Category: Prayer

Using the first chapter of 1 Samuel, which records the prayer of Hannah, we learn the importance of fervency and persistency in prayer, that prayer must be in faith, and that God answers our prayers.

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Invitation delivered by: Ben Schmidt

In 2 Kings 6:12-ff, the prophet Elisha showed his servant that with God, we are never alone. This is a lesson we should learn as well!

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Every aspect of Jesus’ character, life and habits are worth imitating. One aspect of His life we can learn from is His practice of praying to His heavenly Father. The lesson examines those habits, and makes proper applications.

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The apostle Paul suffered through many dangerous and difficult circumstances in Asia. He was persecuted in Lystra (Acts 14); there was a plot against his life in Macedonia (Acts 20:3); he fought against wild beasts in Ephesus (1 Cor. 15:32). Here he refers to one, or perhaps all of those troubles, stating that the “sentence of death” was in him, and that he “despaired even of life.” A more complete list of what Paul suffered is given in 2 Cor. 11:22-29.

Paul wished to share the information regarding his struggles with the Corinthians, that they might know of his trust in God, as the one “who raises the dead.” Paul knew that his life had been spared many times by providence, God having a further purpose for him. Even on the occasion where he was left for dead (cf. Acts 14:19), his life was spared.

Paul also attributed his rescue from peril to the petitions made for him by others (11). In thanking them for their prayers, he shows us the power of prayer too, and encourages us to pray for others.

Speaker: Dennis Craig

Certain responsibilites and privileges follow one who becomes a Christian. The sermon discusses these things that follow becoming a child of God:

• Rejoice for Salvation
• Be Holy
• Study God’s Word
• Pray to God
• Assemble with the Saints
• Pepare for the Future

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Paul exhorts us to “be anxious for nothing” (Philippians 4:6). Among other things, 5 things stand out that the Christian should never worry about: 1) Being forsaken by God; 2) Feeling Useless; 3) The future; 4) Bothering God with prayer; and, 5) Feeling unforgiven.

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Sermon by Marc Smith.

This simple lesson by Marc establishes five important principles, taught by the Lord, important for a healthy and effective prayer life.

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While God can not be kept from answering prayers offered to Him, there are things that a man can do that can interfere with his petitions to God.

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The New York Jets backup quarterback has been a bit of a public relations sensation since entering the NFL. Most agree that the hype surrounding him is probably greater than his actual talent. But, that being said, he is extremely popular, in part because he is a very religious individual and is very forthcoming about his faith.

After touchdowns and on other occasions each game, Tebow drops down to a knee, and in front of tens of thousands of fans, and millions of viewers on television, says a short prayer. Some wag coined his practice “Tebowing” (the name is pronounced with a long ‘o’, like an archer’s bow).

Continue reading “Trademarking “Tebowing”” →

Paul’s initial greeting to the brethren in Thessalonica is straightforward and concise. On behalf of himself Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, he greeted them and acknowledged their relationship in God and Christ. He bestowed upon them his customary greeting, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” (cf. Ro. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 2:1; Gal. 1:3; etc.).

It is also typical for Paul to proclaim his daily prayers for his brethren (as he does here), though he varies in the reasons for such prayers. This gives us some indication of the faithfulness of the Thessalonians. He gave thanks to God for their industry (based on their love of God), faithfulness (shown in their obedience) and patience (which had its motivation in their hope in Christ). For this Paul was thankful, and did not cease in his petitions to God for them. We too ought to pray without ceasing for our brethren, giving thanks to God.

Paul called them “beloved brethren” because they had been elected “by God” (cf. Ephesians 1:3-10). God had chosen them for salvation because of their obedient faith in response to the gospel.

Paul acknowledged the declared love of the Colossians, revealed by Epaphras to him (vs. 8). This motivated him to return that love by praying daily for them. In our text he reveals what he prayed for, on their behalf:

1. That they would know God’s will, and have the wisdom and discernment to apply it correctly. Note that knowledge of God’s word is dependent upon our own efforts. We are to be diligent in applying ourselves to study (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15). But, wisdom may be granted to us in answer to our prayers (cf. James 1:5-6).
2. That they might fully please God in their Christian walk. You may note that Paul refers to fruitfulness as a key to pleasing God. Branches that do not bear fruit are purged (cf. John 15:2).
3. That they might be strengthened with God’s power, to enable them to steadfastness and longsuffering. While the believer’s life is sometimes hard, we can do “all things through Christ, who strengthens [us]” (Philippians 4:13).

Finally, he gave thanks to God for them. It is God who grants us the right of fellowship, and we thank Him for our privilege.

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin discusses why the tradition of offering an invitation at the end of our Wednesday Bible Study is a beneficial one.

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The Lesson consists of six different points establishing what it takes, both regarding the petition of prayer itself, as well as the character of the supplicant, to make prayer successful. Reference is made to James 5:16.

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James here explains that wisdom is obtained through prayer. Therefore, a distinction must be made between mere knowledge, derived through study, and wisdom, which can be expressed as the proper application of that knowledge. The world is full of men and women who have knowledge, and yet lack the perspective and ability to use it properly.

Wisdom is also gained through experience and maturity, but here we are given the promise that a petition to God will be effective in garnering this gift directly from Him.

But, we must act in faith. When we petition God, we are placing our trust in His willingness and ability to grant our petitions. Doubting casts aspersion upon either His integrity or sovereignty. Neither is acceptable to God.

God answers prayer. But, he only answers the prayer that is offered effectively, and by the righteous (cf. James 5:16). Otherwise, “let not that man suppose he will receive anything from the Lord.”

Do you want wisdom? Ask God, without doubting, and you will receive the bounty you desire.

The apostle Paul was thankful to God for the Colossians. He prayed on their behalf out of a sense of appreciation for their faith, and the expressions of their love for other Christians. He had heard of this faith and love from their brother Epaphras, who declared it while visiting with him (vs. 7-8).

It is interesting that Paul’s expression of thanks came in the form of supplication to God. By expressing his thanks to God, he prayed God’s blessings on their behalf. This is a wonderful practice, and should be emulated by all Christians.

Paul also described their motivation for such faith and love — the hope of heaven! This hope was made known to them in the preaching of the gospel, and it was this hope that led them to bear fruit for Christ.

John wrote that God showed His love for us by sending “His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” He continued, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:10-11). Christ’s death and resurrection secures for us the hope of heaven. In return, we are obligated to faith, and love for one another.