Things to Learn

Will You Quit on God

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

” THE SUFFERING CHRIST ENDURED”

Our Lord never turned back or said no.

INTRO: When we witness to others about Our Lord, we will find many reasons that they will not receive His Word as truth. When we visit those that once came to church but have quit we will find many reasons that they quit coming. Most will use others as an excuse but let’s take a look at how Jesus Christ suffered and see if our excuses are legitimate. LET’S NOT QUIT ON GOD.

1.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS REJECTED BY HIS NATION:

Joh 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

What so bad He knew all these things would happen, yet He still came.

Isa 53:2  For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
Isa 53:3  He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

2.) OUR LORD JESUS IS REJECTED BY HIS HOMETOWN:

Luk 4:16  And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

Luk 4:28  And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
Luk 4:29  And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

3.) OUR LORD JESUS IS REJECTED BY HIS FAMILY AND HIS FRIENDS:

Mar 3:21  And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.  

Joh 7:5  For neither did his brethren believe in him.

4.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS TEMPTED BY SATAN:

(more than once)Notice For a season

Luk 4:1  And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
Luk 4:2  Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
Luk 4:3  And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
Luk 4:4  And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Luk 4:5  And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
Luk 4:6  And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
Luk 4:7  If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
Luk 4:8  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Luk 4:9  And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:
Luk 4:10  For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:
Luk 4:11  And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Luk 4:12  And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Luk 4:13  And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

5.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS EVEN RIDICULED BECAUSE OF HIS HOMETOWN:

Joh 1:46  And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

6.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS RIDICULED BECAUSE OF HIS PARENTAGE:

Joh 8:41  Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

Joh 9:24  Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.

Joh 9:29  We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.

7.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS THREATENED BY HEROD THE KING:

Mat 2:16  Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. 

8.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS THREATENED BY THE JEWS BECAUSE OF:

A.) HEALING ON THE SABBATH:

Luk 6:6  And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.
Luk 6:7  And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.
Luk 6:8  But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.
Luk 6:9  Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
Luk 6:10  And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
Luk 6:11  And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

B.) BECAUSE OF HIS CLAIMS:

Joh 8:58  Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Joh 8:59  Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. 

Joh 10:30  I and my Father are one.
Joh 10:31  Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
Joh 10:32  Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
Joh 10:33  The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

C.) BECAUSE OF HIS SERMONS:

Mat 26:1  And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
Mat 26:2  Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
Mat 26:3  Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
Mat 26:4  And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.

D.) BECAUSE OF HIS MIRACLES:

Joh 11:47  Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
Joh 11:48  If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

Joh 11:53  Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

9.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS HOMELESS:

Mat 8:20  And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

10.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS BETRAYED BY A FOLLOWER:

Joh 13:21  When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
Joh 13:22  Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
Joh 13:23  Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
Joh 13:24  Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
Joh 13:25  He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
Joh 13:26  Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
Joh 13:27  And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.

Joh 18:1  When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
Joh 18:2  And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
Joh 18:3  Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
Joh 18:4  Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
Joh 18:5  They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

11.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS DENIED BY A FRIEND:

Mat 26:69  Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
Mat 26:70  But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
Mat 26:71  And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
Mat 26:72  And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
Mat 26:73  And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
Mat 26:74  Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
Mat 26:75  And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

12.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS MISUNDERSTOOD BY HIS OWN DISCIPLES:

Joh 10:6  This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. 

Mar 6:52  For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

Joh 12:16  These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

13.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS FOSAKEN BY ALL:

Mat 26:56  But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

14.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS MISQUOTED:

Mat 26:61  And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. 

Mat 27:40  And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

14.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS INDICTED ON FALSE CHARGES:

Luk 23:1  And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.
Luk 23:2  And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

15.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS MOCKED BY ROMAN SOLDIERS:

Mar 15:16  And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
Mar 15:17  And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
Mar 15:18  And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
Mar 15:19  And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
Mar 15:20  And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

16.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS MOCKED BY THE WATCHING CROWD:

Luk 23:35  And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

17.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS MOCKED BY THE CHIEF PRIESTS:

Mar 15:31  Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

18.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS MOCKED BY TWO THIEVES:

Mat 27:43  He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
Mat 27:44  The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

19.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS SLAPPED:

Joh 18:22  And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

20.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS BLINDFOLDED:

Luk 22:64  And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

21.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS SPAT UPON:

Mat 26:67  Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, 

22.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS BEATEN:

Mat 26:67  Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,

23.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS FLOGGED:

Mat 27:26  Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. 

24.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS PIERCED WITH THORNS:

Mat 27:29  And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

25.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS STRUCK ON THE HEAD:

Mat 27:30  And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

26.) OUR LORD JESUS WAS {CRUCIFIED}.

Mat 27:33  And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
Mat 27:34  They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
Mat 27:35  And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 

BUT THERE IS SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS THOUGH:

OUR LORD JESUS CHRISTS IS NOT DEAD BUT HE IS RISEN!

Mat 28:1  In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
Mat 28:2  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
Mat 28:3  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
Mat 28:4  And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
Mat 28:5  And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
Mat 28:6  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Mat 28:7  And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
Mat 28:8  And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
Mat 28:9  And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
Mat 28:10  Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Rev 1:18  I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.  

OUR LORD JESUS NEVER QUIT ON US!

HOW COULD WE EVER USE THOSE FLIMSY EXCUSES AND QUIT ON HIM?

Amen!

God Has A Plan

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

THE SECOND MOST IMPORTANT THING TO KNOW

INTRO:

What is the second most important thing for me and all Christians to know? First the most important thing is to “KNOW THAT YOU ARE SAVED AND YOUR SALVATION IS SECURE AND ETERNAL”. The SECOND most Important thing to know is, WHAT IS GOD’S WILL FOR ME? You will never find GOD’S WILL UNTIL YOUR SALVATION IS SETTLED IN YOUR HEART! God has a plan for each of us. God created us FOR A PURPOSE!

Act 22:14  And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

Chosen of God. Not like the Calvinist say, but in a plan that God has for me.

JESUS, “God in the Flesh”, is our example and Jesus said:

Heb 10:9  Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

The Apostle Peter wrote to us these words from God:

1Pe 2:15  For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
1Pe 2:16  As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

TO PUT TO SILENCE FOOLISH MEN. In other words God knows every Christian will have the eyes of foolish men on them AND GOD WANTS TO SILENCE THEM. Notice the words “as free”. This must be a PERSONAL CHOICE THAT WE MAKE. (Again not like the Calvinist say).

Even in the Old Testament we find that this is true. In the beginning and in the life of Jeremiah the prophet.(Notice the words “before I formed thee in the belly”.

Jer 1:4  Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Jer 1:5  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

THIS HOLDS TRUE IN EVERY BORN AGAIN, WASHED IN THE BLOOD CHRISTIAN OF TODAY.

1.) GOD HAS A PLAN FOR US:

Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath [before ordained] that we should walk in them.

Notice the words “before ordained”. Just like Jeremiah, BEFORE WE WERE EVEN BORN.

2.) GOD WANTS US IN HIS PLAN:

Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

That we should walk in His “GOOD WORKS” JUST FOR US.

Eph 4:1  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Eph 4:2  With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Eph 4:3  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

2Ti 1:9  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Php 3:14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Php 3:15  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

WE CAN SEE THAT GOD WILL NOT GO WITHOUT LETTING US KNOW HIS WILL. GOD WANTS US TO KNOW HIS PLAN FOR US.

I.) HOW DO I FIND THE WILL OF GOD?

1.) I Must Search the Scriptures.

2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2Ti 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Tit 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Tit 2:15  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

2.) I must have inner conviction:

I must listen to The Holy Spirit THAT ABIDES IN ME:

Joh 16:13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Joh 16:14  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Joh 16:15  All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

3.) I must watch for divinely led circumstances:

2Co 9:8  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
2Co 9:9  (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
2Co 9:10  Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
2Co 9:11  Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

Heb 13:20  Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Heb 13:21  Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

4.) I may have to put out a fleece:

Gideon put out a fleece to know the will of God in his life.

Jdg 6:36  And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,
Jdg 6:37  Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.
Jdg 6:38  And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
Jdg 6:39  And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.
Jdg 6:40  And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.

5.) I MUST SURRENDER TO THE WILL OF GOD WHEN HIS WILL IS MADE KNOWN TO ME:

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

I must stay neutral with my own beliefs and FOLLOW GOD:

Psa 143:10  Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Col 1:9  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Col 1:10  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

6.) I MUST PRAY FOR THE “KNOWLEDGE” OF GOD’S WILL FOR ME:

Deu 4:29  But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Psa 34:15  The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

Hos 10:12  Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Act 17:27  That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Act 17:28  For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

7.) I MUST “WAIT” ON THE LORD:

Isa 40:31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

2Ti 2:24  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2Ti 2:25  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Jas 5:7  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Jas 5:8  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

8.) I must compare His will with scripture:

God would never tell you to do something that goes against his written word.

2Co 10:12  For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
2Co 10:13  But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

1Jn 2:3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jn 2:4  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1Jn 2:5  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

II.) WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES:(“Things that need be settled first”)

1.) I MUST BE TOTALLY SURE OF MY SALVATION:

Heb 7:25  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

I Must Know, THAT I KNOW, “THAT I KNOW”.

2Ti 1:9  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

1Ti 2:4  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

2.) I MUST BE SANCTIFIED: (set apart” Getting more Like Jesus every day)

1Th 4:3  For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1Th 4:4  That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
1Th 4:5  Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
1Th 4:6  That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
1Th 4:7  For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
1Th 4:8  He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
1Th 4:9  But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

3.) I MUST HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE: (an attitude of gratitude)

1Th 5:15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
1Th 5:16  Rejoice evermore.
1Th 5:17  Pray without ceasing.
1Th 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1Th 5:19  Quench not the Spirit.
1Th 5:20  Despise not prophesyings.
1Th 5:21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1Th 5:22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.

“don’t even have the appearance of doing evil”

CONCLUSION:

I MUST DO WHAT GOD WANTS ME TO DO RIGHT NOW.

Luk 19:26  For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

Act 5:29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

God will show us His plan for us!

THAT’S WHY HE MADE US!

Amen.

Effective Praying

/ Bobby Mayfield / 1 Comment

“EFFECTIVE PRAYER”

TEXT: Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

God gives us a checklist in the Holy Bible to instruct us how to reach Him with our needs. Everything we do and every function of the Church of the Living God must be “bathed” in “prayer” to succeed.

We must “pray” for our Pastor but also for every mission, for every member and every need of the Church.

If our “prayers” our not FERVENT, then they will never reach into Heaven.

(Satan trembles when he sees even the weakest Christian get down on their knees.)

WE MUST PRAY FROM THE HEART not some Mickey Mouse “prayer”. NOT SOME “PRAYER” WRITTEN DOWN FOR US BUT A SINCERE “FERVENT” PRAYER FROM THE HEART.

I) WE MUST HAVE A BURDEN OF PRAYER!

Jas 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

If we do not even bother to ask Our Lord God, then how can we get bent all out of shape when things do not seem to be right.

Isa 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, [to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones].

Literally, worn or bruised. broken-hearted; deeply affected with grief and sorrow; humble.

Jas 4:10 says [Humble yourselves] in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

1Pe 5:6 says [Humble yourselves] therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

We must have a burden for the sick, for every ministry of the Church and every Church leader, especially our Pastor.

2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

We know that God does not lie, and God never changes.

When God hears our prayers He will answer!

This is not some public prayer, but this is that GET ALONE WITH GOD CLOSET PRAYER!

Mat 6:6 says, But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Even this prayer can be done at the altar or in a crowd BUT WE MUST GET ALONE WITH GOD!

Ii) OUR PRAYER NEEDS TO BE A RIGHTEOUS PRAYER!

The Life I lead must such that I lead a “righteous” life.

Psa 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

If I have unconfessed sin in my life, then this verse says God WILL NOT HEAR MY PRAYER.

This may cause Liberals to cut flips, but the word of God is true. We must lead clean Godly lives in order for our prayers to be heard.

Pro 15:29 says The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

Pro 28:9 says He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

Joh 9:31 says; [Now we know that God heareth not sinners]: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

We must pray for others:

From Samuel we learn that IT IS A SIN TO NOT PRAY FOR OTHERS.

1Sa 12:2 Moreover as for me, [God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you]: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

This is “intercessory prayer”. We have an INTERCESSOR in Heaven. If we do not pray for others, HOW CAN WE EXPECT HIM TO INTERCEDE ON OUR BEHALF.

Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, [seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them].

If we cannot obey the Word of God, then HOW CAN WE EXPECT GOD TO ANSWER OUR PRAYER!

Jas 4:3 says Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

III.) OUR PRAYERS MUST BE IN THE NAME OF JESUS!

If you want your prayer to be heard, then it MUST BE IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST.

Again the Liberals and the media, and all false religions have a fit over this but if a prayer is not in the name of Jesus Christ then you are just breathing out noise pollution. A prayer not in the name of Jesus will not get any higher than your knees.

Joh 14:13 And [whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do], that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

It does not get any plainer than that. If God is not glorified, HE WILL NOT ANSWER PRAYER.

If you are ashamed of Christ Our Lord, then:

Luk 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.

Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

If you have the Holy Ghost inside you should have no SHAME of Jesus Christ.

1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

1Ti 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom [for all], to be testified in due time.

REMEMBER PRAYER IS THE OIL THAT MAKES GOD’S MACHINERY WORK!

THE ANSWER TO PRAYER MUST GLORIFY GOD!

Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, [that the Father may be glorified in the Son].

WHEN WE CANNOT GIVE GOD THE GLORY FOR THE THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN OUR LIVES, WE CANNOT EXPECT HIM TO ANSWER OUR PRAYER.

When that “loved one” is has come home from the hospital, or not injured in that car wreck, or gotten bad news from one doctor and then good news from the next one. When that bad test results all of a sudden just by a miracle disappears. When that soldier comes home from the war uninjured and WE DO NOT GIVE GOD THE GLORY FOR ANSWERING OUR PRAYERS THEN, “WHY SHOULD HE ANSWER THE NEXT PRAYER”.

IV) WE NEED TO GLORIFY GOD FOR WHAT HE HAS ALREADY DONE!

Psa 3:5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; [for the LORD sustained me].

IT IS GOD THAT KEEPS US ALIVE.

Jacob(Israel) said in

Gen 35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, [who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went].

He gave God the Glory.

Psa 50:23 [Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me]: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

When we offer up our praise then we glorify God.

Psa 107:22 [And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing].

When we cannot just thank God through Our Lord Jesus then how can we rejoice.

Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer [the sacrifice of praise to God] continually, that is, [the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name].

A GOOD WAY TO BEGIN OUR PRAYERS:

” I thank you NOW Lord God for what you are going to do. ”

V.) WE MUST PRAY A COMMITTED PRAYER!

[(THIS IS NOT A COMMITTAL PRAYER)

Such as a prayer committing a body to a grave, nor a committal of a trust to another person.

IF I AM NOT COMMITTED ENOUGH TO MY REQUEST OF GOD, THEN HE WILL NOT ANSWER MY PRAYER.

Mat 26:39 says: And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Mat 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, [What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Jesus asked His disciples if they could not pray for at least an hour. Jesus was committed to saving our souls. Can we not commit our own selves to prayer for at least an hour to meet that special need?

Why and How can we let this flesh we live in to overcome our prayer life so easily. We can watch sports, we can watch TV, we can do many things for long periods of time but when it comes to prayer it’s:

” Hi God, I need this, goodbye God, in Jesus name; Amen.

OUR FLESH WILL DESTROY OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE IF WE ALLOW IT TO.

IT HAS BEEN PROVEN THAT A “PRAYER VIGIL” WILL MOVE THE HAND OF GOD.

VI.) OUR PRAYER MUST BE A CONTINUAL PRAYER!

(ASK, SEEK, KNOCK)

Luk 11:5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

Luk 11:6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

Luk 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

Luk 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

Luk 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Luk 11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

A real knock is A KNOCKING, KNOCKING, KNOCKING, KNOCKING, KNOCKING, KNOCKING!

Knocketh means continuous knocking.

KNOCK’ING=Beating; striking

In other words:

1Th 5:17 [Pray without ceasing].

Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; [continuing instant in prayer];

Col 4:2 [Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving];

Christ Our Lord is again our example:

Mar 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

VII.) OUR PRAYER MUST BE A SUBMISSIVE PRAYER!

I CANNOT MAKE DEMANDS OF GOD!

I cannot strut up before God and place my finger in His face and demand anything. We live in a “NAME IT, CLAIM IT, GRAB IT AND HAVE IT WORLD”.

God does not live as we do. God is sovereign over his entire creation and GOD DOES NOT OWE US ANYTHING!

If our prayer is not respectful and submissive, we cannot expect God to answer our prayer.

In this world if a man owns 100 acres we would say, he had some money. If it were 1000 acres we would say, he was rich. If it were 100,000 acres we would say, he was super rich, and we would offer respect.

WELL:

Psa 50:10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

1Ch 29:13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

1Ch 29:14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? [for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee].

1Ch 29:15  For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.

1Ch 29:16 O LORD our God, [all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name (cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own)].

Rom 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

WE MUST SUBMIT OURSELVES TO THIS WONDERFUL, POWERFUL GOD WHO LOVES US SO MUCH THAT HE WILL EVEN LISTEN TO OUR REQUEST AND ANSWER EVERY ONE THAT REACHES TO HIS EARS. HIS PROMISE!

Mat 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, [believing], ye shall receive.

Joh 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: [ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full].

WHEN WE PRAY IF WE WILL TAKE THIS CHECKLIST AND DO EVERYTHING ON THIS LIST, THEN WE HAVE GOD’S PROMISE HE WILL ANSWER OUR PRAYER.

1Jn 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him], because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that [he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him].