Thankful for God’s Sovereignty

Sermon Notes for the third of our thankful series. Video HERE.

An English writer, once wrote a story about a janitor at St Peter’s Church in London. One day a young vicar discovered that the janitor was illiterate and fired him. Jobless, the man invested his meager savings in a tiny tobacco shop, where he prospered, bought another, expanded, and ended up with a chain of tobacco stores worth several hundred thousand dollars. One day the man’s banker said, “You’ve done well for an illiterate, but where would you be if you could read and write?” “Well,” replied the man, “I’d be janitor of St. Peter’s Church in Neville Square.” Bits and Pieces, June 24, 1993, p. 23.

Often times, bad things happen and we don’t know what to do with them or why they happened until later in life.

Jesus was clear, “In the world you will have tribulation.” John 16:33

Tribulation: affliction, distress, oppression

John 15:18-John 16:33: Hated, murdered, sorrow for loss.

Encouragement: “Have peace, take heart, I have overcome the world.”

Today we’re going to explore the concept of God’s sovereignty, understanding the difference between God being in control and being controlling.

I. Understanding God’s Sovereignty

God’s sovereignty is His supreme authority and control over all things.

Nothing happens without His allowing it, or making it.

Hear this!

God is a God in Control but not OF Control

When it comes to us as humans, His creation, HE is in control of our lives but He does not control our lives.

We will dive into that further a little later.

We can trust His Sovereignty, His control.

God’s sovereignty as the foundation of our trust and hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

This is part of a letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent to the Jewish exiles who had been deported to Babylon.
The Babylonians had conquered the kingdom of Judah and destroyed Jerusalem in 587 BC. Many Jews were taken captive and exiled to Babylon.
Jeremiah wrote this letter to the exiles around 597 BC, about 10 years after the first wave of Jews were deported.
The exiles were living in a pagan land and surrounded by unfamiliar customs and false gods. They longed to return home.
False prophets were telling the exiles they would be able to return to Judah very soon. Jeremiah contradicted this, saying the exile would last 70 years.
Jeremiah encouraged the exiles to settle down in Babylon, build homes, plant gardens, marry, and seek the welfare of the city.
In the midst of the difficulties of exile, Jeremiah wanted to give hope that God still had a future and purpose for His people.

Again, here we see in action, God’s control of the situation, He allowed it. But He did not control His people’s response to it.

He used Jeremiah to speak encouragement to them, but it was ultimately theei choice to receive the encouragement.

God was offering them hope in the situation that looked horribly dire.

Hope was slow in coming though, 70 years in the making.

II. Examples of God’s Sovereignty in the Bible

One of my favorite stories of God’s Sovereignty is that of Joseph.

Joseph’s Story

Joseph’s Dreams: Joseph is 17 years old when he has his dreams (Genesis 37:1-11).
Sold into Slavery: This event happens shortly after the dreams, so Joseph is still around 17 (Genesis 37:12-35)
Purchased by Potiphar: This happens soon after Joseph is sold into slavery. (Genesis 37:36)
Falsely Accused and Imprisoned: The Bible doesn’t specify how long Joseph served in Potiphar’s house before being imprisoned, but it implies he was there for a significant period, during which he gained trust and authority. It’s possible a few years passed, but the exact time is not specified. (Genesis 39:1-20)
Interprets Prisoners’ Dreams: Joseph spends an unspecified amount of time in prison before interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. This could add several more years to his age. (Genesis 39:21- Genesis 40)
Interpreting Pharaoh’s Dreams: Joseph is 30 years old when he stands before Pharaoh. This is when he interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and proposes the plan for the grain. (Genesis 41:1-36)
Second-in-Command in Egypt: This happens immediately after he interprets Pharaoh’s dreams, so he is still 30. (Genesis 41:37-57)
Brothers Come to Egypt: The seven years of plenty are followed by two years of famine before Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt. This would make Joseph approximately 39 years old at this time. (Genesis 42-45)
Joseph Reveals His Identity: This occurs during the same visit, so Joseph is still around 39. (Genesis 45)
Family Moves to Egypt: This happens shortly after Joseph reveals his identity, so he is still around 39. (Genesis 46)
Joseph Reflects on God’s Providence: This reflection likely happens towards the end of the narrative, but no specific age is mentioned.
- Genesis 50:19–20 (ESV)
- But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

You think Joseph would have questioned Jeremiah’s words if he were to have known them prior to the events of his life?

Have you questioned God’s plans for your life?

If you were in control, how would you be different?

Have you suffered in this life?

“Suffering gets our attention; it forces us to look to God, when otherwise we would just as well ignored Him.”

Many of us desire to end our suffering, and maybe even the suffering of others.

“I just want to be normal.”

What if your current suffering is part of God’s plan of hope for you, or someone you love?

Would you be thankful?

III. Embracing God’s Sovereignty with Thankfulness

Remember

God is a God in Control but not OF Control

He controls the situation but not our response to it.

Illustration of Our Control

A man found a cocoon of the emperor moth and took it home to watch it emerge. One day a small opening appeared, and for several hours the moth struggled but couldn’t seem to force its body past a certain point.

Deciding something was wrong, the man took scissors and snipped the remaining bit of cocoon. The moth emerged easily, its body large and swollen, the wings small and shriveled.

He expected that in a few hours the wings would spread out in their natural beauty, but they did not. Instead of developing into a creature free to fly, the moth spent its life dragging around a swollen body and shriveled wings.

The constricting cocoon and the struggle necessary to pass through the tiny opening are God’s way of forcing fluid from the body into the wings. The “merciful” snip was, in reality, cruel. Sometimes the struggle is exactly what we need.

We have to relinquish our desire for control and instead embrace God’s perfect plan.

Often it is the struggle of life that helps us to value it.

Steven Hawking once said, after receiving his ALS diagnosis and at first had that initial shock, became extremely positive in his acceptance of the illness that would likely take his life in the next two years, saying:

“When one’s expectations are reduced to zero,” he said, “one really appreciates everything that one does have.”

Stated another way: contentment in life is determined in part by what a person anticipates from it. To a man like Hawking who thought he would soon die quickly, everything takes on meaning–a sunrise or a walk in a park or the laughter of children. Suddenly, each small pleasure becomes precious. By contrast, those who believe life owes them a free ride are often discontent with its finest gifts. James Dobson, New Man, October, 1994, p. 36.

Knowing that God is sovereignly in control of our circumstances, helps us to accept the hard parts of life.

We can trust that He has a plan and purpose for our struggle.

IV. Trusting in God’s Sovereignty

Romans 8:28 (ESV): “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.”

The Apostle Paul is another example that we can learn from.

Written from Prison:

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12)
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” (Philippians 1:29)
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
“And we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)

Can we trust God?

Isaiah 46:9-10

“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.‘”

Conclusion:

We can trust the Lord with all of our lives on this earth.

Suffering
Trials
Tribulations

But I want you to remember:

God is a God in Control but not OF Control

He doesn’t force you to accept His plan or His outcomes.

It is up to you to trust Him. This includes trusting Him in this life and for the next.

Have you trusted Him with your eternity?

He has allowed you to hear the message today, but He is not forcing your response to it.

Salvation is a gift He offers to us, but it is up to us to receive it.

This is why we should be thankful for the Gift of His Sovereignty.

His Sovereignty brought you here, but the response is up to you.

Will you receive His Gift of salvation?

Overflowing with Mercy

Sermon notes for my recent teaching on God’s Great Mercy.

When we look at the world today and think of God, oftentimes we may question, “Where is God’s mercy when there is such evil in the world, such suffering in the world around us?”

If He is a merciful God, then why does He allow evil to continue, and good people to suffer, and not do something to end it?

Today I hope to enlighten and encourage us through God’s Word and teaching on His Merciful Nature so that we can be encouraged to be thankful for His mercy.

I. Understanding God’s Mercy

“When God calls us to love our enemies, He only calls us to follow His own example”

Augustus Hopkins Strong, Systematic Theology (Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1907), 289.

To understand God’s mercy, we must understand our standing before Him.

We were enemies:

Romans 5:10 (ESV)
10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Colossians 1:21 (ESV)
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,

We are creatures in need of His grace, as we discussed last week, and we need Him to show us mercy for our wayward ways.

Grace vs. Mercy

Grace – Unmerited favor. It is a gift He decides to give to us freely by His own desire.

Mercy

Strong defines mercy as “that eternal principle of God’s nature which leads him to seek the temporal good and eternal salvation of those who have opposed themselves to his will, even at the cost of infinite self-sacrifice.”

Rolland McCune, A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity: Prolegomena and the Doctrines of Scripture, God, and Angels, vol. 1 (Allen Park, MI: Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, 2009), 266–267.

Hebrew OT – Racham – a word expressing a deep and tender feeling of compassion and pity.

Greek NT – Oiktirmos and Eleos

The Hebrew and Greek words both speak of this character in God to be compassionate towards us. It is from His heart that He is a compassionate God.

We are those who have opposed ourselves, by our nature, to His will. This is our sin nature.

II. An Illustration of God’s Mercy in the Bible

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” ’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ ”
Luke 15:11–32 (ESV)

III. The Compassionate Nature of God

Like the Prodigal son, we have all sinned against God.

We’ve went our wayward way, taking His gifts for granted. YOLO

Thankfully God is a God of Mercy.

God’s character of compassion and mercy:

Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Fear of “going too far.” – Never cease, are new every morning.

Psalm 103:8: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

Fear of angering God – slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.

IV. A Thankful Heart for God’s Compassion

Ephesians 2:4–5 (ESV)

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

Have you experienced God’s mercy?

If you’ve received mercy then you should show mercy.

His mercy changes us, and it should inspire us to be a people of mercy.

Compassion

Kindness

Goodwill

Doesn’t this describe Jesus?

How often do we read in the scriptures, “He had compassion for them?”

The Father’s Mercy

Look at the father in the parable.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”

Maybe you’ve walked away from the faith before.

Maybe you feel as though there isn’t another chance for you.

He’s waiting, waiting on you to turn back to Him.

V. Responding with Thanksgiving

What about he brother in the parable?

“But he was angry and refused to go in.”

Romans 9:15: “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.'”

It is in His nature to show mercy, but as the Righteous Judge, He decides who to show mercy to.

Just like His grace, His mercy is a gift that He decides upon who to give it to.

It is because of His love for you that He has shown you mercy.

If you are thankful for the mercy He has shown you, then you should also be thankful for those others He has decided to show mercy to.

Hoow you can extend mercy and compassion to others?

Conclusion:

The bible is full of stories of God’s mercy upon His people and His offer of mercy to you and I.

Remember His mercy is everlasting. He always welcomes the repentant sinner.

It’s in His character to forgive, to give us not what we deserve, but what is in His nature, His Love, Grace, and Mercy.

My hope and prayer is that we learn from His example, as New Creations, created in His image, we too build upon the character He has created us to be and be more compassionate to those around us.

This is how we thank God for the Gift of Mercy He has given us.

Thankful for Grace that Abounds

Sermon notes for week one of our “Thankful for God’s Gifts series.”

We love gifts, right? I know I do.

When someone gives you a gift, how do you respond?

What are God’s gifts and our response to them?

“The very center and core of the whole Bible is the doctrine of the grace of God. The center of the Bible, and the center of Christianity, is found in the grace of God.”
Theologian J. Gresham Machen

I. Understanding God’s Grace

Define and explain the concept of God’s grace:

Grace as God’s unmerited favor.
Grace as a gift we don’t deserve.
Grace as the foundation of our salvation.

Charles Spurgeon and Joseph Parker both had churches in London in the 19th century. On one occasion, Parker commented on the poor condition of children admitted to Spurgeon’s orphanage. It was reported to Spurgeon however, that Parker had criticized the orphanage itself. Spurgeon blasted Parker the next week from the pulpit. The attack was printed in the newspapers and became the talk of the town. People flocked to Parker’s church the next Sunday to hear his rebuttal. “I understand Dr. Spurgeon is not in his pulpit today, and this is the Sunday they use to take an offering for the orphanage. I suggest we take a love offering here instead.” The crowd was delighted. The ushers had to empty the collection plates 3 times. Later that week there was a knock at Parker’s study. It was Spurgeon. “You know Parker, you have practiced grace on me. You have given me not what I deserved, you have given me what I needed.

This is the Bible and Christianity at its core.

God has chosen not to give us what we deserve but instead what we needed.

Grace.

II. Examples of God’s Grace in the Bible

Remember this:

Romans 3:23 (ESV)
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Creation – We are here!

In the beginning God created…
Made in His image – given value from the beginning.

The Fall – Yet He didn’t give up

God chose in the beginning to show grace because He is gracious.

The Flood – Another chance given

The story of Noah and the ark, where God saved Noah and his family (Genesis 6-9).
Genesis 6:8 (ESV)
But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
- Favor is grace.

The Covenant – He chose one man

Genesis 12:1–3 (ESV) 300 years after Noah
12 Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Genesis 17:7 (ESV)
And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.
Exodus 6:7–8 (ESV) 600 years after Abram
7 I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.’ ”

The Chosen – He chose one nation

Deuteronomy 7:6–8 (ESV)
6 “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. 7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Why the Old Testament Passages?

God doesn’t change!

Remember it is His unmerited favor!

He is a Gracious and Merciful God

III. Gratitude for God’s Unmerited Favor

J. I. Packer suggests that grace is simply God’s love demonstrated toward those who deserve the opposite.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death.

Paul – The life of the apostle Paul, who experienced God’s transformative grace (Acts 9:1-22).

Life Before Christ

Acts 8:3 (ESV)
But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.
breathed threats and murder against the followers of Christ.

He Chose Paul!

Created

New Creation

Purpose

A life of dedication to the Lord.
Paul’s road was not easy though he was favored by God.

Chosen to Suffer

Acts 9:16 (ESV)
For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

God doesn’t owe us

How are you showing God you are thankful for His grace?

My Own Life

Saved by Grace

Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Jesus is God’s Grace

Titus 2:11: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.”

God ordained for us, in our place, One who took upon Himself all the punishment we deserve. He fulfilled the law for us. He averted the judgment of God from us and appeased God’s wrath. Grace, therefore, costs us nothing, but is cost Another much to get it for us. Grace was purchased with an incalculable, infinite treasure, the Son of God Himself.”
Martin Luther, Daily Walk, May 5, 1992.

How are you showing God you are thankful for His grace?

Changed Lives

Titus 2:11–14 (ESV)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Live Your Purpose

When we are thankful for it then we are most likely to share it and desire it for others.

Show Grace – forgive lest ye be forgiven.

The Gospel

Romans 3:23–24 (ESV)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Saved by grace through faith.

This is the major difference between Christianity and other world religions.

We are not saved by our own merit, how good we are.

It is a gift!

Finding Peace

In a world full of anxiety and unrest, we all long for peace. But where can we find real, lasting peace amidst the chaos? According to Scripture, true peace comes only from God through faith in Jesus Christ.

The “peace of God” described in Philippians 4:6-7 surpasses human understanding. It guards our hearts and minds when we bring our requests to God in prayer instead of being anxious. This supernatural peace comes from being in relationship with God. This is the peace you’re not only searching for, but you need.

Jesus Himself promised this peace to His followers in John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” The peace He gives is not like worldly peace that depends on circumstances. It comes from being united with Him by faith, even in troubled times. This peace is His gift to us.

To experience Christ’s peace, we must trust in God wholeheartedly, as Isaiah 26:3 describes. Fixing our minds on Him through scripture meditation, prayer, and worship nurtures an attitude of trust, resulting in “perfect peace.” Perfect peace only comes by us trusting in the One that lived perfectly.

Living in gratitude also enables us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, as Paul instructs in Colossians 3:15. Thanking God for His presence and blessings keeps us centered on Him. It is also this peace that works its way out by us seeking to live in peace with those around us. It is this peace in our hearts that helps us to be more patient, more understanding, and seeks to motivate us to be the peacemakers He calls us to be.

Faith in Jesus Christ is the key to walking in true peace. When Jesus healed people in the Gospels, He often said, “Go in peace.” Their faith had made them well and filled them with peace. As Luke 1:79 says, God guides our feet into the “way of peace” when we walk by faith in Him. Through our faith in Jesus, we are restored to a right relationship with the Father, giving us peace with Him.

Even when facing tribulation, we can have peace in Christ, knowing He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Fixing our eyes on Jesus gives peace and courage to endure hardships.

No matter what you are going through, Jesus’ peace is available to you. Come to Him in faith, pray for His salvation, trust in His promises, and let gratitude guard your heart. Walk in faith, knowing He has already won the victory. You were created to live in His perfect peace.

Making God Hear Your Prayers

Don’t you wish there was a way to know that God was hearing your prayers? I mean, all of us have had the experience of feeling like our prayers were just going into thin air or hitting the ceiling and not making their way to the Father’s ears. But what if you could be sure He heard your prayers? Would it cause you to pray more? Trust more?

One of the most important acts a disciple of Jesus is to be doing is praying to the Father.

Even Jesus, God in the flesh, prayed to the Father…often going out and praying alone.

One of the hardest things to deal with as a Christian is also prayer…unanswered or unheard prayer.

Even Jesus had prayers that went unanswered.

Unanswered prayer is often cited as a reason for unbelief. Just this morning I read this:

The past two years has been really hard on me and my family, and here lately I’m feeling my prayers are going nowhere, or the opposite of my prayer happens.

Have you been there?

How can we make sure our prayers are heard by God?

The Heart of Prayer

An insincere or selfish heart can hinder prayers.

Often we overcomplicate prayer…

Jesus lays it out pretty clearly in Matthew 6:5-8

“Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. 8 Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him.

Jesus tells the disciples – WHEN YOU PRAY – Not IF

Don’t do it to be seen – What’s your heart when you pray?

Don’t babble – Prayer can be simple, no special wording, or length is needed.

Do it privately

Who do we pray to? Pray to the Father

Jesus gives a warning included in this “how to pray” teaching:

They have their reward – babbling won’t help you

It’s an act of the heart

Aligning with God’s Will

Regarding our hearts in prayer, we always have to evaluate our motives and desires.

Why are we praying to God, and what are we asking for Him to do?

Did you know the bible teaches us to do one thing to be sure that God hears our prayers?

1 John 5:14-15

This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of him.

If we ask anything according to his will…Whose purpose are we here for?

Prayers that go against God’s will may not be answered as we desire.

Prayers you’ve asked that you know now weren’t His will.

Do we really want things to happen that aren’t His will?

Faith and Persistence

When it comes to our prayers, often another question of evaluating our prayer is to examine our faith in making the request to God.

James 1:6-7

But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

James goes on to add: That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, being double-minded and unstable in all his ways.

We are not “word of faith” people. Explain

Just because we want something and don’t doubt does not guarantee we will receive it.

In context, James is talking about wisdom…not everything we ask of God.

He is speaking of wisdom through trials.

It is often our trials that cause us to pray in the first place.

It is in the trials that, when we ask for wisdom, God can teach us the most.

An elderly lady was telling her nephew about the efficacy of prayer. ” With sincere and fervent prayer, you can achieve anything, ” she said.

” Will prayer help me find my marbles? ” asked the child. His aunt assured he would.

The next day, the boy was playfully and happily moving around. “So, you got your marbles?” asked the lady.

“No,” said the child. “But God taught me not to want them anymore!” was the boy’s reply.

The little boy found solace in God’s wisdom instead of what possessions he had desired.

Knowing God’s will and seeing Him make it happen is the most refreshing answer to prayer.

But we must remember to keep faith when the answers do not come quickly.

Matthew 7:7-8

Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Jesus says: Ask, Seek, Knock.

In Luke’s Gospel, He tells a parable of a widow who kept bugging a judge with her request for justice. She continued until she annoyed him to the point that he gave in to her request just to get her to leave him alone.

The annoying child

How badly do you want what you are praying about? Will you take a no answer?

Forgiveness and Relationship.

One of the biggest hindrances to our prayers is a sin-infected life.

Sin keeps us out of a right relationship with the Father…so I want to make sure you have a right relationship first…then we will proceed to the next great hindrance to our prayers being answered.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior?

The next hindrance

Are you praying and yet have a broken relationship with someone else? Does someone legitimately have something against you?

Matthew 5:23-24

So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.

First, be reconciled!

Are you living a life of forgiving others? Or are you holding onto past hurts unwilling to forgive someone that wronged you?

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. 15 But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses.

How much has God forgiven you?

How can you withhold forgiving someone else?

A salvation issue?

Praying in Jesus’ Name

You hear many folks promise you that if you pray this way, your prayer will be heard. Even Jesus teaches:

John 14:13-14

Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

This isn’t like asking a genie. Jesus isn’t promising that His Name is like a grab bag for our requests.

One Scripture doesn’t make a theology. Context always matters.

The context: John 14:12

Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.

Whose works?

It goes back to Whose will are we seeking? Ours or God’s?

Like our lives when we come to Christ, our prayers shouldn’t be about us…our will.

Make your requests known, but understand that it’s His will we are to seek.

Understanding Unanswered Prayer

If you do all of what we’ve talked about up to this point in making our prayers to God, and your prayers seem unanswered let me remind you of a few things we spoke about last week.

We have to trust in God’s plan and purpose, and His wisdom.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways”, says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

God’s timing and our patience

Unanswered prayer doesn’t mean unheard or a no answer.

Remember the persistent widow but also remember to trust in His will, plan, purpose, and wisdom.

Conclusion

In conclusion let me remind you, that if you want to make sure your prayers are heard by God, do these things:

Pray with a sincere heart

Seeking God’s will not your own

Pray in faith with persistence

Check your relationship with Him and others

Always ask in Jesus’s Name

Do this and trust that He knows what you need. He is Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our Provider.

Our greatest need is salvation and a restored relationship with God the Father. And Jehovah Jireh did provide that for you and me.

Application

This week remember, prayer isn’t overly complicated. Just check yourself and your motives.
Keep a prayer journal, so that you can gain strength and faith in your prayer life as you see the answers and even come to an understanding of why some prayers may have been unanswered in your life.

Understanding Unanswered Prayer

Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt that your prayers were unanswered? How did it make you feel, and how did you respond?

We had a little bible study and discussion on this vary topic, and I wanted to share with you the notes here so maybe you might be encouraged in your own prayer life, even when your prayers seem unanswered.

What Does the Bible Say?

1. James 4:2-3 (ESV)

“You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”

What does this passage say about the reasons for unanswered prayer?
Discuss how motives and desires can affect the effectiveness of prayer.
What are some wrong motives people might have when praying, and how can we ensure our motives are aligned with God’s will?

2. Matthew 7:7-11 (ESV)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

How does Jesus encourage us to approach God in prayer?
What assurance do we have regarding God’s response to our requests in this passage?

3. Psalm 66:18 (ESV).

“If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”

What does this verse suggest about the importance of a righteous life in relation to answered prayer?
What are some practical ways to maintain a righteous life and a close relationship with God, as Psalm 66:18 suggests, to enhance the effectiveness of your prayers?
How does repentance and maintaining a close relationship with God can impact our prayers?

4. 1 John 5:14-15 (ESV).

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”

According to these verses, what is the key to having confidence in prayer?
How do you differentiate between prayers that align with God’s will and prayers that may not align with His plan?
Where have you seen prayers aligned with God’s will being answered?

5. Luke 18:1-8 (ESV) (the parable of the persistent widow).

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while, he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’ And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?'”

What does this parable teach us about persistence in prayer?
How should this parable influence our approach to unanswered prayer?
Think of an example from your life or from the Bible of a prayer that was initially unanswered but was later answered in God’s timing. How has that helped your faith in prayer?
How can the concept of persisting in prayer, as seen in the parable of the persistent widow, be applied to your life when facing unanswered prayer?

Conclusion:

We need to approach unanswered prayer with the perspective of seeking God’s will, maintaining a righteous life, and persisting in prayer.

God’s timing and wisdom are beyond our comprehension, and He always works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

We have to continue in faithful prayer, trusting that God hears and responds according to His perfect plan.

Building Courage Through Trust in God

Taken from our last sermon of our fear series “Beaking Ground.” See it here

Fear is inevitable in life. From health crises to new jobs to just daily worries, anxiety comes for us all. In those moments, it’s tempting to let fear win and paralyze us from moving forward. But with faith in God, we can find the courage to press on despite the fear.

Courage is not the absence of fear – it’s being able to keep putting one foot in front of the other, even when afraid. God does not want us to live in bondage to anxiety and fear. He desires for us to live boldly and fully in the purpose He has planned. When inevitable worries arise, we can confront them head-on with trust in the power of God working within us.

So how do we build courage through trust in God? Here are some practical steps:

Bring your fears to God in prayer. Pour out your heart as David did in Psalm 55:1-7, 16-17:

“Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan, because of the noise of the enemy…My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me…But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.”

Ask God for strength in your fears, then leave those burdens fully in His hands.

Renew your mind with scriptures about God’s power and faithfulness, like Proverbs 3:5-6:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Recall specific times God has brought you through trials in the past. Let these build your trust in Him for the future.
Take small steps to practice courage in manageable situations, building your “faith muscles.”
Journal about fears you face and how God helps you. Use these as touchstones when bigger fears arise.
Find supportive friends to walk this journey with you. We were not made to battle alone.

With each courageous step forward in trust, your confidence in God will grow. Before long, you’ll be ready to face any fear head-on, knowing He is right by your side. Our God is for us – who can stand against us with Him on our side? Don’t let fear have the final say in your life. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and boldly walk into the purpose God has for you. With Him going before you, what do you possibly have to fear?

Cultivating Trust: Growth Despite Fear

This blog post is built upon the sermon found here.

“Cultivating Trust: Growth Despite Fear”

Strengthening faith through trust in God.

Introduction: Taking the Leap

Imagine standing at the edge of an airplane’s open door, thousands of feet above the ground. Your heart races, palms sweaty, as you’re about to take a leap of faith – quite literally. This moment encapsulates the essence of faith and trust in action.

Fear as Fertilizer for Faith

Fear, like fertilizer for plants, plays an unexpected role in our spiritual growth. While fear might seem counterproductive, it can actually nurture our faith. Just as plants need nutrients to thrive, our faith can be enriched by facing our fears. Fear pushes us to lean on God, highlighting our vulnerability and dependence on His strength. It drives us to seek the unshakable foundation of faith when everything else feels uncertain.

Trust in God’s Plan Amidst Fear

Trusting God means allowing Him to steer our lives, even in the face of fear. Proverbs 3:5-6 guides us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Trust entails releasing our need for control, acknowledging His sovereignty, and allowing His wisdom to guide our paths. It’s the practical application of faith.

Finding Courage in Trust

David, in Psalm 56:3-4, shows us the way. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” David doesn’t deny fear’s presence but chooses to trust God’s reliability over his own understanding.

Growing Through Fear

Just as muscles require resistance to grow stronger, our faith needs challenges to deepen. Trials test our faith, helping us develop trust and courage. Past victories against fear serve as evidence that God is faithful. By recalling these moments, we build trust in His continuous care.

Practical Application of Trust

Much like leaping from an airplane, life presents opportunities to exercise faith and trust. Just as a parachute assures your safety, trust in God guides us through life’s trials. Start small, with intentional steps of faith, and gradually build trust in His plan. Conversations with experienced believers offer insights into how faith is honed through life’s challenges.

Cultivating Trust

Challenge yourself this week: document past instances where God led you through fear, reinforcing your trust. Practice faith in everyday situations, knowing that small steps of trust pave the way for greater faith. Remember, strong faith comes from testing, just as muscles grow through resistance. Ultimately, placing your faith and trust in Christ leads to a life of purpose, adventure, and the assurance that you’re in safe hands.

Placing Your Trust

In life’s journey, who do you trust – yourself or Jesus? Salvation rests on faith in Christ’s perfect work, not our righteousness. The Bible affirms that none are righteous, but Christ’s sacrifice bridges that gap. Place your faith in His grace, and you’ll discover the unshakable foundation that conquers all fear.

Remember, growth comes from facing fear, just as faith is honed through trials. Allow fear to fertilize your faith, and watch it grow into a steadfast trust that guides you through life’s uncertainties.

Finding Hope in the Gospel of John

As we continue our journey through the Gospel of John, we encounter profound truths and transformative encounters with Jesus. In this blog post, we will explore four pivotal verses from John’s Gospel—John 17:3, John 18:36, John 20:17, and John 20:31—and discover the faith and hope they inspire within us. These verses not only reveal the depth of Jesus’ identity and mission but also call us to embrace a life-changing relationship with Him.

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. - John 17:3

A Glimpse of Eternal Life:

In John 17:3, Jesus shares a powerful insight into what eternal life is. He declares that eternal life is not merely an unending existence but rather, it is knowing the one true God the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent. This verse reminds us that eternal life isn’t some distant future only to be experienced after death, but it is a present reality through our relationship with Jesus.

How does the concept of eternal life being rooted in knowing God impact your understanding of salvation and life’s purpose?

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” - John 18:36

A Kingdom Beyond This World:

In John 18:36, Jesus proclaims that His kingdom is not of this world. His kingship transcends earthly powers, and His mission is beyond any sort of worldly ambitions. This verse invites us to reassess our values and seek a kingdom that aligns with the eternal purposes of Christ.

In what ways can we actively prioritize the values of Christ’s kingdom in our daily lives and interactions with the world?

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” - John 20:17

From Mourning to Mission:

In John 20:17, we witness a powerful encounter between Jesus and Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb. Jesus instructs her not to cling to Him but to go and tell His disciples. This moment marks the transformation from mourning to mission— it was a call for Mary to share the good news of the resurrected Savior. As we shared last night, the relationship had changed. There was still work to do.

How can Mary Magdalene’s response to Jesus’ instruction inspire us to be active messengers of the gospel, bringing hope and life to those around us?

But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. - John 20:31

Believing for Life:

John states the purpose of writing his Gospel: “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31, ESV) This verse is the heart of the Gospel of John—to lead us to faith in Jesus as the source of life and the Son of God. Believing this brings about our salvation.

How has encountering the various signs, miracles, and teachings of Jesus in this Gospel influenced your perception of His identity and divine mission? How does John’s Gospel inspire you to place your faith in Jesus and experience the abundant life He offers?

Conclusion:

In the Gospel of John, we find an invitation to know Jesus in a deeply personal way—to know Him intimately and experience His redemption power. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we access the eternal life that begins here and now—a life rooted in knowing the Father and the Son.

As we meditate on these verses, let us reflect on the richness of Christ’s identity and mission. He offers us a kingdom that transcends this world and calls us to embrace a life of purpose and mission. Just as Mary Magdalene was commissioned to share the good news, we too are called to be bearers of hope and agents of God’s love in the world.

Questions for further reflection:

How can we cultivate a deeper intimacy with Jesus and experience the reality of eternal life in our daily walk with Him?
In what ways can we align our lives with the values and mission of Christ’s kingdom, even amidst the challenges and pressures of the world?
How can we respond actively to Jesus’ call to be messengers of hope and life, sharing the transformative power of the gospel with those around us?
How does the purpose of John’s Gospel, as stated in John 20:31, inspire you to believe in Jesus as the Christ and experience life in His name?

May the Gospel of John continue to inspire us, strengthen our faith, and fill us with hope as we walk with the risen Savior and follow His leading in every aspect of life.

Finding Hope Even in Our Suffering

Adapted from a reason sermon found here.

Life is full of joys and sorrows, but there are moments when the weight of suffering becomes too much for us to bear. During these times, it’s natural to question where God is amidst our pain. In this blog post, we will delve into a brief story from John chapter 11 that addresses these very questions. It’s my hope that we discover encouragement together as we explore the biblical account of Mary and Martha, who experienced profound loss and disappointment, yet found strength in their faith.

The Sorrow of Loss

In John 11, we encounter John telling us of Mary and Martha, two sisters who were incredibly close to Jesus. They were grieving the loss of their brother Lazarus, who had passed away due to an illness. In their sorrow, they couldn’t help but express their disappointment that Jesus hadn’t arrived in time to prevent Lazarus’s death. I believe this resonates with many of us, as we too have questioned why God seemingly remains distant when we are in pain and why suffering persists.

The Unanswered Questions

Let’s be honest; the questions surrounding suffering don’t always have easy answers that bring immediate peace and resolution to our struggles. We may have experienced immense loss, battled physical or mental ailments, or witnessed the suffering of our loved ones, leaving us wondering why God allows such pain in our lives. Even as a pastor, I grapple with the unknown reasons behind my own wife’s severe anxiety, despite our earnest prayers for healing. Sometimes, we simply don’t receive a clear answer.

Finding Encouragement in Faith

As we navigate through our own trials, it’s important for us to remember that suffering is not a new concept. The Bible is replete with stories of individuals who faced their share of pain—Joseph, David, Job, the Apostle Paul, John the Baptist, and Stephen, to name a few. We can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our struggles.

Jesus’ Purpose in Suffering

In the account of Mary and Martha, we see that Jesus had a greater purpose in mind when He allowed their pain and delayed His response. He wanted to demonstrate His divine power and bring glory to God. Through their trying situation, He aimed to strengthen the faith of those around Him. His hope was that others would see and believe and be saved as they witnessed the power of the Messiah.

Understanding God’s Sovereignty

It’s not always easy to understand why God permits certain things to happen. Yet, we are called to submit to His wisdom and intentions in our lives, even when it hurts. His sovereignty and righteousness prevail, even in the midst of our suffering. God knows our struggles and has a plan, even if it remains beyond our understanding.

Hope Beyond Suffering

While none of us desire suffering or hurt, Jesus reminded us that trials are a part of life. We still have human bodies that are prone to dysfunction, and these bodies have an expiration date. The reality is that we will experience loss and pain, but as believers, we have hope.

Our hope lies in the assurance that death is not the end. It marks a temporary rest until the day of resurrection when we will be reunited with our loved ones in the presence of the risen Son. On that day, we will experience the brightness of His glory within the new creation.

Conclusion

In the midst of pain and suffering, we may wonder where God is and why He allows certain things to happen. Yet, through the story of Mary and Martha, we can find hope and encouragement in knowing that God has a purpose for our struggles.

While the answers to our questions might not always be clear, we can trust in God’s sovereignty and divine plan. Let us draw strength from the examples of those who faced trials before us, and let us lean on one another for support and encouragement during these challenging times.

As we journey through life’s highs and lows, let us hold fast to the hope we find in Christ, knowing that one day, we will be reunited with Him and our loved ones for all eternity.

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. - 2 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV