26
May '20
God Bless America
26
May '20
Ezekiel 8, 9:4
Introduction: “God bless the USA”! Praise the Lord for our beloved country. But truthfully, is “AMERICA the BEAUTIFUL”- losing her beauty? CHRISTians are the backbone of this nation. *{News flash}….AMERICA needs to BLESS GOD! “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psa 33:12). Much like in the days of Ezekiel, who experienced His GLORY (Ezek 1), answered His CALL (Ezek 2-6), became a WATCHMAN on the wall (3, 33), cried out against idolatry (Ezek 8), interceded for the land (Ezek 22:30), and was FAITHFUL to his culture, believers today can do the same by the power of the Holy Spirit. How? There are (5) ways:
1. By being “SALTY CHRISTians! (Ezek 9:4)
“And the Lord said unto him…go through…the city….of Jerusalem…set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and…cry for all the abominations.”
• Salt adds flavor (Matt 5:13) “Ye are the salt of the earth”
• Salt preserves DECAY (Matt 5:13) ” But if the salt has lost its savor… it’s good for nothing”
• Salt stings in a cut
“And the Lord said unto him…go through…the city….of Jerusalem…set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and…cry for all the abominations.”
• Salt adds flavor (Matt 5:13) “Ye are the salt of the earth”
• Salt preserves DECAY (Matt 5:13) ” But if the salt has lost its savor… it’s good for nothing”
• Salt stings in a cut
2. By being “Palm Tree” CHRISTians! (Psalm 92:12)
“The righteous shall flourish like the Palm tree.”
• Palm trees bend but does not break
• Palm trees sink roots deeper during a storm
• Palm trees bend but does not break
• Palm trees sink roots deeper during a storm
3. By being “Bulldog” CHRISTians! (Gen 32:26)
Jacob while wrestling with the angel said, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.”
• A bulldog bites and holds on (God’s promises)
• A bulldog hangs on (prayer promises)
Jacob while wrestling with the angel said, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.”
• A bulldog bites and holds on (God’s promises)
• A bulldog hangs on (prayer promises)
4. By being “Fire-Fighting” CHRISTians! (Jude 23)
” Others save….pulling them out of the fire: hating even the garments spotted by the flesh.”
• God’s 911 rescue squad
• Snatching people out of the FIRE (Jude 23)
” Others save….pulling them out of the fire: hating even the garments spotted by the flesh.”
• God’s 911 rescue squad
• Snatching people out of the FIRE (Jude 23)
5. By being “Heaven – Bound” CHRISTians! (Phil 3:20)
“For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven.”
• See God’s GLORY here (Psa 19:1, 2)
• See God’s GLORY there (Rev 21, 22)
“For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven.”
• See God’s GLORY here (Psa 19:1, 2)
• See God’s GLORY there (Rev 21, 22)
Conclusion: I love the story of the little boy that was walking along the shoreline of a beach with millions of starfish lying helplessly in the sand. While he began to throw them back into the ocean, a man said, “Son, what are you doing? Your wasting your time! You can’t help save all these stranded starfish. The little boy picked up ONE at a time and said, “Look! I did that one!! And that one!!!”
Ezekiel made a difference, and so can we…
one heart at a time,
one FAMILY,
one neighborhood,
one city,
one country….
one FAMILY,
one neighborhood,
one city,
one country….
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
25
May '20
Teach Us to Pray
25
May '20
Luke 11:1
“One of his disciples said Lord, teach us to pray.”
Introduction: How is your prayer life? Occasionally, it does me good to take inventory on my prayer life? Do you need to? Let’s face it, the purpose of prayer is to have a relationship with the God of the Bible….by talking and listening. This starts as we turn from our sin and trust in Jesus’ precious, cleansing blood and receive Him as our Lord and Saviour. Instead of “SWEET HOUR of PRAYER” our culture has changed it to “SWEET MINUTE of PRAYER”! (guess that’s better than nothing). Is that the way to really build a meaningful LOVE RELATIONSHIP? So Why and How should we pray?
1. Why should we PRAY?
(“Lord, Teach us to pray”)
• Why? Because we have not because we ask not (James 4:2)
• Why pray? To keep us from falling into temptation (Matt 26:41 – “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak”)
• Why? Because we have an enemy (“Deliver us from evil…” Matt 6:13)
(“Lord, Teach us to pray”)
• Why? Because we have not because we ask not (James 4:2)
• Why pray? To keep us from falling into temptation (Matt 26:41 – “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak”)
• Why? Because we have an enemy (“Deliver us from evil…” Matt 6:13)
2. How should we PRAY?
(“Lord, teach us to pray”)
• Pray in Jesus’ name (John 14:13, 14)
• Pray according to the will of God (1 John 5:14, 15)
• Pray in Faith ( Matt 11:22-24)
• Pray for God’s glory (John 17:1f)
(“Lord, teach us to pray”)
• Pray in Jesus’ name (John 14:13, 14)
• Pray according to the will of God (1 John 5:14, 15)
• Pray in Faith ( Matt 11:22-24)
• Pray for God’s glory (John 17:1f)
Conclusion: Quantity and Quality go hand in hand when it comes to praying. Do you want just 30 seconds a day/week with those you love? Or more like 30 minutes to an hour or more? How does our Heavenly Father feel….. when we just go to him when we’ve got a “flat tire” – or when we want Him to heal us or get us out of trouble, which is ok as long as we have a RELATIONSHIP with Him? But as a parent or a friend, we want to spend time with those we love. We’ve all enrolled in this SCHOOL of PRAYER…. graduation is when we get to heaven!
So…”Lord teach us to pray.”
Love y’all,
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
23
May '20
How to Live the Kind of Life that Pleases Our Lord
23
May '20
Ephesians 5:15-20
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”
Introduction: Pleasing our Lord should be #1 on our list. Right? Is it possible? How? Everyday? Failures, faults, and fears can block us. But inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul lays out to the Church of Ephesus and to us today, (5) ways to LIVE a LIFE that PLEASES the Lord:
1. Watch your step CAREFULLY! (Eph 5:15)
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.”
• “Circumspect” – (Latin- means ” looking around”)
( Greek- means “accuracy & precision”)
• Cautious- yellow light
2. Use your time WISELY! (Eph 5:16)
” Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
• “Redeem”- buy back (wouldn’t you like to do that?)
• “Days are evil” – pulled by the world, flesh, devil
3. Fill your tank DAILY! (Eph 5:18)
” And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”
• “Be filled” ( Greek word – plerusthe )
• Present tense- continuous action- go on being filled (we leak!)
• Plural in form- for everybody (not just Charles Stanley) me & you
• Passive in mood- can’t fill ourselves – need God
4. Sing from heart to the Lord JOYFULLY! (Eph 5:19)
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
• When praises go up….
• Blessings come down
5. Thank God CONTINUALLY! (Eph 5:20)
” Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• Thanksgiving is thanksgiving
• Notice – “for all things”
Conclusion: I know what your thinking…. 3 out of 5 isn’t bad! Next: we can’t do that!Unachievable. No we can’t (in ourselves)…but if we
1. Admit we can’t
2. Believe & trust Him to enable us
3. Cooperate with the Holy Spirit
It is possible; otherwise, the Lord would not have had Paul to write it down for us.
Not perfection, but PLEASING!
1. Admit we can’t
2. Believe & trust Him to enable us
3. Cooperate with the Holy Spirit
It is possible; otherwise, the Lord would not have had Paul to write it down for us.
Not perfection, but PLEASING!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
22
May '20
Strength for the Journey
22
May '20
Joshua 1:1-9
“Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Introduction: Remember Popeye the Sailor Man? What about the Big, Bad Bully… Brutus? Weak and skinny Popeye turned into an Incredible Hulk when he ate his spinach. This illustrates what believers in Jesus turn into when the POWER of GOD fills us! Joshua experienced this POWER, which gave him STRENGTH for the Journey! How can we be STRONG and COURAGEOUS in the Lord? There are (5) ways:
1. The Lord has promised to be with us when we need COURAGE to cross over IMMOVABLE Obstacles! (Josh 1:1, 2)
” Now after the death of Moses….the Lord spake to Joshua…Moses’ minister, saying, Moses is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan…and all this people unto a land which I do give to them.”
• Passing the baton
• God makes a way
” Now after the death of Moses….the Lord spake to Joshua…Moses’ minister, saying, Moses is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan…and all this people unto a land which I do give to them.”
• Passing the baton
• God makes a way
2. The Lord has promised to be with us when we need COURAGE to take the territory from the enemy! (Josh 1:3)
” Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that I have given you.”
• Take back the territory
• Enlarge your coast
” Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that I have given you.”
• Take back the territory
• Enlarge your coast
3. The Lord has promised to be with us when we need COURAGE to fight our enemy! (Josh 1:5, 6)
“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so shall be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of good courage.”
• Stand against the enemies’ attack
• Go get your possession
“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so shall be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of good courage.”
• Stand against the enemies’ attack
• Go get your possession
4. The Lord has promised to be with us when we need COURAGE to OBEY! (Josh 1:8)
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but meditate…day and night…observe to do…all that is written for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and have good success.”
• “Meditate” – pictures a cow lying down chewing cuds
• Obedience brings blessings
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but meditate…day and night…observe to do…all that is written for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and have good success.”
• “Meditate” – pictures a cow lying down chewing cuds
• Obedience brings blessings
5. The Lord has promised to be with us when we’re AFRAID and need STRENGTH! (Josh 1:9)
” Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and if good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
• “Strong” means be firm, resolute, prevail
• “Dismayed” means break in pieces, shattered
” Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and if good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
• “Strong” means be firm, resolute, prevail
• “Dismayed” means break in pieces, shattered
Conclusion: Do you need STRENGTH and COURAGE these days? Seniors, teenagers, young adults, dads, moms,
grand parents… every family, every Christian, needs STRENGTH and COURAGE! If we are going to “cross over,” “possess our spiritual possessions,” “drive out the enemy,” and be “blessed and prosper” by the Captain of our Salvation (Jesus Christ), then let’s hear, trust, and obey Him…. get ready for success….. spinach can’t help us like God’s Holy Spirit Power can!
grand parents… every family, every Christian, needs STRENGTH and COURAGE! If we are going to “cross over,” “possess our spiritual possessions,” “drive out the enemy,” and be “blessed and prosper” by the Captain of our Salvation (Jesus Christ), then let’s hear, trust, and obey Him…. get ready for success….. spinach can’t help us like God’s Holy Spirit Power can!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
21
May '20
The Key to Contentment
21
May '20
Text: Philippians 4:1-11
“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 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. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil 4:11).(“content” – Greek word – autarkes- means independent of external circumstances)
Introduction: Why are so many people unhappy? Discontented? Are you CONTENT? Satisfied? How can we get to a place of contentment? While in prison chained to a Roman guard, Paul is given by God (3) KEYS to CONTENTMENT that the Philippian believers needed, and we do as well.
1. Have we discovered we can’t CHANGE PEOPLE, only God can? (Phil 4:1-3)
” Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved….stand fast in the Lord…I beseech Euodias, and Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.”
• Philippian’s division
• God’s provision
” Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved….stand fast in the Lord…I beseech Euodias, and Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.”
• Philippian’s division
• God’s provision
2. Have you discovered that you can’t fix all of your PROBLEMS, but you can Win the War of Worry? (Phil 4:4-7)
“Rejoice in the Lord always….Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known unto God. And the peace of God, that passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
(“Careful” – full of care, “Keep”- garrison – guard)
• Remember reasons to rejoice
• Practice prayer as a priority – the cure for care = prayer
“Rejoice in the Lord always….Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known unto God. And the peace of God, that passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
(“Careful” – full of care, “Keep”- garrison – guard)
• Remember reasons to rejoice
• Practice prayer as a priority – the cure for care = prayer
3. Have you discovered that you can’t help when your emotions run away, but you can bring your THOUGHTS under CONTROL? (Phil 4:8)
” Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, ….honest, …just, …pure, …lovely, …good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
• Fear, Negative thoughts, Bad attitude
• Faith, Positive, Good attitude
” Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, ….honest, …just, …pure, …lovely, …good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
• Fear, Negative thoughts, Bad attitude
• Faith, Positive, Good attitude
Conclusion: What a prescription for our modern day ills! This worry-free pill needs to be taken daily…. sometimes by the minute. Winning the war over worry, trying to change people, and thinking negative thoughts, all weigh us down. But praise the Lord, He gives us keys to unlock the door to CONTENTMENT!
“Hand me the keys.”
Love y’all,
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
20
May '20
Saved to Serve
20
May '20
Text: Acts 18:2, 26; Romans 16:3-5
-Acts 18:2 “And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.”
-Acts 18:26 “And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”
-Romans 16:3-5 ” Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.”
Introduction: Did you know that God’s got a CALL on your life? What is it? Maybe not a full time ministry call but nevertheless, the Lord has CALLED us to FOLLOW Him! How are we doing? Have you ever heard of Aquila & Priscilla in the Bible? Both Luke in the book of Acts and Paul in the book of Romans reveal (4) key ways to check up & see if we are really fulfilling our CALLING:
1. If we are going to fulfill our CALLING, we’ve got to MAKE time with our Lord DAILY! (Acts 18:2)
“Paul departed…and came to Corinth: And found a certain Jew named Aquila…from Italy, with his wife Priscilla…they were tentmakers.”
• Time management
• Spiritual disciplines
“Paul departed…and came to Corinth: And found a certain Jew named Aquila…from Italy, with his wife Priscilla…they were tentmakers.”
• Time management
• Spiritual disciplines
2. If we are going to fulfill our CALLING, we’ve got to be AVAILABLE for our Lord REGULARLY! (Acts 18:26)
“A certain Jew named Apollos…an eloquent man, mighty in Scriptures…fervent in the spirit…knowing only of the baptism of John…Aquila and Priscilla had heard, took him..and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”
We all need to remain TEACHABLE!
• Discipleship
• Mentoring
• Discipleship
• Mentoring
3. If we are going to fulfill our CALLING, we’ve got to put to death the “OLD MAN” and put on the “NEW MAN” DELIBERATELY! (Rom 16:3-4)
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila….who have for my life laid down their own necks.”
• Death to SELF
• LIFE to Holy Spirit Power
• Death to SELF
• LIFE to Holy Spirit Power
4. If we are going to fulfill our CALLING, we’ve got to SERVE the Lord with a good ATTITUDE PURPOSEFULLY! (2 Tim 4:19) “Salute Prisca and Aquila.”
• Paul is in prison
• Priscilla & Aquila – TEAM PLAYERS in the work of God
• Paul is in prison
• Priscilla & Aquila – TEAM PLAYERS in the work of God
Conclusion: Are we answering the Lord’s call today? These (4) keys: spending devotional time daily, being available regularly, putting off the flesh but putting on the new man deliberately, and serving the Lord purposefully, will make a difference as we answer God’s CALL and FOLLOW JESUS!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
19
May '20
Becoming a Man or Woman of God
19
May '20
Text: Philemon
“Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
Introduction: Are you facing challenges? How about time management? Balancing demands of life? Keeping priorities in line? Don’t you want to be known as a man or woman of God? Here are (6) marks of measurement that Paul articulates to Philemon that act as a mirror to see if we are known as a man or woman of God:
1. A man or woman of God has FAITH & LOVE for the LORD JESUS & all the SAINTS! (Philemon 5a)
“Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward the saints.”
• Understanding the times – Faith in God
• Unconditional love for all of God’s people
• Understanding the times – Faith in God
• Unconditional love for all of God’s people
2. A man or woman of God is LIVING out his or her FAITH in JESUS by the power of the Holy Spirit! (Philemon 6)
“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
• Living out!
• Pouring in!
• Living out!
• Pouring in!
3. A man or woman of God REFRESHES others! (Philemon 7)
” For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee brother.”
• Love gives
• Love receives
” For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee brother.”
• Love gives
• Love receives
4. A man or woman is willing to go beyond the CALL of DUTY! (Philemon 21)
“Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.”
• Just getting by?
• Going above & beyond!
• Just getting by?
• Going above & beyond!
5. A man or woman of God learns to EXERCISE FORGIVENESS! (Philemon 18)
“If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account.”
“Wronged” is in the aorist tense- meaning past event – with Onesimus.
“Oweth ” is in the present tense- meaning still owes.
• 2 Wrongs
• Don’t make a Right
“Wronged” is in the aorist tense- meaning past event – with Onesimus.
“Oweth ” is in the present tense- meaning still owes.
• 2 Wrongs
• Don’t make a Right
6. A man or woman of God believes & practices the POWER of PRAYER! (Philemon 22)
” …for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.”
• Praying for others
• Needing them to pray
• Praying for others
• Needing them to pray
Conclusion: Staying the course set by a PROVIDENTIAL God is challenging! Do you agree? Look back on your life….
Hills, bumps, curves and plenty of u-turns can be expected along the way. Although not always pleasant, to be a man or woman of God is the ultimate calling. One last note; our Lord Jesus’ measuring stick can be found in the little book of Philemon.
Hills, bumps, curves and plenty of u-turns can be expected along the way. Although not always pleasant, to be a man or woman of God is the ultimate calling. One last note; our Lord Jesus’ measuring stick can be found in the little book of Philemon.
Thanks for being “A MAN & WOMAN” of God!
Love y’all,
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
18
May '20
There’s Hope in Jesus
18
May '20
Text: Titus 1, 2, 3
Introduction: Are you feeling lonely? Empty? Stressed? Depressed? Unhappy? Is there really HOPE in the Lord? Paul instructs Titus. There are (3) reasons to have “HOPE in JESUS!”
1. Because God gave the Greatest Gift of all, JESUS, there’s HOPE for You! (Titus 3:3)
“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish; disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts, and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another…” Who me? Yes, me!
• Bad news – bad decisions, sin addicts
• Bad news – bad decisions, sin addicts
” But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.” (Titus 3:4)
• Good news – Jesus
• Good news – Jesus
2. Because God does not lie, but keeps His PROMISES – There’s HOPE! (Titus 1:2)
“In hope of eternal life, which God; that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”
• Eternal Life – no lie
• Abundant Life – no lie
• Eternal Life – no lie
• Abundant Life – no lie
3. Because of God’s PROMISE to send His SON AGAIN, there’s HOPE! (Titus 2:11-14)
” Looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of our great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” ( v. 13)
• Look up
• Look out
” Looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of our great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” ( v. 13)
• Look up
• Look out
Conclusion: Billy Graham shared this verse with Steve McQueen before he died…. “In the hope of eternal life, which God that can not lie, promised…” (Titus 1:2). Although he was worn out with guilt, this Scripture seemed to bring HOPE to his heart when nothing else would.
Aren’t you glad “There’s Hope in Jesus”!
Love y’all,
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
15
May '20
Turning Bad Into Glad
15
May '20
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.”
Introduction: Have you ever had some bad things to happen in your life? Bad things happen…do you agree? So how can a LOVING, yet HOLY God take the BAD things that happen in our life and TURN them into GLAD things? The same way He took the terrible suffering of Jesus Christ, His Son, and TURNED it into the most PRECIOUS blessing of life – because of His resurrection and the promise of His Second Coming! Paul who suffered numerous hardships instructs believers to take (3) steps to TURN BAD into GLAD:
1. Take the BAD! (2 Cor 1:4)
“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation.”
The word “tribulation” is thlipsis, which means pressure, trials. Do you feel any pressure? Why?
• Bad predicaments
• Bad people
• Bad problems
The word “tribulation” is thlipsis, which means pressure, trials. Do you feel any pressure? Why?
• Bad predicaments
• Bad people
• Bad problems
2. Don’t be MAD! (2 Cor 1:3)
“Blessed be the God, even the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.”
•”Blessed” is the word eulogetos, which means to speak well of, or in this case, speak of God
•”Comfort” is the word parakaleo, which means to come to one’s side
•”Blessed” is the word eulogetos, which means to speak well of, or in this case, speak of God
•”Comfort” is the word parakaleo, which means to come to one’s side
3. Be GLAD! (2 Cor 1:4)
“…That we might be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
• Bad turned into Glad
• Bad turned into Glad if we don’t get MAD
“…That we might be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
• Bad turned into Glad
• Bad turned into Glad if we don’t get MAD
Conclusion: Do you see how God can take the BAD and make us GLAD? Even though BAD things happen to us (God’s children) in life, with the Holy Spirit “in us,” “beside us,” and working “thru us,” we become a BLESSING to others because of God’s peace, presence, and power.
Praise the Lord! He’s the God of all comfort!!
Love y’all,
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
14
May '20
Reasons to Believe
14
May '20
Text: Luke 24:27
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”
Introduction: Can you trust the Bible? Is there proof? Where’s the evidence? While many today claim it’s outdated and irrelevant, and just a book written by men, how would you defend (give an ANSWER – apologia – logical defense -1 Pet 3:15) your FAITH in God’s WORD? (5) REASONS to BELIEVE:
1. Because the Bible is PROPHETICALLY ACCURATE! (Luke 24:27)
” And beginning at Moses and the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” {Just a few out of hundreds}
• Predicted ride on a donkey (Zech 9:9)- fulfilled (Luke 19:35-37)
• Predicted betrayed by 30 pieces of silver (Zech 11:12)- fulfilled (Matt 26:15)
• Predicted 70 years of captivity for Jews (Jer 25:11)- fulfilled (Dan 9:3; 2 Chron 36:21; Ezra 1)
• Predicted Jesus (Messiah’s) death (Dan 9:26; Is 53:1-12)- fulfilled (Luke 23:32-47)
” And beginning at Moses and the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” {Just a few out of hundreds}
• Predicted ride on a donkey (Zech 9:9)- fulfilled (Luke 19:35-37)
• Predicted betrayed by 30 pieces of silver (Zech 11:12)- fulfilled (Matt 26:15)
• Predicted 70 years of captivity for Jews (Jer 25:11)- fulfilled (Dan 9:3; 2 Chron 36:21; Ezra 1)
• Predicted Jesus (Messiah’s) death (Dan 9:26; Is 53:1-12)- fulfilled (Luke 23:32-47)
2. Because of the RELIABILITY of the Bible! (2 Tim 3:16).
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable…”
• “Inspiration” is theopnuemotos – God breathed.
• “All” means every single part of the whole – from Genesis to Revelation
• “Scripture” is graphe – writings
• “Inspiration” is theopnuemotos – God breathed.
• “All” means every single part of the whole – from Genesis to Revelation
• “Scripture” is graphe – writings
3. Because the Bible is ARCHAEOLOGICALLY supported! (Heb 4:12)
” The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
• “Quick” is zoean which means zoo – alive
• Dead Sea scrolls – verify
• Artifacts – coins, etc.
” The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
• “Quick” is zoean which means zoo – alive
• Dead Sea scrolls – verify
• Artifacts – coins, etc.
4. Because of the CREDIBILITY of Jesus! (John 5:39)
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
• Jesus claimed to be God (John 10:30; 14:9, etc.) and demonstrated
• Jesus affirmed the Scriptures (Luke 24:27)
• Others said He was God (Peter, John, Paul, etc.)
• Jesus claimed to be God (John 10:30; 14:9, etc.) and demonstrated
• Jesus affirmed the Scriptures (Luke 24:27)
• Others said He was God (Peter, John, Paul, etc.)
5. Because of the TESTIMONY of the martyrs! (2 Pet 1:16-21)
Even though Peter was an eyewitness of Jesus – His miracles – he testifies & emphasizes how much MORE important are the Scriptures! “For we have not followed cunning devised fables….we have a more sure word of prophecy…no private interpretation…for prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
• “Moved” by the Holy Ghost( 2 Pet 1:21). The word “moved” is pherosen – picked up and carried. The thought is a sail boat being blown by the wind.
• “Private interpretation” is the word epiluseo – a right way and a wrong way, unpack it correctly, proper meaning.
Even though Peter was an eyewitness of Jesus – His miracles – he testifies & emphasizes how much MORE important are the Scriptures! “For we have not followed cunning devised fables….we have a more sure word of prophecy…no private interpretation…for prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
• “Moved” by the Holy Ghost( 2 Pet 1:21). The word “moved” is pherosen – picked up and carried. The thought is a sail boat being blown by the wind.
• “Private interpretation” is the word epiluseo – a right way and a wrong way, unpack it correctly, proper meaning.
Conclusion: The case is made! The Word of God stands… and you can stand on it! God’s purpose for giving us His Word is that we might believe in Him in a personal way because “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17).
Our challenge is to…
LEARN it,
LOVE it, and most importantly
LIVE it!
Love y’all,
LEARN it,
LOVE it, and most importantly
LIVE it!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese