December 14, 2003   Morning Service - Rev. Rucker Chunn

THE VISION OF CHRIST

Text:  Luke 2:7, Matthew 2:11-13

Scripture Text:  (Luke 2:7 KJV)  And (the Virgin Mary) brought forth her firstborn son (Jesus), and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was No Room For Them in the inn.

(Mat 2:11-13 KJV)  And when (the Wise Men) were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and Fell Down, And Worshipped Him: ... Herod Will Seek The Young Child To Destroy Him.

The Vision and Effect of the Christ, born in Bethlehem in a stable, and the person He is, depends on your perspective.  In this same way Christmas is viewed from many perspectives.  The vision and Effect of Christmas in your life may change as your change your point of Viewing.

A.  WHAT IS THE WORLD’S VISION OF CHRIST?
  1. HEROD’S VISION - Herod saw the Christ child as Competition for the Crown. Herod had a narrow viewpoint, and was centered on himself. (2 Timothy 3:1-2 KJV) {2} For men shall be lovers of their own selves.... (2 Timothy 3:4-5 KJV) ...lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

    Many are like Herod. They are so obsessed with satisfying their self, they never realize that the only way to expand your self is by "giving out" instead of "taking In."
  2. THE PEOPLE’S VISION - There was No Room for Jesus.  People are always looking for someone to Love Them, Respect Them And Honor Them... to establish their Sense of Value and Importance.

    See (2 Timothy 3:7 KJV) Often The Very Thing We Want Is What We Neglect
  3. SHEPHERDS VISION - The shepherds were poor and average men of meager income and no affluence.  When they saw Jesus they saw The Savior!
B.  WHAT IS CHRIST’S VISION of the WORLD?
  1. CHRIST’S VISION OF HEROD - Jesus saw Herod as a man too self obsessed to know the meaning of life.  That was his demise.

    God through Jesus loved him as he does everyone.

    (2 Peter 3:9 KJV) The Lord ... is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

    (John 3:17 KJV) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. However, You still must come to Jesus yourself!
  2. CHRIST’S VISION OF THE PEOPLE - People are hungry for something to satisfy their desire for Peace.  They want things to be Tranquil, Comfortable, Fulfilling.

    We want Him, but we are too busy to stop (Matthew 9:36-38 KJV) But when (Jesus) saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them (Revelation 3:20 KJV) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock
  3. CHRISTS VISION OF THE SHEPHERDS AND THE WISEMEN - Shepherds are "Caregivers" and Wisemen are "Seekers." The Receiving of Christ comes from your Giving.  Giving up of Your Life, so that you have Room for His!  (Luke 6:38) (Matthew 16:25 KJV)

    The Wise Men "sought" Jesus".the Messiah". AS HE WAS You must PURSUE Christ. You will find Jesus when you Commit to Obtaining Him!
C.  WHAT IS CHRIST’S VISION FOR US?
  1. You may see a church burdened with expense.
    - But Christ sees a Potential Lighthouse
  2. You may see a church troubled with people having different ideas and expectations.
    - But Christ sees Children of God with an Opportunity to Contribute Something
  3. You may even see a burden of snotty nosed children with parents who want a free babysitter.
    - But Christ sees the Future Church comprised of Young Souls
  4. What is Christ’s vision for YOU?
  5. Does He see a Person ready to be changed from Taker to a Giver???

The Lord has many positions that are open to be filled. Will you have the Vision of Christ this Christmas and become a part of the Functional Body of Christ?








December 21, 2003   Early Morning Service

Jesus Christ:  God’s Gift of Love

Text:  Matthew 1:23, John 3:16

Preface:   Do you know the perfect gift?  Do you have problems choosing gifts?  Do you have some on your list who are difficult to match?  Are finances a problem?  What is the perfect gift?  Jesus is the perfect gift of God’s love.

A.  Unmerited.
    "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgression; it is by grace you have been saved,"  (Ephesians 2:4-5).
  1. The human race was spiritually bankrupt.
    • They were faithless, because the were spiritually blind and could not recognize the truth.  They were groping in darkness and headed for hell  (Ephesians 2:8).
    • They were hopeless, because they had rejected their only hope, which was God and His law  (Ephesians 2:12-13).
    • They were loveless, because "God is love," and they were Without God  (I John 4:8).
    • They were devouring each other like savage dogs, sensual, devilish, consumed with lust, and drowning in the bondage of deception  (James 3:14-15).
  2. God’s love provided amazing grace.
    • Mercy and grace are simply the undeserved favor of God.
      • There was nothing in sinful people after the fall that was really worth saving.  They had no value.  Without God, a person is nothing.
      • There was nothing that could be done by anyone to appease the judgmental wrath of God toward sin.
      • Man was hopeless and helpless without God’s grace.
  3. God had mercy upon the undeserving and depraved. No person merits God’s grace.  Look at the agony of Christ on the cross, dying for sinners, and declare that you deserved that love and sacrifice.
B.  Unspeakable.
  1. The gift is indescribable.
    • How can mortal tongue articulate God’s love demonstrated in the incarnation of Jesus Christ?  Look at it!
      • Virgin birth.
      • Verified ministry.
      • Vicarious death.
      • Vicarious resurrection.
      • Visible return.
  2. Vocabulary and intelligence fall far short in efforts to describe relationship With Christ as Savior.
    • "It is joy inexpressible,"  (I Peter 1:8-9).
    • A man, reportedly of lesser mental ability, is said to have penned part of the words to that beautiful song.  "The Love of God," which were found on the wall in his place of confinement after his death.  Look at the profound insight into the inexpressible love of God in the first and last verses alone.
  3. Jesus Christ is the perfect gift.
    • He is the most expensive gift ever given.
    • He is the gift that matches all recipients.
    • He is the gift of all ages, all places, and all cultures.
    • God viewed the whole world, and Jesus Christ was it.
Conclusion:  God loved enough to give Jesus Christ.  Jesus loved enough to die for sinners. Have you received this gift of God’s love?  Are you sharing this gift with others?









December 21, 2003   Morning Service - Rev. Rucker Chunn

THE GIFT OF GOD

Text:  (Rom 5:16-17 NIV)  Again, the GIFT of God is not like the result of the one man's sin:  The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the GIFT followed many trespasses and brought justification.  {17} For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the GIFT of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

Preface:   On December 25th, all around the world people celebrate Christmas.  They will bestow gifts upon one another, they will sing songs, they will express generosity.  This festive attitude is Not By Accident, It is Because of the "Gift of God."  However, too often people also take that gift for granted not realizing and truly appreciating just what a gift we have in the Blessed Savior Jesus Christ!

A.  THE GIFT OF GRACE
  1. Grace is "unmerited favor."  We have received That which we Do Not Deserve!  (John 3:16-17)
  2. No One that has been found worthy of the Gift that God has Given!  NO ONE.  (Rom 3:23 KJV)
  3. Were it not for the love of God I could not escape.  (Psa 103:10-12 KJV)
  4. As we receive the Gift of "God’s" Grace, His Spirit in us continues the giving!
B.  THE GIFT OF HOPE
  1. Hope is that which keeps you from sinning.  (Jude 1:24-25 KJV)
  2. Knowing Jesus, we Know HOPE.
    • (Psa 146:5)  Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
    • (Jer 29:11)  For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
C.  GIFT OF PEACE
  1. (Luke 2:7-14 )  {13} And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, {14} Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE, good will toward men.
  2. There is No Peace like that the savior gives.
  3. The world can be in turmoil, but the Peace that He offers endures all the confusion, all the strife, all the discomfort, and all the pain.
  4. There is Peace Knowing that GOD IS IN CONTROL!
  5. (Isa 9:6-7 KJV)
D.  THE GIFT OF SELF
  1. (Mat 1:23 KJV)  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
  2. No greater gift can be given than that of SELF. God gave His only son that He might be IN us.
  3. It is God IN us that can change a life of sin and selfishness into a life of Love and Giving.
    • (Gal 2:20 KJV)  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.








December 28, 2003   Early Morning Service

The Fourth Greatest Day In Human History

Text:  Luke 2:7

Preface:   Joseph and Mary are brought to Bethlehem because of an enrollment decree which commanded each Hebrew citizen to be counted from that town where he or she was born.  This is the third all-important trip made to Bethlehem.  Ruth and Naomi made the first journey.  (Ruth 1:22) Samuel the prophet made the second.  (I Samuel 16).

A.  The Fourth Greatest Day.
  1. Mary gives birth to the Savior (Luke 2).
  2. There was no room for them in the inn.
  3. Laid Him in a manger (Luke 2:7).
  4. Jesus was born to be Savior to a sin sick world.
B.  The Third Greatest Day.
  1. Was some thirty-three years later.
  2. When the baby Jesus grew into glorious manhood.
  3. Only to be put to death between two thieves on Calvary’s cross.
C.  The Second Greatest Day.
  1. Occurred three days later.
  2. When an angel told some sorrowing women: "Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."  (Matthew 28:5-6).
D.  The Greatest Day In History.
  1. Is yet to happen.
  2. The Apostle John tells us of this: "And the seventh Angel sounded; and then were great voices in Heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of this Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever"   (Revelation 11:15).








December 28, 2003   Morning Service - Rev. Rucker Chunn

Are You a Chicken or an Eagle

Text:  Proverbs 30:18-19 There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: {19} THE WAY OF AN EAGLE IN THE AIR; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.

Introduction:   As we consider the wonder of the eagle, there are some comparisons one may draw as related to our life in Christ.  With that in mind the question to you is; Are you and Eagle or a Chicken?

A.  THE FLIGHT OF AN EAGLE
    Eagles are high flying creatures who prefer the heights to the low lands and certainly the ground.  Chickens on the other hand, rarely fly.

  1. Chicken Christians - Chicken Christians are content to stay in the low places.  Chickens are satisfied with things as they are.  2 Peter 2:17
  2. Eagle Christians - The eagle is born to Fly!  He is never content to be held in captivity.
    The Eagle will not rest until he has found that sweet High Flying Experience with God (Hebrews 12:12-14)
B.  EAGLE VISION
  1. Chickens are Near Sighted! Chickens can only see a short distance around them.  That is because they are always focused on what is *On the Ground and what is *Close at Hand. They never see what can be in the future; only * What is in the Dirt.  Proverbs 29:18
  2. Eagle Christians See A Higher Perspective - When we draw close to God, we can see with His perspective!  Instead of seeing the limitations of this world, we see the possibilities with God!  Mark 10:27
    We can accomplish that which He has set us forth to do, if we only believe in Him!  John 14:12-14
C.  EAGLE DESIRE
  1. The Chicken Desires Easy Picking - The chickens in life are those who want everything to be simple, straightforward and easy to understand
  2. Eagle Desires to Fly Toward the Sun - An eagle’s greatest desire is to fly toward the sun, feel the warmth of it’s rays and ride the thermal currents as they lift him higher and higher.  I want to go higher with the Lord! Matthew 11:28-30 Isaiah 40:31








January 4, 2004   Early Morning Service - Rev. Joshua Chance

Truly A God of Wonders

Text:  Daniel 2:20-23

Preface:   "So Daniel blessed the God of Heaven. Daniel answered and said: ‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His.  And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.  He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells within Him.  I thank You and praise You O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we have asked of You, for You have made known to us the dreams of the king.'"

A.  Establishing A Right Relationship With God.
Prayer-Daniel 6:11
  • "Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God."
Fasting
  • Daniel 9:3-4 "Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting sackcloth, and ashes.  And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made confession, and said, "O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments."
Fasting
  • Daniel 10:1-3 "In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar.  The message was true, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message, and he understood the vision.  In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks.  I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."
Obedience-1 Samuel 15:22-23
  • "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  Behold to obey is better than to sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.  For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.  Because you have rejected the Word of the Lord, He has also rejected you as king."
B  Fulfilling the Call
  • Acts 4:23-31








January 4, 2004   Morning Service - Rev. Rucker Chunn

A NEW FLAVOR

Text:  (2 Kings 2:19-22) And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is nought, and the ground barren.  {20} And he said, Bring me a NEW CRUSE, and PUT SALT THEREIN.  And they brought it to him.  {21} And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and CAST THE SALT IN THERE, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.  {22} So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.

Introduction:   Elisha calls for a NEW CRUSE.  He requires a newly dedicated vessel to carry the healing ingredients.  When applied to the water, they had a New Flavor.  It was Bad No More.

We can apply that principle to our church and to our lives.

A.  RENEWED VISION

When Elisha heard the report from the city that the Water is Bad, he didn't condemn it.  He called for a New Container!  Sometimes we need to have a NEW CONTAINER to commit to something different than what we have had in the past
  • Isaiah 43:18-19  Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  {19} Behold, I will do a NEW THING
  • Life can become burdened with the Problems of the Past - Put off the Old and Put on the New!
  1. GRASP THE VISION ANEW AND AFRESH!
    • Isaiah 42:16
    • LOOK TO CHRIST FOR A FRESH NEW VISION and with that Vision a Fresh Commitment to DO IT
B.  NEW INTERNAL COMMITMENT
(Salt, the Active Ingredient)
  1. Salt is a purifying agent and a preservative to keep food items fresh.  Elisha wanted a permanent cure to the bitter water.
  2. There may be some "Bitter Water" in your life that needs to be Thrown Out and Replaced with that which is New, Fresh and Preserved!
    • If you are Sinning, STOP!
    • If you are Pining Over Some Tragedy or Difficulty, STOP!
    • If you are Harboring Hatred and Unforgiveness in your heart, STOP!
    • If you are living on Past Victories; STOP and make New Continuous Victories by the power of God!
  3. King David decided he did not want to carry the past any longer.  Renew as he did (Psalm 51:10-12)
C.  NEW ANOINTING
(Salt in the Water - A Life Change)
  1. After filling the cruse with Salt, Elisha poured it into the waters and they were healed!  In order to change the water, it had to have the Anointed Preservative become a part of it!  When you determine to have the preserving power of the Holy Ghost blended into your life, you will be Changed.
  2. Seek for a fresh anointing of The Holy Ghost.  To be FILLED or REFILLED with his spirit
    • (Psalm 30:11) Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness
  3. Don't go out like you came in!  Go with Renewed Zeal and Joy of the Holy Ghost.  Get your water purified at the everlasting fountain of the Holy Ghost!








January 4, 2004   Evening Service

Where The Authority For Deliverance Really Lies

Text:  Luke 10:17

Preface:   The most detailed report of successful deliverance ministry by the Lord’s disciples in the Gospels in the story of the seventy in Luke 10.  It all begins in verse 1 where the seventy are given their missionary commission.  Jesus sends them out by two’s and the central focus is on deliverance ministry (Luke 10:17-19).

A.  Jesus’ Joyful Response.
    The response was immediate, exhilarated, confirming, affirming and cautious.

  1. Immediate because Jesus did not ask questions. He just responded immediately to their ministry report (vr. 18).
  2. Exhilarating because of the joy in Christ words,  "I was watching satan fall from Heaven like lightning" (vr. 18-19)
  3. Confirming with Jesus saying that He was there from the beginning.
  4. Affirming with the words, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you" (vr. 19)
  5. Cautions by adding these words, "Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in Heaven."
B.  The Promise Of Delegated Authority.
  1. This is without a doubt one of the greatest gems found in the precious collection of promises of delegated authority in all of scriptures.
  2. Here Luke tells the Christian’s of today that we are not subject to satan.
C.  The Four Fold Perspective Of This Promise.
  1. The Source of the promise, "Behold I...". The value of any promise is directly proportionate to the authority of the one who makes it.
  2. The Assurance of this promise is, "I have given you...".  It is not future, it is now.  We already, like the 70, have the promise from Jesus Christ.
  3. The Gift of the promise, "I have given you." The enemy has might and ability.  The believer has the right to act.  We have delegated authority.
  4. The Opposition to the promise. The enemy is neither omnipresent, omniscient, nor omnipotent. The enemy we face is a singular devil.  All our other enemies are but extensions of his evil power.








January 11, 2004   Morning Service

The Man Who Healed Me Told Me

Text:  John 5:1-9

Preface:   This miracle we have just read about commenced the open conflict between Christ and the religious leaders which was to culminate in the cross.  Because it was wrought on a Sabbath day, this miracle gave rise to the first outbreak of Christ’s rejection.  A year before this miracle at Bethesda, Jesus proved His Messianic claims by cleansing the Temple.  Now He performs a miracle on the Sabbath for the deliberate purpose of destroying wrong ideas of such a Holy day.

A.  By This Miracle
  1. The claims of His deity received the fullest possible publicity in the nation’s capital, where He wrought few miracles because of unbelief.
  2. The explanation of His claims before the Sanhedrin only incited the leaders with a desire to kill Him, a thing which they would accomplish some two years later.
  3. A man that had been ill for 38 years of the same sickness was healed.
B.  The Scene Of This Miracle.
  1. Bethesda means, "House of mercy or compassion."
  2. Because of the hatred toward our Savior, many found Bethesda a, "House of Misery."  Many Christians fail to find God’s house a place of mercy and compassion.
  3. This pool seemed to have a medicinal effect on the first one in it after an angel stirred the waters.
  4. It is time we Christians, "Stir the Holy water," and receive what God has in store for His children in 2004.  (Matthew 14:36, as many as touched Him)
C.  Take That Rag Pallet And Walk.
  1. Christ expressly told this man to take his wretched bed with him for three reasons;
    • As proof of his complete recovery, that he could not only walk, but carry his couch.  (vr. 9) God does a complete work.
    • As a mark of identity, to prove that he was the very man who had lain so long helpless at the pool.  (Isaiah 40:31, wait upon)
    • As a test of his faith in his Healer, and thankfulness to Him.  Trusting Him, the man did exactly as he was commanded.  How many miracles have we passed by because of a lack of faith and not obeying His command?  (Acts 5:29, obey God rather than man)
  2. Remember, Christ ask this man, "Would you be healed." (vr. 6)








January 18, 2004   Early Morning Service

Results Of A Prayer And Praise Meeting

Text:  Acts 4:23-35

Preface:   The Sanhedrin was amazed at the theological perception of the untrained Apostles by the name of Peter and John.  These two Disciples are forbidden to preach or teach the Name of Jesus.  Both refuse, saying: "We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (4:20)  Sometimes we forget or do not testify the things that Christ has performed in our lives.

A.  Released From Prison.
  1. They join the other believers in a praise service to God.
  2. All that were gathered together prayed with one accord. (4:24)
  3. They acknowledged the sovereignty of God.  The title, "Lord" means "Absolute ruler".  (Luke 2:29, Revelation 6:10)
  4. At this praise service they relied upon the Truth of Scripture including in their prayer the words of Psalms 2.  (Acts 4:25-26).
  5. They ask for Specific Things (4:29-30)
  6. They sought only their Savior’s Glory. (4:30)
B.  As A Result Of This Prayer And Praise Meeting.
  1. The building was shaken by the Power of God. (4:31)
  2. The believers were Filled with the Holy Spirit. (4:31).
  3. The brotherhood was supplied By the Grace of God. (4:32-35)








January 18, 2004   Morning Service - Rev. Rucker Chunn

MEMORIAL STONES

Text:  Joshua 4:1-7 {v5} Joshua said to them, "Pass on before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, one for each of the tribes of the Israelites, {v6} so that this may be a sign among you.  When your children ask in time to come, 'What do those stones mean to you?'  {v7} then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the LORD.  When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.  So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever."

Introduction:   In Joshua chapter 3, God told Joshua He would exalt him the same as He did Moses.  God gave him instruction that the priests who bore the Ark of the Covenant should begin to cross the river Jordan.  As soon as they put their feet into the water, the waters would raise back in a "heap" and Israel could pass across on Dry ground.  Because of this great miracle, 12 stones from the river bed were brought out and to the other side and placed as a memorial.  We also have memorials in the church today to testify of the awesome power of God in our lives.

A.  STONES OF FAITH
  1. VISION - Churches often start with just a few faithful members with just a Dream of what Can Be!  We continue to need Men and Women of Faith whom will be determined to weather the storm and See into the Future What God Can DO!  (Hebrews 11:1 KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  (Hebrews 11:3 KJV) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
  2. STONES OF CONVERSION - Joshua had men from every tribe take a large stone on his shoulder and bring it out to the other shore and expose it as a stone that had been submerged but was changed and exposed to the light of the sun when Israel passed through on DRY GROUND!  We have stones of those that have been exposed to the light of Christ in this church!!  (1 Peter 2:9-10)
  3. (1 Peter 3:15 KJV)... be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: As Lively stones, we should testify to the goodness of Jesus Christ!!
B.  COMMITMENT
    (Josh 3:15-17 NIV) Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest.  Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, {16} the water from upstream stopped flowing.  {17} The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan,
  1. STEPPING AND STANDING - Someone had to take the 1st step into the water.  Then they had to Stand by faith on the Rock!  There must be people of Commitment who will STEP OUT AND TAKE A STAND on the Word of God!  (Ephesians 6:13-14 KJV);  If you are the Church, Take a Stand for God!  These are Stones of Commitment that will dig in their heels and stay the course while the work of God goes on.  These are they who have built their house upon the rock!
  2. THE PEOPLE CROSSED OVER - There have been many people that have been Healed and Ministered to by the Faith of Others in this church.  These are stones of testimony of the goodness of God!
C.  STONES of TESTIMONY AND WORSHIP
  • Joshua 4:6 When your children ask in time to come, 'What do those stones mean to you?' ...{7} then you shall tell them
  • We must be stones of Testimony and Worship!  Lift up the name of Jesus and praise Him.  Joshua prepared a Memorial, so that the Children would ASK and then BE TOLD and KNOW what happened on this day!  (Psalm 107:8 KJV)  Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
  • We ought to praise the Lord for His goodness to us.  "these stones shall be" a memorial forever!








January 25, 2004   Morning Service

Why We Experience Cloudy Days and Dark Nights

Text:  1 Samuel 27:1

Preface:   One of the most famous books ever written was written by a man who was serving his third term in prison.  The book he wrote changed the lives of literally millions of people.  The man was John Bunyan and the book is Pilgrim’s Progress.  At one point in the story, while Pilgrim is making the long, arduous journey to the City of God, he falls into a deep, miry, muddy hole called the Slough of Despond.  He cannot get himself out but when he begins to cry out, help, a picture of the Holy Spirit reaches down and lifts him up from his despondency.

If we are to translate Bunyan’s Slough of Despond into today’s terms, we would call that muddy hole "the pits".  There is no way a Christian can go through this life without spending some time in "the pits" and that is where we find David in this chapter in the Bible.  Pits are inevitable.  That’s why James says, "Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials".  (James 1:2)

A.  What Causes The Clouds And Darkness?

The first cause of David falling into the pit was his HUNANISTIC VIEWPOINT.
  1. He looked at his situation and sized it up from the horizontal position.
  2. You won't find David praying even once in this chapter.  In fact, he never looks up until much later.
  3. He wrote no Psalms, and asked God for no help.  He simply pushed the panic button.
B.  What Causes The Clouds And Darkness?

The second thing that caused David trouble was his PESSIMISTIC REASONING.
  1. Notice what he said to himself, "Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul."
  2. David said, "I will."  He was talking of the future.  In the mind of the pessimist, the future is inevitably bleak.
  3. You see, God had Samuel to anoint David with oil and assured him that one day he would be king.  Also, God spoke to him through Abigail and said that the Lord shall appoint him ruler of Israel.  God also spoke to him through Jonathan, assuring him.
  4. We are pessimistic because OUR EYES ARE ON OURSELVES.  You and I have never had God to lead us to a pessimistic thought.  They come strictly from our carnal mind.
C.  What Causes The Clouds And Darkness?

The third reason for David’s cloudy days and dark nights was RATIONALIST LOGIC.
  1. David stated that he had nothing else left to do but escape to the Philistines.
  2. He thought, "Times are hard, God has deserted me, I thought I was to be king but I am not going to be." David’s once opponent had now been considered his hiding place.
D.  What Causes The Clouds And Darkness?

David chose to leave his homeland and flee to the very place that he slew the giant.
  1. How many times do we feel like we need to run to the devil for a hiding place?
  2. God is our refuge and a help in time of trouble.
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