28
July
2009
Key Point: We must be prepared to defend and contend for God’s truth against wrong behavior (apostasy)
Passing on a vision
“Warning Words”
v. 3 “Contend for the faith”
Apostasy = wrong behavior (based on heresy = wrong beliefs)
immoral actions justified by extravagant claims of greedy gain
“cheap grace” covers sinful lifestyles
“Whatever Became Of Sin?”
v.23 show God’s love, compassion and rescue sinners
“be tender on sinners, but not soft on sin” (Msg)
“Good words” = blessing for a mission!
Link to Youtube video for “The Impossible Dream”
rochcov 
Pastor Gary Downing, 1st Service, Sermons 
Comments (0) » |
21
July
2009
Key Point: We can live with the assurance of Divine protection because no one is exempt from God’s justice – or mercy – no matter how proud, strong or cruel
Obadiah = “God’s servant”
Fulfillment of prophecy re: Esau Jacob’s twin bro (Gen 25:21)
Edom = “red land” with people descended from Esau
Proud of their power, known for wise men and military control
v. 3 “The pride of your heart has deceived you…”
Where/how are we “standing by” playing safe, making profit?
Exist never more cf. v. 16b “…and will be as if they had never been.” (Muslims \= offspring of Esau - despite contrary claims)
No such thing as “national security” = invulnerability
> Promise of judgment
v. 15 “The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; you deeds will return upon your own head.”
Call: Depend on God; recognize reality of judgment of evil
Outcome – live in humility, give mercy to needy and justice to downtrodden
> Promise of hope
v. 17 “But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and the house of Jacob will possess its inheritance.”
Friendship Evangelism = key to stopping growth of radical Islam; exchanging love for violence
rochcov Pastor Gary Downing, 1st Service, Sermons Comments (0) » |
13
July
2009
1:3 I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence. 1:4 Through these things he has bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, so that by means of what was promised you may become partakers of the divine nature, after escaping the worldly corruption that is produced by evil desire. 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith excellence, to excellence, knowledge; 1:6 to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; 1:7 to godliness, brotherly affection; to brotherly affection, unselfish love. 1:8 For if these things are really yours and are continually increasing, they will keep you from becoming ineffective and unproductive in your pursuit of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ more intimately.
2 Peter 1:3-8 NET
Key Point: To grow in godliness requires that we trust Jesus’ promises, instead of following those who teach wrong beliefs Signs of transformation
What is a “heresy”?
What are main heresies confronting church today?
1. __________ __________
If we don’t accept Biblical authority we can’t expect His promises to be trustworthy
2. __________ /__________ of Jesus
If we don’t accept the divinity/humanity of Jesus, we can’t expect His provision of salvation to be trustworthy Outcome of wrong beliefs
Where/how are we heretics? Benefits of right beliefs
Action: v. 5 –8 Add characteristics
How? v 4 = God’s “very great and precious promises” gives us everything we need by knowing Jesus (= love commitment)
Where/ how are we growing in godliness?
rochcov Pastor Gary Downing, 1st Service, Sermons, 2 Peter Comments (0) » |
6
July
2009
“Don’t imagine that because you are part of the king’s household you will be the one Jew who will escape. If you keep quiet at this time, liberation and protection for the Jews will appear from another source, while you and your father’s household perish. It may very well be that you have achieved royal status for such a time as this!”
Key Text: Esther 4:14 NET
Key Point: We must have the courage to stand true to Christ in order to influence human institutions positively
Story set in 483 – 479 BC in Persia - reign of Xerxes the Great
Warning: “Don’t touch the apple of God’s eye”! Zechariah 2:8
Do we believe and obey even when God isn’t evident?
Text: God will guide us
Theme: Sovereignty: “God’s in charge but He’s not in control”
Free will gives freedom and responsibility for partnership
Courage = heart and action in line with God’s plans
Esther 4:14 “…for such a time as this…”
What time is it?
Fast & pray like Mordecai = Take a break
Christians are called to act in government - HOW?
Extremes: civil religion (defined by political parties & power)
Anarchist religion (defined by philosophies of cynical, critical disengagement)
Prayer is primary, revolutionary “weapon”
Our mission: Infiltrate, Influence, Inspire
= seek Holy Spirit inspired transformation
Bless the poor = helping hurting people
Sharing the Gospel = finding lost people
Interdependence Day!
rochcov Pastor Gary Downing, 1st Service, Sermons Comments (0) » |
Standard Podcasts [ 27:45m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (16)
Email it
