Encouraging Facts. 2. Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we

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1 Encouraging Facts P. 1 Encouraging Facts Int. 1. Aim: To talk about some encouraging facts that will help all of us. 2. Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Faint not ESV = give up NKJV = lose heart 3. There is a lot to cause anxiety and concern in our lives today. a. There is war waging in several parts of the world b. Economic conditions are not well for many people - unemployed - foreclosures c. There is sickness, pain and death invades the lives of all of us from time to time. d. Many problems that people face causes depression and anxiety. e. We all become blue or discouraged at times, but we should not choose to wallow in self-pity and stay depressed. We do not have to remain discouraged. 4. But there are a lot of encouraging facts that will help us to avoid worry, bitterness and despondency. Discussion I. THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN A. Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. B. Daniel 2:28 a But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. C. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

2 Encouraging Facts P. 2 D. God is and all is well by John Greenleaf Whittier st E. Song: Beautiful Isle of Somewhere - by Jessie B. Pounds - 1 verse # 893 Somewhere the sun is shining, Somewhere the songbirds dwell; Hush, then, thy sad repining, God lives, and all is well. F. Robert Browning Pippa s Song Pippa s Song by Robert Browning THE year is at the spring, And day is at the morn; Morning is at seven; The hill-side is dew-pearled; The lark is on the wing; The snail is on the thorn; God is in His heaven All is right with the world! G. But only for those who are his children.

3 Encouraging Facts P. 3 II. THE MOST HIGH RULETH IN THE KINGDOM OF MEN - Dan. 4:17 A. Daniel 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. B. Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. C. Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. 1. He did not say: Blessed is the nation who has the most troops, most tanks, most nuclear warheads and superior armed forces. 2. But he said Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. 3. Israel had a superior army but they were defeated at Ai because of their disobedience - Joshua 7 4. Israel was overcome by Assyria and taken off into captivity because of Sin. II kings Judah was carried away into Babylon because of her rebellion against God. II Kings 24 & 25 D. God has blessed America! 1. But America is not grateful, else its sins would not grow worse and worse with each passing year. 2. There is a concerted effort to eliminate God and His influence from this nation. E. For the salvation of our souls, we need to be a penitent, thankful righteous people; but also for the welfare of our nation. F. Because the Most High Ruleth in the kingdom of men.

4 Encouraging Facts P. 4 III. THE LORD THY GOD IS A MERCIFUL GOD A. Deuteronomy 4:31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them. B. II Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. C. Merciful and merciless are next to each other in the dictionary, but poles apart in meaning. 1. Mercy - Eph. 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, a. God hates sin and disobedience but is abundant in His mercy toward the sinner. Mercy = compassion shown to an offender b. The motive for this mercy is His great love for us. c. It is not by our deeds, but according to his mercy that we are saved - Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; d. God is rich in Mercy and therefore offers salvation to all mankind. 2. Merciless = having or showing no mercy: pitiless = cruel, harsh D. Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

5 Encouraging Facts P. 5 E. God s mercy depends on our repentance and submission to his will IV. GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE NOR FORSAKE HIS CHILDREN A. Hebrews 13:5 NKJV Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. 1. When children are sick and need surgery they want their parents very near 2. We promise them that we will be right there 3. God can t leave me or forsake me. He gave me His word. 4. I might leave him, but he cannot leave me. B. Matt. 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. C. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. D. Ephesians 3:20-21 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. 1. Encouragement is one of the great powers that we all can have working in us. 2. Encouragement is a great trait.

6 Encouraging Facts P. 6 CONCLUSION 1. These are encouraging facts to know: (1) There is a God in heaven (2) The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men (3) The Lord our God is a merciful God. (4) Our God will never leave us or forsake us. 2. But these are comforting only if you are his child 3. We can all be encouraged and be an encourager of others 4. Who needs to be encouraged? a. Everyone - regardless of who we are there are times when we need encouragement b. Those who are encouraged have courage within c. Those who are discouraged have lost their courage 5. Heb. 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: a. Provoke - to stimulate, arouse b. Give encouragement to one another c. Illustration: A lady once asked a terminally ill person if there was anything she could do for her. Yes, she replied, Make me laugh. d. Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. 6. Point the discouraged to the God of all comfort 2 Cor. 1:3 a. Tell them of Salvation b. Encourage them to become a Christian c. This is the greatest thing you could do for anyone.

7 Encouraging Facts P. 7 Sources Consulted Bobby Duncan s Sermons p. 87 Nelson Chapel Church of Christ 5039 Six Mile Road Maryville, Tn Sunday Evening - Dec. 11, Sermon by Arthur Pigman 2705 Druid Hill Dr. Maryville, Tn art65ann@gmail.com