http://www.cbctoday.com/wp Cornerstone Baptist Church - Middletown NY Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:30:18 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 en-us ©Cornerstone Baptist Church advisor@cbctoday.com (Cornerstone Baptist Church) advisor@cbctoday.com(Cornerstone Baptist Church) Christian Teaching 1440 christian, bible teaching, sermons, baptist teaching, cornerstone church CBC Audio Cornerstone Baptist Church Cornerstone Baptist Church advisor@cbctoday.com No no http://cbctoday.com/wp/cbc-logo2.jpg http://www.cbctoday.com/wp 144 144 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/going-for-gold/going-for-gold-4/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/going-for-gold/going-for-gold-4/#comments Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:53:51 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=29 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/going-for-gold/going-for-gold-4/feed/ 56:57 Cornerstone Baptist Church - Going for Gold 4 Cornerstone Baptist Church - Going for Gold 4 Going,for,Gold Cornerstone Baptist Church no No http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/going-for-gold/going-for-gold-3/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/going-for-gold/going-for-gold-3/#comments Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:42:12 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=28 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/going-for-gold/going-for-gold-3/feed/ 49:20 Cornerstone Baptist Church - Going For Gold - 3 Cornerstone Baptist Church - Going For Gold - 3 Going,for,Gold Cornerstone Baptist Church no No http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/uncategorized/static-part-4/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/uncategorized/static-part-4/#comments Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:44:03 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=27 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/uncategorized/static-part-4/feed/ 55:21 Cornerstone Baptist Church - Static Part 4 Cornerstone Baptist Church - Static Part 4 Uncategorized Cornerstone Baptist Church no No http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/static/static-3/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/static/static-3/#comments Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:27:46 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=26 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/static/static-3/feed/ 52:54 Cornerstone Baptist Church - Static Partnbsp;3 Cornerstone Baptist Church - Static Partnbsp;3 Static Cornerstone Baptist Church no No http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/static/static-part-2/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/static/static-part-2/#comments Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:19:45 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=25 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/static/static-part-2/feed/ 35:51 Cornerstone Baptist Church - Static Part 2 Cornerstone Baptist Church - Static Part 2 Static Cornerstone Baptist Church no No http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/static/static-part-1-pastor-seth/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/static/static-part-1-pastor-seth/#comments Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:28:15 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=24 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/static/static-part-1-pastor-seth/feed/ 43:22 Cornerstone Baptist Church - Static 1 (Pastor Seth) Static Definition: * statmiddot;icnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;-adjective Also, statmiddot;imiddot;cal.nbsp;nbsp; 1. pertaining to or characterized by a fixed or stationary condition. 2. showing little or no ... Cornerstone Baptist Church - Static 1 (Pastor Seth) Static Definition: * statmiddot;icnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;-adjective Also, statmiddot;imiddot;cal.nbsp;nbsp; 1. pertaining to or characterized by a fixed or stationary condition. 2. showing little or no change: a static concept; a static relationship. 3. lacking movement, development, or vitality. Today we are going to learn of a man who was "static" until he was changed by Christ. o-NES-i-mus #38; Philemon * Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house. - Philemon 1-2 * For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you-being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ-nbsp; I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains,Philemon 7-10 nbsp;* Who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.nbsp; For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever,nbsp; no longer as a slave but more than a slave-a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. Philemon 11-16 *How to avoid being STATIC *1. DON'T DENY YOUR PROBLEMS; FACE THEM. * I am sending (Onesimus)-who is my very heart-back to you. Philemon 12 * SO, WHAT'S KEEPING YOU STATIC? * With your Static, you can nbsp; Curse it. Nurse it. nbsp;Let God reverse it. nbsp;* This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's...Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'nbsp; 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17 * 2. DON'T FOCUS ON WHAT WAS, BUT ON WHAT CAN BE. * Formerly (Onesimus)was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. Philemon 11 *For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.nbsp; Ephesians 5:8 * Once you were alienated from God...But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death...Colossians 1:21-22 * 3. DON'T LIVE FOR THIS WORLD, LIVE FOR SOMETHING MORE. * Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 * You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you belong to Christ Jesus... Ephesians 2:12-13 NLT Static Cornerstone Baptist Church no No http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/special/true-freedom/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/special/true-freedom/#comments Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:28:34 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=23 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/special/true-freedom/feed/ 39:19 Cornerstone Baptist Churchnbsp;- True Freedom TRUE FREEDOM nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; It was a bold move that the framers of the Declaration chose to make.nbsp; But they were convinced that ... Cornerstone Baptist Churchnbsp;- True Freedom TRUE FREEDOM nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; It was a bold move that the framers of the Declaration chose to make.nbsp; But they were convinced that it was the sole choice that remained for them.nbsp; Thomas Jefferson was appointed to draft the document, and it was his task to express the convictions in the minds and hearts of the American people after many years of frustration and oppression. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Because they believed that the British Crown had no right to tax them so brutally, the "self-evident truths" of which Jefferson spoke were born out of the religious views of the Founding Fathers - that God is the giver of our human rights, not a king, and that it is His intent that His people enjoy those rights, including the right to self-government and taxation as well as religious freedom.nbsp; In signing the Declaration of Independence, they were genuinely putting their lives at stake, for any of them could have been captured and tried for treason.nbsp; But this did not hold them back from declaring their allegiance to this just cause.nbsp; John Hancock is said to have signed his name in such large letters that thenbsp;King could read it without his spectacles.nbsp; Stephen Hopkins of Rhode Island is said to have guided his right hand with his left, due to a nerve disorder.nbsp; His words as he signed: "My hand trembles, but my heart does not." The Price They Paid nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.nbsp; Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured.nbsp; Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.nbsp; What kind of men were they? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.nbsp; Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well-educated. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy.nbsp; He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in rags. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly.nbsp; He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hinding.nbsp; His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer Walton, Gwinnet, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters.nbsp; He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire.nbsp; The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed.nbsp; The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying.nbsp; Their thirteen children fled for their lives.nbsp; His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste.nbsp; For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and... Special Cornerstone Baptist Church no No http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/home-series/home-series-part-4/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/home-series/home-series-part-4/#comments Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:35:34 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=22 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/home-series/home-series-part-4/feed/ 38:31 Cornerstone Baptist Church: Home Series - Part 4 Cornerstone Baptist Church: Home Series - Part 4 Home,Series Cornerstone Baptist Church no No http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/home-series/home-series-part-3/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/home-series/home-series-part-3/#comments Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:25:08 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=21 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/home-series/home-series-part-3/feed/ 37:27 HOME - 3 "The Older Brother Syndrome" nbsp; Now his older son was is the field.nbsp; And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard ... HOME - 3 "The Older Brother Syndrome" nbsp; Now his older son was is the field.nbsp; And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.nbsp; So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.nbsp; And he said to him, "Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf."nbsp; But he was angry and would not go in.nbsp; Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father; "Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.nbsp; But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him."nbsp; And he said to him, "Son, you always with me, and all that I have is yours.nbsp; It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found."nbsp;nbsp; Luke 15:25-32 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Often forgotten in this story is the older brother.nbsp; Actually he plays a major part in this parable for he represents the Pharisees - the group to whom Jesus is addressing the story.nbsp; The hypocrisy of the Pharisees is illustrated in the older sons attitude.nbsp; While he had remained with the father physically, it is quite evident that his heart was far from him.nbsp; By outward appearances - the reading of the Torah, observance of the details of the Law, and their dedication to the Temple worship - the Pharisees had remained "close" to God, but these things had become mere ritual for most of them.nbsp; Their hearts were anything but right with God.nbsp; They had chosen their religion about God rather than a relationship with God.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; However, the Pharisees of Jesus' day are not the only ones who should be able to identify with the older brother.nbsp; As someone once said, "There's a little bit of Pharisee in all of us."nbsp; Like it or not, we are all often afflicted with "the older brother syndrome." nbsp; 1.nbsp; THE OLDER BROTHER BELIEVED HE WAS ENTITLED TO HIS FATHER'S BLESSINGS. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; It is amazing how quickly the recipients of God's grace forget what grace is truly all about.nbsp; By definition grace is our receiving something which we do not deserve.nbsp; Yet, whether we verbalize it or not, we often complain about not getting what we think we deserve. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Someone is blessed in some way, and we grumble within ourselves , "I deserve that more than they do."nbsp; Someone receives recognition and we think, "I worked harder than they did.nbsp; Why don't I get that type of recognition?" nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Listen to what God's Word says about grace. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.nbsp; For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.nbsp; For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before hand that we should walk in them.nbsp; Ephesians 2:4-10 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The next time you think you have been slighted or that God is treating someone else better than you, go back and examine the grace passage.nbsp;nbsp; Everything that we have and everything that ... Home,Series Cornerstone Baptist Church no No http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/home-series/home-series-part-2/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/home-series/home-series-part-2/#comments Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:46:34 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=20 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/home-series/home-series-part-2/feed/ 34:56 HOME - 2 The Father's Love nbsp; And he arose and came to his father.nbsp; But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him ... HOME - 2 The Father's Love nbsp; And he arose and came to his father.nbsp; But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.nbsp; And the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son."nbsp; But the father said to his servants, "Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.nbsp; And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."nbsp; And they began to be merry.nbsp; Luke 15:20-24 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; There is something special about a father's love for his children.nbsp; There are of course men who have fathered a child but certainly do not fulfill the role of being a good father.nbsp; However, even with all of our imperfections, most of us strive to love our families.nbsp; And not to minimize the role of the mother in the home, a father's love is vitally important in the life of a child. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Josh McDowell recently made the statement that the one who has the most influence or "leverage" with a child is not a super hero or a star in some sport, but rather none other than dear "old" dad.nbsp; We usually have little or no idea of how powerful our influence is with our children.nbsp; We can influence them for good or evil, but we will influence them. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Not everyone has fond memories or thoughts on Father's Day.nbsp; Your father may not have shown you love.nbsp; He may have been abusive or simply ignored you.nbsp; Believe it or not, that has affected you.nbsp; We are "wired" to respond to the love of a father.nbsp; If you have never experienced that love, today I would love more than anything to introduce you to a Father who will never let you down and will love you unconditionally.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Isn't it interesting that the infinite God of the universe has chosen to use the designation of a father to describe his relationship to us?nbsp; Fathers, do you realize how that creates an awesome responsibility?nbsp; The first concept of God that our children will begin to form will be based on our actions and attitudes.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The good news is that God has not left us on our own to figure out how to be the right type of fathers.nbsp; A study of the Scripture will reveal a vast store of information on being a godly father.nbsp; However, I believe that one of the best ways to understand this concept is to look at the example that Jesus gave us of the Father in the parable of the prodigal son.nbsp; As we examine the response of the father to his erring son, we will see characteristics that should be part of our lives as we deal with our children. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; 1.nbsp; THE FATHER'S LOVE SEEKS nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; "...but when he was still a great way off, his father saw him..." nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Although the son had abandoned his home, despising his father even to the point of wishing that he was dead, the father continued to watch for his return.nbsp; That is how our God operates.nbsp; While we have sinned against him, He loves us anyway and desires for us to come home. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.nbsp; 1 Timothy 2:3-4 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.nbsp; Romans 5:8 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; A right relationship with the Father is made possible because of wh... Home,Series Cornerstone Baptist Church no No http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/home-series/home-series-1/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/home-series/home-series-1/#comments Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:06:32 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=19 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/home-series/home-series-1/feed/ 36:59 HOME - 1 "Leaving Home" Luke 15:11-22 nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The best known of all of the parables of Jesus is the parable of the Prodigal Son.nbsp; If you have ... HOME - 1 "Leaving Home" Luke 15:11-22 nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The best known of all of the parables of Jesus is the parable of the Prodigal Son.nbsp; If you have grown up in church you, no doubt, have heard the story, seen the flannel graph, colored the pictures, and maybe even watched a video of this story.nbsp; If you are hearing this story for the first time today, there is a sense in which you are actually at an advantage.nbsp; We have a tendency to become so familiar with the better known stories in the Bible that we often miss what the story is really all about.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; At this time in Jesus' ministry, the Pharisees and Scribes complain that Jesus spent time ministering to what they considered the outcasts of society - the tax-collectors and sinners.nbsp; In this chapter Luke records three parables Jesus spoke at this time which illustrate the joy God has over the repentance of sinners.nbsp; The Pharisee's statement, "This man receives sinners and eats with them" was intended as a criticism of Jesus.nbsp; Jesus took it as a compliment.nbsp; He is not ashamed to be called a "friend of sinners."nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; While the main purpose of this parable is to illustrate the love of God for the sinner and the joy of God which causes all heaven to rejoice when a sinner repents, it also containsnbsp;several more important truths.nbsp; You may not consider yourself an prodigal son (or daughter) but if you examine this story carefully you will probably see many ways you too can identify with these events.nbsp; Then He said: "A certain man had two sons.nbsp; And the younger of them said to his father, lsquo;Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.'nbsp; So he divided to them his livelihood.nbsp; Verses 11-12 nbsp; 1.nbsp; THE ATTITUDE OF LEAVING HOME nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The very idea that a son would make such a request as this young man did, was shocking to Jesus' audience.nbsp; No one received an inheritance until their father had died.nbsp; In essence, this young man is saying, "Father, I wish you were dead."nbsp; Yet the story does not indicate that the Father was anything but a gentle and loving father.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The father graciously fulfilled the request, giving him his full portion, which would have been one-third of the entire estate (the right of the first-born gave the elder brother a double portion.)nbsp; The attitude of the younger son illustrates all sinners in general.nbsp; We are related to God the Father by creation but chose to waste our potential privileges and refuse any relationship with him, choosing instead a life of sinful self-indulgence.nbsp; We may not regard ourselves as "bad sinners" for we haven't killed anyone, but until we come to Christ, confessing our sin, we are exactly like the prodigal. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Even believers display this attitude when we try to live our lives in our own strength and through our own wisdom or in disregard to the clear teachings of God's Word.nbsp; In essence we are saying, "I don't need you in my life right now, God.nbsp; I want to do things my way.nbsp; Leave me alone!"nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; I've never heard anyone ever say, "I really want to mess my life up so much that I destroy any chance I might have for real happiness."nbsp; Yet I have met plenty who have gone that route.nbsp; They never thought they would end up in the "pig pen," but they did.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; I never have heard a believer say, "I think I'll backslide for a while, destroy my testimony, my family, and my life in general."nbsp; Yet many have done exactly that.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;... Home,Series Cornerstone Baptist Church no No http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/habakkuk/habakkuk-chapter-3/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/habakkuk/habakkuk-chapter-3/#comments Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:12:14 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=18 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/habakkuk/habakkuk-chapter-3/feed/ 37:46 HABAKKUK - WHEN GOD SEEMS UNFAIR "Experiencing True Worship"nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; It is one thing to offer worship to God when "the wind is in our sails" - ... HABAKKUK - WHEN GOD SEEMS UNFAIR "Experiencing True Worship"nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; It is one thing to offer worship to God when "the wind is in our sails" - when everything is going well. It is entirely another thing when we are struggling whether it is physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual.nbsp; But during our "down" times is when we really need to worship more than ever for in true worship is when we have the closest, most intimate relationship with the Lord.nbsp; I am forever amazed at the reaction of that great man Job and how he responded when he had learned that not only all his wealth had been destroyed, everything that he owned, but also that his sons and daughters had also died on that fateful day. Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.nbsp; And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there.nbsp; The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD." nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Habakkuk has been given the task of announcing to the people of Judah that because of their grievous sin God was sending judgment.nbsp; However that judgment would be meted out by the extremely wicked and vile Babylonians.nbsp; That didn't make sense to Habakkuk and in chapter one we find him wrestling with God (as we often do).nbsp; In chapter two, although he does not understand why God is doing the things He is doing, Habakkuk embraces faith and waits for God's promises.nbsp; Chapter three has a different tone.nbsp; Here we find Habakkuk clinging to God in worship and pleading for His mercy.nbsp; The chapter begins with these words: A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on Shigionoth.nbsp; Verse 1 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; What "shigionoth" means is not certain.nbsp; We do know it is connected with singing in some way.nbsp; The musical notation at the end of the chapter states, "To the chief Musician.nbsp; With my stringed instruments."nbsp; With all the bad news Habakkuk received, he ends up writing a song of praise and worship.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; You have a choice to make when it seems your world is falling down around you.nbsp; You can complain and grumble about your situation and become even more miserable, or you can turn to God, even though you may not understand why things are happening like they are, and cling to Him in worship.nbsp; It is when we cry out to Him that we will find the strength to endure the trial. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; In chapter three Habakkuk reveals how to experience true worship when it seems God is unfair. 1.nbsp; REMEMBER WHAT GOD HAS DONE O LORD, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years!nbsp; In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.nbsp; God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran.nbsp; Selahnbsp; His glory coved the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise.nbsp; Verses 2-3 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Habakkuk begins a memory journey recounting the great things God had done for Israel in the past.nbsp; The words Teman and Mount Parannbsp; describe places on the Sinai Peninsula, the location of Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.nbsp; This journey began of course with God's miraculous judgments on Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea - an event so tremendous that forty years later the inhabitants of Canaan were still "scared to death" of the power of Israel's God.nbsp; His brightness was like the light; He had rays flashing from His hand, and there His power was hidden.nbsp; Before Him went pestilence, and fever followed at His feet.nbsp; He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations.nbsp; And the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual ... Habakkuk Cornerstone Baptist Church no No http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/habakkuk/habakkuk-chapter-2/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/habakkuk/habakkuk-chapter-2/#comments Tue, 27 May 2008 15:49:48 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=17 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/habakkuk/habakkuk-chapter-2/feed/ 41:46 HABAKKUK - WHEN GOD SEEMS UNFAIR "Experiencing Spiritual Doldrums" nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; In the days when wind power was the primary source to move ships across the oceans, sailors ... HABAKKUK - WHEN GOD SEEMS UNFAIR "Experiencing Spiritual Doldrums" nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; In the days when wind power was the primary source to move ships across the oceans, sailors would dread the regions near the equator because of the possibility of doldrums.nbsp; Because the intense heat of the equator affected the flow of air,nbsp;nbsp; this area was often so calm or still that ships could be stuck in the region for days or even weeks.nbsp; You may remember "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" from your high school literature class.nbsp; "Water, water everywhere and all the boards did shrink.nbsp; Water, water everywhere nor any drop to drink."nbsp; The poem describes a ship caught in the infamous doldrums. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Sometimes we may feel as if we are caught in the Doldrums spiritually speaking.nbsp; It may be that we are not seeing our prayers being answered as quickly or in the way we thinknbsp;they should be.nbsp; It is as if God is either ignoring us or doesn't care.nbsp; Maybe we are observing the suffering of a friend, and we wonder where God is during all this.nbsp; The refreshing "wind" of God's presence just doesn't seem to be there. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; It could be said that the prophet Habakkuk was experiencing a time ofnbsp; spiritual doldrums.nbsp; In chapter one of Habakkuk we are introduced to this prophet who lived about 600 years before Christ. nbsp;He mourns because his nation has turned its back on God, and he cries out for God to deal with His people.nbsp; However, he isn't quite ready for the answer God gives that He is going to use the wicked nation of Babylon to destroy Judah.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The name Habakkuk means to embrace, to cling to, or to wrestle.nbsp; We find him wrestling with God when he first hears of the coming invasion of Babylon.nbsp; In chapter two we find Habakkuk waiting for God's answer.nbsp; How he responds gives us some tremendous insight on how to react when we find ourselves experiencing spiritual doldrums.nbsp; It is one thing to serve and worship God when the wind is in our sails - when everything is going well, our family is healthy, the bills are paid, the job is secure - when we are enjoying the blessings of God.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; It is entirely another thing when we are in the spiritual doldrums - when everything seems to be falling apart.nbsp; Yet God is still God no matter what our circumstances may be.nbsp; What are we to do? nbsp; 1.nbsp; STOP AND LISTEN nbsp; I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected.nbsp; Habakkuk 2:1 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; There are times when we need to stop everything else we are doing and just listen to what God will say to us.nbsp; The truth is God speaks to us through His Word.nbsp; God's Word should therefore be vital and precious to us. I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.nbsp; Job 23:12 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; God may use circumstances, friends, a message, etc. to remind us of the truths of His Word.nbsp; We need to have a "sensitive ear" when God is speaking.nbsp; God may not be saying what we want Him to say, but we can be sure that He never makes a mistake. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The Apostle Paul writes about a time in his life that we could say he experienced the spiritual doldrums.nbsp; And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.nbsp; Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might... Habakkuk Cornerstone Baptist Church no No http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/habakkuk/habakkuk-chapter-1/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/habakkuk/habakkuk-chapter-1/#comments Tue, 27 May 2008 15:22:01 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=16 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/habakkuk/habakkuk-chapter-1/feed/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-4/ http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-4/#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 01:12:52 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=15 http://www.cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-4/feed/ 34:16 HOW TO BE RICH - 4 "How to Be Rich in Faith" nbsp; Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be ... HOW TO BE RICH - 4 "How to Be Rich in Faith" nbsp; Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?nbsp; James 2:5 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.nbsp; Romans 10:12 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!nbsp; How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!nbsp; Romans 11:33 nbsp;Being rich in faith is experiencing God. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Experiencing God is knowing Him and learning to trust Him with our lives.nbsp; It is understanding that God truly does love us and has created us with a purpose.nbsp;nbsp; It is yielding to Him not just day to day, but moment to moment.nbsp; It is surrendering our plans and ambitions to Him and seeing Him make something beautiful out of our lives. nbsp;Being rich in faith does not make us exempt from problems. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Contrary to what many think, experiencing a close walk with God doesn't mean all of our problems will fade away.nbsp; Problems are part of life, however, a believer has a personal relationship with the One who has promised never to leave us nor forsake us.nbsp; That means He will be with us no matter problem may come our way. nbsp;Being rich in faith does not mean we never struggle. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Let's be honest.nbsp; There are no perfect Christians.nbsp; We don't always react the way we should when we are put to the test.nbsp; Sometimes our faith falters, but the object of our faith is the same yesterday, today, and forever.nbsp; One day a man brought his demon possessed son to Jesus to be healed.nbsp; His situation seemed hopeless for even Jesus' disciples couldn't help.nbsp; Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."nbsp; Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"nbsp; Mark 9:23-24 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The Bible is not a book of unproven theories.nbsp; It is not about superhuman men and women who live in some type of fantasy world. The Bible records the stories of real men and women who experienced real lives filled with real problems and heartaches yet continued to experience real faith. nbsp; 1.nbsp; YOU ARE RICH IN FAITH WHEN YOU CAN PRAISE GOD IN THE MIDST OF PAIN AND SORROW. nbsp; Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.nbsp; And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there.nbsp; The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD."nbsp; Job 1:20-21 nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; It is a weak faith which does not hold up when the storms arise.nbsp; On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side."nbsp; Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was.nbsp; And other little boats were also with Him.nbsp; And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.nbsp; But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow.nbsp; And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"nbsp; Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!"nbsp; And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.nbsp; But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful?nbsp; How is it that you have no faith?"nbsp; Mark 4:35-40 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; It is as we endure the storms and witness the power of God that our faith grows and matures. nbsp; 2.nbsp; YOU ARE RICH IN FAITH WHEN YOU CAN TRUST GOD EVEN WHEN YOU CAN NO... How,to,be,Rich Cornerstone Baptist Church no No