Sunday Morning: Sermon Notes & Thoughts

The Sacrificial Love of A Real Mother

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 14 May 2006 23:50:00 +0000

Date: 5/14/06 - Mother's Day
Text: I Kings 3:16-28
Title: The Sacrificial Love of A Real Mother

The Book of I Kings 3:16-28

The history of the Hebrew people are contained in Kings

Kings is actually one book in the Hebrew Old Testament

Mothers allow their bodies to go through changes

Real mothers do not abandon their children

God put something in mothers that He did not put in fathers

Mom loves you in spite of

King Solomon was called upon to make a tough decision

He had asked for great wisdom to be a great king

There were two mothers: one was treacherous, one was a good mother

The women told their stories

King Solomon had an insight to human nature

He knew that the real mother would not kill her child

The real mother asked the king not to kill her son

NOTES: Momma be knowing what is going on with you, even when you don't think they do

Sometimes, you have to give your child up to let them live

Love them enough to let them make some mistakes

Be a praying mother

My Personal Notes:
Honor you mother; she is SOMEBODY!

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, help me to honor my mother.

Scripture: I Kings 3:16-28
16: Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
17: And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.
18: And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.
19: And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it.
20: And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
21: And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.
22: And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.
23: Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living.
24: And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.
25: And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
26: Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.
27: Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.
28: And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.

Fulfilling the Law of Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 07 May 2006 23:39:00 +0000

Date: 5/7/06
Text: Galatians 6:1-10
Title: Fulfilling the Law of Christ

The Book of Galatians

This book has been called the "Magna Charta of Christian Liberty"

Paul clearly reveals how grace frees the Christian from the law, not that we might sin, but that we might discover a new power for righteous living through faith and the Holy Spirit

We have a charge to keep

Love one another

This is not a touchy feely love

Do we have what it takes to keep the law?

We are free from the law of Moses, but we must fulfill the law of Christ

We have a choice to love or not to love

Real love hides a multitude of faults

Fulfilling the law of Christ can only be done in the Spirit

NOTES: A Christian is real!

We have to fulfill the law to these groups:

The sinning Christian

The burdened Christian

Teachers/Pastors

The Sinning Christian

Don't criticize

The spiritual should restore the fallen brother (They should be skilled at this)

He should be helped by setting him right

It should be done in the spirit of meekness

Faults can cause serious damage, if they are not set right

The Burdened Christian

The Law of Christ is of ministry & LOVE

Christ bore the sins of man for man

We should show compassion, forgiveness, prayer, encouragement, and sympathy for those who are burdened

NOTES: Believers ought to be HAPPY!

Pastor/Teachers

We should sholder the financial burden for them

Teachers share good with us; we should share good with them

You get what you sow

My Personal Notes:
I should exhibit the Law of Christ in my everyday life

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, help me to fulfill Your law. Help me to love and minister to those in need.

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-10
1: Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2: Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3: For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4: But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5: For every man shall bear his own burden.
6: Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8: For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10: As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Wheat & Tares in the Church

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 23:27:00 +0000

Date: 4/30/06
Text: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Title: Wheat & Tares in the Church

The Book of Matthew

During the first three centuries of the Christian era, Matthew's Gospel was the most admired and quoted of the New Testament's portraits of Jesus

This Gospel is the one most rooted in the Old Testament

It is the one most concerned with issues that were important to the Jewish people

Because God gave us free will, evil was potentially out there

We have the choice to do good or evil

Parable

It is an earthly story suited to a situation compared to a Heavenly situation

Everything belongs to God

Jesus used verses 36-43 of our text to explain the parable so that we would have clarity.

The man sowed good seed. Good seed has to be cultivated.

Sleep means being preoccupied with other things. The enemy can slip in.

You couldn't tell the difference between the wheat and the tare during the early stage of development.

True wheat will produce a head of grain that will be a blessing.

Tare doesn't bear fruit.

We all have seasons...

We should produce something to help the kingdom of God

NOTES: I am wheat because God made me wheat. I only know one wheat. If you are wheat, then you know that you are wheat.

My Personal Notes:
I should be producing some fruit if I am TRUE WHEAT.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, help me to be true wheat. When I am making a mistake, please direct me in the right way so that I can produce fruit for Your Kingdom.

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
24: Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26: But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27: So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28: He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29: But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30: Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
36: Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
37: He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
38: The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
39: The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
40: As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
41: The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
42: And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
43: Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Hope Revived By the Word of God

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 23 Apr 2006 23:15:00 +0000

Date: 4/26/06
Text: Luke 24:13-31
Title: Hope Revived By the Word of God

The Book of Luke

Luke's writings are the most literary of the New Testament books

Luke is the only Gospel write who wrote a sequel, Acts, which tells the story of the early church

Luke's account is developed through what we call "investigative reporting"

Without hope life is hard.

Jesus had a post resurrection appearance

Two men were walking. They were talking about Jesus. Jesus shows up in His glorified body. Once they recognized who Jesus was, Jesus disappeared.

Knowing that Jesus was alive gives us hope

God does what only He can do

God expects us to do what we can do

NOTE: Jesus started in Genesis and went through all of the books.
Our hope is renewed by the Word of God!

My Personal Notes:
Lord, help me to realize that because You were resurrected, that I have hope.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, thank You for dying for me. Most importantly, thank You for rising up from the grave. Help me to appreciate Your resurrection.

Scripture: Luke 24:13-31
13: And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
14: And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
15: And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
16: But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17: And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
18: And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19: And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
20: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
21: But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
22: Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
23: And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24: And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
25: Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
26: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
27: And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28: And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
29: But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
30: And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31: And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

The Significance of the Resurrection of Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 23:02:00 +0000

Date: 4/16/06 – Resurrection Sunday
Text: I Corinthians 15:1-10
Title: The Significance of the Resurrection of Jesus

The Book of I Corinthians

In the first century, Corinth was the finest city of Greece.

Paul spent a year and a half in Corinth.

He founded a church there.

This letter was written five years after Paul left.

Paul gives the readers of I Corinthians problem-solving principles that apply in any age or congregation.

QUESTION: Do you believe that Jesus was raised from the dead?

Easter is the term for the ancient goddess of fertility.

Rabbits and eggs symbolize fertility.

Why is the resurrection of Jesus significant?

Central to the Gospel message.

If we just preach Christ crucifixion, Christ would be no different than any other god.

God was satisfied with what Christ did.

We are justified through faith to the resurrection of Christ.

We have an advocate with the Father.

Jesus understands us and He’s God.

Every true believer will be raised to everlasting life.

Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we will be raised to everlasting life.

NOTES: Because of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection we have…
JUSTIFICATION – Our spirit is saved from the PENALTY of sin.
SANCTIFICATION – Our soul is being saved from the POWER of sin.
GLORIFICATION – Our body will be saved from the PRESENCE of sin.

My Personal Notes:
I am glad that Christ died for my sin. I am extremely glad that Christ was resurrected. Because He was resurrected, I have everlasting life.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, thank You for dying for my sins. God, thank You for raising Jesus from the dead. Jesus, thank You for being my Saviour and advocate.

Scripture: I Corinthians 15:1-10
1: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2: By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4: And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7: After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8: And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
9: For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10: But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

The Question of Lordship

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 01:40:00 +0000

Date:  4/9/06
Text:  Matthew 21:28-32
Title:  The Question of Lordship

The Book of Matthew

The book of Matthew is one most rooted in the Old Testament and most concerned with issues that were important to the Jewish people.

It has been said that Matthew was the author of this book, although the author is not identified in the text

There is more to salvation that just believing.

It is believing and repenting.

In the text, Jesus outwardly says that He is Lord.

To be truly saved…

Repent

Believe

Surrender

Submit

Obey

NOTES: Feeling sorry is not true repentance. True repentance means turning from the sin toward God.

Are you loyal to Your Lord?

My Personal Notes:
Jesus must be Lord in my life.  I must repent, believe, and surrender to Him in order to be saved.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, help me to recognize You as Lord in my life.  Thank You for being Lord in my life.

Scripture:  Matthew 21:28-32
28: But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
29: He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
30: And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
31: Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
32: For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

The Blessed Hope of the Believer

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 01:23:00 +0000

Date:  3/26/06
Text:  I Thessalonians 4:13-18
Title:  The Blessed Hope of the Believer

The Book of I Thessalonians

It may be the earliest of Paul’s epistles.

Thessalonica was the largest commercial center in southeastern Europe in Paul’s day.

It speaks of a time of great tribulation.

It speaks to the appearance of a “man of lawlessness” the Antichrist.

It describes Jesus’ personal return to catch His church up to meet Him in the air.

There is a day that Christ will come back for His own.

Five Assurances by Believing in Jesus

Fire can’t touch you.

The dead in Christ shall rise first.

The Lord, Himself, is coming back to get us.

The living will be caught up to meet the dead in Christ in the air.

We will always be with Him.

My Personal Notes:
I have a blessed Hope… Jesus is coming back soon to get me.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, thank You for that blessed hope.

Scripture: I Thessalonians 4:13-18
13: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14: For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15: For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16: For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18: Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Motivated to Live Holy by Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 01:11:00 +0000

Date:  3/19/06
Text:  Titus 3:1-8
Title:  Motivated to Live Holy by Grace

The Book of Titus

It was written to a young leader during Paul’s second imprisonment in Rome.

It is a letter of guidance and instruction.

Motivate

Stimulate to action.

Grace

God’s unmerited favor

An awesome benefit

What is motivating you to live the way you live?

NOTES: The quality of our earthly citizenship; should reflect our Heavenly citizenship.

Grace motivates the believer to be good citizens.

Submit to government.

Be obedient.

Be ready to do whatever is good for others.

Speak no evil of anyone.

Be peaceable.

Be considerate.

Show humility to all men.

Grace motivates us to be better than we use to be.

We have a desire to do well.

Grace motivates us to live for God for what He has done.

What’s wrapped up in GRACE.

Kindness

Mercy

Love

My Personal Notes:
I should be motivated to live a sanctified life because of grace.  I should not sin because I have grace.  Grace is a motivator to do well instead of bad.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your grace.  Help me to live a sanctified life.

Scripture:  Titus 3:1-8
1: Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2: To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3: For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4: But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6: Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7: That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8: This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Jesus Us on the Battlefield with Us

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 01:00:00 +0000

Date:  3/12/06  (Youth Sunday)
Text:  Mark 9:14-27
Title:  Jesus Us on the Battlefield with Us

The Book of Mark

It is the briefest and most attractive of the four Gospels.

It is believed that this Gospel was written to appeal to the Roman mind.

It traces Jesus’ ministry in Galilee and leads us to its climax in Judea.

We are in a spiritual war.

We are fighting for our youth.

In the text…

The scribes were the “haters”.

The multitude were the believers.

In the story…

In Matthew 17:15, the boy is called a lunatic.

The boy was uncontrolled, saying foul things, rigid, defiant.

When the demon encounters Jesus, it has to become weak.

NOTES: How long have you been letting your children act badly?

The devil wants to destroy children and youth.

We have to get actively involved in their lives.

Jesus will help us in this war.

NOTES: When Jesus touches something, it is awesome!

My Personal Notes:
No matter what the fight is, Jesus is on the battlefield with us.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being on the battlefield with me.

Scripture: Mark 9:14-27
14: And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
15: And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
16: And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
17: And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
18: And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
19: He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
20: And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
21: And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
22: And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
23: Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
24: And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
25: When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
26: And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
27: But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

What Shall I Render?

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 00:43:00 +0000

Date:  3/5/06
Text:  Romans 12:1-2
Title:  What Shall I Render?

The Book of Romans

It is called one of the greatest of Paul’s epistles.

It is the theological cornerstone of the New Testament.

It speaks of RIGHTEOUSNESS: Required, Provided, Imparted, Proved, and Practiced.

God has everything and everything belongs to Him.

We are not our own, we have been bought with a price.

What we must render?

Our bodies to God. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. This is the instrument that God uses to work.

Our worship. We must worship God no matter what we are doing.

Real worship. It is not just transacted in the church. It is offering your body all the time.

Being a living sacrifice. This is acceptable to God.

Giving. You can’t give out of your need, you have to give out of your want.

NOTES: A practical Christian does not live in the closet.

Don’t let the world shape us into its image.

Outside pressure that causes us to be what they want us to be.

NOTES: God is warmed over by our praise.
The altar is the world stage. You never crawl off the altar.

Don’t be a chameleon…

Don’t change to match the situation.

What we have to offer God…

Our Bodies

Our Souls

Our Spirits

My Personal Notes:
I must give all that I have to God.  It is more than just serving on Sunday.  It is living a life that will glorify God.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, help me to render my best service to You.  Help me to life a live that will glorify You.

Scripture:  Romans 12:1-2
1: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The Divine Emancipation Proclamation

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 00:31:00 +0000

Date:  2/26/06
Text:  St. John 8:31-36
Title:  The Divine Emancipation Proclamation

The Book of John

Written by John.

The most theological of the four Gospels.

Most believe that this is the last of the Gospel accounts to be written.

Commander & Chief of the Universe

We are no longer to be slaves to anybody, anything, or any stuff.

Jesus is speaking to believer’s and non-believers

Abiding in the Word of God is discipleship.

The Word of God makes us free

When God makes us free, we have to leave our comfort zone.

NOTES: A DISCIPLE is one who follows Christ.
TRUE DISCIPLESHIP goes beyond Sunday Morning Service.

Discipleship

Begins with belief

Means constantly remaining in the Word of God

Constantly listening to the Word of Jesus

Constantly learning from Jesus

Going deeper in the Word of Jesus

Constantly obeying the Word of Jesus

We have all been slaves to sin

Learning the truth of Jesus results in freedom from: Fear, Self, Other selves, and Sin.

NOTES:  If you continually sin, you are a slave to sin.
You can’t rely on anyone else’s relationship with God to make you free.

NOTES:  We are the CHURCH.
You don’t come to church.  You come to worship.  Only lost folk come to CHURCH.

My Personal Notes:
Thank God that He made me free.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, thank You that You made me free.  Help me when I begin to act like a slave.

Scripture:  St. John 8:31-36
31: Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33: They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34: Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35: And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36: If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

The Security of the Believer

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Mon, 13 Feb 2006 00:20:00 +0000

Date:  2/12/06
Text:  St. John 10:22-30
Title:  The Security of the Believer

The Book of John

Written by John.

The most theological of the four Gospels.

Most believe that this is the last of the Gospel accounts to be written.

Security

Safe and protected from all danger.

Jesus doesn’t keep us in doubt.

If we are in doubt, it is not because of Christ.

The people in the text weren’t looking for true answer

They were looking for dirt to use against Jesus.

NOTES: The problem is not lack of information, but the lack of believe.
A good shepherd spends time with his sheep.

If you are Jesus’ sheep…

You will respond to His words at some point.

Jesus’ sheep

Hear His voice through the word of God

Follow Him

God has given us eternal life.

No one can snatch us out of God’s hands.

He holds us very tightly.

Who is stronger than God?

Jesus has us in His hands and God has us in His hands… That’s double security!

My Personal Notes:
This sermon lets me know that I am in God’s hands and no one can snatch me out.  Then on top of that, Jesus has me in His hands.  I am very safe.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, please help me to remember that you have me safely in Your hands.  Help me when I start doubting that safety.  Thank You for holding me in Your hands.

Scripture:  St. John 10:22-30
22: And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
23: And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.
24: Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
25: Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
26: But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
27: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29: My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
30: I and my Father are one.

Spiritually Gifted to Serve

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 20:57:00 +0000

Date:  2/5/06
Text:  Ephesians 4:7-16
Title:  Spiritually Gifted to Serve

The Book of Ephesians

The Apostle Paul is writing to the church in the city of Ephesus.

This book talks to the church as people, as a body and family, and as Christ incarnate

Using your gifts

If you are saved and you are not suing your gift(s) to serve, then your gift is not being used in full service

God is not expecting us to do anything on His program without gifting us

God will be glorified when we are spiritually gifted and serving

NOTES: Jesus did our time in Hell.

What is the MINISTRY?

The ministry is winning souls to Christ

NOTES:  No one is gifted for their own edification.

NOTES:  To be the person that God wants you to be, sometimes you will have to go without.

My Personal Notes:
This sermon let me know that I need to work for the Lord.  I shouldn’t be looking for anyone to praise me for doing what God has called me to do.  God will glorify me.  it is hard to do work sometimes when no human acknowledges that you are working.  That’s a very hard one for me.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, help me to use the gifts that you have given me to glorify You.  Thank You for the gifts that You have trusted me with.  Help me to not look for human praise.

Scripture:  Ephesians 4:7-16
7: But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8: Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9: (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10: He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Our Adversary, the devil

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 22:22:00 +0000

Date:  1/29/06
Text:  I Peter 5:5-11
Title:  Our Adversary, the devil

The First Book of Peter

This book was written by the Apostle Peter

He wrote this book from Babylon (Rome)

Adversary

An opponent in the court of God’s justice

An accuser of the brethren

He is right in our face

He wants to devour and swallow us up

He will never leave us alone

We are no match for the devil in our flesh

Our Advocate

Wages of sin is death, which is God’s justice

Because we could not afford an attorney, one was appointed for us by the court: JESUS

Humility

Power under control

Put other people’s welfare before your own

This does not mean that you have to let people walk all over you

There should be some submission in the church

Humility is a way to defeat our adversary

How to defeat our adversary

Be humble: put others before yourself when possible

Be sober: be of sound mind

Be vigilante: be watchful

Be obedient: do God’s will

My Personal Notes:
This sermon caused me to be more watchful and careful.

I have to remember to be humble.  That’s hard at times because LaVelle doesn’t want to back down from people.  I am praying about that one.  :)

I have to be more obedient as well.  I don’t always pray and read my Bible like I should.  I am hoping that this blog will help me do that more often.  I believe we all get that way.  We get caught up in life and forget about God.  I am so glad that God doesn’t forget about us.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, help me to be humble, sober, vigilante, and obedient.  I know that this will help me defeat my adversary.  Thank you for being my advocate, when I couldn’t afford one.  Thank You for taking my place on the cross.

Scripture:  I Peter 5:5-11
5: Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6: Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10: But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11: To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Where is Your Treasure?

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 00:04:00 +0000

Date:  1/22/06
Text:  Matthew 6:19-24
Title:  Where is Your Treasure?

The Book of Matthew

The book of Matthew is one most rooted in the Old Testament and most concerned with issues that were important to the Jewish people.

It has been said that Matthew was the author of this book, although the author is not identified in the text

Our Treasure

We all have some kind of treasure

Can your treasure be taken away or lost?

You shouldn’t lay up treasure

Don’t hoard things for yourself

Where should you lay up your treasure?

You should lay up treasure in Heaven

How do you lay up treasure in Heaven?

By giving in the Benevolence offering

Use what you have for the glory of God

Use what you have to help others

Give your tithes and offering

NOTES: You can’t live for Christ and live for the world at the same time! You can’t be a slave to but one person. This will lead to comparative hate. (Matthew 6:24)

If you want to be blessed…

Every chance you get, bless someone else

My Personal Notes:
This sermon reminded me that giving is my way to be blessed, not only with money, but with health, strength, and more.  I often get teased because I am a good tipper.  I tell people, “I am blessing someone else.  I am laying up my treasure in Heaven.”  Plus, I think that it is wrong for “CHRISTIANS” to sit at a table and talk about God the whole time and then don’t give the server a good tip.  CHRISTIANS have a habit of doing that.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, help me to lay up my treasure in Heaven.  Thank You for blessing me with treasure down here.  My hope is in You and I know that You will supply my needs.

Scripture:  Matthew 6:19-24
9: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
22: The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
23: But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
24: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Fighting Your Fears

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 15 Jan 2006 23:50:00 +0000

Date:  1/15/06
Text:  2 Timothy 1:7
Title:  Fighting Your Fears

The Second Book of Timothy

This is the second letter that Paul wrote to Timothy

This book speaks of the being committed and facing challenges in life

Where does the spirit of fear come from?

From inside of us

From outside of us

If it comes from inside of us, it did not come from God

If it comes from outside of us, our perspective needs to be changed or adjusted

How do we fight our fears?

Confront your fears earnestly

Confess that our fear is a sin (Psalms 34:4)

Claim God’s promise of protection

Cultivate a closer relationship with God

Commit our life to Jesus Christ

NOTES: What is the source of your fear?

More Scriptures References

Deuteronomy 30:31-36

Psalms 118:6

Proverbs 3:25-26

I John 4:18

Hebrews 2:14-15

My Personal Notes:
This sermon showed me ways to conquer my fear.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, thank You for helping me to overcome my fears. I know that fear is not of You. Please help me.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7
7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

What Fear Does to the People of God

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 08 Jan 2006 22:39:00 +0000

Date:  1/8/06
Text:  Deuteronomy 1:19-33
Title:  What Fear Does to the People of God

The Book of Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy is a book of sermons Moses delivered to Israel

The book talks of Covenant, Love, Obedience, and much more

Fear!

Fear should not control our lives as sons & daughters of God.

What is my greatest fear?

Is fear a giant in my life?

Courage in God masters our fears

NOTES: Fear robs us of our perspective. Fear brings out the worst in us. Fear is contagious.

What Fear Does

Disregards God’s plan (Deut. 1:19-21)

Distorts God’s purpose (Deut. 1:27-28)

Discourages God’s people (Deut. 1:28)

Disbelieves God’s promises (Deut. 1:29-33)

Disobeys God’s principles (Deut. 1:26)

My Personal Notes:
This was a good sermon for me.  Although I am not a fearful person, I do wrestle with my greatest fear at times.  My greatest fear is that I will die and no one will miss me.  My life will have meant nothing.  I know this is not a rational thought process because people always tell me that they miss me when I am not around and that they need me.

My Personal Prayer:
Lord, thank You for helping me to overcome my fears.  I know that fear is not of You.  Please help me.

Scripture:  Deuteronomy 1:19-33
19: And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites, as the LORD our God commanded us; and we came to Kadesh-barnea.
20: And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us.
21: Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.
22: And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come.
23: And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe:
24: And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and searched it out.
25: And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, It is a good land which the LORD our God doth give us.
26: Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God:
27: And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.
28: Whither shall we go up?  our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.
29: Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them.
30: The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;
31: And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.
32: Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God,
33: Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.

Trust, the Believer’s Security Blanket

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 22:25:00 +0000

Date:  1/1/06
Text:  Proverbs 3:5-10
Title:  Trust, the Believer’s Security Blanket

The Book of Proverbs

Proverbs is a wise book of sayings

Many of them are credited to King Solomon

Trust in God

You should put your total trust in God

Trusting and worshipping is based on your knowledge of God and not on your feelings

God wants us to be closer to Him than anyone else

This will keep you from being so stressed out

NOTE: When you think about something CRAZY, PRAY!

God & I

God nourishes us from the inside out

Show God

Show God that you are grateful; pay your tithes and offering

Show God that you trust Him; pay your tithes and offering

Show God that you are thankful; praise Him

God will bless you with increase (plenty)

My Personal Notes:
This sermon blessed me because I needed to be reminded that God is concerned about me and that He will supply my needs.  Recently, I had a need and God met it before I even asked Him to.  I had just thought about it.  If I just trust God, He will supply my needs.

I also needed to be reminded to praise God for everything.  Sometimes I forget to do that.

My Personal Praise:
Thank you Lord for your many wonderful blessings.  Thank You for everything that You have done for me.  Thank You for things that You are going to do for me.  I am grateful for every blessing that You bestow on me.  I know I don’t deserve them, but thank You.

Scripture:  Proverbs 3:5-10
5: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6: In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7: Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8: It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
9: Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.