Sermon Central
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My Faith Looks Up To Thee : Draw Inspiration From God In Times Of Adversity
Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Sep 16, 2007 (message contributor)
Summary: THIS SERMON IS ABOUT OUR FAITH LOOKING UP TO GOD AND DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM HIM IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY AND HIGHLIGHTS THE FOLLOWING 1. PASSION 2. PEACE 3. POWER 4. PROTECTION 5. PRESENCE 6. PROMOTION 7. PURPOSE
MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE : DRAW INSPIRATION FROM GOD IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY
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OUTLINE
1. PASSION
2. PEACE
3. POWER
4. PROTECTION
5. PRESENCE
6. PROMOTION
7. PURPOSE
THE MESSAGE
MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE : DRAW INSPIRATION FROM GOD IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY
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1. PASSION
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We must draw inspiration from the passion and the love of God in times of adversity. The Lord loves us with an everlasting love. He shows compassion on us like a father does towards his children. He will deliver us because we love Him. The Lord disciplines those whom He loves and we must not doubt His love during such times.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.
Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!
Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
2. PEACE
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We must draw inspiration from the peace of God in times of adversity. Our God has power over every storm that may blow in our lives. He can calm every storm and bring peace into our lives. We must not be weak in faith and become fearful in times of adversity. The Lord will crush satan under our feet . We can put all our cares upon the Lord and enjoy His peace which transcends all understanding.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.
Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
3. POWER
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We must draw inspiration from the power of God in times of adversity. Our God is strong and mighty in battle. He can destroy the weapons of the enemy and make wars to cease. When God arises He will scatter His enemies and cause them to flee.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
