Sermons

Dean Elders continues teaching on the life of Joseph. In this message we learn how God used the things in Judah’s life that we think God cannot use. He can do the same for us, if we are willing to entrust our lives into His hands. If God be for us, who can be against us?

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Dean Elders continues to study the life of Joseph with particular attention given to his brother Judah in this lesson. Judah’s decisions are examined along with the impact those decisions made on others. When we are facing major decisions, we ought to take time to consider how the decisions we make affect others. We should consider not only how our decisions affect others, but also the end result of those decisions.

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“Faith does not deny the brutal realities of this life. Rather, it embraces the Greater Reality of Who God is along with His Unfailing Promises.” The greater the battle the greater the victory! God’s people have always had to face the twin enemies of fear and dismay. We win the battle by focusing on the promise of God’s Presence to be with us at all times. (Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:6-9; Joshua 23:14)

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8 principles of decision making

1. The Peace Test: Is this decision causing my peace to become unsettled or worrisome? Col. 3:15; Phil. 4:6-8
2. The Word of God Test: Is this decision that I am about to make going to violate anything in the Word of God? God’s Word makes us well prepared. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Luke 6:38
3. The Love Test: Does this decision violate God or people? What does God’s love look like? 1 Cor. 13:4-8
4. Wisdom & Common Sense Test: Does this decision show good common sense? Prov. 3:13-18: Prov. 4:7-8; Prov. 2:6-10.
5. Focus Test: Does it cause me to lose focus on the purpose God has for my life? Does it keep me in line with the known will of God in His word? Or does it sidetrack you? Does it take life away from you and the fruitfulness God has for you? Focus keeps you firm in conviction and keeps you on track.
6. Motive Test: What are my motives in making this decision? Does it involve selfishness? How will it affect others and myself? James 4:3
7. Fruit Test: What will this decision produce? God wants us to be fruitful. Wonderful fruit ought to come from our decisions. Gal. 6:7-10
8. The Voice of Experience Test: 1 Cor. 10:13; Prov. 1:1-7
   What does experience say about my decision? Others have been down similar roads. What can I learn from the experience of others? Include the voice of experience in your decision-making process. Learn from those who walk the walk.

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God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

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