Monday, August 25, 2008
GOD WANTS YOU!
Jonah 1:4 2:10
INTRO: A couple of weeks ago we saw how Jonah shows us some ways to recognize that we are out of focus and need to refocus on God. Today we will see that God is reaching out to us to draw us back.
GOD HAS
We see 5 actions that God used to awaken Jonah from his disobedience. Jonah was heading in the wrong directions. God desired to turn him around. Just so, God may use some of these ways to get our attention and turn us:
He may send storms into our life. (1:4)
Adversity, depression, etc.
He may touch someone near us. (1:5)
Our sins often get others in trouble!
He may send someone to us. (1:6)
For Jonah, the captain. Maybe a teacher, friend, parent, etc.
He may expose our disobedience. (1:7-8)
Be sure, your sins will find you out.
He may touch us physically. (1:15)
God's hand of protection may become a hand of correction!
GOD DESIRES TO AWAKEN OUR SPIRIT
He desires for us to acknowledge His presence. (1:10)
He desires for us to acknowledge our sin. (1:9-10)
He desires for us to submit to His will. (1:2)
GOD REQUIRES GENUINE REPENTANCE
We must turn to Him. He will forgive.
QUESTION: Is God reaching out to you this morning? Is He calling you to repentance, salvation, or new commitment? Will you listen and respond?
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Outline adapted from Pastor Jerry Gifford, Franklin, KY.
Preached in Greenville Southern Baptist Church, August 24, 2008
Pastor Fred D. Kerr
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
A WORK IN PROGRESS!
Eph 2:18-22 (HCSB)
This passage is about the reality that in Christ Jews and Gentiles are brought together. As I read this passage, the tenses of the verbs jumped out at me. Note that in verse 20 we have been built (completed) on the foundation with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. Then in Verse 21-22 the verbs become active (present). So the church (and individual members) are "being fitted together", "growing", and "being built together". Note the "ing" words indicate a process.
So when we are not quite satisfied with what is happening, let us take comfort that we are indeed established on a sure foundation -- that is those of us who have placed faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. But God is in the process of building us up. So we are a work in process and must wait to see how God is going to complete the job.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
IS IT TIME TO REFOCUS?
FOCUSING ON GOD!
Jonah 1:1-5
INTRO: Jonah is a little book with a great lesson or should I say lessons. There are several lessons we will learn from Jonah. Today we find signs from Jonah's experience that we use in evaluating our fellowship with God. What are some signs we need to refocus on God?
WHEN WE IGNORE GOD'S WORD (1:1)
God still speaks to His people today.
We ignore it: when we don't like what He says.
When we don't love it as we should.
WHEN WE HARBOR HIDDEN SIN (1:2)
Jonah hated the Assyrians.
Numbers 32:23 says, "Be sure your sin will find you out!"
WHEN WE NEGLECT EVANGELISM
God told Jonah to preach against
Jonah knew God's grace and did not want
As we focus on God, He will lead us in this responsibility.
WHEN WE DECIDE TO DELIBERATELY DISOBEY
Verse 3 starts "But" in NIV. "However" in HCSB
Jonah decided to disobey God. How about us?
WHEN WE RUN FROM GOD
Jonah: ran away from God.
Headed to Tarshish,
To flee from God!
WHEN WE IGNORE GOD'S CORRECTION (4-5)
God sent a storm.
Jonah went to sleep indifferent to what was happening.
Hebrews 12 reminds us that God disciplines His children.
QUESTION: Are there signs in your life that you need to refocus on God? If so, why not now? Remember, I John 1:9 "If we confess our sin He is faithful to forgive."
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---- Adapted from Pastor Jerry Gifford of
