Author: Stan Cox
Serenity Prayer
The prayer is rather famous. It has taken various similar forms from the 1930’s, and was apparently adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1940’s. It is called the serenity prayer.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
It seems that the prayer has three very important and true sentiments. Let’s consider them in turn.
First, we need serenity – the state of being calm, peaceful and untroubled. Our serenity is tied to the loving provision of our Master. Paul wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). We do not need to be concerned about things beyond our control, because God is in control of all! Even against the most powerful of forces, “The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, ‘Surely as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand…’” (Isaiah 14:24).
Second, we need courage – strength in the face of pain, grief or hardship. There is much we can actually do with God’s help, especially spiritually. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Sometimes hard decisions have to be made – sacrifices, changes, repentance. Many are unwilling to make those decisions. An example were the rulers of the Jews who believed in Jesus, but because of the Pharisees were unwilling to confess him, “lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43). It is always important to do what is right in the sight of the Lord God, no matter the consequence.
Finally, we need wisdom – the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment. In the Bible, this wisdom comes from a knowledge of God’s word, experience, and prayer. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Here our wisdom allows us to know when to act, and when to leave our troubles with God. As Jesus said, don’t worry, “for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:32). We understand that since God knows and cares, He will act to protect us and provide what we need.
It may be that the Serenity Prayer is misused or misunderstood by some. But it contains truths to embrace!
Mining the Scriptures: Titus 3:3
After Paul’s admonition to “obey”, he noted his own previous “foolish” state as a sinner. It is interesting to note his description, starting with the word “foolish” – unintelligent or unwise.
His foolishness led to disobedience – he had not complied to the will of God. He was contumacious – stubborn willful against authority. He was deceived – led away from the truth. He served his own desires and pleasures. In effect, he did what pleased himself, not what pleased God. He lived in malice – malignity, ill-will, a desire to injure; and envy – ill will, jealousy, spite. He was hateful – detestable or odious; and was actively involved in hating others.
Verses 4-7 indicate a change. This is conversion. But, prior to it Paul was like everyone else. By not serving God he was serving himself. He caused injury to the cause of Christ. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5). Paul was honest in assessing himself, this led him to call others to righteousness!
Inspiration
Consider carefully what the Bible says about itself: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Inspiration — The term inspiration (theopneustos)means divinely breathed. Since all scripture is divinely breathed, it is a plenary (complete) inspiration. None of this is merely the words of men. In every sense these are the words of God. (cf. 2 Peter 1:19-21).
Efficacy — A study of scripture is beneficial in every area. What do we stand for? Our Doctrine? What do we use to convince others of God and His nature? Our means of Reproof? How do we get people off the wrong path? Our Correction? How to we grow and mature Christians? What is our means of Instruction in Righteousness? It is scripture for all these. It is all we need!
Maturity — Scripture is all we need to become all God wants us to be. Perfection (artios) means fitted or completed. God’s word suits us, and is everything we need to be what God wants us to be! We are “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Rather than making the mistake of establishing our own righteousness (cf. Romans 10:3), we have knowledge of the righteousness of God!
Sermon: Dealing with Distractions
In our distraction filled society, the Christian needs to be sure not to be distracted from serving God. Four items are discussed: Morality, Attendance, Worship and Study.
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Mining the Scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:8-13
Paul noted here that the gospel of Christ caused him to suffer, as the world considered Paul an “evildoer” because of his teacher. Regardless, Paul was willing to suffer, knowing that the word of God could not be stopped by the efforts of men: “but the word of God is not chained” (9).
So for the sake of those who would respond in faith to his preaching, “the elect”, Paul endured his suffering. He wrote to the Romans, “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Roman also” (Romans 1:15). As a result, Paul was responsible for the salvation of many.
Verses 11-13 contain what Paul referred to as a faithful saying. This is not a quotation from scripture, it may have been lyrics from an early hymn. Whatever the origin, as Paul states, the words are true. Essentially, God can only be Himself. He cannot lie. Therefore, all of the promises He has made to man regarding faithfulness and reward are true promises and will be accomplished!
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16-17).
The Bible affirms truth in several places. Another is John 1:1-3. “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (3).
It reminds me of the old joke about the scientist, who claimed he could create life, just like God. So, he got all prepared, and reached down for some dirt. God said to him, “Get your own dirt!”
God alone is our Creator. The scripture reveals that God the Son spoke our universe, every bit of it, into existence. In this was He was the “firstborn over all creation.” This doesn’t mean that He was the first one created, but He is the one from which all creation springs. “And without Him nothing was made that was made.”
Our Savior is not merely a man among other men. He is as far removed from others as we are to an ant. Even farther removed. Jesus is the Son of God. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
Sermon: The Christian
A two part lesson on the Christian, and his responsibility toward God considering our culture, country, and politics.
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Sermon: The Suffering of Christ
Speaker: Justin Carrell. A discussion of how Jesus can empathize with us, as a man. He suffered greatly on the cross. Justin discusses that suffering that we remember as we observe His supper.
Sermon: We Need Friends!
A discussion of Ecclesiastes 4 that shows the vanity of a life lived without the benefit of friends and family. Jesus is the Christian’s ultimate friend!
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Sermon: What is the Church?
A contrast is made with societal views of the church, and what the Bible reveals concerning it.
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Sermon: Water to Wine (John 2:1-11)
A discussion of Jesus’ miracle, turning water into wine in John 2:1-11. We discuss the miracle, the conversation between Jesus and His mother, and the purpose of the signs Jesus performed.
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Why I Am a Christian
There are many reasons men give for not being believers in God. In this lesson, reasons are given to serve God and His Son Jesus.
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Sermon: “Nots” in the Devil’s “Tale” (John 8:43-47)
The devil is a liar. Many of his lies include “nots”. Let us not be deceived by them.
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Sermon: Pendulums
Every Christian needs to carefully examine their own tendencies in the moment, to determine whether they are at one extreme or another in any particular tendency, to ensure they are where God wants them to be. Guest Preacher: Justin Carrell
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Sermon: Honey and the Honeycomb (Psalm 19:9-10)
A discussion of the use of the terms honey and honeycomb in scripture, especially their metaphorical use to consider what his valuable, sweet and beneficial.
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