SERMON
NOTES
Text: James 1:5-8, God promises to give wisdom to all who ask. Therefore, let us look at the questions below and ask God's Word for the answers!
Most Asked Questions:
1. What can we do to see national revival?
Preach, pray, and plug away, Acts 2:42-47. National revival will happen when personal revival happens and the church is shining its light the brightest.
Resource: Great preaching on revival,
here.
2. Why does the devil have so much power and seem to be bringing more evil upon the earth than God does good?
The devil only has as much authority as what people give him and Jesus said, "wide is the path of destruction," therefore, many people freely choose sin over God's righteousness, Matthew 7:13.
Resource: Insightful answer by a Christian philosopher,
here.
3. How does the Bible define manhood?
Being a biblical man is being the most like God the Father and His Son Jesus, both are seen in the Old and New Testament as the best examples of masculinity. The most important traits would be, (1) Love for God and people as defined by the Bible, (2) commitment to family, (3) hard working and providing, (4) teaching and leading both in the church and community, and (5) a person of compassion and charitable deeds, 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
Resource: Tons of sermons on Biblical manhood and woman hood,
here.
4. How do I raise godly children?
Lead by example and teach them the ways of God, Proverbs 22:6. Teach them to pray, memorize Scripture, discipline them consistently, discover their passions, connect them to the church, and speak the Word of God over their lives as much as possible.
Resource: Best website out there on how to have a godly family,
here.
5. How can a single parent do the job of both parents and raise their children without lacking any good thing?
By depending on God's strength, extended family, and the church. Find same-sex mentors for the child as early as possible (if you as the parent are not the same gender) and have them meet together weekly or monthly, Titus 2:1-6.
Also, have them safely learn about the positives of the missing parent through trusted relationships. For example, if you're a single Mom raising a daughter and her dad is not in the picture, have her under your supervision in public, start a trusted relationship with a father and his family in the church. Consider joint gatherings, like "family fun nights," than your daughter can see the value of a father and learn what to look for in her husband one day. Ofcouse family members would be best for the job, but if they don't have godly principles, I would value the church family more highly.
Resource: Many encouraging articles on the aspects of single parenting- divorce, custody, parenting advice, etc;
here.
6. How do we blend two families together to make a one new happy family?
By the same biblical principles for a marriage between two singles without children. Both parents should have a good relationship with God and the church, the man should be the leader and final authority, and together the husband and wife must raise their children with the teachings of the Bible, Ephesians 5:22-33.
Resource: Great website and article for blended families,
here.
7. How do I increase my faith?
By hearing, reading, and speaking the Word of God, Romans 10:17.
Resource: Great faith based preaching on various topics,
here.
8. How can I really forgive those who have deeply hurt me?
Only by God's grace. You must see them as sinners in need of Savior, just like how you were, and believe that God loves them enough to not let them parish, 2 Peter 3:9. Also, remember how God forgave you when you didn't deserve it and thus, see that He wants you to do the same thingto them though they don't deserve it, Matthew 18:21-35.
Resource: Great book on overcoming bitterness and unforgiveness,
here.
9. Are we really living in the end times, if so what are Christians to do about it?
Yes, don't give in to sin or let fear take away your faith in Jesus. Live fully for Jesus by obeying all He commanded and tell the world about His Gospel, Matthew 24:12-14.
Resource: Powerful endtime preaching series,
here.
10. How can Christians fight in war and kill people, when Jesus said to "turn the other check?"
Its called a "just war," meaning it is better to fight than not fight. For example, if everyone turned the other check to Hilter there would be no more checks left! Sometimes fighting and killing people in war is the only way innocent people can be spared, Romans 13:3-5.
Resource: Insightful book on the different views of war from Christian perspectives,
here.
11. Where was Jesus before His birth?
In heaven as God the Son, Jesus has always existed, His birth was simply Him taking on flesh, John 1:1-18.
Resource: Article on the "incarnation,"
here.
12. Why doesn't God heal everyone?
Three options, (1) Its not His will to heal at that time, 2 Timothy 2:14, (2) Lack of faith, Matthew 17:19-20; or (3) A combination of 1 & 2. Meaning, God can be desiring to heal but we are lacking faith and sometimes, sickness leads to death because all men are destined to die.
Resource: Further study on divine healing,
here.
13. How do I keep hope in these tough economic times?
Trust God, don't base your personal value on your valuables, be open to realigning yourself and finding a new job in a different field. Also, be willing to get retrained and educated (Joseph in the Bible), pray for new open doors to open, (Psalm 1), and don't give up hope, Matthew 6:33.
Resource: Informative website for Christians to learn Biblical financial principles,
here.
14. What is the balance between ministry and family, which should comes first?
Family always comes first in the sense of responsibility and care when you are married or have children, 1 Timothy 5:8. However, in the sense of serving God and following His commands, God's ministry comes first, Luke 14:26. Therefore, if your spouse is saved and willing to serve God, you must work together to meet each other's needs first. Then seek to serve God in the ministry with your lives as the examples of disciples.
Resource: Great book on having a blessed life and ministry,
here.
15. Why are same sex attractions wrong if they come natural to the person?
Everyone is a born a sinner with all kinds of wrong desires, our sexual desires must be subjected to the Word of God just like jealousy, greed, etc. Therefore, seek God daily to renew your mind, Romans 12:1-2.
Resource: Powerful website for resources and encouragement,
here.
16. What is the Biblical stance on illegal immigration?
I believe we as Christians should not violate the law unless it violates our faith, all other laws should be obeyed. In the case of immigration, until the laws are changed, illegal immigrants should do all they can to become legal citizens, Romans 13:1. Also, the difference between America and Israel's care of "strangers," was Israel made it a law to help in such a way. Thus, the bottom line is people should follow the laws of the country they live in.
Resource: Great article with more depth and different points of view,
here.
17. How can I overcome depression?
There are basically two kinds of depression in my point of view, one that is physical and the other emotionally. Meaning, the physical kind can be seen and diagnosed by doctors and given medicine to help, for example increasing levels of "serotonin." However, sometimes people are just going through a hard time emotionally and need to make some new friends, find a different job, or spend more time in church, etc.
Therefore, those who suffer from chronic depression should seek a doctor along with prayer for healing and those suffering emotionally should turn their attention to God and praise Him through the storm, Nehemiah 8:9-10.
Resource: Series of articles on depression in the Christian's life,
here.
18. How should I respond to unbiblical leadership in the church, especially when they sin and cover it up?
We as Christians should never support sin in the name of love. Thus, when leaders sin they are to be rebuked before the whole congregation so that others will take warning and fear God- no cover up of any kind. Unless that takes place, with genuine repentance, Christians are free from any and all ties to the church and its leadership, 1 Timothy 5:19-22.
Resource: Great book on dealing with sinning/controlling/unbiblical leadership,
here.
19. What if someone I love is missing, how do I have closer or live in peace?
Jacob was told his son Joseph was dead, yet it turned out he was still alive. Thus, we can learn from Jacob to continue to live life pleasing God and trust Him no matter what happens in the situation. God is big enough to make all things will work together for His good either in this life or the one to come, Romans 8:28.
Resource: Powerful book dealing with grief,
here.
20. How can I show strangers the love of Christ without appearing overbearing or be classified as poor myself?
I like what John Wesley said, "We are to do all the good we can, to whoever we can, whenever we can, for as long as we can," Galatians 6:10. Do good in ways people can appreciate it and don't let what people think about you stop you from being a servant- for that's what Jesus did!
Resource: Great website with tons of stories and practical ways to do community outreach,
here.
Conclusion:
1-God's got your back, Psalm 145:17-20.
2-Remember no matter what you're facing God's Word has the answer, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
3-Nothing can separate you from the love of God, Romans 8:35-39.
