9. Prayer is How we Obtain the Holy Spirit
When was the last time you asked your father for something?
Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
The Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost some may say!
Read Acts 4:31 - And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Acts 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
What is our experience?
10. Prayer Protects Us from Temptation and Prepares Us for Jesus’ Return
Another reason why we are to be constant, persistent, sleepless, overcoming prayer is because of Luke 21:34-36
There is only one way we can overcome this – Prayer
Will Christ return? Is it getting closer? Are we prepared?
The word WATCH is the same as
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Are you ready for Christs return? How? Pray, pray……
11. Because of what prayer accomplishes
a. Prayer promotes our spiritual growth as almost nothing else, indeed as nothing else but Bible study; and true prayer and true Bible study go hand in hand.
Sin is brought to light – Ps 139:23-24
Our sin is cleansed – Ps 51:2
My eyes are open – P119:18
I get wisdom – James 1:5
I am changed – 2 Cor3:18
John Welsh (son in law to John Knox) spent 7-8 hours a day in prayer and study. One man said he was a type of Christ. Why
It is very important who you spend time with.
Who do you spend the most time with?
Are they a positive or a negative influence on your spiritual life? (Use an example from a material sense) Make a list.
b. Prayer brings power into our life.
Preaching, teaching, personal work, rearing a family
Have you prayed about it?
We need power rather than ability and gifts
c. Prayer avails for the conversion of others
Who prayed for you? Who is still praying for you?
Who will we pray for?
d. Prayer brings blessings to the church
The devil hates the church. He wants to block its progress
• False doctrine
• Division
• Inward corruption
We need His blessing. Look around you
Ps 119:26 It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The Importance of Prayer - Part 3
6. Prayer Is the Way We Receive Mercy and Grace in Times of Need
Heb 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
God has appointed a way how we may obtain mercy and grace.
That way is prayer; bold, confident, outspoken approach to the throne of grace, the most holy place of God’s presence.
Look at verse 14&15 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Mercy is what we need
Grace is what we must have
Prayer is the way to get them
Jesus Christ wants us to come and come asking.
Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
7. Prayer in the Name of Jesus Is How We Obtain Fullness of Joy
John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (Made Full)
Why is it that prayer in the name of Christ brings fullness of joy?
• We get what we ask
• It makes God real
• It brings communion with God
• He is there
Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Are you thinking - I have never known any such joy as that in prayer
Ask yourself then. Do you take enough leisure for prayer to actually get into God’s presence? Do you really give yourself up to prayer in the time which you take?
8. Prayer is the way to freedom from worry and to God’s Peace
8th reason for constant, persistent, sleepless, overcoming prayer is that prayer, in every care and anxiety and need of life, with thanksgiving is the means that God has appointed for obtaining freedom all anxiety, and the peace of God which passeth all understanding.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Be careful for nothing – In nothing be anxious
The rest of the verse gives us the HOW
Verse 7 gives us the RESULTS
What are we allowing to crowd out our prayer life? Why is it that we allow this we know what is good for us? (Example of food)
Time spent in prayer is not wasted, but time invested at big interest.
Heb 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
God has appointed a way how we may obtain mercy and grace.
That way is prayer; bold, confident, outspoken approach to the throne of grace, the most holy place of God’s presence.
Look at verse 14&15 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Mercy is what we need
Grace is what we must have
Prayer is the way to get them
Jesus Christ wants us to come and come asking.
Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
7. Prayer in the Name of Jesus Is How We Obtain Fullness of Joy
John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (Made Full)
Why is it that prayer in the name of Christ brings fullness of joy?
• We get what we ask
• It makes God real
• It brings communion with God
• He is there
Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Are you thinking - I have never known any such joy as that in prayer
Ask yourself then. Do you take enough leisure for prayer to actually get into God’s presence? Do you really give yourself up to prayer in the time which you take?
8. Prayer is the way to freedom from worry and to God’s Peace
8th reason for constant, persistent, sleepless, overcoming prayer is that prayer, in every care and anxiety and need of life, with thanksgiving is the means that God has appointed for obtaining freedom all anxiety, and the peace of God which passeth all understanding.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Be careful for nothing – In nothing be anxious
The rest of the verse gives us the HOW
Verse 7 gives us the RESULTS
What are we allowing to crowd out our prayer life? Why is it that we allow this we know what is good for us? (Example of food)
Time spent in prayer is not wasted, but time invested at big interest.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
The Importance of Prayer - Part 2
Reading today is Acts Chapter 6
3. The Apostles Regarded Prayer as the Most Important Business of Their Lives
The 3rd reason for this Sleepless, vigilant persistent prayer
Acts 6:2-4
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Life for them was busy! We need to get our priorities right! What is the most important thing
Review the verses – Rom 1:9, Eph 1:15-16, Col 1:9, 1 Thes 3:10 and 2 Tim 1:3
All mighty men of God were men of prayer. They may have differed in way but they were men of prayer.
We should read about George Muller who was a great man of prayer.
4. Prayer Was Very Important in the Early Life of Jesus
Jesus Christ is a great example for us to follow
Read Mark 1:35 - And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
What do we learn from this verse?
Luke 6:12 - And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Christ found it necessary!
WWJD - A man or woman who doesn’t spend time in prayer cannot truly say they are a follower of Jesus Christ.
5. Praying Is the most Important Part of the Present Ministry of Our Risen Lord
Christ’s ministry didn’t end with His death. His atoning work was finished. He now carries our salvation on to completeness.
Heb 7:25 - Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Save them to the UTTERMOST – not from but to!
His purpose is now to make intercession for us
Read also Rom 8:34
This is a great ministry that we all can have part in.
We must take time and do it now.
3. The Apostles Regarded Prayer as the Most Important Business of Their Lives
The 3rd reason for this Sleepless, vigilant persistent prayer
Acts 6:2-4
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Life for them was busy! We need to get our priorities right! What is the most important thing
Review the verses – Rom 1:9, Eph 1:15-16, Col 1:9, 1 Thes 3:10 and 2 Tim 1:3
All mighty men of God were men of prayer. They may have differed in way but they were men of prayer.
We should read about George Muller who was a great man of prayer.
4. Prayer Was Very Important in the Early Life of Jesus
Jesus Christ is a great example for us to follow
Read Mark 1:35 - And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
What do we learn from this verse?
Luke 6:12 - And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Christ found it necessary!
WWJD - A man or woman who doesn’t spend time in prayer cannot truly say they are a follower of Jesus Christ.
5. Praying Is the most Important Part of the Present Ministry of Our Risen Lord
Christ’s ministry didn’t end with His death. His atoning work was finished. He now carries our salvation on to completeness.
Heb 7:25 - Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Save them to the UTTERMOST – not from but to!
His purpose is now to make intercession for us
Read also Rom 8:34
This is a great ministry that we all can have part in.
We must take time and do it now.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
The Importance of Prayer - Part 1
Reading Eph 6:10-24
What is one of the most important things in the Christian life?
Text – V18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Prayer – Worship
Supplication – Request
Notice the word – All
Strong words – Prayer, supplication, perseverance (we give up)
Strong expression – “watching thereunto” See Matthew 26:41 –
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
The idea here is to be vigilant or sleepless in the matter of prayer.
1. Why pray? Because there is a Devil
Look at verse 12 and then look at our instruction to follow in verse 13
We are instructed to put on the full armour but verse 18 brings it to a climax. Yes it is to vigilant, sleepless and persistent prayer.
In the Spirit or else it will fail
2. Prayer is God’s appointed way to obtain things
Read James 4:2
Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
These last few words contain the secret of the poverty and powerlessness of the average Christian.
I make so little progress in my Christian life – why
Neglect of prayer - ye have not, because ye ask not.
I see so little fruit in my labours
Neglect of prayer - ye have not, because ye ask not.
What is one of the most important things in the Christian life?
Text – V18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Prayer – Worship
Supplication – Request
Notice the word – All
Strong words – Prayer, supplication, perseverance (we give up)
Strong expression – “watching thereunto” See Matthew 26:41 –
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
The idea here is to be vigilant or sleepless in the matter of prayer.
1. Why pray? Because there is a Devil
Look at verse 12 and then look at our instruction to follow in verse 13
We are instructed to put on the full armour but verse 18 brings it to a climax. Yes it is to vigilant, sleepless and persistent prayer.
In the Spirit or else it will fail
2. Prayer is God’s appointed way to obtain things
Read James 4:2
Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
These last few words contain the secret of the poverty and powerlessness of the average Christian.
I make so little progress in my Christian life – why
Neglect of prayer - ye have not, because ye ask not.
I see so little fruit in my labours
Neglect of prayer - ye have not, because ye ask not.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Living your Life in Victory - Part 6 Don’t forget the important thing
The Presence of God
We can get everything looking right but if we do not have the presence of God we have nothing
David understood this.
1 Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
1 Samuel 17:37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.
1 Samuel 17:45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
We must NOT go out without His presence
Judges 16:19-21
And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.
Verse 21 shows us the results of not having the Spirit of God
But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.
We all need the infilling of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:1-4
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Ephesians 5:18
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
This is a continual filling – It is not a one off!
The Christian who is filled with the Spirit is under the influence. The Spirit was affect and control your thoughts, attitudes and actions.
Psalm 23 says “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters, He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
God’s presence gives us
V1 Plenty – Everything that we need
V2 Peace and refreshment
V3 Direction and healing
V4 Courage, comfort and protection
V5 Fellowship
We cannot know “Victory in Life” until we have the power of the Holy Spirit in our life
The Holy Spirit can change a life, church, village, town or city
We need it today!
David needed God’s presence and we need it to. It doesn’t matter if you are a house wife or a minister we all need His presence.
Living Life in Victory
1. There will always be giants
2. Your age doesn’t matter
3. You are being prepared for the future
4. Wear the right glasses
5. Your victory will encourage others
6. Don’t forget the important thing
We all want to have VICTORY in our lives!
NIKE is the name of the false god of victory. We serve the God of all Victories who triumphed over death hell and the grave.
We can get everything looking right but if we do not have the presence of God we have nothing
David understood this.
1 Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
1 Samuel 17:37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.
1 Samuel 17:45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
We must NOT go out without His presence
Judges 16:19-21
And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.
Verse 21 shows us the results of not having the Spirit of God
But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.
We all need the infilling of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:1-4
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Ephesians 5:18
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
This is a continual filling – It is not a one off!
The Christian who is filled with the Spirit is under the influence. The Spirit was affect and control your thoughts, attitudes and actions.
Psalm 23 says “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters, He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
God’s presence gives us
V1 Plenty – Everything that we need
V2 Peace and refreshment
V3 Direction and healing
V4 Courage, comfort and protection
V5 Fellowship
We cannot know “Victory in Life” until we have the power of the Holy Spirit in our life
The Holy Spirit can change a life, church, village, town or city
We need it today!
David needed God’s presence and we need it to. It doesn’t matter if you are a house wife or a minister we all need His presence.
Living Life in Victory
1. There will always be giants
2. Your age doesn’t matter
3. You are being prepared for the future
4. Wear the right glasses
5. Your victory will encourage others
6. Don’t forget the important thing
We all want to have VICTORY in our lives!
NIKE is the name of the false god of victory. We serve the God of all Victories who triumphed over death hell and the grave.
Living your Life in Victory - Part 5 Your Victory will encourage others
1 Samuel 17:51-53 says “Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron. And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents.”
You can see that through David’s victory he encouraged the men of Judah and Israel.
Man is not an island!
Your life affects others! What type of an effect are you having on those around about?
The cry of this army was “If he can do it so can we!” Davis had a very great positive effect on these people.
Are you through your life, words and actions encouraging others or discouraging them spiritually.
Where are you leading others to?
John 21:3 says “Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee”
Peter was leading them back to their old life.
Make a decision today to be a LEADER for good.
Gideon was a good man. He was a leader for good. 32,000 people came at his call.
What type of an effect today are you having on:
• Your home
• Your church
• Your work
What 3 things can I change that would result in me having a good effect on others?
1.
2.
3.
You can see that through David’s victory he encouraged the men of Judah and Israel.
Man is not an island!
Your life affects others! What type of an effect are you having on those around about?
The cry of this army was “If he can do it so can we!” Davis had a very great positive effect on these people.
Are you through your life, words and actions encouraging others or discouraging them spiritually.
Where are you leading others to?
John 21:3 says “Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee”
Peter was leading them back to their old life.
Make a decision today to be a LEADER for good.
Gideon was a good man. He was a leader for good. 32,000 people came at his call.
What type of an effect today are you having on:
• Your home
• Your church
• Your work
What 3 things can I change that would result in me having a good effect on others?
1.
2.
3.
Living Life in Victory - Part 4 Wear the right glasses - VISION
We all need glasses! Sin has destroyed our vision. We need Spiritual Glasses!
For those who need glasses realise that glasses make such a different
Answers in Genesis talk a lot having the right world view. There is a need to look at the world through God centred glasses with a view that God created the world in 6 days.
You should get your eyes tested. Eye tests can show up health issues. I was told recently that someone diagnosed with tumour after getting an eye test. It is important to have good eye sight. I was told that I had 20/20 vision after my first test but after the second I was told that there were signs of a slight deterioration.
You can even get a photograph of the back of your eye!
Have you 20/20 spiritual eye sight?
Saul had poor SPIRITUAL eye sight!
1 Samuel 17
• Verse 24 – Fled/Afraid
• Verse 25 - Have ye seen this man
• Verse 22 - Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth
• Verse 38 – You will need armour
There was no focus on God. He was relying on man!
David had 20/20 SPIRITUAL vision!
1 Samuel 17
• Verse 26 – He had the right view of man and God
• Verse 29 – he realised there was a cause
• Verse 32 – I can do this (See next)
• Verse 37 – God will deliver
• Verse 46 – There is a God!
Wear the right glasses – Look for God
We need to keep our eyes on Him. Remember what happened to Peter when he took his eyes of Christ while walking on water. He sank!
Don’t rely on self – This was Saul’s tactic
Proverbs 3:5-7 says “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
The right spiritual vision –
1. Builds trust
2. Gives direction
3. Helps us depart from evil
How do you view life? Do you see a problem and get depressed or do you see God has a plan for you?
Look over your life this week and ask yourself – did I have the right vision?
For those who need glasses realise that glasses make such a different
Answers in Genesis talk a lot having the right world view. There is a need to look at the world through God centred glasses with a view that God created the world in 6 days.
You should get your eyes tested. Eye tests can show up health issues. I was told recently that someone diagnosed with tumour after getting an eye test. It is important to have good eye sight. I was told that I had 20/20 vision after my first test but after the second I was told that there were signs of a slight deterioration.
You can even get a photograph of the back of your eye!
Have you 20/20 spiritual eye sight?
Saul had poor SPIRITUAL eye sight!
1 Samuel 17
• Verse 24 – Fled/Afraid
• Verse 25 - Have ye seen this man
• Verse 22 - Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth
• Verse 38 – You will need armour
There was no focus on God. He was relying on man!
David had 20/20 SPIRITUAL vision!
1 Samuel 17
• Verse 26 – He had the right view of man and God
• Verse 29 – he realised there was a cause
• Verse 32 – I can do this (See next)
• Verse 37 – God will deliver
• Verse 46 – There is a God!
Wear the right glasses – Look for God
We need to keep our eyes on Him. Remember what happened to Peter when he took his eyes of Christ while walking on water. He sank!
Don’t rely on self – This was Saul’s tactic
Proverbs 3:5-7 says “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
The right spiritual vision –
1. Builds trust
2. Gives direction
3. Helps us depart from evil
How do you view life? Do you see a problem and get depressed or do you see God has a plan for you?
Look over your life this week and ask yourself – did I have the right vision?
Monday, July 11, 2011
Living Life in Victory - Part 3 You are being prepared for the Future
We can see this in the life of David
1. He killed the killed the lion and the bear
2. He kills Goliath
3. He becomes King
We can also see it in the life of Joseph
1. He was taken captive
2. Sold as a slave
3. Accuse of rape
4. Thrown into jail
5. Promoted to Prime Minister
I am sure that you have and will go through dark days. There are days when you don’t see any reason for what is happening. It is easy to get discouraged. We often look at these great men of the Bible and think how great it must have been to be like them. I am sure they had the dark days as well. They didn’t know the end. They had to deal with the present.
Read Psalm 26 and see how David had been accused by other people.
We have the benefit of looking back at their lives. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Remember God is in CONTROL.
We should use every opportunity that is given us. We are being prepared for the future. David took the opportunity of killing that lion and look where it led him.
I can look at my own life and see the hand of God working. A number of years ago I read a book called Dancing with Demons. This book was written by Jeff Godwin. Because of this book I organised for him to come over to Northern Ireland. Through the meetings that were organised I meet a good friend called Stephen McClean. We then spoke at different meeting and because of this I met my wife to be. God is in control.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Listen to the prompting and instructions of the Spirit of God. Listen for the still small voice that speaks.
What opportunities have been given to you this week? Have you taken them? What could you be doing? The Israelites didn’t have to walk in the wilderness for 40 years. They could have gone in earlier but they listened to the 10 spies. The majority are not always right! They could have had the blessing that God had promised them but they feared the people.
Take your opportunities with God and receive His blessings
Remember you are being prepared for the future!
What have you been asked to do recently but you declined? Should you have declined it?
1. He killed the killed the lion and the bear
2. He kills Goliath
3. He becomes King
We can also see it in the life of Joseph
1. He was taken captive
2. Sold as a slave
3. Accuse of rape
4. Thrown into jail
5. Promoted to Prime Minister
I am sure that you have and will go through dark days. There are days when you don’t see any reason for what is happening. It is easy to get discouraged. We often look at these great men of the Bible and think how great it must have been to be like them. I am sure they had the dark days as well. They didn’t know the end. They had to deal with the present.
Read Psalm 26 and see how David had been accused by other people.
We have the benefit of looking back at their lives. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Remember God is in CONTROL.
We should use every opportunity that is given us. We are being prepared for the future. David took the opportunity of killing that lion and look where it led him.
I can look at my own life and see the hand of God working. A number of years ago I read a book called Dancing with Demons. This book was written by Jeff Godwin. Because of this book I organised for him to come over to Northern Ireland. Through the meetings that were organised I meet a good friend called Stephen McClean. We then spoke at different meeting and because of this I met my wife to be. God is in control.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Listen to the prompting and instructions of the Spirit of God. Listen for the still small voice that speaks.
What opportunities have been given to you this week? Have you taken them? What could you be doing? The Israelites didn’t have to walk in the wilderness for 40 years. They could have gone in earlier but they listened to the 10 spies. The majority are not always right! They could have had the blessing that God had promised them but they feared the people.
Take your opportunities with God and receive His blessings
Remember you are being prepared for the future!
What have you been asked to do recently but you declined? Should you have declined it?
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Living Life in Victory - Part 2 Your age or status doesn’t matter
Your age, status or position in life doesn’t matter. You can at any age be involved in the work of the Lord. You can serve the Lord in many different ways. You can pass out a Gospel tract, give a word of testimony, personally witness, attend all church services, do good in the community, take part in children’s meetings, pray both privately and publicly………….the list goes on!
Look what 1 Samuel says in Chapter 16 verses 1, 6 and 7
And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth–lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Please note that it doesn’t even matter what you look like. The most important thing is what you look like inside. God looks deeper. You may fool everyone with wearing your Sunday best, your great singing or even that great smile but what is your heart telling God?
If you were to score your standing with God in regards to your relationship with Him, what would your score be? Would it be a 1, 10 or somewhere in-between? I am sure we all need some improvement.
What things do matter?
• Be in the right place with God
• Be a faithful worker in the small things Luke 16:10 - He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
• Willing - 1 Samuel 16:13-14 “And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren:”
• Obedient - 1 Samuel 17:20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him”
What can I do? We can all do something. What?
• Pray
• Teach
• Be there – we should be committed to our local church. We should not be missing our own local services. We should not be looking excitement. In the countryside we used to have what they called bungalow blight. We now have caravan or holiday home blight. People are running away every weekend to somewhere else. Sometimes they don’t even make it to another church. One comment I heard was, “We just had a walk and felt at one with nature”.
• Children’s work
• Pass out a tract – why not adopt a street in your community
• Good works – Visit those in need. Do something for them.
• Send out a card with verse of encouragement
• Invite people to meetings
• Etc
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
2 Kings 5:2 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
We all have OUR part to play. Yes EVERYONE!
What are you doing?
Action - Make a list of 3 things that you could do now and do them
1.
2.
3.
Look what 1 Samuel says in Chapter 16 verses 1, 6 and 7
And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth–lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Please note that it doesn’t even matter what you look like. The most important thing is what you look like inside. God looks deeper. You may fool everyone with wearing your Sunday best, your great singing or even that great smile but what is your heart telling God?
If you were to score your standing with God in regards to your relationship with Him, what would your score be? Would it be a 1, 10 or somewhere in-between? I am sure we all need some improvement.
What things do matter?
• Be in the right place with God
• Be a faithful worker in the small things Luke 16:10 - He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
• Willing - 1 Samuel 16:13-14 “And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren:”
• Obedient - 1 Samuel 17:20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him”
What can I do? We can all do something. What?
• Pray
• Teach
• Be there – we should be committed to our local church. We should not be missing our own local services. We should not be looking excitement. In the countryside we used to have what they called bungalow blight. We now have caravan or holiday home blight. People are running away every weekend to somewhere else. Sometimes they don’t even make it to another church. One comment I heard was, “We just had a walk and felt at one with nature”.
• Children’s work
• Pass out a tract – why not adopt a street in your community
• Good works – Visit those in need. Do something for them.
• Send out a card with verse of encouragement
• Invite people to meetings
• Etc
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
2 Kings 5:2 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
We all have OUR part to play. Yes EVERYONE!
What are you doing?
Action - Make a list of 3 things that you could do now and do them
1.
2.
3.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Living Life in Victory Part 1 - We will always meet giants in our lives
David was a young boy who met a number of giants in his life. He met the bear and the lion as it is mentioned in verse 34. He was also to meet and defeat Goliath the mighty giant and warrior. These giants came to kill, destroy and take captive. Who are what are the giants in your life that seek to kill and destroy your testimony. What is the sin that seeks to take you captive and bring you into bondage?
David as a shepherd was to protect his sheep. He can be seen as a picture of Christ, minister, parents or as others in authority. It is interesting to read Titus 2:5 - To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
The word “keeper” has the meaning of a guard.
The lambs in this chapter could be a picture of the young children in our homes or it could be a picture of the young in faith. Why does the lion and the bear come looking for the lamb rather than the older sheep? Is it because the lambs are juicy, sweet, fresh, tender and the sheep are dry, bitter, old and tough.
As we meet these giants in our life we need to the Lord. 1 Samuel 17:37 says “David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.”
David met many other giants in his life. He met the giant of
• Saul in 1 Samuel 19:10
• Lust in 2 Samuel 11:2
• His son in 2 Samuel 15:14
What are the giants in your life? Many giants can be found in the following verses.
Galatians 5:19-20 says “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,”
Giants are anything that would destroy your testimony or take the place of God in your life. The following could be giants in your life:
• Cars
• Work/careers
• Church activities
• TV/Internet
• Sport
• Etc
We need to destroy these giants in our life!
We need to run from them!
We as sheep need to feed in the right places where the Shepherd King is close by. We need to read and look on the right things and spend time with the right people.
Let’s take the battle to the giant! It is going to be nasty. It will be hand to hand combat. We will use slings and swords to fight with and wear the armour of God to protect us.
The fight is on!
David as a shepherd was to protect his sheep. He can be seen as a picture of Christ, minister, parents or as others in authority. It is interesting to read Titus 2:5 - To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
The word “keeper” has the meaning of a guard.
The lambs in this chapter could be a picture of the young children in our homes or it could be a picture of the young in faith. Why does the lion and the bear come looking for the lamb rather than the older sheep? Is it because the lambs are juicy, sweet, fresh, tender and the sheep are dry, bitter, old and tough.
As we meet these giants in our life we need to the Lord. 1 Samuel 17:37 says “David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.”
David met many other giants in his life. He met the giant of
• Saul in 1 Samuel 19:10
• Lust in 2 Samuel 11:2
• His son in 2 Samuel 15:14
What are the giants in your life? Many giants can be found in the following verses.
Galatians 5:19-20 says “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,”
Giants are anything that would destroy your testimony or take the place of God in your life. The following could be giants in your life:
• Cars
• Work/careers
• Church activities
• TV/Internet
• Sport
• Etc
We need to destroy these giants in our life!
We need to run from them!
We as sheep need to feed in the right places where the Shepherd King is close by. We need to read and look on the right things and spend time with the right people.
Let’s take the battle to the giant! It is going to be nasty. It will be hand to hand combat. We will use slings and swords to fight with and wear the armour of God to protect us.
The fight is on!
Living Life in Victory - Introduction
Reading 1 Samuel 17:32-39
The biblical King David of Israel was known for his diverse skills as both a warrior and a writer of psalms. In his 40 years as ruler, between approximately 1010 and 970 B.C.E., he united the people of Israel, led them to victory in battle, conquered land and paved the way for his son, Solomon, to build the Holy Temple. Almost all knowledge of him is derived from the books of the Prophets and Writings: Samuel I and II, Kings I and Chronicles I.
David was the eighth and youngest son of Jesse from the kingly tribe of Judah. He was also a direct descendent of Ruth the Moabite. David began his life as a shepherd in Bethlehem. One day, the prophet Samuel called him out of the field and anointed him without the knowledge of the current king, Saul. David simply returned to his sheep. His first interaction with Saul came when the king was looking for someone to play music for him, and the king’s attendant summoned the skilled David to play for him. Saul was pleased with David and kept him in his service as a musician.
The first time David publicly displayed his courage was when, as an inexperienced boy armed with only a stick and a few stones, he confronted the nine-foot, bronze armored Philistine giant, Goliath of Gath. After skilled warriors had cowered in fear for 40 days, David made a slingshot, invoked God’s name, and killed the giant. After this, Saul took David on as commander of his troops and David formed a close friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan.
Taken from http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/David.html
David was taken from the sheep folds to become ruler and kind of Israel. He was a man who knew victory in his life yet he also knew defeat and tragedy.
As we view David as he goes out to battle against Goliath we are cheering for him. We all like stories where the underdog prevails.
The biblical King David of Israel was known for his diverse skills as both a warrior and a writer of psalms. In his 40 years as ruler, between approximately 1010 and 970 B.C.E., he united the people of Israel, led them to victory in battle, conquered land and paved the way for his son, Solomon, to build the Holy Temple. Almost all knowledge of him is derived from the books of the Prophets and Writings: Samuel I and II, Kings I and Chronicles I.
David was the eighth and youngest son of Jesse from the kingly tribe of Judah. He was also a direct descendent of Ruth the Moabite. David began his life as a shepherd in Bethlehem. One day, the prophet Samuel called him out of the field and anointed him without the knowledge of the current king, Saul. David simply returned to his sheep. His first interaction with Saul came when the king was looking for someone to play music for him, and the king’s attendant summoned the skilled David to play for him. Saul was pleased with David and kept him in his service as a musician.
The first time David publicly displayed his courage was when, as an inexperienced boy armed with only a stick and a few stones, he confronted the nine-foot, bronze armored Philistine giant, Goliath of Gath. After skilled warriors had cowered in fear for 40 days, David made a slingshot, invoked God’s name, and killed the giant. After this, Saul took David on as commander of his troops and David formed a close friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan.
Taken from http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/David.html
David was taken from the sheep folds to become ruler and kind of Israel. He was a man who knew victory in his life yet he also knew defeat and tragedy.
As we view David as he goes out to battle against Goliath we are cheering for him. We all like stories where the underdog prevails.
The Lord’s Supper
Reading 1 Cor 11:17-34
Q: What is the Lord's Supper?
A: The Lord's Supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is shewed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace.
It was based on the Passover – 1 Cor 5:7-8
Leaven - a substance, as yeast or baking powder, that causes fermentation and expansion of dough or batter.
This is a symbolic meal
V23-24 – The bread is the broken body
Bow our heads and think on the broken body
Isaiah 50:6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
Isaiah 52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
V25 – The wine is the blood
Bow our heads and think of the blood that was shed for us and ultimately His death.
Hebrews 9:12-15 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
The Lord’s Supper was commanded by Christ – Matt 26:26-28, 1 Cor 11:23
This was to be repeated. V23, Acts 20:7, Acts 2:42
It is a symbol of our sharing or partaking of Christ 1 Cor 10:16
This feast is a coming together, there is to be fellowship – 1 Cor 11:17, 18, 20, 33, 34, Acts 20:7
This is a meal of thanks giving – 1 Cor 11:24-25
It is a time to think of His love for us
This feast is a looking for Christ’s return – 1 Cor 11:26 “till he come"
It is a time of dedication – 1 Cor 10:21
We need to have done with the old life – 1 Cor 5:7-8 (Read the whole chapter)
We need to enter into the Lord’s Supper with care – 1 Cor 11:27-29
V29 Damnation – Judgement (It is not damnation to Hell). We must also realise how the church at this time were behaving (see v34).
Q: What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord's Supper?
A: It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord's Supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.
1 Corinthians 11:28-29, John 6:53-56, Zechariah 12:10, 1 John 4:19, Romans 6:4, Romans 6:17-22, 1 Corinthians 11:27
Why do you not partake?
You should take part. You are missing out by not partaking of His body and blood in faith.
Q: What is the Lord's Supper?
A: The Lord's Supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ's appointment, his death is shewed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace.
It was based on the Passover – 1 Cor 5:7-8
Leaven - a substance, as yeast or baking powder, that causes fermentation and expansion of dough or batter.
This is a symbolic meal
V23-24 – The bread is the broken body
Bow our heads and think on the broken body
Isaiah 50:6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
Isaiah 52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
V25 – The wine is the blood
Bow our heads and think of the blood that was shed for us and ultimately His death.
Hebrews 9:12-15 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
The Lord’s Supper was commanded by Christ – Matt 26:26-28, 1 Cor 11:23
This was to be repeated. V23, Acts 20:7, Acts 2:42
It is a symbol of our sharing or partaking of Christ 1 Cor 10:16
This feast is a coming together, there is to be fellowship – 1 Cor 11:17, 18, 20, 33, 34, Acts 20:7
This is a meal of thanks giving – 1 Cor 11:24-25
It is a time to think of His love for us
This feast is a looking for Christ’s return – 1 Cor 11:26 “till he come"
It is a time of dedication – 1 Cor 10:21
We need to have done with the old life – 1 Cor 5:7-8 (Read the whole chapter)
We need to enter into the Lord’s Supper with care – 1 Cor 11:27-29
V29 Damnation – Judgement (It is not damnation to Hell). We must also realise how the church at this time were behaving (see v34).
Q: What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord's Supper?
A: It is required of them that would worthily partake of the Lord's Supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord's body, of their faith to feed upon him, of their repentance, love, and new obedience; lest, coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves.
1 Corinthians 11:28-29, John 6:53-56, Zechariah 12:10, 1 John 4:19, Romans 6:4, Romans 6:17-22, 1 Corinthians 11:27
Why do you not partake?
You should take part. You are missing out by not partaking of His body and blood in faith.
Independence Day
According to Wikipedia
Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States
We all welcome days where we celebrate. There is a desire among each of us for colour and excitement. Independence Day is no different for Americans, it is a great day where all cares will be cast aside and they will party and celebrate.
This reminds me of the prodigal son who desired his independence. In Luke Chapter 15 he said “Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.” He definitely wanted to party. It says that he “wasted his substance with riotous living.” His bother even commented to his father that he had “devoured thy living with harlots.”
We all want to do our own thing. We want to be in control. Nobody is going to tell us what to do. We are in charge of our own destiny! We are born with that nature where we want nothing to do with God and we want to go it alone.
If you are unsaved today I would encourage you to come to God for forgiveness and salvation. That is what the prodigal son did.
The Prodigal son said, “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father.”
I can never understand how the father loved His son after what he had done to him. It says in Luke that “when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” It is the same with our heavenly father. He is waiting to show His compassion to you even although you are a sinner.
For those of us who are saved we are not to be independent from God. We are to throw ourselves upon Him and to trust Him. The Bible says in Proverbs chaper 3 and verse 5 & 6 it says “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
As the USA celebrates its “Independence Day” let us celebrate our “dependence” on our God our Father.
Proverbs 3:7 says “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States
We all welcome days where we celebrate. There is a desire among each of us for colour and excitement. Independence Day is no different for Americans, it is a great day where all cares will be cast aside and they will party and celebrate.
This reminds me of the prodigal son who desired his independence. In Luke Chapter 15 he said “Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.” He definitely wanted to party. It says that he “wasted his substance with riotous living.” His bother even commented to his father that he had “devoured thy living with harlots.”
We all want to do our own thing. We want to be in control. Nobody is going to tell us what to do. We are in charge of our own destiny! We are born with that nature where we want nothing to do with God and we want to go it alone.
If you are unsaved today I would encourage you to come to God for forgiveness and salvation. That is what the prodigal son did.
The Prodigal son said, “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father.”
I can never understand how the father loved His son after what he had done to him. It says in Luke that “when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” It is the same with our heavenly father. He is waiting to show His compassion to you even although you are a sinner.
For those of us who are saved we are not to be independent from God. We are to throw ourselves upon Him and to trust Him. The Bible says in Proverbs chaper 3 and verse 5 & 6 it says “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
As the USA celebrates its “Independence Day” let us celebrate our “dependence” on our God our Father.
Proverbs 3:7 says “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Luke 19:1-10
Position v2 – Chief of Publicans/Chief of Sinners
Plenty v2 – He was Rich
Poor – Spiritually (He Knew) Sought to see Jesus
Problem v3 – Press (What is holding you back from Christ)
Passing v4 – Now – Behold now is the accepted time (He was not coming back)
Place – Met Christ v5/Salvation v6
Proof – he was a changed man v8
Purpose of Christ V10
Plenty v2 – He was Rich
Poor – Spiritually (He Knew) Sought to see Jesus
Problem v3 – Press (What is holding you back from Christ)
Passing v4 – Now – Behold now is the accepted time (He was not coming back)
Place – Met Christ v5/Salvation v6
Proof – he was a changed man v8
Purpose of Christ V10
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Authority – Whose Authority are you under?
What does it mean?
Read Luke 7:1-10
Why did Jesus marvel at him and say what He said?
Who or what are we under authority to?
There is 4 basic structures of Authority
Family
Father/Mother/Children
Col 3:20
Eph 6:1-3
Pro 6:20-21
Pro 30:17
Pro 15:5
Government
National/Local/Citizens
1 Peter 2:13/14
Rom 13:1-7
Church
Leaders/Members
1 The 5:12/13
Heb 13:17
1 Tim 5:17/18
1 Peter 5:1-3
Business
Employer/employee
Col 3:22
Col 3:23/24
1 Peter 2:18
1 Tim 6:1
1 Tim 6:2
Why are we to be under authority?
If we learn to be under authority we will
“Grow in wisdom and character” Luke 2:52
“Gain protection from destructive temptations” 1 Sam 15:23
“Receive clear direction for life decisions” Rom 14:23
Question – Is this the right person for me to marry?
How would you know?
• Scriptures
• Government
• Ministers
• Circumstances
• Friends
• Prayer
• Parents - Pro 6:20-23
Why do we reject authority? What can be the results?
God is in control – Human authority in the hands of a skilful God.
Pro 22:15
Pro 21:1
What are the consequences of rejecting authority?
1 Sam 13:13-15 His family lost out
1 Sam 15:28 His own potential was diminished
1 Sam 28:19 His life was shortened. Eph 6:1-3, Pro 3:7/8, 1 Cor 11:27-32
Read Luke 7:1-10
Why did Jesus marvel at him and say what He said?
Who or what are we under authority to?
There is 4 basic structures of Authority
Family
Father/Mother/Children
Col 3:20
Eph 6:1-3
Pro 6:20-21
Pro 30:17
Pro 15:5
Government
National/Local/Citizens
1 Peter 2:13/14
Rom 13:1-7
Church
Leaders/Members
1 The 5:12/13
Heb 13:17
1 Tim 5:17/18
1 Peter 5:1-3
Business
Employer/employee
Col 3:22
Col 3:23/24
1 Peter 2:18
1 Tim 6:1
1 Tim 6:2
Why are we to be under authority?
If we learn to be under authority we will
“Grow in wisdom and character” Luke 2:52
“Gain protection from destructive temptations” 1 Sam 15:23
“Receive clear direction for life decisions” Rom 14:23
Question – Is this the right person for me to marry?
How would you know?
• Scriptures
• Government
• Ministers
• Circumstances
• Friends
• Prayer
• Parents - Pro 6:20-23
Why do we reject authority? What can be the results?
God is in control – Human authority in the hands of a skilful God.
Pro 22:15
Pro 21:1
What are the consequences of rejecting authority?
1 Sam 13:13-15 His family lost out
1 Sam 15:28 His own potential was diminished
1 Sam 28:19 His life was shortened. Eph 6:1-3, Pro 3:7/8, 1 Cor 11:27-32
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Authority under Attack!
The figures on domestic abuse, reported in the Sunday Herald, show in 2009 there were 1,572 police reports of domestic abuse carried out by young people aged up to 18-years-old, a 17 per cent rise on the previous year. A spokesman for the Scottish Government said the country’s new curriculum was giving children and young people the opportunity to develop “respect for others”.
Last year statistics showed tens of thousands of school pupils were suspended from schools in England in 2009 for attacking their teachers or classmates. Almost 17,000 of these suspensions involved primary school pupils aged 11 and under, and over 63,000 of them involved children in secondary schools. The Department for Education’s statistics also revealed that there were 1,240 cases of children aged four and under being suspended for a variety of reasons during 2008-09.
These statistics make for very disturbing reading. Have you ever asked why this could be? The Bible teaches young people that they are to have a respect for authority.
Read Ephesians chapter 6 and take note of how we are to obey those in authority.
Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
What is required in the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honour, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.
A boy was once tempted by his companions to pluck some ripe cherries from a tree which his father had forbidden him to touch. 'You need not be afraid,' said they, 'for your father will not know anything about it, and even if he finds out, he is so kind that he will not hurt you.' 'For that very reason,' replied the boy, 'I ought not to touch them, for though my father may not punish me, my disobedience would hurt my father.'
What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing anything against, the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations.
Romans 13:7-8 says "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."
Honour means to esteem, respect, and to obey.
The Hebrew word for honour is "kabed" with the basic meaning of to be heavy from which comes the sense of making weighty, and of lading respect upon a person. They deserve a weight of respect. The Greek equivalent is "timao" which conveys the thought of fixing a valuation and by implication, to revere.
Malachi 1:6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?
If you want a dose of practical holiness you should read Leviticus 19:2-3.
When the Bible says that we are to obey our parents in all things, what does this means? It means that we are to obey them in all things! The only exception can be found in Acts Chapter 5 verse 29.
We need to remember that God will hold us accountable for how we honour our parents and those in authority.
Why is this so important that we honour our parents? Children are naturally sinful, we need to be instructed in the ways of the Lord.
Proverbs 22:6 says "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it"
Proverbs 29:15-17 says "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul."
The shorter catechism asks "What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?"
The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.
This is a great promise from God. We must not just give in lip service as those found in Mark 7:5-13.
Obeying is to be an inward thing in our though-life, our intent and motives.
Ephesians 5:28-31 - So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Yes we are in training! One day we will be parents and have that position of authority.
Let us submit and honour those in authority and teach it to others. We can have a better society.
Last year statistics showed tens of thousands of school pupils were suspended from schools in England in 2009 for attacking their teachers or classmates. Almost 17,000 of these suspensions involved primary school pupils aged 11 and under, and over 63,000 of them involved children in secondary schools. The Department for Education’s statistics also revealed that there were 1,240 cases of children aged four and under being suspended for a variety of reasons during 2008-09.
These statistics make for very disturbing reading. Have you ever asked why this could be? The Bible teaches young people that they are to have a respect for authority.
Read Ephesians chapter 6 and take note of how we are to obey those in authority.
Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
What is required in the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honour, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.
A boy was once tempted by his companions to pluck some ripe cherries from a tree which his father had forbidden him to touch. 'You need not be afraid,' said they, 'for your father will not know anything about it, and even if he finds out, he is so kind that he will not hurt you.' 'For that very reason,' replied the boy, 'I ought not to touch them, for though my father may not punish me, my disobedience would hurt my father.'
What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing anything against, the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations.
“How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, his precepts!
O! 'tis easier to keep holidays than commandments.”
Benjamin Franklin
O! 'tis easier to keep holidays than commandments.”
Benjamin Franklin
Romans 13:7-8 says "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."
Honour means to esteem, respect, and to obey.
The Hebrew word for honour is "kabed" with the basic meaning of to be heavy from which comes the sense of making weighty, and of lading respect upon a person. They deserve a weight of respect. The Greek equivalent is "timao" which conveys the thought of fixing a valuation and by implication, to revere.
Malachi 1:6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?
If you want a dose of practical holiness you should read Leviticus 19:2-3.
When the Bible says that we are to obey our parents in all things, what does this means? It means that we are to obey them in all things! The only exception can be found in Acts Chapter 5 verse 29.
We ought to obey God rather than men.
We need to remember that God will hold us accountable for how we honour our parents and those in authority.
Why is this so important that we honour our parents? Children are naturally sinful, we need to be instructed in the ways of the Lord.
Proverbs 22:6 says "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it"
Proverbs 29:15-17 says "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul."
The shorter catechism asks "What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?"
The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.
This is a great promise from God. We must not just give in lip service as those found in Mark 7:5-13.
Obeying is to be an inward thing in our though-life, our intent and motives.
Ephesians 5:28-31 - So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Yes we are in training! One day we will be parents and have that position of authority.
Let us submit and honour those in authority and teach it to others. We can have a better society.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)