By John Henson, Dibrell congregation, McMinnville TN
Ephesians 1:4-10
- A Savior who chose us (Verse 4).
- A Savior who redeemed us (Verse 7).
- A Savior who planned our freedom (Verse 9).
- A Savior who came prepared to save us (Verse 10).
Pleas Pour Out
What stirs within me while I pray?
What fear? what thirst? What can I say?
You know, O God, the heart’s desire,
The pliant will, to what I aspire.
Emotions, thoughts, and pleas pour out;
You know my every pain and doubt.
In Christ, make struggles glorify—
My deepest needs you supply.
The wonders of the gospel
Lord of love and life, we thank you for another day to serve and learn. Let us forget ourselves in order to occupy ourselves with your glory and with our neighbor’s need.
Turn our attention to the wonders of the gospel, both for our own benefit and growth, as well as for those who have not yet heard the truth.
Fill our hearts with grace, and satisfy us with your presence.
Your moving hand among us
God of all power and possibilities, we stand in awe of your moving hand among us. Continue to show your sovereign will on earth. Move things and people toward the kingdom. Open doors, and hearts, and minds.
Prepare us for battle, prepare us for victory, prepare us for the heavy fire thrown against us by the evil one. Stiffen our resolve, give us courage, open our mouths to speak the Good News of Christ.
Show yourself in Christ, send the Spirit among us, dwell in our hearts as we demonstrate faith and obedience to your will.
Forgive our sins, strengthen us in our weakness, open our eyes to our blindnesses.
Be glorified in us, and Christ in you. We desire the day of ending, the day of peace, the day of eternity.
Make Straight Our Way
The world’s awash in sin and wildness,
In torrents of lies and tattlers’ tales;
To truth, O Lord, and trusting in right,
We cling for life, clearly seeing
Beyond this earth, only eyes
For the Lord of hosts, the living Christ;
Give strength, O God, make straight our way,
And bring us through to a broad place.
The Way that Jesus Went
O God, with you I’d be content,
In Christ my every need supplied;
I’d go the way that Jesus went—
On Calvary’s hill he wept and died.
His victor’s cry make mine as well,
To finish your saving will at last;
To serve my neighbor, a story to tell,
A living love, unmoved, steadfast.
Keep me from losing heart in calmer waters
Hold me steady on the course of Christ,
Supply your Spirit’s wind to bear me along.
Do not lose me in the sudden storm;
Nor let me fall and drown in heavy seas.
Keep me from losing heart in calmer waters;
Daily renew resolve to serve and love.
Remind me I must never venture alone,
but travel with the seasoned crew of faith.
Now available: The Right Kind of Christianity
The printer has delivered the book, The Right Kind of Christianity, and you can purchase it now.
With 13 chapters, the book makes an excellent quarterly study for groups and classes.
Twelve brothers on three continents contributed to the book. With experience in ministry, missions, servant training, personal evangelism, and mass media, they’ve been on the front line of expressing the truth of the gospel.
Discover how postmodernism seeks to change the Way. See how the truths of the gospel do not change.
Confirm your faith and help others to be confident that the original plan of Scripture for the gospel continues the same as ever.
Serving God’s purpose
By John Henson, Dibrell congregation, McMinnville TN
ACTS 13:36
I. DAVID SERVED GOD’S PURPOSE
- By becoming king.
- By writing inspired scripture.
- By being the one through whom the Christ would come.
- By prophesying the coming King — Jesus.
II. WHAT IS GOD’S PURPOSE FOR US
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 That we might be made the righteousness of God.
- Galatians 2:16 That we might be justified by an obedient faith.
- Hebrews 12:10 That we might be partakers of his holiness.
- 3 John 8 That we might be fellow helpers of the truth.
III. ARE YOU SERVING GOD’S PURPOSE?
Submit your outline to Sermon Lines!
For Travelers and Stayers
Bless travelers of hope, in sun and rain,
Protect the timid who journey in fear,
Please heal all those who travel in pain —
Show us, Lord, that you are near.
Bless stayers at home with quiet and peace,
Give strength to the mother of the newborn babe,
Let worriers from anxiety cease —
Be to us, Lord, the giver of shade.