2013-03-06 - Prayer of the Righeous - More Powerful Than We Can Imagine (part II) Two different responses to God's power: 1. Moses doubted God's power to feed the 600,000 men 2. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego faced the furnace John the Baptist described God's power and man's insignifiance - Matthew 3:3
Imagine trying to asking a clerk compensate for dust when weighing an item for purchase - it would be absurd How do you current view God? |
2015-02-03 - Suffering with Benefits Take pleasure in my weakness; when I am weak, I am strong - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Paul did much of his writting in prison and enduring arrests, beatings, threats against his life because of Jesus People who take pleasure in suffering are usually the ones who need mental help. Paul knew his suffering wouldn't last forever and that God had something better He remembered his suffering would last a moment, while the glory to come would last forever Suffering can:
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2015-05-11 - Shining Lamp Full of the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God - Acts 7:55 Nothing prompts change likea man's courage in the face of potential personal loss. Stephen had that kind of courage. Religous leaders hoped persecuting Christians would put a stop to this new religious movement, exactly the opposite happened Stephen willingly died for what he believed in and he contributed greatly to the spread of the gospel message At the scene of Stephen's murder stood a young Pharisee named Saul - the same Saul God miraculously converted Stephen's courage and faith in the face of death apparently made a lasting impression Pauls bold preaching would change the world forever - Acts 22:19-20 Lamps do not talk, but they do shine. Is your lamp shining today? |
2015-08-07 - Bonds of Friendship My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death - Mark 14:33-34 Jesus had 12 disciples but among them he had 3 who he called friends and had a special bond with Jesus - Peter, James, and John The trio only was present at:
It later had a far reaching effect:
Peter, James, and John enjoyed a special relationship with Jesus and it helped make the biggest impact for Christ in the world |
2015-09-21 - Ready to Follow Miraculous signs at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory - John 2:11 One day at a wedding party, Jesus performed his very first miracle when he changed water into wine In those days, running out of wine at a wedding was a major social faux pas Mary asked Jesus to fix the problem - servants filled six stone pots with water and wine began to one again - the best they ever tasted Headwaiter: why save the best wine for last? They never saw Jesus the same way again |
2015-10-12 - Coming Atteactions Peter, no even knowing what he was saying - Luke 9:33 Peter, James, and John once saw a spectacular preview of a coming attraction and it changed them forever As they awoke, they saw Jesus in an unexpected light - he had changed and looked different Jesus' clothes glowed white and Moses, Elijah appeared and began talking to him Fast forward 40 years, Peter wrote, "we saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes when he received honor and glory from the Father - 2 Peter 1:16-17 Peter saw the divinity of Jesus and could not wait to see more |
2015-12-25 - Terrified but Overjoyed The Lord's glory surrounded them, they were terrified - Luke 2:9 Nothing will seem more frightening and joyful than coming face-to-face with the living God The group of shephards were guarding their flock the night Jesus was born Suddenly an anegel appeared, interrupting the night's slience and darkness with his radiant glory The sight terrified them The agel quickly replaced their fears with unspeakable joy - the Messiah had come The angel brought the best news the world had ever heard The shepherd felt awe and terror at seeing them, followed by joy at what they had to say How do you reconcile biblical commands to fear God and love him at the same time? |
2015-12-30 - Not About Me I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen - 2 Timothy 2:9-10 Paul freely chose to suffer for Christ Despite opponents he faces, pain and suffering, he gladly continued to speak the name of Jesus Was he a masochist? No, he did not enjoy the pain but tried to move on where ever he could - Acts 26:29 Paul enjoyed anything that would help to get the gospel message preached to those who needed to hear it Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution - 2 Timothy 3:12 |