Sermon October 10th 2010 “My Grace is Sufficient. PS: I Love You.“ by Pastor Richard Daughtridge Sunday Morning 9:30 AM

“My Grace is Sufficient. PS: I Love You.” by Pastor Richard Daughtridge

“A strong foundation is built before the pressure (weight) that it needs to sustain.”

“ A war cannot be won planning strategy during the battle.”

Ever felt like things just couldn’t get better?                                                                                               Then someone or something caused your little utopia to spiral seemingly out of control. Doesn’t matter whether a person, a circumstance, a wrong decision or tragedy we will need faith and relationship with God to recover. God seems so far  away yet he is as close as ever.

Today we build a foundation to prepare for such moments and learn from the Apostle Paul’s roller coaster experiences.

The Apostle Paul  faced some seemingly insurmountable trials. His song must have changed from “Oh Happy Day”  to “Why me Lord?”.

The  bumper sticker on Paul’s  chariot read “_______ Happen’s “. Yes you got it right, “Grace Happens”.

One of the heaviest words on the Bible is forebear. It’s easier to say than do.

2 Cor. 12:6-20 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. [7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

[8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. [9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

[10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

[15] And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

[20] For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

These things Paul feared for the Christians , not for the unbelievers.

Our caution signs should read:

• Debates Speak the truth then let alone. A debate that can’t be won is worthless.
• Envyings Happiness is being happy for another.
• Wraths Getting even really is not even. It doubles the trouble.
• Strifes Anger must be controlled in the prayer closet.
• Backbitings Every one has an opinion and you can always find a sympathetic ear.
• Wisperings Never say anything out of one’s presence but give them audience.

OK,  God’s Grace is sufficient . What does that grace include:

1. His Presense

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

2. His Power

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

3. His Prayer

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

4. His Perfection

Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

5. His Peace

Philip. 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

6. His Protection

Psalm 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.