Authentic Prayer
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction
Introduction
Junior Church Dismissed
Great week last week.
Almost 200 on property, couple new faces, couple faces we haven’t seen in awhile, and an amazing opportunity for the gospel to be preached.
Thank you to each person that played a part in making that day happen. Thank you for praying, thank you for handing out outreach cards, thank you for cleaning, setting up, tearing down, serving, and everything else involved with that day.
I’m thankful to the Lord for what was accomplished and looking forward to the great things He has in store for us.
Today we are continuing our authentic series and examining what authentic prayer looks like.
It was E.M. Bounds, a man noted for his prayer life and his writings on prayer that said...
“What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use—men of prayer, men mighty in prayer.”—E.M. Bounds
I firmly believe that in order for the gospel to to propigated from generation to generation, the methods used to get that message out must adapt to the cultural context in which it is to be presented. However, this does not mean we should leave the examples we have in scripture of how to accomplish things for God.
The early church accomplished mighty works for the Lord and I believe it is because they were a church committed to prayer.
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Wherever there is fruit of God’s work, there have been people behind the scenes-individually or in groups- praying and asking God to work in ways which they cannot.
Today we will look at the church at Phillipi and listen to Paul’s instructions to them concerning prayer.
The Philippian church was established on Paul’s second missionary journey. Philippi was the first European city that Paul visited in Macedonia (modern day Greece). The first convert in this city was Lydia, a woman merchant. Here Paul was imprisoned, and through that imprisonment, the Philippian jailer and his family were saved. Many others were saved as well, and before Paul left, he had planted a local church.
In the book of Philippians we find his care for them remained even though he had to leave. This book was written years later while Paul was on house arrest in Rome, imprisoned for preaching the gospel. In this letter we find Paul’s heart for the church and understand it is written under inspiration of the Holy Spirit because it is apart of our New Testament.
There are different aspects to the book and what Paul challenged the people of Philippi to do but here in the final chapter we see that Paull encouraged them to deepen their prayer life.
Before we read this morning I want to ask you: How is your prayer life? How is your communication with God? Do you speak to him daily like He is your Heavenly Father or do you only call upon Him when you need Him like a Genie?
Follow along as I read this morning
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
PRAY
Notice first the Patience of Believers
I. The Patience of Believers
I. The Patience of Believers
In todays world where we are so connected and can see the “lives” of everyone else, that we tent to believe we have more difficult circumstances than anybody else.
We look at the economy, the political scene, and our personal needs and are likely to complain.
But when we compare our lives to the those of the New Testament Christians under roman rule, especially under Emperor Nero. Believers were tore apart by dogs, mauled in the arena by large beasts, and then when the sunlight would fade and night would come. Nero believed they made great candles and burned them throughout the city to provide light.
The Christians endured suffering, they would lose homes, and families, but remained faithful to their Savior through all of this.
They Endured Graciously.
A. They Endured Graciously
A. They Endured Graciously
Paul encouraged them to let their moderation be evident
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
The word “moderation” is rich with meaning. Many synonyms can be used to define it- tenderness, graciousness, contentment, and sweet reasonableness.
Despite the injustices they faced and the disgraceful humbling they were made subject to, they responded with the graciousness of Christ himself.
“Throughout World War II, many Americans—both soldiers and missionaries—were interned in concentration camps run by Nazis and Japanese. The brutality and suffering they endured is indescribable.
But what is more incredible even than the suffering is to meet people who endured this treatment and yet knew the Lord personally and intimately. There is a moderation and grace in their spirit that, while it doesn’t deny the atrocities committed, is free of bitterness. There is a sweetness in their testimony that defies the natural responses of the flesh under such circumstances.
In a similar way, the moderation that we are commanded to practice in is not something that we can conjure up with an iron will. It comes from the sweet Holy Spirit of God as we yield our rights and our lives to Him.”
When we can endure and respond with moderation, Jesus Christ is glorified.
Excerpt From: Paul Chappell. “Real Church Curriculum (Teacher Edition).” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/real-church-curriculum-teacher-edition/id619923135
I’m thankful for them men and women I’ve been privileged to know that battle health issues and other various troubles of life with a focus on God and not themselves.
I asked one sweet lady last week how she was doing with her health problems and with a smile on her face she said “not to good.” I told her You’d never know it.
She is always smiling, bringing joy into the room when she walks in, seeking to be a blessing to others.
Jesus is glorified when we keep the tenor of our spirit gracious and reflecting the joy of the Lord that is in our hearts.
In addition to a sweet reasonableness, moderation also refers to contentment.
Paul taught the church about prayer and he also taught them about contentment.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
It was Benjamin Franklin that advised
“Write injuries in dust, benefits in marble.”
This is the practice of a spiritual Christian—to let the harm go and remember God’s benefits to us. We cannot be gracious Christians while we harden our hearts and cling to the bitterness of the past. Thankfulness increases contentment.
A Quaker once watched a new neighbor move in next door. As load after load of exquisite furniture, modern appliances, and electronic games and gadgets were carried in, the Quaker leaned over the fence and greeted his new neighbor. “If you find you’re lacking anything, neighbor, let me know, and I’ll show you how to live without it.
Some of the greatest frustrations in our lives come because we have not learned the contentment of moderation. It was moderation that fueled the patience of the early believers and enabled them to endure their trials graciously.
Excerpt From: Paul Chappell. “Real Church Curriculum (Teacher Edition).” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/real-church-curriculum-teacher-edition/id619923135
Then they Expected Paiently
B. Expected Patiently
B. Expected Patiently
Paul gave them a strong reason to live with contentment. “The Lord is at hand.”
That phrase has a two fold meaning. First, we should understand it to mean that the Lord is always near. It is also a reminder that the Lord’s return is near.
When we remember that we are not alone in this and the Lord will be returning, we can live with moderation.
We too easily forget the promises of God concerning His presence.
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
It’s a personal tragedy that we bring on ourselves when we forget God’s presence as they face trials. Even mature Christians will at times have a lapse in faith in the intensity of the suffering they forget what they already know about God and lose their stability.
We should always be seeking to draw closer to God and especially during times of suffering, remembering He will work on our behalf.
But it is good for me to draw near to God:
I have put my trust in the Lord God,
That I may declare all thy works.
This moderation and patient faith the early Christians posessed brought encouragement and hope to their souls.
They were encouraged continually.
C. Encouraged Continually
C. Encouraged Continually
Paul gave these people an explicit command that bans worry and boosts encouragement.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
“Be careful for nothing...”
The word careful means “full of care” or “anxious.”
For some of us, anxiety can come as natural as breathing. And yet, it is strictly forbidden by God.
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
I know I’m as guilty as anyone else when it comes to taking the command from Christ here as serious as I probably should. “Take no thought for your life.”
If the truth were told about many of us, we would find that we take careful thought for many things. Sometimes, we can be full of faith and ready to charge hell with the squirt gun…and then at other times we don’t feel that a fire fighters hose is enough to take with us.
It’s during those times that we find ourselves full of care, that we have to remember the Lord is very capable of handling every one of our worries. In fact, He invites us to give Him each of them.
This verse has come up in my messages often these last few weeks. I believe I need it as must as someone else here might need it. Let’s both take today and let it be the day we begin applying it to all situations.
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
God cares for us. Because of these, we can release our cares into His hands.
The believers at Philippi lived with moderation and faith. It was this spirit of patience that positioned their hearts in an attitude of ongoing prayer.
They knew god’s graciousness in their lives., they were quick to follow the command to bring each of their needs to the throne of grace.
Noticed secondly how Paul speaks of the prayers of believers.
II. The Prayers of Believers
II. The Prayers of Believers
This is the heart of this lesson.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
I’ve never met a single person that believes Jesus Christ is their Savior that doesn’t want a more deep walk with Him.
I’ve had the honor of knowing a lady that was 94 years of age that would tell me how she was still challenged by the preaching to gain a deeper walk with the Lord. She had been saved since she was in her 30’s. 60 years of walking with the Lord and still sees the need to be closer.
Prayer is our communication with the Heavenly Father that develops our relationship as we see Him listen and answer as He deems best.
Prayer is a discipline in which we need constant growth. When we pray and see God answer those prayers, we are encouraged to continue praying.
As much as we should desire to talk to God, God has a desire for our requests.
A. The desire for our requests
A. The desire for our requests
Let’s skip down to the last phrase of verse 6 and work our way back.
It’s an amazing invitation we have to approach God with our prayers.
D. L. Moody said
Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all.
Because of the lack of consistency in our prayer lives, I don’t believe we understand how much God loves us.
If you are a parent, you know how disappointed you would be to hear of a serious ongoing need in your child’s life that your child had not shared with you because he didn’t want to bother you.
Although God knows our needs, He does want us to share them with Him.
It is prideful for us to try and carry on without Him. it grieves the Lord when we do this. He truly desires to hear our burdens.
tells that in our time of need we can come to the Lord with Bold confidence.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
There are no steps to climb when we approach God. No special requirements that we must met or rituals that we must perform before we can enter the Father’s presence. Jesus himself already paid the price on the cross, and through his sacrifice, we are invited to come directly to the throne of grace.
Why don’t we pray more though? Why do we struggle with this spiritual discipline? Why do we let it slip, reserving it only for great emergencies?
We forget who are heavenly father is. We have forgotten the purpose of prayer. We have forgotten the hands of the father.
Yes…a father’s hands might be used to remind us of our wrong…but a father’s hands are there to throw the ball back and forth with us, a father’s hands are there to pick us up when we have fallen, a father’s hands are there wipe the tears away and tell us to get back up everything will be ok, a father’s hands are there to hold as we go through life receiving comfort, strenght, hope, and encouragement from.
Don’t let your idea of prayer go from holding the fathers hands to this idea of talking to God is like talking to the genie in this lamp.
You only call upon a genie when you want something. The genie doesn’t care about the outcome of your request. He just gives you whatever you ask for, whether you need it or not. He won’t pick you up and tell you it’s ok, he disspaears in a puff of smoke. He isn’t there for the bad times ready to make things right, he is only available when you desire to have need or want met. And after you ask for so much, he won’t come back. He goes away and doesn’t care anymore. On to the next person.
But your father…your fathers hands…they will never leave you nor forsake you. It’s in the father’s hands we rest so that we may can never lose our salvation. It’s under our father’s hands we place ourselves so he may exalt us in due time.
Don’t let pride keep you praying to your Heavenly father and don’t let ignorance think he is a genie
Three common hinderances to prayer are pride, unbelief (thinking he can’t or wont’ do it), and busyness.
We have gotten too busy to spend time with God.
Jesus said in
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
We should always pray. We should pray without ceasing.
Paul said that God desires to hear from us and then speaks about the delivery of our requests.
B. The delivery of our requests
B. The delivery of our requests
lists three specific and direct offerings we bring to the throne of grace.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
There is prayer, supplicaiton, and thanksgiving. Let’s examine these.
Prayer
First there is prayer
1. Prayer
1. Prayer
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Unfortunately we make excuses all the time to not prayer.
We don’t have time is the most popular.
Yet we have time to eat, dress, hygiene, and watch television.
We should be more accurate in our excuse…We don’t have an interest.
There is so much to be gained through consistent prayer. We shortchange our selves of blessings and God’s power when we don’t take time to pray.
I mentioned a quote by E.M. bounds earlier. let me read all of it to you now
“What the church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Spirit can use—men of prayer, mighty in prayer. The Holy Spirit does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men—men of prayer.”
Would you commit to being a man or woman of prayer?
Excerpt From: Paul Chappell. “Real Church Curriculum (Teacher Edition).” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/real-church-curriculum-teacher-edition/id619923135
After prayer we have supplication
2. Supplication
2. Supplication
This word means the earnest and sincere desires of our heart.
It’s what we often refer to prayer as. It’s asking for things.
3. Thanksgiving
3. Thanksgiving
I believe it’s easy for us to give thanksgiving to the Lord when things are going well and when prayers are answers but we are instructed to bring ALL of our requests to the Lord with thanksgiving.
When Daniel was in captivity under the threat of execution Daniel persisted in thanksgiving
Daniel
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Daniel realized whether the world was for him or against him, whether life was easy or difficult, he made time to pause and give thanks to God through prayer.
Charles Spurgeon said
“When we bless God for mercies, we usually prolong them. When we bless God for miseries, we usually end them.”
Excerpt From: Paul Chappell. “Real Church Curriculum (Teacher Edition).” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/real-church-curriculum-teacher-edition/id619923135
Notice lastly what can come from the patience and prayer of the believers…Notice the peace of the believers.
III. The Peace of the Believers
III. The Peace of the Believers
“Try to imagine a young Christian teenager in Philippi, whom we’ll call John. Last week his dad was hauled off to prison by the Roman soldiers for his faith in Christ. Nobody knows where he is, and the family will likely never hear what becomes of him. John and his mother moved in with John’s uncle. But now the soldiers have come for John’s uncle. John wants to support his mother, but he can’t find a job anywhere because all know that he is a Christian.
Stories like John’s—and worse—were the realities of Christians in the first century. When Paul penned the epistle of Philippians, it was during a time when it was difficult to be a Christian. And yet, promises that even in the midst of this turmoil, perfect peace would be the result of real prayer.”
Excerpt From: Paul Chappell. “Real Church Curriculum (Teacher Edition).” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/real-church-curriculum-teacher-edition/id619923135
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
See the gift of Peace
A. The Gift of Peace
A. The Gift of Peace
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
Perfect Peace is a gift from God Himself
Worry is tension between the mind and the heart. It begins in our minds as we contemplate the “what if’s,” and then it becomes attached to our hearts and our emotions. When this battle that began in our minds begins to wage war in our hearts, we feel overwhelmed and hopeless.
When we release the cares of our minds to the Lord in prayer, we are training, or focusing, our minds on God. And the sweet byproduct of thus staying our minds on Him is peace.
You can get encouragement from your pastor or fellow Christian, but is only God who can give you peace.
Excerpt From: Paul Chappell. “Real Church Curriculum (Teacher Edition).” Apple Books. https://books.apple.com/us/book/real-church-curriculum-teacher-edition/id619923135
Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, The city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.
Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, The city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on thee: Because he trusteth in thee.
Then lastly see the guardianship of peace
B. The guardianship of Peace
B. The guardianship of Peace
The promise that it God’s peace will “keep your hearts and minds” is amazing. The word “keep” means “to mount a garrison over.” God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds. It will repel anxiety, doubt, and worry.
We unfortunately believe what is intended for peace is for our circumstances to right. But, in reality, what brings peace is when our minds are stayed on God’s Word.
Someone once said, “Safety consists not in the absence of danger but in the presence of God.”
Even so, peace consists not in ideal circumstances but in the presence of God. We do not need perfect circumstances to have perfect peace.
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
God is our protection for our minds when we put our trust in Him.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Authentic prayer is the privelage of every child of God. It is also the secret source for power for the church of God.
The direction we are going as individuals should not be void of prayer. The decisions you need to make in your home should be prayed over. The difficulties you are facing should be prayed about and handled biblically.
The direction we are going as a church is being prayed over. The decisions being made are being taken to the Lord in prayer.
Without prayer we may have much activity, but we will have little substance. We may have polished exteriors, but we will have little peace.
What are you not taking to God in prayer? Do you struggle with worry or anxiety? Wouldn’t it be great to know that God loves you and will take care of you?
As we transition to a time of response to the message, I’d like to ask you to bow your heads and close your eyes. Pray right now and seek the Lord in whats going on in your life. Ask for wisdom, ask for peace.
If you are here this morning and you don’t know how to pray, you don’t know Jesus as your savior, I’d love to let you know that.
If you would like to know for sure that your going to Heaven I’d love to share some bible verses with you. If you are here and would like to know that Jesus is your savior, would you raise your hand please?
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.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
If you trusted Jesus as your Savior would you raise your hand this morning? Let me pray for you. Let me rejoice with you.
For those who are saved…Hows your prayer life? are you praying for more than you own needs? Are you praying for others?
How many of you needed to hear this today? How many needed to hit a reset on their prayer life?
Good. Now let’s make sure we do it.
PRAY
Connection Card
Announcements
Offering
Partial Dismissal
Closing Chorus
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RE-BRAND pitch
Pastor Davidson Remarks
Pastor remarks
-Thankful for privilege to serve
-Looking for God’s vision
-My job is to bring His vision into a cultural context that maintains relevancy for the purpose of accomplishing the mission He has given us. To get the gospel to as many people as we can.
-Our job as a church is to grasp hold of God’s vision and strive together for the sake of the gospel to get it done.
Transition to Pitch
-Process
-I spoke to the deacons months ago about this.
-I reached out to a designer I’m familiar with and love his work.
- The designer met with the deacons and their wives along with my wife and I. We discussed a lot about our church. The history that is here. The desire to go forward. The vision of being classy not classical, modern not contemporary, and timeless and not trendy.
-It was after this I made a statement about voting between a couple of them. After he brought us our logos, I consulted with Pastor Davidson and the deacons to determine we are going to handle it a slightly different way.
- He brought us back logos and color schemes that we all loved.
-The two designs about to show you today are ones that we really wanted to use but in different capacities.
-What I’m going to be asking for a show of hands for this afternoon, is for you to affirm that you are willing to agree with the leadership of the church and go forward with this brand representing Liberty Baptist.
Pitch
-Before you see the designs I want to give you the thoughts that went into making them.
-First, you need to know the brand core values: Authentic, Minimal, Passion, Bold, Classic, Growth
-Next, I want to give you some information that I can explain visually when you see this.
-Liberty is not an easy name to brand. Because there are many standard things we think of we have to be creative in order to stand out.
-While we have Liberty as Americans, our church does not represent the Liberty found in the Constitution but the Liberty we find through the Word of God and the Son of God, Jesus.
-That Liberty is obtained through salvation. Salvation is gained by God’s grace and through faith.
-God’s grace is the ultimate source of Liberty we have as Christians.
-God’s grace is symbolized by the number 5 in the Bible. That’s a study we can go into another day but your welcome to look it up and see how they came to it.
-It’s by God’s grace we are engrafted to the vine, the tree of life, Jesus.
-We are called to reach out of the walls of our church through various, sometimes out of the box, methods to bring others in.
-This is the message I believe is conveyed through our design.
-Now, the moment of truth. I and the leadership team are excited to propose to you the new Branding of Liberty Baptist church.
SLIDE
The variations you see on the bottom are different ways it can be represented. It can also be shown with the white box, tree, leaves, and the words “LIBERTY” underneath and it looks amazing.
Now, the second design I want to show you was given to us for consideration as well but we believe that it will better serve us as a children’s ministry design. What you are about to see will have some variations to font and a little variation to symbol but nothing drastic enough to not go ahead and show it to you.
With the same ideas as the first one, this one communicates that they are growing in Christ.
SLIDE
The font can be adjusted to have a little more kiddish feel, contrasting colors can be used to create the word “kids” underneath it.
Go back to main slide.
With all of that said, I know you can have ideas of colors, fonts, different angles of leaves, and all of this. But those opinions could be had of any picture I show to you.
What I’d like to ask you now is, by show of hands, can you grasp onto the vision God has for the church, the brand that the leadership has agreed to, and jump onboard to see us live up to the imagery represented here? Show of hands who will do that?