September 19, 2022

The Sovereign is dead ( but lives ) by Gary Rose

 

Queen Elizabeth ii


The Funeral procession


Scotland The Brave with bagpipes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnG1oUkWBa8&t=145s


Scotland The Brave: Sung with lyrics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5fy3vIpf10


The Queen of England died recently and today her funeral procession was THE NEWS. Queen Elizabeth ii was Queen of England for my entire life and I have had respect for her because of her devotion to her people and sensible rule of the country. She will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the absolute greatest figures of the 20th and 21st centuries. Today, she is mourned by millions upon millions of people and that’s as it should be.


As I viewed the procession I thought of the Scottish bagpipe song, Scotland the Brave and as I listened to it on You-tube, I realized that I had never heard the words, so I included links for both bagpipes and vocal ( with the lyrics as well ).


Queen Elizabeth ii was a great Queen as any sensible person will acknowledge, but there is one greater. My thoughts turned to the book of Revelation, chapter 19, which says….


Revelation 19 ( World English Bible )

1 After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation, power, and glory belong to our God:

2 for true and righteous are his judgments. For he has judged the great prostitute, who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality, and he has avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.”

3 A second said, “Hallelujah! Her smoke goes up forever and ever.”

4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne, saying, “Amen! Hallelujah!”

5 A voice came forth from the throne, saying, “Give praise to our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, the small and the great!”

6 I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunders, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns!

7 Let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let us give the glory to him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready.”

8 It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

9 He said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” He said to me, “These are true words of God.”

10 I fell down before his feet to worship him. He said to me, “Look! Don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.”

11 I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war.

12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself.

13 He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called “The Word of God.”

14 The armies which are in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in white, pure, fine linen.

15 Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.

16 He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”


The Sovereign of England has died and will live forever in our memories because of her genuine greatness. Jesus Christ died and rose again; he also lives in our hearts, but in fact he lives in reality as well. Jesus will return someday and every human being will acknowledge his true status as KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS! I pray that every one who reads these words will submit to his LORDSHIP AND OBEY HIS GOSPEL. Regrettably, For some of us, the memory of today’s funeral procession will fade from memory, but we will never forget Jesus because some day in our future we all will see him again. Be prepared for that event – you will be eternally blessed if you are!




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"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" Introduction by Mark Copeland









https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_01.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

Introduction

INTRODUCTION
  1. In his first epistle, John writes of victory in overcoming the world...
    For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1Jn 5:4-5)
  2. The "world" to which John refers are those things in the world that would separate us from God - cf. 1Jn 2:15-17
    1. The lust of the flesh (immorality, inordinate emotions)
    2. The lust of the eyes (materialism, greed, covetousness)
    3. The pride of life (vainglory, boasting, arrogance)
    -- These things can be summarized in one word: SIN
  3. There are other things in the world which can hinder our relationship with God, such as...
    1. Anxiety e. Discontentment
    2. Boredom f. Fear
    3. Depression g. Grief
    4. Despair h. Loneliness
    -- These emotional states of mind, when not caused by some organic condition, are often the results of SIN as well (perhaps not sinful action, per se, but sinful thinking)
  4. For whatever is in the world that might hinder our relationship with God...
    1. There can be victory in overcoming the world!
    2. Such victory comes to those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God
    -- Yes, "Faith Is The Victory!"
  5. In this series, I would like to examine how faith in Jesus enables one to overcome the world...
    1. With this lesson, we will define faith, and especially faith in Jesus as the Son of God
    2. In succeeding lessons, consider how faith in Jesus can provide victory over such things as those mentioned above that can hinder our relationship with God

[According to John, victory in overcoming the world requires faith in Jesus; it is important then to know exactly what faith is...]

  1. FAITH IN JESUS DEFINED
    1. FAITH IN GENERAL...
      1. As defined by Easton's Bible Dictionary:
        1. Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true
        2. Its primary idea is trust
      2. It is a strong conviction or trust in something; as the NIV translates He 11:1...
        1. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for..."
        2. "...and certain of what we do not see."
      3. E.g., you have faith that your parents are indeed your parents
        1. Based upon your trust or conviction in the reliability of their word
        2. Such trust prompts you to respond accordingly
    2. FAITH IN JESUS AS THE SON OF GOD...
      1. It is a strong conviction or trust in Jesus:
        1. Who Jesus is
          1. That He is what He claimed
          2. That He is truly the Son of the living God
        2. What Jesus did and is doing
          1. That He died on the cross for our sins
          2. That His death is truly a sufficient propitiation or sacrifice for our sins
          3. That He interceeds for us in heaven
        3. What Jesus said
          1. That He alone provides the way to eternal life
          2. That He alone is the way to God, the Father - Jn 14:6-7
      2. Peter professed this faith in Jesus - Jn 6:68-69
        1. That Jesus has the words of eternal life
        2. That Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God - cf. Mt 16:15-16
      3. When a person has such faith in Jesus...
        1. They look to Jesus for the solution to any problem they face
        2. They have trust and conviction that what He says is the right answer or solution
        3. They are willing to act with trust and conviction on His word - cf. Lk 6:46
      4. For those with an active faith in Jesus, their lives are built on a solid foundation...
        1. Like a wise man who builds his house on a rock - Lk 6:47-49
        2. They are able to weather the storms of life, because their faith in Jesus has prompted them to prepare for whatever comes their way!

        [This is the kind of faith that overcomes the world! The problem is that while many have a degree of faith to "hear" (listen) what Jesus said, most don't have sufficient faith to "do" (obey) what He says!

        If we desire to have the kind of faith in Jesus that will help us overcome the world, how is it developed? It is not as difficult as you might think...]

  2. FAITH IN JESUS DEVELOPED
    1. FAITH COMES FROM EVIDENCE...
      1. Many people believe that faith is something blind, that you "just gotta believe"
        1. It is true that faith is often a strong conviction in "things unseen" - cf. He 11:1
        2. But there are solid reasons for believing in what you cannot see
          1. Just as you believe in George Washington, though you have never seen him
          2. Just as you believe in who your parents are, though you can't remember who was there at your birth
      2. Other people believe that faith is some gift from God for a select few
        1. It is true that in one sense faith is a "gift" from God - cf. Ep 2:8; Ro 12:3
        2. But while faith owes its ultimate source to God, it is available to all
          1. For God desires all men to be saved - 1Ti 2:3-6
          2. And He desires that which produces saving faith to be proclaimed to all the nations - Ro 1:16; 16:25-26
      3. Faith comes from evidence provided by God Himself!
        1. God provided signs and wonders so that people might believe in His Son - Jn 5:36; 10:37-38; 14:10-11
        2. And so the apostles recorded these signs that we might believe - Jn 20:30-31
          1. Believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God
          2. Through such faith to have "life" (i.e., victory over the world!) in His name
          -- This leads us to the primary source of faith..
    2. FAITH COMES FROM THE WORD OF GOD...
      1. Even as Paul declared: "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" - Ro 10:17
        1. Faith (trust and conviction) is founded upon what the Word of God reveals
        2. This is especially true regarding faith in Jesus! - again cf. Jn 20:30-31
      2. The Word of God produces faith in Jesus by the evidence it provides; for example...
        1. The Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament
        2. His signs and wonders recorded in the Gospels
        3. The testimony of eyewitnesses in the Acts and epistles
        -- As one meditates upon the Word of God regarding Jesus, faith is developed!
      3. Faith in Jesus that leads to victory must come from the Word of God!
        1. The reason many people do not live victorious lives is a lack of faith
        2. They have a weak faith because they do not read and study the Word of God!
        3. Not only is their faith weak, but they often don't even know the teachings of Jesus that can help them to overcome the world!
CONCLUSION
  1. I contend that faith in Jesus gives one the victory in overcoming the world...
    1. Whether it is overcoming sin which separates us from God
    2. Or it is overcoming sinful thinking that hinders our relationship with God
  2. Victorious faith in Jesus comes from the Word of God...
    1. Which is why I cannot overemphasize the importance of feeding upon it daily
      1. A lack of knowledge concerning God's word was Israel's downfall - Hos 4:6
      2. When people do not have access to His word, they are very weak - Am 8:11-14
      3. Even Jesus resorted to the Word of God to overcome temptation - Mt 4:4,7,11
    2. Why deprive yourself of the means that God has given to produce saving faith? - Jm 1:21

In our next lesson, we shall consider how faith in Jesus provides the victory in overcoming SIN...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022



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"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Sin by Mark Copeland








 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_02.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Sin

INTRODUCTION
  1. The theme for this series is "Faith Is The Victory!", with the following text as the basis for our study...
    For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1Jn 5:4-5)
  2. In our previous study, we saw that the faith which overcomes the world is...
    1. A strong conviction and trust in Jesus:
      1. As the Christ, the Son of God - cf. Ac 8:37
      2. As the way, the truth, and the life - cf. Jn 14:6-7
      3. Who alone provides the way to God and eternal life - cf. Jn 6:68-69
    2. A strong conviction and trust in Jesus that comes by:
      1. The Word of God - Ro 10:17
      2. The evidence provided by the Word of God - Jn 20:30-31
  3. The "world" we can overcome by faith in Jesus includes anything that can hinder our relationship with God, even such things as...
    1. Anxiety e. Discontentment
    2. Boredom f. Fear
    3. Depression g. Grief
    4. Despair h. Loneliness
  4. Our purpose in this series is to illustrate how faith in Jesus helps us to overcome such things, but it is important that we first talk about overcoming SIN...
    1. While sin is not taken too seriously these days, it should be
    2. The problem of sin must be overcome if we are to overcome anything else
      1. In some cases, sin may be the underlying cause of problems we face
      2. In any case, unless we overcome sin, we will not have God's help to overcome the problems before us! - cf. Isa 59:1-2; 1Pe 3:12
  5. In this lesson, I wish to do two things...
    1. Carefully define the problem of sin
    2. Explain how faith in Jesus can overcome the problem of sin

[Let's begin then by considering...]

  1. THE PROBLEM OF SIN
    1. THERE IS THE "GUILT" OF SIN...
      1. First, everyone is guilty of sin - Ro 3:23
        1. Even if one has committed just one sin, it as though they have committed them all! - cf. Jm 2:10
        2. That is because sin is so terrible, and God is so holy!
      2. There is both "legal" guilt and "emotional" guilt
        1. Legal guilt means you have violated God's law
          1. God has a Law, and if we break it, He holds us accountable - 1Jn 3:4
          2. The price of such guilt is "death", i.e., eternal separation from God - Ro 6:23; Re 21:8
        2. Emotional guilt pertains to one's conscience of sin
          1. When we know we have done wrong, we feel "guilty"
          2. Our conscience becomes burdened by such "guilt" for our sins
      3. Even if we have so hardened our conscience that we feel no "emotional" guilt, the "legal" guilt remains
        1. God still holds us accountable, and will judge us on the last day - Jn 12:48; Ac 17:30-31
        2. Until then, unforgiven sin also prevents God from coming to our aid - Isa 59:1-2; 1Pe 3:12
          1. Which means we must bear our burdens alone
          2. Whatever comfort, peace, and strength God might provide, is not for one who remains in their sin! - Isa 57:19-21
    2. THERE IS THE "POWER" OF SIN...
      1. The problem of sin is not limited to guilt
        1. As if the guilt of sin weren't bad enough!
        2. Sin also has the power to enslave a person so that they can't do what they really want to do!
      2. Jesus described the power of sin - Jn 8:31-34
        1. In passage often misapplied to talk about truth leading to freedom (e.g., political)
        2. The freedom under consideration is freedom from the slavery of sin!
        3. When one commits sin, they become a slave of sin!
      3. Paul vividly depicted what his life was like under the bondage of sin, from which the Law of Moses could not deliver - Ro 7:14-24
        1. He was "sold under sin" - Ro 7:14
        2. He could not do what he wanted, and what he did not wish to do, he did - Ro 7:15
        3. He found that "sin dwells in me" - Ro 7:17,20
        4. Though he desired to do good, "how to perform what is good I do not find" - Ro 7:18
        5. He found himself brought "into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members" - Ro 7:23
        6. It made him "wretched", crying out for deliverance from "this body of death" - Ro 7:24

        [Sin is a like a powerful drug, to which we become enslaved (addicted). Until we somehow are set free from the power of sin, the guilt of sin separates us from God; any problem we have, therefore, we face alone, with no assistance from God!

        But through faith in Jesus, there can be victory in overcoming sin! Let's see how...]

  2. HOW FAITH IN JESUS OVERCOMES SIN
    1. BY PROVIDING THE FORGIVENESS OF SIN...
      1. Remission of sins is promised to those who believe in Jesus - Ac 10:43
        1. Made possible by the shedding of His blood - Ep 1:7
        2. Jesus became our "propitiation" (a sacrifice designed to appease) - 1Jn 2:2; 4:9-10
        3. Through His blood we are "justified" (i.e., declared "not guilty"), and therefore spared from the wrath of God to come - Ro 5:9
      2. Such forgiveness is promised to those whose faith in Jesus moves them to repent and be baptized - Ac 2:38; 3:19
        1. Repentance - that "change of mind" in which we turn from sin to serve God
        2. Baptism - that "burial" in which we are united with Christ into His death, that we might be crucified with Him and then rise to walk in newness of life - Ro 6:3-7
      3. Forgiveness continues as we repent and confess our sins in prayer - Ac 8:22; 1Jn 1:9
      -- In this way Jesus deals with the "guilt" of sin (legal and emotional - cf. He 9:14)
    2. BY PROVIDING THE POWER OVER SIN...
      1. In Ro 6:6-7, Paul speaks of freedom from sin...
        1. "we should no longer be slaves of sin"
        2. "...has been freed from sin"
      2. Later, in Ro 8:1-2,12-13 he describes where this "power" comes from...
        1. It is "the law (principle) of the Spirit of life in Christ" which frees one from "the law of sin and death"
        2. In particular, how the Spirit enables us to "put to death the deeds of the body"
        3. With the aid of the Spirit, we now have the help of God to overcome sin! - cf. Ep 3:16,20-21; Php 4:13
      3. The promise of the Spirit was given by both Jesus and His apostles
        1. To those who believe in Him - Jn 7:37-39
        2. To those who repent and are baptized - Ac 2:38-39
        3. I.e., to those who obey Him and become "children of God" - cf. Ac 5:32; Ga 3:26-27; 4:6; 5:16
        -- In this way Jesus deals with the "power" of sin
CONCLUSION
  1. To the one who is willing to believe in Jesus, with a trust and conviction to do what He says, then "Faith Is The Victory!"
  2. There is certainly victory over SIN...
    1. Over the legal and emotion guilt of sin
    2. Over the power of sin which easily enslaves us
    -- This He does through the gift of His blood, and the gift of the Holy Spirit!

With such wonderful gifts, we can now have the kind of relationship with God by which we can also overcome whatever else the world might throw at us...


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022
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"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Anxiety by Mark Copeland









https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_03.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Anxiety

INTRODUCTION
  1. With faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, we can overcome the world! - 1Jn 5:4-5
    1. As we saw in our previous study, we can overcome SIN...
      1. Both the guilt of sin, and the power of sin
      2. Through the blood of Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit
    2. For such blessings are available to those who truly believe in Jesus! - cf. Ac 2:36-39
  2. But in overcoming sin, we must also deal with the "aftershocks" of sin...
    1. Such as the lingering consequences of sinful conduct
    2. Or the residues of sinful thinking; i.e., attitudes and perspectives that conflict with a life of faith in Jesus
    -- I have mentioned some of these in previous lessons: anxiety, boredom, despair ,etc.
  3. With this lesson, I would like to begin taking a look at each one of these...
    1. Seeking to gain a better understanding of what they are
    2. Hoping to provide an appreciation of how faith in Jesus can help us to overcome them!
  4. Beginning with "anxiety"...
    1. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)...
      1. More than 23 million people suffer from anxiety disorders
      2. People with anxiety disorders are heavy utilizers of emergency rooms and other medical services
      3. Anxiety disrupts work, family, and social lives, with some becoming housebound
      4. It is the most common of all the mental disorders
    2. Christians certainly are not immune to the problem of "anxiety"
      1. Jesus anticipated that His disciples would have it, and provided solutions to it
      2. Just as anxiety disrupts work, family, etc., so it can hinder our service to the Lord

[It is imperative as Christians that we overcome "anxiety" in our lives. Where do we begin? Perhaps with...]

  1. UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY
    1. ANXIETY DEFINED...
      1. According to the American Heritage Dictionary:
        1. A state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future uncertainties
        2. A state of intense apprehension, uncertainty, and fear resulting from the anticipation of a threatening event or situation, often to a degree that the normal physical and psychological function of the affected individual is disrupted
      2. According to NIMH, there are different kinds of anxiety disorders:
        1. Panic Disorder - Repeated episodes of intense fear that strike often and without warning. Physical symptoms include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal distress, feelings of unreality, and fear of dying.
        2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Repeated, unwanted thoughts or compulsive behaviors that seem impossible to stop or control.
        3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Persistent symptoms that occur after experiencing a traumatic event such as criminal assault, war, child abuse, natural disasters or crashes. Nightmares, flashbacks, numbing of emotions, depression and feeling angry, irritable, distracted and being easily startled are common.
        4. Phobias, of which there are two major types
          1. Specific - In which people experience extreme, disabling, and irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger; the fear leads to avoidance of objects or situations and can cause people to limit their lives unnecessarily.
          2. Social - In which people have an overwhelming and disabling fear of scrutiny, embarrassment, or humiliation in social situations, which leads to avoidance of many potentially pleasurable and meaningful activities.
        5. Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Constant, exaggerated worrisome thoughts and tension about everyday routine life events and activities, lasting at least six months. Almost always anticipating the worst even though there is little reason to expect it; accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headache, or nausea.
    2. SOME CAUSES OF ANXIETY...
      1. A perceived threat, as to one's...
        1. Personal safety
        2. Self-esteem
        3. Relationship with others
      2. Pressures presented by conflict, for example...
        1. Having to decide between two desirable but incompatible goals
        2. Faced with a desirable goal, but concerned about undesirable consequences (such as whether to accept a good paying job, that may force you to relocate)
        3. Faced with having to choose between two undesirable alternatives (such as suffering pain, or an operation that may in time relieve the pain)
      3. An underlying fear, such as being fearful of...
        1. Failure, or even achieving success
        2. Rejection, intimacy, conflict
        3. Sickness, death, loneliness
        4. The future, meaninglessness in life
    3. MODERN TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY...
      1. Medication - Useful for relieving symptoms, they include antidepressants and are usually administered through trial and error to see which medications and dosage are beneficial to a particular patient
      2. Psychotherapy - Two different forms have been found the most effective in treating anxiety disorders:
        1. Behavioral therapy - Tries to change actions through techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, or through gradual exposure to what is frightening
        2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy - Teaches patients to understand their thinking patterns so they can react differently to the situations that cause them anxiety

        [Treating anxiety with medication can only relieve symptoms; it does not deal with the causes of anxiety. Even behavioral therapy focuses primarily on handling the symptoms.

        What is called "cognitive-behavioral therapy" appears to address the underlying causes of anxiety, and it is in this realm that I believe faith in Jesus can really help one to overcome!]

  2. OVERCOMING ANXIETY THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS
    1. WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO OVERCOME ANXIETY...
      1. Certainly because of how it affects our lives and our service
      2. It is also a reflection of "little faith" on our part
        1. E.g., worrying about things like food and clothing - cf. Mt 6:30
        2. E.g., worrying about preserving one's life - cf. Mt 8:25-26
      3. "The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith; and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety." (George Muller)
    2. REMEMBER WHAT TRUE FAITH IN JESUS ENTAILS...
      1. That one has a strong conviction or trust in Who Jesus Is
        1. The Son of God - Mt 16:16
        2. The only source for life eternal - Jn 6:68
      2. That one has a strong conviction or trust in What Jesus Said
        1. That He speaks the words of truth, which can make one free - Jn 8:31-32
        2. That whatever He says is true, for grace and truth come by Him - Jn 1:17
      3. That one has a strong conviction or trust in What Jesus Did
        1. That He died on the cross for our sins - 1Co 15:3
        2. That His death is an adequate sacrifice for our sins - 1Jn 2:2; 4:10
      4. That one has a strong conviction or trust in What Jesus Is Doing
        1. That He is preparing a place for us - Jn 14:2
        2. That He is even now interceding for us - He 7:24-25
      5. That one has a strong conviction or trust in What Jesus Will Do
        1. That He will come again one day - Ac 1:9-11; Re 1:7
        2. That He will receive us unto Himself - Jn 14:1-3
        -- This kind of faith in Jesus comes from the Word of God! - Ro 10:17; Jn 20:30-31
    3. JESUS HELPS US TO DEAL WITH ANXIETY THROUGH HIS TEACHINGS...
      1. By reminding us of God's providential love and care - Mt 6:25-32
        1. He who provides the body and life, can surely provide food and clothing
        2. He who provides for the birds and flowers, can surely provide for His children
        3. If worry (anxiety) can't make us grow taller, how can it affect the future?
        4. God is mindful of our true needs, and is able to provide
      2. By teaching us where to place our priorities - Mt 6:33
        1. The kingdom (rule) of God in our life is the most important thing
        2. Put Him first, and He will provide for our true needs
        3. As Jesus said to worried Martha, "one thing is needed" - cf. Lk 10:38-42
      3. By revealing our own limitations - Mt 6:34
        1. Don't worry about the future, we can only handle what we face today
        2. In keeping with what Jesus said, here are some thoughts from others:
          1. "Your ship is equal to the load of today; but when you are carrying yesterday's worry and tomorrow's anxiety, lighten up or you will sink." (Unknown)
          2. "God never built a Christian strong enough to carry today's duties and tomorrow's anxieties piled on top of them." (Theodore Ledyard Cuyler)
          3. "Man, like the bridge, was designed to carry the load of the moment, not the combined weight of a year at once." (William Arthur Ward)
          -- When we truly accept what Jesus taught, many of the causes of anxiety are gone!
    4. JESUS HELPS US TO DEAL WITH ANXIETY THROUGH HIS ACTIONS...
      1. His actions in the past
        1. By dying on the cross, He has paid the full price for our sins
          1. Any anxiety about our guilt, past actions, can be relieved through forgiveness!
          2. A forgiveness that cleans even the conscience! - He 9:14
          3. Such forgiveness comes to those who believe on Him - Ac 10:43; 2:36-38
        2. By rising from the dead, He has demonstrated power over death
          1. Ensuring our own resurrection, of which He spoke - Jn 5:28-29; 11:25-27
          2. Freeing us from the bondage of the fear of death - He 2:14-15
      2. His actions in the present
        1. Interceding as our High Priest
          1. Making it possible to find mercy and grace when needed - He 4:14-16
          2. Providing an avenue of peace to dispel our anxiety through prayer - Php 4:6-7
        2. Reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords
          1. He is truly the "ruler over the kings of the earth" - Re 1:5
          2. He is the One who holds "the keys of Hades and of Death" - Re 1:18
          -- He is in ultimate control, and we are in His hands!
      3. His actions in the future
        1. He has promised to never forsake us - Mt 28:20; cf. He 13:5-7
        2. He has promised to take us one day to be with Him - Jn 14:1-2
CONCLUSION
  1. When one has faith in Jesus...
    1. Willing to change their thinking patterns and conduct to reflect His teachings
    2. Believing in what He has done, is doing, and will do ...they will be attacking the underlying causes of anxiety!
  2. Jesus certainly desires that we not let such concerns control us...
    1. By rendering us unfruitful - cf. Lk 8:14
    2. By making us unprepared for the Judgment to come - cf. Lk 21:34-36
  3. But He has made it possible to overcome anxiety...
    1. Through faith in Him, which comes through the Word of God - Ro 10:17
    2. By the peace of God, which comes through Jesus Himself in prayer - Php 4:6-7

Are we willing to believe and heed Jesus? If so, then "Faith Is The Victory!", even in overcoming anxiety...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022
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"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Boredom by Mark Copeland









https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_04.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Boredom

INTRODUCTION
  1. Our theme in this series of lessons is "Faith Is The Victory!"...
    1. Based upon the words of John in 1Jn 5:4-5
    2. Proclaiming faith in Jesus as the Son of God as key to overcoming the world
    3. Not just the world of sin, but anything that might hinder our relationship with God
  2. Our previous lesson considered the problem of "anxiety"
    1. A problem which according to the NIMH...
      1. Afflicts more than 23 million people in this country
      2. Disrupts work, family, and social lives, with some becoming housebound
      3. Is the most common of all the mental disorders
    2. A problem which faith in Jesus can help us to overcome...
      1. For Jesus provides the solution to anxiety by what He taught - cf. Mt 6:25-34
        1. Reminding us of God's providential love and care
        2. Teaching us where to place our priorities in life
        3. Revealing our own limitations
      2. In addition, through Jesus' work on the cross and His current role as our High Priest, He becomes the means by which anxiety can be relieved through prayer - Php 4:6-7
  3. Another problem many people face today is the opposite of anxiety: "boredom"
    1. Whereas anxiety is a state of uneasiness and apprehension, boredom is a condition of mental weariness, listlessness, and discontent
    2. Anxiety is often the cause of thinking we have too much to do at one time, boredom is result of thinking there is nothing to do
    3. Anxiety is more often the bane of adults, whereas boredom is often the complaint of children (what parent hasn't heard their child say, "I'm bored"?)

[Like anxiety, boredom can have a debilitating effect in our relationship with God and on our usefulness to Jesus Christ. That is why we must overcome "boredom", and a good place to start is with...]

  1. UNDERSTANDING BOREDOM
    1. DEFINING BOREDOM...
      1. According to self-proclaimed boredom expert, Garfield the Cat offers these tips on how to tell if you are really bored:
        1. You paint little faces on your nails, and pretend each finger is a person
        2. You spend hours watching bread mold
        3. You braid your eyebrows
        4. You watch a 3-hour documentary on sewage treatment
        5. You start playing the spoons
        6. You wonder if you're really bored
      2. More seriously, boredom is: "a condition of mental weariness, listlessness, and discontent" (American Heritage Dictionary)
      3. What is of interest is the statement that "the word did not even enter the English vocabulary until the Enlightenment of the 18th century, the beginning of the modern era." (Gene Edward Veith, Boredom and the Law of Diminishing Returns)
    2. CAUSES OF BOREDOM...
      1. Boredom is often the result of too much wealth, and too much time on our hands
        1. Boredom is epidemic among children today, and according to one source...
          1. The problem is television, videos, and computer games
          2. Such activities which bombard children with fast-moving stimuli do not give them the chance to slow down, reflect thoughtfully, or learn to process new information (Nancy Samalin, Parent Guidance Workshops)
        2. Russian women are finding that boredom and depression are side effects of wealth (Alessandra Stanley, New York Times, March 11, 1997)
        3. "By his very success in inventing labor-saving devices, modern man has manufactured an abyss of boredom that only the privileged classes in earlier civilizations have ever fathomed." (Lewis Mumford)
      2. Boredom can also be traced to...
        1. A lack of faith in God ("Boredom: the consciousness of a barren, meaningless existence." - Eric Hoffer)
        2. A pre-occupation with self to the neglect of what is around us
          1. "Boredom: what happens when we lose contact with the universe." - John Ciardi
          2. "When people are bored, it is primarily with their own selves." - Eric Hoffer
      3. Boredom has also been attributed to...
        1. Unchallenging jobs
        2. Unfulfilled expectations
        3. Lack of physical activity
        4. Being too much of a spectator and too little of a participant in activities
    3. THE DANGER OF BOREDOM...
      1. When listless and discontent, we are susceptible to what promises excitement
        1. "Boredom has made more gamblers than greed, more drunkards than thirst, and perhaps as many suicides as despair." (Charles Caleb Colton)
        2. "Boredom is often the motivation for adultery and divorce, abuse of alcohol or drugs, and even suicide." (ibid., Veith)
        3. "Boredom is...a vital problem for the moralist, since at least half the sins of mankind are caused by the fear of it." (Betrand Russell)
      2. When a Christian is "bored"...
        1. He is not very active in his service to the Lord
        2. He is therefore not very useful to the Lord

        [Boredom has been called "a chronic symptom of a pleasure-obsessed age." (ibid., Veith). For the Christian with faith in Jesus, it is possible to overcome boredom! Here is how...]

  2. OVERCOMING BOREDOM THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS
    1. JESUS CHANGES OUR FOCUS IN LIFE...
      1. Boredom is the result of an obsession with self and material possessions
      2. Yet Jesus teaches us to:
        1. Deny self - Lk 9:23-24
          1. People who are obsessed with self are never happy
          2. People who lose themselves in service to God are never bored!
        2. Change the object of your affections - Mt 6:19-21
          1. The pleasure of earthly things is fleeting at best, followed by the inevitable letdowns - cf. "the passing pleasures of sin" - He 11:25
          2. The only permanent possession we have is in heaven, and our affections should be placed on it
      3. His teachings are designed to give us great joy - Jn 15:11; e.g., Ac 20:35
      -- If we have enough faith in Jesus to follow His teachings, we will be attacking one of the root causes of boredom (a pre-occupation with self)
    2. JESUS ENLISTS US IN SERVICE DESIGNED TO TRULY SATISFY...
      1. Many people are bored because they know their efforts mean very little
      2. Yet Jesus would have us enlist in a service with eternal consequences:
        1. The saving of one's soul, and that of those around them! - Mk 16:15-16
        2. Which, in proper perspective, is more important than gaining the whole world! - cf. Mt 16:26
      3. The apostles found their service to God to be a source of great joy
        1. When John saw the fruits of his labors, he wrote he had "no greater joy" - 3Jn 3-4
        2. The prospects of seeing his converts in the presence of the Lord gave Paul hope and joy for the future! - 1Th 2:19-20
        -- When one is engaged in the work of Jesus, their labors are not in vain, and have cosmic consequences (cf. Ep 6:12-13); how can one be bored with that?
  3. CONCLUSION
    1. Solomon learned after a life of excess that this world has nothing lasting to offer...
      1. Though exciting at first, it all proved "vanity" - Ec 2:10-11
      2. He concluded that the true purpose of man was to "fear God and keep His commandments" - Ec 12:13
      -- If he had only listened to his father, David, who wrote about the "great reward" in keeping God's commandments (cf. Ps 19:7-11), Solomon might not have experienced so much vanity in his life
    2. Boredom is a result of pre-occupation with the "vanity" of this life...
      1. Jesus came to deliver us from any sense of listlessness and discontent
      2. He does so by giving us purpose and direction in life, that we might find great joy in serving God and His children!

When people are willing to believe in Jesus and become His disciples, there is no reason for boredom in their lives!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

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"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Depression by Mark Copeland








 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_05.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Depression

INTRODUCTION
  1. In this series we have been considering how faith in Jesus gives us the victory...
    1. In overcoming sin
    2. In overcoming what are often the consequences of sin or sinful thinking
    -- Using as our basic text 1Jn 5:4-5
  2. We have stressed that faith in Jesus involves...
    1. A strong trust and conviction in who Jesus is, what He did, what He taught
    2. Accepting and acting upon His words and those of His apostles
  3. We have looked at how faith in Jesus can address the problems of...
    1. Sin itself
    2. Anxiety
    3. Boredom
  4. Now we will consider how faith in Jesus can help us overcome "depression"...
    1. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)...
      1. During any one year period, 17.6 million people suffer from a depressive illness
      2. Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal function, causing pain not only to those with the disorder, but to those who care about them
      3. Serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the ill person
    2. Christians certainly are not immune to the problem of "depression"...
      1. Great men of God have been known to suffer depression: Elijah, David, Jeremiah
      2. I know mature Christians who have had to deal with the problem of depression

[Overcoming depression is not easy, but it can be done. As before, let's start by trying to understand the problem we face...]

  1. UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION
    1. DEPRESSION DEFINED...
      1. According to the American Heritage Dictionary: A psychotic or neurotic condition characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, and feelings of extreme sadness, dejection, and hopelessness
      2. According to NIMH:
        1. Depression is a "whole-body" illness, involving your body, mood, and thoughts
        2. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things
        3. It is not the same as a passing blue mood, nor a sign of personal weakness
        4. It is not a condition that can be willed or wished away; without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, years
      3. Two serious types of clinical depression are...
        1. Major depression - manifested by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy pleasurable activities. These disabling episodes of depression can occur once, twice, or several times in a lifetime.
        2. Bipolar Disorder - formerly called manic-depressive illness. Involves cycles of depression and elation or mania. Mood switches can be dramatic and rapid, but normally are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, one can have any or all the symptoms of a depressive disorder. When in the manic cycle, any or all of the symptoms of mania may be experienced. It affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that can cause serious problems and embarrassment. It is often a chronic recurring condition.
    2. SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND MANIA...
      1. Depression
        1. Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
        2. Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
        3. Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex
        4. Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
        5. Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
        6. Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
        7. Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
        8. Restlessness, irritability
        9. Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
        10. Recurring aches and pains that don't respond to treatment
      2. Mania
        1. Excessively "high" mood
        2. Irritability
        3. Severe insomnia
        4. Grandiose notions
        5. Increased talking
        6. Disconnected and racing thoughts, easily distracted
        7. Increased sexual desire
        8. Markedly increased energy
        9. Poor judgment
        10. Inappropriate social behavior
    3. CAUSES OF DEPRESSION...
      1. Other illnesses can bring on depression (e.g., strokes, some cancers, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, hormonal disorders).
      2. Some medications cause depressive symptoms as side effects (e.g., certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure and arthritis).
      3. Genetics and family history - Depression runs in families. Some people probably have a biological make-up that makes them particularly vulnerable.
      4. Certain personalities - People with low self-esteem or who are very dependent on others seem to be vulnerable to depression.
      5. Life events, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, moving to a new place, money problems or any sort of loss can be linked to depression. People without relatives or friends to help have even more difficulty coping with their losses.
    4. TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION...
      1. Medication - Useful for relieving symptoms, they include antidepressants and are usually administered through trial and error to see which medications and dosage are beneficial to a particular patient
      2. Psychotherapy - Talking with a trained therapist can be effective in treating certain depressions. Therapy includes:
        1. Cognitive therapy - Aims to help the patient recognize and change negative thinking patterns that contribute to depression
        2. Interpersonal therapy - Focuses on dealing more effectively with other people; improved relationships can reduce depressive symptoms
      3. Biological treatments - This includes electroconvulsive therapy; research is also being done on the use of light for the treatment of depression

      [As a member of a family with a genetic predisposition toward depression, I am particularly sensitive to the problem of depression. I don't discount the value of medical efforts to treat depression or any other illness, for even Paul counseled the medicinal use of wine to treat stomach ailments (cf. 1Ti 5:23).

      I am persuaded, however, that faith in Jesus can greatly complement any effort to overcome depression...]

  2. OVERCOMING DEPRESSION THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS
    1. JESUS ADDRESSES MANY ISSUES THAT CAN DEPRESS PEOPLE...
      1. Among many things that can make people depressed, there are such things as:
        1. Guilt for sins committed in the past
        2. Concern regarding one's relationship with God in the present
        3. Fear for what might happen in the future
      2. As we have stressed before, what Jesus has done, is doing, and will do, addresses such problems
        1. He addresses the problem of sin, through His death on the cross!
        2. He teaches us how to pray, and maintain a healthy relationship with God!
        3. He gives us hope and promise concerning the future, through His resurrection and ultimate return!
    2. JESUS PROVIDES POSITIVE COGNITIVE THERAPY...
      1. Cognitive therapy seeks to help one recognize and change negative thinking patterns that contribute to depression; sample suggestions include:
        1. Don't set for yourself difficult goals or take on a great deal of responsibility
        2. Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, do what you can as you can
        3. Don't expect too much from yourself too soon as this will only increase feelings of failure
        4. Participate in activities that may make you feel better
        5. Try to be with other people; it is usually better than being alone
      2. In His teachings, Jesus stressed similar principles!
        1. Reminding us of God's providential love and care - Mt 6:25-32
        2. Teaching us where to place our priorities in life - Mt 6:33
        3. Revealing our own limitations - Mt 6:34
        4. Pointing out the kind of selfless service can provide true joy - cf. Jn 13:12-17; Ac 20:35
        5. That God is longsuffering, willing to forgive and comfort the downhearted - cf. Mt 5:3-6; the parable of the Prodigal Son, Lk 15:11-32
    3. JESUS PROVIDES POWERFUL INTERPERSONAL THERAPY...
      1. Interpersonal therapy focuses on one's disturbed personal relationships that both cause and exacerbate the depression
      2. Jesus certainly addresses interpersonal relationships!
        1. Our relationship with God - cf. 2Co 5:18-21
        2. Our relationship with our fellow man - e.g., Mt 5:23-24; 18:21-22
      3. Through His death and teachings He strengthens interpersonal relationships!
        1. Reconciling us back to God and man - cf. Ep 2:14-17
        2. Teaching us how to love God and one another - e.g., Jn 13:34-35; 1Jn 5:2-3
        3. His church is to be a family, providing strength and encouragement, even bearing one another's burdens - cf. Ga 6:1-2; 1Th 5:14
CONCLUSION
  1. Depression, like anxiety and boredom, is not something to be taken lightly...
    1. Many people suffer from it, including brothers and sisters in Christ
    2. It can have a debilitating effect on the one who suffers from it, and on those around them
  2. Yet Christ can provide a way out for those willing to have faith in Him!
    1. Not just faith in the one suffering from depression
    2. But faith in those who are in position to aid the suffering
    -- It is only when both the "patient" and the "care-giver" accept and act upon the words of Jesus can there be the kind of joy, peace and comfort Jesus intended
  3. Indeed, His teachings are designed to provide true joy and peace - Jn 15:11; 16:33
    1. As Paul wrote, God "comforts us in all our tribulation" - cf. 2Co 1:3-4
    2. But such comfort is intended to be shared, that "we may be able to comfort those who are in trouble..."

Is our faith in Jesus what it ought to be? Is it such that we can carry out Paul's admonition...?

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. (1Th 5:14)
If so, then truly we can say: "Faith Is The Victory!"

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022
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