Sunday, April 6, 2008

You Can Win Over Anxiety

Phil 4:4 - 7 (NKJV) ⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. ⁶Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  ⁷and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

We are living in days of high anxiety, with great concern over the state on our nations economy, wars and rumors of war around the world, the continued threat of terrorism, and the upcoming national elections. God’s Word however, offers us hope, strength, and peace in the midst of all these.

We can win over anxiety:

1. By Dedication To God 

Rom 14:8 (NKJV) ⁸For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 

Dedicated Christians do not neglect their prayer lives, fail to study God’s Word, or falter in church attendance.

Devotion to things of God brings release from self and selfish concerns. Dedication, plus God’s assistance, helps us to win over anxiety and worry

Rom 12:1 (NKJV) ¹I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 

We can win over anxiety:

2. By Dependence On God

Psa 37:5 (NKJV) ⁵    Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

Too many Christian depend solely on their own weak, finite powers. This invariably results in frustration and failure.

As we surrender our will and weaknesses to God’s perfect will and infinite power.  God is able to carry the responsibility for our life, freeing us from excessive care and concern.

Prov 3:5 - 6 (NKJV) ⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; ⁶In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

We can win over anxiety:

3. By Delighting In God

Phil 4:4 (NKJV) ⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Anxiety/worry dispels the Christian’s delight in the Lord.  It drains joy, peace, and hope from one’s life.

We win over anxiety/worry when we count our blessing and discount our losses, look for the good, overlook the bad, forgive ourselves, and forgive others.

Psa 37:5 (NKJV) ⁵ Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

We can win over anxiety:

4. By Diligence For God

2 Cor 5:14 (NKJV) ¹⁴For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 

When it comes to doing God’s work, some Christians are unconcerned. Some are lazy.  The feel let the professionals do all the work of evangelism, or other works of ministry. In either case, these Christians are unhappy and unfulfilled.

Busy Christians are happy Christians.  When we work for God, we forget our own difficulties.  The Lord cares for those who give Him first place in their lives.

Col 3:23 - 24 (NKJV) ²³And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men ²⁴knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for^£ you serve the Lord Christ. 

We can win over anxiety:

5. By Direction From God

John 16:13 (NKJV) ¹³However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 

Many Christians are looking for direction for their lives.  They rightfully want their lives to be meaningful and purposeful.

When we make a total commitment of our lives to God, we can stand on His promises that, “He will guide you into all truth.”

Anxiety/worry has no place in the life directed by God.

Prov 3:6 (NKJV) ⁶In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Conclusion

No matter what today or tomorrow holds in store for us we can face it with the promise that He has gone been us, His promise to never leave us, or forsake us.

Heb 13:5 - 6 (NKJV) ⁵Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ⁶So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Living In The Favor of The Lord

(Psa 5:12 NIV)  For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

In order to live in the Favor of The Lord we must position ourselves in right relationship with Him in several areas of our lives. The Lord wants to favor those who diligently and fervently seek Him. Some of these important areas are:

First-Living in the Favor of the Lord through Prayer.

A major key in maintaining a right relationship with God and to live in the Favor of the Lord is through prayer.

In Matthew 6:33 the Word speaks of the importance of prayer- But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

(James 5:15-18 NIV)  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. {16} Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. {17} Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. {18} Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

Second-Living in the Favor of the Lord through Faith.

God’s Favor always follows Faith. Nay-saying and perpetual doubting are a choice to die in the wilderness.  Jesus said in Matthew 9:29- Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you”.

In the midst of these trying days Faith is required to receive everything we need. (Heb 11:6 NIV)  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Third-Living in the Favor of the Lord through Obedience.

God’s favor follows obedience.

(Rom 6:16 NIV)  Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Walking in obedience to God’s Word opens the door to truth which guards and protects us from the deception of enemy.

(2 John 1:6 NIV)  And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

What has the Holy Spirit been asking from you lately?  Are you ready to obedience His voice and leadership?

Fourth-Living in the Favor of the Lord through Patience.

God’s Favor is a traveling companion to your patience in Him.

After Joseph interpreted the cupbearer’s dream in prison, it was two years before God used his obedience and patience to dramatically favor his beloved servant.  And yet, God’s Hand had been on Joseph throughout both lean and prosperous seasons of his life. Genesis 39:1- 41:16

Conclusion:

Our Prayer Life, Our Faith in God and His Word, Our Obedience to God, and Our Patience all determine the level of God’s Favor in our lives and church. Are YOU willing to pay the price, to take the steps to see the release of God’s Favor in YOUR life?

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Surviving Critical Times 

(Heb 10:22-25 NIV)  let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. {23} Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. {24} And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. {25} Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

 

These verses focus on some vital issues for Christians who live in critical days. A person’s faith is not affected usually by a single catastrophic event.  It’s more like a grinding-away. A constant dripping of water will wear away steel.  The events of our times wear away at those who do not exercise their faith daily.

 The writer of Hebrews said there are some specific things we need to do as we that day approaching.

1. Draw Near

(Heb 10:22 NIV)  let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

 A. Literally, “Come near the High Priest over the house of the Lord.”

 B. How? “With a true heart in full assurance of faith,” and with a clear conscience and clean body.

 C. For many, worship has become a tired friendship.

 D. (Psa 73:28 NIV)  But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

 E. (James 4:8 NIV)  Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

 F. In critical times, we must draw near to the Lord.

 2. Hold Fast

(Heb 10:23 NIV)  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

 A. “Hold Fast” implies that we are to keep our hope and faith ever in our memory and ever within our grasp.

 B. What you believe is important.

 C. Your faith will be tested: (Eph 6:16 NIV)  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

 

D. Doubts and discouragement come when we put down the shield of faith.

 E. Sooner or later you have to determine what you believe and hang on for dear life.

 3. Consider One Another

(Heb 10:24 NIV)  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

 

A. Consider literally means “to pay attention to one another.”  The temptation is to seize it now!

B. We need each other. (Rom 14:7 NIV)  For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone.  (2 Cor 1:4 NIV)  who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

 

C. The Apostle Paul used the term “one another” regularly in his writings; e.g., Romans 12:10; 15:14; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13, 16).

D. Surviving critical times means we pay attention to one another. 

4. Don’t Get Out The Habit Of Going To Church

 A. (Heb 10:25 NIV)  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

(Heb 10:25 CEV) Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that.  We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.

 B. The importance of corporate worship cannot be overemphasized.

 C.    (2 Th 2:1-2 NIV)  Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, {2} not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.

 D. “Encouraging one another” (vs. 25) relates to corporate worship and indicates that there is encouragement in assembling  together.

 

E. Encourage one another daily. (Heb 3:13 NIV)  But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

 Conclusion

 

How do you survive critical times?

1. Draw near the High Priest.

2. Hold fast to your hope & faith.

3. Pay attention to one another.

4. Don’t get out of the habit of going to church.

                                                                                                                                               Sunday, May 21, 2006

The Church: God’s Instrument for Revival

A Look at the New Testament Church

 
(Mat 16:13-18 KJV)  When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? {14} And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. {15} He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? {16} And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. {17} And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. {18} And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

(Acts 4:31-35 KJV)  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. {32} And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. {33} And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. {34} Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, {35} And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

1. The New Testament Church Was A Church of Prayer.

A. They prayed “And when they had prayed…” The N. T. Church was  praying church, they had learned from the teaching and living example of the Lord Jesus Christ.

B. Prayer brought results “the place was shaken.” Un-prayed prayers do not effect change or bring results.  When we purpose in our hearts to pray, God will heard us and answer prayer. The N. T. Church learned in the midst of the good times as well in the bad times to pray and seek the face of God.

C.  They prayed together “they were assembled together.” A keystone, or foundation of the N. T. Church was their unity.  They learned the importance of sticking together, as the Jewish leaders sought to destroy this newly birthed church.  They sought for ways to bring division.  However, the early church had a unity as they sought God’s will and  direction.

2. The New Testament Church was Filled With The Holy Spirit.

A. All were filled: “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.”

B. All were filled when they had prayed, “And when they had prayed… they were all filled.” It is the will of God for all believers to be filled or to receive the fullness or Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

3. The New Testament Church Was A Church of The Word.

A. The Word emanated  from the Holy Spirit infilling, “were all filled … and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

B. The was verbalized “they spake the word of God.”

C. The Word was preached with boldness “they spake… with boldness.”

(1 Cor 1:18 KJV)  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

4. The New Testament Church Was A Church of Grace.

A. There was an abundance of grace “great grace was upon them all.” God’s grace is needed in this hour. We have the promise of God’s grace being available to us to share with our world.

(Rom 5:20 KJV)  Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

The  church today still has a message of God’s amazing grace to share with a lost world.  Look at where God brought you from. Look at what He is doing in your life.  He can do it again.  He can and will do it for others.

B. Grace and love prevailed, they “were of one heart and of one soul.”

5. The New Testament Church Was A Church of Generosity.

A. Sharing was a natural grace “Neither was there any among them that lacked.”

B. Their giving was an outward expression.

Conclusion: