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Rev. 14:8Rev. 16:19Luke 16:13Gen. 11:4Hab.2:17Jer.51:6-9Jer 51:45-48Isaiah 11:19-20Rev. 13:11-16Rev 17:17Rev 17:12Three things that will happen.1 There will be many martyrs in the city.2 Christians are commanded to come out of her.3 When Babylon falls there will be a celebration.Rev 19:1-5Matt 25:1-13If you enjoyed the sermon please contact us at bluespringsbaptisttemple@gmail.com or call (816) 229-7777 Let us know

If There Had Been No Resurrection Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. Clarence W. Hall By Pastor George Lehman On this Easter Sunday I want us to read from God's word from: I Corinthians 15 :12- 19 - Our sermon title: If there had been no Resurrection? I want to ask you a question before I read this scripture, Have you ever heard of a man named Harry Houdini? Many of you have. He died in October of 1926. But his claim to fame was that he was a magician that specialized in spectacular escapes. As a matter of fact, he was said to have laughed at locks, sneered at fetters. They said of Harry that he had the flexibility of an eel. He had the lives of a cat. They did all kinds of things to try to incarcerate him. They would seal him in coffins. He would escape. They riveted him into a boiler. He escaped. They sowed him up in canvas bags. He escaped. They locked him in a milk can. He escaped. They sealed him in a beer barrel. He escaped. They put him in maximum-security prison. And old Harry somehow got out. But then in October 1926, death laid his hands on Harry Houdini and they put him in a grave and he is yet to escape. As a matter of fact, he told his wife, if there is any way out, I will find it. If there is any way out, I'll make contact with you and we'll do it on the anniversary of my death. For 10 years she kept a light burning over his portrait. At the end of 10 years, she turned out the light. Death had Harry and he could not escape. Death laid his hands on the Lord Jesus Christ also. And death put Jesus in a rock-hollowed out tomb. And there was a stone in the mouth of that tomb and the seal of the Roman government was placed upon that tomb. But on the third day, Jesus Christ stirred himself. He rose from the sleep of death. And he left those grave clothes that were wrapped around him like a butterfly would forsake a cocoon. And Jesus Christ passed through the walls of that rock- hollowed out tomb. By the way, the stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out. It was rolled away to let the disciples in to see that Jesus had come back. Jesus Christ is alive. He is not behind us in a tomb. He is before us on a throne. We thank God for that. But I want to ask you a question. Suppose that had not happened. Suppose death still held Jesus like it does Harry Houdini Then what? Suppose there had been no Resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:12 -19 (NIV) – 12But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16For the dead are not raised, then Christ has not be raised either. 17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. Now the apostle Paul mentions a thing so unthinkable, and it’s this, suppose there had been no Resurrection. Suppose Jesus Christ is still in that grave. Paul says, our preaching is useless: verse 14, ''And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless* and so is our faith'' The word useless means empty, futile, with no purpose, a colossal waste of time, if there is no resurrection, you and I are wasting our time by watching this message. I'm wasting my time by preaching and you are wasting yours by   listening, we all ought to do something else. Romans 10:9 “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” But if you don't believe that God raised him from the dead then your faith is foolish, and you won’t be saved. You see, this is the difference between Jesus Christ and the other religions. They lived, they died, they are dead. Jesus lived, he died, and he rose again. Friend, there is no need to follow a loser. Jesus has escaped death. And the Bible said it in Romans 1:4, ''He is shown to be the son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead.'' How do I know he is the Son of God? How do I know that he can save me? How do I know the Bible is true? How do I know the promises of God are yes and amen in Jesus Christ? I'll tell you how. God brought him from the dead and that was God's stamp of approval on all that he said and did and taught. He was shown to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. We do not serve a dead Saviour. A dead Saviour is nobody's Saviour. A little boy was in the classroom and the teacher gave this assignment, write an essay on the world's greatest living man. Some wrote about the president. Others wrote about members of Congress. Some wrote about people in the entertainment world. Some wrote about people in the sports world. Some wrote about scientists and philosophers. But one little boy, wrote about Jesus Christ, an essay on Jesus Christ. When the teacher received the paper she said, ''Son, that's a nice paper, but you misunderstood the assignment. I said the world's greatest living man.'' He said, ''But teacher, he is alive.'' He is alive. We don't serve a dead Saviour. That he died for you is not important unless he also rose from the dead, which was the stamp of approval and authenticity upon the full payment for your sins. No resurrection, no Saviour. No Saviour, no forgiveness. No forgiveness, no justification. No justification, no cleansing. No cleansing, the penalty of your sin is upon us. Notice 1 Corinthians 15:20a - ''But now is Christ risen from the dead…” And because he is, preaching is profitable, faith is feasible, the disciples are dependable, sin is subdued, death is defeated, and the future is fabulous because Christ has been raised from the dead. He has taken the sting out of sin. He has taken the gloom out of the grave. He has taken the dread out of death and he has given to us a hope that is steadfast and sure. ''Living he loved me, dying he saved me, buried he carried my sins far away, rising he justified, freely forever. One day He's coming, oh glorious day.'' Thank God that we're no longer in our sins because we have a risen Saviour who has paid the price for our sins Romans 8:11(NIV) – And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.   1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV) – 3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Matthew 9:37-38Ephesians 6:16Zechariah 8:6Exodus 14:13Joshua 3:42 Timothy 4:6-8Exodus 14:13If you enjoyed the sermon please contact us at bluespringsbaptisttemple@gmail.com or call (816) 229-7777 Let us know.

On today’s episode, I’m walking you through the 4 steps of the wedding venue selection process. Whether you’re just starting to plan your wedding, or you already have your venue chosen, this episode is going to be helpful because I’m going to talk about important things to consider when you’re making any kind of decision or choice for your wedding, not just your venue. So hopefully this episode gives you a lot of helpful info so that the venue selection process is much more enjoyable and smooth.I’m going to break down the venue selection process into 4 steps. Step 1: Think about the TYPE of venue where you’d want to have your wedding. Step 2: Finding Potential VenuesStep 3: Visiting Your Venue OptionsStep 4: Picking Your VenueRead the episode show notes at http://verveeventco.com/13If you liked this episode, please SUBSCRIBE and connect with me at http://asktheplannerpodcast.com/. And if want to learn more about planning a wedding, send me a DM on Instagram at @asktheplannerpodcast

Matthew 6:9-13If you had the chance to learn from someone who was the best in the world regarding your personal passion, would you pass up that opportunity? Of course not. Welcome to the school of prayer with the Master, as Jesus teaches us to pray.

January 3rd, 2020 Church ServiceMark 9: 1-13If you'd like to get in touch with us, email us at: kerkefree@gmail.comDon't miss an episode by subscribing.

With 2020 in the books, and a new year ahead of us, we want to kick 2021 off with a positive mindset and a reminder of where our true hope lies.We have big plans for the podcast for the year ahead of us, and we're looking forward to all that God has in store for us!All the Scriptures we read:Job 19:25Psalm 4:6-8Ephesians 1:18-23Romans 15:13If you'd like to have your fan mail read on the air, send us a voice memo, or would just like to send us an article to discuss, you can email us at alreadycancelledmedia@protonmail.com or message us on Instagram @alreadycancelledpodcast and @Cancel_This_Pod on Twitter.

2 Corinthians 5:11-15 (NLT) 11Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 12Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. 13If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14Either way, Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.Hebrews 9:27 (NLT) 27And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, Judgement1.    First, God will be judging both the saved and the sinners.2.    Next, God judges the saved as sons and daughters.3.    Then God judges the saved as servants. Acts 9:31 (NLT) 31The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers. 2 Corinthians 5:12 (NLT) 12Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart.2 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NLT) 1Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! 2The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. 3Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.

John 14:1-4Luke 21:19, 26, 33-34Isaiah 4:9-101 Chron. 22:13If you enjoyed the sermon please contact us at bluespringsbaptisttemple@gmail.com or call (816) 229-7777 Let us know.

1 Chronicles 29:12–13If we believe God owns everything — even the things we have in our hands, will we spend what we have apart from the one who owns it? Pastor David helps us understand that God has a purpose for our possessions, and He blesses you and me with treasures, so we can use it to be a blessing and to advance His Kingdom. #DailyDevo

Luke 11:1113 11If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Hebrews 4:16 16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. James 1:17 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Acts 2:38 38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

John 11;39-47 Acts 7:9-13If you enjoyed the sermon please contact us at bluespringsbaptisttemple@gmail.com or call (816) 229-7777 Let us know.

Revelation 5:1-3Revelation’s seven events1-3 Church on earth4-5 Church in heaven6-18 Tribulation 19 Second coming20:1-6 1000 year rule20:7-15 Great white throne21-22 HeavenMatthew 4:17Revelation 5:8-9The Doctrine of redemptionJesus destroyed the records of my sin.Romans 3:24Jesus became all I need1 Cor 1:30I belong to God 1 Cor.6:20My sins are forgiven forever Eph 1:7I am God’s workmanshipEph 2:10God will finish what He startedPhil 1:6I am set free from any bondage, to be zealous for GodTitus 2:14I will worship the Lord foreverRev 5:9Romans 6:12-13If you enjoyed the sermon please contact us at bluespringsbaptisttemple@gmail.com or call (816) 229-7777 Let us know.

Mark 1:1-4, Mark 1:10-13If you enjoyed the sermon please contact us at bluespringsbaptisttemple@gmail.com or call (816) 229-7777 Let us know.

Ford Mustang, The Early Years Podcast -- Guest Interview ApplicationWhat do you do for a living and is it related to classic cars or Mustangs?: I run the Millennial Mustang Registry (MMR). www.millennialmustangregistry.comIs there anything specific you would like to share on the show?Promoting MMR and encouraging people to join would be wonderful! Even if people aren’t millennials, they probably know one with a Mustang.If you own a Mustang or classic car, have you named your car? If so, what is his/her name?: Maxine (1965 Mustang Fastback GT)How long have you owned your classic ride?9 years. I bought it when I was 13If you've made improvements to your classic car or restored it, what work have you done?: It was a full restoration. It was just a shell that we built from the ground up!Do you work on your classic cars yourself or do you have a mechanic or shop do the work?I did a lot of the work myself, but I found local retirees that were willing to teach me how to do the restoration. I did the work with a lot of help in other people’s garages.What plans do you have for improvements/restoration/modification of your classic car?I don’t have any future plans because right now she is exactly how I want her. If you are on social media, please share your social media names/handles so we can tag you when promoting your episode.@millennialmustangregistry (instagram)@bradley_belcher (instagram and Twitter)https://www.facebook.com/bradley.belcher.50 (Facebook)https://www.facebook.com/groups/MillennialMustangRegistry (Facebook)www.MillennialMustangRegistry.com Have an idea for the show or think you'd make a great guest, send an email to the host:doug@turnkeypodcast.comGet our episodes in your inbox follow the link in the show notes: www.TheMustangPodcast.comMustangs on a Mission registration is NOW -- Aug 22 and Aug 23 Register here:https://www.mustangsonamission.org/This is a can't miss, once in a lifetime event from the comfort of your home! This experience includes an online car show, Q&A sessions with industry VIPs, virtual shop tours, and so much more! This is a two-day virtual event that will be held on Zoom, and you will be able to come and go as you please. Aug 22 and 23. Now onto our guest today and how we connected as well.Thanks for listening, keep it safe, keep in rollin’ and keep it on the road! Until next time. 

This bonus Father's Day episode lets you get a look inside life from the point of view of a young man fighting for his children's mom and partner as she battled addiction. It's a story you don't often hear - and one that carries a stigma above and beyond what others feel when they love someone addicted to drugs or alcohol. My guest, Andy Baskett, shares his exhausting battle to save his partner and mother of his 3 children as she sinks deeper into a world that takes her away from him, their twin girls and infant son. Andy opens up about:what it's like to be a guy fighting for his addicted partnerhow limited resources for male spouses impacted his ability to copehow addiction can take hold within a matter of weeks and months, not yearshis struggle to raise 3 kids under the age of 2 on his own while also trying to save their motherthe steps he and his extended family took to best prepare his children for losing their mom to drugsFor any men who are currently going through the battle to save their spouse from the grip of drugs or alcohol, this is a must-listen episode. It will also give anyone who listens a great sense of empathy and understanding for family members who are doing whatever they can to save someone they love.Show notes and transcript at www.brendazane.com/hopestream/13If you're a mom who needs strength and support while your child is experimenting with, addicted to, or recovering from addiction, please join our private online community, The Stream, at www.brendazane.com/thestream.download my free ebook “HINDSIGHT: 3 Things I Wish I Knew When My Son Was Addicted to Drugs

Romans 8 :12-17 12So then, my dear family, we are in debt – but not to human flesh, to live our life in that way. 13If you live in accordance with the flesh, you will die; but if, by the spirit, you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14All who are led by the spirit of God, you see, are God's children. 15You didn't receive a spirit of slavery, did you, to go back again into a state of fear? But you received the spirit of sonship, in whom we call out ‘Abba, father!' 16When that happens, it is the spirit itself giving supporting witness to what our own spirit is saying, that we are God's children. 17And if we're children, we are also heirs: heirs of God, and fellow heirs with the Messiah, as long as we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. The Bible for Everyone: A New Translation . SPCK. Kindle Edition. Gracious and holy Father, give me wisdom to perceive you, intelligence to fathom you, patience to wait for you, eyes to behold you, a heart to meditate upon you, and a life to proclaim you, through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Benedict

There’s a lot more to self-care than “doing whatever you feel like and calling it self-care.” (A couple years ago, this philosophy of self-care was known as “YOLO.”) And it also isn’t just getting expensive massages and facials! So we recently challenged each other to “Self-Care for $25 or Less,” focusing on things that make us feel better emotionally, physically and mentally without creating financial stress. We discuss the items we bought and our personal philosophies on self-care. For extended show notes and episode links, visit www.futureregretspodcast.com/13If you liked this episode, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts! Follow us on Instagram: @futureregretspod, @alexis_catherine, @jessmf119Twitter: @future_regrets

For full show notes, including the written blogpost, visit: www.amandastarkingsley.com/speaking-light-into-abortion/13If you are someone who chose abortion and find yourself struggling, hiding, or wishing you could move beyond your experience, you can book a free discover coaching call with me. We’ll talk about how you can start living the life you made your choice for. https://calendly.com/amandastarkingsley/free-consult-session

It isn’t enough to honor God outwardly—God desires to be honored inwardly in our hearts. The Lord says, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, BUT their hearts are far from me"—Isaiah 29:13If you’re tired of living to please yourself—Maybe it’s time to start living to honor and glorify the Lord, find out the 5 steps to achieving this.

#unclejosh #campfirecrewPlease like, share, and comment. Want to support the channel? https://bit.ly/31tdzvPHow about some merch? https://bit.ly/35IJPhBIf you have a story you would like to be featured, please email unclejoshscarystories@gmail.com. StoriesFollowed 00:19Monster in the Woods 12:23Banging in the Back 19:57Christmas Ghost 23:13If you have a story you would like to be featured, please email unclejoshscarystories@gmail.com. Be sure to share the nature of the story in the subject line and include a note of your consent that your story can be read. Make sure to change any names of people that might wish to remain anonymous. Find me on Facebook: https://bit.ly/2OZpZZxFollow me on Twitter: https://bit.ly/31hNGPmSee me on Insatgram: https://bit.ly/35Cnp1DMusic - Myuu - Silent Night (Dark Piano Version) - Dark Christmas Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REk9I...Music - Myuu - Jingle Bells (Dark Piano Version) - Dark Christmas Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h_6a...Closing Music - The Hush Lives Expectant - © Marcangelo Perricelli - soundcloud.com/marcangeloperricelli Creative Commons Royalty Free Stock Footage and Images: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...

Listen to a message from Rev. Julie Lewis of Asbury United Methodist Church in Smyrna, Delaware as she celebrates the 2nd Sunday of Advent with a great message about recognizing angels in our midst. Scripture readings are from Luke 2:8-20 and Mark 1:12-13If you would like to visit in person AUMC is located at 20 W. Mt. Vernon St in downtown Smyrna, Delaware. Services are at 8:30, 9:30, and 11:00. Sunday School is available for all ages including adults during the 9:30 service time and there is skilled childcare available for all services.

1 CORINTHIANS 5: 12-14 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. FOR PRAYER TEXT :(469)333-0397 EMAIL : NEWHORIZONMIN@GMAIL.COM

God’s Kingdom Is A Family, Kingdom Family Series - Pastor David Rathel 02.04.18 God Is Building A Family! Story that led to Billy Graham Salvation - 15 Modecia Ham. Who Replace Billy Graham? Dies? ---- Billy Graham Crusade - 1994 Franklin Graham Crusade In Columbus ----- 1996 - Me and Melanie Met! First time preached week revival Hannah ----- Graham Name - Our 20th Wedding Anniversary Howle - pray who will replace? ----- Anne Graham Lotz - Feb 21 Moses Liberator - Joshua Next, Yeshua, Saviour. KINGDOM AT HAND The Only Way To Show People The Kingdom Of God Is To Show Them Christ As The Head Of A Supernaturally Powerful Family. GOD’S DELIVERY ROOM - 2 Corinthians 5:11-17 11Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well. 12We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart. 13If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. 15And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again. 16So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! Principle #1: The Kingdom Family Is A Resting Place For Sons And Daughters. (Illus. My memory on dads chest) Who You Are, In Your Identity As A Son Or Daughter, Is More Valuable Than Anything You Could Ever Do Or Not Do. BE A BILLY! I. Believe In Your Calling II. Be Humble III. Be Bold IV. Be A Bringer Matthew 3:16, 17 - Jesus’s Baptism In The Jordan River By John 16“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” “Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him.” John 1:32 NLT Romans 8:15-17 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Week 3 - Today: THE BENEFITS OF FAVOR. Exodus 33:12-18 TLB 12One day Moses said to the LORD, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ 13If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.” 14The LORD replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” 15Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. 16How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.” 17The LORD replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.” YOU GET A COMPANION. v.14 “I will personally go with you…” YOU GET REST. v.14 “...and I will give you rest.” Rest Is A Testimony Of Trust “It's not in trying, but in trusting It’s not in running, but in resting It's not in wondering, but in praying... That we find the strength of the Lord.” YOU ARE SET APART. v.16 “For your presence among us sets your people and me apart…" YOU BECOME KNOWN. v.17 “I know you by name.” v. 18 Moses responded, “Then show me your glorious presence.”

My hope for us above everything else is that we’ll have a vibrant, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. Individually and corporately that we’ll be caught up in loving and pursuing Him. The best way to be in relationship with God is through connecting and communicating with Him. God communicates with us by the Holy Spirit and His Word. We communicate with Him through prayer. A vibrant, dynamic relationship can only happen through vibrant, dynamic life in the Word and in prayer. But I know that for most of us a deep, consistent prayer life has been difficult. No matter if you’ve walked with the Lord for a month or 60 years, it’s been difficult to sustain the prayer life that brings a vibrant relationship with God. For some of you it’s because you want to pick and choose the parts of your life that you give to Christ. You have created what Tim Keller calls a Stepford God. He cannot confront you or correct you. You do whatever you want. That relationship is dead – you’ve cut the real, living God out. For others, you’re caught up in thinking that somehow you blew it in the past and that God does not hear you or want to hear from you. You misunderstand your own religion. You keep yourself away from a God who desires to accept you and draw near to you in deep relationship. The Gospel message is that God forgives sinners through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ – and we’re all sinners. For the rest of us, it’s not that we don’t know that we ought to pray or even how to pray, but it’s a heart issue and a misunderstanding about prayer. We misunderstand a tension in the truths of the Bible. Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Psalm 115:3 Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. Isaiah 46:10-11 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. 11 From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. Jeremiah 10:23 23 I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. God reigns over all. He is sovereign. He does whatever He pleases. If that‘s true, why pray? Why pray if He’s determined the outcome? Here’s the tension: God is sovereign, and in the Bible, His people ask him for things and He listens and moves and acts according to their prayer. Exodus 32:9-10 v. 10 God planned on destroying the Israelites. Exodus 32:11-14 v. 14 the Lord relented. In His prefect holiness, His anger burned against the Israelites to punish their sins. But His desire in His mercy was to show them grace. By Moses’ prayer, the wrath of God was turned away (propitiation). That’s the tension. Is God sovereign or can He be moved by our prayers? YES! Moses is a foreshadowing of another who would turn away God’s wrath from guilty people. Moses said in Deuteronomy 18 that God would raise another prophet like Him. Moses is a shadow of the greater prophet, Jesus Christ who would turn away the wrath of God. It was God’s desire to show mercy and He answered Moses’ prayer to do it. What about salvation? John 6:65 He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." Who enables us to come to Christ? God does. If preaching and sharing your faith doesn’t open people’s hearts to the Gospel, why do it? Because God’s appointed means for achieving His appointed purpose is the preaching, teaching, and proclamation of His Word. The same is true of prayer. Prayer is the means by which the purposes of God are carried out. The Lord gives to askers. Luke 11:9-13 9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[f] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" The Lord answers prayers of faith. Matthew 21:22 21Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. 22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." The Lord answers prayers when we abide with Him. John 15:7 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. The Lord answers prayers made in Jesus’ name. John 14:13-14 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. Prayer is the means by which the purposes of God are carried out. You thought God is going to do what He’s going to do. But He limits himself and determines to answer the prayers of His people to accomplish His purpose. Pray. You do not have because you do not ask. James 4:2-3 2You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.