All Discussions Tagged 'Sermon' - Black Preaching Network2024-03-28T21:53:08Zhttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=Sermon&feed=yes&xn_auth=noWhat's Your Purpose in Life by Minister Kamaltag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2016-02-08:916966:Topic:58985972016-02-08T15:04:44.404ZKamal Imani Amenhttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/KamalImani
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<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v3g0ABF_PAA?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe> Fight The Good Fight of Faithtag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2011-08-02:916966:Topic:24121672011-08-02T22:23:01.509ZEdward Frenchhttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/EdwardFrench
<br />
<p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Message: <u>“Fight the Good Fight of Faith”</u></strong></span></p>
<p><strong>July 31, 2011 – Sunday Morning Service</strong></p>
<p><b>Speaker: Edward L. French, Pastor</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b><u>Scripture Readings: </u></b></p>
<p>1Timothy 6:12 </p>
<p>Ephesians 6:12</p>
<p>1 Corinthians 2:14</p>
<p>Matthew 4:8-11</p>
<p>John 10:10</p>
<p>1 John 3:8</p>
<p>Acts 26:18</p>
<p>Acts…</p>
<br />
<p><span class="font-size-4"><strong>Message: <u>“Fight the Good Fight of Faith”</u></strong></span></p>
<p><strong>July 31, 2011 – Sunday Morning Service</strong></p>
<p><b>Speaker: Edward L. French, Pastor</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b><u>Scripture Readings: </u></b></p>
<p>1Timothy 6:12 </p>
<p>Ephesians 6:12</p>
<p>1 Corinthians 2:14</p>
<p>Matthew 4:8-11</p>
<p>John 10:10</p>
<p>1 John 3:8</p>
<p>Acts 26:18</p>
<p>Acts 14:15</p>
<p>Acts 11:21</p>
<p>1 Peter 5:8</p>
<p>Ephesians 2:2</p>
<p>Matthew 25:41</p>
<p>Matthew 6:26</p>
<p>Luke 9:1</p>
<p>Matthew 16:19</p>
<p>Ephesians 6:13</p>
<p>1Timothy 1:18</p>
<p>2Timothy 4:7</p>
<p>2Timothy 2:3</p>
<p>2 Corinthians 10:4</p>
<p>1 John 4:4</p>
<p>1 Corinthians 10:13</p>
<p>Hebrews 13:5</p>
<p>Jeremiah 29:11</p>
<p>John 14:12</p>
<p>Isaiah 53: 1-5</p>
<p>Luke 6:45</p>
<p>James 4: 7-8</p>
<p>Matthew 9: 37</p>
<p>Galatians 5:1</p>
<p>Luke 11: 23</p>
<p>1John 4:18</p>
<p>James 1:8</p>
<p>James 4: 1-3</p>
<p>Ephesians 6: 11-13</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><u>Introduction</u></b></p>
<p><b>1 Timothy 6:12</b></p>
<p><i>“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses”.</i></p>
<p>Born Again Believers have a reason to step into the fighting ring as we have an adversary. God is calling us into battle as we are on the Lord’s side. God and His believers have enemies, but “Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world”.</p>
<p><b>1 John 4:4</b></p>
<p>“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”.</p>
<p><b><u> </u></b></p>
<p><b><u>Points</u></b></p>
<ul>
<li>There are spiritual dimensions which wrestle against believers-not natural dimensions.</li>
<li><b><u>Prayer</u></b> is a part of our warfare as princes rule over regions and war against and control our cities and governments.</li>
<li>There was a prince over Sodom and Gomorrah which ruled over the land.</li>
<li>Rulers of darkness have blinded people by deceiving them. </li>
<li>We (believers) have to come against them through prayer.</li>
<li>We must pray for our children against rulers of darkness, and to allow the light of Christ shine in darkness.</li>
<li>Until people enter into the realm of God, they cannot comprehend this.</li>
<li>God desires us to depend upon Him-not in the powers of this world.</li>
<li>The power of God works in us to achieve.</li>
<li>Spiritual wickedness in high places is manifested in cults, Harry Potter stories, and witch craft.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>1 Corinthians 2:14</b></p>
<p class="ListParagraph">“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned”.</p>
<ul>
<li>No morally good man can war against the spiritual world.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>2 Corinthians 10:4</b></p>
<p>“For the weapons of our warfare <i>are</i> not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Matthew 4: 8-11</b></p>
<p>“8Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;</p>
<p> <sup>9</sup>And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.</p>
<p> <sup>10</sup>Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.</p>
<p> <sup>11</sup>Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.</p>
<ul>
<li>God allows the enemy to challenge you; He does not put more on you than what you can bear.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><b>1 Corinthians 10:13</b></p>
<p><b>“</b>There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it”.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>We must fast, pray, and enter the spiritual dimension to face our enemy. There is a reason for us to fight.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><b>John 10:10</b></p>
<p>“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (more abundantly)”.</p>
<ul>
<li>God desires His people to have abundant life.</li>
<li>Satan tries to trip us up to devour us. He comes with accusations, and attempts to bombard us.</li>
<li><b><i>“Nobody told me that the road would be easy; I don’t believe He brought me this far to leave me”.</i></b></li>
</ul>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Hebrews 13:5</b></p>
<p><b>“</b>Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”</p>
<p><sup> </sup></p>
<p><b><sup>Jeremiah 29:11</sup></b></p>
<p>“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>It is not the plan of God to destroy you.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><b>1 John 3:8</b></p>
<p>“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="v1">John: 14:12<br/>"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the WORKS that I do he will do also; and GREATER WORKS than these he will do, because I go to My Father."</p>
<ul>
<li>What is the purpose of Jesus statement? To destroy the works of the devil!</li>
<li>We fight a daily fight even when we become weary- this is spiritual warfare against us.</li>
<li>Fight in prayer to overcome your adversary!</li>
<li>The devil is a liar; when thoughts rise up against God’s word, declare <b>“Satan you are a liar”!</b></li>
<li><b>When God says you are healed/delivered, and Satan says you are not, Satan is a liar!</b></li>
</ul>
<p><b>Isaiah 53: 1-5</b></p>
<p>“1Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?</p>
<p> <sup>2</sup>For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.</p>
<p> <sup>3</sup>He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.</p>
<p> <sup>4</sup>Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.</p>
<p> <sup>5</sup>But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.</p>
<ul>
<li><b><i>The best thing the devil offers, it will send you to hell if you accept it!</i></b></li>
</ul>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Acts 26:18</b></p>
<p>“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Acts 14:15</b></p>
<p>“And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Acts 11:21</b></p>
<p>“And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord”.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>We are now on the Lord’s side, but it does not make us free from attack.</li>
<li>Jesus came to snatch us out of the world, and Satan attempts to fight us.</li>
<li>So many are looking for an answer, and do not know where to turn.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Matthew 9:37</b></p>
<p>“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly <i>is</i> plenteous, but the labourers <i>are</i> few”.</p>
<p class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst"> </p>
<ul>
<li>We must seek out those who are in need of help, for example <b>our youth.</b></li>
<li><b>Satan is taking out our youth before they give their lives to Jesus!</b></li>
</ul>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>1 Peter 5:8</b></p>
<p><b>“</b>Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Ephesians 2:2</b></p>
<p>“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience”.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<ul>
<li>At a point in our lives, <u>we were all walking in bondage.</u></li>
<li>Jesus did not die for us to be in bondage. He wants us to have liberty.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Galatians 5: 1</b></p>
<p>“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage”.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Matthew 25:41</b></p>
<p>“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels”.</p>
<ul>
<li>Hell was not prepared for God’s people, but a place of torment for Satan and his angels.</li>
<li>We must be a torment to the devil every day!</li>
<li>We should give the devil hell every day for all negative situations!</li>
<li><b>Break the back of your adversary; DO NOT BE PASSIVE!</b></li>
</ul>
<p><b>Matthew 16:18</b></p>
<p>“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”.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Declare thus say the word of the Lord.</li>
<li>We are chosen to serve the true God.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Matthew 6:24</b></p>
<p>“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon”.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Luke 11:23</b></p>
<p>“He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth”.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<ul>
<li>God saved us to make us a weapon of warfare to conquer our adversary; Purpose: To accomplish God’s purpose.</li>
<li>Samson, Gideon, Joshua, and others were all warriors. God was with them.</li>
<li><b>Jesus is the greatest of all warriors! He is our peacemaker and gives us victory!</b></li>
</ul>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>1 Juhn 4:18</b></p>
<p>“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love”.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><b>Before we step in the ring, Jesus already gave us the victory!</b></li>
<li>Jesus endured so much for us. We do not always appreciate what He did for us.</li>
<li>We do not have to yield to Satan’s attacks and defeat; <b>Jesus proved it at the cross!</b></li>
<li><b>This fight is worth fighting for. Fight the good fight of faith.</b></li>
</ul>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>John 10:10</b><i><br/><br/></i>“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Luke 9:1</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>“</b><b>Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases</b>.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>We have power to cure diseases, and over the devil! <b>AWESOME!</b></li>
<li>God gave us the ability to speak in tongues<b>! AWSEOME!</b></li>
<li>All Christians are not Believers; Believers take God at His Word.</li>
<li>Nothing is too hard for God.</li>
<li>The harassment of the devil makes one say “Enough is enough”, and makes one fight!</li>
<li>God gives us a certain fight to fight; not to fight every demon.</li>
<li>Know what God gave you to intelligently fight in warfare.</li>
<li>God gave us power to fight.</li>
</ul>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Matthew 16:19</b></p>
<p><b>“</b>And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven”.</p>
<ul>
<li>When you take authority in the natural, it changes things in the spiritual, and vice versa.</li>
<li>God shows himself to be real; people doubt when manifestations are not evident.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>James 4:1-3</b></p>
<p>From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?</p>
<p> <sup>2</sup>Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.</p>
<p> <sup>3</sup>Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.</p>
<ul>
<li>Be of a single mind.<b> </b></li>
</ul>
<p><b>James 1:8</b></p>
<p>“A double minded man <i>is</i> unstable in all his ways”.</p>
<p><b>James 1:4</b></p>
<p>“But let patience have <i>her</i> perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing”.</p>
<p><b>Ephesians 6:11-13</b></p>
<p>“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. <sup>12</sup> For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,<sup>[</sup><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A11-13&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-29346a" title="See footnote a"><sup>a</sup></a><sup>]</sup> against spiritual <i>hosts</i> of wickedness in the heavenly <i>places.</i> <sup>13</sup> Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.</p>
<ul>
<li>Works of darkness makes you:</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>Blind</li>
<li>Fear</li>
<li>Bound up.</li>
<li>Act out of God’s will for your life.</li>
<li>Fall and stumble.</li>
<li>Fall into a pit set up by Satan to destroy you.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Put on the light of God.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>1 Timothy 1:18</b></p>
<p>“This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare”</p>
<ul>
<li>We are God’s battle axes. God has declared that we are mighty warriors, and has spoken great things through prophetic words.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>2 Timothy 4:7</b></p>
<p>“ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:</p>
<p> <sup>8</sup>Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing”.</p>
<ul>
<li>We must pray, “Lord help me to fight the good fight of faith”.</li>
<li>We should be an example to others promoting Christ.</li>
<li>Embrace encouragement, and endure in the walk of Christ.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>2 Timothy 2:3</b></p>
<p>“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”.</p>
<ul>
<li>God called you, chose you, and wants you.</li>
<li>Do not let the devil take away your inheritance.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>2 Corinthians 10:4</b></p>
<p>“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds”.</p>
<p><b>James 4:7-8</b></p>
<p><b>“</b>Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”. <b>“</b>Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse <i>your</i> hands, <i>you</i> sinners; and purify <i>your</i> hearts, <i>you</i> double-minded”.</p>
<ul>
<li>The things you speak forth are set into motion. There is power in the tongue.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Luke 6:45</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>EF:eb</b></p>
<p><b><i>7/31/11 </i></b></p> Sermon: Opportunity for Deliverancetag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2010-01-17:916966:Topic:11843962010-01-17T12:53:45.594ZYouth Pastor Eric Jadolyn Goodehttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/ReverendEricJadolynGoode
Text: St John 4 4-14 (NASB)<br />
<br />
Historical/Theological Introduction<br />
<br />
When we think upon the Providence of God, his ability to move in and through history, it is wonderful; because God has a way of working in our lives to bring us to the point of a breakthrough. There are many people who would believe that they are in church; because they were taught that: "they need alittle God in their life, but the reality is simply: God placed us in a specific place for a purpose." Every individual is born with…
Text: St John 4 4-14 (NASB)<br />
<br />
Historical/Theological Introduction<br />
<br />
When we think upon the Providence of God, his ability to move in and through history, it is wonderful; because God has a way of working in our lives to bring us to the point of a breakthrough. There are many people who would believe that they are in church; because they were taught that: "they need alittle God in their life, but the reality is simply: God placed us in a specific place for a purpose." Every individual is born with a sense of purpose and destiny. Many times it may not look like it; because of our background. However, it is not the background that makes us, but it is the fact that God uses our situations to create an opportunity to bring us to a place where he can be glorified in our life. This passage which was selected for your consideration will teach us this valuable lesson.<br />
<br />
. Saint John 20:30-31 indicate that Christ performed a variety of miracles during his earthly ministry, but the miracles that are noted in his book are to enhance the faith of those who would come to Christ. There are many people who rely on what they empirical to be the starting ground for their faith, but the Christian who embraces Christ must understand that faith begins in the natural, but must extend beyond the natural into the supernatural in order to obtain the blessings that are offered to them by God. The Gospel of John allows us to understand that our Deliverance is not some Sunday night program that we reserve to give people assurance in something that has not happened, but Deliverance is found in the fact that Jesus is the Christ, and he has the power to transform our live, to the Praise and Glory of his name.<br />
<br />
It is in this passage that we find Jesus on a another purposeful mission to bring salvation and redemption in the lives of those who he encounters. It is important to note that: no life came remain the same of Jesus stops. To my sad regret, many people become stuck where they are spiritually; because they feel this all they have known, and they cannot go any further, but the Lord is a Liberator, and this passage of scripture will demonstrate his ability to bring peace, redemption, and freedom in the lives of people who come to him by faith in him.<br />
<br />
Incident that Brings Deliverance: (4-6) Jesus, according to the gospel writer, is on his way to Galilee. Jesus does something that is totally counter-cultural. He goes into Samaritan territory. Historically, the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans because these people were a mixture of Jews and other cultural background. This was strike one for Jesus, but he also speaks to a women, which also went against the cultural norm, but the text makes this clea.<br />
<br />
And he had to pass through Samaria (Spiros Zodhiates)<br />
<br />
This passage denotes that Jesus was passing through for a purpose. He was tired but he also had a purpose in going to this Samaritan city. There are many times in our life when we are not cognitive of the purposes of God in our lives. There are many times when the Lord will use us to be an instrument of Deliverance. There is no one person that has a ministry of deliverance. If you are saved, you be able by the power of God to aid someone in their deliverance experience. The text further suggest:<br />
<br />
So he came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the parcel of Ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. And Jacob’s well was there. Jesus thereof, being wearied from his journey, was sitting thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. (Spiros Zodhiates)<br />
<br />
Note, Jesus comes to a place in the hot afternoon to; because he is wearied from the Journey, but he knew within his Spirit that he had a purpose of sitting on this well. It is amazing where our Deliverance finds us. It is strange; because it would seem that Jesus being a Jew would go to Jerusalem, but he comes to a place where nobody else will think to go in the hot afternoon. Isn’t that like our Lord, he will meet us where nobody else will. The beginning of the seventh suggests:<br />
<br />
There came a woman of Samaria. (Spiros Zodhiates)<br />
<br />
Jesus meets this women at the well. This is a beatiful symbol. A women who is an outcast because of her social standing in society. She is frowned upon by all the ladies in town, and she is considered by most men to be easy. Yet Jesus comes, at the right time, to bring her a new sense of purpose. It does not matter where you find yourself in life, Jesus iis ready to meet you wherever you find yourself.<br />
<br />
Issue used as instrument for delivereance (7-9) It is amazing to discover in life that God will use the meaningless things in life to bring us close to him. The reality is, many people did not find Christ in the church, but rather, we found him in those things that we thought did not provide meaning in our life. The text makes this clear:<br />
<br />
There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to here “Give me a Drink.” (Spiros Zodhiates)<br />
<br />
This woman had a waterpot, which occasied her encounter with Jesus. That is amazing, God will use whatever he needs to get our attention. This is the reason why we can’t beat folk up mentally because they do not look like, nor act like us. This woman came just as she was, and the Lord was able to give her what she needed. Noticed the text suggests.<br />
<br />
For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman therefore said to him, “ How is it that you, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans<br />
<br />
Many times Chrsit will use the litte things in our possession to bring us on his level. Those who work in Ministry must be careful, and understand that everybody has their own bagging, and we must throw them out because they do; because we all have had our issues that we have had to deal with.<br />
<br />
Ignorance of the Source of her Deliverance: (10-12) This woman was not cognitve that her source of hope was standing in front of her. This is the case of many people. The Lord is in the room, but we are not aware of him. However, Jesus did not beat here down, but he worked with her until she finally got it. The text suggest these words:<br />
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Jesus answered and said to her, “ if you knew the gift of God , and who its is who says to you, “give me a drink” youwould have asked Him, and he would hyave given you living water,”<br />
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Jesus exposes her to the reality that the water that he has is greater and would provide more life, then any other substances. This woman begins to become antogonistic and says:<br />
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She said to Him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? You are not greater than our fatherJacob , are you, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself, and his sons , and his cattle. (Spiros Zodhiates)<br />
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This woman misunderstands the comments of Jesus, but he never gives up on her; beause he is determined to make her life a living witness of his transforming power. We must Judge fold becaue they are not where we are, or because they come to Church in a none tradional matter. Deliverance is an inner-process that takes place of time. Jesus makes this clear about this water:<br />
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Jesus answered and said to her, everyone who drinks of ths water shall thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I shall givehim shall never thrist; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life. (Spiros Zodhiates)<br />
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This is the goal of Deliverance, to bring people to a place where there lives become a continuous well that provides life for themsleves and those whom we come into contact with. After Jesus met her needs, she went forth and spoke this news throughout out her town. Sermon: “Reconstructing in Ruin”tag:abcpreachers.ning.com,2010-01-13:916966:Topic:11776772010-01-13T02:48:33.962ZYouth Pastor Eric Jadolyn Goodehttps://abcpreachers.ning.com/profile/ReverendEricJadolynGoode
Text: Haggai 2:3-9<br />
Topic Sentence: What do you see when you see your church? Do you see something that is beyond reconstruction? Do you see an unfixable situation? Or do you see what God sees?<br />
Introductory/Historical/Theological Remarks: Before the exile of many of the Jews to Babylon, the Temple played an important role in the life of the people of Judah. The Temple was regarded as the most sacred place in all the land. However, the people began to worship at the Temple out of mere religious…
Text: Haggai 2:3-9<br />
Topic Sentence: What do you see when you see your church? Do you see something that is beyond reconstruction? Do you see an unfixable situation? Or do you see what God sees?<br />
Introductory/Historical/Theological Remarks: Before the exile of many of the Jews to Babylon, the Temple played an important role in the life of the people of Judah. The Temple was regarded as the most sacred place in all the land. However, the people began to worship at the Temple out of mere religious act. However, there was no heart transformation taking place in the life of these people. God being faithful to his promise sent them into exile, as he told them. According to 2nd Kings 25:9, the Babylonians came and destroyed the Temple. Now they are in ruin. However, the remnant that was left in Judah still regarded this place as Holy, and would make sacrifices there. Upon the return of the exiles, they still regarded the Temple as sacred. The even referred to as the “house of the Lord” although there was no building. In 536 B.C, a group of Jews returned from Babylonian exile, after the decree of Cyrus, the Persian King. This first group laid the foundation for the new Temple. Due to opposition from Semitic neighbors, the work was stopped. (Ezra 4:4-5) Thus, the work of the Temple was discontinued. This is the same attitude of church members; they allow opposition to hinder them from working in the service of God. In the church, there really is no focus on Ministry; because such a focus will cause an individual to press on in spite of the opposition. Thus, God’s raises up a prophet to provide spiritual leadership and encouragement to those who are in the land.<br />
Haggai focuses his attention on the blessings that come as a result of building God’s house. That is: being committed the work of ministry. Many times people will judge based on what they see: the church is dying spiritually, the Pastor does not do what I want, I am not the president of this committee, or I am not a preacher. The truth is simply: the building of the Church of Christ is a collective effort. There are no big eyes or little you in the church. So again the question is raised, “how do you perceive (understand) your church? If you see a hopeless situation, I implore you; take another look; because the impossibilities of men do not nullify the possibilities of God. There those in who will say that I have taken all I can take, and will leave the church without, seeking direction from the Lord. As a result, they find out that the church they joined does not meet up to their expectation, and they will leave again. However, a Christian Solider will stand in the midst of the problems and build. Thus, the Lord speaks through the lips of this prophet<br />
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on the twenty-first of the seventh month; the word of the Lord came by Haggai the Prophet saying:<br />
There are some great implications in this passage, in the midst of ruin, there needs to be a word from the Lord. There is a great famine in the church, not of food, but a word. In the midst of so much that goes on in our lives, it is good to know that: “there is a word from the Lord!”<br />
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Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying<br />
Notice the three groups being addressed here: political leader, Religious representative, and surrounding community. Say what you will, the reality is simply: leaders need to be encouraged in their work. Every leader is not perfect, but he needs to be shown a little appreciation for the work that he does on behalf of the kingdom of God. Judging the motives and intentions of leaders are up to God. Furthermore, the church needs to be encouraged; because in the midst of ruin, we have to rebuild. Thus, the Prophet is sent to bring a word of encourage to these discouraged people. There are three principles that can be brought forth from this passage,<br />
Three biblical Principles<br />
The Present Reality: (vs. 3-4) the prophet asks a rhetorical question. The purpose of this question is to cause the people to do a mental survey of what they see. These people were looking at a Temple that had been destroyed by the Babylonians. They observed the situation. This result of the assessment led the people to retrospect at the former glory of God. Imagine the emotions that were stirred in these people. The text says:<br />
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Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it not seem to you like nothing in comparison?<br />
The question can be used as a motive to cause the people to see the possible potential in a divesting situation. Thus the text rings forth with this declaration:<br />
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But now take courage Zerubbabel, declares the Lord, take courage also, Joshua son of Jehezdak the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage, declares the Lord, and work: for I am with you, says the Lord.<br />
Take note, there is this repetitive statement, “declares the Lord”, “says the Lord”. The implications of such statement are that: God is with those who place their hand to the “Gospel Plow.” People often become discouraged. These people felt forsaken; because the glory of the former temple was done away with. However, God allows the people to understand that he has not deserted his people. In the midst of ruin, God has not deserted his people, but he is with them. Thus, they are commanded to “work.” In God’s program, laziness is not tolerated. However, God is with the individual. Thus, they must work collectively to bring about the realization of the Kingdom of God. Now this work is not done out of discouragement, but there should be a mental assessment and conclusion that the greater the opposition the greater the opportunity to witness the Greatness of God in the life of his program.<br />
The Promised reaffirmed (vs. 5) the prophet, being concerned with the Law, seeks to reiterate the promise of God given when they were brought out of Egypt. As a result, the text suggest:<br />
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As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt, My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear.<br />
What is the principle of the promise: that God is in their midst. In the midst of decay, God is there. In the midst of so much trials of life, it is good to have the promise of the presence of God. The symbol of God’s presence may not be there, but God’s promise it there. Thus, the command is given to: “do not fear.” Fear is an emotional state that causes man to become discouraged at a particular situation. These people have been without a temple, without hope, and without peace. To the contrary, The Lord commands the people to work because God is in their midst. This is an excellent principle for the church; God is in the midst of his church. There may be opposition in the church of Jesus Christ, but we should never be scared of our opposition. When we work, it should be the Grace of God, through the means of Grace that gives us the sufficient strength to build up the kingdom of God. These promises are based on the faithfulness of God. That is: God is consistent with his what he says. God is a God of Covenant, which means he is obligated to<br />
The Provisional Restoration (vs. 6-9 The Prophet uses kingly –like language in his reference to the building of the Temple. That is: he is suggested that along with the presence of God in the midst of the restoration, God will provide the material blessings need to bring about this restoration. Ezra 6:4-8 helps us to see how God goes about to achieve this provision. He makes the enemy that wanted to stop the work of God pay the full cost of the construction. The prophet says.<br />
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For thus says the Lord of Hosts, Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land. And I will shake all the nations; and they will come with the wealth of all nations; and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts.<br />
These verses teach a valuable principle: God will use those oppose to be your greatest opportunity. That seems like a paradox, but God can use anybody to get his glory. The purpose is to “fill this house with glory.” God reduces us to nothing, so that when his project is finished, we can give him the glory. The text further suggests.<br />
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The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of Hosts.<br />
God is the owner of all things, thus, he has all the reason to use what he will to bring himself glory. He had done so before, and he can do it again; because he is God. Thus Haggai declares:<br />
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The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts, and in this place I shall give peace, declares the Lord of hosts<br />
Let us take courage in knowing that God can beatify what he will at the time he wills. In the midst of ruin, we should find a sense of hope that God can take our wounds and give us a reason to worship him. In the midst of problems in the house of God, take courage in knowing that God can send peace provision, through our total trust in his grace and love. This is done for the glory of God!