Woodward First Assembly

Mythbusters-8-Everything Happens For A Reason (The Lost Episode)

This was originally recorded on June 30,2019. In this lost episode, Pastor Brad takes on the Myth that Everything Happens For A Reason.

Pastor's notes:

Romans 8:26-28 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.28And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

INTRODUCTION

Good morning, everybody! I’m so that glad each and every one of you are here today. Today, I’m happy to be bringing the Word to you. I’ve been so excited about this series.

Today, I want to teach you a lesson I have learned from the Scripture. I want to address the Myth: “Everything Happens For A Reason”. ILLUSTRATION
In this life things happen that can boggle our minds:

I heard the story a few years back about a young couple who were on fire Christians. Both had kept themselves sexually pure for marriage, and were anticipating spending their life together. They got married, got in the car headed to their honeymoon, and the husband was killed instantly in a car wreck. They were godly kids. I can’t wrap my head around that! But in those moments and situations, it helps us cope with the unanswerable by saying “You know, everything happens for a reason.” or, “You know, God’s ways are much higher than our ways.”

TRANSITION

In these moments, sometimes the things that we say can cause others to get angry and blame God for the misfortune that has come their way. I believe some of answers come from an often misunderstood topic called suffering. That is exactly what our text is about today.

BACKGROUND

In our text this morning, Paul is writing to the believers at Rome. Paul, being the perfect spokesperson for suffering, tells them that the things we are going through now are nothing compared to the greatness of eternity that we will experience on that great day when we are in glory.

Paul then tells the believers several great things about suffering:

a. b. c.

All things are working together for our good Nothing can separate us from God’s love

If God be for us, then who can be against us?

This morning, I want to look at some areas of suffering, and to see that it isn't always God or the devil trying to cause havoc. We are going to learn that yes, everything does happen for a reason, but sometimes that reason is not some big spiritual reason.

APPLICATION

1. SUFFERING CAUSED BY SELF

Several years ago, there was a tragedy in my family where a young teenager was killed by fireworks. Rather than follow the instructions that came with the items,they forgot that and ended up making an explosive device that exploded and took his life.

At my grandmother’s funeral, I overheard a a family member talking to sthe pastor saying “I can understand why God took my mother, but I can’t understand why God took my grandson.” The pastor replied, “Well, everything happens for a reason.”

My family member had some bitterness and resentment toward God for something He didn’t do!

God didn't take their family member. A consequence of choice caused a life to be cut short.

Ecclesiastes 7:17 says

Do not be overly wicked,

Nor be foolish:

Why should you die before your time?

In other words, we can leave prematurely.

Did he go to heaven? He was a believer, so yes. Was that God’s perfect will for his life? no. Did God get glory out of it? OF COURSE! An auditorium was with precious young people, and many accepted Christ as savior due to the message. If we are God’s people, He always causes the glory to come out of our sufferings and trials.

We just don't understand why stuff like that has to happen. We just have to make sure like Job, we don't curse God or charge Him wrongly. God is good.

2. SUFFERING CAUSED BY THE DEVIL

In this also, we can't always blame the devil either.

I heard of a true story once of an evangelist who had a flat tire on the way to preach for one of his friends. This experience led to him being over an hour late for the meeting. Upon arrival, the guest minister began to tell his friend how “the devil” was responsible for flattening his tires, etc. The pastor, being a good friend, told him.

“You can blame the devil all you want, but it’s YOUR fault. You buy those cheap two ply tires and you drive them until they are bald!”

This man didn't have a devil problem. He had a common sense problem. There is however a demonic suffering. This kind we can rebuke and handle. We this with people who are afflicted with demon spirits.
3. SUFFERING CAUSED BY OTHERS




How many people innocent people are killed each year by the misdoings of others? Murders, accidents, drunk driving, and all the like?

My mind reverts to September 11, 2001. During the great tragedy of the world trade center, many innocent lives we lost at no fault of their own. It was caused by the decisions of others.

4. SUFFERING CAUSED BY THE FALL




The truth is, we live in a fallen world. A lot of suffering we go through

in the natural realm is simply because of the fallen world. When sin entered, it messed everything up. Storms, catastrophes, etc are all caused by the fact that we do live in this sinful world.

The atmosphere and things of the like are also affected by the fall.

5. SUFFERING BECAUSE OF CHRIST

Christians are persecuted all over the world by people who hate God. Churches are burnt. Children are murdered.
The Foxes Book of Martyrs is filled with these stories.
Jesus told us in John 15:18 that the world would hate us.

CLOSING

We must realize that God is good all the time, no matter what. He never ever promised that we would not suffer. He did however tell us that He would work it all out to our benefit.

It can be easy to ask the question “Where is God in the middle of all this?” He is there in the storm. He is there in our crazy decisions. He is there in the middle of demonic attack.

As a matter of fact, Jesus was the picture of suffering. Where was God when Jesus died on the cross, He was right there. God used the suffering of Jesus to work together OUR GOOD!!!!

God doesn't cause all the bad in the world, but He also doesn't allow it to be wasted.

CONCLUSION

More:2-The RolE Of The Pastor

Tonight Tina Zollinger teaches us about The Role Of The Pastor as she continues on pastor Brad's series on The Five Fold Ministry.

Mythbusters-7-Marriage Is Just A Piece Of Paper

As we continue with the Mythbusters series, Pastor Brad tackles the myth "Marriage Is  Just A Piece Of Paper."

 

More: Five Fold Ministry

Mythbusters-6-That's What The Church Is For

This morning we are pleased to have Pastor Blonnie Smith give us the Word as we continue in our Mythbusters series. She tackles the myth "That's What The Church Is For."

Pastor's Notes:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

INTRODUCTION

Good morning, everyone!

I’m so glad to be able to share this message with you today! It’s something that I’ve been passionate about for a while. You may have even heard it before. The title to this Mythbuster is “That is What the Church is For”.

Pastor Brad and I were youth pastors for several years. We have watched as students got into trouble, and parents almost got mad at us because it happened.

“Didn’t y’all teach them about porn?” “Sex before marriage?"

In other words, you should have taught them better. After all, “That’s what the church is for.”

So as I’ve prayed, I believe that God wanted me to speak on the role of the family in general, but specifically parents and children.

BACKGROUND

This letter is written by Paul to the people of Ephesus while in prison.

To give a quick summary of the entire book, he begins by sharing the foundation of what their faith is laid upon. He showed how in their different backgrounds, both Jew and Gentile, they are now equal in the eyes of God through the blood of Jesus Christ.This illustrates that unity does not equal uniformity. In other words, we are all the same in our belief, but we each build up the church with different gifts and talents. Not one person can do it alone and see a body of believers grow. A healthy church is full of believers working in different areas to spread the same message. It’s important to understand that it is different gifts, but the same gospel.

He also points out that we are all sinners before Christ, but in accepting Him as our Savior, God allowed our old self to die and became a new creation. Never get to the point where you forget this. Let me make this clear: We do not dwell in our past, but don’t forget that you have one too.

Through true repentance, we are made new and wiped clean and can share our testimony with someone who is suffering from the same sin. Always remember where you came from and see it for what it is—sin.

The greasy grace message has always been around, even in the beginning of the church.

TRANSITION

But after He lays out the framework of order on the church, He then begins to lay out some order for the family.

Look at our scriptures with me again. (Re-read)

APPLICATION1. The Challenge (vs. 1-3)

What pops out at me every time I read it is this: Honor and obey, and you will be well and live long.

Now the reason why I went back and summarized all of Ephesians is because when you just read one chapter or scripture, you miss exactly what the author is sharing. Yes, God can show you many things by just a scripture, but He desires you to look deeper. God said “My people perish because of lack of knowledge.”

Taking the time to put in a little extra work will bring so much more understanding and blessing out of what you are studying.

He first addressed the church as a whole, but then moved on to the individual. Reading one scripture will give you the impression that He is still addressing the whole, but in reality this is addressing how you should be not just in church, but in your own home.

Now, we’ve all quoted this scripture to our child or even another child, but I want to show you the challenge that I see in this passage.

You see, we’ve always just looked at this scripture and reminded them of it in Sunday school, or when they are acting a fool. But what if I was to show you that everything he speaks of in the first five chapters are all actions, and so wouldn’t it be fair to say that this challenge is not a reminder of what to say to children, but a reminder on what our actions as parents should be?

Think about it: Our children mimic us. And so, in this scripture he is saying to honor and obey your parents and this will be your reward. But is it children the wrote the letter to? No!

He was writing this to the leadership to read out-loud to the entire church.

The example we set speaks volumes. The best lesson a child could learn is to see the influence in their life model how to do things. Studies show that the foundation of a child’s mind is set by the age of 4. This doesn’t mean that it’s concrete that is already set. There is still grace and time to set a good example and influence a child.

The life we live says more than reminding them to honor and obey us. If we say that and then show a completely different side with our actions, then what we’ve done is shown that when you’re an adult you can do whatever you want.

Parents—That’s why most kids grow up to never step foot in a church again after they leave home. They see someone who can use a few scriptures (only when it’s for discipline or correction towards them, or to justify what they are doing is ok), only come when they feel like it, and show little desire to be there. When it seems like a burden to you, then why would you expect it to be a joy to them?

We are to lead by our example. Christ is the only person to ever come to this earth and be perfect, so quit trying to show your kids that you are. Trust me, they know what’s up. Be open about your flaws. They need to see you ask for forgiveness in your prayers and admit when you don’t have all the answers.

What example do you want to set?

When a child sees only perfection with zero flaws and someone who knows everything, when they don’t hit that mark it’s devastating.

A child should see the example of “I don’t know the answer, but let’s work together and find it.”

2. The Charge (vs. 4a)

Whether a parent, step parent, or guardian of a child, you are to lead a child with love. The scriptures tell us that everything we do, that if we do it without love then we did it in vain.

Let your actions and love lead them and they will follow in your ways. Are there children who grew up in a great home surrounded by love that stray off?

Yes.

Ultimately, all you can do is pray, sow the word into them, and trust them to God. They have to make their own decisions.

However, we must be solid in our influence over them.

Teach your children the word of God not by just reading it to them. Teach them!

This is where the myth “that’s what the church is for” really comes into play. It’s not just the job of the Sunday School teacher, the youth or kids pastor, or the boys and girls leaders to do it.

We “provoke our children to wrath” by living differently in front of them than what we proclaim. In other words, “Do as I say, not as I do”.

That NEVER works.

We as parents are to teach them with our words, actions, and lives. Your child is your responsibility. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

You should be the number one mentor in their life.

If you do not teach them, the world will.

This is a charge to the family as a whole. Model our Heavenly Father with the love and compassion He has. Parents, take back the control that the enemy has tried to take and see that it’s our responsibility and not the pastor, youth pastor, children’s pastor, or nursery workers. They are to compliment what you have already instilled at home.

3. The Counsel (vs. 4b)

Everything we do should always follow the Word of God. He has given this to help instruct us as we instruct our children.

We can’t teach our children what it means to follow Christ if we do not open this up ourselves and find out.

Pray with your child. This not only shows them praying parents, it also shows the example of a child of God ‘s real relationship with their Heavenly Father.

Does all this mean your child will act perfect. No!

There are times when you will instruct and times when you will discipline. We all have to have correction.

If you are a christian who never hears the voice of God’s guidance and correction, then you aren’t growing.

I discipline my child because I care enough to see them grow to be responsible young men who love the Lord and have their own relationship with God.

CONCLUSION

So, here it is: Paul gave us a look into our salvation, what the church is, what we are called to do, how to cut all ties with the old self, and how to address any attack to the body. All of this is addressed to the whole, not just a few.

And then he addresses the individual.

You cannot do it alone as an individual without first having the church as a family in your life. The most important role as a spouse and parent is to have the same love for your church as Christ does.

There is an order. Any imbalance throws everything off. That’s why we say it is so important to be in church. It’s not to have another number on our report each year on how big our church is. It’s to be in the order that God has placed us. How can you use your gifts He has placed in everyone if you are at home every Sunday? You can’t use them on the online church. You can’t use them on yourself sitting at home. And you certainly can’t always trust google for your answer to a scripture you don’t understand.

The church is built up of you and me. Be the church that is the influence of your child and you won’t see it as their job to solely teach your child anymore.

You will see growth happen and get so excited and hear God say “That is why I gave them to you”. There is no greater feeling than seeing growth in your child’s life and knowing you had a part in that.

What did we learn?

-The Challenge: Be the example. Allow the church leaders to compliment what you have already taught at home.

 

-The Counsel: Be the example by becoming the mentor your child needs. Challenge them to push past fear and discipline when needed. Instruction and discipline will prepare them for adulthood.

 

The Charge: Be that example using love. A loving father shows the love of the Heavenly Father.

 

ALTAR RESPONSE

 

 

-  Pray for people who need a Heavenly Father

 

 

-  Pray for parents, grandparents, etc

Mythbusters-5-Preach The Gospel. Use Words If Necessary

The Pearl Of Great Price: Pastor Blonnie Smith

Tonight, Pastor Blonnie finishes the "Mysteries Of The Kingdom" series. 

Mythbusters-4-God Can't Forgive Me

It's time to continue our Mythbusters series. Today Pastor Brad tackles the Myth that God Can't Forgive Me!

Pastor's Notes:

1 John 1:5-9 NKJV
5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

INTRODUCTION
Good morning, everybody!
I am so glad to be back in the house today. Blonnie and I were able to spend some much needed time with her parents, and we appreciate all of you being so very supportive as we have went through this.
This morning is Friend Day, and we want to make sure you come out to Crystal Beach at 4 pm and bring your folding chair with you.
Today, I want to continue my Mythbusters series with a message entitled “God Can’t Forgive Me”. In today’s message, we will be looking at the believer, sin, and God’s attitude about it.

ILLUSTRATION
Why did I choose this title for this message? Because it’s something I have heard often. Whether it be……

A soldier who had to kill someone in duty
A woman who regretted an abortion
A man who cheated on his spouse
A drunk driver who killed a whole family

….. and the list could go on and on.

I have heard non Christians use this as an excuse not to come to Christ, and I have also heard believers use this verse to walk in condemnation and shame.

What I want to share with you today is that if you have a past, no matter what it is, there is forgiveness!
Jesus not only wants to forgive you, but He died so that He could! His mercy and grace is so deep.
That’s called “Good News”.

TRANSITION
Yet, what should our attitude as believers be toward sin? Sin is simply “missing the mark” and falling short of God’s standard.
In our passage, we are going to see God’s instruction and attitude concerning sin.
BACKGROUND
In our passage, 1 John was traditionally thought to be written by John the evangelist, son of Zebedee, and disciple of Jesus.
His purpose in writing is revealed in the first few verses as he is encouraging the believers not to walk in sin. Sounds like a true evangelist, doesn't it?

1 John is addressing a heretical belief that was present in that day that basically said that because our spirit is saved and made new, but our salvation doesn't really affect our body.
So in retrospect, this teaching sounded something like this: “I am saved, so my sin really doesn’t matter!” Unfortunately this teaching and thought has popped back up in the church again through something I call the ‘hyper grace movement”.
John addresses this head on as he extends the heart of God towards forgiveness, but also reveals the truth about willful sin.
Let’s look at our text and see exactly what He says.

APPLICATION

1. God is Holy (vs. 5)

“God is light” reveals to us His nature.
He is absolutely pure.
There abides no darkness in Him.
Children should always look like their parents.
Their primary DNA comes from the father.

     2. Our Walk Matters (vs. 6-7)
Walking in Darkness: Many professing “Christians” say they are born again, but they have the same patterns as the world. They

Get drunk
Do drugs
Look at porn
Sleep around
Cheat on their taxes
Cuss like a sailor

ETC
That list could go on and on!
NOTE: I even saw a t shirt one time that said “I love Jesus but I cuss a little.” I’m sorry folks, but we are called to be different! I know it might be unpopular. I know you might get offended. I know you might not come back, but I’t not gonna let you sit up in this church week after week calling yourself a Christian and you are LIVING in open sin with no repentance. I’m telling you today you need to GET RIGHT WITH GOD!
I hear you: Now now pastor. No one is perfect. We all sin. That is true. our verse even deals with that. Yet, there’s a difference between being SINLESS and SINFUL.
Sinless = We all can and do mess up, but we are convicted, repent, and change. You have a heart forward God and a negative attitude toward sin. If you mess up, it should bother you.
Sinful = Jesus loves me anyways and I’m just going to keep on doing it.
That’s what people are saying today. I’m saved. I’m delivered. Grace has me covered all the way. Past, present, and even in the future!
Sadly, the prophet Jeremiah dealt with this in his day as false prophets were enticing the children of Israel to forsake God’s ways. Look at the working of this passage:
Jeremiah 7:8-11 NKJV
8 “Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit. 9 Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know, 10 and then come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered to do all these abominations’? 11 Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it,” says the Lord.
Notice he said they mentioned they had been “delivered" to do those things. No my friend! God’s grace is not an license to keep on sinning. You are deceived and don’t really know Him.
Walk In The Light: When we are walking, that denotes action. When we are walking with Jesus, His grace and His mercy redeem us when we mess up, not if. We are not a perfect people! But we must walk with Jesus to receive that forgiveness!

3. The Blood Is Enough (vs. 9)
If we confess: That means we have to stop acting like the issue isn't there. If it’s a problem, you need to confess it. Get that sinfulness out of the dark and over into the light.
- If we do that, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse, no matter how dark or dirty it may be.

4. We All Need Grace (vs. 10)We have all missed it.
Not a person in this room is perfect.
The only difference is there are those who are openly living in sin and thing they are ok. They are not.
Then, there are those who know God is merciful. God can forgive you.

CONCLUSION
He doesn't want to just forgive you, He wants you to break free.
Many are quick to justify sin by quoting the words of Christ when He said in John 8:7 “He that is without sin, let him cast the first stone.”
Yet, the forget the part after that in verse 11 where He said “ Neither do I condemn you, now go and SIN NO MORE.
When Jesus forgives us, He doesn't do so for us to stay in the same nasty mess we were in. He wants us to break free.
There’s grace and breakthrough for you today if you’re willing to receive it.

Revealing The Mysteries Of The Kingdom-7-The Ten Virgins

It's mid week and Pastor Brad is back. He first gives a small testimony and then continues the mid-week series with a teaching on The Parable Of The Ten Virgins.

Pastor's Notes:

Matthew 25:1-13 NKJV "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. (2) Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. (3) Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, (4) but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. (5) But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. (6) "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' (7) Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. (8) And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' (9) But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' (10) And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. (11) "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' (12) But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' (13) "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
INTRODUCTION
This evening, I want to talk to you about the event of all events: The return of thParablee Lord! Friends, the Scripture tells us that no one knows the day, nor the hour, but that Jesus IS coming soon! Consider what Luke says:
Luke 12:35-40 NKJV "Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; (36) and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. (37) Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and servethem. (38) And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. (39) But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. (40) Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

ILLUSTRATION
We might illustrate the need for readiness in a different way. Firemen are trained and equipped to fight fires. They know there will be fires, but they don’t know when. And so they are in a constant state of readiness, even when they sleep. Their clothing is all laid out so they can quickly dress and get to the fire. Sometimes I see the fire truck outside the grocery store where I shop. The firemen are in the store, buying food. But they also have their portable radios in hand, ready to rush out if word of a fire is received.
We, too, must be ready, Jesus tells us. We do not know the hour of His return, and more than this, the coming of the Son of Man will be at a time that we don’t expect. From the context of chapter 24, I am tempted to think that while His return will be preceded by very difficult days, the actual day of His return will appear to be trouble-free, much like the day Noah and his family entered the ark. (I’ll bet the sky was blue and clear all day long.) When Jesus returns, people will be going about their normal routines because there will be no sign of imminent danger. We therefore must be ready at all times. What we see here in this text is a parable. A parable is a story within a story.

APPLICATION

1. There's a wedding coming.
- These were waiting on the bridegroom.  
- Jesus is called the bridegroom.
- We are the bride of Christ.

2. There's a waiting period.
- Jesus told us He would return.
- There is a feast that takes place after the wedding.
- The bridegroom goes back to his father's house and makes preparation.
- John 14

3. A call will be made.
- There was a cry made at midnight.
- The Bible is clear that Christ's coming with be with a trumpet blast.
- It will be the sound of all sounds.

4. You must be prepared.
-The five were prepared.
-The other were not.
- Their readiness allowed them to come in.
- Their lack thereof kept them out.

CONCLUSION

Mythbusters-3-This Generation...

Today is Fathers Day And Pastor Seth continues our Mythbuters series. As he dose he bust a myth about This Generation...

His text is found in 2Kings 4:1-7