May 5, 2013

BE READY TO ANSWER

OPENING HYMN: Beneath The Cross Of Jesus

DEVOTIONAL: Be Ready To Answer- 1 Peter 3:15

Like a boyscout we need to be prepared- to be able to answer any question a believer/non-believer may have- to be ready to lead a lost person to Christ, or to better educate a fellow brother or sister.

With so much uncertainty in the world today, I believe we could even take this message one step further

"And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: AND BE NOT AFRAID OF THEIR TERROR, NEITHER BE TROUBLED; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing."

Be ready to stand up for your beliefs, to protect your first amendment rights of freedom of religion. Christians are being targeted today and it is up to us to make sure that as the majority in America, that we are heard. Write to your local Senators, Governors, Congress, and President. Let them know how you feel. Don't be afraid to use social media to your advantage.Get the word out. "The pen is mightier than the sword."

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Acts 24-25

As Paul is brought to trial, we're being introduced to a new cast of characters. Felix and Festus, governors who were each morally corrupt.

Felix cared nothing for the law, seeking only to fill his pockets with money from bribes that would come his way.

Festus was blinded by his political ambition.

"Then, as now, a trial is often about politics rather than justice... Paul believed in the resurrection and that was the reason he was on trial... The whole thing was about Jesus and whether he was living or dead. The resurrection was at the heart of the case... He (Paul) was on trial because of his belief in Jesus, not because of anything he had done in the Temple."*

*Adult Quarterly- Church Growth- Extension- Acts 15-28

During his time under house arrest, Paul was not idle. Many times Felix and his wife Drusilla meet with Paul to hear his message about Christ. Both being sinners, Felix and Drusilla eventually come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit through Paul's works. Unfortunately sin nature overwhelmed their spiritual needs and they were never saved. Acts 24:24-27.

Due to his ineffective concerning control of the Jews, Festus took over as governor from Felix. As such it was customary during that time period for the new governor to grant a favor to his people. In this case it was the Jews- seeking to re-open Paul's case.

Afraid he would be sent back to Jerusalem and killed, Paul petitioned for his case to be heard by Caesar. Acts 25:10-13 as was his right, being a Roman citizen. Seeking help for the situation Festus found himself knee deep in, he took advantage of the arrival of King Agrippa and Bernice- giving Paul the opportunity to present his case to another and Festus the chance to ask for advice. Acts 25:23-27.

HYMNS: Come, Christians, Join To Sing
                How Firm A Foundation
                Faith Is The Victory
                It Pays To Serve Jesus

PRAYER REQUESTS: Health Issues, Military, Government, Unspoken

SERMON: We were treated to a guest speaker, Jon Hancock with the American Baptist Association.

His message, entitled, Withstanding Life's Storms, was aptly named as he also brought us a presentation on ABA'S Disaster Relief Program (more to come on this later)

Matthew 7:24-27

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock, And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."


There are 3 components God has given us to withstand the storms we go through in life.

1. We all need to realize that EVERYONE will be hit by storms in their life. None of us are exempt. What matters is how we react and handle those storms.

2. Everyone of us has God given instructions on how to handle these storms. I'm sure you all know the popular saying, "When all else fails, read the instructions!" Our instructions come in the form of the Bible.

3. Everyone who acts, can withstand the storm. By following the instructions, we know that Jesus will never leave us, nor forsake us. He is always there for us, he wants to work in our lives. See- James 1:22, Proverbs 28:13, James 1:25, Isaiah 59:1