From the Prayer of Man to the Answer of God

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Date: 9 August, 2018

Text: Psalm 66:16-20

Title: From the Prayer of Man to the Answer of God

Introduction:

 

Do you enjoy hearing of answers to prayer?

Ben and Lauren needed furlough replacement in Papua New Guinea. The Cumrines uprooted their family for a year to do furlough replacement and God took care of their visa needs. 

 

Tom Britten family - needed a visa for Linda. Brother Tom took a step of faith and moved over here leaving his family in Thailand. Linda received her visa last week and will be here the end of next week. Mai still needs his passport.

 

In our men's prayer time we've often prayed for Mr. Woods family to come to church with him. God allowed him to see his grandchildren in church with him this past week. 

 

We prayed for this week and saw God bring out many children to our HBC and three children let us know that they prayed to ask God's forgiveness for their sins and to be saved. We're praying for families and have enjoyed seeing different family members in church this week.

 

Prayer is an AWESOME PRIVILIGE given to us by God.

Psa 65:2  O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

Mat 21:22  And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Joh 14:13  And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Joh 15:16  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Joh 16:23  And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

 

My message this morning - From the Prayer of Man to the Answer of God. With David as a model for how God answers prayer - We need to pray in a way that God answers. Are you praying and seeing God answer your prayers?

 

You need to go to God.

exp. If you don't bank at the bank of Heaven you won't get any of Heaven's currency. If you aren't going there, why are you not?

 ill. I sold a 1 oz gold coin this past week for 1,000 pounds. God answered my prayers and provided a buyer and a way for us to pay to have the back of our house harled. (pebble dashed)

ill. When I was buying this coin a few years ago I watched a video of a man trying to sell a 20 dollar canadian Maple coin for it's face value of 20 dollars. He told them that it was worth a lot more than that and that they could take it to the coin shop next door and ask them. Nobody would even trade a stick of gum for it - BECAUSE THEY DID NOT BELIEVE HIM.

 app. We have an incredible gold mine in God's Word. Are you perishing in poverty when you could be rich beyond measure. Perhaps you haven't come to God because you are in unbelief.

A. David's Invitation. (You need to go where God can speak to you.)

16  Come and hear, 

exp. Get where you can hear someone speak about God. David shouted out an invitation to hear about the goodness of God.

 ill. We recently considered the parable of the sower - the roadside - is not where the farmer is sowing. He is sowing the field. Anything outside of the field is "accidental" but that which is in the field is purposeful.

ill. I witnessed to a man this past Sunday who was going to spend his day with football. He is not likely to be confronted with truth about God on the football pitch.

 ill. I gave a Gospel flyer to the woman inside the shop and she works on Sundays. Too busy to go to church - I'm working. It is unlikely that they will be confronted with God's life changing truth at work.

ill. Many people drink up the weekend in the local pub. It is very unlikely that they are going to find God in the pub.

 note: The answer is not to change our method of reaching people and leave the church to open coffee shops. We get to do what David is doing. COME AND HEAR!

Luke 14:16  Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:

17  And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

18  And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

19  And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.

20  And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

21  So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

22  And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

23  And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

24  For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

app. The table is set - God is ready to feed your soul with plenty to bring you to faith and answered prayer - BUT YOU NEED TO COME AND HEAR (AND DON'T STOP COMING AND HEARING.)

B. David's Qualification. (You need to be awakened to the authority of God.)

all ye that fear God,

exp. Don't bother coming if you think God is a joke. If you have no reverence for the Almighty stay out of God's house because the message can not help someone who is foolish! (Last weeks message) Wisdom cries and they refuse it!

ill. Our society is described by Paul in Romans 3 and without a change - IT IS HOPELESS and they don't fear God!

Romans 3:10  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

11  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

12  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

13  Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:

14  Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

15  Their feet are swift to shed blood:

16  Destruction and misery are in their ways:

17  And the way of peace have they not known:

18  There is no fear of God before their eyes.

exp. Only the mercy of God will awaken this heart to His fear.

ill. George Minsick - member of the mafia and part of Al Capone's Chicago gang. Came home to find his wife and daughter praying for his salvation. He put a gun to their head and it so scared him that he ran to the church and prayed to accept Christ. (The fear of  God awakened a hardened criminals heart.

ill. Saul - who is also called the Apostle Paul - was confronted with the glorious reality of God in our Lord Jesus Christ and when that fear of God crept into His heart he could say to Jesus, "Who art thou Lord (Master)? 

 question: Has your soul been awakened - are you beginning to fear God? Don't be afraid of that. Let your soul help you to wisdom and get you in a fear of God!

Pro 9:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Pro 10:27  The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

Pro 14:26  In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Pro 14:27  The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Pro 16:6  By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

app. You need to go to God in fear.

C. David's Declaration. (You need to listen to what God has done for others.)

and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

exp. David shared a testimony of God's goodness in answering His prayers. He had a soul need that only God could meet and God had met his need. 

 hymn: It Is No Secret

It is no secret what God can do,

What he has done for others,

He'll do for you.

With arms wide open,

He'll pardon you

It is no secret what God can do.

question: Are you worse than a murderer of Christians or a Chicago Gangster?

1Ti 1:16  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

exp. Paul was an example of what great thing God could do in changing a sinner into a saint.

ill. It is comforting to go to a doctor with a need and to hear him say, "You're not the worst case I've ever treated." Why? Because if the doctor successfully helped him the doctor will successfully help me.

ill. Our world has a new word for "soul conflict" it is "mental health." People are beginning to open up about the troubles of their soul. We all have great internal conflicts that only God can meet. God works internally.

 app. Is your soul troubled today? You too can come to God and have him do for your soul what He did for David's soul.

 

transition: We need to pray in a way that God answers. We need to go to God. (So God can speak, So we can understand His authority, so we can hear how He has helped others....)

 

II. You need to pray to God.

Jas 4:2  ....ye have not, because ye ask not.

 exp. If you have been brought to faith in God's ability to meet your need, what have you done about it? The knoweldge alone of God's ability to save your soul or to meet other needs is vain if it is not acted upon.

ill. Have you ever held a voucher until it was too late to use it. It past it's use by date and your possession of it was in vain.

 question: How many will perish in the fires of hell who had the good promises of God's Word in hand but who never acted upon them? They past the use by date and it is too late!

A. David's vocalization. (You need to speak audibly.)

17  I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.

def. extolled - praised

exp. I enjoy praying out loud. Why? Because prayer is just us talking with God. Praise God - we can pray internally - but according to our text David prayed out loud. I believe our Lord often did as well - he removed himself a good distance from His men to speak with God the Father.

Matthew 26:36  Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

37  And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

38  Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

39  And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

40  And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

41  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

42  He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

43  And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

44  And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

 exp. If you are still unsaved - could it be it is because you have never humbled your heart and talked out loud to God to ask Him to save your soul?

Rom 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

 app. Do you pray and praise God out loud? An essential part of getting prayers answered is praying.

B. David's Consideration. (You need to speak purely.)

18  If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

exp. To regard is to enjoy/ approve/ - this heart is not prepared to meet with God. It loves what God hates.

ill. Our world doesn't give a lot of thought to getting ready to go out in public. Old man in Loanhead - cleaning out his guttering dressed better than many ministers in pulpits today. I'm reminded by his discipline that it matters how you look on the outside. There are times where it is important to be prepared to meet someone in proper attire.

 exp. To God it matters how good you look on the inside. How much thought did you give to the look of your heart today? 

1Sa 16:7  But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

 exp. It is important before seeking to meet with God that you make sure that you are right with God.

Matthew 5:23  Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24  Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

app. Friend, if you want to get saved, that is great. Just leave your sin behind and turn to God and He will save you. Do you want God's mercy today in other areas of your life - just make sure that you aren't holding onto what God despises while you ask Him to meet your need - OR HE WILL NOT LISTEN TO YOU.

C. David's Reception. (You need to speak confidently.)

19  But verily God hath heard me; 

exp. I've quoted verse 18 many times and should have rejoiced with David in verse 19 as well. David knew he had to let go of sin to grab hold of God AND HE HAD.

ill. Some in here could testify to a life that was unsatisfying but to which they were firmly holding. But, they know the joy of letting go of that life and findng the joy of grabbing hold of God. THEY KNEW IN THAT MOMENT THAT GOD HAD HEARD THEM.

 ill. Our church has enjoyed having Eddy Ekofu help us with 2 of our football tournaments. When Eddie got saved he said to God if you take this burden away I will walk away from everything. (Football included.) God took Eddy at His Word and Eddy knew that God had answered as the burden was lifted.

1Jn 5:15  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

app. Do you know that God has heard your prayer to be saved? Eddy loves to tell (like David) what God did for His soul. Have you? Have you followed the Lord in believer's baptism? Have you verbally shared your testimony to encourage others to do the same?

 app. Believers, do you know the joy of an internal confidence that God has heard that prayer of your soul? 

 

transition: We need to pray in a way that God answers - Go to God (So God can speak, So we can understand His authority, so we can hear how He has helped others....), pray to God (audibly, confidently, purely.)

 

III. You need to watch for God.

exp. If God has answered your prayer shouldn't you be able to know that He has done so?

ill. I know when I get my amazon orders because I receive them to my home. What have you received through prayer and SEEN GOD DELIVER.

Colossians 4:2  Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

 ill. I remember praying that I could marry my wife in the summer of 2000 even though it was before her senior year in university - I remember where I was when God answered. But, I had to wait to see my future inlaws agree that this was God's plan.

app. Are you watching for God to answer prayer?

A. God's Attention. (You will know that God has heard.)

he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

exp. David knew that he had met with God and that God had answered.

 ill. Prayer meeting in 2005 at Falls Baptist Church Menomonee Falls - good to remember this prayer meeting as Evangelist John Van Gelderen was there. I know that John has said that it was the most powerful church prayer meeting he had ever been in. The sense of the presence of God was amazing ALL OVER THE PROPERTY. God met with us - God would answer us.

question: Have you met with God lately? Can you say that you have had any special seasons of prayer.

 note: When I meet with people - I know that I have done so - have you ever met with God in that way? Joh 14:21  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

app. Friends, that isn't mysticism. That is the reality of the experience we can have of knowing God. 

 hymn: "You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart."

app. When is the last time you prayed and you knew that God had met with you? That is the kind of prayer time we need. 2Co 3:18  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

B. God's Intervention. (You will experience the answer of God.)

20  Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

exp. David's celebration is "Blessed be God!" He is praising the Lord who didn't reject His prayer or refuse Him mercy!

ill. In 2008 - after 2 years of having a medical bill of 60,000 USD which our insurance refused to pay - I asked the Hospital to forgive the debt - at the same time the Posada Foundation negotiated with the Hospital to pay the medicaid rate - 13,000 USD and have the hospital write the rest off. (This was a huge answer to prayer.) We rejoiced because the hospital heard and gave mercy! GUESS WHAT - SO HAD GOD!

App. What mercy of god has intervened in your life because you have gone to your knees in believing prayer. Are you praying for that lost loved one? Are you praying for that soul need? The reality is - if it is a prayer that God has heard then it is a prayer WHICH GOD HAS ANSWERED visibly.

 

conclusion: 

 

Praise God - we have the privilige of prayer. The prayer of man is changed into the answer of God. 

 

We need to pray in a way in which God answers? Are you seeing answers to prayer?

 

1.) Are you going to God? (So God can speak, So we can understand His authority, so we can hear how He has helped others....)

 

2.) Are you praying to God? (audibly, confidently, purely.)

 

 

3.) Are you watching for God? (Sensing God's attention, Seeing God's intervention?)

Date: 9 August, 2018
Text: Psalm 66:16-20
Title: From the Prayer of Man to the Answer of God
Theme:
Proposition:
Rhetorical:
Introduction:
 
Do you enjoy hearing of answers to prayer?
Ben and Lauren needed furlough replacement in Papua New Guinea. The Cumrines uprooted their family for a year to do furlough replacement and God took care of their visa needs. 
 
Tom Britten family - needed a visa for Linda. Brother Tom took a step of faith and moved over here leaving his family in Thailand. Linda received her visa last week and will be here the end of next week. Mai still needs his passport.
 
In our men's prayer time we've often prayed for Mr. Woods family to come to church with him. God allowed him to see his grandchildren in church with him this past week. 
 
We prayed for this week and saw God bring out many children to our HBC and three children let us know that they prayed to ask God's forgiveness for their sins and to be saved. We're praying for families and have enjoyed seeing different family members in church this week.
 
Prayer is an AWESOME PRIVILIGE given to us by God.
Psa 65:2  O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.
Mat 21:22  And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Joh 14:13  And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Joh 15:16  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Joh 16:23  And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
 
My message this morning - From the Prayer of Man to the Answer of God. With David as a model for how God answers prayer - We need to pray in a way that God answers. Are you praying and seeing God answer your prayers?
 
You need to go to God.
exp. If you don't bank at the bank of Heaven you won't get any of Heaven's currency. If you aren't going there, why are you not?
 ill. I sold a 1 oz gold coin this past week for 1,000 pounds. God answered my prayers and provided a buyer and a way for us to pay to have the back of our house harled. (pebble dashed)
ill. When I was buying this coin a few years ago I watched a video of a man trying to sell a 20 dollar canadian Maple coin for it's face value of 20 dollars. He told them that it was worth a lot more than that and that they could take it to the coin shop next door and ask them. Nobody would even trade a stick of gum for it - BECAUSE THEY DID NOT BELIEVE HIM.
 app. We have an incredible gold mine in God's Word. Are you perishing in poverty when you could be rich beyond measure. Perhaps you haven't come to God because you are in unbelief.
A. David's Invitation. (You need to go where God can speak to you.)
16  Come and hear, 
exp. Get where you can hear someone speak about God. David shouted out an invitation to hear about the goodness of God.
 ill. We recently considered the parable of the sower - the roadside - is not where the farmer is sowing. He is sowing the field. Anything outside of the field is "accidental" but that which is in the field is purposeful.
ill. I witnessed to a man this past Sunday who was going to spend his day with football. He is not likely to be confronted with truth about God on the football pitch.
 ill. I gave a Gospel flyer to the woman inside the shop and she works on Sundays. Too busy to go to church - I'm working. It is unlikely that they will be confronted with God's life changing truth at work.
ill. Many people drink up the weekend in the local pub. It is very unlikely that they are going to find God in the pub.
 note: The answer is not to change our method of reaching people and leave the church to open coffee shops. We get to do what David is doing. COME AND HEAR!
Luke 14:16  Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
17  And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
18  And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
19  And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
20  And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
21  So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
22  And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
23  And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
24  For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
app. The table is set - God is ready to feed your soul with plenty to bring you to faith and answered prayer - BUT YOU NEED TO COME AND HEAR (AND DON'T STOP COMING AND HEARING.)
B. David's Qualification. (You need to be awakened to the authority of God.)
all ye that fear God,
exp. Don't bother coming if you think God is a joke. If you have no reverence for the Almighty stay out of God's house because the message can not help someone who is foolish! (Last weeks message) Wisdom cries and they refuse it!
ill. Our society is described by Paul in Romans 3 and without a change - IT IS HOPELESS and they don't fear God!
Romans 3:10  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13  Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14  Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15  Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16  Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17  And the way of peace have they not known:
18  There is no fear of God before their eyes.
exp. Only the mercy of God will awaken this heart to His fear.
ill. George Minsick - member of the mafia and part of Al Capone's Chicago gang. Came home to find his wife and daughter praying for his salvation. He put a gun to their head and it so scared him that he ran to the church and prayed to accept Christ. (The fear of  God awakened a hardened criminals heart.
ill. Saul - who is also called the Apostle Paul - was confronted with the glorious reality of God in our Lord Jesus Christ and when that fear of God crept into His heart he could say to Jesus, "Who art thou Lord (Master)? 
 question: Has your soul been awakened - are you beginning to fear God? Don't be afraid of that. Let your soul help you to wisdom and get you in a fear of God!
Pro 9:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Pro 10:27  The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
Pro 14:26  In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
Pro 14:27  The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Pro 16:6  By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
app. You need to go to God in fear.
C. David's Declaration. (You need to listen to what God has done for others.)
and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
exp. David shared a testimony of God's goodness in answering His prayers. He had a soul need that only God could meet and God had met his need. 
 hymn: It Is No Secret
It is no secret what God can do,
What he has done for others,
He'll do for you.
With arms wide open,
He'll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do.
question: Are you worse than a murderer of Christians or a Chicago Gangster?
1Ti 1:16  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
exp. Paul was an example of what great thing God could do in changing a sinner into a saint.
ill. It is comforting to go to a doctor with a need and to hear him say, "You're not the worst case I've ever treated." Why? Because if the doctor successfully helped him the doctor will successfully help me.
ill. Our world has a new word for "soul conflict" it is "mental health." People are beginning to open up about the troubles of their soul. We all have great internal conflicts that only God can meet. God works internally.
 app. Is your soul troubled today? You too can come to God and have him do for your soul what He did for David's soul.
 
transition: We need to pray in a way that God answers. We need to go to God. (So God can speak, So we can understand His authority, so we can hear how He has helped others....)
 
II. You need to pray to God.
Jas 4:2  ....ye have not, because ye ask not.
 exp. If you have been brought to faith in God's ability to meet your need, what have you done about it? The knoweldge alone of God's ability to save your soul or to meet other needs is vain if it is not acted upon.
ill. Have you ever held a voucher until it was too late to use it. It past it's use by date and your possession of it was in vain.
 question: How many will perish in the fires of hell who had the good promises of God's Word in hand but who never acted upon them? They past the use by date and it is too late!
A. David's vocalization. (You need to speak audibly.)
17  I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
def. extolled - praised
exp. I enjoy praying out loud. Why? Because prayer is just us talking with God. Praise God - we can pray internally - but according to our text David prayed out loud. I believe our Lord often did as well - he removed himself a good distance from His men to speak with God the Father.
Matthew 26:36  Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
37  And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
38  Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39  And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40  And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
41  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
42  He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
43  And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
44  And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
 exp. If you are still unsaved - could it be it is because you have never humbled your heart and talked out loud to God to ask Him to save your soul?
Rom 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
 app. Do you pray and praise God out loud? An essential part of getting prayers answered is praying.
B. David's Consideration. (You need to speak purely.)
18  If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
exp. To regard is to enjoy/ approve/ - this heart is not prepared to meet with God. It loves what God hates.
ill. Our world doesn't give a lot of thought to getting ready to go out in public. Old man in Loanhead - cleaning out his guttering dressed better than many ministers in pulpits today. I'm reminded by his discipline that it matters how you look on the outside. There are times where it is important to be prepared to meet someone in proper attire.
 exp. To God it matters how good you look on the inside. How much thought did you give to the look of your heart today? 
1Sa 16:7  But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
 exp. It is important before seeking to meet with God that you make sure that you are right with God.
Matthew 5:23  Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24  Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
app. Friend, if you want to get saved, that is great. Just leave your sin behind and turn to God and He will save you. Do you want God's mercy today in other areas of your life - just make sure that you aren't holding onto what God despises while you ask Him to meet your need - OR HE WILL NOT LISTEN TO YOU.
C. David's Reception. (You need to speak confidently.)
19  But verily God hath heard me; 
exp. I've quoted verse 18 many times and should have rejoiced with David in verse 19 as well. David knew he had to let go of sin to grab hold of God AND HE HAD.
ill. Some in here could testify to a life that was unsatisfying but to which they were firmly holding. But, they know the joy of letting go of that life and findng the joy of grabbing hold of God. THEY KNEW IN THAT MOMENT THAT GOD HAD HEARD THEM.
 ill. Our church has enjoyed having Eddy Ekofu help us with 2 of our football tournaments. When Eddie got saved he said to God if you take this burden away I will walk away from everything. (Football included.) God took Eddy at His Word and Eddy knew that God had answered as the burden was lifted.
1Jn 5:15  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
app. Do you know that God has heard your prayer to be saved? Eddy loves to tell (like David) what God did for His soul. Have you? Have you followed the Lord in believer's baptism? Have you verbally shared your testimony to encourage others to do the same?
 app. Believers, do you know the joy of an internal confidence that God has heard that prayer of your soul? 
 
transition: We need to pray in a way that God answers - Go to God (So God can speak, So we can understand His authority, so we can hear how He has helped others....), pray to God (audibly, confidently, purely.)
 
III. You need to watch for God.
exp. If God has answered your prayer shouldn't you be able to know that He has done so?
ill. I know when I get my amazon orders because I receive them to my home. What have you received through prayer and SEEN GOD DELIVER.
Colossians 4:2  Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
 ill. I remember praying that I could marry my wife in the summer of 2000 even though it was before her senior year in university - I remember where I was when God answered. But, I had to wait to see my future inlaws agree that this was God's plan.
app. Are you watching for God to answer prayer?
A. God's Attention. (You will know that God has heard.)
he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
exp. David knew that he had met with God and that God had answered.
 ill. Prayer meeting in 2005 at Falls Baptist Church Menomonee Falls - good to remember this prayer meeting as Evangelist John Van Gelderen was there. I know that John has said that it was the most powerful church prayer meeting he had ever been in. The sense of the presence of God was amazing ALL OVER THE PROPERTY. God met with us - God would answer us.
question: Have you met with God lately? Can you say that you have had any special seasons of prayer.
 note: When I meet with people - I know that I have done so - have you ever met with God in that way? Joh 14:21  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
app. Friends, that isn't mysticism. That is the reality of the experience we can have of knowing God. 
 hymn: "You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart."
app. When is the last time you prayed and you knew that God had met with you? That is the kind of prayer time we need. 2Co 3:18  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
B. God's Intervention. (You will experience the answer of God.)
20  Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
exp. David's celebration is "Blessed be God!" He is praising the Lord who didn't reject His prayer or refuse Him mercy!
ill. In 2008 - after 2 years of having a medical bill of 60,000 USD which our insurance refused to pay - I asked the Hospital to forgive the debt - at the same time the Posada Foundation negotiated with the Hospital to pay the medicaid rate - 13,000 USD and have the hospital write the rest off. (This was a huge answer to prayer.) We rejoiced because the hospital heard and gave mercy! GUESS WHAT - SO HAD GOD!
App. What mercy of god has intervened in your life because you have gone to your knees in believing prayer. Are you praying for that lost loved one? Are you praying for that soul need? The reality is - if it is a prayer that God has heard then it is a prayer WHICH GOD HAS ANSWERED visibly.
 
conclusion: 
 
Praise God - we have the privilige of prayer. The prayer of man is changed into the answer of God. 
 
We need to pray in a way in which God answers? Are you seeing answers to prayer?
 
1.) Are you going to God? (So God can speak, So we can understand His authority, so we can hear how He has helped others....)
 
2.) Are you praying to God? (audibly, confidently, purely.)
 

 

3.) Are you watching for God? (Sensing God's attention, Seeing God's intervention?) Date: 9 August, 2018
Text: Psalm 66:16-20
Title: From the Prayer of Man to the Answer of God
Theme:
Proposition:
Rhetorical:
Introduction:
 
Do you enjoy hearing of answers to prayer?
Ben and Lauren needed furlough replacement in Papua New Guinea. The Cumrines uprooted their family for a year to do furlough replacement and God took care of their visa needs. 
 
Tom Britten family - needed a visa for Linda. Brother Tom took a step of faith and moved over here leaving his family in Thailand. Linda received her visa last week and will be here the end of next week. Mai still needs his passport.
 
In our men's prayer time we've often prayed for Mr. Woods family to come to church with him. God allowed him to see his grandchildren in church with him this past week. 
 
We prayed for this week and saw God bring out many children to our HBC and three children let us know that they prayed to ask God's forgiveness for their sins and to be saved. We're praying for families and have enjoyed seeing different family members in church this week.
 
Prayer is an AWESOME PRIVILIGE given to us by God.
Psa 65:2  O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.
Mat 21:22  And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Joh 14:13  And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Joh 15:16  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Joh 16:23  And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
 
My message this morning - From the Prayer of Man to the Answer of God. With David as a model for how God answers prayer - We need to pray in a way that God answers. Are you praying and seeing God answer your prayers?
 
You need to go to God.
exp. If you don't bank at the bank of Heaven you won't get any of Heaven's currency. If you aren't going there, why are you not?
 ill. I sold a 1 oz gold coin this past week for 1,000 pounds. God answered my prayers and provided a buyer and a way for us to pay to have the back of our house harled. (pebble dashed)
ill. When I was buying this coin a few years ago I watched a video of a man trying to sell a 20 dollar canadian Maple coin for it's face value of 20 dollars. He told them that it was worth a lot more than that and that they could take it to the coin shop next door and ask them. Nobody would even trade a stick of gum for it - BECAUSE THEY DID NOT BELIEVE HIM.
 app. We have an incredible gold mine in God's Word. Are you perishing in poverty when you could be rich beyond measure. Perhaps you haven't come to God because you are in unbelief.
A. David's Invitation. (You need to go where God can speak to you.)
16  Come and hear, 
exp. Get where you can hear someone speak about God. David shouted out an invitation to hear about the goodness of God.
 ill. We recently considered the parable of the sower - the roadside - is not where the farmer is sowing. He is sowing the field. Anything outside of the field is "accidental" but that which is in the field is purposeful.
ill. I witnessed to a man this past Sunday who was going to spend his day with football. He is not likely to be confronted with truth about God on the football pitch.
 ill. I gave a Gospel flyer to the woman inside the shop and she works on Sundays. Too busy to go to church - I'm working. It is unlikely that they will be confronted with God's life changing truth at work.
ill. Many people drink up the weekend in the local pub. It is very unlikely that they are going to find God in the pub.
 note: The answer is not to change our method of reaching people and leave the church to open coffee shops. We get to do what David is doing. COME AND HEAR!
Luke 14:16  Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
17  And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
18  And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
19  And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
20  And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
21  So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
22  And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
23  And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
24  For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
app. The table is set - God is ready to feed your soul with plenty to bring you to faith and answered prayer - BUT YOU NEED TO COME AND HEAR (AND DON'T STOP COMING AND HEARING.)
B. David's Qualification. (You need to be awakened to the authority of God.)
all ye that fear God,
exp. Don't bother coming if you think God is a joke. If you have no reverence for the Almighty stay out of God's house because the message can not help someone who is foolish! (Last weeks message) Wisdom cries and they refuse it!
ill. Our society is described by Paul in Romans 3 and without a change - IT IS HOPELESS and they don't fear God!
Romans 3:10  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13  Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14  Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15  Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16  Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17  And the way of peace have they not known:
18  There is no fear of God before their eyes.
exp. Only the mercy of God will awaken this heart to His fear.
ill. George Minsick - member of the mafia and part of Al Capone's Chicago gang. Came home to find his wife and daughter praying for his salvation. He put a gun to their head and it so scared him that he ran to the church and prayed to accept Christ. (The fear of  God awakened a hardened criminals heart.
ill. Saul - who is also called the Apostle Paul - was confronted with the glorious reality of God in our Lord Jesus Christ and when that fear of God crept into His heart he could say to Jesus, "Who art thou Lord (Master)? 
 question: Has your soul been awakened - are you beginning to fear God? Don't be afraid of that. Let your soul help you to wisdom and get you in a fear of God!
Pro 9:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Pro 10:27  The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
Pro 14:26  In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
Pro 14:27  The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Pro 16:6  By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
app. You need to go to God in fear.
C. David's Declaration. (You need to listen to what God has done for others.)
and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
exp. David shared a testimony of God's goodness in answering His prayers. He had a soul need that only God could meet and God had met his need. 
 hymn: It Is No Secret
It is no secret what God can do,
What he has done for others,
He'll do for you.
With arms wide open,
He'll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do.
question: Are you worse than a murderer of Christians or a Chicago Gangster?
1Ti 1:16  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
exp. Paul was an example of what great thing God could do in changing a sinner into a saint.
ill. It is comforting to go to a doctor with a need and to hear him say, "You're not the worst case I've ever treated." Why? Because if the doctor successfully helped him the doctor will successfully help me.
ill. Our world has a new word for "soul conflict" it is "mental health." People are beginning to open up about the troubles of their soul. We all have great internal conflicts that only God can meet. God works internally.
 app. Is your soul troubled today? You too can come to God and have him do for your soul what He did for David's soul.
 
transition: We need to pray in a way that God answers. We need to go to God. (So God can speak, So we can understand His authority, so we can hear how He has helped others....)
 
II. You need to pray to God.
Jas 4:2  ....ye have not, because ye ask not.
 exp. If you have been brought to faith in God's ability to meet your need, what have you done about it? The knoweldge alone of God's ability to save your soul or to meet other needs is vain if it is not acted upon.
ill. Have you ever held a voucher until it was too late to use it. It past it's use by date and your possession of it was in vain.
 question: How many will perish in the fires of hell who had the good promises of God's Word in hand but who never acted upon them? They past the use by date and it is too late!
A. David's vocalization. (You need to speak audibly.)
17  I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
def. extolled - praised
exp. I enjoy praying out loud. Why? Because prayer is just us talking with God. Praise God - we can pray internally - but according to our text David prayed out loud. I believe our Lord often did as well - he removed himself a good distance from His men to speak with God the Father.
Matthew 26:36  Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
37  And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
38  Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39  And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40  And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
41  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
42  He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
43  And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
44  And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
 exp. If you are still unsaved - could it be it is because you have never humbled your heart and talked out loud to God to ask Him to save your soul?
Rom 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
 app. Do you pray and praise God out loud? An essential part of getting prayers answered is praying.
B. David's Consideration. (You need to speak purely.)
18  If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
exp. To regard is to enjoy/ approve/ - this heart is not prepared to meet with God. It loves what God hates.
ill. Our world doesn't give a lot of thought to getting ready to go out in public. Old man in Loanhead - cleaning out his guttering dressed better than many ministers in pulpits today. I'm reminded by his discipline that it matters how you look on the outside. There are times where it is important to be prepared to meet someone in proper attire.
 exp. To God it matters how good you look on the inside. How much thought did you give to the look of your heart today? 
1Sa 16:7  But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
 exp. It is important before seeking to meet with God that you make sure that you are right with God.
Matthew 5:23  Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24  Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
app. Friend, if you want to get saved, that is great. Just leave your sin behind and turn to God and He will save you. Do you want God's mercy today in other areas of your life - just make sure that you aren't holding onto what God despises while you ask Him to meet your need - OR HE WILL NOT LISTEN TO YOU.
C. David's Reception. (You need to speak confidently.)
19  But verily God hath heard me; 
exp. I've quoted verse 18 many times and should have rejoiced with David in verse 19 as well. David knew he had to let go of sin to grab hold of God AND HE HAD.
ill. Some in here could testify to a life that was unsatisfying but to which they were firmly holding. But, they know the joy of letting go of that life and findng the joy of grabbing hold of God. THEY KNEW IN THAT MOMENT THAT GOD HAD HEARD THEM.
 ill. Our church has enjoyed having Eddy Ekofu help us with 2 of our football tournaments. When Eddie got saved he said to God if you take this burden away I will walk away from everything. (Football included.) God took Eddy at His Word and Eddy knew that God had answered as the burden was lifted.
1Jn 5:15  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
app. Do you know that God has heard your prayer to be saved? Eddy loves to tell (like David) what God did for His soul. Have you? Have you followed the Lord in believer's baptism? Have you verbally shared your testimony to encourage others to do the same?
 app. Believers, do you know the joy of an internal confidence that God has heard that prayer of your soul? 
 
transition: We need to pray in a way that God answers - Go to God (So God can speak, So we can understand His authority, so we can hear how He has helped others....), pray to God (audibly, confidently, purely.)
 
III. You need to watch for God.
exp. If God has answered your prayer shouldn't you be able to know that He has done so?
ill. I know when I get my amazon orders because I receive them to my home. What have you received through prayer and SEEN GOD DELIVER.
Colossians 4:2  Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
 ill. I remember praying that I could marry my wife in the summer of 2000 even though it was before her senior year in university - I remember where I was when God answered. But, I had to wait to see my future inlaws agree that this was God's plan.
app. Are you watching for God to answer prayer?
A. God's Attention. (You will know that God has heard.)
he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
exp. David knew that he had met with God and that God had answered.
 ill. Prayer meeting in 2005 at Falls Baptist Church Menomonee Falls - good to remember this prayer meeting as Evangelist John Van Gelderen was there. I know that John has said that it was the most powerful church prayer meeting he had ever been in. The sense of the presence of God was amazing ALL OVER THE PROPERTY. God met with us - God would answer us.
question: Have you met with God lately? Can you say that you have had any special seasons of prayer.
 note: When I meet with people - I know that I have done so - have you ever met with God in that way? Joh 14:21  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
app. Friends, that isn't mysticism. That is the reality of the experience we can have of knowing God. 
 hymn: "You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart."
app. When is the last time you prayed and you knew that God had met with you? That is the kind of prayer time we need. 2Co 3:18  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
B. God's Intervention. (You will experience the answer of God.)
20  Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
exp. David's celebration is "Blessed be God!" He is praising the Lord who didn't reject His prayer or refuse Him mercy!
ill. In 2008 - after 2 years of having a medical bill of 60,000 USD which our insurance refused to pay - I asked the Hospital to forgive the debt - at the same time the Posada Foundation negotiated with the Hospital to pay the medicaid rate - 13,000 USD and have the hospital write the rest off. (This was a huge answer to prayer.) We rejoiced because the hospital heard and gave mercy! GUESS WHAT - SO HAD GOD!
App. What mercy of god has intervened in your life because you have gone to your knees in believing prayer. Are you praying for that lost loved one? Are you praying for that soul need? The reality is - if it is a prayer that God has heard then it is a prayer WHICH GOD HAS ANSWERED visibly.
 
conclusion: 
 
Praise God - we have the privilige of prayer. The prayer of man is changed into the answer of God. 
 
We need to pray in a way in which God answers? Are you seeing answers to prayer?
 
1.) Are you going to God? (So God can speak, So we can understand His authority, so we can hear how He has helped others....)
 
2.) Are you praying to God? (audibly, confidently, purely.)
 
3.) Are you watching for God? (Sensing God's attention, Seeing God's intervention?)