Sermon Notes

November 17th

Hebrews: It's all

about Jesus


The God To Whom

We Can Relate

Hebrews 4:14-16

  1. Jesus is the perfect intercessor. (v 14) High Priest-from the lineage of Aaron and is the top spritual leader that was able to go into the Holy of Holies. Everyone one of them were flawed/ sinful. NOT JESUS
  2. Therefore, we need to hold fast to our confession. (v 14) Roman 10:9-"that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe inyhour heart that God has raised Him from the dead you will be saved."
  3. God sympathizes with our weaknesses. (v 15) Sympathy-to feel, to commiserate, to feel compassion for. Jesus didn't come to understand us better or feel what it's like to be human.  He already knew and understood us.  He came so that we could relate better to Him.
  4. We can come boldly to the Lord seeking grace and mercy. (v 16) He invites us to come.  We are heirs to glory.


November 10th

Hebrews: It's all

about Jesus


Responding to God's Invitiaton

Hebrews 4:1-13

Context:

Verse 1: Since a promise remains of entering His rest, our only true fear should be of NOT entering it.

Verses 2-6: The Good News was preached to them but there was no belief.

Verses 9-10: We who have believed have already entered into God's eternal rest.


Responding:

  1. Let us be diligent to enter God's rest (v 1)
  2. We have all had plenty of examples of those who are not saved. (v 11) What's keeping anyone from making this decision?
  3. Scripture can pierce the hardest heart (v 12) The Bible convicts us so the KNOW the truth; however we must still CHOOSE to believe the truth.
  4. There is no hiding from God. (v 13)

November 3rd

Claim Your Promise Land

Pastor Ronnie Eason


Joshua 1:1-6

Joshua 21:43-45


The Israelites were in a land of bondage.  Everyday was a struggle and they called out to God.

He heard their cry and sent Moses to deliver them.

  1. The best days are ahead of us.

"You will get through this. It won't be quick. It won't be painless, but God will use this mess for good. Don't be foolish or naive, but don't despair either. With God's help you will get through this."  --Max Lucado


       2. We don't know our inheritance. God gave them the land but they didn't see it and disobeyed.  We are living in a wilderness of doubt and fear.


      3. We don't believe in our inheritance. God has promised us that we can inherit every promise He has made, but we have to take hold of it.


"These days are glory days. Your past is past, your future is bright.  God's promise are true and His Word is sure. With God as your helper, you will be all He wants you to be, do all He wants you to do, and receive all He wants you to receive. These days are glory days."


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