Seeds of Faith: A Collection of Encouragements

By Stephanie Henderson

This book is a collection of church sermons delivered by the Chaplains at APG Chapel . My notes were written so that I could share the word of God with my children. New ways of communicating the word to our youth in the 21 century must be found. Adults must find a way to get the attention of our youth via music, videos, mp3, social media, etc. Seeds of Faith is a great way to encourage and touch the lives of my children as well as all of Gods children young and old. Real life everyday situations are discussed to clarify the meaning of the scripture passages. The story of Joseph is especially profound as it reveals how our dreams have meaning. Children and all people must dream and have a vision in their heart and mind in order to fulfill the purposeful life that God calls all of us to live. Each and every person in this world is important and meant to be on this earth. What each person chooses to do with their spiritual gifts and talents determines their path in life. This book is written to share the word of God and to help people understand and communicate with our Savior Jesus Christ. I hope that each and every person who reads this book may draw closer to God and/or begin a relationship with God through Jesus Christ

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781479740451

Stephanie Henderson

STEPHANIE HENDERSON is a professional in the Telecommunications Industry who enjoys reading tremendously. She has taken these notes in Church for the past several years and decided to share her learning with her children and the world. She lives in Maryland with her husband and they have 6 children and 4 grandchildren.

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Copyright © 2012 by Stephanie Henderson.

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Dedication

This book is dedicated to Nicky, EJ, BJ, Erin, Stephan, & Kamryn. It is also dedicated to both of my mothers who shared their faith and love of God with me so that I could share it with my children and grandchildren.

One Faith—Ephesians 4:1-7

God transforms us. He takes us out of darkness and into the kingdom of light. Baptism transforms. A person is transformed when he is baptized. God wants us to be a body of one. We were born separately, but together we make up the body of Christ. All Christians are part of the body of Christ. We are to share with other Christians—we are one. The Holy Spirit brings us together. All Christians are part of the body of Christ. Baptism=death, burial, and resurrection. We go from one kingdom to another—darkness to light.

Sacrificial Love—Luke 7:36-48

The person who can see what God has done for him comes to God and honestly gives himself. Sometimes people need to become blind so that they can see and understand that they need to become dependent on Jesus (see Mat. 23, blindness). Understand and realize what Jesus has done for you. When people see that they need help, they then come to believe (see Luke 18, tax collector). We should be dependent on God. God looks at our heart. Show your faith in God whenever you can. Jesus was with the sinner, but He had a way of not participating in their actions. Jesus showed love toward everyone. Your sins will be forgiven if you have faith and believe in God. God can transform you if you allow Him into your heart. God loves YOU—no matter what. If you are a believer you must look on the inside of yourself. Repent and begin a relationship with God and your life will change.

Laying on of Hands—Leviticus 16:1-28

Day of atonement—get right with God. Scapegoat is being discussed in this passage. The baby goat is pure and perfect. All of the sins of Israel are laid upon this goat. All sins are transferred to the goat. Just like Jesus-all of our sins have been washed away, our sins are removed. A transfer is taking place—our sins are being placed upon the goat. People are now pure and perfect-all sins are upon the goat (see Acts 8:9 Simon believes). There is power in the Holy Spirit. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, people will see it. They will see the goodness in your heart and spirit. When you give your life to Christ, there will be a change in you and you will be transformed. Changes must take place. You must decide to listen to the voice of God. You will want to seek God in everything, in every decision and situation. You will be delivered if you seek God and allow Him to enter into your heart. God can renew relationships if you allow Him. A change will take and people will see the transformation. Trust God to allow you to change your ways. Establish a relationship with God. Talk with God and pray to God in all matters. It will become natural if you do it on a regular basis (see Mark 16:18). Ordain= to fall down, prostrate, lay down in front of God (see 1 Timothy 4:14). Laying on of hands-you will be changed-transformed (see 1 Timothy 5:22). Know the people with whom you associate. Look at who a person is right now-not the way they were. When you accept God, you will be a changed person. You will want to change. Allow the Holy Spirit to enter in and lead your life. Make God the Lord of your life. We will be able to transmit the love of God to others. Be compassionate and change someone’s life.

Resurrection—Luke 7:11-14

Jesus was raised from the grave after three days. Nothing is impossible with God. If you believe in God all things are possible. Personal prayer should be a close personal time spent with God. You should get closer than close to God. An intimate relationship with God is necessary. We go through struggles in life. When things are going wrong, we must shut off all distractions. All people that are distracting you, GET AWAY FROM THEM! Depend on God and God alone. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and soul. Listen for the Holy Spirit to lead you. When you seek God to make decisions, you cannot go wrong. We should Believe, Trust, Rely, and Pray to God in all matters. Do not be distracted. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit within you. Think about what is important in your life. Get alone with God. He will restore your spirit. God has compassion for His children. God is our nourishment, our Provider. He will see us through all circumstances. Trust and Believe. He will deliver (see 1Kings 17:17-23, 2Kings 4:8-37, Hebrews 6:1-2)

Resurrection—John 20:1-29

God has compassion for us. We must be compassionate with others (see Luke 8:40-a dead girl and a sick woman), Jesus heals. Seek God in all matters. Get rid of distractions. God is able. He is the Most High. The love of God operates in each one of us. He allows miracles in our lives. He is the Resurrection in our lives (see 2 Kings 13:20-21). Elisha died. He was so powerful that his bones allowed another dead person to come back to life after touching them. God performs miracles. He raised Lazarus back from the dead. The hope of the resurrection is what Christians must have. Three things that proved the resurrections: 1) the empty tomb, 2) Jesus appears many times, and 3) The band of followers grew and grew. Christianity continues to grow everywhere in the world. Peter was a man of action. He always got the job done. What got Peter’s attention and got him to believe was the fishing boat experience. Peter was frustrated because of Jesus’ death. He asks the disciples to go fishing with him. What is important? The fact that Jesus found the disciples-the disciples did not find Jesus. Jesus finds us wherever we are. Another example is the Prodigal Son. His father finds/sees him in the distance and goes to get him to welcome him home. When you are seeking God, he will find you. Enjoy time spent with God. Seek Him always. We should go out into the world and love one another. That is what He calls us to do. As a believer in Jesus Christ, our goal is to forgive and love. Do what Jesus did. Be an instrument for Christ. Our mission is outside of the church to share the word of God with people with whom we come into contact. Make a difference no matter where you are. LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Fellowship of the Believers—Acts 2:42-47

The Spirit of God has fallen down upon the people. The Holy Spirit is falling down. Only when the Holy Spirit falls upon you, you will do Gods’ will. God has the power to restore us. We must seek God in our lives-when making decisions. The Holy Spirit guides us. Allow the Spirit to move you closer to God. We must repent. God will perform miracles. Allow God into your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to enter your life and help you do what God wants you to do. Believers are to fellowship with each other. Break bread with others and share the Word of God with them. Become unified when you sit down and fellowship with one another. We can accomplish more together than being separated. Put others before yourself. Allow others, who are less fortunate or struggling in life, to go before you. (see 1 Corinthians 1:9). Christians should mesh together. Separate ingredients for a cake or pie do not taste good… all ingredients mixed and cooked taste good. We face temptation, and we call on each other to help us stay in line. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. When we face difficult situations or suffer through rough times, we should call on fellow Christian friends for encouragement. The Holy Spirit is what brings fellow believers together to help one another. TRUST and RELY on God in all matters. Fellowship=Partnership. Think about ways to serve the Lord with other Christians (see Galatians 2:9-fellowship, being partners). Work as a team-Be equally yoked.

Jesus Christ—Acts 11:19-21

How can we have hope? It must be hope in Jesus Christ (see Acts 8:4-3 talks about people being scattered). The disciples preached the word wherever they went (see John 1:3-talks about ‘Adonai’-Lord the creator). Only the Spirit of God can cleanse us, heal us, and save us. Jesus is the only one who can change us (see Isaiah 1:80).There is power in the blood of Jesus. Jesus can give us a new heart and life if we allow Him in. (see Psalm 51). Prepare for the coming of the Lord. Share the good news with everyone. Proclaim the Word of God. Glorify God in all you do.

Damascus Road Experience—Acts 9:1-19

Making and noticing a change in your life. Realizing what is important in life.

If we hear, our hearts will be able to soften. Believers are looking at the road toward heaven-our Damascus road. Saul was breathing out murderous threats as he was traveling to Damascus. He is passionate about what he is about to do-take people prisoner. There will come a time in your life when Jesus will try to get through to you-stop fighting God and change your ways. Open your heart-seek God-establish a relationship with Him. Pray for guidance and wisdom. Jesus wants us to turn our lives around and live for Him. He wants us to have peace in life. He wants us to glorify God. Saul was converted and changed to a Believer. He began to preach for God. Be passionate for Christ.

Be hot for Christ not cool or lukewarm. Be a powerful witness to others. Share the Word of God with people you meet. Saul was changed dramatically. God will change your life, but you have to choose to allow Him into your heart. He wants to change you. He wants you to be an instrument and share His word with others. Allow God to change your life. He wants us to live our lives according to His word

The ‘I Am’ Book—John 12:24-25

Think about the ‘decisive point’ or ‘turning point’.

People where starting to believe at this point in time (see 1Corinthians 1:18). This was something new to the people. What Jesus was teaching at that time was getting people’s attention and they were starting to believe in God. Jesus was about to die and the people we starting come to Jesus