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Wikipedia 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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(The following is information that the famous baseball player turned preacher, Evangelist Billy Sunday (1862-1935), shared with people who became converts at his meetings. It is a list of "To do’s" for new believers to follow to grow in Christ. It can be helpful for you in your follow-up work as well.)
How to Make a Success of the Christian Life
by Evangelist Billy Sunday
Now that you are a child of God your growth depends upon yourself.
It is impossible for you to become a useful Christian unless you are willing to do the things which are absolutely essential to your spiritual growth. To this end the following suggestions will be found to be of vital importance:
1. STUDY THE BIBLE: Set aside at least fifteen minutes a day for Bible Study. Let God talk to you fifteen minutes a day through His Word. Talk to God fifteen minutes a day in prayer. Talk for God fifteen minutes a day.
"As new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby." – I Peter 2:2.
The word of God is food for the soul.
Commit to memory one verse of Scripture each day. Join a Bible class. (Psa. 119:11)
2. PRAY MUCH: Praying is talking to God. Talk to Him about everything — your perplexities, joys, sorrows, sins, mistakes, friends, enemies.
"Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Phil 4:6.
3. WIN SOMEONE FOR CHRIST: For spiritual growth you need not only food (Bible study) but exercise. Work for Christ. The only work Christ ever set for Christians is to win others.
"Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15.
"When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand." – Ezek. 3:18.
4. SHUN EVIL COMPANIONS: Avoid bad people, bad books, bad thoughts. Read the First Psalm.
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness, and what communion hath light with darkness – what part hath he that believeth with an infidel – wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord." – II Corinthians 6:14-17.
Try to win the wicked for God, but do not choose them for your companions.
5. JOIN SOME CHURCH: Be faithful in your attendance at the Sabbath and mid-week services.
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is." – Heb. 10:25.
Co-operate with your pastor. God has appointed the pastor to be a shepherd over the church and you should give him due reverence and seek to assist him in his plans for the welfare of the church.
6. GIVE TO THE SUPPORT OF THE LORD’S WORK: Give as the Lord hath prospered you. – I Cor. 16:2.
"Give not grudgingly or of necessity, fo God loveth a cheerful giver." – I Cor. 9:7.
7. DO NOT BECOME DISCOURAGED: Expect temptations, discouragement and persecution; the Christian life is warfare. "Yea and all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." – II Tim. 3:12.
The eternal God is thy refuge. We have the promises that all things, even strange and hard unaccountable obstacles, work together for our good. Many of God’s brightest saints were once as weak as you are, passed through dark tunnels and the hottest fire, and yet their lives were enriched by their experiences, and the world made better because of their having lived in it.
Read often the following passages of Scripture: Romans 8:18; James 1:12; I Corinthians 10:13.
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Four Pictures of a Bible Hungry Heart – Psalm 119 sermon
Psalm 119:36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, And not to covetousness.
What did the Psalmist mean, when he prayed for the Lord to incline his heart toward His testimonies? Psalm 119 focuses on the Psalmist’s love for God’s Word in so many different ways, but I was captured by this particular prayer, "incline my heart." What is this, how does God do this?
From a study of the meaning of the word "Incline:, I suggest that he was praying for:
1. A REACHING HEART
The word "incline" is used in many places in the O.T. in the sense of a "stretching out toward something." Like stretching out a tent, reaching out to pick up a staff, etc. Ex. 6:6 The Lord told Moses He would rescue Israel with an "outstretched arm".
The Psalmist wanted his heart to be reaching and stretching to lay hold of God’s testimonies.
2. A TURNED HEART
The word "incline" also is used to describe a "turning aside" to something. It was used of Balaam’s Ass that turned aside when it saw the Angel with the drawn sword (Numbers 22:23).
The man who wrote this verse wanted to have a heart that would be inclined to immediately turn toward God’s testimonies in times of pressure and trouble.
3. A DIRECTED HEART
The word "incline" is sometimes used to speak of "giving attention to", to "turn one’s attention to." In the following verse, you see it is used of having one’s heart full of something that causes one to take action and turn in a certain direction. The phrase "Go then" is the same word used in Ps. 119:36 that is translated "incline" in the passage we are studying.
1 Sam. 14:7 So his armorbearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.”
So, our Psalmist friend was also praying that his heart would be directed toward the testimonies of God and beyond that maybe he was thinking he wanted his heart so full of God’s testimonies that the power of those testimonies would spur him on in right direction.
4. A SATURATED HEART
The very context of Ps. 119:36 also shows us that this man wanted his heart full of God’s Word and not something else, namely covetousness.
Psalm 119:36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, And not to covetousness.
The Psalmist wanted his heart saturated with a desire for God and His testimonies. He wanted to be allured by the stories of God, not the offers of the world.
Conclusion– This little verse invites us to examine our hearts. Do we have a heart inclined toward God’s Word? Do we pray as the Psalmist did that God would move in answer to our prayers and influence our heart in such a way that it would be inlcinded toward what God said and away from the enticing words of other influences?
The good news for us is, the as we are praying for the Lord to incline our heart toward Him, He is saying "Come to me!" This is the sweet collision of desire between God and a Saved Man. Listen to what Charles Spurgeon wrote:
"From the first moment of your spiritual life until you are ushered into glory, the language of Christ to you will be, "Come, come unto me." As a mother puts out her finger to her little child and woos it to walk by saying, "Come," even so does Jesus. He will always be ahead of you, bidding you follow Him as the soldier follows his captain. He will always go before you to pave your way, and clear your path, and you shall hear His animating voice calling you after Him all through life; while in the solemn hour of death, His sweet words with which He shall usher you into the heavenly world shall be–"Come, ye blessed of my Father."(Spurgeon’s Daily Devotional)
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FIVE ENCOURAGEMENTS FROM THE FIRST CHRISTMAS SEASON
by Eddie Lawrence
Introduction
– Did you hear about the little boy went Christmas carrolling in the middle of January. He went to a house and a man sitting in his living room heard a thin, piping voice singing, "O Come All Ye Faithful." He went to his front door and opened it, and there was a little boy singing Christmas carols.
He said to the boy, "What are you doing?"
The child replied, "I’m singing Christmas carols."
The man said, "Why, Son, it s the middle of January."
The little boy said, "I know, but I had the measles during Christmas, and I’m just now getting around to doing my caroling."
Nothing could get in the way of his celebration, and it really didn’t matter what time of year it was. (dabarorg)
Transition– I pray that we will let nothing get in the way of our really celebrating what Christmas means to us. There is so much in the Christmas narratives in Scripture to encourage us. Let’s read from Luke 2:
Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,[a] who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
In reading the above passage, let us draw five applications of the text for our lives today that will be a source of encouragement to us during this Christmas season:
1. GOD CAN WORK THROUGH WORLDLY GOVERNMENT TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PLANS AND PURPOSES
Explain–God actually used a decree and a census from a pagan Roman government to position Joseph and Mary for the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem which fulfilled the prophecies given.
Apply–We are not to be discouraged by what happens in the world around us or through human governments. God is still God and the heart of the King is in the hand of the Lord. He is sovereign and can trump the plans of man in order to fulfill His purposes.
2. GOD CAN WORK THROUGH TRIPS WHERE WE GO HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Explain–Joseph returned to Bethlehem the place of his lineage and what a wonderful event happened while he was there.
Apply–During this Christmas season, be encouraged to know that God can do something strategic in and through you as you return home to be with family. Realize that there may be positive deposits from your heritage of which you are still unaware. Also go with the knowledge that you can be light, love, and life to others.
Relationships are so important and especially within our own family. Maybe there are some among us who will experience miracles during this Christmas season. Have faith that God is at work as you go.
3. WE HAVE TO TRUST GOD’S TIMING CONCERNING THE BIRTH OF WHAT WE CARRY FOR HIM
Explain–I imagine all of us have thought of the how that donkey ride fared for pregnant Mary. Surely it was a tough trip. Yet, it was part of God’s plan and had to happen in order for Christ to be born in Bethlehem.
Apply–We can be pregant with the things of God in our lives as well. We carry something that God has placed within us. At times, we may become impatient thinking, when will this ever happen. It actually can quiet a miserable time. Yet, it is worth the "donkey ride" so to speak, to bring it forth. We simply have to trust God to work and guide us where we need to be to deliver what we are carrying for Him.
4. GOD CAN MAKE ROOM FOR YOU WHEN MAN SAYS THERE IS NO ROOM
Explain–Though the hotel was empty, God’s ability to create a spectacular setting was still at work. Don’t be discouraged if men have shut the door on you. God opens doors that no man can shut. It could be that you are out of a job, or recently relocated, or facing some other obstacle. Allow the movement and work of God during the first Christmas season to encourage you during this holiday season.
5. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE MAKE ROOM FOR WHAT GOD WANTS TO DO IN OUR HOMES THIS CHRISTMAS
Explain–There was no room in the Inn for Jesus. Is there room in our homes for him this Christmas? Are we making sure there is room for Jesus?
Apply–Think of the blessing the Innkeeper missed because he was unable to find room for Jesus.
Illustrate– I heard the story about an event that happened one Christmas in an affluent neighborhood in California. A family decided to go out on Christmas Eve and serenade their neighbors with carols. In one house where they stopped, there was hectic confusion with Christmas preparations and with rushing and tension; so the lady opened the door and said to the singers, "Not now, please; we’re too busy." The gentleman in the standing outside with his family merely said, "Yes, ma’am," and they moved away. It was Bing and Kathy Crosby with their family. If Jesus comes to our house and we say, "Not now, I’m busy," how sad it will be.
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WHY YOU CAN DO THE THANKSGIVING JIG! — About Psalm 30
by Eddie Lawrence
INTRODUCTION – I want to encourage each of us to leave here today doing THE THANKSFIVING JIG!
Psalm 30:10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me;
LORD, be my helper!”
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
This passage gives us at least eight things you can thank God for and they should make you want to do the Thanksgiving Jig.
You can:
1. THANK GOD FOR HEARING YOU
30:10 Hear, O LORD,
2. THANK GOD FOR MERCYING YOU
and have mercy on me;
3. THANK GOD FOR HELPING YOU
LORD, be my helper!”
4. THANK GOD FOR PUTTING THE DANCE BACK IN YOUR FEET
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
The Psalmist was able to do the "God Dance" because God had turned things around in his life.
5. THANK GOD FOR BREAKING DEATH OFF YOU
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
6. THANK GOD FOR THE SONG YOU CAN SING
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You
7. THANK GOD FOR RESTORING YOUR VOICE
and not be silent.
8. THANK GOD FOR ETERNAL LIFE
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
CONCLUSION – Now after hearing all that, surely, we all have a reason to do THE THANKSGIVING JIG!
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(The following sermon was written and contributed by Diane Harrington who resides in South Carolina. It is obvious that the Lord has blessed Diane with a writing and teaching gift. Thanks to her for this message.)
“THERE IS NO RETIREMENT IN GOD’S KINGDOM”
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
1. Introduction
The city of Thessalonica sat squarely in the middle of an important trade route; hence it was a strategic place to plant a new church. Information from the city could travel easily to the far East and West. Paul was so successful in his efforts to organize the Thessalonian church that outraged Jewish leaders threatened his life. He had to sneak out of the city under the cover of darkness, and then wrote letters to continue to guide the new believers.
2. Exegesis
The second letter was written to clear up misconceptions about Christ’s second coming. There were those who had the attitude that if Christ’s return was imminent, there was no point in doing anything but watching and waiting. This placed an undue burden on the rest of the Christian community, who continued to work and be productive. Paul pointed out the example that he, Silas, and Timothy had set with regard to work. Even though it was their right to receive support from the church, they had worked to provide for their own basic needs. They did not want to be a burden and they wanted to provide an example of how believers should live and work while they waited for Christ’s return.
As we heard in last week’s sermon, Paul emphasized the importance of tradition, or following the beliefs and practices that he and the other apostles taught. Paul reprimanded those who broke from tradition and were guilty of idleness and disorderly conduct. The Greek word “ataktéo” has been translated as “idleness” and as the word “disorderly.” Disorderly is a military term used to describe a soldier who is out of ranks. [ii] Paul emphasized the need for believers to continue working productively while they waited for the Second Coming. Idleness implies deliberate loafing or goofing off. Judging from Paul’s stern command, “anyone unwilling to work shall not eat,” some were probably using the excuse of waiting for Christ’s return, when really, they were just plain lazy. With too much time on their hands, they mooched off others and caused trouble within the community of believers. They gossiped and meddled in the affairs of others. Paul instructed the faithful to speak the truth in love, to warn the idlers about their destructive attitude and behavior, but not to shun them either.
God established the practice of work in the very beginning. God worked for 6 days to create the earth, and rested on the 7th day to enjoy his creation. After creating man and woman, God gave them a job – the responsibility to name other living creatures and rule over them. Adam and Eve were to continue the creative process that God began. Both the Old and New Testaments tell the story of God’s mighty acts in and through history to enable and inspire humanity to achieve God’s purposes. Elwell Walter in The Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, said that any human work is a life-enhancing blessing when it is controlled by God. [iii]
3. Employment issues today
Parents of school aged children and youth often remark that they keep their children involved in activities to keep them out of trouble. Idleness breeds negative, unruly behavior. Sometimes the behavior is rooted in boredom or a need for attention, but as we say “one thing leads to another.” In the workplace, the “underemployed,” or those workers who don’t have enough to keep them busy, seem always to be the ones who are a bad influence on other workers. Some effects of idleness in the workplace are petty disagreements, gossiping, broken relationships, and general loss of productivity. Just as in Paul’s day, idleness ruins attitudes and prevents us from being all that God calls us to be. There is a difference in not being busy and idleness. Idleness is a sin.
Idleness is an insidious, contagious disease. Paul was tough in his answer to this problem: “anyone unwilling to work shall not eat.” But in applying Paul’s message to today, we must be careful not to mistake idleness with unemployment or unemployability. [iv] Just because someone is unemployed, they are not necessarily idle. The Department of Labor defines unemployment as those who are actively seeking work. There is also what is called a “shadow workforce,” or those who would work, but have stopped looking because they have not been able to find a job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate is 5.5%. An article on the Society for Human Resources Management website offers that the shadow workforce, if counted, would increase the unemployment rate to 8%. Business closures due to relocating operations offshore or due to financial difficulties have had a devastating effect on the US economy. North and South Carolina’s textile and furniture industries have been especially hard hit. Downsizing throughout the country has resulted in workers who don’t trust management and management that has had to defend itself against lawsuits – some justifiable, but many that are frivolous. Employment laws that were created to protect workers and guarantee fair and equal treatment are used successfully by some on both sides to “work the system” for their own advantage. Victims of forced unemployment are at high risk of falling into the habit of idleness and joining the ranks of the shadow workforce. It is not usually because they want this to happen, but continued rejection in the job market can lead to a defeatist attitude, depression, illness, or even suicide. Health care is often a low priority as displaced workers lose their insurance coverage. Though coverage is available through COBRA, it is very expensive. Lack of income and insurance benefits put whole families at risk. From my vantage point in human resources, the people who weather the unemployment crisis best are those who continue to cling mightily to their tradition of Christian values and their faith in God to help them weather the storm.
4. Employment in God’s Kingdom
The lost jobs crisis is really a global issue that seems impossible to solve. In our helplessness, we wait for our government to solve the problem. When confronted with a displaced worker, we often say “We’re praying for you.” We go home, thank our lucky stars that we are still gainfully employed or honorably retired, and then do nothing else – out of sight, out of mind. But, as responsible Christians, we can do more than that. Many years ago, after job loss in my own family, a member of this congregation sent Ed Lewis to our house at Christmas to give us an anonymous monetary gift. I hope that person is here today to hear how much that meant to us. It wasn’t the amount of the gift, because I honestly don’t remember what it was, but the Christian love it represented. The act itself spoke much louder than words.
Some things we can do regarding the problem of unemployment are:
First: we can pray for wisdom to know what it is that God would have us do. We can pray with and for our friends and neighbors, especially those in our faith community, that have experienced job loss, and then do something to help them. We can offer to babysit while someone goes on a job interview. We can offer to serve as a reference, or to forward their resume to a business person we know.
Second: we can support local efforts to help those who are victims of forced unemployment. When Pillowtex in Kannapolis closed, many agencies and churches, including ours, responded with aid – be that monetary or volunteers to provide training in resume writing or other job readiness skills.
Third: we can study the issues before our Congress, study the candidates for office, pray, and then vote. We just had the opportunity to do that – to be responsible citizens.
God can and will direct us in how we can help. We are not only called to work productively to take care of our basic human needs, but we are also called to be employed in God’s Kingdom.
In order to avoid idleness in our own lives, it helps to remember that, as Walter Elwell said, “work is a life-enhancing blessing when it is controlled by God.” [v] Stewardship of our time, talents, and resources is essential. Stewardship starts with personal bible study, prayer, and reflection in order to receive guidance and direction. God calls us to serve both in our own church and in the community at large. During the stewardship season, we have heard about the many things we can do individually and collectively to love our neighbors. If you have not completed your time and talent form, please remember to do so. Our many committees (Finance, Christian Ed, Worship, Commitment, Weekday Preschool, Personnel, Witness & Service), Church School, Choir, Presbyterian Men and Women, and other groups need your help. Your service not only supports our own congregation, but also provides outreach to the community. Our Logos/Middle School Ministry program has attracted many new members through its efforts to teach our children the Word of God and the traditions of our denomination. Our Witness and Service Committee sponsors outreach efforts such as Habitat for Humanity and Angel Tree, which ministers to children of incarcerated youth.
My Mother-In-Law Mary Harrington was the ultimate “hot roll lady.” She whipped up delicious, melt-in-your mouth rolls whenever anyone she knew was down and out. One time, she was expressing her guilt for not helping someone she thought she should have. I will never forget her telling me that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” While we all know that statement is not really true, what we should realize is that we can do nothing through our own power. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we make a difference. We are not responsible for the outcome (that’s God’s part), but we are responsible for the planting and watering, for being God’s agents – God’s eyes, ears, hands, and feet. In his book Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby says that we should look to see where God is already at work, and then go there to participate in God’s work.
5. Conclusion
In God’s Kingdom, there is no reason to remain idle. There are too many jobs and not enough people. We are all called to do God’s work, to avoid idleness while others do the work for us. Paul said, “Brothers and sisters, do not weary in doing what is right.” Make no mistake, Paul is not talking about works for works sake. He is talking about the believer’s proper response in gratitude for God’s gift of faith and saving Grace. Unlike our secular world today, in God’s Kingdom, we are called to accept God’s employment offer, because there is no unemployment. In God’s Kingdom, there is no such thing as retirement.
Let us pray:
Gracious and loving God,
We thank you for the ability and calling to do your work. Help us have the correct attitude about the work and to avoid idleness, so that the results we produce will glorify you.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.
[i] Barclay, William,
The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians, The Westminster Press, Philadelphia, PA, 1975, pages 179-183.
[ii] Ogilvie, Lloyd J., General Editor,
The Communicator’s Commentary: 1,2 Thessalonians, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, Word Books, Waco, TX, 1984, pages 136-144.
[iii] Elwell, Walter A., “Entry for Work,” “Evangelical Dictionary of Theology,” <htts://www.biblestudytools.net/Dictionaries/Baker Evangelical Dictionary/bed/cgi?number=T742>. 1997.
[iv] Ogilvie, Lloyd J., Ibid.
[v] Elwell, Walter A., Ibid.
vi Buttrick, George A., The Interpreter’s Bible, Volume XI., Abingdon Press, New York/Nashville, 1955, pages 335-338.
vii Blackaby, Henry, Experiencing God, Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, TN 1998, pages 67-71.
viii www,shrm.org
viv www.usgov.bls.org
N
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GOD’S POWER FOR YOUR THORN
2 Cor. 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
1. Satan’s Attack on God’s Revelation
2 Cor. 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
-All through the Bible the enemy attacks those people who carry a message from God or those people who are becoming a message from God.
-Satan attacks to keep us from advancing the kingdom.
2. The Prayer for God’s Deliverance
2 Cor. 12:8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
-It is natural for us to call on God to back the Devil off.
-It is not wrong but Scriptural to pray for God to deliver us from evil (or literally, the Evil One).
3. The Reassurance of God’s Grace
2 Cor. 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
-God promises Paul He will give him enough grace to handle the Devil’s harrassment.
-God works to manifest His glory through man’s frailty.
4. Paul’s Resolution to Rest in the Power that Rested on Him
2 Cor.12:9 …Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
-We must come to the place where we know God is doing something even when we feel nothing is happening.
-We must realize the power of Grace to overcome all our human deficits.
-We must consciously receive and be secure in the grace God gives rather than struggle through our fleshly efforts.
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THREE DECLARATIONS THAT WILL ALIGN YOU WITH YOUR FUTURE
by Eddie Lawrence
Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 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, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
I. I MUST NOT BECOME COMPLACENT WHERE I AM! (v12a)
-None of us have arrived yet, so we must keep changing.
-Complacency will stall you, cause you to struggle, and silence your heart cry for God.
II. . I MUST LET GO OF THE PAST! (v13b)
-Many times our future is hindered by our ties to the past.
-Some people try to drive forward by looking in the rear view mirror. This is the shortcut to the ditch.
-The past is the place that grudges, bitterness, and unhealed wounds are anchored in. They all will hold you back.
III. I MUST KEEP PRESSING ON TOWARD CHRIST! (v12b, 13c, 14)
-A consistent pressing toward Jesus is to be our aim and drive.
-He holds our future in his hands.
-When you press into him, you are experiencing your glorious future.
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The 7 Ups!
(I received this as an email from a friend and it was one of those pass it on emails. It actually contains a good outline for a teaching, so I thought I would pass it on.Thanks to Corrine from Florida for authoring this..)
1. Wake Up !! — Decide to have a good day.
This is the day the Lord hath made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.'
Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !! — The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
'The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.
Man looks at outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart.'
I Samuel 16:7
3. Shut Up!! — Say nice things and learn to listen.
God gave us two ears and one mouth,
so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.
'He who guards his lips guards his soul.'
Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!! . . . for what you believe in.
Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
'Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time,
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good…'
Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !! . . to the Lord.
'I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me'.
Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !! . . for something higher.
'Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.'
Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !! . . your Prayers.
'Do not worry about anything; instead
PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.'
Philippians 4:6
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The following sermon was written and contributed by Diane Harrington who resides in South Carolina. It is obvious that the Lord has blessed Diane with a writing and teaching gift. Thanks to her for this message.
THE ECONOMY OF SCARCITY
VS
THE ECONOMY OF ABUNDANCE
Introduction:
Fred Craddock, author of Preaching Through the Christian Year, tells about a Benedictine monk who was spending the weekend at the Trappist Monastery in Conyers, Georgia. At mealtime they were served the most delicious bread…..and there was plenty of it. All were enjoying it, and no one was saying a word. Everyone was caught up in the moment of eating this delicious bread, and the Monk said to the brother seated next to him, ‘Did we make this or did someone give it to us?’ And the brother answered, ‘Yes.’” (repeat question/answer) The brother was saying “Yes, we made it!” and “Yes, God gave it to us.” [1]
“YOU GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO EAT.” We’re not sure just how Jesus said those words. It could have been in a still, quiet, voice: “You give them something to eat.” Or a pleading, urging voice: “You give them something to eat.” Or a commanding voice: “You give them something to eat.” While, it may have been all of the above, the word “YOU” in Greek is emphatic, [2] giving the sense of a command. The food did not come as manna from heaven, from a flock of quail, from water changed into wine, or oil and meal that mysteriously replenished itself. The bread and fish not only came from God, but was also administered through the work and kindness of human hands. Christ takes our contribution, no matter how modest, and makes it enough. [3] “YOU GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO EAT.”
Economy of Scarcity:
Our world economy operates under the principle of scarcity or supply and demand. Markets are supposed to regulate scarcity by gathering information about our wants and needs, and harmonizing supply and demand through the price mechanism. Money is a unit of information, a conveyer of price signals, a store of the world’s value, and a means of exchange. When supply is plentiful, prices are low. When supply is scarce, prices are high.
Man has seemingly infinite wants but finite resources. Mismatches in supply and demand occur when we fail to efficiently allocate these resources to their optimum level. Economics is the study of how societies use scarce resources to produce valuable commodities and distribute them among different people. This classical concept of scarcity – unlimited wants vs limited resources – is flawed because of man’s fear of not having enough. [4] We fear scarcity for many reasons. It’s the “What if” dilemma – what if we lose our job, what if natural disasters like Tsunamis, famine, hurricanes, forest fires, earthquakes, etc. destroy our homes and take the lives of our loved ones, especially the breadwinners. What if terrorists attack us, dictators control us, or thieves steal our identities. This fear leads to hoarding, gathering more and more, trying to fill the void that fear leaves in us. How many times have we heard the comment, “You have to take care of yourself, because no one else is going to.” We forget that God sent manna each day, and instructed the Israelites to eat their fill, but not to save what was left over. God faithfully provided what they needed.
I am reminded of the story of a minister who had just begun to preach his sermon when a mighty thunderstorm struck. The congregation was obviously distracted by the loud thunder and sheets of rain hitting the windows. The minister stopped for a moment, and then said “Isn’t the Lord wonderful? Here we are, comfortable and dry, and the Lord has arranged for the storm to wash our cars while we worship.” [5]
Another negative offshoot of the world’s economy of scarcity is the tendency to look for weaknesses in others. While intellectual capacity, knowledge, and technology have become valuable resources in our society, the tendency has grown to not only look for weaknesses in others, but to use them to our advantage – either you win or I do. Though God does call us to use our gifts and talents to fullest advantage for his glory, we often use them for our own glory. We strive to be the best, to make more money, to buy more things because deep down, we’re scared to death of losing it all. We buy into the world’s “economy of scarcity” principles instead of God’s “economy of abundance” principles. As Paul Harvey would have said after hearing today’s sermon title, and now let’s hear the rest of the story, the story about God’s Economy of Abundance. Our needs are met in direct proportion to our level of trust in God. A man by the name of Henry Ward Beecher said that “Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.” Jesus chose the handle of faith, giving God’s principle of multiplication room to not only feed the masses, but to give glory to God. Jesus also taught, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all the rest will be added unto you.”
Today’s scripture lesson starts with Jesus withdrawing after hearing of John’s death. Most commentaries speculate that Jesus was tired and terribly grieved, but that when he saw the hoards of people that were waiting on the seashore, he had compassion for them. They looked like sheep without a shepherd. The Greek word for compassion comes from the common word for the spleen or intestines. We might say “he felt it in his gut.” [6]
At the end of the day, the Disciples suggested to Jesus that they should send the people to nearby towns to buy food. They were thinking practically. We only have 5 loaves and 2 fish and that’s not enough. What if the crowd gets unruly? Of course, the Disciples were feeling compassion for the people and probably wanted to give Jesus some time to rest. Just like the Disciples, we add 2 + 5 to get 7, instead of doing math God’s way: 2 + 5+ Jesus = 8. When faced with overwhelming need, we should learn to count to 8. [7] In God’s math, one person plus God is a majority.
Jesus’s command “You give them something to eat” challenges Christians today. We live in a world where people are hungry for food, clothes, love, a safe place to live, escape from many different life conditions. We pray that Jesus will do something, but he responds “You give them something to eat.” The church has risen to the occasion many times with food, clothing, shelter, and medical care, but we often see problems instead of possibilities. There is a guy in my company that when a problem crops up, always says “Ladies and gentlemen, we have an opportunity.” We are tempted to believe that we have nothing to offer, or even if we do, we feel that our effort is insignificant – not enough to solve the problem so what’s the use in trying. Do we really believe that God can and will intervene in our world? What are the impossibilities in your life? What crowds or battles do you have to face? We can face them hand in hand with the one who makes things possible. We can read the Word, kneel before God in prayer, and then work in God’s strength. You, plus God, adds up to whatever God wants.
Dr. Jerry Fuller in his sermon “Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes” tells the story of Rob and Jackay, who opened their own restaurant. As opening day neared, all that needed to be done was the health inspection and the issuing of their business permit. Both were to be done early morning and then “Our Place,” as they called it, would be in business. But that morning, Hurricane Hugo hit unexpectedly, making its way 200 miles inland to their North Carolina town. Sound familiar? Trees were uprooted, power lines were down, homes and stores destroyed. Rob and Jackay hurried to the restaurant, but everything was intact. A deputy sheriff pulled up and told them that their restaurant, the fire station next door, and a service station down the road were the only businesses with electricity. Rob and Jackay called the health inspector to come immediately, so they could open, but he couldn’t get to his office to issue the permit. No permit, no business opening. With a refrigerator stocked with 300 pounds of bacon and beef, plus bushels of tomatoes, lettuce, and bread, there was only thing they could do – give the food away. So, they told the deputy to call his coworkers and other emergency personnel that the Restaurant would have free BLT’s and coffee for anyone who came by. Soon, firemen, policemen, linemen, and other workers filled “Our Place.” When Rob and Jackay heard that another restaurant was scalping people by charging $10 for 2 eggs, toast, and bacon, they put a sign in their window: “Free BLT’s – FREE COFFEE. Families, travelers, and street people were welcomed. Then, something began to happen. People started to clean counters and sweep floors. Volunteers took over the dish washing from Jackay and helped Rob at the grill. Hearing about what was happening at Our Place from the local radio station, people from a neighboring town that didn’t have much damage from the storm, brought food from their freezers. Stores and dairies sent chicken, milk, and foodstuffs of all kinds. Those first cups of coffee and BLT’s somehow stretched to 16,000 meals. The restaurant’s small stock increased by 500 loaves of bread, cases of mayonnaise, 350 pots of coffee, and bushels of produce. [8]
Five loaves and two fish, which Pastor David DeWitt calls “One Little Lunch” – fed the masses of people in body and spirit. What should we draw from God’s economy of abundance?
(1) Never underestimate God;
(2) Never doubt God’s ability to provide in BIG ways; and
(3) Jesus can turn the broken pieces of your life into blessings for yourself and for others.
One little lunch satisfied many; one little lunch made a difference. It revealed the power of God, changed lives, and strengthened people’s faith.
[9] Jesus commands us, “YOU GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO EAT.”
Amen.
[1] Craddock, Fred B; Hayes, John H.; Holladay, Carl R.; Tucker, Gene M.; Preaching Through the Christian Year, A (Valley Forge: Trinity Press International, 1992)
[2] Johnson, Sherman E., and Buttrick, George A., The Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. 7 (Nashville: Abingdon, 1951), page 431.
[3] Ibid. Johnson, Sherman, and Buttrick
[6] Fuller, Dr. Jerry, “Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes,” http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/a-or18-js.php
[7] Ibid, Donovan, Richard Niell, page 13 of 16
[8] Ibid, Fuller, Dr. Jerry, pages 1-2 (ref. “A Grand Opening,” Connections, 18
th Sunday of the Year, August 1, 1999.
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