Historical Posts
Hebrews 04:12 – Cut to the Heart – Audio
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Text: Hebrews 4:12
There are some things that can really get to us if we let them. However, the word of God should get to us the deepest. Someone once said, “I apologize if I was stepping on some toes… I was aiming for the heart.” Well, the word of God does just that, it will cut to the heart.
I. The Word of God will cut to the heart.
A. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).”
B. God’s word has been delivered many times in many ways (Hebrews 1:1-2; John 1:1,14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
C. Many have heard His word and responded differently. See their responses and think how you are going to respond.
II. Some responded unfavorably when cut to the heart.
A. Peter and the other apostles preached the word even in prison, and those who heard them wanted to kill them (Acts 5:29-32).
B. Stephen boldly proclaimed the word of God, yet those who heard him stoned him to death (Acts 7:51-60).
III. Others responded favorably when cut to the heart.
A. Peter proclaimed the gospel of Christ on Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36).
B. When the crowd heard this they were cut to the heart, and asked what to do to be saved (Acts 2:37-41).
When the word of God is proclaimed, it should not be given an unfavorable response. Rather, it must be heard, believed, and obeyed! This shows the true power of the word of God and it’s ability to save our souls!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Do You Have Power?
Earlier today, our power went out. What does one do without power? There is:
- No television to watch
- No video game to play
- No music to listen to
- The list goes on and on
It appears that one must just suffer until the power comes back on.
But are you missing more than electricity?
Lewis Jones wrote a familiar hymn, “There is Power in the Blood.”
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Imagine how powerful the blood of Christ is!
Is is cleansing our sins, and it never runs out! “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).”
Christ’s blood will continue to cleanse us as long as we live for Him!
Paul said, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7).”
Isn’t it powerful that our sins can be removed?
The Word of God is “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).” No other power can tell us our past, history, and future.
Only the power of God’s Word can help us avoid eternal destruction and embrace eternal life.
It even includes instructions! His Word, “lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).”
Do you have true power – God’s power?
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Kings 06:08-23 Open Our Eyes that We May See – audio
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Text: 2 Kings 6:8-23
Introduction
A. Elisha surrounded by Syrian forces; delivered by God’s power – 2 Kings 6:8-23
B. Christians must live by faith; means making choices in life to flee sin and to pursue righteousness in faith – 2 Corinthians 5:7
C. Our enemy is powerful and crafty – 1 Peter 5:8-9
D. Our God is all-powerful and all wise – 1 John 4:4
Body – Open Our Eyes that We May See:
A. The Power of God
1. To create all things – Romans 1:18-21
a. Produces faith:
1) to know Him
2) honor Him
3) thank Him
2. To save and protect His people – Exodus 14:13, 30
a. The battle against sin, Satan and the world is God’s – 2 Chronicles 20:15-18
b. God delivers and vindicates His people – Romans 8:30-39
1) Savior – v. 32
2) Intercessor – v. 34
3) Defender – v. 38-39
c. To keep our souls safe in the face of trials of faith – 2 Timothy 1:12
B. The Power of Truth – Hebrews 4:12
1. Power to convict the heart and save from sin – John 16:8
2. Power to protect us – Ephesians 6:10-17
C. The Power of Love – 1 Peter 4:8
1. Power to forbear with one another, to forgive and to bind us together – Colossians 3:12-14
2. Power to overcome evil – Romans 12:19-21
D. The Power of Unity in Christ – Colossians 3:12-17
1. Cords of love, peace, truth and divine authority bind us together with a common heart, mind, purpose and goals – 1 Corinthians 1:10
2. Contrast the weakness of division – 1 Corinthians 3:3-4
E. The Power of Forgiveness – Matthew 18:21-27
1. Forgiving one another of our sins against each other is to be reflective of God’s forgiveness of us – Ephesians 4:31-32
2. Forgiveness has the power to heal offenses, strengthen relations, secure bonds of love in the home and the church
Conclusion
A. The power of God is at our disposal: To save us, to defend us, to secure us in faith
B. We must obey God in faith to have His strength in our lives – Philippians 2:12-13
C. Will you walk by faith and be powerful in God; or will you walk in the world and be Powerless and lost?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Prayer Power
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(The Power of Prayer)
Introduction
1. Jesus anticipated that people would become slack in their prayers…
a. Telling the parable of the persistent widow, that people might always pray – Luke 18:1-7
b. Wondering if He would find faith on earth (i.e., people praying) when He returned – Luke 18:8
2. Paul frequently exhorted Christians to be diligent in their prayers…
a. “praying always with all prayer and supplication…” – Ephesians 6:18
b. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” – Colossians 4:2
c. “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalians 5:17
3. If we have become slack in our prayers, might that be an indication that we do not appreciate the power of prayer? Have we forgotten what a privilege it is to pray?
Body
I. EXAMPLES OF THE POWER OF PRAYER
A. THERE IS FORGIVENESS FROM GOD…
1. The Christian can find forgiveness through the blood of Christ – 1 John 1:7-10
2. Thus the erring Christian is told to repent and pray – Acts 8:22
3. Don’t you want the assurance of knowing that your sins are forgiven?
B. THERE IS PEACE FROM GOD…
1. The antidote to anxiety is to pray – Philippians 4:6
2. The Christian will find their hearts and minds guarded by the peace of God – Philippians 4:7
3. Don’t you want the peace of mind and heart that surpasses understanding?
C. THERE IS STRENGTH FROM GOD…
1. Paul prayed that the Ephesians might be strengthened in the inner man – Ephesians 3:14-16, 20
2. When we need to be strong, Christians can likewise pray for themselves!
3. Don’t you want the power that is beyond our comprehension?
D. THERE IS OPPORTUNITY FROM GOD…
1. Paul realized that God provided him opportunity to teach others – 1 Corinthians 3:5 (NASB)
2. He knew that the Lord often opened doors for such opportunities – 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12
3. He therefore requested prayer that such opportunities would continue – Colossians 4:3
4. Don’t you want the Lord to give you opportunity to lead others to Christ?
E. THERE IS BOLDNESS FROM GOD…
1. When the apostles needed boldness, they prayed and God delivered – Acts 4:23-31
2. When Paul needed boldness, he asked for prayers in his behalf – Ephesians 6:19-20
3. Don’t you want boldness when you speak to others about Christ?
F. THERE IS WISDOM FROM GOD…
1. Wisdom is not knowledge, but insight that makes the best use of the knowledge one has
2. The Christian is promised wisdom through prayer without doubt – James 1:5-8
3. Don’t you want the wisdom that comes from above?
G. THERE IS HEALING FROM GOD…
1. Those who are sick should ask elders to pray for them – James 5:14-15
2. Those who have sinned should confess, and we should pray for one another – James 5:16
3. Don’t you want the aid of God whenever in need of physical or spiritual healing?
H. THERE IS TRANQUILITY FROM GOD…
1. The Scriptures proclaim God has ultimate control over the nations – Daniel 4:17; Romans 13:1-7
2. Thus we are commanded to pray for our rulers, that we may lead a quiet (tranquil, ASV) and peaceable life – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
3. Don’t you want to live in peace and tranquility and for others to as well?
Conclusion
1. The power of prayer can indeed be a blessing…
a. To the one who prays in faith
b. For those for whom prayers are offered
2. There is help in time of need from God…
a. We have a wonderful High Priest who understands our problems – Hebrews 4:14-15
b. Thus we can at anytime approach God boldly in prayer, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16
3. Don’t you want mercy and grace whenever needed, for yourself and for others?
4. Indeed, the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (cf. James 5:16)…
a. “avails much” (NKJV)
b. “can accomplish much (NASB)
c. “has great power” (ESV)
d. “is powerful and effective” (NIV)
e. If such is true of one righteous man, how about the prayers of many righteous?
5. Do we believe in the power of prayer…?
a. Then let us pray always
b. Let us continue earnestly in prayer
c. Yes, let us “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!
6. But not all have the privilege of the power of prayer. In our next study, we will see why
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Luke 18:01-08 Power of Prayer
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Text: Luke 18:1-8
Introduction
1. Jesus anticipated that people would become slack in their prayers
a. Telling the parable of the persistent widow, that people might always pray-Luke 18:1-7
b. Wondering if He would find faith on earth (i.e., people praying) when He returned – Luke 18:8
2. Paul frequently exhorted Christians to be diligent in their prayers
a. “praying always with all prayer and supplication…” – Ephesians 6:18
b. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” – Colossians 4:2
c. “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
3. If we have become slack in our prayers, might that be an indication that we do not appreciate the power of Prayer? Have we forgotten what a privilege it is to pray?
Body
I. EXAMPLES OF THE POWER IN PRAYER
A. THERE IS FORGIVENESS FROM GOD
1. The Christian can find forgiveness through the blood of Christ – 1 John 1:7-10
2. Thus the erring Christian is told to repent and pray – Acts 8:22
3. Don’t you want the assurance of knowing that your sins are forgiven?
B. THERE IS PEACE FROM GOD
1. The antidote to anxiety is to pray – Philippians 4:6
2. The Christian will find their hearts and minds guarded by the peace of God – Philippians 4:7
3. Don’t you want the peace of mind and heart that surpasses understanding?
C. THERE IS STRENGTH FROM GOD
1. Paul prayed that the Ephesians might be strengthened in the inner man – Ephesians 3:14-16, 20
2. When we need to be strong, Christians can likewise pray for themselves!
3. Don’t you want the power that is beyond our comprehension?
D. THERE IS OPPORTUNITY FROM GOD
1. Paul realized that God provided him opportunity to teach others – 1 Corinthians 3:5
2. He knew that the Lord often opened doors for such opportunities – 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12
3. He therefore requested prayer that such opportunities would continue – Colossians 4:3
4. Don’t you want the Lord to give you opportunity to lead others to Christ?
E. THERE IS BOLDNESS FROM GOD
1. When the apostles needed boldness, they prayed and God delivered – Acts 4:23-31
2. When Paul needed boldness, he asked for prayers in his behalf – Ephesians 6:19-20
3. Don’t you want boldness when you speak to others about Christ?
F. THERE IS WISDOM FROM GOD
1. Wisdom is not knowledge, but insight that makes the best use of the knowledge one has
2. The Christian is promised wisdom through prayer without doubt – James 1:5-8
3. Don’t you want the wisdom that comes from above?
G. THERE IS HEALING FROM GOD
1. Those who are sick should ask elders to pray for them – James 5:14-15
2. Those who have sinned should confess, and we should pray for one another – James 5:16
3. Don’t you want the aid of God whenever in need of physical or spiritual healing?
H. THERE IS TRANQUILITY FROM GOD
1. The Scriptures proclaim God has ultimate control over the nations – Daniel 4:17; Romans 13:1-7
2. Thus we are commanded to pray for our rulers, that we may lead a quiet (tranquil, ASV) and peaceable life – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
3. Don’t you want to live in peace and tranquility and for others to as well?
Conclusion
1. The power of prayer can indeed be a blessing
a. To the one who prays in faith
b. For those for whom prayers are offered
2. There is help in time of need from God
a. We have a wonderful High Priest who understands our problems – Hebrews 4:14-15
b. Thus we can at anytime approach God boldly in prayer, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16
c. Don’t you want mercy and grace whenever needed, for yourself and for others?
3. Indeed, the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (cf. James 5:16)
a. “avails much” (NKJV)
b. “can accomplish much (NASB)
c. “has great power” (ESV)
d. “is powerful and effective” (NIV)
e. If such is true of one righteous man, how about the prayers of many righteous?
4. Do we believe in the power of prayer?
a. Then let us pray always
b. Let us continue earnestly in prayer
5. Yes, let us “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Seven Powerful Words – Mark 16:1-8
Text: Mark 16:1-8
The seven most powerful words ever spoken didn’t come from the mouth of Jesus.
In fact, they come from someone whose name we don’t even know.
Mark tells the account:
Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.
Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?”
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.
But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”
So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. (Mark 16:1-8).
On the way to the tomb early Sunday morning the women remembered a potential obstacle: they had no way to get inside the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. Perhaps in their grief they just hadn’t planned everything well.
But they soon realized they had no reason to worry. The tomb was no longer sealed.
At this point things started happening really quickly:
- They saw a young man.
- He said something.
- They ran in horror.
At some point in their flight, when their fear subsided, they recalled the young man’s words. What he said was confirmed by what they remember seeing in the tomb:
- Nothing.
- There was no body.
“He has risen. He is not here.”
Seven words that changed the world.
Seven words that changed me, and you, and millions of others.
They became the triumphant cry of the early Christians. In fact, read through a few sermons in Acts, and you might be amazed to see that this simple message was what they preached.
The tomb was empty.
The cross was significant, of course, but crucifixions were relatively common in that world. In one sense, Jesus died the same way thousands of others did.
But one thing was different. Incredibly, remarkably, gloriously different.
All the other crucifixion victims stayed in their graves.
Jesus didn’t stay in the grave, and that makes all the difference.
Sometime, when you get discouraged and wonder if the difficulties of faith are really worth it, think back to the empty tomb.
What it says is that this world isn’t all there is. The same power that raised him will raise you.
A day is coming when everyone will hear his voice
Followers of Jesus will be raised to live with him as God always intended.
Seven words, one powerful message: My tomb will one day be empty too.
He has risen; he is not here.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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