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
16
May '20
The Favor of God
16
May '20
Text: 1 Chronicles 4:9, 10
“And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”
Introduction: Don’t you want the FAVOR of God on your life? Are we willing to do what it takes to get the BLESSINGS of God? The priest, Ezra gives us a record of a man named Jabez who was “more honorable than his brethren” (1 Chron 4:9). “Honorable” is the Hebrew word kabob, which means “enjoy honor of man.” Even though he was born with sorrow, Jabez called upon the Lord and gives us (4) reasons why we need the FAVOR of God:
1. Do we need the FAVOR of GOD for those AROUND us? (1 Chron 4:10)
“And Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed.”
• Be blessed
• Be a blessing
• Be blessed
• Be a blessing
2. Do we need the FAVOR of God for opportunities AHEAD of us? (1 Chron 4:10)
“Enlarge my coast”
• Opportunities of blessings AHEAD
• Opportunities of blessings BEHIND
• Opportunities of blessings AHEAD
• Opportunities of blessings BEHIND
3. Do we need the FAVOR of God because of who’s AFTER us? (1 Chron 4:10)
” That thou wouldest keep me from evil”
• False accusations
• Intimidations
• False accusations
• Intimidations
4. Do we need the FAVOR of God because of who’s ALWAYS with us! (1 Chron 4:10)
“That thine hand might be with me”
• His hand of protection
• His hand of provision
• His hand of protection
• His hand of provision
Conclusion: The best part…. “And God granted him that which he requested”! Nothing equates to God’s FAVOR and BLESSING! Remember: The FAVOR of God is not just for us, but for those AROUND us, AHEAD of us, and AFTER us…. because God is ALWAYS with us!
Why not call upon Him now?
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
13
May '20
Breakthroughs Over Strongholds
13
May '20
Text: Mark 9:14-29
“And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”
Introduction: Do you need a BREAKTHROUGH over strongholds? A “stronghold” (Greek-ochyroma) is a “castle, a fortress.” All of us deal with unwanted generational “baggages” such as anger, bitterness, lust, self-righteousness, fantasies, greed, temporary escapism-inability to cope with stress and life, etc. These can manifest thru unfulfilled needs, a lack of a healthy God-given self image, and an absence of God’s truth. How can we as believers OVERCOME these strongholds? Mark, the secretary of Peter, gives us (4) steps to experiencing a BREAKTHROUGH:
1. We, like the disciples, have to deal with being DEFEATED & DISCOURAGED! (Mark 9:17, 18)
After a heavenly, mountaintop {transfiguration} experience with Jesus, the disciples are confronted with a demon-possessed boy whose dad was trying to get him help. “Master, I have brought unto thee my son which hath a dumb spirit… I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.”
• Disciples defeated
• Prayerless Christians
= Powerless
“The disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?… And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:28, 29)
• Disciples defeated
• Prayerless Christians
= Powerless
“The disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?… And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:28, 29)
2. We, like the daddy, have to deal with being DOWN in the DUMPS! (Mark 9:21-24)
Jesus asked the father, “How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.” And the DOUBTING DADDY said, “If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.”
• Doubt and do without
• Doubt turned into Desperation (Mark 9:24)
“The father cried out… with tears, Lord I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” The word “HELP” in verse 22 means instant but “HELP” in verse 24 means continuous.
• Doubt and do without
• Doubt turned into Desperation (Mark 9:24)
“The father cried out… with tears, Lord I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” The word “HELP” in verse 22 means instant but “HELP” in verse 24 means continuous.
3. We, like the DEFEATED disciples & the DOUBTING daddy, have to deal with DEADLY DEMONS! (Mark 9:18, 20)
Speaking of the demon, the dad said, “….he taketh him, he teareth: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away.”
• The Strongman’s Stronghold
• Deadly demon’s destroying – convulses, shrieks, wasting away
Speaking of the demon, the dad said, “….he taketh him, he teareth: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away.”
• The Strongman’s Stronghold
• Deadly demon’s destroying – convulses, shrieks, wasting away
4. We need to let the DIVINE DELIVERER DELIVER! (Mark 9:19, 23, 25)
” Bring him to me…. if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth…. I charge thee, come out of him.”
• Get people to JESUS
• Demons must obey
” Bring him to me…. if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth…. I charge thee, come out of him.”
• Get people to JESUS
• Demons must obey
Conclusion: Strongholds are real…. but they must SUBMIT to the STRONGER One – JESUS! Whether you believe it or not, I experienced a demon-possessed lady on the mission field in the interior of Guyana (way in the backwoods only accessible by boat). Her mother brought her to me, asking for help; this was after preaching one night… everybody (about 100 village people) had left…. the demon-possessed lady growled like a wild animal and shrieked and shrilled at the top of her lungs! Her eyes were sunk in the back of her head. At first, I was looking for a BACK DOOR! Then, our Lord reminded me about HIS wonder-working power thru His BLOOD, His WORD, & HIS NAME! After praying and trusting in HIM for deliverance, she was set FREE! Her countenance changed!! Her voice returned normal and we REJOICED in what a Mighty GOD we SERVE! She had a “BREAKTHROUGH over a STRONGHOLD”!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
12
May '20
Fulfilling God’s Call On Your Life
12
May '20
Text: 2 Samuel 5:1-25
6″And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither. Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David. And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind that are hated of David’s soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house. So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward. And David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house. 12 And David perceived that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.”
Introduction: When you are riding in a boat, do you like to sit in the BACK and see where you’ve been, or do you like to sit in the FRONT and see where you’re going? Both are important. It’s been said, “Older men look backward…. younger men look forward… and middle age men look terrible!” Anyway, while observing David’s life, God gives us (3) ways to use our influence with our family and friends… and FULFILL our calling:
1. In order to FULFILL our calling, we need more FORESIGHT! (2Sam 5:6-10)
“And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land… and took the strong hold of Zion… the Lord God of hosts was with him.”
By following God’s will and way, David saw the need for Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel.
• Do you look AHEAD?
• Do you have God-given goals?
“And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land… and took the strong hold of Zion… the Lord God of hosts was with him.”
By following God’s will and way, David saw the need for Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel.
• Do you look AHEAD?
• Do you have God-given goals?
2. In order to FULFILL our calling, we need more INSIGHT! (2Sam 5:8)
” And David said on that day, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites…. he shall be chief captain.”
” And David said on that day, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites…. he shall be chief captain.”
Because of prior preparation, David knew a secret entrance to get on to the Temple Mount and overthrow the enemy.
• Do you look around?
• Do you count the costs?
• Do you look around?
• Do you count the costs?
3. In order to FULFILL our calling, we need more HINDSIGHT! (2Sam 5:9-12)
“So David dwelt in the fort and called it the city of David… the Lord had established him king over Israel.”
• Do you look behind?
• Do you see the Lord’s blessing?
• Do you look behind?
• Do you see the Lord’s blessing?
Conclusion: When God is up to a work in our life (like David’s), He gives FORESIGHT, INSIGHT, and HINDSIGHT. What is He up to in your life? There’s ground to be taken, enemies to be defeated, and glory to God to be given, if we are going to FULFILL our calling!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese