Bible Reading:

 

Luke 8:14-15

14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

 

 

I.  The Bible is the greatest book in the world.

            A.  It is a book from God about God.

            B.  Penned by Gods men about how to be God’s men and women.

            C.  Here is what the Bible contains:

                        1.  Love

                        2.  Adventure

                        3.  War

                        4.  Mystery

                        5.  Politics

                        6.  Above all, Gods plan for man.

 

 

II. To really know and love God, we must learn to love the book He gave us that          reveals Him to us.

            A.  We do not love God more than we obey Him

            B.  We do not obey Him more than we obey His word.

 

John 8:31-32

31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 

 

III. Jesus said, “If                                                       ,                                            .”

            A.  In essence, what the word teaches, we need to become.

 

Continue:

      1) to remain, abide

           1a) in reference to place

              1a1) to sojourn, tarry

              1a2) not to depart

               1a2a) to continue to be present

               1a2b) to be held, kept, continually

           1b) in reference to time

              1b1) to continue to be, not to perish, to last, endure

               1b1a) of persons, to survive, live

        1c) in reference to state or condition

              1c1) to remain as one, not to become another or different

        2) to wait for, await one

 

 

IV. The Bible is God inspired.

 

2 Peter 1:20-21

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost

 

2 Timothy 3:16

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 

 

V.  Gods word is eternal.

 

Isaiah 40:8

8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

 

 

Matthew 24:35

35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

 

 

VI. Let’s look at what David, a man after Gods own heart, had to say about the scriptures in Psalm 119.

Psalm 119:89

89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

 

 

VII. There is a difference in knowing the word and living the word.

            A.  Some study the Bible just to argue, but they don’t live the word.

            B.  To some, the Bible is just another literary work and not an eternal word.

            C.  The devil can quote more scripture than all of us combined, yet he detests                                    it.

 

 

Prayer:

 

            Prayer makes a difference no matter what the situation.  There is power in prayer.  Prayer can change this world.  Prayer bothers the devil, shakes nations, saves souls, brings revival, etc...

 

Matthew 6:9-13

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

 

 

I.  Jesus said, “After this manner...”

            A.  He did not give us a verbatim script for prayer, but a pattern.

            B.  Begin with praise, honor and thanksgiving to God.

            C.  Pray for Gods will to be done.

                        1.  When we pray for Gods will to be done, He will help align us to His will.

            D.  Pray for your daily needs.  Don’t let it be a Christmas wish list.

            E.  Pray for Gods forgiveness...that He will forgive us just like we forgive                                                          others.

            F.  Pray God will deliver you from temptation and deliver you from all evil.

            G.  End your prayer with praise, honor and thanksgiving to God.

 

II. We need to establish this one precedent in our lives...I choose to pray.

            A.  The choice is yours.  Nobody can make this decision for you.

            B.  Not everyone is called to preach.

            C.  Not everyone is chosen to be an usher.

            D.  Not everyone is able to sing and/or play an instrument.

            E.  Everyone is called to pray.

            F.  Everyone is chosen to pray.

            G.  Everyone is able to pray.

 

 

III. Prayer is communication with God.

            A.  You don’t have to wax eloquent.

                        1.  Tell God what is on your mind and ask Him what is on His.

 

 

IV. God always answers every prayer you pray.

            A.  Just because God does not answer your prayer the way you want Him to,           

               does not mean your prayer has been unanswered.

 

V. To help you establish a routine of prayer, compose a prayer list.

            A.  People, needs, situations, questions for God, scriptures dealing with                                                         praise, etc...