For His Glory
Mark 10:35-45 accounts the request of James and John to seat at Jesus left hand in glory. Jesus used this request to teach them a lesson about true greatness. Verses 42-45 contain 4 steps to greatness:
Ephesians 3:14-21
#1 POSTURE OF THE HEART Ephesians 3:14-15
#2 PRAYER FOR POWER THROUGH THE SPIRIT Ephesians 3:16-17a
#3 POSSESSING MEASURELESS LOVE Ephesians 3:17b-19
#4 GOD’S POWER TO DO THE IMMEASURABLE Ephesians 3:20
#5 PRAISE FOR OUR GOD FOREVER Ephesians 3:21
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Ephesians 3:1-13
#1 CAPTIVE OF CHRIST Ephesians 3:1,13
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)
#2 THE MARVELOUS MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL Ephesians 3:2-6
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:6 (NIV)
#3 GOD’S SELFLESS SERVANT Ephesians 3:7-11
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 2 Timothy 4:6 (NIV)
#4 CONFIDENT CONNECTION TO GOD Ephesians 3:12-13
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:19-25 (NIV)
Ephesians 2:1-10
#1 REMEMBER YOUR LIFE BEFORE CHRIST Ephesians 2:11-12
For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Romans 5:10 (NIV)
#2 ACCESS TO GOD THROUGH THE BLOOD OF CHRIST Ephesians 2:13-18
It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Acts 15:19 (NIV)
#3 YOUR NEW IDENTITY Ephesians 2:19-22
#4 YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the concrete in the foundation of the Christian faith.
Reasons to believe Jesus really did rise from the dead:
#1 JESUS OWN PREDICTIONS OF HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION Luke 9:22
#2 THE PUBLIC CRUCIFIXION John 19:32-34
#3 THE EYE WITNESS TESTIMONIES 1 Corinthians 15:6
#4 THE EMPTY TOMB Mark 16:1
#5 THE TRANSFORMED LIVES OF THE DISCIPLES Matthew 26:56, Acts 3:15, Acts 4:1-2
#6 THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH Acts 2:40-41
#7 THE TRANSFORMED LIVES OF CHRIST FOLLOWERS TODAY
How do these truths effect our lives today?
– WE ARE TRULY LOVED Armand 5:8
– BY FAITH OUR SINS CAN BE FORGIVEN Justified=declared righteous
– DEATH IS NOT THE END In death we fall asleep only be awakened to new life.
– HOW WE LIVE IS IMPORTANT How we live is proof of what we believe
– CHRIST DEMANDS AND DESERVES OUR FULL DEVOTION
Biblical repentance is godly sorrow for one’s sin together with a resolution to turn from it.* Repentance is necessary for salvation and necessary for godly living. Daily repentance should be present in the daily life of every believer. There is a faulty idea about repentance that it is for salvation only. The process of conviction, confession and repentance is not only the path to God in salvation it is the path back to God as we deal with sin every day. Through Christ we can have peace with God and forgiveness of every sin.
But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Luke 13:3 (NIV)
When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: John 16:8 (HCSB)
If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9 (HCSB)
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Acts 3:19 (NIV)
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
James 4:8-10 (NLT)
* Definition of repentance from Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson
We are committed to prayer at First Baptist Dalhart. Part of that commitment is our invitation for people to come and pray in our Sanctuary during the week. Below is a Prayer Guide for you to use as you pray. Consider using it as you prayer in the Sanctuary of your church.
Begin your prayer time by thanking your Heavenly Father for your salvation that was made possible of the sacrificial death of Jesus and His resurrection. He is the reason we have peace, hope and eternal life.
And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! 2 Corinthians 9:14-15 (NLT)
Let the flag remind you to pray for our country. The United States of America has strained far from the strong biblical foundation it was founded on. Pray that our country would return to God and that revival fires would once again sweep across our nation.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godlinessand holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)
Let the Christian flag remind you to pray for the Bride of Christ, the Church. Pray for churches in our community, the state of Texas, the United States of America and the World. Pray that the Church would be about the Kingdom and Glory of God.
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgivetheir sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
Pray for First Baptist Dalhart. As we strive to worship our great God, grow closer to Jesus Christ, serve God by serving others, and share the Good News about Jesus with others through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Pray that First Baptist Church will be a place of authentic worship where God is honored and lifted high. Pray that the focus will be on God, not on individual desires or preferences. Pray for our Music Ministry to be led by the Holy Spirit as they lead us into the presence of God.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16 (NLT)
Pray for the people who will sit in there pews for worship. Pray that they will be transformed by their time in God’s sanctuary. Pray that God would fill the empty seats with worshippers and that they would feel welcomed and become part of the family of God known at First Baptist Church Dalhart.
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24 (NIV)
Pray for your Pastor and church staff. Pray that they would be filled with the Spirit of God as they lead. Pray that God would protect them from temptation and discouragement. As the Word of God is preached, taught, sang, and applied that if would transform our church into a place where God is honored and lifted up.
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. Hebrews 13:17-18 (NIV)
And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 12:32 (NIV)
This is the place of commitment. Pray that the altar will be filled with people committing their lives to Christ. Pray that it would be a place where people lay down their burdens and place their faith in Jesus to meet their needs according to His riches in Glory.
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Acts 3:19 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30 (NIV)
This is the season that we focus on the things we are thankful for. Sometimes it is hard to be thankful. Perhaps you have lost your job in our lagging economy. Or maybe your health is not what it used to be or you recently lost someone you love. Even the everyday pressures of life can test our thankfulness. While it is sometimes hard to be thankful it is essential that we find ways to be thankful. It can even make a difference in the lives of those around us.
King David, from the Old Testament, wrote, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—” Psalm 107 (NIV) In this passage from the Bible, David gives us reasons to have the attitude of gratitude.
There is a very popular saying among Christians of all denominations today. One believer will say, “God is Good” and the other responds, “All the time.” This powerful saying is a reminder of exactly what King David is saying in this Psalm. We can be thankful because the Creator of the Universe is a Good God. No matter your current circumstance you can be thankful this season because of the Goodness of God.
(Thank you for getting to this part of the article. Some people do not read beyond the title of most articles, so I appreciate you staying with me to this point and I have some great news.) These verses also describe the love of God. When we deserve judgment, God give us love. This passage says, “His love endures forever.” Think about this truth. There will never be a time that God does not love you. His love endures forever!
This love of God is a powerful force for change. God’s love is not a passive type of love, it is an active love. The Apostle Paul described God’s love when he wrote, “But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinner, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV) Of all the things we have to be thankful for, we should be thankful for a God that loved us so much that He would sacrifice His Son so that we could be forgiven and become children of God. I am thankful for my Savior. He has changed my life! Have you allowed Christ to change your life? He has a life of forgiveness, freedom, liberty, purpose and joy for you.
This passage of scripture also addresses the child of God when it says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.” Imagine the impact you could have in the lives of those around you if you told them your story. God wants to use you as an ambassador of His love to everyone you influence.
My prayer for you is that you will take time to be thankful this season and tell your story to everyone that will listen. You will be amazed at what God will do. (Thanks for making it to the end of this article. You are a finisher and I am thankful!)
This article originally appeared in the Dalhart Texan and was written by Sean Vickers.
It is a blessing to live in the United States of America. On a recent mission trip to Asia I came face to face with how blessed we are to have the freedoms and lifestyle we enjoy. On this trip I witnessed poverty in a country that has a 46% unemployment rate and I witnessed the effects of communism on its citizens. We are blessed to live in the United States and we need to discover ways we can be a blessing to this great country. One of the ways we can be a blessing is by praying for the country we love. As we celebrate Independence Day this year, pray for the United States. A creative way to pray for our country is to pray through the Pledge of Allegiance phrase by phrase. Let’s Pray the Pledge!
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,
Thank God for our country and the blessing of being a citizen of the greatest nation the world has ever known.
and to the Republic for which it stands,
Pray for the political process as we are represented by those that have been elected. Regardless of your political convictions, our elected officials need our prayers. Pray for our local, state and national leaders.
one Nation under God,
Pray that our nation would return to God. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” This is God’s formula for a nation that honors Him.
indivisible,
Pray for unity for our nation as the political debate continues. There are many issues that divide our country. Pray for our leaders to have divine wisdom.
with liberty and
Thank God for the religious liberty that we have and ask Him to preserve that liberty. Our country is only as strong as it’s families and churches.
justice for all.
Pray for justice for all Americans including the unborn, elderly and defenseless. Father, we pray that you would bless the United States of America. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.” Psalm 33:12
