Western Hills Christian Church: “You are family here!”

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Text: Nehemiah 4:1-9

I.  Signs of opposition (Nehemiah 4:1-3)

1. Ridicule
2. Powerful
3. A cover for those against you

II.  How to overcome opposition (Nehemiah 4:4-9)

1. Through prayer (See: 1st Peter 2:23)
2. Praise (See: Acts 16:22-33)
3. Work & prayer (Nehemiah 4:9)

Conclusion
What holds us back when confronted with opposition?

Do we see God as being big enough to overcomes the opposition?

Do you have a mind to work and a heart of prayer?

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Text: Matthew 13:1-10,18-23

I.  Barriers to perseverance.

1. Satan (Matthew 13:18,19)
   1. Father of Liars (John 8:44)
   2. Like a roaring lion (1st Peter 5:8)
   3. Masquerades as an angel of light  (2nd Corinthians 2:11)
   4. He tries to turn God against us. (Luke 22:31)
   5. He sets traps for us.  (2nd Timothy 2:26)

How do you overcome Satan?
1.  James 4:7
2. 1st Peter 5:8-9

2.  Trouble or Persecution (Matthew 13:20-21) See John 16:33; Romans 8:35-39

3.  Worries of life and wealth (Matthew 13:22) See: 1st Timothy 6:17; Revelation 3:17

II. Fruitfulness of perseverance (Matthew 13:23) See: 2nd Thessalonians 1:4; Hebrews 12:1-3

Application:

Perseverance is fruitful.  Persevere in your faith; and that includes your giving.
Hang in there because it’s worth it.

Opening the windows of heaven - part 2 of 4 of the “Rich Toward God” series

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Text: Malachi 3:6-18

I.  The Window of loyalty (Malachi 3:6-18)

II.  The Window of Personal Provision
     See: 2nd Corinthians 9:6-8

III.  The Window of Financial Order

Benefits of tithing:

1. Develop discipline in spending habits
2. Having a God-based budget
3. Preparing for true riches, things of eternal value

IV.  The Window of Spiritual Identity. (Malachi 3:17-18)
       See: 1st Peter 2:9

Demonstrates:

• trust
• faithfulness

APPLICATION:

Tithing is important in your relationship with God.
Are you ready to receive the blessing?

But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.
Proverbs 11:18b

There are many ways to invest our lives, but none offers greater reward than devoting ourselves to the pursuit of righteousness. Every area of our lives should reflect the holiness of God that is ours by salvation: our thoughts, so that nothing we think about would be inappropriate for a child of God; our actions, so that our lives demonstrate that we serve a holy God; our integrity, so that we are above reproach in all our relationships.

Are you taking God’s righteousness in your life for granted? Righteousness is something you must allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life. Instead of sowing holy thoughts, are you allowing evil and sinful thoughts to grow in your mind? Are you allowing lust to grow unchecked within you? Does enmity, bitterness, jealousy, or unforgiveness remain in your life? Jesus said if we seek first God and His righteousness, everything else will follow (Matt. 6:33).

There is great reward in sowing righteousness. What are you presently doing to plant holiness in your life? (1 Pet. 1:15). How are you putting righteousness in your mind so that your thoughts are holy? How are you cultivating righteousness in your relationships so that you maintain your integrity? Are you instilling righteousness I your activities so that your life is above reproach? If you want to harvest righteousness in your life tomorrow, you must plant seeds of righteousness today.

Henry and Richard Blackaby
Experiencing God Day-by-Day