Sermons on Spiritual Growth (Page 14)
Times of Refreshing
Faith, like trees need water to live and thrive. Jesus gives us Living Water. Jesus is our Life. It is only from him that comes “Times of Refreshing.” Acts 3:19 (NASB) 19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;
2020 Questions
Always a good time to pause and think •About the direction of your life in the Kingdom of Christ. •It’s too easy to bump along. •Time to take time. •Where are you going? •Where should you be going? Haggai 1:5 (NASB) 5 Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, “[a]Consider your ways!
The More Blessed Way
Does it belong in the of the worship of the saints? NO! 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NASB) Great Generosity 8 Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.
The Prize
Philippians 3:14 (NASB) 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus
The Truth About Truth
1.In Basic terms— a)It is defined as that which conforms with fact or reality. b)It is genuineness, veracity, or actuality. c)In a word, truth is reality. d)It is how things actually are. John 8:44 (NASB) 44 You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks [a]a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a…
Guidance
Guidance comes in various forms… a.First an foremost the Word of God—Not an optional extra, but the words of life. b.The Word being taught and lived around us. c.Godly advice from others d.Experiences – Good and bad. Proverbs 12:15 (NASB) 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
Spiritual Disciplines
c.Stir up one another… i.Excited Christians—Not a common thought. ii.Exciting each other iii.Not always welcome iv.Bring out of spiritual stupor v.“The word of God is living and active…” Jesus challenged everyone to change through his teachings, miracles and his death, burial and resurrection Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB) 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Tolerance-Eph 4:1-2
Every relationship needs it If you think that no one ever has to tolerate you, you might want to ask the Lord for clarification on that point—but be prepared for disappointment With a scoffing tone we ask, “How do you put up with that?” Sanctification takes time No one changes over night We have to accept matters of opinion I don’t always have to be right Ephesians 4:1-2 (NASB) 4 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner…
Greet One Another-Mark 14:44-46
This is something for us to avoid at all cost. That cost is the cost of change. Change is our ability to deal with others outside of our comfort zone. Mark 14:44-46 (NASB) 44 Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away [a]under guard.” 45 After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 46 They laid hands on Him and seized Him.
The Sword that brings Peace-Matt 10:34-36
•Not everything in the Bible is going to sound— •Easy •Pleasant •Pleasing •Some things are ‘Hard to understand,’ as Peter puts it (2Pet.3:16). Matthew 10:34-36 (NASB) 34 “Do not think that I came to [a]bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.