Fear

Speaker: Gary Hunter

Fear

How To Have A Spirit Of Power Amidst A Perverse, Distracting, And Intimidating World

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 

INTRODUCTION:

1. In order to feel more positive about one’s life, one must first, be right with God, and second, be useful  for his neighbor’s sake (Mt. 22:39). 
2. There is great power in knowing that one’s labor  is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).
3. Making a difference  for others, makes a difference  for you!

DISCUSSION:  WE HAVE GREAT POWER WHEN WE --
I. INCREASE IN OUR LOVE OF OUR BRETHREN (vv. 9-10).

1. “Brotherly love” is a spiritual barometer of sorts.
2. “Love never fails” (1 Cor. 13:8).

II. ASPIRE TO LIVE A QUIET LIFE (v. 11).

1. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life” (NIV).
2. Some need to hurry up and be quiet!
3. This is to be done in the context of persecution!

III. ARE READY TO WORK (v. 12).

1. From the beginning (cf. Gen. 3:17-19), work has been an important part of the solution for the curse of sin and death.
2. “And let our people also learn  to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:14).

IV. CONDUCT OURSELVES PROPERLY WITH THOSE OUTSIDE (v. 12).

1. If we have not love, unity, and empathy we have little chance of converting others.
2. Actions speaks louder than words (cf. James 1:22-25).

Conclusion:  Without Christ, it is impossible to approach life with a sense of power.  With Him, all things are possible.  

How To Have A Spirit Of Power

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

9/11 and Psalm 64 - Fear Of The Enemy

Speaker: Toby Soechting

Scripture: Psalms 64:1-10

Introduction:

1.        In this Psalm, we once again find David preoccupied with his enemies.

2.        It is quite possible that David wrote Psalm 63 during the time of Saul’s persecution of him, and Psalm 64 during the time of Absalom’s rebellion (cf. 2 Sam. 15-19).

3.        I was preparing to study this Psalm with my Tuesday class, when the events of September 11, 2001 began unfolding before my eyes.

DISCUSSION:  AS CHILDREN OF GOD JOURNEY AMONGST THE ATTACKS AND DISTRACTIONS OF THE UNGODLY, PSALM 64 REMINDS US –

I.     WE DESIRE PRESERVATION (VV. 1,2).

• Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
  Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the rebellion of the workers of iniquity.

II.    EVIL IS PROMINENT (VV. 3-6).

•  They encourage themselves in an evil manner; They talk of laying snares secretly; They say, "Who will see them?" (v. 5) 

III.   GOD’S PROVIDENCE IS PROMISED (VV. 7-9).

• But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; Suddenly they shall be wounded (v.7)

Conclusion:  The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in Him.  And all the upright in heart shall glory (v. 10).

9/11 and Psalm 64 - Fear of the Enemy