December 8, 2019

Sunday School

God, All By Himself

God is infinitely far above our ability to fully understand who He really is but He tells us through the Scriptures.

God is Jehovah. The name of the independent, self-complete being – “I AM WHO I AM.”  Exodus 6:3 – And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not know to them. Psalm 83:18 – That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth. Isaiah 26:4 – Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.

 

God is Jehovah-M’Kaddesh. This name means “the God who sanctifies.” God, who is separated from all that is evil requires that the people who follow Him be cleansed from all evil. Leviticus 20:7-8 – Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify (to set apart or separate) you.

We, as Christians (believers in Christ) have 3 aspects of sanctification.

(1)           Positional = Justification – positional change occurs the moment we trust in Jesus Christ. Justification comes the moment we trust Christ.

(2)           Progressive = Sanctification = progressive growth is becoming more like Christ. It begins when we are saved and continues until we die. Romans 8 28-29 – And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose, because those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

We are sanctified on the basis or our redemption in Christ – no redemption, no sanctification.

(3)           Permanent = Glorification – This is the permanent change that awaits every believer. 1 Corinthians 15:50-52 – Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

This speaks of the time when we will exchange our old bodies for new bodies. This is the glorification.

How does Jehovah-M’Kaddesh bring

about sanctification?

(a)           Through the Word of His truth.  John 17:17-19 – Sanctify them through thy truth: they word is truth. As thou has sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

(b)           Sometimes through chastisement. Hebrews12:10-11 – For they disciplined (chastened) us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness. Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful. But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it.

(c)            Through personal discipline. Psalm 139:23 – Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.

Romans 12:1-2 – Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice – alive holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.

Sermon
Matthew 2:2 - "Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
Subject: The Real Christmas Star!

Traditions:

• Cut down a tree or buy a tree
• Decorate tree with lights, balls, etc.
• Place star on top of tree

• Advent means the coming or arrival.
• Epiphany means the manifestation of Christ.
• The Word in the flesh is Jesus the Christ.
• The morning star is the brightest star before the sun rises.
• Question? Could anyone tell by looking at you that Jesus lives in you?
• Are you a flicker of light or a blazing flame of light?

For the light to shine in us we must....

1. Purge sin from our lives
2. Recognize Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords.
3. Be guided or led by the one real Christmas Star.

And His name shall be called (Isaiah 9:6) Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

October 27, 2019

Sunday School
The Will of God

v Jeremiah 29:11 – 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.

v 1 Timothy 2:3-4 – This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

v 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – gives thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

v 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;

v Hebrews 13:20-21 – Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

v Luke 9:23 – Then He said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.

v Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

v James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

v Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your paths.

v 1 Peter 2:15 – For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

v Matthew 6:10 – your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

v Ephesians 5:15-20 – Be very careful, then how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

v 2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

v 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.

v 1 Timothy 2:4 – who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

v Micah 6:8 – He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And wat does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

v Proverbs 16:4 – The Lord works out everything to its proper end-even the wicked for a day of disaster.

v Hebrews 10:36 – You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

Sermon
John 3:1-21 - Now a certain man, a Pharisee named Nicodemus, who was a member of the Jewish ruling council, came to Jesus at night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him."  Jesus replied, "I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother's womb and be born a second time, can he?"  Jesus answered, "I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must all be born from above.'  The wind blows wherever it will, and you hear the sound it makes, but do no know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."  Nicodemus replied, "How can these things be?" Jesus answered, "Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you don't understand these things? I tell you the solemn truth, we speak about what we know and testify about what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I have told you people about earthly things and you don't believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven - the Son of Man.  Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world: He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn that world, but that the world should be saved through him. The one who believes in him is not condemned. The one who does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. Now this is the basis for judging: that the light has come into the world and people loved the darkness rather that the light, because their deeds were evil.  For everyone who does evil deeds hates the light and does not come to the light, so that their deeds will not be exposed.  But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, so that it may be plainly evident that his deeds have been done in God.
Subject: There is Still Hope!

• Jesus came to enlighten Nicodemus to what he was supposed to be teaching.
• Except a man be born again.....
• Three things Nicodemus needed to understand and remember: (1) God's love is unconditional, unlimited, unreserved and is universal. His love extends from heaven down to earth and is available to anyone who would receive it.
• Psalm 86:15 - But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and merciful God. You are patient and demonstrate great loyal love and faithfulness.
• Matthew 5:44-45 - But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
• Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
• (2) God's gift is his Son. We should understand that there is someone greater than ourselves. 
• Psalm 8:1-9 - O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is your name in all the earth......
• God gave His best so that we would have the right to eternal life.
• God's grace is whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God said, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
• Think on this my Christian brothers and sisters. We are renamed "Whosoever!"

October, 13, 2019 - Homecoming

Sunday School
Prayer - Part 4

o   Matthew 26:41 – “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

o   Proverbs 15:8 – The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases Him.

o   Psalm 17:6 – I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn Your ear to me and hear my prayer.

o   Psalm 102:17 – He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their plea.

o   Psalm 141:2 – May my prayer be set before You like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

o   Romans 12:2 – Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will.

o   Romans 12:12 – Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

o   Psalm 4:1 – Answer me when I call to You, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

o   Psalm 145:18 – The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.

o   Proverbs 15:29 – The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.

o   Romans 8:26 – In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

o   Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

o   Colossians 4:2 – Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

o   1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray continually.

o   James 4:3 – When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

o   James 5:16 – Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

o   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.

o   1 Timothy 2:1-2 – I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people …. For kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Prayer is the essential expression of the relationship between God and humanity.  When we open our hearts to God and converse with God regularly, our lives change, and we have the ability to change others as well.

Sermon
Isaiah 40:29-31 - He give power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength.  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:  But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Subject: Waiting on the Lord"

• It seems we are always waiting on something: on the light to turn green; at the checkout counter; at the doctor's office; in line at the post office; the list goes on.
• Becoming discouraged leads to defeat and is a trick that Satan loves to use.
• We should address a problem by offering a promise - by waiting on the Lord.
• Waiting in faith will boost hope.
• Trust in God's power.
• Believe in God's holy will.
• We expect God to renew our strength because we have exhausted ourselves fighting with Satan. By using the Word of God, we are strengthened.
• Supernatural strength from God restores our strength.
• Why wait?     1. To receive God's clear direction.     2. To Keep in step with God's timing.   3. So that God can strengthen our faith in Him.   4. To allow God to sift thru our motives to find the correct reasons.

Homecoming Sermon (by Pastor Reginald Houston) - Habakkuk 2:1-3 - I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer wen I am reproved.  And the Lord answered me, and said, "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it.  For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."
Pastor Houston used a pencil, Joy, Favor, a switch, and a few other objects along with his sermon.

Video Snippets - Just click on the "words" Video below:

Video #1
Video #2
Video #3

Photos from Homecoming 2019

September 22, 2019

Sunday School
Prayer - Part 3

Prayer is one of the most powerful weapons God has given us. But we are often confused as to how to pray just as Jesus’ disciples were uncertain, but Jesus taught them how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13).

o   1 John :15 – And if we know that He hears us – whatever we ask -  we know that we have what we asked of Him.

o   1 John 5:16 - If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that.

o   1 Chronicles 16:11 – Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.

o   2 Chronicles 6:21 – Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.

o   2 Chronicles 7:14 – If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

o   Ephesians 1:18 – I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people.

o   Ephesians 6:18 – And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

o   Jeremiah 29:12 – Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

o   John 17:15 – My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

o   James 5:13 – Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them singsongs of praise.

o   Mark 11:24 – Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it. And it will be yours.

Brown Chapel AME Church family 

is very happy to welcome back for another year, 

Pastor Baggett & Family!!!

Sermon
Psalm 27:1-6 - The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.  Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.  One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; tat I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.  For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock.  And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
Topic: Hope In The Midst Of Our Storms

• David still had "hope," even with all his troubles. 
• We have God who gives us hope even in the midst of our storms.
• In the secular, hope is a longing for something that may or may not take place; from the Christian's view, hope is a deep settled confidence in God.
• Are we armored up or hopeless in our humanity?
• Hope is something we Christians need in large quantities.
• From verses 1-3, the Lord is my light, my salvation and my strength.....so why should I be afraid of anything?!
• Three attributes of God - (1) Light - God delivered His people from darkness; God orders our steps; God is our lamp: (2) Salvation - God delivered us from condemnation; our souls are secure in Him: & (3) Strength - God delivered us from defeat. 
• Satan, himself is no match for God.
• Be committed to God.
• Psalm 84:1-4 - How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!  My soul longs, yea, even faints for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh cries out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God.
• David yearned, desired to be close to God....as we should each and every day.

September 8, 2019

Sunday School
Prayer - Part 2

Helplessness – inability to defend oneself or unable to act effectively.

Prayer – a solemn request for help or thanks addressed to God; an interaction with God; a petition to God for changing a situation for the better.

We need to pray prayers of helplessness.  Do you ever wonder how many of us as Christians are praying with that attitude…..the one of helplessness?  So often we prefer to suggest or even dictate to God what He should do.  We presume to know what needs to be done….and when…..and how.  But do we come to Him in helplessness? We resort to everything but that!!!

·        In our helplessness God shows us that we can do nothing at all for ourselves. Helplessness is the prerequisite (a thing that is required as a prior condition for something else to happen) to God answering our prayers.  So long as we believe that we are in charge, we are deluding ourselves that we, alone have the resources to supple our needs. This is a total LIE!!!  It is impossible for prayers to be answered out of a foundation of self-deception and untruth.

·        We created nothing, are in charge of nothing, can do nothing for ourselves. Look at John 15:4-6 – Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.  “I am the vine, you are the braches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

·        Abide – act in accordance with.

·        Even Jesus was helpless when He was in the flesh. John 5:19 – Then answered Jesus and said unto them, “I tell you the solemn truth, the Son can do nothing on His own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.”

·        John 3:27 – “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.

·        Think about this.   Why is prayer so startlingly effective when we admit our own helplessness? 

·        Once we’ve admitted and surrendered to the fact that we are in no way able to do anything for ourselves; we are on the fast track to that “right-attitude” which God recognizes as essential to prayer.  Secondly, establishing a right relationship with God allows our hearts to open up to receive what God has deemed us to have. All we need to do is stop depending on our inadequate human resources and allow Him to handle everything.

·        Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your paths.

·        Is your prayer lacking emotion? Are you praying without that deep, pulsing need to be heard? Is a “fuse” not lit up inside you when you pray? 

·        If you can admit, to yourself, that, “Yes, I’m not praying as I should,” this admission may be painful but if your heart and soul aren’t committed to the prayer, it’s like a flame flickering and then blown out!

·        Sometimes our mines talk us out of or turns us away from a prayer. We begin to doubt or we feel like we are dangling over a cliff about to topple over. But keep this in mind: Ephesians 3:20 – Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be the glory…….

·        Watch for those open doors or windows.  Be assured that God’s hand is on the knob.

·        Know that the emptier your cup is, the more room you have to receive God’s love and whatever His has in store for you.

·        Pray to God in thanks for your trials, because though trials we learn patience, endurance and grow in wisdom and faith.

·        Pray in faith if we expect to be heard.

·        Matthew 21:21-22 – And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.  And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

·        James 1:6-8 – But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

·        Prayers of faith are not about thinking we can help God fulfill our prayer, commanding God to do our bidding, or coming to Him in our own strength and wisdom. We can only pray by faith when we come in Jesus’ name…the only name that gives us access to the Father.  We must come in the humility of helplessness.

·        Finally, prayer’s power is outside of ourselves; prayer’s power is spiritual; & prayer’s power is personal.

Sermon
Matthew 6:31-34 - Therefore take no thought, saying, "What shall we eat? or, "What shall we drink? or, "Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Subject: How To Deal With Stress: Too Blessed To Be Stressed?!

• Is life too fast & furious, overwhelming, exhausting, etc.?
• Petition God to restore you.
• Are you sick & tired of being sick & tired?
• Do you feel like, "Don't push me because I'm too close to the edge already!"
• God invites us to have peace in the middle of all this world throws at us.

How To Deal In Times of Stress

1. Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
2. Turn to nature and enjoy your surroundings.
3. Psalm 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am God.....
4. John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
5. John 16:33 - "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage - I have conquered the world."
6. Concentrate on Jesus.
7. Use the prayer of "serenity" as a comfort - God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can,and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will......
8. Take your eyes off yourself and focus on others.
9. Remember, whatever we give out, comes back in that same form.
10. Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him and He will direct your paths.
11. Pray in the name of Jesus, the Christ!!

Types of Prayer

1.     The Prayer of Faith – James 5:15 – “And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”  Mark 9:23 – And Jesus said to him, “If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”

2.     The Prayer of Agreement (Corporate prayer) – Acts 1:14 – All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

3.     The Prayer of Supplication (Request) – Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God.”  Ephesians 6:18 – Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…”

4.     The Prayer of Thanksgiving – Philippians 4:6 again.

5.     The Prayer of Worship – The prayer of worship is similar to the prayer of thanksgiving. The difference is that worship focuses on who God is; thanksgiving focuses on what God has done.  Acts 13:2-3 – While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

6.     The Prayer of Consecration – Sometimes, prayer is a time of setting ourselves apart to follow God’s will. Jesus made such a prayer the night before His crucifixion.  Matthew 26:39 – “And going a little farther He fell on His face and prayed saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but as Thy will be done.”

7.     The Prayer of Intercession – Many times our prayers include requests for others as we intercede for them. 1 Timothy 2:1 – First of all, then I urge that supplications prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people……!  John 17:1-26 – When Jesus had spoken these words, He lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Don may glorify You, since you have given Him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to For only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent…………..!

8.     The Prayer of Imprecation – Imprecatory prayers are found in the Psalms (7, 55, & 69). They are used to invoke God’s judgment on the wicked and thereby avenge the righteous. The psalmists use this type of appeal to emphasize the holiness of God and the surety of His judgment.  Jesus teaches us to pray for blessing on our enemies, not cursing. Matthew 5:44-48 – But I say to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven,. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? ………..!

9.     The Prayer of the Spirit – 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 – For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.   Romans 8:26-27 – Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.  And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Something else to think about:

Mark 4:35-41 – On that day, when evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s go across to the other side of the lake.” So after leaving the crowd, they took Him along, just as He was, in the boat, and other boats were with Him.  Now a great windstorm developed and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was nearly swamped. But He was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. They woke Him up and said to Him, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are about to die?”  So He got up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” Then the wind stopped, and it was dead calm.  And He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they were overwhelmed by fear and said to one another, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”

Think of these passages as “The Storm Principle.”

1.     With Jesus, we may not always have smooth sailing, but we are SAFE.

2.     Even in the storm, we are as SAFE as Jesus is.

August 25, 2019

Sunday School
Prayer (Points from Catherine Marshall's Adventures in Prayer)

How would you answer the following questions?

·       Are you in real need?

·       Do you admit that you are helpless to handle that need?

I think we can all answer, YES!

What good news it is that our very inadequacy is the “master key” to unlock and swing wide the door to God’s mighty capability.

Always our thirst and hunger should drives us to “taste & see” that the Lord is good.

Prayer at its most basic level is asking.  Taking Jesus at His word that God really is our Father & that we come to Him as His children, telling Him our need in the most, simple direct way…..asking for His help.

1)    In the examples that Jesus showed His disciples, Jesus said to the people, “Tell Me exactly what you want of Me,” or “Speak to Me” or “Ask it of Me.”  By these examples, we see how important it is to ask.

2)    How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him? Matthew 7:11

3)    John 16:24 – Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

4)    We may ask, as the disciples did, “Why should we ask for anything, for God know all?”  But just as Jesus pointed out, anyone who refuses to come to God as a little child will never be allowed into His kingdom.

• God insists that we ask, not because He needs to know our situation, but because we need the spiritual discipline of asking.

1)    This forces us to take a step forward in faith. (Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.)

2)    Why do we tend to generalize when we pray? Is it because we think so little of God? Are we so afraid that if we ask for something & it isn’t granted, are we fearful of losing the little faith we have?

3)    Isn’t it sad that we don’t hesitate to pray for world peace but are fearful to pray to God to ease or remove our pain & suffering.

4)    Are our prayers sometimes like window-shopping….picking and choosing from prayers we’ve heard over the years? If so, do we really expect God to hear and answer those type of prayers? We may feel great after praying that kind of prayer but deep down we know that we’ve not fulfilled God’s conditions for hearing prayers.

5)    Conditions of answering our prayers: Are we obedient to God? Have we fully surrendered to Him? From Psalm 84:11 ‘No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

6)    God’s time is not our time.

7)    Are we asking in faith? In James 1:5-8 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

8)    God has something better for you than what you are asking for.  From Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can as or imagine, according to His power that is at work with us….”

9)    Are we in-line with God’s conditions? 

God uses our most stumbling, faltering faith-step as the open door to His doing for us “more that we ask or think.  Entering into a one-to-One relationship with Jesus enables Him to   handle not just our immediate material & physical needs, but also those hidden ones involving right attitudes and healthy emotions, proper motivation, etc.

• Asking not only involves verbalization but also our heart’s true cries. Sometimes we don’t even know our own mines.  It is important to ask, “Lord, teach me to pray!?”

Sermon
1 Peter 1:6-9 - You have great joy in this, though it may have been necessary for you to be troubled for a little time, being tested in all sorts of ways...So that the true metal of your faith, being of much greater value than gold (which, though it comes to an end, is tested by fire), may come to light in praise and glory and honor, at the revelation of Jesus Christ: To whom your love is given, though you have not seen Him; and the faith which you have in Him, though you do not see Him now, gives you joy greater than words and full of glory: For so you have the true end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Subject: Why Do Christians Suffer?

Christians are to exhibit their faith by trials.

God is the Divine Providence - that is, He is our sovereign Lord and He is in control.

God is infinite wisdom.

Solomon saw the righteous suffer.

Job suffered.

Under God, all is not doom and bloom.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice! Philippians 4:4-7

We have:   (1) a living hope; (2) a great inheritance; & (3) long term salvation.

Trials show the proven character of our faith.

Dealing with Reality

How are we going to make it??? Answer: All our help comes from the Lord. Psalm 121:2

Christians are not shielded from trials & tribulations.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

We serve a living God, an all powerful God.

As Christians, we have a target on our backs. Satan is always attempting to distract, destroy & kill our spirits.  Are we holding firm like the three Hebrew boys? (Read Daniel 3)

Realign Your Selves to God

Satan wants us to doubt God.

Jesus told Peter in Luke 22:31-32 - Simon, Simon, Satan has make a request to have you, so that he may put you to the test as grain is tested: But I have made prayer for you, that your faith may not go from you: and when you are turned again, make your brothers strong.

Job 23:10 - For He has knowledge of the way I take; after I have been tested I will come out like gold.

Psalm 113:2 - Blessed by the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

So, no matter what the trial, God will surely bring you out.