Onward: A Lesson About Problems

 Onward: A Lesson About Problems

Opening Illustration:

Good morning Eastern Shore Baptist Church. We have two more weeks of this new series entitled “Onward”. As I was preparing for this series, I felt like God encourage me to share this one simple word with you. ONWARD! Look forward and not behind. While it is important to learn from past mistakes, past failures, it is never good, never helpful to dwell on those past lapses in self control. It is not helpful to dwell on those miscalculations, those poor judgements, those missteps. Instead, we should look to the future, praying for God to guide us, shape us, and grow us. 

ONWARD! 

I bet that if I asked this room to use one word to describe the Bible, I bet that I would get a lot of different answers. Do you know why? Because the Bible is different for each person. To some the Bible is comfort. To others the Bible is inspiration. You might say that the Bible is your strength. You might say that the Bible is wisdom. How would I describe the Bible in one word? That’s easy. Using only one word to describe the Bible, I would say “encouragement”. The Bible is my greatest source of encouragement. Within the pages of Holy Scripture I find the story of God rescuing humanity. I see the stories of men, women and children who had to overcome impossible odds. Take note brothers and sisters, these people did not overcome under their own strength, they overcome through the power of God moving in and through them. It may appear that the Bible is full of stories about people and you’d not be wrong. It is. More than that though, it is the story of God. It is the story of God shining in the dark. It is the story of God calling people into the unknown void. It is the story of salvation, the story of our sanctification. the Bible is encouraging because it is a collection of stories of people who have overcome ordeals and obstacles through the power of God and through the might of the Holy Spirit. 

Don’t believe me. Listen closely. 

What about Joseph? Beloved by his father but hated by his brothers. He was attacked and betrayed by his family, and sold into slavery. He was later falsely accused which landed him in jail where he was forgotten. After all of that, God raised Joseph from prisoner to second under Pharaoh. Through God’s help, Joseph became an overcomer. 

What about Ruth? She experiences tragedy and misfortune after misfortune. She is a widower and an outsider in her community. After all of that, God raised Ruth up from poor widow to prayerful winner. Through God’s help, Ruth became an overcomer. 

What about Job? Job lost his children. He lost his home. He lost his security. He lost his wealth. He lost his health. He had friends who told him to give up on God. His wife even told him to go ahead and die. After all of that, God raised Job from pitiful and poor to powerful and prominent. Through God’s help, Job became and overcomer. 

I could go on and on: Jeremiah, Moses, Isaiah, Hosea, Peter, Paul, The Bleeding Woman, The Blind Man at the Pool, The Man Who Was Lowered Through The Roof. 

In each case, God was glorified in the troubles, the trails, and the turmoil of normal everyday people. These people did not stay focused on their situation. They turned their eyes to God and tuned their hearts to God’s commands. They did not trust their own intellect. They did not listen to the naysayers. They didn’t not lean into their own understanding. They moved onward. They tore off the rear view mirror which did nothing but focus on their mistakes, their errors. They put their eyes on God and kept their focus on the Father. 

Brothers and sisters, I want you to know this truth, Jesus turns obstacles into opportunities. He is the overcomer. Did you hear what I said? In fact, that is our Today’s Thought this morning. Do you believe that this morning? Do you believe that Jesus is our overcomer? Do you believe that He can overcome the troubles in your marriage? Do you believe that He can overcome the problems at your job? Do you believe that He can call your prodigal child home? Do you believe that Jesus can still drive out demons, that He can set the sinner free, that He can heal what others call terminal? Do you believe that He can still raise Lazarus from the dead because I do. This is Jesus, our Alpha, our Omega, the first and the last. No name above His name. Jesus friends turns obstacles into opportunities. He sets the addict free. He is justice. He is righteousness. He is holy. He is the overcomer. Will you stand on your feet today and give Him praise.  Give Him praise this morning. Amen!

Today’s Thought:

Jesus Turns Obstacles Into Opportunities. He Is The Overcomer!

Today’s quote comes from another book that I recently read entitled Self Confrontation: A Manual for In-depth Biblical Discipleship. It was a very interesting read. A very challenging read too. It was written by a gentleman by the name of John Broger. Listen what he says about the overcoming power of Jesus Christ. 

“God has defeated Satan through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through this overwhelming victory, God has also empowered you to overcome any temptation to sin and has provided sufficient resources for you to respond biblically to any problem of life. By relying on God's power and being obedient to His Word, you can be an overcomer in any situation.”

Overwhelming victory! Frankly friends, it does not matter what Satan throws at us, we are overcomes if Christ be in us. By inviting Jesus into your life, you are inviting an overcoming, overwhelming Spirit to wash over you and in you. The Holy Spirit that promises to guide you, to guard you, and the Holy Spirit which guarantees your very salvation. This Spirit lives in you and compels you to follow the commands of God the Father. Without the death of Christ, we do not have access to this kind of power. 

Today’s Quote:

“God has defeated Satan through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through this overwhelming victory, God has also empowered you to overcome any temptation to sin and has provided sufficient resources for you to respond biblically to any problem of life. By relying on God's power and being obedient to His Word, you can be an overcomer in any situation.”

Taken From Rev. John Christian Broger’s 

Self Confrontation: A Manual for In-Depth Biblical Discipleship

Background and Context:

Do me a favor this morning, turn in your Bibles to John 16:16-33. I want to share the background and context of today’s Scripture. Now, let's set the stage!

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, and there's a buzz of excitement and anticipation in the air. They're on the edge of their seats, hanging on every word, as Jesus is laying out some truth, sharing some hints  about what's to come.

You see, Jesus is about to embark on a journey that will change everything. He's predicting His crucifixion! He also promises that after this time of sorrow and separation, there will be immense joy. It's like a rollercoaster of emotions – from the pain of the cross to the joy of resurrection.

Now, picture the disciples scratching their heads, trying to grasp the depth of these words. Jesus uses this analogy of a woman in labor, emphasizing the pain that precedes the joy of childbirth. It's intense, but it's all part of a bigger plan. It’s funny, just last Sunday I met a super attractive couple in the foyer. She revealed to me that she was 27 weeks pregnant. She reminded me of exactly what Jesus tells the disciples. She told me that it was her first pregnancy. It has not been easy. In fact, the pregnancy seemed to be very challenging. Even so, she was so excited to meet this child, hold her in her arms, and give her a new name. Ladies you have probably felt the exact same way she feels. She told me that if she ever thought of getting pregnant again to remind her of her discomfort and challenge today. 

Jesus doesn’t stop there. He continues. 

Here's the kicker – Jesus assures them that even though He'll physically leave them, His presence will remain through the Holy Spirit. It's like getting a backstage pass to a concert, but instead of just witnessing the show, the Spirit of God will be right there with them, guiding, empowering, and comforting.

So, to sum it up for us this morning: Jesus is saying, “Yes, tough times are coming, but hold on tight because joy is on the horizon. And guess what? You won't be alone in this wild ride; the Holy Spirit is your ultimate hype companion!"

It's a message of hope, resilience, and the promise that no matter what challenges we face, the joy that comes through faith and the presence of the Spirit is unstoppable. So, let's embrace the adventure, knowing that the best is yet to come!

Statement of Belief:

We are going to start another new tradition this morning. Something that God laid on my heart the other day. Im about to read God’s Word. You will stand. When I finish reading the Bible, Im going to say, “This is the Word of the Lord” and you will respond by saying in unison, “Praise the Lord, praise His Holy name”. Let’s try it this morning. 

Stuart- “This is the Word of the Lord!”

Eastern Shore Baptist Church-“Praise the Lord, praise His Holy name!”

One more time…

Stuart- “This is the Word of the Lord!”

Eastern Shore Baptist Church-“Praise the Lord, praise His Holy name!”

Very good. 

We believe the Bible to be inspired, God breathed, infallible, and authoritative. We believe the Bible is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training believer’s in righteousness. God’s Word gives life. It provides peace in trouble and protection in tribulation. It is alive, active, and cuts to the core of the human soul. Since there is no other book like it, let us stand to show our reverence and respect.  

Stuart- “This is the Word of the Lord!”

Eastern Shore Baptist Church-“Praise the Lord, praise His Holy name!”

Today’s Scripture:

John 16:16-33 NLT

"In a little while you won't see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again." [17] Some of the disciples asked each other, "What does he mean when he says, 'In a little while you won't see me, but then you will see me,' and 'I am going to the Father'? [18] And what does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand." [19] Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, "Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won't see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. [20] I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. [21] It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. [22] So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. [23] At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. [24] You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. [25] "I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. [26] Then you will ask in my name. I'm not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, [27] for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. [28] Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father." [29] Then his disciples said, "At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. [30] Now we understand that you know everything, and there's no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God." [31] Jesus asked, "Do you finally believe? [32] But the time is coming-indeed it's here now-when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. [33] I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

How Can We Receive Jesus’ Overcoming Power?

Lesson One: Receive Jesus’ Overcoming Power By…Endurance Through Faith vs. 16-22

So friends, let’s answer this question this morning, “how can we receive Jesus’ overcoming power”?

Fill in the blanks under lesson one for me. Receive Jesus’ overcoming power by endurance through faith. How do we arrive at that first answer this morning. Let’s go back to our Scripture. Specifically verses 16-22. 

[21] It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. [22] So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.

Jesus is teaching us all a powerful lesson this morning. Our problems, our trails, our tribulations will not last forever. There is always a time limit to our turmoil. Christians must remain faithful. To overcome, to continue moving onward, we must rely on the promises of God that we find in Scripture instead of focusing on transient problems. Jesus gives us a familiar illustration. Pregnancy. 

Last week, Sunday in fact, the service was over. Boy we had a great day. A great crowd. We had lots of visitors. As Chris closed out the service, I made my way back to the foyer where I do my “gripping and grinning” time. You know what I mean, that time where I stand back in the back, shake hands, kiss babies, greet…grip…grin.  Honestly it is one of my favorite parts of Sunday. I just love seeing our people, talking with visitors, and hearing where everyone is going to lunch. 

Well last week we had a young attractive couple who stopped by to speak to me. They have been visiting the church now for several weeks. As I shook their hands, I actually informed them that they were making their visits a bit of a habit. They laughed and informed me that they really were enjoying the church. As we talked this young lady told me that she was 27 weeks pregnant with a little girl. She was smiling from ear to ear. Beaming. Joyful. Happy. I asked her how she was doing. How was she feeling? She told me that she was getting to that uncomfortable stage of pregnancy. I imagine that her uncomfortable stage looks a lot like many of your uncomfortable stages ladies. You know what I mean? Remember the odd cravings? Remember when your husbands rubbed your swollen ankles and throbbing feet? What about those sleepless nights as your child rolled in your womb? She and I, along with her husband began to laugh together about the difficulty of pregnancy. She told me that once she had her daughter that someone needed to remind her of how hard this was because she would think twice about getting pregnant again. Naturally she was joking. 

There is noting more beautiful than life being stitched and knitted together in the womb. As a pastor I love seeing young families growing, children being born. 9 months of discomfort brings a life time of delight. 9 months of aches that births a lifetime achievement. 

Jesus always knew how to turn an illustration. Jesus knew what was coming for Him but He also know what was coming for this disciples. He knew that the cross was in His future but He also knew that the disciples would face crisis. Catastrophe. They would be persecuted and punished for their faith in Jesus. Jesus knew that the grave was in His future but He also knew that His followers would face mobs, they would even be murdered. Saying all of this, Jesus is revealing to them a great secret. It is a secret that we all need to hear. 

Pain is temporary but quitting lasts forever. 

As Christians we have to have a mature enough faith to know that we will face hardship but that hardship is a temporary tool in the hands of God. A tool that He uses to craft in us His likeness. 

Paul knew a thing or two about suffering, hardship, and difficulty. He was a passionate follower of Christ. A man called to share and spread the Gospel. Did God roll out the read carpet for Paul? Did Paul see nothing but open doors and awaiting hearts? Did they throw parades for Paul when he entered towns? Hardly. 

Paul was imprisoned numerous times. Jailed without trial and brought up on false charges. It gets worse. Much worse. He is kidnapped, beaten, threatened, arrested many times, accused in lawsuits, interrogated, ridiculed, ignored, shipwrecked and bitten by a viper. You would think after all that that Paul would throw his hands up and say “enough Lord”! But he doesn’t. Why? Because Paul knew that his afflictions were a temporary tool used by God to glorify Himself through Paul’s suffering. Paul knew that his sufferings were a temporary tool used by God to grow him, to develop him, to sanctify him, to transform him into the image of Jesus Christ. 

Listen to what Paul says in I Corinthians 15:58. 

I Corinthians 15:58 ESV

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Your labor friends is not in vain. Just like that sweet pregnant visitor knows, her labor will not be in vain because her labor will birth new life. New life. God’s labor in you will also birth new life. 

So if you are facing hardship today, difficulty, trouble, hold fast. In fact, celebrate your trial because God is using it to grow you. Endure friends. Endure in faith. Listen to what James says. James 1:12.

James 1:12 ESV

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

How Can We Receive Jesus’ Overcoming Power?

Lesson One: Receive Jesus’ Overcoming Power By…Endurance Through Faith vs. 16-22

Lesson Two : Receive Jesus’ Overcoming Power By…Embracing God’s Peace vs. 23-28

So, our first lesson this morning is to endure with faith. If you want to have Jesus’ overcoming power, the power that moves us onward, we must possess and pray for enduring faith. Next, we have to embrace God’s peace. Let’s go back to verses 23-28.

[23] At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. [24] You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. 

A study was recently performed where one question was asked of the participants. What was the question? “If you could choose what you want most in life, what would you ask for?” The most common answer, the answer that was given the most was…can you guess it…”peace”. 

Friends, people are starving for peace. Everyone wants peace in their marriage, in their families, at work, in the country and in the world. People are stressed out more right now because we are facing tumultuous political upheaval over the next year. People are stressed out because there is war in Europe, war in the Middle East, and threats of war in Asia. Still, the world promises peace through various forms of social connection. Yet, the promised social connections leaves us more isolated, leaves us feeling unworthy, leaves us feeling jealous of others. The world promises peace through education and escapism. The world says drink this drink and you will have peace. It promises peace but leaves you an addict. The world says take this pill and you will have peace. It promises peace but leaves you strung out and numb to reality. The world promises peace through immoral relationships, multiple sexual partners. It promises you peace but leaves you brokenhearted, an empty shell of the man or woman you once were. Many people define peace as the absence of trouble. They refuse to face the problems in their lives believing that this is finding peace. Mature believers know that the world has never held the answer to true peace. 

So, what is peace? Peace is to be at harmony with God. It is to be bound, joined, and woven together with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. True peace comes through the assurance we possess that no matter what happens in the world that we are held by God, protected by His love. Peace comes with a knowledge that if we trust God, if we have faith in Christ, that God will provide, guide, strengthen, encourage, and deliver us from evil. 

Friends the greats of the Bible, you know the men and women who we remember as having the greatest stories in Scripture, they never had peace in the world. David fought giants and bled in war after war. Paul, as we just discussed, faced horrible trouble in his life. The disciples were either killed, jailed or exiled. Jesus was practically homeless, never having a consistent home to lay His head. He was betrayed. He was bullied. He was falsely accused. He was tortured and beaten. He was hung on a cross. Died. If Jesus is our ultimate model, we should instinctually know that worldly peace is not going to follow us. Peace will not follow us but problems will. Saying all of that, David had peace. Paul possessed peace. Jesus was and continues to be the very author of peace. Peace not as the world gives but as God Himself gives to us. 

Know this friends, God will not force His peace on you, it is something that we must choose. God never forces His love on anyone. He will not force His peace on you either. You can choose the road of the prodigal son, turning your back on the Father. You can choose to know better. You can make a different choice. You can say “yes” to Christ, and “yes” to His peace. 

Illustration:

I recently heard a story. I thought that I would share it with you this morning. 

Deborah Mathis who wrote for the Arkansas Gazette years ago wrote about the time when she was at Union Station in Washington D.C. on a particularly busy day. The first thing she remembers about that experience was the noisy hubbub of sounds. The public address announcer calling out arrivals and departures. Scores of pagers, walkie-talkies, and cell phones rang.

You could hear horns honking, machines clinking out change, and babies crying. A security guard yelled at a man who was about to enter a forbidden area. While Mathis was noting all the craziness in Union Station, a fight broken out between three women. The fight was severe as these women started throwing punches at one another. In the commotion of the fight, she noticed a man in front of her trying to make his way through the crowd to stop the fight. He was hoping to bring peace to the situation. When things had finally hit their worst note, a woman stood out, she stood up, and she started singing. 

"What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear;

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer."

Slowly a change came over the noisy crowd. The voice continued:

"O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer."

The women who were moments ago throwing punches let each other go. They sat down and began to sob. The same women who were shouting obscenities at each other were now singing along to “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”. People who’d been tense and hurried; seemed to slow and relax - and they strained to hear the voice singing the remaining verses that old hymn.

  

The man in front of her, who had been trying to make his way to stop the fight, quietly said: “That was beautiful. I don’t even believe in Jesus, but if a song about Jesus can bring peace to that situation, I just may give Him a try.”

Jesus states in John 14:27…

John 14:27 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

How Can We Receive Jesus’ Overcoming Power?

Lesson One: Receive Jesus’ Overcoming Power By…Endurance Through Faith vs. 16-22

Lesson Two : Receive Jesus’ Overcoming Power By…Embracing God’s Peace vs. 23-28

Lesson Three : Receive Jesus’ Overcoming Power By…Experiencing Victory In Christ  vs. 29-33

So, how can we receive Jesus’ overcoming power? 

Endure through faith.

Embrace God’s peace. 

Lastly, experience victory in Christ Jesus. Let’s go back to verses 29-33 this morning. 

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

You know life is full over overcomers. Stories of victory that inspire us. 

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• Johnny Fulton was run over by a car at the age of three. He suffered crushed hips, broken ribs, a fractured skull, and compound fractures in his legs. It did not look as if he would live. But he would not give up. In fact, he later ran the half-mile in less than two minutes.

• Walt Davis was totally paralyzed by polio when he was nine years old, but he did not give up. He became the Olympic high jump champion in 1952.

• Lou Gehrig was such a clumsy ball player that the boys in his neighborhood would not let him play on their team. But he was committed. He did not give up. Eventually, his name was entered into baseball’s Hall of Fame.

• Woodrow Wilson could not read until he was ten years old. But he was a committed person. He became the twenty-eighth President of the United States.

• At the age of seven, he had to go to work to help support his family. At nine, his mother died. At twenty-two, he lost his job as a store clerk. At twenty-three, he went into debt and became a partner in a small store. At twenty-six, his partner died leaving him a huge debt. By the age of thirty-five, he had been defeated twice when running for a seat in Congress. At the age of thirty-seven, he won the election. At thirty-nine, he lost his reelection bid. At forty-one, his four-year-old son died. At forty-two, he was rejected for a land officer role. At forty-five, he ran for the Senate and lost. At forty-seven, he was defeated for the nomination for Vice President. At forty-nine, he ran for Senate again and lost again. At the age of fifty-one, he was elected President of the United States. During his second term of office, he was assassinated. But his name lives on among the greats in U.S. history--Abraham Lincoln.

All of these stories of victory are great but do you know what, Abraham Lincoln did not make a blind man see. President Wilson did not take a man’s withered hand and restore it. Lou may have been a great baseball player but no homer record could raise Lazarus from the dead. Walt Davis may have had victory of polio but he never cured anyone of leprosy or feed thousands. Johnny Fulton, a particular hero of mine, may have been a great runner, but he never caused a paralyzed man to walk. 

They were all great but none of them defeated the grave. 

Jesus did. Jesus did because Jesus is THE OVERCOMER. He is THE VICTORY!

Isn’t it good to know that no matter what happens in this life, we have victory? This is a promise that is made over and over again in the Bible. Did you know that there are some 377 verses in the Bible that speak to believers having victory through Christ? 

I Corinthians 15:57 ESV

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:37 ESV

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Deuteronomy 20:4 ESV

For the Lord your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory. 

2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

There is a lot of things that God can do but do you know friends, there is one thing that God cannot do. Do you know what it is? God cannot, will not, won’t not…LOSE! Our God, the one and only Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, cannot be defeated. He cannot be thwarted. He cannot be undone, outdone, or over worked or worked over. He is the victory and we His children, have the chance to share in that victory. 

It all hinges on…you guessed it…obedience. If we are are obedient, we will experience victory in Christ. If we are disobedient, consequences. 

You see friends, Jesus knew what was coming. He knew that death on the cross was on its way and time was ticking by quickly. He also knew that persecution for His name’s sake was on its way for the disciples. He knew that they would question themselves. He knew that doubt would quickly and quietly try to take up residence in their sprits. He wanted to share with them that even though hardship was about visit their home, that they should take heart. Why? They should take heart because He has overcome the world. 

Just last night I was speaking to a sweet 86 year old lady named Martha. She is currently, right now, in the SICU at Mobile Infirmary. In June she had open heart surgery. She has battled problems and setbacks ever since. Over the last week, she has had numerous strokes. Doctors have been baffled. As I was talking to her she confessed to me that she down. Do you blame her? She told me that she was battling searing depression and scorching discouragement. 

Do you know what I told her? I told her to keep her eyes on Christ. I told her to pray. I reminded her that her strength is not in a medical chart. I reminded her that he hope was not in a doctor. I reminded her that her future was not held in a surgical procedure. No! I told her to hold fast, to pray, to remember that her Savior, her Lord, was victorious. Jesus has overcome more than just the grave. He has overcome illness, disease, pain, and suffering. Does this mean that we will no longer suffer or battle disease? Of course not. It does mean however that we have hope. We have no need to fear. Martha was an inspiration to me. She carried forth a Christian warriors mentality. She may have felt depressed and discouraged, but her spirit was held in the hands of her God. Her God is an overcomer. 

The Greek word for “overcome” is nee'-kay. If you are a big fan of Nike, this is where they get their brand name. Nee'-kay or victory. It also means to conquer, to prevail, to be victorious. It provides for us a mental image of a battle that Jesus has overcome. Know this brothers and sisters, this world is not going down without a fight. The world and the one who controls this world wants to take as many of God’s children as he can. He wants to destroy God’s chief creation, humanity. Satan is after me and he is after me and you. 

But take heart! Jesus has overcome this world, this world system, sin and Satan.

Victory In Jesus

I heard an old, old story

How a Savior came from glory

How He gave His life on Calvary

To save a wretch like me

I heard about His groaning

Of His precious blood's atoning

Then I repented of my sins

And won the victory, yeah

Oh, victory in Jesus, my Savior forever

He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood

He loved me 'ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him

He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood

I heard about His healing

Of His cleansing power revealing

How He made the lame to walk again

And caused the blind to see

And then I cried, "Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit"

And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory

Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever

He sought me, and He bought me with His redeeming blood

He loved me 'ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him

He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.

Let’s pray!

Keep Your New Year Moving Onward and Upward