December 27 2015 Missions Is Giving

MISSIONS IS GIVING

John 3:16 – For God so love the world that He gave His one and only Son.

• Missions requires giving yourself in Christian living.

Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:13 – You are the salt of the earth.

Ephesians 5:18 – Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery, instead be filled with the Holy Spirit.

• Missions is giving a personal witness.

Mark 1:17 – Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men.

• Missions is giving our life.

Matthew 16:24 – If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.

Luke 10:41 – Mary has chosen what is better.

Matthew 28:19 – Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.

The Benefit Of Giving

Luke 6:38 – Jesus said, give and it will be given to you, for with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

• Giving makes us more like God.
• Giving draws us closer to God.

Matthew 6:21 – For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

• Giving gives me victory over materialism.
• Giving strengthens my faith.

Proverbs 3:5-9 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, honor the Lord by giving Him the first part of all your income and He will fill your barns to over-flowing.

• Giving is an investment for eternity.

Jesus said, store up your treasures in heaven.

2 Corinthians 8:5 – They first gave themselves to the Lord.

February 13 2011 Turning Tough Times Into Something Worthwhile

*no sermon audio*

Turning Tough Times Into Something Worthwhile

(Philippians 1:12-20 - Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.)

Four Steps To Turning Tough Times Around

1. See our opportunity for advancement

(Verse 12 - Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.)

Two opportunities:

• To Witness

(Verse 13 - As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.)

• To Strengthen our character

(Verse 14 - Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.)

Lesson: God has a purpose behind every one of my problems

2. Establish correct priorities for life

(Verse 15-16 - It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.)

(Verse 18 - But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice)

Lesson: Focus on what really counts and let the rest go

3. Understand that strength is available

(Verse 19 - for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.)

(Philippians 4:13 - I can do everything through him who gives me strength.)

Lesson: With God's power every tough time can be turned into something worthwhile

4. Keep a correct motive

(Verse 20 - I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.)

Lesson: Jesus first. Others second. Myself third.