Not Return Empty

HoHum:

Many are concerned about the upcoming winter

Man who delivers gas here to the church said that he saw hornets nest almost on the ground. He says it is a sign of a mild winter.

"However, All of us at the Farmers’ Almanac suggest you stock up on firewood, sweaters, and hot cocoa. It certainly looks like another long winter of shivery and shovelry is on tap."

The winter was bad but it has lead to a year of record crops. With the mild temperatures and frequent rains farmers should see an abundant harvest.

Snow and rain are good for the crops.

WBTU:

“They (deacons) must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.” 1 Timothy 3:9

George Barna conducted a survey of self-pronounced Christians and here’s what he found about their knowledge of the Bible. These are Christians.

• 48% could not name the four Gospels.

• 52% cannot identify more than two or three of Jesus’ disciples.

• 60% of American Christians can’t name even five of the 10 Commandments.

• 61% of American Christians think the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham.

• 71% of American Christians think “God helps those who help themselves” is a Bible verse.

Thesis: Let’s talk about rain and snow and compare it to God’s Word from Isaiah 55:10-11

For instances:

Rain and the snow come down from heaven (Vs. 10)

Bible knows that rain and snow comes from the atmosphere but it all comes from God

God’s Word has come down to us from heaven (from God)

“All Scripture is God-breathed ...” 2 Timothy 3:16, NIV.

“For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21, NIV.

Beware of those who would challenge with these statements:

The Bible contains God’s Word. It is not all God’s Word but it contains God’s Word

We can’t believe all the Bible.

The Bible is full of discrepancies and contradictions.

Do not return without watering the earth (Vs. 10)

Snow and rains purpose is fulfilled on earth. Remember when there was a drought and look out on all that dirt and dust. In that dirt lies all kinds of potential. Those dusty fields have the potential for beauty and lushness. Those fields have the capacity to feed and help mankind. All that is needed is rain to transform those fields.

We see the power of God’s Word to transform a person’s life. From spiritual barrenness and death (“we were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.” Titus 3:3), to spiritual abundance and life (“may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10). God’s Word can transform lives that people consider worthless and hopeless.

Making it bud and flourish (Vs. 10). God’s Word can cause our lives to blossom out.

Yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater (Vs. 10).

It’s greatest effect is in our personal lives. “Seed for the sower.”

It’s long term effect will be in blessing others, “Bread for the eater.”

So Is My Word (Vs. 11)

It will not return to me empty- Even if prayers be careless, praises be off-key, and sermons are boring, yet we have a sure word here to rest upon, " It shall not return to Me void."

Will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it: It makes party animal holy, greedy man give, man of cursing a man of prayer, the ruthless enemy a forgiving friend, converts anger into gentleness, fast living into self restraint, vices into virtues

Why did God send His Word?

To reveal Himself. Why did God go to the trouble of making Himself known through the Bible? “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him...” Acts 17:27, NIV.

To bring us to faith in Him. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17, NIV. Some have been converted by simply reading the Bible for themselves.

To bring us eternal life. “And this is what he promised us--even eternal life.” 1 John 2:25

To transform us. That is what these verses are talking about, transformation. Turning a dry, lifeless land into a land that buds and flourishes. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2, NIV.

Application: Encourage us to be involved in reading through the NT in a year. Starts October 1...

The Ultimate Word is Jesus Christ

Mainly talking about the written Word, the Bible, but the NT talks about Jesus Christ as the ultimate Word. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” John 1:14, NIV.