LESSONS FROM LIVING WATERS: ABOUND IN CHRIST John 4:7-15; 7:37-38; Isaiah 41:17-20; 44:3
|
|
- Bartholomew Egbert Mills
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 LESSONS FROM LIVING WATERS: ABOUND IN CHRIST John 4:7-15; 7:37-38; Isaiah 41:17-20; 44:3 December 13, 2015 Providence INTRODUCTION: What role will the church play in the years ahead? Threats abound on all sides violence from ISIS, or from brutal criminals, or for the unborn, unwanted baby make our world feel unsafe blatant sensuality and rampant immorality undermine the moral fiber of our nation followers of Christ face marginalization and mockery and persecution and even martyrdom educational bias, whether racially, socio-economically and ideologically threatens to undo our national commitment to literacy infrastructures show signs of crumbling with no plans or funds allocated to maintain them politicians and government leaders struggle to offer hope to a divided nation and world. So are we without hope? Does the church simply crawl into holy huddles and wait for the worst? Or in this dry and weary land where there is no water will we dare to raise our voices and declare Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters of the Savior, Jesus Christ! We must never fear the desert when He is our fountain who alone can satisfy the deepest thirsts we face as we live in a dusty, arid world! THESIS: God knows we live in a dry and weary land and our souls are parched whenever they are not planted by the streams of living water available only in Christ. In Isaiah 41, the Lord speaks to the issue of spiritual dryness. We will take notice of two key issues: the desert and the river. I. THE DESERT Isaiah 41:17 The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, And their tongue is parched with thirst --Apart from the Lord, life becomes an unbearable journey, parched with a thirst for something that will satisfy our souls. ILLUS. Years ago on a mission trip to Haiti, I experienced that kind of parching thirst and have never forgotten it! One afternoon, four of our group decided to hike over the mountain and see the Caribbean on the other side. Our guide assured us it was not too far. So off we went with one canteen of water for the four of us! As we made our way through desert-like conditions with cactus and thorns tearing at our clothes and piercing our shoes, we finally reach the peak of the mountain. Hot and thirsty, we decided to wait until we had reached the top of the mountain to have a drink, in spite of the scorching sun and baked sand under our feet. Imagine our dismay when we reached the top and discovered that this was only the first mountain between us and the sea! We now realized that we would have to ration our water if we were going to make it back without someone passing out from the heat and exhaustion. We made it back with no serious incidents, but we were absolutely worn out and felt completely dehydrated by the time we completed our adventure. We rushed to the nearest source of liquid refreshment a small stand selling Cokes and Fantas. They could have charged us anything they wanted, and we would have paid. We needed a remedy for a thirst that was as great as any I have ever known. I bought two Cokes and guzzled the first one in one big gulp. The second one I savored because it was not only wet, but cold! But something unexpected happened. Although there was immediate relief, the high sugar content of the soft drinks effectively made me more thirsty in a very short time. The satisfaction I needed could only come from a pure source of water, which I eventually found and the remedy was a welcome relief from a difficult time of extreme dryness --The church will either fall in the desert, or we will flourish and abound by the living waters of Jesus Christ. Psalms 63:1 O God, Thou art my God; I shall seek Thee earnestly; My soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. --We live in a desert when we allow any distance to develop between where we are and the river of living waters promised by Jesus Christ. John 7:37-38 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.
2 2 --How do we then come so often to live in a spiritual desert, that dry and weary land where there is no water? A. THE DESERT IN A FALLEN WORLD --Living in a world marred by the fall of the human race into sin places us in a spiritual wasteland, a place where drought is normal, dryness is the natural state and apart from a work of God to transplant us by the streams of living water, we are all consigned to this deadly wilderness. --Some have never known what it is to live in the lush, fertile environment of a well-watered world desert dwellers have no points of reference when they hear about trees planted by the water, abounding in greenery and fruitfulness. B. THE DESERT OF GOD S JUDGMENT 1 Kings 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, As the LORD, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word. --The drought lasted three and half years (Luke 4:25; James 5:17) as the Lord demonstrated His judgment against the evil reign of King Ahab in the land of Israel. --God has the right to cut us off from the flow of His life-giving streams of mercy and rivers of abundance when we have defied Him and denied Him again and again! ILLUS. Later on in the history of Israel, when Babylon had sought to completely devour God s people, the Lord pronounced His judgment against that empire. The language of His condemnation of them speaks of them as a wilderness, a parched land and a desert (Jer 50:12) a parched land and a desert, a land in which no man lives, and through which no man passes (Jer 51:43). Often the Lord speaks of the way He shows His disfavor in terms of a lack of water, a drought and the land a desert wilderness! C. THE DESERT OF OUR OWN CREATION --But there are also times when we effectively create our own desert environment and distance ourselves from the living waters of the Lord by the choices we make. 1. The Flow Is Restricted a. By the Presence of Unconfessed Sin --Since sin blocks our relationship with the Lord, it is hardly surprising to realize that our spiritual dryness can be the result of sin in our lives. Psalms 66:18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; --Sin breaks the fellowship and severs the flow because the barrier you have put between you and the Lord leaves you unprotected from the searing winds of a guilty conscience! b. As a Consequence of Unresolved Conflicts --Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness will drain the waters of spiritual vitality from your soul as quickly as anything. --Fiery encounters with others can generate enough heat to wilt you and dry up what remains of the reservoir of living water. --Somehow people cannot figure out that if we fail to be reconciled with others, we can never expect a heart clogged by bitterness to be flooded with the waters of life. 1John 4:20 If someone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.
3 3 c. As a Result of Unwilling Attitudes --If we have chosen to turn a deaf ear to God s will and have place limits on how far we will allow Him to take us in our walk with Him, a damn constructed of stones of disobedience can cut off the rivers of living waters. ILLUS. If you have decided that no matter what anyone says or does, you refuse to become as fanatical as some to be as expressive as others to allow yourself to go overboard spiritually and let it start impacting the non-religious aspects of your life you are in danger of restricting the flow of streams of refreshment and nourishment God intends for you. d. By the Toleration of Unfulfilled Commitments --When we excuse our failures to keep our commitments to ourselves and to the Lord, we actually tolerate what should never be acceptable to those who care enough to make promises to God. --So many Christians cannot understand why they find themselves in a period of spiritual dryness, yet they have allowed themselves to go without regular times of refreshment with the Lord. --No one can expect to abound in Christ and abandon their commitments to be with Him. 2. The River Is Abandoned ILLUS. One of the sad realities we must face is that there are some who come to the water, see its refreshing flow, but turn away to try to quench their thirst elsewhere. Whether it is the student heading off to college wanting to taste the bitter fluids of rebellion the bored and discontented man or woman who thinks there might be satisfaction in another fountain. Our hearts break as they turn away from the River of Life in Christ and seek to satisfy their parched souls in another way. a. To Follow Wilderness Roads and Desert Lands --With the river at our backs, we take off in the opposite direction in the pursuit of life on our own terms never taking into consideration that we have made no provision, nor can we, for an alternative source of water. --We complain about our thirst while there is an abundance of water right behind us! --The paths we are inclined to choose lead us away from the water and its fullness, while the path the Lord shows us leads us to the fruitful pleasures of God s delights. Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; In Thy presence is fulness of joy; In Thy right hand there are pleasures forever. b. To Rely on Broken Cisterns and Dry Wells --People cannot live without the water of life so they are constantly trying to find alternatives instead of simply trusting the Lord. Jeremiah 2:11-13 Has a nation changed gods, when they were not gods? But My people have changed their glory For that which does not profit. 12 Be appalled, O heavens, at this, and shudder, be very desolate, declares the LORD. 13 For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. --How long will they settle for leaking vessels of stagnant liquids when God promises to give us the fountain of living waters?
4 4 --The result of all these things is that life gets dry, parched and we find ourselves desperately struggling to survive in the desert when God has promised a way to flourish in the well-watered land of His presence. II. THE RIVER --After a week of watching the ravages of dry conditions igniting the San Diego area in flames from wildfire and after ten days in drought stricken Zimbabwe and after a few months of exceptional water shortages here in the southeastern US, who would choose the desert over the river? Psalms 36:8-9 They drink their fill of the abundance of Thy house; and Thou dost give them to drink of the river of Thy delights. 9 For with Thee is the fountain of life; in Thy light we see light. A. AN AWAKENING OF LIFE BY THE RIVER --There are two striking pictures of what appear to be the same event, one in Ezekiel 47 and one in Revelation In each case, a river flows from the Temple in Ezekiel and from the Throne of God and of the Lamb in Revelation (for there is no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty and the Lamb, are its temple (Rev 21:22). --Several points need to be noted as the river of life flows from the Lord: 1. The River Deepens as It Moves Ezekiel 47: From a trickle at the threshold, ankle deep after 1000 cubits, knee deep after 1000 more, loin deep after 1000 more and too much to ford from that point all the way to the Dead Sea. --Under normal conditions, water spreads and grows shallower the farther it gets from its source, but since the Source of this river is the Lord, it grows ever deeper and gives life. Note: Like this rising water, the early encounters we have with the truths of God are easier to understand then comes a level of insight that requires more depth of wisdom from the Spirit then we find that the vast depths of His knowledge and truth leave us in wonder and awe and nothing to do but bow in adoring worship! 2. The Wilderness Flourishes as It Spreads Ezekiel 47: Everything lives where the river goes! --From Jerusalem east toward the Dead Sea is the most desolate wilderness and desert imaginable, barren land if ever there was any! 3. The Dead Sea Freshens from Its Flow ILLUS. When Cathy and I visited the Dead Sea several years ago, we did what everyone does we went for swim! We were advised that 1) the density of the mineral content would keep you afloat whether you are good at that or not; and 2) you better not shave or have any nicks or cuts because you will suffer the burn from the salt! It was a unique experience to say the least!! Ezekiel 47:8-10 The Dead Sea is so saturated with salt and other minerals that it presently cannot sustain life, but when the river from the Temple hits it, it will be refreshed and a source of abundant life. Note: Unlike other sea water, the water of the Dead Sea contains 24-26% minerals as opposed to 4-6% for other seas. No fish or other aquatic life can be found there. 4. The Trees Prosper on Its Banks Ezekiel 47:12 Trees bearing all kinds of fruit for food and leaves that never wither or fall will be nourished along the shores of this river.
5 5 Revelation 22:2 River of the water of life in the middle of its street. And on either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. The Tree of Life Fruit in Abundance Leaves for Healing --So a wilderness and desert land with no water will be flooded with the river of living water, the life-giving water which flows from the throne of God. --Jesus promises that all who drink from that water will never thirst again: John 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life. --If your thirst has never been satisfied by all that you have tried, Christ invites you to come and trust in Him and drink deeply of the living water that only He can give! B. AN ABUNDANCE OF FRUIT BY THE RIVER Psalms 1:3 And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. --Once that life has begun, there are so many factors that can limit the fruitfulness of it, as we all well know. --Beginning life through the fountain of life eternal does not mean that there will never be any dryness just as we have already noted in our thoughts about life in the desert. --But if we are to bear much fruit, as Jesus says we must, we cannot abandon our place by the river of life if we expect to avoid dry spells and barren periods in our walk with Christ. C. A SUSTAINING OF VITALITY FROM THE RIVER --When life gets hot and dry, we can count on drawing refreshment from roots that plunge deep into the moist soil along the edge of the river of life. --When our life juices begin to diminish, it is time to check to see if our roots are embedded in the bank along the river. --Sometimes we can know the promises and believe in the faithfulness of the Lord, but we still feel lifeless, fruitless and helpless against the hardships of life. D. A PROMISE OF REJUVENATION FROM THE RIVER --Inevitably, we find ourselves run into times of spiritual dryness and need to be reminded that God Himself has promised to rejuvenate us and restore us to the abundant life to which Christ called us. Isaiah 41: Armed with this promise, we can count on the Lord to open the rivers for us and pour out on us the floods of His goodness and the overflow of His love. CONCLUSION: How will Providence respond in the years ahead? The dryness around us will not go away until Jesus comes again and the river of delight flows from the place where His glory dwells. How will you face the future with your back to the river, or will you plant yourself by the stream of living waters and bear much fruit for Christ?
6 Our response to this promise? 6 1. Do not postpone your return to the water! --You will only find refreshment when you get back, so why delay when you know that nothing else can satisfy your thirst? 2. Prepare to spend extra time and attention to restore what has been lost by refocusing on the Word and prayer. --If the dryness is serious, and it is, you cannot treat it as business as usual and hope to overcome it. 3. Let someone know what you are going through so they can encourage and pray for you. 4. Hold onto the hope that Christ is pursuing you even more diligently than you are Him. --As you are seeking Him, He is seeking you and longs to restore you to your rightful place by the streams of living water and then allow the fountain of life eternal to flow again through you. John 7:37-38 Jesus stood and cried out, saying, If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water. Come Lord Jesus! Let the River flow! December 13, 2015 Providence Baptist Church David Horner, 2015 Sermon outlines are copyrighted in the event of future publication. They may be used for preaching and teaching purposes but may not be published or sold.
International Bible Lessons Commentary Ezekiel 47:1-12
International Bible Lessons Commentary Ezekiel 47:1-12 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, November 16, 2014 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday
More informationIf your spirit is a plant, how are you doing: are you wilting or flourishing? Are you dying inside, or are you blossoming?
1 THRIVE! Cultivating a Healthy Spirit If your spirit is a plant, how are you doing: are you wilting or flourishing? Are you dying inside, or are you blossoming? 1. Believe this: You can thrive! Take hope!
More informationJesus is By Chris Monnerjahn
Jesus is By Chris Monnerjahn Isaiah 32:1-2 Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, and a cover from the tempest, as
More informationThe Jesus Series: RELY, Part 2. John 7:37-39
The Jesus Series: RELY, Part 2 Sunday, October 21, 2018 John 7:37-39 We are continuing a journey through the Gospel of John, the Jesus series, and as I mentioned last week, we are taking a bit of a side
More informationThere are no days off for water. We must have it to survive. God made us this way. Story:
CrossRoads September 2, 2007 At the Well- Dying of Thirst John 7:37-38; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Revelation 22:17 Thoughts and Ideas from Come Thirsty by Max Lucado 1 Important questions for people who want
More informationA Compassionate Call to a Promised People. Jeremiah 2: 1-13
A Compassionate Call to a Promised People Jeremiah 2: 1-13 The setting of our text is very early in Jeremiah s ministry. He had been called of God, a prophet to the people of Israel. It has been some 800
More informationSermon Series: To be used with: Sermon Title Possibilities: Scripture: Connection to Unit Theme: Introduction:
Sermon Series: Storm Shelter: Psalms of God s Embrace To be used with: Session Four: The Shelter of God s Encouragement Sermon Title Possibilities: Longing For The Lord Scripture: Psalm 42 Connection to
More informationA Bible Study with Stan Key WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE 1. John 7:37 39
got life? The Gospel of John A Bible Study with Stan Key WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE 1 John 7:37 39 I. A Biblical History of Water From the second verse of the Bible (Gn 1:2) to the final paragraph (Rv 22:17),
More informationTrinity Lutheran Church Contemporary Worship Service March 4, :45
Trinity Lutheran Church Contemporary Worship Service March 4, 2012 10:45 CALL TO WORSHIP L: Come, join the journey of Jesus today! C: We come in our different ways, walking in our own styles, at our own
More informationBroken Cisterns. Jeremiah 2:1-13
Broken Cisterns Jeremiah 2:1-13 A. Israel s Initial Devotion (1-3) 1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem: This is what the Lord says: I remember the devotion
More informationWho are you Trusting in?
Who are you Trusting in? Jeremiah 17:5-8 Pastor Jim Rademaker When the descendants of Noah settled in a plain called Shinar, they had a plan, a very ambitious plan. "Come, let us build ourselves a city
More informationAre You Thirsty? Thirsty Prayers. Luke 13: 1-9; Isaiah 55; Psalm 63. The Rev. Emily Krause Corzine Associate Minister.
Are You Thirsty? (4 Thirsty Prayers Luke 13: 1-9; Isaiah 55; Psalm 63 The Rev. Emily Krause Corzine Associate Minister February 28, 2016 From the Pulpit The First Congregational Church, United Church of
More informationORDER OF WORSHIP November 11th, th Sunday after Pentecost/32 nd Sunday in Ordinary Time ~Veterans Day~
ORDER OF WORSHIP November 11th, 2018 25 th Sunday after Pentecost/32 nd Sunday in Ordinary Time ~Veterans Day~ Please sign and pass the Friendship Book ( pew pad ) where you can also record any prayer
More informationSound of Abundance of Rain. Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,
Sound of Abundance of Rain I Kings 18:41-46 41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went
More informationPsalm 63. (2015) The Bible not only reveals God s eternal plans purposes and promises. But also shows how you can know God for yourself.
Welcome to: - Bible House of Grace. God, through His Son Jesus, provides eternal grace for our failures and human limitations. Psalm 63. (2015) The Bible not only reveals God s eternal plans purposes and
More informationThe Smitten Rock 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized
More informationA TRANSFORMING STREAM
November 16, 2014 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON A TRANSFORMING STREAM MINISTRY INVOCATION O God: We give thanks to You for the manifold blessings to us. You did not have to bless us but You did. We shall
More informationA Better Paradise Restored
A Better Paradise Restored Ezekiel 47:1-12 (text); John 7:37-38; Revelation 22:1-5 Rev. Nollie Malabuyo May 22, 2011 Since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, mankind has always longed for
More informationThe Inner Journey to. Bethlehem. Jerry Welte
The Inner Journey to Bethlehem Jerry Welte The Inner Journey to Bethlehem Introduction The birth of Christ came about after a physical journey to Bethlehem. Yet, for God to be born in the world, a journey
More informationThe LORD Is My Shepherd Text: Psalm 23:1-6 Series: The Psalms [#22] Pastor Lyle L. Wahl September 26, 2010
The LORD Is My Shepherd Text: Psalm 23:1-6 Series: The Psalms [#22] Pastor Lyle L. Wahl September 26, 2010 Theme: God Shepherds His Sheep Perfectly. Introduction Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar Psalms,
More informationIf anyone does not love the Lord a curse be on him. Come, O Lord!
Title: The Call to Love Text: 1 Corinthians 16.22 Theme: Loving the Community of Christ Series: 1 Corinthians #98 Prop Stmnt God is good to command us to love Him even under the threat of curse. I fully
More informationThe fountain of living waters
The fountain of living waters Reference: SHM-S09-040-Mw-R00-P2 (Originally spoken on 10 November 2013, edited on 11 November 2013) Web site: http://www.ajourneyinlife.org and http://www.ajourneyinlife.com
More informationChrist and the Spirit
Christ and the Spirit John 7:37-39 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture
More informationOdes of Solomon Continued
Odes of Solomon Continued Solomon - Peaceable and Full of Love The grass withers and the tree dies; but they that trust in the LORD GOD Endure Forever. There is no landscape where their beauty isn't seen;
More informationHIS FINAL WORDS. The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross. Message Five: Words of Agony John 19:28-29
HIS FINAL WORDS The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross Message Five: Words of Agony John 19:28-29 Water has been described as the world s most valuable natural resource. There are 326 million cubic miles
More informationLuke (Lucas) 13:6-7 He also spoke this parable: "A certain [man] had a
Luke (Lucas) 13:6-7 He also spoke this parable: "A certain [man] had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look,
More informationA Guide to Prayer on Election Day
A Guide to Prayer on Election Day The call is to sow for a great awakening in our land. It is preeminently a clarion call to prayer. This is an invitation not so much for a day of prayer for this nation
More information80 days of bible Study and prayer
2 0 1 7 80 days of bible Study and prayer HELLO & WELCOME! - - 1 2 - 3 2 - 3 4 Week one June 19th-june 25th 5 4 June 19th Week one: day 1 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which
More informationA Hunger For God's Presence
A Hunger For God's Presence We have looked at the first step towards revival, humbling ourselves. We will now move on to the second step as outlined in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Prayer, that is acknowledging
More informationSermon preached by Dr. Neil Smith at Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Kingstowne, Virginia, on Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sermon preached by Dr. Neil Smith at Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Kingstowne, Virginia, on Sunday, January 22, 2012 GOD S WAY TO REFORMATION AND REVIVAL Isaiah 44:1-8 Last Sunday, as we began
More informationCHRISTMAS ADVENT DEVOTIONAL. hope peace joy love
CHRISTMAS ADVENT DEVOTIONAL hope peace joy love Christmas Advent Devotional 2 We re excited for you to join us on our Christmas Advent Devotional. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we ll explore the
More informationBOOK ONE PSALMS 1-41
BOOK ONE PSALMS 1-41 1 1 Happy* indeed is the person who does not follow the counsel of the irreligious, or linger in the way of sinners*, or sit and scoff with cynics; Psalm 1 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time
More informationGOOD FRIDAY Sermon by Scott Lowther
04/22/11 GOOD FRIDAY Sermon by Scott Lowther Let s open with prayer: Father we want to thank you for what this day represents to us. You are the Father of mercy, you are the God of all grace. And tonight
More information30 Days of Prayer for. Clean Water
30 Days of Prayer for Clean Water And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord s people. Water
More information2.8. (31) A proverbial expression probably meaning here If the Romans so treat the innocent Jesus, what will be the fate of the guilty Jerusalem?
1 Luke 23:26-43 7-15-07 Great Grace! 1. Intro: 1.1. Outline: Toward The Cross(26-31); On The Cross(32-43). 1.1.1. Commandeered to Carry; Weeping Warning; Great Grace; Fantastic Faith; Absolute Assurance.
More informationOur Savior Lutheran Church Mankato, Minnesota. The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany February 17, 2019
Greeting and Announcements Our Savior Lutheran Church Mankato, Minnesota The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany February 17, 2019 Hymn of Invocation: Renew Me, O Eternal Light LSB 704 1 Renew me, O eternal
More information1. UNDERSTAND GOD S CALL IS DEMANDING (11:18-19)
Text: Jeremiah 12:1-6 Title: Worn Out! Let s open our Bibles to Jeremiah 12. As you re turning let me quickly remind you what s happening in the book of Jeremiah. The Lord has a problem with His people.
More informationMatthew 5:6 Hungering and Thirsting for God
Matthew 5:6 Hungering and Thirsting for God Do you know the difference between what you want and what you need? I remember taking a trip to Haiti and the missions group that I was going with had to have
More informationWHY I KNOW YOU RE GOING TO MAKE IT
Text: Ephesians 3:14-21 WHY I KNOW YOU RE GOING TO MAKE IT Introduction 1. Paul is writing to the believers in Ephesus (the chief city of Asia Minor) 2. He is writing from prison and deals with sound doctrine
More informationPSALM 69 Reading Guide. April 27 May 3, 2014
PSALM 69 Reading Guide April 27 May 3, 2014 PSALM 69 2 PSALM 69 1 Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. 2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters,
More informationHeavenly Realms - Destiny
Heavenly Realms - Destiny Scroll or book our lives Out of Eternity - Letter of decree or commission Purpose, Provision for our Destiny Accessed in heavenlies Matt 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done,
More informationI Thirst (Mat )
I Thirst (Jn. 19.28) WestminsterReformedChruch.org Pastor Ostella 10-10-2004 Introduction It is interesting to reflect on the fact that the gospel narratives do not dramatize the crucifixion of Christ.
More informationHere John gives us an editorial comment on what Jesus is talking about. John tells us that this phrase:
The Holy Spirit Speaks to a Listening World Part II Introduction On the day of Pentecost, for the first time in the history of man, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the believers. And Peter told those
More informationJuly Prayer Points. Prayer Points-July 2013
July Prayer Points Prayer Points-July 2013 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they
More informationMAGNIFY THE LORD WITH ME Luke 1:46-55
December 21, 2014 Providence MAGNIFY THE LORD WITH ME Luke 1:46-55 INTRODUCTION: When our kids were young, someone taught us the expression, You win or lose by the way you choose. That really holds true.
More informationJohn, Part 30: 5 Observations from the River s Edge
John, Part 30: 5 Observations from the River s Edge John 7:37 ESV On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever
More informationPsalms 66 & 67 page 1 of 7 M.K. Scanlan. Psalm 66
Psalms 66 & 67 page 1 of 7 Psalm 66 V: 1-2 Exhortation: Praise the Lord! Make a joyful noise - This phrase is used 7 times in the Bible, all of them in the Psalms. Psalm 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the
More informationTHERE WILL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS! 1 Kings 18: David P. Nolte
THERE WILL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS! 1 Kings 18:41-46 David P. Nolte According to one source With an average annual rainfall of 41.96 inches, the state of Oregon gets 2.8 more inches of rain than the national
More information21 DAYS OF PRAYER A PERSONAL PRAYER GUIDE
21 DAYS OF PRAYER A GUIDE WE HAVE A CONVICTION AT CROSSPOINT THAT WITH GOD, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. In light of this, we desire to practice consistent faith filled prayer, knowing and expecting that he
More informationINSPIRED WORD April 25, 2018
INSPIRED WORD April 25, 2018 REVIEW / We re going to be following our path to Pentecost. We ve been praying for the last few weeks for a new, fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the church, community,
More informationScripture Prayers and Promises
Scripture Prayers and Promises I have found that many people who really love the Lord, don t realize how much He loves them. He has come that we might have life and life more abundantly. If you are a Christian,
More informationTOWNLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
TOWNLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Third Sunday in Lent March 24, 2019 ORDER OF WORSHIP PRELUDE WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsively) Welcome to the fabulous feast that God has prepared! We
More informationStudy Nine: Revelation 3:14-22
Study Nine: Revelation 3:14-22 14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. o These titles for Jesus cause
More informationFinishing the Day Well Psalm 63
Finishing the Day Well Psalm 63 Last week we began a four-week series from the Psalms. We re noticing an emphasis found in the Psalms on delighting in and experiencing and seeking God all day long. Instead
More informationCommentary on Isaiah 40:1-5, 25-26, By L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
Commentary on Isaiah 40:1-5, 25-26, 29-31 By L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Series) for December 5, 2010, is from Isaiah 40:1-5, 25-26, 29-31. [Included below
More informationSermon 14 August 2016 pub Isaiah 5:1-7; Hebrews 11:29-12:2; Luke 12:49-56
Sermon 14 August 2016 pub Isaiah 5:1-7; Hebrews 11:29-12:2; Luke 12:49-56 The Bible is filled with truly inspired, captivating images. The writers, inspired by the Holy Spirit, understood that dry, imageless
More informationHoly Cross Lutheran Church Our Mission
Holy Cross Lutheran Church Our Mission We gather as an open community of Christians, responding to God s call. We welcome all people as members of our extended family. We gather to support and nourish
More informationJuicy Fruit January 21-22, 2017 Pastor Michael Craft Text: Luke 6:43-45
Juicy Fruit January 21-22, 2017 Pastor Michael Craft Text: Luke 6:43-45 1 Luke 6:43-45 NKJV 43 For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by
More informationWhirlwind Or Tornado?
Whirlwind Or Tornado? Whirlwind or tornado? When we think of these terms we often think of the terrible storms that cause so much damage, but when we look at what the scriptures say, we may find something
More informationLions Tigers and Bears
Lions Tigers and Bears Jubilee 2000 Version Hosea 13:5 I knew thee in the wilderness, in the dry land. 6In their pastures, they filled themselves; they were satisfied, and their heart was exalted; for
More informationPsalm 23: The Good Shepherd
Psalm 23: The Good Shepherd Psalm 23 (22) (Mode 3. 3.12 / 4 271) Part One. Exodus journey (23:1-4) We are on a journey. God, like a shepherd, is looking after us, guiding us to pasture, and to the oasis
More informationNew Centerville Lutheran Parish Believing, Praying, Doing: In the name of Jesus Christ
New Centerville Lutheran Parish Believing, Praying, Doing: In the name of Jesus Christ www.newcentervillelutheran.org Facebook ANNOUNCEMENTS Phone: 814-926-2215 - nclutheran@nclutheran.org February 17,
More informationLitanies, Antiphonal and Responsorial Readings
Litanies, Antiphonal and Responsorial Readings 1 / 5 Litanies, Antiphonal and Responsorial Readings The Litany and antiphonal and responsorial readings take flexible positions with the worship service.
More informationJob Chapters 34 page 1 of 6 M.K. Scanlan. Job Chapter 34
Job Chapters 34 page 1 of 6 Job Chapter 34 We were introduced to Elihu in chapter 32, a younger man who had listened to the discussion between Job and his comforters who, waiting for an opportunity to
More informationHymn #384 Safely Through another Week
Children Sabbath School Lesson #129 for 5-30-2015 Song for opening the Sabbath School: 1 Safely through another week God has brought us on our way; Let us now a blessing seek, Waiting in His courts today;
More informationFinishing the Day Well Psalm 63
Finishing the Day Well Psalm 63 Today we conclude a three-week series from the Psalms, noticing the emphasis on seeking God all day long. Instead of seeking and experiencing God infrequently or superficially,
More informationBLENDED AND BLESSED PRAYER GUIDE
BLENDED AND BLESSED PRAYER GUIDE There are many different types of blended families with many unique issues that they face. Only God knows every situation and need, and only He has the solutions. This
More informationStewards. Genesis 2:15 TLB The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden as its gardener, to tend and care for it.
... Daily Devotions July 15-21, 2018 By Terrie Peters First Lutheran Church, Trenary, MI Sunday, July 15, 2018 Stewards Genesis 1:11-12 TLB And he said, Let the earth burst forth with every sort of grass
More informationThe 7 Last Words Of Christ.
The 7 Last Words Of Christ. Each reading and short reflection should be followed by music and/or silence. Images and symbols can also be used. It can be very effective to extinguish a candle at the end
More informationWELLS. Pastor s Bible Hour August 31, 2008 Taberrnacle of Praise Pastor G. Richardson
WELLS Pastor s Bible Hour August 31, 2008 Taberrnacle of Praise Pastor G. Richardson www.topmanteca.org Joh 4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: Joh
More information10 Questions To Diagnose Your Spiritual Health Part 1 of 3
10 Questions To Diagnose Your Spiritual Health Part 1 of 3 We all have times when we wonder, How am I really doing spiritually? I know this has been a question I ve asked myself many times over the years.
More informationThe Loneliness and Pain of Betrayal
100523PM LOD-12 Desert Cries.doc The Life of David: Cries from the Desert of Loneliness & Betrayal I Samuel 23:19-20; Psalms 54 & 63 As we open to I Samuel 23 we are coming to the final stages of David
More informationSingleness and Contentment Lynn Bartholomew
Singleness and Contentment Lynn Bartholomew I. Introductions, Workshop Goal Goal... to help you develop a Biblical view of singleness Why are you here? My story Agenda Where is our culture today? Lies
More informationScripture Verses Which Offer Comfort and Hope During Times of Suffering
Scripture Verses Which Offer Comfort and Hope During Times of Suffering I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden
More informationFaith Series: The Wilderness Experience
Faith Series: The Wilderness Experience Notes (Exodus 15:22-23 NKJV) So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water.
More informationPART ONE JEREMIAH S ORACLES JEREMIAH 2:1 25:14
PART ONE JEREMIAH S ORACLES JEREMIAH 2:1 25:14 1. INFIDELITY & ITS CONSEQUENCES JEREMIAH 2 85 Disloyalty and Apostasy 1 The word of YHWH came to me, saying: 2 Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem,
More informationOver 30 years of ministry and visiting many, many people in the hospital, one of the things I
SERMON TITLE: The Seven Last Words of Christ: I am thirsty. SERMON TEXT: John 19: 25b-30 PREACHER: Rev. Kim James OCCASION: March 26, 2017, at First UMC INTRODUCTION Over 30 years of ministry and visiting
More information6 th Sunday after Epiphany
WE are Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (elca) 918 South Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ Office: 623-932-2394 Website: www.christevangelical.org astor: Jeff Gallen (cell phone: 623:341-3712) WELCOME TO
More informationDaily Devotions David H. Horner, Senior Pastor
Day 1 A Solemn Responsibility I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: (2 Timothy 4:1) Every church must expect
More information9/28/2014 Keeping My Zeal 1
"Keeping My Zeal" Some Christians live their lives to the fullest, while others drift aimlessly. Some passionately pursue their faith, while others are lukewarm. Hello, I m Phil Sanders; and this is a
More informationA Heart After God. The heart symbolizes the center of our being
A Heart After God Uses of heart in everyday language - someone is good at heart - we learn things by heart - aw, come on, have a heart - for goals, we set our hearts on it - when serious, we take it to
More informationDecember 4 2 nd Sunday of Advent
December 4 2 nd Sunday of Advent Isaiah 11:1-10 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom
More informationBuilding Wholehearted Disciples of Jesus. True Satisfaction. Matthew 5 & 6
Building Wholehearted Disciples of Jesus True Satisfaction Matthew 5 & 6 Teacher: George Stahnke Steve Holt TheRoad.org 1 True Satisfaction George Stahnke, The Road July 16, 2017 Matthew 5:6 (ESV) Blessed
More informationIs the Lord Among Us or Not? October 1, 2017 Dr. Frank J. Allen, Jr., Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida
1 Is the Lord Among Us or Not? October 1, 2017 Dr. Frank J. Allen, Jr., Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Exodus 17:1-7 From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites
More informationWhat do you Thirst for? What do you Thirst for?
What do you Thirst for? Pepsi? Coca-Cola? Root Beer? Tea, sweet or bitter? Coffee? Energy drinks? Or, dare I say, water? When you are thirsty, what beverage comes to your thoughts first? What do you THIRST
More informationA Time Of Refreshing By Robert Murray McCheyne
Classic Christian Writings: "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed, and My blessing upon thine offspring: and they shall spring
More informationServing the Lord is a Heart Condition Lesson 3 Love not the World
Serving the Lord is a Heart Condition Lesson 3 Love not the World Here lies a subject of great importance. The heart. Many people put their trust into their heart when it comes to making decisions in their
More informationJames 5:17-18 (KJV) 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions
James 5:17-18 (KJV) 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18
More informationIf you don t understand that joke, it s because you ve never lived in a small town and you re too
SERMON TITLE: Trust in the Lord SERMON TEXT: Proverbs 3:1-10; Psalm 22:4-5; Jeremiah 17:5-10 PREACHER: Rev. Kim James OCCASION: March 24, 2019, at First UMC INTRODUCTION Maybe you ve heard this old joke:
More informationTRAINING WITH DISCIPLINE AND INSTRUCTION OF THE LORD
TRAINING WITH DISCIPLINE AND INSTRUCTION OF THE LORD INTRODUCTION: PARENTAL PREPARATION FOR CHILD REARING: 1. Know what God has commanded in His Word regarding parenting. 2. Trust God to give you the strength
More informationRECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT: John 7:37-39 Pastor Mark Bofill 6/24/2018 I. The Invitation (37-38) II. The Revelation (39) III. The Manifestation (Acts 1:8)
RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT: John 7:37-39 Pastor Mark Bofill 6/24/2018 I. The Invitation (37-38) II. The Revelation (39) III. The Manifestation (Acts 1:8) Intro: A young student asked his spiritual teacher
More informationAdult Sunday School Lesson Summary for October 31, 2010 Released on Wednesday, October 27, God s Presence Comforts and Assures
Adult Sunday School Lesson Summary for October 31, 2010 Released on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 God s Presence Comforts and Assures Lesson Text: Psalm 63:1-11 Background Scripture: Psalm 63:1-11 Devotional
More informationThe Blessing of the 8 th Day
The Blessing of the 8 th Day John 7:37-39 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me,
More informationLonging For Truth. A Sermon by Rev. Brian W. Keith
Longing For Truth A Sermon by Rev. Brian W. Keith Everyone has needs. Everyone requires certain things so that life can go on. There are many natural needs. We need to eat and drink. We need a relatively
More informationContentment. Enough Is Enough by RBC Ministries. All rights reserved.
Contentment Contentment A poet once wrote: As a rule, man s a fool. When it s hot, he wants it cool. And when it s cool, he wants it hot. Always wanting what is not. What an insightful observation on human
More information1 Can! Can Not!! (Part 1) Prayer/Introduction. Origins of Sabbath Rules
Can! Can Not!! (Part 1) Prayer/Introduction Today I would like to explore a topic with you that has been discussed, refined, refuted, and discussed some more. It has actually received far more attention
More informationThe Heart of Prayer Psalm 95
The Heart of Prayer Psalm 95 By now, I trust you know that 2018 is the going to be a year that we focus on prayer. We ve tried to give you some tools that would help you, and let me remind you that those
More informationSatisfaction! Psa 103:5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Satisfaction! Psa 103:5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psa 22:26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him:
More informationThe Cry for Revival. by: Robert Murray McCheyne
The Cry for Revival by: Robert Murray McCheyne Robert Murray McCheyne was born on May 21, 1813, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was licensed to preach at the age of twenty-two, ordained to the pastorate of
More information"Ye Are The Branches "
Andrew Murray: AN ADDRESS TO CHRISTIAN WORKERS Everything depends on our being right in Christ. If I want good apples, I must have a good apple tree. If I care for the health of the apple tree, the apple
More information