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January 2, 2005 Morning Service
Changing The Direction Of Our Sails
Text: Philippians 3:12-14
Preface: We often refer to life as it were upon a great sea. Some would say they were sailing along good and some not so good. Life can change in a heart beat. One could even say they are just, "Drifting along on life’s sea."
It doesn't take long when watching a sail boat, to watch the seaman change the direction of the sail if need be. How we would benefit if we would do likewise and adjust our life according to the direction of the Holy Spirit.
A. You Must Believe In God’s Promise.
- More than you believe in people.
- I Corinthians 1:9 tells us that, "God is faithful, by whom we were called."
- II Timothy 2:13 states that if we do not believe, He is still God.
- Faith cometh by hearing the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)
B. We Need To Look At Where We Have Sailed From.
- Paul told the Philippians to look where they had come from and forget them. v.13
- Christians need to look at their mistakes and shortfalls in 2004 and adjust their SAIL or LIFE accordingly.
- Paul tells us in II Corinthians 5, "Press on forgetting that which is behind."
- Someone said, "People who live in the past are doomed to failure in the future." (Unknown)
C. Looking Ahead Or Adjusting The Sail.
- Philippians 3:14 instructs us to PRESS on to the mark of the HIGH calling.
- Some 2005 sail adjustments could be;
- Am I ready to meet God? (John 14:6)
- Are we seeking the Kingdom of God first? (Matthew 6:33)
- Are we giving our all and all living by faith? (II Corinthians 5:6-9)
January 2, 2005 Evening Service
Was 2004 Empty Or Full?
Text: John 3:3
Preface: I stood yesterday pumping gasoline in my car at the Phillips 66 station on the corner of Broadmoor and Dickerson. As I was waiting for the gas to fill, I noticed an advertisement upon the pump, it read; Life is between empty and full.
The longer I thought about this statement, the more I was impressed by the Holy Spirit that life really begins when we are full; FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. What works great selling gas does not apply to our human life.
A. True Life Only Begins When We Are Born Again (John 3:3)
- Remember when you were really empty, void and without any purpose or vision?
- Remember when you felt a calling from the Holy Spirit to surrender the emptiness to a meaningful existence?
- Remember when you could not wait to get to church or read the Word and pray?
B. A Joyful Life Of Being Filled.
- Oh how God blessed you when you were hungry for God’s Spirit!
- You had joy in your salvation.
- You could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your everyday walk.
- You often prayed; Lord let me feel your presence more and more.
- Like a glass half full, you were half empty.
C. Running Over With The Spirit.
- The early church was zealous after the Spirit.
- They were not satisfied until they had more and more of the Holy Spirit.
- Could we be satisfied with being half empty?
- Is the price too costly for being completely full?
- What would our church be like if we would be filled up and overflowing?
January 9, 2005 Morning Service
OUR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD GOD
Text: Romans 12:1-13
Preface: Today it seems as if the word and act of "Responsibility" does not carry the same meaning as it once did.
Some even look on their responsibility to God as if it were a meager task to be taken and entered into lightly.
God most assuredly holds us accountable.
A. We Are Not Absolved Of Our Responsibility
- God is solvent in all his thoughts, plans, and executions. (Romans 9-11)
- It is impossible for God to be unjust toward anyone.
- Mankind is responsible for all that God has given him, examples of this are;
- Parable of Pounds (Luke 19:11-27).
- Parable of Talents (Matthew 25:14-30).
B. We Must Dedicate Our Bodies To Christ.
- When we become Christians, we must always recognize that we do not automatically get rid of our corruptible. (I Cor. 15:33, Rom. 6:12)
- This transformation will not occur until the Rapture. (Romans 8:23)
- It is the indwelling Spirit of the crucified and resurrected Jesus Christ who gives us power over sin. (Romans 6:14)
C. We Must Be NON-CONFORMISTS
- This age we live in does not have the mind of Christ, therefore, we must remain apart from the things of the world that pertain to sin. v-2
- When we bring about an inner change of the mind, there will be a difference in the way we behave outwardly.
- Paul tells us to, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Rom. 12)
January 9, 2005 Evening Service
OH TO BE LIKE MOSES
Text: Exodus 14:1-28
Preface: Moses and the Children of Israel were pinned down at the Red Sea. They turned and watched the Egyptian army and were afraid. No doubt, this placed heavy pressure on Moses. However, we can learn from how Moses handled this encounter. God HAS never ever failed you, and God WILL never ever fail you.
A. He Projected Calm Instead of Crisis.
- Moses informed the people to stand still and see what God can do for you. (vr. 13)
- How can we gain from this powerful lesson in dealing with our own pain and everyday struggles?
B. He Used Confidence Instead Of Cowardice.
- Verse 13 tells us that Moses believed God would destroy the enemy and protect him from harm.
- Have you not read that God one day shall destroy your enemy, satan? (Revelation 20)
- It is high-time Christians use the POWER in the NAME of JESUS to combat the forces of evil. (Acts 16:18)
C. He Used Clarity Instead Of Confusion.
- God could not understand why Moses was crying out for help. (vr. 15)
- God wants us to move ahead with our lives instead of allowing confusion to hinder our Spiritual and even our church growth.
- Put satan on notice in 2005, tell him that he has controlled your life long enough. (Ja. 4:7)
D. He Used Competence Instead Of Clumsiness
- When God instructed Moses to put his hand out over the Red Sea, he was believing he would perform a miracle.
- God also expected Moses to use the spirit of confidence in dealing with the performance of His work. (vr. 21-22)
- Do we show faith and confidence?
- Do we take God’s work serious?
January 16, 2005 Morning Service
The Three Dollar Pen
Text: Philippians 4:7-16
Preface: Notice the two ink pens that are placed in front of the sanctuary on the table. There we find a nice looking ink pen that would sell for about $3.00. Also, you see a "cheap-o" pen that you can purchase for about .79 at most stores. Notice what the difference in the pens are;
One looks good but let’s see what kind of writing it can accomplish? The other one (.79) pen doesn't look too hot, but see how it can seize the opportunity to perform as a writing instrument. How many times in life have we failed to seize the right opportunity to succeed and get ahead?
The media know all about seizing the right opportunity to make it big in life, they place the following adds for ALL to see;
- Who says you can't have it all
- Just do it
- Satisfy your thirst
- Life is a journey, enjoy the ride
- You only live life once
The Apostle Paul puts getting his life in the right order, as if it were an important part of his agenda. This morning, lets take a look at just what Paul has to say concerning this subject.
A. You Need A Purpose
- What is your primary purpose in life?
- What is your reason for living?
- Paul stated his reason for living in verses.
10-11 of our text.
- He wanted to live to, "Like Christ."
- What is your life without Christ?
January 16, 2005 Evening Service
God’s Covenant, God’s Rules
Text: Exodus 19:3:13
Preface: Have you ever noticed just how our Lord presented the Ten Commandments to Moses. Prelude to this presentation, He took time to remind Moses and his church (Israel), of three vital truths:
A. His Love He Had For Them
B. The Victories He'd Won For Them
- Delivered them, and us from bondage.
- Delivered them, and us from sin.
- Delivered them, and us from all enemies.
- Supplied theirs, and our needs.
- Led them, and is willing to lead us on the path to the Promised Land.
C. He Planned The Future.
- Called Moses up on Mount Sinai so they might have a clear view of the future.
- It was God which presented the Ten Commandments, not man.
- God has planned our future, if we will only let Him have His way with our lives, we have been promised a life eternal with Him. (Revelation 21:3-4)
Something To Think About !
Before God demanded His people to keep His rules, He reminded them of His relationship and blessings. That gave them all the incentive they needed to follow through on their commitment.
January 23, 2005 Morning Service
Miracles Manually, Not By Remote Control
Text: Acts 1:8
Preface: Are you in need of a miracle?
- I am convinced that Jesus Christ is still on the Great Throne seated at the right hand of God our Father.
- I believe that the Holy Spirit is present today to do the exact miracle needed.
- However, I also believe that God would have us to follow Biblical principles in receiving our miracles.
- Take a look at just how our Lord did move on behalf of others that were also in need of a miracle.
A. Miracles Require Our Faith
- Mary first conceived Jesus in her heart before she received the miracle of giving birth to the SON OF GOD
- Mary had to have a submissive heart and place her life in God’s hands.
- Mary stated, "Be it done unto me as you have stated." (Luke 1:38)
- Mary said that her soul, "Doth magnify the Lord" (Luke 1:46)
- What faith she demonstrated in receiving her miracle.
B. Miracles Require Our Participation
- Moses not only believed God, but he also took his staff and went to Egypt. (Exodus 7:9)
- God required Moses to free the people manually not by some means of remote control.
- Our miracle may not come easy.
C. Miracles May Require Extra Duty
- The man blind from birth had to journey down to the pool (Siloam) to wash the mud off, that Christ had placed on his face. (John 9:7)
- Naaman had to soak himself in muddy Jordon seven times in order to receive his miracle. (II Kings 5:10)
- Paul had to have scales removed from his eyes in order that he might see the "Light of this world." (Acts 9:8)
Thought:
- How important is your miracle to you?
- If God did it for them, He will do it for you.
- With God, there is no respect of persons. (Ephesians 6:9)
January 23, 2005 Evening Service
REMEMBER JESUS CHRIST
Note: This message was preempted by a mighty move of the Holy Spirit.
Text: ACTS 10:38-41
Preface: On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, 350 Japanese war planes bombed Pearl Harbor. 18 American battleships were sunk or destroyed. 200 airplanes were put out of commission. 3,581 U.S. servicemen were either killed or wounded.
- Thus America’s war cry as she entered World War II was this motto: "Remember Pearl Harbor"
- Believe you me, in the world we live in 2005, we too need to have a battle cry called: "Remember Jesus Christ"
- We need to state this war cry to satan and let it ring loud and clear around this globe.
A. Peter Reminds Us.
- That Christ was anointed with the Holy Ghost for the mission He was intended.
- That we should be aware of the Word.
- That the Holy Ghost brings power.
- That God our Father is with us.
- That we also are witnesses to His power.
B. What Have You Witnessed?
- The wonderful SAVING power. (John 3:3)
- The marvelous HEALING power. (James 5:15)
- The miracle RESSURECTION power. (vr. 40)
C. Once We Have Witnessed
- Our lives should change completely.
(II Corinthians 5:17)
- We should want to tell ALL the marvelous
things that our Christ has done for us, as
Peter stated in Acts 10:41, "Not to all
people, but unto witnesses chosen before of
God." We have witnessed the Work of God.
Again, Just A Thought:
- How could we but not tell of all the grand and glorious happenings that our Savior has done for us?
- We don't seem to have any trouble telling of all the things that we or someone else has done in our lives.
January 30, 2005 Evening Service
REMEMBER JESUS CHRIST
Text: ACTS 10:38-41
Preface: On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, 350 Japanese war planes bombed Pearl Harbor. 18 American battleships were sunk or destroyed. 200 airplanes were put out of commission. 3,581 U.S. servicemen were either killed or wounded.
- Thus America’s war cry as she entered World War II was this motto: "Remember Pearl Harbor"
- Believe you me, in the world we live in 2005, we too need to have a battle cry called: "Remember Jesus Christ"
- We need to state this war cry to satan and let it ring loud and clear around this globe.
A. Peter Reminds Us.
- That Christ was anointed with the Holy Ghost for the mission He was intended.
- That we should be aware of the Word.
- That the Holy Ghost brings power.
- That God our Father is with us.
- That we also are witnesses to His power.
B. What Have You Witnessed?
- The wonderful SAVING power. (John 3:3)
- The marvelous HEALING power. (James 5:15)
- The miracle RESSURECTION power. (vr. 40)
C. Once We Have Witnessed
- Our lives should change completely.
(II Corinthians 5:17)
- We should want to tell ALL the marvelous
things that our Christ has done for us, as
Peter stated in Acts 10:41, "Not to all
people, but unto witnesses chosen before of
God." We have witnessed the Work of God.
Again, Just A Thought:
- How could we but not tell of all the grand and glorious happenings that our Savior has done for us?
- We don't seem to have any trouble telling of all the things that we or someone else has done in our lives.
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