Called and Sent

Nehemiah 5:1-13; Mark 6:7-13 / Ecclesiastes 4:7-16

I. What Follows NO ?

A. Decapolis had rejected Jesus. “And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.” (Mark 5:17)

B. Nazareth had rejected Jesus. “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.” (Mark 6:3)

C. Jesus was on business from His Father; He was not free to stop simply because people rejected Him. “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.” (John 8:28)

D. Rejection at Decapolis and Nazareth could have been a disaster, but Jesus seized the moment to evangelize. “And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;” (Mark 6:7)

E. In another place, Jesus put evangelism in perspective. “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)

II. Jesus Delivered a Mission Manual

A. Jesus sent the disciples in pairs; from the human perspective, paired evangelists have a natural advantage. “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9) “Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?” (Ecclesiastes 4:11)

B. Theologically, God demands multiple witnesses to establish truth. “One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.” (Deuteronomy 19:15)

C. Jesus instructed the disciples to observe the same rules which the rabbis taught for entering the Temple compound. “And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.” (Mark 6:8-9) At a later time Jesus would send the gospel messengers to the Samaritans and the Gentles.

D. Evangelism was to be the only purpose for the mission; here is the pattern for short-term missions. “And he said unto them, In what place so ever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.” (Mark 6:10)

E. Though this first mission was to the Jews, the pattern substantially influenced the mission to Europe under Paul; redeemed people want to share in the gospel project. “And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.” (Acts 16:14-15)

F. Jesus told the disciples they were on important business, but to leave problems to His Father; Christian evangelism has nothing in common with the ways of the world. “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.” (Mark 6:11)

III. Great Things Began To Happen

A. Repentance is the starting place for the gospel; people need to understand the danger inherent in sinful living. “And they went out, and preached that men should repent.” (Mark 6:12)

B. Jesus confirmed the gospel preaching. “And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.” (Mark 6:13)

C. Christian methods must conform to the Christian message; graciousness best conveys grace. “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:1-6)

Christian Business

I. God Uses Christians To Witness

A. As He was leaving, Jesus told His people that they would be equipped to carry His gospel everywhere. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

B. In the darkest moments of Biblical history, God reminds His agents that He supplies the power for the tasks He assigns. “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)

C. Paul attributed His gospel triumphs, not to himself, but to the power of the Holy Spirit operating through him. “Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” (Romans 15:19)

D. Jesus promised to make the work of His people effective. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:12-13)

E. The greatest evangelist of the Apostolic Age put himself on a level with the newest and least educated witness; the power is always God’s. “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

II. Everyone Needs the Gospel

A. No matter who a Christian approaches, that person either knows the gospel or desperately needs to know the gospel. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)

B. The options are simple; sin kills and grace makes alive for eternity. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

C. There are no exceptions. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10)

D. Since all people need what God has given you to share and He has promised to take charge of the sharing, be ready to act when the Holy Spirit provides the opportunity. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” (1 Peter 3:15)

E. Stay out of your own way. “Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” (1 Peter 3:16)

III. Success Is Coming

A. God has His own schedule. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

B. As long as believers are faithful to Scripture, what they undertake will accomplish God’s objectives. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:9-11)

C. Expect success; God is not sold on excuses. “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” (John 4:35)

D. Just follow the instructions. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

E. Leave all the heavy lifting to the Holy Spirit. “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” (John 16:8-11)

God Speaks To All of Life

I. God’s Law Is Spiritual

A. God speaks from Himself, a Spirit, into all realms of reality. “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.” (Romans 7:14)

B. Because God’s law is spiritual, it reaches into all realms of reality in ways which demand responses. “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)

C. Jesus brought the reality of revelation’s force to bear on everything God had said; in the New Testament the Old Testament simply comes into sharper focus. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

D. Adultery is an excellent illustration of Jesus’ teaching; the attitude implies the act. “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28)

E. Jesus obliterated all the elegant philosophical excuses for violating the clear meaning of Scripture. “Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:” (Matthew 5:33-34)

F. Christians must live in the simple and obvious realm of Scripture on all levels; excuses are effectually confessions of guilt. “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” (Matthew 5:37) [See Westminster Confession Chapter 22]

G. According to Jesus, the spiritual implications of revelation reach a magnificent summary in His command to love enemies; Christ always means more by what He says rather than less. “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matthew 5:43-44)

II. Spirits Are Not Easily Contained

A. Consequently, spiritual principles may govern multiple realms of life; observe how Scripture ties together covetousness and idolatry. “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” (Colossians 3:5)

B. Corrupt financial dealings and Sabbath-breaking can originate in a single mental sin. “Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the Sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?” (Amos 8:5)

C. Greed and murder can be opposite sides of the same spiritual flaw. “So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.” (Proverbs 1:19)

D. Small sins often mature into great sins as they unfold. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

III. The World Can’t Understand the Connections

A. People who have not been transformed by the Holy Spirit cannot think like the Holy Spirit; spiritual connections will be invisible for such people until it is too late for the information to be valuable. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

B. Do not expect to excel in worlds which do not actually overlap. “Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” (James 3:12-16)

C. Jesus did not expect the unsaved to grasp gospel connections. “He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.” (Matthew 13:11-13)

Biblical Justice

I. Scripture Illustrates Genuine Justice

A. While justice may be difficult to find in the world, it is not in heaven; God will see that the wicked get what they have earned. “Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.” (Exodus 23:7)

B. God satisfies His own justice through Christ for believers so that they can become righteous even when they are not righteous in themselves. “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:3-4)

C. The transformation comes to believers through the substitutionary atonement with the result that believers have what amounts to a second chance. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

II. Seek Justice in Small Things

A. When people side with the majority or judge according to who can pay, justice departs; look at the principles rather than the parties. “Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.” (Exodus 23:1-3)

B. God demands genuine justice; avoid doing what will be reversed on appeal. “Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause. Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.” (Exodus 23:6-7)

C. Bribery extracts justice from courts; facts cease to be relevant. “And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.” (Exodus 23:8)

D. Delaying just payments is unjust; what is necessary for the employer is also necessary for the employee. “Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.” (Leviticus 19:13) “Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.” (Proverbs 20:10)

E. Taking advantage of the defenseless and deciding according to the status of the parties will produce injustice; God may not have been on Robin Hood’s side. “Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor.” (Leviticus 19:14-15)

F. A civil society must provide honest courts which operate through neutral rules. “Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.” (Deuteronomy 16:18-19)

G. Genuine justice extends beyond people to all things entrusted to people. Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.” (Deuteronomy 25:4) “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” (Proverbs 12:10)

H. Failure to do what is just is to do what is unjust. “And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.” (Ezra 7:26)

I. Coming to the aid of those who cannot protect their own interests is an obligation for all Christians. “How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 82:2-4) “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” (1 Kings 18:21)

J. Injustice in any direction is an abomination to God; such failures begin cascades of injustice. “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.” (Proverbs 17:15) “These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:” (Proverbs 24:23-24)

III. Keep Two Simple Rules in Mind

A. Stop doing what is wrong. “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14) “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:7)

B. Do what is right while the opportunity remains to do so. “Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none.” (Ezekiel 7:25) “They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.” (Proverbs 28:4)

NEW OR TRUE

I. God Is a Spirit

A. God must be approached as He reveals Himself to be. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (JOHN 4:24)

B. A right human spirit is necessary for approaching the ultimate Spirit; the inner nature matters to God the Spirit. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (ISAIAH 57:15)

C. God will not accept any external approach to Him which does not begin with a redeemed heart. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (MATTHEW 15:8-9)


II. Three Facts Overwhelm All Doctrines about God

A. God is infinite. “Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.” (JOB 11:7-9) “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” (PSALM 145:3)

B. God is eternal. “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” (PSALM 90:2) “Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.” (PROVERBS 8:25-26) “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (REVELATION 1:8)

C. God is unchangeable. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (JAMES 1:17) “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (ISAIAH 45:7)


III. Seven Features of God Follow

A. God is the ultimate being, making possible the existence of all other things. “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” (EXODUS 3:14)

B. Because God’s understanding has no limits, His wisdom is ultimate. “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” (PSALM 147:5)

C. God is all-powerful. “And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” (REVELATION 4:8)

D. God is holy. “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” (REVELATION 15:4)

E. God is just; his values do not shift with the fads and fashions of the age. “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,” (EXODUS 34:6)

F. God is good. “And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” (EXODUS 20:6)

G. God is the truth. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (JOHN 14:6 AV)

Baptism

I. Baptism Begins in the Old Testament

A. The term baptism was old in Christian usage and practice at the time God directed the writing of the New Testament; Paul connected the sacraments of the two testaments. “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:1-4)

B. Jesus made baptism an important feature of the gospel message and could have changed the definition if He had wanted to at the time of the Great Commission. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:19)

C. Just as circumcision marked entrance into the Kingdom of God, so does baptism today. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)

D. Grace has always been the central feature of sacraments. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” (Titus 3:5)

II. God Established the Form of Baptism

A. Water is normally used in baptism; the form for baptism was described by John the Baptist who traced the power of Christian baptism to Christ, acting through the Holy Ghost. “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:” (Matthew 3:11) “And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.” (John 1:33)

B. The application of grace has always been by sprinkling blood; the water of baptism represents the blood sacrifice of Christ. “Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.” (Hebrews 9:10) “For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:19-22)

III. God Determined Who Should Be Baptized

A. People who profess faith in Christ should be baptized. “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” (Acts 8:37-38)

B. The children of the faithful should also receive the sacrament; Abraham demonstrated the pattern and there has been no provision for a change. “And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.” (Genesis 17:7-10)

C. The outward sign is not the key factor; people are saved by grace alone. “So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.” (Galatians 3:9) “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:11-12)

D. Christians walk in the steps of Abraham, the father of the faithful; imputation has always been at the heart of the subject. “And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.” (Romans 4:11-12)

Believers Talk with God

I. God Sets the Terms for Conversation

A. Prayer is an offering up of a believer’s desires to God. “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” (Psalm 62:8)

B. The focus should be on things agreeable to God’s will. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” (1 John 5:14)

C. Always remember that Christ made the audience possible; if there were no cross, there would be no conversation. “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.” (John 16:23)

D. Be utterly honest; ultimately there is no way to hide sin when approaching God, so do not even try. “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.” (Psalm 32:5-6)

E. Always acknowledge what God has done in the past; politely remind Him that He has an investment in the petitioner which is appreciated. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)

F. Come boldly. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8) “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

II. Start with Expectation of Success

A. Prayer is a very personal expression of dependence on God’s sovereign providence; petitioners must be confident God can do whatever needs doing. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” (1 John 5:14) “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

B. Children can expect good things from fathers and God is a believer’s Father. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15)

C. Share prayer concerns with other believers; prayer meetings are prudential expressions of Christian faith. “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” (Acts 12:5)

III. Follow the Revealed Prayer Pattern

A. The Lord revealed a pattern. “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:9-13)

B. Seek God’s glory. “That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.” (Psalm 67:2-3)

C. Seek the destruction of evil and the advancement of holiness. “To the chief Musician, A Psalm or Song of David. Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.” (Psalm 68:1) “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:10-11)

D. Plead for people to do what God wants. “Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.” (Psalm 103:20-21)

E. Ask God to meet the common and ordinary needs of life; He Who will do big things will do small ones as well. “Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” (Proverbs 30:8-9)

F. Seek pardon for sin; only God pardons. “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” (Psalm 51:1-2)

G. Ask for help to stay out of trouble. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-8)