Freedom

 

Scripture Text

Titus 3:3-8

Intro: This Thursday we celebrate our freedom and independence. Many men and women have died to make sure we stay free from bondage to another nation. As we celebrate the Lord’s Supper here today, we want to remember the freedom that God has given us through the gift of His Son, the wonderful Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

I. Remember our former way of life before Christ. Titus 3:3 (NLT)
³  Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. a. Without God, all of us were unbelievers enslaved to our passions and desires. Left alone, all human nature can only go from bad to worse. Instead of living for God, our lives were full of evil and envy before Christ. No matter how much “love” we tried to create without God, the overriding power of our sin produced a greater amount of hatred. We needed to be set free from this bondage to the devil. Thus there was no hope for us apart from the intervention of the holy God, the Creator and Savior.

II. We were set free from bondage by God our Savior. Titus 3:3-6 (NKJV)³  For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.⁴  But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,⁵  not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, ⁶  whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior. a. All of our former bondage changed when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared. What we could in no wise do for ourselves, God did for us through Jesus Christ His Son. God freed us from bondage to Satan and sin. He freed us in His kindness, love, and mercy. God in His grace saves and sets free those who believe, not because of any righteousness in them, but because of His mercy, love, and kindness. The three words, “kindness,” “love,” and “mercy” all represent aspects of God’s grace. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. The dual means of grace through which He accomplished this salvation are (1) the rebirth spoken of as a washing from the filth of our sins, past, present, and future. (2) We were renewed by the Holy Spirit ( 2 Cor. 5:17). The moment we believed in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord we were washed clean from the filth of our sins and we were given new birth and new life by the power of the Holy Spirit which God generously poured out on us Paul says in verse 6.

III. We have been justified by God’s grace. Titus 3:7 (NLT)  Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” a. From Adam we inherited a sinful nature (the tendency to sin), and we were under God’s wrath and due His punishment. Because Jesus took the punishment we deserved for sin and made us right before God, we are now free from all bondage. We have been declared not guilty. We can trade our sin for Jesus’ righteousness. When we do that, we know that we will inherit eternal life. Colossians 1:13-14 (NKJV) ¹³ He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Eternal life began the moment we gave our life to Christ, but there is more to come! Our experience now is only a foretaste of what God has guaranteed to us in the future! Praise be to God!

IV. We are to devote ourselves to helping set others free from bondage. Titus 3:8 (NLT) This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. a. Believers must show their beliefs through their conduct. We must be careful to do good deeds all the time, wherever we are. Sound belief must manifest itself in good works. As we live a godly life before others, and help reach them with the gospel message, we will be helping to set them free from their bondage to sin and Satan.

Invitation: Allow the Holy Spirit to look into your heart and tell you whether you are a child of God or not. If God’s Spirit points out you are not His child, you need to correct that. Confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him for His forgiveness. Do it now. Don’t wait!

A Touch of Faith

 

Scripture Text

Mark 5:25-34

The bible says in Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

1.  Faith in Christ shouldn't be last resort. Mark 5:25-26 (NKJV)²⁵  Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, ²⁶  and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.

The woman had been hemorrhaging for twelve years; it was uncontrollable. No one could touch her or anything she had touched. This particular woman had tried all she knew. She had seen "many physicians" and "spent all that she had," and yet she "grew worse." She was to be totally cut off from society and religious worship. Her last resort was to turn to Jesus! Don't wait to call on Jesus. Do it now!

2.  By faith we activate the presence and power of God. Mark 5:27 (NKJV) When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. Even though she couldn’t go to God’s house, by her faith she activated the very presence and power of God in her life and situation. We can activate our faith wherever we are. It's not the place but our faith and trust in God. She had a shy, embarrassed, unworthy attitude. Note the woman made her way through the crowd and came up behind Jesus. She wanted to touch Jesus without being seen or noticed because she was embarrassed and felt unworthy. Her hemorrhaging was a personal, intimate matter for her, something she did not want to be known and discussed. She was considered unclean; therefore, she felt unworthy to approach Jesus but she had an expectant, believing attitude. Maybe you feel unworthy, but don't let that stop you from touching Jesus. The poor woman believed what "she had heard of Jesus." (V:27) She believed the gospel that Jesus loved and cared and would make her whole. Mark 5:28 (NKJV) For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well." She believed in her mind, heart, and soul, with her whole being. She cast off all doubts! She believed two things: the gospel (what she had heard about Jesus) and the power of Jesus to make her whole. By her faith she activated the power of God in her life. We all must use our faith to activate God's power to answer each prayer that we have. When she touched Jesus' power in her life the answer came. Mark 5:29 (NKJV) Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.

3.  Her touch of faith moved Jesus. Mark 5:30 (NKJV) And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?" There was no way Jesus could have felt the touch to His robe. He was being pressed and thronged by the crowd, yet when she stepped up behind Him and touched His robe, He knew. How? It is faith that touches Jesus. Faith will never go unnoticed nor be ignored by Jesus.

4.  BY faith we activate the purposes of God.                                             a. Others must know of God's power. Mark 5:33 (NKJV) But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. Jesus had made the way easy for her. He had allowed her to be healed without embarrassment, but it was not enough to believe in secret. The secret disciple had to be brought to the point of confessing her faith so that everyone could know God’s purpose for mankind. God's purpose is to bring glory to Himself through His salvation, love, care for people. We are to let others know what God wants to do. When a person or a group of people place their faith in Jesus and His power, it touches Jesus, and Jesus infuses His power and presence into that situation. Thus, the purpose of God was activated by this woman who was an outcast by society. Others must know God’s purpose for mankind is eternal life and salvation. It's also the infusion of His power, and abundant life and healing into the spirit, soul, mind and body of mankind.

5. Results of touching Jesus by faith.  Mark 5:34 (NKJV) And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." She was given comfort, joyfulness, courage, confidence, and boldness in her faith and healing. She was assured that she was whole permanently. Her deliverance would last. She became a daughter of God. She was given physical healing, soul salvation and peace with God. We all need something from God! It’s crisis time for your faith.

Invitation: Have you put your faith in Jesus for the salvation He provides? He provides salvation from the penalty of sins, just confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your heart to take charge of your life and you will experience the saving power of Jesus. Do it now right where you are!

Message for Fathers

 

Scripture Text

Joshua 1:7-9

Intro: Dads, the bible has some wisdom for us. It tells us as spiritual leaders of our home what is important for us in leading our families successfully in the way of God.

I. First important thing for Dads. [1 Corinthians 1:30] To be a good spiritual leader for your family you must know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:30 (MSG) Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. Christ is the wisdom of God given to the world so that men might know the way, the truth, and the life of God. Make sure of your relationship with Jesus Christ Dad, to be able to lead your family the way God intended. Practice your faith before your children and wife. Live so they can see Jesus in you.

II. Second important thing. Dads are to live out their faith before their families. Psalm 1:1 (NKJV)  Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful. With three expressions the psalmist tells us how to live the blessed and successful life:. We do not live according to the advise of the ungodly way and we don't stand in the path or keep company with the wicked (ungodly), sinners, or we don't join in with mockers (scorners, complainers). Each expression becomes more intense. This signifies a progression from a casual influence of ungodly people to agreement with them in their scorn against the way of God. We can be influenced by those around us. It is very easy to fall into a life of sin. We must guard against it at all times. We have choices to make every day. May we always chose God's way. Chose your friends wisely. The devil will always be tempting us. When the dad sins, it affects his whole family. One who is not led astray by the evil influence of the world and people around us is "blessed," that is, he is right with God and enjoys the spiritual peace and joy that results from that relationship. As a result, God blesses not only him, but also his family.                        

III. Third important thing. Joshua 1:7-9 (NCV) ⁷  Be strong and brave. Be sure to obey all the teachings my servant Moses gave you. If you follow them exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. ⁸  Always remember what is written in the Book of the Teachings. Study it day and night to be sure to obey everything that is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything. ⁹  Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the LORD your God will be with you everywhere you go.“ To enjoy prosperity and be successful in the way of God we are to do four things with regard to these Scriptures: (1) We are to be strong, brave and not be afraid in the power of God's Holy Spirit. (2) The Law was is not to depart from our mouth; we are to remember what is written in God's word and talk about it. We are to speak what God says in His word over our situations and problems instead of listening to other voices. (3) We are to read and meditate on God's word day and night. (4) We Dads are not only to read and meditate on God's word, we are to do everything written in God's word, we are to obey its commands fully and to act on them. When we do these things, we will lead our families in the most successful and prosperous way and the Father God will be pleased with us.

Conclusion: Godly Dads are very rare these days and the family is suffering. The way Dads live not only affects their family, but also the church and nation. Dads, we are very important to the plan of God, so may we live our lives led by the power of God's Holy Spirit remembering we will have to one day give an account to God.

Invitation: Not just dads but everyone needs to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. If you have never stopped and confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive you, now is the time before it is eternally to late. Life is short and eternity is long.

THE PRVILEGE OF PRAYER

INTRO: God has not saved us and left us here on earth to get by the best we can. Our Father God has mentioned prayer over 500 times in His word. He has given us the right and the privilege to ask for and receive from Him. If we are living in a right relationship with God, our potential in prayer is unlimited. Prayer is the strength of the church and the key to a move of God. We must persist in it! God stands ever ready to help us as we ask Him to.

I. God says we have an open door to heaven. What a privilege we have to go right before the throne of God to obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need! Hebrews 4:16 Let us come boldly (without hesitation or fear in the face of risk or danger; courageously:) to the throne of grace, that we may obtain (receive) mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
A. JESUS INVITES US TO ASK. [Luke 11:9] We can pray for ourselves, our families, church, nation, Israel, and whatever is on your heart and you need help with. Luke 11:9 "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. God has extended a special privilege to us His children! Open door policy! 24-7. Whatever you are dealing with, God wants to help you, but you must ask. B. THE PROMISE [V:10] Luke 11:10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. When we ask, we receive; when we seek we find; when we knock, the door will be opened unto us. The verbs ask, seek, and knock are all continuous action. We are to keep on asking, seeking and knocking, ever beseeching God to hear us. Jesus drove the point home: perseverance and endurance receives what it asks for. The believer shall get what he asks if he...will not leave the throne of God and will not go away or let God alone and will not give up! Most Christians are not persistent in prayer.

II. If we ask what God has promised He will do it. 

A. Must ask in Jesus' name. John 14:14 (NKJV) If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. To ask in Jesus name is to ask according to His will. We find His will in His holy word and then claim it. Every act of faith must rest on the promise of God. If we know that it is God’s will to do a certain thing, then we can pray and know that it will be done. In fact, we can pray with confidence on any subject as long as we are confident it is according to God’s will as revealed in the Bible and by the inner witness of the Spirit. When we are really living in touch with the Lord and praying in the Spirit, we can have the assurance of answered prayer before the answer actually comes. B. The reason He will do it. John 14:13 And whatever you ask in My name, [ in my will] that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. As you pray this week, please pray that God will save children as they hear the message of Jesus Christ. We know this is God's will. John 3:16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

III. When we pray according to God’s we will have confidence that He hears us and that we have what we have prayed for. 1 John 5:14-15 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. There are many things that we know to be in accordance with his will, if we read His word. Our part is to know God’s will. All that God has promised we are justified in expecting; and what he has promised, we should pray for believing that we receive. Prayer is the language of the children of God. He who is begotten of God is invited to ask in prayer. What promises and privileges God has given us through prayer. May we make the most of it!

Conclusion: Every powerful move of God has always followed sincere, earnest prayer. As you pray this week, may I challenge you to pray every day that God would bless the efforts put forth in prayer. We know this is God's will without a doubt, so we can pray with assurance of being heard!

INVITATION: If you have never prayed for Jesus to forgive you of your sins then you need to pray that prayer right now. It is God’s will that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of Him. [2 Tim. 2:4] Simply confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive and save you. Invite Him into your life and then be baptized as a public testimony of your faith in Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. This will be the greatest prayer that you could ever pray.