Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 5: 6-11
Sunday, July 26…Pastor Collins began his message by singing the refrain for a familiar hymn written by Annie Hawks in 1872. It goes something like this… “I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee”
In his message, Pastor Collins proclaimed that our total existence is dependent--on God, every hour, minute and second. All hope and faith is reliance in Him.
Pastor Collins explained how the church attempts to deal with church work, using antitypes or symbols of salvation. Forgetting the real reason of what Christ’s death, burial and resurrection symbolizes. In 1 Peter 3:21, Peter writes of baptism as being used as an antitype of salvation. In reality, baptism does not refer to water at all, but rather to the ark in which Noah and his family found their salvation through the water. Baptism is therefore a symbol of having been rescued by God through our voluntary entrance into the ark of His salvation. That said, the physical act of baptism is not the important thing, but rather what baptism represents -- our death unto sin and our resurrection unto newness of life.
We as Christians should understand that there is no growth in just going to church. However, allowing the word of God to control us and direct our lives is how we realize growth. Above all, be clothed in humility, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6 NIV)
Our biggest problem is self, what we let occupy of minds. We should always remember that as well as God knows us, Satan also knows us too, and he will attack us at our weakest moments. The scripture directs us to be sober, and be vigilant, in faith. Pastor Collins simply explained it as being “self defiant”; thinking rationally, and not being foolish in our pursuits.
Take appropriate steps to make certain that we do not stumble. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Eph 6:13-15 NIV)
Friends, God made us who we are. God gives us what we need. And, by God’s grace we are saved. Cast all your cares and stand firm in faith. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalms 1:3 KJV)
Pastor Collins concluded his sermon with a quote from Civilla D. Martin’s hymn – God will Take Care of You. “Be not dismayed whatever betide God will take care of you, Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.” The message in Martin’s hymn is reinforced by Isaiah 41:10(NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Always remember, God Has the Last Word.
Scripture Readings: 1 Peter 5:6-11 (NIV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Author: B. Stevenson
Sunday, July 26…Pastor Collins began his message by singing the refrain for a familiar hymn written by Annie Hawks in 1872. It goes something like this… “I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee”
In his message, Pastor Collins proclaimed that our total existence is dependent--on God, every hour, minute and second. All hope and faith is reliance in Him.
Pastor Collins explained how the church attempts to deal with church work, using antitypes or symbols of salvation. Forgetting the real reason of what Christ’s death, burial and resurrection symbolizes. In 1 Peter 3:21, Peter writes of baptism as being used as an antitype of salvation. In reality, baptism does not refer to water at all, but rather to the ark in which Noah and his family found their salvation through the water. Baptism is therefore a symbol of having been rescued by God through our voluntary entrance into the ark of His salvation. That said, the physical act of baptism is not the important thing, but rather what baptism represents -- our death unto sin and our resurrection unto newness of life.
We as Christians should understand that there is no growth in just going to church. However, allowing the word of God to control us and direct our lives is how we realize growth. Above all, be clothed in humility, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6 NIV)
Our biggest problem is self, what we let occupy of minds. We should always remember that as well as God knows us, Satan also knows us too, and he will attack us at our weakest moments. The scripture directs us to be sober, and be vigilant, in faith. Pastor Collins simply explained it as being “self defiant”; thinking rationally, and not being foolish in our pursuits.
Take appropriate steps to make certain that we do not stumble. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Eph 6:13-15 NIV)
Friends, God made us who we are. God gives us what we need. And, by God’s grace we are saved. Cast all your cares and stand firm in faith. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalms 1:3 KJV)
Pastor Collins concluded his sermon with a quote from Civilla D. Martin’s hymn – God will Take Care of You. “Be not dismayed whatever betide God will take care of you, Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.” The message in Martin’s hymn is reinforced by Isaiah 41:10(NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Always remember, God Has the Last Word.
Scripture Readings: 1 Peter 5:6-11 (NIV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Author: B. Stevenson
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