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SERMON: “When We Start to Believe” (John 16:29–33)

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“ When We Start to Believe” ( John 1 6:29–33) Series:               “John: Life in Christ’s Name”           Text:                 John 16:29–33 By:                    Shaun Marksbury                         Date:                October 20, 2024 Venue:              Living Water Baptist Church             Occasion:             AM Service   I.               Introduction I’ve always been fascinated with the parable of the four soils (Matt. 13:1–23; Mark 4:1–20; Luke 8:4–15), and I’ve thought about it often in ministry.   You might remember that Jesus compared the Word of God to seed being spread by a farmer onto his land; as the seed broadcast forth, it landed on four separate pieces of land.   The hardened path symbolizes those who hear the Word but don’t understand, as Satan quickly snatches it away.   The rocky soil represents those who receive the Word with joy but have shallow roots, falling away when persecution comes.   The thorny soil shows those whose faith
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SERMON: “Praying for Wisdom” (James 1:5–8)

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“ Praying for Wisdom” ( James 1:5–8) Series:               “James: True Faith Works” #3                     Text:                 James 1:5–8 By:                    Shaun Marksbury                                     Date:                October 13, 2024 Venue:              Living Water Baptist Church                         Occasion:             PM Service   I.               Introduction We’ve been watching the news and thinking much about hurricanes, tornados, and other storms lately.   That may get you to thinking about your own lives.   When we encounter various trials, how do you respond? I’m not talking about physical storms that you can anticipate and for which you prepare yourself; I mean spiritual turmoil.   Sometimes, our first instinct is often to search for answers — why is this happening, and what should I do next?   Sometimes, people respond with anger, or malice, or even lust, or whatever else that we might define as carnal, fleshly, or worldl
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SERMON: “Praying to the Father” (John 16:23–28)

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“ Praying to the Father” ( John 1 6:23–28) Series:               “John: Life in Christ’s Name”           Text:                 John 16:23–28 By:                    Shaun Marksbury                         Date:                October 13, 2024 Venue:              Living Water Baptist Church             Occasion:             AM Service   I.               Introduction In Roman Catholic tradition, prayer often involves seeking intercession from intermediaries like saints, the Virgin Mary, or priests.   Catholics believe these figures, being closer to God, can present requests on behalf of believers.   For example, the “Hail Mary” prayer asks for Mary’s intercession, and Catholic priests act as mediators in confession to the Heavenly Father and even to Jesus Himself. However, Scripture presents a different model.   In these chapters of John, Jesus is speaking to His disciples in the context of His impending departure.   Here, He offers them clarity and assurance a
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