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Sermon Notes 8-28: Revelation 12 Dragons

Posted on Aug 28, 2022 in Uncategorized |

Crazy Predictions – http://frankdimora.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83534afe169e20134854dac9b970c-pi

Whisenant, Edgar C. (1988). 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988.Predicted that the Rapture would occur in 1988.
Whisenant, Edgar C. (1989). The final shout: Rapture report 1989.Predicted that the Rapture would occur in 1989.
Whisenant, Edgar C. (1993). 23 reasons why a pre-tribulation rapture looks like it will occur on Rosh-Hashanah 1993.Predicted that the Rapture would occur in 1993.
Whisenant, Edgar C. (1994). And now the earth’s destruction by fire, nuclear bomb fire.Prediction for 1994.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_C._Whisenant

Jesus said “about that day or hour (of His return) no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36

https://earthsky.org/human-world/biblical-signs-in-the-sky-september-23-2017/

“I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying,

“NOW the salvation

and the power

and the kingdom of our God

and the authority of his Christ HAVE COME,

for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down…” Revelation 12:10

“… now is the time of God’s favor, NOW is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2

“… you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation…” Ephesians 1:13

Romans 1:16 says: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the POWER of God for the SALVATION of everyone who believes…”

Colossians 1:13 tells us that God “… has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the KINGDOM of the Son he loves”

1 Corinthians 4:20 “… the KINGDOM of God is not a matter of talk but of POWER.”

Ephesians 1:19-22 That power (that God has given us) is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, FAR ABOVE all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God PLACED ALL THINGS UNDER HIS FEET….”

Revelation 12:1-2

“a great SIGN appeared in heaven: a WOMAN clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth.”

She gives “… birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. Revelation 12:5

Revelation 12:17 “… the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring— those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.”

Galatians 4:22-26 “it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman (Hagar) and one by a free woman (Sarah). But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.

Revelation 12:9 “that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan”

“… “the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it.” Revelation 12:4

Hebrews 2:14 says: “through death (Jesus destroyed) the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil”

Revelation 12:7-9 tells us “there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down— that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

1 Peter 5:8 says it this way: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Revelation 12:11 says “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony”

https://www.southernstandard.com/sports/another-heartbreaker/

River Jean Webb born today

Posted on Aug 22, 2022 in Uncategorized |

We are excited to share that Aaron & Ashley Webb have a wonderful baby girl! River Jean Webb was born at 3lbs 10oz and 16 3/4″ long! River & Ashley are both healthy. Thank you for praying!

We will upload a picture later when we receive one. Praise God!

Sermon Notes: 8/21 – God’s Army in Revelation

Posted on Aug 21, 2022 in Uncategorized |

OPEN: Years ago, there was a TV show called Kojak. It starred Telly Savalas as a lollipop-sucking detective who always went around saying, “Who loves ya, Baby?”

Welcome: Over the last few weeks we’ve been looking deeper into the “Last Chapter, or Last Battle” as some like CS Lewis call it in the Bible. This week we look for Hope in Revelation Ch 8.

“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me.

The Bible tells me so”

He “… loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.” Revelation 1:5
He has “… made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father…” Revelation 1:6
He has given us robes made “… white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:14
”… he’ll guide (us) to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from (our) eyes.” Revelation 7:17
We will conquer Satan “… by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of (our) testimony….” Revelation 12:11
We have “his name… written on (our) foreheads…” Revelation 14:1
And we sing “… a new song before the throne…” Revelation 14:3

I came across this chart dealing with a powerful prophecy from Daniel 9.

https://www.rockofages.org.sg/pastoral-reflections/2020/3/11/daniels-seventy-weeks-prophecy

The prophecy is called the “70 weeks prophecy” – I don’t quite buy it.

… crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”- Rev 7:10

Revelation 7:4b-8 – “I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:

12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed,

12,000 from the tribe of Reuben,

12,000 from the tribe of Gad,

12,000 from the tribe of Asher,

12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali,

12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh,

12,000 from the tribe of Simeon,

12,000 from the tribe of Levi,

12,000 from the tribe of Issachar,

12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun,

12,000 from the tribe of JOSEPH,

12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.”

“… he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart…” Romans 2:28-29

“But now IN Christ Jesus you who ONCE were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13

Back in 325 A.D. the church held a conference in the city of Nicea. We’re told that there were 318 delegates who attended. Of those 318 delegates, “fewer than 12 had not lost an eye or lost a hand or did not limp on a leg lamed by torture for their Christian faith.” Vance Havner.
https://books.google.com/books/about/Scars.html?id=eM0LvgAACAAJ
https://www.equip.org/articles/what-really-happened-at-nicea/

C.S. Lewis once said: “As you perhaps know, I haven’t always been a Christian. I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”

https://www.lewisquotes.com/quotations/happiness/happiness-and-religion.html

Ephesians 2:1-5 tells you and I “… you (and I) were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”

Revelation 19:11-13 “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.”

II Corinthians 10:3-4 “… though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…”

Revelation 8:1-5 “When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

“Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.”

Sermon Notes 8/7 Last Chapter 3

Posted on Aug 7, 2022 in Uncategorized |

Worthy is the Lamb

Revelation 5:1-14

It’s time to Re-Think Jesus in a Biblical Way.

WELCOME: To Central Church of Christ, not a building, but a people called out to Show God’s Love, Tell God’s Story, and Be God’s Family. We’re in week 3 of our sermon series inspired by C.S. Lewis’ book, “The Last Battle” in which the great Lion takes care of Creation once and for all. Last week we asked the question, Why was a Worship setting thrown right there in between letters to 7 churches and the great battle.

Rev 21:4 – He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 4 and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. – Rev 5:3-4

There was a song in 2001 by country artist Tim McGraw that reached Billboard Top Hits #1. When was the last time you heard a song hit the #1 most popular in the world. The song repeats the chorus of “I don’t know why they say Grown Men don’t Cry.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQjp5s6DJlw

https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4682475/Tim+McGraw/Grown+Men+Don%27t+Cry

“Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5

https://www.google.com/search?q=lion+jesus&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS760US760&sxsrf=ALiCzsayjJoNI7__Tzgh-k5bS72hw0P-TA:1659871736688&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjPnPOJ0LT5AhXpj2oFHS5LDqYQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1920&bih=969&dpr=1

“… between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.” Revelation 5:6

Caricature of Will Smith on screen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyJIz-goLto

John 1:29 John the Baptist “…saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the LAMB of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Isaiah 53:7 “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a LAMB before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth.”

Rev 7:10 “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Rev 7:17 “… the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd…
Rev 12:11 “… (Christians) have conquered (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb…”
Rev 19:7 “…the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready”
Rev 21:27 tells us that the only ones who will enter heaven will be “… those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

This Lamb Is All About Who Jesus Is.

He is the Lamb of God who was slain for our sins.

He is God in the flesh.

He is ALL POWERFUL.

And He is ALL SEEING.

“WORTHY are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation…

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “WORTHY is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” Revelation 5:9-13

e “… they have conquered (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelation 12:11

“But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b

“You will conquer (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of (your) testimony, for (you have) loved not (your) lives even unto death.” Revelation 12:11

I want to close with a story about a young man named Keaton Jones who lives two hours away, just north of Knoxville. (2017)
https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-stand-with-keaton-jones-boy-who-spoke-against-bullying-19959371

Keaton was the object of bullies in school, so much so that he quit going to lunch because some kids kept pouring milk on him day after day. When his mom filmed his response to it one day and posted it on Facebook, two NFL Tennessee Titan Linemen (Titans tight end Delanie Walker, tackle Taylor Lewan) and the Quarterback for the UT Vols (Jarrett Guarantano) contacted him.

Walker, Lewan, & Guarantano all met with Keaton Jones & his family, giving their personal cell phone numbers if he ever needed them. Wow, could you imagine?

Sermon Notes 7/31 – The Last Battle – Rev 4

Posted on Jul 31, 2022 in Uncategorized |

Here’s a quick reminder that we are looking for ideas, leaders, co-leaders, and hosts for growth groups. Please fill out the survey here: https://forms.gle/nCAkzsUJSdazMX5fA

OPEN: 21 years ago, many of you remember what you were doing. You had plans for the day, you went to school, you went to work, I was in my 4^th year at Lipscomb about to go to morning chapel. But for most of us, our plans were shattered in a moment’s time… along with the plans of millions of Americans across the nation.
https://www.newsweek.com/new-yorkers-and-tourists-remember-their-where-they-were-september-11-2001-269997

“But courage, child: we are all between the paws of the true Aslan.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle

“Revelation 21:4 – He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

REVELATION 4 – READ IT:

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. 3 And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings[a] and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, 6 and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.

And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: 7 the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. 8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,

who was and is and is to come!”

9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

and by your will they existed and were created.”

ILLUS: For example, how many of you have heard of the mark of the Beast? (“666” described in Rev. chapter 13) https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2006-10-04-0610040047-story.html

1 John 4:4 “You are of God,… and have overcome… because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Jesus taught us: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

ILLUS: In 1637, a German named Martin Reinkardht wrote a powerful hymn that has been sung in churches for over 400 years. Let me read a couple of the verses for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKNM5KD9__Q

“Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices

Who wondrous things has done, in whom His world rejoices

Who, from our mother’s arms has blest us on our way

With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today

All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given

The Son, and Him who reigns with them in highest heaven

The one eternal God whom earth and heav’n adore

For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.”

https://talkofjesus.com/nun-danket-alle-gott/

Note the words of that last verse:

“All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given…

The one eternal God whom earth and heav’n adore

For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.”

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Sermon Notes: 07/17 Summer Fruit #7 Faith

Posted on Jul 17, 2022 in Uncategorized |

WELCOME TO CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST. Let’s talk about FAITH in God’s love, God’s Story, and God’s family! We’re wrapping up the Fruit of the Spirit today.

“… the righteous shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17)
Philippians 3:9 “…righteousness … is through faith in Christ….
Ephesians 6:16 “… shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
Hebrews 11:6 “…without faith it is impossible to please God…”

“…if you have faith and do not doubt… you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.” Matthew 21:21

(Hebrews 11:1)

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

“… by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!…. Hebrews 5:12-13

Ephesians 2:10 “…we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Essentially, “2nd Work of Grace” is the teaching that you get the Holy Spirit on two occasions

1st – when you’re saved the Holy Spirit comes into your life

2nd – later in life, you essentially get a booster shot of the Spirit that leads you on to a higher level of maturity.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_work_of_grace#:~:text=According%20to%20some%20Christian%20traditions,life%20of%20an%20individual%20Christian.

Now, I say this is a “man-made” doctrine for two reason:

1) the phrase never shows up in the Bible. That doesn’t necessarily disqualify doctrines, but it should make us at least look at such teachings closely.

2) there’s absolutely no Scriptures that teach this idea.

Hebrews 11:1 –“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

II Corinthians 3:18 describes it this way: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (KJV)

Galatians 5:25 “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

CLOSE: Let me close with this observation about TOMBSTONE

TOMBSTONE CLOSE: – OUTLAW OF FAITH (1993 Movie)

Tombstone is the story of legendary lawman, Wyatt Earp, his brothers Virgil and Morgan, and the Shakespeare-quoting, dentist-turned-gunslinger sidekick, Doc Holliday, as they cleaned up Tombstone, Arizona, in the 1880’s. Recently, I watched clips. Just like my first viewing of this movie, I was riveted. I was no longer tired or exhausted, but sat straight up, drinking in each scene of triumph of good over evil.

As the story unfolds, the Earp brothers are retired from law enforcement, have left Dodge City, and are settling down with their wives in Arizona, looking for some peace and quiet. Tagging along with them is the ubiquitous, tubercular Holliday. Little do they know that the town is run by a weak mayor, has a crooked sheriff, and is under a virtual siege of terror from the marauding Clanton and McLaury gangs, along with the bloodthirsty outlaw, Johnny Ringo.

The Earp brothers have no interest in cleaning up another town. But after the local U. S. Marshall is gunned down in the streets in front of terrified women and children, steely-eyed and flinty Virgil Earp is persuaded to become the new Marshall, deputizing a young and idealistic Morgan, and a reluctant and resentful Wyatt.

As I sat there, I wondered why, after all these years, I was still drawn to this movie.

Tombstone is a guy flick. It’s rough and earthy. Tough, rugged men fight bad guys, protect women and children, and bring law and order by spilling their own blood. They shoot and they get shot. They stand tall and they ride hard. Guys watch movies like this and live their lives vicariously through the bold and courageous characters. The stories call out the slumbering warriors in us who, deep inside, yearn to be bold heroes to our wives and children, and soldiers of faith to our Commander, Jesus the Christ.

Until we go to be with the Lord, we are living in Tombstone today. It is often a lawless town. The Clantons and McLaurys are here. Johnny Ringo lays in wait outside our doors. The innoccent desperately need us to people filled with the Spirit. The bride of Christ needs us to guide in FAITH. God is calling us to be Gideons, the Elijahs, the Shadrachs, Meshacks, & Abednegos. Our Marshall, Jesus Chrisdt is in town. He has called you to live by His Spirit, to wear the badge of faith. So Saddle your horses.

Put on His Badge in Confession, Repentance, and Baptism. Be immersed in Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, & Self Control. Walk in the Holy Spirit of Christ today

https://bible.org/article/saddle

Sermon Notes: 07/10 Summer Fruit 06 – Good for Nothing

Posted on Jul 10, 2022 in Uncategorized |

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…” Galatians 5:22-23a

NAME: Agatha – It is the Greek word for Good!

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Agatha

Jerome speaks over her in the 200’s as being a woman of virtue and faith. She resisted the advances of a Roman prefect sent to govern Sicily, and was tortured for her devout faith in Jesus. It’s said that a Vision of Peter comforted and healed her wounds, and when she was put on a stake to be burned an earthquake occurred and the crowds immediately took her down.

Galatians 6:9 “… not become weary in DOING GOOD, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but WHAT IS GOOD. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” 3 John 11

“God will give to each person according to what he has done… for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger… but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good…” Romans 2:6, 8 & 10

“… a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

Jesus replied “Why do you ask me about what is good?. There is only One who is good…” Matthew 19:16-17a

Romans 3:10 “There is no one righteous, not even one”

“Romans 3:23 says ‘… all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.’”

INSTAGRAM FILTERS: ysmorphia-how-beauty-filters-are-changing-the-way-we-see-ourselves/?sh=75fbd6bb4eff

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4

Luke 6:43-45

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers.

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”

“let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

Tim. 3:16, 17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

In 1980, the State of Kentucky had a law that every classroom in its in public schools had to post the 10 Commandments.

The Supreme Court ruled against the state of Kentucky ordering it to take down all copies of the Ten Commandments from the walls of its schools saying: “Having the commandments on the wall may induce a student to read, meditate upon, and actually obey what is therein written.”

https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/696/stone-v-graham#:~:text=the%20Associated%20Press)-,In%20Stone%20v.,the%20display%20was%20essentially%20religious.

I recently read on a college website that 59% of high school students admitting to cheating on a test in the last year. https://shsnews.org/24160/opinion/cheating-in-the-classroom-increases-in-the-digital-age/

Wonder Why?

Eph. 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Acts 11:24 “Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith – and many people were added to the Lord through him”

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

A little girl who, on the way home from church, turned to her mother and said, “Mommy, the Preacher’s sermon this morning confused me.”

The mother said, “Oh! Why is that?”

The girl replied, “Well, he said that God is bigger than we are. Is that true?”

“Yes, that’s true,” the mother replied.

“He also said that God lives within us. Is that true too?”

Again the mother replied, “Yes.”

“Well,” said the girl. “If God is bigger than us and He lives in us, wouldn’t He show through?”

https://www.all-creatures.org/humor/showing.html

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-trust-and-obey

Invitation

Sermon Notes: 7/03 – Summer Fruit #5 – Killing with Kindness

Posted on Jul 3, 2022 in Uncategorized |

https://lambertcastle.org/an-act-of-kindness/

We were invited to visit a curiosity in the neighborhood. This is a monster in human form. He is 27 years of age; his face, from the upper part of his forehead to the end of his chin, measures 20 inches, and round the upper part of his head is 21 inches; his eyes and nose are remarkably large and prominent, chin long and pointed. His features are course, irregular, and disgusting and his voice is rough and sonorous. His body is only 27 inches in length, his limbs are small and much deformed, and he has the use of one hand only. He has never been able to stand or sit up, as he cannot support the enormous weight of his head; but he lies constantly in a large cradle, with his head supported on pillows.

General Washington, while quartered at the Dey family mansion for several months in the year 1780, was told of the unfortunate little boy. Thereupon, he visited the child and was, indeed, alarmed but equally saddened by the grotesque sight before his eyes. Upon subsequent visits, Washington gained the friendship of the boy and spent much time in conversation with the lad. He also encouraged his many staff officers and generals to visit the boy. His purpose was clear. George Washington wanted to bring cheer and comfort to the life of a small boy who, like himself, knew the pain of isolation, of loneliness and of despair.

CHURCHES KINDNESS _- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qftpoMfe08

Pastor James McDonald 2018 – Youtube. 1:00-2:31 mark

“I wanted to see how we were doing when it is hardest to love.”

Romans 3:12 tells us “All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good (literally “kindness” – the same word found in Galatians 5:22), not even one.”

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

https://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialsciences/ppecorino/ethics_text/chapter_8_kantian_theory/Not_Golden.htm

Did you realize that Jesus wasn’t the first to say something like this???

* 500 years before Jesus, Confucius said “Do not unto others what you would not wish done to yourself.”

* The Buddhists 6^th Cent BC also said Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.

* In the Old Testament Apocrypha in the book Tobit 4:15: “Do not do to anyone what you yourself hate.”

* Rabbi Hillel (20 B.C.): “What is hateful to you, do not do to anyone else. This is the whole law; all the rest is only commentary”

https://johnstott.org/bible_studies/9-dec-2017/#:~:text=In%20the%20Old%20Testament%20Apocrypha,while%20standing%20on%20one%20leg.

“DO to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

ILLUS: Book – The Claims of Christ by Barry Davis (2001) – tells this story.

https://books.google.com/books?id=Z5FzWaW86lwC&pg=PA87#v=onepage&q&f=false

Boy came home one day to find his mother sitting at the table with an old tramp. Apparently she had gone shopping, met the tramp along the way, and invited him home for a warm meal.

During the conversation the tramp said, “I wish there were more people like you in the world.”

Whereupon his mother replied, “Oh, there are. But you must look for them.”

The old man simply shook his head, saying. “But, lady, I didn’t need to look for you… you looked for me.”

World Kindness Day is November 13^th this year. On Inspirekindness.com it says, “The purpose of this day, celebrated on November 13 of each year, is to help everyone understand that compassion for others is what binds us all together.” https://inspirekindness.com/world-kindness-day#:~:text=World%20Kindness%20Day%20is%20a,what%20binds%20us%20all%20together.

Luke 6:27-36

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that.

And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full.

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because HE IS KIND to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qftpoMfe08

Pastor James McDonald 2018 – Youtube. 1:00-2:31 mark

“I wanted to see how we were doing when it is hardest to love.”

Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

“A PRIEST happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a LEVITE, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.” Luke 10:31-32

“the fruit of the SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness…” (Galatians 5:22)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_Taylor

1800’s British Missionary James Hudson Taylor said “If your father and mother, your sister and brother, if the very cat and dog in the house, are not happier for your being Christian, it is a question whether you really are”

In the Greek

The word Christ is “ChrIstos”

And the word for Kindness is “ChrEstos”

CHALLENGE: TO USE YOUR FREEDOM – REVOLUTIONARY WAR HERO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

During the American Revolution, he served in the Second Continental Congress and helped draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He also negotiated the 1783 Treaty of Paris that ended the Revolutionary War (1775-83)

“He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged.” – Ben Franklin

https://www.themarginalian.org/index.php/2014/02/20/the-benjamin-franklin-effect-mcraney/

Sermon Notes: 6/26 Summer Fruit 4 – Puzzling Patience

Posted on Jun 26, 2022 in Uncategorized |

“Everything I needed to know about life, I learned from a jigsaw puzzle.”

Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order.
When things aren’t going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return.
Working together with friends and family makes any task quicker and more fun.
The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook
Don’t force a fit. If something is meant to be, it will come together naturally.
Patience pays off. Every puzzle goes together bit by bit, piece by piece.
Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can’t be rushed.
https://www.appleseeds.org/Life_Jigsaw.htm

WELCOME TO CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST: We PATIENTLY desire to Share God’s Love, Tell God’s Story, and Be God’s Family. For the summer months we’re going to jump into a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit of God and how He lives in our lives! First week we longed for a Deeper Love in the Spirit. Then we journeyed toward Joy. Last week we got Spiritual about Peace. Now, let’s take a look at the SPIRIT’s POWER OF PAITENCE– Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control.

Galatians 5:15 “If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”

“sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” ”I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3116/kjv/tr/0-1/

The Greek word here “Makrothumi” means “Slow to anger” (COMPOSITE – makro LONG/FAR, thumos= ANGER/WRATH)

Or, as the KJV puts it “Longgggg – suffering”

ILLUS: Funny Prayer of a Woman – Prayer for Patience

I pray for –

Wisdom – to understand my man;

Love – to forgive him;

Patience – for his moods;

Because, Lord if I pray for Strength, I’ll beat him to death.

In Jesus Name, Amen.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/538250592937031193/

“…be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:2-6)

God’s objective is to take people from many different walks of life – people who have struggled with many different kinds of sins – THEN save them and join them together… like they were pieces of a puzzle. His goal is to take these people of various shapes and sizes and colors and fit them together to form a glorious picture of unity that can impress even the most jaded skeptic or critic.

Ephesians 4:15-16 tells us that our goal should be to speak… “the truth in love, (so) we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together (kind of like pieces of a puzzle) by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

“… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, PATIENCE… If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22 & 25

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

“…the riches of his kindness, tolerance and PATIENCE, (that) leads you toward repentance…” Romans 2:4

“Bear(ing) with each other and forgiv(ing) whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive AS THE LORD FORGAVE YOU.” (Colossians 3:14)

“…first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:5

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” (Matthew 18:15)

https://www.readersdigest.ca/health/relationships/lesson-from-a-five-year-old/

John 15:8 says, This is to my Father’s Glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Sermon Notes: 6/19 Summer Fruit #3 – Power of Peace

Posted on Jun 19, 2022 in Uncategorized |

ILLUS OPEN: FATHER’S DAY GIFTS

Not sure what to get dad for Father’s Day this year? According to a new survey, you’re better off reaching for the phone, than buying a “World’s Best Dad” mug.

The new poll of 2,000 dads revealed that more than three in four dads (76 percent) prefer an experience over a physical gift for Father’s Day.

And the top gift you can give your dad this year? A simple phone call.

And, surprisingly, the survey found that 57 percent of dads actually said it’s their favorite day of the year.

TOP 10 GIFTS DADS WANT FOR FATHER’S DAY THIS YEAR

Phone call from my kid(s) 47%

A big juicy steak 41%

Peace and quiet 38%

Taking in a ball game with the family 38%

An ice cold beer or two 35%

A cheaper, practical gift (socks, tie, etc.) 35%

Glass of wine 34%

Watch whatever I want on TV 34%

Glass of whiskey 29%

A physical, expensive gift (apple watch, etc.) 29%

https://swnsdigital.com/us/2019/06/heres-what-dad-really-wants-for-fathers-day/

WELCOME TO CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST: We desire to Share God’s Love, Tell God’s Story, and Be God’s Family. For the summer months we’re going to jump into a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit of God and how He lives in our lives! First week we longed for a Deeper Love in the Spirit. Last week we journeyed toward Joy. This morning, let get Spiritual about Peace. – Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you….” John 14:27

“The Prince of Peace, and of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end…” Isaiah 9:6-7

https://theyoungleader.experiencegla.com/be-bold-how-to-win-an-argument-with-your-parents-for-the-right-reason/

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.” James 4:1-2a

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives…” John 14:27

“… the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Philippians 4:2. Paul is saying “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 6:19b-20 “…You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

SOUTHERN LIVING, Things we put sugar in.

Sandwiches when were were kids: sugar and butter.
I put it in cornbread—even though my Memaw said, ‘Cornbread with sugar is cake.’
Just a light sprinkle on asparagus before grilling.
Just a touch on veggies.
Just a little in turnip greens to take the bitter out. Vera Wyatt’s special secret.
A tiny bit in the baby lima beans.
I know they aren’t for everyone, but with a little sugar, rutabagas are so, so good! Yumm!
Collards! Pinch of sugar, cup of wine, and vinegar are all must-haves in collards.
My grandparents put sugar on tomatoes.
My grandma put sugar in her potato saladand coleslaw. Her slaw is known by the family as “Grandma Slaw.” She had a unique way of hand-cutting the cabbage with a paring knife that made it taste so good.

· Tea, Tea, Tea

Do we even need to talk about this one? No. No, we do not. On the sweet tea issue, we are a united people.

Philippians 4:5-7 says “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

“… must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” James 1:6-8

ILLUS: As children bring their broken toys with tears for us to mend,

I brought my broken dreams to God because He was my friend.

But then, instead of leaving Him in peace to work alone,

I hung around and tried to help with ways that were my own.

At last I snatched them back and cried, “How could you be so slow?”

“My child,” he said, “What could I do? You never did let go.” – Loretta P Burns

https://www.scrapbook.com/poems/doc/27113.html

Philippians 4:8&9 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me— put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/articles/it-is-well-with-my-soul.html