Sermon by Dr. Conor

Jul 14, 2024

Lecture Notes: Sermon by Dr. Conor

Opening Remarks

  • Greeted key figures: Dr. Conor, First Lady Carter, Dr. Pogs, staff
  • Emphasized gratitude for the opportunity to speak and for being woken up by God
  • Purpose: Worship God for who He is and His deeds
  • Acknowledged the importance of showing appreciation when people are kind

Key Themes

Gratitude and Worship

  • Quote from David: "I've never seen the righteous forsaken, or their seed begging for bread"
  • God deserves praise for His nature and deeds

Scripture Reading: Acts 20:28

  • Focus: "Take heed therefore unto yourself to the flock from which the Lord has made you overseer to feed the Church of God which He has purchased with His blood."
  • Topic: "Bleeding While Leading"

Approaches to Biblical Text

Types of Teaching

  1. Topical Teaching: Using an idea to find a matching scripture
    • Example of eisegesis vs exegesis
    • Risk: Can read personal beliefs into the text
    • Warning: Bible can be misinterpreted (e.g., "Judas hung himself... go and do likewise.")
  2. Textual Teaching: Word-for-word teaching of the scripture
    • Risk: Differences in translations (Hebrew/Greek vs. modern languages)
    • Example: Different meanings of “power” in Matthew 28:18 (Exousia) vs Acts 1:8 (Dynamis)
  3. Expository Teaching: Interpretation, investigation, and application of scripture
    • Need to see oneself in the text
    • Example: Mary anointing Jesus' feet with tears caught in bottles

Key Biblical Passages

  • Matthew 4:4
  • Luke 10:37
  • John 13:27
  • Psalms 37:4
  • Psalms 30:5

Key Concepts

Mind Games and Spiritual Attacks

  • Satan manipulates the mind (2 Corinthians 2:11; Philippians 4:6)
  • “Be anxious for nothing” – stress affects physical health
  • Walls of Praise and Patience (Philippians 4)
  • Importance of face-to-face prayer (Ephesians 6:11)

Roles in Ministry

  • Need a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy in life
  • Example: Unity of Godhead (Jesus, Father, Holy Spirit)

Promises and Principles

  • Importance of conjunctions in scripture (e.g., "but", "if")
  • Example: 2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's promises come with conditions

Gracious Expressions of Faith

  • Acts 20:28 commands followers to take care of themselves and others
  • Paul’s advice: Be men of the Word and the Wind

Handling Adversities

  • Bad seasons are opportunities for promotion and growth (enemy as footstool, Psalms 110)
  • Always hold your post through good and bad seasons

Power of the Holy Ghost

  • Preaching is a calling enabled by the Holy Spirit
  • Holy Ghost empowers to fulfill God’s will

Conclusion

The Blood of Jesus

  • Salvation purchased by Jesus' blood on Calvary
  • Importance of Jesus' death and resurrection

Final Exhortation

  • Stay committed despite challenges
  • Power and guidance from the Holy Ghost