"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Joshua 24:15
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"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Joshua 24:15
2002 - 3rd Quarter
Becoming
Vision People For God
Pastor Arthur
P. Ornias
July 7, 2002
Main Text: Acts 26:1 – 32
A vision for God, having a purpose in our lives to serve God and to do more beyond our capacity. Do we have the vision for our own special ministry?
Background: Paul was conveying to King Agrippa the message of Jesus Christ for the Jews and Gentiles.
In Having our own Vision:
II. You must receive a definite mission (v. 16 – 19)
B. The Promise (v. 17) – if we may feel discouragement, remember God’s promise, "I will deliver thee."
C. The Preaching (v. 20 – 21)
Miracle
in Faith
Pastor Jihan
Ry Senina - Student Worker
July 7, 2002 Vesper Service – WOMISSO Sponsored
Main Text: Matthew 22 – 33
Value or the Importance of Prayer. Prayer with Faith.
Background: The disciples saw Jesus walking on water. Peter asked to be drawn near to Jesus.
These 4 things are the reality of our lives. The successful follow through the 4 steps. Those who fail settle only for step 1 and 2. When waves come we may find ourselves sinking because we shifted our focus to something else such as things or other people. Peter knew exactly whom to call – the Almighty, the One who gave the promise not to leave us nor forsake us.
Psalm 46:1
Recognize who God is on our lives. Know Him more. Have faith in the God that
you know.
Touch
Of Faith
Pastor Arthur
P. Ornias
July 14 2002
Main Text: Luke 8:43 – 48
It was not the touch of the
hand but the touch (faith) of the heart which the Lord saw.
When Jesus "passes by", it is always a great privilege for great
blessings and healing.
II. A Woman’s Determination – she made every effort to see Jesus Christ. (v. 44)
III. A Woman’s Deliverance – (v. 45 – 46)
IV. A Woman’s Declaration – declaring to all the people what the Lord has done unto her.
Conclusion: Is the Lord touching us right now? Then, pray that we may also touch others by declaring what the Lord has done for your life.
"Anong
Ibig Mo Na Sa Iyo’y Gawin Ko?"
Pastor Arthur
P. Ornias
July 21, 2002
Lukas 18:31 – 43
Ano ang gusto nating gawin ng Panginoon para sa atin? Sa pagdaraan ni Hesus sa Jericho, muli Niyang ipinamalas ang kanyang kapangyarihan sa lugar na iyon gaya noong unang kanyang pabagsakin ang mga pader nito..
B. Ang Pakahulugan ng Pagkabulag – Siya ay pabigat sa ibang tao.
C. Ang Pagtatanong ng Taong ito – (v. 36 – 37)
II. Ang Kahilingan ng Taong ito – v. 38 – 39)
III. Ang Kaligtasan ng Taong Ito. (v. 40 – 43)
Victory
In Christian Life
Pastor Jihan
Ry Senina
July 21, 2002 Vesper Service
Main Text: Romans 8:31 – 37
II. What Victory Requires –
III. What Victory Includes – 1 Corinthians 9:24 – 27
Anxiety-Free
Living
Pastor Arthur
P. Ornias
July 28, 2002
Main Text: 1 John 5:13 – 15
God knows each one of us personally and individually. He knows each of our worries, difficulties, and details in our lives.
II. "Your Anxieties" are in this verse (v. 7b)
B. All your Load is in this verse
C. Anxieties are roadblocks to blessings. – God cannot operate openly in a person’s life who worries a lot. Worrying is sin. Jesus, Himself, expounded on anxiety – it is like a wall separating us from God.
III. Jesus is in this verse.
(v7c)
We cast all our cares upon HIM, our Savior, for He cares for us.
Conclusion: He waits to take all your cares!
Sermon Notes: August 4, 2002
"Paghubog
ng Matatag Na Pamilya"
Speaker: Pastor
Arthur P. Ornias
Pangunahing Texto: Salmo 127:1-5; I Taga-Korinto 13:4-7
Pambungad:
Unti-unting nawawalan ng kabuluhan ang konsepto ng pamilya. Si Satanas ay
gumagawa upang sirain ang pamilya na maaari ring magbunga sa isang baluktot
na uri ng pamahalaan.
I. Kinakailangan ang Panginoon
na Siyang gagawa at magtatayo ng tahanan.
Huwag nating itayo ang ating tahanan sa ano pa mang pundasyon maliban sa ating
Panginoon lamang.
Kaya ng Panginoon na baguhin ang ating mga pagkakamali o sirkumstansya ayon
sa kanyang layunin at kalooban.
Kung hahayaan natin ang Panginoon na magtayo ng ating tahanan, ito ay:
II. Kinakailangan ang Pag-ibig.
Lalo na't kung patungkol sa ating mga anak, sila ay mga biyaya o regalo mula
sa Panginoon. Ang pag-ibig na tinutukoy dito ay:
III. Kinakailangan ang tunay
na Pagtatapat.
Katapatan sa ating asawa at mga anak. Katapatan kahit sa gitna ng ating mga
kahinaan. Tayo ay dapat na:
Pangwakas:
Pasalamatan natin ang Panginoon sa pamilyang Kanyang ibinigay sa atin. Ilapit
natin sila sa Panginoon.
Sermon Notes: August 11, 2002
"RETURN
TO THY HOUSE"
By:
Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor
Main Text: Joshua 24:10 - 17; Luke 8:39
Introduction:
Why Jesus sent the delivered man home? What is inside the home that Jesus
wants us to see?
I. Home is the first frontier of the Christian faith.
A. Our families should
be the first to know our faith.
Do our children know and see that we are Christians?
Look up to the family of Noah, intact and and working for the Lord.
Joshua proclaimed to all Israel that "as for me and my house, we will
serve the Lord".
Cornelius gathered his family to hear Peter.
B. How strong is our testimony at home?
II. Home is the place to glory in the good things of God.
A. Do you major on your
blessings at home?
Blessings,
little or much, be thankful to the Lord for everything we had. All these we
have, be thankful because there is a God who gives all these.
Let us
not major on things that we don't have.
B. Do you appear holy
at church and hateful at home?
Are we
saintly at church and sour at home? Are we gracious at church and grouchy
at home? Are we known for faith or fault-finding at home? Do our family members
see us as genuine Christians?
Home is
where we manifest what good things the Lord has done to you?
C. Is your home a place
of praise or of pouting?
Is our
home a place wherein we encourage our family members? It is not too late to
resolve in our hearts to show our love and do our responsibility to them.
To "return
to thy house" is to bring back our attention to our family.
III. Home is the outpost
for outreach with the Gospel of Christ.
Christian
homes should be the lighthouse of God for others.
A. He started at home
and spread the Word (throughout the city).
The delivered
man became the mouthpiece of God.
B. He shared his testimony
throughout the city.
Sad realities in our neighborhood imply the need for it to be evangelized.
We can reach the world one community at a time.
Conclusion:
Make our homes mission stations.
Challenge:
Are we aware or even sensitive that it is the Lord who can and is working
in our lives?
Sermon Notes: August 18, 2002
"TIPS
SA PAG-IWAS SA DI-PAGKAKAUNAWAAN SA TAHANAN"
By:
Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor
Texto: Efeso 5:25; 6:1 - 4
Pambungad:
Patuunan natin ng pansin ang kung anong magagawa ng Panginoon sa ating tahanan
sa halip ng ating mga pagkukulang.
I. Ang epekto ng hidwaan sa tahanan.
A. Ang hidwaan ay lason
sa malusog na tahanan.
Ang mga binigay na talata sa Efeso ay iniuukol sa pagsasamahan ng ama, ina
at mga anak na siyang bumubuo ng isang pamilya.
Ang isang malusog na tahana ay hindi nangangahulugan na ito ay perpekto o
walang problema
Tip # 1: Huwag hayaan malason ang tahanan lalo na't sa mga maliliit na dahilan.
B. Ang hidwaan ay salot
sa mga anak.
(6:1 - 4) Ang mga anak ang karaniwang nagiging biktima ng hidwaan sa tahanan.
Ang mga hidwaan ang nagtutulak sa kanila sa pagiging delinkwente.
May magagawa pa ang Diyos sa ating pamilya, ano man ang kalagayan nito ngayon.
Tip # 2: Huwag idamay ang mga bata sa hidwaan.
B. Ang hidwaan ay nagpapalayo
sa atin sa Diyos.
Ang mga lason na pinapahiwatig natin sa ating mga anak ay nakapagpapalayo
sa kanila sa Diyos.
Tip # 3: Huwag kalimutan na may Diyos na nakakakita sa atin (at sa ating mga ginagawa).
II. Ang solusyon sa hidwaan.
A. Iwasan ang mga "cold wars" sa tahanan.
Tip # 4: Iwasan ang magbabuyo.
B. May pagtatagumpay sa pananalangin, lalo na sa panahon ng galit. Sa pamamagitan ng panalangin ay malayo tayo sa paglaki ng ating problema.
Tip # 5: Manalangin.
K. Tip # 6: Punahin ang pagkakamali, huwag ang persona.
D. Pagtuunan ang kasalukuyan at kumilos patungo sa hinaharap. Ang paulit-ulit na pag-ungkat ng nakaraan ay "immature", hindi lohikal at walang kabuluhan sa paglutas ng problema. Iwanan natin ang mga ito sa Panginoon.
Tip # 7: Huwag uungkatin ang mga nakaraan na hidwaan.
E. Tanggapin natin, kasama ng kanilang mga kahinaan, ang bawat isa.
Tip # 8: Tanggapin ang isa't isa.
Pangwakas:
Nais ng Panginoon na itayo ang kanyang kaharian sa ating mga puso at sa ating
mga tahanan.
Sermon Notes: August 25, 2002
"CLUES
FOR AVOIDING ANGER AND AGGRESSION"
By:
Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor
Main Text: Ephesians 4:18; 5:1 - 2
Introduction:
Sometimes our homes become a battlefield rather than a place of love. We are
referring to frequent occurences of anger and aggression inside the home.
I. Soften your heart
(4:18).
Hardened hearts cause us to be alienated from God. Let us not define our relationship
at home by mere feelings. Emotions should be guided as these can be spontaneous
and deceptive.
We must always be ready to understand our family members even in their recurring
mistakes.
II. Keep short accounts.
(4:26 - 27)
Jesus, Himself, gave us an example of a righteous indignation, anger without
sinning. Be reminded always of the good things rather than the wrong ones
done by your family members. Write these good accounts into your heart.
III. Guard yourt tongue.
(4:29)
The tongue is able to destroy lives with just one word. Corrupt communication
will not help relationships at home and will destroy our children.
IV. Check your behavior.
(4:31)
Our actions speak louder than what we actually say.
Our behavior is our solid proof of our changed lives. It is seen by our children
which could make them draw near to or away from God.
Our behavior may be showing that we are living defeated lives. The success
of the church is in the success of each member's home.
V. Learn to love more.
(5:1 - 2)
We should love not just for the sake of loving, but rather, to love even beyond
physical, emotional exhaustion.
Such is the life-long ministry of parents
Conclusion:
Are we getting tired of the weaknesses, short-comings of our family members.
Love them even more. Jesus did not grow tired of us despite our sinfulness.
He loves us more.
Sermon Notes: September 1, 2002
"LIVING
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT"
By:
Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor
Main Text: Galatians
5:22 - 23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Introduction:
A Christian should have the "Fruit of the Spirit" as he is changed
by the Word of God. Only the Word of God can change a crooked and wretched
life.
It is possible to become a Christian but having no fruit of the Spirit. Our
flesh should always be in subjection to the power of God and the "Fruit
of the Spirit" should be cherished within us for a "spirit-filled"
life.
The first in the "fruit of the Spirit" is love, in which, there
are 3 areas:
I. LOVE FOR GOD. Your Relationship with God.
A. We need to understand
God. Know God more to establish a love relationship with Him.
Do we really know God as to how He works or operates in our lives, as to when
He is blessed or grieved by us, or as to when we should give thanks and praises
to Him? Do we understand how the Holy Spirit is working in our lives.
To know Him is to read His Word.
B. We need to understand
the command.
Matthew 22:37 states the degree of love which God has commanded us to give
Him - with our all.
Love refered here is [Gk = agapao] a sacrificial kind of love; a divine, moral
love; that which goes an extra mile.
Sometimes we refuse to hear what God wants in our lives. We must seek to obey
Him for it is for our own benefit.
Example: Abraham who was asked by God to move out from Ur to an unknown Promised
Land. Abraham was faithful and obedient and God was never inadequate for him.
II. LOVE FOR BRETHREN.
A relationship with the family of God.
This is keeping good relationships within the Church of God.
A. Understanding this
mutual relationship. A give and take relationship.
We are to maintain a spiritual bonding with one another (with fellow believers).
B. Understanding one
another. A command to love one another.
We are to even to rebuke one another in a very loving manner. As it is basic
in family living, cooperation and understanding is also important among believers.
How warm is our relationship with God and the family of God. Our love for other families is one of the solution to the mediocrity of church life. Our ministry should be a constant ministry that deals with people, not to please them but to please God.
III. LOVE FOR SOULS.
A relationship with the lost.
This is very much part of the agapao love.
A. Love for souls is Christ's mission.
B. Love for souls is our mandate.
Sermon Notes: September 8, 2002
"THE
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT... JOY!"
By:
Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor
Main Text: Galatians
5:22 - 23; Psalm 51:12
"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold
me with thy free spirit."
Background/Introduction:
Joy referred here is "inner joy" [Gk = "chara"], it is
the condition of the soul that expresses a positive attitude amidst negative
circumstances. It is a constant delight in God. Happiness is only based on
temporal things, but joy is based on eternal things as we faithfully cling
to the One that promised.
We look into the life
of David, when he committed a tremendous sin and how he prayed to the Lord
in repentance.
Pslams 51:12 echoes that prayer, a restoration of the joy in one's heart marred
by sin.
I. His sin isolated him
from God's joy. (in terms of salvation)
David's committed sin with Bathsheba and against Uriah. David prayed a repentant
prayer when he realized he was living in sin. Sin was robbing him of the joy
brought by God.
II. His sin immobilized
him to work for God. (in terms of fruit-bearing)
We are commanded to bear fruit but we are not able to do so if we are immobilized
by sin. It may be during our strongest points that sin would come. But it
is up to us to decide to entertain these or not.
David accepted/admitted his sin and went back to God. He still became the man after God's heart.
Pray to the Lord for another chance, be restored of the joy of your salvation, and be given the privilege to serve Him.
III. His sin cannot inherit
great things from God - His future blessings. (in terms of fruitful life)
God desires for us to live an abundant, fruitful life. Let's claim it!
We are to live in love and joy by living, walking according to His will.
We may not eradicate sin but we should suffer/persevere against sin - sin
that hurts the heart of God. We should not intentionally commit sin. It is
the goal of the Enemy to withhold God's blessings from us when we commit sin.
Challenge:
Let not sin hinder your joy. Not all are able to serve the Lord (because of
sin). Serving God is a privilege.
Conclusion:
Restore, oh Lord! Restore my opportunity to work for you. Restore the privilege
of a fruitful life.
We are Saved to Serve!
Sermon Notes: September 8, 2002 (Afternoon Service)
"HUMILIATION
- THE PRICE OF LOVE"
By:
Pastor Jihan Ry Senina
Bible Student Worker - Baptist Bible Seminary and Institute
Main Text: Isaiah 53:5
- 6
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was
bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and
with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;
and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Introduction:
The greatest humiliation of any man - the humiliation of Jesus Christ, because
of His love for us.
Jesus Christ was humiliated in:
I. His Incarnation. John
1:1, 14
"The Word became flesh..." and went to a lot of sufferings.
As a rich God, He left these and lived on earth:
A. His possessions in
Heaven.
B. His position in Heaven. Philippians 2:6
II. His Life on Earth.
A. The Period of His birth.
B. The Place of His birth.
C. The Parents - Joseph and Mary of a humble middle-class family.
D. The Position of Jesus as a servant while on earth.
III. His Death. He was
humiliated -
A. As a High Priest.
B. As a Prophet.
C. As King of kings - during His crucifixion.
D. As the Giver of Life - as He was subjected unto death.
Challenge:
Will we do nothing for our Savior who died for us? Will we not do our part
for our Christ's sake in exchange for His sacrifices, pain, and sufferings?
Why don't we become a "passage way" of love, blessings, joy, and
salvation for others (just like Christ did)?
Would we be humble for Christ? Would we be willing to suffer a bit of humiliation
for Christ's sake?
Sermon Notes: September 15, 2002 (W.O.L. Sunday)
"...
The Christian Life"
By:
Rev. Brent Parschauer
Guest Speaker - Word of Life Bible Institute
Main Text: 2 Peter 1:2
- 11
v.3 "According as his divine power hath given unto
us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge
of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
v.8 "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye
shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
v.10 "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling
and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:"
I. The Reality of the
Christian Life
v.4 "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:
that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the
corruption that is in the world through lust."
A. The First Reality
We have the ability to live the life God wants us to live. God gave us this
ability.
God has given us the nature of God: new nature, new desires to live a new
life.
B. The Second Reality
We can escape the predominant corruption in this world today.
God doesn't want us to be stained by the corruption of this world.
II. The Responsibilites
of the Christian Life.
v.5 "And beside this giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue;
and to virtue knowledge;
v.6 "And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to
patience godliness;
v.7 "And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
Because of the said realities, we are now responsible to generously supply to our Christian life. We are to supply virtues to our Christian life because we have the ability fo live the life God wants us to live. God gave this ability for us to use them to honor God. We add them to our faith to fulfill God's intended purpose. Practical knowledge should be accompanied by self-control over our human desires. Indeed, desires, if leads us out of God's will, then these must be controlled. Perseverance is steadfastness while under pressure. And amidst the pressures, we are still to show tenderness towards our brethren. Love or charity for others is not based on mere feelings but rather based on a decision (a resolution of the heart).
III. The Results
v.8 "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye
shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus
Christ."
A. We become fruitful
individuals if we generously supply these qualities to our Christian life.
We become blessings and a delight to the lives of other people.
B. We will never stumble and have a successful journey in life, continually
walking rightly with God. We are made stable and concrete.
C. Christ, Himself, will generously give us an entrance in Heaven, His eternal
Kingdom.
v.11 "For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into
the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."
Conclusion:
Work together with God. There will be a fruitful life for us as we have the
potential for growth.
Sermon Notes: September 22, 2002
"FRUIT
OF THE SPIRIT... PEACE!"
By:
Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor
Main Text: Galatians
5:22 - 23
v.22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith.
v.23 "Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Introduction:
Peace is not the absence of trouble. But rather, it is the Lord's comfort
at the time of trouble. We ought to find our peace in Jesus Christ.
I. Peace amidst the unsaved
world.
The world referred here is not the place but the social system, chaotic and
ruled by the Enemy. This world has become the close-range enemy of every faithful
Christian. It has become an open opposition against us and it harrasses our
peace.
But we are not permanent in this world. We are merely sojourners.
A. We need to be reconciled
with God. Salvation
Romans 5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
It is only through Christ that our soul can find rest.
The unsaved will never find peace apart from the Lord Jesus Christ, not even
in all the material things in the world.
B. We need to be renewed
daily. Sanctification
It is the continous reconstruction by the Lord to our minds and souls because
of sin (as brought by the Enemy).
We should have a daily experience of God's grace; draw to Him everyday, every
moment, especially in times of doubt.
II. Peace amidst the
uncertainties of life.
These uncertainties are things that we can never really be sure of, such as,
friends. funds, and even our future.
A. Uncertainty with our
friends. In our darkest hour, we can be sure of our God. He does not make
mistakes. He is always there.
We can always run to our Everlasting Friend - Jesus Christ, who looks after
us and reaches out to us everytime.
B. Uncertainty with our
funds. Call unto God and trust Him in our lives. He will make a way to provide
for us.
Philippians 4:19 comforts us with God's promise - "But my God shall supply
all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
C. Uncertainty with our future. Know the One who holds our future. Our future is secured in Jesus Christ because we have received Him.
III. Peace amidst the
uncontrollable circumstances.
Though circumstances may become unfavorable, Philippians 4:7 tells us "And
the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus."
The apostle Paul knew that doubts attack the heart and the mind. But Christ
is always there, and so let us be assured of that fact - that Christ will
see us through.
A. We can find peace
when things are not going well.
We cannot underestimate our circumstances. But still, it will be well with
Jesus Christ.
B. We can find peace
when storms are raging.
We can find that peace in the presence of our Lord even in the midst of storm.
The Lord can calm that storm.
Challenge:
Do you avail of that peace? Can you still peacefully play your music amidst
your troubles?
Trust in the Lord. Be strong in the Lord.
Conclusion:
Troubles and hardships are instruments for us to seek God and see the beautiful
design of God in our lives.
We can ultimately discover God's design in our lives amidst our difficulties.
Sermon Notes: September 22, 2002 (Afternoon Service)
"(Alternatives
Against Anxieties)"
By:
Pastor Jihan Ry Senina
Student Worker - Baptist Bible Seminary and Institute
Main Text: Luke 10:38
- 42
v.38 "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he
entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received
him into her house.
v.39 "And she had a sister named Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet,
and heard his word.
v.40 "But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and
said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?
bid her therefore that she help me.
v.41 "And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art
careful and troubled about many things:
v.42 "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part,
which shall not be taken away from her."
Introduction:
Times come when we lose our focus (in Christ) because of much anxieties or
worries. When we can't handle our problems, such could lead to depression.
3 Alternatives We Can
Do Against Anxieties
I. Have a heart that is willing to wait. Isaiah 40:27 - 31
We may feel that the Lord isn't fighting for us or not protecting us.
But v.28 tells us "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the
everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth
not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
Let us realize and be reminded of who our God is - Everlasting, Powerful,
our Creator.
v.29 "He giveth power to the faint; snd to them that have no might he increaseth strength." All these when we submit to the gracious Hand of God.
v.31 also gives us the encouragement that "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."
II. Have a heart committed
to God.
Look at Matthew 6:33 which says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Material things compete with our Everlasting God for our attention. But we
have a God that can provide for everything.
We can plan for the future but we ought to live in the present. We should
only handle things (that we are faced) for today.
(We tend to worry) because of the material things that are supposed to be
gifts from our God. Why not commit everything; our needs and desires to God?
III. Have a heart that
prioritizes prayer.
Instead of heeding counsels from other people, turn to God first in prayer.
Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
That peace of God or inner peace is our constant watch against troubles. Have
a regular communion with God. He will guide our hearts and minds.
Challenge:
Sometimes we fail to do the right thing like Martha. Anxieties damage us physically,
emotioally and spiritually. Talk to God to have the peace of God.
Conclusion:
To avoid depressions and discouragements, we can gain our strength only from
God. Set aside our problems and manifest our joy as Christians by praying
to God.
The "cushion of the sea", is the deepest but the calmest part of
the most violent oceans. Being at the center of God's will, we are at that
"cushion of the sea", a very calm place for us.
Yield to God.
Sermon Notes: September 29, 2002
"FRUIT
OF THE SPIRIT... PATIENCE!"
By:
Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor
Main Text: Galatians
5:22 - 23
v.22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.
v.23 "Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Introduction:
Patience is a unique blessing from God. It is closely intertwined with godliness.
Patience, also known as long-suffering is to suffer in trying to live a godly
life in an ungodly world.
Most of us probably do not pray for long-suffering in our prayer list. But it is a gift - something that we should ask God for.
Transition:
It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we be driven towards God.
I. Preachings about Patience.
A. God calls us to wait.
In every aspect of our lives, we live in a daily struggle with patience. (Refer
to the following verses)
Psalm 27:14 "Wait
on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait,
I say, on the Lord."
In the time of David, amidst his enemies and problems in the kingdom, he was
called to wait with a promise - the Lord "shall strengthen thine heart."
Our hearts are the frist to be affected (wearied) in times of troubles. But
we called to wait on the Lord.
Psalm 37:7 "Rest
in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who
prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
As we struggle in our Christian lives, let us draw near unto the Lord for
rest. We exercise our patience when we look and call unto Him for rest.
Psalm 62:5 "My soul,
wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him."
We may have grown tired in our expectations (in life), but why not give them
(our expectations) to God? Just do what is right and let God provide/meet
your expectations. Let our expectations be from the Lord, not in anyone or
anything.
Isaiah 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."
When we wait on the Lord we are given these promises. Provisions, strength
that comes from God is greater than that which comes from any man or any material
thing.
Lamentations 3:25 "The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him."
B. Disciples are called
to wait.
Acts 1:4 relates to us, "And, being assembled together with them, commanded
them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise
of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me."
v.8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon
you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jersalem, and in all Judaea,
and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
The disciples then were called to wait to be commissioned for service. It
was the promise of the Father that the Holy Spirit will empower them. The
fulfillment of that promise can be read in Acts 2:1 - 6.
C. We are called to wait
for the Son. Even to run the race with patience.
1 Thessalonians 1:10 gives us the marks of a dynamic church, "And to
wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which
delivered us from the wrath to come."
Let us not be selfish in our prayers (when praying for the immediate 2nd coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ). Many others are not yet saved. Let us just patiently
wait for His perfect time.
II. People of Patience.
A. Job - maintained his character of patience while he experienced sorrow
and weakness. He accepted all the trials and endured with patience: when his
family and fortune were taken away from him; and when his wife forsook him
and said, "Curse God."
We can always lean on God when we are taken away from our "comfort zones". We may not avoid the Enemy but we can have the attitude of patience.
B. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 1) - they were 3 young people who remained patient during tumultous times of their lives.
When we wait on the Lord, He will do great thngs for us. When we wait, we let the Lord operate magnificently in our lives.
C. Daniel in the lions' den (Daniel 6)
D. Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16) - they were imprisoned for preaching Christ. They sang for the Lord while in prison and waited patiently for the Lord to take them out in the most marvelous way.
E. Jesus' greatest example
of patience. He is God who patiently suffered/endured Calvary for man.
Our Lord is always patient with His children.