Category: Prayer

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.

This post contains short summaries and links to both audio and Powerpoint presentations of all the sermons Mo Hafley preached for the West Side congregation in the Fall 2010 meeting, November 6-11.

Lesson 1: Looking Unto Jesus

In this sermon, Mo Hafley of Paden City, WV uses the text of Hebrews 12:1-7, to establish the nature of the Christian’s race on earth, and the motivation behind it as we look to Jesus, our Savior.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Lesson 2: How We Worship

This sermon by Mo Hafley is a discussion on proper worship to God, with an emphasis on focus and proper spirituality when we sing, pray, commune around the Lord’s table, give of our means, and listen to the preaching of the Word of God.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Lesson 3: A Few Days with Paul

This sermon by Mo Hafley is a discussion of Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica and Berea, as recorded by Luke in Acts 17:1-13. Paul and the first century disciples showed great courage in the preaching of the gospel of Christ.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Lesson 4: Parents and Children

This sermon by Mo Hafley is a wonderful treatment of God’s word on the topic of Parenting. In it, Mo shows what God expects of Christian parents, and even has some words of admonition for children.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Lesson 5: Preaching Properly

In this sermon, Mo Hafley discusses the proper tone we are to take in preaching. Emphasis is placed upon militance in preaching, as too often in our day and time people heap up for themselves teachers having itching ears. Soft preaching is not God’s way.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Lesson 6: Holy Living in an Unholy World

This sermon by Mo Hafley documents the moral evil that is present in our world, and especially our nation. Biblical advice is given to Christians, explaining how we are to navigate in such troublesome waters.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Lesson 7: Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego

This lesson is an expository treatment of Daniel 3, showing the courage of these great servants of God. Regardless of consequence, Christians must emulate them.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Lesson 8: Evidences

This lesson by Mo Hafley is a concise detailing of various internal and external evidences, given to prove God’s existence, and the validity of the Bible as God’s revelation.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Lesson 9: Homesick for Heaven

This lesson was an appropriate ending to our gospel meeting with Mo Hafley. He used homesickness (an emotion we have all felt) to explain the type of desire and expectation we as Christians should have regarding our heavenly home.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Daniel is a man of Purpose, Principle, Purity and Prayer. As such, he serves as a wonderful example to us.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

This sermon uses the parable of the persistent widow to explain the importance of prayer, and the nature of God’s providence.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

A simple sermon containing suggestions on how to live more zealously for God in 2010, beginning a new year, and a new decade.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

I am going to include in this post all of the sermons preached by brother Keith Greer in our recent meeting, November 7-12, 2009.

The Perils of Postponement (Saturday)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Rise Above Minimal Service (Sunday Class)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Prayerlessness (Sunday AM)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Uncompromising Faith (Sunday PM)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Will God Bless America? (Monday)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Sorry, did not record.

Same Principles in Every Age (Tuesday)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Keys to Joy (Wednesday AM)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Gratitude (Wednesday PM)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

God Said, But… (Thursday)
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Brother Greer did a fine job this past week, and I commend each of these lessons to you!

The Sermon points out, It isn’t possible to have a relationship with God:

• If you don’t know about Him.
• If you refuse to Repent.
• If you neglect Obedience.
• If you reject Jesus Christ.
• If you don’t listen to, or talk to Him.

Stated Positively: If you will seek to learn about God and know Him; if you will acknowledge your sin and repent; let faith and love produce obedience; trust in Christ, listen to God and pray to Him — You can enjoy a relationship with your Creator, that begins here on earth and is consummated in eternity.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

We should not set just one day aside for thanksgiving to God. Rather, we should always, every day be and express our thanks to God. Thanksgiving improves:

• Our perspective about Ourselves
• Our perspective about our Things
• Our perspective about our God

Thanksgiving helps to keep us from arrogance, greed and worry.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon discusses a number of practical suggestions regarding prayer, study and personal conviction that will benefit any Christian, but especially those who are young, and young in the faith.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

(Note: This short article was written by a member at West Side, Tommy Davis. As the article is brief, in the bulletin I added the quotes from George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I commend Tommy’s article to you. Stan).

One of man’s greatest leaders said something that made me think. Being a Christian, I tried to put the saying in perspective.

President Ronald Reagan said:

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”

What will you do to keep the greatest nation on the earth from perishing? If we use worldly wisdom, our response would be to join the US Armed Forces! After all, America is the first country in history to have the power to conquer the earth and yet restrains itself. It is the only country in history to conquer other nations to free them from tyranny (and then let them rule themselves again). We are the good guys!

Continue reading “America – A Godly Nation?” →

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

The apostle Paul suffered a great deal because of his ministry in the gospel. He was constantly in peril, and coveted the prayers of the saints for protection. His petition here is especially specific, as he requested protection from “unreasonable and wicked men.”

Why are some men wicked? Because, “not all have faith.” Those without faith are often actively antagonistic toward Christ.

Such a sobering reality is certainly cause for prayer, but not for despair. Despite the antagonism of the worldly, Paul had reason for comfort and confidence. “But the Lord is faithful.” (cf. Romans 8:31).
Not only was Paul confident in God’s faithfulness, he was confident in the faithfulness of the Thessalonians. They were doing God’s will, and he believed they would continue to be faithful to Him.

This prayer was that their hearts (referencing both devotion and will) would be directed into the Love of God (indicating a love for God, seen in obedience) and the Patience of Christ (indicating a need for the same patience evinced by the Savior Himself in His life on earth). A wonderful prayer indeed!

The Prayer of Elijah. 1 Kings 18:41-46. Elijah was a righteous man who prayed to God fervently in accord with Jehovah’s will. As such, his prayer was answered. This example serves to teach us important lessons regarding prayer.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Guest speaker Brantley Gallman, from the vantage point of what a Christian young person would want in a future spouse, identifies three characteristics that all Christians should possess. They should be spiritually motivated, able and willing to communicate (especially with God), and possess confidence in the knowledge that they are in Christ. These things will help a Christian be a good mate and a faithful child of God.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Matthew 6:5-8

Before giving a model prayer for his disciples to emulate (vs. 9-13), Jesus instructed his disciples in how to pray.

He taught them to recognize the private and personal nature of prayer. Prayer is not performance, and those who treat it as such merely secure for themselves the recognition of men, not God. The Pharisees were of this ilk, and got what they wanted, the praise of men.

These performances are public, and often consist of “vain repetitions.” While such words may impress the hearers, they do not impress God, who sees the heart.

Instead, we should recognize that God knows our needs and desires. The purpose of prayer is not to inform God of those things, rather it is a means of acknowledging our dependence upon Him. We pray to God, not because He needs us to, but because he deserves our praise and thanksgiving. Pray to be seen of God, not men; and you will be rewarded.