Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, July 24, 2005, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.
I BELIEVE GOD
By Michael D. O’Neal
Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church
Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Acts 27:9-25
Text: Acts 27:25
Acts 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
Introduction: Some time ago I brought a devotional in Sunday School assembly on the thought that Paul expressed in our text. For those of you who were there and remember it, bear with me as I repeat myself a little by talking to you again on the subject
I BELIEVE GOD
You know that the sin that sends a man to hell is UNBELIEF.
The sin that kept Israel out of the Promised Land for 40 years was UNBELIEF.
The biggest sin that keeps you and me from enjoying the blessings of God today is UNBELIEF.
I want to encourage all of us today to trust in the only One who CAN be trusted – the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!
I. I BELIEVE GOD FOR A PERFECT SALVATION
John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
A. An exceptional salvation
1. So much better than RELIGION
B. An eternal salvation
C. An extraterrestrial salvation
1. God’s salvation is from HEAVEN!
II. I BELIEVE GOD FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE SPIRIT
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
A. Even when I fail to feel Him
He is here
B. Even when I fail to follow Him
He is here
1. EVERY believer is LED by the Spirit
even if he does not always FOLLOW
that leadership
III. I BELIEVE GOD FOR THE PROVISION OF SUPPLIES
Psalms 78:19 Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?
The gas prices are going up, but God’s promises are always the SAME and are always SUFFICIENT.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
A. God’s riches do not change
B. God’s reliability does not change
IV. I BELIEVE GOD FOR THE PURITY OF THE SCRIPTURES
Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
A. He gave the promise
B. He has the power
C. We have the proof – the Bible
in our hands – the AV 1611!
V. I BELIEVE GOD FOR POWER IN SOUL-WINNING
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
A. Power for courage
B. Power for conviction
C. Power for conversion
VI. I BELIEVE GOD FOR PEACE IN THE STORM
Paul had that peace in our text.
2 Corinthians 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
We do not have to be alarmed by
A. The winds of filthy spirits
B. The waves of frightening situations
He who delivered us from HELL, can deliver us from HARM and from the HURRICANE!
VII. I BELIEVE GOD FOR THE PROMISE OF THE SECOND COMING
John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Hebrews 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
How long is “a little while”?
Well, it could be:
Before TOMORROW
Before LUNCH
Before THE END OF THIS MESSAGE!
A. It is sure
1. As sure as the ascension in Acts 1
is the descent of 1 Thess. 4!
B. It is soon
1. Any day now! It could be today!
Michael D. O’Neal (Proverbs 11:30), Pastor,
Gospel Light Baptist Church
P.O. Box 3071 (237 Lockett Station Road),
Albany, GA 31706
(229) 432-0039 (church) / (229) 698-2127 (parsonage)
*Scriptures in my notes are from the Authorized Version 1611 -KJV- and are used by permission of the Author – Ephesians. 6:17*
“Come Alive In 2005”