Dealing with doubt and discouragement? Psalm 73 can help us find hope and remind us of God's faithfulness.
[0:00] Intro
[2:45] God is good - Psalm 73:1
[9:30] But - Psalm 73:2-14
[15:36] Tongue tied - Psalm 73:15-16
[19:30] Wake up call - Psalm 73:17-27
[32:50] So good! - Psalm 73:28
Bible Verses:
Psalm 73
2 Timothy 2:13
Romans 5:6-8
Galatians 6:2
Psalm 16:11
John 10:27-30
James 4:7-8
Hebrews 12:1-2
Psalm 73 is a psalm written by Asaph. He is known to have been a worship leader. I think we can relate to what he wrote in Psalm 73.
God is good - Psalm 73:1 | In the first verse, Asaph recognizes God’s goodness. God is still good today. He is good despite our past mistakes and hurtful choices. God is faithful.
“...if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13
But - Psalm 73:2-14 | Asaph also recognizes his envy as he sees the wicked in their prosperity and ease. He questions the injustice of all the wickedness.
When we look around, we may struggle with envy as well. It can feel like we are being left behind by a world that seems to be doing well without God. We may cry out to God about the injustice of it. God is not afraid of our questions. He can handle our questions, doubts, and pain.
Tongue tied - Psalm 73:15-16 | Asaph couldn’t speak to anyone about his discouragement and kept it inside. He almost lost his trust in God.
We should share our personal struggles with fellow believers. However, it should not come before communicating with God through prayer. Go to God first and connect with each other as a body after. God knows and He cares about our concerns.
Wake up call - Psalm 73:17-27 | Asaph has a wake up call when he enters the sanctuary. Drawing closer to God helps him understand that the wicked he sees prospering all have one end - death because they are not on God’s side.
It is vital that we attend church and fill ourselves with God's Word. As with Asaph, clarity comes with closeness to God. Meet with God, both individually and collectively. Spend time in God's Word daily. Draw near to God and each other, and receive the clarity and joy that comes from it.
So good! - Psalm 73:28 | Initially, Asaph was distracted by the prosperity of the wicked, but he comes back to the goodness of God.
We have the privilege of being able to bring our weaknesses to a perfect God. Look to Jesus, not at external distractions. Ask God for forgiveness and help in not being distracted by worldly things, and instead find joy in His eternal hope.
What Drives You Every Day | Your Compelling Story Part 3 | The Story of Stephen Acts 6 - 7
Mister Brown • Acts 6, Acts 7
Using the story of Stephen found in Acts 6 - 7, I had the pleasure of preaching at my church and discussing how each one of our compelling stories should be centered on Jesus Christ. I encourage you to embrace your unique gifts and talents while serving God with integrity. Leave behind past mistakes and focus on your identity in Christ first. As Stephen did, live for a higher purpose and not to please people, but to please God.
God's Faithfulness Through History | Your Compelling Story Part 2 | The Story of Stephen Acts 6 - 7
Mister Brown • Acts 6, Acts 7
Using the story of Stephen found in Acts 6 - 7, I had the pleasure of preaching at my church and discussing how each one of our compelling stories should be centered on Jesus Christ. I encourage you to embrace your unique gifts and talents while serving God with integrity. Leave behind past mistakes and focus on your identity in Christ first. As Stephen did, live for a higher purpose and not to please people, but to please God.
Finding Identity and Purpose | Your Compelling Story Part 1 | The Story of Stephen Acts 6 - 7
Mister Brown • Acts 6, Acts 7
Using the story of Stephen found in Acts 6 - 7, I had the pleasure of preaching at my church and discussing how each one of our compelling stories should be centered on Jesus Christ. I encourage you to embrace your unique gifts and talents while serving God with integrity. Leave behind past mistakes and focus on your identity in Christ first. As Stephen did, live for a higher purpose and not to please people, but to please God.
https://proclaimministries.com/media/vwj7wp4/what-is-your-compelling-story-the-story-of-stephen-acts-6-7
What Is Your Compelling Story? | The Story of Stephen | Acts 6 - 7
Mister Brown • Acts 6, Acts 7, 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
Using the story of Stephen found in Acts 6 - 7, Mister Brown discusses how our compelling story should be centered on Jesus Christ.
[0:00] Intro
[8:00] Acts 6: 1 - 15
[26:30] Acts 7: 2 - 60
[38:45] What is your compelling story?
https://proclaimministries.com/kids?sapurl=lytyewr0l2xil21plytjnnqznmizp2jyyw5kaw5npxrydwumzw1izwq9dhj1zszyzwnlbnrsb3v0zt1hchaud2vilwfwcc5sawjyyxj5lmxpc3qmcmvjzw50um91dgvtbhvnpsuyqnbqcjq0bmi=
Using the story of Stephen found in Acts 6 - 7, I had the pleasure of preaching at my church and discussing how each one of our compelling stories should be centered on Jesus Christ. I encourage you to embrace your unique gifts and talents while serving God with integrity. Leave behind past mistakes and focus on your identity in Christ first. As Stephen did, live for a higher purpose and not to please people, but to please God.
Consider what truly compels and drives you each day - is it Christ or something else? I think if we’re honest with ourselves, we tend to be selfish. We want to have acknowledgement and approval from society. We are more about pleasing people than we are about pleasing the One who made us.
Stephen gave us an example of what it means to not only die for God, but to live for Him. Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people (Acts 16:8-13). Despite serving tables, Stephen's compelling story and faith stood out and this led to his arrest.
After his arrest, Stephen gives a history lesson, refuting the charges with biblical examples (Acts 7:2-60). Stephen emphasizes God's faithfulness in keeping His promises, citing the story of Joseph as an example. He argues that the Israelites' resistance to God and their treatment of prophets and Jesus are their own fault. This so enrages the leaders, they stone Stephen to death. While Stephen is being stoned, he prays for his persecutors to know Christ.
Stephen faced societal pressure to conform and instead, he chose to live for God. This cost Stephen his life. We may never face this kind of persecution, but we will face opposition to the Gospel and for this we will be targets.
As believers in Jesus Christ, our identity is being a child of God. Focus on Christ's resurrection as proof of paid sins, rather than worrying about what others think. We have a new identity in Christ, not in sin. Cling to that hope and promise as you face the world.
VC Student Winter Retreat Follow-Up with Taylor
Mister Brown
Hello VC students! I hope you took something away from the winter retreat.
Thank You, Upward Basketball 2024
Mister Brown • 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
Thank you, Upward Basketball 2024!
"...Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures..." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (KJV)
https://proclaimministries.com/kids?sapurl=lytyewr0l2xil21plytjnnqznmizp2jyyw5kaw5npxrydwumzw1izwq9dhj1zszyzwnlbnrsb3v0zt1hchaud2vilwfwcc5sawjyyxj5lmxpc3qmcmvjzw50um91dgvtbhvnpsuyqnbqcjq0bmi=
Forgive Others Because You Have Been Forgiven | Matthew 18:21-35 | Forgiven Sermon Clip
Matthew 18:21–35
In this clip from a sermon at Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids, MN, I share about the meaning and purpose of forgiveness.
[1:50] Acting out Matthew 18:23-34
[5:12] Matthew 18:35
[6:00] Forgive others because you have been forgiven
Do We Have The Wrong Definition of Forgiveness? | Matthew 18:15-35 | Forgiven Sermon Clip
Mister Brown • Matthew 18:15–35
In this clip from a sermon at Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids, MN, I share about what forgiveness is not.
[0:36] The wrong definition of forgiveness: 1) Forgiveness is NOT saying it's okay. 2) Forgiveness is NOT pretending it didn't happen. 3) Forgiveness is NOT bringing it up to them or to others. 4) Forgiveness is NOT giving the same access. 5) Forgiveness is NOT waiting until they ask.
[6:28] A great song about "forgiving" people
[8:15] The definition of forgiveness: A choice to release someone of the debt they owe you.
[8:55] How unforgiveness is like holding onto a hot iron (or several hot irons).
[11:00] Forgive those who hurt you or your hurt will never end.
[12:00] 3 Steps to forgiveness: 1) I choose to forgive. 2) I am forgiving. 3) I have forgiven.
Forgiven Sermon | Matthew 18:15-35 | Faithbridge Church
Mister Brown • Matthew 18:15–35
In this sermon at Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids, MN, I share about the meaning and purpose of forgiveness.
[0:01] My testimony
[2:05] Lord, remind me of something true or teach me something new.
[4:16] Matthew 18:15-18
[7:05] Matthew 18:21-22
[8:30] Acting out Matthew 18:23-34
[12:1] Matthew 18:35
[13:00] Forgive others because you have been forgiven
[14:00] The wrong definition of forgiveness: 1) Forgiveness is NOT saying it's okay. 2) Forgiveness is NOT pretending it didn't happen. 3) Forgiveness is NOT bringing it up to them or to others. 4) Forgiveness is NOT giving the same access. 5) Forgiveness is NOT waiting until they ask.
[19:50] A great song about "forgiving" people
[21:45] The definition of forgiveness: A choice to release someone of the debt they owe you.
[22:27] How unforgiveness is like holding onto a hot iron (or several hot irons).
[24:35] Forgive those who hurt you or your hurt will never end.
[25:30] 3 Steps to forgiveness: 1) I choose to forgive. 2) I am forgiving. 3) I have forgiven.
[29:25] Jesus Christ has forgiven us.
[30:45] The Gospel message
