Dealing With Doubt Genesis 1:1-10
Floodwater was a very real hazard to the Children of Israel as they journeyed into the Promised Land. A part of the Hebrew history and culture, the Bible in several places uses “flood water” as an analogy for danger and a demonstration of God’s protection over them.
This morning I want to talk about the “Flood of Doubt.”
Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
Psalm 32:6-7
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Ruth and Naomi—Uncommon BFF
The small book of Ruth, tells us about two struggling widows who became unlikely friends in an out of the way village—and we relate to that. In this story relates that God is not just the God of awesome power, But He is also a God who cares about ordinary people. And He uses people like us in everyday circumstances to accomplish His will.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
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Elijah and Elisha
We're going to talk about being friends in mentoring relationships. Most of you here are either mentors or mentees. It is not limited to teachers and students. If you are a parent, or grandparent, an older sibling in the family—you're a mentor. And if you're on the receiving end of their instruction, you're a disciple or a “mentee”. Almost every occupation has assistants, trainees, interns, understudies and apprentices. The Bible teaches us in the church that, the older men are to disciple the younger men. and the older women are to teach the younger women to be reverent in the way they live. A good example of mentorship in the Bible is Elijah and Elisha.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
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The Flood of Despair - Exodus 14
For many Americans, there is a national mood of pessimism. There are times when all of us experience discouragement. Maybe we don’t threaten suicide or we don’t turn to drugs, but we are oppressed at times by the “flood of despair.”
There is a tremendous story of hope in Exodus 14. The Children of Israel came to an impasse at the Red Sea. Just hours before they were celebrating their release from slavery in Egypt. But now, their emotions had reversed and they were in the pit of despair.
The story of how God miraculously delivered them, should be a source of inspiration to us in times of discouragement.
Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
Psalm 32:6-7
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When God Doesn't Make Sense Joshua and the Battle of Jericho Joshua 6:1-20
When we don’t understand the rationale behind God’s command it is harder to be obedient. Because we are proud of our intellect and we have a difficult time being submissive anyway. And when God’s commands don’t make sense to us, our faith is really tested.
But it is then that we have the opportunity to prove whether Jesus is really the Lord of our lives.
March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in."
Joshua 6:3-5
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Jesus Showed Grace to a Broken Hearted Sinner
Luke 7:37-50
The Good News of the Gospel is that we are not saved by perfectly obeying the Ten Commandments. But we are saved by completely trusting the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
John 1:17 says, For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Once we understand that truth, we can receive forgiveness and walk in joyful and confident obedience. We are going to examine how Jesus responded to several people who desperately needed His grace.
The first is a sinful woman who came to Jesus for forgiveness.
https://www.fbcgridley.org/
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How Rich Are You in Christ Jesus
God has made it possible for us Christians to live rich spiritual lives in confidence. We’ve been given untold blessings in Christ. But instead of cashing in on them and living like children of the King, we go through life like spiritual paupers.
In Ephesians 1, Paul names a few of the blessings which we have, which make up our faith in Jesus Christ and our wealth. He’s not talking about material blessings here, but he's talking about blessings of a spiritual nature which are even greater value. Notice the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all working on our behalf to make us spiritually rich.
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love Ephesians 1:4
In theology, this is the doctrine of election.
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Get Up Out of that Graveyard
You can go down the street or go to a ball game, see two people sitting side by side, and on the surface you don't see any difference. They appear very much the same. But spiritually they can be as different as night and day, because one of them is a Christian and the other is not.
Paul describes the horrible condition of the man who is not a believer--they are dead. Just as the person who is physically dead does not respond to any kind of physical stimulus, so is the person who is spiritually dead does not respond to any spiritual stimulus as well.
Then Paul presents the precious diamond of God's goodness to us. God has loved us.
We are not raised from the dead and then left in the graveyard to sit on a tombstone. But because we are united with Christ, we've been exalted with him. We are sharing his throne in heaven.
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:6
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The Shepherd's Response to the Gospel - Luke 2:15-20
Just as quickly as they came, the angels disappeared. And the shepherds were left standing alone in the dark pasture, absolutely awestruck at what they had seen and heard.
What an incredible experience the shepherds had, to be visited by angels from heaven. But this morning we want you to see what the shepherds did after the angels had gone.
Because the real test of the Christian life is not how well you handle the spiritual highs, but how well you function during the ordinary times.
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." Luke 2:15-20
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Gratitude, "the Mother of all Virtues" Luke 17:11-19
One of the most significant changes that Jesus Christ wants to make in our personalities is to transform us into people who are continually grateful.
Instead of constantly grumbling about our circumstances, God wants us to radiate with thanksgiving. Instead of silently taking for granted all of God’s goodness, we are to bubble over with gratitude.
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever. Psalm 30:11-12
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Jesus Gives Grace for Honest DoubtersJohn 20:19-31
Jude 1:22 tells us to simply, Be merciful to those who doubt; Do you know why? Because as many Christians will testify, if you are patient with honest doubters they often will turn out to be strong believers.
That’s why Jesus Christ was so full of grace to this man, Thomas. Thomas dealt with life's most important question: Did Jesus Christ come back from the dead?
Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
John 20:24-25
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Faith Responsibility
Christian faith is not just mental assent to a set of dogmas. It is not just saying, “I believe God exist. I believe that Jesus Christ came back from the grave.” Genuine faith acknowledges a dual responsibility. To be obedient to God’s commands and to be compassionate to God’s people.
Belief is the root of our relationship. But action is the fruit.
Abraham's faith in God was demonstrated by his concern for his nephew whose name was Lot. Let’s look carefully at the story in Genesis 14. It underscores our responsibility to be involved with the needy around us.
If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength! Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. Proverbs 24:10-11
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How to Respond to Suffering in Our Lives1 Peter 4:12-19
We certainly grow accustomed to the finer things in our lives. We often don’t even realize how much we have been blessed until they are gone. If we lose a material possession through no fault of our own, we may feel a sudden loss or if it has been stolen from us, we may feel cheated.
But probably nothing can replace the loss that we feel during grief. Or when the health of our loved one or even our own health suddenly changes.
For some, it is possible to lament the loss of a job, loss of respect or reputation, or a change in their financial future. It could be a change in a relationship.
Do you despair over a bleak or doubtful future because of change beyond your control?
The Proverbs says, Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. Proverbs 14:10
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O Little Town of Bethlehem - Micah 5:2, Luke 2:1-7
This famous Christmas carol was written by a dedicated Christian in search of spiritual renewal. The song's message still touches lives today and demonstrates how God quietly comes into our lives.
Let’s look at Phillips Brooks', O Little Town of Bethlehem by stanzas and review the reminders about spiritual renewal and peace for people today.
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Micah 5:2
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Staying Afloat in a Sea of Discontent - When the Floodwaters Rise - Psalms 23
David said, The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
Psalm 23:1
When a man says, “I shall not want.” It ought to make us sit up and take notice. Because this is an age of discontent.
It’s not just professional baseball players who had to play without fans buying tickets last year, the year of the Corona Virus scare, everybody wants more. A little child wants more toys and more television time. A teen ager wants more freedom and more popularity. Most of us adults want more possessions or more leisure time. And certainly as we age, we want more health, and more friends, and more loyalty from our children.
The ear mark of the Christian ought to be contentedness. Others should sense a spirit of satisfaction in us that brands us as belonging to Jesus Christ
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Jesus Showed Grace to a Tortured Soul Luke 8:37-39
Do you ever see out of control people or people with incredible negative energy—as a potential force for good if they gave their life to Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ doesn’t just want to forgive our sin. He wants us to overcome that sin, and live in victory.
Jesus responded to the Gerasene demoniac with healing grace. And this man became a positive testimony to his community about the eternal truth of Jesus Christ.
They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. Luke 8:26-27
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Wisdom from Above
If we're going to behave as Christians, it is imperative that we develop good Christian sense so that we can make wise judgments in the midst of a world that has gone morally haywire.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
James 3:17
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Seeing Your Occupation from God's Vantage Point
You may think that God is only interested in what you do at church or how you relate to your family. But since you spend about 40% of your waking hours on the job, God is very concerned about that segment of your life. God is just as much with you at work as He is at church. God made you for a purpose, to be a partner with Him and accomplishing His will in the world. When you see your work from God's vantage point, it should elevate your opinion of what you do.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24
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The Difference between Money and True Riches
People who are very wealthy in terms of dollars get caught up in that rat race always striving for more. There's nothing wrong with having money, but it is terribly wrong to make money your god—your obsession. And maybe you need to quit competing with the world and start focusing on true riches. Solomon discusses the contrast between pursuing earthly riches and pursuing true riches.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you. Romans 12:2 (Living Bible)
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The Prayer of Faith
Genesis 18-19
Hebrews 11:6 says, And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. If we really believe that God exists, and we believe that He is a benevolent gracious deity, it is only natural to pray. Especially since God has invited us to bring our requests to Him.
Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
Prayer is a natural expression of a believing heart.
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Living with Intensity
What is your consuming passion in life? Is there anything that you value more than yourself? I want to challenge you to make Jesus Christ the consuming passion in your life. Christ calls us to believe in Him and His promise of eternal life so much that we are willing to sacrifice everything for Him if necessary.
John the Baptist was that kind of intense believer. John's dedication to Christ cost him his freedom and then his life. I'm sure a lot of people in that day thought John was a ridiculous fanatic.
Jesus said, “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me, and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 10:37
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Speaking Blessings Over Children
Genesis 27: 18-40
No matter your age, the approval of your parents affects how you view yourself and your ability to pass that approval along to your children, spouse, and friends. Many people spend a lifetime looking for this acceptance that the Bible calls, "The Blessing."
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
Proverbs 3:27
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How To Care Enough to Confront
Let's say you become aware that a fellow believer has a drinking problem. People are whispering, you see the damage that's being done to their influence, their career, and family. Do you lovingly confront them or do you just let them continue in their rebellious behavior? (After all it's their life). That's what James is talking about in the final two verses of this letter.
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20
Here is neglected counsel in today's church. We hear a lot today about, “don't judge, and don't cast the first stone.” But we don't hear much about turning a wanderer back to the truth, or a sinner from the error of his way.
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Barrenness of a Busy Life
The Bible warns us against the sin of sloth and idleness. Neither however, should we just go barreling into some activity, not knowing where we're going or where we are going to land, or where we are going, or what we're going to accomplish. A lot of people today are in this category. You’re busy, you're active, you're flying high, but you're not going anywhere in particular.
You’re active but you're not productive in the areas of life that really matter—your relationship with God and your relationship with other people.
You attract attention from the world, but maybe not the approval of God.
And maybe every once in a while you stop and ask yourself, “Where am I going? What's the use of it all? How can I stop all this activity? What’s the purpose?”
“So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:17
Solomon’s shows us his activity, his futility, and his remedy so that our lives can be productive in the areas that are most important.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; Ecclesiastes 3:11a
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Keep Yourselves Pure
How can a young man keep his way pure?
Psalm 119:9a
That question is asked by a lot of young men and women today. Young people are bombarded with sexual stimulation from television, movies, magazines, social media and the internet.
How can a young man keep his way pure in such a seductive world?
Years ago, traditional values of society would have served as a deterrent to immortality. But not anymore, because peer pressure is reversed. A person is ridiculed for being virtuous.
How can a young man keep his way pure, when almost no one else does?
In Ephesians 5 Let's see, God's expectation for the Christian and then consider our motivation for obedience.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.
Ephesians 5:3
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