Sermon Based in Genesis 19.

Finishing up where we started last week, Pastor Phillip continues a deep dive into the life of Lot and how we all tend to relate to his lifestyle. Things we can learn and things we can do to assure we do not follow the same path of "Righteous Lot" (2 Peter 2)

"I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." - 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

Paul tried time and time again to have God answer a prayer. He had a "thorn" he wanted removed. He begged and pleaded...and yet, God did not answer in the way Paul requested, instead God reminded Paul of the power and strength found in Him. Do you have a "thorn"?

In Luke's version of the Gospel he describes a woman who had spent 12 years with an infirmity of blood.  12 years! But she knew Jesus could heal her...she just had to be close to Him.

"He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace." - Luke 8:48

Towers in Biblical times were used for protection and defense. Christ is our strong tower that we can run to in times of trouble.

"Inside the city, however, was a strong tower, to which all the men and women - all the people of the city - had fled. They had locked themselves in and climbed up on the tower roof." - Judges 9:51

Paul reminds the Ephesian Church to be alert and pray every chance they get; and the same can apply to our walk with Christ. We must remember the importance of prayer in the life of the follower of Christ.

"Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord's people." - Ephesians 6:18

When we rest in the righteousness of Christ we find peace. True peace overwhelms us in His presence, and it is that peace that draws others to know Him.

"Stand firm then...with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." - Ephesians 6:14-15

"He put on righteousness as His breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in zeal as in a cloak." - Isaiah 59:17

Righteousness is a distinctive characteristic of God and it is why we must take up the breastplate of righteousness in our lives as we clothe ourselves with the full armor of God.

Sunday Sermon based in Genesis 19. Pastor Phillip looks into the type of Father that Lot is and how our desire to sit on the fence and move closer to the action of the world is disruptive to our lives as followers of Christ. 

We must face the reality that the closer we move to the world, the closer the world moves to us. We cannot serve two masters...or else we will hate one and love the other. 

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." - Psalm 1:1

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist." - Ephesians 6:14

We let our worries cause us to struggle through the Spiritual battles we are going through. Satan is searching for the chink in your armor, but we can stand...not alone, but Thank God we don't have to stand alone. Thank God that He will stand with us in the midst of the storms.

"The Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12

The Armor of God was for defensive purposes, but we do have a weapon that also allows for offense when necessary. The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of the Lord.