Church 10/30/2021
Offertory scripture:
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.
Romans 8:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%208:6&version=NLT
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Romans 8:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%208:6&version=NKJV
Sermon message:
God is good and He always will be because He is God.
Thesis: what to do in scary times.
Point #1: Feed your faith and starve your doubts to death.
What you feed grows.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%2010:17&version=NKJV
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith.
1 John 5:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%205:4&version=NKJV
Even Jesus needed faith to overcome the obstacles He had to face in His ministry.
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2016:33&version=NKJV
Even Jesus needed to know the word of God.
We are to act like Jesus.
God has given you and I “faith food.”
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%204:13&version=NKJV
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%204:19&version=NKJV
Point #2: Look to God and His word, and not to at the world and its problems.
Looking to God’s word feeds our faith; looking to the world and its problems feeds our fears and doubts.
And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Matthew 14:28-31 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2014:28-31&version=NKJV
Point #3: Speak the Word to your challenges, and tell them to leave
Challenges have a voice, and they will speak to you. Satan has a voice, and he will speak to you. Therefore, speak to them. Speak the Word to them. Tell them to leave.
Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Matthew 8:23-26 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%208:23-26&version=NKJV
Jesus spoke directly to His challenges. If He did it, we can (and must) as well.
For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.
Mark 11:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2011:23&version=NKJV
Stop letting your challenges talk to you. Talk back to them.
Point #4: Humbly pray and believe God has answered your prayers.
Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2018:4&version=NKJV
Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Mark 11:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2011:24&version=NKJV
Point #5: draw close to God and enjoy His protection and provision
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%204:8&version=NKJV
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “ He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”
Psalm 91:1-16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2091:1-16&version=NKJV
Sunday, October 31, 2021
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Sermons from Good News: Prayer equals Godly wisdom, part 1
Church 10/27/2021
Praying is the real thing.
Thesis: Prayer equals Godly wisdom, part 1
Tonight’s focus: Daniel teaches us the importance of prayer
Ability matters. But even more than that, availability and your heart are important to God.
We should be already in the habit of praying. We should pray regularly. It is wise to pray for God’s help.
Watch. Stay with God. If you believe in Him and if you believe Him, stay with Him. He will rescue you and save you, because He rescues and saves His people.
Focus Scripture: Daniel 6
From the NLT:
Prayer is God’s wisdom. It equals Godly wisdom.
Pray at church. Pray at home. Pray at work and at school. Pray at the store, the doctor’s office, and everywhere else.
Praying is the real thing.
Thesis: Prayer equals Godly wisdom, part 1
Tonight’s focus: Daniel teaches us the importance of prayer
Ability matters. But even more than that, availability and your heart are important to God.
We should be already in the habit of praying. We should pray regularly. It is wise to pray for God’s help.
Watch. Stay with God. If you believe in Him and if you believe Him, stay with Him. He will rescue you and save you, because He rescues and saves His people.
Focus Scripture: Daniel 6
From the NKJV:
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever! All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king’s decree: “Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” So they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.” And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. Then these men approached the king, and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed.” So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed. Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God. And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions—them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den. Then King Darius wrote: To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
From the NLT:
Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king’s interests. Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.” So the administrators and high officers went to the king and said, “Long live King Darius! We are all in agreement—we administrators, officials, high officers, advisers, and governors—that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions. And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.” So King Darius signed the law. But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help. So they went straight to the king and reminded him about his law. “Did you not sign a law that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions?” “Yes,” the king replied, “that decision stands; it is an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.” Then they told the king, “That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day.” Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament. In the evening the men went together to the king and said, “Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed.” So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night. Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “Long live the king! My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.” The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God. Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den. Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: “Peace and prosperity to you! “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Prayer is God’s wisdom. It equals Godly wisdom.
Pray at church. Pray at home. Pray at work and at school. Pray at the store, the doctor’s office, and everywhere else.
Saturday, October 23, 2021
Sermons from Good News: God is good and the devil is bad
Church 10/20/2021
Sermon message:
Kids are amazing. Child-like faith is amazing.
Thesis: God is good and the devil is bad.
Life is 80-90% mental. It is all about how you live it.
We have an adversary:
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%205:8&version=NKJV
Our adversary will not go after the strongest person but rather the laggard, the weakest.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2010:10&version=NKJV
Our adversary wants to kill you completely and for eternity. On the contrary, God wants to bless you abundantly and give you life completely and for eternity.
We can resist the enemy.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%204:7&version=NKJV
We have to recognize who the real enemy is. It is Satan who is the real enemy. Not any person or group.
Therefore there is a biblical way to respond.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%206:11&version=NKJV
The enemy knows the Word of God, just like we do. We can’t use our earthly items to fight him. But we can resist him. Change the channel in our minds. The Holy Spirit can give you what you need.
Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; He may have to give up all the substance of his house.
Proverbs 6:31 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%206:31&version=NKJV
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
2 Corinthians 10:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%2010:3&version=NKJV
Another translation of the same passage:
The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.
2 Corinthians 10:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%2010:3&version=MSG
Reminder and encouragement to get into your Bible regularly.
Pray also for our kids, especially in this time. Dealing with having to hear all the nonsense circulating constantly, they’re the real heroes for putting up with it. They need prayer. Pray for them. God loves them. Love never fails.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%2010:4-6&version=NKJV
We are in two world simultaneously: the spiritual world and the natural world; the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world. And we have both sides inside of us also: our spiritual nature and our flesh nature. It’s a battle.
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%205:16&version=NKJV
There is nothing more powerful than the Word of God.
We have to know who we are fighting. Our warfare requires Holy Spirit directed, Spirit-filled, supernatural, Bible centered/quoting prayer. It requires the armor of God. Fighting the battle is mental, spiritual.
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:12-13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%204:12-13&version=NKJV
Another weapon is the blood of Jesus on the cross.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Revelation 12:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Revelation%2012:11&version=NKJV
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2016:17&version=NKJV
If Satan finds a weak spot in you, he will continue to attack it until you figure out how to combat it spiritually.
If you want answers, open the Word of God, and read it. God will give us exactly what we need.
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Galatians 5:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%205:17&version=NKJV
Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives, especially in the battle.
Sermon message:
Kids are amazing. Child-like faith is amazing.
Thesis: God is good and the devil is bad.
Life is 80-90% mental. It is all about how you live it.
We have an adversary:
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%205:8&version=NKJV
Our adversary will not go after the strongest person but rather the laggard, the weakest.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2010:10&version=NKJV
Our adversary wants to kill you completely and for eternity. On the contrary, God wants to bless you abundantly and give you life completely and for eternity.
We can resist the enemy.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%204:7&version=NKJV
We have to recognize who the real enemy is. It is Satan who is the real enemy. Not any person or group.
Therefore there is a biblical way to respond.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%206:11&version=NKJV
The enemy knows the Word of God, just like we do. We can’t use our earthly items to fight him. But we can resist him. Change the channel in our minds. The Holy Spirit can give you what you need.
Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; He may have to give up all the substance of his house.
Proverbs 6:31 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%206:31&version=NKJV
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
2 Corinthians 10:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%2010:3&version=NKJV
Another translation of the same passage:
The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.
2 Corinthians 10:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%2010:3&version=MSG
Reminder and encouragement to get into your Bible regularly.
Pray also for our kids, especially in this time. Dealing with having to hear all the nonsense circulating constantly, they’re the real heroes for putting up with it. They need prayer. Pray for them. God loves them. Love never fails.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%2010:4-6&version=NKJV
We are in two world simultaneously: the spiritual world and the natural world; the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world. And we have both sides inside of us also: our spiritual nature and our flesh nature. It’s a battle.
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%205:16&version=NKJV
There is nothing more powerful than the Word of God.
We have to know who we are fighting. Our warfare requires Holy Spirit directed, Spirit-filled, supernatural, Bible centered/quoting prayer. It requires the armor of God. Fighting the battle is mental, spiritual.
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:12-13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%204:12-13&version=NKJV
Another weapon is the blood of Jesus on the cross.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Revelation 12:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Revelation%2012:11&version=NKJV
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
Mark 16:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2016:17&version=NKJV
If Satan finds a weak spot in you, he will continue to attack it until you figure out how to combat it spiritually.
If you want answers, open the Word of God, and read it. God will give us exactly what we need.
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Galatians 5:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%205:17&version=NKJV
Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives, especially in the battle.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Sermons from Good News: don't let the thief rob you, part 3
Church 10/16/2021
Offertory scripture:
Sermon message: Don’t let the thief rob you, part 3
“But he may NOT devour me!”
Jesus’ words of caution about the thief:
What to do to not let Satan steal from you:
Jesus’ encouragement:
Not only can we stop Satan from stealing from us, we can also get back what was stolen from us.
Review of things Satan wants and tries to steal from us: (last couple of weeks)
Unity, joy, generosity, and zeal.
Reminder: How to get your zeal back:
Don’t sit around waiting for your zeal to come back, go ahead and get back to the things that get you excited for the kingdom of God.
Analogy: keeping a wood-burning fire going — keep putting wood in to keep the fire going.
In the passage from 2 Timothy, “stir up the gift” translates to:
Repeat the earlier action
Do it enthusiastically
Be on fire for Christ in Jesus’ name
Point #1: don’t let the enemy steal your focus
When your focus isn’t right, you will begin to see things incorrectly.
When you’re not focused, you can end up anywhere.
Focus brings power in to your life.
Pastor thinks that focus is a spiritual gift from God that is available to anyone.
Peter may have failed to stay focused when on the water. But Noah succeeded at staying focused when he was building the ark. Nehemiah also succeeded at staying focused when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. In both cases each man had people trying to distract him or discourage him.
Plain of Ono: “oh no!” (Play-on words.)
Who or what is Satan using to distract you or get in the way of your focus?
Paul: “follow me as I follow Christ”
Point #2: don’t let Satan rob you of your faith.
Faith pleases God
Faith moves mountains
Faith brings rewards
Satan will use delays and disappointments to try to rob us of our faith.
Take David: he encouraged himself in the Lord, no matter what the trial or challenge, whether it was Goliath, Saul, or Absalom.
Paul encouraged himself in the Lord when facing obstacles and counseled Timothy the same:
Offertory scripture:
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%2010:23-25&version=NKJV
Sermon message: Don’t let the thief rob you, part 3
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%205:8&version=NKJV
“But he may NOT devour me!”
Jesus’ words of caution about the thief:
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2010:10&version=NKJV
What to do to not let Satan steal from you:
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%204:7&version=NKJV
Jesus’ encouragement:
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2019:26&version=NKJV
Not only can we stop Satan from stealing from us, we can also get back what was stolen from us.
Review of things Satan wants and tries to steal from us: (last couple of weeks)
Unity, joy, generosity, and zeal.
Reminder: How to get your zeal back:
Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.
Revelation 2:4-5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Revelation%202:4-5&version=NKJV
Don’t sit around waiting for your zeal to come back, go ahead and get back to the things that get you excited for the kingdom of God.
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
2 Timothy 1:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Timothy%201:6&version=NKJV
Analogy: keeping a wood-burning fire going — keep putting wood in to keep the fire going.
In the passage from 2 Timothy, “stir up the gift” translates to:
Repeat the earlier action
Do it enthusiastically
Be on fire for Christ in Jesus’ name
Point #1: don’t let the enemy steal your focus
When your focus isn’t right, you will begin to see things incorrectly.
When you’re not focused, you can end up anywhere.
Focus brings power in to your life.
Pastor thinks that focus is a spiritual gift from God that is available to anyone.
Also the hand of God was on Judah to give them singleness of heart to obey the command of the king and the leaders, at the word of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 30:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Chronicles%2030:12&version=NKJV
Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
Joshua 1:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Joshua%201:7&version=NKJV
And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
Matthew 14:28-30 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2014:28-30&version=NKJV
Peter may have failed to stay focused when on the water. But Noah succeeded at staying focused when he was building the ark. Nehemiah also succeeded at staying focused when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. In both cases each man had people trying to distract him or discourage him.
that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought to do me harm. So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?”
Nehemiah 6:2-3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Nehemiah%206:2-3&version=NKJV
Plain of Ono: “oh no!” (Play-on words.)
Who or what is Satan using to distract you or get in the way of your focus?
Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem,
Luke 9:51 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%209:51&version=NKJV
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%2012:2&version=NKJV
Paul: “follow me as I follow Christ”
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%203:13-14&version=NKJV
Point #2: don’t let Satan rob you of your faith.
Faith pleases God
Faith moves mountains
Faith brings rewards
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Hebrews%2011:6&version=NKJV
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%206:9&version=NKJV
Satan will use delays and disappointments to try to rob us of our faith.
Take David: he encouraged himself in the Lord, no matter what the trial or challenge, whether it was Goliath, Saul, or Absalom.
Paul encouraged himself in the Lord when facing obstacles and counseled Timothy the same:
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Timothy%206:12&version=NKJV
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Timothy%204:7&version=NKJV
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Sermons from Good News: faith, often misunderstood
Church 10/13/2021
Worship time scripture:
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%208:31&version=NKJV
Sermon message:
Topic: faith, often misunderstood
Review: it’s ok to have riches, be intellectual, and be religious, but we cannot put any of them in the place of Jesus in our heart. We get into problems if we prioritize these other things. Our priorities need to be right; Jesus first, above all other things.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%202:8-10&version=NKJV
You are saved by grace which is a free gift of God. While faith without works is dead, works themselves don’t get you into heaven. Good news, God Himself worked it out. But He does have work for you to do. Still do the work, do what He has called you to do.
Next topic: prayer.
Faith and prayer go together.
We can use some of the written prayers in the Bible to pray over ourselves.
Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 1:15-23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%201:15-23&version=NKJV
Saint = believer, in the Bible
The above passage as a way to pray for others, pray over others.
We are all part of the body of Christ; Jesus is the head, and He has given all who are in Him authority over all principalities, since He has put them under His feet.
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%203:14-21&version=NKJV
Even though we are in Christ, we still need to pray, to strengthen us in Him. We still have our earthly bodies and minds and are therefore at risk for falling away from Him, whether in to sin or temptation. But we can pray these prayers to keep us close to God and staying grounded in our faith in Jesus.
God loves you deeply, a depth which surpasses human understanding.
Point #1: Faith sees the answer
Our natural eyes see the problems; our faith sees the solutions beyond what our natural eyes can see.
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.
Proverbs 4:20-22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%204:20-22&version=NKJV
The Bible is a love letter. The more you read it, the more you know how much God loves you.
Faith is receiving the love God has for you.
Question: how do you see yourself? This is very important: Do you see yourself as blessed or cursed?
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%204:19&version=NKJV
God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Jesus.
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord .
Isaiah 54:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Isaiah%2054:17&version=NKJV
Another way of thinking about this: Faith comes by hearing, and revelation by the word of God.
The word of God as both life and as medicine, because of His love. His love is so palpable as you read His word.
Worship time scripture:
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%208:31&version=NKJV
Sermon message:
Topic: faith, often misunderstood
Review: it’s ok to have riches, be intellectual, and be religious, but we cannot put any of them in the place of Jesus in our heart. We get into problems if we prioritize these other things. Our priorities need to be right; Jesus first, above all other things.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%202:8-10&version=NKJV
You are saved by grace which is a free gift of God. While faith without works is dead, works themselves don’t get you into heaven. Good news, God Himself worked it out. But He does have work for you to do. Still do the work, do what He has called you to do.
Next topic: prayer.
Faith and prayer go together.
We can use some of the written prayers in the Bible to pray over ourselves.
Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 1:15-23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%201:15-23&version=NKJV
Saint = believer, in the Bible
The above passage as a way to pray for others, pray over others.
We are all part of the body of Christ; Jesus is the head, and He has given all who are in Him authority over all principalities, since He has put them under His feet.
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%203:14-21&version=NKJV
Even though we are in Christ, we still need to pray, to strengthen us in Him. We still have our earthly bodies and minds and are therefore at risk for falling away from Him, whether in to sin or temptation. But we can pray these prayers to keep us close to God and staying grounded in our faith in Jesus.
God loves you deeply, a depth which surpasses human understanding.
Point #1: Faith sees the answer
Our natural eyes see the problems; our faith sees the solutions beyond what our natural eyes can see.
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.
Proverbs 4:20-22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%204:20-22&version=NKJV
The Bible is a love letter. The more you read it, the more you know how much God loves you.
Faith is receiving the love God has for you.
Question: how do you see yourself? This is very important: Do you see yourself as blessed or cursed?
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%204:19&version=NKJV
God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Jesus.
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord .
Isaiah 54:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Isaiah%2054:17&version=NKJV
Another way of thinking about this: Faith comes by hearing, and revelation by the word of God.
The word of God as both life and as medicine, because of His love. His love is so palpable as you read His word.
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Thinking about months
October, I’m realizing, is kind of a funny month for me. More than most months, if I look back through the year, I don’t find October particularly memorable. Certain months stand out over others: April, May, July, September, November, and December, in terms of memorable days, memorable events, or memorable moments.
Interestingly, I seem to have much keener memories, images, and smells that come to mind when I think about September and November. It’s still kind of summer in September; while the days are rapidly getting shorter, the temperatures still reach the 80s during the day, and I have memories of going for walks, playing mini-golf, going on trips, and so on. I suppose I may be mixing some of my August memories with September, but honestly, ever since I graduated from college with my Bachelor’s, both months have typically felt the same to me.
November, for many years, was when I went on retreats up in Wisconsin with some friends. The nights began early, there was a fire in the fire pit, and we would bundle up outside wearing sweatshirts, sweaters, or coats, depending on the outside temperature, and it would be a powerful time of ministry and healing. Mid-November, when these retreats happens, is usually when the leaves are all down, and you could see the setting sun poking through the naked tree branches. There might be a very light snowfall; there might not.
December is when everyone goes holiday-nuts. I typically haven’t participated in all the hoopla around decorating, because I haven’t had the space to use nor the money to spend. My dad has Christmas-colored lights up on the wall year-round, so it’s something. But December to me is when we finally get to hear “good music,” and dress up in red, green, and gold, as a way to get into the holiday spirit. And every street and house is lighted with Christmas lights. It’s a great way to beat the “sun sets at 4PM” (almost) blues.
April and May bring spring colors, and July brings fireworks and celebrating our nation’s birthday. Because I first started dating my love in February, February is fast becoming another very memorable month for setting aside time to celebrate. It’s also becoming very memorable because, for the first time in my life, Valentine’s Day feels special.
I realize that not every month can be memorable, but October? It seems like, more so than any other month, I couldn’t tell you why I can’t really think of events or memories that were memorable. It’s in the heart of “days getting rapidly shorter” season, which doesn’t help. Halloween is a holiday I almost never have celebrated, and even the rare times when I participated, it wasn’t quite something I got really into. Now, deeper into my faith, I’ve learned about the negative spiritual origins of the holiday, and how various churches and cultures try to cover it up and dress it up as either a cultural holiday or a day on the church’s calendar (the more traditional churches are the ones that do this). I agree to avoid it now, on those grounds.
Maybe it’s because I tune out the holiday of the month. Or maybe it’s because the days are rapidly getting shorter, a sure prelude that we will soon be settling in for another winter. For some reason, though, this year, as soon as the calendar flipped from September 30th to October 1st, it’s like the sky suddenly got much darker. I’ve never noticed it that jarring before. It could have been the weather. But I sense it may be something else: even though the days in November and December are shorter, October feels like the darkest month of the year. Maybe it’s because we don’t have snow flurries that somehow keep the sky at dusk-like levels at night. Or maybe it’s because the entire month of October is Halloween-crazy, thanks to all the marketing that goes on to promote all sales related to the holiday.
If it weren’t for the fact that my dad has a birthday this month, I would probably have absolutely no memories to where, if I were to ask myself: what do I think/see/hear/smell when I think of October? Trees that still have a few scattered yellow leaves on them that just need to be on the ground already?
Before I close this post, I want to make clear that this is not meant to be a post complaining about it being October now. I’m grateful to be alive even in this month. It’s just that it so happens that I’m coming across a section of the year that, for various reasons, doesn’t happen to be particularly memorable for me right now. And that’s ok. Life is good. God is good. And with God’s help, I am moving one step closer toward more blessings that He has for me.
Monday, October 11, 2021
Sermons from Good News: don't let the enemy steal your zeal
Church 10/09/2021
Offertory scripture:
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%209:7&version=NKJV
Then the sons of Aaron brought the blood to him. And he dipped his finger in the blood, put it on the horns of the altar, and poured the blood at the base of the altar. But the fat, the kidneys, and the fatty lobe from the liver of the sin offering he burned on the altar, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Leviticus 9:9-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Leviticus%209:9-10&version=NKJV
God is telling His people to be givers. Bless those who don’t have. He doesn’t require us to do anything that He won’t bless us with down the road. Tithing is your decision. But it’s a matter of the heart. God loves a cheerful giver.
Sermon message:
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%205:8&version=NKJV
We have an adversary, he’s the devil, and he wants to devour you. The Old Testament doesn’t talk about our enemy so much, but the New Testament does.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2010:10&version=NKJV
One way our enemy tries to devour us is by lying and stealing.
But we don’t have to give in to him. We can resist the devil. It says so:
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%204:7&version=NKJV
We can resist Satan because we have the Holy Spirit of God in us who is stronger than him.
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%204:4&version=NKJV
How can we resist Satan? With God’s strength.
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2019:26&version=NKJV
Today, we can have a “security system“ to catch the thief and stop him from devouring us. The thief wants to steal unity, whereas God commands His blessings to fall on those who are and stay in unity.
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:19-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2018:19-20&version=NKJV
Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
1 Peter 3:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%203:7&version=NKJV
Don’t let the thief rob you. Especially not your joy.
in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Thessalonians%205:18&version=NKJV
Encouraging yourself in the Lord = give God thanks in all things = brings up your mood, gets you back in the game.
Don’t let the thief rob you of generosity. People who have more joy are generous. People who are more generous have more joy.
When people back away from church, it shows in their lack of joy. Then in their lack of generosity.
Two more things that we don’t want the devil to rob from us:
Thing #1: zeal
“The thief wants to steal your zeal for real.”
Zeal: Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause.
When a person’s zeal is gone he or she doesn’t give, he or she complains, and he or she mocks those who still have zeal.
Don’t lose your zeal even when you’re getting older.
Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.
Psalm 69:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2069:9&version=NKJV
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%206:9-10&version=NKJV
Don’t let the devil steal your zeal, and that’s for real.
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
2 Corinthians 8:1-4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%208:1-4&version=NKJV
Joy is not dependent on happenings like happiness is. The church is Corinth is going through a hard time, but they are yet full of joy, generosity, and zeal.
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
Nehemiah 8:5-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Nehemiah%208:5-6&version=NKJV
But if your zeal is gone, how to get it back:
Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.
Revelation 2:4-5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Revelation%202:4-5&version=NKJV
Repent. Return to God.
Zeal is a decision.
Thing #2 next week.
Offertory scripture:
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%209:7&version=NKJV
Then the sons of Aaron brought the blood to him. And he dipped his finger in the blood, put it on the horns of the altar, and poured the blood at the base of the altar. But the fat, the kidneys, and the fatty lobe from the liver of the sin offering he burned on the altar, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Leviticus 9:9-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Leviticus%209:9-10&version=NKJV
God is telling His people to be givers. Bless those who don’t have. He doesn’t require us to do anything that He won’t bless us with down the road. Tithing is your decision. But it’s a matter of the heart. God loves a cheerful giver.
Sermon message:
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%205:8&version=NKJV
We have an adversary, he’s the devil, and he wants to devour you. The Old Testament doesn’t talk about our enemy so much, but the New Testament does.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2010:10&version=NKJV
One way our enemy tries to devour us is by lying and stealing.
But we don’t have to give in to him. We can resist the devil. It says so:
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%204:7&version=NKJV
We can resist Satan because we have the Holy Spirit of God in us who is stronger than him.
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%204:4&version=NKJV
How can we resist Satan? With God’s strength.
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2019:26&version=NKJV
Today, we can have a “security system“ to catch the thief and stop him from devouring us. The thief wants to steal unity, whereas God commands His blessings to fall on those who are and stay in unity.
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:19-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2018:19-20&version=NKJV
Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
1 Peter 3:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%203:7&version=NKJV
Don’t let the thief rob you. Especially not your joy.
in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Thessalonians%205:18&version=NKJV
Encouraging yourself in the Lord = give God thanks in all things = brings up your mood, gets you back in the game.
Don’t let the thief rob you of generosity. People who have more joy are generous. People who are more generous have more joy.
When people back away from church, it shows in their lack of joy. Then in their lack of generosity.
Two more things that we don’t want the devil to rob from us:
Thing #1: zeal
“The thief wants to steal your zeal for real.”
Zeal: Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause.
When a person’s zeal is gone he or she doesn’t give, he or she complains, and he or she mocks those who still have zeal.
Don’t lose your zeal even when you’re getting older.
Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.
Psalm 69:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2069:9&version=NKJV
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%206:9-10&version=NKJV
Don’t let the devil steal your zeal, and that’s for real.
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
2 Corinthians 8:1-4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%208:1-4&version=NKJV
Joy is not dependent on happenings like happiness is. The church is Corinth is going through a hard time, but they are yet full of joy, generosity, and zeal.
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
Nehemiah 8:5-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Nehemiah%208:5-6&version=NKJV
But if your zeal is gone, how to get it back:
Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.
Revelation 2:4-5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Revelation%202:4-5&version=NKJV
Repent. Return to God.
Zeal is a decision.
Thing #2 next week.
Friday, October 8, 2021
Sermons from Good News: clearing up misunderstandings about faith
Church 10/06/2021
Sermon message:
Topic: clearing up misunderstandings about faith
We truly need faith considering the world we live in during these times.
Not just faith to receive salvation, but also faith to overcome different challenges.
Question of what it means to have faith. There have been misunderstandings about it.
Why there are misunderstandings about faith:
First example: rich people. Some put their faith in their riches, but some still trust God. Some use their riches to help others; others don’t. Some use their money for good, others for evil.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Matthew 19:23-24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2019:23-24&version=NKJV
“It’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle…”
It has been taught that a rich person back in the day often comes with camels full of goods. But the gates are closed at night, except for the gate known as “the eye of the needle”, which is much smaller than the other gates. The camel with all the riches cannot got through that gate; the rich man empties the riches off the camel
Problem: no one has ever found that gate. Therefore, it’s more likely a literal expression: it’s pretty much impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.
When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:25-26 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2019:25-26&version=NKJV
It’s not wrong to be rich; but do not put your trust in riches.
You also cannot buy your way into heaven.
There’s only one way to get into the kingdom of God; through Jesus Christ.
The confusion was whether or not a rich man could enter heaven: but the difference is the person’s heart.
Jesus is The Way
Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Matthew 19:16-22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2019:16-22&version=NKJV
A synopsis of pastor’s interpretation of the passage:
Jesus: "Keep all the commandments."
Me: "I can’t."
That’s why you need a savior — Jesus.
Give away all you have. Jesus did.
Group #2: Another group of people that have a difficult time with faith: intellectuals.
Intellectuals have knowledge. Some put their faith in their education and knowledge instead of Jesus; others put their faith in Jesus.
We have a lot of educated people in the family of God. But we still need to put our faith in God vs our intellect.
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:9-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Corinthians%202:9-14&version=NKJV
There’s a difference between intellect and spiritual things.
Intellectuals are not bad people for being intellectual; they simply need Jesus just like everyone else.
Group #3: religious people
Specifically the way a person is brought up (in terms of one’s religion) can hinder a person to receive from the word of God especially if it runs counter to what a person was brought up to believe. A person can be trained to read and interpret the Bible a certain way that may hold them back in their faith.
Consider: Jesus and Nicodemus
Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.
John 3:10-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%203:10-11&version=NKJV
Consider: Paul saying —to Jews—that justification is not through the works of the law.
Sermon message:
Topic: clearing up misunderstandings about faith
We truly need faith considering the world we live in during these times.
Not just faith to receive salvation, but also faith to overcome different challenges.
Question of what it means to have faith. There have been misunderstandings about it.
Why there are misunderstandings about faith:
First example: rich people. Some put their faith in their riches, but some still trust God. Some use their riches to help others; others don’t. Some use their money for good, others for evil.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Matthew 19:23-24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2019:23-24&version=NKJV
“It’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle…”
It has been taught that a rich person back in the day often comes with camels full of goods. But the gates are closed at night, except for the gate known as “the eye of the needle”, which is much smaller than the other gates. The camel with all the riches cannot got through that gate; the rich man empties the riches off the camel
Problem: no one has ever found that gate. Therefore, it’s more likely a literal expression: it’s pretty much impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.
When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:25-26 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2019:25-26&version=NKJV
It’s not wrong to be rich; but do not put your trust in riches.
You also cannot buy your way into heaven.
There’s only one way to get into the kingdom of God; through Jesus Christ.
The confusion was whether or not a rich man could enter heaven: but the difference is the person’s heart.
Jesus is The Way
Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Matthew 19:16-22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2019:16-22&version=NKJV
A synopsis of pastor’s interpretation of the passage:
Jesus: "Keep all the commandments."
Me: "I can’t."
That’s why you need a savior — Jesus.
Give away all you have. Jesus did.
Group #2: Another group of people that have a difficult time with faith: intellectuals.
Intellectuals have knowledge. Some put their faith in their education and knowledge instead of Jesus; others put their faith in Jesus.
We have a lot of educated people in the family of God. But we still need to put our faith in God vs our intellect.
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:9-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Corinthians%202:9-14&version=NKJV
There’s a difference between intellect and spiritual things.
Intellectuals are not bad people for being intellectual; they simply need Jesus just like everyone else.
Group #3: religious people
Specifically the way a person is brought up (in terms of one’s religion) can hinder a person to receive from the word of God especially if it runs counter to what a person was brought up to believe. A person can be trained to read and interpret the Bible a certain way that may hold them back in their faith.
Consider: Jesus and Nicodemus
Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.
John 3:10-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%203:10-11&version=NKJV
Consider: Paul saying —to Jews—that justification is not through the works of the law.
We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”
Galatians 2:15-16,21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%202:15-16,21&version=NKJV
For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:3-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%203:3-11&version=NKJV
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%202:8-10&version=NKJV
Rich people are not justified by their money, only by faith in Jesus and right relationship with Him.
Intellectuals are not justified by their intellect, only by faith in Jesus and right relationship with Him.
Religious people are not justified by their religion or by “doing everything right” according to the law, only by faith in Jesus and right relationship with Him.
Galatians 2:15-16,21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%202:15-16,21&version=NKJV
For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:3-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%203:3-11&version=NKJV
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%202:8-10&version=NKJV
Rich people are not justified by their money, only by faith in Jesus and right relationship with Him.
Intellectuals are not justified by their intellect, only by faith in Jesus and right relationship with Him.
Religious people are not justified by their religion or by “doing everything right” according to the law, only by faith in Jesus and right relationship with Him.
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Sermons from Good News: don't let the thief rob you
Church 10/02/2021
Offertory scripture:
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord . For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Jeremiah%2017:7-8&version=NKJV
Sermon message:
Thesis: Don’t let the thief rob you
We have an adversary.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%205:8&version=NKJV
In fact, our adversary is a thief.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2010:10&version=NKJV
But you don’t have to let Satan steal from you or from your blessings. We can resist him.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%204:7&version=NKJV
Resist Satan, because he wants to steal from you.
Receive from God, because He wants to bless you.
The good news: you can get it back. Not only so, but you can get it back even more than what you lost. Even sevenfold.
Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; He may have to give up all the substance of his house.
Proverbs 6:31 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%206:31&version=NKJV
You have the spirit of God; therefore you are a match for the devil.
For with God nothing will be impossible.”
Luke 1:37 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%201:37&version=NKJV
We can stop Satan from stealing from us. We can also stop him from the habit of trying to steal from us.
First thing Satan wants to steal from you: unity. Family, country, church, marriage, workplace, etc. United we stand; divided we fall.
The importance of unity in a church cannot be overstated.
The importance of unity in a family cannot be overstated.
And so on.
Where there is unity, there are blessings. God blesses unity. Not only so, He commands His blessings on unity.
You must work for unity.
Even if Satan has stolen from you before, you can break him of the habit.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.
Psalm 133:1-3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20133:1-3&version=NKJV
Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ecclesiastes%204:9-12&version=NKJV
Just so you know, you don’t have to always be perfect. We sometimes fall. We have to lift each other up when we fall.
And when 2 or more are gathered together in Jesus’ name, He will bless them.
Second thing Satan wants to steal from you: your joy. So that he can depress you and take away your sense of well-being. This is to deplete your strength.
The Bible explains: there is strength in joy.
Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Nehemiah%208:10&version=NKJV
The joy of the Lord is our strength. Satan wants to steal our joy because he wants to steal our strength. Joy is a spiritual force. Joy is better than happiness because joy doesn’t depend on happenings; it depends on God no matter what.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
James 1:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%201:2&version=NKJV
You have peace knowing that God is with you and fighting for you. That’s what joy is. It endures through trials.
People can be joy-stealers. Identify who they are. Get rid of the joy-stealers.
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
Psalm 1:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%201:1&version=NKJV
Satan hates joy because he has never had joy and never will. Resist him. Submit to God. You have the Spirit of God in you. You have the fruits of the Spirit in you. You have joy in you.
To get your joy back—God can and will help you. He WILL help you.
Praise God. Laugh at the devil.
The third thing Satan wants to steal from you: Generosity.
God is very generous.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2010:10&version=NKJV
God has life to the full for you. God is very generous. But Satan steals. He wants to steal the spirit of generosity.
Generosity is a quality of God. Generosity is a way of seeing things, thinking about things, and doing life.
The Bible says a lot about of the spirit of generosity. God blesses richly those who are generous to others.
There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.
Proverbs 11:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%2011:24&version=NKJV
God wants your world big; Satan wants your world small.
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.
2 Corinthians 8:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%208:1-2&version=NKJV
Joy and generosity go hand in hand. It’s just something that tends to happen.
The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.
Proverbs 11:25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%2011:25&version=NKJV
Satan doesn’t want you to be generous in your life or in the church. But we have the spirit of God in us. Live generously and live in generosity.
Offertory scripture:
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord . For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Jeremiah%2017:7-8&version=NKJV
Sermon message:
Thesis: Don’t let the thief rob you
We have an adversary.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%205:8&version=NKJV
In fact, our adversary is a thief.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2010:10&version=NKJV
But you don’t have to let Satan steal from you or from your blessings. We can resist him.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%204:7&version=NKJV
Resist Satan, because he wants to steal from you.
Receive from God, because He wants to bless you.
The good news: you can get it back. Not only so, but you can get it back even more than what you lost. Even sevenfold.
Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; He may have to give up all the substance of his house.
Proverbs 6:31 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%206:31&version=NKJV
You have the spirit of God; therefore you are a match for the devil.
For with God nothing will be impossible.”
Luke 1:37 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%201:37&version=NKJV
We can stop Satan from stealing from us. We can also stop him from the habit of trying to steal from us.
First thing Satan wants to steal from you: unity. Family, country, church, marriage, workplace, etc. United we stand; divided we fall.
The importance of unity in a church cannot be overstated.
The importance of unity in a family cannot be overstated.
And so on.
Where there is unity, there are blessings. God blesses unity. Not only so, He commands His blessings on unity.
You must work for unity.
Even if Satan has stolen from you before, you can break him of the habit.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.
Psalm 133:1-3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20133:1-3&version=NKJV
Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ecclesiastes%204:9-12&version=NKJV
Just so you know, you don’t have to always be perfect. We sometimes fall. We have to lift each other up when we fall.
And when 2 or more are gathered together in Jesus’ name, He will bless them.
Second thing Satan wants to steal from you: your joy. So that he can depress you and take away your sense of well-being. This is to deplete your strength.
The Bible explains: there is strength in joy.
Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Nehemiah%208:10&version=NKJV
The joy of the Lord is our strength. Satan wants to steal our joy because he wants to steal our strength. Joy is a spiritual force. Joy is better than happiness because joy doesn’t depend on happenings; it depends on God no matter what.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
James 1:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%201:2&version=NKJV
You have peace knowing that God is with you and fighting for you. That’s what joy is. It endures through trials.
People can be joy-stealers. Identify who they are. Get rid of the joy-stealers.
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
Psalm 1:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%201:1&version=NKJV
Satan hates joy because he has never had joy and never will. Resist him. Submit to God. You have the Spirit of God in you. You have the fruits of the Spirit in you. You have joy in you.
To get your joy back—God can and will help you. He WILL help you.
Praise God. Laugh at the devil.
The third thing Satan wants to steal from you: Generosity.
God is very generous.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2010:10&version=NKJV
God has life to the full for you. God is very generous. But Satan steals. He wants to steal the spirit of generosity.
Generosity is a quality of God. Generosity is a way of seeing things, thinking about things, and doing life.
The Bible says a lot about of the spirit of generosity. God blesses richly those who are generous to others.
There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.
Proverbs 11:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%2011:24&version=NKJV
God wants your world big; Satan wants your world small.
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.
2 Corinthians 8:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Corinthians%208:1-2&version=NKJV
Joy and generosity go hand in hand. It’s just something that tends to happen.
The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.
Proverbs 11:25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%2011:25&version=NKJV
Satan doesn’t want you to be generous in your life or in the church. But we have the spirit of God in us. Live generously and live in generosity.
Saturday, October 2, 2021
On Identity, Part 1: Rebooted; the Biblical definition of Identity
A couple years ago, I felt moved (I believe by the Holy Spirit) to post a blog series on identity. Then life got busy, and I had to abort the mission. The Prologue I wrote for the series (go here to view it) underlined a number of concerns that I was beginning to see regarding what people in our country were beginning to consider as their identity. While I didn't specify it in that post, I was specifically thinking about two things: 1.) a person's "sexual identity" (which I've covered at length here, here, here, here, and here); 2.) a person's "gender identity." At the time of the original post, I didn't necessarily see the urgency regarding defending God's design for a person's sex, on the grounds that most of the attacks were elsewhere, in other countries.
Since COVID hit, that has most certainly changed. Another key concern that directly ties into what I wanted to do with this series on identity was the concern I was seeing around other parts of the world (but not here) falsely decrying the Bible as "hate speech." I even outlined it in this post here. But that's now beginning to change even here in the United States.
Considering that at the time of my writing this post now (irrespective of whatever date I end up posting it on the blog), I'm moved to write but also alternately tied up with several different projects in the balance, I don't have the particular energy to write at length about gender identity. In short, I think it's ridiculous for anyone to change their sex or even to consider themselves "non-binary." The reason here is simple:
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
If you're a regular reader of my blog, I hope you've now learned to expect that I'm going to use the Bible for just about every salient point that I make when I feel moved to write about concerning things I see in the world around me. Simply put, I believe that because God created the universe, and because God also created every human being that has ever been alive, He assigns us to be male or female, just like His word says. Therefore, it is He -- and not you -- who decides whether you are male or whether you are female.
The second point I wish to make is to bring home what God says about identity. First, below is a reference to a more complete list of Bible verses that come up regarding what it says about one's identity:
Here are the top ten verses (include a repeat of the verse I just used to make my first point):
Genesis 1:27 ESV / 629 helpful votes
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV / 464 helpful votes
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
1 Peter 2:9 ESV / 417 helpful votes
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Jeremiah 1:5 ESV / 379 helpful votes
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Galatians 2:20 ESV / 360 helpful votes
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 326 helpful votes
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Ephesians 2:10 ESV / 307 helpful votesFor we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
1 Corinthians 12:27 ESV / 289 helpful votesNow you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
John 15:15 ESV / 256 helpful votesNo longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
1 John 3:1-3 ESV / 232 helpful votesSee what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
To borrow from my pastor who has been preaching from the Psalms, particularly with ones with the word "Selah" in them: stop and think about it.
Friday, October 1, 2021
Sermons from Good News: how to respond to being wronged
Church 9/29/2021
So when I fight I’ll fight on my knees
With my hands lifted high
O God the battle belongs to You
Sermon message:
Thesis: How to respond to being wronged
You can count on being hurt in life. It’s going to happen.
Point #1: Identify the real enemy
This is where most of us make our mistakes. Not correctly identifying our enemy. We often identify our enemy as a person. Our enemy is not a person. Oftentimes our enemy will turn the lights off, hit you, turn the lights back on, and then will point to a person and say “they did it” when it’s not true.
Do not spend time planning to get revenge on a person. Our real enemy, according to scripture, is Satan. We want to point our spiritual weapons at him. Not at a person.
Speak to your real enemy: “no, you may not devour me.”
Satan will try to get you to see God as your enemy. He will whisper “God did this to you.”
It’s the devil, and not God, who oppresses. God doesn’t make anyone sick, nor does He torment anyone. That’s Satan.
Insurance companies call floods and tornadoes “acts of God,” but the truth is that God doesn’t do these things. Satan causes these things that want to destroy you.
Use our spiritual weapons and ammunition against Satan.
Point #2: Fire your spiritual guns at the real enemy.
How do we do that? Speak the word of God. That’s what Jesus did when Satan was trying to tempt Him. Talk the word of God out loud. And use the name of Jesus. It’s the most powerful name in existence. Tell Satan: “shut up in the name of Jesus!”
Jesus is The name at which every name must bow.
We can (and must) bind Satan when we pray.
Point #3: very important: Satan really doesn’t want you to hear it or fully believe it. It’s the most important weapon. It is this: pray the prayer of intercession.
When we have someone that has hurt us, instead of wanting God to strike them down, we must pray for them, for God to break through in their lives and break through in their heart.
When you show your (human) enemies love, you are counterpunching Satan. Intercede for others.
Worship scripture:
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.
So when I fight I’ll fight on my knees
With my hands lifted high
O God the battle belongs to You
Sermon message:
Thesis: How to respond to being wronged
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
You can count on being hurt in life. It’s going to happen.
Point #1: Identify the real enemy
This is where most of us make our mistakes. Not correctly identifying our enemy. We often identify our enemy as a person. Our enemy is not a person. Oftentimes our enemy will turn the lights off, hit you, turn the lights back on, and then will point to a person and say “they did it” when it’s not true.
Do not spend time planning to get revenge on a person. Our real enemy, according to scripture, is Satan. We want to point our spiritual weapons at him. Not at a person.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Speak to your real enemy: “no, you may not devour me.”
Satan will try to get you to see God as your enemy. He will whisper “God did this to you.”
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
It’s the devil, and not God, who oppresses. God doesn’t make anyone sick, nor does He torment anyone. That’s Satan.
Insurance companies call floods and tornadoes “acts of God,” but the truth is that God doesn’t do these things. Satan causes these things that want to destroy you.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Use our spiritual weapons and ammunition against Satan.
Point #2: Fire your spiritual guns at the real enemy.
How do we do that? Speak the word of God. That’s what Jesus did when Satan was trying to tempt Him. Talk the word of God out loud. And use the name of Jesus. It’s the most powerful name in existence. Tell Satan: “shut up in the name of Jesus!”
Jesus is The name at which every name must bow.
We can (and must) bind Satan when we pray.
Point #3: very important: Satan really doesn’t want you to hear it or fully believe it. It’s the most important weapon. It is this: pray the prayer of intercession.
When we have someone that has hurt us, instead of wanting God to strike them down, we must pray for them, for God to break through in their lives and break through in their heart.
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
When you show your (human) enemies love, you are counterpunching Satan. Intercede for others.
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