APPLYING GOD’S WORD Pt. 2

December 18, 2011

Allen McLauchlin, Pastor

A family friendly, never alone, purpose driven church  

The story:  Isaac and the famine. 

The Scriptures: For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  Romans 15:4 

Timothy  from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that  you may be adequate, equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 2:15-17 

The Application:  More  Christmas nuggets.  

1. Others have experienced and survived similar circumstances. 

Now there was a famine in the land, besides the previous famine that had occurred in the days of Abraham.  Genesis 26:1 

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man.       1 Corinthians 10:13  

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;  but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing.  1 Peter 4:12,13 

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.  Hebrews 12:1,2 

2. A benefit of being a Christian, God speaks directly to you.  

The Lord appeared to him and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; stay in this  land I will be with you and bless you”. Genesis 26:2,3

Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.  1 Samuel 3:9 

God, after He spoke long ago to the prophets in many portions and in many ways,  in these last days has spoken to us in His Son. Hebrews 1:1,2 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.  In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.  John 1:1-4 

3. Your obedience to God’s Word will activate His oath. (Promises) 

Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham.  And through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me.   Genesis 26:3-5

If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.  Galatians 3:9 

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19 

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "And see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”  Malachi 3:10

 4. Turning away from God’s Word makes matters only worst.  

The Lord appeared to him and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; stay in this  land I will be with you and bless you”. Genesis 26:2,3 

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.

Ephesians 4:22; 5:8 

Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.  But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again.  Galatians 4:8,9 

It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A dog returns to its own vomit," and, "A pig, after washing, [returns] to wallowing in the mire.         1 Peter 2:22