Sermon Notes

December 15th

The Frustrations of Christmas


For us: Travel, Crowds, Unexpected Guests, Gifts, Fear/Grief/Heartache


Also at the first Christmas:

Travel: Luke 2:4-5 (Joseph & Mary) & Matthew 2:1-2, 9 (Wisemen 12-18 months)

Crowds Luke 2:1, 7 Because of the crowds there was no room in the inn.

Unexpected Guests: Luke 2:15 (Shepherds), Matthew 2:11 (Wisemen)

Gifts: Matthew 2:13 Gold (for Royalty), Frankincense (for priesthood), Myrrh (for burial)

Fear: Matthew 2:13 The Flight to Egypt

Grief & Heartache: Matthew 2:16-18 Herod having all children under 2 slaughtered.


How are we supposed to overcome the frustrations of Christmas?

  1. We trust in the Word of God. Joseph (Matthew 1:18-24) Mary (Luke 1:26-38)
  2. We focus on Jesus, the Savior. Matthew 2:11, Luke 1:39, Luke 2:16

December 8th

Hebrews: It's all

about Jesus


The Perils of Procrastination

Hebrews 6:1-8


There is a stage at which every believer needs to study the basics of the faith. (v 1-3)

  1. Dead works-salvation not based on what I do, but my faith in Christ. Actions are a result of my salvation.
  2. Doctrines of baptism-John's (repentance), Jesus' (outward showing of an inward change), Holy Spirit (at the time of salvation-evidence is fruit of the spirit).
  3. Laying on of hands-impart blessing or a call into ministry.
  4. Resurrection of the dead.
  5. Eternal judgment

God will bring all those who hear the gospel to a point of decision regarding salvation. (v 4-6)

  • Unbelievers-seekers but not making the decision.

There is an inherent danger of repeatedly hearing the Gospel and never bearing fruit. (v 7) Luke 13:6-9


One cannot get fruit from a non-fruit bearing tree. (v 8) If I don't place my faith in Jesus, I won't bear fruit.

December 1st

Hebrews: It's all

about Jesus


Grow Up!

Hebrews 5:1-14

  • There is a stage at which every believer needs the "milk" of the Word. (v 12-13)
  • From there, we begin to learn the first principles of the oracles of God (Word of God) (v 12)
  • As we mature, we move on to more solid food as evidence by our discernment of good and evil. (v 14) *Application of knowledge*
  • There is a point which believers should be able to teach others. (v 12)

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