Grace Baptist Fellowship

God places before each us open doors -- opportunities. We must walk through them.

Peter presents the purpose of Christ's death on the cross.

The introduction to a short series from the book of the Revelation dealing with the messages to the churches.

Introduction of our theme for 2018.

Mary responds to the news of her Savior's birth in personal humility and exaltation of God.---For with God nothing is impossible.-

We are focusing on Zacharius and his wife, a couple who lived their lives loving God - serving his office well. He shows his reverence by expressing fear when entering the holy place. An angelic being appears to him - shares an overwhelming message about the future. Zacharius expresses doubt because of the how unusual it is but that's no excuse for doubting God. Contrast this w-the faith shown by Mary - Abraham when God shares unusual news w-them. Notice v.37 -nothing's impossible w-God.- v.57-65 we see the child's significant role expressed in his name - the choosing process. Everyone knew about it because it was monumental. 1-Praise for Salvation Provided -from enemies-v67. 2-Praise God for Promises Fulfilled. 71-73. 2 Sam 17. preserving from enemies, blessings. Even if they're not in our lifetime, they will be fulfilled. 3- Praise God for the Purpose Revealed. v74-75. Zacharius struggles w-fear but also understanding the purpose of the promise. God still offers purpose today to His followers just like the purposes He offered to his followers in O.T. times. God made His purpose clear in his word- Live holy, w-o fear. We are rescued-redeemed to serve our God. He's fulfilled promises to give us confidence to trust Him. 4-Praise for the Prophecy of the Preparer v.76-77 John gets the designation of Prophet of the Most High. He is tasked w-giving people the knowledge of God's salvation. He must have been an odd person because he was so purpose driven in his life that he didn't have time for distractions. He was too focused on preaching repentance. Is.9-2 Jesus brings the most important peace, spiritual-internal peace w-God. Are you praising God- Are we living in - by faith-

Jesus the only way to Salvation.

God sees everyone and everything everywhere. This is both comforting - disconcerting. He is omniscient. But not only does God know us, He knows about even the smallest sparrow plus He's named all the stars in the heaven. Since God has a handle on time He knows what will happen in the future. He also sees everywhere. A few examples include Hagar, who was out in the middle of nowhere, and Nathaniel who Jesus saw miles away under a fig tree. Although we ought to be impressed w-God's omniscience that's not why He reveals Himself to us. He does it so that we can also learn. He shows us that He's big and knows everything so we can know that He is able to help us in times of need. We can take comfort knowing that He hears everything because God will listen attentively to our prayers. He's a father waiting for us to ask for help because He knows we will cry out in times of need. God wants to show Himself a compassionate father. He's also aware of all circumstances everywhere. NOTHING SURPRISES GOD. This means He's aware of our weakness - is aware of our sin. This should be a deterrent to temptation. This is a safeguard to keep us on the path. Is. 40-28 God never tires of knowing us - taking care of us. He -gets it-. This is all for our good, growth, - gain. 1- Practice Trusting God. He is looking for ways to catch us following Him. 2- Call out to God in Prayer About Anything - Everything. He remembers that we're dust. He's huge to help you. 3- Trust God's plan for your life, Especially Today. 4- Strive for Purity.

Jesus teaches His disciples that it's the object of your faith, not the amount. Often our problems stem from us putting our faith in others, not God. He also tells His followers not to doubt. Don't let the wavering nature of the heart over take your confidence in God. He uses the radical example of moving a mountain to show how serious Jesus is. Commentators debate if Jesus is referring to a physical mountain or to something in your life that seems impossible to us. While God promises the disciples that whatsoever they ask of Him in prayer they will receive. God promises to answer the prayers of those who abides in Him-John 15-7-- who keep His commandments-1 John 3-22-- not looking for an answer to please ourselves-James 4-3-- who has forgiven others who have offended us-Matthew 6-15-- according to God's will-1 John 5-13-15-. As we pray w-in those parameters, we have to pray in faith believing-Hebrews 11-6-. Don't doubt God's ability. This may be the toughest lesson we have to learn. Doubt multiples troubles into overwhelming problems. Just because God doesn't answer in our time line doesn't negate His ability. Satan introduced doubt in the garden to bring down Adam - Eve. Rehearse to yourself what makes God great when you face doubt. So how is your prayer life- Run through the check list. Be open to God - be ready for Him to peal back the layers. Consider partnering w-a prayer partner. For each other - for the needs of the body.

I pray but I don't feel as though God hears me-

This Sunday I reviewed our Mission at GBF and talked about the opportunities God has given to us. I also asked the question, -What can you use as a platform for the Gospel-----sp

The suffering considered here is the suffering from our sin. It doesn't have to be permanent. When we confess, He graciously forgives-

The work of the Holy Spirit, the work of God, and the open hearts of people that were brought into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

As we say goodbye to our graduates, a passage for all of us as we face opportunities, challenges and even adversity in our lives.