The Growing Life

Paul prays for growth in Philippians, Colossians, and Ephesians

"The Growing Life"

Introduction: Tragedy of child that never grows up - 1 Corinthians 3:1 - Tragedy of those who fail to grow up spiritually. 6 ways to Grow - Grow in love, true knowledge, and perfect judgement.

I. By allowing Holy Spirit to fill your life and give you power - Ephesians 5:18. Holy Spirit to be everything to Disciples that He was while on earth - Galatians 5:16; 3:3. Your friend- John 15:14; your guide, teacher- John 14:26; director- Acts 13:2; your assurance of Salvation - Ephesians 1:13; partner in prayer - Romans 8:26-27; source of power - Ephesians 3:16.

II. By keeping His commands - John 14:15; 14:21a - Most commands are 1. to love people; 2. to evangelize.

III. By following Christ in Baptism and serving Him in fellowship with believers. Acts 2:41-42 (believers, baptized and shared together in worship, prayer, fellowship, and witnessing)

IV. By daily Prayer and Study of God's Word - 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 4:1-10; Philippians 4:6-7

V. By Being a Faithful Manager of all the gifts God gives to you. 1 Corinthians 4:2. It is required of stewards that a man be found faithful. 1 Peter 4:10 - Good for all.

VI. As you share your faith by your life and your words - Acts 1:8.

Can others tell that you're different?
Do others hear from your lips what Jesus Christ has done for you?
There is no road to Spiritual growth that neglects your personal witness for Jesus Christ.

At Jesus' Feet

At Jesus' Feet
Philippians 2:9-11

Sermon by Jack Nazary
Midway Baptist - 1991
West Carthage Baptist Mission - 1997

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I. For Forgiveness - Luke 7:36-38 - She stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

II. For Healing - Luke 9:11 - And the people, when they knew it, followed him; and he received them and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. Matthew 9:23 - And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise. 9:20 - And, behold, a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood 12 years, came behind him and touched the hem of his garment. 9:21 - For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. 9:22 - But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole from that hour.

III. For Instructions - Luke 10:38-39 - And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His word.

IV. In Distress - John 11:28-32 - Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thous hadst been here, my brother had not died.

V. In Prayer - Luke 8:41 - And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue; and he fell down at Jesus; feet, and besought him that he would come to his house.

VI. For Worship - Matthew 28:9 - And behold Jesus met and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him.

Psalms 23

Psalms 23
by Estelle Nazary

This little psalm is a message of great beauty, describing the peace and calm delight which dwell with one whose trust is wholly in God. David's thoughts are happy thoughts - he lacks nothing, has no fear. God's mercy and goodness are with him and he feels assured that they will continue to be with him all his life. He has but one desire for the future and that is to dwell in the presence of God forever.
As we think of this scripture, we would like to consider it as a bouquet of sweet peas.
1. Psalm of great beauty, sweetness, of purpose and of happy thoughts.
2. "The Lord is my Shepard" Provision - This is the key note of the whole Psalm. This is the voice of personal experience. Christ is the shepherd. He seeks and saves the lost, ruling and feeding each one who follows him laying down his life for the flock. Can you say, "The Lord is My Shepherd"? I shall not want that is therefore can I lack nothing. He gives everything one needs.
3. Plenty - (verse 2) - gives food and rest. He provides spiritual food and rest. Waters of refreshment for us spiritually. He revives the soul and reinvigorates it when it is exhausted and weary.
4. Paths (verse 3) - He leadeth me in paths of pleasantness and peace to magnify his name as a gracious and merciful God.
5. Protector (verse 4) - Give assurance of God's presence with us when we need help and strength. He will not fear because the same gracious God will be with him, leading him, guiding his steps, keeping him from evil. The rod and staff comfort me. However long and dreary the way through the dark valley, I shall still have guidance and protection.
6. Power (verse 5) - God prepares his table laid before his enemies. His whole life full to overflowing with blessedness. His cup is not only full to the brim but runs over with happiness.
7. Peace (verse 6) - David has no doubt that God's goodness and mercy shall continue to cling to him all his life. Perfect peace and blessedness is his to enjoy.
8. Praise (verse 6b) - To live with God forever to behold his beauty. This expresses the longing of the soul for the continual presence of God and communion with him forever. Lifelong and everlasting companionship is his blessing.

What is your story? Can we truly say the Lord is MY shepherd?

Worship Experience

Worship Experience
Psalm 95:6-7

by Estelle Nazary

The worshiper fails when he does not worship. Worship means an encounter with God. How to learn to worship better!

I. Recognize importance of worship
1. What is worship? bow down ..show reverence..appreciation of God..quicken the conscience by presence of God.. Expression of reverence in body, soul, and spirit.

2. We need to worship. We are to worship our maker, our Lord, our God, not anything He has made. It is a privilege and responsibility. We need to rid ourselves of our guilt, emotional or spiritual needs. God is the only one who can take away our guilt.

3. It gives direction and understanding. How to live our life and He gives us guidance.

4. We need to be renewed. We are a spiritual being.

II. Imperatives of Worship
1. Attention - requires our attention. We don't worship because we don't settle down. "Be still and know that I am God." Calm and quiet voice. God must have our attention.

2. Acknowledge God is God..He is above man.

3. Activity - God speaks. Person confesses sin to God. Lets God heal a hurt. Forgives someone who has hurt. Rededicates life to God.

III. Imparting of Worship
1. Discernment - Psalm 73 - Bitterness toward God. In worship experience, you recognize what is SO very important.

2. Direction - We are confused and need direction. Need someone to guide and this is what we find in worship. Example: A girl is lost and simply says "If you take me to my church, I can find my way home!

The Crisis of Nineveh

The Crisis of Nineveh
Jonah 1:1-3; 3:1-3

by Estelle Nazary

God's impending judgment. A messenger of God came to warn the people of impending judgment. The people repented and God saved the city. "Jonah" is a book of God.

I. The crisis - People chose to sin. Jonah was God's messenger. The city was sinful and terrible. God is about to judge and destroy the city. They have 40 days to repent. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now God has established judgment. Judgment is a reality. It is appointed that man is to die and after that judgment. Repent means to turn around.

II. The Concern of God. Jonah 4:11
120,000 people who are lost. God is concerned about us even as he was in Nineveh. God came walking in the cool of the days in the Garden of Eden to fellowship with Adam and Eve. "Adam sinned and tried to hide from God." Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost. Adam, where are you? God knew where he was. "Adam, do you know where you are?"

Revelation 22
The spirit and the bride say "come". God declares his concern for people. God demonstrated his concern. He called Jonah and sent him and gave him the message to carry to Nineveh so they could be saved. Never enough to say you care unless you are willing to demonstrate your concern. "no one came today" every day for 6 months a woman who lived alone wrote in her diary. God's keenest desire is to have everyone saved. Jesus died for all. He died to keep us from hell.

III. His Commission - Jonah 2:1
Jonah was already a preacher. He preached to Jews, but God wanted him to go to Nineveh. The Lord got Jonah's attention. Matthew 28:19-20 - Then God gave him a commission. We know where the lost people are, but we aren't doing anything. The urgency, emergency of the commission - 40 days. The work of the church should be with urgency, enthusiasm and love for God and people. Same gospel, same God, same message, same commission....

Renew our commitment - Rededicate my life - Lost

Love

Today, my dear grandmother would have been 85 years old. I am sure she is much happier in heaven, but days like this are always for remembering. I can't help but wish she was here so we could have a huge 85th birthday party for her that she would have hated. I wish she could have met my wonderful husband and of course, her granddaughter Olivia. I wish she could have been here longer, but I have the assurance that she is flying high in heaven with our Lord even as I write these words.

I miss you Grandmother! Happy Birthday!

Love
by Estelle Nazary

"God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit." Romans 5:5

Characteristics of love:
Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. you will always believe in him, always expect the best of him and always stand your ground in defending him.

Romans 12:9 - "Let love be real"

The Christian Home

The Christian Home

Ephesians 5:22-26

Sermon by Jack Nazary
West Jackson Baptist - 1963
Colonial Hills - 1966 & 1971

Introduction: The future of our nation is very decidedly at stake. J. Edgar Hoover says "As goes the Christian homes of America, so goes our nation."

Over five million of the more than thirty million public school age boys and girls come from broken homes. 150,000 additional boys and girls go to psychiatrists each year for mental treatment - their difficulties arising from the broken home situation, resulting in a lack of love, care, and security.

Divorce rate in America is 3 1/2 percent higher than that of England, 3 % higher than that of France (the percentage is now almost one out of 2 marriages goes on the rocks). The divorce rate is over 800% since the Civil War. Yet the majority of marriages succeed.

I. Reasons for Divorce

A. Contractual attitude toward marriage - this influenced largely by Hollywood. Marriage is a commitment for life, not a contract to be broken by either party. Most people who get divorces should never have married at all.

B. They marry for physical attraction alone. Love at first sight...Love Story magazine...Love story book.

C. Failure of the home, church, and school to prepare for marriage. Little do we care for the marriage of our children inside the will of God.

II. Responsibility of parents to children

A. A cordial welcome
1. Genesis: "Be fruitful and multiply"
2. Psalm 127: "Children are an heritage of the Lord."
3. The Home should: want children, expect children, and plan for children
4. God's will should be considered in the number of children.
5. Some couples lavish love on a dog or a cat instead of children. Twice as much is spent in America on dog food as on preacher's salaries. (two preachers to one dog)
6. It is good for both to work for a while - provision for children (going on to school)

B. Careful Protection
1. Babies are helpless
2. They need protection from:
a. loneliness
b. Hunger
c. Harm
d. Disease
3. Teenagers need to be protected from:
a. Temptation
b. Trouble
c. Harm
4. Teenagers need good recreation:
a. Fellowship
b. Shuffleboard
c. Badminton
5. The blindest people to the problems of teenagers are the parents of teenagers.
6. The homes should be congregating places for teenagers.
7. People can be brought to Christ through a recreational program.
8. "The Devil as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour"
9. A seven day ministry is needful for the church today.

C. Christian Affection
1. Example - Newlywed and "hen pecked" husband meet. Newlywed: "I have the sweetest wife." I've named her after a flower - Rose." "Hen - pecked": "I named my wife after a flower too - Snap dragon."
2. Some husbands and wives use crude common expression to refer to their mates "My ol man" "my ol woman" Children use these terms also in referring to their parents.
3. Terms of love, affection, and deep respect should be used.

D. Corrective Discipline - not police action
1. Example - a 16 year old once said, "mother was always on talking terms with God and spanking terms with me."
2. Susan Wesley, the mother of 19 children said: 1. "I always broke a child's stubborn streak by the time he was one year old" 2. "I never gave a child anything that he continued to cry for."
3. Psychiatrists have said that all sex deviates have one thing in common, they were spoiled, pampered children.
4. Some say don't spank a little child; you will warp his personality.
5. The child should not be expected to make decisions on his own at an early age. He needs help from his parents in making them.

E. Christian Example
1. Example: A man, his wife and two teenage children came on profession of faith one Sunday (First Church, Dallas). 16 year old son had died in a car wreck the week before and gone to hell because of the influence of his mother and father.
2. Boys and girls will go to hell because parents tell them to - by their example.
3. Example: A farmer was asked if his son could go to the Training Union Assembly. He replied, "I don't have to make a crop, but I sure got to make a man out of that boy."
4. Example: A mother had led her daughter to the Lord. When the preacher came to visit, the daughter ran out to meet him and said, "Brother Williams, I have the dearest mother in the world. She has always loved and cared for me, and now she has led me to Christ and I am a Christian."
5. Example: The 11 year son of a dedicated Memphis lawyer was in the hospital and doctors had reported that he was soon to die. When the dad went in to see his son, the son said, "Dad, I'm not going to live long, but if God's anything like you, I'm not afraid to die."

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In the 45 years since my Granddaddy preached this sermon, things have gone from bad to worse. It is sad to think of the trend in our country. At age 9, I was a child of divorce. I was in the minority. Most of my friends lived with both mom and dad. I lived with mom and step-dad. It is weird to think how things have changed just in my lifetime. It is so evident in working with teenagers everyday that most of the problems they face are directly related to home. Almost all of our students come from broken homes.

Here are some of the statistics I found on-line:

"Half of all children will witness the breakup of a parent's marriage. Of these, close to half will also see the breakup of a parent's second marriage."
Furstenberg, Peterson, Nord, and Zill, "Life Course," 656ff. Cited on page76 ofThe Abolition of Marriage, by Maggie Gallagher

"The number of children involved in divorces and annulments stood at 6.3 per 1,000 children under 18 years of age in 1950, and 7.2 in 1960. By 1970 it had increased to 12.5; by 1975, 16.7; by 1980, the rate stood at 17.3, a 175 percent increase from 1950. Since in 1972, one million American children every year have seen their parents divorce. "
Brian Willats, Breaking Up is Easy To Do, available from Michigan Family Forum, citing Statistical Abstract of the United States, 1993.

"The number of children living with both parents declined from 85 to 68 percent between 1970 and 1996. The proportion of children living with one parent has grown from 12 percent to 28 percent during this same time span."
Quoted from Census Bureau's release about its report on MARITAL STATUS AND LIVING ARRANGEMENTS