26Jun07
Joy in Tough Times
1 Peter 1:1-7 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God's chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. [2] God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. [3] All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, [4] and we have a priceless inheritance-an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. [5] And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. [6] So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. [7] These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
How do I rejoice in tough times?
1). God reminds me I’m only passing through. v 1
2). …I have a living hope. v 2-3
3). …God redeems me for an incorruptible crown v 4
4). …the proof of my faith v 5
5). …God replenishes me with inexpressible joy v 6-7
26Jun14
Boasting in the LORD
Philippians 2:4-8 Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. [5] You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. [6] Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. [7] Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, [8] he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross.
1 Corinthians 1:31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD."
Psalm 105:1-6 Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. [2] Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. [3] Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD. [4] Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. [5] Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given, [6] you children of his servant Abraham, you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.
1). Boast about the wonderful Attributes of God
a. Omniscient
b. Omnipotent
c. Omnipresent
d. Love
2). Boast about the wonderful Things God has done
a. Provisions
b. Healing
c. Salvation
d. Answered prayers
3). Boast about what God is doing Right Now
a. Physically
b. Spiritually
c. Emotionally
d. Mentally
4). Boast about what God has Promised He will do
26Jun 21
Fighting for the Family
Nehemiah 4:14 Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, "Don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!"
1). We must fight knowing our enemy
Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
2). We must fight using the right weapons
2 Corinthians 10:4 We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.
3). We must fight starting early
Proverbs 22:6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
4). We must teach them
Curiosity
Memory
Trust
Humility
5). We must surrender fully to Christ.