Good evening, everyone! It’s great to have you all here. We gather here as part of the Band of Warriors for Christ (BOWFC), a community of believers from all walks of life who love Jesus and are eager to grow in their knowledge of Him. The mission of BOWFC is simple: to study the Word of God, to build our faith, and to strengthen our walk with Christ. While I can guide you and pray for you, true growth comes when you seek and study on your own.
Tools for Study
If you don’t have them already, I highly recommend getting two vital tools for Bible study: the King James Version (KJV) Bible and a Strong’s Concordance. These will help you unlock the deeper meanings of scripture. Studying the Word is like baking a spiritual cake; you need the right ingredients to see the transformation that happens within you. With these tools, you’ll have a strong foundation to build upon.
Faith in Action
Sunday’s message was about faith. For those who missed it, you can catch it on YouTube. We talked about how faith in Christ can transform our lives. But tonight, we will focus on the theme of the Lord and Savior. Let’s bow our heads and give thanks:
Lord Jesus, thank you for this moment. Thank you for allowing us to gather and study your Word. I ask that you guide and bless each person here, leading them to a deeper understanding of your truth. May your healing and love reach those in need tonight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Theme: Lord and Savior
What does it mean when we refer to Jesus as our Lord and Savior? You hear the phrase often, but let’s break it down. In 2 Peter 3:18, we are instructed to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But what’s the difference between Lord and Savior? And is Jesus truly both for us?
Jesus the Savior
The Strong’s Concordance defines “Savior” as deliverer or preserver. Jesus saves us from dangers, destruction, and perishing. One of the most well-known scriptures is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This promise extends to all who believe in Him.
Other verses like Isaiah 1:18, 1 John 1:9, and Romans 5:8 speak about the grace and forgiveness Jesus offers. These scriptures paint a picture of a Savior who not only rescues but also restores us to health, both spiritually and emotionally.
Jesus the Lord
Now let’s look at the concept of Lordship. In Strong’s Concordance, “Lord” refers to someone who has control, authority, and ownership. To call Jesus “Lord” means we acknowledge His authority in every aspect of our lives. Yet, how many of us truly live this out?
2 Timothy 3:1-5 warns us about the times we live in: people will love themselves more than God, and many will deny His power. Are we guilty of denying Christ’s Lordship in our daily lives? We must ask ourselves: Do we recognize His authority? Do we truly live as though He is in control?
Obedience and Rebellion
1 Samuel 15:22-23 reminds us that “to obey is better than sacrifice.” God is more pleased with our obedience than with any ritualistic offerings. When we refuse to follow His Word, it’s akin to rebellion, a serious matter. Rebellion, in the eyes of God, is comparable to witchcraft and idolatry.
When we recognize Jesus as Lord, we choose to live in obedience to Him. That means not just reading the Bible but acting upon it. It’s easy to lean on our own feelings and neglect what God is trying to teach us. But when we submit to His authority, we allow the Holy Spirit to flow through us.
Do We Serve Him?
Jesus made it clear in Matthew 6:24: no one can serve two masters. You will either serve God or serve yourself (Mammon). One exercise I recommend is keeping a daily journal or calendar. Every day, ask yourself, “Who am I serving today—God or Mammon?” Be honest in your evaluation, and let it guide you toward serving Christ more fully.
In Romans 6:16, Paul reminds us that we are servants to whomever we obey, whether it’s sin leading to death or obedience leading to righteousness. The choice is ours.
Seeking Counsel from God
Do we ask God for counsel in our lives? 1 John 4:1 tells us to test the spirits, to ensure they are from God. This means we must be discerning. How can we know if something is truly from God? The answer lies in Scripture. Matthew 7:7 teaches us to ask, seek, and knock, and the doors will be opened. But it’s important to remember that God’s timing may not always align with our expectations.
Accepting God’s Discipline
As followers of Christ, we must also accept His discipline. Hebrews 12:6-8 teaches that the Lord disciplines those He loves, just as a father disciplines his children. This correction is meant for our growth, not our harm. If we endure this chastening, we grow in our walk with Him.
Rewards for Obedience
The Bible promises rewards for those who faithfully serve the Lord. Revelation 22:12 tells us that Jesus is coming quickly, and His reward is with Him. Our actions, obedience, and faithfulness will be rewarded. Luke 6:35 reminds us to love our enemies, to lend without expecting anything in return, and our reward will be great.
Closing Thoughts
As we come to the end of this Bible study, I urge you to not just listen but to take these words to heart. Jesus is both Lord and Savior, and it’s up to each of us to live in obedience to Him. If you’re struggling, that’s okay, it’s part of the process. What matters is that you keep pushing forward, studying the Word, and growing in your faith.
I am so grateful to be a part of the Band of Warriors for Christ, and I thank each of you for joining tonight. May the peace of Jesus be with you, and if you’re not yet baptized in His name, we would love to help you take that step. Until Sunday, stay strong in your faith.
Amen.
Daniel Lantis has been a pastor and professional speaker for over 41 years, dedicating his life to serving Christ. Throughout his journey, he has given generously, whether it’s money, cars, or buildings, and has never lacked anything in return. He encourages others to give their resources to Jesus, trusting that He will provide abundantly.
