Making Changes In 2012

"Everything is permissible for me"---but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"---but I will not be mastered by anything." (1 Corinthians 6:12)
As we enter 2012, we are again challenged to make changes in our lives. What changes will you make this year? In our text the Apostle Paul makes a statement that applies to all of us.
Everything (especially in America) is available to us to pursue, whether it is food, drink, or pleasure. But not everything is good for us. There are things that we cannot handle. Things that in time will destroy us. In this section of 1 Corinthians 6, Paul instructs concerning sexual immorality. He says to flee from it (v.18) Our bodies were not meant for sexual immorality, they were meant for the Lord." The many sexual transmitted diseases will destroy the body which is to be the temple of the Holy Spirit (v.19)
Paul says that, I could live my life indulging in sexual immorality, but I will not be mastered by anything. And the only way that he could make that statement is that he had already surrendered his life to the divine master: Jesus Christ. Everything he said and did was in accordance with the word of the Lord. And the Lord was helping him to overcome the challenges of temptation and trial.
Are you allowing the world to eat away at your joy, at your peace and happiness? Why not choose Jesus Christ to be the master of your life? Yes everything may be permissible, but the Lord will show us what things will truly bring us joy and happiness. In 2012, why not give Him a chance?

New Resource Links Added:

We are adding four new resource links to our list of
resource websites. The list of links we have availabe
cover areas of help in: Bible teaching, Bible preaching,
Christian education, entertainment, retail, business,
news, and weather.
Although I don't agree with the doctrine of salvation,
that some of the websites present; I do feel that the
websites offer a good amount of information that can
be used, in the area of Christian teaching, preaching,
and spiritual encouragement.
I am just going to mention the websites here. They will
be added to the list of website links on the right hand side
of our site. You can access them, and explore what they have to offer.

Pulpit Helps
Pulpit Today
Sermon Illustrations
Crossroads College

Our purpose is to provide access to Christian resources that will
help fellow Christians find the tools for spiritual growth, and ministry.

People Need The Lord

My sermon this week is entitled:
"People Need The Lord"
This message is based on the words of a song recorded some years back by Steve Green. The idea for this message was prompted by a senseless shooting that took place, in a town not too far, from where we live.
If people who commit such crimes would have known the Lord Jesus Christ, they would have never been in a situation like this to start with. Even though I read that crime has decreased from prior years, it still is so sad to see people destroying their lives, by taking the lives of others.
In this message I mention. not only the problem of crime, but of drug and alcohol abuse, marriage problems, and the break up of the home.
For these problems, and much more, Jesus has the answers. He said that "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes unto to the Father but by Me."(John 14:6)
Jesus is the light of life in this dark world.
He can be the light you need in your dark world. The artist paints a scene of a house in the midst of a snow storm. The house is covered with snow, and the scene looks very sad and lonely. But with just a stroke of a yellow crayon, the artist places a light in one of the front windows. With just one stroke, the scene is transformed from one of sadness, to one of comfort and cheer.
That's what Jesus can do for people in the darkness of their lives.
People need the Lord! And We need to be like that artist, showing the light of Jesus, to all who are walking in despair in this life.
If you would like a copy of this message, email me at: garydpatterson@yahoo.com

Evidence That You Are A Christian

I used an outline by Adrian Rogers for this sermon entitled: "Evidence That You Are A Christian" Maybe you remember this question asked by preachers in the past:
"If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Jesus said: By their fruits you shall know them." (Matthew 7:20) When people look at us, can they see that we are followers of Jesus? Can they see that we are devoted to Him 100%? John in his letter gives us three tests to see if there is evidence that we are walking the Christian walk. Please take time to look up the Scripture for each one of these points.
1. THE COMMANDMENT TEST (1 John 2:3-6)
2. THE COMPANION TEST (1 John 3:14-15)
3. THE COMMITMENT TEST (1 John 5:10,13)
Yes, you can know that you are saved. You can know that you are walking in fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. How? By passing these tests. Let's not just talk the talk, let's walk the walk, and be abundantly blessed by God, now, and forever! GP
To get a transcript of this sermon: Evidence That You Are A Christian, email us at: cjourn05@gmail.com

The Concept Of Christian Fellowship

Someone said to me one time, that the greatest problem in
relationships is misunderstandings.
Sometimes we are like the child in a Christian school who
was asked to draw a picture depicting the hymn "Gladly The
Cross I'd Bear" and instead drew a picture of Gladly, the cross-
eyed bear. But if we have problems understanding the concepts
of each other, that is nothing compared to the problems we
encounter understanding the concepts of God, for His thoughts
are not our thoughts, they are a mystery to us.
One concept that is really misunderstood, is the concept of
Christian fellowship. Today, churches have fellowship halls,
fellowship dinners, and fellowship retreats, but very few have
real fellowship. Yet for a church that seeks to be guided in principle
and practice by the New Testament, fellowship is very important.
To examine the truth concerning the concept of Christian fellowship,
I would like us to look at three things.
1. THE MEANING OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (Galatians 2:6-10)
2. THE PURPOSE OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (Ephesians 3:7-13)
3. THE PRACTICE OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (Luke 22:28)
[To receive a copy of this sermon in its entirety, email us at:
cjourn05@gmail.com ]

The Power Of God Displayed Through Simplicity

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting."(Acts 2:2)
God's power was displayed very dramatically, when the Holy Spirit came like the sound of a strong rushing wind. And when the Holy Spirit came over the apostles, flames of fiery tongues, hovered above their heads; and they were able to proclaim the Gospel in languages they had never learned. Even though this was a dramatic display of God's power, we don't need to see this dramatic display of power, when we share the Gospel. The power is there in our hearts, and minds, when we testify concerning our Lord Jesus Christ. Whether it is a simple one on one interaction, or a simple group setting. All we need to do, is be faithful to share the message of the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit will take care of the rest. The Gospel must be shared with strong love, desire, simplicity, and sincerity. I believe too often we become so dramatic in our program of evangelism, that we leave little room for the power of God to manefest itself. The apostles were men of simple lives, who allowed the Holy Spirit to use them, to turn the world upside down for Jesus. The Holy Spirit can do the same with us, if only we will humble ourselves, and commit to being that simple outlet of power, that people can plug into, and find Jesus, and be saved. (GP)

Jesus' Last Words

I heard Mark Lowrey, a Christian comedian say that when he was a teenager, he had a problem of talking back to his mother. His mother would say, "Mark, "You're going to let me have the last word. "I will have the last word!" He said, "I wanted to give her the last word, but something brilliant would pop into my head, and I would have to say it. It got me in more trouble when dad got home." In John 13:1-17:26, we find in these chapters the extended private teaching that Jesus gave His disciples the evening before His crucifixion. It is commonly called "The Last Supper Discourse." In Jesus' last words, He presented to His disciples, and us, these lessons:

1. A Lesson On Humility (John 13:1-15) No one was going to wash someones dirty feet in the upper room. No one was going to stoop to such a level. But Jesus grabbed a towel and basin, and began to wash the disciples feet. And His words to them was "If I then your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet."(v.14) How humble are we? Do we exhibit this attitude of Christ to others? What a difference it would make in our relationships, if we did?

2. A Lesson On Holiness (John 12:6-17) When Jesus came to Peter, to wash his feet, Peter was not compliant. Was it because of his pride? Jesus told him that if He didn't allow Him to wash His feet, he would not have any part with Him. (Strong words) I see this as a lesson concerning what happens to us at baptism, and all through our lives. At baptism, we are cleansed of our sins, and able to have eternal fellowship with our Heavenly Father. All because we allow the blood of Jesus to wash our hearts clean. And all through our lives, as Christians, it is through Jesus that we maintain that purity in our hearts, and in our lives. As the old hymn asks the question" Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?" What is your answer?

3. A Lesson On Hypocrisy (John 13:18-30) The word hypocrite,means to be one way, but to act as if we are something else. Judas pretended to be a follower of Jesus, but he played with sin and lost. Jesus said to Peter, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean, but not all of you" (John adds) For He knew who would betray Him, therefore He said, "You are not all clean." Have I ever been like Judas? Have I ever sold Jesus out in my life? I believe that when I have sinned, and went against the teaching of my Lord Jesus, I have acted as a hypocrite. How it grieves the Lord when we do this. How much He loves us! How much He gave, so that we could live. Sincerity, and faithfulness is what He wants; is that what He will get from us? In these chapters are Jesus last words. Will these last words penetrate our hearts, and help us to be obedient to His will. Because as Jesus said, "If you know these things, happy are you if you do them."(v.17) (GP)

The Truth, And Nothing But The Truth

If you bite into a piece of bread, that has been around awhile, or take a swallow of milk, that has aged a little, you can tell right away, that something is wrong. That's what our response should be, when we hear something that doesn't line up with the Word of God. But of course you must read, and study, the Word of God, to know what pure truth is. We know what fresh bread tastes like, and we know what fresh milk tastes like, so in that split second, that we take a taste of both, we can tell if it is right, with the standard, or not. In Ephesians 4:15 the Apostle Paul makes this statement: "but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ.. In this section of Scripture, Paul is teaching the Christians at Ephesus, what is involved in a church maturing in Christ. We are to "come to the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, to be a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."(v.13) We are to come together in faith, to study, and to learn, of Jesus Christ, so that we can know Him fully, and grow up in Him fully. This is where leadership is so important. For one to speak the truth in love, one must know the truth. As the saying goes; "You cannot lead someone to a place, you have never been." Spiritual leaders have the awesome responsibility, to share the truth of the Word of God. We are to share it as it is, not as we would like it to be, to fit our needs. On the witness stand we are told "to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God." The Lord Jesus wants us to live, and share the truth, of His Word. To do otherwise, will always be, nothing but sinking sand. (GP)

Our Place And Responsibility In The Church

In Romans 12:3-8, the Apostle Paul shares with us some
specific areas of service we can be involved in.
Just as a car has many parts that go together, to make
that car run efficiently, so we as Christian are many members
that are to work together, to make a powerful difference
for the Lord. With our place comes responsibility,
to function in order to help accomplish the pursposes of God.
What are these specific gifts, and places of service, in the
body of Christ? I will mention them, and you can do
your research on them:
1. Prophecy (Romans 12:6)
2. Minstry (Romans 12:7)
3. Teaching (Romans (12:7b)
4. Exhortation (Romans 12:8)
5. Giving (Romans 12: 8b)
6. Leadership (Romans 12:8c)
7. Showing Mercy (Romans 12:8d)
These are at the top of the list, of ways we can serve the
Lord in His church. Making a difference for Him, in the
world, and in His family.
"Living for Jesus wherever I am, Doing each duty in His
holy name, Willing to suffer affliction or loss, Deeming
each trial a part of my cross."

Strength To Stand

It was the old Charlie Brown from the Peanuts comic
strip, who confessed "There was no problem so big,
that he couldn't run away from it."
Not many of us would praise Charlie Brown for his
courage, but we can't fault him for his honesty.
When trouble comes, there are times we wish, that we
could just run away and hide. It's hard to get up in the
morning, with a mountain of problems, staring down at
us. In Psalm 55:22 David shares some thoughts for us,
that will help us, to obtain strength to stand, in the midst
of trial and difficulty.
1. CAST YOUR BURDEN ON THE LORD
2. AND HE SHALL SUSTAIN YOU
3. HE SHALL NEVER PERMIT THE RIGHTEOUS TO
TO BE MOVED.
"On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand." (Edward Mote)

The Art Of Forgiveness

A girl was asked what forgiveness is. She gave this
beautiful answer. "It is the odor the flowers give
off when they are trampled upon."
Have you been trampled upon lately? We all have
experienced it one time or another. And we all have
hurt other people by our careless words and actions,
one time or another. And as much as forgiveness is a very
difficult thing to do, it is a very necessary thing to do.
In my sermon Sunday, I shared three essentials in the
process of forgiveness. Forgiveness is:
1. A Command To Obey (Matthew 6:15)
2. A Characteristic To Display (Colossians 3:12-13)
3. A Cleansing To Experience (Genesis 45:5)
"Let me turn the other cheek
As You so often did;
Let me feel the joy of love
When saying. "I forgive"

This Is The Life (John 10:10)

Jesus said in John 10:10 "The thief does not come
except to steal, and kill, and to destroy.
I have come that they might have life, and that they
may have it more abundantly."
Who is this thief, this killer, this destroyer?
It is Satan. How much he has taken from man-kind.
How much he has take from you and from me.
But Jesus came to bring us life. An abundant life.
From Alan Carr's sermon entitled: "I'll Take What's
Behind That Door." (http://www.sermonnotebook.org/)
I would like to mention four descriptions of this life:
1. IT IS A PARDONED LIFE (Ephesians 2:12-17)
2. IT IS A PROSPEROUS LIFE (John 10:10)
3. IT IS A PERPETUAL LIFE (John 10:28)
4. IT IS A PRESERVED LIFE (1 Peter 1:5)
Come to the Lord Jesus, and let Him show you the
blessings of living life in Him.

What The Lord Wants For Us In 2011

They say that hind-sight is always 20/20.
When we look in the rear view mirror of our lives, we can
see how the ways of God have managed our journey.
We can say with the Psalmist in Psalm 92:4
"For You, Lord have made me glad through your work;
I will triumph in the works of your hands."
God has made this promise in Hebrews 13:5
"For He Himself has said, I will never leave you, nor
forsake you." With that Promise in mind, we can move
ahead into 2011 with the utmost confidence.
What the Lord has done for us, He wants to do for others.
I want to mention three things the Lord wants for people
in 2011, and for all eternity.
1. He Wants Us To Be Saved (John 3:17)
2. He Wants Us To Be Sustained (Matthew 7:11)
3. He Wants Us To Be Serving (John 13:14)
Our lives will be truly blessed, when we pursue these things.