Be Strong In The Lord

Just as we need the righteousness of Jesus to enter into God’s Heaven, we need His power to defeat the battles Satan throws at us. 

Ephesians 6:10-11 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

God has provided equipment for us to wear in the day of our battles, Ephesians 6:14-18.  There is “truth” to wear as a belt—“righteousness” to protect the heart—“shoes” to protect the feet—a “shield” to deflect the arrows of the enemy—a “helmet” to protect the head—a “sword” to use to engage the enemy. 

All of this has been provided to every believer so that we might walk in victory.

When we are saved, we are made one with Jesus. Thus, His life becomes our life. His truth becomes our truth. His way becomes our way. His power becomes our power. His strength becomes our strength. Always wear your armour. 

—- Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit without their expressed written Permission. 

To Know Jesus

To know Jesus in a personal, intimate way is a blessing beyond compare. He is more than just a story in a dusty old book. 

He’s a Friend that sticks closer than a brother. He reveals Himself in the storm and in the sunshine. He shows His glory on the mountain of victory and in the valley of despair. 

To know Him in salvation is just the beginning. Every mile reveals more of His glory to seeking pilgrims. 

Every valley proves His sweetness, every burden His grace. Every step is fragrant with His power and presence. 

Paul intimately knew Jesus. He writes about it. 

Philippians 3:8-10 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

——- Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit without their expressed written 

OW JESUS

Have A Little Talk With Jesus

We want instant everything today—instant tea, instant grits, instant gratification. Yet there is one thing for sure: Instant holiness is not available to anyone.  

Holiness is the result of prayer, sacrifice and self-denial. It seems that God takes His time in bringing us to spiritual maturity. 

He gently and patiently leads us along and brings us to the place where we can be used for His glory. 

If we Christians are going to be strong in the Lord we must find time to be alone with God. Jesus often took time to be alone with the Father. 

Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

I would venture to say that 99% of Christians need to have a little talk with Jesus.

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Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit without their expressed written permission.

Homesick

I think Paul suffered from the same mixed emotions many Christians feel in our day—ready to go to Heaven and be with Jesus, yet living in a sinful world surrounded by temptations and trials. He wrote about it to the Christians at Philippi. 

Philippians 1:23-24 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

Being a Christian is the best life possible, but at times we just want to go be with Jesus, to see the One who climbed Calvary and took our sins upon Him. Jesus will be the single greatest sight in glory.

Think for a minute about Heaven. None of those things that hem us in down here will exist over there. 

Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Are you going?

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit without their expressed written permission.

Are You Saved?

The most important thing in life is knowing that you are right with God. Be sure, above everything else that you are saved by grace. 

It isn't enough to be good or religious, to go to church or stop doing some things that are wrong, to join the church or to be baptized. 

To be saved, there must be a time when you turn to Jesus Christ in absolute faith for salvation. Ask Him to forgive your sins. Nothing else will work for anyone. 

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

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Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit without their expressed written permission.

If My People . . .

2 Chronicles 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.

This great verse was given to Israel. They were warned that their sins would be answered by the Lord through drought, but rain is promised for repentance. 

The condition and promise are given to "God's people", but when the refreshing comes it will reach the entire nation. If they will honor Him, He will honor them. 

In a sense, we are in the same situation today. Our homes, communities and nation have been devastated through a drought of spiritual blessings and power. 

If God's children will come back to Him in genuine repentance and faith, we will see our nation impacted for and by the glory of God. We need that kind of revival. 

May the people of God once again fall in love with God to the point that He becomes the focus and driving force of all of life. 

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Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit without their expressed written permission.son

Jesus, Our Deliverer

What a difference it makes when you know and believe that God is in control. 

Peter was sleeping soundly in prison, and he had to be hit to wake up. 

Acts 12:6-7 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him , and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

When total faith is placed in Almighty God even a prison of trouble  can become a home with peace and safety. 

Isn’t it a delight when God comes through and delivers us from the trials of life?  That’s His business.  He always delivers and He will get the glory.

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Ideas for this unprofitable blog are taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit without their expressed written permission.son