- Published on
Mark 3:1-6
I. The Story of the Withered Hand.
We are not told all the history involved so we don’t know if this man was born with this condition or if something happened in life to cause it. In any case his hand was described as withered- dried up; shriveled; wasted; useless. He could not use it at all; it was a hand in form but it had no life or force, no strength or power. It was completely useless to this man.
I can’t help but think that the word withered describes a situation where at one time the man had the full use of this hand; he could eat with it; write with it; work with it; use it to play games with his children; use it shake a friend’s hand; to wave, wipe his brow, comb his hair.
After all, Luke records that it was his Right Hand- clearly a reference to the fact that it had been his Primary hand- the one he used the most- the one most necessary to normal everyday life.
Somehow he had suffered either an accident or a disease that had caused his hand to wither- to dry up- to waste away- to shrivel and become useless.
What a difficult situation for a man to be in! Those things that were so common to everyday life now became a real challenge and he had to adjust to the problem by learning to use his left hand and trying to compensate for the withered hand.
This man happened to be in the synagogue that day when Jesus entered and began to teach. All of a sudden, without any prior warning, Jesus looked at the man with the withered hand and said to him, “Rise up and stand forth in the midst.” Imagine the man’s surprise at being singled out all of a sudden right in front of the whole congregation. Immediately he rose up and stepped out into the midst of the crowd in the synagogue. There he stood silently while Jesus took the opportunity to question the Pharisees and scribes concerning doing good on the Sabbath day. Then Jesus looked around the assembly. Mark said in our text that he looked “on them with anger being grieved for the hardness of their hearts,” then he turned to the man and cried out, “Stretch forth thy hand!”
The man reacted in Faith and as he made the effort to stretch out his withered hand, suddenly it was withered no longer. It was Made Whole, Restored, put back into its original condition.
What a great miracle of power- what a glorious healing- what a blessing for this man- he had regained the Full use of his right hand- all of his inconvenience had been removed- all of his restrictions were gone- he was no longer hindered by the lack of his right hand- he was back to Full Strength and Ability.
Thank God he can Restore the Withered Hand!
Thank God he can Restore the Withered Life too.
II. The Significance of the Withered Hand.
You already know that the Bible gives us stories and accounts for more than just a historical record. The things recorded in the Bible are for more than information or knowledge in our heads. They are recorded that we might learn Spiritual Lessons for our Lives today.
This withered hand symbolizes more than a physical need. It speaks to our Spiritual needs as well. We sometimes have areas of life that seemingly have become withered; not flourishing; weak.
The Greek word translated withered was (xer an ee o) and is used in a number of other instances than in this story.
- It was used to describe the plants that grew up in rocky ground without much soil for roots. When the Sun rose up in its full force; they were withered by its scorching heat.
-It was used by a boy’s father in describing what an evil spirit caused to happen to him. He pineth away- he withers; shrivels up; becomes limp and useless.
- It was used by Jesus in describing what happens to a branch that becomes disconnected from the Vine; it withers and dies.
SO that says to me that we may suffer this withering in three ways:
1) We may be Scorched by Life’s Troubles.
The troubles of life are likened by Jesus to the heat of the sun. When the sun rises in its strength, plants are in great danger. They cannot withstand such heat without a powerful root system bringing in a constant supply of water.
So the troubles of life often rise up in their full strength and scorch our faith until we wither.
I have known numbers of people who lived for God for years, but somewhere along the way the troubles of life piled up on them; their tragedies seemed to multiply; their distress mounted up; and in spite of their former relationship with God, they Withered, they Dried Up, they wasted away spiritually and became useless.
2) We may be Shaken by Satan’s Attacks.
Just as that young boy brought to Jesus would pine away or wither under the attack of the devil, we too may wither under his persistent pressure. The Devil Hates you and me. He wants us all to be lost; to be separated from God; to be living in worldliness, bitterness, sin, and rebellion against God and his Word. He will do everything in his power to Weaken you- Hinder you- Overcome you. He will work to Dry up your spiritual life; to cause you to shrivel up and waste away; to become useless to God and the Church.
3) We may suffer from a Separation in our Spiritual Relationship with the Lord.
He truly is the Vine! We are but branches. We have no Life in ourselves. Unless we stay connected with Jesus we will Dry Up, wither, waste away, and become useless spiritually.
You don’t have to commit a horrendous sin to wither spiritually. If you neglect your relationship with the Lord you will Wither. Where there is a Lack of Prayer; Lack of time in the Word of God; Lack of church attendance; Lack dedication and commitment; there will be a withering.
- Hand of Worship will Wither! No longer active in true worship- spirit and truth. Service after service- come dry & go away dry- others raise their hands your’s remain unmoved- others shed tears but your eyes are dry- others rejoice in God’s presence but you just watch- unmoved.
Hand of Fellowship will wither! Closeness with the people of God will fade- friendships will fail- fellowship will cease- comradery will vanish- Unity will be destroyed- Friction will set in- Instead of reaching out a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in the Lord- we will withdraw into our own shell of isolation.
Hand of Service will Wither! There are believers who no longer serve the Lord with their life, their effort, their energy. They Don’t want to Sing- don’t want to testify- don’t want to teach- don’t want to invite anyone to church- won’t participate in the activities of the church- won’t be a part of the outreach of the church- Dried up- withered- shriveled- useless.
What a Tragic condition! What a Terrible state to be in.
Need to be RESTORED- Made WHOLE.
Restored to Full Strength; Renewed to Life and Vitality; Returned to Usefulness.
Worship Restored; Fellowship Restored; Service Restored.
If you have been Scorched by Life’s troubles, you can be made whole.
If you have been Shaken by Satan’s attacks, you can be made whole.
If you have become Separated from the Lord, you can be made whole.
I. The Story of the Withered Hand.
We are not told all the history involved so we don’t know if this man was born with this condition or if something happened in life to cause it. In any case his hand was described as withered- dried up; shriveled; wasted; useless. He could not use it at all; it was a hand in form but it had no life or force, no strength or power. It was completely useless to this man.
I can’t help but think that the word withered describes a situation where at one time the man had the full use of this hand; he could eat with it; write with it; work with it; use it to play games with his children; use it shake a friend’s hand; to wave, wipe his brow, comb his hair.
After all, Luke records that it was his Right Hand- clearly a reference to the fact that it had been his Primary hand- the one he used the most- the one most necessary to normal everyday life.
Somehow he had suffered either an accident or a disease that had caused his hand to wither- to dry up- to waste away- to shrivel and become useless.
What a difficult situation for a man to be in! Those things that were so common to everyday life now became a real challenge and he had to adjust to the problem by learning to use his left hand and trying to compensate for the withered hand.
This man happened to be in the synagogue that day when Jesus entered and began to teach. All of a sudden, without any prior warning, Jesus looked at the man with the withered hand and said to him, “Rise up and stand forth in the midst.” Imagine the man’s surprise at being singled out all of a sudden right in front of the whole congregation. Immediately he rose up and stepped out into the midst of the crowd in the synagogue. There he stood silently while Jesus took the opportunity to question the Pharisees and scribes concerning doing good on the Sabbath day. Then Jesus looked around the assembly. Mark said in our text that he looked “on them with anger being grieved for the hardness of their hearts,” then he turned to the man and cried out, “Stretch forth thy hand!”
The man reacted in Faith and as he made the effort to stretch out his withered hand, suddenly it was withered no longer. It was Made Whole, Restored, put back into its original condition.
What a great miracle of power- what a glorious healing- what a blessing for this man- he had regained the Full use of his right hand- all of his inconvenience had been removed- all of his restrictions were gone- he was no longer hindered by the lack of his right hand- he was back to Full Strength and Ability.
Thank God he can Restore the Withered Hand!
Thank God he can Restore the Withered Life too.
II. The Significance of the Withered Hand.
You already know that the Bible gives us stories and accounts for more than just a historical record. The things recorded in the Bible are for more than information or knowledge in our heads. They are recorded that we might learn Spiritual Lessons for our Lives today.
This withered hand symbolizes more than a physical need. It speaks to our Spiritual needs as well. We sometimes have areas of life that seemingly have become withered; not flourishing; weak.
The Greek word translated withered was (xer an ee o) and is used in a number of other instances than in this story.
- It was used to describe the plants that grew up in rocky ground without much soil for roots. When the Sun rose up in its full force; they were withered by its scorching heat.
-It was used by a boy’s father in describing what an evil spirit caused to happen to him. He pineth away- he withers; shrivels up; becomes limp and useless.
- It was used by Jesus in describing what happens to a branch that becomes disconnected from the Vine; it withers and dies.
SO that says to me that we may suffer this withering in three ways:
1) We may be Scorched by Life’s Troubles.
The troubles of life are likened by Jesus to the heat of the sun. When the sun rises in its strength, plants are in great danger. They cannot withstand such heat without a powerful root system bringing in a constant supply of water.
So the troubles of life often rise up in their full strength and scorch our faith until we wither.
I have known numbers of people who lived for God for years, but somewhere along the way the troubles of life piled up on them; their tragedies seemed to multiply; their distress mounted up; and in spite of their former relationship with God, they Withered, they Dried Up, they wasted away spiritually and became useless.
2) We may be Shaken by Satan’s Attacks.
Just as that young boy brought to Jesus would pine away or wither under the attack of the devil, we too may wither under his persistent pressure. The Devil Hates you and me. He wants us all to be lost; to be separated from God; to be living in worldliness, bitterness, sin, and rebellion against God and his Word. He will do everything in his power to Weaken you- Hinder you- Overcome you. He will work to Dry up your spiritual life; to cause you to shrivel up and waste away; to become useless to God and the Church.
3) We may suffer from a Separation in our Spiritual Relationship with the Lord.
He truly is the Vine! We are but branches. We have no Life in ourselves. Unless we stay connected with Jesus we will Dry Up, wither, waste away, and become useless spiritually.
You don’t have to commit a horrendous sin to wither spiritually. If you neglect your relationship with the Lord you will Wither. Where there is a Lack of Prayer; Lack of time in the Word of God; Lack of church attendance; Lack dedication and commitment; there will be a withering.
- Hand of Worship will Wither! No longer active in true worship- spirit and truth. Service after service- come dry & go away dry- others raise their hands your’s remain unmoved- others shed tears but your eyes are dry- others rejoice in God’s presence but you just watch- unmoved.
Hand of Fellowship will wither! Closeness with the people of God will fade- friendships will fail- fellowship will cease- comradery will vanish- Unity will be destroyed- Friction will set in- Instead of reaching out a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in the Lord- we will withdraw into our own shell of isolation.
Hand of Service will Wither! There are believers who no longer serve the Lord with their life, their effort, their energy. They Don’t want to Sing- don’t want to testify- don’t want to teach- don’t want to invite anyone to church- won’t participate in the activities of the church- won’t be a part of the outreach of the church- Dried up- withered- shriveled- useless.
What a Tragic condition! What a Terrible state to be in.
Need to be RESTORED- Made WHOLE.
Restored to Full Strength; Renewed to Life and Vitality; Returned to Usefulness.
Worship Restored; Fellowship Restored; Service Restored.
If you have been Scorched by Life’s troubles, you can be made whole.
If you have been Shaken by Satan’s attacks, you can be made whole.
If you have become Separated from the Lord, you can be made whole.
- Published on
Step into the Water
Joshua 3:14-16
Intro: Israel had come to a Crisis Point in this account. God had revealed his plan for Israel as a nation all the way back in the time of Abraham. God promised Abraham he would be the father of a great nation; that they would inhabit the land of Canaan and that it would be theirs forever. Many years of difficulty and hardship followed; they suffered through the bondage of Egypt; then when they were delivered from Egypt and made it to the border of the Promised Land; the ten spies brought an evil report and discouraged the people from pressing forward and conquering the land.
Instead of Stepping Forward; they Pulled Back.
Instead of Stepping out in Faith; they Stepped back in Doubt.
They spent 40 more years of trouble and distress; wandering around in the wilderness while the generation that refused to trust God and obey his commands perished.
NOW- Israel had come again to the border of the Promised Land and God Gave Clear Instructions to Joshua about what Israel was to do. God commanded that the Priests take up the Ark of the Covenant; march toward the Jordan river (which was flooded and flowing out of its banks); and that they Step into the Water until all the priests were standing In the Water.
God could have parted the waters like he did at the Red Sea; before Anyone stepped in.
But, he wanted them to make A Definite and Deliberate Step of Faith and Obedience.
God said (in so many words) You’ve been wanting me to take care of you; you’ve been expecting me to be faithful to you; to move for you; to Act on your behalf; Well- Now I want You to Move for Me; to Act for Me; to show your Trust and Faith by Stepping Out even when the waters are still flowing strong.
Someone may be reading this and right now, God is wanting you to Step Into the Water.
You are wanting God to Move for You. You are standing by the over flowing Jordan (so to speak) and saying- God would you please part these waters for me? God would you please make a way for me? God would you prove your power to me?
God is saying to You- Take a Step of Faith; Take a step of Obedience.
1) Some Need to Step into the Waters of Salvation.
You have attended a number of services; you have heard a lot of preaching; you have felt that Stirring in your soul and spirit that you cannot explain; even in your mind you Know that you really need to be saved; you really need to KNOW that Jesus lives in your heart; you want that assurance; you want that peace; you want to know that you are Right with God; but you are still Lingering on the Brink of the overflowing Jordan; it looks like a Risky step; you argue with yourself; and debate with yourself and you’ve talked yourself out of it more than once; You need to Step into the Water!
Once you make that initial step; all your arguments will fade away; all your excuses will vanish; all your anxiety will be relieved; When you step into the Water; God will move for you; He will save you; he will cleanse your heart; he will renew your spirit and your mind; You will be SAVED- washed in the blood of Jesus; adopted into the family of God.
Step into the Water!
2) Some need to Step into the Waters of Surrender.
You have heard a lot of sermons too; you have felt God’s Spirit dealing with you too; you believe that you are a Christian; not lost without God; not doomed for hell; Just Not Where you need to be with the Lord.
Falling short in your commitment to the Lord.
Falling short in your obedience to his Word.
Falling short in your faithfulness to church.
Falling short in living a holy life like you know you need to.
Are you falling short in Full Surrender to the Lord? Does the river look too Deep and too Wide for you to cross? Are you lingering on the shore, saying I’m not sure I can do this; I’m not sure I’m ready; Lord why don’t you go ahead and part the waters for me- THEN I’ll step out-
Step into the Water! Make your full surrender; commit your life totally to the Lord; stop hesitating; stop holding back; stop letting the devil trick you out of making a full surrender to the Lord.
3) Some need to Step into the Waters of a Spirit Filled Life.
You’ve heard me and others preach about your need to be baptized in the Holy Ghost; you’ve heard about the infilling of the Holy Ghost; you’ve witnessed others receiving This Powerful blessing from God; but you are standing by the overflowing Jordan; saying God if you really want me to be filled, please just do it- have so and so sing that certain song; have brother so and so come and preach that certain message; have this happen; have that happen; on and on.
God says to you- Step into the Water!
God promised he would send the Spirit and God kept his promise on the Day of Pentecost; and he has been keeping that promise EVER SINCE. Through the decades and the centuries People have been filled with and baptized in the Holy Ghost.
When the Lord moves in a Service- STEP INTO THE WATER! Don’t wait for someone else; don’t wait for something else to happen; just Trust the Lord and Obey.
You may need healing; step into the water.
You may need victory; step into the water.
You may need comfort; you may need strength; you may need a closer walk with the Lord.
Step into the Water.
Joshua 3:14-16
Intro: Israel had come to a Crisis Point in this account. God had revealed his plan for Israel as a nation all the way back in the time of Abraham. God promised Abraham he would be the father of a great nation; that they would inhabit the land of Canaan and that it would be theirs forever. Many years of difficulty and hardship followed; they suffered through the bondage of Egypt; then when they were delivered from Egypt and made it to the border of the Promised Land; the ten spies brought an evil report and discouraged the people from pressing forward and conquering the land.
Instead of Stepping Forward; they Pulled Back.
Instead of Stepping out in Faith; they Stepped back in Doubt.
They spent 40 more years of trouble and distress; wandering around in the wilderness while the generation that refused to trust God and obey his commands perished.
NOW- Israel had come again to the border of the Promised Land and God Gave Clear Instructions to Joshua about what Israel was to do. God commanded that the Priests take up the Ark of the Covenant; march toward the Jordan river (which was flooded and flowing out of its banks); and that they Step into the Water until all the priests were standing In the Water.
God could have parted the waters like he did at the Red Sea; before Anyone stepped in.
But, he wanted them to make A Definite and Deliberate Step of Faith and Obedience.
God said (in so many words) You’ve been wanting me to take care of you; you’ve been expecting me to be faithful to you; to move for you; to Act on your behalf; Well- Now I want You to Move for Me; to Act for Me; to show your Trust and Faith by Stepping Out even when the waters are still flowing strong.
Someone may be reading this and right now, God is wanting you to Step Into the Water.
You are wanting God to Move for You. You are standing by the over flowing Jordan (so to speak) and saying- God would you please part these waters for me? God would you please make a way for me? God would you prove your power to me?
God is saying to You- Take a Step of Faith; Take a step of Obedience.
1) Some Need to Step into the Waters of Salvation.
You have attended a number of services; you have heard a lot of preaching; you have felt that Stirring in your soul and spirit that you cannot explain; even in your mind you Know that you really need to be saved; you really need to KNOW that Jesus lives in your heart; you want that assurance; you want that peace; you want to know that you are Right with God; but you are still Lingering on the Brink of the overflowing Jordan; it looks like a Risky step; you argue with yourself; and debate with yourself and you’ve talked yourself out of it more than once; You need to Step into the Water!
Once you make that initial step; all your arguments will fade away; all your excuses will vanish; all your anxiety will be relieved; When you step into the Water; God will move for you; He will save you; he will cleanse your heart; he will renew your spirit and your mind; You will be SAVED- washed in the blood of Jesus; adopted into the family of God.
Step into the Water!
2) Some need to Step into the Waters of Surrender.
You have heard a lot of sermons too; you have felt God’s Spirit dealing with you too; you believe that you are a Christian; not lost without God; not doomed for hell; Just Not Where you need to be with the Lord.
Falling short in your commitment to the Lord.
Falling short in your obedience to his Word.
Falling short in your faithfulness to church.
Falling short in living a holy life like you know you need to.
Are you falling short in Full Surrender to the Lord? Does the river look too Deep and too Wide for you to cross? Are you lingering on the shore, saying I’m not sure I can do this; I’m not sure I’m ready; Lord why don’t you go ahead and part the waters for me- THEN I’ll step out-
Step into the Water! Make your full surrender; commit your life totally to the Lord; stop hesitating; stop holding back; stop letting the devil trick you out of making a full surrender to the Lord.
3) Some need to Step into the Waters of a Spirit Filled Life.
You’ve heard me and others preach about your need to be baptized in the Holy Ghost; you’ve heard about the infilling of the Holy Ghost; you’ve witnessed others receiving This Powerful blessing from God; but you are standing by the overflowing Jordan; saying God if you really want me to be filled, please just do it- have so and so sing that certain song; have brother so and so come and preach that certain message; have this happen; have that happen; on and on.
God says to you- Step into the Water!
God promised he would send the Spirit and God kept his promise on the Day of Pentecost; and he has been keeping that promise EVER SINCE. Through the decades and the centuries People have been filled with and baptized in the Holy Ghost.
When the Lord moves in a Service- STEP INTO THE WATER! Don’t wait for someone else; don’t wait for something else to happen; just Trust the Lord and Obey.
You may need healing; step into the water.
You may need victory; step into the water.
You may need comfort; you may need strength; you may need a closer walk with the Lord.
Step into the Water.
- Published on
The Power of God
Mt. 28:18; Rom. 1:16
Intro: We all know the inconvenience of being without power. Some times it’s a real bother and some times it becomes a distress. It’s Amazing how difficult “normal” life is without power. We don’t even realize how dependant we are on it until it is gone. We have an Even Greater Need for God’s Power- need it for our physical human life but we also need for our Spiritual Life; for our Eternal life.
Jesus said that All Power in heaven and in earth had been given to him; and that he was sharing it with his disciples so that they would go throughout the whole earth preaching, teaching and baptizing converts in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost.
Paul said that the Gospel of Christ IS the Power of God. The Power of God is still Real today; still Available today; still working today; still effective today.
I. Redeems the Fallen.
Paul said in Rom. 1:16 that the “gospel of Christ is the power of God unto Salvation.”
John 1:12- To those that received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.
In Matthew 9- 4 men brought friend who was paralyzed- Jesus said to the man- Thy sins be forgiven thee. The Pharisees murmured against Jesus for forgiving sin. Mt. 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,)Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
God still redeems the Fallen; his power still Saves; Forgives; Cleanses from Sin.
II. Revives the Fainthearted.
1Cor 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. [Your faith should Stand]
Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel...
Isaiah 40:29- He giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might, he increaseth strength.
1 Peter 1:5 we are “Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation”
2 Cor. 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me
Paul makes it clear that the sufficient grace and the perfect strength come by the Power of Christ resting upon us.
III. Reassures the Fearful.
Paul told Timothy- 2 Tim. 1:7- God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of Power, Love, and a Sound Mind.
[Albert Barnes- The state referred to here is that in which the mind is well balanced, and under right influences; in which it sees things in their just proportions and right relations; in which it is not feverish and excited, but having everything in its proper place.]
[M. Henry- quietness of mind, a peaceable enjoyment of ourselves; for we are oftentimes discouraged in our way and work by creatures of our own imagination; this sound mind is a sober, solid, thinking mind which eliminates these disquieting and discouraging fears.]
I Know we are living in Uncertain Times- Wonder about Political World- Economic system- world of foreign affairs- international relations- war and terrorism- Uncertainties in our own Homes and Families. Still let me Remind us all; the spirit of fear does not come from God. Where then does it come from? From our Enemy, the Roaring Lion. Why does the Lion roar? To intimidate his prey- to paralyze them- to freeze them- immobilize them. The Words of Jesus are still True and In Force today- Let Not your hearts be troubled- You believe in God, believe also in me- In my father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you- I go to prepare a place for you that where I am there you may be also- And if I go away I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there you may be also. The Power of God reassures the Fearful!
IV. Rewards the Faithful.
Many of these rewards are received right here on the earth.
Acts 1:8- ye shall receive power after that the H G is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses unto me...
Rom. 15:13- Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Some of our rewards are yet to be received.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
1Co 6:14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
1 Cor. 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed
Verse 43 says that our body is sown in weakness, but raised in power.
The Rewards of the Faithful continue on throughout eternity- For God’s Power never Fails.
Mt 26:64 Jesus saith unto him,... Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power
Lu 1:33 and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Mt. 28:18; Rom. 1:16
Intro: We all know the inconvenience of being without power. Some times it’s a real bother and some times it becomes a distress. It’s Amazing how difficult “normal” life is without power. We don’t even realize how dependant we are on it until it is gone. We have an Even Greater Need for God’s Power- need it for our physical human life but we also need for our Spiritual Life; for our Eternal life.
Jesus said that All Power in heaven and in earth had been given to him; and that he was sharing it with his disciples so that they would go throughout the whole earth preaching, teaching and baptizing converts in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost.
Paul said that the Gospel of Christ IS the Power of God. The Power of God is still Real today; still Available today; still working today; still effective today.
I. Redeems the Fallen.
Paul said in Rom. 1:16 that the “gospel of Christ is the power of God unto Salvation.”
John 1:12- To those that received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.
In Matthew 9- 4 men brought friend who was paralyzed- Jesus said to the man- Thy sins be forgiven thee. The Pharisees murmured against Jesus for forgiving sin. Mt. 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,)Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
God still redeems the Fallen; his power still Saves; Forgives; Cleanses from Sin.
II. Revives the Fainthearted.
1Cor 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. [Your faith should Stand]
Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel...
Isaiah 40:29- He giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might, he increaseth strength.
1 Peter 1:5 we are “Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation”
2 Cor. 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me
Paul makes it clear that the sufficient grace and the perfect strength come by the Power of Christ resting upon us.
III. Reassures the Fearful.
Paul told Timothy- 2 Tim. 1:7- God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of Power, Love, and a Sound Mind.
[Albert Barnes- The state referred to here is that in which the mind is well balanced, and under right influences; in which it sees things in their just proportions and right relations; in which it is not feverish and excited, but having everything in its proper place.]
[M. Henry- quietness of mind, a peaceable enjoyment of ourselves; for we are oftentimes discouraged in our way and work by creatures of our own imagination; this sound mind is a sober, solid, thinking mind which eliminates these disquieting and discouraging fears.]
I Know we are living in Uncertain Times- Wonder about Political World- Economic system- world of foreign affairs- international relations- war and terrorism- Uncertainties in our own Homes and Families. Still let me Remind us all; the spirit of fear does not come from God. Where then does it come from? From our Enemy, the Roaring Lion. Why does the Lion roar? To intimidate his prey- to paralyze them- to freeze them- immobilize them. The Words of Jesus are still True and In Force today- Let Not your hearts be troubled- You believe in God, believe also in me- In my father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you- I go to prepare a place for you that where I am there you may be also- And if I go away I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there you may be also. The Power of God reassures the Fearful!
IV. Rewards the Faithful.
Many of these rewards are received right here on the earth.
Acts 1:8- ye shall receive power after that the H G is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses unto me...
Rom. 15:13- Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Some of our rewards are yet to be received.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
1Co 6:14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
1 Cor. 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed
Verse 43 says that our body is sown in weakness, but raised in power.
The Rewards of the Faithful continue on throughout eternity- For God’s Power never Fails.
Mt 26:64 Jesus saith unto him,... Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power
Lu 1:33 and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
- Published on
Victory Through Faith
1 John 5:4
Intro: We all know the need for Victory. Victory is the opposite of defeat, and who wants to be defeated? Who wants to be A Loser? But, how do we Win the Victory in a world full of sorrow & struggles, problems & pain, Bothers & Battles?
FAITH! It’s such a Big Word that sometimes its hard for us to get a hold of it in a practical way. Its not that complicated really. Faith is Trust in God. Believing not only that he exists but that he loves us and rewards those who will diligently seek him.
John declared that it is Faith that Brings our Spiritual Victory.
I. The Prayer of Faith Brings Victory.
Mt. 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Hebrew Gospel reads it, "in prayer, and in faith"; and the Arabic version renders it, "in prayer with faith"; the prayer of faith; or that prayer which is sent up in the strength of faith;
James 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up;
M. Henry- Prayer must proceed from, and be accompanied with, a lively faith. There should be faith both in the person praying and in the person prayed for; the prayer that is effectual is not a cold and formal prayer but the prayer of living, vibrant faith.
The Prayer of Faith that Brings Victory is not just a matter of saying words that we call prayer; it is a special kind of prayer; Prayer that is Motivated by Faith- Launched in Faith- Propelled by Faith
II. The Promises of Faith Bring Victory.
Heb. 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God- we must believe That HE IS- (He Exists, He LIVES)and that He Rewards them that diligently Seek Him.
Peter said that we were given Exceeding Great and Precious Promises and that by them we actually become partakers of the divine nature.
2 Cor 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
In Jesus Christ every Promise of God is Secure. Heb. 11:33 tells of those who “through Faith obtained Promises.” 7 times promises are mentioned in Heb. 11. The Promises of Faith bring Victory. READ the Promises
WRITE the Promises
REMEMBER the Promises
REFER to the Promises
RECITE (Pray) the Promises
III. The Power of Faith Brings Victory.
Peter said that we are “Kept by the Power of God through Faith.” (1 Pet.1:5)
Jesus said that Mountains could be removed by the power of faith. While we usually have no need to move physical mountains, we certainly have “life” mountains that need to be moved. There are
Mountains of Fear- Doubt- Worry- Uncertainty- Financial woes- Mental turmoil- Emotional Strain- Stress- Despair. It’s true that we cannot accomplish much in our own strength- BUT I Can Do All Things Through Christ who strengthens me.
2 Cor 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. [Not that we are Able of ourselves- but our Ability is of God. Not that we are Capable of ourselves- but our capability is of God.]
Isa 45:24 Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength:
IV. The Person of Faith Brings Victory.
Really, everything up this point is dependant upon this last point. The Prayer of Faith is dependant upon this Person. The Promises of Faith are dependant upon this person. The Power of Faith is dependant upon this Person.
Heb. 12:1,2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;
Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty
Acts 3:12 Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. 16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Our Victory will not come in Politicians, not in Doctors, not in Lawyers, not in Bankers, not in Customers or Clients, not in Supervisors or Employers, not in Family Members, not in Wealth, not in Popularity, not in Pleasures. Our Victory will come through JESUS CHRIST and Him Alone! You can have Victory, through The Prayer of Faith; The Promises of Faith; the Power of Faith; The Person of Faith- Jesus Christ.
1 John 5:4
Intro: We all know the need for Victory. Victory is the opposite of defeat, and who wants to be defeated? Who wants to be A Loser? But, how do we Win the Victory in a world full of sorrow & struggles, problems & pain, Bothers & Battles?
FAITH! It’s such a Big Word that sometimes its hard for us to get a hold of it in a practical way. Its not that complicated really. Faith is Trust in God. Believing not only that he exists but that he loves us and rewards those who will diligently seek him.
John declared that it is Faith that Brings our Spiritual Victory.
I. The Prayer of Faith Brings Victory.
Mt. 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Hebrew Gospel reads it, "in prayer, and in faith"; and the Arabic version renders it, "in prayer with faith"; the prayer of faith; or that prayer which is sent up in the strength of faith;
James 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up;
M. Henry- Prayer must proceed from, and be accompanied with, a lively faith. There should be faith both in the person praying and in the person prayed for; the prayer that is effectual is not a cold and formal prayer but the prayer of living, vibrant faith.
The Prayer of Faith that Brings Victory is not just a matter of saying words that we call prayer; it is a special kind of prayer; Prayer that is Motivated by Faith- Launched in Faith- Propelled by Faith
II. The Promises of Faith Bring Victory.
Heb. 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God- we must believe That HE IS- (He Exists, He LIVES)and that He Rewards them that diligently Seek Him.
Peter said that we were given Exceeding Great and Precious Promises and that by them we actually become partakers of the divine nature.
2 Cor 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
In Jesus Christ every Promise of God is Secure. Heb. 11:33 tells of those who “through Faith obtained Promises.” 7 times promises are mentioned in Heb. 11. The Promises of Faith bring Victory. READ the Promises
WRITE the Promises
REMEMBER the Promises
REFER to the Promises
RECITE (Pray) the Promises
III. The Power of Faith Brings Victory.
Peter said that we are “Kept by the Power of God through Faith.” (1 Pet.1:5)
Jesus said that Mountains could be removed by the power of faith. While we usually have no need to move physical mountains, we certainly have “life” mountains that need to be moved. There are
Mountains of Fear- Doubt- Worry- Uncertainty- Financial woes- Mental turmoil- Emotional Strain- Stress- Despair. It’s true that we cannot accomplish much in our own strength- BUT I Can Do All Things Through Christ who strengthens me.
2 Cor 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. [Not that we are Able of ourselves- but our Ability is of God. Not that we are Capable of ourselves- but our capability is of God.]
Isa 45:24 Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength:
IV. The Person of Faith Brings Victory.
Really, everything up this point is dependant upon this last point. The Prayer of Faith is dependant upon this Person. The Promises of Faith are dependant upon this person. The Power of Faith is dependant upon this Person.
Heb. 12:1,2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;
Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty
Acts 3:12 Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. 16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Our Victory will not come in Politicians, not in Doctors, not in Lawyers, not in Bankers, not in Customers or Clients, not in Supervisors or Employers, not in Family Members, not in Wealth, not in Popularity, not in Pleasures. Our Victory will come through JESUS CHRIST and Him Alone! You can have Victory, through The Prayer of Faith; The Promises of Faith; the Power of Faith; The Person of Faith- Jesus Christ.
- Published on
Christian Living in the Key of D
Psalm 37:27
Intro: I know that the Bible sometimes seems very complex and the Christian life sometimes seems very complicated. Often, we feel confused and overwhelmed by it all. It’s good, every once in a while, to take a step back and get the Big Picture- the overview. (You’ve heard the old saying about not being able to see the forest for the trees) Well, let’s take a step back and see the Christian life in three simple points- in the key of D.
I. The Departing.
Depart from Evil!
That’s not too complicated. After all, that’s what Salvation is all about. When we talk about salvation we deal with words like:
- Repentance- The work of God which results in a change of mind in relation to God; change of mind about Jesus Christ; about sin; about salvation.
- Conversion- The act of turning From Sin and believing in Jesus Christ as Savior.
- Redemption- The act of God whereby Jesus Christ paid the price of man’s sin to deliver him from its curse and bondage.
- Born Again- Regeneration- The work of God’s Spirit whereby our spirit, our inner man, is made Alive in Christ Jesus and we become partakers of the divine nature.
- Justification- The divine act of God who declares Righteous all those who truly believe on Jesus Christ for salvation and repent of their sin.
WOW! Converted- Changed- Redeemed- Delivered- Justified- Declared Righteous- Born Again- Made New in Christ Jesus! What a Basis for this matter of Departing From Sin.
We are not and cannot be Saved IN our sin; to continue in sin; to live with permission to sin. We are Saved FROM sin. We change our mind about sin and Turn from it. Our new nature doesn’t even desire to commit sin, and as a matter of fact, when we do sin we immediately feel Sorrow, Remorse, Shame and should Run to Jesus Repenting; Finding that he is always interested in giving us power to Depart from Sin.
Any concept of Religion that permits regular, consistent sin is not the Christianity of the Bible.
1 John 3:6- Whosoever abideth in Him (Jesus Christ) sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen him neither known him. 8- He that committeth sin is of the devil... 9- whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin...
The Departing- Depart from Evil
II. The Doing.
Depart from evil & Do Good.
While the departing may be viewed as a negative aspect, this positive aspect of salvation is immediately evident. As we Depart from Sin- We begin Doing Good.
Now, Don’t get the Cart in front of the horse here! We cannot Do Good in order to be saved. BUT once we have repented, been redeemed, saved, born again; we Must DO Good.
Paul said in Phil. 2:10 that we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
It’s one thing to Depart from Evil- to shun sinful things- to avoid sinful activities- to refuse sinful influences; It’s another thing to Actively Do Good. Some are content if they can just AVOID sin but they never Actively Seek to Do Good.
We are to Seek First the Kingdom of God and his righteousness- we are not to be driven by the Desire for Wealth, Money, Possessions, Material things- Driven by the Desire for Acceptance, Popularity, or Fame- Driven by the Desire to Please ourselves and live only a Selfish Life.
21 times in the NT we are exhorted to Good Works.
Paul commended widows who provided lodging and provision for the saints.
James said that we are to care for the fatherless and the widows.
1Tim 6:18 says we should “do good, and be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.”
Acts 9 tells of Tabitha also known as Dorcas and describes her as, “a woman full of good works and alms deeds...”
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Our lives are not only to show a Departing- but a Doing. We must be about our Father’s business. We are his ambassadors in this world. We are salt and light. We are to glorify God by the good works that we do.
III. The Dwelling.
Depart from evil and do good; and dwell forevermore.
In thinking about this point on dwelling, I think it has a two fold significance.
A. Dwelling in his Presence on the Earth.
We are told that we are Branches and Jesus is the Vine. We are to ABIDE in the vine; we are to Dwell in Him- He is our source of Life- he is our source of Light.
Only by dwelling in him can our lives be Pure & Productive. We can only bear the Fruit of the Spirit as we Dwell in Him and he dwells in us. We can only bear the Fruit of Souls as we dwell in him and he dwells in us. Inconsistent Christians do not win anyone to the Lord. Compromising Christians do not win anyone to the Lord. Hypocrites certainly do not win anyone to the Lord.
We must be Careful to Dwell in his presence through the Word of God.
We must to be Careful to dwell in presence through Prayer.
We must be Careful to Dwell in his presence through being faithful to Church.
We must be Careful to Dwell in his presence through Worshiping him in spirit and truth.
B. Dwelling in his Presence in Eternity.
There is not only a Requirement in those words- dwell for evermore- but there is a Reward in those words. If you dwell in his presence on the earth, you will dwell in his presence in eternity- For evermore.
What a blessed reward for every child of God. What a promise to those who Depart from Sin and Do Good Works in the will of God; they will Dwell with him forever.
There are people all over America and the world who want to dwell with him forever more; they want to spend eternity in heaven. However, there are not so many who are willing to Depart from Evil, and not so many who are willing to Do Good.
Only those who fulfill the requirements will receive the Reward. Are you living your Christian life in the key of D?
Are you departing from sin?
Are you doing good?
Are you dwelling in his presence?
Psalm 37:27
Intro: I know that the Bible sometimes seems very complex and the Christian life sometimes seems very complicated. Often, we feel confused and overwhelmed by it all. It’s good, every once in a while, to take a step back and get the Big Picture- the overview. (You’ve heard the old saying about not being able to see the forest for the trees) Well, let’s take a step back and see the Christian life in three simple points- in the key of D.
I. The Departing.
Depart from Evil!
That’s not too complicated. After all, that’s what Salvation is all about. When we talk about salvation we deal with words like:
- Repentance- The work of God which results in a change of mind in relation to God; change of mind about Jesus Christ; about sin; about salvation.
- Conversion- The act of turning From Sin and believing in Jesus Christ as Savior.
- Redemption- The act of God whereby Jesus Christ paid the price of man’s sin to deliver him from its curse and bondage.
- Born Again- Regeneration- The work of God’s Spirit whereby our spirit, our inner man, is made Alive in Christ Jesus and we become partakers of the divine nature.
- Justification- The divine act of God who declares Righteous all those who truly believe on Jesus Christ for salvation and repent of their sin.
WOW! Converted- Changed- Redeemed- Delivered- Justified- Declared Righteous- Born Again- Made New in Christ Jesus! What a Basis for this matter of Departing From Sin.
We are not and cannot be Saved IN our sin; to continue in sin; to live with permission to sin. We are Saved FROM sin. We change our mind about sin and Turn from it. Our new nature doesn’t even desire to commit sin, and as a matter of fact, when we do sin we immediately feel Sorrow, Remorse, Shame and should Run to Jesus Repenting; Finding that he is always interested in giving us power to Depart from Sin.
Any concept of Religion that permits regular, consistent sin is not the Christianity of the Bible.
1 John 3:6- Whosoever abideth in Him (Jesus Christ) sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen him neither known him. 8- He that committeth sin is of the devil... 9- whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin...
The Departing- Depart from Evil
II. The Doing.
Depart from evil & Do Good.
While the departing may be viewed as a negative aspect, this positive aspect of salvation is immediately evident. As we Depart from Sin- We begin Doing Good.
Now, Don’t get the Cart in front of the horse here! We cannot Do Good in order to be saved. BUT once we have repented, been redeemed, saved, born again; we Must DO Good.
Paul said in Phil. 2:10 that we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
It’s one thing to Depart from Evil- to shun sinful things- to avoid sinful activities- to refuse sinful influences; It’s another thing to Actively Do Good. Some are content if they can just AVOID sin but they never Actively Seek to Do Good.
We are to Seek First the Kingdom of God and his righteousness- we are not to be driven by the Desire for Wealth, Money, Possessions, Material things- Driven by the Desire for Acceptance, Popularity, or Fame- Driven by the Desire to Please ourselves and live only a Selfish Life.
21 times in the NT we are exhorted to Good Works.
Paul commended widows who provided lodging and provision for the saints.
James said that we are to care for the fatherless and the widows.
1Tim 6:18 says we should “do good, and be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.”
Acts 9 tells of Tabitha also known as Dorcas and describes her as, “a woman full of good works and alms deeds...”
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Our lives are not only to show a Departing- but a Doing. We must be about our Father’s business. We are his ambassadors in this world. We are salt and light. We are to glorify God by the good works that we do.
III. The Dwelling.
Depart from evil and do good; and dwell forevermore.
In thinking about this point on dwelling, I think it has a two fold significance.
A. Dwelling in his Presence on the Earth.
We are told that we are Branches and Jesus is the Vine. We are to ABIDE in the vine; we are to Dwell in Him- He is our source of Life- he is our source of Light.
Only by dwelling in him can our lives be Pure & Productive. We can only bear the Fruit of the Spirit as we Dwell in Him and he dwells in us. We can only bear the Fruit of Souls as we dwell in him and he dwells in us. Inconsistent Christians do not win anyone to the Lord. Compromising Christians do not win anyone to the Lord. Hypocrites certainly do not win anyone to the Lord.
We must be Careful to Dwell in his presence through the Word of God.
We must to be Careful to dwell in presence through Prayer.
We must be Careful to Dwell in his presence through being faithful to Church.
We must be Careful to Dwell in his presence through Worshiping him in spirit and truth.
B. Dwelling in his Presence in Eternity.
There is not only a Requirement in those words- dwell for evermore- but there is a Reward in those words. If you dwell in his presence on the earth, you will dwell in his presence in eternity- For evermore.
What a blessed reward for every child of God. What a promise to those who Depart from Sin and Do Good Works in the will of God; they will Dwell with him forever.
There are people all over America and the world who want to dwell with him forever more; they want to spend eternity in heaven. However, there are not so many who are willing to Depart from Evil, and not so many who are willing to Do Good.
Only those who fulfill the requirements will receive the Reward. Are you living your Christian life in the key of D?
Are you departing from sin?
Are you doing good?
Are you dwelling in his presence?
- Published on
Lessons from the Loaves & Fishes
John 6:5-13
Intro: The miracles that Jesus performed were certainly intended to help those who were in need right at that time; no doubt about that. When Jesus healed someone, they received the immediate tangible benefit of the miracle. When Jesus turned water into wine, those at the marriage feast received the immediate benefit of the miracle. When Jesus provided food for the multitude as recorded here in Jn 6, those present received the immediate benefit of physical food to eat when they were hungry.
However, the miracles of Jesus also provide instructions and lessons for us today. Even if Jesus does not physically multiply food for me at any time in my life, there are spiritual lessons for me to learn from the time when he Did multiply the loaves and fishes.
It’s interesting that this is the only miracle of the Lord that is recorded in All Four Gospels (not counting the resurrection of Jesus from the dead).
I. The Lesson of Partnership.
This is an amazing lesson to be learned from this miracle; The Lord ASKED for help!
- Jesus asked the Disciples for Help.
When they pointed out to the Lord that this crowd had been with them all day and had not been able to eat. They suggested that the Lord send them on their way so they could get home in time to eat their evening meal. Jesus then said to them, You give them food to eat. They protested that they could not begin to afford enough food to feed this crowd. Mark then records that Jesus asked them, “how many loaves have you? Go and see.” Jesus sent them on a mission to see if they had any food among them that he could use.
John records that it was Andrew who found out that there was a young boy there with 5 loaves and two fishes.
- Jesus asked the Lad for his help.
The gospels don’t record the conversation, but I think its safe to assume that Jesus asked the boy for his lunch of loaves and fishes.
Jesus asked for help! He asked his disciples and he asked this young boy.
Do you realize that God does want our Partnership and Co-operation? Paul said in 1Cor 3:9 For we are laborers together with God:
Certainly there is a part of this Miracle that only Jesus could do; the disciples could not multiply the food; the young boy could not multiply the food; only Jesus could do that. We are Dependant upon the Lord to do what only he can do, BUT he invites us to partici-pate with him in his work; to Do what WE can do. It is a great privilege to be a partner with the Lord.
A man was mopping the floor of the hospital where a famous heart surgeon practiced and he was whistling and singing joyfully. Someone asked him why he was so happy. “Oh I’m just excited because to day I and Dr. So and So are going to save some lives.”
Well, the janitor was certainly not going to be in the operating room; wearing a surgical gown and wielding a scalpel; but he Was doing his part to see that the hospital stayed in operation and maintained its distinction of quality service.
Are you thrilled about doing your part for God and his kingdom? Have you learned that the Lord often asks for your participation and co-operation in his work? Do you realize that like the young boy, and like the disciples, especially Andrew, when you do your part for the Lord you are part of the miracle!
II. The Lesson of Faith.
Both the disciples and the boy had to exercise faith in the Lord for this miracle to take place. The Disciples believed in his power and ability enough to start their search for any available food; the boy believed in his power and ability enough to give him the small lunch that he had.
We are often defeated because it is so hard to believe for a miracle or blessing when the available resources are So Small. Even the disciples asked when the boy’s lunch was located, “but what are these among so many?” You and I must believe the Lord in spite of appearances.
In Zec 4:10 God asked, “For who hath despised the day of small things?”
1 Cor. 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Have Faith! Even when all you see is a Cloud the size of a man’s hand; for out of a small cloud God is more than able to make the heavens black with clouds and send a Great Rain.
III. The Lesson of Surrender.
If we want to know the power of God working on our behalf we must be willing to Give Him what we do Have. The Lord asked the disciples what they had available; when the boy was found with his lunch he was willing to Give it to the Lord, even though it was All he had; and it had been meant for HIM. He gave it to the Lord for His use and he got more than just a small lunch, he got All he could eat!
The devil tries to make us think that surrendering to the Lord is painful and pitiful. We are told that we will have nothing to show for our life if we give it all to the Lord. What a Lie! Even the devil knows that a life in the hand of God is of much greater value than one kept for self. For he takes our weak and feeble life and makes it strong and victorious; he makes it profitable and successful; not in the world’s definition of success but in the Eternal way.
IV. The Lesson of Abundance.
- We learn that there is No Shortage when God works. The problem was that there was Not Enough; When the Lord worked his provision, there was More than Enough.
- We learn that when the Lord works, nothing is wasted. Even the fragments were useful. Even the fragments of our life are important to the Lord. The “fragments” of our time should be used for the Lord. The fragments of our material resources should be used for the Lord. The fragments of our talents and abilities should be used for the Lord.
- We learn that there is Absolutely No Limit to God’s Mighty Power. Here in this miracle he took Something and made it More; in Creation he took NOTHING and made it something Grand!
Partnership; Faith; Surrender; Abundance.
Lessons from the Loaves & Fishes
John 6:5-13
Intro: The miracles that Jesus performed were certainly intended to help those who were in need right at that time; no doubt about that. When Jesus healed someone, they received the immediate tangible benefit of the miracle. When Jesus turned water into wine, those at the marriage feast received the immediate benefit of the miracle. When Jesus provided food for the multitude as recorded here in Jn 6, those present received the immediate benefit of physical food to eat when they were hungry.
However, the miracles of Jesus also provide instructions and lessons for us today. Even if Jesus does not physically multiply food for me at any time in my life, there are spiritual lessons for me to learn from the time when he Did multiply the loaves and fishes.
It’s interesting that this is the only miracle of the Lord that is recorded in All Four Gospels (not counting the resurrection of Jesus from the dead).
I. The Lesson of Partnership.
This is an amazing lesson to be learned from this miracle; The Lord ASKED for help!
- Jesus asked the Disciples for Help.
When they pointed out to the Lord that this crowd had been with them all day and had not been able to eat. They suggested that the Lord send them on their way so they could get home in time to eat their evening meal. Jesus then said to them, You give them food to eat. They protested that they could not begin to afford enough food to feed this crowd. Mark then records that Jesus asked them, “how many loaves have you? Go and see.” Jesus sent them on a mission to see if they had any food among them that he could use.
John records that it was Andrew who found out that there was a young boy there with 5 loaves and two fishes.
- Jesus asked the Lad for his help.
The gospels don’t record the conversation, but I think its safe to assume that Jesus asked the boy for his lunch of loaves and fishes.
Jesus asked for help! He asked his disciples and he asked this young boy.
Do you realize that God does want our Partnership and Co-operation? Paul said in 1Cor 3:9 For we are laborers together with God:
Certainly there is a part of this Miracle that only Jesus could do; the disciples could not multiply the food; the young boy could not multiply the food; only Jesus could do that. We are Dependant upon the Lord to do what only he can do, BUT he invites us to partici-pate with him in his work; to Do what WE can do. It is a great privilege to be a partner with the Lord.
A man was mopping the floor of the hospital where a famous heart surgeon practiced and he was whistling and singing joyfully. Someone asked him why he was so happy. “Oh I’m just excited because to day I and Dr. So and So are going to save some lives.”
Well, the janitor was certainly not going to be in the operating room; wearing a surgical gown and wielding a scalpel; but he Was doing his part to see that the hospital stayed in operation and maintained its distinction of quality service.
Are you thrilled about doing your part for God and his kingdom? Have you learned that the Lord often asks for your participation and co-operation in his work? Do you realize that like the young boy, and like the disciples, especially Andrew, when you do your part for the Lord you are part of the miracle!
II. The Lesson of Faith.
Both the disciples and the boy had to exercise faith in the Lord for this miracle to take place. The Disciples believed in his power and ability enough to start their search for any available food; the boy believed in his power and ability enough to give him the small lunch that he had.
We are often defeated because it is so hard to believe for a miracle or blessing when the available resources are So Small. Even the disciples asked when the boy’s lunch was located, “but what are these among so many?” You and I must believe the Lord in spite of appearances.
In Zec 4:10 God asked, “For who hath despised the day of small things?”
1 Cor. 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Have Faith! Even when all you see is a Cloud the size of a man’s hand; for out of a small cloud God is more than able to make the heavens black with clouds and send a Great Rain.
III. The Lesson of Surrender.
If we want to know the power of God working on our behalf we must be willing to Give Him what we do Have. The Lord asked the disciples what they had available; when the boy was found with his lunch he was willing to Give it to the Lord, even though it was All he had; and it had been meant for HIM. He gave it to the Lord for His use and he got more than just a small lunch, he got All he could eat!
The devil tries to make us think that surrendering to the Lord is painful and pitiful. We are told that we will have nothing to show for our life if we give it all to the Lord. What a Lie! Even the devil knows that a life in the hand of God is of much greater value than one kept for self. For he takes our weak and feeble life and makes it strong and victorious; he makes it profitable and successful; not in the world’s definition of success but in the Eternal way.
IV. The Lesson of Abundance.
- We learn that there is No Shortage when God works. The problem was that there was Not Enough; When the Lord worked his provision, there was More than Enough.
- We learn that when the Lord works, nothing is wasted. Even the fragments were useful. Even the fragments of our life are important to the Lord. The “fragments” of our time should be used for the Lord. The fragments of our material resources should be used for the Lord. The fragments of our talents and abilities should be used for the Lord.
- We learn that there is Absolutely No Limit to God’s Mighty Power. Here in this miracle he took Something and made it More; in Creation he took NOTHING and made it something Grand!
Partnership; Faith; Surrender; Abundance.
- Published on
A Choice that Changed Everything
Ruth 1:8,9; 14-17
Intro: This is a wonderful story; a love story, but more than just in a romantic sense; it is a Real Love Story. It presents love for God; love between a mother in law and her daughter in law; and the love of romance and marriage. Let’s take a look at this story again and learn some lessons for our own lives.
I. Ruth Lived in a Desperate Time.
Ruth did not live in the “glory days” of Israel. She did not live in the days of conquest and victory; the days of blessing and plenty. She lived in the days of the Judges where Israel had no king; no true leadership; no real direction. It was a time when the people of Israel did that which was right in their own eyes.
- This sad state started with Apathy.
When the various tribes of Israel were allotted portions of Canaan land, they were commanded to drive out the enemies in their land and make it secure. However, they found that to be a difficult endeavor and almost every tribe was guilty of Apathy. They were not diligent and determined in conquering their enemies and allowed some of them to remain in the land.
- This Apathy developed into Apostasy.
Soon, (sadly, very soon) Israel had taken on the religion and practices of those they allowed to remain in their land. They were worshiping idols all through the land of Israel. They were practicing immorality, both in connection with their idolatry, and in the normal course of life. The book of Judges does contain some of the most morally disgusting stories of the entire Bible and they are the result of the religious apostasy that had developed in the land.
- The apathy and apostasy Resulted in Anarchy.
It was a lawless time. People did whatever they wanted to do; they were immoral; they were crooked and dishonest; they were cruel and violent. Again, some of the stories in Judges are the most violent in the Bible as well. Ruth’s great story took place in a most desperate time.
Let me remind us all that the story of our life does not depend on the time in which we live.
We too are living in a desperate time. We are living in a time of Apostasy, where people all over America are proclaiming their atheism and infidelity; where people are proclaiming their unbelief and rebellion.
We are living in a time of Anarchy, where violence is rampant and people all over our nation live in constant fear. You and I can still have a wonderful life with God’s blessings, even in this desperate time.
II. Ruth Made a Difficult Choice
Let’s think about this choice Ruth made. Why did she choose to go with Naomi? What compelled her; What was her motive?
- Well, her choice was NOT based on Riches.
- Not based on Romance
- Not based on pressure from someone in her family or from among her friends.
- Not based on personal convenience. She faced all kinds of hardships: national prejudice; religious differences; social and cultural diversities. She faced a life of hard work that would be physically demanding and not financially rewarding. She was going to Israel, a nation in trouble. She was going with Naomi, an older woman with little or no resources. She Made a Difficult Choice- Why?
Because she had Faith in God! She told Naomi Plainly- Your God will be My God.
This was a Choice that Changed Everything for Ruth. Even though she didn’t realize it on That day, she was making a difficult choice that was going to Change Her Life forever and bring God’s Divine Blessings her way.
We are all faced with choices in life. Some are relatively minor; some are significant. When it comes to choices of Faith and Commitment to the Lord; they are Vital to your life. Just about every life will make a Choice that changes everything. Some change their life for the worse; some change it for the best; because they Choose Devotion to the Lord. On that day- Ruth chose devotion to the Lord in spite of the hardships; she chose devotion to the Lord in spite of the national prejudice she faced; in spite of the religious differences; in spite of the social and cultural differences. She lived in a desperate time; She made a difficult choice; and
III. Ruth Received Divine Blessings from the Lord.
Ruth’s life was never the same after this wonderful choice for the Lord.
1) Her Choice led her to God’s People.
She was able to become part of the chosen people of God on the earth. Remember in that day, Israel ALONE had the true presence of God in their midst.
2) Her Choice led her to her Kinsman-Redeemer.
Boaz was a near kinsman who loved her and became her husband, fulfilling his role as kinsman- redeemer. He took her as his wife and Ruth found true Love. Boaz Provided for her and for the first time in her life, she didn’t have to worry about having food, clothing and shelter. Boaz Protected her and she no longer had to be lonely and afraid.
Boaz is a wonderful type of Jesus Christ who becomes the Kinsman-Redeemer for all who will believe in him. He became like us so that he could pay for our sins. He paid the price for sin at Calvary and pays the price for your personal sin when you repent and confess. When you make the choice to love and follow the Lord, you get the blessing of Salvation from our kinsman-redeemer.
3) Her Choice led her into the Lineage of the Messiah.
Ruth, a woman of Moab, who was alienated from the promises of God by birth, Chose her way into the lineage of God’s own Son. She bore a son and named him Obed. Obed later had a son named Jesse. Jesse had a son named David. All of them were in the line of the Messiah. Ruth’s faith led her right into the Messiah’s line.
4) Her Choice led her all the way to Heaven.
There are great rewards for Faith right here on the earth; there are great rewards for Faith right here in life. When we make the choice of Faith and devotion to the Lord, we get wonderful benefits right here in life just like Ruth did.
BUT the greatest and most important blessing we receive is the blessing of Eternal Life; a home in heaven; being forever in the presence of the Lord.
This Choice of Faith is Vital to you and your life here on the earth.
This Choice of Faith is Vital to you and your life After life on this earth.
I know we live in desperate times; I know the choice of faith and devotion is often a difficult one; but I also know the divine blessings are worth it all!
Ruth 1:8,9; 14-17
Intro: This is a wonderful story; a love story, but more than just in a romantic sense; it is a Real Love Story. It presents love for God; love between a mother in law and her daughter in law; and the love of romance and marriage. Let’s take a look at this story again and learn some lessons for our own lives.
I. Ruth Lived in a Desperate Time.
Ruth did not live in the “glory days” of Israel. She did not live in the days of conquest and victory; the days of blessing and plenty. She lived in the days of the Judges where Israel had no king; no true leadership; no real direction. It was a time when the people of Israel did that which was right in their own eyes.
- This sad state started with Apathy.
When the various tribes of Israel were allotted portions of Canaan land, they were commanded to drive out the enemies in their land and make it secure. However, they found that to be a difficult endeavor and almost every tribe was guilty of Apathy. They were not diligent and determined in conquering their enemies and allowed some of them to remain in the land.
- This Apathy developed into Apostasy.
Soon, (sadly, very soon) Israel had taken on the religion and practices of those they allowed to remain in their land. They were worshiping idols all through the land of Israel. They were practicing immorality, both in connection with their idolatry, and in the normal course of life. The book of Judges does contain some of the most morally disgusting stories of the entire Bible and they are the result of the religious apostasy that had developed in the land.
- The apathy and apostasy Resulted in Anarchy.
It was a lawless time. People did whatever they wanted to do; they were immoral; they were crooked and dishonest; they were cruel and violent. Again, some of the stories in Judges are the most violent in the Bible as well. Ruth’s great story took place in a most desperate time.
Let me remind us all that the story of our life does not depend on the time in which we live.
We too are living in a desperate time. We are living in a time of Apostasy, where people all over America are proclaiming their atheism and infidelity; where people are proclaiming their unbelief and rebellion.
We are living in a time of Anarchy, where violence is rampant and people all over our nation live in constant fear. You and I can still have a wonderful life with God’s blessings, even in this desperate time.
II. Ruth Made a Difficult Choice
Let’s think about this choice Ruth made. Why did she choose to go with Naomi? What compelled her; What was her motive?
- Well, her choice was NOT based on Riches.
- Not based on Romance
- Not based on pressure from someone in her family or from among her friends.
- Not based on personal convenience. She faced all kinds of hardships: national prejudice; religious differences; social and cultural diversities. She faced a life of hard work that would be physically demanding and not financially rewarding. She was going to Israel, a nation in trouble. She was going with Naomi, an older woman with little or no resources. She Made a Difficult Choice- Why?
Because she had Faith in God! She told Naomi Plainly- Your God will be My God.
This was a Choice that Changed Everything for Ruth. Even though she didn’t realize it on That day, she was making a difficult choice that was going to Change Her Life forever and bring God’s Divine Blessings her way.
We are all faced with choices in life. Some are relatively minor; some are significant. When it comes to choices of Faith and Commitment to the Lord; they are Vital to your life. Just about every life will make a Choice that changes everything. Some change their life for the worse; some change it for the best; because they Choose Devotion to the Lord. On that day- Ruth chose devotion to the Lord in spite of the hardships; she chose devotion to the Lord in spite of the national prejudice she faced; in spite of the religious differences; in spite of the social and cultural differences. She lived in a desperate time; She made a difficult choice; and
III. Ruth Received Divine Blessings from the Lord.
Ruth’s life was never the same after this wonderful choice for the Lord.
1) Her Choice led her to God’s People.
She was able to become part of the chosen people of God on the earth. Remember in that day, Israel ALONE had the true presence of God in their midst.
2) Her Choice led her to her Kinsman-Redeemer.
Boaz was a near kinsman who loved her and became her husband, fulfilling his role as kinsman- redeemer. He took her as his wife and Ruth found true Love. Boaz Provided for her and for the first time in her life, she didn’t have to worry about having food, clothing and shelter. Boaz Protected her and she no longer had to be lonely and afraid.
Boaz is a wonderful type of Jesus Christ who becomes the Kinsman-Redeemer for all who will believe in him. He became like us so that he could pay for our sins. He paid the price for sin at Calvary and pays the price for your personal sin when you repent and confess. When you make the choice to love and follow the Lord, you get the blessing of Salvation from our kinsman-redeemer.
3) Her Choice led her into the Lineage of the Messiah.
Ruth, a woman of Moab, who was alienated from the promises of God by birth, Chose her way into the lineage of God’s own Son. She bore a son and named him Obed. Obed later had a son named Jesse. Jesse had a son named David. All of them were in the line of the Messiah. Ruth’s faith led her right into the Messiah’s line.
4) Her Choice led her all the way to Heaven.
There are great rewards for Faith right here on the earth; there are great rewards for Faith right here in life. When we make the choice of Faith and devotion to the Lord, we get wonderful benefits right here in life just like Ruth did.
BUT the greatest and most important blessing we receive is the blessing of Eternal Life; a home in heaven; being forever in the presence of the Lord.
This Choice of Faith is Vital to you and your life here on the earth.
This Choice of Faith is Vital to you and your life After life on this earth.
I know we live in desperate times; I know the choice of faith and devotion is often a difficult one; but I also know the divine blessings are worth it all!
- Published on
A Prescription for Anxiety
Phil. 4:6,7
Intro: We are living in a time of Unprecedented Anxiety. Human life has always had its share of anxiety; of worries; of troubled thoughts and agitated emotions. After all, there is Much about life on this earth to cause worry and anxiety. We worry about our personal health and the health of our family; we have worries in regard to work and income; we have the pressures of physical life; shelter, food, clothing, and transportation; we often have anxiety in regard to human relationships and the list could go on and on. There is much about life on earth that causes worry and anxiety.
The world offers some prescriptions and cures for anxiety but most of them totally miss the Heart of the problem. I know that there are some medications that are beneficial so I try not to blast all medicine; BUT our world is Pill Crazy! EVERY problem of life has a Pill thrown at it. What boggles the mind is that the negative side effects of Just About Every Medication are more abundant than the positive benefits. Now I am human too, and I am smart enough to know that you and I are not going to live a life with NO Worry and NO anxiety; its just part of our nature. BUT there is a Bible prescription for Anxiety that Will Work!
It’s found in these familiar words of Paul to the Philippians and the prescription has Three Parts.
I. FAITH- Don’t Worry about Anything.
Our Victory over worry and anxiety begins with Faith in our Great God. Fear and Faith cannot co-exist. Where fear rules, faith is subdued. Where Faith rules, fear is subdued.
Jesus said in Mark 11:22- Have Faith in God.
Do you Believe and Know that God Does Exist?
Do you believe and know that God formed the worlds with just the power of His Word?
Do you believe and Know that God rewards those who diligently seek him?
If you answered YES to those three questions- you are well on your way to victory over worry and anxiety.
John said that Our Faith is the Victory that overcomes the world. It’s the world and its elements that cause our fear so we must have Faith in God that will overcome the world.
Paul said that Faith comes by Hearing the Word of God. We must feed our Faith and our Fears will starve. Believe in the Person of God; Believe in the Promises of God; Believe in the Power of God;
Believe in the Word of God. Have Faith; Build your Faith; Exercise your Faith; and Don’t Worry about anything. Be careful or anxious about nothing.
II. PRAYER- Talk to God about Everything.
Prayer is the Greatest Expression of Faith.
If you don’t believe in God, you don’t pray to God.
If you don’t believe God can or will do anything for you, you don’t pray. BUT When you Do Believe in God; and you believe in his Word; and his Love; and his Power; YOU PRAY!
Prayer is taking the troubles of human life to an eternal God who has all power in both earth and heaven.
Sometimes we have confided in a friend and shared some of the troubles and burdens of life and it made us feel Better just to talk to someone about it. How much more should we make it our regular practice to Talk to God about Everything! I don’t think we should pick and choose as to what we think is important enough to talk to God about. It’s ALL important to Him. He told us to Cast our Cares upon Him for he Cares for Us. So, which Cares should we cast on Him? Only the “big” ones? Only the “real important” ones? Only those we can’t handle on our own? No! Part of having victory over worry and anxiety is to Talk to God about Everything.
III. GRATITUDE- Thank God in All Things.
It may seem odd, but being unthankful Does increase anxiety.
We often get confused and we take things for Granted, instead of Being Grateful. Those are Not the same thing!
James wrote that Every Good and Perfect gift comes down from our Father.
Paul asked the Corinthians, “what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”
In more common words he said, “What do you have that you did not receive from God? Since everything you have came from God, why do you, in Pride, act like you are the one responsible for it instead of giving God the glory for it?”
Those who Thank God in ALL things will have greater victory over anxiety. 1 Thess 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Billy Sunday once said, “Your praying will improve if you’ll yank out a few Groans and put in a few Shouts.”
There is a prescription for anxiety:
1) Faith- Don’t Worry About Anything.
2) Prayer- Talk to God about Everything.
3) Gratitude- Thank God in All Things.
THEN, Paul wrote, “the Peace of God, which passes all understanding, will Keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 4:6,7
Intro: We are living in a time of Unprecedented Anxiety. Human life has always had its share of anxiety; of worries; of troubled thoughts and agitated emotions. After all, there is Much about life on this earth to cause worry and anxiety. We worry about our personal health and the health of our family; we have worries in regard to work and income; we have the pressures of physical life; shelter, food, clothing, and transportation; we often have anxiety in regard to human relationships and the list could go on and on. There is much about life on earth that causes worry and anxiety.
The world offers some prescriptions and cures for anxiety but most of them totally miss the Heart of the problem. I know that there are some medications that are beneficial so I try not to blast all medicine; BUT our world is Pill Crazy! EVERY problem of life has a Pill thrown at it. What boggles the mind is that the negative side effects of Just About Every Medication are more abundant than the positive benefits. Now I am human too, and I am smart enough to know that you and I are not going to live a life with NO Worry and NO anxiety; its just part of our nature. BUT there is a Bible prescription for Anxiety that Will Work!
It’s found in these familiar words of Paul to the Philippians and the prescription has Three Parts.
I. FAITH- Don’t Worry about Anything.
Our Victory over worry and anxiety begins with Faith in our Great God. Fear and Faith cannot co-exist. Where fear rules, faith is subdued. Where Faith rules, fear is subdued.
Jesus said in Mark 11:22- Have Faith in God.
Do you Believe and Know that God Does Exist?
Do you believe and know that God formed the worlds with just the power of His Word?
Do you believe and Know that God rewards those who diligently seek him?
If you answered YES to those three questions- you are well on your way to victory over worry and anxiety.
John said that Our Faith is the Victory that overcomes the world. It’s the world and its elements that cause our fear so we must have Faith in God that will overcome the world.
Paul said that Faith comes by Hearing the Word of God. We must feed our Faith and our Fears will starve. Believe in the Person of God; Believe in the Promises of God; Believe in the Power of God;
Believe in the Word of God. Have Faith; Build your Faith; Exercise your Faith; and Don’t Worry about anything. Be careful or anxious about nothing.
II. PRAYER- Talk to God about Everything.
Prayer is the Greatest Expression of Faith.
If you don’t believe in God, you don’t pray to God.
If you don’t believe God can or will do anything for you, you don’t pray. BUT When you Do Believe in God; and you believe in his Word; and his Love; and his Power; YOU PRAY!
Prayer is taking the troubles of human life to an eternal God who has all power in both earth and heaven.
Sometimes we have confided in a friend and shared some of the troubles and burdens of life and it made us feel Better just to talk to someone about it. How much more should we make it our regular practice to Talk to God about Everything! I don’t think we should pick and choose as to what we think is important enough to talk to God about. It’s ALL important to Him. He told us to Cast our Cares upon Him for he Cares for Us. So, which Cares should we cast on Him? Only the “big” ones? Only the “real important” ones? Only those we can’t handle on our own? No! Part of having victory over worry and anxiety is to Talk to God about Everything.
III. GRATITUDE- Thank God in All Things.
It may seem odd, but being unthankful Does increase anxiety.
We often get confused and we take things for Granted, instead of Being Grateful. Those are Not the same thing!
James wrote that Every Good and Perfect gift comes down from our Father.
Paul asked the Corinthians, “what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”
In more common words he said, “What do you have that you did not receive from God? Since everything you have came from God, why do you, in Pride, act like you are the one responsible for it instead of giving God the glory for it?”
Those who Thank God in ALL things will have greater victory over anxiety. 1 Thess 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Billy Sunday once said, “Your praying will improve if you’ll yank out a few Groans and put in a few Shouts.”
There is a prescription for anxiety:
1) Faith- Don’t Worry About Anything.
2) Prayer- Talk to God about Everything.
3) Gratitude- Thank God in All Things.
THEN, Paul wrote, “the Peace of God, which passes all understanding, will Keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
- Published on
A Recipe for Victory
Heb. 4:1,2
Intro: This is a great need for every one of us: Victory!
Sinners need victory over sin; over sinful habits; over sin’s bondage and addictions.
Christians need victory over the temptations of the devil and the world; victory over the pressure of our own fleshly nature; victory over the weak-nesses of our Spiritual life.
There is a Recipe for Victory in these verses and it has two key ingredients: The Word of God and Faith.
I. Establish your Faith by Hearing the Word of God.
Just a few verses later in our text passage, 4:12 says that the Word of God is Quick (Alive) and Powerful; sharper than any two edged sword; pierces to the dividing assunder of soul and spirit; it is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. This book is Not a book BY Man alone; this is not Man’s Word it is God’s Word. It is Absolute Truth and Active Power. It has Power to save, deliver, transform lives; power to defeat the devil and sin and the world and the flesh. This is a Vital ingredient for Victory. Too Often we fall into the Trap of Busyness and neglect the Word of God.
We need to Read it;
Study it;
Meditate on it;
Memorize it;
Listen to it;
Obey it;
Where there is a lack of the Word of God in a life there is a lack of victory also. You will become discouraged; distracted; defeated; and find yourself in a vicious cycle of failure.
Establish your Faith by the Word of God.
Rom 10:17 says that Faith comes by hearing; and hearing by the Word of God.
Not hearing what Everyone else has to say; not hearing what the media has to say; not hearing what some of your friends have to say; not hearing even what some other Christians have to say; but Hearing the Word of God.
The Word of God is FOOD for the spirit and soul. It is Milk and it is Meat. It is for those who have just been saved (babes in Christ) and it is for those who have been saved for a long time.
Desire the Word of God. Take it into your mind and into your heart; Let it live out through your mouth and hands and feet and Your Life.
Establish your Faith by the Word of God.
II. Exercise your Faith by Believing the Word of God.
Notice what vs 2 said- the Word was preached to them, But it did not profit them because it was not mixed with faith.
So the Word of God, as Alive and Powerful as it is, cannot do its Divine Work if you do Not Believe!
When you Do read the Word you must Believe it.
When you Do take some time to study it; you must believe it.
When you Hear it preached you must believe it.
Then when you believe it you will Act Upon it and Obey it.
Where there is a lack of Faith there is a lack of Victory, and again that vicious cycle of failure starts up.
Trying to have Victory without Believing and Obeying the Word of God is like trying to play a tune on a guitar without strings. Trying to have victory without believing and obeying the Word of God is like trying to drive your car without gas in the tank.
- Don’t be Paralyzed by Fear
- like those 10 spineless spies (who knew what God had said but wouldn’t believe it)
- like those wimpy warriors who wouldn’t believe God enough to face Goliath.
- like those mocking mourners around the daughter of Jarius? Jesus told Jarius- FEAR NOT; Believe! But the mourners mocked him and had to be removed from the room.
Don’t be paralyzed by Fear; Exercise your Faith by believing the Word of God.
- Don’t be Undermined by Unbelief.
Hebrews Ch. 3 ends with this statement about Israel: So we see that they Could Not enter in because of unbelief.
Matthew’s gospel said about Jesus in 13:58- He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Don’t be undermined by unbelief. Be like Abraham who Paul said “staggered not at the promise of God being strong in faith giving glory to God.” (Rom. 4:20)
There is a recipe for Victory:
- Establish your Faith by Hearing the Word of God.
- Exercise your Faith by Believing the Word of God.
When you Mix Faith with Hearing, the Word of God will become Profitable in your life. It will bring God’s Blessings and Benefits to your life, and will give you Strength and Victory.
Heb. 4:1,2
Intro: This is a great need for every one of us: Victory!
Sinners need victory over sin; over sinful habits; over sin’s bondage and addictions.
Christians need victory over the temptations of the devil and the world; victory over the pressure of our own fleshly nature; victory over the weak-nesses of our Spiritual life.
There is a Recipe for Victory in these verses and it has two key ingredients: The Word of God and Faith.
I. Establish your Faith by Hearing the Word of God.
Just a few verses later in our text passage, 4:12 says that the Word of God is Quick (Alive) and Powerful; sharper than any two edged sword; pierces to the dividing assunder of soul and spirit; it is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. This book is Not a book BY Man alone; this is not Man’s Word it is God’s Word. It is Absolute Truth and Active Power. It has Power to save, deliver, transform lives; power to defeat the devil and sin and the world and the flesh. This is a Vital ingredient for Victory. Too Often we fall into the Trap of Busyness and neglect the Word of God.
We need to Read it;
Study it;
Meditate on it;
Memorize it;
Listen to it;
Obey it;
Where there is a lack of the Word of God in a life there is a lack of victory also. You will become discouraged; distracted; defeated; and find yourself in a vicious cycle of failure.
Establish your Faith by the Word of God.
Rom 10:17 says that Faith comes by hearing; and hearing by the Word of God.
Not hearing what Everyone else has to say; not hearing what the media has to say; not hearing what some of your friends have to say; not hearing even what some other Christians have to say; but Hearing the Word of God.
The Word of God is FOOD for the spirit and soul. It is Milk and it is Meat. It is for those who have just been saved (babes in Christ) and it is for those who have been saved for a long time.
Desire the Word of God. Take it into your mind and into your heart; Let it live out through your mouth and hands and feet and Your Life.
Establish your Faith by the Word of God.
II. Exercise your Faith by Believing the Word of God.
Notice what vs 2 said- the Word was preached to them, But it did not profit them because it was not mixed with faith.
So the Word of God, as Alive and Powerful as it is, cannot do its Divine Work if you do Not Believe!
When you Do read the Word you must Believe it.
When you Do take some time to study it; you must believe it.
When you Hear it preached you must believe it.
Then when you believe it you will Act Upon it and Obey it.
Where there is a lack of Faith there is a lack of Victory, and again that vicious cycle of failure starts up.
Trying to have Victory without Believing and Obeying the Word of God is like trying to play a tune on a guitar without strings. Trying to have victory without believing and obeying the Word of God is like trying to drive your car without gas in the tank.
- Don’t be Paralyzed by Fear
- like those 10 spineless spies (who knew what God had said but wouldn’t believe it)
- like those wimpy warriors who wouldn’t believe God enough to face Goliath.
- like those mocking mourners around the daughter of Jarius? Jesus told Jarius- FEAR NOT; Believe! But the mourners mocked him and had to be removed from the room.
Don’t be paralyzed by Fear; Exercise your Faith by believing the Word of God.
- Don’t be Undermined by Unbelief.
Hebrews Ch. 3 ends with this statement about Israel: So we see that they Could Not enter in because of unbelief.
Matthew’s gospel said about Jesus in 13:58- He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Don’t be undermined by unbelief. Be like Abraham who Paul said “staggered not at the promise of God being strong in faith giving glory to God.” (Rom. 4:20)
There is a recipe for Victory:
- Establish your Faith by Hearing the Word of God.
- Exercise your Faith by Believing the Word of God.
When you Mix Faith with Hearing, the Word of God will become Profitable in your life. It will bring God’s Blessings and Benefits to your life, and will give you Strength and Victory.
- Published on
The Place of Blessing
Gen. 32:6-8; 22-28
Intro: The story of Jacob is a familiar one; he took advantage of his brother and took from him the Birthright of the firstborn; then his mother helped him deceive his own dad and he stole the Blessing of the firstborn.
Of course, Esau was furious and threatened to kill him; so he fled away and went to his uncle Laban’s. There he worked with livestock and there he married both Leah and Rachel; there he had 12 children and was expecting another. Things had not gone well with Laban for he was constantly changing Jacob’s wages and pushed the hardest of the work off on him. Jacob was discouraged and decided that he needed to return home. He stole away in the middle of the night rather than face Laban man to man and made his “escape” to return back to Canaan.
Jacob had an experience with God at Bethel when he first left home but about 20 years had passed and Jacob needed a Renewal in his relationship with God; he needed God’s Blessing on his life and in his family. The text passage tells about the Place of Blessing that Jacob found as he journeyed home. Notice: This place of Blessing did not consist of just a Great Positive experience; it was not all glory and joy and wonder.
I. A Place of Crisis.
It was a crisis that brought Jacob to his place of blessing.
I like it better when I receive blessings at random; how about you? When I think about receiving a blessing I am not wanting to go through a Crisis.
I read where Jacob was thinking about Esau as he made his way home. He knew how things had been when he left and he had No Assurance that anything had changed for the better. He was already making plans for dealing with Esau; hoping to soothe his anger and find any mercy that might be in Esau’s heart. When the messengers he sent to Esau returned, the word was not good; Esau is coming to meet you and he has 400 men with him.
Talk about a Crisis! Coming with 400 men; that does NOT sound like a peace conference; but a War Party.
Jacob was “greatly afraid and distressed.”
He immediately began making plans to minimize the damage Esau would do; he divided his all of his company into two and actually three bands or groups.
He kept himself and his immediate family as the third group; he divided the rest into 2 groups and sent them ahead with some distance between them.
He hoped that if Esau did attack the first group that the second group and his family group would be able to escape destruction.
He was in a Crisis.
I want you to know tonight that Your Place of Blessing May be in a Place of Crisis.
In other words- you feel like you are in a crisis tonight and you may be “greatly afraid and distressed.” You may feel like this is a place of nothing but trouble and defeat and you have reconciled yourself to just trying to Minimize the Damage and try to survive with whatever can be salvaged.
God wants you to know tonight that the Place of Crisis can become a Place of Blessing.
II. A Place of Conflict.
Jacob was not only in a place of Crisis- he was in a place of conflict.
He could not dictate how Esau should feel; what actions he should or should not take; he was at the mercy of Esau and it fully expected serious conflict.
There was no indication that Esau was going to be calm and peaceful at their meeting; there was no indication that Esau was interested in reconciliation; conflict seemed inevitable.
The threat of conflict drove Jacob to Desperation.
He sent even his immediate family across the brook Jabbok and there he wrestled with a man that he later realized was an angel from God.
He wrestled and struggled and fought and battled; he persisted such that the angel said to him, Let Me Go for the day breaketh; (Jacob had ahold of the angel so intently that the angel intreated him to be let go)
Jacob replied, I will not let you go except you bless me.
This place of conflict was not only a place of desperation but it became a place of brokenness also.
The angel touched the thigh of Jacob and put it out of place; no doubt Jacob felt pain; it was a physical injury that he suffered consequences from for the rest of his life.
Remember tonight- your place of blessing may bring you to desperation- you must hold on to the Lord; Don’t be deceived by the devil and let go of the Lord. Be faithful to fight the good fight of faith;
Remember tonight- your place of blessing may bring you to brokeness- you must allow the Lord to Break you so he can then Mold and Make you what he wants you to be; his plan is better than yours; his aims are higher than yours; his goals are greater than yours.
Don’t hold anything back from the Lord; surrender completely and let him have full control.
Jacob obtained his first blessing by deceit and lying; but it did not fulfill the desires of his heart and he reaped what he sowed for he too was treated deceitfully. He obtained his second blessing by earnest prayer; by wrestling with determination but in humility. This blessing changed his life forever.
The Great English preacher F B Meyer said this: the reason that some fail to attain the Blessed Life is that there is some point at which they hold back from God and desire their own way rather than his. This one little thing will mar the whole and rob the soul of its peace and of the fulness of blessing.
If you’re in a place of Crisis and Conflict tonight- don’t be dismayed- surrender everything in your heart and life to the Lord and allow the Spirit of God to break you and make you and bring his blessing to your life.
Let me close by reminding you that Jacob’s place of Blessing was also:
III. A Place of Confession.
As he and the angel wrestled intently, the angel said, “what is your name?”
Now I think you would all agree with me that the angel knew full well what his name was; he was not asking because he didn’t know Jacob’s name, he was asking because he wanted Jacob to Say IT and by doing so Confess that he really was a Deceiver; a Supplanter; one who was also trying to take advantage of others.
It amounted to a Confession by Jacob of Who He Was and What he Done.
I know how difficult it is for us to Confess OUR OWN SINS and Shortcomings.
Still, the place of blessing is a place of confession.
God already knows anyway; you might as well admit it.
We can try to make other people think that we are totally innocent and that any trouble we are having is all because of someone else and what they have done. But God knows that ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Don’t try to confess someone else’s sins or failures; confess your own.
That’s the way to blessing.
When Jacob confessed who he was; the angel replied- You will be Jacob No More (no more the deceiver; no more the supplanter; no more the one always trying to take advantage of everyone else)
From now on you are ISRAEL- A Prince that has Power with God.
Wow= what a blessing Jacob received from God.
He was forgiven of his past sins and failures; his name that tied him to his past was taken away and he was given a new Name and an New Life- from now on he would be a Prince in the sense that he would be the Father of the nation of Israel and he would have Power with God and be blessed with the blessing of Abraham.
There is a place of blessing for you; it may be a place of crisis; it may be a place of conflict; it will almost certainly be a place of confession- but the Blessing is worth the Effort.
Gen. 32:6-8; 22-28
Intro: The story of Jacob is a familiar one; he took advantage of his brother and took from him the Birthright of the firstborn; then his mother helped him deceive his own dad and he stole the Blessing of the firstborn.
Of course, Esau was furious and threatened to kill him; so he fled away and went to his uncle Laban’s. There he worked with livestock and there he married both Leah and Rachel; there he had 12 children and was expecting another. Things had not gone well with Laban for he was constantly changing Jacob’s wages and pushed the hardest of the work off on him. Jacob was discouraged and decided that he needed to return home. He stole away in the middle of the night rather than face Laban man to man and made his “escape” to return back to Canaan.
Jacob had an experience with God at Bethel when he first left home but about 20 years had passed and Jacob needed a Renewal in his relationship with God; he needed God’s Blessing on his life and in his family. The text passage tells about the Place of Blessing that Jacob found as he journeyed home. Notice: This place of Blessing did not consist of just a Great Positive experience; it was not all glory and joy and wonder.
I. A Place of Crisis.
It was a crisis that brought Jacob to his place of blessing.
I like it better when I receive blessings at random; how about you? When I think about receiving a blessing I am not wanting to go through a Crisis.
I read where Jacob was thinking about Esau as he made his way home. He knew how things had been when he left and he had No Assurance that anything had changed for the better. He was already making plans for dealing with Esau; hoping to soothe his anger and find any mercy that might be in Esau’s heart. When the messengers he sent to Esau returned, the word was not good; Esau is coming to meet you and he has 400 men with him.
Talk about a Crisis! Coming with 400 men; that does NOT sound like a peace conference; but a War Party.
Jacob was “greatly afraid and distressed.”
He immediately began making plans to minimize the damage Esau would do; he divided his all of his company into two and actually three bands or groups.
He kept himself and his immediate family as the third group; he divided the rest into 2 groups and sent them ahead with some distance between them.
He hoped that if Esau did attack the first group that the second group and his family group would be able to escape destruction.
He was in a Crisis.
I want you to know tonight that Your Place of Blessing May be in a Place of Crisis.
In other words- you feel like you are in a crisis tonight and you may be “greatly afraid and distressed.” You may feel like this is a place of nothing but trouble and defeat and you have reconciled yourself to just trying to Minimize the Damage and try to survive with whatever can be salvaged.
God wants you to know tonight that the Place of Crisis can become a Place of Blessing.
II. A Place of Conflict.
Jacob was not only in a place of Crisis- he was in a place of conflict.
He could not dictate how Esau should feel; what actions he should or should not take; he was at the mercy of Esau and it fully expected serious conflict.
There was no indication that Esau was going to be calm and peaceful at their meeting; there was no indication that Esau was interested in reconciliation; conflict seemed inevitable.
The threat of conflict drove Jacob to Desperation.
He sent even his immediate family across the brook Jabbok and there he wrestled with a man that he later realized was an angel from God.
He wrestled and struggled and fought and battled; he persisted such that the angel said to him, Let Me Go for the day breaketh; (Jacob had ahold of the angel so intently that the angel intreated him to be let go)
Jacob replied, I will not let you go except you bless me.
This place of conflict was not only a place of desperation but it became a place of brokenness also.
The angel touched the thigh of Jacob and put it out of place; no doubt Jacob felt pain; it was a physical injury that he suffered consequences from for the rest of his life.
Remember tonight- your place of blessing may bring you to desperation- you must hold on to the Lord; Don’t be deceived by the devil and let go of the Lord. Be faithful to fight the good fight of faith;
Remember tonight- your place of blessing may bring you to brokeness- you must allow the Lord to Break you so he can then Mold and Make you what he wants you to be; his plan is better than yours; his aims are higher than yours; his goals are greater than yours.
Don’t hold anything back from the Lord; surrender completely and let him have full control.
Jacob obtained his first blessing by deceit and lying; but it did not fulfill the desires of his heart and he reaped what he sowed for he too was treated deceitfully. He obtained his second blessing by earnest prayer; by wrestling with determination but in humility. This blessing changed his life forever.
The Great English preacher F B Meyer said this: the reason that some fail to attain the Blessed Life is that there is some point at which they hold back from God and desire their own way rather than his. This one little thing will mar the whole and rob the soul of its peace and of the fulness of blessing.
If you’re in a place of Crisis and Conflict tonight- don’t be dismayed- surrender everything in your heart and life to the Lord and allow the Spirit of God to break you and make you and bring his blessing to your life.
Let me close by reminding you that Jacob’s place of Blessing was also:
III. A Place of Confession.
As he and the angel wrestled intently, the angel said, “what is your name?”
Now I think you would all agree with me that the angel knew full well what his name was; he was not asking because he didn’t know Jacob’s name, he was asking because he wanted Jacob to Say IT and by doing so Confess that he really was a Deceiver; a Supplanter; one who was also trying to take advantage of others.
It amounted to a Confession by Jacob of Who He Was and What he Done.
I know how difficult it is for us to Confess OUR OWN SINS and Shortcomings.
Still, the place of blessing is a place of confession.
God already knows anyway; you might as well admit it.
We can try to make other people think that we are totally innocent and that any trouble we are having is all because of someone else and what they have done. But God knows that ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Don’t try to confess someone else’s sins or failures; confess your own.
That’s the way to blessing.
When Jacob confessed who he was; the angel replied- You will be Jacob No More (no more the deceiver; no more the supplanter; no more the one always trying to take advantage of everyone else)
From now on you are ISRAEL- A Prince that has Power with God.
Wow= what a blessing Jacob received from God.
He was forgiven of his past sins and failures; his name that tied him to his past was taken away and he was given a new Name and an New Life- from now on he would be a Prince in the sense that he would be the Father of the nation of Israel and he would have Power with God and be blessed with the blessing of Abraham.
There is a place of blessing for you; it may be a place of crisis; it may be a place of conflict; it will almost certainly be a place of confession- but the Blessing is worth the Effort.