1. Introduction
   1. I’m giving this message as I feel it is important and crucial for this time. Too many pastors, churches and too many people are confused, mixed up, don’t know their places, with no concise leadership.
   2. It seems we are living in a time when ever y man is living for themselves rather than looking on the things of others more than themselves.
   3. I can’t express enough how important it is that when God gives you a vision that you are to adhere to the call and He will fuel the fire so you can succeed.
   4. We need to carry our bibles. IT’s the inspired word of God that bears witness to what we are saying and doing.
   5. Those that don’t know Christ as their own personal savior need to know that there is a savior but if you are just talking without showing, you don’t have a true witness.
   6. You just have words. God is the Word of God. He’s laid down his life as the word of God so we must live by His Word. We must trust in it wholeheartedly.
   7. We must not be persuaded or distracted but focused on achieving the same common goal which is filling Heaven with souls!
   8. If you’re not evangelizing or mentoring anyone or talking to anyone you may want to think about your own salvation.
   9. Why am I not doing these things that God’s Word calls and commands us to do? Why do I not feel the desire to step out and do something?
   10. Why do I seem to do everything else but never spend enough time with God? Answer: You may not truly know Him. If you do, you’re certainly not seeking him
   11. Because if you were you’d be allowing him to fuel the fire. Now let us look into our message

Fueling the Fire

2. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say are you fueling the fire with the vision and calling God’s given you?
   1. Have you written the vision down and shared it with people that can help you complete it? Habakkuk 2:2-3: And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. That vision is not going to get done if it’s just stuck in your head. You must share it and begin to run with it as God directs.
   2. Are you pressing on to the mark of your calling in Christ Jesus? Philippians 3:14: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. We should live every day with the determination and motivation to fulfill the calling Christ has given us.  Is this you?
   3. Are you fueling the fire with prayer and having others pray with and for you? Psalm 6:9: The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. Prayer is what moves the Hand of God, and no mission or vision for Him can make its desired impact without a lot of prayer.
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3. Do you even know your calling?
   1. Each of us have a calling from God. We are exhorted to be diligent with our calling and election. Let’s look at 2nd Peter 1:9-10: But he that lacketh these things (godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity) is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: Do you know your calling. Are you walking in it? Are you showing godliness, kindness, and charity in what you do? If these traits are emanating out of your life, you are most likely walking in your calling.
4. Have you let time pass by?
   1. Remember that we are only allotted a certain amount of time on this earth to fulfill the calling of God. James 4:14: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. If you let too much time go by, you will never accomplish the vision God has for you.
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5. Have you gone out of your way to try to lead someone to Christ?
   1. Everyone who is considered a Christian has one main job to do. No one is exempt. Let’s look at Luke 14:21-23: So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 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. What is our main goal? It is to make heaven crowded. If we are doing something that takes away or distracts us from that objective, we’re missing it. Have you shared the gospel recently?
6. Are you carrying your bible, studying and praying?
   1. We should not rely on our phone apps, PC or other digital bibles. We should carry the printed bible, read it and study it. Deutoronomy 11:18-Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. The phone battery will die or you’lll get a ton of notifications before you get to the bible, where the old fashioned print bible will always be right there and ready for you to show someone the gospel message.
   2. Before you can show it to someone else though, you must study it. Digest it. Get it into your system first. Jeremiah 15:16- Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. God’s Word is the joy and rejoicing that those around you need. Let’s fuel the fire by getting refueled every day with God’s Word.
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7. Are you seeking every avenue God has for you?
   1. Remember that God rewards those that have faith, and that diligently seek Him. 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. Se must seek God for every opportunity and avenue that He has for us to make an impact for Him.
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8. Are you allowing God to fuel your fire?
   1. God has given you gifts and talents to use for His Glory. He wants you to use them every day to reach people for Him, and we are not to live in fear, knowing He has given you power, love, and a sound mind. 2nd Timothy 1:6-7: Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. If we will surrender every day to God’s Will and Purpose, He will ignite and fuel a fire that will be unstoppable.
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9. IN the bible, there were many that started from nothing to become something & God fueled their fire. We see how God used Elijah, Moses, Abraham, Nehemiah, Micah, David, Caleb, Joshua to name a few in the Old Testament.
   1. Abraham was 40 when he was called to leave everything he’d known to go off & become the father of a great nation. Genesis 12:1-3: Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, & from thy kindred, & 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: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Abraham obeyed the call of God, and the nation of Israel was born.
   2. Moses at first had every excuse in the book as to why he couldn’t fulfill the call of God, but He finally did go to Egypt. Exodus 4:12-14: Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. Moses finally got done giving excuses, and God fueled a fire under his feet and he did finally bring the nation of Israel out of Egypt.
   3. Joshua had to finish the mission Moses started because Moses disobeyed God. Joshua 1:9-11: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it. Joshua was strong and courageous, and lead the nation into the Promised Land, crossing over the Jordan River, and overcoming the obstacles they would face. You too can posess the land that God has for you if you are strong and courageous, and let Him fuel the fire.
   4. Caleb was 85 years old, and God had fueled a vision and a fire in him to carry out at 85. Joshua 14:9-12: And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the Lord my God. And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the Lord spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said. Joshua honored Caleb’s request and God restored to him at 85 what he had promised him at 45.
   5. Nehemiah had a burden for the city of Jerusalem that had been ransacked when the Israelites were taken into captivity. Nehemiah 2:2-3: Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? Nehemiah went and rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, fighting off the enemy and building at the same time.

10. He used Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Peter, Paul, Simeon, Mary, Martha, the roman soldier. Etc.
    1. Matthew was a tax collector when Jesus called Him to be one of his disciples. Mark 2:14: And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. Matthew did follow Jesus, and later God fueld a fire in him to evangelize to his fellow tax collectors.
    2. Mark of course wrote the second of the gospels, but we first see him evangelizing in the book of Acts. Let’s look at Acts 12:25: And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. We learned that Mark went home early and his choice caused a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. Mark would travel with Barnabas,
    3. Paul would find him useful later on as we see in 2nd Timothy 4:11: Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
    4. Did you notice in the previous verse that only Luke was with Paul? Colossians 4:14: Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Luke was a physician and was with Paul all of the days of his life.
    5. Peter, James, and John were the three that were closest to Jesus during his earthly ministry. Matthew 17:1: And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, & John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, These 3 were present at his miracles including when he was on the Mount of Transfiguration.

11. The fuel that fuels the fire is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
    1. If you would seek Him and say Lord, fuel my fire today that whoever I come in contact with, I may have a word for them for such a time as this.
12. Story: Pass it on + Reflections on the movement Charlie Kirk Ignited.
    1. In honor of our theme of Fueling the Fire, I wanted to share with you the lyrics of a song we’ve all known and loved for years. It’s a song called “Pass it on.” It goes like this.
    2. It only takes a spark To get a fire going, And soon all those around Can warm up in its glowing.
    3. That’s how it is with God’s love. Once you’ve experienced it, You spread His love to ev’ryone. You want to pass it on.
    4. What a wondrous time is spring When all the trees are budding. The birds begin to sing. The flowers start their blooming.
    5. That’s how it is with God’s love. Once you’ve experienced it You want to sing it’s fresh like spring. You want to pass it on.
    6. I wish for you my friend This happiness that I’ve found. You can depend on Him. It matters not where you’re bound.
    7. I’ll shout it from the mountain top. I want my world to know. The Lord of love has come to me. I want to pass it on!
    8. As we get ready for the conclusion to our message on fueling the fire, I want to reflect on something. One week ago today, the nation memorialized a man who ignited a fire.
    9. A man named Charlie Kirk ignited a fire of revival in our land, and then abruptly passed the torch on to you and me.
    10. Let’s you and I pass on the message he exemplified, having open dialogue, and promoting the values of faith, family, and freedom.
    11. This man was just a spark. It’s now up to you and me to fuel the fire of revival and keep it burning brightly.
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13. Conclusion
    1. Where do you fit in to this message. Who are you? What are you? Is it just salvation or is it more?
    2. DO you feel lost, disarmed, disconnected, don’t know what to do, not serving, not praying
    3. Ask yourself this question: Who are you? If you’re not living for Christ and serving Him to the fullest, you’re not living.

1. Introduction
   1. Ever since I’ve been a Christian since 1981 I think I’ve heard every excuse that there possibly could be as to why people can’t and won’t come to church.
   2. The worst part of it is that they proclaim to be Christians! I came from a bible-believing and soul-winning church – an evangelistic church and was trained and equipped to be the ultimate soldier for Christ.
   3. I remember so many times going out, knocking on doors and asking and saying, “Good afternoon or evening. My name is Wayne Patterson. I’d like to invite you to our church.”
   4. Right off the bat, “Are you a Jehovah’s witness? I see you carrying a bible. Are you a Mormon?” I’d say ”No I’m a bible-believing Christian who has the love of God in him and loves God with all his heart and has the love to reach out and go out of my way without any excuse to tell you about the saving grace and knowledge and give you an invitation to our church and an invite to receive Jesus Christ as your own personal savior.”
   5. Right off the bat it would be “Well I’m already born again.” “Do you go to Church?” “No, we’re more home Baptists.” “Mam or Sir, that doesn’t cut it.”
   6. “Why not?” Because the bible tells us in 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.
   7. “Well I don’t care. I still am not going to go. I am satisfied with receiving Christ as my own savior and that’s all I need to do.”
   8. I said to the lady that this is wrong thinking. You have a duty, and responsibility.
   9. When you accepted Jesus Christ as your own personal savior, the bible says this in 2nd Timothy 1:6: 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. You don’t have an excuse as to why you can’t be in church.
   10. You don’t want to be the one getting in by the skin of your teeth. You want to hear Jesus say to you as it says in Matthew 25:23: His lord said unto him Well done, good & faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
   11. This is what you want our Lord and savior to be saying on the day of your departure. You never want to hear him say, when he asks you “Did you go out and tell people about me?
   12. “No Lord I was shy.” Did you share your testimony with anyone? “I didn’t feel it was necessary.” Did you ever encourage people to come to church?
   13. “ I think I did once.” Did you ever pray for anyone’s healing? “It was none of my business. I don’t interfere in other people’s things.”
   14. His words to you may be these. The bible says in Matthew 7;23: And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
   15. Christians, when you accepted Jesus Christ as your own personal savior, the excuse then was that you were lost, but now you have no excuse because you’re saved.
   16. You are called to do everything you possibly can do. As we are created in the image of Christ to be Christ-like. We must seek and save that which is lost.

1. As you were once lost and now you are found. I plead with you today. Your best is what God is looking for, without any blemish or spot and without any excuse.
2. He gave his life for you. Reach out so another life can be given to Him. Now let us look into our message,

2. You Have More Excuses than
   a Kangaroo looking for its baby
   as to why you can’t come to church!
3. Why do people give excuses for things they know they can do?
   1. Some give excuses and do not do what they are called to, because they lack the faith to step out in their callings. James 1:6-7: But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. Every one of us have a mission, a calling, and a purpose. It’s time to be confident and faith-filled and obedient!
   2. Some give excuses because they prefer not to work at all. 2nd Thessalonians 3:10: For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. There are a lot of people that are having their EBT shut off during this shut down. What is interesting, is that the majority of those that are experiencing this are those who are not legitimately disabled but those who choose to live solely off the government. We all need to work either in voluntary ministry service or in a vocation.
   3. Why do people call themselves Christians if they don’t want to be Christ-like?
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4. What’s the purpose of being a Christian?
   1. We always get our definitions from the AV1611 King James Bible dictionary, which defines a Christian as the following;
   2. A believer in the person and teachings of Christ.
   3. A professor of his belief in Christ.
   4. and the definition that we are focused on in this message is A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian faith, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by living the life Christ exemplified.
   5. So to sum it all up, a Christian is someone who is Christ-like. We are made in the image of Christ. Romans 8:29: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. So if you are a Christian, the image of Christ should reflect off your life and testimony.
5. Do you not know that you have the power of the Gospel and the Spirit that drives it to change the course & direction of one’s life if you apply yourself?
   1. Remember that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God. Romans 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. You have the power of God if you have received the gospel of Jesus Christ.
   2. The Power of the Gospel of Christ, and the Spirit of God can change your course and direction, from a life of sin and emptiness, to an abundant joy-filled life. 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. The Gospel and the Spirit of God does the course correcting and transforming as you hear and study the Word of God.
6. Do you carry a bible? Do you study the bible? Do you know anything about the bible? If you don’t it’s time you did.
   1. It is important to carry a bible because it is your witness, as we say every time we get together. Deuteronomy 6:6-8: And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. In this day that we live in, everything we say relating to the gospel must be backed up by scripture or it will be under scrutiny and rejected.
   2. Do you study or even know anything about the bible? Remember that Jesus is the Word, so the more of the Word you know, the more of Him you know. John 1:1-4: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. Clearly you see here that Jesus IS the word, and Jesus IS God. So get to know more of that book and you’ll get to know more of our awesome God!
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7. We’re living in the last Days, the Laodicean Church Age.
   1. Let’s look at Revelation 3 verses 14 to 18 and see if it matches with the times in which we live.

1. Let’s first look at verse 14: 14 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; Did you notice that this verse goes right in line with what we just read from John Chapter 1? Jesus is the beginning of the creation of God, meaning He was the creator – God right from the beginning.
2. Have you ever taken a drink out of a water fountain and found it to be lukewarm. The metal fountains were always nice and cold, but the white ones were always lukewarm and terrible tasting. Let’s read verses 15-16 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. Now it is important to remember, that Jesus is talking to a church. He is not spewing individuals out of His Mouth. The church in this Laodicean Church Age has become watered-down and giving a very lukewarm message as we often hear as we travel.

1. Jesus gives the diagnosis of the ailment that is plaguing the church today in verse 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, & increased with goods, & have need of nothing; & knowest not that thou art wretched, & miserable, & poor, & blind, & naked: Those that have this world’s wealth think they are all set! What do I need a savior for? I’ve got everything I need. I’ve lived a good life.
2. Now let’s see the prescription in verse 18 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. Are you rich in the spiritual riches that don’t burn up when the fire of this world’s cares gets hot? Are you clothed with the righteousness of Christ and the peace and joy of the Lord that passes all understanding? Or are you fully engulfed in the chaos and strife of the Laodicean Church Age?
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8. We’re living in a time when everyone seems to have the right to do whatever they want. Even Christians believe this who proclaim to be Christians.
   1. This sounds very much like the mixed-up world that the prophet Isaiah saw. 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 don’t have the right to do whatever we want, but we are to offer our lives as a living sacrifice according to Romans 12 verse 1.
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9. The bible says we are to preach the word in season and out
   1. Paul gives this exhortation in 2nd Timothy 4:2: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. This is not just an exhortation to pastors and teachers, but for all Christians. We are all to preach the word to those who are lost and in need of a savior. We are all to reprove and rebuke those who are misrepresenting the simplistic salvation message of Jesus Christ. We are all to exhort one another so that all will come to sound doctrine.
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10. The bible is filled with patriarchs who had more excuses than Carter had liver pills to neglect or discard their responsibilities. They try to make you believe if they could that there was a black cat in a dark closet only to find out it’s just another excuse to escape responsibility.
    1. Moses met God at the burning bush with a bushel of excuses as to why he couldn’t go to Egypt. God brushed off every excuse. For example, Exodus 3:10-12: Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. After a bunch of other excuses, Moses did finally carry out his responsibility at least partially.
    2. There was a rich young ruler that met Jesus and gave an excuse as to why he couldn’t follow Jesus. Luke 18:22-24: Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! We need not be so attached to this world’s treasure that it hinders us from following Jesus wholeheartedly.

1. Jesus gave a parable where a man held a banquet and had many guests that he had invited, and they all gave excuses as to why they couldn’t come. Luke 14:16-20: Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. What did the man do in response? He sent his servants out to the highways and byways to compel the lost to come in and THAT my friends, is what Jesus has directed you and me to do.
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11. The kangaroos seem to know how to find their own.
    1. Yet how much more wisdom, knowledge, grace & mercy, love & understanding has God given us to reach those who are less fortunate to bring God to their hearts & salvation to their souls.
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12. Story A Lost Sheep & the Shepherd
    1. A lost sheep, separated from the flock, endures a lonely and frightening journey through the wilderness, fearing predators as it wanders further into the unknown.
    2. Meanwhile, its shepherd, after noticing the sheep is missing, leaves the rest of the flock to search for it, calling out its name until he finally finds it, often caught in thorns, but still alive.
    3. Overjoyed, the shepherd gently lifts the weary animal onto his shoulders, carries it back home, and celebrates its return with friends and neighbors, filled with relief and joy for finding the one that was lost.
    4. The sheep’s perspective: The sheep feels the deep isolation of being lost, wandering with a growing sense of panic and fear as the familiar flock recedes and darkness falls.
    5. The shepherd’s action: The shepherd’s love for his sheep compels him to leave the comfort of the ninety-nine to search for the one. He perseveres through the search, which is often described as long and arduous, driven by his commitment to rescue the lost sheep.
    6. The moment of rescue: When the shepherd finds the sheep, often in a state of distress, he reacts with immense joy and relief.
    7. He carefully puts the sheep on his shoulders, a position of honor and safety, and begins the journey home.
    8. The return and celebration: Back at his home, the shepherd gathers his community to celebrate. He calls his friends and neighbors to share in his happiness, proclaiming, “Rejoice with me, for this sheep once was lost, but now is found.
    9. As a Christian who is Christ-like, the love He has for lost sheep should radiate from your life. Will you do all you can to see the lost sheep in your family become rescued, saved, and heaven bound?
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13. Conclusion
    1. Based on this message, what excuses do you really have for not winning the lost and sharing your testimony? What excuse will you give God when it’s all said and done?
    2. Has this message changed your life and thinking? Has it encouraged you to step up to the plate to be a Christ-like Christian, for we are nothing more than vapors in the wind, here today and gone tomorrow.
    3. Every day must be the best opportunity and day to tell someone the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.

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.