Sermon Notes

Dec 3rd

A Biblical Understanding of God: A study of the attributes of God


God's Sovereignty (Complete authority and rule in everything that exists in all creation)

Psalm 115:3, Job 42:2, Proverbs 19:21, Ephesians 1:11, Psalm 103:19, 1 Chronicles 29:11-12, Psalm 135:6, Isaiah 46:9-10


What God's sovereignty means for us:

  1. God has complete freedom to do as He pleases.
  2. Because of God's nature (faithfulness, goodness, justice, mercy, grace, love) He will use His freedom in the best possible way.
  3. As sovereign, God can extend free will to His creatures without ever losing control.
  4. We must individually make our decision to either align iwth or rebel against God's sorvereignty with all its resulting consequence. John 3:16-18

Nov 26th

A Biblical Understanding of God: A study of the attributes of God


God Omnipotence (Total Power)

Psalm 147:5, Revelation 19:6, Jeremiah 32:27, Revelation 1:8,

Hebrew 1:3, 2 Peter 1:3


What God's omnipotence means for us:

  1. God possesses what no other being can: incomprehensible, infinite power. No two beings can have infinite power.
  2. God doesn't give away His power.  He may extend power to others, but God's power never changes or lessens.
  3. The only limitation to God's power is God Himself.  He may choose not to display His power based on some other attribute of His nature (compassion, mercy) James 1:2-4
  4. The unsaved person often sees the omnipotence of God as a treat.  The saved person sees it as a comfort.

Nov 19th

Being Thankful in the Troubles of Life


Philippians 4:4-6 - in everything

Ephesians 5:20 - for everything

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - in everything


How?

  1. Focus on who God is.  Troubles my bring deeper dependency.
  2. Focus on what God has done. Troubles may bring a more reliable testimony.
  3. Focus on where you are headed. 1 Corinthians 1:3-6 Troubles my bring greater maturity.  Along the way, I can testify to others to how He moved, worked & healed in my life.  James 1:2-4
  4. Focus on how God will use this to bring honor to His name. Troubles may bring excelling glory. Acts 4-5 (*5:41) The trouble may point others to Christ.

It's how we grow to look

more like Christ.



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