of kindness, compassion, and service to others, reflecting the Grace shown to us.
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Let’s embrace His Grace of forgiveness every day by forgiving others. Let go of ALL grudges and bitterness, extending mercy as freely as it has been given.
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14
Let’s look for every opportunity to share the hope and Grace found in Jesus Christ with others, whether through words, actions, or lifestyle.
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
Let’s acknowledge God’s greatness and our dependence on Him. Let’s practice humility in interactions, always valuing everyone above ourselves.
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15
Let us engage with a community of believers DAILY for encouragement, support, and accountability. Let’s share life’s burdens and joys.
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:-3-4
Let’s look for opportunities daily to serve within our community, church, and beyond. Let’s use our gifts and talents to bless others and glorify God.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and GOOD WORKS, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25
Let’s set aside time daily for personal worship, expressing love and adoration for God and His Children through song, prayer, and reflection.
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied Grace." 1 Peter 4:10
Let’s end every day by entrusting our worries, plans, and ourselves to God’s care, resting in the peace that comes from knowing He is in control and we are not.
"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:23-24
Living in Grace every day involves a conscious choice to align one’s thoughts, words, and actions with the will of God, relying on His strength and guidance. It’s a journey of becoming more like Jesus, marked by a transformation that radiates God’s love and Grace to the world.
Lose all human strength and embrace our weakness.
"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
Deny yourself, and receive Grace to love everyone like Jesus loved.
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" Luke 9:23
God’s purpose is our purpose, which is to love one another.
"For by Grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
We are made in God’s image, in His Glory. God redeemed man so we can yield everything to Him to show His glory.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35
God gives us the Grace to discover what is lacking in us and then the Grace to let the Holy Spirit correct us and make us Holy–HIS WORKS.
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27
We are to be humble, exercise His Humility, confess our sins and weaknesses, and let God’s Grace fix, clean, and perfect everything.
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
God is the Architect, He is the Builder, and He made the plans. We are God’s building, and He is responsible for building us. We are to allow God to work in us fully–ABSOLUTE SURRENDER–to His obedience, and ALL FOR HIS GLORY.
"But he said to me, 'My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
He is WORKING ALL-IN-ALL. That’s His Job.
"But he gives more Grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives Grace to the humble.' “ James 4:6
We are to RECEIVE all that He can give gratefully. We are called to surrender everything to Him to glorify His name willingly.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
We are to serve by God’s strength and His Power by His Holy Spirit by Grace working through His love.
As we stand at the crossroads of faith and daily life, the resounding truth that "I Know Your Works" serves as both a gentle whisper and a powerful declaration from the heart of the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This divine knowledge, far from being a mere tally of our deeds, is a profound testament to God's boundless love, His deep desire for intimacy with us, and His commitment to our growth and transformation. It is a reminder that our every effort, every struggle, and every triumph is seen, known, and cherished by a God who is infinitely involved in the minutiae of our lives.
In this divine dance of Grace and works, we are invited to embrace a life-transcending human endeavor. Our works imbued with divine significance, become the canvas upon which God's love, mercy, and power are vividly displayed. Life is not a journey we undertake alone; the Holy Spirit guides us, strengthens us, and empowers us to live out our faith in ways that echo the heartbeat of heaven. As we surrender to this divine flow, our lives become a vibrant testament to the Grace we've received—a Grace that saves, sanctifies, and sends us forth in service.
Therefore, let us move forward with hearts aflame with the love of Christ, eyes fixed on the beauty of His Grace, and hands ready to serve His kingdom. In the knowledge that God intimately knows our works, let this be the fuel for our faith, the inspiration for our love, and the foundation for our hope. As citizens of heaven and ambassadors of Christ, may our lives reflect the glorious truth that we are known, loved, and empowered by the Trinity to make an eternal difference. Let GOD HAVE FIRST PLACE IN every word and deed so that God's Grace is seen, His love is felt, and His glory is known through us.