Dr. Ronald Williams. Religion Professor, cCc

Dr. Williams is a full-time faculty member at cCc. He develops and instructs the students at cCc. In addition, he conducts the chapel and Bible studies as the cCc Chaplain. Dr. Williams has been a part of a mission that brings Christ to the deepest repressive countries throughout Asia. He provides these front-line pastors with outlines for sermons. He has conducted presentations to many pastors at local meetings. His reach is to thousands of pastors who do not have access to such support.

For more information on President Rev. Joseph W. Handley’s organization, please click here. Asian Access https://asianaccess.org/ (Website with information on President Rev. Joseph W. Handley’s organization.)

Sample Musings

Theme: Reasons for Hope in Seasons of Despair

Topic: Reasons for Hope

Text: Lamentations 3:19-26 (ESV) "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." v. 2

Introduction: We often think, it just can't get any worse, but then it does! The world is a mess and our personal lives are messy too. But neither is as messy as life was in the days of the O.T. prophet, Jeremiah. His city, Jerusalem (circa 500 BC) was so evil that God told Jeremiah not to pray for it. Its priest, prophet, kings, officials, and citizens had all forsaken God and engaged in the vilest forms of idolatry. They practiced sexual prostitution in pagan temple worship, sacrificed their children to the idols, and made a mockery of the living God. The anger of God was aroused, he pronounced judgement against his chosen people, and Jeremiah witnessed the people he loved led captive to Babylon. With a broken heart, overcome with despair he wrote Lamentations. However, in the season of his despair he discovered ample reasons for hope in the Lord, and so may we.

l. There is hope in the Love of God: his love is steadfast and it never ceases vv. 19-22a

Remember my affliction and my wanderings the wormwood and the gall!

My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me.

But this I call to mind, and therefore, I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases

ll. There is hope in the Mercies of God: his mercies endless and new every morning vv. 22b- his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;

lll. There is hope in the Faithfulness of God: his faithfulness is great and God himself is our portion -we belong to him and he to us vv. 23b-24 great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore, I will hope in him.”

lV. There is hope in the Goodness of God: his goodness extents to all but especially to those seek him, and wait patiently for him to act on their behalf vv. 25-26

The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him.

It is good that one should wait quietly

for the salvation of the Lord.

Conclusion: Perhaps this a season of despair for you. If so, remember that God's love is steadfast though the love of others may not. Look for his mercy in every circumstance, both the good and bad. Think of the difficulties that he has brought you through in the past and in faithfulness he will never leave nor forsake you. Lastly, be reminded that God is good, and good all the time to the souls who seek after him and wait patiently for him to act on their behalf. "The Lord is my portion...therefore I will hope in him." Let's do it together!

Theme: Safety and Security in Raging Seas of Adversity

Topic: Seas of Adversity

Text: Psalm 93 (NIV) "The seas have lifted up , Lord, the seas have lifted up their voices..." v. 2

Introduction: Adversity is universal, diverse, personal, frightful, disheartening, and painful. Each of us can recount personal stories of overwhelming hardship and heartache. My family has experienced debilitating health issues, financial loss, the deaths of loved ones, the drum beat of war, and the moral decay of a lawless self-serving society, by the boat loads the last year two. Psalm ninety-three was written in times not unlike the day in which live. The people of God contending with Seas of Adversity. We are not told the specifics of the threatening storm; however, we are informed of the person to whom the psalmist turned for safety and security from raging seas of adversity, God. God who is the Sovereign Lord od heaven and earth and all there is upon and within them. We may find refuge in...

l. The Majesty of His Throne : it is unshakeable, unmovable, unconquerable, and always victorious vv. 1-4

The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.

Your throne was established long ago;

you are from all eternity.

The seas have lifted up, Lord,

the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,

mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the Lord on high is mighty.

ll. The Certainty of his Word: it reveals the path of righteousness, and points us to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ v. 5a "Your Statutes, Lord, stand firm..."

lll. The Trustworthiness of his Character: there are innumerable gods, but there is one God. He perfectly pure, powerful, and separate from all others v. 5b

"...holiness adorns your house for endless days."

Conclusion: None escape the Seas of Adversity during the voyage of their natural and spiritual lives. Many people turn in their adversity to the lesser gods of this world, and are ultimately disappointed in them. We who take refuge in the one and only God, ultimately find safety and security in him. Though we suffer the affliction and pain of this present age we experience a significant measure relief from them. Our confident hope is anchored in Christ and the age to come when and where there will be no more adversity nor pain forever safe and secure in the arms of God

Theme: Reasons for Hope in Seasons of Despair

Topic: Reasons for Hope

Text: Lamentations 3:19-26 (ESV) "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." v. 24

l. There is hope in the Love of God: his love is steadfast and it never ceases vv. 19-22a

Remember my affliction and my wanderings the wormwood and the gall!

My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me.

But this I call to mind, and therefore, I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases

ll. There is hope in the Mercies of God: his mercies endless and new every morning vv. 22b-23a his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;

“therefore, I will hope in him.”

lV. There is hope in the Goodness of God: his goodness extents to all but especially to those seek him, and wait patiently for him to act on their behalf vv. 25-26

The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him.

It is good that one should wait quietly

for the salvation of the Lord.

Theme: Safety and Security in Raging Seas of Adversity

Topic: Seas of Adversity

Text: Psalm 93 (NIV) "The seas have lifted up , Lord, the seas have lifted up their voices..." v. 2

l. The Majesty of His Throne : it is unshakeable, unmovable, unconquerable, and always victorious vv. 1-4

The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.

Your throne was established long ago;

you are from all eternity.

The seas have lifted up, Lord,

the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,

mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the Lord on high is mighty.

ll. The Certainty of his Word: it reveals the path of righteousness, and points us to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ v. 5a "Your Statutes, Lord, stand firm..."

lll. The Trustworthiness of his Character: there are innumerable gods, but there is one God. He perfectly pure, powerful, and separate from all others v. 5b

"...holiness adorns your house for endless days."

Theme: Joy to a World in Frantic Search of It

Topic: Joy to the World

Text: Luke 2:8-18 (ESV) "...I bring you news of great Joy..."

Introduction: The halls are decked with holly for it's the season to be jolly! The messages broadcasted for the last few months is, "joy is found in the latest gadget, tool, or toy". With the passage of time there is a termination date on the ability of all the things we have accumulated to bring us joy. For some, the date is the day after Christmas! The same is often true of family, friendship, and other relationships. We claw our way to the top of our careers thinking joy and contentment will be found there. But alas, it is ecstasy for a moment and toil for a lifetime. The Angel's message to the shepherds at the birth of Jesus, "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people," is both the message and means of great joy for time and eternity.

l. It's Content: The announcement of a Savior, Messiah, and Lord vv.8-14

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

ll. It's Messengers: angels and shepherds vv.15-20

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

lll. it's acquisition: Joy that is experienced in time and last for an eternity is found only by faith in the person and work of Jesus the Christ v.21

And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Conclusion: The question I raise is what is the source of your joy? People and things, even the good people and good things bring us joy only for a season. Things wear out and friends and loved ones too soon pass away. Christ followers are called to be angels and shepherds. It is our privilege and obligation to proclaim the good news. An angel is one sent by God, and a shepherd is one who cares for the flock of God. If you are searching for joy and contentment, look to Jesus. He is a fountain of joy to all who surrender their lives to him. If you have found him, by all means don't keep the "Good News of Great Joy to Yourself."

Theme: The Best Friend Sinners Can Ever Have

Topic: Jesus the Friend of Sinners

Text: Luke 19:1-10 (ESV) "For the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost."

Introduction: John was the manager of one of my son Joshua's Little League teams many years ago. He was a quiet, friendly person, and cared for the kids on his team. I liked him because he was not angry with the players when they struck out, dropped a ball, or failed to make a play. He cared more about teaching the boys how to play baseball than winning a game. About the fourth game of the season I invited him to be my guest at lunch. At a certain point in our conversation I asked the question that I often ask of men, "John, what do you do for a living?" He was hesitant to answer, but finally said "I will tell you if you keep it to yourself, I work for the Internal Revenue Service." John was a tax collector for the USA federal government and feared that if people knew he was they would be reluctant to be his friend. Luke's story of Zacchaeus and Jesus occurred at a time when the Jews were suffering under the occupation of their country by the Roman empire. Among the most hated people of that day were Roman tax collectors. Often the tax collectors were Jews hired by Rome. They were notorious for over charging the Jewish citizens and pocketing the excessive cash. The story of Zacchaeus serves as an example of the kinds of people Jesus befriends. He is a friend of...

l. Seeking sinners: Zacchaeus was a man of position and wealth but was searching for something far better vv. 1-6

He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.

ll. Despised sinners: the self righteous loathe both sinner and Savior v.7

And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”

lll. Repentant sinners: Zacchaeus found the salvation he was seeking when he was found by Jesus vv. 8-10

And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

lV. Lost sinners: the Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost v. 10

Conclusion: When we think about it, the only kind of human friend Jesus can have must be a sinner. The Bible teaches us that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. As far as humans are concerned the most important truth taught in the Bible is, "The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost." That's us folks! Aren't you glad about that! I pray so. Repentance, that is turning from sin toward Christ, and receiving him as the Lord of our lives bestows on us his gracious gift of Salvation. It happened for Zacchaeus, it happened for me, Has it happened for you?

Theme: Winning the War Within: A Model and Manuel

Topic: Winning the War Within

Text: Romans 7: 21-8:4 (ESV) ".... another law waging war against the law of my mind..." v.23

Introduction: Barnes and Noble for many years have filled their shelves with a variety of "How to do Books" on scores of subjects. However, YOUTUBE do it yourself "How to Videos." are far more effective. Watching a person do something step by step, and listening to his or her explanation makes the task much easier than merely reading a schematic or operational manual. The experience of the Apostle Paul,though not a YOUTUBE video, is both a model and manual for Winning the War Within. A battle that is all too familiar to every person who has decided to become a faithful follower of Christ. When we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, and believe in our hearts that God has raised him from the dead, we are saved in time for all eternity. Satan has lost the battle for our souls. However there remains a battle to be fought and a war to be won, the war within for the control of our minds. If the old way of thinking and the strategies of the devil control our minds we are spiritually shackied and rendered ineffective in our service to Christ. Through inspiration of the Spirit and the transparency of the great Apostle we are given the means for Winning the War Within. Consider Paul's ...

l. Dilemma: the conflict of two laws fighting within his soul for the control of his of his body, mind, and emotions vv. 21-23

So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.

ll. Despair: Paul is miserable and weary from the battle being waged in his soul v, 24

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

lll. Deliverance: God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit come to his rescue 7:25-8:4

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.[For the law of the Spirit of life has set you[b] free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin,[c] he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Conclusion: Paul's victory is won through surrender of his will of God, and moment by moment dependency upon him. Receiving with open hands the Father's gift of the Son. Identifying with the death and resurrection of Jesus, and living in union with him. He in you and you in him by his gift to us, the Holy Spirit. Because God is for us, when Christ followers surrender to him we win the war within! We fulfill the Righteous commands of God as he works in us both to will and do good pleasure.Fight on! Win daily the War Within.

Theme: Taking Sheltering Under the Shadow of His Wings

Topic: The Shadow of His Wings

Text: Psalm 36:5-12 (ESV) "....take refuge in the shadow of your wings." v.7

Introduction: Like a punch in the gut, bad news brings us to our knees. It makes our heads spin, and our hearts break. Probably by now, if you're reading this musing, you've been gut punched more than once. Maybe you are now, like I am, bent over, head spinning, heart broken, trying to make sense of what appears to be devastating news. My precious wife Anita is undergoing a number test to determine if the mass surrounding her aorta is malignant or benign, and if it is malignant, has cancer spread to other parts of her body. We have been bound to each other for nearly sixty two years with cords of love ,and our hearts cry out how we can possibly go on without one another. As we embrace, we through our tears bring our burden to the Lord, for he is our refuge. We have been gut punched many times in the past and have learned from those experiences to take Shelter Under the Shadow of His Wing...

l.Wings of Assurance: under his wings all of creation is secure in his steadfast love, faithfulness, and judgments vv. 5-7

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the clouds.

Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
your judgments are like the great deep;
man and beast you save, O Lord.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

ll. Wings of Abundance: under his wings there is more than enough for life and godliness vv. 8-9

. They feast on the abundance of your house,

and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light

lll. Wings of Accessibility: under his wings the righteous have entrance into steadfast his love but the wicked are driven away vv. 10-12

Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
    and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,
    nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
There the evildoers lie fallen;
    they are thrust down, unable to rise.

Conclusion: As we look forward with uncertainty as to what the mass in Anita's body may prove to be, we look forward with no uncertainty about the One under whose wings we have taken refuge. His steadfast love extends to the heavens, his faithfulness to the clouds, his judgments are deeper than the deepest ocean . He saves both man and beast and all his children may take refuge in him. Not only do we have blessed Assurance, we have an Abundance of his grace to see us through whatever we may face. Moreover we have Access into this grace in which we stand through union with Christ and his mediation. Jesus, the mediator between God and man, is also our great High priest who can be touched by the feelings of our infirmities. Pray for us, and join us Sheltering under the shadow of his wings.

Theme: The Believer's Assurance in an Age of Confusion, Conflict and Chaos

Topic: Confidence in Christ

Text: Hebrews 10: 17-24 (ESV) "...let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith..." v. 22

Introduction: Afghanistan, covid resurgence, rocketing costs of living, civil unrest, political discord, generational and racial division and strife, greed, immorality, hatred, violence, war and crime are EVER PRESENT- EVERYWHERE. Anxiety, fear, and depression knock at all our doors! Having now spent 82 years on planet earth I am utterly convinced that philosophy, secularism, and religion without Christ, offer only band aids for a world bleeding to death. Meanwhile the Gospel of Christ holds the solution for the ills of humanity. Solutions available to all who place their...

l. Faith in the person of Christ: the identity, credibility, and authority of his name v.19

"....Jesus..."

note: Matt. 1:21 "...She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”, Phil. 2:9 - 11 "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

ll. Faith in the provision of Christ: in and by him we have atonement for our sin, access to the presence of God, and the privilege living our lives in ways that are pleasing to him vv. 19-25ab

Therefore, brothers,[ since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another...

lll. Faith in the promise of Christ: the Day of Christ return promised by the prophets, apostles and Jesus himself v. 25c

...and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Note: The Day when all is made right, justice and mercy are meted out, Christ followers rewarded with Heaven and his rejectors rewarded with a well deserved Hell!

Conclusion: Are you in Christ? I pray so! If you are in Christ do you really trust him? Then why should you be dismayed by the Confusion, Conflict, and Chaos of a fallen world which is enslaved to the devil, the prince and power of this world? Why should you be depressed by anxiety and fear? Believe what you believe! Rise up in the power and presence of Jesus. Speak and live in the authority of his NAME and all that his name implies! If you are not yet a Christ follower, TODAY is the day of Salvation, repent of your sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Theme: Taming Trauma through the Presence and Peace of Christ

Topic: Taming Trauma

Text: John 20:19-22 (ESV) "...Peace be with you..." v. 21

Introduction: Hospital trauma units valently work at saving the lives of those facing imminent death. The mental health workers endeavor to relieve the distress of patients who have been traumatized psychologically. Most of us have personally experienced physical and emotional trauma in one way or another. The disciples of Jesus were no exception.They were deeply distressed and disturbed, traumatized by the events of the weekend. Jesus was crucified before their very eyes three days earlier. Sunday evening found them hiding in fear behind locked doors dazed, and confused by the news of the day.

Here are some of the questions they may have been asking, "Are we next will we suffer the same fate as Jesus? Can it be true that he is no longer dead? I wonder what will happen next? Who or what should believe? They desperately needed to hear from Jesus say "Peace be to you..."

l. Peace that is bestowed through his presence: the anxiety of the disciples was calmed by the physical presence of Jesus .Our fears and confusion are allayed by the spiritual presence of Jesus v. 19

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors were locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

ll. Peace that is bestowed through his passion: through love incomprehensible and immeasurable, Jesus bore the guilt and shame of the sins of humanity by his atoning sacrifice.Through which we may be reconciled to God vv. 20-21

”When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you...

lll. Peace that is bestowed through his purpose: we are sent by Jesus, empowered by his Spirit with the purpose of proclaiming the message of peace with God vv. 21- 22

... As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Conclusion: The trauma of the disciples of Jesus were allayed through his presence, passion, and purpose . The trauma of our fears, frustration, and fuzziness if we allow it, will dissipate when we let his peace govern our hearts and minds. Through him our sins are forgiven and in him our souls find rest. Listen carefully, and your traumatized soul will hear, "peace to you."

Theme: Good News for a World that Went Wrong

Topic: Righting the Wrong

Text: Romans 1:16-32 (ESV) "This good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight..." v.17

Introduction: It was Josh's voice on the phone, "Dad the surgery went well and I am in recovery. The surgeon was pleased with the outcome and I should be going home soon." Josh, my adult son, had vertebrae fused in his neck. I shared his joy and told others of its success. Three hours later the phone rang and it was my daughter-in-law Kimberly calling, "Something terrible happened and Josh is in intensive care on life support!" You can imagine the fear that overwhelmed me. After the surgery that had gone as planned, an Edema (a sack filled with fluid) developed restricting his breathing. Immediately, another surgery was required. For the next week or more, I watched my son struggle fighting for his life. Millenniums ago something horrible went wrong with the human race and it's still terribly wrong.The world that went wrong...

l. Suppresses the truth: the world suppresses the truth about God and creation vv. 18-21

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,[c] in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened

ll. Worships man made gods: images created in the mind cast in the likeness of our fantasies vv. 22-23

Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

lll. Becomes depraved and enslaved to sin: thinking and doing things that are morally bankrupt and personally destructive vv. 24-32

Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

lV. Can be made right: right with God, self and others vv. 16-17

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 1 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith,[a] as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”[b]

Conclusion: About a month later Josh was released from the hospital and sent home to recover. About five or six years have passed and he, though much improved, is still recovering. In the fullness of time God sent his one and only Son to give his life on the cross, as the Redeemer of a World that Went Wrong. Through faith in him we are made right with God, and are in the healing process of becoming right with ourselves and others. Jesus alone can make us right with God. How about you, are you in right standing with God?

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:9-10 You can be right with him!

Theme: The Eternal God: Who Sees, Sends, and Saves

Topic: The Great I Am

Text: Exodus 3:1- 22 selected (ESV) "God said to Moses,"I AM WHO I AM..." Ex.3:14

Introduction: It's impossible to fathom a being who always was and shall forever be.Yet that's who God is! The Great "I AM WHO I AM." It's impossible to fathom beings so infinitesimally small as compared to him. Yet that's who we are! it's impossible to fathom the loving kindness The Great I Am bestows on lowly creatures such as we. It's impossible to fathom how much he cares for all who belong to him. But we know...

l. The Eternal God Sees: He sees the affliction and oppression of his people and hears their cry 3:7-9

Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them

ll.The Eternal God Sends: He call, equips, and sends a savior for his people 3:10-12

Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

lll. The Eternal God Saves: He liberates his people from bondage, enriches them by grace, and sets them aside for worship and service vv. 13-22

Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.”’ And they will listen to your voice, and you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now, please let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’'
But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”

Conclusion: The Great "I AM THAT I AM," in the fullness of time became one of us. He bore our sin and shame on the cross, shedding his blood for our redemption. Now, seated at the right hand of the majesty on high, he is ever interceding for us. Jesus, The Great "I AM", sees our destress, sends us help in the time of need, and will eventually save us from all our troubles.The Great "I AM THAT I AM" is for you, are you for him?

Theme: The Grace and Glory of the Great Awakening

Topic: The Great Awakening

Text: 2 Peter 1:16-21 (ESV) "...the morning star rises in your hearts..." v. 19

Introduction: As long as we have breath and live on the underside of heaven everyone greets the new day in one way or another. The optimist says,"Good Morning" and the pessimist says, "Good Grief it's Morning." I am curious which best describes you? Well if you are like me, it all depends on my mood, which can be either sunny and bright or cold and gloomy. Every day is an awakening, yet some awakenings are far more significant than others. For example the day I married Anita, the days when we greeted the arrival of our children and grandchildren. From a biblical perspective there is what many would say is "The Great Awakening". The moment in time when the soul awakens to the grace and glory of God and becomes...

l. Enamored with the Son of God: awakening to the majesty of his person and his work vv. 16-18

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son,[a] with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain

ll. Engrossed in the Word of God: which fortifies our faith and feeds our souls vv. 19-20

And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation

lll. Energized by the Spirit of God: convicting of sin, coviencing of Christ, comforting us in our hurtings, and coming within and upon v.21

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion: Historians tell us that there have been a number of Great Spiritual Awakenings in America. Can there be another? I pray so. Of this I am certain, there can be Spiritual awakenings and reawakenings for each of us if we become Enamored with the Son of God, Engrossed in the Word of God, and Energized by the Spirit of God. Rather than focusing on the spiritual and moral decadence of the world let's focus on the "Morning Star" and bask in the brightness of the "Son of God" and invite others share its rays with us. Amen!

Theme: Heaven's Hotline -Help for the Asking

Topic: Free for the Asking

Text: Psalm 54:1-7 (ESV) "Behold, God is my helper..."v. 4

Introduction: I am by nature an independent sort of person finding it difficult to ask for help. However, circumstances frequently challenge my prideful self sufficiency and I have no other recourse but to ask for help. Things break that I can not fix. Friends are sympathetic, but some often things are beyond their ability to help. Anxiety and adversity are common in my life and in yours as well. The question is where do we turn to find one who is willing and able to help us at any time, anywhere with any problem? We have access to Heaven's Hotline.which is the freedom of...

l. Calling upon the Lord: He is our helper and the upholder of our lives vv. 1-2

O God, save me by your name,
and vindicate me by your might.
O God, hear my prayer;
give ear to the words of my mouth.

ll. Speaking to Him about our troubles: telling the Lord about all our needs whether great or small v.3

For strangers[b] have risen against me;

ruthless men seek my life;
they do not set God before themselves.

lll. Putting all our confidence in Him: our God is faithful, willing, and able to do for us whatever is necessary vv. 4-5

Behold, God is my helper;

the Lord is the upholder of my life.
He will return the evil to my enemies;

in your faithfulness put an end to them.

lV. Celebrating His intervention on our behalf: thanking God for his goodness and our deliverance vv. 6-7

With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good.
For he has delivered me from every trouble,
and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.

Conclusion: Why wait to call upon God when all else has failed? Why not consult Him on every matter whether great or small? God is an ever present help in the time of need. Jesus the Son of God is the atoning sacrifice, the only mediator between God and man. He is our advocate and Great High Priest. The Holy Spirit, indwells all who believe in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, comforting, convicting and helping all who call on the name of the Lord. Call Someone Who Cares, God!

Theme:Palm Sunday: The Parade of Parades

Topic: The Parade of Parades

Text: Matthew 21:11 (ESV) "Behold, your king is coming to you..." v.5

Introduction: In the fourth century A.D., the emperor Constantine demanded that people everywhere wear their finest and parade in honor of the resurrection Christ. Easter Parades became common in America shortly after the Civil War. Each year worldwide, parades are held celebrating special days, celebrities, championships. Some are extravagant while others simple, some local others national, some are noble while others are ignoble. But one stands out from all the others. It was staged in Jerusalem nearly 2000 years ago . We along with millions of others celebrate Palm Sunday. Which is in my opinion the most important parade in history. For me it is the Parade of Parades. Why? It...

l. Reinforces faith: Palm Sunday is the fulfillment of Ancient prophecy and the authoritative Word of God upon Christianity is built vv. 1-5

Note: The Apostle Peter makes this clear in 2 Peter 1:16-21)

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

5 “Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt,[a] the foal of a beast of burden.’”

ll. Exemplifies surrender: Jesus became flesh, humbled himself as a servant of God, and the ultimate sacrifice for the sin of humanity v. 5

:"Behold' your king is coming to you, humble..."

"Christ our king suffered the worst indignity and humiliation by his death on the cross. We who wish to be his disciples must deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow him

lll. Assigns responsibility: our duty is to give him the honor of which he is due and tell the world who he is vv.6-10

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

lV. Determines destiny: what the rest of our natural lives will become and where and with whom we will spend eternity

v,5 ‘Behold, your king is coming to you... Palm Sunday Fulfills ancient prophecy, Foreshadows the cataclysmic future (When Christ returns as King of kings and Lord of lords, rescuing the righteous, destroying the wicked by the brightness of his coming, then sets in judgement of both the living and the dead -2 Thess. 2:8), and Forces a decision for or against Christ.

Conclusion: Where will you spend eternity? Heaven? Hell? The choice is yours. Today is the day of Salvation, none of us has a guarantee that there will be a tomorrow!

Theme:The Resurrection of Christ - Fact or Fiction?

Topic: Easter, Fact or Fiction?

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1- 20 (NLT - selected) "But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead..." v.20

Introduction: The Christian Faith may not thrive, but it can survive without sound Bible teaching and effectual prayer. It is weakened when believers fail to worship, fellowship, and share God's life together. It will remain even when men and women who claim to be disciples of Christ think and behave as if they are children of the devil. And if there was only the crucifixion of Christ without his resurrection, he is just another false prophet and a terrible fraud. Without the resurrection of Christ The Christian Faith is a farce and we who believe it are fools."But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead."

l. Validated by Scripture: Jesus died and rose again according to the scriptures vv.1-4

(The Hebrew Prophets predicted the death and resurrection of Christ hundreds of years before they occured)

Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters,[a] of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. 2 It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place.[b]3I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said

ll.Validated by eyewitness reports: As many as 500 witnesses testify to the resurrection of Christ and to our knowledge never disavowed it vv.5-6

. 5 He was seen by Peter[c] and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers[d] at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles

lll. Validated by transformed lives: as evidenced by dramatic change in the lives of the early Disciples and Apostles vv. 5,10

(Prime examples - the once cowardly Peter, and one time terrorist Paul were transformed into two of the greatest witnesses for Christ the world will ever know) 5 He was seen by Peter10 But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. 11 So it makes no difference whether I preach or they preach, for we all preach the same message you have already believed.

lV. Validated by the existence of God's Church: In the day of the original Disciples and Apostles to this very hour, the devil and his mentions (spiritual and political) have opposed and assaulted the Church of God. Nonetheless the Church is overcoming and defeating the devil and his cohort.v.8

8 Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him. 9 For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.

Conclusion: Easter begs the question, Is it fact or fiction? According to the Bible our eternal destinies are determined by how we answer the question. The fate of those who reject the Message of the Gospel (Christ died in our place for our sins, and was raised from the dead three days later. Vindicating his claim to be The Son of God and Savior of the world) are doomed to an eternity of endless torment, banished from the gracious presence of God. We who believe the Good News will spend eternity in the wonderful presence of God, and with all who have put their faith in the Fact that Christ has been raised from the dead. What do you believe, Easter Fact or Fiction?

Theme: The Great Rescue: How God Saves Us From our Sinful Selves

Topic: The Great Rescue

Text: Romans 7:24-8:4 {NLT)

Introduction: Camp Cedar Crest is located in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, where I spent a week each summer during my High School years.. It's pristine setting was exceeded by the presence of pretty girls and a variety of athletic events. Although I wouldn't have admitted it back then, it's main attraction for me was having a fresh encounter with God. Sermons and emotional worship fired me up with renewed determination to be a really "Good Christian." But to my dismay, my resolve rapidly dissolved, and I would lapse into the sinful thoughts, patterns and practices that I had recently renounced. I too often felt like I was drowning in sea of guilt, frustration and despair. A dilemma much like that which Apostle Paul described in Romans 7:14-24. i suspect we all sooner or later feel like we are...

l. Drowning in a sea of internal confusion: created by what we ideally want to be and the reality of what we actually do 7:14-17

14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

ll Drowning in a sea of spiritual hopelessness: despair arising from repeated failure to perform according to religious rules, practices and observances 7:21-24

21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power[b] within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin

lll. Drowning in a sea of absolute helplessness: feelings of inadequacy arising from reliance upon our natural ability rather than atonement of Christ and the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit 7:25 - 8:4

Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature.[c] So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.

Conclusion: God to the rescue! Guilt and shame are absolved through the atonement of Christ and the accrediting of his righteousness to our spiritual "Debit Cards." The rip tide of sin that threatens to drown us, has been overcome by the power and presence of the Spirit of Christ. Through gifts of the Father - his Son and his Spirit- we are enabled to say "NO" to sin and "YES" to righteousness. He works within us, both to will and to do his good pleasure. In Christ we are guiltless, hopeful, and more than adequate to conquer the undertow of sin and Satan and sail freely on the sea of life. Believe it! Live it live it!

Theme: Grace for When Says No

Topic: When God Says No

Text: 2 Cor. 12:7-10 (NLV)

Introduction: When I was a child I didn't like being told, no! And now that I am old, I still don't like it! To be honest i don't even like it when God says, "No!" But he often does. Such was the case for the Apostle Paul at the time he wrote I "...was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me....Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away..." but he didn't. God said no! Wow! God said "no" to the great and godly Saint Paul! Yes he did, and still says no to us when it is for good and his glory. The "NO" of God releases the Grace of God which...

l.Gives purpose to our pain: God uses pain to protect us from ourselves and to perfect us in the faith v.7

7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud,

ll. Makes Satan his puppet: the devil is allowed to do his dirty work on God's people at the expense of his own defeat v. 7

I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.

lll. Is more than sufficient: for all we needs in time and for eternity vv.8 - 9a-c

8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need.

lV. Turns our weaknesses into strength: His power equips us to persevere in the face of life's "Thorniest" problems v.9 d-e

My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

V. Deepens our intimacy with Christ: the privileges of being united with him in person and being made partners with him in sufferings v.10

That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Conclusion: What is your "thorniest" problem? If God should say "NO,"to your prayers, remember his grace "is all you need" and his "power works best in weakness." The question is,"Do you believe it?" Pehaps you will ask, "What is grace?" The answer, it's unmerited favor, which means it can't be earned, but it is freely given to all who put their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Looking back over the 80 plus years of my life I rejoice in all Gracious "No" of God. Time and time again he has rescued me from my arrogant self and the snare of Satan by saying "No!" Truly, more often than not God says, "Yes!" to my prayers and yours. But it is just as good when he say,"No!" Amen?