Super Day

Our first full day here has been amazing. I preached in the morning service. The first time I have preached through an interpreter in a while. Lo, the translator, was very animated, which really seemed to communicate my sermon from Matt. 11.28-30. An elderly lady accepted Christ and I had an opportunity to pray with her with Tony Gray, the missionary in charge down here.

The pastor of the congregation is impressive. He is reaching several teens who are hooked on drugs and alcohol. In the afternoon, his church, with our help, canvassed a rural village. Then, we helped a worship service in front of a home. The youth from the church here sang praise songs and performed a skit. It was the most powerful skit I have ever seen...really well done.

Later, we gathered at a park in the center of town and held a service. Bro. Jimmy Holcomb, with a 30 second notice, preached a powerful message upon knowing Christ. The girls in our group sang two songs. I am proud of them.

I am so glad I came. I have an even deeper appreciation for the ministry of Tony and Karen. Pray for us as we began our ministries in the community tomorrow. We will distribute free glasses and do backyard Bible Clubs.

P.S.--Please forgive the typos. Spell Check is in portugese. I know I can fix it, but don~t have time.

Great Worship Service

I preached this morning. A older lady prayed to accept Christ. The music was very upbeat. The people are very warm and friendly. We returned to hotel briefly. We are headed back to the city in a few minutes. Continue to pray for us.

Arrived Safely

We arrived safely in Brazil. The 10 hour flight was not too bad. We drove about 2 hours to our hotel. We are in a time zone two hours ahead of our friends in Mississippi.

I will be preaching in the morning. The interpreters have been great so far. I look forward to working with them. More later.

Boarding for Brazil. Long night ahead.

Reading "The Road to Omaha" re: the 2008 College World Series. Author mentions 9th Inning Ministry. Our Assn Team will be assisting them in a few weeks.

Go

A two letter word motivates me on my current journey. That word is "go." As I sit at a free Internet kiosk ( yes, there are still some free things around), I am reminded of the Great Commission of Jesus that is recorded in the final chapter of the Gospel of Matthew.

If I am a disciple of Christ, I have to "go." That's not an option for me. Yes, I already miss my family intensely, but I do feel led to go. So, I am.

The team I am with are a lot of fun. We have a long layover here. I'm looking forward to seeing Brazil and sharing the love of Christ with the people I meet. Also, I'll enjoy seeing Tony and Karen Gray on their mission field.

The (American) Eagle has landed (@ DFW)! Now, 7 hour wait.

Boarding

All through security. All @ gate waiting.

Arrived safely at Gulfport Airport.

Beautiful morning! 18 folks headed to Brazil. Plane leaves Gulfport Ms @ 11.

Beautiful morning! 18 folks headed to Brazil. Plane leaves Gulfport Ms @ 11.

One Day Until...

Well, I'll leave with the Brazil Mission Team from George-Greene Association tomorrow. We'll fly from Gulfport, MS to Dallas in the morning. Our plane to Sao Paulo leaves from Dallas around 7:45 PM. So, I'll have a lot of time in the DFW airport.

Please pray for me as I make my final preparations, especially as I finalize the sermon(s) God would have me preach.

Preaching Outlines for the Ten Commandments

During the last two Sunday Morning Worship Services, I preached sermons based on the Ten Commandments. Below are the outlines I followed.

Sermon 1: Honor God
Exodus 20:1-11

The Purpose of the 10 Commandments
1. Record God’s Commands
2. Reveal God’s Character
3. Reflect Man’s Condition
4. Raise Man’s Consciousness (Romans 3:19-20)
5. Redirects Man’s Confidence (Matthew 22:37-40)

4 Demands for Honoring God

I. A Demand for Allegiance (20-1-3)

“You shall have no other gods before Me."

II. A Demand for Authenticity (20:4-6)

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image"

III. A Demand for Awe (20:7)

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain."

IV. A Demand for Adoration (20:8-11)

8 “ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."

Sermon 2: Honor Others
Exodus 20:12-17

6 Demands for Honoring Others

I. A Demand for Respect: Respect Authority (20:12)

“Honor your father and your mother"

II. A Demand for Reconciliation: Revere Life (20:13)

“You shall not murder.

III. A Demand for Restraint: Repress Lusts (20:14)

“You shall not commit adultery.

IV. A Demand for Responsibility: Recognize Property Rights (20:15)

“You shall not steal."

V. A Demand for Reliability: Report Truth (20:16)

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

VI. A Demand for Resolve: Realize Contentment (20:17)

"You shall not covet."

Shot Given

Well, earlier in the week, I was able to get a Yellow Fever shot at the Hinds County Health Clinic in Jackson. This was a relief, since our departure for Brazil is next Friday.

Spring Football Is Better Than No Football

Tonight, the Greene Co. High School Wildcats will play at Waynesboro. The Junior Varsity Game starts at 5:00 PM. The varsity will play a half against Northeast Jones and a half against Wayne County. I prayed with the team before their meal this afternoon. I hope they'll do well.

Yellow Fever

Time is passing quickly as I prepare to leave with a mission team on May 29 to travel to Brazil. A vaccination for Yellow Fever is required. I have had difficulty finding a health center that has the shot. I've called two centers in the region (Forrest Co. Health Center and the Harrison Co. Health Center). Employees at both centers stated they anticipate receiving a small quantity of the shots soon, but they do not know when they will arrive.

So, this is a prayer request. Pray I will be able to find a shot soon. I know this will work out, but I would love to check this off my list ASAP.

Also, another name for Yellow Fever is "Black Vomit." Yellow Fever is a much less terrifying name. Consequently, this horrific name, has motivated me to I to take the proper precautions against this viral disease.

To read the World Health Organization's statements concerning Yellow fever, click here.

At the Beautiful Gate

In the Sunday Evening Service, I preached a sermon entitled "Gait Restored at the Beautiful Gate" based on Acts 3:1-10. You can listen to the sermon through the player at the bottom of the blog.

Please notice 4 aspects of this miracle.

I. The Occasion: The Dedication of Peter and John (1-3).

"Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer,..."

Peter and John were faithfully going to pray at the temple. If they had not gone to the temple at this time, they would not have encountered this needy paralyzed man. Each day someone carried this lame man to the temple so that he could beg for help.

Symbolically, the man's physical condition pictures our spiritual situation.

He was...

1. Lame from birth.-We are all born sinners.
2. Limited in mobility.-Apart from Christ we can do nothing.
3. Located outside the church.-We are separated from God.
4. Longing for satisfaction.-We are empty without Christ.

II. The Opportunity: The Desperation of the Lame Man (4-6).

"Then Peter said, 'Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk (Acts 3:6, NKJV).'”

While the man desired a monetary gift, Peter gave him what he really needed. Peter was used by God to impart a miracle that would do so much more than a few coins. The Bible teaches us to be generous. However, we much never forget that spiritual needs are more pressing than physical challenges.

III. The Occurrence: The Deliverance of the Man (7-10).

"So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God (verse 8).

Twice in this verse the man is described as "leaping." This is significant. The Hebrew Scriptures talked that following the coming of the Messiah a the Kingdom of God would be established. Isaiah the prophet spoke of some signs that would be visible upon the establishment of the kingdom: "Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert (Isaiah 35:6)." This miracle was a big deal for it communicated a special manifestation had occurred to bring glory to God and to Israel.

IV. The Outcome: The Discernment of the People

"And all the people saw him walking and praising God (verse 9)."

Since the people were Jews who were familiar with the prophecy in Isaiah, they were amazed at what they were seeing. The man that most of them had scurried past day after day was now healed and celebrating by leaping in exuberance. God's kingdom was established.

Questions For Me

1. How often do I walk past people that need the power of God in their lives?
2. Am I content with throwing money at problems that really need a supernatural moving of God?
3. Am I seeing a movement of God in my life personally, corporately, and communally?

Trusting Faith

Yesterday morning a preached a sermon entitled "Trusting Faith" based on Esther 4:13-17.

Key events in the life of Esther.

· Family exiled when Babylon destroyed the Jewish nation.
· Father and Mother died.
· Adopted by a relative named Mordecai.
· Lived in Persia’s capital.
· Esther became Queen after a “beauty contest” held by King Xerxes to select a Queen.
· Haman, a top Persian Official, was an Amalakite—bitter enemy of the Jews.
· Mordecai, Esther’s Adoptive Father, did not bow to Haman as he passed due to a mutual hatred between Jews and Amalekites.
· Haman deceptively gained the Kings approval to annihilate the Jews (Esther 3:8).
· Mordecai convinced Esther to appeal to the King on behalf of the Jews. However, approaching the King without an invitation could result in death.

4 Areas of Life that are addressed in this passage:

I. Decisions (13-14a)

"For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish (verse 14). "

Denial is a decision.
Indecision is a decision.
All decisions have consequences.
Directions from mature persons should be taken seriously.
Silence can be deadly.

II. Destiny (14b)

"Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this (verse 14b)?”

We are blessed with the ability to influence others for a purpose.
God has a plan for your life.

III. Devotion (15-16a)

"Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: 'Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise.'"

Seek the prayers of others.
Always act prayerfully.

IV. Dedication (16b)

"And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”

Esther was taking her life in her hands when she entered the presence of the king. The law stipulated that individuals who entered the presence of the king without an invitation would be killed.

To say that King Xerxes was unpredictable would be an understatement. Historical sources, other than the Bible, indicate King Xerxes was impulsive and, at times, ruthless. After a bridge he had ordered built was destroyed in a storm, he had the primary builders beheaded.

Once, a loyal subject offered to make a large donation to King Xerxes to support the military. King Xerxes was so moved by the generosity he returned the money and gave the supporter a valuable gift. Then, the supporter asked a favor. He wanted one of his sons to be exempt from the military draft. King Xerxes was so enraged at the request he had the son cut in half. Then, he ordered his army to march between the halves.

Since Esther had lived in the palace, she was familiar with the instability of the king. So, she was practicing a radical faith when she walked into the king's presence.

The Outcome

Esther invited the King and Haman to a banquet. Then, she revealed she was a Jews and exposed Haman’s plans for a Holocaust. King Xerxes had Haman hung.

The Jewish Festival of Purim is held every year to commemorate the thwarting of the diabolical plans to annihilate the Jews.

Questions for YOU

How do you feel and respond when you leave your comfort zone and feel out of place?
When success is sudden and change inevitable, how do you respond?
How has God revealed His will for you ? Through others like Mordecai? Through difficult times?
Do you pray before you take action? Do you seek prayer support from others? How does this help you?
Name a time when you took a risk for God and others. Would you do it again?

Conclusion: The Hard Truth

The call to follow Christ is a call to lay down our life. While it is easy to say and harder to do, the Bible teaches that the cost of discipleship or following Christ is all.

Paul described this commitment when he wrote "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20, NKJV).

What conviction in your life to you value so much that you will not compromise no matter what? What are you going to cling to even if you die doing so? Our faith in Christ must be that strong.

Sunday Worship

This morning we gave a gift to all the ladies of our church, recognized the oldest mother, dedicated two beautiful babies, and honored High School Graduates.

The morning and evening services were both well attended. The children continue to meet for their Bible Drill Training during the evening service.

Jared's Birthday

Today is Jared's birthday. He's 7 years old. We spent yesterday and today celebrating. Yesterday, we all spent time together as a family. Today, Terri's parents, my parents, and our friends, Boo and Missy, all came over for a party. Terri's dad built Jared a rock climbing wall. He was thrilled. It was fun working with Terri's dad, my dad, and Boo in putting the wall together.

This was another day that has once again impressed upon me the blessing of children.

Overflowing Love

Wednesday Night I preached a sermon based on the prayer of Paul recorded in Philippians 1:8-11. This was my outline.

1. Affection of Christ (8)

8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

2. Abundance of Caution (9)

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,

3. Awareness of Consequences (10a)

10 that you may approve the things that are excellent,

4. Authenticity of Character (10b)

that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,

5. Actions of Compassion (11a)

being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ,

6. Assignment of Credit (11b)

to the glory and praise of God.

NDP Observance

The National Day of Prayer Observance held today at the Greene Co. Courthouse was an incredibly meaningful service. Well over 400 folks were in attendance. Several community leaders, officials, and pastors came together to pray for our nation, state, county, communities, and the public servants. Of course, a special prayer was spoken for those serving in the Armed Forces.

Special thanks to Fellowship Freewill Baptist of Sand Hill who provided grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for all who attended. Also, great appreciation is expressed to the more than 9 individuals who took part in the service by voicing prayers.

I'm thankful to be living in a county who can come together from different denominations and cultural backgrounds to join hearts in prayer.

National Day of Prayer

May 7, 2009 is the National Day of Prayer. At Noon today a service observing the day will be held on steps of the Greene County Courthouse. If you can’t attend, I encourage you to make prayer a priority on this day.

For whom shall we pray? I believe David’s words in Psalm 122:6-9 reveal to us a focus for our prayers in six areas.

1. Country- Military Leaders (v.6a) “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:” May God protect and guide the men and women who voluntarily serve our nation.

2. Commerce- Business Persons (v. 6b) “May they prosper who love you.” May our economy be characterized by Biblical Ethics and fair labor practices.

3. Crime- Law Enforcement Officers (v.7a) “Peace be within your walls,” Daily, local law enforcement officers take risks to protect property and persons in our towns and county. They need and deserve our intercessions.

4. Capital- Governmental Leaders (7b) “Prosperity within your palaces.” Pray for those National, State, County, and City governments.

5. Companions- Fellow Countrymen (v.8) For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, “Peace be within you.” We must pray our neighbors will develop a personal relationship with Jesus, the real peacemaker.

6. Churches- Communities of Faith (v.9) Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek your good. Pray for all churches in our community, not just the Baptist.

While many decry our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, the paramount hindrance to our peace is dependence upon ourselves. We need God to help us deal with our sin problem. He has provided the remedy for our sinfulness in the person of Jesus Christ. May our nation be a nation of praying people seeking and serving God.

Preaching Outlines for Exodus 12

Sermon 1: The Sign of the Blood
Exodus 12:1-13

God gave guidelines in regard to four facets of the Passover.

I. The Selection: Selecting the Lamb (1-5)

Commands Recording the lamb.
1. Schedule (1-3)
2. Specification (4)
3. Superiority (5)

II. The Slaughter: Slaying the Sacrifice (6-7)

III. The Supper: Serving the Meal (8-11)

IV. The Salvation: Saving the Family (12-13)
The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt (verse 13).

1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (NKJV).

Sermon 2: Celebrating the Faithfulness of God
Exodus 12:14-51
The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn

I. The Celebration of the Passover (14-28)

II. The Catastrophe in Egypt (29-30)

III. The Concession of Pharaoh (31-33)

IV. The Compliance of the People (34-36)

V. The Caravan of the Israelites (37-39)

VI. The Commemoration of the Departure (40-42)

VII. The Constraints for the Feast (43-51)

Associational Ministers Fellowship

Special thanks to everyone from Agricola Baptist who helped provide the fabulous meal for the Ministers and Wives of George-Greene Baptist Association.

Preaching Outline for Exodus 6:28-7:13

Facing the Hard Hearted
Exodus 6:28-7:13

I. Lingering Comprehension (6:28-30)

Acts 7:22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.

Stephen’s words indicate Moses did not have a speech impediment. He was powerful in the language of the Egyptians. However, since he was not raised with Hebrews, he was not skilled in his native tongue, the language of the children of Israel. Probably, he spoke with an uncharacteristic accent for a Hebrew. So, he was not comfortable speaking the language in which God wanted him to communicate.

D. L. Moody- A story from the Chicago Times-Herald described a meeting he held in the Chicago Auditorium:

The attendance averaged 12,000 each day. He talked without a note—save the Bible. He did not repeat. There was never a minute when he was eloquent. He would not have been logical if he could be. Moody does not care a cent for grammar…Once he tried to tell the names of the men who ran for the presidency the last fall and failed. There was not a single, solitary reason which could be applied to any other man why women should leave the Breakfast table in order to get a chance at a seat. Men would not have endured so many faults in any man but Moody.

Moody will not admit it, but there is no other man in this country who could have filled the Auditorium as he filled it eight times. He held 48,000 men and women in the hollow of his hand, and they wept or smiled as he willed…He is Moody—only Moody, rough, honest, sincere, flat, without frill, old-fashioned, consistently simple and grandly in earnest (D.L. Moody, by William R. Moody, 519-520.).

God can use anyone who is submitted to His will.

II. Lasting Command (7:1-5)

Psalm 105:23-25 Israel also came into Egypt, And Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham. 24 He increased His people greatly, And made them stronger than their enemies. 25 He turned their heart to hate His people, To deal craftily with His servants.

III. Lifelong Calling (6-9)

7 And Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three years old when they spoke to Pharaoh (verse 7).

There is no expiration date on your usefulness to God.

IV. Lively Confrontation (10-13)

And Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the LORD had said (verse 13).

Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

When you face the hard hearted remember...

1. If God calls, God provides.
2. God doesn’t need a defense attorney.
3. God is sovereign. He reigns over all.
4. God is in control.

Preaching Outlines for Exodus 5-6:13

Sermon 1: Rejection of a Reasonable Request
Exodus 5:1-21

I. The Honorable Request (1-3)
II. The Hardhearted Ruler (4-9)
III. The Heavy Retribution (10-18)
IV. Harsh Reaction (19-21)

Truths from the Passage
1. Don’t change God’s message when it isn’t received positively
2. Ungodly people act ungodly.
3. Doing God’s will is sometimes messy.
4. Leaders lead based on convictions, not opinion polls.

Sermon 2: Between Disappointment and Devotion
Exodus 5:22-6:13

I. The Aggravation of Moses (5:22-23)
II. The Affirmation of God (6:1-5)
III. The Assurance of God (6:6-8)

Count the times God said, "I will":

6 Therefore say to the children of Israel: ‘I am the LORD; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. 7 I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it to you as a heritage: I am the LORD.’”

Many times Jesus stated "I will..." (See John 2:19 John 6:37 John 6:40 John 12:32 John 14:3 John 14:13 John 14:18 John 14:21 John 16:20.)

IV. The Anguish of the Hebrews (6:9-13)

What Do You Have in Common?

This morning I preached a sermon entitled "Marks of a Healthy Church " based on Acts 2:41-47. I examined the commonalities of the early believers. (For the entire outline click here.)

I felt led to pay special attention to verses 46-47 in which it is recorded "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people (NKJV)."

Those early believers shared a "common behavior." They enjoyed being together in the temple and they gathered in each others homes sharing meals. Their lives were marked with gladness and simplicity. They lived like Jesus had lived.

The first Christians did not allow their lives to become complicated. They lived with "simplicity of heart." In verse 45, we learn they "sold all their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need (HCSB)." Since they had only the necessities of life, they had time to pray with one another and discover the needs of their community."

When the people of the community saw the common behavior of these new believers, the Bible records the Christians had "favor" with them. The community had respect for these first Christians because they were demonstrating a pure and authentic faith that made a difference in their neighborhoods.

The Modern Day Contrast

As just mentioned, the first believers found favor in the eyes of their fellow citizens because they were exhibiting a real Christianity and they displayed no pretense. They sought to please God first and as a result they gained the respect of many.

Unfortunately, in today's world, many who claim to be Christians seem to place a priority on pleasing and getting the favor of a non-believing world. If our goal is to get along with everyone, we will have to compromise our convictions at times. We will not place a priority of spending time with fellow Christians. So, church will not be a priority. If we want our kids to "fit in" with everyone, we will buy them (at whatever the cost) things that will help them identify with a mostly Godless world.

Also, if we try to get along with everyone, we will try to have all the luxuries that those who don't follow Christ have. Before we know it we are deep in debt for things that are not necessities. Then, we have to work longer hours to keep up a lifestyle that pushes us away from pleasing God. Consequently, our lives are incredibly complicated and relationships are strained and resources are taxed and emotions are spent. We don't have time for God or for the people we love. And we won't have the favor of the people in our community, because they see the hypocrisy of it all.

Is There Enough Evidence?

Suppose for a moment, Christianity is outlawed. All believers will be prosecuted and sentenced to prison. When you appear in court, is there a enough evidence to convict you of being a practicing Christian "beyond the shadow of a doubt."

The prosecuting attorney may present a local church membership roll that lists your name, but will your attendance record prove you were a staunch Christian? Does your attendance show that you were present at church for mostly social purposes? You attended all church wide meals, but few prayer meetings? Did your family make exceptions for sporting events that were held on Sunday? Did the weather have a major impact upon your attendance? Were you a "Sunday Morning Only" or a "Holiday Only" attender?

After a close examination of your financial records, would there be enough evidence to show that you are a committed Christian? Would the records reveal you practice sacrificial giving to the church or would they show you only gave a minimal amount to special causes, such as the purchase of playground equipment or a donation in support of a youth choir trip.

Would witnesses be found who could come forward and testify that you regularly talked about your love for Jesus? Can witnesses be found that claim you quoted scripture from memory and frequently sought to convert them to faith in Christ? Is there a prayer journal or a well marked Bible that can be exhibited to confirm you regularly engaged in Christian disciplines?

Would you be convicted or would you get off with a warning or less?

Do you have more in common with sold out followers of Jesus or with folks who are unashamedly not followers of Christ?

What changes in your life need to be made to be identified as a Christian?

Thankful for a Praying Phlebotomist

This Saturday Morning began with an interesting twist. In the last couple of weeks, two doctors have ordered blood tests for me. So, I made a special effort to have both offices send the orders for the tests to the hospital lab here in Leakesville. This way I don't have to travel to Mobile and I don't have to be jabbed more than once. After a lot of effort, both orders were in the hospital by yesterday afternoon, but, since I had not fasted all day, I had to wait until this morning. So, around 7:15 AM, I went to the lab to have the blood drawn.

Unfortunately, I have a history of being a challenging "stick." My veins are not the easiest to find. So, I'm always a little stressed when I enter a lab, hoping I will not have to endure multiple sticks.

This morning, the Phlebotomist tapped and pressed on my arms a few times. Then, she inserted the needle and I did not even feel it enter my arm. Thrilled, I told her, "You're the best I've ever seen." She said, "Well, I get help from up above."

As I review all of my past "blood drawing" experiences, I remember another especially painless appointment. In that visit, the phlebotomist also mentioned she prayed before every stick.

Paul wrote, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17, NKJV)."

My prayer is that all that I do is done for the Lord. What about you?

Preaching Outlines for Exodus 4

Sermon 1: What’s in Your Hand?
Exodus 4:1-5

I. Look in Your Hand (4:1-2)
What’s in your hand? Future, Faculties, Friends, Family, Finances, Fame, Faith. Everything in your hand determines your influence.
II. Lay it Down (4:3)
III. Live in Obedience (4:4)

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. - Corrie Ten Boom.

Sermon 2: When God Puts Words In Your Mouth
Exodus 4:1-17

Excuses of Moses: Who Am I, Who Are You, Why Believe Me, What Can I Say, Why Not Send Someone Else.

5 Words that describe the lessons God taught Moses.

I. Surrender (4:1-5)
The staff represented 1) support, 2) security, and 3) skills.
II. Sin (4:6-8)
Matthew 15:18-19
III. Salvation (4:9)
IV. Speech (4:10-12)
Illustration- Frank Cox shares that there is a man in his church that is illiterate. He goes door to door witnessing asking people to read a list of scripture (since he cannot.). He has led many to Christ.
V. Supply (4:13-17)

Conclusions
1. Who we are doesn’t matter as much as whose we are.
2. We all have heart (sin) problems
3. Only the shed blood cleanses our sin.
4. The message of God is more powerful than the messenger.
5. God supplies our needs.

Sermon 3: Going God’s Way
Exodus 4:18-31

I. The Preparation: The Directives From God (4:18-23)
II. The Punishment: The Disobedience of Moses (4:24-26)
Moses could not be the spiritual leader of the Israelites until he was the spiritual leader of his home.
III. The Presentation: The Demonstration of God’s Blessing (4:27-31)

Truths to Remember When Going God’s Way
1. Be Courteous.
2. Be Truthful.
3. Be Faithful. Faith starts at home.
4. Be Thankful. God desires our worship.

Preaching Outlines for Exodus 3

Sermon 1: I Am Not, But He Is
Exodus 3:1-14

I. The Surprising Phenomenon (3:1-4)
II. The Sacred Place (3:5-6)
III. The Supernatural Promise (3:7-10)
IV. The Strong Presence (3:11-12)
V. The Sovereign Proclamation (3:13-14)

Yahweh- I AM BECAUSE I AM or I WILL BE THAT I WILL BE. I was, I am, and shall always continue to be, the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Truths to Remember
1. God is not consumed and, in Him, we are not consumed.
2. God can be found.
3. God should be feared.
4. God qualifies the unqualified.
5. God supplies our identity.

Sermon 2: The Plan for Deliverance
Exodus 3:15-22

I. The Assurance of God’s Presence (3:15)
II. The Announcement of God’s Promise (3:16-17)
III. The Assertion of God’s Prominence (3:18)
IV. The Appearance of God’s Power (3:19-21)
V. The Allocation of God’s Provisions (3:22)