Sunday, September 30, 2012

What Had Happen Was: I Fell!


Context/History: Bethesda is two pool surrounded by 5 porches. Some say each porch had a particular group of people who were ill. Bethesda was located in the northwest corner of Jerusalem. This is the 3rd great miracle described by John… This story took 38 years to develop…
Scripture: John 5: 1 – 14
Sermon Text: John 5: Sir, the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water of stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”
Sermon Title: What Had Happen Was: I Fell!
Point 1: Jesus Learned about the Situation: vs. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in the condition for a long timeI am struck by what John says in vs. 6 about Jesus. He said initially Jesus did two things. Jesus looked at the man AND Jesus learned his condition.
John 5: 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him…
Point 2:  You Have to Level with Yourself: John 5:7
7 … “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”
First his condition:
The Amp version of verse 6 states, “are you really in earnest about getting well?” That tells me the man’s continence must have reflected how he felt about his condition and Jesus saw how sad and hopeless he was.
Be honest you are an invalid. The NIV invalid… KJV; infirmity… There is a deeper meaning behind that word and it has to do with the man leveling with himself.
Second his Faith:
As I said before the sick BELIEVED the troubling of the water and random ripples and bubbles in the water had healing power…
Third his Condition:
The other Greek definitions to describe his condition, invalid, infirmity or sickness is most descriptive…it has two distinct definitions, a definition for the state of his body and a definition for the state of his soul…
a)  His body was weak, and diseased (dis-ease)…
b)  His soul lacked the capacity to understand…
Point 3 Jesus will teach you a Life Lesson: When Jesus got all the information he needed and had the man to level with his condition not only did he heal him. Jesus taught the man a life lesson. Lessons that are as easy as ABC; John 5: 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked…
A)  Get up! Jesus never commands us to do anything he does not give us the ability to do…
B)  Pick up. The Greek word for the phrase pick up means to raise up like stones. That’s why Jesus tells him to pick up his bed…
C)  Walk. The Hebrew definition for the word walk means to...
That’s why Jesus says this in John 5:14   14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.”
Conclusion: Proverbs says a righteous man falls seven times and still gets up...

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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

I’m Just Saying, God Stepped In


Sermon Text: Ruth 1: 21 - 21 I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted[a] me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”

Sermon Title: I’m Just Saying, God Stepped In

Point 1: Step 1: Ruth 2: 1 – 4 - Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek. Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!”
“The Lord bless you!” they answered.
Point 2: Step 2 Ruth 2: 8 – 12 - 8 So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. 9 Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.” 10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”11 Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
Point 3: Step 3 Ruth 2: 20 - 20 “The Lord bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian-redeemers.[a]”, 3: 3 – 4 - 3 Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”
4: 10 - 10 I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown. Today you are witnesses!”
Conclusion:
Child of God, don't give up when things seem hopeless. Jesus is your kinsman-redeemer.

NewLife Website: http://www.nlicic.org/
Bishop's Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bishopdudley
NewLife's Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NLCLifeChangers
Bishop's Twitter: https://twitter.com/bishopgvd
 NewLife's Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewLifenChrist

Sunday, September 23, 2012

R U Living the High Life 2?


Sermon Text: 2 Kings 15: 4a The high places, however, were not removed…

Sermon Title: R U Living the High Life 2?

Lesson #1: Self Reliance doesn’t mean substituting God. 2 Chronicles 26: 5ff, 16 In the text you can see King Uzziah had a very successful reign. Vs. 4 he did what was right in God’s eyes…vs. 5 He sought God…vs.6 He went to war…he rebuiltvs.7 God helped him…vs.8 Ammonites gave tributes…vs.10 He also built towers dug wells…he had people working for him…vs. 13 army under his command…vs. provided weapons…vs. 15 made machines [innovator/creative]…his fame spread wide
vs. 16 but after Uzziah became powerful…

Lesson #2 It’s possible to be too good for God 2 Chr 26:16 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar.
But Uzziah’s life isn’t so far removed from our own life experiences.
• Life gets safe, so we let down our guard
• Life gets rewarding, so we get arrogant
• Life gets easier, so we get lazy
• Life gets prosperous, so we get selfish
vs. 19…while he was raging with the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead. 

Lesson #3 Remove the however forever  2 Kings 15: 5 However…

1. Keep a Balance in Life
Proverbs 30:7-9  Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
2. Stop Worrying About Finding the Keys to Success it is simple.
1 Peter 5:5b-6 - All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
3. Employ the three R’s
(a)  Refuse
(b)  Remind
(c)  Render



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Streaming site : www.nlicic.org/live

Monday, September 17, 2012

Family fix Q & A - Missed Questions

Hello everyone! The Family Forum was tremendous and there were many questions that we were not able to get to live on that Sunday.  However, I would like to answer them in this forum.  God bless you!

Questions from Forum via Social Media & Streaming
1.       Kim says: My question is, how can I get my son to get used to coming to church in a positive way. He is 4 years old. I have tried children's church, but he said it's too loud and wanted to go home. He is too loud and won't sit still in regular service. We ended up going to the crying room. I wish I would have started taking him to church as an infant like I wanted to, but my husband thought it would be too much for him and now he's 4 and doesn'tknow how to act in church.
a.       Kim, my answer to you was a little rough on stage. I was not trying to minimize your problem. Your child cannot be expected to know how to “act” in church. You need to start exerting parental control in the cry room if he has trouble in the children’s church he will eventually work through attachment issues. Be patient and consistent and it will come together.
2.       Saved in the Lord and love it. says: My question ,after Divorce even though it was not something that you wanted, how can I get back on track in all areas of my life.
a.       I recommend my teaching from Wednesday night, Sept. 5th. Get up, Get a  Grip touch, Get a grip, Get away, and Get along. You can buy the DVD/CD from the bookstore.
3.       How does a wife address her husband with issues she has without seeming like a nagger or complainer?
a.       Let him see Christ in you.  Address him the way you want to be addressed. I also recommend you read the book What Love & Respect.
4.       Single parent family question: what is your spiritual guidance on single parents & introduction of suitors to children?
a.       Wait until the suitor is the one you plan to marry. That will be a test whether to move forward.
5.       I am a divorcee of  17 years and I do hope to get married again one day and I just want to say as I'm watching Bishop and first Lady, they are an awesome example-- one of the cutes couples I know -  I'm just sayin
a.       Thanks, we receive your kind words.
6.       My wife and I went through a separation, when we got back together and shared our story, people began to treat her bad and now she doesn't want to attend or church anymore. What should I do?
a.       You should approach the leadership of the church if it’s possible. You should thicken your skin, because people are going to talk and your testimony probably helped far more people than are talking. Get over any embarrassment because God has your heart and people will talk, that’s what they do. And finally, the bible says if anyone offends you go to that person. Leaving the church is not the answer.
7.       How can couples who are polar opposites compromise on issues like affection? Ex. Man isn't affectionate at all, woman is very affectionate.
a.       Read the book 5 Love Languages, it will help to speak the correct languages to each other.
8.       Revised: What advice would you give a person who is letting family stay with them who are not married, and who do not help out around the household. When should you cut someone off? 
a.       You should not permit someone to stay with you who is not married. Cut them off yesterday!
9.       If Adam and Eve had children, and their family were created in generations, how were more families made? How did colored people come to Earth?
a.       Adam was black. We know that by the location of the Garden of Eden. Havilah is mentioned in the scripture. Havilah is in Africa. As for how there are other families—Genesis is not intended to give you a “blow by blow” account of creation. It is intended to give you an overview.
10.   What do you do when your spouse says they want to separate after you have moved from another state and been supportive of all the things they have done and have established themselves and now they don't need you because you are not where they are financially.
a.       Let him/her move out. Ask if they will come for spiritual guidance. Hold on to God, he is your provider.
11.   cosmas says: Abstinence after divorce is very difficult. How is that to be handled?
a.       Overcome by occupying your time by things of God. Feed your spirit man and you will grow stronger to overcome temptation.
12.   For a teen what would u recommend to do with situations were u are pressed in a postion u have to chose between your "popularity" and the right thing. I know doing the right thing is important. But what if it is your so called friends pressuring u to do it?
a.       Geoff says “In this situation you have to make the right thing popular. If they are your real friends they will understand the decision you make even if it goes against what they desire you to do. I know it's not easy to have relationships sometimes, but upon your decision in this situation see how your friends react and move forward the best way you know how based upon their reaction. Follow your heart because ultimately you know what's right.” 
13.   How do you handle having overbearing mother in laws?
a.       Ask our mate to deal with them
14.   Homosexuality is often not talked about in the church, and im not sure if I was born this way or if this was a mission for me to get through WITH God. Ever since I was a child I was always interested in the same sex before I even knew what homosexuality was. I'm a firm believer in God and I consider my relationship with him great. I don't know if this a part of who I am, or if this is something that God wants me to overcome so I can help tell others what God has brought me through. Or is this another blessing of being uniquely differently... Or as other one might call it a curse
a.       Listen to my answer, it’s not a curse! You are fearfully and wonderfully made and also born into sin like all of us. You may feel like you were born gay. That isn’t the issue because we were all born into sin. You can be born again. Your struggle with the sin of homosexuality is no greater or worse than others struggles with other sinful behavior. We only wear our struggles as a badge of honor where we can show others in our weakness God’s grace is sufficient to help us.
15.   What to do if you are in final stages in divorce.  You have tried everything to reconcile.  During this time you meet someone.  You are completly over the person mentaly and emotionaly.  You dont feel like you had to be in a relationship or was looking for one.  The person is a person that has such much in common with me.  And most importantly, has a great relationship with God.  We both know we will be married.  We hope and pray divorce goes through God speed.  I have a good relationship with God now.  But being with person I feel I can be exstrodanary man
a.       You wait until the divorce is final and you are not on the “rebound” before you pursue this or any relationship.
16.   Teen/ young adult question: In the bible Ruth laid at the feet of Boaz & slept. Is it ok to sleep over while courting?
a.       No, Ruth was acting in traditional custom any way during biblical times to show interest. WE cannot say she was engaged in sexual intercourse.
17.   What do u do with a son who think he knows it all? He wants to have a girl friend. My husband and I seem to b aruging over him everyday. This is hard on your marriage.  What do u do when ur spouse what to raise the kids the way he was raised? I want to raise them the way I was. How do u handle this?
a.       That’s enough right there unless she is being grieved by the Holy Spirit and convicted in multiple ways to remain in the marriage. Please read the book of Hosea, pray and see what God speaks into her spirit. (SEE 18A)
18.   When is enough enough? Writing on behalf of a friend who is a believer and has been married to another believer for 8 years. In the beginning years of their marriage, the husband confessed that he cheated during their marriage with multiple women. They decided to separate but reconciled a year later. It's been 5 years, and the husband has made another confession. He has been unfaithful again, but this time, the woman is pregnant. They have two children together. She wants to know if she should try to make this work...
a.       NO ANSWER, THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION MAY BE THE ONE TYPED FOR 17 ABOVE.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

R U Living the High Life?

Sermon Text: 1 Kings 11: 7 On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molech the detestable god of the Ammonites.
Sermon Title: R U Living the High Life?
Point 1: What exactly did Solomon build? Vs. 7…Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab
Point 2: What made Solomon build them? Vss. 1(a) King Solomon, however, loved many foreign wives 4 (a)…his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God…
Point 3: What was the result vs. 11 “I will tear the kingdom away from you…I tear the kingdom…I will tear the whole kingdom…
Point 4: What about the high places in our lives

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Is Life Passing You Bye?


Sermon Text: Acts 3:1, 7-8 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God
Sermon Title:  Is Life Passing You Bye?

Point 1: Adjective living vs. 3 -  When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Every word used in the text about the lame man is an adjective in fact or by inference. Vs. 2; crippled, put near the gate called Beautiful, and beggar. All his life this man has only seen himself through the eyes of others description of him.
Point 2:  Adverb living.  Vs. 2 -  Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts   An adverb, if I have my English grammar correct, modifies a verb. It is also used to connect. It’s in between.
Point 3: Verb Living vs. 7-8 -  Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God
 Verb living is active living. It is when you are not letting life pass you by but are fully engaged with life.

Conclusion:


NewLife Website: http://www.nlicic.org/
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Virtual Family Sunday Questions

What ways can we create community as a family? How has our viewership/church attendance enhanced or diminished our family covenant? What way...