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Biblical references in Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ's nondenominational sermon outlines are linked directly to text of the King James version of the Bible. Bible quotes you hear in the streaming audio may be from the New King James version of the Bible.
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Introduction.
1. In Psalm
16:11 we are reminded that in the presence of God there is fullness of
joy.
2. But there are times we all find
ourselves not as close to God as we would like.
a. We find ourselves spiritually
weak, filled with depression and anxiety.
3. In such times, what can we do
in order to become close to God again?
a. The answer is found in Psalm
16:8.
Body.
I. Set The Lord Before You Through
God's Creation.
A. LET NATURE HELP YOU DRAW
CLOSE TO GOD.
1. For the Creation speaks to
us of God.
a. It tells of His glory and
His knowledge - Psalm
19:1-2.
b. It impresses us with His
eternal power and His deity Romans1:20.
2. When we take time to
contemplate God's creation.
a. We understand more of His
power and of His person.
b. This understanding
enables us to come closer to God.
1) Just as increasing
understanding between friends enhances friendship.
2) As it does any
relationship (e.g., marriages).
B. OTHERS USED NATURAL SETTINGS
IN DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD.
1. Isaac would go out into the
fields to meditate - Genesis
24:63.
2. Jesus would often go to the
mountains to pray - Matthew
14:23.
3. It may be easier to draw
closer to God in the midst of God's creation (nature), and away from man's
creation (cities).
Walking alone at eve and viewing
the skies afar, Bidding the darkness come to welcome each silver star; I have
a great delight in the wonderful scenes above, God in His power and might is
showing His truth and Love. -- Alone At Eve, Will W. Slater, vs. 1
II. Set The Lord Before You
Through God's Revelation.
A. GOD'S WORD PROVIDES THE FULL
REVELATION OF GOD.
1. Through nature we are
limited in what we can learn from God.
a. We can see His power,
divinity, glory, and knowledge.
b. But we learn nothing of
His will and purpose for us.
2. It is only through Divine
revelation that God has made His Will known.
a. He has revealed many
things through His Spirit, who in turn revealed them through the
apostles - 1
Corinthians 2:9-12.
b. Such things were written
for our benefit and understanding Ephesians
3:3-5.
B. OTHERS DEPENDED UPON THE WORD
TO REMAIN CLOSE TO GOD.
2. Jesus used it to ward off
the Tempter - Matthew
4:4,7,10.
3. Let God's Word help you
draw near to Him who is the source of peace and strength.
Sitting alone at eve and dreaming
the hours away, Watching the shadows falling now at the close of day; God in
His mercy comes with His word He is drawing near, Spreading His love and
truth around me and everywhere. -- Alone At Eve, Will W. Slater, vs. 2
III. Set The Lord Before You
Through Your Prayers.
A. A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP MUST BE
A TWO-WAY STREET.
1. God has revealed Himself to
us through His creation and revelation.
2. We must reveal ourselves to
Him, which we do through prayer.
a. The means by which to
express every concern, to receive appropriate blessings - Philippians
4:6-7.
b. The means by which to
draw boldly to God, to obtain mercy and grace to help - Hebrews
4:14-16.
B. OTHERS FOUND PRAYER THE MEANS
TO RECEIVE HELP FROM GOD.
1. David found that confessing
sins to God brought forgiveness - Psalm
32:3-6.
2. Jesus found prayer to be a
source of strength in times of trial - Mt
26:36-44.
3. Draw near to God's throne
through prayer, let Him know of your deepest needs.
Closing my eyes at eve and
thinking of heaven's grace, Longing to see my Lord, yes, meeting Him face to
face; Trusting Him as my all wheresoever my footsteps roam, Pleading with
Him to guide me on to the spirit's home. -- Alone At Eve, Will W. Slater,
vs. 3
IV. Set The Lord Before You
Through Your Fellowship.
A. STRENGTH COMES FROM
ASSEMBLING TOGETHER.
1. Just as there is strength
in numbers - Ecclesiastes
4:9-12.
2. In view of the very real
danger of falling away.
a. We need to exhort one
another daily - Hebrews
3:12-13.
b. We need to admonish one
another through our frequent assemblies - Hebrews
10:24-25.
B. THE EARLY CHURCH FOUND
STRENGTH BY ASSEMBLING TOGETHER.
1. As when Peter and John were
released after being arrested Acts4:23-31.
2. As when Peter was
imprisoned - Acts
12:12.
C. OUR ASSEMBLIES CAN BE A
FORETASTE OF GOD'S PRESENCE.
1. In which we drawn near to
God together through song, prayer, and His word.
2. In which we enjoy the
fellowship of God and His servants even now Revelation
7:9-17.
Oh! for a home with God, a place
in His courts to rest, Sure in a safe abode with Jesus and the blest; Rest
for a weary soul once redeemed by the Savior's love, Where I will be pure
and whole and live with my God above! -- Alone At Eve, Will W. Slater,
chorus
Conclusion.
1. Do you desire to draw closer to
God?
2. Then set the Lord before you
through these avenues:
a. Contemplating nature.
b. Meditating on God's word.
c. Spending time in prayer.
d. Having fellowship with other
Christians.
-- Don Treadway, June 2002 -- |
