God’s Calling is…..
Acts 6:1-4
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. [2] Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. [3] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. [4] But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
1. God’s calling is personal:
Matthew 9:9
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
2. God’s Calling is powerful:
Luke 4:1
And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
Acts 7:55
But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
3. God’s calling is perfect:
Ephes. 4:16
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
4. God’s callings is purposeful:
Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Romans 15:16
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
Song: I have decided to follow Jesus 516
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As the final work of God’s creation, He makes a man to have dominion over all of the creation of His master plan but He tells Adam that he cannot eat of the tree of knowledge.
In Genesis 2:18 God senses a need that is yet un met: “And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”
God gives Adam the role of naming all the creatures and plants and trees of the world and after this has been accomplished then He does something to reward Adam.
Genesis 2:20-23 NKJ
Marriage
Those Sweet Short Years
There is no greater blessing on earth than a good marriage. A young couple was visiting with an older couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. "Fifty years!" the young husband exclaimed, "That is a long time to be married to one person." The old gentleman looked over at his wife with love in his eyes and said, "It would have been a lot longer without her."
In Christian marriage, two people grow more and more one with every passing year. They are "fellow heirs of the grace of life" and they are more than happy to share. Each is helping the other on the way to eternity.
Someone asked, "Is there anything more beautiful than a boy and girl clasping clean hands and pure hearts in the path of marriage?" The answer is "Yes, there is a more beautiful thing: it is the spectacle of an old man and an old woman finishing their journey on that path. Their hands are gnarled, but still clasped; their faces are seamed but still radiant; their hearts are tired and bowed down but still strong. They have proved the happiness of marriage and vindicated it from the jeers of cynics."
First, God knows our most pressing need:
You will notice that used the word need instead of needs because we all have man so called needs but truly we usually have but one true need at a time.
God was understanding of the need for His creation (man) to have a companion to talk to and share life with as they grew older together. He never meant for man to just communicate with the apes and monkeys as Tarzan did and never forget that he found a Jane because Cheetah just did not meet his needs.
Adam has finished the extremely tiresome job of naming everything and now God sees that Adam will have many lonely days before him and from Adam’s side God takes a rib and forms a woman named Eve and not Steve.
Secondly, God creates man and woman to fulfill the needs of each other:
· There are physical, behavioral and emotional differences between men and women .
· The nurturing strengths of the woman are to complement the protecting and providing strengths of the man.
· Usually the most successful marriages are those that have contrasting
Behavioral personalities. (Harriot Olson and Nels).
Thirdly, God sanctioned and instituted Marriage with the celebration called a wedding as a time to celebrate the love that draws man and woman together.
· We go through a process called dating to find the right person.
· We go through an engagement period to make our plans for the future and to get to know all that we can about that special person.
· We go before God in a ceremony to make a commitment to each other and to Him.
BUT MANY QUESTION THE PLAN OF GOD BY SAYING:
· The institution of marriage is a failure because 50% fail
· Many modern homes today are very dysfunctional.
These two arguments may seem to be valid to some but I can say from many years of experience that not all marriages were made in heaven at
And
The success of marriage must include God
Finally:
How to Preserve a Husband
Be careful in your selection.
Once selected, give your entire thoughts to preparation for domestic use.
Some wives insist upon keeping them in a pickle, others are constantly getting them into hot water. This makes them sour, hard, and sometimes bitter. Even poor varieties may be made sweet, tender and good, by garnishing them with kisses, wrapping them in a blanket of love, keeping them warm with a steady fire of domestic devotion, and serving with peaches and cream.
Thus prepared they will keep for years!!
Tell Her So
Amid the cares of married life,
In spite of toil and business strife,
If you value your sweet wife,
Tell her so!
There was a time you thought it bliss
To get the favor of a kiss;
A dozen now won't come amiss-
Tell her so!
Do not act as if she has passed her prime,
As though to please her were a crime-
If e'er you loved her, now is the time;
Tell her so!
Never let her heart grow cold;
Richer beauties will unfold.
She is worth her weight in gold;
Tell her so!
Isaiah 9:2-7
Isaiah 9:2-7 (NKJV)
2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian.
5 For every warrior's sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire.
6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
First, let’s at the humanity and deity of the Messiah:
- A Specific Child was born and His name was Jesus
- Jesus preexisted Bethlehem and was given from God in heaven.
Secondly, He is to assume the role of the preminate King of All.
- Let us be clear .. the government of His Kingdom rests on His shoulders and He rules not through man made committees, boards, delegations, legislators because our ways of doing things are not God’s ways
- His Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom and cannot be destroyed by any other Kingdom of this world.
Thirdly, we look at His official title:
The official title for the queen of England is: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom and Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other realms and territories Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.
Jesus has an official Title as well:
Wonderful in His person and deity
Counselor= listened to by folks because He spoke with heavenly authority and truth. (no bad advice)
El gibbor= the prevailing God
Abi ad = the father of the everlasting age
Prince of peace sar shalom = prince of prosperity, the giver of all blessings
Finally, let us never forget that there is nothing that can stop the growth of this Kingdom nor bring it to a halt. He is the everlasting King of the everlasting kingdom:
Adam, advocate, Almighty, Alpha and Omega, Amen, Arm of the Lord, Author and perfecter of Faith, Author of Salvation, Beloved Son, Blessed and only Sovereign, Branch, Bread of life, chief shepherd, chosen one of God, Christ of God, consolation of Israel, cornerstone, creator, deliverer, door, eternal father, faithful witness, first and last, firstborn, glory of the Lord, God, God blessed, good shepherd, great high priest, head of the church , Holy servant, Holy and righteousness one, horn of salvation, I am, Immanuel, Jesus.
Previous Sermon Notes:
Seeking God's Will
Before the unusual sales records of the Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church one must go back many decades to find books that held the number one position in the world regarding sales in religion.
One such book was written by Charles Allen and it was called God’s Psychiatry in which he took some of the simple and well known passages found in the Bible and related their meaning to show us how we were to live and even look at life from a Biblical perspective and therefore be very happy.
Many years a young pastor in California started a church at an old drive in theater in his town. He was not having much success in his ministry and he decieded to take all of the church’s money and bring in Charles Allen to do a revival from the stage of that drive in theater. The revival was so successful that the rest of the stories regarding the Crystal Cathedral and Charles Schuller have become an important part of American Church history.
Today, I am using a small part of one of the scriptures used by Allen and sharing an important message regarding God’s will for your life and mine.
We go to the sermon on the mount and a question asked by the disciples in regard to the model that they should follow in prayer.
In the very first few words of the Lord’s Prayer we learn something regarding the heart of God’s desire regarding mankind.
Luke 11:2
And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
First, they are told to pray to the specific and only true God:
1. They are told to pray to the God who is not an earthly creation but one whose presence fills the vastness of the heavens.
2. The God whose name has been sacred and holy.
Secondly, He has them pray with a specific goal of joining with the gospel message that God’s Kingdom would come to earth:
(John) Matthew 3:2
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(Jesus)
Matthew 4:17
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(us)
Matthew 10:7
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
To have a Kingdom one must have:
1. Boundaries
Matthew 16:18
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
2. King or head of state
Ephes. 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
1 Tim. 6:15
Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
Rev. 17:14
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
Rev. 19:16
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
3. Citizens
John 3:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God .
Finally, the Kingdom is to come with two specific:
Respect God's Will
A good pilot must have a healthy fear of gravity. This respect is not in the conscious mind of most pilots, but it forms the foundation of everything they do. When a headstrong pilot comes up against gravity, gravity will win-no matter how strongly the pilot opposes it. A pilot who does not respect gravity is not around to tell us about it. In a sense, this healthy respect of gravity is similar to our living in submission to God's sovereign will. Ultimately, whether or not we choose to accept it, God's will wins out.
1. God has a specific will for those who are not Christians:
John 3:17
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
2. God has a specific will for those who are Christians
1 Thes. 4:3
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
How to Find God's Will
A young man went into a church and started praying. He was so anxious to find God's will for his life that he took a piece of paper and wrote down all the things that he was going to do for God. Then he started to pray that God might reveal to him whether these promises were acceptable to Him.
"This is not the way I want you to find My will. All I want of you is for you to sign your name and leave the paper blank for Me to fill."
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The Words of Christ
1 Tim. 6:3
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
Words are very powerful and the person who first said “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me” never pastored a church or taught in a school class rooms.
There are millions of people sitting in church or not going to church because of someone who could not control their tongue or said something unknowingly that offended someone but this morning I want to talk about the words of Christ which are always appropriate and given to us to allow us to receive the positive power of His words.
Let’s turn to the New Testament and check out what we might learn about the power of His Words:
First, His words are compelling words:
Luke 2:46-51
And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. [47] And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. [48] And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. [49] And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? [50] And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. [51] And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
Secondly, His words are convicting words:
John 8:9
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Thirdly, His words are life changing words:
John 8:10-11
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? [11] She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Fourthly, His words are commissioning words:
Matthew 22:9
Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Finally, His words are comforting words:
John 14:1-4
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. [2] In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. [4] And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Conclusion:
Sing them over again to me, Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see, Wonderful words of life.
Words of life and beauty, Teach me faith and duty.
Christ, the blessed One, gives to all, Wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call, Wonderful words of life.
All the wondrous story, Showing us His glory.
Sweetly echo the gospel call, Wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all, Wonderful words of life.
Jesus, only Savior, Sanctify forever.
Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life.
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Jarius and His Need
Luke 8:41-49
And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: [42] For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
[43] And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, [44] Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. [45] And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? [46] And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. [47] And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him and how she was healed immediately. [48] And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
Luke 8:49-56
While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. [50] But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. [51] And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. [52] And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. [53] And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. [54] And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. [55] And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. [56] And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
- Let’s set the stage:
a. A Synagogue ruler by the name of Jarius comes to Jesus because his daughter is dying.
b. He could have lost much of his prestige and power by just being seen with Jesus but desperate needs sometimes require desperate measures.
2. He brought his need to Jesus:
a. He pleaded with Jesus to come to his home and heal his daughter
b. He wanted Jesus to drop what he was doing and go to his home
c. JESUS SEEMED TO IGNORE HIM
d. He went on teaching
e. There is no question in my mind but that Jarius was growing impatient and angry because this man called the Son of God did not rush to his beckoned call.
f. Jesus actually takes the time to pay attention to a woman who does not seem to have the courage to even talk to him and he heals her because she touches the tassel of his garment.
g. A messenger comes to Jarius and tells him that his daughter is dead … don’t bother (harass or flay GK) the teacher any more ….. it is just too late…. He has failed you.
3. Jesus turns His attention to the need of Jarius.
a. He lays down two conditions that must be met
1. Don’t be afraid
2. Just believe
b. Promise
1. She will be healed
4. The need met:
a. Jesus arrives at the home
b. the family and professional mourners are wailing
c. The people laugh at Him when he tells them that she is not dead but asleep
d. He only takes people of faith … Peter, James and John into the room with Him
e. He took the girl with His hand of compassion
f. He simply speaks and tells her to get up
Do you have a problem tonight; just listen again to His instructions
Don’t be afraid of your problems, just believe in Me and I will take care of you.
Earthly friends may prove untrue Doubts and fears assail; One still loves and cares for you, one who will not fail.
Jesus, never fails! Jesus, never fails! Heav'n and earth may pass away, but Jesus, never fails!
Though the sky be dark and drear,
Fierce and strong the gale;
Jesus remember He is near;
And He will not fail.
Jesus, never fails! Jesus, never fails! Heav'n and earth may pass away, but Jesus, never fails!
In life's dark and bitter hour Love will still prevail; Trust His everlasting power, Jesus will not fail.
Jesus, never fails! Jesus, never fails! Heav'n and earth may pass away, but Jesus, never fails!
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The Precious Stone
1 Peter 2:1-8
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, [2] As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: [3] If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. [4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, [5] Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. [6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. [7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, [8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
Twice in the scripture, Jesus is referred to as precious unto God and once a question is asked regarding whether or not we consider Jesus to be precious to us and if He is indeed precious to us then He becomes the corner stone of our faith but if we do not consider Him precious then He becomes a stumbling block.
The dictionary defines the word precious as something that is rare or of special value to us but the Greek uses the term of God’s precious Son as the Dearest that He possessed.
Let us never forget that Jesus was God’s “Only begotten Son.”
Today, I would like to use a paraphrase of the scripture found in The Message paraphrase.
(1-3) So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God.
First let us look at the importance of the Stone: (4-8) The Stone
Welcome to the living stone, the source of life. The workman took one look and threw it out: God set it in the place of honor. Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you’ll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God.
The Scripture provides precedent:
Look! I’m setting a stone in Zion,
A cornerstone in the place of honor.
Whoever trusts in this stone as a foundation
Will never have cause to regret it.
To you who trust Him, He’s a Stone to be proud of,
Secondly, let us look at what happens to those who do not recognize the value of the STONE:
but to those who refuse to trust Him,
The stone the workmen threw out
Is now the chief foundation stone.
For the untrusting it’s
….. a stone to trip over
….. a boulder blocking the way
They trip and fall because they refuse to obey, just as predicted.
Finally , what we become by possessing the stone in our hearts:
But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night and day differences He made for you --- from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.
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