Introduction

As the disciples were competing for higher positions in the Messianic Kingdom it was only a matter of time before the enemy will take control, disrupt their fellowship cause disunity and cripple Jesus’ plan. Our Lord was aware of this situation when He told them to love one another. Even as Valentine’s is around the corner join me to find out what it really means to love one another. (Many thanks to Julie McLeod for the excellent picture!)

1. It’s a command to obey

A. “…A new command I give you. Love one another…” “commandment” (Greek: “entole”) means “an  authoritative prescription”

B. For most people love is optional and conditional. For Christians love is a commandment to obey unconditionally

C. Application: Love the other person if your love for the Lord is real, (John 14:15)

2. It’s a new commandment

A. “…A new command I give you…” The old commandment was, “Love your neighbour as yourself”.

B. This is the meaning of Jesus’ new commandment: “Love your neighbour more than yourself”

C. Application: Seek the welfare of the other person at the cost of your best interests.

3. A pattern to follow

A. “…As I have loved you, so must love one another”

B. Served to the extent of death, (John 13:1-17; John 15:13) – Extended forgiveness, accepted even the traitor.

C. Application: Live for Christ and you will not serve selfish ambitions, extend forgiveness and enjoy fellowship with everyone.

4. An identity to guard

A. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” Love was Jesus’ identity and continues to be the identity of his real disciples.

B. The world with hawk-like eyes tries to locate weaknesses and failure in God’s children to justify their own guilt and condemnation.

C. Within the church there’s a deep cry for disciples to show that they really do love one another in obedience to Christ.

Conclusion

Love is a sincere expression of unselfishness. It is miraculously capable of defeating competition, bring healing into hurting relationships and nullifying the plans of our enemy. Sacrificial love for one another alone is capable of preserving the unity of the saints. United we stand, divided we fall.

Introduction

On the night of 31st December 2011, even as we gathered at the church to say good bye to year 2011 I pondered, “what does it mean to step into a brand new year?” I remembered 3 things.

A. Humans loose the value of things very fast: Couple of days ago we kicked 2011 out and welcomed 2012 into life. It will be only a matter of time before we get rid of 2012 and say hello to 2013.

B. My time is running out: I am only 10 months away from turning 31. The Bible says the maximum life span of man is between 70-80. There’s a lot to accomplish for the glory of God.

C. Very few things are eternal: The new year also reminds us that most things (if not all) are temporary and not eternal.

In the mean time the Holy Spirit reminded me of three truths that are eternal. Truths that never expire. Truths that never loose their original value. They are of great importance because a new year means new challenges and these truths the Holy Spirit of God illuminated to me from the word, will definitely help you to slay your giants in year 2012.

1. God is alive, (1 Samuel 17:26)

A. Consider David’s question: “…who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he defies the armies of the living God…?” (“Living God” used twice by David)

B. The Bible says the length of our days is 70-80 years. To man the dawn of a new year means another step towards the grave. But for God it’s not so. He is alive and lives forever.

C. Truth to live by: God is alive and He will fight for His children in year 2012 like a Lion fighting for its cubs.

2. God is faithful, (1 Samuel 17:34-37)

A. Consider David’s reply to Saul, “…The LORD who delivered me from the lion and the bear will also deliver me from the hand of this Philistine…!”

B. Someone said the only thing that doesn’t change is change itself. Well, he is wrong. The Bible says that Jesus never change.

C. Truth to live by: Do not be afraid when faced with problems. God was faithful to deliver you in 2011. He remains unchanged and faithful to deliver you in 2012 also.

3. God is our heavenly Father, (1 Samuel 17:36)

A. Consider David’s view of Goliath, “…this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them…” (“uncircumcised” used twice by David) Circumcision was the physical identity of God’s chosen people. Only they could enjoy the truths mentioned before.

B. We too are entitled to enjoy these truths because as we have become the children of God through faith in Christ, (Romans 8:15)

C. Truth to live by: This is very important. Remember, our relationship with the heavenly Father through Christ is eternal. Nothing can take it away unless I explicitly decide to walk away from my relationship with God.

Conclusion

May be there are some of you not able to experience these truths because all these years you didn’t make a decision about surrendering your life to God. If you are one of them let 2012 be the year that you do. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ and God will accept you to His family. For the Bible says, “But to all who have received him, those who believe in his name, he has given the right to become God’s children” John 1:12 – If you are already a child of God, hold fast to these eternal truths and year 2012 will be the year you slain giants.

Image by: stock.xchng

I am writing this blog post in response to an email I received from Daniel Craig (not his real name) two days later I published my sermon on tithing. Daniel in his email made a sincere request that I take time to answer a couple of questions he has on tithing. Daniel, I am impressed by your desire to learn and do what is right. Below you will find answers to all of your questions.

Question: Do I tithe off my gross or net?

Answer: You tithe out of your net income. However one must be careful to calculate the net income the right way. Suppose your monthly wage is 300 USDs and you pay a tax of 30 USDs which reduces the cash in hand to 270 USDs. Now this is your net income and your tithe should be 27 USDs. However imagine you bought groceries worth 50 USDs. Now you possess only 220 USDs (270 – 50 = 220). In this case you still calculate 10% out of 270 USDs not the 220 USDs.

Question: If someone gives me a monetary gift, do I tithe off of that?

Answer: The Bible doesn’t say that you have to. Yet I do tithe out of monetary gifts I receive and I encourage that you try it too. Whenever God leads someone to reward me with a monetary gift I like to express my gratitude towards God by returning a 10% of it (or more) for the work of the Kingdom.

Question: I am afraid my needs may not be met. What must I do?

Answer: In tithing you don’t lose. But the opposite is true. The key in tithing is, to understand that tithing actually works in the supernatural realm, not in the natural realm. In the natural realm tithing is an expenditure. In the supernatural realm however it works differently. The Bible says,

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty. (Malachi 3:10-12)

This doesn’t mean God will meet my greed when I tithe. But He will meet all of my needs. Tithing is like the law of gravity. It has to work. When you tithe God will bless your tithe indeed and meet your needs. You asked what must you do? Start tithing and remain faithful through it. You can’t learn to swim until you get into the water. It’s the same with tithing.

However you stand to loose when you don’t tithe because in not tithing you invite a curse upon yourself. Now God doesn’t curse but Satan does. Does God permit Satan to bring a curse? No you do. Just like the behavior of the visible world is determined by the laws of physics the behavior of the spiritual realm is determined by the law of the supernatural. In the supernatural realm not to tithe means to grant Satan permission to rob your blessings.

Question: Is it biblical to pay half tithes one week, then the other half, the next week?

Answer: Like I said in the conclusion of my sermon there must be no “dos and don’ts” to tithing. However the words spoken by the prophet Malachi are loud and clear. He says, “Bring the whole tithe in to the store house.” Besides in settling to not to pay the whole tithe at once you choose to pile up debt.

Question: Where does it say to tithe in the New Testament?

Answer: The New Testament doesn’t speak about tithing. Neither it says tithing is unnecessary. There are preachers who preach tithing is not scriptural for New Testament followers because it was a commandment in the Old Testament and they make the bible verses fit perfectly with their views. Matthew 5:17 is one of their favorite verses. I do tithe and let me explain as to why?

A. Tithing is a conditional blessing. When I tithe God grants me financial freedom, financial security and many other blessings, (Malachi 3:10-12).

B. Now what does Matthew 5:17 really mean? If you read it in the context of Jeremiah 31:31-35 & Hebrews 10:16 the fulfillment of the law means, through Christ God gives us grace to keep His commandments and we delight to obey Him for the love of Christ, (Romans 3:31).

C. Do you know the early church did not even have the NT for 30 years and they preached & lived OT.

D. Finally I don’t care whether the New Testament commands tithing or not because God has promised to bless me for tithing and He has been faithful to meet my needs ever since my first tithe.

You made an important point when you said you are confused because of the tug o‘war between those who tithe and others that don’t. Remember, “Confusion” is Satan’s most effective weapon in robbing people of their blessings, (Genesis 3:4-5). Every teaching must be tested using God’s word. Anytime you feel lost, talk to a mature Christian leader or feel free to ask us.

Question: Should I not listen to them even if they preach something biblical?

Answer: No, listen to them by all means as long as what they preach is in one accord with the Bible. I don’t want to classify a preacher as a false teacher simply because he doesn’t agree with tithing. I am not saying non-biblical preaching and teaching must be tolerated. The point is if a preacher doesn’t agree with tithing that’s between him and God. After all, preachers are humans too and prone to mistakes. We can always reject the wrong and accept what’s right, (Philippians 4:8).

Daniel, I hope you found the answers and at peace with God. As always should you have further questions, don’t be afraid of contacting us or leave a question at the comments area. In conclusion tithing opens up a channel of greater abundance for yourself. This is an effective and proven way. The abundance comes through Spirit and takes many forms. Remember, you are tithing for you, for your own growth and upliftment, and Partnership with God. God bless you.

Image: Images_of_Money

Introduction

Since you must have listened to similar sermons many times before I wont blame if you are not expecting anything out of the ordinary. There are two reasons why I picked this topic however. First, those who are new to faith need to be educated on the practice of tithing. Secondly, towards the conclusion of this sermon I hope to deal with the right way of tithing than reasons for tithing. Do note this sermon is not intended to condemn any of you but to give hope. So please relax and let the Holy Spirit of God to speak to your hearts.

1. The key to financial freedom, (Malachi 3:8-9)

A. The act of claiming ownership over some one else’s property is known as robbing.

B. When I don’t tithe I rob God by claiming ownership over what is rightfully His.

C. Consequently it escorts the curse of poverty into my life. Where as start tithing again is the only way to break the curse.

2. The key to fill God’s house, (Malachi 3:10)

A. In tithing I support those who serve in God’s house.

B. In OT the tithe served a 3 fold purpose. Sacrificial purposes, the domestic needs of the Levites, and for what ever emergencies faced.

C. My tithe helps to improve the ministries of the local church, supports the pastor, workers, their families and provides for emergencies.

3. The key to heavenly blessings, (Malachi 3:10b)

A. In Tithing I operate a spiritual law which works like the law of gravity. It has to work.

B. I don’t have to ask God or even pray for blessing after I tithe.

C. I have stopped praying for the tithe and the offerings in my church. God will bless the Tithe!

4. The key to financial security, (Malachi 3:11-12)

A. Tithing triggers Supernatural provision and protection over my earnings.

B. What sort of protection: Protection from thieves, natural disasters, inflation etc.

C. In failing to tithe the opposite becomes true because God doesn’t protect anything not His.

5. Application – The right way to tithe

A. Treat it with respect

I. I set apart the 10% before I do anything else with the money I receive.

II. I can’t use the tithe in time of need and pay it later.

B. Bring the whole tithe:

I. The word “tithe” literally means tenth or 10%. Therefore anything less than 10% is only a tip.

II. If you are tithing from crops offer the best unto God. Not what is left behind.

III. The Church is God’s only authorized storehouse. Giving to any other ministry is not tithing; it is offering.

C. Tithe with the right attitude:

I. This is Very important. The attitude matters as much as the act. 3 unhealthy attitudes:

II. Tithing out of obligation: Wrong attitude. Remember, Abraham tithed out of free will, long before God even commanded tithing,  (Genesis 14:18-20).

III. Limiting God: All I have is God’s, not just the 10%. (When I give the 10%, God blesses the 90% and multiplies it.)

IV. Conditional tithing: When I tithe God will meet my needs. God is not obliged to do however. I don’t tithe to meet a need, but to obey.

D. Practice it starting from today

I. Tithing is a spiritual discipline I must develop.

II. Do it consistently and systematically.

III. If you neglected to pay tithes in the past forget what you owe God (You can never repay God anyway). Obey God starting from today.

Conclusion

The blessings mentioned in the Bible are not just financial however. After all there’s more into life than money. Each time you tithe carefully observe how God blesses you in every other area of life as well as finances.

Image by: Kevin Krejci

Introduction

“Antinomianism” (from the Greek anti and nomos, ‘against the law’) is one of the most virulent forms of heterodoxies about Christianity. It promotes two erroneous teachings.

1. Christians are justified by faith through grace, and since sanctification is a divine work, good works do not in any way promote salvation (true…), but neither do evil works hinder human salvation (false…).

2. Dispensationalists in particular argue that the laws of God are for Israel and not for believers under divine grace.

What does the Bible say?

1. Christ didn’t abolish the law. He fulfilled it, (Matthew 5:17). He has made agreement betwixt us and the law, therefore we delight to walk in it for love of Christ.

2. Grace is not proportionate to sin, (Romans 6:1-2). A common misinterpretation of Romans 5:20-21 is that grace is proportionate to sin.  The truth is grace and sin is inversely proportional. The more grace I receive the less I should want to sin because God’s grace empowers me to live for Him. Grace never leads me to continue doing the very thing it just rescued me from. True grace  never leads me to take it for granted by trampling on it.

3. Grace is not a license for lawlessness, (Jude 1:4). Grace is given so that the sinner can walk back to God in repentance. To repent means to confess sin and turn away from it. You cannot repeat the same sin.

Historical facts

1. John Wesley emphasized, that the Christian is required to obey the moral law, not in order to be accepted by God but in order to continue in His grace.

2. Luther wrote, that God promises grace and every blessing to all who keep His commandments and Christians should therefore love Him, trust Him, and cheerfully do what He has commanded.

3.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote: “If you dismiss the word of God’s command, you will not receive His word of grace. How can you hope to enter into communion with Him when at some point in your life you are running away from Him? The man who disobeys cannot believe, for only he who obeys can believe.”

The role of the moral law

1. There’s a profound relationship between Law and Gospel. Just as the Law could not be fulfilled without the Gospel, so the Gospel can never be preached without the background of the law. Apart from the law the Gospel is meaningless.

2. The law drives sinners to the saving grace of God in Christ because it reveals the reality of sin and the culpability of all human beings even as it drives them to the saving grace of God in Christ, (Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:19,24)

3. The Law reminds Christians that, if not for the grace of God, they would still be under the curse of sin and enables them to live a life of repentance.

4. The Law helps us to discern the Lord’s will thoroughly and be aroused to obedience.

Conclusion

While other religions insist on keeping the commandments in order to receive grace our God has already given us the grace we need so that we can keep His commandments and be blessed. Therefore let us remember that grace is not cheap though it’s free and continue to thrive for the standard of holiness and righteousness God expects from His children.

Introduction

This morning I do not intend to complicate your Christmas by choosing to preach a heavily theological message with a theological title. It should be noted however that Christmas is surrounded by so much of biblical truths that it’s not just another simple festive event as the world likes to think. I do believe understanding these truths about Christmas surely helps us to understand why do we need Jesus.

1. Religion doesn’t save, (Galatians 4:1-2)

A. In Judaism the law was given to create an awareness of right and wrong. Yet nor Judaism neither law was capable of eliminating sin.

B. Religion helps to sort right from wrong but cannot eliminate man’s sinful nature. Like an X-Ray machine it’s capable of diagnosis but incapable of healing.

C. Jesus alone is capable of taking man’s sin away. Thus He was born to this world through a virgin.

2. Christ brings freedom, (Galatians 4:3)

A. Secondly Christmas reminds us once we were slaves of the evil spirits who rule the universe.

B. These spirits have so much of control, people are afraid of moving a muscle without consulting them first. (Illus: It’s said that Nancy widow of Ronald Reagan the former president of the United States of America never made important decisions without consulting Joan Quigley, a professional astrologer.)

C. Thankfully since Christ was born, died and resurrected any one who believes in Him are no longer under the control of these ruling spirits.

3. God’s perfect schedule, (Galatians 4:4)

A. A Minimum length of 4,000 years exist between Genesis 3:15 and Matthew 1:25. Three reasons why God waited for so long. First the timing was perfect religious wise as the Jews had turned from idol worship to God.

B. Secondly, Greek had become the international language of the day and it made spreading of the Gospel much quicker.

C. Finally, the timing was politically perfect. The Roman administration had established a perfect road network, universal peace and a fine postal system which contributed to the spreading of the Gospel.

4. God’s presence is with us, (Galatians 4:4_b)

A. Jesus is fully divine for He is the son of God.

B. Jesus is fully human for He was born of a human mother and lived among us under the umbrella of religion and law. Which is why He is called Emmanuel, (Matthew 1:23).

C. God lived among humans. He is well aware of their struggles. He wants to redeem man.

5. An intimate relationship with God, (Galatians 4:6-7)

A. New religions, rituals, traditions and philosophies are invented almost every day as man is in desperate quest for God.

B. Unfortunately human inventions can not connect man with God. Only the redemptive work of Christ does.

C. Therefore any one who yields his life to Christ not only moves from bondage to freedom but become a child of God as well. As children we are entitled to a life blessed by God.

Application

1. Religion can’t save: Religions teach right from wrong but only a life yielded to the love of Christ gives us the strength and will power to live a sinless life. This is important because man’s suffering rests on sin. Hence religion is outdated and it would be foolishness to stick to it when a greater opportunity is available through Christ.

2. Christ brings freedom: Dark forces don’t have any control over people that believe in Christ for personal freedom. We don’t have to satisfy them anymore, (Rituals, oblations, sacrifices etc.). Neither we have to consult them, (Omens, superstitious beliefs, fortune telling etc.)

3. God’s perfect schedule: You are not entitled to enjoy the true rewards of Christmas as long as you don’t welcome Christ into your life. Non of us are in this sanctuary today because of our personal will or by coincidence. We are here by God’s perfect will. Then now is a good time for you to invite Jesus into your hearts.

4. God’s presence is with us: God is not an ignorant spiritual being as some would like to say. Rather He is concerned about each one of us. He is involved in every area of your life. Right now call upon his name in repentance and belief, He will answer you.

5. An intimate relationship with God: You don’t need to search for God anymore unless you believe in Jesus Christ because Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. Remember relationships take time to grow but you need to start somewhere. This Christmas if you are not in a relationship with God through Christ I want to extend an invitation to initiate a relationship with God by committing your life to Jesus right now.

Image by: stock.xchng

Introduction

In John 4 when the Samaritan woman pointed to a mountain and said it is her place of worship, Jesus replied saying a time will come and has already come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, and they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks indeed.

What did Jesus mean by worshipping the Father in the Spirit and truth? Jesus didn’t refer to corporate worship in the  sanctuary when He spoke about spiritual and truthful worship. He spoke about a lifestyle of worship aided by the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling in the believer instead.

Why did Jesus emphasized on the spiritual and truthful worship? In Judaism animal sacrifices was a way of worship. Unfortunately with time these sacrifices became a ritual and a religious tradition. Unfortunately, some Christians live life contrary to God’s expressed will from Monday through Saturday and join the corporate worship on Sundays as to fulfilling a ritual and tradition. Thankfully Paul, in Romans 12:1-3 explains how to worship the Lord in spirit and truth by adopting a lifestyle of worship. He beseeches us to follow 3 steps.

1. Dedication

A. “…present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God…”

B. In Greek the term “paristemi” is used in place of “present”. It means to yield. Yielding our bodies for the service of God out of free will instead of obligation is the first step.

C. Three conditions – “…alive, holy and pleasing…” (See Leviticus 1:2-3 for regulations on animal sacrifices). Then everything the true believer does should be a form of spiritual service, also called spiritual worship.

2. Insulation

A. “…Do not be conformed to the pattern of this present world…”

B. Take an electric wire for an example. Its insulation prevents the wire from coming into contact with external conditions and create a short circuit.

C. The world continuously press Christians to conform to its own value system. Our will power and the grace of God is the insulation that shields us.

3. Transformation

A. “…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

B. The term “transformed” is rendered “metamorphosis” in Greek. It’s like the process a caterpillar goes through in changing from an ugly bug to a butterfly.

C. Our minds are continuously exposed to the sinful ways of this world. It has a direct impact on us because a person’s external behaviour is determined and shaped by his mind.

D. How do we renew our minds? Dedication and insulation causes a state of God consciousness in us. (Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.) Then the Holy Spirit helps us to change our behaviour accordingly.

Application

1. Dedication: No longer use the members of the body to do your own will. For example if you gossip stop gossiping and use your lips and tongue to spread the gospel. Commit your body to do something for the expansion of God’s Kingdom.

2. Insulation: Read James 4:7. Insulation takes place once you dedicate your body to God in submission. You wont give into peer pressure or live a double life.

3. Transformation: The transformation of character is a process of trial and error. It’s a life time of learning.  I guarantee that you will make mistakes. Don’t loose heart though. What matters is going before God in repentance and asking the Holy Spirit to help you to not to repeat those mistakes.

Conclusion

In reality these three steps here could sound too difficult to practice when compared with all the hardships we face while living in a less than perfect world. Some one even joked saying the problem with a living sacrifice is that the sacrifice could slowly crawl off the alter. The good news is God is expecting us to do only what is possible and He will always do the impossible.

This is why in Romans 12:1 Paul said, “…in view of God’s mercy…”. The Greek word used in place of mercy speaks of God’s desire to save people. In his mercy he will give you the strength to maintain a lifestyle of worship. There’s an interesting contrast here. The heathen are prone to sacrifice in order to obtain mercy while biblical faith teaches that the divine mercy provides the basis for a life of sacrifice.

In conclusion practice these principles in every day life. They are essential for Christian life because we can not worship God in spirit and truth if while living a life carnal and not truthful. Such Christians may lift their hands in worship but it will be an abomination in the eyes of God. I promise that you will experience God’s presence in a mighty way every time you join others in corporate worship.

Adopted from “Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren

Image: OnlyHope

If you don’t know what ChurchInfo is, it’s a web based, open source, Church Management software originally developed to be deployed in Linux driven web servers so that the authorized users could access it from anywhere, any time. Not all churches are capable of handling a web server which is why last year I wrote a tutorial on installing ChurchInfo in a Windows PC and it’s receiving a wide array of attention ever since.  Though Installing in a PC is a fairly easy process, some of our readers ran into errors when they attempted the installation.

If you are one of them the good news is, that Felix Jeyareuben an Indian developer based in Adelaide, South Australia has successfully developed a desktop version of ChurchInfo. Now anyone can install and access ChurchInfo in their computer just like accessing any other software (Microsoft Word for example).

In Windows Software installation is not a big deal. Yet I decided to walk the extra mile, providing the step by step installation instructions because I know some of my readers are not comfortable with installing new software. First you need to install the .NET Framework if you haven’t installed it already. Then download ChurchInfo and double click the file you just downloaded to start the installation.

Step – 1

This is the first screen you will see after starting the installation. You can abort the installation at any time by pressing the Cancel button. Press Next to continue.

Step – 2

This is the second step. Here you can decide the path where ChurchInfo will be stored. Press Next to continue with the default settings.

Step – 3

The setup has collected all the details it needs and ready to continue with the installation. Press Next.

Step – 4

The installation begins and it will take several minutes to complete depending on the speed of the PC to which you are installing the software. You should see a blue color progress bar indicating the progress of the installation. The back and Next buttons remain grayed out during the installation.

Step – 5

If you see this window the installation has completed without any errors. Press close to exit.

Step – 6

Now you will see a handy little icon titled ChurchInfo on the desktop. Simply double click this icon to launch the programme and you will be prompted to login. Enter “admin” in the User name field and “churchinfoadmin” in the password field, (without quotes).

Final step

If the initial login was successful you will be asked to enter a new password. Please write down your new password in a safe place.

Congratulations. You have successfully installed ChurchInfo desktop edition. now you can begin to enter new records and update the database.

Introduction

An age-old tradition is to go wait in line to sit in Santa’s lap and tell him what you want for Christmas. You eagerly sit on his knee and listen attentively to what he says, hoping he will promise you the things you want. Sometimes, on Christmas morning, you find that you can’t always trust Santa. BUT, there was a promise given over 700 years before Christ that you can take to the bank. Under the anointing and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah promised that a child would be born and His name would tell His character.

I. Wonderful counselor

A. Worthy of wonder

1. Incarnation defies human understanding (Philippians 2:6-7)

2. Why would God clothe Himself with humanity?

3. He was equal to God the Father (Philippians 2:6)

4. Is it any wonder that the angels sang? That the shepherds rejoiced? That the magi traveled for two years?

5. Why would he love me so much? Why you???

B. A divine Counselor

1. He is a God who guides his children

2. The Christian God is the only one who loves His followers enough to become involved in their everyday lives.

3. Those of you who know Him have probably already experienced His guidance in your lives.

4. Scripture says, “Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)

II. Mighty God

A. The Power to Protect

1. Against the fiery darts of Satan himself

2. Sometimes against our own foolish minds

B. The Power to Preserve

1. When our strength begins to fail

2. When Satan tries to drag us down

C. The Power to Provide

1. When we don’t know where our provision is coming from

2. Sometimes in the face of absolute impossibility

3. Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

D. The Power to Promote

1. He is coming to take us home to be with Him (John 14)

2. This world is just our temporary stop

III. Everlasting father

A. Not the warped worldly view of a Father

1. If Father God was like the earthly father many of us had we wouldn’t want to love Him

2. Amazing how much your concept of God is shaped by the image of your earthly father. Good or bad!

3. He loves us with an unconditional love

B. Everlasting: He will be there for us forever!

1. Not just with us when it benefits Him

2. He is with us at all times: “I’ll give you a dollar if you can tell me where He ain’t!”

IV. Prince of peace

A. Perhaps the greatest benefit of salvation is PEACE!

1. I first experienced that peace as a new Christian (story)

2. Without Christ our lives are marked with fear

a. Fear of dying

b. Fear of life after death

c. Fear of the consequences of our sin

B. Isa. 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!”

Invitation

You can’t depend on Santa. The jolly fat man will let you down. But, I can guarantee you that Jesus will never let you down. Put your trust in Him, the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father…the Prince of Peace.

Image by: sprocket003

Introduction

In scripture God presents faith in form of images. Today’s sermon is about these images of faith. Studying them I believe, helps us to understand the nature of faith, its purpose in Christian life and how to exercise it.

1. Faith is like a seed

A. Read Matthew 17:20

B. Illustration: There’s only one seed in a Mango. How many Mangoes are there in a seed?

C. Faith is like a seed. A seed of faith is planted in you the first time you hear God’s word, (Romans 10:17)

D. The Mango seed has the capacity to multiply itself because in it there’s life. Likewise the faith God planted in you can produce extraordinary results because in it there’s life.

E. God has given a measure of faith to each one of us, (Romans 12:3). Help your seed of faith to grow by exercising it.

2. Faith is like a painting

A. Read 1 Samuel 17:46a

B. King Saul and his army saw the visible picture and killed their hopes of victory.

C. David saw the invisible picture (This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand!) and sustained his hope, (I will strike you down and cut off your head.)

D. Faith is like seeing an invisible painting. In times of crisis sustain your hope by seeing God’s deliverance through the eyes of your mind.

3. Faith is like a foundation

A. Read 1 Chronicles 16:12

B. What is the foundation: A miraculous experience from the past, previously answered prayer, a word of knowledge, a vision, dreams, “rhema” word etc.

C. Remembering how the Lord delivered you in the past strengthens your faith in present and helps to stand firm.

4. Faith is like a title deed

A. Read Hebrews 11:1

B. A title deed indicates a person’s ownership over a property.

C. Likewise faith is God’s title deed to man. You didn’t conceive it yourself. God gave it to you instead. This God given faith guarantees that the Lord will deliver you indeed.

Conclusion

James 2:17 says that faith if not accompanied by deeds is dead. Then how do we exercise faith in prayer/sickness/crisis? It depends.

A. Spoken word: In Luke 4:38-39 Jesus healed Peter’s mother in law by rebuking the sickness. Speak to the situation. (Ex: Sickness, I command you to leave in the name of Jesus!)

B. Persistent prayer: in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Paul urged the church to pray without ceasing.

C. Obedience: Hebrews 11:8 says that Abraham obeyed by faith.

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