Matthew 25:14-30
Which one of us doesn’t like to hear the words “well done”? Whether from a boss at work, or a family member in the home; those two simple words spoken in sincerity mean so much! Who doesn’t like to be encouraged? Children especially rejoice to hear the words “well done” — as a former teacher, I can vouch for that first-hand and as a daddy, I can say the same. When you tell a little one “well done”, and you say it with heartfelt meaning, watch their tiny faces respond as they beam from ear to ear like a Cheshire cat! There’s something about the human race, it matters not how old we are, there’s a God-given trait within our DNA, a desire deep inside to please others in a job well done.
This sermon is an appeal to Christian service—a call to faithfulness in the talents entrusted to us by the Lord.
Session 4 of 4
The Sanctuary Day Conference 2023
Click below for more information about The Sanctuary Conference:
www.sanctuaryconference.org
Listen to other sermons by Stephen Riddell:
https://www.lifeboatfellowship.com/
Session 3 of 4
The Sanctuary Day Conference 2023
Click below for more information about The Sanctuary Conference:
www.sanctuaryconference.org
Listen to other sermons by Paul M. Williams:
www.bethesdashalom.org/
Session 2 of 4
Click below for more information about The Sanctuary Conference:
www.sanctuaryconference.org
Listen to other sermons by Stephen Riddell:
https://www.lifeboatfellowship.com/
Session 1 of 4
Click below for more information about The Sanctuary Conference: www.sanctuaryconference.org
Listen to other sermons by Paul M. Williams: www.bethesdashalom.org/
Hebrews 11:5-6
Stephen Riddell brings a Holy Spirit anointed word on what it means to walk with God.
Stephen is an elder at The Lifeboat Fellowship, Dungannon, N. Ireland. It was our privilege to have Stephen bring the Word of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 20
The account contained in 2 Chronicles 20 concerns a certain king named Jehoshaphat; a godly king, who though not perfect, was a man of tremendous faith who feared the Lord and walked in the ways of his father David. Throughout his 25-year reign as the King of Judah, Jehoshaphat witnessed firsthand, the supernatural hand of God in delivering him out of a number of precarious situations in which his life was placed in great jeopardy. Here stands an account of one such deliverance that I trust shall be a challenge and an encouragement to you.
I want to present to you three lessons in faith. #1. FAITH’S TRIAL, #2. FAITH’S ANSWER, and #3. FAITH’S REWARD
2 Kings 5:13
If there’s one thing that I came to learn quickly as a newborn babe in Christ, it was this: it’s not everything that God asks of us, we’re going to understand. In fact, many times, what God asks seems foolish when brought to the bar of natural reasoning. There are many reasons why God sets things up this way, not least for the testing of faith and for the glory of His name. Faith forever stands diametrically opposed to sight as north stands opposed to south and east to west. Sight believes because it sees, but faith believes because God said it! “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).
In this sermon, I endeavour to set before you, three accounts of where God’s people were instructed by God to do things that on face value seemed foolish and against all human logic. Their faith and obedience are an inspiration for us all and in every case, the Lord worked in miraculous power to bring to naught the wisdom of men.
1 John 2:15-17
They tell us, “...nothing’s built to last”. It’s not always that I agree with what “they” like to tell us, but in this instance, they’re spot on!! I like walking, and at odd times my path leads me into farming land. I love standing by the gate and looking out at the wheat fields, the ripened heads swaying in the wind. Upon my journey, I sometimes see an old clapped-out tractor with a rusty plough lying amidst the undergrowth. Immediately my mind begins to wonder, “...there was a day when this tractor ploughed these fields and this plough didn’t have a spot of rust upon it. One day when the tractor’s engine was started for the first time, its brand-new coat of paint shone with pride. I wonder how many sat in its seat? I wonder are they still alive?” You, know there’s something about history that fascinates me but there’s one thing about history that forever holds true — what was, no longer is, and what it shall one day no longer be.
This sermon is an appeal to flee from covetousness and to escape the spirit of materialism which plagues this generation. Jesus offers to give to all who would come to Him, water to drink, the likes of which a soul would never thirst again!!
Hebrews 11:1-3
If there were just two words that I would have you take away with you so as to keep in memory, it would be these two words, “BY FAITH”. No less than 16 times within the 40 verses that span the eleventh chapter of the Book of Hebrews; the words, “By faith” appear. Beginning with Abel, the son of Adam, the names of men and women are chronicled and the mighty victories that they wrought by faith are held in review for our remembrance. Abel, Enoch and Noah. Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and Jacob. Joseph, Moses and the Gentile harlot Rehab. All had one thing in common, one thing that wrote their name in the book, they believed God!!
Brothers and Sisters, I can think of no greater experience as a Christian than when God asks you to stand this side of faith and to trust Him. Against all odds, against everything that the natural eye would say otherwise. To take God at His Word and to simply say, “God I believe you and I’m going to trust you”, is the story of the heroes and heroines of the faith!!