Sermon Notes

July 14th

With the events that occured over the weekend,


We spent the morning praying for our country.

July 7th

Following God in an Ungodly World: A Study from the Life of Daniel


The Message of the

Four Beast Vision

Daniel 7:1-28


Apocalyptic scripture (filled with symbols, focused on future events-for Daniel, significant focus on end-times.


Four Beasts - Four Kingdoms Compare to Daniel 2:37-40

  • Lion-Babylonian Empire
  • Bear-Medo-Persian Empire
  • Leopard-Greek Empire
  • Fourth Beast-Roman Empire

Horns-Kings (Rev. 17:3, 12-14)

  • Ten Horns-Ten kings with connection to the Roman Empire; though not necessarily linear
  • Another Horn- final king that follows all previous leasers-the Antichrist

-The Ancient of days-God the Father

-Son of Man- Jesus

-Books were opened-final judgment begins

-Beast was slain-Fall of the Antichrist at the 2nd coming of Jesus


The message for us (if we are in Christ)

  1. The Soveregnty of God -There is nothing for Christians to fear about the second coming of Jesus
  2. The Power of God - The Beast has njever been (and never will be) a match for Jesus.  WE WIN-everything else is just details.
  3. The Truth of God - God's Word is in complete harmony with itself, and is totally reliable.
  4. The Promise of God-The saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess it forever.


June 30th

Following God in an Ungodly World: A Study from the Life of Daniel


Four Methods for Christians to Face Antagonist

Daniel 6:1-23

  1. Distinguished Character (v 3-5) Give them no target for them to shoot at.  Not perfect, but not continuing in what we know is wrong. Character- acting the same in stress and while calm, in public as in private; in front of other as in front of the Lord.
  2. Determined Choice (v 10-11)  Following God even if it costs me everything,
  3. Dedicated Calling (v 21-22) Following through regardless of circumstances.
  4. Deliberate Conversations with God (v 10) Never stop praying!

Worse thing: Seeking revenge.  Daniel didn't have to because God avenged him.

When we seek revenge, we remove the opportunity to share the Gospel.


Depression Series Notes

October 30th

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 1


Who gets depressed? Everyone-all ages, races, education and economic status


Do faithful believers gets depressed? YES

Elijah-1 Kings 19:4, 9-10

Jeremiah-Lamentations 3:1-18

Job-Job 10:18-22

David-Psalm 38:6-8

Solomon-Ecclesiastes 1:1-7


Depression-a disturbance of mood that interfers with daily life and normal functioning for a length of time from weeks to years.  Depression is an illness that affects the total person - physically, emotionally & spiritually


Statistics:

  • 1 in 5 Americans live with mental health conditions
  • 1 in 4 women, 1 in 6 men
  • 50% of all lifetime mental health issues by age 14 & 75% by age 24
  • covid triggered a 25% increase in prevalence of mental health issues

Characteristcs:

  • Melancoly mood or sadness most of the time (for no apparent reason)
  • Felling of guilt or worthlessness
  • Withdraw from people who are close to you
  • Lack of energy; feeling tired all the time
  • Become easily angered, anxious or irritable
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Pessimism and indifference
  • Significant change in sleep patterns
  • Unable to concentrate
  • Aches and pains that hove no apparent medical cause
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Some Causes of Depression:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Lack of intimacy with God and sin
  • The stresses of life
  • Medical changes
  • Giving birth
  • Seasonal changes
  • Alcohol and drugs

*The biggest issue in dealing with depression is getting people to recognize that you might need help.*


God wants us to be well

and whole!

Jeremiah 33:3

James 5:13-14, 16

1 Peter 5:7

Psalm 86:5-7

November 6th

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 2

No one is immune from depression!


Physical vs Spiritual

Physical - Depression is treated with medicine

Spiritual -  Depression is a made up condition "All in your head/ need to get right with God."


The following words are not found in Scripture: depressed/ depression, cancer, COPD, diabetes or heart disease

Medicine - 4 times in Scripture

Doctor - 3 times

Physician - 12 times (NT-Jesus)


Depression is a medical condition that affects people physically, emotionally and spiritually.


Where to turn:

  • The Lord (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:1-3, Psalm 147:3
  • General Practitioner
  • OB/GYN
  • Counselors
  • Pastor
  • Psychiasrist-Diagnosis/ treatment of mental health disorders & gives out prescriptions/medications

Many of the characteristics of depression can be side effects of the medical issues.


The Road to Healing

  1. Admit your need.      (1 Peter 5:6-7) This is the #1 problem that pastors deal with.  Admitting that you may be depressed is not a sign of weakness.  It's a sign of being frail and human.
  2. Seek qualified medical assiatance. (Luke 5:31)
  3. Seek the Lord's guidance. (James 4:8, 10)
  4. Seek Godly counsel (Proverbs 19:20-21)

November 13th

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 3


Help for the Helpers


Learn about Depression -    2 Timothy 2:15

  • Know the signs
  • Realize the different thought patterns of those with depression. *Positive thinking doesn't work because of chemical changes in their brain.

Encourage treatment  Hebrews 10:24-25

  • Talk to the person about what you've seen and why you are concerned.
  • Emphasize the possible underlying medical condition.
  • Express your willingness to help (but only if you are able).

Warning signs of worsening - Philippians 2:4

  •  Important: Everyone is different.
  • Typical signs of depression in your family member/friend
  • Behaviors/language when they are doing well
  • Changing circumstances that could trigger more severe episodes

If you see signs...

-Encourage contact with a doctor/ psychatrist.

-Encourage/implement self-care steps.


Recognize suicide risks 

1 Peter 5:8

  • Talking about suicide/ death/not being here
  • Withdrawal
  • Increased usage of drugs/alcohol
  • Giving away things/ setting affairs in order/ saying "Goodbye"

If you see signs...

-Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

-Seek help. DO NOT KEEP SILENT! Call the doctor. Call family/friends. Call 911.


Provide support

  • Listen/be available
  • Give positive reinforcement
  • Encourage to stick with treatment
  • Make plans together
  • Help them stay connected with church family

Finally: BE PATIENT

1 Corinthians 13:4

Galatians 5:22