|
|
November 6, 2005 Morning Service
I’ VE GOT TROUBLES
Text: JOB 2:9-11 "In all this, Job did not sin in what he said."
Preface: The Book of Job is one of the most ancient books of the entire Bible. The very mention of items such as;
- Pyramids (3:14)
- Cities of the Plains (15:28)
- Flood (22:16)
There is NO mention of the following portion of Israel’s history;
- The law
- The Exodus
- The Red Sea crossing
- Canaan
- The Kings of Israel
Job was a REAL character of the Bible mentioned later by both Ezekiel 14:14, 20, and James 5:11.
The Greek Septuagint identifies Job with Jobab, the second King of Edom. (Gen 36:33)
A. Times Get Bad
- First Trial: His donkeys and oxen are stolen and his farm hands are killed by a Sabean raid.
- Second: His sheep and herdsmen are burned up by fire.
- Third: His camels are stolen and his servants are killed by Chaldeans
- Fourth: His sons and daughters perish in a mighty raid.
- Fifth: Job himself is struck with a terrible case of boils.
B. What Is The Reason For This?
A conversation takes place in the Heavenlies between God and satan concerning Job. The devil sneeringly charges that Job only worships God because of two selfish benefits;
- Because God had blessed Job.
- Because God had given Job good health.
C. But My Family And Friends Will Encourage Me.
His whimpering wife ask him if "He still
retained his integrity?" (2:9,10)
His fickle friends came to sympathize, but stayed to sermonize, delivering 8 different messages in order to try to discourage him.
Makes Sense To Me
As the old saying goes, "When push comes to shove," we cannot always depend on family and friends to get us our or even help us in a time of trouble.
However as God blessed Job with a 10-fold blessing, He will do it for you. (42:7-17)
November 6, 2005 Evening Service
Reasons For Job’s Sufferings
Text: Job
Preface: Many Christians and non-Christians do not know why we sometimes suffer afflictions.
Job was around 70 years old when these tragic events happened in his life.
He lived 140 years after these trials occurred.
Job’s wealth today would be estimated at around $790,000.00.
A. Let us take a true look this evening at some reasons for Job’s suffering.
- That satan might be silenced. (1:9-11; 2:4-5)
- That Job might see God. (42:5)
- That Job might see himself. (40:4; 42:6)
- That Job’s friends might learn not to judge. (42:7)
- That Job might learn to pray for, rather than to lash out against his critics. (42:10)
- To demonstrate that all God’s plans for His own eventually have happy endings. (42:10)
November 13, 2005 Morning Service
Are You A Veteran?
Text: NEHEMIAH 6:15-16
Preface: Thank God For Veterans
Because of veterans, we are free to worship here this morning. Someone somewhere paid the price for our freedom, some even by giving their life so that others might be free. When we think of veterans, we all most always think of our military veterans.
This Sunday morning, I would like for us to also think of those that have and are presently serving Jesus Christ. What I am referring to would be called a Veteran Christian. I am not referring to so-much of a time in serving Christ (years) but living for Him day-by-day.
To be a veteran, one must have been COMMITTED to the task or obligation placed in front of them. Nehemiah was a veteran in every respect, he finished the wall that God had instructed him to build in 52 days despite many obstacles.
I believe that a veteran possesses 4 great characteristics that one must have in order to be a veteran of God’s army. This morning let us take a journey to the Book of Nehemiah and study just what made him a veteran.
#1. A Compelling Purpose
- A Christian MUST have a purpose for any mission to succeed.
- It must be driven just as Nehemiah was to accomplish the work.
- The Apostle Paul could have given up many times, but refused to surrender to what he knew was wrong.
- We must know our purpose and do it.
#2. A Clear Perspective
- If we are not careful, we will allow fear to cloud our commitment to the vision we have
- Joshua was faced with many problems that could have pulled him away from his perspective.
- He followed Moses for years before he was to take charge of the purpose.
#3. A Strong Prayer Life
- We MUST pray about EVERY item in our lives in order to gain God’s favor.
- Daniel is a great example of someone that gained the favor of God by not being ashamed to pray without ceasing.
#4. A Brave Persistence
- Nehemiah moved ahead despite all the odds
- A veteran would not be a veteran if they had thrown in the towel and quit.
- Judas could not be called a veteran.
- Peter on the other hand could be referred to as a veteran.
- Be like Nehemiah, finish your mission for Jesus in record time.
November 20, 2005 Morning Service
A CONVENIENT SEASON
Text: ACTS 24:24-25 PROVERBS 27:1
Preface: The Apostle Paul from the very beginning of his life in Christ, greatly influenced everyone around him. The persecutor-turned Apostle stood before kings, governors and even the religious power heads of his day.
His enemies accused him, imprisoned him, beat him, and even threatened him with his very life. He traveled thousands of miles and also survived a shipwreck. Through all this, Paul never gave up and he always defended and preached the Gospel.
A. Before Felix
- Paul was on trial and was being transported to three different Roman judges.
- In our text (Acts 24:24), Paul is being tried in the court of Felix, a very evil sinner, who knew not the Lord.
- Felix had promised Paul a speedy trial and a fast verdict (vr. 22).
B. Felix Procrastinates
- In verse 25, Felix seems to get totally (Emphobos) Greek word meaning afraid.
- He puts off the verdict like he promised Paul until a "More convenient time".
- This verse is a prime example of how both sinner and Saint refuses to surrender.
- The sinner to salvation, and the Saint to labor.
C. Putting Off Till Tomorrow
- The Bible gives us the story of a man who was used of God and then "Fooled Around" and lost his relationship with Jehovah.
- Saul was this person who backslid after committing 35 recorded sins against God.
- I Samuel 28 tells of Saul consorting with the "Witch of Endor", and attempts to find out the future, only God knows our future.
- In an attempt to communicate with a dead person (Samuel) in I Chronicles 10, a demon speaks in the form of the voice of Samuel.
- It is commanded in scores of Scripture that we are not to communicate with the dead.
- Saul sought information from demons and NOT from God. Later, God would not answer.
Points To Ponder This Week
- The Scripture tells of Saul committing suicide in I Chronicles 10.
- We need to be like King David when he speaks in Psalms 42;
"As the deer panteth after the water, so panteth my soul after thee, Oh God."
November 20, 2005 Evening Service
LAODICEA - Thankful or Not ?
Text: Revelation 3:14-18
Preface: Happy Thanksgiving
The year was 1621, the place was Plymouth Mass. It was fall and a hand full of devoted people in the midst of trouble and trials, set a day apart for a special Thanksgiving to God. Psalm 34:1 "I will bless the Lord at all times,"
President Lincoln appointed the last Thursday of November 1864 as Thanksgiving Day. Now, after all these years, this day has become tradition to most Americans. Psalm 35:28 "And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all day."
The church of Laodicea was the last of the Seven Churches of Asia referred to in Revelation. Paul was very instrumental in planting the Gospel in this city, in which he wrote a letter as mentioned in the Epistle to the Colossians. Jesus did not commend them for anything
A. The Heavy Charge Against
- They are charged with being lukewarm or indifferent to the Gospel.
- If salvation is worth ANYTHING, it is worth EVERYTHING.
- Christ declares that we should be in earnest for Him or against Him.
- There is NO ROOM for neutrality.
- He was not neutral when He gave His life
B. A Severe Punishment
- "I will spew you out of my mouth."
- As lukewarm water turns our stomach, so does lukewarm Christians turn the heart of Christ.
- We get this way by;
- Self-conceitedness
- Self-delusion
C. Good Counsel
- Christ states that they must part with; Self-sufficiency
- And buy true gold from Him, meaning they should come and receive the REAL treasure instead of what they were trying to be THANKFUL for.
- They were poor and thought they were rich.
When You Sum It Up
- No one wants God to "Spew us out."
- His words sounded harsh but, He is just speaking as a loving Father to His child.
- Are we thankful this Thanksgiving for the right things?
- Could we really be Spiritually poor and think we are rich?
November 27, 2005 Morning Service
What Has Been Prepared For Me
Text: I Corinthians 2:9-10
Preface:
Heaven is an actual place prepared by God for His Children. (John 14)
- Born over 2000 years ago in Bethlehem for the purpose of paving the way for you and I to enter Heaven, just as He did.
- God loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son for mankind. (John 3:16)
- In the Word, we have revealed to us just what our Heavenly Father has prepared for us.
- A Christian can not read these things without rejoicing with thanksgiving.
- Oh how He loves you and me!
A. A Marriage Feast
- Matthew 22:2 refers to the "Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son."
- Revelation 19:9 tells us that "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb."
- We are blessed to have the opportunity to receive an invitation to this glorious event.
B. A Place In The Father’s House
- Not everyone will live in the Father’s house.
- Luke chapter 12, verses 43-44, informs us that "Blessed is a servant whom the Lord when He cometh shall find him a faithful and a wise servant."
- We CANNOT miss receiving our place in the FATHER’S HOUSE.
C. A City With Foundations
- Hebrews 11:10 assures us that our new home “Hath foundations and whose builder and maker is God Himself.”
- The world today is looking for any pleasure that feels good and is satisfying.
- Most people don't care if there is a solid foundation under the spiritual house they live in.
D. Some Will NEVER Receive An Inheritance While
- Live on this earth.
- Some PLACE TO MUCH stock in having their name as an heir to worldly riches.
- The property we need to LAY HOLD ON is the one in Heaven where we will LIVE FOREVER and EVER throughout eternity.
November 27, 2005 Evening Service
Peace Comes Through Prayer
Sunday Evening Bible Study
Text: Philippians 4:6
Preface:
Prayer will change things, or Prayer will change you. Prayer is the way a Christian communicates with God. When we don't pray, we are not talking to our Heavenly Father.
In our text, the idea is that the believer is not to worry or fret about a single thing. The word "nothing" means not even one thing. As Christians, we tend to worry about things that we don't need to. Humanly speaking, the Philippians had every reason to worry and be anxious.
They Had Been
- Suffering severe persecution.
- Facing a disturbance in the church, even disunity and quarreling.
- Having carnal members, some even demonstrating pride, and self centering.
- False teachers had joined, attacking the cross of Jesus Christ.
- Some were struggling with necessities of life. (Food, clothing and shelter).
The Four Word Answer
- The Four Word Answer
- The word "Prayer" refers to the special times of prayer that we share in periods of devotion and worship.
- The word "Supplication" refers to the prayers that focus upon special needs.
- The word "Thanksgiving" means that we thank and praise God for all that He is and He has done for us.
- The word "Request" means specific and definite requests. Our praying is not to be general, but specific.
- Note: What scripture says: "IN EVERYTHING", PRAY LIKE THIS.
|