Sermon Central
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Guidelines From The Lord For Living In These Last Days
Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Jul 28, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: THIS SERMON IS ABOUT GUIDELINES FROM THE LORD FOR LIVING IN THESE LAST DAYS BASED ON 1THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 5
GUIDELINES FROM THE LORD FOR LIVING IN THESE LAST DAYS
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OUTLINE
1. PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF FAITH AND LOVE AND THE HOPE OF SALVATION
2. HONOUR THOSE MINISTER TO YOU AND BE BLESSED THROUGH THEIR MINISTRY
3. LIVE A COMPLETELY SANCTIFIED LIFE AND AVOID ALL EVIL
4. LIVE IN THE JOY OF THE LORD AND PRAY CONSTANTLY AND BE GRATEFUL
5. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE VOICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
6. UPHOLD THE SERVANTS OF GOD WITH YOUR PRAYERS AND INTERCESSIONS
7. BE STRONG IN THE GRACE OF GOD WHICH IS OUR STRENGTH AND OUR SHIELD.
THE MESSAGE
GUIDELINES FROM THE LORD FOR LIVING IN THESE LAST DAYS
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1. PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF FAITH AND LOVE AND THE HOPE OF SALVATION
We are living in the last days and the Lord wants us to follow the guidelines that He has given us in His Word in order to face the challenges of these days. We must be alert and self controlled and put on the breastplate of faith and love and the hope of salvation as a helmet. The enemy wants to attack our faith and love. He wants us to lose our faith and confidence and cause our heart to become cold and hard. But we must not allow the enemy to destroy our life. We must be strong in faith fully trusting in the promises of God and the faithfulness of God. We must continue to be rooted in our love towards God and our fellowmen which is the greatest commandment that God has given to us. We must encourage one another and edify one another to be strong in the Lord. We must warn those who fail to walk in commandments of God.We must be compassionate towards the timid and the weak and help them in this hour of need.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,
for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,
2. HONOUR THOSE MINISTER TO YOU AND BE BLESSED THROUGH THEIR MINISTRY
We must honour those who minister to us and lead us in the ways of the Lord. When we honour the servants of God who minister to us , the Lord will use them to bless us . He will use them to speak to us and He will answer the prayers that they offer on our behalf. When the Lord Jesus was despised in His hometown He could not perform many mighty miracles there. But wherever He was received with faith and honour , He performed mighty miracles of deliverance for the people.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.
Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
MARK 6:1-6 ,53-56
Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples.
When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What’s this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles!
Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.
