Category: Prayer
Subject: Prayer
Sermon: May the Lord Bless You
The sermon is an analysis of Psalm 20. The lesson examines the petitions made to God by Israel on behalf of David. Applications are made.
Sermon: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Christians
Spring Meeting 2014: Kyle Campbell
(Note: The first 12 minutes of this lesson were not recorded, the remaining 34 minutes have audio that is reduced in quality, though still very understandable).
The 7 habits discussed by Kyle:
- Take up your cross *
- Die for Christ *
- Pray to the Lord
- Examine the Scriptures
- Encourage one another
- Forgive one another
- Teach non-Christians
* (Was covered in the first 12 minutes, so not recorded)
Sermon: Hannah’s 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.
Invitation: We Are Not Alone!
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!
Sermon: The Prayer Life of Jesus
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.
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11
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.
Sermon: Now That I’m A Christian
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
Sermon: 5 Things God’s Children Should Never Worry About
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.
Sermon: Jesus’ Five Principles of Prayer
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.
Sermon: Things that Prevent God from Answering Prayer
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.
Trademarking “Tebowing”
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).
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4
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.
Mining the Scriptures: Colossians 1:9-12
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:
- 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).
- 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).
- 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: Why Do We Have the Invitation?
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.
Sermon: How to be Successful in Prayer
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.
