Archive for Dealing with Trials
FIVE FAITH BUILDERS FOR LIFE’S PROBLEMS – sermon outline
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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
Posted by: | CommentsWikipedia Grace
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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Confidence in A Crisis — sermon notes
Posted by: | Comments(The following sermon notes are contributed by Pastor David O. Cofield. Thanks Pastor David for the great work. You can check out his blog at www.energizingword.org)
Confidence in a Crisis
Daniel 6
This is the most familiar of all of Daniel’s stories. Lion’s den. A new
government under Darius had taken over and just like the old regime,
he makes an image of himself for all to pray toward. But Daniel won’t
do it and his consequence is being thrown into the lions den.
There are many lions we all face: bitterness, anger, relational,
parenting, financial, disease, aging. We live in a dog-eat-dog (lion-eat-lion)
world.
May be we get to the point that we think the crisis will be over, but I
remind you Daniel is at least in his late 80’s here.
How can we face it with confidence?
I. Confidence is seen with a thankful attitude.
Verse 3– Daniel had a good spirit or attitude. This is not “Spirit,” but
spirit. He had a good attitude about him.
Verse 10—Daniel was giving thanks and the Bible says, “he knelt.”
Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all things to God the
Father…”
Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer
and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known
to God;”
When you face a crisis, open your mouth and thank God. There is
power in the spoken Word over your own live.
Life is not fair adding to the fact that the devil hates God and His
followers.
II. Confidence is strengthened with a consistent walk.
This is the first time we learn about Daniel’s daily walk with God and
we are very impressed, but not shocked.
The King noted in verse 20—”the God you continually serve.” Does
our friends, family note that we walk “to a different drum beat?”
Psalm 55: 17 “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry
aloud, and He shall hear my voice.”
Why did he do this? Praying toward Jerusalem is in obedience to II
Chron. 6:36-39.
He knew the Word of God.
His walk produced purity.—verse 4
His walk produced power. – we’ll see this in a moment
His walk produced protection. – verse 23
III. Confidence is solidified with complete trust in God.
The lions would be purposely starved to be used as executioners. And
note in verse 17 that over the cave a stone was rolled, the king’s signet
was attached so that nothing could be changed. Remember another
time that a stone was rolled over a cave, the king’s secured the place so
nothing could be changed.
This is a foreshadowing of the resurrection in the OT.
Daniel faced the lions knowing well the Lion of Judah.
God sent an angel to his defense. If one angel can slay 185,000
Assyrians, surely one angel can take care of a group of lions.
Doesn’t mean protection that you won’t ever go through trials.
Daniel missed the fiery furnace, but not the den of lions.
Isaiah was sawn in half, Paul’s head was severed and Peter was
crucified upside down.
But Daniel had “no injury -wound.” The word means “to ruin…to hurt,
injure.”
Psalm 55:18 (NIV) “He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged
against me…”
We may be engaged in the battle, but we don’t have to be wounded by
the battle.
Notice the reason why no “wound” was found. Verse 23 – “because he
believed in his God.”
II Timothy 4: 17—Paul was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. He
had been left alone humanly, but God was with him and delivered him.
Ernest Wadsworth—”Pray for a faith that will not shrink when washed
in the waters of affliction.”
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Run to the Kingdom — sermon idea
Posted by: | CommentsThe following excerpt is from John Bunyan’s (1628-1688) Sermon, THE HEAVENLY FOOTMAN. based on the phrase, "So run that ye may obtain." found in I Cor. 9:24. I revised the layout slightly, but as you can see, his nine points below would make for some good preaching or a great devotional talk. I am titling the exerpt, RUN TO THE KINGDOM. Enjoy it!
RUN TO THE KINGDOM
Get thy will tipped with the heavenly grace, and resolution against all discouragements, and then thou goest full speed for heaven; but if thou falter in thy will, and be not found there, thou wilt run hobbling and halting all the way thou runnest, and also to be sure thou wilt fall short at last. The Lord give thee a will and courage.
Thus I have done with directing thee how to run to the kingdom; be sure thou keep in memory what I have said unto thee, lest thou lose thy way. But because I would have thee think of them, take all in short in this little bit of paper.
1. Get into the way.
2. Then study on it.
3. Then, strip, and lay aside everything that would hinder.
4.. Beware of by-paths.
5. Do not gaze and stare too much about thee, but be sure to ponder the path of thy feet.
6. Do not stop for any that call after thee, whether it be the world, the flesh, or the devil: for all these will hinder thy journey, if possible.
7. Be not daunted with any discouragements thou meetest with as thou goest.
8. Take heed of stumbling at the cross.
9. Cry hard to God for an enlightened heart, and a willing mind, and God give thee a prosperous journey.
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