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Introduction:
Our country declared its independence from England 235 years
ago. (Illus: types of independence declared today.) I like what Bro.
Molding use to say when asked if he was a Southern or Independent
Baptist, he would say “I’m a Dependent Baptist.” I want also to say that
I am a DEPENDENT Baptist; I am wholly dependent upon the Lord! I am not
leaning upon a Convention, an association, a fellowship, or friends. As
a matter of fact, it’s even hard to trust MYSELF. The older I get, the
more I realize that I don't have enough sense to do anything right. If
I'm going to keep from making a mess, I've got to FULLY trust in the
Lord: (Prov. 3:5-6)
Trust in the LORD
with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In
all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Today I issue a formal "DECLARATION OF
DEPENDENCE." There are four big areas of dependency this morning: I AM
DEPENDENT…
I.
UPON GOD'S
SALVATION
(2 Tim. 1:12)
“…for I know whom I have
believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have
committed unto him against that day.”
(Eph. 1:13)
“In whom ye also trusted,
after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in
whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit
of promise.”
Salvation is true liberty! Consider:
A.
The
Christ
Of Liberty
1. If HE sets you free, you're free, indeed!
B.
The
Cost
Of Liberty
1. Humiliation 2. Pain 3. Shedding of blood
4. Death
C.
Consider The Colors Of Liberty
1. Red - sin and the blood of Christ - Isa.
1:18 2. White - righteousness - Isa. 1:18 3. Blue - royalty - God's
salvation - Est. 8:15; Num. 4:6
II.
UPON GOD'S
SUPPLY
(Phil. 4:19)
“But my God shall supply
all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
A.
Through Being
Free In Giving As A Grateful Servant
B.
Through Being
Frugal In Spending As A Good Steward
C.
Through Being
Faithful In Working With My Hands
III.
UPON
GOD'S
STATUTES
(Psa. 119:42)
“So shall I have
wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.”
A.
For
My Beliefs
B.
For
My Behavior
C.
For
My Being
- Luke 4:4
IV.
UPON
GOD'S
STRENGTH
(Isa. 31:1)
“Woe to them that go down
to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because
they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they
look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!”
(Phil. 4:13)
“I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
(Eph. 6:10)
“Finally, my brethren, be
strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
A.
To Stand In God's
Warfare
1. The giant, Goliath, was more than a match
for David, but not for David's God.
B.
To Serve In God's
Work
1. If you trust God for strength, He will
enable you to get baptized after salvation 2. ... to join the church 3.
... to attend all the services 4. ... to give tithes and offerings 5.
... to be a participant and not just a spectator
C.
To Succeed In Doing God's
Will
1. You don't have to quit 2. You don't have
to stay down
Conclusion:
DECLAIR YOUR DEPENDENY! Let's depend on the
Lord! His SALVATION, His SUPPLY, His STATUTES, and His STRENGTH!!
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