Sermons

Message Series:  The Cynics Guide to Prayer

Today:  Prayer’s Hardest Place

Speaker:  Ronnie Norman

 

James 5:16

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

• Cynicism questions the active goodness of God and God’s people on our behalf.

Luke 18:1 & 8

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up… when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

 

• Cynicism protects you from disappointment but it also paralyzes you from enthusiastic engagement.

• Jesus invites us to become less cynical and more childlike. 

 

Mark 10:15

I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. 

 

Matthew 18:2-3

²He called a little child and had him stand among them. ³And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

 

Luke 10:21

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

 

Matthew 10:16

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 

 

• Come Messy

 

Photo of a messy baby with food all over face

 

• Come Helpless

 

John 2:3 – “They have no wine” 

 

Matthew 11:28-29

 ²⁸"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.