The Spirit and the New Self
|
|
- Andrew O’Neal’
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 George A. Mason Trinity Sunday Wilshire Baptist Church 3 June 2012 First in a series New Works of the Spirit Dallas, Texas The Spirit and the New Self Rom. 8:12-17; Jn. 3:1-10 Gruesome. Twenty-four-year old Aimee Copeland spoke for the first time this week after waking to the horror of losing her left leg, her right foot and both hands. Her limbs were amputated to save her life after she contracted a necrotizing fasciitis in plain language, a fleshing-eating bacteria. Aimee had cut her leg while playing on a homemade zip line at her Georgia home. The local hospital stapled up the cut, but it soon became infected with this rare bacteria. She s lucky to be alive, but the toll it has taken on her body is devastating. 1 A flesh-eating bacteria. What an interesting spiritual metaphor. The Apostle Paul uses the word flesh as if he s talking about a spiritual bacteria that eats away at our souls. We are to live by the Spirit, putting to death the deeds of the flesh so we will live. Spirit and flesh are often opposed in Christian thinking. And rightly so, when rightly 1 jun/01/us-flesh-eating-bacteria/ understood. But sometimes we oppose Spirit and flesh wrongly, and we need to make sure we know what to affirm and what to reject, lest we find ourselves dying for the wrong reason. Like the West Virginia mountain pastor Mack Wolford, who died of poisoning after being bit by a rattlesnake. The 44-year-old Wolford didn t just happen on to the snake in the woods; he deliberately picked it up in his small Pentecostal church in order to prove his faith. As he lay writhing in pain on the couch in his mother-in-law s trailer, the preacher refused to be taken to the hospital because he believed that Spirit is opposed to flesh and God would deliver him. God might have delivered him to glory, but the rattlesnake delivered him to the grave. But was it the rattlesnake or his strong but wrong faith? e/style/why-i-watched-a-snake-handlingpastor-die-for-hisfaith/2012/05/31/gjqa3frp5u_story.ht ml
2 That s not what Paul has in mind when he talks about Spirit being opposed to the flesh. In fact, we need to set all of this in a wider context this morning. Last week was Pentecost Sunday in the church year. On that day we remember God sending the Holy Spirit upon the church, thereby setting the Spirit loose in the world. Today is Trinity Sunday. Just as Christmas and Easter show us that God is not only the Father but also the Son, Pentecost teaches us that God is also the Spirit. We often end our prayers to the Father in some fashion such as in the name of Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three persons in one God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all, don t you know?! But what does the Holy Spirit do? We may think of the works of God the Father as creating the world and sustaining it by his sovereign power. We may think of the works of God the Son as uniting God to the world by his flesh and suffering and dying on our behalf in order to reconcile us to God by his grace. The works of the Holy Spirit that we will look at this week and the following two are works of newness: the new self, the new family, and the new world. The Holy Spirit is the agent of newness in the world. The Spirit makes all things new. The Spirit completes the works of the Son and the works of the Father, finishing Christ s work of salvation and liberation and completing the Father s new creation. We look this week at how the Spirit works in the life of individuals to create a new self that is less bound to the flesh and more alive to God. If the work of the Spirit is all about a new self, a new family, and a new world, then to live by the Spirit is to be freed from what is holding us back: the past, the old self, the shackles of sin: these are ways of being flesh and not Spirit. The future is God s preferred mode of being, and God is ever calling us there. But to answer that call requires that we get unhooked from the past being our preferred mode of being. Human beings share an instinct for survival with all the animal kingdom. We are programmed by the history of our ancestors. We tend to do whatever it takes to survive. That self of flesh is oriented toward repeating what we have inherited or what has 2
3 become habit to us. That s not always bad, but it can enslave us. We are all fragile selves. We feel threatened and anxious, fearful and worried at every turn. If we live out inherited ways of dealing with fear that involve escaping the pain of life by drinking or using drugs or running from conflict, we are living according to the flesh. If we deal with fear by confronting others with violence or abuse in order to protect ourselves, we are living according to the flesh. This instinct is known as flight or fight: it s a way of being that assumes that the only options for dealing with life are human. There s no place for divine action. This makes us children of flesh rather than children of God. I ve been reading a wonderful biography of Jackie Robinson by Arnold Rampersad. Jackie was born in Cairo, Georgia, but reared in Pasadena, California, after his mother moved her children out of the South in hopes of a better life. Jackie s father had abandoned the family, leaving his children a legacy of dealing with responsibility irresponsibly. Jackie s mother, Mallie, was determined that her children deal with grinding racial prejudice with grace. It was never easy. Jackie hated injustice, and he had more than his share of it. When he became the first black to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball, he was treated to cruel insults and demeaning offenses everywhere he went. But he drew upon deep convictions of who he really was that were drilled into him by his mother and reinforced by Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey. His mother told him: God will take care of you. You are a child of God, made in God s image. Because God is there, nothing can go wrong with you. You can allow yourself to take risks because you know that the Lord will not allow you to sink so far that you can t swim. 3 When Jackie played in the Negro League for the Kansas City Monarchs, his fellow players often indulged in loose moral behavior with liquor and women. His teammates were hard on him for his strong convictions. But as Rampersad puts it, [Jackie s] sense of self was tightly wound around core values of dignity and self-discipline, and he believed in God and the Bible. He drew a line in the dirt between himself and sin, and tried hard not to cross it. 4 3 Jackie Robinson: A Biography (Ballantine Books, 1997), p Ibid., p
4 When Branch Rickey signed Jackie Robinson, there were other black players who might have been better ballplayers. Rickey knew he needed one who was a better man. As one Methodist Christian to another, Rickey gave Jackie a copy of Giovanni Papini s popular Life of Christ and pointed to a passage quoting the words of Jesus that Papini called the most stupefying of His revolutionary teachings : Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: But whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 5 Rickey knew that Jackie had the sense of self to react nonviolently to being mistreated. That sense of self is a new self, and it is a work of the Holy Spirit. For Jackie and for any of us, the work of the Spirit frees us from a self of flesh that is contrary to our being children of God. Our new self is rooted and grounded in God, so that we can cry, Abba, Father! as Paul says, because no matter what others say about us, we know who we are. We are children of God, and we share with Christ himself the 5 Ibid., p inheritance of God s children. We may suffer, but if we suffer as children of God, we will be glorified in the end. Paul uses the language of adoption to express how we gain this new identity. John s Gospel expresses the same thing in a different way when Jesus says you have to be born again, or born anew, or born from above. What is born of flesh is flesh, Jesus tells Nicodemus, and what is born of Spirit is spirit. We all must be born of water once and then again of Spirit. When we are born of the Holy Spirit, we come to know ourselves as new selves, as children of God. Baptism is a symbol of that new self that comes as the work of the Holy Spirit. John Buchanan recently retired as the pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago after 48 years of ministry all told. He recalled a Sunday service in which he was baptizing a two-year-old boy. After the child had been baptized with water, John, following the directions of the Presbyterian prayer book, put his hand on the little boy s head and addressed him in Trinitarian language. He said, You are a child of God, sealed by the Spirit in your baptism, and you belong to Jesus 4
5 Christ forever. Unexpectedly, the little boy looked up and responded, Uh-oh. Reflecting on that amusing moment long ago, Buchanan called it... a stunning theological affirmation from the mouth of this child. That uh-oh was a recognition that everything had changed, that this boy would never be the same. He did not belong any more just to his biological family; he had now been born all over again, this time into God s Trinitarian family. Now he would be called to live out in the world the kind of love and self-giving that goes on among Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He was being called in his baptism to live a different way in the world, God s way, a way that is sometimes met with rejection and scorn. No wonder he said, Uh oh. 6 Last weekend I was privileged to offer the opening prayer for the Memorial Day event Carry the Load. This second-annual event was conceived by Stephen Holley, who grew up in our church, and by his old comrade 6 Cited by Tom Long in the_start_of_the_trail, from John Buchanan, Beginnings and Endings, The Christian Century (Jan. 25, 2012) in the Navy SEALs, Clint Bruce. Each participant was invited to spend however much of 20 hours and 12 minutes walking the Katy Trail in memory of those who gave their lives in service to our country on the battlefield or in defense of our communities as police officers and firefighters. You could also walk in honor of those who serve still. The idea began three years ago when Clint put a pack on his back and walked on Memorial Day at White Rock Lake. He was working out some of his demons, trying to deal with his frustration over the barbeque mentality that has beset our commemoration of this national holiday. An old gentleman stopped him in stride and asked him, Hey, man, who re you carrying? Clint knew in that moment what he meant. And he reminded us all at the start that this is the essence of spiritual sacrifice, that we carry one another. He put it plainly: If you aren t carrying anyone but yourself, I ve got no time for you. We all have to carry someone the way others carry us. Our society is afflicted with a flesh-eating bacteria of selfishness that is killing our souls. But one by one, God s Spirit is at work to heal and 5
6 make us new. We have to yield ourselves to God. And when we do, we receive a new self that frees us to live for and give ourselves for others. If we carry no one but ourselves, we are children of flesh. If we carry one another, we are children of God. 6
The Hope of Transformation Sunday, March 18, 2018
The Hope of Transformation Sunday, March 18, 2018 Series: Have You Heard the Good News? Scripture: Matthew 7:24-28; Romans 12:2 (pg. 1471, 1704) Theme: How Jesus transforms us. How would you define the
More informationThis is not all bad. The truth is, the Reformation habit of splitting has been good for the
George A. Mason World Communion Sunday Wilshire Baptist Church 1 October 2017 First in a series, The Legacy of Luther Dallas, Texas The New One John 17:1-3, 20-26; Ephesians 4:1-6 For the first thousand
More informationLuke 6D. Last week He had just begun the discipling process
Luke 6D 1 Luke 6D This morning we drop back into Jesus first day of classes for his disciples o As we said last time, Jesus has the unenviable task of preparing the disciples for their ministry - to lay
More informationThe Direction of Freedom
George A. Mason 6 th Sunday after Pentecost Wilshire Baptist Church 26 June 2016 Dallas, Texas The Direction of Freedom Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62 For freedom Christ has set us free. With Independence
More informationThe Quintessence of a Christian
George A. Mason 17 th Sunday after Pentecost Wilshire Baptist Church 16 September 2018 Dallas, Texas The Quintessence of a Christian Mark 8:27-38 It s a beautiful place, Caesarea Philippi. It s located
More informationLiving in Harmony with One Another John 17:20-26, 1 Peter 3:8-9, 3 John 1-11
1 Living in Harmony with One Another John 17:20-26, 1 Peter 3:8-9, 3 John 1-11 Did you hear about the small town where several churches got together to put on an autumn choral concert? On the evening of
More information7 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A February 23, 2014
7 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A February 23, 2014 Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 Matthew 5:38-48 Perfection is in the Eye of the Creator Has anyone
More informationPrayers of the People with Confession
Prayers of the People with Confession Let us pray for the Church and for the world. God of love, we pray for your church: For N., our Presiding Bishop; N. (and N), our bishop(s); for all lay and ordained
More informationSermon for Sunday, 24 February, Prepared and Delivered by The Rev. Vicki Betsinger. Luke 6: Psalm 37:1-11; 39-40
Sermon for Sunday, 24 February, 2019 Prepared and Delivered by The Rev. Vicki Betsinger Luke 6:27-38 Psalm 37:1-11; 39-40 May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be always acceptable
More informationSermons from a church with a conscience
February 23, 2014 Commemoration of Black History Month Sermons from a church with a conscience What Do We Tell Our Children? by The Reverend Jonyrma R. Singleton The Church of the Covenant Presbyterian
More informationHis Compassions Fail Not Lamentations 3:22-32, July 5, 2015 Trinity Sunday V
His Compassions Fail Not Lamentations 3:22-32, July 5, 2015 Trinity Sunday V Sermon Text, Lamentations 3:22-32 (KJV): It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail
More informationEPHESIANS #56 4: ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM, ONE FATHER (Ephesians 4) We have been looking together at the seven great bonds that unite all
EPHESIANS #56 4:5-6 2-3-13 ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM, ONE FATHER (Ephesians 4) We have been looking together at the seven great bonds that unite all true believers in Jesus Christ, these seven things we share
More informationKey Terms. The set of meanings, beliefs, values, and rules for living. It is shared by groups and societies as the source of their identity.
Key Terms Culture: The set of meanings, beliefs, values, and rules for living. It is shared by groups and societies as the source of their identity. Human: A scientific term that means belonging to, or
More informationWesley United Methodist Church Rev. Beverly E Stenmark Title: Stepping Out in Faith Text: Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33
Wesley United Methodist Church Rev. Beverly E Stenmark Title: Stepping Out in Faith Text: Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33 I had a sermon written for today a decent one. It was faithful to the scriptures.
More informationThere s another way we use the word mood. We have moods in grammar. There s the indicative, the imperative and the subjunctive moods.
George A. Mason Fourth Sunday of Epiphany Wilshire Baptist Church 29 January 2017 Fourth in a series, Light Work Dallas, Texas A Light Mood Micah 6:1-8; Matthew 5:1-12 The title of this sermon is A Light
More informationTHE MEANING AND PRACTICE OF BAPTISM
THE MEANING AND PRACTICE OF BAPTISM Rev. Dr. Bill Jones, June 2013 Membership in The United Methodist Church begins with the Sacrament of Baptism. Baptism symbolizes the initiative God takes in bestowing
More informationWHAT IT MEANS TO BE BAPTIZED
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 January 10, 2016 WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BAPTIZED On the Christian church calendar, today is The Baptism of the Lord Sunday. On this day, we remember and commemorate the baptism of Jesus.
More informationthat threatens our hearts and frees us to live fearlessly.
George A. Mason Fifth Sunday of Easter Wilshire Baptist Church 29 April 2018 Fourth in a series, The Beloved Community Dallas, Texas A Fearless Heart 1 John 4:7-21 Perfect love casts out fear, First John
More informationRidgway, Colorado Website: Facebook: Presbyterian Church (USA) Basic Beliefs
Ridgway, Colorado Website: www.ucsjridgway.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ucsjridgway We are affiliated with: Presbyterian Church (USA), Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, United Church of Christ
More informationThe Fireworks of Our Faith An Unusual Invitation to an Extraordinary Celebration Tekoa Robinson Trinity UCC, Manchester, MD
1 7.3.16 The Fireworks of Our Faith An Unusual Invitation to an Extraordinary Celebration Tekoa Robinson Trinity UCC, Manchester, MD Thanks for coming out on this fine summer morning as we anticipate the
More informationMEMBERSHIP COMMITMENT
FOUR POINTS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP COMMITMENT INTRODUCTION Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
More informationThe Greatest James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37 September 24, 2006
The Greatest James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37 September 24, 2006 There s a story about a man whose great ambition was to become a general in the army. He imagined all the attention he would get, everybody
More informationThe Reformer Martin Luther, writing on the freedom of the Christian, said, A
Freedom for Service 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 The Reformer Martin Luther, writing on the freedom of the Christian, said, A Christian person is a most free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian person is
More informationMessage was delivered at the Sunday morning worship service, January 3, 2009 by:
Message: Surrendering to the Spirit Text: Romans 8:11-17 Message was delivered at the Sunday morning worship service, January 3, 2009 by: Jon Cardwell Sovereign Grace Baptist Church 5440 Alabama Highway
More informationOvercoming Evil With Good Pastor Joe Oakley GFC
1 Overcoming Evil With Good Pastor Joe Oakley GFC 7-9-16 We are in a sermon series on hearing God called The Voice. I had a sermon all prepared for today on that and then I heard the Voice! I felt the
More informationIncredibles suit up in their special costumes and go to work defeating the principalities and powers of darkness.
George A. Mason 14 th Sunday after Pentecost Wilshire Baptist Church 26 August 2018 Dallas, Texas Armor, All Ephesians 6:10-20 I m all caught up now. In the span of one week, my granddaughters introduced
More informationGeorge A. Mason Trinity Sunday Wilshire Baptist Church 22 May 2016 Dallas, Texas Swaying Power John 16:12-15
George A. Mason Trinity Sunday Wilshire Baptist Church 22 May 2016 Dallas, Texas Swaying Power John 16:12-15 I didn t intend to preach a series on the Holy Spirit. Really. But that s the Holy Spirit for
More informationPentecost: The Gift of the Holy Spirit
1 West Valley Church Michael O Neill 5/20/18 Pentecost: The Gift of the Holy Spirit Today we celebrate Pentecost, one of the three main holidays, or holy days, of the Christian Church s calendar. What
More informationAre You Saved?: New Testament Doctrine of Salvation. Introduction
Are You Saved?: New Testament Doctrine of Salvation Introduction When Latter-Day Saints, especially full-time and Stake missionaries, come into contact with persons of other Christian denominations the
More informationa sermon: SALVATION IN CHRIST CALLS US TO BAPTISM AND CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Robert Baral*PASTOR THEOL*sermon-Salvation, Baptism & Church*11/22/2005 AD**page 1 a sermon: SALVATION IN CHRIST CALLS US TO BAPTISM AND CHURCH MEMBERSHIP Robert Baral 11/25/2005 AD Robert Baral*PASTOR
More informationBORN AGAIN! by Mike Taylor
BORN AGAIN! by Mike Taylor 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 3:6 That which is born of the flesh
More informationBACKGROUND FOR THE BIBLE PASSAGES
BACKGROUND FOR THE BIBLE PASSAGES Session 68: Baptism One of my seminary professors was a missionary in Malawi with the Foreign Mission Board (now the International Mission Board) for about 10 years. In
More informationMEMBERSHIP COVENANT GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH CAMPUSES IN NORTH LIBERTY AND IOWA CITY
MEMBERSHIP COVENANT GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH CAMPUSES IN NORTH LIBERTY AND IOWA CITY Page 2 of 10 INTRODUCTION The Grace Community Church Membership Covenant was created by the Elders to bring clarity to
More informationFree from Condemnation
Free from Condemnation Numbers 21:4-9, Romans 8:1-11, John 3:14-21. Chris Gousmett In the letters of Paul we find one term used extremely frequently: in Christ. Because the term is used so frequently,
More informationChrist s mission is now yours Luke 4:14-21
Christ s mission is now yours Luke 4:14-21 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues,
More informationBEING BAPTIST DISTINCTIVES THAT MATTER REGULAR BAPTIST PRESS
BEING BAPTIST DISTINCTIVES THAT MATTER REGULAR BAPTIST PRESS The Doctrinal Basis of Our Curriculum A more detailed statement with references is available upon request. The verbal, plenary inspiration of
More informationBiblical History Of Baptism
Biblical History Of Baptism Introduction: o There is probably no Bible doctrine more abused than the doctrine of baptism. Confusion concerning Bible doctrine comes from two sources: 1) The traditions of
More informationGOD WANTS A RELATIONSHIP Not a Performance
Bible Teaching Resources by Don Anderson Ministries PO Box 6611 Tyler, TX 75711-6611 903.939.1201 Phone 903.939.1204 Fax 1.877.326.7729 Toll Free www.bibleteachingresources.org www.oneplace.com/ministries/persevering_and_pressing_on
More informationSermon: Delight in Discipline - Hebrews 12 Rick Ezell. Scriptures: Hebrews 12:4-11. Introduction
Sermon: Delight in Discipline - Hebrews 12 Rick Ezell Scriptures: Hebrews 12:4-11 Introduction Athletics - football in the fall, basketball in the winter, baseball in the spring and summer - provided the
More informationTwo Great Doctrines INTRODUCTION. You will know them by their fruits. Mt. 7:16. by Rev. Winfield Poe
You will know them by their fruits. Mt. 7:16 Two Great Doctrines by Rev. Winfield Poe INTRODUCTION This book is written as a Bible study guide for pastors. It contains 16 Bible studies for the pastor to
More informationJesus Went A Little Farther
Jesus Went A Little Farther by Ellis P. Forsman Jesus Went A Little Farther 1 Jesus Went A Little Farther by Ellis P. Forsman October 12, 2011 Jesus Went A Little Farther 2 Jesus Went A Little Farther
More informationShall We Continue In Sin?
Shall We Continue In Sin? by Ellis P. Forsman Shall We Continue In Sin? 1 Shall We Continue In Sin? by Ellis P. Forsman October 7, 2011 Shall We Continue In Sin? 2 Shall We Continue In Sin? Rom. 6:1-23
More informationBasic Habits Of A Disciple
"... You have put off the old self with it s HABITS, and have put on the new self... (with it s HABITS) which God is continually renewing in His own image, to bring you to a full knowledge of Himself."
More informationTHE HOLY SPIRIT S MINISTRY TO SAINTS Part #2 I Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:13; Eph. 4:30
1 THE HOLY SPIRIT S MINISTRY TO SAINTS Part #2 I Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:13; Eph. 4:30 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been
More informationThe Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Amos 1, 2, 5 New Revised Standard Version The Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. 3) Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; 6) Thus says
More informationCHAPTER 11: HOLINESS I
CHAPTER 11: HOLINESS I I THINK it must be self-evident to every one present that it is the most important question that can possibly occupy the mind of man how much like God we can be, how near to God
More informationHow to Respond to Persecution
1 How to Respond to Persecution Sometimes we can relate to those who have gone before us as a testimony of faith and endurance. We can also learn from their teaching and admonishment as to how we should
More informationCHAPTER TWO LIKENESS TO CHRIST
CHAPTER TWO LIKENESS TO CHRIST The essential thing for holiness of life is to have a standard, and then to live without deviation by that standard. The Lord JESUS CHRIST has set that standard for us. "I
More informationSunday Morning Message November 12, 2017 Faith Extinguished Text for Today s Message Romans 14 Congregational Reading Romans 14:21-23 Introduction
Sunday Morning Message November 12, 2017 Faith Extinguished Text for Today s Message Romans 14 Congregational Reading Romans 14:21-23 Introduction For the last several messages, we have been studying from
More informationTo Live Is Christ Philippians 1:21-30
George A. Mason 16 th Sunday after Pentecost Wilshire Baptist Church 24 September 2017 Dallas, Texas To Live Is Christ Philippians 1:21-30 For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. That s the kind of
More informationTending the Flock John 21:1-19
Matthew Broyles Third Sunday of Easter Wilshire Baptist Church April 10, 2016 8:30 service Dallas, Texas Tending the Flock John 21:1-19 One of my and many other peoples favorite character to imitate is
More informationSo, let s sort through it.
George A. Mason Sixth Sunday of Easter Wilshire Baptist Church 6 May 2018 Fifth in a series, The Beloved Community Dallas, Texas What World We Conquer 1 John 5:1-6 What are you preaching on this week,
More informationOr in the delightful paraphrase of Huston Smith s mother: We are in good hands; therefore, let us take care of one another.
Pitt Street Uniting Church, 30 August 2015 A Contemporary Reflection by Rev Dr Margaret Mayman Pentecost 14B Whoever is not against us is for us Psalm 124; Contemporary Reading i ; Mark 9: 38-50 I ve been
More informationPlace: Lurgan Baptist 30:4:2017. Reading: John 14:1-17 THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD 1. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?
Place: Lurgan Baptist 30:4:2017 Reading: John 14:1-17 THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD 1. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? A preacher was about to deliver a carefully prepared message when there came to him the conviction
More informationYou Are Loved: Love Your Enemies by Senior Pastor Tom Harrison. January 29, 2017
You Are Loved: Love Your Enemies by Senior Pastor Tom Harrison January 29, 2017 INTRO) PRIORITY OF LOVE Love = agape We ve spoken about 4 different loves (Friends, Family, Sensual). Agape = God s love.
More informationHOW TO DEAL WITH THOSE WHO HAVE LITTLE OR NO CONCERN ABOUT THEIR SOULS
HOW TO DEAL WITH THOSE WHO HAVE LITTLE OR NO CONCERN ABOUT THEIR SOULS By R. A. Torrey R. A. Torrey (1856-1928) was a Congregational evangelist, teacher, author, born in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was educated
More informationKnowing Jesus. The Followers of Christ Luke 14: /24/2019. Main Idea: Following Jesus requires that we love Him more than anything else.
Knowing Jesus The Followers of Christ Luke 14:25-35 3/24/2019 Main Idea: Following Jesus requires that we love Him more than anything else. Lesson Objective: Love Christ FARMSTEAD BAPTIST CHURCH 1 Introduction
More informationHOW TO ENTER THE KINGDOM
5 HOW TO ENTER THE KINGDOM Getting Out Of The Kingdom Of Darkness Into The Kingdom Of Light There is a physical birth and a spiritual birth. Everyone that is born into the world is born of the flesh and
More informationDr. Hugh Hamilton Trinity Presbyterian Church Pensacola, FL November 26, 2017 Christ the King/The Reign of Christ
Dr. Hugh Hamilton Trinity Presbyterian Church Pensacola, FL November 26, 2017 Christ the King/The Reign of Christ CHRIST THE KING Luke 23:32-43 Colossians 1:11-20 What is Christ the King SUNDAY? Today
More informationGeorge A. Mason Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Wilshire Baptist Church 30 September 2018 Dallas, Texas In One Peace Mark 9:38-50
George A. Mason Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Wilshire Baptist Church 30 September 2018 Dallas, Texas In One Peace Mark 9:38-50 I have a confession to make. I don t like it when Christians I disagree
More informationThursday - April 4 READING: Romans 10
Thursday - April 4 READING: Romans 10 God s Plan for Israel (10:14-21) A few years ago, Olivia had the opportunity to go on a missions trip to Israel. The trip was meant to focus on taking the gospel to
More informationNehemiah: Building Through The Spirit
June 4, 2017 National Presbyterian Church Nehemiah: Building Through The Spirit Nehemiah 1:1-4; 2: 11, 17-20; 3:1-3, 12; 6:15-16 1 Corinthians 12:1-4, 27-31; 13:1, 14:39-40; Acts 2 David Renwick Over the
More information"From the Heart: Living By Another Standard" 2 Corinthians 10:1-18. Rev. Ron Holmes. October 31, 2010
11500 West 20th Avenue Lakewood, Colorado 80215 303-238-2482 (Fax 303 238 2337) www.soth.net contact us at mail@soth.net 9:00 a.m. Christian Education 10:00 a.m. Worship Children's Sunday School during
More informationGod isn t even as coy as that boy. This story from Ezekiel is about God
George A. Mason 5 th Sunday in Lent Wilshire Baptist Church 2 April 2017 Fifth in a series, A Way Other than Our Own Dallas, Texas Life After Death Ezekiel 37:1-14 We ve discovered a pattern as we ve hopscotched
More informationA Word Concerning Confrontation # 10. Matthew 5: 38-42
A Word Concerning Confrontation # 10 Matthew 5: 38-42 As we continue our study in the Sermon on the Mount, we come to a passage that we all have heard a portion of quoted many times in our lives: An eye
More informationThere is only One Body not Three
There is only One Body not Three There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and
More informationWorship Service: MEMORIAL DAY (Sunday or closest day)
Worship Service: MEMORIAL DAY (Sunday or closest day) Helpful elements: U.S. flags (drape or display on wall) A real or artificial red poppy, worn on lapel Welcome: Welcome! It s so good to be together
More informationBEGINNING YOUR NEW LIFE
BEGINNING YOUR NEW LIFE This series consists of eight lessons designed to biblically guide the new believer to living the life that would be pleasing to the Lord. These lessons will show that God has given
More information1. LEADER PREPARATION
apologetics: Jesus christ Lesson 1: Understanding the Trinity This includes: 1. Leader Preparation 2. Lesson Guide 1. LEADER PREPARATION LESSON OVERVIEW In this lesson, your students will examine one of
More informationLearn to Read Genesis Effectively
Distance Learning Programme Session 4 All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights
More informationIntroduction. God s Big Agenda -- Reconciliation
Session Three: Practical and Social Theology I BREAKING BOUNDARIES: EMBRACING THE OTHER WHILE HOLDING FAST TO OUR IN CHRIST IDENTITY Prakash Nemade South Asia Nazarene Bible College Introduction 1 In recent
More informationAbiding in Jesus. Scope & Sequence
Abiding in Jesus Abiding in Jesus Scope & Sequence A Study for Youth on Trusting Jesus and Encouraging Others By Sally Michael Abiding in Jesus challenges youth to live in daily dependence on Jesus. Leader
More informationGeorge A. Mason 8 th Sunday after Pentecost Wilshire Baptist Church 15 July 2018 Dallas, Texas Meant to Be Ephesians 1:3-14
George A. Mason 8 th Sunday after Pentecost Wilshire Baptist Church 15 July 2018 Dallas, Texas Meant to Be Ephesians 1:3-14 The world held its collective breath this week as we all followed the harrowing
More information9/9/12 James 2:1 17 FAITH AND WORKS. Faith and Works. James 2:1-17
Faith and Works James 2:1-17 Have you ever given serious thought to Faith and Works and how they relate to you and your walk with God? James starts this passage by calling his readers brother and sisters
More informationAdult Sunday School Lesson Summary for February 14, 2010 Released on Wednesday, February 10, "Declared by Peter"
Adult Sunday School Lesson Summary for February 14, 2010 Released on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 "Declared by Peter" Lesson Text: Matthew 16:13 27 Background Scripture: Matthew 16:13 27 Devotional Reading:
More informationtheir moral character but the quality of their music. It was good music. It was music they could be proud of and the name stuck. 1
George A. Mason 500-year Anniversary of the Reformation Wilshire Baptist Church 15 October 2017 Third in a series, The Legacy of Luther Dallas, Texas Just Faith Romans 1:16-17, 5:1-3; Ephesians 2:8-9 If
More informationElona Street-Stewart Executive Synod of Lakes and Prairies Address to 222nd General Assembly
Elona Street-Stewart Executive Synod of Lakes and Prairies Address to 222nd General Assembly Creator God and Ruler of all nations, we welcome your presence every day. In times of joy and times of need,
More informationIn Search of the Lord's Way. "Overcoming Hurts"
"Overcoming Hurts" Living with the people that you love isn t always easy. Hello, I m Phil Sanders; and this is a Bible study, In Search of the Lord s Way. God s word teaches us how to have happy lives
More informationI quote here Bishop Timothy Whitaker of Florida, who wrote:
1 Texts: Revelation 19:6-10, Luke 22:24-30 Title: Holy Communion as a Converting Sacrament 1. Holy Communion can convert you 2. If you re really open to Christ, and want more faith 3. This can happen at
More informationThe Faith of Ordinary People
The Faith of Ordinary People When my mother was diagnosed with stomach cancer, she was immediately rushed into surgery. The doctor opened her up; looked inside, and then sewed her back. That evening, with
More informationOUTWARD RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT ENOUGH ISAIAH 58:1-14
www.biblestudyworkshop.org 1 OUTWARD RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT ENOUGH ISAIAH 58:1-14 www.biblestudyworkshop.org 2 Text: OUTWARD RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT ENOUGH Isaiah 58:1-14, 1. Shout loudly! Don t be quiet! Yell
More informationCONFESSION OF FAITH. Article I Covenant
CONFESSION OF FAITH Article I Covenant Having been led by the Holy Spirit to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the public confession of our faith having been baptized in the name of the
More informationBiographical Book Paper on "Dreams from My Father" by Barack Obama
Surname 1 Name of student Name of professor Name of course Date of submission Biographical Book Paper on "Dreams from My Father" by Barack Obama In 1995 Barack Obama s memoir Dreams from my father: a story
More informationNovena to the Holy Spirit
Novena to the Holy Spirit (For 2014 Start from Friday 30 th May 14 and end on Pentecost Sunday 8 th June 14) Come Holy Spirit, and enkindle in us the fire of your love! Between Ascension and Pentecost
More informationThe Gospel. Described. The Gospel is good news. The Gospel relates to salvation
The Gospel Described The Gospel is the proclamation of God s salvation through Jesus Christ to totally undeserving humans. This salvation involves being freed from eternal condemnation, sin, spiritual
More informationJesus went the distance for us, and we are called to go the distance for Him.
Back to Basics pt. 13 Faithful to the End Hebrews 12:1-8 Intro We have been on a great journey together during these 13 weeks of Back to Basics. We have learned what it means to have a personal relationship
More informationRomans 8:12-17 Led by the spirit
Romans 8:12-17 Led by the spirit LESSON FOCUS: We become co-heirs with Christ when we allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit so that we might become fully obedient sons and daughters of God. LESSON OUTCOMES:
More informationCalled to a Life of Discipleship
Faith Evangelical Free Church July 31, 2016 Brian W. Anderson Called to a Life of Discipleship Though I ve been back from my sabbatical now for three weeks, this is my first opportunity to stand in front
More informationS P I R I T U A L G R O W T H
S P I R I T U A L G R O W T H PART III by Evangelist Norman R. Stevens SPIRITURAL GROWTH Part 3 Please open your Bibles to II Peter chapter three and verse eighteen. I would like to preach a message entitled
More informationAn Honest Self-Assessment, Honestly Sunday, October 22, 2017
An Honest Self-Assessment, Honestly Sunday, October 22, 2017 Series: Oh, The Places You ll Go! Except When You Don t. Scripture: Romans 12:3 (pg. 1719) Theme: How to recognize the voice of God. I told
More informationVeterans and service members, friends and family. I am deeply humbled to spend Veterans Day here with you.
Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Texas National Cemetery Foundation Veterans Day Program Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery Admiral Patrick M. Walsh Thursday November 11, 2010 Veterans and service members,
More informationHEBREWS 14 (Hebrews 4:1,2) DON T FALL SHORT OF GOD S REST By Ron Harvey
HEBREWS 14 (Hebrews 4:1,2) DON T FALL SHORT OF GOD S REST By Ron Harvey INTRODUCTION The title of the sermon this morning is Don t Fall Short of God s Rest or Make Sure You Get To Heaven. And, has there
More informationQuestions for Group Discussions
Study Guide Prayer to Say Before Each Session Lord, all that I have and possess you have given me. I give all of it back to you, to use according to your will. Take my freedom, my past, my perceptions,
More informationEphesians 4:4-7 Jason Henderson Market Street Fellowship One Baptism
Ephesians 4:4-7 Jason Henderson Market Street Fellowship 080406 One Baptism We re going to get back into the book of Ephesians today. We were in Ephesians chapter four, and we came up to Paul s list of
More informationSeptember 5, 2009Preached at Mt. Liberty CP Church by Rev. Don Winn Page 1
WHOSE SLAVE ARE YOU? (Romans 6:15-23) INTRODUCTION: When we refer to an unpleasant or unpopular topic sometimes we use only the first letter to refer to it. Like around April 15th we may use the "T" word.
More informationThe Baptism of the Holy Spirit BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST The word ghost means the spirit of the departed. The Holy Ghost is the Holy Spirit of God that dwelled in the body of Jesus Christ, left that physical
More informationSomething Borrowed, Something Blue, Something Ancient, Something New Mark 1:21-28; Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Jakob Topper 11:00 service Dallas, Texas 28 January 2018 Fourth Sunday after The Epiphany Wilshire Baptist Church Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Something Ancient, Something New Mark 1:21-28; Deuteronomy
More informationLord, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of every heart be acceptable unto You, our rock and our redeemer. Amen.
1 Sermon Text: John 10:22-33 Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of every heart be acceptable unto You, our rock and our redeemer. Amen. I do try usually to begin with some bit of humor
More informationIntroduction THREE LEVELS OF THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
Introduction What is the nature of God as revealed in the communities that follow Jesus Christ and what practices best express faith in God? This is a question of practical theology. In this book, I respond
More informationPower In The Kingdom. John 1:12
Power In The Kingdom John 1:12 One does not have the be a Christian for many years before he begins to wonder, Is there really such a thing as victorious Christian living? Do I only have the promise of
More information