"REST IN THE LORD"
I. THE DIFFICULTY.
A. We are living in a topsy turry world.
1. The wicked seem to prosper more than the righteous.
2. The wicked have the advantage, they are crooked, corrupt and prosperous.
3. The good honest people are often their victims.
4. It appears that evil will conquer over good.
a. A public school teacher was recently fired for suggesting that
man was possibly created.
b. A court ruling ordered the schools to give a classroom for use
by a gay club.
1. A court ruling upheld the right of the school to refuse
a classroom for a Bible Club.
c. Your little girl can have an abortion without your knowledge
or consent, but not her ears pierced.
d. It is legal to use profane language in school It is not legal
to pray.
5. It's hard to rest in the LORD.
B. Some of the simplest commandments are the hardest to obey.
1. "Rest in the LORD" sounds simple enough, try it!
a. It seems that nothing is changing, I want action.
b. God's timing isn't in sync with mine, I want it now!
c. God seems reluctant to destroy my enemies, I want blood! Jonah
2. Allow me a couple questions.
a. What have you accomplished with all your schemes and efforts?
1. Things are probably in a worse state.
2. Like quicksand the more you struggle the faster
you go down.
b. At this state what have you got to lose by resting in the LORD.
II. THE NECESSITY OF RESTING IN THE LORD.
A. Worry and anxiety will not solve problem.
1. Often makes you less able to cope.
2. Which of you by worrying can add 6 inches to his height?
B. Anxiety often creates other problems.
C. Fretting often leads to wrong actions.
1. I try to fight evil with evil.
2. I become as guilty as those I am asking God to judge.
III. HOW TO REST IN THE LORD.
A. Negative.
1. Fret not.
2. Envy not.
B. Positive.
1. Trust in the LORD.
a. He knows.
b. He cares for you.
c. He is able.
d. He doesn't need my help, "I'll help you grandpa."
2. "Delight thyself in the LORD"
a. Start thanking and praising Him.
b. Get your eyes on Him.
c. "He shall give thee the desires of thy..."
3. Commit thy way unto the LORD.
a. Real secret of rest.
b. You will never fully rest until you have fully committed.
c. LORD I commit it to you, the outcome.
Whatever, Whenever, However!
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Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013)
Pastor Chuck was used in the Jesus People revival where he was used along with others to minister to the hippy young people. They saw a work of the Spirit where many were added to the church and discipled. He has raised up many pastors who are a part of the Calvary Chapel movement now and where he pastors the large Costa Mesa church in California.The Calvary Chapel movement is based of simple principles that Chuck Smith taught over the years such as: The priority of agape love, Simple fellowship amongst the saints, the breaking of bread, the teaching of God's word chapter by chapter and verse by verse. And lastly and most importantly the principle not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord.