Archive for Pleasing God
Sermon on Surrender
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1 Peter 5:5-10 – Surrender, Send, Strengthen, See
by Timothy L. Jainniney, Roanoke, Virgina
Introduction:
5 “…All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
When I read this passage, I think of Tammy Faye Bakker (Messner’s) Book, “Run To The Roar.” She spoke of a loud, intimidating, roaring lion who ended up being toothless, old and nearly powerless. Yet she also spoke of her living in constant fear.
God has a word of encouragement and instruction for you in these passages.
I. V. 5-6 SURRENDER YOUR WILL TO GOD
A. Assume The Place Of Submission – We live in a day when men are all seeking their own way, but the child of God who wants to please the Lord will learn to allow God to have the place or preeminence in his life, Col. 1:18. “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”
B. Assume The Place Of Servanthood – "Clothed with Humility" literally means to "wear the apron of a slave". True humility before the Lord merely me assuming the place of a slave. This is what Jesus did in the Upper Room, John 13:4-16, washing the feet of the disciples. In other words, I have no will but His will. I have no plan but His plan. I have no desire but His desire. We are called His "bondslaves." Eph. 6:6. "Servants" = "Bondslaves."
C. Accept The Plan Of The Sovereign – If we can learn the way of humility, then the Lord will lift us up in His own way. As long as we seek to promote ourselves, we will never amount to much for the glory of God. However, when we turn loose of our lives and willingly place ourselves under the Lord, He will use us for His glory!
Surrender Your Will To God, then…
II. V. 7 SEND YOUR WORRY TO GOD
A. Casting – "Casting" – This verb refers to the act of "throwing" something. It is in a form that refers to a one time deal. We are told here to "once for all, throw our burdens to Jesus!" When the worries of life press us down, we do not have to bear them alone! Thank God, there is One Who is stronger than we are and Who is willing to carry our load.
B. Completely – Notice how much or our burden we are supposed to give to the Lord. "All your care"! He tells us to give Him everything! We are not so much as to keep even the smallest part of a burden to ourselves. We are told to give it all up to Jesus!
C. Confidently – How can we do this? With the absolute confidence that He cares for us. When we are burdened, it touches the heart of God and He is moved on our behalf. Please notice that this verb is in the "Present Tense, Active Voice and the Indicative Mood." You may wonder what this means for you. Present Tense means ongoing activity. Active Voice means the Lord Himself is involved. Indicative Mood means that it is a fact! Put it all together and we find that Jesus Christ, Himself, is actively involved in caring for us. Why the interest on His part? He has made quiet an investment in us (The Cross) and He will see to the needs that arise in our lives.
Surrender Your Will To God, then…
Send Your Worry To God, then…
III. V. 8-9 STRENGTHEN YOUR WALK WITH GOD
We are told that we need to be "sober and vigilant" KJV, “self-controlled and alert.” NIV. This means that we need to get serious about some things, especially where the devil/enemy/adversary is concerned. Who do you think wants to bring you down? Who do you think is actively interested in seeing you miserable? Who do you think is working against you every day? Yet, as we strengthen our walk with the Lord, we will see the path to victory over the devil!
A. Be Serious About The Devil's Reality – This verse refers to a being that most of the world does believe in this evening. However, just in case there is any confusion in your mind, the devil is real! Jesus believes in him, the Bible believes in him, God believes in him, therefore, he must be real! Here, he is called "Adversary". This word means, "An opponent, an enemy". He is also called "the devil". This name means "slanderer; or false accuser." This is the same one who attacked the character and name of old Job; Job 1:6-12; Job 2:1-7. He is still the same old devil that he always was and he hates you and wants to see you fall. The sooner we come to realize the truth of Satan's reality, the sooner we will see the need to strengthen our walks with God.
B. Be Serious About The Devil's Ferocity – The devil is compares to a "roaring lion" in this verse. Why a lion? Well, there are some similarities between the devil and lions.
1. Lions Are Forceful – They are 14 to 21 times stronger than a man. Satan is far stronger than we are as well! We cannot fight him on OUR own.
2. Lions Are Ferocious – A mature lion can consume 30% of his own body weight at one setting. They are famous as the king of beasts and as the king of the jungle. All those who encounter them treat them with fear and respect. By the way, God's children would do well to learn to respect the devil! We do not need to fear him, but he does have power that is far superior to our own NATURAL abilities. He is a ferocious foe who is never satisfied with his conquests. He feeds on the carcass of the fallen ones and he rises to hunt more.
3. Lions Are Fearful – A mature lion's roar can be heard up to 5 miles away. Lions do most of their roaring at night. The reason they roar in the first place is to create fear in the hearts of those who hear them. This is just what the devil does too! He roars to create fear in the hearts of God's children. Why? Because fear paralyzes faith! If the devil can get you to listen to his roar, he can keep you from hearing God's Word. If he can paralyze your faith, then he can attack your life.
C. Be Serious About The Devil's Susceptibility – The good news about the devil is that he can be defeated by the child of God! The secret to overcoming him and changing his roar into a meow is to "resist" him! This word means to "stand up against" the devil! Be steadfast in your faith, knowing that the Lord has already defeated the devil and that victory for the child of God is found in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Don't let him have your honor, your family, your life, or anything else he is after. Stand against him and see the victory! You can resist him and you can see him defeated in your life. Learn the truth that if you will resist him, he will flee from you, James 4:7. Learn that true victory comes to those who will walk in faith. Get to the place where you have no doubts as to the truth of 1 John 4:4, overcoming our enemies, every spirit, the spirit of antichrist. To get to that place requires that every child of God grow in the Lord and that we strengthen our walk with Him daily through prayer and the study of His Word!
Surrender Your Will To God, then…
Send Your Worry To God, then…
Strengthen Your Walk With God, and finally…
IV. V. 10 SEE THE WORK OF GOD
One of the greatest incentives to walking in continuous victory is to be able to see the Lord at work all around you! Notice three thoughts:
A. The Grace We Now Enjoy – While we journey through those difficult days, while we fight the devil day by day, while we face those times when we are burdened with worries and cares, always remember that God's grace is sufficient for you, 2 Cor. 12:9, “…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect (complete) in weakness.” He did not say that He would lift every load. He did not say that He would flatten every hill. He did not say that He would smooth out every rough spot. However, He did say that He would change you in the midst of your difficulty so that you could be successful in your walk with Him. There is grace for every trial, for every step and for everything we face as we go through life!
B. The Grief We Must Endure – Verse 10 makes it plain that there will be difficulties along the road of life from time to time. The word "suffer' bears this out for us. Jesus Himself said it would be so, John 16:33. Even Job knew that there would be difficult times in our lives, Job 14:1. God only had one Son Who did not sin, but He has no sons that do not suffer!
Let us remember that even when life is a veil of tears for us, that we have the Lord's promise of His Presence, Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20; His Provision, Phil. 4:19; His Power, Matt. 28:18; and His Promotion, John 14:1-3. Therefore, let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith! Why, Because He has already ran the race and He knows the way!
C. The Glory We Will Experience – This verse tells us that when the suffering days are over, there are glory days ahead! Notice what the Lord tells His children here: He will make us perfect, establish us, strengthen us and settle us. When will this happen? Yes, this will be something that will take place in our eternal future, however I believe we can have this NOW!
Conclusion: Ask yourself the following questions and be honest:
Am I surrendering my will to God?
Am I sending my worries to God?
Am I strengthening my walk with God?
Am I seeing the work of God?
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Let’s All Be Kids
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LET'S ALL BE KIDS
by Eddie Lawrence
Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
What are the characteristics of the little children that Jesus had in mind? Here are some ideas that we can think through and apply to each of our lives:
1. Quick to Forgive
2. Teachable and Desires to Learn
3. Obeys the Father
4. Are Not Status Conscious
5. Humility
6. Able to Rebound and Move Forward
7. They Do What they See Father Doing
8. Love and Love Being Loved
9. They Enguage their Environment Emotionally (care about other's hearts)
10. Believe Easily
11. Transparent
12. Say What They Feel
13. Vulnerable
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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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Six Things You Need to Put Off before Tomorrow — sermon outline
Posted by: | CommentsFollowing is a simple sermon that we all need to be reminded of. Take the sermon outline and fill it in with your own Bible study material.
Six Things You Need to Put Off before Tomorrow
by Eddie Lawrence
Introduction: At night before you get into bed, if you are like most people, you take off your shoes, socks, and clothes and put on your sleepwear. I want to talk to you about a few more things you need to take off before you end the day or begin the day for that matter.
Colossians 3:8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
WORD STUDY INFO FROM A.T. ROBERTSON ON VERSE 8
3:8 {But now} (\nuni de\). Emphatic form of \nun\ in decided
contrast (to \pote\ in verse 7) in the resurrection life of
2:12; 3:1. {Put ye also away} (\apothesthe kai humeis\). Second
aorist middle imperative of old verb \apotithˆmi\, to put away,
lay aside like old clothes. This metaphor of clothing Paul now
uses with several verbs (\apothesthe\ here, \apekdusamenoi\ in
verse 9, \endusamenoi\ in verse 10, \endusasthe\ in verse
12). {All these} (\ta panta\). The whole bunch of filthy rags
(anger \orgˆn\, wrath \thumon\, malice \kakian\, railing
\blasphˆmian\, shameful speaking \aischrologian\). See somewhat
similar lists of vices in Col 3:5; Ga 5:20; Eph 4:29-31. These
words have all been discussed except \aischrologian\, an old word
for low and obscene speech which occurs here only in the N.T. It
is made from \aischrologos\ (\aischros\ as in 1Co 11:6 and that
from \aischos\, disgrace). Note also the addition of "out of your
mouth" (\ek tou stomatos hum“n\). The word was used for both
abusive and filthy talk and Lightfoot combines both ideas as
often happens. Such language should never come out of the mouth
of a Christian living the new life in Christ.
Six Things to Put Off Before Tomorrow Are:
1. Anger
This word is also used in Ephesians 4:26. Albert Barnes gives some guidelines to help us know when we are getting sinfully angry:
Anger is sinful in the following circumstances:
(1.) When it is excited without any sufficient cause—when we are in no danger, and do not
need it for a protection. We should be safe without it.
(2.) When it transcends the cause, if any cause really exists. All that is beyond the necessity of
immediate self-protection is apart from its design, and is wrong.
(3.) When it is against the person rather than the offence. The object is not to injure another; it
is to protect ourselves.
(4.) When it is attended with the desire of revenge. That is always wrong, Ro 12:17,19.
(5.) When it is cherished and heightened by reflection. And
(6.) when there is an unforgiving spirit; (Barnes New Testament Notes Albert Barnes)
2. Wrath
Robertson says of this word as it occurs in Eph. 4:26 Danger in settled mood of anger. \Parorgismos\
(provocation), from \parorgiz“\, to exasperate to anger
3. Malice
Rather, "with all evil"—kakia. Every kind and sort of evil is to be put away,
and you are to manifest only that which is good. (Barnes)
4. Blasphemy
The word here seems to mean all injurious and calumnious speaking—whether against God or
man.(Albert Barnes)
5. Filthy Language
Filthy communication out of your mouth. Lewd, indecent, and immodest discourse. …
The conversation of the heathen everywhere abounds with this. A pure method of conversation
among men is the fruit of Christianity. (Albert Barnes)
6. Lying
The reason for putting away lying, stated in Eph 4:25, is, that we "are members one of another"-
or are brethren. The reason assigned here is, that we have put off the old man with his deeds. The
sense is, that lying is one of the fruits of sin. It is that which the corrupt nature of man naturally
produces; and when that is put off, then all that that nature produces should be also put off with it.
The vice of lying is a universal fruit of sin, and seems to exist everywhere where the gospel does
not prevail. Comp. See Barnes "Tit 1:12".
There is, perhaps, no single form of sin that reigns so universally in the heathen world.(Albert Barnes)
A.T. ROBERTSON COMMENTS ON THIS VERSE:
3:9 {Lie not to another} (\mˆ pseudesthe eis allˆlous\). Lying
(\pseudos\) could have been included in the preceding list where
it belongs in reality. But it is put more pointedly thus in the
prohibition (\mˆ\ and the present middle imperative). It means
either "stop lying" or "do not have the habit of lying." {Seeing
that ye have put off} (\apekdusamenoi\). First aorist middle
participle (causal sense of the circumstantial participle) of the
double compound verb \apekduomai\, for which see 2:15. The
\apo\ has the perfective sense (wholly), "having stripped clean
off." The same metaphor as \apothesthe\ in verse 8. {The old
man} (\ton palaion anthr“pon\). Here Paul brings in another
metaphor (mixes his metaphors as he often does), that of the old
life of sin regarded as "the ancient man" of sin already
crucified (Ro 6:6) and dropped now once and for all as a mode
of life (aorist tense). See same figure in Eph 4:22. \Palaios\
is ancient in contrast with \neos\ (young, new) as in Mt 9:17
or \kainos\ (fresh, unused) as in Mt 13:52. {With his doings}
(\sun tais praxesin autou\). Practice must square with
profession.
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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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Jonathan Edwards, God Honoring Resolutions
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Jonathan Edwards was one of the most profound theologians in our American lineage. The positive influence of his life continues to linger and stir the souls of believers toward Christ.
Following is a list of resolutions he penned personally. Most of them were penned at a young age as he began his journey into life as a minister. Others were added as time went on. He dated those so you can see the progression of his thought as he became aware of yet another area that needed consecration. They are challenging and give us insight into the discipline, passion, and resolve that possessed a man that God has used mightily to His Own Glory. (The original source of the following is found in The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume 1, Chapter Three.)
RESOLUTIONS
“Being sensible that I am unable to do any thing without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him, by his grace, to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved, so to do, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.
2. Resolved, To be continually endeavouring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the forementioned things.
3. Resolved, If ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, Never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God, nor be, nor suffer it, if I can possibly avoid it.
5. Resolved, Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, To live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, To act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings, as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. Vid. July 30.
9. Resolved, To think much, on all occasions, of my dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, When I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
11. Resolved, When I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder.
12. Resolved, If I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
13. Resolved, To be endeavouring to find out fit objects of liberality and charity.
14. Resolved, Never to do any thing out of revenge.
15. Resolved, Never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.
16. Resolved, Never to speak evil of any one, so that it shall tend to his dishonour, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
17. Resolved, That I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, To live so, at all times, as I think is best in my most devout frames, and when I have the clearest notions of the things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour before I should hear the last trump.
20. Resolved, To maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
21. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
22. Resolved, To endeavour to obtain for myself as much happiness in the other world as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigour, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
23. Resolved, Frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs, and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the fourth Resolution.
24. Resolved, Whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then, both carefully endeavour to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
25. Resolved, To examine carefully and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and so direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, To cast away such things as I find do abate my assurance.
27. Resolved, Never wilfully to omit any thing, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
28. Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
29. Resolved, Never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession which I cannot hope God will accept.
30. Resolved, To strive every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
31. Resolved, Never to say any thing at all against any body, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of christian honour, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said any thing against any one, to bring it to, and try it strictly by, the test of this Resolution.
32. Resolved, To be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that, in Prov. 20:6. ‘A faithful man, who can find?’ may not be partly fulfilled in me.
33. Resolved, To do always what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace, when it can be done without an overbalancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.
34. Resolved, In narrations, never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity.
35. Resolved, Whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.
36. Resolved, Never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call to it. Dec. 19, 1722.
37. Resolved, To inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent,—what sin I have committed,—and wherein I have denied myself;—also, at the end of every week, month, and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.
38. Resolved, Never to utter any thing that is sportive, or matter of laughter, on a Lord’s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.
39. Resolved, Never to do any thing, of which I so much question the lawfulness, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or not; unless I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
40. Resolved, To inquire every night before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.
41. Resolved, To ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month, and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.
42. Resolved, Frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism, which I solemnly renewed when I was received into the communion of the church, and which I have solemnly re-made this 12th day of January, 1723.
43. Resolved, Never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s; agreeably to what is to be found in Saturday, Jan. 12th. Jan. 12, 1723.
44. Resolved, That no other end but religion shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan. 12, 1723.
45. Resolved, Never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12 and 13, 1723.
46. Resolved, Never to allow the least measure of any fretting or uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved, to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye; and to be especially careful of it with respect to any of our family.
47. Resolved, To endeavour, to my utmost, to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate and generous, humble and meek, submissive and obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable and even, patient, moderate, forgiving, and sincere, temper; and to do, at all times, what such a temper would lead me to; and to examine strictly, at the end of every week, whether I have so done. Sabbath morning, May 5, 1723.
48. Resolved, Constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or not; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.
49. Resolved, That this never shall be, if I can help it.
50. Resolved, That I will act so, as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.
51. Resolved, That I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.
52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, That I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.
53. Resolved, To improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
54. Resolved, Whenever I hear anything spoken in commendation of any person, if I think it would be praise-worthy in me, that I will endeavour to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
55. Resolved, To endeavour, to my utmost, so to act, as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven and hell torments. July 8, 1723.
56. Resolved, Never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
57. Resolved, When I fear misfortunes and adversity, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it, and let the event be just as Providence orders it. I will, as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13, 1723.
58. Resolved, Not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness, and benignity. May 27, and July 13, 1723.
59. Resolved, When I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 11, and July 13.
60. Resolved, Whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4 and 13, 1723.
61. Resolved, That I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it—that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, &c. May 21, and July 13, 1723.
62. Resolved, Never to do any thing but my duty, and then, according to Eph. 6:6–8. to do it willingly and cheerfully, as unto the Lord, and not to man: knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord. June 25, and July 13, 1723.
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true lustre, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, To act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan. 14, and July 13, 1723.
64. Resolved, When I find those “groanings which cannot be uttered,” of which the apostle speaks, and those “breathings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20. that I will promote them to the utmost of my power; and that I will not be weary of earnestly endeavouring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and Aug. 10, 1723.
65. Resolved, Very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness of which I am capable, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him, all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance, according to Dr. Manton’s Sermon on the cxix Psalm. July 26, and Aug. 10, 1723.
66. Resolved, That I will endeavour always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking, in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
67. Resolved, After afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them; what good I have got by them; and, what I might have got by them.
68. Resolved, To confess frankly to myself, all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.
69. Resolved, Always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.
70. Let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723.”
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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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Grace Is
Posted by: | CommentsGrace Is
by Eddie Lawrence
1. Grace is Desperately Needed!
Think about it:
A. We are under the weight of the whole law for any infraction of the law.
Galatians 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”
B. Even if we could live perfect from this moment forward, our past sin calls for judgment.
C. The penalty of sin is death. (Romans 6:23)
2. Grace is Absolutely Necessary!
Think about it:
A. We cannot save ourselves.
B. We cannot save anyone else.
C. We cannot purchase, bargain, earn, or merit salvation.
Romans 4:4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
3. Grace is Abundantly Available!
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
Think about it:
A. Where sin abounds grace much more abounds.
Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,
Romans 5:17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)
B. Grace saves us when we trust in Jesus and what He has done for us. (Eph.2:8-10)
Acts 15:11 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
C. Grace enables us to do good works.
Acts 20:32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
D. Grace enables us to break sin’s power
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
4. Grace is Totally Free!
Think about it:
A. Grace is a gift that is given by God.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Romans 5:15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.
B. Grace is a gift received by man through Christ.
John 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
Romans 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
C. Grace is greater than all our sin.
5. Grace is God’s Power Given to live Christ’s Life.
Acts 4:33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
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The Successful Christian Life — bible sermon
Posted by: | Comments(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 – sermon outline
Posted by: | CommentsFour 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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