DON'T MAKE ME BE THOMAS
John 20: 24-28
Intro:
It's so easy for you and I as people to obtain a certain reputation, yet it isn't as easy for us to change others perception of ourselves. This is even true when we are doing good, and others just don't understand our actions for what they are.
This statement has never been true of anyone more than Thomas. When we hear his name we automatically think, "Doubting Thomas." However, I wonder, is this an accurate picture of Thomas's character? Is that really all he is to us? Do we look at him, and see nothing more than a man who seemed to never fully get it?
Tonight, I would like to examine some of the character traits, which Thomas possessed. I would then like to make the case that you and I should want to be more like Thomas.
I COURAGEOUS THOMAS (Jn 11: 16)
1. Here we see Jesus once again putting his life on the line.
A. Jn 10: 31 Christ is called to Bethany, the very place where he had almost been stoned.
B. Jn 10: 39-40 he had already escaped them once.
C. Jn 9: 9-10 ever sense he had healed the blind, the leaders had sought to kill him.
D. The Apostles all knew this.
2. What do you think Thomas did? He didn't doubt this time.
A. Jn 11: 16 "Let us go that we might die with him."
B. He was willing to die rather than forsake Christ to go alone.
3. And we say, "Don't make me be like Thomas!"
A. Mt 5: 16 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to be examples for their fellow men!
B. Pr 3: 5 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to leave earthly wisdom and trust instead upon the Lord!
C. Lk 19:10 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to reach out and teach the lost of this world!
II A SEARCHING SEEKING AND LEARNING THOMAS (Jn 14: 5)
1. Here we find a familiar passage.
A. Christ is giving comfort to his disciples.
B. However, they just don't seem to understand.
C. Acts 1: 1-6 we know that Thomas wasn't the only one who didn't get it.
D. However, Thomas is the only one who questioned it.
2. I say we need more searching, seeking, and learning Thomas's in the church today!
A. Gal 1: 6-9 think of the difference it would have made if the Galatians had asked a question or two.
3. What will searching, seeking, and learning accomplish for us today?
A. Mt 7: 15 it will help us avoid false teaching.
B. 1Co 12: 25 it will help us avoid division among ourselves.
C. Titus 3: 9 it will help us avoid strife among ourselves.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
You're Not So Bad
"YOU'RE NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL"
(1TIMOTHY 3: 15)
Intro:
I’m sorry, but I will be unable to preach this evening. As you can see on the screen, the power point lesson I had prepared isn’t working. Well, if it it’s broken, then we better just stop now. In fact, we have had so much trouble with this thing, that I think we should just give up, and pull the thing out of this building. Give me a minute, and I will go get the laddor.
Now, how crazy did that sound. Just because one slide is messed up, I was prepared to just dump the whole system. I saw that there was a problem or two, and therefore nothing was good.
Let me ask you this, how many of us believe that the church is broken beyond repair? How many of us look at the church of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and see nothing more than a glorified collection of seats? Unfortunately, many of the messages, which we hear today, concern the problems of the church. It is a laundry list of those things that are wrong with the church, and the many ways in which it is failing in this modern world.
This morning, I want to help you to see that it isn't to late. I want you to know, "YOU'RE NOT SO BAD!" Much like the power point system could still have it's redeeming qualities, so the church still has far more right than wrong with it today! Join me as we consider those things, which are right with the church today.
I. IT HAS THE RIGHT CREATION
1. It is amazing how temporal the creations of man truly are when we examine them closely.
A. The Sistine Chapel has been restored several times over the years.
B. The very computer on which we are recording our sermon today, wonderful though it is, has a broken screen.
C. The White House, in which the most powerful man in the country if not the world lives, has been renovated and repaired over and over again.
d. The simple truth is that in each of these cases, the first design contained mistakes.
2. However, from the beginning, the Church of Christ was founded upon the right path!
A. Eph 1: 4 it is the right creation because it was provided by the perfect plan!
B. Eph 1: 6-7 it is the right creation because it was purchased by the perfect prince of peace!
C. Eph 1: 13 it is the right creation because it was procured by the promised provider of comfort!
II. IT HAS THE RIGHT COMPONENTS
1. Over time, man has shown himself to be very exclusionary.
A. "I'd like to join your club." "Sorry, you don't make enough money."
B. "I'd like to eat in your restaurant." "Sorry, your not the right color."
C. "I'd like to talk to you for a minute." "Sorry, you're not smart enough."
D. Truly it is no wonder that most of our relationships are failures, because the majority of them aren't made up of the right parts.
2. Unlike man made organizations, the Church of our Lord, that is the Church of Christ, has always been made up of the perfect components!
A. Gal 6: 1 it is made up of saved sinners!
B. James 5: 16 it is made up of stumbling saints!
C. 1Jn 3: 3 it is made up of sunny rays of light in a dark world!
III. IT HAS THE RIGHT CHALLENGE
1. One of the first things that you must know before beginning a new game is the goals and objectives of that game.
A. The funny thing is that we as people tend to change the rules and challenges of the game.
Football is forever trying to improve and change how the game is played.
B. Why, even in grade school, we eventually changed the challenge and rules of hide-and-seek.
C. We did it for no other reason than that we wanted to make the game better.
2. However, the truth of the Church of Christ is that the challenges have remained the same because the goal of the church remains the same!
A. 1Thess 5: 11 the right challenge is to edify the saints!
B. Eph 3: 21 the right challenge is to exalt the God of Heaven!
C. Matt 5: 16 the right challenge is to evangelize the lost of this world!
(1TIMOTHY 3: 15)
Intro:
I’m sorry, but I will be unable to preach this evening. As you can see on the screen, the power point lesson I had prepared isn’t working. Well, if it it’s broken, then we better just stop now. In fact, we have had so much trouble with this thing, that I think we should just give up, and pull the thing out of this building. Give me a minute, and I will go get the laddor.
Now, how crazy did that sound. Just because one slide is messed up, I was prepared to just dump the whole system. I saw that there was a problem or two, and therefore nothing was good.
Let me ask you this, how many of us believe that the church is broken beyond repair? How many of us look at the church of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and see nothing more than a glorified collection of seats? Unfortunately, many of the messages, which we hear today, concern the problems of the church. It is a laundry list of those things that are wrong with the church, and the many ways in which it is failing in this modern world.
This morning, I want to help you to see that it isn't to late. I want you to know, "YOU'RE NOT SO BAD!" Much like the power point system could still have it's redeeming qualities, so the church still has far more right than wrong with it today! Join me as we consider those things, which are right with the church today.
I. IT HAS THE RIGHT CREATION
1. It is amazing how temporal the creations of man truly are when we examine them closely.
A. The Sistine Chapel has been restored several times over the years.
B. The very computer on which we are recording our sermon today, wonderful though it is, has a broken screen.
C. The White House, in which the most powerful man in the country if not the world lives, has been renovated and repaired over and over again.
d. The simple truth is that in each of these cases, the first design contained mistakes.
2. However, from the beginning, the Church of Christ was founded upon the right path!
A. Eph 1: 4 it is the right creation because it was provided by the perfect plan!
B. Eph 1: 6-7 it is the right creation because it was purchased by the perfect prince of peace!
C. Eph 1: 13 it is the right creation because it was procured by the promised provider of comfort!
II. IT HAS THE RIGHT COMPONENTS
1. Over time, man has shown himself to be very exclusionary.
A. "I'd like to join your club." "Sorry, you don't make enough money."
B. "I'd like to eat in your restaurant." "Sorry, your not the right color."
C. "I'd like to talk to you for a minute." "Sorry, you're not smart enough."
D. Truly it is no wonder that most of our relationships are failures, because the majority of them aren't made up of the right parts.
2. Unlike man made organizations, the Church of our Lord, that is the Church of Christ, has always been made up of the perfect components!
A. Gal 6: 1 it is made up of saved sinners!
B. James 5: 16 it is made up of stumbling saints!
C. 1Jn 3: 3 it is made up of sunny rays of light in a dark world!
III. IT HAS THE RIGHT CHALLENGE
1. One of the first things that you must know before beginning a new game is the goals and objectives of that game.
A. The funny thing is that we as people tend to change the rules and challenges of the game.
Football is forever trying to improve and change how the game is played.
B. Why, even in grade school, we eventually changed the challenge and rules of hide-and-seek.
C. We did it for no other reason than that we wanted to make the game better.
2. However, the truth of the Church of Christ is that the challenges have remained the same because the goal of the church remains the same!
A. 1Thess 5: 11 the right challenge is to edify the saints!
B. Eph 3: 21 the right challenge is to exalt the God of Heaven!
C. Matt 5: 16 the right challenge is to evangelize the lost of this world!
Monday, November 10, 2008
PRAYING LIKE JABEZ
"PRAYING LIKE JABEZ"
1Ch 4: 9-10
Intro:
When it comes to the man known as Jabez, many of us are confused as to his place in the Bible narrative. I'm confident that you have heard the name, and possibly something about the small prayer he once prayed, but chances are good that you are unfamiliar with the location of that passage. This is forgivable given the location of this short prayer. It is located in the midst of the genealogy of the house of Israel. Many of us come to the first 9 chapters of Chronicles, and we simply skip over them. However, in skipping over them, we miss out on this beautiful, heartfelt, and inspirational prayer.
Recently there has been a great ground swell in regard to the prayer of Jabez. Tonight, for just a few minutes, I want us to examine the idea of, "PRAYING LIKE JABEZ." While this brief prayer doesn't cover everything concerning prayer, it does give us a wonderful foundation on which we can build a more healthy prayer life. Let us ask and answer the question, what did Jabez pray for?
I "OH, THAT YOU WOULD BLESS ME INDEED"
1. What do we know of the background of Jabez.
A. The truth of the matter is that we know very little.
B. All that we know is found in these two verses.
C. We know that he had brothers, and that his mother had difficulty in childbirth.
D. We also know that his name means, "Sorrowful."
E. From these few details, we can deduce that he likely had a hard life.
2. What can we learn from his request for blessings, and God's subsequent answer?
A. Job 42: 2 we can learn, just as Job learned, that though we might have hard times, we should never give up!
B. Psa 17: 6 we can learn, just as David learned, that regardless how bad things are going, God hears our prayers!
II "ENLARGE MY TERRITORY"
1. There is something here that you must see in order to understand his request.
A. There are many who have proposed throughout the years that Jabez was a farmer, and was asking for the Lord to increase the boarders of his land that he might give more to the Lord.
B. There have also been those who have suggested that he was a rich man, who wanted more, that he might give more.
C. In either case, the major supposition is that he wanted more, that he might give more.
2. Today, you and I should be praying for the expansion of our own boarders.
A. 2Ki 2: 9 we should pray that our individual spiritual boarders be expanded, and that we receive a double portion of the spirit of God!
B. Deut 1: 11 we should pray that the Lord would give the increase to his Kingdom 1000 times over!
III "THAT YOUR HAND WOULD BE WITH ME"
1. There is a very basic request found in these words.
A. 1Ki 3: 9 Jabez asks for the same thing King Solomon had prayed for.
B. Psa 119: 105 Jabez prayed for the same thing, which David had asked for.
C. All three asked for guidance.
2. Instead of trying to stumble down the road of life alone, why don't we ask for guidance in this same way?
A. Pr 22: 6 when razing our children, we should pray for guidance!
B. Eph 5 22-26 when dealing with our marriages, we should pray for guidance!
C. Jam 3: 13-18 when contemplating spiritual matters, we should pray for guidance!
IV "AND THAT YOU WOULD KEEP ME FROM EVIL, THAT I MIGHT NOT CAUSE PAIN"
1. As in the previous request, Jabez is asking for something very understandable.
A. Jabez is asking for protection.
B. He wants protection from his human nature.
C. He wants this protection that he might not hurt those around him, but would instead do good.
2. The lesson here is bright and clear!
A. This sounds much like the Hippocratic oath which doctors take, which says: "First do no harm."
B. The goal and objective is to do well, and avoid bringing harm.
C. Phil 1: 3-4 we should pray that we are a blessing to our brethren!
D. Rev 2: 9-11 we should pray that we might be an asset to the kingdom of God!
1Ch 4: 9-10
Intro:
When it comes to the man known as Jabez, many of us are confused as to his place in the Bible narrative. I'm confident that you have heard the name, and possibly something about the small prayer he once prayed, but chances are good that you are unfamiliar with the location of that passage. This is forgivable given the location of this short prayer. It is located in the midst of the genealogy of the house of Israel. Many of us come to the first 9 chapters of Chronicles, and we simply skip over them. However, in skipping over them, we miss out on this beautiful, heartfelt, and inspirational prayer.
Recently there has been a great ground swell in regard to the prayer of Jabez. Tonight, for just a few minutes, I want us to examine the idea of, "PRAYING LIKE JABEZ." While this brief prayer doesn't cover everything concerning prayer, it does give us a wonderful foundation on which we can build a more healthy prayer life. Let us ask and answer the question, what did Jabez pray for?
I "OH, THAT YOU WOULD BLESS ME INDEED"
1. What do we know of the background of Jabez.
A. The truth of the matter is that we know very little.
B. All that we know is found in these two verses.
C. We know that he had brothers, and that his mother had difficulty in childbirth.
D. We also know that his name means, "Sorrowful."
E. From these few details, we can deduce that he likely had a hard life.
2. What can we learn from his request for blessings, and God's subsequent answer?
A. Job 42: 2 we can learn, just as Job learned, that though we might have hard times, we should never give up!
B. Psa 17: 6 we can learn, just as David learned, that regardless how bad things are going, God hears our prayers!
II "ENLARGE MY TERRITORY"
1. There is something here that you must see in order to understand his request.
A. There are many who have proposed throughout the years that Jabez was a farmer, and was asking for the Lord to increase the boarders of his land that he might give more to the Lord.
B. There have also been those who have suggested that he was a rich man, who wanted more, that he might give more.
C. In either case, the major supposition is that he wanted more, that he might give more.
2. Today, you and I should be praying for the expansion of our own boarders.
A. 2Ki 2: 9 we should pray that our individual spiritual boarders be expanded, and that we receive a double portion of the spirit of God!
B. Deut 1: 11 we should pray that the Lord would give the increase to his Kingdom 1000 times over!
III "THAT YOUR HAND WOULD BE WITH ME"
1. There is a very basic request found in these words.
A. 1Ki 3: 9 Jabez asks for the same thing King Solomon had prayed for.
B. Psa 119: 105 Jabez prayed for the same thing, which David had asked for.
C. All three asked for guidance.
2. Instead of trying to stumble down the road of life alone, why don't we ask for guidance in this same way?
A. Pr 22: 6 when razing our children, we should pray for guidance!
B. Eph 5 22-26 when dealing with our marriages, we should pray for guidance!
C. Jam 3: 13-18 when contemplating spiritual matters, we should pray for guidance!
IV "AND THAT YOU WOULD KEEP ME FROM EVIL, THAT I MIGHT NOT CAUSE PAIN"
1. As in the previous request, Jabez is asking for something very understandable.
A. Jabez is asking for protection.
B. He wants protection from his human nature.
C. He wants this protection that he might not hurt those around him, but would instead do good.
2. The lesson here is bright and clear!
A. This sounds much like the Hippocratic oath which doctors take, which says: "First do no harm."
B. The goal and objective is to do well, and avoid bringing harm.
C. Phil 1: 3-4 we should pray that we are a blessing to our brethren!
D. Rev 2: 9-11 we should pray that we might be an asset to the kingdom of God!
What Is Prayer
WHAT IS PRAYER?
LUKE 11: 1 – 13
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
What is prayer?
I. Matt. 6: 6 Prayer is communication with God. Praising him.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
How do we know that we do not have to go into a closet, all the time, to be heard of God?
A. Matt. 6: 9 Praising God in a mountain place.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Holy is the name of God.
B. John 17: 1 Jesus with his disciples prayed .
1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
C. Luke 23: 34 – 37 Jesus prayed on the cross.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
D. Eph. 1: 12 Praise to His glory
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
II. 1 Tim. 1: 12 Prayer is communicating with God. Thanking God
Paul tells Timothy he thanked Christ.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
How often do we thank Christ?
A. Rev. 11: 16 - 17 Giving thanks to God.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
In heaven God is continued to be praised and thanked.
1. Col. 1: 12 Giving thanks to God.
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
2. 1 Cor. 15: 57 Thankful for Jesus Christ
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
B. 1 Thess. 5: 18 It is the will of God.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
C. Eph. 5: 20 For all things
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
God is the giver of all good things and we should thank him in prayer in Jesus name.
III. Phil. 4: 6 Prayer is communication with God.
Making our request to God.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
A. James 5: 16 Brotherly love.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
It should be a comfort knowing our brothers and sisters in Christ are praying for us and with us.
B. Acts 12: 5 Continue in prayer
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
He was released from prision.
C. John 12: 27 Jesus pleaded with God, His father.
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.
Jesus knew how hard it was going to be to be nailed to the cross and die. He also new to glorify the name of the Lord. In doing so he had to die.
D. Heb. 5: 6 – 10 The Bible reads,
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
With pray and humble pleading, strong crying and tears learned Jesus obedience to God the Father.
Prayer is a gift of God to His children. Let us receive it with joy and love.
Prayer is a communication with God through;
Praising God
Thanking God and
Making our request unto God.
Are we praying as God would have us pray.
Our God and Father in heaven, holy is His
name.
Do you need to come to Jesus tonight?
Do you need to be baptized?
Do you need to rededicate you life to God?
Do you need the prayers of the church?
Let us pray.
Will you come now as we stand and sing.
LUKE 11: 1 – 13
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
What is prayer?
I. Matt. 6: 6 Prayer is communication with God. Praising him.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
How do we know that we do not have to go into a closet, all the time, to be heard of God?
A. Matt. 6: 9 Praising God in a mountain place.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Holy is the name of God.
B. John 17: 1 Jesus with his disciples prayed .
1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
C. Luke 23: 34 – 37 Jesus prayed on the cross.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
D. Eph. 1: 12 Praise to His glory
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
II. 1 Tim. 1: 12 Prayer is communicating with God. Thanking God
Paul tells Timothy he thanked Christ.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
How often do we thank Christ?
A. Rev. 11: 16 - 17 Giving thanks to God.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
In heaven God is continued to be praised and thanked.
1. Col. 1: 12 Giving thanks to God.
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
2. 1 Cor. 15: 57 Thankful for Jesus Christ
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
B. 1 Thess. 5: 18 It is the will of God.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
C. Eph. 5: 20 For all things
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
God is the giver of all good things and we should thank him in prayer in Jesus name.
III. Phil. 4: 6 Prayer is communication with God.
Making our request to God.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
A. James 5: 16 Brotherly love.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
It should be a comfort knowing our brothers and sisters in Christ are praying for us and with us.
B. Acts 12: 5 Continue in prayer
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
He was released from prision.
C. John 12: 27 Jesus pleaded with God, His father.
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.
Jesus knew how hard it was going to be to be nailed to the cross and die. He also new to glorify the name of the Lord. In doing so he had to die.
D. Heb. 5: 6 – 10 The Bible reads,
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
With pray and humble pleading, strong crying and tears learned Jesus obedience to God the Father.
Prayer is a gift of God to His children. Let us receive it with joy and love.
Prayer is a communication with God through;
Praising God
Thanking God and
Making our request unto God.
Are we praying as God would have us pray.
Our God and Father in heaven, holy is His
name.
Do you need to come to Jesus tonight?
Do you need to be baptized?
Do you need to rededicate you life to God?
Do you need the prayers of the church?
Let us pray.
Will you come now as we stand and sing.
Waking Up To The Wonder of Prayer
"WAKING UP TO THE WONDER OF PRAYER!"
1Thess 5: 17
Intro:
One of the most powerful weapons at our disposal is the weapon called prayer. Someone once said that prayer is a golden key, which should open the morning, and lock up the evening. It has also been said that prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will make a man cease from prayer.
The unfortunate fact of life is that we have this weapon near at hand, yet so few of us properly use it. We place our trust in our leaders, or friends, or family, or even in ourselves. We struggle, and fight, and battle for all that we are worth, yet we refuse to take time to pray.
In Genesis 4: 26, following the birth announcement of Adam and Eve's grandchild Enos, we read: "Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord." From that day, prayer has played a major roll in the affairs of mankind. Offering us an avenue in difficult times.
Tonight, as we kick off our Home Coming, we want to examine the blessing of prayer. In particular, I want to help you “WAKE UP TO THE WONDER OF PRAYER.” God has given us a great gift, but if we refuse to take advantage of it, then it is a gift given in vain. For the next few moments, I want us to examine the three “P’s” of prayer. I hope that through something that is said here tonight, that you will understand the power that God is offering you through the avenue of prayer.
I WE MUST SEE THE PLACE OF PRAYER.
1. Prayer must be a priority in our lives.
A. Lk 18: 1, Ro 12: 12, 1Th 5: 17 over and over again the Bible shows us the role prayer ought to play in our lives.
B. Acts 16: 24-25 in times of trial we ought to pray!
C. Jam 5: 16 in spiritual matters we ought to pray!
D. Mt 26: 39 in the face of persecution and death we ought to pray!
2. I encourage you to also make prayer a prerequisite.
A. before entering into any situation, take time to ask for God's help.
B. Acts 1: 24 before they made the decision as to the new apostle, those men of God found in the first chapter of Acts went to God in prayer.
C. Luke 1: 18 if it is true that we ought to pray, then the perfect time to pray is before making life changing decisions.
C. Don’t be like the men who were discussing the perfect time and position of prayer. The first said that he believed that one should pray in the morning, while on one’s knees, and his head bowed. The second said that prayer is best done in the evening, while standing with one’s head toward Heaven asking for a gift as a small child. The third stated that he didn’t know about the first two times and methods, but that he found that he did his best praying win he fell into the well upside downing the afternoon.
II WE MUST SEE THE PATERN FOR PRAYER
(Matt 6: 9-13)
1. Here in Jesus' prayer, he shows us two petitions, or request that we should bring before God.
A. Those, which are of a physical nature.
B. Also, those, which are of a spiritual nature.
2. First, there are those petitions of a physical nature.
A. 1Thess 5: 18 we should thank him for all that he has done, and will do for us!
B. Psa 5: 8 we should ask him for guidance through the troubled paths of life!
C. Psa 23: 4 we should turn to him for comfort in times of fear and distress!
3. However, sense Jesus mentions more spiritual petitions than physical petitions; perhaps we should focus more upon the spiritual issues that we are to bring before god.
A. 1Jn 1: 8-10 we should bring our past personal sins before him.
B. Lk 23: 34 we should grant forgiveness to those who sin against us.
C. 1Co 10: 13 we should seek deliverance from both temptation and evil.
III THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER
1. So often we examine the prayers of the great men and women of the scriptures, and we consider ourselves unworthy to pray to God.
A. Jam 5: 17-18 how can I pray with the faith of Elijah?
B. Ex 33: 13 how can I pray with the confidence of Moses?
C. Mt 26: 36 how can I pray with the love and humility of Jesus?
2. We need to remember that, "prayer is not only the privilege of the spiritual giant, but it is open to all saints, without exception."
A. 1Sa 1: 1-20 that means that we can pray as Hannah prayed!
B. Lk 18: 13 that means we can pray as the publican prayed!
C. 1Ch 4: 10 that means that we can pray as Jabez prayed!
D. Regardless of whether or not you are a spiritual Giant or not: god still hears your prayers!
1Thess 5: 17
Intro:
One of the most powerful weapons at our disposal is the weapon called prayer. Someone once said that prayer is a golden key, which should open the morning, and lock up the evening. It has also been said that prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will make a man cease from prayer.
The unfortunate fact of life is that we have this weapon near at hand, yet so few of us properly use it. We place our trust in our leaders, or friends, or family, or even in ourselves. We struggle, and fight, and battle for all that we are worth, yet we refuse to take time to pray.
In Genesis 4: 26, following the birth announcement of Adam and Eve's grandchild Enos, we read: "Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord." From that day, prayer has played a major roll in the affairs of mankind. Offering us an avenue in difficult times.
Tonight, as we kick off our Home Coming, we want to examine the blessing of prayer. In particular, I want to help you “WAKE UP TO THE WONDER OF PRAYER.” God has given us a great gift, but if we refuse to take advantage of it, then it is a gift given in vain. For the next few moments, I want us to examine the three “P’s” of prayer. I hope that through something that is said here tonight, that you will understand the power that God is offering you through the avenue of prayer.
I WE MUST SEE THE PLACE OF PRAYER.
1. Prayer must be a priority in our lives.
A. Lk 18: 1, Ro 12: 12, 1Th 5: 17 over and over again the Bible shows us the role prayer ought to play in our lives.
B. Acts 16: 24-25 in times of trial we ought to pray!
C. Jam 5: 16 in spiritual matters we ought to pray!
D. Mt 26: 39 in the face of persecution and death we ought to pray!
2. I encourage you to also make prayer a prerequisite.
A. before entering into any situation, take time to ask for God's help.
B. Acts 1: 24 before they made the decision as to the new apostle, those men of God found in the first chapter of Acts went to God in prayer.
C. Luke 1: 18 if it is true that we ought to pray, then the perfect time to pray is before making life changing decisions.
C. Don’t be like the men who were discussing the perfect time and position of prayer. The first said that he believed that one should pray in the morning, while on one’s knees, and his head bowed. The second said that prayer is best done in the evening, while standing with one’s head toward Heaven asking for a gift as a small child. The third stated that he didn’t know about the first two times and methods, but that he found that he did his best praying win he fell into the well upside downing the afternoon.
II WE MUST SEE THE PATERN FOR PRAYER
(Matt 6: 9-13)
1. Here in Jesus' prayer, he shows us two petitions, or request that we should bring before God.
A. Those, which are of a physical nature.
B. Also, those, which are of a spiritual nature.
2. First, there are those petitions of a physical nature.
A. 1Thess 5: 18 we should thank him for all that he has done, and will do for us!
B. Psa 5: 8 we should ask him for guidance through the troubled paths of life!
C. Psa 23: 4 we should turn to him for comfort in times of fear and distress!
3. However, sense Jesus mentions more spiritual petitions than physical petitions; perhaps we should focus more upon the spiritual issues that we are to bring before god.
A. 1Jn 1: 8-10 we should bring our past personal sins before him.
B. Lk 23: 34 we should grant forgiveness to those who sin against us.
C. 1Co 10: 13 we should seek deliverance from both temptation and evil.
III THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER
1. So often we examine the prayers of the great men and women of the scriptures, and we consider ourselves unworthy to pray to God.
A. Jam 5: 17-18 how can I pray with the faith of Elijah?
B. Ex 33: 13 how can I pray with the confidence of Moses?
C. Mt 26: 36 how can I pray with the love and humility of Jesus?
2. We need to remember that, "prayer is not only the privilege of the spiritual giant, but it is open to all saints, without exception."
A. 1Sa 1: 1-20 that means that we can pray as Hannah prayed!
B. Lk 18: 13 that means we can pray as the publican prayed!
C. 1Ch 4: 10 that means that we can pray as Jabez prayed!
D. Regardless of whether or not you are a spiritual Giant or not: god still hears your prayers!
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