How to Pray - Prayer Ideas

Ever get stuck into a routine of prayer that has become boring or dull?  Here are some helpful ideas to apply prayer in a new and deeper way!


 “Those who know God the best are the richest and most powerful in prayer. Little acquaintance with God, and strangeness and coldness to Him, make prayer a rare and feeble thing.” - E. M. Bounds

PRAYER IDEAS

Here are some suggestions for prayer...

1.      Pray over the names of God.  Reflect on who He is and adore Him (from God Is by Ken Hemphill)

a.      Alpha (beginning), Omega (end),  Our Advocate, the Almighty, the Author & Finisher, the Beloved Son, the Bread of Life, the Bright Morning Star, Captain of our Salvation, the Chief Shepherd, the Cornerstone, Our Creator, Our Counselor, Our Deliverer, the Door, the Faithful Witness, Everlasting Father, the First Begotten, the Good Shepherd, the Great High Priest, the Holy Child, the Head of the Church, the Great I AM, Immanuel, Jesus, the Just One, the Life, the Lamb of God, the Light of the World, the Lion of Judah, the Lord of All, the Lord of Glory, Our Master, the Man of Sorrows, Our Mediator, the Messiah, the Mighty God, Our Redeemer, the Prince of Peace, Our Rock, the Resurrection & the Life, Our Savior, the Rose of Sharon, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the True Light, the True Vine, the Truth, Wonderful, the Word of God, & the Way

2.      Pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6)

3.      Pick a Psalm and pray through it, reflecting how you might be feeling and thinking in a similar way or situation

a.      150 Psalms – 5 per day

4.      ACTS

a.      Adoration (of God)

b.      Confession (of sins)

c.      Thanksgiving (for His work)

d.      Supplication (how can you ask God to help you or others)

                                                              i.      Spend time praying over each of these areas

5.      Remain in silence – reflect on how the Lord is working upon your life

6.      Pray for Missionaries – International, across North America, & Military chaplains

7.      Pray over the 10 commandments and ask for forgiveness of those you have broken (Exodus 20)

8.      Journal out (write) down a prayer

9.      Write your sins on a dry erase board or a piece of paper.  Pray for forgiveness and then erase them or tear up the paper.

10. Pray out loud.

11. Pray for five of your friends by name.

12. Pray for Students, Families, Children, or Senior Adults at your church by name.

13. Pray for a non-believer by name.  Pray for a struggling Christian by name.

14. Pray for the leaders of your church:  Staff. Lay leadership. Sunday School teachers. Volunteers.

15. Pray for five members of your family by name.

16. Pray for opportunities to witness and for boldness and courage to do so.

17. Pray for increased growth in your own spiritual walk with Christ: Bible Reading, Prayer, Worship, Stewardship, Service, etc..

18. Thank God because we are: the salt of the earth, the light of the world, witnesses of the Gospel, branches in God’s vine, friends of Jesus, called by Christ, Saints of God, justified before God, walking in newness of life, in the Spirit, Sons of God, more than conquerors, one body, strong for the weak, filled with God’s goodness, not Spiritually lacking, in Christ Jesus, God’s field and building, God’s temple, the Members of Christ, known by God, the Aroma of Christ, given over to death, protected from Fear of Death, a new creation, ambassadors for Christ, strong when we are weak, crucified with Christ, heirs with Christ, sons and not slaves, not under the law, sealed with the Holy Spirit, created to do good, fellow citizens with the Saints, Christ’s household, not quitters, protected by God’s power, God’s people, blessed when we are cursed, called God’s children, from God (from We Are by Ken Hemphill)

19. Pray for strength and ways of escape with certain struggles and temptations you are dealing with.  Pray for Satan to remain far from you.

20. Prayer walk:  Walk around and pray for the areas and people you see.

21. Pray for specific needs/concerns of others.

22. Pray for your future spouse or children (if the Lord wills).

23. Randomly open your Bible and pray over the Scripture you read.  Reflect how you may have experienced or are experiencing similar things.

24. Pray freely as you feel led.

25. Pray an ancient prayer of a Puritan (a book called: Valley of Vision)

26. Pray through a church prayer sheet or bulletin.

27. Pray standing up.  Kneeling.  Sitting down.  Laying down.

28. Pray every morning.  Pray every evening.

29. Pray in a group over each others needs/requests and as you feel led

30. Pray as you watch the news. As you are sitting in class.  As you are driving a car (eyes open!)

31. Pray when you receive news by email, text message, phone calls, or Facebook.

"The life, power, and glory of the church is prayer…without it, the church is lifeless and powerless” – E.M. Bounds

How to Pray - Prayer Truths

Ever struggle with praying?  Not know how to pray?  Here are some good truths about prayer to help direct you towards starting or deepening a habit of prayer!

Personal Prayer(Matthew 6:5-15, ESV)

Prayer is Personal Conversation

v.5-6 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Prayer is Meaningful Conversation

v.7-8 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” 

Prayer is God-Focused Conversation

v.9 Pray then like this:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread,

12  & forgive us our debts (sins), as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

14-15 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 

Bible Verses on the Death of Babies and Children: Scriptural Help in Times of Abortion, Miscarriage, Illness, and Accidents

When babies or children die, the pain of parents, family and friends is immense.  Whether the situation is from an intentional act (abortion or crimes) or an unintentional act (miscarriage, illness, accidents), grief abounds.  Tough questions arise.  Answers are sought.

What happens to babies or children who die before they are mature enough to respond to the Gospel? John MacArthur helpfully and succinctly answers this question, "Instant heaven."

Here are 5 Bible Verses that are helpful to seeing these truths:

1. David's Response to the Death of His Baby (punishment for his adultery with Bathsheba):  David realizes he will be united in heaven with his child one day. “Then his servants said to him, ‘What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.’ 22 He said, ‘While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ 23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.’” (2 Samuel 12:21-23, ESV)
2. Entry into the Promised Land is Granted to Young Children.  Why? Israel's sin of rebellion against God (for not entering into the promised land) was held only against those who were mature enough to discern between good and evil. “And as for your little ones, who you said would become a prey, and your children, who today have no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in there. And to them I will give it, and they shall possess it.” (Deuteronomy 1:39, ESV)
3. Job's Response to Suffering: Job realized that to be stillborn was better than to be alive.  Why?  Job understood stillborn babies to be in heaven.  “Why did I not die at birth, come out from the womb and expire? ...13 For then I would have lain down and been quiet; I would have slept; then I would have been at rest 16 Or why was I not as a hidden stillborn child, as infants who never see the light? ...17 there the weary are at rest.” (Job 3:11-17, ESV) 
4. King Solomon's comparison of living a prosperous, long-lived life with that a stillborn child. Who is better off? A stillborn child who "finds rest."  "If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with life's good things, and he also has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. 4 For it comes in vanity and goes in darkness, and in darkness its name is covered. 5 Moreover, it has not seen the sun or known anything, yet it finds rest rather than he." (Ecclesiastes 6:3-5, ESV)
5. When unbelieving parents sacrifice their children for their own selfish purposes, God refers to them as "innocents." This implies God’s grace in looking upon them as innocent."Because the people have forsaken me and have profaned this place by making offerings in it to other gods whom neither they nor their fathers nor the kinds of Judah have known; and because they have filled this place with the blood of innocents." (Jeremiah 19:4, ESV). 

Are babies and infants conceived in sin? Do they sin? Yes.  Are they guilty before God and deserving of eternal death?  Yes. (Original sin, inherited sin nature, total depravity) (1 Kings 8:46, Isaiah 48:8, Proverbs 20:9, Psalm 58:3; 143:2, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 5:12, Ephesians 2:3) "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me."(Psalm 51:5, ESV) 

“It is true they sin, little ones sin. Little children disobey, they're selfish, they're angry, etc. But they are incapable of understanding the moral essence of that sin. They are incapable of understanding God. And they are incapable of understanding the gospel. They are incapable of exercising a true repentance toward God and a saving faith so that they are with excuse.  Whereas the pagans in Romans 1 are without excuse because they are capable of knowing and understanding the revelation God has given them in creation and conscience and they are capable of faith. So unbelief for them is a willful choice. ” John MacArthur

Does God’s grace cover those babies and children who die?  Yes. The weight of Scripture points to them being safe in God's grace.  

“All children who die before they reach the condition of accountability by which they convincingly understand their sin and corruption and embrace the gospel by faith are graciously saved eternally by God through the work of Jesus Christ being elect by sovereign choice, innocent of willful sin, rebellion and unbelief by which works they would be justly condemned to eternal punishment. “ John MacArthur

Want to know more?  Click HERE to find more answers and resources on the topic...

Boy Scout Membership Policy & Values: Biblically Incompatible and Logically Inconsistent

The biggest problem with the Boy Scout membership policy change is that by striking the ban on homosexual youth, the BSA is tacitly approving the sin of homosexuality, even if they argue they are not approving "homosexual conduct."  They have endorsed "sexual orientation and preference" as a matter of human choice and not God's decrees.  They have further argued that any "sexual orientation and preference" is fully compatible with doing one's "duty to God," being "morally straight," and being "reverent" to God.  This is biblically incompatible and logically inconsistent.

When someone embraces their homosexual inclinations as an identity, i.e. "I am gay," "I am homosexual," "I am transgender/transsexual," something very serious is happening.
1) You are claiming, "This is who I am, this is not a choice, and I am ok with it"
2) You are communicating that "God made me this way, so you should be ok with it"
3) You are ignoring who God says you are, and who God calls you to be.

If you argue it is permissible "to be gay, homosexual, etc." as long you don't "act on it," you are demonstrating that you don't:
1) Understand that embracing and mentally accepting sin is just as serious as acting on sin
2) Comprehend the serious offense it is to God when you follow and accept Satan's plans instead of God's
3) Care about what God says about the matter, you care more about your feelings and opinions

Take any other sin...stealing, lying, lust, adultery, gossip, sleeping around, gluttony, murder, rape...would you go around and identify yourself by that sin?  Would you identify others by their sin?  When the Bible addresses people by their sin, it also addresses them as "ungodly," "unholy," and "profane."  (1 Timothy 1:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). When the Bible calls someone by their sin, God is identifying them by their lostness, not by His Son.

See for yourself what God has to say about homosexuality...
Romans 1:24-32 , Genesis 19 , Leviticus 18:22 , 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 , Galatians 5:19-21 , Ephesians 5:3-3 , 1 Timothy 1:9,10 , Jude 7

The best news available though, to the homosexually-inclined and all of humanity (we have all sinned), is that God's grace is sufficient to forgive us and cleanse us, should we choose to repent and turn away from our sins!

1 John 1:9-10 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."

“Homosexual behavior is incompatible with the principles enshrined in the Scout oath and Scout law."
Frank Page, SBC President

Here are some Scouting Documents that reveal (highlighted to more clearly show) the biblical and logical incompatibility and inconsistency.

Scouting Documents

The following membership standard for youth members of the Boy Scouts of America is hereby adopted and approved, effective Jan. 1, 2014:

Youth membership in the Boy Scouts of America is open to all youth who meet the specific membership requirements to join the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, and Venturing programs. Membership in any program of the Boy Scouts of America requires the youth member to (a) subscribe to and abide by the values expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law, (b) subscribe to and abide by the precepts of the Declaration of Religious Principle (duty to God), and (c) demonstrate behavior that exemplifies the highest level of good conduct and respect for others and is consistent at all times with the values expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. No youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone.

http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/MembershipStandards/Resolution/Resolution.aspx

Scout Oath On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Mission The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Slogan: Do a Good Turn Daily

A Scout Is Reverent: Bring Youth to Christ through a Scouting Ministry (ONLINE PAMPHLET)
Scouting teaches duty to and reverence for God. 
Central to the Scout Oath (or Promise) is the pledge to “do my duty to God.” The 12th point of the Scout Law states, “A Scout is reverent.” These commitments to the prominence of God in one’s life form a cornerstone of the Scouting program. When properly interpreted by an adult Scouter of strong faith to young people, even the unchurched begin to understand their need for God.

The Scouting unit is church-owned and -operated. 
A church that has its own Scouting unit (Boy Scout troop, Cub Scout pack, Varsity Scout team, or Venturing crew) has complete authority to direct the unit program in the best interest of its participants. In other words, the unit is church-owned and church-administered. The unit can be uniquely Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic, etc., as long as the stated principles of Scouting are not violated

Imagine the outreach potential of a unit whose sole purpose is to reach unchurched young people in the
community. These young people might be hesitant to attend a regular church service but eager to join a
Scouting unit. What an opportunity for these young people, as well as for existing church members! To reach America with the Christian message requires boldness and a willingness to go out where the people
are. Scouting is such a tool for outreach. No, Scouting will not automatically achieve the results your church is after, but when Scouting leaders are chosen as carefully as the church’s Bible teachers, and when Scouting is seen as an integral ministry of the church, positive results are predictable.

Scouting is the wealth of opportunity available to help your church reach the young people of your community

Scouting provides age-appropriate ministries. Cub Scouting activities involve the parents, adult leaders, and friends of Cub Scouts in home-centered programs that teach life skills, habits, values, and attitudes consistent with the interests of their church. Millions of boys and their families participate in Cub Scouting, the largest of the three Boy Scouts of America membership divisions. Cub Scout activities encourage character development, physical coordination, family unity, and enthusiasm for learning.

Boy Scouting encourages boys to develop physical, mental, and emotional fitness and to adopt and live by meaningful personal standards as a cornerstone for success in life. These values include the basic principles in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Activities include fitness and leadership training, wilderness adventures, and merit badge incentives for boys mastering hobby and career skills.
http://www.scouting.org/filestore/membership/pdf/522-181_NoCrops.pdf

Scout Law
Leader: Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of his salvation. (Psalm 24:3-5)
Scouts: A Scout is clean.
Leader: And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. (Mark 12:30)
Scouts: A Scout is reverent, he is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Media/Relationships/ascoutisrevernt/ss04.aspx

Scouter Prayer
Dear Lord, from your judgment seat on high,
Look down on a Scoutmaster such as I.
Search me through and find me whole,
Then help me, Lord, to reach my goal.
Help me, Lord, to work for Thee,
Guard my homeland—keep it free.
Help me to work with others and be kind,
Helpful with my hands and mind.
Keep me, Lord, both well and strong,
To help growing boys along.
Control my thoughts, keep them right,
Sound, clean weapons for life's fight.
Protect my morals, keep them high,
Grant this to a Scouter such as I.
—Author Unknown
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Media/Relationships/ascoutisrevernt/ss13.aspx

On my honor
Leader: Wisdom is the principal thing: Do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Get wisdom; get insight. (Proverbs 4:5) How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to thy word. (Psalm 119:9)
Scouts: On my honor, I will do my best to keep myself morally straight.
Leader: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:7)
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Media/Relationships/ascoutisrevernt/ss05.aspx

A Christian Perspective and Reflection on the Boy Scouts Membership Policy Changes

Recent membership policy changes by the Boy Scouts of America have forced many Christians and Churches to reevaluate their relationship with BSA.  Here are some important questions and answers…

Key Questions for Boy Scout Leaders and Parents

1. Can you, or your child, take an oath that is inconsistently enforced and disingenuous?
2. Is the change in policy change "reverent" of God and His truths?
3. Is this policy change demonstrating "morally straight" behavior?
4. Are you genuinely and wholeheartedly willing to obey and support this Boy Scout policy with your presence and participation?
5. If you remain within the organization are you going to try to change the situation or tolerate it?
6. Are you comfortable with your child having an unrepentant and openly homosexual-inclined boy as their leader and example?
7. What will you do when homosexually-inclined adults and transexually-inclined individuals are incorporated into membership and leadership?  This is the logical and historical path the BSA is on.

“The BSA is teaching our kids that when your values become unpopular, just change them.” John Stemberger, www.onmyhonor.net

Key Points for Churches Chartering Boy Scouts

1. What is the purpose of your ownership of a Boy Scout or Cub Scout Troop?  Can you still achieve these purposes with the polarization that has occurred in the Boy Scouts due to their stance on accepting homosexually-inclined boys and tacitly approving homosexual behavior?
2. Are the missions of your church and the Boy Scouts headed in the same direction, or diverging apart?  If diverging apart, is there any visible, approach hope of redirection and reunion in purpose?
3. What does your church membership policy say about homosexual sin?  If you do not clearly state your position, do you understand the future complications and legal concerns your church will face?
4. Ensure you know and are able to communicate biblical truths on the issue of homosexual and heterosexual sin.  Don't overlook heterosexual sin while highlighting homosexual sin.  Expose all areas of sexual sin to God's truth.  Don't expect non-Christians or nominal-Christians to understand Christian beliefs and Scriptural convictions. (John 14:26; 16:12-15, Ephesians 1:17-18, 1 Corinthians 2:10-13)  
5. Morality does not save.  Jesus saves.  Trust Him.  Share his love.  Return love to those who hate you.  Correct brothers and sisters in Christ with gentleness, but do not overlook the sins of those who claim the name of Christ.

Key Truths for Christians to Consider Concerning the Boy Scouts

1. Society is going to continue to head in a direction counter to God's Word.  Are you prepared to stand firm?  Do you know the truth?  Can you communicate the truth in love?
2. Society is going to increasingly label legitimate Christians as a bigoted, intolerant, or worse.  Do you fear the opinions of men or God?  Will your godliness make you stand apart in this evil generation?
3. You are the key religious and moral leader of your children.  Don't rely on Christian organizations, churches, or youth groups to raise your child to know God.  Lead your child to love and know Christ.  Will you?
4. The world is watching and listening.  Be consistent. Are you going to call out the sin of homosexuality and ignore the porn addict in your house? Gloss over the seriousness of adultery?  Overlook the heterosexual sin in your family? Lust after a passerby?  Be holy as God is holy.

From www.gotquestions.org:

• What does the Bible say about homosexuality? 
• Is it possible to be a gay Christian? 
• What does the Bible say about gay marriage/same sex marriage? 

Points for Christian Parents of Children Identifying Themselves as Homosexuals

1. Help your child to see God's plan.  God's plan is that they turn from their homosexual desires or any other sinful desires they have embraced.  God's plan is better than any feelings they may have. 
2. Help your child to know that you love them, no matter what.  Truth must be communicated with love and concern. Desperately and fervently pray for your child. Show Christ's love to your child and any partners and friends they may have.  See them as God created them, not for the wrong choices they have made.
3. Help your child to know there is hope.  No matter how difficult the temptation and struggle, for those of us who are in Christ, He is stronger and greater than all of our sin.  God can repair and heal.
4. Your child's greatest need is not to be "straight."  Moralism does not save. Your child's greatest need is a saving and sanctifying relationship with Jesus.  Jesus will cleanse their sin and repair their hearts if they turn their lives over to Him. 
5. Don't hide in shame.  It is true, some people will judge you and say stupid things.  Open up with trusted brothers and sisters in Christ.  Godly men and women will cover you with love and prayers.  

Find more help at: http://www.pureintimacy.org/

"My prayers, go out to the parents and churches who have been forced to make decisions about being a part of the Boy Scouts organization. As Southern Baptists, our commitment to the Word of God and Christian values must take priority over what is ‘politically correct.’” Fred Luter, Southern Baptist Convention President

“Few, if any, are suggesting the Boy Scouts kick out boys based on their particular temptations. We don’t, and shouldn’t do that in our churches, much less in the Scouts,” Moore told Baptist Press. “But this change is more than this. It doesn’t speak in terms of temptations but in terms of the claiming of a sexually politicized identity as morally neutral.” Russell Moore, President-Elect, SBC Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

See for yourself what God has to say about homosexuality...
Romans 1:24-32 , Genesis 19 , Leviticus 18:22 , 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 , Galatians 5:19-21 , Ephesians 5:3-3 , 1 Timothy 1:9,10 , Jude 7

The best news available though, to the homosexually-inclined and all of humanity (we have all sinned), is that God's grace is sufficient to forgive us and cleanse us, should we choose to repent and turn away from our sins!

1 John 1:9-10 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."

Discover True Hope

"I don't think people can live without hope.  What oxygen is to the lungs, hope is to our survival in the world.  And the Bible is filled with hope." ~Billy Graham

Are Tempting Thoughts Sin?

"Christian, this is imperative for you to realize: When wicked or unclean thoughts first force their way into your mind, you have not yet sinned.  This is the work of the devil! But if you so as much as offer them a chair and begin polite conversation with them, you have become his accomplice." ~William Gurnall

Elections & Voting - The Impact of Abortion Statistics

Here are some tragic abortion statistics and how they affect our elections process...

‎30,006,290 US Citizens cannot vote today...because they were killed by abortion from 1973-1993 (‎12%+ of the US Voting-Age Population).

‎230,000+ Kentucky Citizens cannot vote today because they were killed by abortion from 1973-1993 (‎7% of Kentucky Voting-Age Population).

Six Scriptural Reasons Abortion is a Problem

1. (Exodus 20:13)You shall not murder.
2. (Proverbs 31:8) Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.
3. (Jeremiah 1:5) “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
4. (Psalm 22:10) On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God.
5. (Psalm 139:13) For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
6. (Exodus 21:22-25)  “When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman's husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. [23] But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, [24] eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, [25] burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Three Statistical Reasons Abortion is a Problem in Kentucky

1.      In Kentucky in 2005 the #1 cause of death was heart disease (10,572), #2 was cancer (9,943), & #3 cause of death was abortion (3,870).

2.      In Kentucky (2005) there were 3,870 abortion deaths; more than due to stroke (2,103), accident (2,264), flu/pneumonia (996) or suicide (548)

3.      In Kentucky in 2005, there were 3,870 deaths due to abortion; more than all of the combined deaths of those aged 0-44 (3,361).

Three Statistical Reasons Abortion is a Problem in the United States

1.      # of American deaths in US military conflicts, 1776-present(236yrs)= 1,326,626; # of American lives aborted from 1973-2008(35yrs)=~50million

2.      # of homicides in US from 1973-2008 = 589,945; # of abortions in US from 1973-2008, ~50,000,000

3.      # of homicides in 2008 in US = 16,442, # of abortions in 2008 in US = ~1.21million

Christian Apathy

What makes the Dead Sea dead? Because it is all the time receiving, never giving out anything. Why is it that many Christians are cold? Because they are all the time receiving, never giving out anything. - D.L. Moody

Satan's Puppets

"When reproached and persecuted by wicked men, look beyond them.  Spend your wrath on Satan, who is your chief enemy.  Men are only his puppets." William Gurnall

Billy Graham - Daily Bible Reading

"Make the Bible part of your daily life, and ask God to engrave its truths on your soul." Billy Graham

Decline in the Global North Church & Growth in the African Church

"While 4,300 people may be leaving the church everyday in Europe and North America, 16,500 are coming to faith each day in Africa alone.  The growth rate in China is just as dramatic." (Theology in the Context of World Christianity, Timothy Tennent, p.271)

Billy Graham Quote - TV vs. Bible Knowledge

"Today there are more people who know the words to a television commercial than know the words in a Bible."

Jesus' Names

Have you ever looked at the names of Jesus?  Consider Jesus' question to his disciples, "Who do you say I am?" (Mark 8:29)

Here are some Biblical names for Jesus:

Who is Jesus?

Almighty † Author & Finisher † Beloved † Branch
Bread of Life † Bridegroom † Bright Morning Star † Carpenter
Chosen One † Chief Cornerstone † Door † Emmanuel 
Eternal Father † Faithful & True Witness † Firstborn † God
Head of the Church † High Priest & Apostle † Holy One † Hope
Image of the Invisible God † Jesus † Judge & Ruler
King of Kings † Lamb of God † Last Adam † Light of the World
Lion of the Tribe of Judah † Living Water † Lord of Lords
Man of Sorrows † Master † Messenger of the Covenant
Messiah † Prince of Peace † Prophet † Redeemer
Resurrection & the Life † Savior † Shepherd † Shiloh
Son of God † True Vine † The Way, The Truth, & the Life
Wisdom of God † Wonderful Counselor † Word † Yahweh

Jesus is the Christ!  To me, He is my Lord & Savior!

Who is Jesus to you?

The Olympics & Jesus

The Olympics are a great reference to understand the purpose of life!  How?  Well, simply look at how the apostle Paul spoke about them...

 [24] Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. [25] Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. [26] So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. [27] But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV)

Races, athletics, running, boxing...involve suffering, discipline, and joy.  The prize we race for in life is Jesus.  He never fades, never loses value, and never ends.  May we endure suffering in life by resting in Him...His power...His strength.

 [12] Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 ESV)

Let's strive after the crown of life...found in Jesus through faith in His sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the grave.  Jesus is our crown.  Jesus is our life.  Jesus is our prize.  May we treasure Him more than any prize this world may offer!

The Importance of the Bible

"I learned the importance of the Bible and came to believe with all my heart in its full inspiration.  It became a sword in my hand to break open the hearts of men, to direct them to the Lord Jesus Christ." Billy Graham

Audio of Sermons

Here is a great place to check out the audio and outlines of our church's past messages!
http://www.southforkbaptistchurch.com/sermons/

Attitude Check (Mark 7:24-37)

Attitude Check (Mark 7:24-37)

LISTEN HERE

A Self-focused attitude…
Looks out for #1
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. [2] For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, [4] treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, [5] having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2Timothy 3:1-5)

Doesn’t try to listen
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. (Proverbs 18:2)

Thinks they know the answers
The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. (Proverbs 10:8)

Is too proud to ask for help
o A fool despises his father’s instruction (Proverbs 15:5)
o Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool (Proverbs 28:26)

Is destined for destruction
o a fool is reckless and careless. (Proverbs 14:16 ESV)
o a fool flaunts his folly. (Proverbs 13:16)

Hides their foolishness
o the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. (Proverbs 17:24)
o the way of a fool is right in his own eyes (Proverbs 12:15)

A Christ-focused attitude…
Looks for Christ
[25] But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet.
[24] …he could not be hidden

Listens to instruction
[35] And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
Seeks the answers
[32] And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him.

Is too humble not to beg for help
[26] And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter.
[28] But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

Is destined for life
[30] And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.
Shares the foolishness of the Gospel
[36] And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV)

The Love of Christ VS. The Love of Sin

"Jerome says one love extinguishes another – that is, the love of Christ much quench the love of sin."  William Gurnall

Which love are you feeding?  Watering?  Growing?

God's Rest: Time (Mark 2:23-28)

http://www.southforkbaptistchurch.com/

Mark 2:23-28 (ESV) One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. [24] And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” [25] And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: [26] how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” [27] And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. [28] So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

Accept Christ’s Gift of the Sabbath

v.28 “So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath”

Genesis 2:3 “So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.”

Exodus 20:8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

Exodus 31:12–13 “keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the LORD, sanctify you.”

John 9:16 “Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.’”

Matthew 12:6-7 “I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.”

Enter into God’s Rest

v.27 “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath”

Colossians 2:16-17 “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”

Hebrews 4:8-11 “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. [9] So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, [10] for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. [11] Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”

By Saying NO

By Saying YES

Prioritize Your Time


John 5:16-17 “And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is working until now, and I am working.’”

Colossians 4:5 “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.”

Ephesians 5:15-16 “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

Christ’s Authority: The Visible Creation (Mark 1:29-2:12)

Christ’s Authority: The Visible Creation (Mark 1:29-2:12)
www.southforkbaptistchurch.com

Come As You Are: Sick (Mark 1:29-34) ·v.30 “Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her.”
·v.32-33 “That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door.”

(Mark 2:17) And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Seek God’s Authority Over Sin (Mark 1:35-39) ·v.37 “Everyone is looking for you.”
·v.38 “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.”

The Centurion’s Faith - (Matthew 8:9-10) “For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.”

Desire Cleansing: Spiritual More Than Physical (Mark 1:40-45)  ·v.40 “If you will, you can make me clean.”
·v.41 “Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, ‘I will; be clean.’”

(2 Corinthians 4:16) So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

Value Forgiveness More Than Feet (Mark 2:1-12) ·v.5 “And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’”
·v.9 “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’?”
·v.10-11 “’But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ he said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.’”
·v.12 “so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw anything like this!’”

(2 Corinthians 4:17-18) For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Christ’s Authority: The Invisible Creation (Mark 1:21-28)

Christ's Authority: The Invisible Creation (Mark 1:21-28)
www.southforkbaptistchurch.com

Do Not Rebel Against His Authority

• Demon: v.24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”
• Angel: Exodus 23:21 “Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him”
• Diotrepehes: 3 John 1:9 “I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.”

"We need not so much to possess the message,
but to rather let the message possess us” R. Kent Hughes

Be Overwhelmed by His Authority

• v.22 “And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.”
• v25-26 “But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him”
• Matthew 28:18 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Be Filled by His Authority

• v.27 “And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’”
• Colossians 2:8-10 “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.”
• Luke 10:19-20 “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Display His Authority

• v.28 “And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.”
• Matthew 28:20 “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
• Mark 3:14-15 “And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.”
• Titus 2:15 “Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”

Fatherhood: The Warrior Dad (Joshua 1:5-9)

Fatherhood: The Warrior Dad (Joshua 1:5-9)

“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. [6] Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. [7] Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. [8] This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. [9] Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”(Joshua 1:5-9 ESV)

Trust in God’s Presence in Your Life & Battles

• v.5 “Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you”
• v.9 “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go”
• “When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, ‘Are you for us, or for our adversaries?’ [14] And he said, ‘No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.’” (Joshua 5:13-14)

Lead Your Spouse

• v.6, v.7, & v.9 “Be strong and courageous”
• v.6 “for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them”
• “In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:28 ESV)

Protect Your Family

• v.7 “being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you”
• “And Joshua captured all these kings and their land at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.” (Joshua 10:42)

Focus on God’s Path

• v.7 “Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.”
• “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
• “and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:15)

A Believer’s Photo ID (Mark 1:1-11)

A Believer’s Photo ID (Mark 1:1-11)

“Baptism is an outward, physical symbol of the inward, spiritual conversion of Christians.” - The ESV Study Bible

Where & When?

• Acts 2:41 “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
• Acts 8:36-38 “And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?’ And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.”
• Acts 16:33 “and he was baptized at once’

Who?

• Mark 1:2 “I send my messenger before your face…”
• Matthew 3:14 “John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’”

SFBC’s Statement of Faith: The Baptist Faith & Message

• “Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.” www.sbc.net/bfm

Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 3:23; Acts 2:41; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12.

What about baptism? Why is it so important?

The Meaning

• Matthew 3:15 “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
• Mark 1:10-11 “when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

The Message

• Mark 1:4, 5 “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins… confessing their sins”
• Mark 1:8 “I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit”

The Mission

• “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” Romans 6:3-5
• Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

“Upon your profession of faith, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, & the Holy Spirit. Buried with Jesus by baptism into His death, raised to walk in newness of life”

Motherhood: From Fairytale to Reality (Luke 1:26-28)

Motherhood: From Fairytale to Reality

A Glimpse into Mary’s Life as the Mother of Jesus

Mary was not….

• A mediator between God & men
• To be worshiped, enshrined, or idolized
• A perpetual virgin
• Sinless (Immaculate Conception, 1854)
• Bodily ascended into Heaven (Assumption, 1950)

Mary was…

A Mother in Tough Circumstances: Luke 1:26-38

• “But she was greatly troubled…” v.29
• “Do not be afraid, Mary…” v.30
• “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” v.34
• "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife” (Matthew 1:20)
• “And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother…’and a sword will pierce through your own soul also’”(Luke 2:34-35)
• “And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, ‘Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.’ [49] And he said to them, ‘Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?’ [50] And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.” (Luke 2:48-50)

Favored & Blessed

• “you have found favor with God” v.30
• “For nothing will be impossible with God.” V.37
• “that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”(Matt.1:20)
• “For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed [49] he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” (Luke 1:48-49)

Trusting & Obedient

• “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” v.38
• “My soul magnifies the Lord, [47] and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior (Luke 1:46-47)

Raising Her Son to Love & Obey God

• And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (Luke 2:22)
• And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. (Luke 2:40)

A Sinner, yet Christ-focused: John 2:1-5

• “When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” [4] And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” [5] His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” v.3-5

A Disciple First, A Mother Second: Matthew 12:46-50

• “And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! [50] For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” V.49-50
• “his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51)

Loved & Cared for by Her Son: John 19:25-27

• “but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. [26] When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ [27] Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.”

Loved & Cared for by Her Husband: Matthew 1:18-25

• “And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.” (Matthew 1:19)
• “knew her not until he had given birth to a son.” (Matt.1:24)

The Whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20)

http://www.southforkbaptistchurch.com/
The Whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20)

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [16] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, [18] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, [19] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
(Ephesians 6:10-20 ESV)

BE STRONG in the Lord

• Who?
• Whose?
• “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”(1 John 4:4)

PUT ON the whole armor of God

• Why?
• you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil
• we do not wrestle against flesh and blood
• but against: the rulers, the authorities, the cosmic powers over this present darkness, the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places

“8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

What?
BELT: Truth
BREASTPLATE: Righteousness
SHOES: Gospel of Peace
SHIELD: Faith
HELMET: Salvation
SWORD: Word of God

How?
“7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:7-8)

Journey to the Cross: The Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)

www.southforkbaptistchurch.com

A Journey to the Cross: The Resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (English Standard Version – ESV)
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, [2] and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.  [3] For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. [6] Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. [7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. [8] Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. [9] For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. [10] But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. [11] Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Remember the Gospel

• “Now I would remind you, brothers” (v.1)
• “of the gospel I preached to you, which you received”(v.1)
• “in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.” (v.1-2)

Center your life on the Resurrected Christ

• “I delivered to you as of first importance” (v.3)
• “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (v.3-4)
• Evidence Matters - http://www.4truth.net/
• Questions Matter – http://www.gotquestions.org/
• Church Matters – http://www.southforkbaptistchurch.com/

Humble yourself before God

• “one untimely born” (v.8)
• “I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (v.9)
• “by the grace of God I am what I am” (v.10)
• “his grace toward me was not in vain” (v.10)

Live & Share the Gospel

• “I delivered to you…what I also received” (v. 3)
• “I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the Grace of God that is with me” (v.10)
• “so we preach and so you believed” (v.11)
• “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (v.58)

Satan's Deception

"There are many ways in which Satan, ‘the god of this world,’ seeks to deceive us. Just as he did with Eve, the devil tries to convince us to rely on ourselves and to try to get our needs met through the world around us, rather than trusting in the provision of our Father in heaven."
Dr.Neil T. Anderson in The Bondage Breaker. p.21.

Discipleship & Mental Discipline

"Discipleship requires mental discipline.  People who will not assume responsibility for their thoughts cannot be disciples." Dr. Neil T. Anderson in Victory Over the Darkness, p.223.

"But he turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.'” (Matthew 16:23)

Identity & Worth - Marriages & Families

“When we look to our marriages and families to find our sense of identity and worth, they become potential enemies.  When we look to God to discover who we are and why we are here, then our marriages and families become the primary instruments God uses to conform us to His image.” Dr. Neil Anderson in The Christ Centered Marriage, p.73.

Our Parents' Sins

“We are not guilty of our parents’ sins; but because they sinned, we will have to live with the consequences of their sins and will likely live the way we were taught by them unless we repent.” Dr.Neil Anderson, Discipleship Counseling, 145

“We are not guilty because of our parents’ sins. Yet because they sinned, we are vulnerable to what they have taught and modeled for us.”  Dr.Neil Anderson, Discipleship Counseling, 332

Nehemiah 9:2 "And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers."

Daniel 9:16 "O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill, because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a byword among all who are around us."

Ezekiel 18:19-20 "Yet you say, 'Why should not the son suffer for the iniquity of the father?' When the son has done what is just and right, and has been careful to observe all my statutes, he shall surely live. 20 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself."

Freedom & Truth

"We experience freedom when we choose to believe God,  then act on the basis of the truth regardless of our feelings”

“I was free to choose.  I learned that I could say yes to sin or no to sin, but I quickly discovered that I didn’t feel dead to sin.  Many times I felt very alive to it;  but the truth is based on what God says, regardless of my feelings.”
Freedom from Addiction by Neil Anderson and Mike & Julia Quarles, 142-43

"So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

[12] Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. [13] Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. [14] For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace."  (Romans 6:11-14 ESV)