We read scripture from 1 Kings and took a good look at King Solomon...the good and the bad. We saw in the early verses that Solomon recognized and appreciated the relationship that his father, David, had with God. I guess that we could say that he was raised in a Godly home and because of that, he gave God credit for his rise to the King seat over Israel. He knew of God's faithfulness and goodness.
In 1 Kings 3 we read that God asked Solomon what he wanted from God and the Solomon responded in Verse 9: Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people. Verse 10 - 13 is an amazing glimpse of God and how he responds to His children. (10) It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. (11) God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, (12) I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. (13) I give you also what you did not ask for, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you.
Verses 16- 27 relate a story where Solomon used the wisdom God had granted in resolving a conflict between two mothers and then we see in Verse 28: All Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered; and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him, to execute justice. God's blessing set Solomon apart, a place of honor, but also glorified God. God's glory will rest on us when we are pursuing those things that will bring him glory.
We know that Solomon became probably the wealthiest man to ever live and we also know that he fell into a life of sin worshiping many gods and idols and seeking his own pleasures instead of God. But we also see where God kept His promise to Solomon....wisdom, wealth, and honor were his until he died. We even see where the honor God blessed him with lives on today with three books in the Bible written by Solomon....Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Solomon's humanity did not negate God's righteousness and sovereignty. God's plan and His will was and is accomplished by those who desire to please Him. Solomon's righteous prayer pleased God and God's response is a blessing for all of us today.
Discover and Proclaim the Truth of The Bible which is: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life." (John 3:16 NRSV). Jesus came to humanity to proclaim and give evidence to that love and He has commanded us to do the same. We, who believe, must not merely be followers, but we must be proclaimers of the Gospel Message and we can only do that by being filled with the love of God.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Matthew 14: 26-30...Sermon..."Growing Beyond You Fears"
Fear creates barriers which Satan uses to keep us from God. We find the teachings of "fear not", "be anxious for nothing", and "do not worry" throughout the Bible and in this passage where Peter steps out of the boat and begins walking on water, we see the result of fear. As Peter begins to fear the storm, he begins to sink into the sea. When we live in fear as we encounter the storms of life, the troubles of this world, we begin to sink into depression, hopelessness, and despair. Yet we know as Christians, that we have nothing to fear because Jesus assures us that He will never turn away from us or forsake us.
Fear and worry are temptations which Satan will use to separate us from God. Like all temptations, we need to flee from these as well. To give into worry and fear, is to give control to Satan instead of reaching for the hand of Christ. As Jesus did with Peter, He will immediately lift us out of the sea of doubt and worry. The storms of life will be calmed and we will know that He is our Lord, the Son of God.
As Christians we need to live a fearless life by putting our faith and trust in Jesus. As we become more trusting, we will find that Jesus is putting us in touch with people who need to overcome the fears and worry of life as well. We need to be able to share Christ's message, "FEAR NOT".... a message of hope and promise for all who know Jesus as their Lord and Savior!
Fear and worry are temptations which Satan will use to separate us from God. Like all temptations, we need to flee from these as well. To give into worry and fear, is to give control to Satan instead of reaching for the hand of Christ. As Jesus did with Peter, He will immediately lift us out of the sea of doubt and worry. The storms of life will be calmed and we will know that He is our Lord, the Son of God.
As Christians we need to live a fearless life by putting our faith and trust in Jesus. As we become more trusting, we will find that Jesus is putting us in touch with people who need to overcome the fears and worry of life as well. We need to be able to share Christ's message, "FEAR NOT".... a message of hope and promise for all who know Jesus as their Lord and Savior!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Sermon Replay..."Water Walkers Experience Real Power" Matthew 14: 28-30
The sermon series continued on the text from Matthew 14: 22-33 where Jesus walked on water. In these few verses, Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water toward Jesus, began to sink into the water, and was saved by Jesus. As we discussed the sermon in our Wednesday evening class, we focused on the power that we experience when we "get out of the boat" and join Jesus in service, caring, and glorifying God. Having faith alone does not allow us to experience the power that Jesus supplies when we take those steps in serving Him.
When we step out as servants, we soon discover that we do not have the power, the gifts, to succeed on our own...we need the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit. When we experience His presence and His power with us as we step out, it is exhilarating and rewarding.
One sermon question we focused on was "Is it worth the risk to get out of the boat?" What is the risk when we step out for Christ. When Peter stepped out, we discover that he was not really at risk. Even when he was sinking, Jesus was there to "immediately reach out His hand and catch him..." vs31. That is the reality of serving Christ...stepping into His mission field; we are not at risk. Far too often we are afraid that we are not equipped, knowledgeable, gifted enough to accomplish what He calls us to do so we stay in the security of the boat and miss the exhilaration of experiencing Him with all His Power and Love.
Instead of looking at the risk of getting out of the boat, we should look at the risk of not getting out of the boat. If Peter had stayed in the boat he would not have experienced the saving hand of Jesus. The other disciples, safely in the boat, would not have witnessed the power of Peter's faith (his first successful steps) nor the result of taking his eyes off Jesus (Peter sinking), and the love of Jesus. Verse 33 reveals the reward of responding to Jesus and serving in His Spirit; "And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying "Truly you are the Son of God" Witnessing and experiencing Jesus is how we grow in Him and Him in us.
We get out of the boat so that God will be glorified. We don't do it for our own glory or for our own sense of accomplishment. We do it so the world will see the glory of Jesus, the power of the Spirit, and the Love of God.
When we step out as servants, we soon discover that we do not have the power, the gifts, to succeed on our own...we need the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit. When we experience His presence and His power with us as we step out, it is exhilarating and rewarding.
One sermon question we focused on was "Is it worth the risk to get out of the boat?" What is the risk when we step out for Christ. When Peter stepped out, we discover that he was not really at risk. Even when he was sinking, Jesus was there to "immediately reach out His hand and catch him..." vs31. That is the reality of serving Christ...stepping into His mission field; we are not at risk. Far too often we are afraid that we are not equipped, knowledgeable, gifted enough to accomplish what He calls us to do so we stay in the security of the boat and miss the exhilaration of experiencing Him with all His Power and Love.
Instead of looking at the risk of getting out of the boat, we should look at the risk of not getting out of the boat. If Peter had stayed in the boat he would not have experienced the saving hand of Jesus. The other disciples, safely in the boat, would not have witnessed the power of Peter's faith (his first successful steps) nor the result of taking his eyes off Jesus (Peter sinking), and the love of Jesus. Verse 33 reveals the reward of responding to Jesus and serving in His Spirit; "And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying "Truly you are the Son of God" Witnessing and experiencing Jesus is how we grow in Him and Him in us.
We get out of the boat so that God will be glorified. We don't do it for our own glory or for our own sense of accomplishment. We do it so the world will see the glory of Jesus, the power of the Spirit, and the Love of God.
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