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December 5, 2004 Evening Service
The State Of The Mind
Text: Revelation 21:1-6
Preface: The mind as we know it, can play tricks and can cause much pain and sorrow. I believe that the only way to be happy and content in this day we live in, is to serve God "with all your heart and all your soul," (Deut. 10:12) to joy in our salvation. To, "Have the fruit of the Spirit." (Gal 5:22)
A. We Are Not Complete.
- While Christ has redeemed our souls,
- He is to yet redeem our bodies. (Romans 8:23)
- We have only been given the "Aparche" (first fruit) of the spirit, we are to be RESURRECTED as Christ was (I Corinthians 15:20,23)
B. Our Present State Is Burdensome.
- Suffering is inevitable in our mortal lives.
- The perfection of our bodies will not be fully accomplished until the environment is also changed. (Romans 8:21,22-Revelation 21:1)
- The environment we are speaking of is HEAVEN
C. Peace At Last.
- At last, all believers will receive an INCORRUPTIBLE BODY
- This final state comes about as God creates a NEW HEAVEN (Rev. 21)
- Finally our former corruptible bodies shall be clothed with INCORRUPTIBILITY (I Cor. 15)
December 12, 2004 Evening Service
INSTANT GRATIFICATION
Text: II TIMOTHY 3:1-5
Preface: Hope You Came To Praise God
As our text plainly tells us, perilous times are upon us. People today want to be gratified immediately. Our football coaches around the country, have been taught this lesson in a hard way. They don't want to wait for the blessing to come. We want to pray about the concern, then have it take place the same day.
The world today seems to be driven by; "Whatever feels good, do it"
Many make the statement; "You only live once"
Today, I would like us to take a closer look at what the Bible plainly tells us concerning this; INSTANT GRTIFICATION
A. What Others Wanted.
- Jacob had no idea of ever receiving the blessing of being the first born, so he stole the blessing.(Gen.27)
- Jonah could not stand to be called of God, so he ran and was taught a tough lesson. (Jonah 1)
- Peter let the feeling of fear cause him to lie to the Son of God. (Luke 22:31)
- Judas suffered from the spirit of, "Got to get rich quick",and sold Christ for no gain. (Mark 14:43)
B. What Do We Want?
As our text (2 Tim. 2) tells us, have we;
- Became lovers of self, not caring about others?
- Covetous, boasters, proud, trying to impress others?
- Do not honor parents, unthankful, unholy?
- Without natural affection, false accusers?
- Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God?
- Have a form of Godliness, but deny the power?
C. The Answer Is Not Instant Gratification.
Actually the only answer is;
- To love God more than anything or anybody. (Romans 8:28) everything else will be there.
- That it is not yours or anyone elses’ power or might, but by His spirit.(Zech. 4:6)
- Waiting for God to act, instead of acting for Him. (Romans 8:25, Isaiah 40:31)
December 19, 2004 Evening Service
He’s Always Been King
Text: Matthew 1: 22-23
Preface: During this Christmas season we see more and more people and companies trying to change Christmas into a simple holiday. Without Christ being present at Christmas, there would be no reason for a holiday. Do not let the wicked, sinful minds of this world take Jesus out of the season.
A. He Was King Before Birth
- Isaiah 7:14 tells us that He would be born to save the world of sin.
- Genesis 1:26 makes it very clear that He is the creator and we are created in His own image.
- According to Romans 8:15, we have received the spirit of adoption. Therefore, we are joint heirs with the King.
B. He Was King At Birth
- God chose to send two arch angels to inform people that His son would be born.
- According to Luke chapter 1, many people came to worship the King, including shepherds, wise men, and a host of angels.
C. He Was King On This Earth
- Luke chapter 2 tells us that Jesus grew strong in spirit, filled with wisdom and the grace of God was on him.
- Christ amazed people with His teaching ability, even at the age of 12.
- He stated that He was about His father’s business.
- Luke 19 states that Christ was treated as a King during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
D. King During Eternity
- What a day that will be. According to Revelation 20, when Jesus shall expel satan from the earth permanently, He will cast in the bottomless pit and a seal set upon it. Only a King could accomplish this. After the 1000 year millennial reign we will live in New Jerusalem throughout eternity. (Rev. 21)
December 26, 2004 Morning Service - Rev. Rucker Chunn
CHRISTMAS IS OVER...or IS IT?
Preface: It is the "Day after Christmas." Finally the rushing, the busy schedule, the crowds, the working to get everything complete and ready on time is finished. The Hustle and Bustle, the decorating, the cooking, the cleaning is all over.
The "holiday" of Christmas is over. But those who know the savior, know Christmas is not "just" a Holiday, nor is it over.
A. CHRISTMAS IS HOPE
BECAUSE OF JESUS, THERE IS HOPE
The world had little hope except for a promise (Isa 9:6-7 KJV) Jesus fulfilled that promise and He is our hope today!
- HOPE OF CHANGE IN THE HEARTS OF MEN - There is something about Jesus that changes your hopelessness into something that believes "I can be a better me!"
A. I don't know about you, but I need help!
I become frustrated with myself (Rom 7:24 KJV)
Without God there is a helplessness and a hopelessness that makes it impossible for us to change our ways.
"Christmas began in the heart of God.
It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man."
B. CHRISTMAS IS REAL JOY
- People look for and find "happiness" in many things. Happiness comes from receiving.
- Joy is so much better! - Joy is Inner Peace, Contentment and Satisfaction.
- Joy comes from Giving!
- There Is Joy In Giving Of Self For A Better Purpose
- There Is Joy In Knowing I Am Loved, So I Love Others (John 13:34-35 KJV)
C. CHRISTMAS IS HUNGER
Christmas provides a hunger to Know more about this person Jesus!
- TO KNOW MORE ABOUT A GOD WHO CARES ABOUT ME. (Psa 42:1-2 KJV)
- TO KNOW MORE ABOUT A SAVIOR THAT CAN SAVE ME FROM ANY CONDITION - No matter what the situation, the God of Christmas, The savior of the world can save me in my need. (Phil 4:19 KJV)
- TO KNOW A HOLY SPIRIT THAT CAN TRANSFORM ME - Christmas is Jesus Christ living in me through the Holy Spirit. - (John 14:16-17 KJV)
The true joy of Christmas is with me every day of the year. I am hungry to experience Him everyday. Are You?
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