Mother's Day 2 Timothy 1:1-8 5-11-97

Mother's Day 2 Timothy 1:1-8

Little things that my mom did:

1. (by age 5) She taught me simple skills of life...to get dressed...she taught me to tie my shoes. The shoes that are tied may kick field goals someday, they may tie skates of a hockey player. They send us on our way as we leave the house to live our day...either poorly or honorably.

2. (by age 10) Learning social skills. She taught me to skip for the Maypole celebration. Social skills that you may need to make a friend. Social skills that you may need to make a business contact. Social skills that are necessary for self-esteem.

3. (by age 14) She taught me to get up when you get knocked down. Left field, missed balls, fell down. Taking responsibility for your actions. If at first you don't succeed, try again. Never spend too much time feeling sorry for yourself. Get up and do what needs to be done.

4. (by age 17) She taught me, and saw to it, that I learned the Gospel. 26 contacts before one comes to a decision for Christ. They are all important -- Sunday school, prayer at meals, choir, etc. In a world when we are very interested in our children playing sports, how many will have the opportunity to live the life of professional athletes? And how many of those same young people will have the opportunity to live the Christian life?

Paul wrote to Timothy.......................(read the Scripture deliberately)

5. All of us have been given the foundations of faith. All of us will have opportunities to show forth the power of God. They may have started as little things, but now it is time to stir up the gifts within us. Our mothers have planted many seeds. It's our job to be sure that they grow to maturity.

We thank you and honor you for what you have given us. Now we have others coming at this time who will testify to the goodness of their mother's gifts.

What is the Bible? 2 Timothy 3:14-17 8-18-96

What is the Bible? 8-18-96 2 Tim. 3:14-17

What is the Bible? What is it for?
Pat answers....Bible Word of God...Inspired...infallible....
How people use it that show their true respect for Bible

Not a toy to be played with
Judas went out and hung himself
Go thou and do likewise
what you do do quickly

age 15, 666 Henry Kissinger

Pulling verses out of context
That the scriptures are a roadmap for prosperity
That knowing them makes you better than someone else

What is the context of Bible
history:
poetry:
prophecy:
teachings:

Teachings...not everyone can do all of it
But where would we be without it?
We are finding out....
we are seeing what happens when young people grow up w/o biblical values
We must teach these principles if we have any hope of living by them

Therefore, I am pleased to announce in addition to Sunday School,
a program to teach our children the Bible
Too many eggs in basked.....this needs to be one that we make room for

The Bible is God's book
it's purpose is to lead people to him...to help people find him
Wesley's quote....give me that book

Jer. 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me,
when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Troubling the Waters 8-14-05 2 Timothy

Sermon 8-14-05 troubling the waters

Let us pray…..Dear Lord, please let any idle words fall to the side, and please let your words find the fertile soil of open hearts. Amen

Topics from this story
Jesus is the healer……no man can replace him
Jesus doesn’t heal everyone….many lay by the pool – 38 years

Story of the troubled waters [certain times, angel stirs the waters]
Story as it develops in the life history of the church
God acts in an unusual way……
· Stir up the gift- 2 timothy 1 Paul to Timothy
· moving in the tops of the mulberry trees 2 Sam 5 David vs Phillistines
· The waters are troubled
At a particular time……a season of his choosing

God has been acting in the past..not to say he hasn’t
· Cancer people 1994-5
· exodus from the old building to the new was filled with amazing stories

How do you know if the waters are being troubled?
We are often afraid to be too spiritual……….
You look at people that you think are spiritual…..they intimidate you, scare you,
This is not spirituality….
Are they better parents than you ….Are they a better spouse

When the waters are troubled, we get our self out of the way and begin to say yes to God
Better fathers, better neighbors
Holy spirit doesn’t take sides, he takes over
When your wife says….what is happening to you?…the waters are troubled

Could have given you some safe little sermon on Jonah and the whale
My heart is on the line with you today
I am very uncomfortable to tell you this story

About a month ago…..I get this feeling…I am acting at wcc
frightening
What do you want me to do……..exactly what I tell you to do

Went to talk to some guys out on a pontoon boat-
Crashed their party,

What if nothing happens
I cannot contain this

So I am trying to be faithful…I am laying this out there…..

If God is acting now or is preparing to act at WCC
Would you be ready? Would you be willing?

Email this week…Said she heard that on e of the best abilities you can give God is your availability.

What if nothing happens….well, It is not just up to God, it is up to us to choose if and how we respond to what we are called to do

Who knows, maybe……A great and marvelous work is about to come forth

Transition to specific ideas
I have talked to you for years about hearing Gods call and acting out in mission with Jesus
Missions driven…not just missions, but also ss teachers, landsacape teams

Several have asked…what do you want me to do?
Its not up to me….
But If you are ready but are waiting for the right Idea, here are some that have been on my heart

Specific ideas
· Spanish speaking members to ccv
· Prison ministry
· Wcc radio
· Wcc tv
· Secret hospitality team
· Water bottles in downtown
· Deliver invitation to west oaks ridge
· Gasoline at a reduced price
· Admin asst vol for the dist supt
· Christ based Karate or similar martial arts, like our dance ministry
· Dodgeball for youth
· Cancer center ministry – drive them, pick up and deliver meds, clean house
· 3-6 months in the mission field



conclusion
How do you know that God is acting?
I witnessed 2 grown men talking about their church, crying in a public restaurant

Young men are hearing Gods call & stepping forward and taking responsibility

I am getting emails about how god is acting in the lives of our members

How big are your dreams for God
He can do abundantly more than you can ask or think-now is the time

If the pool is being stirred…..who will be the first one in….
I don’t care if everyone in your pew thinks you are nuts,
everyone in your neighborhood thinks you are crazy……

I don’t care if you have been an invalid for 38 years
God is looking for someone to kneel and pray and say…..Lord, If you want to act, what do you want me to do.