Sermon Notes for September 26, 2010

Traveling the Road to Christian Maturity

"The Power of Prayer During Tough Times"
James 5:13-20

The Prayer of Faith
 13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.  16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.  17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Traveling the Road to Christian Maturity - Mile Markers:
James Ch. 1 -  Patient in Testing
 
James Ch. 2 -  Practicing the Truth
 
James Ch. 3 -  Power over the Tongue

James Ch. 4 -  Peacemaker, not Troublemaker

James Ch. 5 - Prayerful in Troubles

Our text today Highlights Four Specific Areas in which God will answer prayer in Troubled Times:
God will answer …
1. Prayer for the Suffering (vs 13)  
 (not as a result of Sin or Chastening)
2. Prayer for the Sick (vs 14-16)
 (Sickness as the result of Sin lifestyle)
3. Prayer for the Society (vs 17-18)
 (Answered Prayer, Showers of Blessing)
4. Prayer for the Straying (vs 19-20)
 (Wander from the Truth - no more "Backsliding")

Questions for those who want Christian Maturity:

1. Am I more patient when dealing with life's tests?
2. Do I play with temptation or resist it from the start?
3. Do I find joy in obeying the Word of God, or do I merely study and learn?
4. Are there prejudices that shackle me?
5. Am I able to control my tongue?
6. Am I the kind of person people can come to for spiritual wisdom?
7. Am I a friend of God or a friend of the World?
8. Do I make plans without considering the will of God? 
9. Am I selfish when it comes to money? Do I honor God through giving Tithes?
10. Do I depend on Prayer when in trouble?
11. What is my attitude towards the wandering? Do I criticize & gossip or do I seek to restore him/her in love?

 
Don't Just Grow Old....
Grow UP !!! 

Coming Soon!

Audio sampling of sermons from Pastor William T. Badger, Minister Karlton Porter, and District Superintendent Rev. Gary Russell.

Messenger: Rev. Gary Russell

Date: September 27, 2009

Title:  "Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future"

Scripture: Deut. 31:1-3;34:1-9

Audio: (Click on arrow to begin playing)