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THE FIVE INGREDIENTS OF FAITH
by Eddie Lawrence
INTRODUCTION- We often talk about taking a step of faith, but actually a step of faith involves several "steps" in order to truly be faith.
TEXT- Luke 5: 1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him. (NKJV)
NOTICE THE FIVE INGREDIENTS OF FAITH IN THE ABOVE PASSAGE:
1. KNOWLEDGE
(V5)..nevertheless at Your word…
Simon (Peter) first had to know what Jesus wanted him to do before he did it. He heard Jesus Word.
The first ingredient is knowledge. In order to act upon something, you first have to know about it.
For example, if the local restaurant had a two-for-one special on their Ribeye Steak Dinners, in order for me to get in on it and experience it, and eat one of those dinners, I would first have to know about the offer.
Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17) the Word of God. How can people be saved if they do not hear? This is the question Paul asked the Romans. In other words, people first have to know what God is saying.
2. BELIEF
(V5) But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”
Notice Peter’s objection at first, we have already done this and caught nothing. In other words, it is hard to believe that there is any reason in the natural to act on what you are saying.
Yet, Peter made the decision to believe what Jesus said. Had he not chosen to place faith in what Jesus said, he would never have let down the nets.
Once a person knows then they must choose whether or not they believe that knowledge is correct. Is it true?
To continue the restaurant illustration, you would not go for a special offer at a restaurant if you did not believe they were having the special offer. You would assume it would be a waste of time. This was Peter’s first thought, but he moved through it and make the choice to believe Jesus word.
3. COMMITMENT
(v5) …nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”
Notice Peter says, "I will" let down the net. These is an act of his will. He is commiting himself to doing what Jesus said even before he does it.
If a person has decided that they have heard and know about is true, then the next step is whether or not, they will commit to that truth. A person can believe that it is true that the restaurant is offering a two-for-one special on their ribeye steaks, but may not commit to actually taking the step to utilize the offer. They may hear of others who have gone and eaten one of the steak dinners and who share that is wonderfully delicious and a great deal, and still not get one for themselves. In order to fully experience the truth of what they have heard about and believe to be true, they have to commit to it for themselves. In other words, they head toward the restaurant with the full intent of buying.
4. ACTION
(v6) And when they had done this…
Peter actually followed through on his commitment and did it. This is the action part.
This is the step of acted upon a commitment made. To continue the illustration. This is the step of entering the restaurant, ordering and eating the steak.
5. RESULTS
(v6) And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
The results of Peter’s step of faith is that he saw in the natural what he had already heard, believed, committed to and acted upon in his spirit and life. He experienced a bunch of benefits:
-A boat load of fish "a great number of fish"
-Enough to share with others "signaled to their partners"
-A deeper revelation of Who Jesus was "fell down at Jesus’ knees" An act of worship.
-A deeper revelation of Who he was "sinful man"
-A powerful public witness "all were astonished"
-A realization of purpose for his life "from now on you will catch men"
This last ingredient is really more of a benefit of faith. The result one receives because he has heard and known, believed, committed to and acted upon what he has heard, and experienced it for himself. This is standing up at the table at the restaurant, rubbing your belly, and being fully satisfied and full because you ordered and ate the two-for-one special. You then walk out and become a witness to what you have experienced to others whom you think would enjoy a ribeye steak dinner at a great price.
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(The following is an excerpt from the fourth chapter of Andrew Murray’s book, PRAYER. It focuses on what a person can expect if they more passionately engage their prayer life. Under his main headings, I offer an alternate suggestion.)
SUGGESTED TITLE — THE BENEFITS OF PRAYER
If now we are delivered from the sin of prayerlessness, and understand how this deliverance may continue to be experienced, what will be the fruit of our liberty? He who sees this aright will, with renewed earnestness and perseverance, seek after this liberty. His life and experience will indeed be an evidence that he has obtained something of unspeakable worth. He will be a living witness of the blessing which victory has brought.
Consider –
1. The blessedness of unbroken fellowship with God
(SUGGESTION: THE BENEFIT OF A CLOSER FELLOWSHIP)
Think of the confidence in the Father which will take the place of the reproach and self-condemnation which was the earlier characteristic of our lives. Think of the deep consciousness that God’s almighty grace has effected something in us, to prove that we really bear his image and are fitted for a life of communion with him and prepared to glorify him. Think how we, notwithstanding our conviction of our nothingness, may live as true children of a King, in communion with their Father, and may manifest something of the character of our Lord Jesus in the holy fellowship with his Father which he had when on earth. Think how in the inner chamber the hour of prayer may become the happiest time in the whole do for us, and how God may use us to take a share in the carrying out of his plans, and make us fountains of blessing for the world around us.
2. The power which we may have for the work to which we are called
(SUGGESTION: THE BENEFIT OF A GREATER POWER)
The preacher will learn to receive his message really from God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and t deliver it in that power to the congregation. He will know where he can be filled with the love and zeal which will enable him, in his rounds of pastoral visiting, t meet and help each individual in a spirit of tender com passion. He will be able to say with Paul: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’ (Ph 4.13). ‘We are more than conquerors through him th loved us’ (Rom. 8.37). ‘We are ambassadors for Christ … we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconcil to God’ (2 Cor. 5.20). These are no vain dreams or p tures of a foolish imagination. God has given us Paul an illustration, so that, however we may differ from him in gifts or calling, yet in inner experience we may know the all-sufficiency of grace which can do all things for as it did for him.
3. The prospect which opens before us for the future
(SUGGESTION: THE BENEFIT OF A BRIGHTER FUTURE)
This is to be consecrated to take part as intercessors in great work of bearing on our hearts the need of the en Church and world. Paul sought to arouse men to pray all saints, and he tells us what a conflict he had for th who had not yet seen his face. In his personal prese he was subject to conditions of time and place, but in Spirit he had power in the name of Christ to pray blessing on those who had not yet heard of the Saviour.
In addition to his life in connection with men here on earth, far or near, he lived another, a heavenly life – one of love and of a wonderful power in prayer which he continually exercised. We can hardly form a conception of the power God will bestow, if only we get freed from the sin of prayerlessness and pray with the daring which reaches heaven and brings down blessing in the almighty name of Christ.
What a prospect! Minister and missionaries brought by God’s grace to pray, let us say twice as much as formerly, with twofold faith and joy! What a difference it would make in the preaching, in the prayer meeting, in the fellowship with others! What a gentle power would come down in an inner chamber, sanctified by communion with God and his love in Christ! What an influence would be exercised on believers, in urging them forward to the work of intercession! How greatly would this influence be felt in the Church and among the heathen! What power might be exercised over ministers of other churches, and who knows how God might use us for his Church through the whole world! Is it not worth while to sacrifice everything, and to beseech God without ceasing to give us real and full victory over the prayerlessness which has covered us with such shame?
Why do I now write these things and extol so highly the blessedness of victory over’the sin which doth so easily beset us’ and which has so terribly robbed us of the power which God has intended for us? I can give an answer. I know all too well what low thoughts we have concerning the promises and the power of God and how prone we are always to backslide, to limit God’s power, and to deem it impossible for him to do greater things than we have seen. It is a glorious thing to get to know God in a new way in the inner chamber. That, however, is but the beginning. It is something still greater and more glorious to know God as the allsufficient One and to wait on his Spirit to open our hearts and minds wide to receive the great things, the new things which he really longs to bestow on those who wait for him.
God’s object is to encourage faith and to make his children and servants see that they must take trouble to understand and rely upon the unspeakable greatness and omnipotence of God, so that they may take literally and in a childlike spirit this word: ‘Unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think … be glory … throughout all ages’ (Eph. 3.20, 21). Oh, that we knew what a great and glorious God we have!
Someone may ask: ‘May not this note of certain victory become a snare and lead to levity and pride?’ Undoubtedly. That which is the highest and best on earth is always liable to abuse. How, then, can we be saved from this? Through nothing so surely as through true prayer, which brings us really into contact with God. The holiness of God, sought for in persistent prayer, will cover our sinfulness. The omnipotence an greatness of God will make us feel our nothingness. Fellowship with God in Jesus Christ will lead us to the experience that there is in us no good thing, and that we can have fellowship with God only as our faith become a humbling of ourselves as Christ humbled himself, an we truly live in him as he is in the Father.
Prayer is not merely coming to God to ask something from him. It is above all fellowship with God and being brought under the power of his holiness and love, till he takes possession of us and stamps our entire nature with the lowliness of Christ, which is the secret of all true worship.
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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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(The following sermon notes are contributed by Pastor David O. Cofield. Thanks Pastor David for the great work. You can check out his blog at www.energizingword.org)
Confidence in a Crisis
Daniel 6
This is the most familiar of all of Daniel’s stories. Lion’s den. A new
government under Darius had taken over and just like the old regime,
he makes an image of himself for all to pray toward. But Daniel won’t
do it and his consequence is being thrown into the lions den.
There are many lions we all face: bitterness, anger, relational,
parenting, financial, disease, aging. We live in a dog-eat-dog (lion-eat-lion)
world.
May be we get to the point that we think the crisis will be over, but I
remind you Daniel is at least in his late 80’s here.
How can we face it with confidence?
I. Confidence is seen with a thankful attitude.
Verse 3– Daniel had a good spirit or attitude. This is not “Spirit,” but
spirit. He had a good attitude about him.
Verse 10—Daniel was giving thanks and the Bible says, “he knelt.”
Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all things to God the
Father…”
Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer
and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known
to God;”
When you face a crisis, open your mouth and thank God. There is
power in the spoken Word over your own live.
Life is not fair adding to the fact that the devil hates God and His
followers.
II. Confidence is strengthened with a consistent walk.
This is the first time we learn about Daniel’s daily walk with God and
we are very impressed, but not shocked.
The King noted in verse 20—”the God you continually serve.” Does
our friends, family note that we walk “to a different drum beat?”
Psalm 55: 17 “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry
aloud, and He shall hear my voice.”
Why did he do this? Praying toward Jerusalem is in obedience to II
Chron. 6:36-39.
He knew the Word of God.
His walk produced purity.—verse 4
His walk produced power. – we’ll see this in a moment
His walk produced protection. – verse 23
III. Confidence is solidified with complete trust in God.
The lions would be purposely starved to be used as executioners. And
note in verse 17 that over the cave a stone was rolled, the king’s signet
was attached so that nothing could be changed. Remember another
time that a stone was rolled over a cave, the king’s secured the place so
nothing could be changed.
This is a foreshadowing of the resurrection in the OT.
Daniel faced the lions knowing well the Lion of Judah.
God sent an angel to his defense. If one angel can slay 185,000
Assyrians, surely one angel can take care of a group of lions.
Doesn’t mean protection that you won’t ever go through trials.
Daniel missed the fiery furnace, but not the den of lions.
Isaiah was sawn in half, Paul’s head was severed and Peter was
crucified upside down.
But Daniel had “no injury -wound.” The word means “to ruin…to hurt,
injure.”
Psalm 55:18 (NIV) “He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged
against me…”
We may be engaged in the battle, but we don’t have to be wounded by
the battle.
Notice the reason why no “wound” was found. Verse 23 – “because he
believed in his God.”
II Timothy 4: 17—Paul was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. He
had been left alone humanly, but God was with him and delivered him.
Ernest Wadsworth—”Pray for a faith that will not shrink when washed
in the waters of affliction.”
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JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD
Seven Testimonies that Jesus is the Son of God:
1. The Father Testified of It Matt. 3:17
2. Jesus’ Personal Testimony Matt. 26:63
3. Peter Testified of it Matt. 16:16
4. Demons Recognized it. Mark 3:11
5. The Disciples Recognized it. Matt 14:33
6. The Resurrection Testified of it Romans 1:4
7. Paul Testified of It Acts 9:20
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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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FOUR FACETS OF GOD PLEASING FAITH
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
There is a key to unlock the realm of the impossible. Without this key, it is impossible to enter the realm of the impossible. What is this key? It is the irreplaceable element in living the Christian life. It is faith. I will add, it is the kind of faith that pleases God. This verse states clearly that "without faith it is impossible to please Him". There is no ability to please God, no empowerment to live in a way to please God, without faith. Then the verse tells us the kind of faith that does please God.
In the verse before us we see that this "God pleasing faith" has four facets to it.
The Four Facets of God Pleasing Faith are:
1. There is a coming to God involved in it.
"for he who comes to God"
2. There is a knowing that "God is" involved in it.
"must believe that He is"
If you put this as if God was saying it in first person, it would read, "He who comes to me, must believe that I Am." In other words, you know that God is eternal, that He is the same God He has always been. He lives now. He is existing presently in your circumstances to respond to you.
3. There is a realization concerning God’s heart as a giver involved in it.
"He is a rewarder "
God is a giver. For God so loved the world that He gave…. He is not a cosmic slot machine that is used just to dispense gifts to us, but neither is someone who is demanding we do all the giving without any response from Him. All through the New Testament, the truth is emblazoned that God responds as a giver to His children when they approach Him in childlike faith. Remember what Jesus taught in Matthew 7 "How much more will your Heavenly Father give good things to those who ask Him?" James says, "Every good and perfect gift comes from Him." Even the Holy Spirit is a the Father’s gift to us.
4. There is a seeking after God Himself involved in it.
"of those who diligently seek Him."
Notice carefully that the person is seeking the "Giver" not the gift. This is key. Knowing and properly responding to who He is will bring you into the court of what He does.
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This is another Mother’s Day sermon outline among our free sermons for you to use and enjoy in your online bible study and bible preaching.
The 1122 Motherhood Principle
1 Samuel 1:11 Then she made a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.”
1 Samuel 1:22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “Not until the child is weaned; then I will take him, that he may appear before the LORD and remain there forever.”
Verse 11 demonstrates Hannah’s desire for Samuel and her devotion to the Lord.
Verse 22 demonstrates Hannah’s dedication to Samuel and her devotion to the Lord
Desire, Devotion, and Dedication are the three words that make up the core of what I am calling the 1122 Principle of Motherhood. It comes from this two verses in 1 Samuel. It also speaks of all that transpires in a woman’s life and a child life’s between the time the child is conceived until the child is released from the home. In Samuel’s case, it was only three short years. In most cases, it is the period of time from birth until marriage or moving away from home to pursue a career.
Let’s think about these three words. First let’s look at:
1. DESIRE FOR MOTHERHOOD
-God placed a special nurturing love within the heart of women toward little ones.
-The yearning for a child can be very deep and intense as it was with Hannah
-Stop and pray for all women who desire a child and have been unable to have one
-Pray blessing upon those who have stepped forward to adopt a child (this also reflects God’s heart who has adopted us)
2. DEVOTION TO THE LORD
-Hannah had a deep devotion to the Lord
-She was in the house of the Lord praying
-She was overwhelmed with emotion
-She knew God could grant her the longing of her heart
-She was a worshipping woman
-Pause and pray blessing over all mothers for their devotion to the Lord and its effect upon their children. Honor them.
3. DEDICATION TO A CHILD
-Hannah vowed early on to give her child to the Lord
-She was faithful to her promise to give him to the Lord
-She did all she could do to prepare Samuel to live for the Lord
-She knew God had a special purpose for him
-A mother sacrifices like no one else selflessly in order to see their children grow and succeed.
-Pause and pray thanking God for the sacrifices mothers have made for their families.
-Pray blessing over all children present and remember to pray for those who are away from the Lord.
Conclusion– If you are a person who has a mother that desires you, is devoted to the Lord, and has dedicated her life to release you to the purposes of God, you are blessed indeed.
(Remember to provide encouragement and ministry to those who have been abandoned by their mothers, have conflict with their mothers, or have lost their mothers through death).
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