Archive for Dealing with Trials
Seeing Through Heaven’s Eyes — A great Easter Sermon
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Seeing Through Heaven’s Eyes
by Leif Hetland ( Leifhetland.com )
**Leif has recently released a book by this same title–SEEING THROUGH HEAVEN'S EYES. You can purchase a copy through Amazon or through Leif's site.
TEXT: For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:20-23).
INTRODUCTION: It is vital to see the world through the eye's of Heaven; but more importantly, we must see people through Heaven's eyes. Its easy to love people you want to love, but it's another thing to love the ones that hurt you. In Matthew 5:43-45, Jesus says to love your enemy and bless them, which is contrary to the cultural norm. Let's study the way Jesus loved his enemies, despite everything.
ILLUS- In his book, Strength to Love, Martin Luther King, Jr. gives a globally relevant admonition based on Jesus’ words:
"Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction. So when Jesus says “Love your enemies,” he is setting forth a profound and ultimately inescapable admonition. Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies—or else? The chain reaction of evil—hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars—must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation."
The God of the Bible is a searching God, seeking to find us, regardless of how alone we feel or how afflicted we are. It doesn’t seem to matter where we have ended up or how we have gotten there. It doesn’t matter into what physical wilderness we have wandered or into what spiritual wilderness we have sought refuge. All that matters is that we are found and that we are brought home. The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son all tell the same story—the story of how greatly we are loved, how greatly we are missed, and how happy Heaven is when we are found and brought home (see Luke 15).
That includes our enemies.
The King’s Example
The idea of loving our enemies is hard for a lot of people to swallow. But even those who are the most skeptical of Jesus’ claims and the most critical of Jesus’ teaching have to admit—He took His own medicine. He took it without resisting the spoon, without complaining about the taste, and without adding the slightest bit of sugary sentimentality to help the medicine go down.
Follow the narrative of Jesus’ last 24 hours, and see how He took it. What you see and hear is the best visual aid to the Sermon on the Mount you could ever find. Look and listen…and you will fall even more in love with Him than you are now.
Judas.
Jesus chose him as one of the twelve, all the while knowing that one day he would betray Him. For three-and-a-half years Jesus walked with him, talked with him, ate with him, ministered with him. He befriended one who would turn into an enemy when Jesus most needed a friend. That final night in the upper room, Jesus washed Judas’ feet, just as He had done for the other disciples. He dined with the man who would soon turn the tables on Him. He spoke kindly to him, never once berating him for his betrayal. And He fed part of the Passover meal to him with His own hands, dismissing Judas in hushed tones so as not to publicly humiliate him in front of the other disciples (see John 13:21-30).
Peter.
Jesus warned him ahead of time about his defection. To soften the blow, Jesus explained to Peter that it wasn’t all his fault, that Satan had a hand in it, too. For this man who would deny not only his friendship with Jesus but even his acquaintance with Him, Jesus prayed. He prayed, and He told Peter, essentially, not to let the failure destroy him, that He still loved him, still believed in him, still thought he was the right man for the job (see Luke 22:31-32). And after Jesus rose from the dead, He sought out Peter, especially Peter, because Peter especially needed to be found and brought home to the Savior’s loving arms (see John 21:15-19).
Malchus.
He was the high priest’s servant who accompanied the soldiers when they arrested Jesus in the garden. In a rash move to defend Jesus, Peter drew his sword and cut off a portion of the servant’s ear. Jesus’ response?
Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:52-53).
What an incredible restraint of the angelic arsenal He had at His disposal! On His way to the cross, Jesus wouldn’t allow so much as a sword to be used in His defense. Nor would He let so much as an ear to be sacrificed on His behalf. Finally and beautifully, in His most miniscule but perhaps most regal of miracles, Jesus healed the ear of His enemy (see Luke 22:51).
The other disciples.
Outmanned and out-armed, they deserted Jesus at His most desperate hour. His response? He didn’t call them cowards; instead, He covered for them, explaining that their actions were simply a fulfillment of prophecy:
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered’” (Matthew 26:31).
The religious leaders who tried Him.
They accused Jesus falsely and gathered witnesses to testify against Him, again falsely. They hit Him. His response? He didn’t defend Himself, and He didn’t denigrate them. Not returning insult for insult, or injury for injury, He took the fist, silently, bravely, and with a bold resignation that befits a king (see Mark 14:53-65).
The Roman soldiers.
Brutal men, they mocked Jesus, draping His shoulders with a purple cape, thrusting a thorny crown into His scalp, and humiliating Him as they took turns beating Him. His response? Again, He took the blows, turned the other cheek, and did not resist the evil that propped Him up and pummeled Him (see Mark 15:16-20).
The crowd that surrounded Him at the cross.
They taunted Jesus, quoting Scriptures to Him, daring Him to prove Himself King, if indeed He was one. His response? He bore the daggers of ridicule, the spears of sarcasm. And He didn’t throw them back. He took it all, and He took it with the nobility of a true king (see Mark 15:29-32).
The soldiers at the cross.
The ones who hammered the nails into His hands, His feet. The ones who raised the cross into place. And the ones hunched over a pair of dice, gambling for His cloak. His response? Forgiveness. And not only that, listen to His plea bargain on their behalf: “Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do’” (Luke 23:34). In other words, Jesus is telling the Father that if the soldiers could only see Him for who He really was, if they knew that He was indeed a king, indeed the Son of God, they would never have done this. Remarkable, when you think about it. Jesus not only forgives His enemies, He defends them.
The two thieves.
When you compare the parallel accounts, you discover that both thieves cursed Jesus (see Mark 15:32; Luke 23:39-40). Never once did Jesus curse back. Instead, He gave a blessing to the one who asked to be remembered. The blessing? The man had just asked that Jesus remember Him when He got to His Kingdom. That’s all. And Jesus gave him Paradise. Paradise! In a few hours of witnessing Jesus’ response to His enemies, one of those enemies was transformed into a friend, and remained a friend forever (see Luke 23:42-43).
We are told that when Peter denied Jesus for the third time, a rooster crowed, reminding him of Jesus’ words earlier that night. He turned and saw Jesus looking at him. What he saw were not the eyes of an enemy but the eyes of a friend. And when their eyes met, we are told that Peter went away, weeping bitterly (see Luke 22:60-62). The next day Peter likely approached the cross, but from afar. He saw Jesus’ enemies, teeth bared like a pack of wolves that had cornered its prey. He heard the insults, the taunts, the mocking, the cursing. And he saw Jesus’ response to them, heard His words and the tone in which the words were spoken. Here is how the example of Jesus impacted him, inspiring his words to fellow believers who were undergoing persecution by their enemies:
For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:20-23).
What Peter saw and heard that day, though it was from a distance as he stood on the periphery, cloaked in anonymity, changed him forever. How could it not? How could anyone not be changed if he or she only knew the story—the whole story—of just how much we are loved?
[Excerpt from chapter 9]
There are always people in our lives that come against us, treat us badly or hurt us. Who are some of those people in your life?
The revolution of love reflects the whole story of Jesus coming to earth to show man who he was intended to be. What will it look like when you show those people love, despite everything?
This week, love them – they deserve love, so they can witness the whole story!
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5 Steps of Recovery – Sermon
Posted by: | Comments(The following came from a friend of mine, Leif Hetland. You can learn more about his ministry at leifhetland.com)
5 STEPS OF RECOVERY
by Leif Hetland
INTRODUCTION: GOD HAS GIVEN ME A "NOW" WORD FOR 2012
I have tried to operate my ministry using the five steps of David's recovery for many years. As 2011 drew to a close I began to cry out to the Lord for a WORD for 2012. I felt a stirring in my spirit and I believe that God told me, "TELL MY PEOPLE 2012 IS THE YEAR OF UPGRADE!"
2011 was an unusual and interesting year. On one hand, I saw tremendous blessing, power, and anointing. On the other hand, it seemed every time I turned around, the enemy was trying to steal things from me. I woke up one day and realized that; the greater the anointing, the greater the attack. The enemy only attacks what he is afraid of, so it was obvious to me that I was doing something right.
Of all things my briefcase was stolen, my wallet, along with all my important documents that were in my briefcase. Things that I thought I could not live without were taken away. If it's ever happened to you, well, you know how disconcerting it can be.
It became crystal clear that the enemy was trying to take:
· My Dignity
· My Identity
· And My Dreams
I was reminded of John 10:10:
"The thief comes only to steal and kill
and destroy; I have come that they
may have life, and have it to the full. "
While it is true that’s what the enemy wants to do, we also know that what he steals, God will make sure it is restored!
I was reminded of the story of David in first Samuel 30.
You will remember that David had been a man on the run. Even though he had the anointing on him, he is still not reigning as King.
When he learned how to take back what the enemy had stolen from him, it became a turning point in his ministry.
God told David,
“Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”
You remember the story?
While David and his men were away from his stronghold at Ziklag, the enemy attacked. They took their families captive, and burned the city. David and his men were distressed, and didn't know what to do. David's men were so angry they blamed him and even talked of stoning him.
What was David to do?
If you will look closely at this passage of Scripture, you will see five keywords that outline David's recovery:
1. Praise
"Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God."
1 Samuel 30:6
This is the foundation for his recovery. David began to learn how to focus on the promises of God and not on the problems at hand. He encouraged himself in the Lord. It's always great to get encouraging words from other people, but sometimes, when everyone is against you, it's best to learn how to encourage yourself. This is what David was learning to do.
One of the hardest, most difficult things to do is to praise God when everything is going wrong.
WHAT WE DO AND SAY FIRST WHEN WE HEAR BAD NEWS IS A HINT AS TO WHAT WE BELIEVE.
2. Prayer
"Then David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, “Please bring the ephod here to me.” And Abiathar brought the ephod to David. 8 So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”
1 Samuel 30:7 – 8
David asked specific questions and got specific answers. He called for the man of God and got into agreement and he did not come out from the agreement until he heard from God. We give up too easily when faced with difficult problems.
“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
3. Pursuit
"So David went, he and the six hundred men who were with him, and came to the Brook Besor, where those stayed who were left behind. 10 But David pursued, he and four hundred men; for two hundred stayed behind, who were so weary that they could not cross the Brook Besor."
1 Samuel 30:9 – 10
This Is the Turning Point in David’s Recovery.
So David went – David pursued. God gave his word, and David acted on it. He could have looked at the negatives and said, "I don't think this plan will work." Everybody is mad at me, I've lost my stronghold, my family, and my men. David didn't do that, he pursued the enemy and recovered it all.
4. Prevailed
"Then David attacked them from twilight until the evening of the next day. Not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men who rode on camels and fled. 18 So David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and David rescued his two wives. 19 And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them; David recovered all."
There will always be warfare attached to our recovery. David stepped out on the word of God, focused on the promises of God, and God began to move on his behalf. God led them right into the enemy's camp.
God is raising up an army of men and women who will learn how to pursue, advance on the enemy, and take back everything.
5. Perpetuate
”Now David came to the two hundred men who had been so weary that they could not follow David, whom they also had made to stay at the Brook Besor. So they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near the people, he greeted them. 22 Then all the wicked and worthless men[a] of those who went with David answered and said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except for every man’s wife and children, that they may lead them away and depart.” 23 But David said, “My brethren, you shall not do so with what the LORD has given us, who has preserved us and delivered into our hand the troop that came against us. 24 For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.” 25 So it was, from that day forward; he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day.”
1 Samuel 30:21 – 25
There were some who couldn't go to the battle. They were too weak to follow David, and stayed by the supplies. David did not punish them for not going. His attitude was that they would all share in the reward. The principle is obvious. He is sowing generous seeds for future harvest. That is how we perpetuate the victories that we win.
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FIVE FAITH BUILDERS FOR LIFE’S PROBLEMS – sermon outline
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by Savio Sebastian under CC BY with wpseopix.com[/caption]
FIVE FAITH BUILDERS FOR LIFE'S PROBLEMS
By Eddie Lawrence
Recently Bible Gateway which is one of the largest Bible access sites online asked their Facebook fans to share with them the Bible verses they go to when they are struggling with doubt. The five verses that follow were the winners. I have taken those five verses and made a little outline out of them, developed it a bit, and given it a title.
I pray you find comfort, reassurance and encouragement as you read the scriptures and respond in faith to the Lord's invitation to you through His Word. Actually, each of these could make an entire sermon.
1. THE LORD HAS A GOOD PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE
Jeremiah 29:11-13: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’”
A. Plans to Prosper
B. Plans to Keep You Safe
C. Plans that Give You Hope
E. Plans that Give You a Future
F. You Should Call on Him and Pray
G. You Should Seek Him with All Your Heart
2. THE LORD DESIRES TO BE YOUR FORTRESS
Psalm 91: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust….’” (read the rest)
A. He Invites You to Come to Him for Shelter
B. He Invites You to Rest in His Shadow
C. He Invites You to Flee to Him for Refuge
D. He invites You to Find Your Fortress in Him
E. You are to Dwell
F. You are to Rest
H. You are to Testify
I. You are to Trust
3. THE LORD COMES THROUGH FOR THOSE WHO WAIT ON HIM
Psalm 27:13-14: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”
A. Root Your Confidence in God's Goodness
B. Trust God to Keep You Alive
C. Wait for the Lord to Act
D. Be Strong and Refuse to Act Independently of Him
4. THE LORD WILL ENABLE YOU TO COME OUT ON TOP
Isaiah 54:16-17: “‘See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,’ declares the LORD.”
A. The Lord is Creator
B. The Lord is Sovereign Over All Creation
C. The Lord Controls What You Can't
D. The Lord Knows the Enemies Plans Against You
E. The Lord will Refute the Enemies Accusations Against You
F. The Lord will be Your Vindicator
5. THE LORD WILL DIRECT YOUR PATH IF YOU WILL TRUST HIM
Proverbs 3:5-7: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.”
A. Wholeheartedly Trust God not Yourself
B, Don't Try to Figure Everything Out on Your Own
C. Live in Submission to God's Plans not Your Own
D. Listen and Obey His Directions in order to Suceed
E. Don't overestimate Your Own Wisdom
F. Reverence God and Refuse Evil
___________________________
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Alabama Tornado Relief- Thanks
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As many of you know, I live here in North Alabama. Cities all around us have been hit by the terrible outbreak of tornadoes that occurred on April 27th. Here in Florence, we suffered very little damage but just south and east of us, there is terrible devastation. I want to thank each of you who have prayed, given, and encouraged in any way. It has been amazing to see the outpouring of love and compassion from around the country.
The congregation I pastor is involved in relief efforts like countless other congregations and organizations across the nation. It seems that in the worst of times you often see the very best in people arise. I have sat and talked with survivors and am amazed at the strength, hope and courage that so many of them exhibit. The needs are great but God is at work to bring good out of all that has happened.
Please continue to pray for families who are grieving the loss of loved ones, the loss of property, and all the workers and agencies involved in the relief efforts. Thanks again for all you are doing.
You can hear the message 4 THINGS TO REMEMBER AFTER THE STORM that I shared with my congregation this past Sunday at this Sermon Page on our Site. I share several stories and lots of information about what is happening here and challenged our congregation with four simple words as to what should be our response.
Blessings,
Eddie Lawrence
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What Will I Cry? – sermon
Posted by: | CommentsOne of my sermon subscription subscribers requested an outline on Isaiah 40. As I studied it, this is a message of encouragement I begin to see.
WHAT SHALL I CRY?
by Eddie Lawrence
Isaiah 40:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“ Prepare the way of the LORD;
Make straight in the desert[a]
A highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be exalted
And every mountain and hill brought low;
The crooked places shall be made straight
And the rough places smooth;
5 The glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
And all flesh shall see it together;
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
6 The voice said, “Cry out!”
And he[b] said, “What shall I cry?”
In Isaiah 40 the Prophet tells of the voice crying out to God's people to get ready. This was fulfilled by John the Baptist who was the forerunner for Jesus himself.
All through the rest of the chapter the writer tells us how great God is and that He rules over all and will have His way. It also contains some powerful truths of what God says He will do for HIs people. Now we know that He does this for us through Christ. So I encourage you dear believer to know four things that I have selected from these verses. I want to cry them out to you.
I will cry:
1. GOD'S STRONG ARM WILL BRING YOUR REWARD
Isaiah 40:10 Behold, the Lord GOD shall come with a strong hand,
And His arm shall rule for Him;
Behold, His reward is with Him,
And His work before Him.
-When it is all said and done, what God says will be done!
-Claim that truth for your life as you are surrounded by a mountain of seemingly impossible circumstances.
-He is faithful. You are His child. He will not abandon you.
-Do not think anyone or anything is greater than your God.
-Remember He is for you, not against you.
-He's got a strong arm and strong hand.
-Read all the great things Isaiah 40 reminds us that God has done.
2. GOD WILL SHEPHERD YOU IF YOU WILL FOLLOW
Isaiah 40:11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young.
-Though He is all powerful, He is also so gentle and loving.
-Notice the terms used to describe how He sheperds:
a. He gathers (He can brings things together, people together, you together with Him)
b. He carries (How many times has He carried you when you could go no further. Remember the footprints in the sand poem).
c. He gently leads (He is not a demanding tyrant. He is a gentle leader, expecially when we have childlike hearts.)
3. GOD WILL GIVE YOU POWER WHEN YOU ARE WEAK
Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
-If you are weak and without strength, you qualify for a God encounter with His power.
-Claim this verse in your weakness.
-There is something about your weakness that draws the power of God toward you.
4. GOD WILL RENEW YOU WHEN YOU WAIT ON HIM
Isaiah 40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
-God honors patience.
-The person willing to wait on God wins.
-If you want to fly, then learn to die. Die to wanting to do things your own way to speed them up.
-Renewal is so needed when we are tired, weary, and battleworn.
-What does verse 31 tell us about the heart of God? He is drawn to those who are willing to wait upon Him.
-So often we think the opposite. We think we can get Heaven's attention by running out on an impulse that we call courage. It often requires more courage to wait than to charge off into a hunch. Wait on the Lord and He will renew you.
CONCLUSION – When the heat is on, and the enemy tries to get you to doubt just Who your God is. Then just cry these things out over your life. It will help you to cry out!
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A Bold Faith – sermon outline
Posted by: | CommentsA Bold Faith
by Eddie Lawrence
Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Notice that a bold faith:
1. Is Contrary to What Can Be Hoped for in the Natural
2. It Is Rooted in Hope that Rests in God
3. Is Not Weak
4. Does Not Consider The Limitation of the Natural
5. It Does Not Waver Through Unbelief
6. By Giving Glory to God Faith is Strengthened
7. It is Convinced At God’s Ability
8. It Sees God Perform His Promise
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Favor With God — sermon
Posted by: | CommentsFavor with God, a sermon about favor with God and how it unfolds in our lives.
by Eddie Lawrence
Text: Luke 1:6 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS…..38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (NKJV)
1. An Announcement from God (v26-28)
-Mary was made aware that God was speaking to her. In her case, it was an angel. God has a way of getting our attention when He desires to call us into action for His plans and purposes.
-(List the ways that God can speak to us and briefly share those here in the sermon)
2. A Response of Fear (v29-30)
-Mary was troubled and afraid. We too are initially afraid when God begins revealing what He wants to do. Even God speaking to us can be an intense experience that rattles us.
-(Share a time the Lord spoke to you and you were afraid when you considered what was happening.)
3. A Promise of Favor (v28-29)
-Twice the Lord lets Mary know He has come to favor her. It is important for us to know that God’s intentions for us are always in our best interest. It is a sign of favor when the Lord invites you into what He is doing.
-(share a story of someone who experienced God’s favor because of stepping into God’s plans)
4. A Conception and Birthing
-Mary was told she would conceive and birth a child. With us, there is also the development within us of what God wants to do. It is a step into a process. As we faithfully carry it, it will be brought forth.
-(share how it is important to be patient and allow God to develop things. Use other biblical examples here)
5. A Response of Faith (v38)
-Mary heard, overcame her fear and said "Yes, be it unto me!" She demonstrated faith and obedience.
-Call for people to say yes to what God is speaking to them.
6. A Focus on Jesus (v31)
-Mary’s call was to birth the Christ child.
-When God is at work in us, it is always about forming Christ in us and making him known to others. For us to live is Christ!!!
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Seven Reasons that You Must Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Posted by: | CommentsThe following sermon outline and sermon notes focus on the importance of the resurrection of Jesus to our faith.
By Clicking Below, You Can Hear a Six Minute Audio Overview of this Sermon While You Read the Outline.
Seven Reasons that You Must Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
by Eddie Lawrence
Introduction– I believe in the literal resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that is an essential element of the very Gospel presented in the New Testament. I believe that is a foundational doctrine of any true Church.
1 Corinthians 15:12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.
Transition– Paul teaches us what the Christian faith would look like if there were no resurrection of Jesus. It would mean that:
1. Jesus Body is Just Dust (v13, 16 Christ is not risen)
The absence of a literal resurrection means the absence of a risen Christ.
2. We Have No Gospel Message (v14, your faith is empty, v17 faith if futile)
What we believe as Christians is vain, useless, meaningless and without any substance in reality if there is no resurrection. Our faith is vain. If we do not believe the tomb is empty then it leaves us with a faith that is empty.
3. We Witnessess of the Life of Christ are all Liars (v15 we are false witnesses)
No resurrection, not true testimony.
4. The Pulpit is Silent (v14 preaching is empty)
Our preaching is vain without a resurrection. The preacher becomes a fraud peddling a message that is a well fabricated lie without the literal resurrection of Christ.
5. We Have No Remedy for Sin (v17 still in sin)
Romans 10:9-10 teaches us that we must believe in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead in order to be saved. Without a resurrected Jesus we are hopelessly lost.
6. Those Who Have Died Have Simply Perished (v18)
If there is no resurrection, the bodies of the dead will forever remain in the dead. There will be no reunion or afterlife.
7. Christians Are Saturated with Misery (19)
We are a miserable group who have held onto a hoax if there is no literal resurrection of the body of Christ.Without the risen Christ we are just bad news people not good news people.
Conlusion– Dear friends, do not allow unbelievers or even professing Christians who deny the resurrection to trick you into believing it is not an essential. We must agree with the Apostle Paul, the witnessess of the Scripture, the witnessess of history, and the witness of the precious Holy Spirit within us that "HE LIVES!"
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Wikipedia Grace
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by Eddie Lawrence
INTRODUCTION: Many of you are probably familiar with the fantastic success of wikipedia on the internet. Wikipedia is a consortium of sorts. Anyone can participate in bringing information to a particular subject assisting in building a colossal encyclopedia online that is constantly and fluidly changing. Users can also correct and edit the material. In this way, it is truly a continual work in progress.
God’s grace works in a similar way. There are incomplete areas in our life that are seeking fulfillment. There are areas that need to be edited and adjusted. God will send grace to bring these changes about. How He sends His grace is similar to wikipedia as well. He sends all kinds of people to touch our lives and leave a deposit that enriches, equips, corrects, and changes us. We too are a continual work in progress.
TEXT: Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
1. Grace Brings Us Salvation v11a
The word salvation is a word that means we are made whole and complete in alignment with God’s original intentions. What sin has effects, grace can correct. Just like a wikipedia, grace comes and starts adding to your life making you more complete. As you live, the story of God’s deposits build. What a beautiful living "article" you become for others to read.
2. Grace Is Accessible by All v11b
Just like Wikipedia, all are invited. Grace has been made available to all people through Christ. Whosoever wills may come and partake.
3. Grace Is A Teacher v12a
In a way the people who contribute to Wikipedia are teachers. They are sharing what they know so that others may know. God gets His grace to us through people as well. Through them and their ministries we are taught by the resident teacher, the Holy Spirit. Here are some things Paul says Grace teaches us:
A. Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness v12
B. Grace teaches us to deny worldy desires v12
C. Grace teaches us to live seriously v12
D. Grace teaches us to live righteously v12
E. Grace teaches us to live godly right here and now v12
F. Grace teaches us to live for Jesus and look for His return. v13
CONCLUSION–What What are you learning from the Grace teachers whom God uses to edit your life for the better?
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Enjoying A Clean Heart — sermon 1 John
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Enjoying A Clean Heart
The Bible is clear and offers us the blessing of cleansing of our hearts so we can enjoy a wonderful fellowship with God.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1. A CONDITION MUST BE MET
"If we confess our sins" This means we must agree with God about the true condition of our heart. It is filled with sin and in need of cleansing. It means we take responsibility for our sin. We do not blame others, we own it ourselves and are accountable to God for it.
when we sin, we can and should confess it to God! We should endeavor to maintain a confessing heart so that we can live with a cleansed heart.
2. A FORGIVENESS AND CLEANSING IS GIVEN
Notice, based on the faithfulness of God, you can be forgiven and cleansed. The whole Gospel story is the story of God taking action so that you could be forgiven and cleansed. It is your responsibility to confess and God takes responsibility from there. He forgives and He cleanses. You must stake your claim on the integrity of God that He will do what He says He will do.
The enemy will combat your mind with accusation, but you must stand on God’s Word and agree with God not only about your sin, but also about your forgiveness and cleansing. This is the way, you come to enjoy the cleansed heart. To have one, yet doubt it, robs one of the joy of what he possesses.
What spot is there so dark, that the blood of Jesus cannot wash it clean? Then do not rob the Son of God of the glory he deserves by doubting the efficacy of his blood work.
3. A COMPLETENESS OF CLEANSING IS TO BE EXPECTED
God cleanses us from "all unrighteousness." We are not half-way sinners and God is not a half-way cleanser. Understand that God always does a good job of whatever He does. When He cleanses you, you are clean. Rest in the work He has done. The message of the cross is that it is a finished work, a completed work. Jesus paid it all. When God cleanses, you are clean. Go forth from the moment of confession with an assurance that is firmly rooted in the Character of God and the completeness of salvation in Christ.
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