Greater Works

Jesus said because He was going to the Father we would be able to do “greater works” (John 14:12). How is it possible to do greater works than those of Jesus?

1. Greater works are possible because the Spirit of God is now always present. Jesus said it was good that He went away so that He would send the Spirit to His followers. Unlike Jesus in bodily form, the Spirit can now be with each of us personally, at all times.

2. Greater works are possible because the Son of God is now always praying. Jesus, now at this very moment, is seated at the Father’s right-hand where He ever lives to make intercession for us. He is our Advocate!

Because of the eternal ministry of the Son and the Spirit we can do works greater than even those accomplished by Jesus when He walked the earth.

Four Reasons to not be Afraid

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Is 43:1–3).

1. You have been purchased by God, “redeemed,” “you are Mine”

2. You have the presence of God, “I will be with you”

3. You are protected by God, neither fire nor water shall overcome you

4. You have a personal relationship with God, “I have called you by your name,” “I am the Lord your God” “your Savior.”

Help is on the Way!

Widely considered to be the oldest book in the Bible, the book of Job tells the story of a man who lost his health, wealth, family and friends. Despite his grief Job stubbornly held onto his faith in God, declairing “I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth” (Job 19:25).

Note: a redeemer is someone who pays a price to set something or someone free. Job expected just such a rescuer to come for him. He probably didn’t fully realize it but he was longing for and looking for the coming of Jesus Christ!

Every Christian today can be as confident as Job, as we now anticipate the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

1. A Personal Redeemer, “My Redeemer”

2. A Living Redeemer, “lives”

3. A Coming Redeemer, “He shall stand at last on the earth.”

The Antichrist

Here are five characteristics about the Beast / the Man of Sin / the Antichrist.

1. He defies God

2. He deifies Himself

3. He deceives the world

4. He dictates to all the nations

5. He will be destroyed by Christ.

Source: Ron Dunn

Forty Years of Ministry

Forty years ago today, on October 16, 1983, I was ordained to the gospel ministry at North Hills Baptist Church in Vallejo, California. Kneeling beside me during that Sunday night service was Brother Lonnie an African American pastor. What a joy it has been to serve the Lord and be a part of God’s big forever family. Most of the men who were a part of my ordaining council have gone on to the Lord. Pray that I stay faithful to the finish. It has been so good to know the Lord and serve him these many years.

How to Get a lot Done

David Livingstone, the missionary to Africa, once asked Spurgeon, “How can you accomplish so much in one day?”

“You forget, Mr. Livingstone,” Spurgeon replied, “there are two of us working.”

The God Who Pursues Us

In the famous parable about the father with two sons (Luke 15), we read about how the father pursues each of them. When the prodigal son returns the father sees him and runs out to meet him. What a heart warming picture of a loving father eager to welcome back his wayward son. Later in the story, the older son is unhappy and refuses to enter into the celebration. What does the father do? Same thing. He goes out and pursues his son and pleads with him. These are pictures of how God deals with us.

1. God pursues rebellious people who have been far away

2. God pursues religious people who have been far away.

What a God we serve! He loves us and chases after us.

Homecoming Sermon Outline

The visiting preacher elquently said we

1. Learn from the past (Phil 1:3-4)

2. Live in the present (Ps 118:24)

3. Lean on the promises (Prov 3:5-6).

Every Preacher's Temptation

In the wilderness (Matthew 4 and Luke 4), Satan tempted Jesus three times. Every man of God suffers similar temptations.

1. A SUBSTITUTE MINISTRY, trading the eternal for the temporal

2. A SHORT-CUT MINISTRY, taking the quick and easy way

3. A SPECTACULAR MINISTRY, wanting to be a celebrity by putting on a big show.

   ~ source Steve Gaines

How to Win Your Battle

General Omar Bradley once said "Amateurs talk strategy. Professionals talk logistics."