A short teaching on Deep Praise!

A special Mother's Day service. Guest speakers are from our church.

Today's message is…OBEDIENCE WHEN PERSECUTED… it is important because of what is happening in our world as a whole and even in the USA. I am compelled to remind you…that we should not be surprised at the persecution that many Christians face. Last Sunday....Easter Sunday...a day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus...a day when we baptized 3 people...there were over 250 people killed and approximately 450 injured. Many of those people killed…were people…who were worshiping Jesus. In the USA...Christians are told that they are intolerant…by people who are intolerant. Followers of Christ are becoming a minority...in the USA.

We are continuing our series…“Obedience”! Why obedience? Why is obedience important? Obedience is one of the hallmark signs of mature discipleship. Obedience leads to transformation…to life change! Did you know that there are many people…in many churches in the USA…that are not truly saved? Why, would I make such a bold statement. It is simple really, because of a lack of obedience to Christ! For many people the only thing they do is attend church…and some of them may give in the offering…yet there is not proof of obedience or transformation. They still lie, cheat, steal, do drugs, are addicted, having inappropriate sexual relationships, are materialistic, greedy, they are just plain ole worldly! You see…the outcome…or the result…of obedience…is transformation! Transformation takes place when obedience comes from love…not force! If a person is not obedient...then his or her life will not be changed or transformed. Romans 12:2 says... 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Jesus knew the will of God. Jesus is our standard of obedience!

Today we are concluding our series on the life of David! He was a shepherd boy, a warrior, a king…and most importantly…a man after God’s own heart! We have learned much from studying his life! I thought it would be wise to conclude with a few of the attributes that helped David succeed! These attributes are necessary in all of our lives…especially as leaders. By the way…we are all leaders! We lead our friends, our families, and many of us are leaders in the church. Without these attributes…we will struggle to lead those that God has given us to lead! Struggling is not the worst part…what is worse? We will have diminished effectiveness, or we may be completely and totally ineffective. So, what are these attributes that we need to lead?