Historical Posts
How Long Has it Been? – Audio
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How long has it been since you…
- had something to eat?
- have been to work?
- got a decent amount of rest?
These things may seem natural, and thus it likely has not been long at all since you may have done any or all of these.
How long has it been since you spent quality time in prayer?
Sure, we have just prayed a few moments ago as a congregation; however, how long has it been since you prayed individually? Does it seem as frequently as the aforementioned daily tasks?
Paul mentioned that prayer should be a frequent part of our lives. He wrote, “pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).” He also penned, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18)…”
Does it seem tedious? It shouldn’t be; it is very rewarding! James wrote, “…the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).”
We need to go to God in prayer. We need to pray for ourselves, for each other, and even for our enemies. How long has it been since you truly prayed?
Are you righteous in the eyes of God, having been washed clean of sin by the blood of Christ? Are you praying?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Solitary Prayer
Jesus spent time in solitary prayer to refresh and strengthen himself. Follow His example. Be like Him.
Jesus often sought solitude after doing many good works. For example, on one occasion He cast an unclean spirit out of a man, healed Peter’s mother-in-law, and then healed all those who were soon brought to Him. What did He do after all this? “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed (Mark 1:35).” He spent time in solitary prayer!
On another occasion, Jesus healed a leper. Upon doing so, “…the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed (Luke 5:15-16).” No doubt Jesus was weary after great multitudes came near Him, seeking Him. Upon finding refuge, He again spent time in solitary prayer.
One Sabbath Day Jesus healed a man who had a withered hand. In those days, Luke records, “He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God (Luke 6:12).” He spent all night in solitary prayer, preparing to select the twelve apostles (Luke 6:13ff.).
There was a time when Jesus took His “inner circle” to pray. Peter, John, and James accompanied Him as He was soon transfigured before them (Luke 9:28ff.).
There were times when Jesus prayed alone; there were times that He prayed with His close circle of friends. There may be times when we pray in solitary, and there may be times when we pray with our close circle of Christian friends. In either case our purpose must be to communicate to God, not to appear “religious” before others. Jesus said, “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly (Matthew 6:6).”
God hears the earnest prayers of those who are His. Have you included yourself in that number?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Lord, Teach Us to Pray
Many today do not properly understand what prayer is and how they ought to pray. Answers can be found in the words of our Lord.
Jesus taught His disciples how to pray on at least two occasions. These are recorded in Matthew 6 and Luke 11. Prayer is an important part of maintaining a good relationship with God. Just as God communicates with us through the teachings of His Word (Hebrews 1:1-2), we communicate with Him through our prayers (Philippeans 4:6). Yet, there are many today who do not properly understand what prayer is and how they ought to pray, so they do not pray as they ought (James 4:3). These people have questions, which deserve answers – and these answers can be found in the words of our Lord.
First, there is the question, “To whom should our prayers be addressed?” Some people pray to God, others to Jesus, others to Mary, or some other dead “saint,” while others pray to the spirits of departed loved ones. Are all of these Scriptural addressees of our prayers? What did Jesus say about this matter?
In Matthew 6:9, Jesus said, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven…” In Luke 11:2, Jesus said, “When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven…” The Lord taught His disciples to pray to God, the Father. Our prayers should not be directed to anyone else. This, however, does not mean that Christ and the Holy Spirit have nothing to do with our prayers. Jesus instructed His disciples to pray to the Father, in His name (John 16:23). The Holy Spirit plays a role in our prayers, in that He “helpeth our infirmities” (Romans 8:26). Also, it must be noted that Jesus taught His disciples to keep the Father’s name “hallowed,” or “sacred” (Matthew 6:9). One way that we might do that today is to address God using the pronouns, “thee, thou, thine, etc.,” which are reserved in our language for references to deity.
Next, there is the question, “What should I include in my prayers?” In His “model prayers,” Jesus taught His disciples to include praise for God in their prayers (Matthew 6; Luke 11). He taught them to be submissive to God’s will, in their prayers, and to ask God for daily blessings. He taught them to pray, not only for themselves, but especially for others. Throughout the New Testament, Christians are encouraged to pray for all kinds of people: for enemies (Matthew 5:44), for friends (James 5:16), for the sick (James 5;14), for the authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-2), etc. Jesus taught His disciples to include the giving of thanks in their prayers. In fact, the concepts of prayer and thanksgiving are mentioned together many times, in the New Testament (Philippeans 4:6; Colossians 4:2). He taught them, most importantly, to pray for forgiveness for their sins and for the sins of others, as well. Christ warned His disciples that, if they refused to extend forgiveness to others, they would not be forgiven for their own sins (Matthew 6:14-15). All of these things ought to be found commonly in our daily prayers – although it is not necessary that every one of these be included in every one of our prayers.
Then, there is question, “How often should I pray?” The Bible does not specify a precise number of times per day that a Christian should pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reads, “Pray without ceasing.” In essence, it means that every Christian should pray to God as often as he can. Many Christians pray every morning, as they are preparing to take on a new day. Most Christians pray before every meal, to thank God for His providence. Most Christians pray when they go to bed at night, as they reflect upon the events of the waning day. In between these occasions, there are countless opportunities for Christians to speak to their Father, in prayer. God wants us to make good use of every one of them. How many times per day to you pray? Did you know that the typical Muslim prays five times every single day? As Christians, we serve a God who is much more deserving of our time and attention.
Once, I was asked this question: “Why does God want us to pray to Him? Doesn’t He know what we need without our having to ask Him?” Of course, God knows us better than we know ourselves (Luke 12:7). It is His love for us, which prompts Him to solicit our prayers (John 3:16). Just as a parent longs to hear the voices of his children, God longs to hear from us. He may not need us in the same way that we need Him, but He wants our love and our fellowship – given of our own free will (Romans 6:16-18). He is our Father and we are His children. It really is just as simple as that!
It is my sincere hope and fervent prayer that no Christian will ever let the blessed rite of prayer go unused. It is truly a shame when Christians neglect to pray. James 5:16 points out that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Prayer can make a big difference in the lives of individuals and in the world at large. Make a difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).
Psalm 61 – Does God Listen? audio
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Text: Psalm 61
Introduction
Do you ever wonder if God listens to you?
When you pray, do you feel that He hears your every word and that He really cares?
Perhaps David expresses these thoughts exactly in Psalm 61. He pleads for God to hear his prayer, and concludes by willing to keep his vows to Him.
Body
I. God can hear! Idols cannot hear (Revelation 9:20).
A. God can hear! Elijah proved this on Mt. Carmel when 450 prophets called out to Baal, and they could not be heard (1 Kings 18:26ff.).
II. God may choose not to hear.
A. The LORD will not listen to those who will not listen to Him (Zechariah 7:8-14).
B. God does not hear sinners (John 9:31).
III. God chooses who to hear:
A. He hears those who worship Him and do His will (John 9:31).
B. He hears those willing to learn His will (Acts 10).
C. He hears those who ask according to His will (1 John 5:14-15).
D. He hears those who keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight (1 John 3:22).
IV. God has heard:
A. Jesus, who always does His will (John 11:41-42).
B. Zacharias, who was willing to do God’s will (Luke 1:5-13).
C. The children of Israel, who were willing to turn from their own will and accept the will of God (Exodus 2:23-25; Acts 7:34).
D. Judah, who was willing to be restored to God (Zechariah 10:6; 13:9).
Conclusion
God is willing to hear you if you are willing to listen to Him and submit to His will.
Matthew 06:25-34 – Watch and Pray – audio
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Reading: Mark 13:32-37 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Text: Matthew 6:25-34
Introduction
Jesus taught Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately upon the Mount of Olives. They were concerned about when the end was going to come.
Instead of giving them an exact day, time, and year, Jesus instead explained that they needed to be ready at all times! By staying ready for His return, they would not worry about what tomorrow might bring (Matthew 6:25-34).
Body
I. No one knows the day and hour when Christ is coming again.
A. Jesus did promise He will come again (John 14:3).
B. He will return as He went into Heaven (Acts 1:9-11), coming in the clouds (Daniel 7:13; Matthew 24:30; 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 21:27; Revelation 1:7; 14:14-16).
C. He could come at evening, midnight, crowing of the rooster, or in the morning (Mark 13:35).
D. That day will be as a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4; 2 Peter 3:10).
E. Everything will seem as normal when the Son of Man comes (Matthew 24:36-44).
F. The ten virgins did not know the hour when the bridegroom would come (Matthew 25:1-13).
II. Watch!
A. We must not sleep, but rather watch and remain alert (1 Thessalonians 5:6)!
B. Watch, remaining firm in the faith (1Corinthians 16:13).
C. Be sober and vigilant (1 Peter 5:8)!
D. Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain (Revelation 3:1-3).
E. Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments (Revelation 16:15).
III. Pray!
A. Watch and pray always that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).
B. Pray always, being watchful to this end with perseverance and supplication (Ephesians 6:18).
C. Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).
Conclusion
Jesus has warned us that He is coming again.
Since we do not know when, we must always be ready for His return.
Let us:
- Be ready by always being on the alert, living faithfully.
- Continue to pray to Him for His guidance and encouragement.
- Be thankful that when He does come again, we will be ready to meet Him and live eternally with Him.
Praise – audio
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Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise (James 5:13).
I suppose we’re more likely to obey the first part of that verse than we are the second. It’s easy to let all of life’s stresses cause us to forget our need to praise God for everything good. If we’re not careful, talking to God can be more like a 911 call – something when do only when we find ourselves in a difficult spot.
Talking to God, though – praising him – ought to be what we do in every situation.
- When we’re hurting or sad, we pour out our hearts to him.
- When we’re joyful, when he’s blessed us, we praise him.
James recognizes that life has its ups and downs. We’ll have problems like everyone else; when we do, we pray about it. But we should also recognize that God gives us so many joys.
What’s right in your life today?
Can you hear the birds singing outside? Perhaps you’ve already taken a walk in the cool springtime air this morning. God’s blessings surround us, and most of us have quite a few things to smile about.
A soft bed and a comfortable house. Water to drink and food to eat. A job that supports our families, healthy kids, faithful friends, a stable, peaceful country.
And most of all, of course, we’ve got Christ.
Even if we have problems, which we do, nothing can dampen the fact that we are forgiven.
Saved from sin. Washed in the blood. Justified, sanctified, and soon to be glorified.
So today, take time to praise.
List the blessings God’s poured into your life, and thank him for every single one of them.
But especially thank him for giving you hope in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior.
Decision Tree – Repent and Pray
(Did you jump into the middle of this? Please start at the beginning of the decision tree.)
When we earnestly continue walking with Christ, he will forgive us should we sin (1 John 1:6-7).
Observe the instruction Peter gave to Simon in Acts 8:9-25.
- We know Simon believed and became a Christian when he was baptized in Acts 8:13.
- Then, he was overcome with temptation and sinned in Acts 8:18-19.
- Peter rebuked Simon for his sin in Acts 8:20-21.
- Then came the instruction on how to deal with this sin in Acts 8:22-23.
Simon responded with Godly sorrow, repenting and asking for prayer in Acts 8:24.
We have seen that God knows that as a Christian, we will not live perfectly, and He has prepared for that. We should expect that we will fail at times and not allow our imperfections to destroy us! Instead, failure should lead us to follow His Word by repenting and praying for forgiveness.