The Antidote for Complaining

Numbers 11:1-2 And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched.

Two very brief and very basic lessons from this passage of scripture:

1.  Complaining displeases God. 

2.  Prayer is the antidote for complaining.

We could all stand to do much less of the former and much more of the latter. 

John 18:4

John 18:4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth…

That’s a powerful statement.  If Jesus Christ is the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world, then long before He ever left heaven’s glory to put on a body and enter this world at Bethlehem’s manger, He knew all things that should come upon him.  And yet He went forth. 

Passover

www.freefoto.com

When it comes to OT typology, I need help.  I enjoy it.  I just usually need somebody to show me, because I rarely see these things for myself. Here are some notes from Brother James’s Old Testament Survey book on the Passover lamb of Exodus 12. 

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

Diligence

I believe that one of the greatest sins of modern-American Christianity is the sin of laziness.  We’re just not willing to work as hard as we’re going to have to work in order to reach our potential – in almost any area.  And of those who are willing to work hard and do what it takes to be successful in their endeavors, few seem to invest that drive and energy and devotion to spiritual matters.

What we need is some good, old-fashioned diligence – in our spiritual lives. 

Happiness Is...

Here’s how the book of wisdom says we can be happy:

1.  Find wisdom (Proverbs 3:13)

2.  Retain wisdom (Proverbs 3:18)

3.  Have mercy on the poor (Proverbs 14:21)

4.  Trust in the Lord (Proverbs 16:20)

5.  Fear the Lord (Proverbs 28:14)

6.  Keep the law (Proverbs 29:18)

2 Thessalonians 3:13-18

BE NOT WEARY

Brent Logan – Missionary to Romania/Eastern Europe

Click here for sermon audio

2 Thessalonians 3:13-18 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

2 Thessalonians 3:8-12

TO THE WORK

Rob Carlson – Pastor, Golden Plains Baptist Church, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba

Click here for sermon audio

2 Thessalonians 3:8-12 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-7

BIBLICAL BREAKING OF FELLOWSHIP

Joel Logan – Pastor, Sweet Springs Baptist Church, Ardmore, AL

Click here for sermon audio

2 Thessalonians 3:6-7 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

2 Thessalonians 3:3-5

BUT THE LORD IS FAITHFUL

Scott Suttle – Pastor, Spring City Baptist Church, Cleveland, VA

Click here for sermon audio

2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

I’M COUNTING ON YOU

Joel Logan – Pastor, Sweet Springs Baptist Church, Ardmore, AL

Click here for sermon audio

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

A COMFORT THAT WILL LAST

Rick Baker – Pastor, Faith Baptist Church, Mint Hill, NC

Click here for sermon audio

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.