Untitled Sermon "Its Not Over"

Have you noticied that there seems to be new construction everywhere in the county? It is as though we are buiulding stores =, shopping cneters, offices, homes, condos. over 55 retirement active communities, schools, fast foods drive thrus and on and on. I find it facinatong thatthe constuction workers always arrive early in the morning and leave before 4pm. There is no speical preprartions they just pack up the tools and go home leaving the unfinshed building expposed to the elements. Rain, storms, snow and the building is undamaged and the workers return to continue the consturction. Think about it it’nt that just like us we are always under construction constantly improving fixing repairing painting until we are competely finished. At whatever stage of life we are in God has a mission for us to fulfill . He is not done with us. Its not Over . So how do we continue to press on during challenging times with the enemy against us at every turn to fulfill His mission?

I’m glas you asked that - The solution is to -----

Preposition - Pray Because you are still under construction

Scrpture NKJV

Ephesians 6:17- 18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Eph 6:17–18.

I am sure that many of you are familiar with this scripture but how can we pray with power and authority over our situation? Let me tell you how!

1. First of all you must ** Put on your helmet

Scripture says “ And take the helmet of salavation. “ The helmet is your protection. If you notice in construction areas there’s always a sign that says Hard hats are required because there is a danger of falling or flying objects, electrical shock or burns. Just think about all of the dangers today - gun violence, hatred, bigotry, robbery, road rage, assault against your person and the very institutions that are sworn to protect your rights! The helmet is the protection of your soul therefore you must pray because God is our salvation and protection. Buildings withinstand storms because o f the foundation. Your Faith is the foundation - We can’t stand without Him!

Then you must -

2. Pray the Word of God Ephesians 6:17 continues with “and the sword of the SPirit which is the word of God

The sword of the Sprit is the Holy Sprit the Triune God/Trinity equal and eternal with The Father and Son

The word of God is your power, your weapon. Praying should not involved words that have no meaning. Think about and meditate on what you are saying to your Father. He wants to hear from us. Can I just share with you that - There is power in the word of God Speak His word back to Him in prayer and watch the power be released in your life. We all need to start praying in accordance with Gods will. Take all our problems to God but “if it be Your will”. Knowing that everything that we pray for may be good but not good for us not according to His plan or His word. God always has a better plan for us. Scripture tells us in Isaiah 55:11 CSV “so my word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I sent it to do” Gods word will not return void! That’s true power!

WHen you need help Speak the word first if your afraid Isaiah 41:10 Fear not for I am with you be not dismayed beucase I am your God

Hurt - Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saved those crushed in spirit

Nations - 2 Chron 71-4 “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.” Can you not see that God is performing his Word - Covid 19 Yes He Did!

Pray because you are still under construction.

Finally we must - 3. Pray without Ceasing

Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for the saints.

The scripture says “praying always” that means prayer is not just a morning and evening devotion - It a continuous conversation interceeding in prayer not only for ourselves but for our families, community, nations. Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought but the Sprirt himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts kows what is the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according tro the will of God. It is good news that when we pray we don’t have to depend on ourselves to know what to pray for. The Holy Spirit intercedes and has searched the hearts to help us to pray according to the will of God! Remeber we all have a mission that can not be fulfilled without the power of persistent prayer. When you pray and say Amen. The word Amen is commonly used after a prayer but it actually means to agree “so be it” or “it is so”In Nehemiah 8 5:-6 Erza blessed God and the people said Amen and they bowed and worshipped the Lord. Amen is used at the end of a prayer but it means you are in agreement with the word of God! It is so because your prayer should allign with Gods word. Our god is not a Jenie in a bottle - where we pray and get our “wishes fufilled” He is our Father, the Chosen one, Waymaker, Healer let us not put God in the prize Box of wishes for things not in accordance with His will.

In these troubling times I encourgage you to Put on the Helmet, Pray the Word of God, Pray without Ceasing

Pray because you are still under construction! Your mission is not accomplished yet, Its not Over!