Life Coaching Sessions: 2016 at first baptist church robersonville nc

One Year With
First Baptist Church
Robersonville, North Carolina
January 1 – December 31, 2016

Table of Contents
Business Meeting Minutes pages 3 - 8
Messages pages 9 - 63
Membership Lists pages 64 - 66

Quarterly Church Business Meeting Minutes
First Baptist Church, Robersonville, North Carolina 27871
Church Sanctuary, 7 pm, Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Call to Order - Deacon Chair Lou Jean Manning called the meeting to order and Church Clerk Mitch Manning
opened with prayer.
Attendance - 16 members and Pastor Randall Woodard were in attendance.
Minutes - Church Clerk Mitchell Manning read the minutes of the December 2 Quarterly Church Business
Meeting. The minutes were approved following a motion by Al Cochran and second by Glynn James.
Clerk's Report: There were no changes to the church membership.
Treasurer's Report - Church Treasurer Loyall Corey Jr. reviewed the December 2015 Financial Summary Report
and the February 2016 Treasurer's Report. The Treasurer’s Report was approved following a motion by Alice
Johnson, second by Connie Pritchard, and discussion.
Pastor's Report - Randall Woodard reported 56 home visits, 10 hospital visits, 1 special service, 6 counseling
sessions, and 15 church related meetings. He reported receiving very positive feedback from the community
about FBC-R on community involvement and outreach, the sermon notes, the Facebook page, the articles in the
Enterprise, and member invitations to attend FBC-R. He is working on a Church Council meeting on April 1, a Bi-
vocational Pastor’s Conference on Monday, June 13, and a September Revival with a minister from the Billy
Graham Crusade.
Committee Reports/Old Business
Building and Grounds – Lou Jean Manning presented for Mike Ward the Deacon Board’s motion to have
Roundtree Locksmith replace the locksets for 5 exterior doors and to repin the office door not to exceed $400.
Gail Cargile seconded the motion. The motion passed after discussion.
Pastor Randall Woodard’s Housing Allowance – The Pastor’s total annual compensation is $29,900 which
includes a housing allowance of $12,000. The motion was made by Al Cochran, seconded by Joan James, and
passed after discussion. This is duly reported in these minutes for federal tax requirements.
Memorial Fund Committee- Gail Cargile reported $344.87 paid for folders and new music for the choir.
Missions Report - Peggy Cochran thanked the members for recent offerings and for supporting Amy Roberson’s
mission work in Colorado.
Youth Committee – Gail Cargile announced plans to honor 2016 graduates at a Senior Reception on May 1.
Alice Johnson shared plans for the Easter Egg Hunt at FBC-R at 11 am on Saturday, March 26 followed by a
hotdog lunch provided by the Methodist Church. The Christian Church is providing all other arrangements.
Others – Betty Norman recognized Libby and Mike Ward for planting new shrubbery in front of the Fellowship
Hall.
New Business
SRBA Bi-vocational Pastor’s Conference – Chair Lou Jean Manning presented a motion from the Deacon
Board to host a conference at FBC-R on June 13. There will be a meal for approximately 100 people followed by
a short business meeting, heartfelt testimonies, spirited singing, and Christian fellowship. Gail Cargile seconded
the motion. There was discussion of recent conferences in Mildred, Wilson, and Fountain NC. The consensus
was the conferences are a much needed and appreciated ministry for the area bi-vocational pastors, and all
attendees. The motion passed.
Other Items – Karen Wynne asked if the church could have a love offering for the Wadsworth family. Joan
James made a motion to announce a Love Offering for the Wadsworth family in the church bulletin for the next
two Sundays. Mitch Manning seconded the motion. The motion passed following discussion.
Prayer Needs and Requests - Prayer needs and requests were lifted and discussed by the attendees.
Adjourn - Al Cochran made a motion to adjourn. Loyal Corey Jr. seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Chair Lou Jean Manning asked the attendees to stand and the Pastor to close with prayer.
Closing Prayer - Pastor Randall Woodard gave the closing prayer.
Next Quarterly Church Business Meeting - to be scheduled June, 2016.
Minutes respectfully and worshipfully submitted by Mitchell W. Manning, Church Clerk

Church Sanctuary, 7 pm, Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Call to Order - Deacon Chair Lou Jean Manning called the meeting to order and Pastor Randall Woodard
opened with prayer.
Attendance - 17 members , Pastor Randall Woodard, and one visitor were in attendance.
Minutes - Church Clerk Mitchell Manning read the minutes of the March 23 Quarterly Church Business Meeting.
The minutes were approved following a motion by Alice Johnson and second by Joan James.
Clerk's Report: Virginia Thomas went to be with the Lord on June 9. She was a faithful and joyful member.
Treasurer's Report - Church Treasurer Loyall Corey Jr. reviewed the May 15 Financial Summary Report. The
Treasurer’s Report was approved following a motion by Sharon Corey, second by Steve Johnson, and discussion.
Gail Cargile requested the Memorial Fund CD be included in the amount with the Memorial Fund.
Pastor's Report - Randall Woodard reported 88 total events: 12 community visits, 30 home visits, 5 hospital
visits, 4 special services, 18 counseling sessions, 2 funerals, and 17 church related meetings. He reported the Bi-
Vocational Pastor’s Conference was a huge success. The Church Council meeting created a Calendar of Events
for the year. The rescheduled community walk is 6 pm Wednesday, June 29. The September Revival will be on
September 18-20.
Building and Grounds – Lou Jean Manning presented for Mike Ward the Deacon Board’s motion to increase the
Church Copier Contract by $960 to replace the old copiers with new technology. Gail Cargile seconded the
motion. The motion passed after discussion.
Memorial Fund Committee/Missions Report /Youth Committee – No reports.
Other – The Church Council has prepared and published a Calendar of Events. Karen Wynne, Administrator,
and Loyal Corey Jr. (Treasurer) have set up a Credit/Debit Account for receiving memorial gifts to FBC-R.
New Business
Recording System Recommendations: Mitch Manning reported the Bi-vocational Pastor’s Conference and the
Father’s Day message was successfully recorded using the old technology in the church. He recommended
replacing the camera and monitor to reduce the time and cost, and improve the quality of recording services and
events. Alice Johnson made a motion to purchase one video camera and two monitors for a cost not to exceed
$700. Steve Johnson seconded the motion. The motion passed following discussion.
FBC Procedures and Policy Manual – updated Kitchen and Fellowship Hall Rules: The Chair shared that
members will not be charged for using the facilities. Non-members will pay a $75 deposit. Non-members can
reserve the kitchen and fellowship hall but will be told the church has priority if a cancellation by the church is
necessary.
Other New Business: Karen Wynne recommended a free-standing rack for the sermon notes and other church
related material for the church foyer. Joan James made a motion to provide up to $100 for purchasing a rack.
Alice Johnson seconded. The motion passed after discussion. Mitch Manning reported for Building and Grounds
that the Pastor needs a computer and the Administrator’s desk and monitor need repair or replacing. After
discussion the following actions were decided: Mitch will look at repairs for the desk immediately, Karen Wynne
will work with the computer technician on repairs and internet service, and the Pastor will decide the computer he
needs.
Prayer Needs and Requests - Prayer needs and requests were lifted and discussed by the attendees.
Adjourn – Alice Johnson made a motion to adjourn. The members seconded the motion by standing. The
motion passed. The Chair and the Pastor closed the Quarterly Church Meeting with prayer.
Closing Prayer - Pastor Randall Woodard gave the closing prayer.
Next Quarterly Church Business Meeting - to be scheduled September, 2016.

Church Sanctuary, 7 pm, Wednesday, September 29, 2016
Call to Order - Deacon Chair Lou Jean Manning called the meeting to order and opened with prayer.
Attendance - 25 members and two visitors were in attendance.
Minutes - Church Clerk Mitchell Manning read the minutes of the June 22 Quarterly Church Business Meeting.
The minutes were approved following a motion by Tommy Ward and second by Joan James.
Clerk's Report: Elizabeth James, Gertie Matthews, and Ray Poston have gone to be with the Lord. Barbara
James rejoined the church. There are 108 members (64 active, 8 shut-in, and 36 inactive).
Treasurer's Report - Church Treasurer Loyall Corey Jr. reviewed the August Treasurer’s Report. The
Treasurer’s Report was approved following a motion by Sharon Corey, discussion, and second by Steve Johnson.
Pastor's Report - Randall Woodard reported 133 pastoral visits: 18 community visits, 42 home visits, 9 hospital
visits, 8 special services including 3 funerals, 18 counseling sessions, 10 church related meetings, and 28 witness
contacts. He reported the Revival was a success. He thanked the outgoing deacons: Alice Johnson, Wayne
Jenkins, and Lou Jean Manning.
Building and Grounds – Mike Ward reported completed work on the Outerbridge Street sidewalk, the LP gas
contract at $1.299 per gallon, the switch from CenturyLink to SuddenLink for internet and phone services, the
purchase and installation of the new HD Smart TV in the nursery, the lights in the Library have been fixed, the
administrator’s desk has been repaired, and the HD Video camera was purchased and is in use. He addressed
upcoming needs for roof leak repair, and tile and carpeting concerns in the Fellowship Hall.
Annual Nominating Committee – Peggy Cochran presented the motion for Committees and Officers for 2016-
17. Glynn James seconded. The motion passed.
Youth – Gail Cargile reported the church paid for pizzas for the Jesse Coppage Youth Ministry.
New Business
Outgoing Deacons – the outgoing Deacon Chair, Lou Jean Manning, recognized Wayne Jenkins and Alice
Johnson for serving.
New Deacons – Lou Jean announced the five volunteers recommended by the Deacon Board and asked for
nominations from the church body. There were none. Lou Jean then called for the election of three of the deacon
candidates by the church. Joan James, Gail Cargile, and Glynn James assisted with the voting. Sharon Corey
volunteered to help count the votes. Loyall Corey Jr., Steve Johnson, and Connie Pritchard were elected to serve
as deacons.
Sunday Evening Services - Lou Jean presented the Deacon Board recommendation to reduce the evening
services to the first and third Sunday evenings and to grant the Pastor authority to cancel services for
emergencies and pastoral care. Steve Johnson seconded. The motion was discussed and passed.
Pastor Recognition – Lou Jean presented the Deacon Board recommendation for the church to honor the
pastor’s one-year work anniversary and upcoming marriage with a $500 gift from the Church. Steve Johnson
seconded the motion. The motion passed following discussion. Individual gifts can be given as Love Offerings
for the Pastor.
Prayer Needs and Requests – Prayer needs and requests were lifted and discussed by the attendees.
Adjourn – Steve Johnson made a motion to adjourn. The members seconded the motion by standing. The
motion passed.
Closing Prayer - The Chair and the Pastor closed the Quarterly Church Meeting with prayer.
Next Quarterly Church Business Meeting - to be scheduled in December, 2016.

Called Church Business Meeting Minutes
Church Sanctuary, 11:05 am, Sunday, October 30, 2016
Call to Order – Deacon Board Vice-Chair Connie Pritchard called the meeting to order immediately following the
close of morning service.
Attendance - 31 members were in attendance.
Purpose of the Called Meeting – The Co-Chair stated the meeting was to vote on the recommendation by the
Deacon Board to have the Carpet Shop recover the floor of the Fellowship Hall for $12,891 (apprx. $4,000
discount). Mike Ward, Buildings and Grounds Chair, was called to provide an overview and background leading to
the recommendation. Following discussion, Al Cochran seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Adjourn – The Vice Chair adjourned the meeting.

Church Sanctuary, 7:05 pm, Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Call to Order - Deacon Chair Steve Johnson called the meeting to order and the Pastor opened with prayer.
Attendance - 21 members and 1 visitor were in attendance.
Minutes - Church Clerk Mitchell Manning read the minutes of the September 29 Quarterly Church Business
Meeting and the Called Church Business Meeting on October 30. The corrected minutes were approved
following a motion by Joan James and second by Glynn James.
Clerk's Report: Myrna Medal Woodard joined the church. Henry Ward moved his letter to Edenton Street
Methodist in Raleigh NC. There are 109 members (65 active, 8 shut-in, and 36 inactive). Addendum – the Annual
Report has been completed and submitted to the Roanoke Baptist Association/NC Baptist State Convention.
Treasurer's Report – Mike Ward reporting for Church Treasurer Loyall Corey Jr. reviewed the Treasurer’s
Report. The Treasurer’s Report was approved following a motion by Sharon Corey, discussion, and second by Al
Cochran.
Pastor's Report - Randall Woodard reported a total of 73 pastoral visits including 27 community visits, 29 home
visits, 4 hospital visits, 2 special services, 5 counseling sessions, and 6 church related meetings.
Building and Grounds – Mike Ward reported the roof leaks have been repaired, new flooring has been installed
in the Fellowship Hall, a new thermostat has been installed in the Sanctuary, new lights have been installed in the
administrative office, and he thanked Betty Norman, Ronnie James, and Donnie James for yard work.
Memorial Fund – Gail Cargile reported the fund is in good financial condition.
Missions – Peggy Cochran reported all goals have been met to date.
Youth – Our church will host the 2017 Community Bible School.
New Business
Proposed 2017 Budget – Mike Ward reviewed the recommended budget from the Budget Committee. John
Pritchard seconded the recommendation. After discussion. the recommendation/motion was approved.
Pastor’s Housing Allowance – Mike Ward reviewed the church statement designation. Al Cochran made a
motion to approve the statement. Following discussion, John Pritchard seconded the motion and it was
approved.
Recording System – Mitch Manning reported selected services are being recorded and they are available to
members and the public on the church Facebook page in video and text notes.
Christmas Dinner – The dinner will be on Wednesday, December 14 at 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall. It will be
catered by Tim Roberson. Deacon Chair Steve Johnson reviewed the recommendation from the Deacon Board
that the cost to church members be $10 and the church to pay all other costs including tip, meals for Pastor and
wife, Choir Director, Church Administrator and 2 guests, entertainer and 1 guest plus $50. Al Cochran seconded
the recommendation/motion. It was approved following discussion. The deadline for signing up for the dinner is
Sunday, December 11.
Robersonville Christmas Parade – The Christmas Parade will be Wednesday, December 14 before our dinner.
Prayer Needs – The Deacon Chair called for prayer needs and the attendees responded.
Adjourn – The Deacon Chair Steve Johnson called for a motion to adjourn. Al Cochran made the motion. The
members seconded the motion by standing. The motion passed.
Closing Prayer - The Deacon Chair closed the December Quarterly Church Business Meeting with prayer.
Next Quarterly Church Business Meeting - to be scheduled in March, 2017.

2016 Sermon and Message Notes
First Baptist Church - Robersonville, North Carolina
January 1, 2016
20160103 Sunday Morning Facing Persecution As A Christian
20160103 Sunday Evening God Heals Hidden Wounds
20160110 Sunday Morning Living A Significant Life
20160110 Sunday Evening What Is The Point of Life?
20160117 Sunday Morning When The Odds Are Stacked Against You
20160117 Sunday Evening Staying Compassionate: Toward Others In Chaotic Times
20160124 Sunday Morning Snow Cancellation
20160124 Sunday Evening Snow Cancellation
20160131 Sunday Morning Five Marks of Maturity
20160131 Sunday Evening How To Live A Joy Filled Life
20160207 Sunday Morning WMU Sunday – Women Bring The Mission Message
20160207 Sunday Evening Learning To Trust God More
20160214 Sunday Morning How To Profit From Your Problems
20160221 Sunday Morning Developing A Faith That Works: How To Make Up Your Mind
20160221 Sunday Evening Jonah: More Than A Fish Story
20160228 Sunday Morning How To Win Over Temptation
20160228 Sunday Evening Run Jonah Run
20160306 Sunday Morning How To Be Blessed By The Bible
20160306 Sunday Evening Sleep Jonah Sleep
20160313 Sunday Morning How To Treat People Right
20160313 Sunday Evening The Church’s Place In Society Today
20160320 Sunday Morning How To Have A Real Faith
20160327 Sunday Sunrise Robersonville Community Easter Sunrise Service
What Difference Does Easter Make?
20160327 Sunday Morning The Encouragement of Easter
20160403 Sunday Morning Taming The Tongue
20160410 Sunday Morning How To Relate Wisely To Others
20160410 Sunday Evening Teach Us To Pray
20160417 Sunday Morning How To Avoid Arguments
20160417 Sunday Evening See Jonah Preach
20160424 Sunday Morning How To Quit Playing God
20160424 Sunday Evening See Jonah Weep
20160501 Sunday Morning How To Face Your Future
20160501 Sunday Evening How To Set Your Priorities: See Jonah Faint
20160508 Sunday Morning How Too Give The Greatest Mother’s Day Gift
20160515 Sunday Morning How To Be Wise With Your Wealth
20160515 Sunday Evening When Your World Collapses
20160522 Sunday Morning How to Develop Patience
20160522 Sunday Evening Prayer and Sharing
20160529 Sunday Morning How To Pray About Your Problems
20160605 Sunday Morning Defeating The Giants In Your Life
20160605 Sunday Evening Life’s Losses: Getting Through What You Are Going Through
20160612 Sunday Morning Where To Find The Hope That You Need
20160612 Sunday Evening Virginia Russ Thomas Visitation
20160619 Sunday Morning Finding Time For What Is Important
20160626 Sunday Morning A Life Worth Living
20160626 Sunday Evening Getting Through What You Are Going Through
20160703 Sunday Morning Transform Your Life: by Putting Jesus In First Place
20160710 Sunday Morning A Heart for the Ministry: A Check-up
20160710 Sunday Evening Church Cook-out 5 to 7 pm
20160717 Sunday Morning Darkness and Light: Contrasts and Comparisons
20160717 Sunday Evening Surrender: Turning a Crisis to a Testimony0222
20160724 Sunday Morning Living Your New Life Through Christ
20160724 Sunday Evening Transformed By Your Struggles
20160731 Sunday Morning How To Become More Like Jesus

20160731 Sunday Evening Finding Treasures In Darkness
20160807 Sunday Morning This Is How You Ought To Live
20160807 Sunday Evening Five Purposes Of Your Pain
20160814 Sunday Morning How To Get To Where You Are Going
20160814 Sunday Evening Keeping Your Faith In Crises
20160821 Sunday Morning God Can Use Anybody
20160821 Sunday Evening
20160828 Sunday Morning God’s Mercy: And Your Failures
20160828 Sunday Evening Amazing Grace: Part Two
20160904 Sunday Morning How Much Do You Matter To God?
20160904 Sunday Evening No Service for Labor Day Observance
20160911 Sunday Morning Mercy Forgives
20160918 Sunday Morning Jim Mullen – Revival
20160925 Sunday Morning
20161002 Sunday Morning How To Hear God’s Voice
20161009 Sunday Morning Hurricane Matthew cancellation
20161016 Sunday Morning Becoming Like Jesus: A Visionary Leader
20161023 Sunday Morning Gideon Presentation – Tim Copeland No Bibles In My House!
20161030 Sunday Morning Seizing Spiritual Opportunities
20161106 Sunday Morning Walking With God for Life
20161106 Sunday Evening Live A Remarkable Christian Life
20161113 Sunday Morning Governed By Grace
20161120 Sunday Morning Message from the Baptist Children’s Home
20161127 Sunday Morning Being An Agent of Mercy
20161204 Sunday Morning Be Surprised By Hope
20161211 Sunday Morning How To Worship The Savior
20161218 Sunday Morning The Fear Nots of Christmas
20161225 Sunday Morning What Difference Does Christmas Make?

2016 Sermon and Message Notes
First Baptist Church - Robersonville, North Carolina
20160103 Sunday Morning Facing Persecution As A Christian Randall Woodard
There are 3 kinds of suffering in your life: 1. Common Suffering - suffering from normal human experiences such
as sickness, death, and disappointment; 2. Carnal Suffering – suffering as a consequence of the decisions we
make and the actions we take; 3. Christian Suffering – this is a redemptive suffering. Jesus is the best example.
It is suffering for doing the right thing and standing with your Christian values. For example, our mission at FBC-
R is to edify others, testify the good news, and to live our lives to glorify God.
Suffering can help you grow as a person and a Christian. You decide whether to be better or to be bitter. The I
makes the difference. There are 5 principles from 1Peter 4:12-19 we can apply when we are suffering as
Christians: 1. Realize; 2. Rejoice; 3. Refuse; 4. Remember; and 5. Remain. We need to place these 5 principles
in our heart.
1. Realize suffering is bound to happen. It is the primary reason for Christians to edify and encourage one
another. John 13:16 “no one is greater than the master….they will persecute you.” Satan would love to hurt God,
but he can’t. So, he tries to hurt God’s children. For most of our lives it has been comfortable to be a Christian.
The world has gotten to be more and more hostile to Christianity. Realize suffering is coming. It is real. It is
here.
2. Rejoice when the suffering happens (verse 13). Paul is not saying enjoy the suffering. He is saying keep a
positive attitude.
3. Refuse to be ashamed (verse 16). Praise God that you bear his name.
4. Remember the reward to be received. Paul is telling us to keep the long range perspective. 2Corinthians 4
‘”God’s richest blessings…” This is the principle of delayed gratification, the strongest developer of true
character. Romans 8:17 “we will also share in his glory.” The suffering is short-term. The reward is long-term.
God is not going to look at your earthly credentials, awards, and accomplishments. He is going to look at your
scars for doing right to become more like Jesus.
5. Remain faithful to God (1Peter 4:19 “those who remain faithful to God’s will”). God is more interested in our
character than our comfort. God’s will is to make you perfect. Perfection requires commitment to the discomfort
according to God’s wishes. We would all be spoiled brats without discomfort. God is interested in mature adults.
God says “I love you so much I’m going to put you in the heat to help your understanding.”
Don’t get too comfortable here. The best is yet to come. All through history people have suffered for doing right
and good. Why do we continue? The rewards are great and everlasting. You have gone through dark days but
God has reached down and given you Jesus. Remain faithful to God that is how you grow as a Christian. Would
you trade your darkest days for what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown? A positive thinking course can’t put
this into your heart. Only redemptive suffering can grow you to be more like Jesus. Stay the course: Realize;
Rejoice; Refuse; Remember; and, Remain.
20160103 Sunday Evening How God Heals Hidden Wounds Randall Woodard
Genesis 3:6-10 and Proverbs28:13 ‘Missing Fig Leaves and Other Cover-ups’
A lot of hidden wounds are concealed from the public eye. God can heal the hurt and repair the damage we hide
form each other. The original cover-up is recorded in Genesis 3:6-10 “the woman saw the fruit was good for
wisdom...” Innocence and intimacy were destroyed. We want to cover it up. We can for a while but eventually
they will come up. Adam and Eve hid from each other and tried to hide from God. We don’t want to admit our
faults or weaknesses. A fig leaf is a term for cover-ups.
Proverbs 28:13 “he who conceals his sins never…” We need to go through 3 steps to deal with the real facts: 1.
Understanding; 2. Forgiveness; and 3. Healing. The process is simple but not easy. It is not fault finding. It is
help providing. God can do things to heal hurt and repair damage no doctor or psychologist can do.
1. For Understanding: Admit it to yourself. Don’t cover it up. The greatest hold-up to my hang-up is me. God
can’t help you with a problem until you admit you have one. We have excuses. We ignore it. We justify it (I like
food). Personal honesty is the foundation for personal progress. 1John 1:8 “we deceive ourselves…” We live in
a world of illusion. Redemption is always the goal when addressing issues. Ecclesiastes “we all sin.” Romans
3:23 “we all miss the mark.” James “we all stumble.” The good news is renounce your sins and be saved. Jesus

was tempted but he never sinned. We can’t save other people. All we can do is show them the hope. Jesus
came, died, and rose again. Whoever God sends is who we need to reach out to. We must begin with ourselves.
Admit our hurt an hang-ups for understanding.
2. For Forgiveness: Admit it to God. 1John 1:9 “if we confess our sins…” The most difficult 3 words are “I have
sinned.” The second most difficult 3 words are “I need help.” Psalm 19:12 “forgive…” Psalm 32 “I got sick…”
Trying to contain hurt and damage can make you physically and emotionally sick. Paul spoke of a battle going on
within. Romans 7:15 “I cannot make myself…” Admit it to God for forgiveness.
3. For Healing: Admit it to Others. James 5:16 “therefore confess your sins to each other…” God will show you
someone to talk to, someone who cares in terms of acceptance. Pray about it. This step deals with our pride
which makes it the hardest step. Confessing leads to healing. You don’t know what people have brewing inside
their soul. There is healing in being able to talk with others. Our church can be a place of healing, a hospital for
the sick; not a hotel for the saints. What matters is the direction of your heart. If you are a recipient of Grace,
take it to others. Be the beggar who tells other beggars where the bread is. Admit your hurt and hang-ups to
yourself, to God, and to others for understanding, forgiveness, and healing.
20160110 Sunday Morning Living A Significant Life 1Peter 5:1-7 Randall Woodard
What is a significant life? What about a life that impacts other lives so they may live more abundantly? There are
3 principles to live a significant life. Jesus Christ lived the most significant life ever lived. What did Peter learn
following Jesus around? What can Peter tell us, and how can we put those 3 principles in our hearts? How do
we become more like Jesus? There are 3 ways to improve your impact on others: 1. Start Serving; 2. Stay
Humble; and, 3. Stop Worrying.
1. Start Serving – Matthew 23:11 “to be the greatest be a servant.” The best and greatest impact is to impact
another person’s life. However in our society we learn from Burger King “to have it your way” and from Federal
Express to “have it when you want it.” You actually need JOY in your life: Jesus first, Others second, and, You
third. The keys to a significant life are to: a. choose desire over duty – this changes should to want and eliminates
four words that will never change the world for better, “if I have to”; b. choose giving over getting – don’t be greedy
for money but eager to serve; and, c. choose example over control – you make a lasting impression by showing
people what to do, not by telling people what to do, and that is the power to make a real difference by example.
2. Stay Humble – Remember, he who gets too big for his britches will soon be exposed in the end.” In verse 6
Peter tells us “God gives a special blessing to those who stay humble, but sets himself against those who become
conceited.” Humility is saying God lift me up I’m depending on you. God will lift you up in his own time. In
Phillipians 2 we find “learn to be great at being humble. Jesus humbled himself even further by dying on the
cross. God, help me put these principles in my heart.
3. Stop Worrying – In verse 7 Peter tells us to “cast your cares on Jesus, because he cares for you.” Worriers
don’t have time to fight the real battles. Worry makes you tend to focus on yourself. You can’t be humble when
you are focused on yourself. How do you stop worrying? You have direct access to go to Jesus in prayer any
time and any where. Remind yourself to dial 777 the Holy Number. Ask God to put this scripture in your heart
today. Pray to have impact on others that they may live life more abundantly.
20160110 Sunday Evening What Is The Purpose Of My Life? Randall Woodard
Ecclesiastes 7:24: “That which is far off, and exceedingly deep, who can find it out?” King Solomon was the
wisest man to ever live. He wrote Ecclesiastes near the end of his life. He considered all his experiences and
accomplishments to be meaningless except worshipping God and obeying the commandments, Ecclesiastes
12:13. In Ecclesiastes 1:1-15 King Solomon writes life is useless (v 2-4), tiresome (v 4-8), unfulfilling (v 9-10),
insignificant v 11), and uncontrollable (v 13), if you don’t know your purpose. How can anyone discover the
meaning of life. Solomon is challenging us to switch gears in our thinking. In Ecclesiasts 12:13 he tells us our
purpose is to worship God and to obey the commandments. For validation, we can go to Paul in Ephesians 1:4-5
“for he chose us in him before creation of the world…” We can choose for our life to be meaningless, or, choose
to be in a personal relationship with God. If a disappointing, useless, tiresome, unfulfilling, insignificant, and
uncontrollable life is good enough for you, don’t do the following four things:
1. Get to know God – Spend time observing all of God’s creation in all hours and all seasons. Spend time
seeking wisdom in the Old Testament and the New Testament. When you are confronted with any issue seek to
find guidance in the bible first. Spend time observing, listening, testifying, and glorifying the love of God and
Jesus Christ. John1:12 “to all who have received him…”

2. Become more like Jesus Christ – Accept the challenges of loving others unconditionally. Practice forgiveness,
honesty, integrity, self-control, humility, and meekness.
3. Practice serving others – You have talents and abilities. You have a purpose in using them to serve others.
Set plans and places to serve others in ways you find pleasing, enjoyable, and personally rewarding. JOY (Jesus
first, Others second, and You third) is your purpose. JOY will give you satisfaction in your soul. Establish the
mindset that this life is a practice run and dress rehearsal for your eternal life.
4. Share life’s purpose with other people – Be the example of loving one another to a lost and dying world with
the unfulfilled and depressed people who don’t know the Good News of grace, eternal forgiveness, and salvation.
2Corinthians 5:19 “this wonderful message he has given to us to share with others.”
Choosing to do these 4 things will change your life. The change can bring meaning, purpose, and joy to your life.
The primary issues of a meaningless life raised by King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 1:1-15 are addressed. The
question from King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 7:24 is answered. You can find the purpose and meaning of your
life.
20160117 Sunday Morning When The Odds Are Stacked Against You Randall Woodard
In 2Chronicles 20:1-30, the king of Israel, Jehoshaphat, is facing an invasion by enemies from three different
countries. What did he do that you can apply to your life when the odds are stacked against you? Jehoshaphat
took five steps: he turned to God first; he talked to God about specifics; he told God how he felt; he trusted God to
help him; and, he thanked God in advance.
1. Turn to God first - verses 1-3: describe how you feel; ask what to do? Seek motivation; release intimidation;
consider God's perspective.
2. Talk to God about specifics - verses 5-10: what is the situation, the problems, the choices, the results, the
consequences? Remember what God has done for you in past situations. Remind yourself who God is. Remind
yourself what God has done for you. Ask for help now: Are you not, did you not, will you not shield me, comfort
me, direct me, strengthen me?
3. Tell God how you feel - verses 10-12: God I am weak, afraid, overwhelmed, hurting, feeling desperate,
powerless.
4. Trust God to help you - verses 12-17: seek motivation and optimism. Stand strong in your place. It is never
God’s will to run from a problem. Have faith to be filled and successful. One thing God cannot do is lie.
5. Thank God in advance- verse 21: Jehoshaphat sent singers ahead of his army singing praises to God. We
have the answer to overcoming overwhelming odds. Share the power of God with a lost and suffering world.
Additional reading on Overcoming Overwhelming Odds: Psalm 3, Mark 6, also read about Moses, Noah,
Sampson, and Abraham.
20160117 Sunday Evening Stay Compassionate In Chaotic Times Randall Woodard
In “Voices Of The Faithful” Beth Moore writes “the more pain and suffering we see the less sensitive we become.”
In 1Thessalonians 3:11-13 Paul doesn’t pray for the safety and success of the members of the church. He prays
for their compassion. Is there a “hardening of the heart” in troubled, chaotic times? Sometimes it is easier to love
ourselves and give to ourselves. However, Christians need to remember and to be reminded who ever has
received agape love should freely give agape love. True, it is hard to hug a cactus. Someone recently said you
can snuff out all compassion by working in retail for only a month. But, our God loves us just as much on our
worst day as on our best day. By grace we are forgiven and by grace we should forgive and love one another.
By grace we can infuse our hearts with compassion. We will reap the benefits for being more loving in trouble,
chaotic times. Every Christian church will benefit by being known as a compassionate church. Paul writes of the
essence, expression, and effect of compassion.
1.The Essence of Compassion - In 1Thessalonians 3:11-13, Paul prays for “your love for one another to increase
and overflow. For additional reading see Psalms 116:5; Lamentations 3:22-23; and Matthew 24:12-14. We can
do this only by asking Jesus into our hearts. We do what is natural and ask God to do the supernatural. It is
natural when our expectations increase for our appreciation to decrease. We are the hands of God to reach out
to hurting people. We become more compassionate by praying for understanding and compassion. Our hearts
are touched by the supernatural when we give our hearts to Jesus. Jesus cleanses us and multiplies our
compassion for others in troubled chaotic times.
2. The Expression of Compassion – In verse 12 Paul counsels to “love those who are treating you badly.” This
goes against our natural inclination. God teaches us our sufficiency’s are only in him. Can we keep a tender
heart through difficult situations? The primary mark of a Christian is agape love. For additional reading see John
13:34-35. Will people know we are Christians by our compassion for one another?

3. The Effect of Compassion – The result of compassion is to reach out to a lost and dying world. When we do
this we become blameless. In 1John 4:18 “perfect love casts out fear.” The more lovingly we live, the less fear
we feel. Pray “God give me a compassionate heart.” The effect is our life becomes more confident and more
abundant.
20160131 Sunday Morning Five Marks of Maturity Randall Woodard
God’s will is for us to be mature in the faith. Immaturity is the number one cause of problems. Marks of maturity
should be evident in our lives. James is one of the most practical books in the Christian bible. James tells us
what it means to be a Christian. The goal to go for is to become more like Jesus. Hebrews 6:1 tells us to “go on
to maturity…” There are four things maturity is not: age; appearance; achievement; and academics. In the book
of James we learn maturity is marked by: Attitude – being positive under pressure; Sensitivity to other people –
loving all God’s people; Taming of the Tongue – speaking the truth with love; Peacemaking – reconciling
adversaries; and Patience and Prayerful – worry less and pray more. How mature are you at waiting on God to
meet your needs? The maturity test:
1. Are you positive under pressure?
2. Are you sensitive to all people?
3. Can you speak the truth with love?
4. Can you reconcile adversaries?
5. Can you wait on God without giving up?
The five marks of maturity are really an overview of the entire book of James. There are five short chapters filled
with practical advice we can immediately apply in our daily walk to maturity.
20160131 Sunday Evening Six Principles for a Joy Filled Life Randall Woodard
In Philippians the word joy is used 17 times in only four chapters. Paul tells us how to have joy in spite of pain
and circumstances. Happiness depends on happenings. Joy does not depend on things. How do we find and
have joy when there is so much pain in this world?
1. Just throw all past regrets overboard. God throws your sins into the sea of forgetfulness. Isaiah 43:19 “I am
going to do something new…”
2. Omit all worries about the future. Worry is a kill joy. Philipians 3:13 “I forget what is behind me…I pray for
what is ahead of me.”
3. Yield to God’s purpose. Philippians 1:21 “I live for Christ.” 2 Timothy “my only purpose is to please him.” God
makes all things work together. We all have a God-given purpose.
4. Focus on what is good. Fix your hope and thoughts on what is true, good, honorable, pure, right, admirable,
and hopeful.
5. Use your life to help other people. Invest in others. Our society is all about us and it is the most depressed
society ever. Learn to love people like Jesus loves people. Learn to see the purpose and need in others. Bring
people to the cross. Trust Jesus to heal and save them.
6. Learn to be content whatever the circumstance. Philippians 4:11 “whatever the circumstances…” Lord, here I
am. I surrender to your call and your purpose.
Practice daily to apply these principles in your life. You will become more joy filled.
20160207 Sunday Morning WMU – Women Bring the Mission Message
20160207 Sunday Evening Learning To Trust God Randall Woodard
Philippians 4:19 “God will supply all that you need.” Our trust in God is most challenging when we are
experiencing emotional, physical, financial, and relational trials. Why are these trials a part of our life? Paul tells
us in 1Peter 1:17 “to test your faith that you are strong and pure.” So, the trials are to test our faith muscles and
to build our faith strength. Have you ever prayed ‘Lord, make this test easier, or, take this test from me?” Is Paul
lying, exaggerating, or just trying to motivate us when he writes “God will supply all that you need?” None of
those. He is telling us of God’s promise, God’s conditions, and God’s supply. The promise is unconditional by
grace. The conditions are favorable to us and achievable. The supply is as boundless as God’s love for us.
What are God’s conditions? We have to trust God. The conditions are our own level of trust in God. Matthew
9:29 “according to your faith it will be done unto you.” How do we learn to have greater faith? You don’t get faith
by academic study. Faith comes through experience. Past behavior predicts future behavior. Weak faith
weakens our faith. Strong faith strengthens our faith. But, we are constantly bombarded by the pressure of the
worldly living, the behavior of other people, the persistence of never ending challenges, and the priority of our

unlimited choices. We can be overwhelmed by the pressure test, the people test, the persistent test, the priority
test without strong faith and trust in God. How do we learn to trust God more and more each day?
The Pressure Test – How will I handle stress? Will I depend on myself and other things or on God? Philippians
4:15 “trust me in your times of trouble so I can rescue you.” James 2:3 “my people have dug their own wells
which don’t hold water.” Learn to pray “Lord, I need you.” The anecdote to pressure is found in Isaiah 50:15
“learn to rely on your God.”
The People Test – How will I handle being disappointed by other people”? We expect other people to meet all
our expectations and needs. Only God can meet all our needs and exceed our expectations. Do we put our faith
in people or in God? Consider the promises by political candidates, and late night television pitchmen. Isaiah
2:22 “people are only human.” Jeremiah 17:7 “blessed are those who trust in me.” Isaiah 49:43 “those who trust
in me will not be disappointed.”
The Persistent Test – How will I be persistent in keeping my commitments? Our success in life is determined by
our commitments. Ask “Lord, how can you use me?” Important commitments are hard and will be tested.
Education, Work, Marriage, Parenting are challenging commitments. Pray “Lord, direct and support me in my
commitments.” Ecclesiastes 8:5 “the wise person will find the time and a way.”
The Priority Test – How will I know what to put first in my life?” Matthew 6:33 “make the kingdom of God your
primary concern. Pray “Lord, help me to know what is most important in my life.” Isaiah 30:15 “you will be
strong.” Spirituality must be first priority because if you don’t know what you believe, you’ll believe anything.
Health is a priority because when you lose your health you can lose everything. Family is a priority because when
the world turns away you can turn to your family. All other things are worldly and are wants not needs. Pray
“Lord, help me know my needs and my wants and to keep them in priority order.”
20160214 Sunday Morning How To Profit From Your Problems
Randall Woodard James 1:1-6
"Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds...." How can I be positive
under pressure? Two keys to being positive are: 1. Knowing four facts of life relative to problems; and, 2.
Knowing how to handle problems.
1. Four facts of life we all need to know, address, and process regarding our problems are: 1.1 Problems are
inevitable; 1.2 Problems are unpredictable; 1.3 Problems are many kinds; and, 1.4 Problems are purposeful.
Having a strong Christian mindset is the most important thing we have in our power to confront and defeat the
problems we face in our daily lives. That mindset is "God's number one purpose in my life is to make me more
like Christ.” Then, we can see our problems for what they are. They are an opportunity to grow wiser and
stronger in our Christian faith. With that mindset we can handle our problems just as James tells us to in James
1:1-6.
2. How to handle our problems:
2.1 Rejoice! See verse 2.
2.2 Pray! See verse 5.
2.3 Believe! See verse 6.
James is telling us to take a deep breath, calm down, relax, and to think positive thoughts when problems
confront us. This week you might find yourself facing a problem. It might be at home, at work, on the road, or in
the grocery store. Try to apply the words of James. Rejoice, pray, believe! Pray for the strength and the wisdom
to handle your problem as Christ would. James predicts the result in verse 12, "blessed is the man who
perseveres under trial." In this way, in this week we can learn to count our problems among our greatest
blessings for the strength and the wisdom they bring into our lives!
20160221 Sunday Morning Developing A Faith That Works: How to Make Up Your Mind
Randall Woodard James 1:5-11
James 1:5 "if anyone lacks wisdom, ask God..." Life is a series of choices, filled with decisions which make us
who we are. The life we live is the consequence(s) of our choices. The Lord gave us free will. We can choose
our kicks, but not the kickbacks. When asked the secret to business success, a business man replied "wise

decisions." When asked how did he learned to make wise decisions he replied, "from experience." When asked
how he got experience he replied, "from making dumb decisions." No one is immune from making bad choices.
We can take the scripture in James 1:5-11, consider who he was writing to and then make practical applications
in our lives to help us make more wise decisions and fewer bad decisions. James makes three points regarding
decisions in verses 5-11: 1. The Problem; 2. The Prescription; and, 3. The Promise.
In verse 8 James tells us the problem is indecision; "a double-minded man is unstable in all he does." We can
choose to live in constant turmoil by choosing divided loyalties and divided priorities. Do we follow Mr. Facing
Bothways and try to live for God and for the world? We all have to choose between what feels good and what
feels right. The world is constantly pulling us to be worldly, but at what price? We must ask God to bring stability
into our lives. To free our lives of turmoil we need to make God number one in our life. What is James'
prescription for our indecision?
In verse 5 and 6 James tells us to get wisdom we must "ask God...believe and not doubt..." James outlines three
practical steps in his prescription for getting wisdom: 1. Admit; 2. Ask; and 3. Anticipate. We admit our need and
ask for wisdom by praying "Lord, I need your wisdom to guide me in making this decision." In Proverbs 2:6 we
are told "from Him comes knowledge and understanding." If you had one wish from God what would you wish?
Solomon is the only man in the bible given one wish. The wisest man in the bible asked for God's wisdom.
What is your one wish from God? We need wisdom for emotional, physical, financial, and relational problems in
our daily lives. James tells us to ask God and advises us to believe and not doubt. We must believe James 4:2
"you have not because you ask not." Yes, many of our problems are very challenging. Just consider how to raise
children. A wise person said "raising children is as easy as holding a wet bar of soap." Many of our problems are
about pressure, too little or too much can lead to more problems at a higher level and more severe
consequences. So, it is with our faith, we must strive to be "just right." And, according to James we must
anticipate God's help with our problems.
When we admit a problem and ask God's help with the problem we must expect an answer in faith. Hebrews 11:6
"without faith it is impossible to please God." Yes, you have to believe you are going to get what you ask for.
This brings us to the promise. God will give wisdom. In James 1:5 "it will be given unto him." God is eager to
give wisdom. God is here for you. God doesn't take even Leap Year off. He is available to us 24 hours a day,
seven days a week and even 366 days a year. God helps with wisdom without finding fault. God doesn't say
"dummy, I already told you 14 times." God gives wisdom continuously, generously, and without finding fault. Ask
yourself where you need personal wisdom in your life today. Are you ever unsure what to do? Wouldn't it be nice
to have confidence in your decisions? Do you enjoy the pain of bad decisions? Can you ask God, "Lord, help me
out"?
We can apply the principles from James 1:5-11 to our daily lives and begin to live by choice not chance; as victor
not victim of our choices; and, bring stability into our lives by going to God with our problems by admitting, asking,
and expecting God given wisdom.
20160221 Sunday Evening Jonah: More Than A Fish Story Randall Woodard
The book of Jonah is more than a fish story. It is the story of God's sovereignty over the universe. There is more
to Jonah than the whale. There are three lessons to be learned from Jonah: 1. Be alert; 2. Be encouraged; and,
3. Be careful
Jonah wanted to have favor over Nineveh. The Ninevite culture was brutal. Jonah wanted them to pay by being
destroyed by God. God wanted to have mercy on them. God chose Jonah to be the first missionary to a gentile
nation. Jonah is the prodigal son in the first two chapters. He chose to disobey God by running away from God's
purpose for him. Then, he is the sulking sad brother in chapters 3 and 4. Jonah is the first resurrection story. In
Matthew, Jesus speaks of Jonah raising in 3 days. Jonah could not run and could not hide from God. God had a
plan for Jonah and nothing Jonah could do would get in the way of completing the plan. Jonah did not want to
help the Ninevites because he didn't think they were worthy. He didn't believe he could help them. God knew
better. The same principle applies to our lives. We don't know who we can help, and we might not want to help
those God puts in our path. What are the lessons from Jonah that we can apply to our daily lives?

The first lesson is to be alert for God's plan and purpose for our lives. God has spoken to all of us through the
holy scripture and through his only begotten son, Hebrews 1:1-12. He speaks to each of us, just as to Jonah,
through situations and the people we encounter. We really don't know who we can help. We often don't know
how we can help. Just like Jonah, we may not want to help. Pray to God to guide you when the call and
opportunity to help someone arises. God will see to it that you are adequately equipped, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
The second lesson is to be encouraged. God can use anyone and anything to accomplish his will. In Jonah, God
used pagan sailors, weather, a fish, a vine, a worm, and a stubborn prophet to save the Ninevites. The Lord can
prepare and equip you to accomplish his purpose.
The third lesson is to be careful. Past obedience doesn't guarantee future obedience. Don't assume that you can
rest on your past accomplishments. Jonah is best known for his stubbornness and defiance in the book of Jonah.
He is not well known for his many years of service to the Lord before being called to Nineveh. Jonah's
accomplishments can be found in 2 Kings, but that is not the story we remember and enjoy. We remember the
fish story because the Book of Jonah is for saints who got it wrong. We can relate to this story because it speaks
to our lives and our faith. It is encouraging to us because it teaches us that God can use anything and anybody to
accomplish his will.
2016210228 Sunday Morning How To Win Over Temptation James 1:12-18
Randall Woodard
Man’s oldest problem is temptation. It is easy to say no to temptation when it is not your temptation. You need to
check your pulse if you are never tempted. In James 1:12-18 we find a 5 step process for resisting temptation.
Using Hermeneutical Principles, we can consider who James is writing to (his perspective) and apply his 5 step
process to our daily lives. We all have temptations and trials. They are different tests. A trial is set by God to
help you grow more like Jesus. A temptation is designed by Satan to cause us to become less like Jesus. There
are all kinds of temptations. For example, when we are told “do not touch’, there is a pull to touch. In James 1:12
“there is a prize for enduring temptation.” Everyone is tempted. It is not a sin to be tempted. The sin is giving in
to temptation. Always remember, if you are living a holy life, strong in resisting temptations, you are praising God
to the highest. What are the 5 principles/steps James gives us for resisting temptation? 1. Be Realistic; 2. Be
Responsible; 3. Be Ready; 4. Be Refocused; and, 5. Be Reborn.
1. Be Realistic: You will be tempted. James writes in verse 13 “when you are tempted.” Temptation is
inevitable. The more you put on the armor of the Lord, the more the devil will tempt you. In verse 13 “no one
should say God is tempting me…” Hebrews 4:16 “Jesus was tempted on all points but never gave in…” You
don’t have to teach children to be selfish when there is only one Tonka truck in the nursery. James tells it like it is
“each one is tempted by his own evil desire…”
2. Be Responsible: In James 1:13 “Do not blame others.” God does not tell you to give in to temptation. Will
Rogers said there have been two great moments in American history. The first was the passing of the buffalo.
The second is the passing of the buck. In every prison in the United States most of the inmates will tell you they
are not guilty of the crime. Anything that tempts you, God did not do. There are men in Christian churches who
will tell you “God told me to leave my wife for that man’s wife.”
That is Satan tempting, not God. You can stand on God’s word. Be responsible. Admit, I bring most of my
problems of temptation on myself.
3. Be Ready: Paul says put on God’s armor. James tells us in verse 13 “each one is dragged away and
enticed.” Temptation does not give you a warning. We are most vulnerable after great success. The higher we
climb, the further we can fall. Bobby Leach is famous for going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Two days after
going over the falls in a barrel, Bobby slipped on a banana peel and broke his leg. We can be ready for Satan by
understanding his 4 step process for tempting us to sin. 2Corinthians 2:1 tells us to “be not unaware of Satan’s
schemes. Satan’s schemes use a process:
a. Desire starts it. James writes in verse 14 “each one of us is led by his own evil desire.” Any desire out of
control becomes a problem, and dangerous to our well-being. Our desires for eating, sexual relations, money,
competition to win can hurt us and our relations. Sin from temptation often begins with a legitimate desire. For
example, every fisherman knows some fish will eat anything and some fish are very selective. Satan knows this
and has a tackle box for each of us.
b. Deception builds it. In verse 14 James writes “each man is dragged away and enticed.” Deception is the
snare and the lure the devil uses to lead us in to temptation. Satan knows our weaknesses.

c. Disobedience feeds it. James writes in verse 14 “it gives birth to sin.” What starts in your mind turns into your
actions and behaviour. Joyce Meyers wrote about this in Battlefields of the Mind.
d. Death ends it. James writes in verse 14 “sin full blown gives way to death.”
4. Be Refocused: James turns it around in verse 14. It almost seems he has lost his train of thought. He talks
about the good things that come from God. Satan can whip us every time. Satan can’t whip God. Philippians 4:8
“think on the things that are good, positive, just, and honest.” Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ
who gives me strength.” When Satan calls, drop the phone and pick up the armor of God.
5. Be Reborn: Let God have control of your life. Supernatural power is needed to fight temptation. Make an
honest commitment. Say, Lord I’ve been fighting this and I need you now to help me.
The next time temptation calls be realistic, be responsible, be ready, be refocused, and be reborn!
20160228 Sunday Evening Run Jonah Run: The Realities of Disobedience
Randall Woodard Jonah 1:2-3
Jonah is the prodigal prophet. There are three observations and three lessons on the realities of disobedience in
Jonah 1:2-3. Jonah had good reasons to be disobedient to God’s call to arise, go, and speak to the Ninevites.
The Ninevites were demon worshippers, a wicked, brutal, and perverted people. The office of prophet was the
most dangerous and often dirtiest job in the Christian bible. Consider Jeremiah being waist deep in mud, Daniel
in the lion’s den, and Nehemiah building the wall with one hand on his work and one hand on his weapon. Jonah
had faithfully served his king and his people for years. In verse 1 “the word of the Lord came to Jonah.” In other
words, Nineveh’s wickedness wreaked to high heaven. God called a Jew (Jonah) to go to a wicked and brutal
gentile nation. Jonah’s reaction was to keep it for me and mine. He resigned as a prophet of God. Imagine that!
Jonah knew the Ninevites were a perverted people and he also knew God loved them and wanted them to repent.
The Ninevites were braggadocious about their brutality. A king had bragged “I flayed the skin from their
noblemen and burned their children.” Jonah had every reason to believe his head would be displayed on a pole if
he went to Nineveh and spoke to them about repenting their wicked and perverted ways. Jonah did not want to
go because he knew God would forgive them and show mercy. Would you have wanted to go? God wants every
person to repent. What would you have wanted to do to the Ninevites? If we could see all the sin in New York
city or Chicago today, what would we want to do? What is our God calling us to do? We are called to make
known to these people the grace of a loving God. James 1:2-3 provides three observations and three lessons on
disobedience to God’s calling.
Three Observations:
1. This call from God did not allow for any confusion. It was clear, concise, and correct/complete: Arise, Go,
Speak/Cry. There can be no misunderstanding here. Part of the problem with us, human children of God, is not
misunderstanding God. It is resisting what God very clearly wants us to do. We don’t like God’s imperatives.
They are unmistakable and undeniable in our lives. We are created for a purpose.
2. This call from God did not attempt to hide reality. God said to Jonah “their wickedness has come up to me.
Jonah, you have spoken with me in pleasant places, now arise, go, and speak to the Ninevites.”
3. The will of God for Jonah did not promise a return to safety for Jonah. Jonah had every reason to believe in a
few days his head would be on a pole in Nineveh. Jonah knew the deep dark realities of the Ninevites. The call
seemed overwhelming. It seemed humanly and emotionally impossible. What is God’s impossible task assigned
to you? What has God told you to do that you are resisting? In some cultures, God’s call to become a Christian
causes a person to lose everything. More and more, there is a line of demarcation and you have to decide which
side you are going to be on. In James 1:3, Jonah rose up and fled to Tarshish, as far in the opposite direction as
he could go. Run Jonah, run!
Three Lessons:
1. Whenever we run in disobedience to God, we are running in the wrong direction. Our decisions not only affect
us, but all of the people we interact with and impact.
2. Whenever we run in disobedience to God, we pay a higher price than planned. You cannot be happy in
disobedience, no matter how glamorous it may appear. A disobedient Christian is the most miserable person on
the planet Earth. Sin will take you further than you ever wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay,
and cost you more than you wanted to pay.

3. Whenever you run in disobedience to God, Satan will be happy to provide the transportation. When you
repent, God will arrange to get you back to where you need to go.
What about you? Does your life seem filled with imperatives? Just consider the normal everyday things such as
ten items or less, speed limits, work requirements, marriage vows, the shalls and shall nots in the Christian bible,
and your own conscience. Have you ever fallen to temptation? Do you always feel good about the
consequences, and yourself? Do you need God’s grace, the transportation back to where you need to go? The
ground is level at the cross.
20160306 Sunday Morning How To Be Blessed By the Bible James 1:19-27
Randall Woodard
The Christian bible promises freedom, comfort, hope, blessings, strength, and wisdom. But millions of people are
still missing the blessings of the bible although in America bibles are everywhere. It is the best-selling book in all
of history and continues every year to outsell the competition. The average home in the United States has
multiple copies in various translations. Yet, people continue to not understand how to be blessed by the bible. In
James 1:19-27, James gives us three practical and proven steps we can take to receive blessings from the bible:
1. Receive God’s word; 2. Reflect on God’s word; and, 3. Respond to God’s word.
1. Receive God’s word: In verse 21, James tells us we must receive God’s word, “accept the word planted in
you.” He is telling us the word is the same as a seed. It is planted in us. Just as with a seed the soil must be
prepared to grow and nurture the seed. Our attitudes toward the word are the preparation needed. Those
attitudes are: a. Be careful. In verse 19 “be quick to listen, slow to speak.” Perhaps that is why God gave us
two ears and only one mouth. b. Be calm. Also in verse 19, “and slow to become angry.” We don’t hear as
much and understand even less when we are angry. c. Be clean. James 1:21 “get rid of all moral filth and evil
that is so prevalent.” Sin in your life blocks your hearing. The word used by James actually translates to
“earwax.” Confess your sins and pray for God’s help with repentance. d. Be compliant. James completes the
preparation to receive God’s word in verse 21 “humbly accept the word of God.” The steps provided by James to
receive God’s word can be likened to putting in hearing aids. Have you prepared yourself to receive God’s word
by preparing your attitudes?
2. Reflect on God’s word: James 1:23 “a man who looks at his face in a mirror...” God’s word is for evaluation
of our faith and beliefs. God’s word is like a mirror. It can empower us by reflecting our inner thoughts. In
Hebrews we read “God’s word reflects the intents and desires….” We can’t receive blessings from the bible if we
do as the man James tells about in verse 24 “and goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” Are we
similar to Queen Elizabeth I, who ordered all the mirrors removed from her sight because she did not want to see
herself growing older? James is very specific about the work we must do to reflect on God’s word: a. Read
God’s word – “the man who looks into God’s word”; b. Review God’s word – “and continues to do so,” verse 25;
and, c. Remember God’s word – “not forgetting God’s word.” Reading, reviewing, and remembering God’s word
are key to how to be blessed by the bible. Memorizing scripture helps us “so you might not sin against God…”
3. Respond to God’s word: To be blessed by the bible, we must act on God’s word by applying it to our daily
lives. James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and
widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Auditing the bible gives us no
credit. We need to do as James tells us to be blessed by the bible. We have a lot of auditors in the Christian
church. We each have a tendency to audit the bibles teaching. We need to pray, “Lord, I need your help with
receiving, reflecting, and responding to your word. Give me strength and wisdom to shield me from worldly
pollution. Help me keep a tight rein on my desires and my tongue. Direct and support me in finding someone
who can mentor me so I might bring others to the cross.”
In the process of applying James 1:19-27 to our daily life, we will build our character and our blessings.
Character is what you do when you think no one is watching. In this way we can gain great knowledge that is
possessed by the developing spiritual heart. We won’t be like the congregation with the new preacher. The new
preacher preached the exact same sermon for three straight Sundays. One of the deacon’s finally confronted him
with the fact that he was preaching the exact same sermon. The preacher said, “but, has the congregation
received it yet, reflected on it yet, and responded by doing it yet? In another church there was the habitual late
arriver who asked the ushers “is the sermon done?
To which one usher replied, “the sermon has been preached, but it has not been done.” Do you know more bible
than you do? James 1:25 “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues

to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.” In Matthew 7 there
is the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Is your faith built on sand or solid rock? Are you applying your
faith in your daily life? God wants you to make an honest attempt. How do you know? James gives three
measures: a. Be a doer of the word - See verses 26 “a controlled mouth”, and 27 “a doer of the word”; b. Have
a caring heart – See verse 27 – “look after orphans and widows in their distress”; and, c. “Have a clean mind.”
Pray “Lord, in a perverse world I cannot do this alone. Help me be a doer of your word, have a caring heart, and
keep a clean mind. I give you my life.” Even the best scripture quoter can have spiritual weakness. James writes
to us about genuine Christianity. He tells us “How to be blessed by the bible.”

20160313 Sunday Morning How To Treat People Right James 2:1-13
Randall Woodard
James gives us one principle, three problems, and a prescription for treating people right in James 2:1-13. The
Lord must have a sense of humor. He puts all kinds of people together and says “work this out.” Life would be
simpler but for people. Pastoring would be simpler but for people. “To dwell above with the saints we love, that
will be grace and glory. To live below with saints we know; Now, that’s another story.”
The Principle: Don’t show favoritism. When James addresses us “my brothers, as believers” he is about to
lay something on us in verse one. He uses the word favoritism which translated is more like snobbery. He goes
on to describe conditions of favoritism due to 1. Appearance – beauty is everything in our world. As the saying
goes “some people come to church to close their eyes, others come to eye the clothes.” James challenges
placing the man in fine clothes in a prominent position and the man in shabby clothes at your feet. 2. Ancestry –
Our world is acutely aware of size, age, status, race, color, religion, country of origin, and accent. It keeps people
out of our church. Remember the ground is level at the cross. A black man went to the pastor of a local church
and stated his interest in attending and possibly becoming a member. Three weeks later he asked the pastor
how it was going. The pastor said the congregation was praying about it. The black man said “Yes, I also prayed
to the Lord about getting into your church. He told me He had been trying to get in for twenty years and I should
not worry about it.” 3. Age – In our world we are forever too young or too old. It keeps people out of our church.
4. Achievement – In or world we gush over winners. Success and status are paramount to acceptance.
Ignoring or forgetting ordinary people keeps people out of our church. 5. Affluence – In our world we are
constantly judged by our worth. What is your attitude towards others? God values each person equally. Each
person has God-given purpose. Are you allowing favoritism/snobbery to keep people away from the cross, and
out of our church?
Then, James shows us the problem with favoritism, and there are three. 1. Favoritism is unchristian – You
cannot play favorites and be like Jesus. God loves everybody. God loved the Ninevites the same as he loved
Jonah and Jonah’s people. It made Jonah mad enough to run from God. Are you allowing favoritism to separate
you from God’s will and purpose for you and your church? 2. Favoritism is unreasonable – Everybody in our

church is richer than most people in the world. Your value is not based on your valuables. The church needs all
kinds of people, at all socio-economic levels. 3. Favoritism is unloving – James tells us the royal law is “to love
your neighbor.” Jesus distilled the more than 900 laws of the Torah to just two: Love the Lord with all your heart,
and, love your neighbor as yourself. Favoritism is unloving.
Our church mission is to edify, testify, and glorify. When we don’t invite all kinds of people to our church, we show
we don’t know how to love unconditionally. In verse 9 James writes “if you show favoritism, you sin.” Favoritism
is a serious sin with a huge impact on our lives and the world. We can invite different people into our church. Do
you believe God has shown you love and mercy? Jonah is an example. He became fireball mad because God
wanted the Ninevites on Jonah’s peoples level. God gives what you need (grace) not what you deserve.
We have the principle, the problem, and James gives us the prescription for favoritism in verse 8, “love your
neighbor as yourself.” It is genuine love that reaches people. Don’t try to change them. Just love them. You
can’t argue someone into heaven. Love them into the kingdom of heaven. This is how James tells us it can be
done. 1. Accept everybody – Spiritual snobbery cannot work. Accept the person not their behavior. Apply
Romans 15:7 “accept others just as God accepted you.” Our church must be a hospital for sinners not a hotel for
saints. The reason for a hospital is to take sick people in. It is not about where you are or where you have been,
it is about where you want to be. Heaven will not be exclusive enough for some of us. 2. Appreciate everybody
– Philippians 2:35 “consider others better than yourself.” Find something positive in others. It may take creativity
on your part, but find something. It changes your heart for the better. Give the other person some form of dignity.
3. Affirm everybody – 1 Thessalonians 5:4 “build each other up.” Don’t criticize. Empathize and sympathize. A
preacher said to John Wesley “aren’t we fortunate not to be that drunken fool lying there in the gutter.” To which
John Wesley replied “but for the grace of God.”
The church that accepts, appreciates, and affirms people is the church God will bless. The blessed church will
grow and multiply. Do you see people who need Jesus? God is calling us to the next step. Starting today, will
you apply the principle, overcome the problems, and take the prescription?
20130313 Sunday Evening The Church In Society Today Tommy Ward
Today the church has a lot of competition from a busy, worldly, and transient society. Not so long ago, society
was tied to the church. This church has changed so much in its history of slightly more than one hundred years.
It is still possible to sit in the quiet of the sanctuary and feel a connectedness, and to draw on the energy of the
Christians before us who built our church. We have a deep need to be accepted, to belong. The church filled that
need. Exclusion causes serious problems. Great psychological challenges are created by today’s impersonal,
fast paced, increasingly violent society. We live today in a transient society. Daniel predicted this in Daniel 12:4
“Many will go here and there for knowledge.” Our church today is an enigma in our society. We have stability
when many have instability. For example, twenty percent of our nation’s population moves every year. Many of
our citizens don’t know what it is to be raised up in a small stable community, or, to be included in a place such as
our church.
Not so long ago, family names were placed on church pews. You can see this in the old churches of
Williamsburg. You can see it written in the stained glass windows of our church. The church helps individuals
and families new to the area engage in the community. It provides the opportunity to be with people similar to
you. People are going to belong somewhere. It is unnatural to not be rooted and not feel a permanency. Our
place in society is integral to our feeling of stability. Instability contributes to depression, anger against the world,
and hostility. We have an inner need to be united with one another, to be strengthened by one another, and to be
lifted up by one another. The church helps us build a sense of morality and justice. It shapes our sense of
identity, dignity, and self-esteem. To belong to a church can be compared to a mighty oak with its roots spread
wide and deep to gather nourishment from the soil. To not belong is to be compared to a newly transplanted
sapling, still unconnected to a much needed source of life providing nutrients.
The problem today for a society so disconnected from the church is “are we becoming more like the lawless
countries around the world?” Are our grandchildren rooted to our morality and our values? Do our children have
a sound sense of identity, dignity, and self-esteem? If not, why not? The church is a place to help develop one’s
identity, dignity, and self-esteem.
The church provides evidence of the value to society of “each part doing its own work.? Read Ephesians and
Timothy to see the value to the people of the church. In Ecclesiastes 4:9 “two are better than one.” In Matthew

“all powers of hell.” In Ephesians “the whole body is healthy and growing.” If society grows distant from the
church, what will happen to the people? Those who fail to belong to a society are a threat to national security of
the society. It is the rebellion against not being included. People are going to belong. It is a human need to be
accepted. Will our youth belong to the church or to a gang? Will they be moral and just, or immoral and lawless?
Will our country become more lawless like Mexico, and more cold and impersonal like Russia? The United States
and our society need the church to be “one nation under God” in order to continue to have law and order and a
stable economy.
Families, and our society, need to get young children into the church early. It is much easier to teach young
children, than teenagers, morality and justice, and to help them develop their self-identity and sense of dignity and
self-esteem. We only have to ask: are our institutions growing or declining, is our nation more stable or unstable,
do we need to work to grow? Apathy and anonymity are tools of Satan. If you work for something, you will grow
to love it. We get what we praise. We must be encouragers. You’re never too young or too old. Retirement
requires involvement. To maintain a position of influence the United States of America must be a people shaped
by the churches of God. Are we a people who care about our church? Can we pray for and accept today the
strength and wisdom from a loving God to pass our church to our children and grandchildren?
20160320 Sunday Morning How To Have A Real Faith James 2:14-26
Randall Woodard
Is your faith real if you say it, feel it, think it, and believe it? Fifty million Americans claim to be born again
Christians. Do you believe every American with a Christian bumper sticker is a Christian? Larry Flynt, one of the
greatest pornographers of our time, said he was born again. But, he continued living a sinful life. Many of us
know what we say, feel, think, and believe about our faith. But, we are uncertain if our faith is real. Paul tells us
faith alone gives us salvation. James tells us faith is made complete by our actions. Are they contradicting each
other? Paul’s point of view is from the root of faith. James’ point of view is from the fruit of faith. Paul was
defending against legalism and rules governing faith. James was defending against laxity or laziness in faith.
The two points of view are the ‘how to know’ and ‘how to show’ our faith. Do you put your faith in Jesus Christ’s
birth, death, and resurrection? Just as we are changed by touching a high power electrical charge, we are
changed when we ask Jesus to touch our heart and lives. The two views are summarized in Ephesians 2:8-10;
“for it is by grace you have been saved through faith; for a life of good works God has already prepared you to
do.”
James gives us five ways to know that our faith is real.
1. In verse 14 “real faith is not just something you say.” The unrepentant pornographer, the forgotten bumper
sticker, and the purposeless born again Americans are examples of expressed faith that is not real.
2. In verse 15 “real faith is not just something you feel.” Have you ever heard or felt something that made you
feel good, but didn’t change your life? Faith is more than a feeling. In verse 15 “but he does nothing about his
physical needs.” What is the good in feeling the physical or emotional pain of a person, but doing nothing to help
the person by getting involved? 1 John 3:17 “how can the love of God be in him?” 1 John 3:14 “the proof is in our
love for other Christians.” Are you better at feeling faith than practicing faith?
3. Real faith is not just something you think. Faith is like calories. You can’t see them but you can sure see the
results. James is the same as a Missourian. You have to show James your faith. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “all things
become new.” Bring people to the cross. Be a lighthouse for Christian faith. Let their faith in Jesus change them.
4. Real faith is not just something you believe. In verse 19 “even the demons believe scripture.” It is foolish to be
an atheist. The Devil believes scripture. Believism is easy. We are a WiP (work in progress). Our real Christian
faith is more than what we say, feel, think, and believe. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he
is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
5. Real faith is something you do. Real Christian faith cannot be passive. In verse 20 “You, foolish man, do you
want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” Abraham offered his son Isaac on the altar. Rahab gave
lodging to the spies. Their faith in God led them to action. Rahab, the prostitute, through her faith and actions
ends up in the family line of Jesus. 2 Corinthians 13:5 “examine yourself.” Are you really a Christian after all, a
true child of God?
Apply the five tests of real faith in your daily life beginning today. Connect what you say, feel, think, believe, and
do to show your love for one another. This is how you’ll know your faith is real.
20160327 Sunday Sunrise Robersonville Community Easter Sunrise Service

United Methodist Church: Pastor Ron Elkins Welcome and Opening Prayer
First Christian Church: Dr. David Brown Song Leader
First Baptist Church: Pastor Randall Woodard Sermon and Closing Prayer
Because He Lives
God sent his son, they called him Jesus.
He came to love, heal and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon.
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Chorus Because he lives. I can face tomorrow. Because he lives, All fear is gone. Because I know He
holds the future, and life is worth the living just because he lives.
How sweet to hold a new born baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because he lives.
What Difference Does Easter Make?
Luke 24:1-8 “Then they remembered his words.” Easter makes a difference in your past, your present, and your
future. Have you ever worried about something you did in the past? Do you ever feel overwhelmed with things in
your daily life, your present? Do you enjoy losing sleep thinking about your future? Wouldn’t it be nice to feel the
comfort daily of the words in the song, “Because He Lives?” Jesus came to love, heal, and forgive you. Jesus
came to bring you calm assurance to face uncertain days. Jesus holds your future, and your life is worth the
living just because He lives. Easter makes a difference because: 1. Your past is forgiven; 2. Your present is
manageable; and, 3. Your future is secure. This week in remembrance of Him apply these principles in your
relationships with others: forgive them; support them; and protect them with Christian love for one another.
He Lives
I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And, just the time I need Him, He’s always near.
Chorus He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s
narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives: He lives within my heart.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.
20160327 Sunday Morning The Encouragement of Easter Randall Woodard
1 Peter 1:3 “Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead.”
Are you an encourager? Peter is an encourager. In one verse he gives all Christians irrefutable evidence,
irresistible purpose, and inexhaustible power to be encouraged. The message of Easter is: our past is forgiven;
our present is manageable; and our future is secure. The encouragement of Easter is God provides the purpose
and the power for you to live life more abundantly, and He created you with free will to decide for yourself how
you will respond.
God’s Purpose For Your Life: “God has made us what we are in Christ. God made us to do good works, which
He planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.” Ephesians 2:10.
“I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans.”
Romans 8:28
God Has A Power For Your Life:
“I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.” Philippians
4:13
“God will strengthen you with His own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come.” Colossians
1:11
“God never grows faint or weary. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; those who wait on the
Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles.” Isaiah 40:28-30
“Some people have missed the most important things in life – they don’t know God.” 1 Timothy 6:21
How Will You Respond?
“Give yourselves completely to God…to be used for His good purposes.” Romans 6:13
“We can come before God’s throne where we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.”
Hebrews 4:16
You can feel God’s purpose for you in the irresistible attraction you have for the things you feel competent,
confident and rewarded in doing. You can feel God’s power behind your purpose in your motivation to become
better and better at achieving your purpose. The more you pursue God’s purpose and call on God’s power for
strength and wisdom to do good things the higher you will fly on eagles’ wings. You can pray this prayer
whenever you feel the need for God’s direction and support: God, I believe you sent your son, Jesus, to die for
my sins so I can be forgiven. I’m sorry for my sins, and I want to live the rest of my life the way You want me to.
Please put your spirit in my life to direct and support me. Amen
Be encouraged this week, and be an encourager!
20160403 Sunday Morning Taming The Tongue James3:1-12 Randall Woodard
We love to talk. Twenty percent of the average adult’s time is spent talking in more than 30 conversations per
day. We talk enough each year to fill 66 eight hundred page books. The average man speaks 20,000 words per
day. The average woman speaks more than 30,000 words per day. A preacher asked a deacon “who has the
last word in your house?” The deacon replied “I can’t say, but I’m always glad when she gets to it.” We all put
our silver foot in our own mouth. Unfortunately, we don’t think as fast as the young produce clerk at the local
grocery store. An elderly lady asked him for a half a head of lettuce. His manager saw him fussing over the head
of lettuce and asked “what’s the problem?” The clerk answered “a demanding old biddy just asked for a half a
head of lettuce.” Just then he noticed the elderly lady had followed him and overheard what he had just told the
manager. Without pausing the clerk continued “and this sweet, sweet lady has stepped up and taken the other
half.” I wish I could think that fast with my foot in my mouth. James 3:1-12 gives 3 keys to taming your tongue
and 3 reasons to watch what you say.
Three Reasons to Watch What You Say:
1. Your tongue directs where you go. In verses 3 and 4 James describes the tremendous influence our words
have over our lives. Our words shape our lives. Consider how a tiny bit in a horse’s mouth enables a small rider
to control the huge horse. Your words direct your life just as a rudder of a ship directs the ship. A large cruise
ship today may contain 3 acres, or more, 0f recreational space and require an anchor heavier than 10 cars to stop
it. But, it is controlled by a rudder that is very small compared to the size of the ship. Your tongue is a
determining factor in the direction you take in life. It guides your life. Change your tongue and you can change
your direction in life.
2. Your tongue can destroy what you have. Careless words destroy careers, organizations, nations and lives.
James uses analogies in verses 5 – 8. In verse 6 James writes “the tongue sets the whole course of his life on
fire.” A forest can be destroyed by a single tiny match. A fire in Australia started by a match destroyed 600
square miles of forests and villages in one night. The devil knows this. He gets your tongue ahead of your brain.
The devil comes to kill, steal, and destroy. How do you put your tongue under control? Just as fire can be

controlled to give warmth and light, your tongue can be controlled to build relationships and opportunity. To let
the tongue be free of control we take the path described in Proverbs 18:20, “you live with the consequences of
what you say.” People hold on to words for their entire lives. Hurtful words spoken to children can haunt their
minds and emotions as senior adults. James illustrates the restless evil tongue in verse 6. No man can control
the tongue. Proverbs 21:23 “be careful what you say.” Your tongue not only is an indicator of your emotional
health, it is an indicator of your physical health. That is why the doctor tells you to stick out your tongue. Your
words are an indicator of your emotional health. What are you allowing people to know about you with your
choice of words? When James describes words as poison, the Greek word he uses literally translates to snake
venom. You can pray, ”God, help me to change. Give me your grace and peace to tame my tongue.”
3. Your tongue displays who you are. Your tongue reveals your real character. In verses 9-12 James points
out our inconsistencies. We praise God and curse men created in God’s own image with the same tongue. It is
not wise to be this way. In verses 11-12 James gives the answers to the challenge of taming our tongue. He
makes the point that whatever is in the well comes out in the water. The problem is not your tongue. It is your
heart. His good news is Jesus Christ can do open heart surgery on you. The spirit of God in one moment of
repentance can restore your heart. You will continue to have daily challenges. You answer the same questions
until you become frustrated. You get treated unfairly and talked down to. You are subjected to inequity and other
bad behavior. Your pot eventually boils over and what is in your heart comes out. Your own words betray you.
Matthew 12:34 “out of the overflow of the heart, the tongue speaks.” The solution is the same each time. Go to
the Lord in prayer. Be like David. Repeat his cry to God “renew in me the right spirit (a clean heart).”
Three Keys for Taming the Tongue:
Has God ever taken you to the woodshed? Recognize it is what it is. It is normal and natural to think “if they get
right, I’ll get right.” No you won’t. Only God can change your heart. It can be painful. Call it a significant
emotional event. You’ve reached a significant emotional event when there is nothing left but to cry out “spirit of a
living God, fall afresh on me.” Only a relationship with Jesus Christ can change your heart. How does God
change you when you can’t change yourself?
1. Get a new heart. Ezekiel 18:31 “rid yourself of all offenses…get a new heart and spirit.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“all things have become new.”
2. Ask God for help every day. Psalm 141:3 “set a guard over my mouth.” There is a saying in this Information
Age, “garbage in garbage out (GIGO).” You need help guarding the portals to your mind in this day and age.
Pray “Lord, this day I give you my heart, soul, and mind. Help me build strong gateways.”
3. Think before you speak. James 1:19 “quick to listen, slow to speak, slower still to anger.” Lord, help me
practice engaging my mind before putting my tongue into gear. Do you enjoy backtracking what you’ve said? Is it
a pleasure admitting you said the wrong thing? Would you like to apologize less, and build stronger
relationships?
Wouldn’t it be nice to think fast on our feet like the grocery clerk of the half a head of lettuce story? But, wouldn’t
it be even better to avoid the embarrassment and stress? If you do it once, odds are you will do it again, and
again. Same grocery clerk decided he wanted to beef up his image. So he bought a big black and chrome shiny
Harley motorcycle and began riding with the big boys. One day on a ride they stopped at a local Harley hangout.
While the clerk/new Harley rider was inside a couple of good ole boys decided to play a joke and spray painted
his Harley a kind of sissy looking bright yellow. When the clerk came out and saw his motorcycle, his pot boiled
over. “Where is the sorry scoundrel who painted my Harley yellow?” he aggressively and angrily bellowed in his
best big bad boy baritone. “Standing right here” said the biggest, ugliest, meanest of all the meanest, ugliest ,
biggest Harley riders. “Well”, said the grocery clerk, “it sure looks like the first coat is dry.” What your tongue can
get you in to, your tongue cannot always get you out of, unless you are gifted like the grocery clerk.
This week think about what your words, intonation, and body language are telling other people about your heart.
Work on getting a new heart, ask God for help every day, and think before you speak.
20160410 Sunday Morning How To Relate Wisely To Others James 3: 13-18
Randall Woodard
This is the ninth sermon in James, the New Testament book of wisdom. Proverbs is the book of wisdom in the
Old Testament. Our approach needs to be: Lord, this is your word: Shine your light into my heart to become more
like Jesus: That I can feel better about myself.

There are two kinds of wisdom: heavenly and earthly. Earthly wisdom is unspiritual; full of bitter envy and self-
ambition. There are six aspects to heavenly wisdom: Purity; Peace-loving; Consideration; Submission; Mercy;
and, Honesty. A lot of life’s problems are due to personality conflicts. The bible helps us find the right balance for
building relationships. The six aspects in verses 17 and 18 are easy to say, but hard to do. They are a lot like a
diet plan. After all, wisdom is a lifestyle. Heavenly wisdom is about developing discipline for building
relationships and good character; which shows in good deeds. James is telling us to put it in gear and do it.
Wisdom causes humility. Knowledge can cause pride. Therefore, wisdom and knowledge are different. Lack of
wisdom can cause all kinds of problems. Envy and self-ambition cause problems such as confusion and chaos at
home and at work. So, how can you determine if you are wise? James provides a six-step Wisdom Test. If you
are good on some steps, work on the others.
1. My integrity is secure/I will not compromise my integrity (Purity). All relationships are built on trust. Proverbs
10:9 “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” A wise person will
not lie, manipulate, and cheat you.
2. I am a peacemaker/I will not antagonize your anger. Are you a drama king or queen? A wise person likes to
maintain harmony? Proverbs 20:3 “any fool can start arguments. The wise stay out of them.” Proverbs 14:29
“anger causes mistakes.”
3. I am considerate of others/I won’t minimize your feelings. Proverbs 15:4 “kind words bring light; cruel words
crush your spirit.” Lots of children in school today suffer crushed spirits. Look for the positive intentions behind a
child’s bad behavior. Very often a bad deed has an honorable intention.
4. I listen to others/I won’t criticize your suggestions and decisions. A wise person learns from everybody.
Wisdom is submissive. The wise leader comes down to listen to the people. Proverbs 12:15 “a fool needs no
advice. A wise man listens to others.”
5. I will forgive your mistakes/I won’t emphasize your mistakes. I will give you what you need, not what you
deserve. Proverbs 17:9 “He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter
separates close friends.” Don’t rub it in. Rub it out. Help them get better. Mercy encourages others.
6. I admit my weaknesses/I won’t disguise my weaknesses. I am honest and open. Proverbs 28:13 “you cannot
succeed in life if you try to hide your sins.”
Colossians 2:3 “Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” This week as you think
“where can I change, what can I do differently?’, pray each morning “Here I am your child, humbly I ask you, give
me wisdom.” The solution for the unwise is to get more Jesus in your day.
20160410 Sunday Evening Teach Us To Pray Mitchell Manning Sr.
Luke 11:1 “A disciple asked Jesus “teach us to pray.” And, Jesus taught them to pray saying.” Many Christians
find prayer difficult. They don’t know what to say, and don’t know how to say it. The most difficult is praying a
public prayer. Feelings of guilt, embarrassment, and shame are barriers many Christians feel when asked to pray
publicly. Taking examples from Jesus, we can learn to pray at the Master’s feet just the same as the disciples.
The two most important things to learn are: When to pray; and, how to pray. When and how did Jesus pray?
Jesus prayed early, he prayed late, and he prayed often. Jesus prayed with desire, in fear, in anguish, in
reverence, in thankfulness, and in joy.
Early - Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary
place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35 )
Late - One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God (Luke
6:12)
Often - “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” Luke 5:16. “Jesus went out as usual to the Mount
of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into
temptation."” Luke 22::39-40.
How Jesus Prayed: Jesus prayed with love for His Father and communicated with Him often. He prayed for
wisdom and guidance in His earthly role. He prayed for others to come to know Him as Savior and Lord. He
prayed for the twelve disciples, that God would protect them from “the evil one.” Jesus prayed for God to
strengthen their ministry once He departed from them. He prayed with honesty and reverence. He prayed with joy
and praise. But most of all, Jesus prayed with expectation. He knew the Father heard His prayers and would
respond. This should be our goal as Christians: to pray as Jesus prayed
Jesus prayed for guidance in places of quiet solitude - Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus
got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35) “But Jesus often withdrew to
lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16).
Jesus prayed for His disciples and for all believers - “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name-
the name you gave me-so that they may be one as we are one” (John 17:11). “My prayer is not for them alone. I
pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you
are in me and I am in you” (John 17:20-21).

Life Coaching Sessions: 2016 at first baptist church robersonville nc

Life Coaching Sessions: 2016 at first baptist church robersonville nc

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (8)

Similar to Life Coaching Sessions: 2016 at first baptist church robersonville nc

Similar to Life Coaching Sessions: 2016 at first baptist church robersonville nc (20)

More from Mitchell Manning Sr.

More from Mitchell Manning Sr. (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (14)

Life Coaching Sessions: 2016 at first baptist church robersonville nc