I have often tried to emphasize the humanity of Jesus, and have spoken of Him as Savior. But, He is also God. As God, He holds a dual responsibility. He is the Savior, but, He is also the King. My objective today is to emphasize the Lordship of Jesus.
It is my objective to remind all who profess to be Christian, that Christianity is a lifestyle. It is every day, 24/7. We are to live like a Christian at work, at home, at play, in church, out of church, or, on vacation.
Very few people wish to go through affliction, endure trials, or experience death, alone. Truth is, sometimes we will have to go it alone. In our text, the Apostle Paul tells how he had to face his troubles alone. He states that no one stood with him.
I would like to speak to you about change. Perhaps you are lost, you can be saved. Your heart can be changed. Dear Christian, you know what I am talking about. You know a change took place when Jesus saved you. Yet, you also know that you aren't all you should be. Do you need to make some changes?
Devil costumes suggest a fictitious character. The Bible teaches he is real. My objective is that we would each be more sensitive to the reality of the Adversary, the Devil, and the spiritual warfare which rages all around us.
In our text the prophet Isaiah admonishes the people. He speaks to the wayward of Israel and exhorts them to turn back to God. He teaches them. Today, if you are wayward, away from God, hear this plea. Listen to the teaching. Hear the instruction.
Participation means obligation. If I give money to support a missionary, I share in the results of the gospel being preached. It is my objective to encourage you to financially invest in good things. Specifically, I am going to address mission's giving.
We live in a society which has adopted the philosophy of entitlement. As a result, man thinks God owes them. Our text gives us a different view of God and different view of man. In our passage you won't find even a hint of entitlement. Sinner, take heed, for salvation is of the Lord.
Our text speaks of the very early days of Jesus' ministry. In it we see the start of His labors. We have the calling of some of His disciples. It is my objective to learn some things as we study Jesus receiving these few men as followers.
With our continued prayers why hasn't God come to the rescue? Why does God seem to be apathetic? There are a couple of biblical texts which address such things. While I shall promote the direct lessons found in the biblical accounts, I intend to look at the subject in reverse too. There is a lesson to be found. Proposition: If there is a lesson on importunate prayer there is a cause for importunate praying. God may let that cause come into our lives.