7/21/2024 morning worship service
Pastor Anthony Fields
” “ON THE VERGE OF A MIRACLE”
John 5:1-8
Let us to take a trip to the city of Jerusalem. People have come to Jerusalem from all around Palestine to celebrate the giving of the Law at Sinai. This celebration is the Feast of Pentecost.
Excitement fills the air as people renew old acquaintances.
THIS WORLD IS FILLED WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE AFFLICTED By SIN AND THEY CANNOT SAVE THEMSELVES.
JESUS ISSUES THE SAME CHALLENGE TODAY AS HE DID TO THIS MAN BY THE POOL OF BETHESDA — Jesus said, “Wilt thou be made whole?”
“Do you want to be made well?” John 5:6 (NKJV)
JESUS STILL DELIVERS THOSE WHO OBEY HIS COMMAND, Just LIKE HE DELIVERED THIS MAN AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA.
THERE WILL ALWAYS BE THOSE WHO WILL TRY TO HINDER AND CRITICIZE ABSOLUTE FAITH IN CHRIST”
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“Lord God, you reveal yourself to us in so many subversive and unassuming ways. Give us the eyes to see the miracles and resurrection that happen every day. Unclog our ears to hear you, and show us how to get rid of the clutter of our lives that we might make room for you. Amen.”
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” “Think on This: Change of Name”
“And it shall be at that day, saith the Lord, that thou shalt call me lshi; and shalt call me no more Baali; for I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name.” Hosea 2:16, 17
That day has come. We view our God no more as Baal, our tyrant lord and mighty master, for we are not under law, but under grace.
We now think of Jehovah, our God, as our Ishi, our beloved husband, our lord in love, our next-of-kin in bonds of sacred relationship. We do not reverence Him less, but we love Him more. We do not serve Him less obediently, but we serve Him for a higher and more endearing reason. We no longer tremble under His lash, but rejoice in His love. The slave is changed into a child, and the task into a pleasure.
Is it with you, dear reader? Has grace cast out slavish fear and implanted filial love? How happy are we in such an experience! Now we call the Lord’s Day a delight, and worship is never a weariness. Prayer is now a privilege, and praise is a holiday. To obey is Heaven; to give to the cause of God is a banquet. Thus have all things become new. Our mouth is filled with singing, and our heart with music. Blessed be our heavenly lshi for ever and for ever.”
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” “There is no such thing as hidden sin” Psalm 53
Too often, we take the same attitude to sin that celebrities take to blending in. In our desire to do what we want, to be our own gods, we put our sunglasses on and pretend no one is watching.
But deep down, we all know this is foolishness. We can’t hide from God.
Has there been a moment when you asked Jesus for forgiveness and started a relationship with Him? If not, you can do that today!
How would you describe your attitude toward those who don’t believe in God?
Is there anyone you long to see experience the forgiveness you’ve received? Take a few minutes to pray for that person today.”
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