Posts Tagged ‘life’
Jan
30
2009

Freedom of Choice

datePosted on 08:56, January 30th, 2009 by Steve Hall

Here are a few quotes that may help one to understand the (sometimes confusing) concepts of God’s sovereignty and man’s free will:

“Our destiny is not determined for us, but it is determined by us. Man’s free will is part of God’s sovereign will. We have freedom to take which course we choose, but not freedom to determine the end of that choice.” Oswald Chambers

“Whoever is on God’s side is on the winning side and cannot lose; whoever is on the other side is on the losing side and cannot win. Here there is no chance, no gamble. There is freedom to choose which side we shall be on but no freedom to negotiate the results of the choice once it is made. By the mercy of God we may repent a wrong choice and alter the consequences by making a new and right choice. Beyond that we cannot go.” A. W. Tozer

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” Deuteronomy 30:19

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May
23
2008

Dealing With A Crisis

datePosted on 15:23, May 23rd, 2008 by HB London

The following article was posted on HB London’s blog “The Heart of a Pastor“.
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In light of the fact that over 4,000 soldiers have lost their lives in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and events such as the devastating tragedy that happened just Wednesday of this week, when Steven Curtis Chapman’s family lost their little girl to an accident at their home .. crisis is common. Loss is frequent.

The telephone rings, and the call is from a person in an emergency. While you’re sitting at your desk, a knock at the door comes from someone who has reached the end of her rope. You’re playing golf, and a colleague shares a problem that could destroy his life.

It is one thing to deal with an unexpected crisis in another person’s life, but it’s quite different when you have to face an extreme circumstance in your own life. The Lord told us those times would come when He said, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) For some reason, we never seem ready for the inevitable. How do you handle a crisis? Let me suggest the following.

  • First, remember God is not surprised. He knows your name. He knows where you live. He knows exactly what is happening.
  • Second, you should never go through a crisis or the valley of sorrow alone. Talk to someone; please do not shut others out. Call Focus on the Family’s Pastoral Care Line toll free at 877-233-4455 and we will listen.
  • Third, if you can say or do something to alter the situation, then do it. Don’t let a problem become bigger than it should be. If there is nothing you can do, then surrender it to God. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7)
  • Fourth, do not despair. “Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged.” (Joshua 1:9) So often the things that trouble us are not as threatening as they appear to be.
  • Finally, trust those people who can help. Be open and honest with your physician or counselor, family members and colleagues. Let them help mend your brokenness. If the crisis is a product of sin, then confess it. “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16) Accept God’s forgiveness and move forward.

Sure, it’s easy for me to suggest a simplistic formula for dealing with a crisis, but we all have to begin somewhere.

We hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Remember those who have gone before, consider the loss of our military and honor them. Our podcast this Monday is entitled “In Remembrance” .. why not give it a listen? You can access it at www.podcast.hblondon.org

And Happy Memorial Day!

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Mar
22
2008

Here I Am!

datePosted on 11:46, March 22nd, 2008 by Ray

Too many people today are over-medicated.

In some cases, the issue is not physical but spiritual. Only Jesus can heal the spiritual issues in our lives. Jesus came to give us a full life but the devil is working full-time to steal it away. Let us join with the crippled woman of Luke chapter 13, as we go to where Jesus is and make our presence known. Then, when Jesus touches us, we too, will be enabled to “straighten up” and live life to the full.

Here is the general outline of a message that I shared last week:

Here I Am!

I. The devil steals, kills, & destroys (Jn 10:10)

  • Woman was crippled: bent over unable to straighten up
  • She had been in this shape for 18 years
  • It was the work of a “spirit”

II. We only need to come to Jesus

  • Jesus was teaching in a synagogue
  • She WENT to the meeting
  • She made herself visible

III. Jesus gives Abundant Life

  • Jesus saw – called – spoke freedom
  • Jesus touched her & immediately she straightened up
  • She praised God (Lu 8:35; Jn 10:10)

Conclusion: A FULL life is to have and be everything God intends us to have & be

  • The devil & his demons attempt to steal & destroy the good things in our lives
  • If we want to live to the FULL, we need to get to where Jesus is & make ourselves known
  • When Jesus frees us & gives us life, He ENABLES us to “straighten up” & live a FULL life

If you want to download the entire notes file, click here.

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Mar
12
2008

How to Talk to Sinners

datePosted on 22:53, March 12th, 2008 by Ray

sinners welcomeI recently saw a church sign that said, “Sinners welcome!” I like that! Is it true in your church? Too often, the church becomes a social club – not necessarily for the upper crust but anyone who is not a member will recognize that they are not exactly welcome.

At our church (Agape’ Fellowship) we determined that our major goal for 2008 was to live up to our name – to live God’s Agape’ love. The practical definition of Agape’ love is captured in the phrase, “I love you too much to allow you to die and go to hell.”

However, many times people who wish to be used of God ask the same question that the repentant people asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” (Lu 3:10,12,14). In that case, the issue is not whether I love the sinner and want to see him (or her) be saved, the question is HOW do I go about it. In Colossians 4:5 Paul advised the church that if they showed Agape’ love to others, there WOULD be opportunities to share the gospel, “Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” Read the rest of this entry »

This entry is part 5 of 5 in the series Style & Technique
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