Staying Awake (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)
|
|
- Martin Myron Grant
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 1 Staying Awake (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) One of the joys of living in a household which includes young adults is that it becomes easier to keep up, more or less, with what young people are thinking. The older I get, the more valuable this seems. This past week I saw a podcast by one young man which I found both discouraging and encouraging all at the same time. It was discouraging because I saw the truth in his words, and this truth warns of a potentially frightening future. And it was encouraging to hear someone thinking things through, and actually recognizing the danger that lies ahead. His analysis was deeply thought out and impeccably logical, which I found especially refreshing in this day and age. The talk I watched was about two dystopian novels with which many of you may be familiar: George Orwell s 1984, and Aldous Huxley s Brave New World. Both standard fare for high school English classes. The talk focused on how the authoritarian regimes in each novel accomplished mind control, keeping the populace in a basically powerless state, so that the state s power wasn t threatened. What really caught my attention was his description of Huxley s Brave New World, in which, through control of the media, people s attentions were completely diverted and manipulated with addictive entertainment, such as certain kinds of sports, pornography, casual sex, and drugs. In a sense they re time wasters designed to keep people so occupied as to prevent them from thinking too much, and especially to keep them from reading meaningful literature, which might inspire them to think deeply and develop empathy for others. They didn t want this, because it might threaten the status quo. You see, it was all a strategy. Now, let me stop here and ask you: Is any of this beginning to sound remotely familiar? When we think of modern day time wasters and manipulative media, to me, things like certain video games, social media, pornography, smart phones in general, and even (and I know I might be threatening some sacred cows here) sports, this starts hitting a little close to home. And the question is: Are we being manipulated, or distracted, or even sedated by some of these things? Are we reading less, thinking less, and becoming less responsive to the needs of others through this overwhelming sensory tsunami coming at us? Are we missing some terribly important things when we allow our attention to be so constantly diverted? These are some of the things that come to my mind when I hear Paul, in today s reading from his letter to the Thessalonians, say, Let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. Stay alert, with eyes wide open! Paul says, and, from his point of view, for very good reason. Jesus said something very similar in last week s Gospel text. He said, Keep awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
2 2 And if one hasn t heard the Gospel story, it s more than fair to ask, Why keep awake? What day, and what hour? So to fully appreciate this we need to remember the story of Jesus. It s a long and kind of dense story, but the basic bare bones are found within the Creed we ll be saying right after this talk. The people closest to those events 2000 years ago said that Jesus was the divine and only Son of God, that he became incarnate born of flesh, that he suffered death on the Cross, was buried, and then rose from the dead, that he later ascended into that other realm we call heaven, and that one day he ll come again to this earth to set everything right. And at the end Matthew s Gospel, Jesus himself lays out the most important thing we humans can do given all these facts, and that is to go out into the world, spread the good news of Jesus and his new, good kingdom, and make followers among all peoples of the earth. That s the Jesus story in a nutshell. And its importance is magnified by his promise to return to this earth very suddenly, like a thief in the night. He basically says Be ready! Don t be caught unawares, because I m coming to receive you into the great celebration for those who believe. He says, You don t want to be completely diverted, or anesthetized, or derailed by the distractions and addictions of this age. Stay awake! Let s look closer at this. What exactly do these words of caution mean for us in our own time and in our own context? What are some of the ways we can fall asleep and, in Paul s view, spiritually endanger ourselves? Because some of these snares can be pretty subtle. Well first, we can fade to lives of denial or passive unbelief. Even believers can be lulled into a false sense of security. I mean, who hasn t, at one time or another, thought, Well, it s been 2000 years. Are we really getting this thing right? I can t constantly walk on pins and needles; I ll just live my life and leave the heavy lifting of faith to someone else. A sense of denial can develop, and we find ourselves not living as if Jesus will one day return, but instead as if he s gone for good. We feel like we re on our own, and we live our life that way. I suspect that s what Paul means when he says that they, those who aren t living sober and watchful lives, they say (verse 3), There s peace and security. Okay? What, me worry? It s all good! Eat, drink and be merry! But Paul s saying, Hey, you guys are not living in darkness. You have the light of Christ! You re sons and daughters of the light! So don t allow yourselves to drift off into some kind of distracted reverie, or idle faith. When the horn blows, that s not where you want to be. And it certainly doesn t help those who look to you as an example. In other words, he s saying that this is a very serious matter. You must stay awake! So the first way we can fall asleep is simply by drifting away from intentional belief. The second way we can fall asleep is by becoming distracted, or addicted, or sedated by meaningless entertainment, just like Huxley s description in Brave New World. We
3 3 can lose track of our loved ones, we can lose track of God, and we may even lose track of ourselves. It s like that meme of the Norman Rockwell thanksgiving painting that was circulating last year about this time. Everything looked authentic and Rockwellian, except that, if you looked closely, you saw that everyone at the dinner table was holding a smart phone in their hand. The 21 st century idol. It s been said that the opposite of love isn t hate, but apathy. And it s possible to become so absorbed in our own comfort and entertainment that we become spiritually numb, and apathetic, and blind to the needs of others. I think this is an especially tricky one in our time. I daresay that a great many of us are living lives of increasing stress and anxiety. Around us we re seeing an accelerating whirlwind of situations we don t have any control over. We see darkness encroaching from unexpected places. So there s a strong temptation for many of us to engage in what psychotherapists call self-medication. You know, if God is a little too slow to respond to us in the way we d like, we take matters into our own hands, and we look for fast relief or instant gratification. Like in Brave New World it may take the form of everything from pornography, to drugs or alcohol, to sexual addiction or other highs. Or it might take the form of video gaming or social media. And eventually the very thing that gives us relief in the short run begins to control us, and even to supplant God in our lives. (It s often been said in 12-Step circles, the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes the man. Okay? The drink takes control. The same may be said for any type of addiction.) Now, so as not to sound like some kind of cosmic killjoy here, a disclaimer is in order. And that is that entertainment is not evil. It s not sinful. (Well, most kinds aren t ) But God created us with a playful side, and I m convinced he has a playful side as well. I mean, just look at the duck-billed platypus. And he wants us to have rest and recreation. It s how we re made. But like most good things, these can become addictions that fail to relieve the deepest hunger in our souls. Relief for that can only come from the Lord himself. It s the God-shaped void. So we can fall asleep by plunging ourselves too deeply into our distractions, and essentially turning them into idols. Finally, we can be lulled into sleep by what might reasonably be called the spirit of the age the spirit of our age, right now. And that is a contagious feeling of fear and pessimism which wastes energy that we could otherwise be using to actively make this world a better place. This, too, leads to apathy. I don t know about you, but I see this as pretty widespread right now. A lot of folks seem to be hunkering down and circling the wagons, and some are even immobilized by anxiety and depression. Some believers are losing their faith and their hope. Jesus actually prophesied this. He said that, as things get harder, and begin accelerate before
4 4 his own return, people s hearts will fail them because of fear, and even the elect will be deceived, and the love of many will grow cold. Do you see that happening? / Here s the problem: The opinions of large groups of people have a certain critical mass. When more people agree on a particular idea, the more confidence they have in that idea. Have you noticed that? There s strength in numbers. But unfortunately this isn t always a good kind of strength. More and more people are rejecting Christianity (and Christ) outright. In fact, more and more seem to be becoming less and less tolerant of those who do believe (which was also predicted by Jesus). So when Paul (and Jesus) warn us to stay awake, I think it s fair to say that he s warning us not to be seduced into the powerful, pessimistic groupthink of this age. Instead Paul exhorts us to lift up our heads and watch hopefully, because our redemption is drawing near. So how do we do all this? What are Paul s recommendations to the church in Thessalonica, and to us, about how to stay awake? Well, very quickly, I count at least four things. First, he exhorts us to live as children of light. And please note here that live is not a passive verb. Living isn t something that happens to us, but that we choose to do. Something that we lean into, and we press forward. And when we choose to live as children of light, we re making the decision to gratefully obey God s health-giving ways, and to daily allow ourselves to be transformed by the renewing of our minds through the holy scriptures and by the Holy Spirit who lives within us. It s the building process of eternal life. We re feeding ourselves spiritual health food instead of junk food. As Paul writes elsewhere, we re thinking on the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable and excellent: living in the light instead of existing timidly in the shadows. Second, as we ve been saying all along, Paul urges us to stay awake and sober. And of course by sober he doesn t mean somber. He s not browbeating us to be uberserious wet blankets or something. Instead, he s cautioning us to pay attention to what s really going on around us, and to forthrightly deal with it, not burying ourselves in fruitless diversions or passive denial. In a sense he s saying, Be the designated driver: the navigator, the one who knows the way home. Because that way is Jesus, and we know him. The third thing Paul encourages us to do is to put on the breastplate of faith and love. Have you ever noticed that when you re singing, it s hard to feel hopeless? The week before last we had a wonderful Diocesan Clergy Conference with the theme Sing to the Lord a New Song. We united our voices with the Spirit and learned a lot of new songs, and some old songs sung newly. I hope to introduce some of them to you before too long.
5 5 In the same vein, when you re busy loving God and your neighbor, it s pretty hard to stay hopeless, much less drift into a coma. Faith and love keep us alive and awake, especially when we join in worship with our believing sisters and brothers. Finally, Paul says to put on the helmet of Hope. Head protection. Regardless of the storms that swirl around us and the anxiety these may tempt us toward, our hope is based on the goodness of God, and his promise that his Son is on his way, to set things right on this earth by bringing it together with heaven into a new, imperishable creation. The entire New Testament sparkles with this promise. It s good to know that Paul wrote this letter less than 20 years after the resurrection. It was fresh off the presses and close to the source. And more than anything, he wanted his church in Thessalonica to understand and rejoice in their grounds for hope. He wanted them to feel authentic and well-grounded joy and courage for the journey. May these promises and encouragements be, for us, each and every morning, as fresh as they were for the believers in Thessalonica, whom we ll all have the chance to meet one day. And may our journey find us always alive, awake, hopeful, and savoring every moment. Amen.
Six ways to stand firm: prepare for Christ s return 1 Thess
Six ways to stand firm: prepare for Christ s return 1 Thess 5.1-11 To begin today I m going to share a personal detail: sometimes when I get stressed, I have a recurring dream, a dream I ve had probably
More informationas everyone returned to their seats and tried to look as if they d been working studiously on the assignment.
A Thief in the Night Mathew 24:36-44, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Acts 1: 6-8 Friends, do you remember what it was like when your teacher left the classroom? Usually she would say something like Class - I
More informationThe Discipline of Encouragement and Accountability 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Hebrews 10:19-25
The Discipline of Encouragement and Accountability 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Hebrews 10:19-25 Friends, I have a that I want to video to show you this morning it s not the first time we ve shown it so some
More informationThe Second Advent (A time of unprecedented judgment) 1 Thess. 5:1-11 By Pastor Marco David
The Second Advent (A time of unprecedented judgment) 1 Thess. 5:1-11 By Pastor Marco David INTRODUCTION This morning we are going to look at some vital themes from our biblical text related to the Second
More informationOur Incredible, Amazing Bible - 1 Thessalonians Sunday, March 5, :30 AM
Our Incredible, Amazing Bible - 1 Thessalonians Sunday, March 5, 2017 10:30 AM The Importance of The Bible: 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV) 13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the
More informationPatience for Relationships Cross Culture February 19, 2011 Joel Shorey
Patience for Relationships Cross Culture February 19, 2011 Joel Shorey As a pastoral team, we are aware that a topic like this can be a difficult thing to cover in a group of this diversity. We feel that
More informationA Thief in the Night Mathew 24:36-44, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
A Thief in the Night Mathew 24:36-44, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Friends, do you remember what it was like when you were in grade school and your teacher would leave the classroom? teacher was coming back,
More informationWith one more Sunday in the Church Year, we look forward. even more intently to not just the Advent and Christmas seasons,
Sermon Draft Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:1 11 Sermon: Darkness Into Light With one more Sunday in the Church Year, we look forward even more intently to not just the Advent and Christmas seasons, but to the
More informationStep Three. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Power of our own understanding.
Step Three Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Power of our own understanding. We worked Steps One and Two with our sponsor we ve surrendered, and we ve demonstrated
More informationSTEP THREE WE MADE A DECISION TO TURN OUR WILL AND LIVES OVER TO THE CARE OF GOD AS WE UNDERSTOOD HIM
STEP THREE WE MADE A DECISION TO TURN OUR WILL AND LIVES OVER TO THE CARE OF GOD AS WE UNDERSTOOD HIM We worked steps One and Two with our group we ve surrendered, and we ve demonstrated our willingness
More information1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11
Bible Study Notes (A basic transcription with modifications for style and clarity) 1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11 Brian Orchard, February 3, 2017 When Paul spoke to the Church in Thessalonica he offered words
More informationMarch 13, 2016 Romans 12:1-16 Pastor Matt Pierce Motivated to Live a Life of Love
March 13, 2016 Romans 12:1-16 Pastor Matt Pierce Motivated to Live a Life of Love Hi Everyone. My name is Larry Adams and I want to take a moment to thank you for downloading the podcast of this message.
More informationSermon: Being Strong in Faith Never give up
They are exhausted!!! For a short time they were celebrating But now they found themselves at a dead end. There seemed little hope It looked like all the promises of a new life were about to fade away
More informationEncourage One Anoth er
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning
More informationBook of Revelation Part 7 Revelation 3:1-6
Book of Revelation Part 7 Revelation 3:1-6 The Church in Sardis Sardis: - A city in Asia Minor - South of Thyatira - On the river Pactolus - The ancient capital of Lydia (- The Lydians destroyed Smyrna
More information1 CORINTHIANS 16:13-14
1 CORINTHIANS 16:13-14 INTRODUCTION In these verses Paul gives the Corinthian church five final commands, they are all very positive commands and to be honest they are in contrast to the many negative
More informationAwake and Sober (Part 2) Ar;ovn yv Zcasd
Awake and Sober (Part 2) Ar;ovn yv Zcasd 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 Last week I started this sermon and did not finish it. Paul explained the Second Coming of Christ. When? Which day? How? No one knows the
More informationJanuary Thessalonians. Devotional. Alderwood Student Ministries
January 2016 1 Thessalonians Devotional Alderwood Student Ministries May 2016 ASM Devotional May 2016 1 Thessalonians Name: 1 Table of Contents Introduction: How to Study the Bible... 3 Study Schedule:
More informationTHE WHO TOLD YOU? SERIES A STUDY IN DISCERNING THE VOICES OF OUR DAY
THE WHO TOLD YOU? SERIES A STUDY IN DISCERNING THE VOICES OF OUR DAY MEDIA REFERENCE NUMBER SMX-930 SUNDAY AUGUST 20, 2017 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: Who Told You About The End Times? Part 2 Discerning
More informationBREAKOUTS FOUNDATIONS. If you re trying to learn and grow in your walk with Jesus or have questions about your faith, these breakouts are for you.
BREAKOUTS Each breakout is designed to fit inside one of four tracks to make it easier for you to decide which ones to attend! You can take classes in each of the different tracks. We encourage you to
More informationSix ways to stand firm
Six ways to stand firm Modern-day Thessalonica (Thessaloniki) Six Bible Studies in 1 Thessalonians Introduction Paul and the Thessalonians The story of Paul and how he came to write this letter to the
More information1 Thessalonians. Chapter 4-5
1 Thessalonians Chapter 4-5 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless
More informationCan you hear me now / Sermon 4: Malware (Acts 20) /
Can you hear me now / Sermon 4: Malware (Acts 20) / 4-28-13 I ve asked Logan and Josh to come up for a couple of minutes to give me a hand. Now, what they are going to do is not a trick. They ve done it
More informationHopeful Grieving 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11, Matthew 5:3 First Presbyterian Church November 12, Introduction to the Reading
Hopeful Grieving 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11, Matthew 5:3 First Presbyterian Church November 12, 2017 Introduction to the Reading Before I read the text I want you to know that the Apostle Paul meant these
More informationFresh Affections for Further Impact I Thessalonians 1:2 10 Rev. Seth Richardson June 26, 2016 Evening sermon
Fresh Affections for Further Impact I Thessalonians 1:2 10 Rev. Seth Richardson June 26, 2016 Evening sermon The Scripture for this study is I Thessalonians 1:2 10 which says [2] We give thanks to God
More informationInternational Bible Lessons Commentary 1 Thessalonians 4:13 5:11 International Bible Lessons Sunday, April 21, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
International Bible Lessons Commentary 1 Thessalonians 4:13 5:11 International Bible Lessons Sunday, April 21, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series)
More informationFLING OFF THE NIGHT!
FLING OFF THE NIGHT! ADVENT PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS FOR CHILDREN 2017 PREPARE YE THE WAY! 1 st Sunday of Advent (Dec 3) Mark 13:24-37 Already the fall leaves have gone and it is getting colder outside!
More informationSpiritual Warfare. What is spiritual warfare? Why does God allow Satan to attack me? How do I prepare for the battle?
Spiritual Warfare What is spiritual warfare? A) The Bible reveals that Satan and the other fallen angels are active throughout the world blinding sinners to the truth and tempting Christians to sin. As
More informationThe Day of The Lord Message 7 in Getting Ready To Meet Jesus Sermon Series (A Study of I & II Thessalonians) I Thessalonians 5:1-11 (NKJV)
Message for THE LORD S DAY EVENING, February 24, 2013 MESSAGE 7 IN SERIES: Getting Ready To Meet Jesus (A Study of I & II Thessalonians) Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie
More informationSESSION 3. Addiction. Addiction 49
SESSION 3 49 IT S NOT GOD S WILL FOR YOU TO LIVE OR DIE BEHOLDEN TO ANYTHING BUT HIM. GOD DOESN T WANT YOUR LOYALTY TO GO TO ANYONE ELSE BUT HIM. My favorite novel is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
More informationSURPRISED BY THE DAY Catalog No
SURPRISED BY THE DAY Catalog No. 20150503 1& 2 Thessalonians 8th Message Paul Taylor SERIES: BETWEEN THE TIMES DISCOVERY PAPERS May 3, 2015 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 We had been dating for almost two years.
More informationDebbie Homewood: Kerrybrook.ca *
Dealing with Loss: How to Handle the Losses that we Experience Throughout Our Lives. Grief is the pain we experience when there is a LOSS in our lives not just the loss of a loved one, but the loss of
More informationgrave. Scrooge pleads with the spirit of Christmas future: A lamb with seven horns. A pregnant women clothed with the sun.
A hundred years ago, Charles Dickens wrote an apocalyptic journey in his well known A Christmas Carol a play in which miserly scrooge is taken on a visionary tour of his life. Scrooge is changed by the
More informationFirst Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Dr. Frank Allen, Pastor 3/16/08. Matthew 26:36-46 (NRSV)
First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Dr. Frank Allen, Pastor 3/16/08 Matthew 26:36-46 (NRSV) Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while
More informationKnowing the Future? Darryl Zanuck, 20 th Cent. Fox (1946): won t be able to hold any market it captures after the first six months.
Knowing the Future? Darryl Zanuck, 20 th Cent. Fox (1946): won t be able to hold any market it captures after the first six months. Television Knowing the Future? William Orton, Western Union (1876): "This
More informationSubject ID : Date: Visit: Collected by: SIDES-SR
Subject ID : Date: Visit: Collected by: SIDES-SR Instructions: What follows are descriptions of difficulties that some people experience. After each statement please indicate: 1) whether it has ever been
More informationIs Christ Coming (Is there Reason to Endure in Holiness 1 )
Dr. Charles P. 11.20.15 FIRST THESSALONIANS Is Christ Coming (Is there Reason to Endure in Holiness 1 ) 1 The primary words in this book are wrath and coming of the Lord. The problem is that these believers
More informationListen Well. Ajaan Fuang Jotiko. January A talk for Mrs. Choop Amorndham, her children and grandchildren
Listen Well Ajaan Fuang Jotiko January 1984 A talk for Mrs. Choop Amorndham, her children and grandchildren We re told that if we listen well, we gain discernment. If we don t listen well, we won t gain
More informationMaxed. out SESSION 1. Ephesians 6: Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. 11 Put on the full
SESSION 1 Maxed out Ephesians 6:10-18 10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. 12 For our
More informationBE JOYFUL, GIVE THANKS ALWAYS, AND PRAY CONTINUALLY
1 BE JOYFUL, GIVE THANKS ALWAYS, AND PRAY CONTINUALLY 1Thessalonians 5:1-28 Key Verse: 5:16, 18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God s will for you in Christ
More informationLiving the Spirit-Led Life WEEK 3: USING ADVERSITY TO MAKE US STRONGER
Living the Spirit-Led Life WEEK 3: USING ADVERSITY TO MAKE US STRONGER 1 Weekly Materials 2 Weekly Materials 3 Does Growth Matter? Growth really matters! 4 Does Growth Matter? Growth really matters! Spiritual
More informationYour Faith Must Stand Trial 1 Peter 1:3-9; 13-16; 4: Let s take our Bibles this morning Turn to 1 Peter 1
Your Faith Must Stand Trial 1 Peter 1:3-9; 13-16; 4:12-13 Let s take our Bibles this morning Turn to 1 Peter 1 a couple weeks ago I was up at the work out center where I exercise when it cold outside I
More informationText: I Corinthians 14 Title: The Helper Through the Church
Text: I Corinthians 14 Title: The Helper Through the Church VIDEO BUMPER I have to say that sometimes I get really discouraged when I think about the darkness that engulfs our nation. I feel hopeless when
More informationBIBLE RADIO PRODUCTIONS
BIBLE RADIO PRODUCTIONS www.bibleradio.org.au BIBLE ADVENTURES SCRIPT: A1932 ~ Job Tried and True. Welcome to Bible Adventures. Help for today. Hope for tomorrow. Jesus is Lord of all. The Bible book of
More informationAdmitting the Problem, Romans 7:14-25 (January 15, 2017)
Admitting the Problem, Romans 7:14-25 (January 15, 2017) 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what
More informationEcclesiastes. by Ross Callaghan. Author. Type. Date. Theme.
Ecclesiastes by Ross Callaghan http://rosscallaghan.yolasite.com Author Type Date Theme Some think Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon. This is based on the introduction to the book: The words of
More informationExperiencing Power Through Prayer Power for Warfare (Part 1)
Experiencing Power Through Prayer Power for Warfare (Part 1) Intro: For the next 3 weeks we are going to talk about prayer. Do you know why this topic just doesn t excite most followers of Christ? I believe
More informationYOUR ADVERSARY. I Peter 4:12-5:11
I Peter 4:12-5:11 YOUR ADVERSARY I.) YOUR ADVERSARY I wonder how many people here this morning actually believe they have an adversary. Some of you have lived lives of such quiet competence, or have been
More informationThe Calm Amidst the Storm Mark 4: The text for this sermon, the theme of which is, The Calm Amidst the
Proper 7 (June 19-25) B The Calm Amidst the Storm Mark 4:39-41 The text for this sermon, the theme of which is, The Calm Amidst the Storm, is Mark 4:39-41. Jesus awoke and rebuked the wind and said to
More informationTHE GREATEST CRY OF THE HUMAN HEART Romans 3:21-24 November 5, 2017 Bob Bonner
THE GREATEST CRY OF THE HUMAN HEART Romans 3:21-24 November 5, 2017 Bob Bonner Donnie Moore was one of the most outstanding pitchers of baseball during the 1986 season. Many felt that he was primarily
More informationGOOD NEWS FOR A BAD DAY! Matthew 6: 26-34
GOOD NEWS FOR A BAD DAY! Matthew 6: 26-34 Anyone who has lived on planet earth for some time have had good days and bad days. Good days are those days when most things in life seem to be in order and what
More informationPrayers for the overwhelmed
P R A Y E R G U I D E Prayers for the overwhelmed Prayer Guide: Prayers for the Overwhelmed Copyright 2011, PrayerPower, Dallas, Texas prayer guide Prayers for the overwhelmed PrayerPower P.O. Box 801368,
More informationThe Christian Arsenal
1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18 Last week we saw as Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to live a pure and holy life free of sexual immorality and a life filled with love for each other a life of tending to the business
More information1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Destruction or Salvation
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Destruction or Salvation Michael Silva / December 10, 2017 Opening: (Joke) Jimmy left work one Friday evening. Because it was payday, instead of going home, he stayed out the entire
More informationNo, you cannot, for my treasure is in heaven and my heart is there. But I will drive you away from your friends and you will have no one left.
Title: Don t make me stop this car! Text: Acts 4.13-22 Theme: how the gospel makes you bold Series: Acts Prop Stmnt: The gospel emboldens you for everything in this life. Read Text: John Chrysostom was
More informationFighting the Lies of the Enemy:
Fighting the Lies of the Enemy: 12 SCRIPTURAL TRUTHS TO DECLARE OVER YOUR DISAPPOINTMENTS by Lysa TerKeurst A LETTER FROM LYSA TERKEURST Hi friend, Do you ever feel like you ve slipped through the cracks
More informationSermon Series Sermon Title Big Idea: Introduction
Sermon Series: Joseph: Trusting through Trials Sermon Title: Attitude is Everything Big Idea: Contentment during trials rests in the Character of God. 1 Introduction: Some of you may know my family s story.
More informationSunday, November 5, 2017: All Saints Sunday
Sunday, November 5, 2017: All Saints Sunday Revelation 7:9-17 Psalm 34:1-10, 22 1 John 3:1-3 A READING FROM REVELATION 9 After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from
More informationAPRIL XX, Prayer
APRIL XX, 2018 Prayer Sermon Notes Essential Disciplines: Prayer For the next several months, we will be working through Four Essential Disciplines that will grow and empower our faith: Bible Stewardship
More informationPaul s Letter to the Colossians Week 2 Colossians 1:21-2:12. Day One
Paul s Letter to the Colossians Week 2 Colossians 1:21-2:12 Day One 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by
More informationAnger A. Stephen Van Kuiken Lake Street Church Evanston, IL February 1, 2015
Anger A. Stephen Van Kuiken Lake Street Church Evanston, IL February 1, 2015 Invitation to Worship: O God, you are all around us and among us. We thank you for your presence. From the east we hear you
More informationWe Should Expect Problems And Be Prepared For Them Adversity Makes Us Stronger By Bringing Us Closer To God We Can Eliminate Our Self-Created Problems
WEEK 3: USING ADVERSITY TO MAKE US STRONGER WEEK 3: We Should Expect Problems And Be Prepared For Them Adversity Makes Us Stronger By Bringing Us Closer To God We Can Eliminate Our Self-Created Problems
More informationKnowledge~ Relationship~Decisions
Knowledge~ Relationship~Decisions The foundation of Boot Camp is the study of God s Word, and the practical application of scripture to our lives. Boot Camp will build one scriptural principle upon another
More information1 st Thessalonians Chapter 3 John Karmelich
1 st Thessalonians Chapter 3 John Karmelich 1. There is a verse from Proverbs that ties very well to this lesson: a) Like cold water to a weary soul, is good news from a distant land. (Proverbs 25:25 NIV)
More informationSunday GO TO GOD FIRST 1 Peter (Courageous Christianity Series) 1 PET 5.5b
GO TO GOD FIRST 1 Peter 5. 5-11 (Courageous Christianity Series) 1 PET 5.5b All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.
More informationEncourage One Another and. Build Up One Another In Reference To Living For Meeting the Lord In The Air.
Encourage One Another and Build Up One Another In Reference To Living For Meeting the Lord In The Air. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 1 Now (moving on to a new subject) as to the times (dispensations) and the epocs,
More informationNow What? Part Two: The Secret to Contentment F. Remy Diederich
Now What? Part Two: The Secret to Contentment F. Remy Diederich 8.19.18 Outline: 1. A NOW WHAT situation can be when God does his deepest work in you, or you grow bitter. 2. We can all learn the secret
More informationRevelation 4:1-2 The Rapture of the Church
Revelation 4:1-2 The Rapture of the Church Parkdale Grace Fellowship Sunday AM, April 29, 2012 Based upon as literal as possible of an interpretation of prophetic scripture, the rapture of the church is
More informationADVANCED SPIRITUAL WARFARE
ADVANCED SPIRITUAL WARFARE SESSION ONE THE TWO KINGDOMS It all started at the barber shop. Mr. Abe was looking at a magazine while he was waiting for his turn to have his hair cut when he came across some
More informationLuke 13:1-9. In our gospel reading, we are reminded that most people in. Jesus day believed in a cause and effect relationship between
1 St. Bartholomew 3 rd Sunday in Lent March 7, 2010 Luke 13:1-9 In our gospel reading, we are reminded that most people in Jesus day believed in a cause and effect relationship between sin, and suffering.
More informationWhat About the Law Romans 7:7-25
January 20-21, 2018 Pastor Ellis White Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church What About the Law Romans 7:7-25 After we returned from our ill-fated trip to the UK, Rachel and I bought a new kitchen gadget. A
More informationWhat s Next? The Master is Coming Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. the
1 What s Next? The Master is Coming When I was in seminary I have to admit I was somewhat of an oddity. First I was a woman, second I was not in my twenties, and third and perhaps most unusual, I was and
More informationCHOICES. Lucifer s Lies. A Bible Study to Accompany The Spiritual Warfare Drama. Written by Sandy Starr
1 CHOICES Written by Sandy Starr A Bible Study to Accompany The Spiritual Warfare Drama Lucifer s Lies 2 The members of Clearwater Baptist Church want to thank you for joining us as we attempt to unveil
More informationSleepwalking Matthew 25:14-30 & 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 A sermon by William M. Klein 19 November 2017
Sleepwalking Matthew :-0 & Thessalonians :- A sermon by William M. Klein 9 November 07 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For
More informationCalvary United Methodist Church May 17, DO SOMETHING Rev. Dr. S. Ronald Parks. Children s Sermon: Psalm 91:14-16
Calvary United Methodist Church May 17, 2015 DO SOMETHING Rev. Dr. S. Ronald Parks Children s Sermon: Psalm 91:14-16 The family of Grace comes together to celebrate what God has given to us. Everyone has
More informationWholehearted Coaching: Week Three Self-Love & Worthiness
Wholehearted Coaching: Week Three Self-Love & Worthiness You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire Universe, deserve your love and affection. -Buddha The journey to a life of abundance and gratitude
More informationWhat Would Jesus Do: Creating Space for God Matthew 14:13-23 April 10, 2011
What Would Jesus Do: Creating Space for God Matthew 14:13-23 April 10, 2011 Life is busy. Retired members of the church tell me they stay so busy now, they don t know how they got around to taking care
More informationThis is a hard teaching. For both. For wife and for husband. For women and for men.
I remember a few years ago being a on a whitewater rafting trip down on the New River in West Virginia. We had been rafting all morning and had pulled off on the bank to set up for lunch. The guides and
More informationAs you prepare for the session, you will find information you need to lead the discussion questions in this Leader s Guide.
LEADER S GUIDE Course Lecturer: D.A. Horton If you have not already done so, it is important that you first review our Leader s Packet for specifics on how to open, facilitate, and close your group sessions.
More informationWelcome to the Worship Celebration of
Welcome to the Worship Celebration of Church As She Should Be (part 10) What About The Rapture? Part 2 What About The Timing of the Rapture? 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 06/10/2018 Church As She Should Be (part
More informationTaco Bell: A Holy Place? July 1, 2018 [Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 8: 7-15]
Taco Bell: A Holy Place? July 1, 2018 [Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 8: 7-15] I discovered through my research that there s this reality that whatever you make ($10,000 or $1,000,00 per year), to most
More informationSt Brandon s ; Lent 1 Gen ; ; Romans ; Mt If you worship me
St Brandon s 5.3.17; Lent 1 Gen. 2. 15-17; 3. 1-7; Romans 9. 12-19; Mt. 4. 1-11 If you worship me INTRODUCTION: Preaching at the start of Lent: Jesus Temptations aren t ours I ve got to be honest: I don
More informationThe People-Pleasing Project Manager; Why Nice Guys Make Terrible Project Leaders
The People-Pleasing Project Manager; Why Nice Guys Make Terrible Project Leaders We ve all heard that saying, Nice guys finish last. But when you really stop to think about that statement, why would people
More informationRear View Mirror Mark Zenchuk Sunday, December 28, 2008
Rear View Mirror Mark Zenchuk Sunday, December 28, 2008 It s a good time of year to try to make a change for the better. I ve only just realized this. I have previously run down the celebration of New
More informationThe Tribulation Period
Thursday Evening Bible Study Series: the End Times Bible prophecy about future events and periods Teaching Summary for Week 48 The Tribulation Period Part 3. The Chronology of the Tribulation Period Daniel
More informationWEEK#9 BULLETIN INSERT
Good day, Community Group Leaders! Attached is your Week #9 group material, also available at www.mccag.org by clicking on RESOURCES > COMMUNITY GROUP LEADERS It s difficult for me to believe that our
More informationFaith in this World John 16:32-33
Faith in this World John 16:32-33 This summer we have been studying passages in the gospels that demonstrate how faith moves the hand of God. For example, in Luke 7 we saw that the centurion believed that
More informationTeach Me to Pray Part 3 Sermon by Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church 10/16/2016
Teach Me to Pray Part 3 Sermon by Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church 10/16/2016 I. INTRODUCTION Well, today we re going to continue on in our journey of learning to pray learning to stop walking by
More informationWe are going through the Freedom From Addiction Workbook, but keep in mind that this is a 200 page biblical workbook and requires a lot of
We are going through the Freedom From Addiction Workbook, but keep in mind that this is a 200 page biblical workbook and requires a lot of motivation, effort and time. It focuses not only on the truth
More informationSend Us Your Light: Prayers in the Darkness
First Sunday of Advent November 27, 2016 Pastor Mark Toone Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church Send Us Your Light: Prayers in the Darkness Psalm 13 Welcome to Advent! Five weeks from now, we will gather for
More informationThe King's Commission Matthew 28
Blake Jennings Grace Bible Church - Southwood The King's Commission Matthew 28 William Barclay said, There are two great days in a person's life - the day we are born and the day we discover why. Discover
More information1 Thessalonians. Brothers and sisters, you know that 2 our visit to you was not a failure.
3 Thessalonians Greetings from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. To the church of those in Thessalonica, who are in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be yours. The Life and Faith of the
More informationThe Certainty of the Second Coming
The Certainty of the Second Coming II Peter 3:1-4 INTRODUCTION: October 30, 2016 After defining the characteristics of genuine believers in chapter one and the characteristics of false teachers in the
More informationMIDDLE SCHOOL LESSON PLAN
MIDDLE SCHOOL LESSON PLAN Theme: Drugs & Alcohol Materials Needed Newsprint (or dry erase board) and markers. You may want to pre-write the quotes from the Bishop s letter on newsprint. Bible, with enthronement
More informationReiki Healing for Stress
Dear affiliate You are welcome to use the following article either as a webpage, blog post, as an email or any other formats. You may adapt either the layout and/or the wording as you feel appropriate.
More informationONE BEING; Three Parts. Session Three. What happens to New Believers? What can be expected? How to continue to grow?
#3 New Creation A NEW CREATION ONE BEING; Three Parts Session Three ~~ ~ BECOME ~ ~~ This session will look at: What happens to New Believers? What can be expected? How to continue to grow? I. What happens
More information15. Why Men Hold Back
15. Why Men Hold Back _ Many times, I have heard you tell me that you can t feel me fully with you, truly seeing you and loving you. But I do love you. I can feel my love for you, and I can feel your love
More informationPRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL VICTORY
POWERFUL PRAYER P rayer is a powerful resource for followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ s atonement for our sins empowers us with His righteousness in order to face the spiritual battles in this
More informationPaul s First Letter to the Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 1:1 1 1 Thessalonians 1:10 Paul s First Letter to the Thessalonians 1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace
More informationSection 1. Understanding the Problem of Pornography and Sexual Addiction
Section 1 Understanding the Problem of Pornography and Sexual Addiction The Civilization of the Natural Man (Mosiah 3:19) For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and
More information