This was delivered at our Mt Zion Chapel concert on June 7th 2026

Encouragement

1. Introduction
   1. In this lesson, I want to talk about the importance of encouragement and being encouraged.
   2. It’s so important to note the importance of one’s words to another. How important those words can be, to bring someone way up or very low.
   3. In the ups and downs, and challenges of life that we all go through, we need encouragement.
   4. We depend on it. When we don’t get it, we stay still, stuck in our own minds, trying to figure everything out that’s come upon us in everyday living that we all exist in.
   5. When encouragement doesn’t come from others around us, we must lean on our Lord and Savior. He’s the one that stays closer than any brother ever will.
   6. Proverbs 18:24: A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
   7. God’s word never changes for you and me. It is strength when we are weak. It’s the foundation of what God has made us to be through His Word.
   8. I want to encourage you to stay in God’s Word. Follow God’s Word. Study God’s Word, and you too will realize the secret that will be manifested to the light, which will in turn become the foundational truth of knowing how you can always be encouraged.
   9. Now let us look into our lesson

Encouragement.

2. What is Encouragement
3. ENCOUR’AGEMENT is the act of giving courage, or confidence of success; incitement to action or to practice; incentive.
4. Encouragement is the act of giving courage, or confidence of success; incitement to action or to practice; incentive.
5. It is that which serves to incite, support, promote or advance, as favor, countenance, rewards, profit. Hebrews 10:24: And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: When you are encouraged or given affirmation in regards to a job or anything that you do, it causes you to want to even be better at it.

3. Who did God encourage in the Bible
4. God encouraged Joshua after the death of Moses. God was raising him up to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. Joshua 1:5-6: There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people, shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I swore unto their fathers to give them. God was giving Joshua a pep talk.

Moses had just passed, and God was passing the leadership on to Joshua, and Joshua needed to be encouraged in order to have the courage and confidence he needed for the task at hand.

1. Isaac had just been through a season where his herdsmen and the herdsmen of Gerar were striving over water from wells that were dug. When that season of striving was over, God appeared to him, reassuring him that He was with Isaac and would bless him.  Genesis 26:24: and the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake. When you are going through a hard time, remember God is with you and will bless you as you live for Him and do His Will.
2. God encouraged the nation of Israel in Isaiah 41:8-10: But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. He went on to say that those who had come against Israel would be dealt with. God is bigger than our problems. He will always be with us and lead us to victory.

4. Why do we need encouragement?
5. We need to be encouraged so we are not hardened by sin’s deceitfulness – Hebrews 3:13 – But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Encouragement helps us to constantly improve and endeavor to sin less and less, and live for God.
6. Encouragement helps us overcome trials, and the attacks of the enemy. John 16:33: In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Because Jesus has overcome the world, we can, and we will as we follow Him.
7. Encouragement helps us continue to have victory over the traps, trials and snares of the enemy. Ephesians 6:12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. When trials come our way, many times they are from the enemy, who is always trying to trip us up, and derail us from God’s Plan, but encouragement helps us to keep on going and serve God, and overcome all of the devil’s attacks.

1. Jesus stressed the importance of loving one another. If we want the world to know we have something they need, we need to love and encourage one another. John 13:34-35: A new commandment I give unto you that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Jesus stressed this point time and time again. If the world sees Christians attacking and tearing down other Christians, they won’t want what we have. If they see us encouraging and loving one another, that will draw them.

5. How did Jesus encourage the disciples?
6. He encouraged them and us to come to him, and to give our burdens, our cares, and our sins to Him, and receive the abundant, purpose-filled, and eternal life He offers. Matthew 11:28-30 – Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. He wants you to come to Him, cast all of the baggage you carry at His Feet. He will give you rest. Then, take His Yoke upon you. His Yoke is easy and His Burden is light. Not heavy!
7. He encouraged and taught them to pray, using the pattern found in Matthe 6:9-13 – After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. It is important to note that at this time, the disciples were under the law. In the Age of Grace, we don’t need to recite this, but we can use it as a pattern. The pattern starts with worship, prayer for His Will to be done, prayer for our needs to be met, prayer for forgiveness, protection from evil, then worship again at the end.
8. He encouraged Peter to step out in faith: Matthew 14:29 Matthew 14:28-29: And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. We often remember that Peter took his eyes off Jesus and sank, but also remember that he is the only one that had enough faith to step out to begin with. Do you have faith to step out and be used mightily by God in your calling?

6. How can We Encourage Others?
7. We can encourage others in our conversation: always pointing the other person to Jesus, and having the conversation of Christ. Ephesians 4:29: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. How are your conversations? Are they uplifting, or are they corrupt? Do you sound like the world, or is your conversation different? Is it the same on Sunday as it is throughout the rest of the week? Something to think about.
8. We can encourage others by spending time with them: This includes being in the House of the Lord, and also having regular fellowship. Hebrews 10:25 – Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. We were never meant to live the Christian life on our own. We need to spend time together for prayer, encouragement, and growth in our walk with God.
9. We can encourage others by reminding them of Jesus’ soon return: We are told to comfort or encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 – 6 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. When someone is in the middle of a tough time, you can encourage them by reminding them that Jesus’ Return is fast approaching.

7. How Can You Encourage Yourself?
   1. Encourage yourself by singing songs of praise to the Lord:  Psalm 96:1: O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Put Christian music on or sing to the Lord yourself.

You’ll find as you do, that you will be encouraged and your faith and trust in Him will increase. What kind of music are you listening to? Is it mostly secular, or are you tuned into positive, encouraging worship music that lifts you up and gives you a good, godly prospective?

1. Remember your victories, times when God has helped you. There are many instances of God reminding His People of what He had done for them before as a way of encouragement. Exodus 6:3-5: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name Jehovah was I not known to them. And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant. At this time, Moses had just come on the scene and God was starting to deal with Pharaoh, who in turn was making life harder for God’s People. God encouraged Moses’s faith by reminding him of what he had done and what he was about to do for His People.
2. You will be encouraged as you see things from God’s viewpoint. Romans 12:2-3: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. The more time you spend in the Word of God and in prayer, the more you will see things as God sees them.
3. Rekindle your passion for a closer walk with God: Revelation 2:4-5: Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Do you have the zeal for God that you had when you were first saved? Maybe you need to rededicate your life to Him. As you walk close to Him, you will find real, lasting encouragement. 

8. Story – The View from the Window.
   1. Two men were seriously ill. They occupied the same room in the hospital. One of them was lying in the bed near the only window in their room.
   2. Every day he was allowed to spend some time sitting up in his bed to help draining the fluid from his lungs. The other man was forced to spend all his days flat on his back.
   3. They talked a lot about their lives, families, jobs, and vacations.
   4. Every time, when the first man was sitting by the window, he described in details all that he saw outside the window.
   5. His roommate always looked for those moments, when his world was broadened and brightened up by the world outside.
   6. Amazing views of a park with a beautiful lake could be seen from the window of their room. Children delightfully played among ducks and swans.
   7. Couples walked arm in arm among colorful flowers. Also the stunning city skyline could be seen.
   8. While the man by the window thoroughly described all that was happening outside the window, his roommate would close his eyes and imagine all the beautiful scenes of life that were told to him.
   9. One night the man, whose bed was near the window, died peacefully during sleep and his roommate was very sad.
   10. After some time, when the nurse came to visit him, he asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse agreed and kindly made the switch.
   11. When she left, the man slowly and painfully propped himself up on one elbow and took the first look at the world outside. He was stunned. The window faced a blank wall.
   12. When the nurse came to visit him the next time, he told her about beautiful things outside the window that his roommate described him.
   13. The nurse replied that his roommate was a blind man. She said: „Probably he just wanted to encourage you.“
   14. If you are walking with God, spending time in the Word and in prayer, you will be encouraged, and see great blessings, even when faced with a blank wall.

9. Conclusion
   1. Are you encouraged today? I want to encourage you with these closing thoughts.
   2. He loves you. He is for you, not against you. When He is for you, no one else can be against you.
   3. You are God’s very own possession, bought and paid for with His shed Blood on the cross.

1. Introduction
   1. In anything we do in life, there comes a point when we must stand on the principles for whatever we do in life.
   2. If you have no principles, if you can’t take a stand, everyone takes a stand for you. Then your words are no longer valid. They’re like gongs & tinkling symbols in one’s ear.
   3. I personally have always taken a stand. What that means is that I’ve learned certain values, certain words or phrases that I saw that have helped me throughout the years that I’ve lived.
   4. If you can’t take a stand, you’ll be run over like a freight train and always subjecting yourself to someone else’s thinking.
   5. In other words, you’ll always just be a follower. In relation to God’s Word, taking a stand is very important, especially for his word though it doesn’t need any leaning post.
   6. There are many values that we must stand by. For example, you must stand for the inerrant word of God.
   7. There’s only one faith, one God, and one baptism. There aren’t 486 versions of God’s Word.
   8. The King James bible is the most reliable source and concrete evidence historically, factually, spiritually and doctrinally. If you don’t have one, you need to pick up one!
   9. We are living in a day today when standing on God’s Word is so important. Only about 2.5% of the Christian population reads and studies God’s Word and understand it.
   10. Most are just going through the motions. When you take a stand for God’s Word and correct people with God’s Word, they become very angry and combative, because most want to live according to their ways, not God’s Way.
   11. It’s not enough just to believe in God. The devil believes in God. James 2:19: Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
   12. If the world is going to see a difference between itself and the Christian, there must be fruit to bear. Otherwise, we’re no different than they are.
   13. The bible tells us in2nd Timothy 4:2: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
   14. The bible goes on to tell us inMatthew 7:16: Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
   15. Lastly, the bible tells us in 2^nd Timothy 2:15:Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
   16. We’re living in what is called the Laodicean Church Age. (Revelation 3:14-20). The last and final blast before the return of our Lord.
   17. As Christians, we must take a stand. We must stand firm on God’s Word. We can’t be subject to the world’s thinking.
   18. We must listen carefully for God’s Thinking, for the bible says in1st Corinthians 2:16: For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
   19. Suit up Christians!Ephesians 6:13-14: Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
   20. Christians, be courageous! Be faithful! Be consistent men and women of valor. Take your rightful place.
   21. Proclaim your stand and stand firm for your reward in heaven according to the bible will be great.Matthew 5:12: Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
   22. Christians take your rightful position and stand on the firm foundation of God’s Word. God is depending on you to bring a solid message to a lost and dying world. Let’s shout it out with a loud amen!
   23. Now let us look into our message, standing firm when all seems to be against you.

2. Where are you today in relation to the introduction? Are you standing on God’s firm foundation?
   1. Are you standing on the firm foundation? That firm foundation is the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 28:16: Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Is your life built on the firm foundation. Can you sing the song “On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand”?

3. Do you study God’s Word or carry a sword with a very dull point?
   1. If you are studying God’s Word and living by it, you have a sharp double edged sword. Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. When you don’t study the bible, and just listen to what people say about the bible, then your sword becomes dull and ineffective.

4. Are you leading your everyday life by the conversation of Christ?
   1. Is every conversation truly the conversation of Christ? Philippians 1:27: Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Everything that we discuss should reflect the nature of who Christ is. Every word should be full of His Love, Grace, and Truth.
   2. God doesn’t want to be left out of any area of your life. Revelation 3:20: Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. This is why we open the door & let Jesus in at every service. You should do this at home, work, and everywhere you go.
   3. Living by the conversation of Christ starts with the things you think about. Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. This also applies to what you read, what you listen to for music, and what you watch on TV. It might be time to turn off the movies and rock music and turn on the word of God and worship!

5. Are you living every day to please God?
   1. It is important to remember that the first ingredient you need in order to please God is faith. Hebrews 11:6: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. It takes faith to accept Christ, and it takes faith to live a life pleasing to Christ.
   2. Are you living your life as a living sacrifice, and being separate from the world? Romans 12:2: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. If you are living this way, you are living a life that is pleasing to God.

6. Do Christians know one another by the fruit that you bear?
   1. As we saw earler, Jesus said we would know our brothers and sisters by the fruit they bear. Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. You can usually determine a true brother and sister in Christ by looking at their lifestyle.
   2. Jesus goes on to qualify this further in Matthew 7:21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. The thing that will make your life stand out from the world is if you are endeavoring to do God’s Will every day.
   3. The ones that are not truly bearing fruit but are just going through the motions, are the ones Jesus refers to here. Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Let’s be fruit-bearers, living everyday to serve God and do His Will. Amen?
7. Can the world see a difference in you or are you just the same, having the same thinking and mindset?
   1. We looked at this verse earlier, but it bears reviewing again, because when we choose to think on the right things, the more we will have a different mindset from the world. Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. There is an old saying, garbage in, garbage out. What are you taking into your mind? You can only put out what you put in. If you are thinking on the kinds of things in this scripture, our mindset and way of living will reflect outwardly the mind of Christ.
   2. Another way that people will see a difference is if you are saturating your mind with God’s word. Psalm 119:9-11: Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Now that’s a good 9-1-1 call that will rescue you from the ways of the world, and keep you on the straight and narrow way of God’s Word.

8. When you come to church, are you prayed up? When you leave the church are you filled up? Do you take the message and do something with it, or has it fallen on deaf ears? Think about it.
   1. As I’ve often said, don’t come to church to get prayed for. Come prayed up so you can pray for someone else. James 5:16: Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. You want to come in with a heart ready to bless someone else, and in the process you will be blessed.
   2. When you leave church, are you filled up from the worship music and the Word? Colossians 1:9: For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; There’s an old chorus that says “You won’t leave here like you came in Jesus’ Name.” The Word of God, worship, and the fellowship should fill you up and get you fired up and ready to win the world for Christ.
9. In the bible there were many men who took a stand for the Gospel. They weren’t popular and eventually martyred.
   1. John the Baptist was in prison, and had boldly told the king that he should not be with Herodias. He took a bold stand for God and paid with his life. Mark 6:25: And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. The king did what she requested and John went home to be with the Lord.
   2. We just read about Stephen in our Thursday night study of Acts. He had just preached a message showing that Jesus was the promised Messiah, and blaming his audience for His Crucifixion. Acts 7:57-58: Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. Stephen also took a bold stand for the gospel of Jesus Christ and was faithful to the end.

1. James the son of Zebedee was executed by the sword for his stand for Jesus Christ. Acts 12:1-2: Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. The Jews were happy about this, so Herod was emboldened, and decided to try for Peter next.

10. Who in the bible were overcomers by the Blood of the Lamb?
    1. In our study of the Book of Revelation, we saw 4 accounts of the tribulation period, and all that the people left behind would experience. Take a look at Revelation 12:10-11: And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. You and I also can overcome all that the devil throws at us, and our testimony will help others.
    2. You and I are overcomers of the power of sin and death by the Blood of the Lamb. 1st Peter 1:18-19: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: We are purchased, redeemed, and protected by the Blood of the Lamb if we have given our hearts and lives to the Lord Jesus Christ.

11. Who in the bible stood firm on God’s word?
    1. Abraham left everything he knew at the age of 40 to go to an unknown land based on the Word of God. Genesis 12:1-2: Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: Abraham stood on God’s Word, was obedient, and became the father of many nations.
    2. Jesus met a Roman Centurion that had more faith in God’s Word than anyone else in Israel. Matthew 8:7-8: And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

The Centurion knew that the Word of God is powerful and stood on the Word of God for his servant’s healing. Are you standing on God’s Word for your healing or miracle?

12. The greatest man that ever came to earth to seek and save that which is lost faced the greatest amount of pain and suffering, more than Job ever endured. Here is an account of the pain and suffering.
    1. First, he had poured His Life into His 12 Disciples for 3 years, and at a time when He needed them to be praying for Him, they slept. Matthew 26:41-43: Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. This happened 3 times just before Jesus was betrayed.
    2. Jesus is then arrested and led away, and at the same time, sees one of his closest friends deny Him. Matthew 26:73-74: And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. Then Peter came to his senses, and realized that he had done exactly what Jesus said he would do. He later repented and was restored.
    3. Jesus sees a crowd of his own people that he came to save calling for his crucifixion. Matthew 27:22-23: Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. These are basically Jesus’s relatives all coming against Him.
    4. On the Cross, Jesus bore the weight of the world’s sin upon Him, and at this time He was separated from the Father for the first time ever. Matthew 27:45-46: Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? As Krys said on Thursday night, every evil deed from the past, present and future was all put upon Jesus in that one moment of time. He did it for you, my friend, and he did it for me. Let’s stand firm on His Word and serve Him out of love and gratitude for what He went through.
13. When you know a brother or sister is in sin, do you tell them their fault? Or are you afraid of what they may think of you?
    1. Paul gives us instructions concerning this in Galatians. First let’s look at Galatians 6:1: Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. The goal is always to build up and restore, not to tear down. That is the only reason that we should point out someone’s faults.
    2. We are always to look on the things of others more than ourselves. This includes bearing one another’s burdens. Trying to help that person that’s struggling with sin. Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Along with pointing out their sin, you might offer a solution or help them in some other way.
    3. Remember that if you are pointing out someone else’s sin in hopes of making yourself look good, you’ve deceived yourself. Galatians 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. Any correcting of sin should always be done to build up and encourage, not make ourselves look good.

14. Conclusion
    1. Where are you in light of this message?
    2. If you’re not taking a stand, can you see why you need to?
    3. What sacrifice are you making to see people come to the saving knowledge of Christ? Are you winning souls?Yes or no?

Why am I so Troubled on Every Side?
Why do I feel like everything’s going wrong?

1. Introduction
   1. I used to know a man many years ago. It just seemed like trouble followed him. He proclaimed to be a Christian but always seemed to be troubled.
   2. He was always feeling like everything he touched or did was wrong.
   3. I was doing a job for him and as I was doing the job, I was in communication with him on an ongoing basis.
   4. He’d be talking on the telephone, and I’d overhear the conversation. Everything just seemed to be negative.
   5. After hearing many conversations, (because I was right there working in the same room that he was in talking on the telephone with different people), I had just had enough of listening to all of the negativity.
   6. I remember saying, “Joe, do you pray?” He said “not as much as I should”. I said “Let’s pray right now for a complete deliverance of this notion that everything you do is wrong. Nothing you hear is right and everything you say is negative.”
   7. I understand that there are many challenges and much negativity coming from the world’s thinking and the devil driving to keep one in that kind of thinking,
   8. but God wants to break that bondage and deliver that person so that person can be free.
   9. It just seemed like this man wallowed and was convinced that God wasn’t happy with him. He could not please God. He always said the wrong things.
   10. When we prayed, it almost seemed as if it didn’t take root. I’ve met many people in my day that were very similar to this man.
   11. The solution to this problem is prayer, receiving God’s Word, believing God’s Word, and trusting God’s Word, and allowing the Spirit to lead and guide the word that’s been instilled in you to overcome the negativity by the Blood of the Lamb.
   12. I’d watch him as he’d doze off in the chair as I was working, or I’d sit and he’d be looking out the window, daydreaming, unfocused
   13. but focused on the negativity that he was going to think about when he was going to call or speak with someone else. It was sad.
   14. All I could do was pray and be a good example and allow my conversation to be the conversation of God’s Word to him as we would have discussions.
   15. He’d begin to speak negatively about whatever it was we were discussing. I soon got tired of listening to it.
   16. I said to him, “If you don’t have anything good to say or anything positive to do, then let me finish my job, because your words can be very tiring, disarming, and discouraging!”
   17. The next day, when I came to work, it seemed like there’d been a sudden change. In fact, it was a drastic change. The words to me were “Good morning!
   18. “It looks like we’re having a nice day. The sun’s out. I hope you can finish the closet that I was working on today. If you don’t, that will be fine.
   19. “You’re doing a great job. Things are looking good.” Then I noticed something very different about Joe.
   20. When he got on the phone, the first thing he said was “I want to be positive. I want to see a change in my way of thinking & coming across.
   21. I don’t want to be discouraging. I don’t want to be negative. As I prayed over the night, something happened. I began to see things in a different light.
   22. “Prayer is a beautiful thing when one is sincere to pray. I believe God has answered my prayer. I never knew how to be positive because I was so negative,
   23. but as I began to speak positively, it began to be easier to do. I feel I’ve overcome.
   24. I’m not totally there yet, but in order for me to see the change, I had to be the change.”
   25. Now let us look into this message today. Why am I so Troubled on Every Side? Why do I feel like everything’s going wrong?

2. How many of you can relate to this message? How many of you will be honest to say this might be me?
   1. If you can relate to this message, you need the perspective that Paul gives us in Ephesians 1:3: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: We have nothing to complain or be negative about. Everything that we have has been given us by God. We are tremendously blessed!
   2. Do you have a heavenly perspective, or earthly? Ephesians 2:6: And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Imagine for a moment that you are walking around in a city, and there are huge skyscrapers all around, and lots of people. Everything is big and hectic. Now imagine that you are 30 thousand feet in the air in a plane. All of those big things look tiny. The problems look smaller from our seat in heavenly places.

3. In an overview, how do you see yourself, positive and negative, or just negative?
   1. Here are some thoughts on positivity and negativity as it relates to us as Christians.
   2. The word “positive” doesn’t appear in the Bible, but Christians can use their faith in God to benefit from a positive attitude.
   3. A positive attitude can help people stay on top of negative circumstances and inspire them to do their best while trusting God to help with the rest.
   4. The Bible offers guidance on how to deal with negative people, who can be those who believe in Jesus and those who do not.
   5. Negative people may focus on others’ faults, or their own, and may regularly point out shortcomings with their comments, attitudes, and frowns.

4. If you’re always positive, all heavenly minded but no earthly good, what have you done, or can you do to change this?
   1. You can make sure you are rooted and grounded in the Word of God, no matter what. Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; If you spend time studying God’s Word, spend time in prayer and worship, you can be positive about what God is doing, while acknowledging the negative things of this world.

5. When it says that you are heavenly minded and no earthly good, what does this mean?
   1. To be heavenly minded means to set your affections, thoughts and perspective on things above. Colossians 3:2: Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. This is a good thing, and we are encouraged to do this.
   2. However, if we are so focused on things above, that we neglect our calling here on earth, we are like the salt that lost its saltiness in Matthew 5:13: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. We need to keep a joyful positive perspective, focused on God, while at the same time, not denying the negative things God wants us to address.

6. Why does it seem like whenever I say something, it comes out negative? Or on the same token, why do I look at everything so positive, never realizing that there’s a negative & positive that work together to create a balance?
   1. Here is a negative and a positive to create the balance. First, the positive. Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. We hear this verse so often that it can become cliché, but the truth is, that not all things ARE good, but all things work together FOR good.
   2. On the flipside, this world is winding down and passing away every day. 1st John 2:17: And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Are you living for God every day, endeavoring to fulfill His Will for your life? That will keep you positively balanced.

7. Why do I always feel that people are against me?
   1. We need to remember that if God is for us, who can ever stand against us? Romans 8:31: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? We must always seek to please God. Be loving and live at peace with people, but put our focus on pleasing God who is for us, never against us.
   2. If anyone is against you or is persecuting you, remember it is not you that they are against, it is Christ that lives within you. Jesus addresses Paul in Acts 9:4: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Jesus did not say “Why persecutes thou my people?” He said “Why persecutes thou me?” If you are living for Him, this is true of those who appear to be against you.

8. Why does it seem like God sits back and lets me go through these different things and I never hear from him. Or feel like he acknowledges me?
   1. The plan of God for your life is far greater than you can understand at any given time. Isaiah 64:4: For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. Here are a couple of illustrations that I think will speak to this question of God acknowledging you and working on your behalf.
   2. First, Imagine you have gone to the theater to see a great play. You come to a scene that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Things are not looking great for the character you are rooting for. Then the curtain closes. You wait a long time and think nothing is happening. Then after what seems like an eternity, the curtain goes up and you see the happy ending, and all seems to be wonderful for your hero.
   3. Number 2, you are reading a great story. Again, one that keeps you on the edge. You come to the end of the chapter and it seems all hope is lost for your character. Now for you, you only can see what is happening now, but the person who wrote the book knows what his intended outcome is, and has an amazing comeback in the next chapter for your hero.
   4. That’s how it is with God when you think nothing is happening. He’s always working, and when you turn the page, a new chapter begins. A new day dawns.

9. Who in the bible felt these same symptoms?
   1. Solomon, the preacher of Ecclesiastes had quite a negative outlook on life. Ecclesiastes 1:12-14: I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. This is a man who was king of Israel, had everything this world could offer him, and this was his thinking.
   2. Job was a man who could have become very negative. There was nothing positive on this particular day. Job 1:18-19: While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. I’d say that was a pretty tough day, and only the beginning of many tough days to come.
   3. Peter reacted negatively when Jesus was being arrested, and they accused Peter of being one of His Disciples. Matthew 26:74: Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. Jesus had previously warned Peter that he would deny Jesus. When the cock crowed, he remembered and was sorry.

10. What was the solution and conclusion that these great men of God came up with to smooth out the transition between negative and positive?
    1. Let’s go back to our buddy Solomon. The whole book of Ecclesiastes contains his outlook of how life is full of vanity, but he finally comes to this conclusion at the end. Ecclesiastes 12:13: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Let’s acknowledge the negative, and live for God every day, and he will keep us positively focused on the rich blessings He brings in this life. Amen?
    2. Now back to our friend Job as we witnessed the absolute worst day of his life. Let’s see how he overcame the negative on this day. Job 1:20-21: Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Could you honestly say that you would react this way, and worship and praise God right after a day like Job had? The most joy-filled positive person in this place would have to admit that he might not respond this way.
    3. We now return to Peter who had denied he even knew our Lord and Savior. He repented, and was restored. John 21:17: He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Peter did feed the sheep, and saw 3,000 souls come to know Jesus.
11. Story: Two Matches in a Matchbox
    1. Once there lived a poor family in a village. There was a matchbox in their hut containing only 2 matchsticks.
    2. The poor family was sleeping at night. Suddenly the match sticks got life, came out of the matchbox and were talking about themselves.
    3. The second asked the first, ” what can you do in your life time?”.Then the first answered “I can give light to this entire house”, and lit the lamp and died.
    4. Suddenly there was a heavy breeze and the door of the hut got open and the lamp started flickering.
    5. The owner of the hut woke up by the sound of the door & observed that the lamp is about to go off & put his hands to protect the lamp glow further, then closed the door & went to sleep.
    6. The other stick laughed seeing this and said “that wass your greatness in this you are able only to give light to this hut but I’m able to give light to this entire village just see the magic”.
    7. Then it lit the hut and laughed loudly. Few seconds later there was heavy rain fall which put off the fire.
    8. So the moral of this story is that having only negative thoughts will never succeed, so you need to add the positive element.
    9. And some times negative thoughts alone may give instant result but in long run it always yields negative results only.

12. Conclusion
    1. How do you view yourself today?
    2. Did this message speak to you?
    3. If this is you, what are you willing to do to change?

The Global Mess

1. Introduction
   1. When I was in school as a youngster, I was always informed because our household always watched the news on a consistent basis.
   2. Everything seemed to be more global than household or national. Though there were many things nationally that transpired, global seemed to be where all of the mess was.
   3. There would always be chaos in the Middle East, Russia, China, Iran. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Egypt, and everywhere else in between.
   4. We never saw war on our streets. Yes, Pearl Harbor was hit, and that was the first time, but after that, everything seemed to be far away when it came to war or even war on our streets.
   5. Today, war is everywhere. Today on our streets, if you say the wrong thing, you could lose your life in a moment.
   6. There’s no rhyme or reason to any of the madness or the mess that the world has gotten into.

1. The bible says that man is the destruction of man. Proverbs 14:12: There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
2. We’re living in the Laodicean Church Age as it says in Revelation 3:14-18: And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, & blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, & that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. When looking at these scriptures, the evidence is in.
3. We’re now not just in global catastrophe, we’re in a national mess where the leadership of this country has brought on the chaos, & madness & ushered in the Laodicean Church Age.
4. Laodicean means civil rights of common people. Where every man believes he has the right to say or do whatever he thinks.
5. Peace is running out for mankind. When the world talks of peace there will be no peace.
6. Only those who diligently serve the Lord Jesus Christ will have the peace that passes all understanding. Our country is torn by bad and poor leadership.
7. The leaders of this country have tried to sell us out and lead us astray by every evil intent, convincing people to not only turn the world and our country upside-down,
8. but to destroy the face of the USA that so many gave their lives to give us freedom, only to have the leadership of this nation overlook the true meaning of the home of the brave and the land of the free.
9. Through the madness, as the bible says a wicked and adulterous generation seeking to devour itself, and anything normal that one can live by.
10. We’re living and moving closer to the one-world system, where global power will take precedent and seize every evil opportunity to bring man into bondage, into demonic slaves, cultivated by yours truly, Lucifer or Satan himself.
11. Those of us who know & study God’s Word and are on high alert for anything and everything of the unknown will be put under the shadow of God’s Wings.
12. They’ll be protected until God takes them home. Though the challenges we all face each and every day, we will not face them alone.
13. We will have been spared by God’s Grace. Now let us look into our message

A Global Mess

2. When I say global mess, what’s the first thing you think of?
   1. I think of a world that is doing evil continually, doing what is right in their own eyes, rather than what God’s Word says. Deuteronomy 12:8: Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes. There are many verses that encourage us not to do what’s right in our own eyes, but to follow every word of God.
   2. A global mess is also a situation where people call good evil, and call evil good. Isaiah 5:20: Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! We are living in a day just like this, where they try to normalize every abominable lifestyle, and villainize that which is good and godly.
3. What are some examples of a global mess?
   1. The world was in a global mess when Noah was building the ark. Genesis 6:5-6: And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. This is very much like the day in which we live. God loves each and every one of us, but he is holy. When we sin continually, it grieves his heart.
   2. The world was in global mess when it looked on Sodom and Gomorrah being burned with fire at the very end. Genesis 19:24-26: Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. As we’ve talked about in the past, Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because their lifestyle of homosexuality was an abomination to God. God spared Lot and his family, but the rest of the place was turned into a torch.

1. The world was in a global mess when Jesus was crucified on the cross. Matthew 26:55-57: In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. The world was in a global mess because they did not know that the One they had waited for was standing right in front of them, and they had Him crucified.
2. The world was in global mess when Cuba almost brought us to a nuclear holocaust between the United States and Cuba. The Cuban Missile Crisis was a 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union in October 1962 that brought the world close to nuclear war: It began when the Soviet Union secretly deployed nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the United States. The missiles were built by order of Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to counter the United States’ nuclear missiles in Turkey and Italy.
3. President John F. Kennedy demanded the missiles be removed and placed a naval blockade around Cuba to prevent the Soviets from bringing in more military supplies. The crisis was resolved peacefully, and is considered one of Kennedy’s greatest achievements.
4. Our country was brought to a mess nationally and internationally when JFK our president was shot and killed in Dallas TX in 1963. John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was assassinated on November 22, 1963 while riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas: At approximately 12:30 PM, Kennedy was shot while riding in a motorcade with his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, Texas Governor John Connally, and his wife, Nelly Connally. Lyndon Johnson became president of the United States and was sworn in on Air Force One at approximately 2:30 PM.
5. Our world today is in a global mess from all 4 corners of the earth. We have the war in Ukraine going on, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, We have China looking to invade Taiwan, just to name a few.

4. What was the perception of the people in bible times when man was left to all of his evil devices?
   1. As we study the Old Testament, time after time, the people forgot the Lord and all that they did for Him, and went about doing their own thing. Judges 3:7-8: And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and forgat the Lord their God, and served Baalim and the groves. Therefore the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years. After a time, God would let the people go their own way and then face the consequences. Then they would come to their senses & cry out to the Lord & He’d send a deliverer.
   2. The world was in an uproar because they were worshipping a goddesss named Diana, when Paul was preaching the gospel. Acts 19:26-28: Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. The devil is still out there trying to deceive the world and keep people from worshipping the true God, our Lord Jesus Christ.
   3. Paul paints a very accurate picture of the perception, and ways of the people in our day, the Laodicean Church Age. 2nd Timothy 3:1-5: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. We see these verses being fulfilled as we watch the news, and meet people on a regular basis.

5. What’re some things that you and I can do to protect those who are blind, from all global views?
   1. We should encourage them to study God’s Word, to know who He is and what His Will is. We must also speak the truth to them in love. We see this in Ephesians 4:14-15: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to & fro, & carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: This Laodicean Church Age requires us to take a bold stand for the inerrant Word of God.
   2. We must be faithful in sharing our faith, and seek to encourage one another to have love and good works, and be in church regularly! Hebrews 10:23-25: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. The day is not only approaching, it is here now, and we need to be about the Father’s Business, living for Him and encouraging one another to serve Him diligently.

6. What can we do to warn those who are ignorant to what the bible has said in reference to the last days?
   1. Share your testimony and preach the Word. 2nd Timothy 4:2: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. Always be ready to give an answer to those who do not know our Lord and Savior.
   2. You and I are encouraged to contend earnestly for the faith. Jude 1:3: Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. In these last days, there will be doubters and people that question our faith, but we must be studied up and ready to contend for the souls of lost humanity.
   3. We are also told that the fields are ripe unto harvest and we should pray for laborers to be sent out to them. Matthew 9:37-38: Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Are you praying for your unsaved loved ones to come to know Christ? Are you praying that God will send someone, maybe even you, to bring them to the cross?
7. What day are you and I in, and how can we know for sure?
   1. As I said in my introduction, we are living in the Laodicean Church Age, the last and final church age before the return of Christ. Revelation 3:17-18: Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. We see here some of the signs of the time we live in. So many people think they have no need for God at all, when in truth they are the most needy. Their houses, lands, clothes, cars, and technology won’t give them eternal and abundant life. Only faith in Jesus will.

8. The bible says a wicked & adulterous generation are seeking signs & wonders. What should you & I seek for?
   1. You and I should be seeking the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Luke 12:40: Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. We are to be living every day knowing that He could come back any moment.
   2. The only wonder that we should seek, is wondering when He’s going to return! 1st Thessalonians 5:2: For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. We’re not told when he’s coming back. We don’t know what day or what hour. We just know we need to be ready!

9. If I truthfully ask you are you truly equipped…
   1. in what way have you been trained according to God’s Way? Ephesians 4:11-13: nd he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Are you coming to church, bringing your bible, and being trained and equipped by the messages we bring?
   2. Have you studied? Have you prepared? 2nd Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. To be an effective witness in these last days, we must be in that Word, studying it, digesting it, meditating on it, and inviting the Spirit of God to enlighten our understanding of it.
   3. Have you sat down to count the cost of everything you do? Luke 14:28: For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
   4. Do you know what it means to fight the good fight of faith? 1st Timothy 6:12: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. This life of faith is a spiritual battle. The time spent in prayer, studying the Word, and the choices we make will determine the outcome of the battle.
   5. Do you understand that the just shall live by faith? Hebrews 11:6: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Are you pleasing God? You are, if you are putting your faith in Him every day.
   6. Do you know the key that the word of God is the only method of salvation? Romans 10:14: How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Verse 17 tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

1. Story: Keeping Focused
   1. General Bradford was definitely an unusual general. He was known far and wide for both his infinite patience and love as well as for His justice and wrath.
   2. His soldiers loved him dearly—and for good cause. His orders were always good, and he personally found a way to care for each of the soldiers who volunteered for his little band.
   3. Michael had recently joined the general’s band, and was now quite anxious to prove himself a good soldier. His first task was to learn to march.
   4. “The key to marching is to stay focused and to listen for my commands constantly,” the general explained. “See that distant horizon?
   5. Fasten your eyes fifteen degrees above the horizon line. Don’t let them wander to the circumstances or people around you.
   6. Keep your eyes focused above the horizon, and your ears tuned to my voice. You’ll find that many, many things will try to distract you.”
   7. Michael couldn’t imagine anything distracting him from the horizon or the general’s voice.
   8. He’d soon find out, however, just how easily he could get distracted.
   9. The first time Michael actually had the opportunity to march, he lifted his knees up nearly to his chest each step in an effort to look like a good marcher.
   10. He desperately wanted to do a good job to please the general!
   11. The general shook his head and gently admonished the young private, “Don’t let your desire to show off distract you.
   12. True marching isn’t about lifting those knees in show; it’s about putting one step in front of the other in sync with my commands.”
   13. Michael hung his head. He had allowed the thought of what others would think to distract him from really doing his job.
   14. Michael tried again, this time not worrying about how he looked. Yet he had such a hard time keeping his eyes above the horizon!
   15. His eyes seemed to constantly wander to the things or people around him. Then he’d catch sight of the general and remember his command to look above the horizon. Would he ever learn?
   16. “George,” Michael called reprovingly, “your step is a little fast, and wipe the grin off your face. And Scott, loosen up your arms and let them swing a little more natural and—”
   17. “I said flight halt!”
   18. Only after walking several paces in front of the rest of the troop did Michael finally hear the command.
   19. He didn’t think he could ever forget the general’s reproof, “Cadet, fall back in line. Keep your own eyes and ears attentive and let me take care of the others.”
   20. Michael stepped back in line. He was beginning to realize that keeping focused would be a moment-by-moment battle. It was SO easy to get distracted!
   21. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12.
   22. In the global mess of these last days, e can easily lose focus and get distracted. God has given us a studious pastor who is bringing us the truth and our marching orders.
   23. Are we stepping in line with him and following his lead, or are we being distracted?

10. Conclusion
    1. When you accepted Jesus as your own personal savior, did you realize that you were a prisoner of the Gospel? 2nd Timothy 1:8: Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
    2. Did you realize that you were to diligently serve him every day until the end? Did you realize that you were to go into the highways and byways and compel those who are without to come in Luke 14:23: And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.