7
February
2010
Dr. Paul Carlson – Congo 1964; Text: 1 Peter 4:1-2; 12-13
Key Point: Even when we are serving and helping people they may turn against us through circumstances and threats beyond our control; but God can use even those to further the Gospel.
The story of a modern day martyr
Doing good should protect us from harm!
Receiving harm may actually result in good outcomes
Receiving the gift of composure and compassion in the face of threatening and dangerous confrontations
Where/how are we experiencing difficult circumstances, even threats?
How might God use us to further the Gospel?
rochcov 
Pastor Gary Downing, 1st Service, Sermons 
Comments (0) » |
1
February
2010
Verse: Acts 20:17-38
Key Point: Passing the Torch while the Flame is Burning!!
- Giving Three Charges (20:18-24)
- Serve the Lord Together (20:18-19)
- Be genuinely __________________ (Eph 4:2-3)
- Learn from the __________________ (Jas 1:2-4)
- Teach & Testify/Publicly & Privately (20:20-21)
- Repent and ___________________ (II Tim 2:24-25)
- Have Faith in ___________________ (1 Thes 3:6-8)
- Finish the Race/Complete the Task (20:22-24)
- Share the Message of _____________________ (Col 1:3-6)
- Live Out the _________________________ Eph 3:7-10)
- Offering Three Challenges
- Be on the Alert (20:28) (I Cor 16:13-14)
- Shepherd the _______________ (I Pet 5:2-3)
- Produce the ________________ (Gal 5:22-23)
- Be on Your Guard (20:31) (II Tim 1:13-14)
- Set an Example for ____________________ (I Tim 4:12)
- Exhibit ________________________ (I Tim 6:11-12)
- Be Strong in the Lord (20:32) (Eph 6:10)
- Build up the _____________________ (Eph 4:12)
- Put on the ____________________ (Eph 6:11-13)
My (Our) Response
- Be Christ’s E__________________
- Wear God’s A__________________
- Bear the Spirit’s F__________________
Conclusion: Remember the Words of Jesus!!!!! (20:35)
rochcov 1st Service, Sermons, Pastor Dave Genberg Comments (0) » |
24
January
2010
Key Point: Because life is a precious gift from God, we can be assured of the Holy Spirit’s presence and peace in our lives if we are willing to submit - even to personal suffering and possible death for Jesus
Life is a gift – therefore precious and to be sanctified!
Martyr = willing to suffer - even to give up gift of life
Those who are willing to die are able to live more fully
The way we live our lives is a witness – especially in difficulty
Story of Perpetua – pagans surprised at joy and peace
St. Paul “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21)
Key is surrender to God’s Peace Plan (John 16:33)
Peace is not only for the great saints and martyrs in history
Story of Svea
Where/how do we need the Holy Spirit’s peace to live life?
rochcov Pastor Gary Downing, 1st Service, Testimony, Sermons, Svea Merry Comments (0) » |
17
January
2010
Texts: Daniel 3:24-28; Acts 4:19-20
Key Point: Sometimes to be faithful to Jesus we have to be willing to obey a “higher law” than cultural conventions or even wrong laws – and be prepared to pay the price
Story of Fritz Manampiring – Indonesia 1997
When is it right to be wrong?
3 approaches to the witness of civil disobedience
* Only for the “religious” * Withdraw – form alternative community * Transformation “salt & light”
Words of defense - Mehdi Dibaj - Iran 1994
John Bunyan’s book, “Pilgrim’s Progress,” written while in prison for “sedition” – 3 times!
Hymn “He Who Would Valiant Be”
Where/how are we being called to be valiant?
rochcov Pastor Gary Downing, 1st Service, Sermons Comments (0) » |
12
January
2010
Key Point: We are to become committed enough to be willing enough to suffer (even die) as a witness to our faith in Jesus
Text: Acts 6:1-8
Stephen = “crown”
Columbine, CO April 19, 1999
Martyr - definition: willing to die for others, a belief/cause – not for personal gain or reward (like jihad; homicide bomber)
Martyr = “witness”
Are we ready to give testimony to our faith?
Be Bold! Be Prepared!
rochcov Pastor Gary Downing, 1st Service, Sermons Comments (0) » |
