February 25, 2018

Sunday School
The Whole Armor of God - Part 2
References: Priscilla Shirer (LifeWay), Bible Hub; GotQuestions.org; LifeHopeandTruth.com

Review:  The Bible tells us that we are at war with the enemy (Satan) who is bent on destroying us. Paul warns us to beware of the tactics of Satan (2 Corinthians 2:11 - so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes).
How can we defend ourselves from Satan's stealthy and deadly attacks?
Paul address this when he compares the Roman soldier's armor to the Armor of God. (Isaiah 59:17 - God put on righteousness as His breastplate; and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in zeal as in a cloak.)
So we see that we do not have to be worried or disheartened by Satan's devices. We are not in this battle alone. We have access to the greatest power. We have God on our side.

Identifying Satan's characteristics so that we are able 

to know what we are up against.

Satan means the adversary of God. He is the antagonist to the plans and purposes of God. His will always seek to misconstrue and malign the character of God and attempt to thwart the purposes of God. Job 1:6 – One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them.

Devil means slanderer.  He intends to defame and malign the character and intentions of God and others. He will whisper lies in hopes of denigrating God’s reputation and diminish our confidence in God and mistrust God’s direction.  Matthew 4:1 – Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  Ephesians 4:25-27 – Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.  “In your anger do not sin”   Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Lucifer means day star or shining star.  His appearance is attractive, alluring and charming. Because of this, he can approach you in an appealing way to entice and lure your attention.  He doesn’t appear to be repulsive or foul so that you don’t see it coming. Isaiah 14:12-14 – How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, “I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.  I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”  Luke 10:18 – He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

Tempter means one who tempts people for the purpose of enticing them to sin.  He seeks to mislead you so that you will become perverted.  He will intentionally set personalized temptations in your path that are not the gifts God set for you.  Matthew 4:3 – The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 1 Thessalonians 3:5 – For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

Ruler of the World means the enemy is not isolated to one place or one individual. He has global methods of mayhem and destruction. He has carefully planned misleading perspectives, philosophies, doctrines and strategies for all societies.  John 12:31 – Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. – The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Prince of the Power of the Air/Prince of Darkness means the devil does not work alone. He is the leader of the dark forces and his invisible realm effects everything in this physical realm.  Ephesians 2:1-2 – As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.  Ephesians 6:12 – For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Accuser means the one who condemns. He wants to weaken the believer’s confidence and convey condemnation and guilt into their lives by bringing up the past sins and mistakes in the believer’s lives.  Revelation 12:10 – Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:  “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah.  For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.

Father of Lies means liar and falsifier.  There is no truth or light in the enemy.  He will twist, misconstrue and falsify the truth of the Word.  John 8:44 – You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Shoring up or defenses against the enemy is important. Remember that the enemy is sorely vexed in two specifics areas: (1) The biggest threat to Satan is the believer's strong FAITH in God and when the believer uses that faith in their daily lives. (2) When the believer admits/acknowledges/recognizes/confesses/concedes his/her weaknesses to him/herself.......A light is shone on the enemy's plans and the believer can begin the fight against Satan.  But you must keep a close eye on the weaknesses because Satan certainly is.

Sermon

Psalm 42:1-5 - As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shots of joy and praise among the festive throng.  Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Subject: An Answer for Your Trouble

• We must put our trust in God.
• We are often worn out and longing for God.
• Remember that God is Omnipresent - everywhere
• Do we allow Satan to creep in?
• Common sense has become uncommon.
• Is there an answer? YES, there is.
• We sometimes tend find "Trouble in my way."
• If we live for Christ, we will experience trouble.
• Are you circled with trouble, stress, depression, worry, a feeling of anxiety, etc.?
• Be not anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.  Philippians 4:6-7
• Concentrate on a right relationship with God.

 

November 26, 2017

Sunday School

Recalibrating

Meaning: To start over; to go back to an original place or condition;

to begin anew.

In this Christian life, we sometimes lose focus, become distracted, zone out or get turned around. By resetting or recalibrating ourselves to walk the right path, we center ourselves in the WORD of God.

Below are a few verses to remind ourselves that God is with us through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
References: Google; BlueBible.org; ManSaysGodSays.com

Always with us – Joshua 1:5 – No one will be able to resist you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not abandon you or leave you alone.

Unchanging - Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!

Strength - Isaiah 41:10 – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you! Don’t be frightened, for I am your God! I strengthen you – yes, I help you – yes, I uphold you with my saving right hand!

Nearness - James 4:8 – Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double-minded.

Provision - Matthew 6:26 – Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you more valuable than they are?

Comfort - John 14:18 – I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Rest - Matthew 11:28 – Come unto me, all ye tat labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Keep us from falling - Jude 1:24 – Now to the one who is able to keep you from falling, and to cause you to stand, rejoicing, without blemish before His glorious presence…

He’ll never leave us - Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you and I will never abandon you.”

Peace - John 14:27 – Peace I leave you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Guidance - Job 23:10 – But He knows the pathway that I take; if He tested me, I would come forth like gold.

Care - 1 Peter 5:6-7 – And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under His mighty hand by casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you.

Sufficient Grace - 2 Corinthians 12:9 – And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

Eternal security - John 10:28-29 – I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them for My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them from My Father’s hand.

Eternal life - John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

God Knows Best

We say, “It’s impossible”                         God says Luke 18:27 – He replied, “What is impossible for mere humans is possible for God.”

We say, “I’m too tired”                            God says Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn for me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.”

We say, “Nobody really loves me”        God says 1 John 3:1 & 6 – Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not.

We say, “I can’t go on”                             God says 2 Corinthians 12:9 – But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”      & Psalm 91:15 – He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

We say, “I can’t do it”                               God says Philippians 4:13 – I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

We say, “I am not able”                           God says 2 Corinthians 9:8 – And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

We say, “It’s not worth it”                       God says Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. 

We say, “I can’t forgive”                          God says 1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  &   Romans 8:1-2 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives live has set you free from the law of sin and death.

We say, “I can’t manage”                                    God says Philippians 4:19 – And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.

We say, “I’m afraid”                                  God says 2 Timothy 1:7 – For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

We say, “I’m always worried and frustrated”           God says 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your troubles on Him because He cares for you.

 

We say, “I’m not smart enough”           God says 1 Corinthians 1:30 – It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

We say, “I feel all alone”                          God says Hebrews 13:5 – “Never will I leave you’ never will I forsake you.”

Sermon
Matthew 2:1-2 - After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
Subject:  What Did You Come To This Service For?

• Herod was sometimes very generous and good but he became insanely suspicious.
• Herod became a murderer who killed or had killed his wife, sons and mother-in-law.
• Herod became bitter and warped.

Worshiping Jesus:

Takes a risk. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.  Matthew 7:14; The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves his life. Proverbs 16:17
We must know the Word of God. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  John 1:1-2
We must come with a spirit of sacrifice and generosity. Take the time out to study the Word; to help others; to pray.
 

   

 

March 23, 2014

Sunday School

Hebrews 2:1-18 and Hebrews 3:1-19

 

A Warning Against Drifting Away and Christ Is Greater Than Moses

• Spoken through angels is a way of describing the Mosaic Law which was received by direction of angels. Acts 7:53
• Angels mediated the Law references: Deuteronomy 33:2; Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19
• A greater word, brought by a greater Person, having greater promises, will bring a greater condemnation if neglected.
• Neglect = They made light of the invitation to the marriage supper. Matthew 22:5
• Neglect means to have the opportunity but to ignore or disregard it.
• Jesus was human because God had put the world in subjection to man not angels. Psalm 8:4-6
• We do not see all the things put under Him but we see Jesus. He fulfilled the promise. Revelation 1:6; 5:10 & Matthew 25:21
• Adam introduced  death into the world by sinning.
• The promise of dominion is only fulfilled through humility of Jesus. Romans 5:12
• The ultimate illustration of the fact that real love, real giving, involves sacrifice. As David said, "I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." 2 Samuel 24:24
• Jesus made us perfect through His suffering.

• God is everything.
• Have confidence in Christ Jesus.
• Evil heart is an unbelieving heart.
• In the season of Grace, we are to believe and obey!
• Lack of trust in God always prevents us from receiving His best.

Sermon

1 Samuel 17:32-37

Subject: "Facing Your Giants"

How did David stand against Goliath when no others could or would?

We have problem giants in our lives.

1. Health
2. Government
3. Money
4. Illness
5. Drugs Addictions
6. Running from the Law
7. Martial Problems
8. Work Related Problems
9. Etc.

• We feel ill-equipped
• God said, "Touch not my anointed, and do my prophets no harm." 1 Chronicles 16:22
• Victory is already ours even in the valley of the shadow of death.
• v35 - I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. (Fear not, for God is with us. He strengthens us in our time of need.)
• David's brothers tried to discourage him.
• People close to you discourage you but stand firm in the Word.
• I can do all things who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
• Spiritually, we sometimes don't fight the good fight of faith.
• If God be for you, who can ever be against us? So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  Romans 8:31
• Remembrance = remember what God has done for us.
• The devil is like a roaring lion, seeking to devour us. 1 Peter 5:8
• David recalled how God delivered him from the lion who roared loudly.
• A bear is grumpy, hungry and complaining. Nothing seams to please it. Some Christians are like that. They attack our dreams and hopes. But David's testimony was that God delivered him each time because he believed in God.
• Every test makes us stronger.

 

How did David stand against Goliath when no one else would or could?

He.......

1. Remembered the Lord is the days of his youth.
2. Represented God who is the living God.
3. Replied or responded instead of hiding or running away.