Mountain View Bible Church of Eagle Lake, Maine - Sermons

The book was written by James, a half-brother of the Lord.  He wanted to encourage believers to be committed.  James 1:15 warns us, “When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”  Wisdom to apply what we learn is so needed.  It is readily available to us if we are in the Word.  Like James promotes, may we be doers and not hearers only.

Ezekiel is another prophet of God, who was told to minister to a people who wouldn’t listen.  He saw the glory of God, was given a commission, and was expected to go. He consumed God’s Word and received strength to go forth, even though the loss of his wife might have caused another man to refuse the commission.  Believers who have experienced God’s love and mercy in their own lives want to fulfill His will also.

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet who authored Lamentations, was moved by the destruction that lay before him in Jerusalem.  Centuries later, Jesus also wept over Jerusalem because of the carnage/destruction that was coming.  Hardness of heart – desire to be like the nations around them led to this. Oh, that we’d listen and make our relationship with God a priority over everything else.

The book of Hebrews challenges the Hebrews and all who come to Christ by faith to rest in His finished work.  The Lamb of God provides an anchor for the soul.  We are safe and secure if we put our trust in Him.

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, cared about his people.  God gave him the difficult job of warning Israel of impending judgment for deliberately setting Him aside for falsehoods.  The Word of God is our guide.  It is truth to be believed and applied, not denied.

What does the weaponry of the Christian look like?  What comes to mind is faith, love, a prayer life, a walk that honors our Savior, and a run that exhibits endurance.  It has nothing to do with a battering ram, mace, and guns.  How many battles do we read about in the Old Testament where God alone defeated the enemy!  May we honor the One whom David recognized as the God of the Armies of Israel and the One whom Joshua knew as Commander of the army of the Lord and do what's good!

Animal instinct serves the donkey and the ox.  They know they'll find safe haven in their master's stall.  We should know where we can find refuge.  We should know to whom we belong and live in His will.

As we realize time is flying by, we appreciate that God has given us the choice to pilot through life and avoid some of the turbulence that results from bad decisions.  There's no need to fly blindly.  God has provided ample instruction and guidance.  We are all getting closer to landing this vessel we're in, so why not study the manual God has given.

Do we believe there is a hell? Is the battle for the souls of our loved ones real?  Do we have to be like John the Baptist who removed himself from the mainstream of his day to reach those who'd come and listen to him in the desert?  What's coming out of us?  Is it honoring to God?  Are we salt?  These are things to consider as we look at the book of Mark.

Love songs, the world has an abundance of them.  The Bible contains them as well.  In Song of Solomon, we have a beautiful picture of God's love for the believer.  Though we are flawed, when we are covered by the righteousness available to us in Christ, God only sees that.  Keep Him close.  His love is one you can rest in.