Sermon Central
-
Dependent On God
Contributed by Sidney Sumida on Oct 6, 2009 (message contributor)
DEPENDENT ON GOD
In the past few decades, there were some huge storms that hit our nation of which were Hurricane Pamela, and Hurricane Katrina, to name a few... (and, yes, not to bias about gender, there was big bad Hurricane Andrew, too). Here in the islands, we have had our share of storms as well. There was Hurricane Iwa, and Hurricane Iniki.
One of the key spiritual points we can learn from storms is that, it is in the midst of difficulties and hard times, that hearts become open to the LORD. (The reason for this is that people will quickly realize in the midst of a huge, gigantic storm, how small and powerless they really are.)
Have you ever been in a big storm where the winds and the rain were so intense it knocked out the power in your area and left everyone in the dark? When that happens we quickly realize how dependent we are on electricity and now, suddenly, in a quick moment, how little we are and how powerless we’ve become. The truth speaks on this wise, the bigger the storm the smaller and powerless we feel. Storms are good in that they help us to see who really holds the power and who really is in charge. Storms helps us to see how big and powerful God is, and how little and powerless we are. Most people think to high of themselves and to little of God.
Pharoah had this problem. He thought he had the power and he was the one in charge, that is, until God shook his kingdom up with the ten plagues. (Exodus 7-13)
Nebuchadnezzar, had the same problem. He thought he was so high and mighty... until God took away his reason and sanity. His personal life, his wealth as well as his health, was shaken for seven years. Nebuchadnezzer was able to regain himself only after he humbled himself before the God of heaven and repented of his sin of pride. (Daniel 4)
King Herod, also, had this problem of thinking to highly of himself and to lowly of God. (He was, simply stating, someone who is full of self!). He knew that Jesus was the greater king and that meant he needed to humble himself by getting off his throne and allowing Jesus to now rule in him. He knew what he needed to do, but sadly, he simply chose not to do it. (Matthew 2)
When we refuse to surrender to the LORD, we end up plagued, in darkness, unable to think straight nor are we able to rightly reason; and in a true sense become men and women most miserable.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Woman Went To The Doctors Office, Where She Was ... PRO
Contributed by Jonathan Busch on Aug 18, 2002
A woman went to the doctors office, where she was seen by one of the new doctors, but after about 4 minutes in the examination room, she burst out, screaming as she ran down the hall. An older doctor stopped her and asked what the problem was, and she told him her story. After listening, he had her ...read more
-
A Natural Example Of This Point Can Be Found By ...
Contributed by David Schaal on May 20, 2004
A natural example of this point can be found by looking at the two seas in the Holy Land. The Sea of Galilee freely receives and gives out water. It has an abundance of life, nurturing many different kinds of fish and plant life. The water from the Sea of Galilee is carried by way of the Jordan ...read more
-
Four High School Boys Were Late To Their Morning ...
Contributed by Jason Cole on Mar 15, 2004
Four high school boys were late to their morning classes one day. They entered the classroom and solemnly told their teacher they were detained due to a flat tire. The sympathetic teacher smiled and told them it was too bad they were late because they had missed a test that morning. But she was ...read more
-
There Was Once A Christian Celebration On The ... PRO
Contributed by David Elvery on Nov 14, 2004
There was once a Christian celebration on the west coast of Africa, when converted natives brought of their meager possessions to show their devotion to Christ, a young girl only recently saved from paganism brought a silver coin worth about eighty-five cents, and handed this to the missionary as ...read more
-
What Kids Need PRO
Contributed by Lyn King on Jun 15, 2002
WHAT KIDS NEED Today’s kids desperately need Dads who: . . . play catch, enjoy tea parties or wrestle because the heart of a child is there and they set out to capture it. . . . laugh till their belly hurts and tears fall from their eyes while secretly creating deep friendships and memories ...read more
Related Sermons
-
"Being" In Relation To The Lord
Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Apr 20, 2011
We put so much emphasis on DOING things for the Lord. But God is not just concerned about what we are DOING for Him, but what we are BEING for Him. Here are 5 things we should BE as believers.
-
Leaving An Impression
Contributed by Lloyd Grubbs on Sep 10, 2008
Every Christian is leaving their mark on society. Even after were gone our lives will still be making an impact.
-
I Have My Rights!!! Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 2, 2017
We live in nation of "rights" but if my rights conflict with yours we can end up in court, in a church split or in a family division. How do we avoid letting our desire to defend our rights to ruin our lives?
-
"Breaking Out - Unconventionally"
Contributed by Pastor Gbenga Shadare on May 4, 2010
The sermon seeks to challenge believers to break out of their shells by becoming more Christ-centred and focus on the Kingdom. It is an attempt to try to correct the imbalance in seeking God's kingdom benefits only without wanting to do the right things.
-
Paul's Charge To Timothy Series
Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Dec 6, 2016
This lesson deals with Paul's charge to Timothy to remember the things that he had heard of Paul among many witnesses, and to commit them to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. This lesson silences the notion of evangelistic oversight.
