Sunday, February 8, 2015

Preaching copy of my message today at NRN - COURAGE

Here is a copy of my preaching notes from the message I presented today at NRN:


 
Opening: God tells us not to fear.  Over 365 times in the Scriptures we are told to fear not – do not be afraid. Most every day I talk to someone who is afraid or anxious (which is generalized fear). Maybe you fear what people think of you… Not having enough money… Public speaking, flying, being far from home, or spiders… Failure or rejection… Losing a loved one… Disease or pain… Death…  We all long for more of God’s peace in the midst of the stresses of our lives! In fact, there are some fears that are instinctive – to protect us: Imminent danger, Personal security or pain is threatened, perceived loss of safety.   Our emotional brains react immediately to defend against a possible threat, then later we can comprehend the situation more fully and decide on the best action to take. We must be careful that we are not anxious or worried about life. 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.                    2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

When we sense fear, worry or anxiety in life – we must realize that these things are NOT from God – we are to face life knowing God is in control and we are to have courage. God wants you to live courageously for Him!

“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts,  and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be courageous and act.”                                              1 Chronicles 28:9-10

 

 

1.  FEAR  will keep you from being obedient to God.

David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.                                       1 Chronicles 28:20


2.  COURAGE  will grow as you trust in God.

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.                                  1 Chronicles 28:20

                      Courage:  Strong, mighty, to prevail

        God is WITH  me.

“Be strong and have strength of heart. Do not be afraid or troubled because of the king of Assyria and all those who are with him. For the One with us is greater than the one with him.                                            2 Chronicles 32:7 (NLV)

I have told you these things so you may have peace in Me. In the world    you will have much trouble. But take courage! I have power over the world!”                                             John 16:33

Lance Whit – Replenish    Chapter: Does your soul have a backbone?

As Martin Luther King Jr. began to receive threatening phone calls and letters, fear began to paralyze him. He had a defining moment one night with just him and God.

It seemed as though I heard an inner voice, saying “Stand up for righteousness, stand up for truth. God will be at your side forever.” Almost at once my fears began to pass from me. . . . The outer situation remained the same, but God had given me inner calm. Three nights later, our home was bombed. Strangely enough, I accepted the word of the bombing calmly. My experience with God had given me new strength and trust. I know now that God is able to give us the interior resources to face the storms of life.

Let his words soak in. “My experience with God had given me new strength and trust.” Abiding in the Vine not only produces fruit, it makes us strong and courageous. I am also intrigued by King’s statement that “God is able to give us interior resources to face the storm.” It wasn’t primarily the cause and the community that sparked courage; it was his communion with the Father.

Be strong! Be courageous! Do not be afraid of them! For the Lord your God will be with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.”                                                Deuteronomy 31:6(LB)

        God is FAITHFUL.

Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord—  for we walk by faith, not by sight— we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.                                           2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (NASB)

Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.                               Deuteronomy 7:9 (LB)

Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.                                                                Joshua 1:7 (NASB)
 
 
Plan NOW to join us next Sunday for the concluding message in this teaching series.

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