Courageous Faith

Speaker: Steve Bookout

Courageous Faith

Things We Wouldn't Miss In 2012

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: Proverbs 23:7

INTRODUCTION:

1. Life is a grindstone.  But whether it grinds us down, or polishes us up depends upon us. (Unknown)
2. The condition of this congregation is very much the result of our attitudes and her future depends much on that of preceding generations.

DISCUSSION:  IF IT FAILED TO APPEAR IN 2012, WE WOULD NOT MISS --
I. PROCRASTINATION.

1. Here’s an attitude that doesn’t say, “we won’t!” but instead says, “Let’s wait until…”
2. When working for the Lord’s sake, Christians are to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding (1 Cor. 15:58).
3. God promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination (Augustine).

II. WORRY.

1. Stewing without doing.
2. Faith and worry cannot exist at the same time!
3. Understanding God’s will gives us hope (Heb. 6:18-19).

III. COMPLACENCY.

1. God deserves our best, and that will require desire, determination, and dedication (Mt. 6:33; Mk. 12:30).
2. This congregation has done amazing things, but this congregation can do more!
3. Christians own the future!

IV. FEAR

1. Fear is the dark room where negatives are developed.
2. God has given Christians a spirit of power (2 Ti. 1:7)

Conclusion:  

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1–2, NKJV) 

Things We Wouldn't Miss In 2012

How To Avoid Making A Shipwreck Of The Faith

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: Acts 27

INTRODUCTION:

1. Paul in his lifetime persecuted Christians, but now in our text finds himself imprisoned and bound for the cause of Jesus Christ.
2. Paul, a Roman citizen, appealed to Ceasar, at his trial, and this led him to be aboard this ship set for Rome.

DISCUSSION:  

I.    DO ALL YOU CAN FOR YOURSELF (VV 17-19).

1. God helps the helpless but especially He helps those who help themselves (cf. Gen. 4:6-7; Acts 22:16).
2. Christians have great resources, and they need to use them in times of trouble.

II.    ASK GOD FOR ASSISTANCE (V. 29).

1. Christians should pray always and often!
2. Prayers put us in touch with what only God can provide.

III.    TRUST GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS(VV 22-25, 31).

1. Paul took a stand!
2. Christians must walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7)!

IV.    REALIZE IF YOUR SHIP IS SINKING (V. 41)!

1. God is in control(Mt. 10:28-31; Rom. 8).
2. Jesus died in process of doing God’s will!
3. DISASTER or even DEATH do not mean the end for a child of God.

Conclusion: 

In Christ, even if your ship “wrecks” your present and future are secure.  Are you onboard?

How To Avoid Making a Shipwreck of the Faith

We Have An Anchor

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-6

INTRODUCTION:

1. Even the most modern and powerful ocean going ship does not set sail without first having an anchor.
2. We have an anchor that keeps the soul!
3. Our anchor is hope (Heb. 6:17-19). Our anchor is Jesus Christ.

DISCUSSION: A CHRISTIAN'S HOPE --

I. IS REAL (V. 3)

1. The Bible pictures us as having a living hope!
2. The Bible itself is living and active (Heb. 4:12)
3. We are not talking about blind desire, but instead of confident expectation.

II. GOES BEYOND THE GRAVE (V. 4)

1. We are promised an inheritance.
2. Our inheritance is incorruptible (cf. Rom. 1:23).
3. Our inheritance is undefiled.
4. Our inheritance does not fade.
5. Our inheritance is reserved in heaven.
6. Our hope rises from the grave!

III. HAS A FOUNDATION THAT REMAINS FIRM (V. 5)

1. We are kept by the power of God, through faith!
2. Our faith is based on God's word (cf. Eph. 2:8; Jas. 1:21).

IV. WILL TURN GRIEF TO JOY (V. 6)

1. Onward rejoicing I tread life's way; Higher I'm climbing each passing day; Hilltops of glory now rise in view; Where all shall be made new.
2. Trials may shake us, but Christians always have something to hold on to and somewhere to fix our eyes. 

CONCLUSION:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Pet. 1:3 NKJV)

We have an anchor