TITLE: “TAKING YOUR RESPONSIBILITY SERIOUSLY”
TEXT: “TOPICAL”
SERIES: “PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE”
Three (3) main responsibilities each of us have as Christians:
NUMBER ONE: MY RESPONSIBILITY TO “GOD!”
First: To “worship” HIM! (cf: Luke 4: 8; Psalm 95: 6-7)
Second: To “obey” HIM! (cf: 1 Peter 1: 14-16; John 14: 15; John 15: 14)
Obedience is the “key” to a blessed and joyful Christian life!
Third: To “accept” my status as HIS child! (cf: John 1: 12-13)
NUMBER TWO: MY RESPONSIBILITY TO “FAMILY!”
First: To “provide” a Christian home. (cf: Joshua 24: 15)
Second: To “live” by God’s standards. (cf: Ephesians 5: 21-26; Ephesians 6: 1-3)
NUMBER THREE: MY RESPONSIBILITY TO “CHURCH!” (cf: Romans 12: 4-5)
First: To “find” my area of service.
Second: To “depend” on others.
CONCLUSION:
TITLE: “RECOGNIZING YOUR POTENTIAL”
TEXT: “TOPICAL”
SERIES: “PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE”
Three (3) basic Biblical truths to help us in recognizing our potential.....
Truth #1: I have been “created” in God’s image! (cf: Genesis 1: 27; Genesis 2: 7; Genesis 1: 28; Psalm 139: 14)
Among all of God’s creatures, we are the most “special”...we are the most loved...and we have been “empowered” to rule and reign over all of God’s creation!
Truth #2: I have been “empowered” by God’s Spirit! (cf: Acts 1: 8; Ephesians 3: 16, NLT; 1 Thessalonians 1: 5, NLT; Philippians 2: 13, NLT; Philippians 4: 13)
The Holy Spirit empowers us by “giving” us inner strength...by giving us the ability to “discern” truth from error...and the ability to do what is pleasing to God and according to His will!
Truth #3: I have been “given” God’s gift! (cf: Romans 12: 6-8; 1 Corinthians 12: 17-20; 1 Peter 4: 10)
The reality is this...for most of us, the “problem” is not discovering our gift...but in “putting” our gift into practice!
CONCLUSION:
The one thing you “cannot” say as a follower of Christ is this...I have no “potential!”
TITLE: “I BELIEVE IN REACHING” TEXT: “1 CORINTHIANS 9: 19-23” SERIES: “I BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH” There are three (3) important rationales why we believe in the church reaching..... First rationale: The “world” we are called to witness to! (cf: Romans 10: 13-17) Every Christian is “expected” to bear witness to Jesus Christ and to help “prepare” hearts to receive the Gospel when they are confronted with it. Second rationale: The “way” to “witness” with our lifestyle! (cf: 1 Peter 3: 15; Matthew 5: 13-16; John 14: 6) Here are five (5) practical guidelines..... GUIDELINE #1: Don’t “shut” non-Christians out of your life! GUIDELINE #2: Let your “life” arouse/stir others’ interest in Christ! GUIDELINE #3: Move the “conversation” with an interested person to the Gospel! GUIDELINE #4: Don’t “press” too hard, judge, or condemn the person! GUIDELINE #5: Keep things “focused” on Jesus and the Gospel! Third rationale: There is a “simple” strategy! FIRST: IT TELLS OF GOD’S “LOVE”.....”For God so loved the world.....” SECOND: IT “AFFIRMS” GOD’S GIFT FOR OUR SALVATION.....”that HE gave HIS only begotten Son.....” THIRD: IT OUTLINES OUR “RESPONSE” TO GOD’S OFFER THAT RESULTS IN SALVATION.....“that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life!” CONCLUSION:
TITLE: “I BELIEVE IN PRAYING”
TEXT: “ACTS 4: 23-31”
SERIES: “I BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH”
The church is never so tall as when it “kneels” before God and never so great as when it “yields” before God!
There are three reasons why we believe in a church praying:
Reason #1: Prayer is the “essence” of our intimacy! (cf: Philippians 3: 10; ESV)
The “evidence” of intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ shows itself in every facet of “ministry” in the church.When church members “magnify” prayer at home, the Lord is “honored” by prayer in worship.
The only way a church can “model” Christ effectively is to “spend” more time with HIM consistently.
Reason #2: Prayer is the “channel” of our strength! (cf: John 15: 5; ESV; Acts 4: 32; NLT; & John 17: 23; NLT)
The difference between a “dynamic” church and a “dying” church is often determined by the vital sign of prayer! We need to draw on Christ’s strength for several reasons.....
First: Strength in “witness”
Prayer leans on the Heavenly Father to “lead” the way and believes that wherever HE leads, HE “clears” a path for us to follow!
Second: Strength in “unity”
A bold and effective witness is only “established” when the church is of one heart and mind!
Reason #3: Prayer is the “weapon” of our warfare! (cf: Ephesians 6: 12 & 18; ESV)
It is in the field of “prayer” that life’s “critical” battles are won or lost. The church trusting the Sovereign Lord is the church triumphant storming the battle lines of evil.
By the weapon and equipment of prayer, the church is “prepared” with the power and might of God for gathering in worship, “evangelizing” through love, teaching in truth, “giving” with joy, and pulling down strongholds of sin that encroach upon His Kingdom!
CONCLUSION:
TITLE: “ I BELIEVE IN TEACHING”
TEXT: “2 TIMOTHY 2: 1-2 & 15”
SERIES: “ I BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH”
The teaching ministry of the church is very vital and important to the “nourishment” of believers in the “maturity” of their faith!
Teaching is directly related to the “health” of a congregation and it is the most effective “deterrent” against the lure of the cults and false teachings!
Principle #1: It is a “function” of a New Testament Church! (2 Timothy 1-2; cf: Acts 2: 42 & 5: 42)
The function of teaching was not merely to “dispense” information but to “apply” the information to life!
The person we must admire and emulate the most is the one who not only “studies” the Word of God but allows it to “change” his/her life in and through “obeying” the Word of God!
Principle #2: It is an “indicator” of congregational health!
Any church that is not committed to “communicating” and teaching the Bible to its congregation is on the verge of decaying and dying slowly!
The one thing that will make a church come back alive and be revitalized is when it is fed a “consistent” diet of the Word of God!
Principle #3: It is a “deterrent” to the cults! (2 Timothy 2: 15)
Q: How will Christians be able to process what the world says if they do not “know” what the Word of God says? The sad answer is, they won’t! But the good news is they can, if they will “immerse” themselves in the Word of God!
CONCLUSION:
TITLE: “I BELIEVE IN MEETING”
TEXT: “HEBREWS 10: 24-25”
SERIES: “I BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH”
Our being in Christ always “precedes” our doing for Christ!
We need to “accept” the challenge of meeting together with the faithful believers in Christ for three (3) reasons:
Reason #1: We need to practice the “presence” of God corporately/collectively!
We need the “experience” of corporate worship so that we can honor God as a body of believers, unified by His grace, and motivated by His power. In “authentic” worship, the community of believers give of themselves and offer themselves reverently and intentionally to God.
There is nothing in our lives more “important” than meeting together to worship God.
Reason #2: We need the “participation” of fellowship! (cf: 1 Corinthians 12: 12-20; HCSB)
The word “koinonia” in Greek means fellowship of believers.Every “member” of the church is important. We all play an important role in the “function” of the body of Christ.We need to grasp the truth that Biblical worship is a “gathering” where everybody is a somebody and no one is a nobody.
We need to realize and understand that the “mark” of a Christ-centered church is fellowship among the redeemed; rather than a membership among the religious.
Reason #3: We need to “personally” express our commitment in a tangible way!
If we truly “believe” in the church meeting for worship; then our presence and attendance would either substantiate or contradict our belief.
Conclusion:
TITLE: “I BELIEVE IN TITHING”
TEXT: “2 CORINTHIANS 8: 1-5”
SERIES: “I BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH”
The importance of the church giving is based on three (3) basic principles:
Systematic stewardship is God’s method for “financing” His work.
Faithful “giving” is marked by sacrifice.Giving lets the world know that Christians put their “money” where their mouths are.
FIRST PRINCIPLE: GIVING IS GOD’S “METHOD” FOR FINANCING HIS WORK! (cf: Malachi 3: 10)
I am not advising that the tithe is a law to be obeyed but a responsibility to be shouldered by believers.
Returning to God a portion of our income is a spiritual decision...it is a matter of devotion.
SECOND PRINCIPLE: GIVING IS “SACRIFICIAL” ON OUR PART!(cf: 2 Corinthians 9: 6-12; HCSB)
Giving God’s way may not be easy, but it is always right!
If and when you want to spend and it affects/reduces the amount of your giving to the Lord, then don’t spend/buy...because our giving to the Lord should come first and foremost!
The giving of the Macedonian Christians was sacrificial...but they knew it was worth it...because they have dedicated themselves to God.
THIRD/FINAL PRINCIPLE: GIVING PUTS OUR “MONEY” WHERE OUR “MOUTHS” ARE! (cf: Proverbs 25: 14; Luke 6: 38)
You can give without loving...but you cannot love without giving!
CONCLUSION:
Nothing we give to the Lord is without value!
TITLE: “SELF-CONTROL”
TEXT: “GALATIANS 5: 22-23”
SERIES: “THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT/OUR FAITH”
Galatians 5: 22-23 (ESV) = “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law!”
Review: How do we develop meekness/gentleness?
We must be submitted to the Son of God.
We must be responsive to the Word of God.
We must be filled and we must yield to the Holy Spirit of God.
Question: What does the Bible say about a person who lacks self-control?
Proverbs 25: 28 (ESV) = “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
There are five (5) basic steps for us to follow in developing self-control in our lives:
First step: ADMIT you have a problem. (cf: James 1: 14)
We should not rationalize our problem but take responsibility for our problem.
What specific area/aspect do you lack self-control? Identify it and then bring it to God in sincere prayers!
Fill in the blank: I lack self-control in ____________________________________________________________.
Second step: FORGET your past. (cf: Philippians 3: 13-14)
We need to put the past behind us and look forward to what God can do in our future.....what God can change in our lives.
Third step: CONTROL/CURB your emotions. (cf: Titus 2: 11-12)
The grace of God educates us, enables us, and empowers us to say “NO” to our passions, feelings, emotions, and our other desires that are not according to God’s will.
Fourth step: AVOID & RESIST temptation. (cf: 1 Corinthians 10: 13; Ephesians 4: 27)
Most people want to be delivered from temptation but would like to keep in touch!
What is it in your life that you need to resist and run from?
What do you need to give away.....or to avoid in your life??
Fifth/Last step: DEPEND on Christ’s power! (cf: Galatians 5: 16; Philippians 4: 13)
If we live by following the Holy Spirit’s direction, we will overcome and be victorious over the desires of our sinful nature.
Conclusion:
Happy Father’s Day Message in 2020
Proverbs 23:24
Romy Manansala
The Rock Church
June 21, 2020
Happy Father’s Day!
Proverbs 23:24 New King James Version
24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice,And he who begets a wise child will delight in him.
Let us Aim to Become
Good Children and Good Parents
as We Fulfill Our Roles in the Family.
How can we make our parents/fathers/mothers happy?
Become Righteous and Wise Children
In Words and Actions
Before God and People
How can we do all these?
Start, continue, enjoy, return, or strengthen
your own relationship with the God of the Bible,
the Bible of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ,
How can we as parents/fathers/mothers help our children?
Fulfill Our Roles as Children in Our Family
Life Will Go Well for Us
We Will Enjoy Long Life on Earth
Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2 “Honor your father and mother”—
which is the first commandment with a promise—
3 “so that it may go well with you
and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Fulfill Our Roles as Parents/Fathers/Mothers in Our Family
Ephesians 6:4 NIV
4 Fathers,
do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up
in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Avoid the Destructive
Focus on the Constructive
Each One of Us to Trust Our Father in Heaven
Resources on Earth
Relationship Now and in Eternity
Matthew 7:11 New International Version
11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts
to those who ask him!
John 1:12-13 New International Version (NIV)
12 Yet to all who did receive him,
to those who believed in his name,
he gave the right to become children of God
— 13 children born not of natural descent,
nor of human decision or a husband’s will,
but born of God. To have a father on earth
is a great blessing.
Let us Aim to Become
Good Children and Good Parents
as We Fulfill Our Roles in the Family.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
TITLE: “GENTLENESS”
TEXT: “MATTHEW 5: 5”
SERIES: “THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT/OUR FAITH”
Galatians 5: 22-23 (ESV) = “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, GENTLENESS, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Matthew 5: 5 (NIV) = “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth!”
The word “meek” means “yielded!” It means strength under control. (cf: Matthew 11: 29; Romans 6: 19b; Philippians 4: 13)
How do you develop meekness/gentleness? There are three (3) guidelines.....
GUIDELINE #1: YOU MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE SON OF GOD! (cf: Matthew 11: 28-30)
An oxen that has a yoke on its neck has been meeked/tamed. Jesus Christ is not talking about religion or denomination here; He is talking about a Person, none other than Him!
Q: Have you done that already? Have you surrendered your entire life under Christ’s Lordship and control? GUIDELINE #2: YOU MUST BE RESPONSIVE TO THE WORD OF GOD! (cf: Psalm 119: 105; 2 Timothy 3: 16-17; John 15: 7; James 1: 21b-22)
The word “dekomai” in Greek means to welcome with humility/humbly accept and obey the Word of God!
GUIDELINE #3: YOU MUST BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD! (cf: Galatians 5: 22-24; Ephesians 5: 15-18; 1 Corinthians 3: 22b-23; 2 Corinthians 6: 10; John 10: 10b)
Only the Holy Spirit can fill your Christian life and produce that Christian fruit and character in you!
Q: What does it mean to inherit the earth? We may not know what the future holds, but we know WHO holds the future!
CONCLUSION:
Which side are you on my friend?
Have you surrendered your life and your all in all to the Lordship and control of Jesus Christ?
TITLE: “SURVIVAL OR REVIVAL?”
TEXT: “EZEKIEL 37: 1-14”
Does the Bible have something to say to what is happening in our nation and in the entire world?
Yes, the Bible is still and always relevant! (cf: Psalm 119: 105)
Three (3) conditions for “REVIVAL” to take place in this nation and around the world.....
CONDITION #1: A DESPERATE SITUATION (vv: 1-3)
God can bring life out of death...God can bring forth revival even in a valley of dry bones!
CONDITION #2: A DEDICATED SERVANT (vv: 4-6)
Do the things that break the heart of God break our hearts as well?
When we go forth with divine expectancy, when we proclaim the Gospel/Good News with divine urgency, and when we pray with divine fervency...then God begins to move and take action!
CONDITION #3: A DECISIVE SOLUTION (vv: 7-14)
For such a time as this...like this desperate situation we are experiencing at present, God is looking for dedicated servants who will listen to God’s voice and obey without any condition and hesitation!
CONCLUSION:
TITLE: “FAITHFULNESS”
TEXT: “GALATIANS 5: 22-23”
SERIES: “THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT/OUR FAITH”
Galatians 5: 22-23 (ESV) = “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, FAITHFULNESS, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Proverbs 20: 6 (NIV) = “Many a man claims to have unfailing love...but a faithful man, who can find?”
We need to look at two (2) different areas/aspects of faithfulness today.....
FIRST AREA: FAITHFULNESS TO GOD! (cf: Proverbs 20: 6; Romans 12: 12; NIV)
Romans 12: 12 (NIV) = “Be faithful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
The only way we can get to know God in a personal and intimate way is by practicing these two (2) spiritual disciplines.....PRAYER & READING/OBEYING GOD’S WORD (the Bible).
SECOND AREA: FAITHFULNESS TO GOD’S CHURCH! (cf: Hebrews 10: 24-25; ESV)
Hebrews 10: 24-25 (ESV) = “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some; but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near!”
We cannot function as the church that God designed and desired for us to be without a greater level of commitment/faithfulness from each of us!
CONCLUSION:
The bottom line.....to be faithful in everything we do as a church.....all for the glory, honor, and praise of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
SERMON OUTLINE (May 24, 2020)
TITLE: “GOODNESS”
TEXT: “JAMES 1: 19-27”
SERIES: “THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT/OUR FAITH”
Galatians 5: 22-23 (ESV) = “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, GOODNESS, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Living a life of righteousness is having a lifestyle that is in accordance to...and in the center of God’s will and purpose for our lives!
There are three (3) Biblical instructions.....
FIRST: ACCEPT THE WORD. (James 1: 19-21; ESV)
The Word of God cannot produce goodness in our lives unless we receive it in the right way!
And how do we do that?
Be quick to hear (cf: Matthew 13: 9; Romans 10: 17)
Be slow to speak Be slow to anger Have a prepared heart (v. 21)
SECOND: PRACTICE THE WORD. (James 1: 22-25; ESV)
Too many Christians mark their Bible...but they don’t allow their Bible to mark them!
The apostle James mentions several mistakes people make.....
First, they only glance at themselves.
Second, they forget what they see. (cf: Isaiah 6: 5; Luke 5: 8; Job 42: 6)
Third, they sometimes fail to obey what God’s Word tells them to do.
Obedience to the Word of God is the key to a blessed and victorious Christian life!
THIRD/FINAL: SHARE THE WORD. (James 1: 26-27; ESV)
Pure religion means practicing God’s Word and sharing it with others...and to others through speech, service, and separation from the world!
How to control our tongue?
To control the tongue means to avoid gossip.
To control the tongue means to avoid profanity. (cf: Ephesians 4: 29)
To control the tongue means to avoid dishonesty.
To control the tongue means to avoid criticism.
Before we ever utter a critical word or statement, we need to ask three (3) questions..... Is it necessary? 2. Is it truthful? 3. Is it kind?.....if what we plan to say doesn’t meet these three (3) criteria, then we shouldn’t say it!
Sharing the Word is also manifested in service.
CONCLUSION:
People don’t care how much Bible you know...until they know how much you care for them!
TITLE: “KINDNESS”
TEXT: “LUKE 10: 25-37”
SERIES: “THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT/OUR FAITH”
GALATIANS 5: 22-23 (ESV) = “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, KINDNESS, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
There are four (4) Biblical truths regarding this aspect/area of KINDNESS.....
FIRST: KINDNESS IS GREATLY NEEDED.
For such a time as this.....we see the sick, the poor, the hungry, the fallen, the homeless, the heavy laden, and those that are forsaken and perhaps forgotten.....yes, they are all around us.
SECOND: KINDNESS IS SHAMEFULLY NEGLECTED.
At the heart of our refusal to act in kindness is a form of self-righteousness.....and at the heart of self-righteousness is selfishness.
THIRD: KINDNESS IS COMPASSIONATELY SHOWN.
The Samaritan was moved with compassion in his heart. That’s where kindness begins.....in the heart!
Real kindness is manifested in action. If we’re gonna talk the talk.....we gotta walk the walk! We can say we love God, but if we don’t help those in need.....our Christian life is hypocritical.
FINALLY: KINDNESS IS PLAINLY TAUGHT.
It is not enough to memorize and quote Scripture verses.....we must learn what it says and then do and apply what is says.
CONCLUSION:
The Lord Jesus Christ concluded His parable of the Good Samaritan by simply saying to the religious expert and also to all of us today.....”Yes, now go and do the same.....”
SERMON OUTLINE
TITLE: “FAITH OF OUR MOTHERS (MOTHER’S DAY MESSAGE)
TEXT: “2 TIMOTHY 1: 5; & 3: 14-15”
There are three (3) lessons that Lois and Eunice can teach us about “Faith Of Our Mothers”.....
LESSON #1: A MOTHER’S FAITH IS CONVICTIONAL. (cf: Acts 16: 31)
A. Scripturally sound (cf: Romans 10: 17)
A mother’s faith is convictional when it is Scripturally sound.....and it is Scripturally sound when her faith is based firmly on the Word of God!
B. Savingly sure.
LESSON #2: A MOTHER’S FAITH IS COMMUNICABLE. (cf: Deuteronomy 6: 6-7; Proverbs 22: 6)
A. Faith is communicated by personal education.
Education in the things of God is a privilege but it is also a responsibility of a godly home.
B. Faith is demonstrated by practical application.
LESSON #3: A MOTHER’S FAITH IS COMMENDABLE. (cf: Proverbs 31: 28-29)
A. Lasting influence.
If there is only one thing you wish to be remembered by.....let it be your faith!
B. Living relevance. If there is one thing children will never forget.....it is the faith of their mother!
CONCLUSION:
SERMON NOTES:
TITLE: “PATIENCE”
TEXT: “GALATIANS 5: 22-23”
SERIES: “THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT/OUR FAITH”
There are three (3) areas where we need patience.....
FIRST: PATIENCE WITH OTHERS. (cf: Proverbs 15: 18; Proverbs 19: 11)
Practical ways on how to deal patiently with others.....
Realize that the person we are impatient with may be dealing with some situation we are unaware of.
Ask yourself the question: “What would Jesus do if HE were in my situation?
To pray before we act or react.
SECOND: PATIENCE WITH THE CHURCH. (cf: Ephesians 5: 25-27)
Two practical applications.....
Recognize that Christ loved the church enough to die for her in spite of all her rough edges and imperfections.
Realize that this imperfect church of today...will one day be presented to the Lord Jesus Christ without any stain or wrinkle, or any other blemish.
THIRD: PATIENCE WITH GOD. (cf: 2 Peter 3: 9 & 15)
Christian patience is rooted in the conviction that God’s time is always the best time, the right time, the only time, and the perfect time. Practical application.....
Growing in our knowledge of God.....the more that we know God, the more that we experience His power.....and the closer we get to understanding God’s nature and attributes...the more patient we become.
CONCLUSION:
TITLE: “PEACE”
TEXT: “GALATIANS 5: 22-23”
SERIES: OF “THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT”
Jeremiah 6: 14b = “Peace...peace...when there is no peace.”
There are four Biblical truths....
TRUTH #1: THE “GOD” OF PEACE. (Cf: Philippians 4: 7 & 9; Job 22: 21a; Ephesians 2: 14a) “
The God of peace” means that HE is the “source” of peace and the “substance” of peace.
TRUTH #2: THE “GIFT” OF PEACE. (Cf: John 14: 27a; Romans 5: 1) When we come to Jesus in “faith” and by faith, HE not only saves us from our sins and assures us of eternal life.....HE also gives us HIS “peace.”
TRUTH #3: THE “PRESENCE” OF PEACE. (Cf: John 14: 27b; Isaiah 26: 3) In any situation or condition we may be in... “peace” is not the absence of danger and turmoil.....but the “presence” of God in our lives.
TRUTH #4: THE “PRACTICE” OF PEACE. (Cf: Colossians 3: 5) Organized religion may “fail” but the living “organism” (church) will stand forever!
CONCLUSION:
TITLE: “JOY”
TEXT: “PHILIPPIANS 3: 1; 4: 4 & 12-13”
SERIES: “THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT/OUR FAITH”
GALATIANS 5: 22-23 (ESV) = “The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control; against such things there is no law.”
Let us look at “three ways” we can acquire the joy of the Lord both today and always.....
FIRST: THE JOY OF CHRISTIAN “LIVING!” (cf: Matthew 5: 14-16; Deuteronomy 4: 9; Micah 6: 8; ESV)
We also take joy in Christian living because we know it “pleases” God. There is no better experience in life than that of knowing you are living within the “will” and purpose of God for your life!
SECOND: THE JOY OF CHRISTIAN “GIVING!” (cf: 2 Corinthians 9: 7; Psalm 84: 1-2; Luke 15: 10; ESV)
2 Corinthians 9: 7 (ESV) = “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver!”
We are joyful because God has “blessed” us and we want to “share” those blessings with others.
THIRD/FINALLY: THE JOY OF CHRISTIAN “BEING!” (cf: 1 John 3: 8; 1 John 1: 10; 1 Peter 1: 8-9; Romans 8: 1; John 5: 24; 2 Corinthians 5: 1; ESV)
Simply stated, it is the joy over the “blessings” and “benefits” of being a Christian!
Romans 8: 1 (ESV) = “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!”
We find “joy” in being a Christian because we know that we are going to spend “eternity” with God in heaven!
2 Corinthians 5: 1 (ESV) = “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God; a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
CONCLUSION:
TITLE: “DAY OF TRANSFORMATION”
TEXT: “MATTHEW 28: 1-10”
There are three (3) “truths” from our text that tells us about that first Easter Sunday.....
TRUTH #1: FEAR IS “NEUTRALIZED!”
1 Corinthians 15: 42 = “So it is with the resurrection of the dead...what is sown perishable is raised imperishable!”
1 Corinthians 15: 55-57 = “Death has been swallowed up in victory...death, where is your victory...death, where is your sting? Now, the sting of death is sin; and the power of sin is the Law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ!”
TRUTH #2: FAITH IS “PERSONALIZED!”
2 Corinthians 5: 17 = “Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, all things have become new!”
TRUTH #3: FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST ARE “MOBILIZED!”
2 Corinthians 5: 14-15 =“For the love of Christ compels us...because we have concluded this...that One has died for all, therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him for their sake died and was raised!”
CONCLUSION:
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who lives but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live for the Son of God; who loved me and gave Himself for me!”
TITLE: “PALM SUNDAY EVENT AS IT RELATES TO THE PRESENT EVENT”
TEXT: “LUKE 19: 28-44”
Q: How can we relate the “Palm Sunday” event to today’s “covid-19” world pandemic event?
There are three (3) truths that we can find in our text today that we can relate “Palm Sunday” to today’s worldwide event or crisis or pandemic.....
TRUTH #1: JESUS IS ALL “KNOWING”.....”HE IS OMNISCIENT!” (verses 28-35) Response of the disciples: “Complete Obedience” to God!
*****Our response to God should be the same as the disciples; it is “”complete obedience” to HIM especially for such a time as this.*****
Like the covid-19 pandemic that we have today.....Jesus knows the end from the beginning of this virus.....the conclusion from the introduction of this virus.....the completion and elimination of this virus from the initial condition of this virus.....
*****We may not know what the “future” holds but we know WHO “holds” the future!*****
TRUTH #2: JESUS IS “KING”.....”HE IS WORTHY OF WORSHIP!” (verses 36-40)
Hosanna = in the Bible means Savior, Rescuer, Deliverer.....when the people shouted Hosanna as Jesus was approaching Jerusalem.....they were expressing adoration, praise, and joy!
*****Can you honestly say that Jesus Christ truly “reigns” and “rules” in your life...the totality of your being? Is HE worthy of your “worship”, praise, and adoration??*****
JEREMIAH 29: 12-14a = “Then you will call upon ME and come and pray to ME, and I will listen to you. You will seek ME and find ME when you seek ME with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord!” *****If Jesus Christ is not the Lord of “all” of your life, then HE is not “Lord” at all of your life!*****
TRUTH #3: JESUS IS COMPASSIONATE.....”HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST!” (verses 41-44) cf: Isaiah 29: 13; Matthew 15: 8-9; James 4: 7a; 8; 10
*****The “steadfast” love of the Lord never ceases, HIS mercies never come to an “end”; they are “new” every morning.....great is the “faithfulness” of the Lord!***** (Lamentations 3: 22- 23)
CONCLUSION:
God’s “justice” = God will give us what we “deserve!”
God’s “mercy” = God will “not” give us what we deserve!
God’s “grace” = God will “give” us what we do not deserve!
God’s “love” = (Romans 5: 8)
God’s “salvation” = (Romans 10: 9-10)
TITLE: “WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT QUARANTINE/LOCKDOWN?”
Quarantine = a state, period, or place of isolation in which people have been exposed to infectious or contagious diseases.....or to be isolated for protection and prevention from contagious/infectious diseases.
Lockdown = a situation in which people are not allowed to enter or leave a building or area freely because of an emergency/crisis.
Biblical reference #1: Genesis 6: 1-8 & 17-18; Genesis 7: 4-5, 17 & 23-24; Genesis 8: 20-22
Biblical reference #2: 2 Kings 6: 24 - 7: 11
Reflection/Application:
God uses quarantine/lockdown to.....
PREPARE us in life
PROVIDE for us in life
PROTECT us in life
PRESERVE us in life
Isaiah 26: 20 = “Go, My people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until His wrath has passed by.”
CONCLUSION:
2 Chronicles 7: 14 = If My people, who are called by My Name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and heal their land!”
First Online Service- Addressing The Coronavirus
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT QUARANTINE/LOCKDOWN?
Sermon Notes
*****ADDRESSING THE CORONAVIRUS IN THE LIGHT OF GOD’S WORD (THE BIBLE)***** (Part-2/Final Part)
***Today will be the second part of addressing the coronavirus in the light of God’s Word (the Bible).....
COVID-19 = “Christ” Over Viruses And Infectious “Diseases”
Joshua 1: 9 (HCSB) = “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!”
“REVERSE COVID-19”
(91-DIVOC)
91 = “Psalm 91”
D = “Destroy”
I = “Influenza”
V = “Virus”
O = “Outbreak”
C = “Completely”
READ PSALM 91 & 121.....
Read Psalm 23.....(vv. 1-2 = Preparation of God .....vv. 3-4 = Protection of God .....vv. 5-6 = Preservation of God).....
2 Timothy 1: 7 (KJV) = “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind!”
What are our practical action plans as a body of Christ both individually and corporately.....
Prayer
Rest on the Word of God (promises from the Bible)l
Spend quality time with the ones that are near and dear to your heart
Share the good news of the Gospel of salvation both in season and out of season
- Stay healthy and stay safe
COVID-19 VS. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
Damages “Heals”
Must be contained Must be “shared”
Creates fear Creates “courage”
Makes us weak Gives us “strength”
Separates us “Binds” us
Creates chaos Gives us “peace”
Temporary “Eternal”
Leads to death Leads to “life eternal”
CONCLUSION:
*****If there is anything worth spreading today, it is not the virus.....it is the “good news” of the Gospel of salvation!
Read Jeremiah 29: 11-13.....
Read 2 Chronicles 7: 14.....