prayer requests

Prayer Requests

Wednesday August 31, 2011

Maureen Corey

My ex-husbands sister is at hartford hospital because she has blood clots all over her body and they don’t know why. They’ve been doing procedures to take the clots out and she’s on blood thinners. Please keep her in your thoughts. Her name is Sydney Ormsby and she’s 18 years old. She was supposed to move into her college today….

 

Katie Carpenter

PLEASE pray that Jordan gets the finances and things he needs for school.

 

Carolyn Byxbee

 

Dear Pastor 

With all  that has been going on, my prayer is that everyone else have theirs answered. God bless you all!

 

The Kizzias

 

1.     Please pray for Skip he’s hurt his back again.

2.     My old boss Victor, he lost his mother at the beginning of Aug and his Aunt was in serious condition and in the hospital not expected to live much longer. He also needs a job.

3.     Our daughter Heather her in-laws have had a death in the family.

4.     Pray that the house will sell before Nov. when the contract is up and

5.     God’s will to be done about the house and us coming back to Torrington..

6.       A praise that Heather was able to get a full time job.

 

 

 

 

 

Becky Carpenter

 

1. Please pray for Laura Newman – she needs God’s encouragement and some hope in her life.

2. Pray for Bethany as she’s going through a particularly difficult portion of her training.  Praise the Lord she got her job assignment – she’s going to Japan and is very excited about it!

3. Pray for Sarah as her classes at Southern have finally started.  Pray for this to be a happy time for her, and for her to be a good witness at school.

4. Pray for all the people who are still without power – or dealing with even more difficult situations (such as those in Vermont) than that – as a result of Hurricane Irene.  Thanks to the Lord for protecting us here in Torrington.

5. I have an unspoken – I really need to see God’s hand in this situation.

Pastor Sylvester Okwiri  – Former listener to shortwave broadcast from Kenya.

 

Dear pastors Don and Saints,

 

Bless the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!  We trust that all is fine with you and Church. Remember us in prayers, we have new converts who have come to the Lord and they don’t have bibles to read and study. Acts chapter 17:11.

 

Also pray God to bless our Church with resources so that we can be able to feed hungry believers and communities. Acts chapter 4:32-37 also Roman cf chapter 12:13. There is famine in our lands.  We are also praying for you, family and Church.

 

Blessings to all with you,

Pastors Sylvester and all in the Lord.

Kenya Africa.

 

 

 

 

 

Send your requests to pastor_don@ebcct.org   

prayer requests

Prayer Requests

Wednesday March 9, 2011

 

Cheryl Whittaker

 

1.     My boss Rachel who is recovering from a brain tumor and surgery last July, she is still suffering from double vision. She needs clear vision to return to her profession as a dentist. Also that the shunt placed in the tumor continues to function. She had a setback in January. Pray that her faith be restored she was raised as a Baptist as a child, but has questioned her faith for years

 

2.     My friend Kim who is 44years old and battling breast cancer. She is a single mother of three. asking for her salvation also.

 

Becky Carpenter

  1. Pray for some good, godly friends for Laura Newman.

 

  1. Continue to pray for healing from cancer for Gail Clark, and for wisdom for her doctors.  She has just gone through her second round of chemotherapy.

 

  1. Please pray for God’s clear direction for Sarah. 

 

  1. Pray that Katie’s car will be repaired quickly and well.

 

 

Tracey Vichiola

 

1.     Opportunities for Tracey and Chris Jr. to serve in the music ministry.

 

2.      Pray for our new friend Jim M. that he could be saved and that the Lord would keep him safe and healthy.

 

Michael Vichiola

1.     His cousin Justin Ryan will get saved.

Send your requests to pastor_don@ebcct.org   

Prayer Requests Wednesday February 23, 2011

prayer requests

1.    Continue to be praying for Mrs. Gail Clark as she is going through chemotherapy to try to shrink the tumor to the point where they can remove it.  She is having a very hard time with the chemo.  Please pray for her complete healing from cancer.

 

2.    Please be praying for Laura Newman – for God’s love and direction for her to be very obvious to her.

 

3.    Pray for all the people practicing unholy and unclean practices to the wrongfulness in it and ask God and Jesus for forgiveness.

 

4.    Pray that people wouldn’t be so mean and hurt other’s feelings.

 

5.    Salvation of William Goodwin.

 

6.    Pray for Dan and Naomi King, Christian friends the Whittakers met on vacation.

 

7.    Pray for safety for their son whi is in Iraq.

 

8.    For their Niece who is expecting a baby with severe physical problems.  The Baby is not expected to survive.

 

9.    Pray for Rose Marry Barron who is suffering with many health problems.

 

10.  Pray for an unspoken miracle to happen for the Carpenter family.

 

11. Pray for a financial turnaround for the church.

 

12. Pray for the deliverance of the Radio ministry.

 

13. Pray for safe traveling for Becky’s mother and sister who are coming up for Sarah’s play.

 

Send your prayer requests to pastor_don@ebcct.org and we will post this next week.  We also print this out and pray for you in our prayer meeting on Wednesday nights.

The Dynamics of Temptation

Sunday Morning Sermons

Genesis 3:1-10

 

Introduction:

 

          An episode of 20/20 once showed an experiment on self-control with children. They were told that they could have a single treat, such as a cookie, right now. However, if they would wait while the reporter ran an errand, they could have two cookies. Some preschoolers grabbed the cookie immediately; others were able to wait for what must have seemed to them like an endless twenty minutes. To sustain themselves in their struggle, they covered their eyes so they wouldn’t see the temptation, rested their heads on their arms, talked to themselves, sang, even tried to sleep. Those who endured to the end received the two-cookie reward. The follow-up of this study found that the children who were able to forgo the instant gratification kept that same temperament throughout their adolescence. The more impulsive kids who grabbed the cookie were more likely to be stubborn, indecisive, and stressed.

 

          In this book of Beginnings, we learn about the first time that mankind has ever been tempted.  The wisest man that ever lived, King Solomon, said that there is nothing new under the Sun.  Satan found a combination of factors that worked and therefore uses the same tactics now that he used then.  As we learn about how the first couple fell from Paradise to a sin- cursed world, we can be alerted to the same tactics used to get us to fall today.  This morning we will learn that the deadly combination of satanic deception and sensual desire can bring the sin that causes total separation from God.  These are the dynamics of temptation.

 

I.              Satanic Deception

 

A.   Subtil = cunning, crafty, insinuating, artfully sly

 

 

 

Genesis 3:1 (AV)

1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

 

B.     Questions the content of the rules.

 

Genesis 3:2–3 (AV)

2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

 

1.     Did God actually forbid you to eat of every tree?

 

2.    Get you to look for the loopholes by overstating the prohibition.

 

3.    While examining the law, we often add or take away from God’s perfect word in a good faith effort to try to comply.

 

4.    The Pharisees made careers on this kind of careful examination and restatement of the Old Testament laws.

 

5.    Often we take general principles, make up hard and fast rules and loopholes and exceptions to these hard and fast rules we made up in the first place. – We do that in dress standards, music and other areas that God has only given us principles by which to act.

 

6.    Personal purity is another area we start to redefine and create loopholes in what exactly the act of fornication really is.

 

C.   Convince us that we will not actually reap the consequences promised for our sin.

 

Genesis 3:4 (AV)

4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

 

1.     Boldly contradict the very word of God.

 

Romans 5:12 (AV)

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

 

 

2.    Sometimes we are sure that we will be the exception the rule.

 

Galatians 6:7–9 (AV)

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

 

Ezekiel 18:20 (AV)

20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die…

         

D.    Convince us that God is holding something good from us. – We get deceived to believe that it is God that enslaves, not Satan.

 

Genesis 3:5 (AV)

5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

 

II.            Sensual Desire

 

A.    We are drawn away by our own desires.

 

James 1:13–15 (AV)

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

 

B.    There are three basic worldly lusts.

 

1 John 2:16 (AV)

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

 

Genesis 3:6 (AV)

6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

 

1.     Good for food = lust of the flesh – bodily desires

2.    Pleasant to the eyes = lust of the eyes

3.    Make one wise = pride of life.

4.    Satan was right that they would know good and evil, the part he left out was they already knew good… the evil they would learn would be by personal experience.  Satan does not fully disclose the terms of the sin arrangement.

 

Better shun the bait than struggle in the snare. -John Dryden

 

III.          Total Separation from God

 

A.    Up to this time God met with mankind on a regular basis – this is why he was created!

 

B.    Separation because of guilt and shame.

 

Genesis 3:7–8 (AV)

7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

 

1.    Naked = guilt

 

2.     They tried to cover their guilt by their own efforts

 

3.    They were not effective in covering anything.

 

4.    No longer looked forward to meeting with God.

 

C.    Separation because of fear.

 

Genesis 3:9–10 (AV)

9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

 

D.    Sin still results in separation.

 

1.     From God’s salvation – until one is ready to repent and believe.

 

 

John 3:16 (AV)

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 

2.     From the comfort of the Holy Spirit

 

Ephesians 4:30 (AV)

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

 

3.     From the fellowship and or correction of God’s people.

 

Conclusion:

 

          The deadly combination of satanic deception and sensual desire can bring the sin that causes total separation from God.  If you are still hoping that your good faith efforts to earn Heaven will get you there, you like Adam and Eve are trying to cover the nakedness of your guilt with fig leaves.  Only what Jesus did on the cross will cover your guilt.  You must trust in Him alone to save you.

 

          If you are a believer, you have learned the tactics that Satan uses to snare people.  He will carefully craft reasoning that will seem so logical in order for you to open the door of possibility, enflaming the passions that lie within you. Once that door is opened, temptation turns to lust and is fulfilled in the act of sin.  Now that you know how it works, come clean before God of the patterns that have drawn you away.  Erwin Lutzer has well said, “Temptation is not sin, it is a call to battle”.

 

Essential Elements of a Godly Character

Sunday Evening Sermons

Genesis 39:1-20

Preached Sunday Evening January 23, 2011

 

Introduction:

 

The following are the lyrics from a very thought provoking song entitled “Slow Fade”

 

Be careful little eyes what you see
It’s the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It’s a slow fade, it’s a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you’re thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what you see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

 

          Marriages crumble, hearts break and lives are shattered because we as meek and frail sinful creatures, cave in to our sinful desires.  Our lusts consume us and we are left reaping the awful fruit of our actions.  Tonight we are going to study a man who determined to do right before he was faced with the chance to do wrong.  May God help us learn from Joseph and incorporate these elements of a Godly character into our lives.

 

I.             Faithfulness

 

A.   Aided by the assurance that God was with him

 

Genesis 39:1–2 (AV)

 

1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. 2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

 

Genesis 39:21 (AV)

 

21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

 

Psalm 139:7–8 (AV)

 

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

 

1.    With him at home

2.    With him in the pit

3.    With him in the slave train

4.    With him in the slave market

5.    With him in Potiphar’s house

6.    With him in the King’s prison

 

B.    Seen in every action Joseph did

Genesis 39:3 (AV)

3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

 

1 Corinthians 10:31 (AV)

 

31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

 

Colossians 3:22–24 (AV)

 

22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

 

C.   Earned a position of authority

 

Genesis 39:4–6 (AV)

 

4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. 6 And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

 

1.    Because of his track record

 

Luke 16:10–12 (AV)

 

10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?

 

2.    Others benefited because of him

3.    Joseph gained a place of great trust

 

II.           Integrity

 

A.   Joseph valued the trust he had earned

 

Genesis 39:7–8 (AV)

 

7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 8 But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

 

B.    Joseph knew the sin was against God

 

Genesis 39:9 (AV)

 

9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

 

C.   Joseph had already decided to do right

 

Genesis 39:10 (AV)

 

10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

 

Job 31:1 (AV)

 

1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

 

Matthew 5:28 (AV)

 

28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

 

Proverbs 1:10 (AV)

 

10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

 

 

Proverbs 4:14–15 (AV)

 

14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

 

1.    Did not listen to her

2.    Did not lie by her

3.    Did not allow himself to be alone with her

 

Romans 13:14 (AV)

 

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

 

D.   Joseph did not allow his flesh to take over

 

Genesis 39:11–12 (AV)

 

11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

 

 

1 Corinthians 10:13 (AV)

 

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

 

1.    He was around 17 years old

2.    He was taking care of business

3.    He was alone with her

4.    He fled

 

III.         Does not look at circumstances to make moral judgments

 

A.   Joseph was falsely accused to his co-workers

 

 

 

 

Genesis 39:13–15 (AV)

 

13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, 14 That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: 15 And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.

 

B.    Joseph was falsely accused to his boss

 

Genesis 39:16–19 (AV)

 

16 And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home. 17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me: 18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out. 19 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

 

C.   Joseph was falsely imprisoned by his boss

 

Genesis 39:20 (AV)

 

20 And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.

 

è Even though his record was spotless

 

Known from His Creation

Sunday Morning Sermons

Genesis 1:1-31

 

Introduction:

 

          Today we start to study Genesis, the Book of beginnings.  Every foundational truth we learn about who God is and who we are can be found in this powerful book.  In the next year we are going to discover powerful theology as we pour over the pages of this book.

 

          This morning we are going to take a close look at the creation story.  We will discover that one can believe in God and not believe in a literal six day creation.  We will also see that one cannot believe the whole Bible and deny the literal six day creation story.

 

I.             Lessons About God

 

Romans 1:18–20 (AV)

 

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 

A.           God’s wrath is poured out against truth suppressors

    

1.         They hold down truth

2.         God’s invisible qualities are seen thought His creation.

3.         God’s eternal power is revealed.

4.         The Godhead is revealed.

 

B.           God is eternal.

 

C.           God is Triune.

 

I see His blood upon the rose

And in the stars the glory of His eyes.

His body gleams amid eternal snows

His tears fall from the skies.

I see His face in every flower,

The thunder and the singing of the birds

Are but His voice—and carved by His power

Rocks are His written words.

All pathways by His feet are worn;

His strong heart stirs the everlasting sea;

His crown of thorns is twined with every thorn,

His cross is every tree.

 

Joseph Plunkett

 

II.            Lessons About The Universe

 

A.           Matter is not eternal.

 

Genesis 1:1 (AV)

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

 

B.           There is no substance to the gap theory.

 

  Genesis 1:2 (AV)

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

 

C.           Light was created before the sun, moon, and stars. 

 

Genesis 1:3–5 (AV)

 

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

 

 

D.          God created a pre-flood canopy of water.

 

Genesis 1:6–8 (AV)

 

6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. 7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

 

 

E.           The language of the passage dictated a 24-hour interpretation.

Vv. 5,8,13,19,23,31

 

è    To assume order rose out of chaos is to ignore the second law of thermodynamics.

 

F.           Pangaea is possible.

 

Genesis 1:9 (AV)

 

9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.

 

G.          Fruit was designed to reproduce itself. 

 

Genesis 1:11–12 (AV)

 

11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

 

 

H.          Celestial lights were not created until day four, making the theory of Theistic Evolution illogical. 

 

Genesis 1:14–18 (AV)

 

14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: 15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. 16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. 17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, 18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.

 

 

 

I.            Creatures were created with the appearance of age.

 

J.            There were no carnivores before the fall. 

 

 

 

Genesis 1:29–30 (AV)

 

29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

 

 

III.         Lessons About Man

 

Genesis 1:26–28 (AV)

 

26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

 

 

A.           Made in the image of God.

 

1.         Body

2.         Soul

3.         Spirit

 

B.           Man was given dominion over the animals. 

 

C.           Man was given the command to multiply. 

 

 

I Saw God Today

 

I saw God today—

in the delicate petals of a rose,

kissed by the dew, enhanced by the morning sun.

 

I saw God today—

in a stream, catching sunlight,

making its own music.

 

I saw God today—

in the stillness of the woodland,

Silent, except for an occasional call of birds.

 

I saw God today—

as the slow darkness of a storm began,

as far as the eye could see.

 

I saw God today—

in a tree once covered with newness of spring,

now cradled in snow, bowing to God’s seasons.

 

I saw God today—

in the face of a new life. A baby,

Reaching out its little hand to know God.

—Louise Harker

 

prayer requests

 Send your prayer requests to pastor_don@ebcct.org

Tracey Vichiola

· Chris Sr. needs salvation.  There are many issues attacking his soul.

 · Joyce who has cancer—pray for complete healing.

 · Anthony V.—for spiritual understanding about true salvation and baptism.

 ·  Rachel Inman

 · Tracey’s mother, Marion White—for health, comfort and strength after the loss of her husband, Tracey’s father.

 · Salvation of Tracey’s brother and sister in law and family: Rick, Tina, Ryan, and Justin

 · A Christian role model for the Vichiola boys.

 · Neighbor, Wendy – needs salvation

· Strength to be the best mother she can be by God’s grace.

· Joyce – stage 4 cancer

· Dionne family

· Ann Inman’s back

· Healing for Mrs. Eseppi

  Christine Payne

·  For the situation with my parents and sister right now with custody over her son.  The judge has made a ruling and this weekend they will be moving him to a new location and he is not handling it well. 

· I have a friend that is having tests done for cancer in the coming weeks.  

· My wisdom tooth is feeling a lot better, just occasionally sore.  Thank you for praying. 

· The unspoken that we thought we would have an answer last Monday still has not been answered, but there is a possibility that it will be by the end of this week.  🙂

· We have 3 very big decisions on our plate right now that we need to see the Lord work out in a special way and in such a way that we know it is clearly His will.

 Becky Carpenter

· Please pray for Laura Newman, a young woman from Walla Walla who is very dear to the Carpenter family and who has gone through more sorrow in her 19 years than most people do their whole lives.  Please pray for her to clearly see God’s hand on her, and His leading to the life He wants for her.  

· Christianne Hathaway has recently discovered that she’s expecting another blessing!  She’s very excited – but apprehensive since she lost a baby about a year ago.  Please be praying for her and for her baby that all would go well and both would be healthy.   I’d also like to add a praise that Bethany made it safely back to San Angelo on Sunday, and that she has found a good church to attend.

 · Bethany’s PT test on Friday.

· Praise that the Stensaas family made it safely to Uganda and they are settling in well.

  Jan Narciso –Cavalry Baptist Church—Waterbury

· I have been struggling with my hoarseness/laryngitis since the last week of October.  Because of this, I have not been able to work.  I am going for a strobe scope test next Tuesday. 

 · I pray that 1) there are no storms that will interfere with my appointment, and 2) that they will be able to determine the cause.

 · Husband Ray Narciso is teaching his first class at NESB starting tomorrow evening.

 

Lisa Miller—Skip Kizzia’s sister

 · Pray for our church body, God knows the details.

 Candy Maccione

· Tyler broke his foot – pray for fast recovery.

· Continuous spiritual growth in love between Candy and Jim

Ann Inman

· Julie Weiss to regularly attend a good church and to grow in her Christian faith.

· Salvation for Robert Weiss. – Rachel Inman’s grandmother, Polly, would not have such bad back pain

· Wisdom for the doctors to find the right leukemia medicine for Robin.

· Jaden to be alright as we haven’t seen him lately and salvation for his family

· Julie Weiss to grow spiritually

· Please pray for our missionaries

 

Skip Kizzia

· Victor Heath

 · A job for Barbara’s old boss

 

Brian Hackett

· Deliverance from loneliness

· Find a faithful Christian girlfriend

 · Robert Thompson—salvation and shelter.

 

Jimmy Dionne

· Provision of a solid steady job with benefits in order to provide a secure home for his bride to be, Heather Martin.

 Katie Carpenter

 · Pray that God’s will be done with Jordan’s insurance and school situation.

 · Wisdom regarding Katie’s health.

 

Sarah Carpenter

 · Mrs. Helen Baldwin– recovering from a broken heel and cracked ribs but in a lot of pain.

 · Wisdom and provision for financing for school.

 

Now More Than Ever, Run the Race

Sunday Morning Sermons

 

Hebrews 12:1-3

Preached Sunday Morning January 2, 2011

 

Introduction:

 

         

          Today marks the first Sunday in the 60th year of our ministry.  2011 also marks the 400th year of our King James Bible.  All though this year, we will be focusing upon the legacy that has been left for us and we will also focus upon the one that we will be leaving for the next generation.  There are some here today that will be here when we celebrate our 100th year of ministry as a church.  How will those people remember us today?

 

          In chapter 11, the writer of Hebrews gives a great history lesson of faithful saints in the Bible.  After reflecting upon those great things accomplished through steadfast faith in God, the author challenges us to realize that every saint that has passed into eternity is now watching us.  It is as if there is a great Heavenly arena and we are the runners of a great marathon.  The crowd continues to grow with loved ones and Christian soldiers who have crossed over before us.  There are more in the crowd than there has ever been.  As we reflect upon 2011, our 60th year as a church, my 10th year as pastor, and upon your personal time spent here; now more than ever, we must run the race!

 

I.                   We have a big crowd watching us run.

 

Hebrews 11:32-40 – 32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. 

A.                 Think of who is in the audience

 

1.                 Abel

2.                 Enoch

3.                 Noah

4.                 Abraham

5.                 Sarah

6.                 Jacob

7.                 Joseph

8.                 Moses

9.                 Joshua

10.             Caleb

11.             Rahab

12.             The Apostles

13.             Paul

14.             Great Heroes of the Faith

15.             Pastor Eseppi

16.             Patriarchs of EBC

17.             Herald Rogers

18.             Mr. Readon

 

B.                 Their victories came by faith – vs 33

 

1.                 To obtain saving grace

 

Romans 3:19-22 – 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

2.                 To obtain standing grace

 

Romans 5:1-2 – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

– Note none of these great achievements came apart from raw faith – not  plans or pragmatics.

C.                 They obtained victory over satanic attacks by faith – vs 33-35

1.                 Subdued kingdoms

2.                 Wrought righteousness

3.                 Obtained promises

4.                 Shut the lion’s mouth

5.                 Quenched the violence of fire

6.                 Escaped the edge of the sword

7.                 Were strong in their weakness

8.                 Turned dark armies to flight

9.                 Dead were raised

D.                They obtained the ability to stand by God’s grace through their faith – vs 35-38

1.                 Tortured

2.                 Kangaroo court

3.                 Imprisoned

4.                 Stoned

5.                 Sawn to pieces

6.                 Wandered in exile

E.                 They obtained eternal reward by faith – vs 39-40

II.                We must remove everything that will slow us down

Hebrews 12:1 – Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

A.                 Because of the testimonies of faithful victory that precedes us

B.                 Lay aside every weight

1.                 Weight = “that which is hooked” to a person, thus dragging him down as a weight

2.                 Examples:

a.      Anything that slows you from running the race in faith

b.     Fear of man

Proverbs 29:25 – The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. 

c.      Misplaced allegiance

Matthew 10:37-38 – He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

d.     Pleasures of this life

Luke 8:14 – 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.

e.      Party life

Romans 13:11-13 – And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

f.       Riches

1 Timothy 6:9 –  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

C.                 Lay aside every sin

1.                 That besets us = winds around us bringing us into peril

2.                 Sin would impede your race of faith

D.                We must run with patience – abide under, endurance

III.             We must keep our eyes on the finish line

Hebrews 12:2-3 – 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

A.                 Jesus wrote the plan

Genesis 3:15 – And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

B.                 Jesus finished the plan

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1.                 Because of love – vs 2

2.                 Endured the cross

3.                 Despised the shame

4.                 Was exalted and sits on the right hand of God the Father

C.                 Jesus will keep you from fainting – vs 3

1.                 Consider = analogizomai = contemplate

2.                 Endured contradiction of sinners = “a gainsaying contradiction”

3.                 Keep you from being wearied

4.                 Keep you from fainting in your minds

a.      Faint = to relax – like a bowstring

b.     The battle is in the mindset, not necessarily in the actions

 

Conclusion:

          The ancient arena is full as you enter to run the marathon.  The shouts echo throughout the stadium.  They are the voices of those millions who have already run this long and grueling race.  If you wish to run well, consider the millions who have successfully finished – you can too.  Get rid of all those things tangled around your life that will slow you down and drain your energy.  Keep your eyes on the finish line.  Jesus, your Savior is waiting for you there!  So, run on faith!

The Little Town of Bethlehem

Holiday Sermons

Micah 5:2

 

Preached Christmas Eve, 2010

 

Introduction:

 

Micah 5:2 (KJV)

2But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be

 

little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of

thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

 

Today, even those who are unfamiliar with the Bible know about the town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.  Bethlehem was not always familiar or famous.  It was small and insignificant, yet God made a promise to this little town that it would be the cradle of the of Messiah.  

 

Tonight, as we meditate upon the events of that first Christmas Eve, let us consider the town in which Jesus was born.  God used a small and overlooked town to do something great.  This is how God works!  God uses the weak and humble things to show His faithfulness and strength.  Tonight as we reflect on God using this humble little town, we must know that God does not change.  If he can use little Bethlehem, He can and will use you.  If He can use little Bethlehem, He can and will use Evangelical Baptist Church.  Bethlehem, though you are little and insignificant, God has something special for you:

 

I.                   As Seen in God’s Purpose for you – revealed in your names

 

A.     Bethlehem = “House of Bread”

 

John 6:35 (KJV)

35And Jesus said unto them, I am the

 

bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

 

1.     Jesus is the Bread of Life

 

2.     Those who come to Him will never hunger.

 

3.     Those who believe on Him will never thirst.

 

B.     Ephratah

 

1.     Named after Caleb’s wife (Caleb was a great warrior believing God to take the most challenging people when he was over 80!)

 

1 Chronicles 2:19

19 And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took unto him Ephrath, which bare him Hur.

 

2.     One of the smallest Clans

 

1 Corinthians 1:27-28 (KJV)

27But God hath chosen the foolish

 

things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the

 

world, and things which are

despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

 

3.     From “Ephrath” = fruitful

 

Luke 19:10 (KJV)

10For the Son of man is come to

 

seek and to save that which was lost.

 

John 15:8 (KJV)

8Herein is my Father glorified, that

 

ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

 

 

II.                Seen in God’s Promise

 

A.     The Birthplace of the King of Kings

 

Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

6For unto us a child is born, unto us a

 

son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

 

B.     This promise was fulfilled

 

Matthew 2:5 (KJV)

5And they said unto him, In

 

Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

 

III.             Seen in God’s Eternal Plan

 

A.     God’s plan is eternal

 

Psalm 90:1-2 (KJV)

 

1 Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. 2Before the

 

mountains were brought forth, or ever

thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

 

Ephesians 1:3-4 (KJV)

3Blessed be the God and Father of our

 

Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4According as he hath

 

chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

 

 

B.     God’s Son is Eternal

 

John 1:1-2 (KJV)

1In the beginning was the Word, and

 

the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the

 

beginning with God.

 

John 17:5 (KJV)

5And now, O Father, glorify thou me

 

with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

 

C.     God’s Character is Eternal

 

Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)

8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and

to day, and for ever.

 

è      If God can use little Bethlehem to bring us the Eternal Messiah, He will have no trouble making something great out of you.  If He can use an insignificant clan to produce the Savior, He can use a relatively small and unknown church like ours to make a world wide eternal impact.