Great Things God Has Done for Us

Gratitude and Testimony Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to preach and fellowship. Feeling blessed and thankful for health and strength. Mentioning struggles and expenses, but trusting in the Lord’s timing. Reading from 1 Samuel 12, emphasizing fearing and serving the Lord. Verses 18-24 are highlighted, focusing on avoiding wickedness and serving in truth. Specific verses mentioned: 1 Samuel 12:18-24 Psalms 145:17-20 Sharing a message about great things God has done. Referencing Mark 5:15, 19, about a man possessed who was healed and told to share God’s compassion. Connecting personal experiences to the scripture, emphasizing God’s love for sinners. Easter and God’s Love Focusing on the true meaning of Easter: the crucifixion and resurrection, not just “rabbits and eggs.” Highlighting Romans 5:8, emphasizing God’s love while we were sinners. Referencing Jeremiah 31:3, speaking of God’s everlasting love. Defining spiritual love versus “puppy love,” emphasizing Christ’s love in the heart. Mentioning 1 John 4:8 and 4:19, stating “God is love” and we love Him because He first loved us. Reflecting on personal experiences and acknowledging being saved and thankful. Repentance and Salvation Expressing gratitude for being called to repentance. Recalling an experience at an old-fashioned altar. Sharing a story about a man running from the Lord who eventually surrendered at the altar. Referencing John 6:37, emphasizing that those given by the Father will come to Jesus and not be cast out. Acknowledging past “mean” behavior and expressing gratitude for God changing his life. Highlighting John 6:44, stating that no one can come to Jesus unless drawn by the Father. Sharing a story about praying with a man for several nights who felt turned over to a reprobate mind. Warning against being hard-hearted and rejecting the word of God. Referencing 1 John 1:9, emphasizing confession of sins and forgiveness. Mentioning Ephesians 1:7, highlighting redemption through Christ’s blood and forgiveness of sins. Acknowledging personal imperfections and looking forward to a glorified body. Expressing confidence in his calling to preach, despite occasional self-doubt. Emphasizing the need to live for God and trust in His grace for every need. Trusting God and Overcoming Sharing a testimony about a son’s recovery, attributing it to God’s blessing. Referencing Luke 13:5, warning that without repentance, one will perish. Sharing a story about a girl who shared a problem and later received bad news, emphasizing the need for prayer. Highlighting Matthew 11:28, inviting all to come to Jesus for rest. Emphasizing the importance of daily prayer and seeking forgiveness. Reflecting on past sins and the devil’s attempts to drag one down. Emphasizing the need to stay close to God for victory. Salvation by Grace Emphasizing salvation through grace by faith, not by works. Referencing Ephesians 2:8-9 to support this point. Stating there is nothing to boast about. Sharing an experience at the hospital where someone acknowledged his work for God. Sharing a personal health experience and attributing healing to God. Highlighting Romans 10:9, emphasizing confession and belief for salvation. Stating there is no place to hide from God, referencing Jeremiah and Revelation 6:16. Emphasizing the need to wake up and realize God’s love and protection. Referencing Romans 4:21, emphasizing being fully persuaded that God can perform what He has promised. Mentioning praying for various individuals, including Branson and a neighbor named Custer. Acknowledging God’s mercy in daily life. Sharing a story about a brother on a breathing machine in the hospital. Referencing Acts 17:28, stating that in Him we live, move, and have our being. Highlighting Psalm 150:6, stating that everything that has breath should praise the Lord. Sharing an anecdote about a preacher making a humorous point about breathing. Eternal Life and Readiness Expressing anticipation for eternal life with the Lord. Referencing Philippians 1:21, stating that to live is Christ and to die is gain. Sharing the story of Lazarus and emphasizing God’s perfect timing. Referencing 1 Samuel 1:24, sharing the story of Hannah and emphasizing that God supplies our needs. Expressing being sheltered in the arms of God. Emphasizing the need for God’s mercy and love. Highlighting the soon return of Christ for the saints. Sharing an experience at a wedding and anticipating the marriage supper of the Lamb. Emphasizing the endless ages with God in heaven. Warning about the dangers on the highway and the need to be ready for Christ’s return. Referencing Revelation 19:7, emphasizing the marriage of the Lamb and the bride arrayed in fine linen. Judgment and Salvation Emphasizing the coming judgment and the need to be saved. Sharing a story about being called “too wild” and emphasizing the need to wake up to the end times. Expressing joy in being saved and praising God. Highlighting 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, describing the Lord’s descent from heaven and the catching up of believers. Emphasizing God’s purpose in gathering together. Acknowledging personal limitations and expressing gratitude for salvation. Emphasizing the suddenness of Christ’s return. Extending an invitation to come to the altar for prayer and thanksgiving. Expressing love for the pastor and the church. Encouraging love and prayer for one another. Sharing a story about a boy who lost his leg but is now doing well, and another who had a health scare that woke him up. Emphasizing the need to be on our knees and seek God’s help. Acknowledging the bad shape of the world and the need for a friend in Jesus. Encouraging everyone to get closer to God and listen to Him. Expressing a desire to help others and sharing an example of offering help to a lady. Expressing confidence in the fellow preachers and their willingness to help. Encouraging those present to thank God for their families and blessings. Acknowledging that life is not perfect but emphasizing God’s help. Praying for God to speak to hearts and inviting people to come forward.