Saturday, October 31, 2009
CALLED TO MINISTER
OUR CALLING TO MINISTRY
2 Timothy 1:11 2:7
INTRO: Last week we looked at 2 Thessalonians, one of Paul's first writings. Today we look at 2 Timothy, perhaps his last letter. He writes to encourage and challenge Timothy. As we study it, we see a message to all who would follow Paul in his service to our Savior.
EVERYONE A MINISTER (1:11-14)
May bring suffering
Be not ashamed
Assurance of victory
Hold fast to sound words (teachings)
with faith and love
EVERYONE NEEDS AN ONESIPHORUS (15-18)
Discouraged (some have turned away)
But
Onesiphorus refreshed me
He sought me out not ashamed
He ministered to me in
STRENGTH FOR THE TASKS (2:1-2)
Be strong in the grace in Christ Jesus.
What you have received
Entrust to faithful men
Who will teach others
MINISTRY IS DIFFICULT (3-7)
Endure hardships as a good soldier of Christ
Examples: Soldier subject to commanding officer
Athlete competes according to rules
Farmer gets reward for his labors
Discipline: requires delayed gratification
Accepts responsibility
Dedication to the truth
Involves balance flexibility
REMEMBER JESUS CHRIST! That is the next words. As we seek to serve God, we must keep our focus on Him.
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Message for November 1, 2009
Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church
Pastor Fred D. Kerr
DIALOG WELCOMED
Saturday, October 24, 2009
STRENGTH FOR THE DAY
STRENGTH FOR THE DAY
2 Thessalonians 2:13 3:5
INTRO: Note the phrase, "Brothers loved by the Lord." That is a great assurance when we face various trials. We are loved by God! With that in mind we can stand firm with Him in whatever state we find our self. We need to REMEMBER:
OUR STANDING WITH GOD
God chose us to be saved,
Through the work of the Holy Spirit
And, faith in the truth.
He called us through the gospel
His calling is to responsibility
That we might share in the glory of Christ.
OUR RESPONSE TO THE CALL
Stand firm be faithful
There will be opposition.
Hold to the teachings (traditions) received.
OUR SUPPORT BY GOD
He has loved us.
He has given us eternal encouragement.
He has given us good hope by grace.
OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHERS
Paul asked for prayer for himself
That the word of God may spread rapidly.
That he be delivered from wicked men.
THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD
The Lord is faithful.
He will strengthen and protect you.
THEREFORE: Stand firm in the faith which you have placed in God through Jesus Christ. He is faithful.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
KNOWING JESUS
KNOWING JESUS
Philippians 3
INTRO: Toward the end of his life, Paul wrote these words to encourage us in living out the Christ life. His goal was to know (experience) Christ Jesus.
THAT INVOLVES:
FORGETTING THE PAST
Accomplishments (3:5-6)
Failures also
LOOKING BEYOND CIRCUMSTANCES
Paul was in chains for Christ (1:7, 13, 16)
He was undecided about the future. (1:23-24)
He lived in a crooked generation. (2:15)
SHARING THE MINISTRY
He recognized them as partners. (1:5)
He was concerned for Epaphroditus. (2:25-27)
He accepted gifts from Philippians. (4:10-16)
PRESSING ON (3:14)
He was confident in God's working. (1:6)
Know Jesus Study the Bible.
Know the power of his resurrection. Live in victory.
Accept the fellowship of suffering.
Know that God has called us heaven-ward. (3:14)
Be a good example for others. (3:17)
Rejoice in the Lord always. (3:1; 4:4)
KNOWING JESUS begins at the cross when we ask God's forgiveness. It continues in our daily life as we let Him live His life out in ours.
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Saturday, October 03, 2009
REJOICING IN FAITH
CONFIDENT FAITH
Psalm 27
INTRO: The psalmist had lived through various situations and found God to be faithful. In this Psalm he proclaims that faithfulness and his trust in God. Let's consider his CONFIDENCE:
IN GOD'S PROTECTION (vs. 1-3)
Light, salvation, stronghold.
God will confound my enemies.
He has confidence in face of conflict.
IN GOD'S PRESENCE (vs. 4)
He wants to dwell in the house of the Lord.
all the days of his life!
Gaze on the Lord and seek His face.
IN GOD'S PROVISION (vs. 5)
He will keep me safe in the day of trouble.
He will hide me in his tabernacle.
He will set me high upon a rock.
THE PSALMIST'S RESPONDING PROMISE (vs. 6)
He will make a sacrifice of thanksgiving.
He will rejoice in the Lord.
He will recognize God's provision
APPLICATION: As the psalmist had learned to depend on God, he knew he would need to constantly do so. We have experienced His provision, but sometimes forget it. Let's dwell in His presence at all time. Thus we can expect deliverance and will be quick to give thanks. Of course, this confidence comes from a relationship with God. Do you know Him? Through Jesus Christ? If not, why not now?
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Presented October 4, 2009, Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church
Pastor Fred D. Kerr
