December 21st

The Original

Christmas Sermon

Luke 2:1-14


  • Fear not
  • There is Good News
  • Of Great Joy
  • For All People
  • A Savior, Christ the Lord
  • Give Glory to God
  • One Earth, peace to all.

December 14th

1 & 2 Samuel: A Study in Godly Leadership


That Which Consumes the Mind of a Godly Leader

1 Samuel 13:1-23


It is NOT cosumed with the thoughts of . . .

  • The enemy (v4-5)
  • The conflict (v 6-7)
  • The strength or number of followers (v 8-12)
  • The number or makeup of the tools at hand. (v 19-22)

It IS consumed by . . .

  • The heart of the Lord. (v 14) What's in the heart of the Lord? love, holiness, kindess, grace, forgiveness. Ask: God, What do you want to day? What are you greived about? What is on your heart?
  • The power of the Lord. If God is for us, who can be against us?
  • The command of the Lord. (v 13)
  • The calling of the Lord. (v 1)

December 7th

1 & 2 Samuel: A Study in Godly Leadership


How Followers Can Help Make a Godly Leader Successful

1 Samuel 12:1-25


Samuel gives defense of his leadership. (v 1-5)


Samuel gives a defense of God's leadership. (v 6-13)


Positive conditions for success: (v 14)

  1. Fear the Lord.
  2. Serve Him (not necessarily leaders).
  3. Obey His voice.
  4. Do not rebel against His commands. Then we get to continue to exist.

Negative Conditions for Failure

  1. Do not obey His voice.
  2. Rebel against His command.

God wants us to understand the seriousness of what we might provoke. (v 16-19)


We need to refocus (v 24-25) The past is past. We need to look forward to the future.

  • God is faithful.
  • Godly leaders will be faithful.
  • God followers must be faithful to experience God's full blessing.

Depression 

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

Series

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 one 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)

Notes

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