OAG Podcast Oxford Assembly of God

In his sermon, Pastor Strickland uses the peculiar rule at a golf course in Calcutta—where players must play the ball where monkeys drop it—to draw a parallel to life's unexpected challenges, emphasizing the importance of resilience and faith. He intertwines the biblical story of Joseph, highlighting how maintaining integrity and trust in God during trials can lead to divine fulfillment and purpose.

Sermon Outline

Introduction

- Anecdote about bringing a golf club to the sermon and a humorous description of the pastor's golf style.

- Introduction of the sermon theme linked to a past message inspired by a conversation and the Holy Spirit.

Main Body

1. The Golf Course in Calcutta:

- Description of a unique golf course in Calcutta, surrounded by jungle and frequented by monkeys who disrupt the game by moving golf balls.

- Introduction of the sermon's main metaphor: "You have to play it where the monkey drops it."

2. Application to Life:

- Transition from the story to life lessons about dealing with unexpected disruptions.

- Personal anecdotes about unforeseen difficulties within the church community.

3. Biblical Parallel - The Story of Joseph:

- Detailed recounting of Joseph’s life from the Bible, emphasizing his integrity and faith through trials.

- Joseph's resilience and trust in God's plan despite being sold into slavery, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison.

4. Spiritual Lessons:

- Discussion of facing life's challenges with the right attitude.

- The importance of maintaining faith and integrity, similar to playing a golf game where disruptions are frequent.

Conclusion

- Reiteration of the metaphor and its spiritual significance.

- Encouragement to adopt a positive outlook and trust in God's purpose, despite life’s challenges.

- Closing prayer and invitation for personal reflection and acceptance of faith.

The weekly adult Sunday School class at OAG taught by long-time teacher, Mrs. Jeanie Davis.

Title: Enduring Grace: Running the Race with Faith and Fortitude

Summary: In her Sunday School lesson, Mrs. Jeanie explores the concepts of endurance and spiritual resilience through Biblical narratives and personal anecdotes, encouraging believers to persevere through life's challenges with faith and the support of the Holy Spirit. She emphasizes the importance of community, prayer, and the Holy Spirit's role in overcoming physical and spiritual obstacles.

Outline:


Introduction to the Lesson:


Opening prayer and reflection on gratitude.
Transition to the lesson’s focus on spiritual endurance and community.


Exploration of Key Biblical Terms:


Definitions and significance of "mockrothermia" (long suffering patience) and "hypominy" (endurance).


Practical Application from Athletics:


Story of Heather, a runner, as a metaphor for spiritual endurance.
Discussion on the impact of negative and positive influences.


Biblical Analogies and Teachings:


Insights from Mark 14:37 about spiritual vigilance.
Comparisons to physical labor and the necessity of spiritual readiness.


Closing Thoughts:


The role of the Holy Spirit and community support in sustaining believers.
Concluding prayer focusing on perseverance and divine support.

Man's perspective and God's perspective generally are opposites. Man's view is the world view; God's view is the heavenly view. Let's take on the mind of Christ and strive to see things through the eyes of Christ.

Featuring Mrs. Jeanie

When Jesus told the disciples to get in the boat, they had no idea that a great storm was ahead. The same is often true for us today; we don't expect storms to arise when we're doing what God asks of us, but often they do. Jesus' response to the disciples and his reaction to the storm provides a solid blueprint for how we should respond when we are facing uncertain times.

Photo by Jean-Pierre Brungs on Unsplash

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