Birth Announcements: The Birth of the World! (Sermon Audio)
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Birth Announcements: The Birth of the World! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the November 1, 2026 sermon, “Birth Announcements: The Birth of the World!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Genesis 1

 

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”
Genesis 1:1-2 (NIV)

As we begin to consider birth announcements from the Bible, it only seems right that we start at the beginning with the birth of the . . .

  • Word:  Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, & 26; John 1:1
    “And God said, . . . “  

    • The birth of the world takes place at the proclamation of God’s Word.  John tells us the Jesus was the Word of God made flesh who was present at the creation of all things.  In fact, it was by Him and for Him that all things which exist came to being.  It is by that same power of God’s Word that He speaks us into being as a new creation.

  • Order:  Genesis 1:14-15

    • The birth of the world was declared with a sense of order to it as God set forth times, days, and seasons marked by the various workings of creation itself.  We know when to expect the sun to rise and set, as well as the various phases of the moon because they were created with purpose to work in a predictable fashion.  It is that same God that works in us and through us to bring us to Himself as we follow all that He commands.

  • Reproduction:  Genesis 1:21-22

    • The birth of the world carries forward in time through the process of reproduction which God placed within all living things.  Every plant and animal, as well as mankind, was created with the ability and function to reproduce after its own kind.  As a new creation, born of the water and the blood, we have that same function of reproduction as we go and make disciples of all nations in keeping with the command of Jesus..

  • Liberty:  Genesis 1:28-29

    • The birth of the world comes with a liberty which was given by God.  True liberty really only functions within the boundaries that define it, and God gave Adam and Eve the freedom to eat of any of the plants of the earth or the fruit produced as long as they did not eat from the one tree indicated by God.  As I mentioned in the message, this liberty gave the freedom to eat whatever fruits and vegetables they desired but it also gave them the freedom to decline the ones they did not care for.  As new creations in Christ we have been given much freedom within the boundaries of God’s Word, but with that freedom comes the responsibility to obey God and use our freedom to benefit others.

  • Design:  Genesis 1:26-27

    • The birth of the world, and particularly of mankind, took place according to the design brought forth by God.  While the rest of creation was called into being by God declaring it so, when it came to mankind God chose to get involved by physically creating man from dust and woman from the rib of man.  Not only did God form both man and woman, He did so in the design of His own image.  As a new creation in Christ, we not only bear the image of God from the first creation, we are designed in the likeness of Christ as one who now bears His name.

 

Today, how will the birth of the WORLD change you?

Encouragement and Prayer: Junior and Senior High School Staff and Teachers! (10/31/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Junior and Senior High School Staff and Teachers! (10/31/26)

 

This is the audio from the October 31, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on praying about the education of our children.  Education in math, science, language, and other school subjects are important but not nearly as important as our teaching the things of God to the next generations.  Each of them have an important part in preparing young people for the work God has created in advance for them to do.  Pray for the delivery methods of that education whether it be through homeschooling, private Christian schools, or public schools.  Pray for families as they make wise educational decisions which are best for their situations.  Pray that you would do your part in investing in the lives of young people.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.”
Proverbs 13:14 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you pray for the various levels of education our children receive.  Pray for the staff and teachers who work with Jr/Sr high school students.  Pray that their teaching would be filled with godly wisdom.  Pray that they would recognize the importance of what they do and teach true wisdom that leads to life.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Junior and Senior High School Students and Families! (10/30/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Junior and Senior High School Students and Families! (10/30/26)

 

This is the audio from the October 30, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on praying about the education of our children.  Education in math, science, language, and other school subjects are important but not nearly as important as our teaching the things of God to the next generations.  Each of them have an important part in preparing young people for the work God has created in advance for them to do.  Pray for the delivery methods of that education whether it be through homeschooling, private Christian schools, or public schools.  Pray for families as they make wise educational decisions which are best for their situations.  Pray that you would do your part in investing in the lives of young people.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.  Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Colossians 3:20-21 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you pray for the various levels of education our children receive.  Pray that teen and pre-teen students would know the value of obedience.  Pray that the families would work together in a manner that values each person.  Pray for wisdom in making schooling choices and choices regarding each students future beyond high school.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Elementary School Staff and Teachers! (10/29/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Elementary School Staff and Teachers! (10/29/26)

 

This is the audio from the October 29, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on praying about the education of our children.  Education in math, science, language, and other school subjects are important but not nearly as important as our teaching the things of God to the next generations.  Each of them have an important part in preparing young people for the work God has created in advance for them to do.  Pray for the delivery methods of that education whether it be through homeschooling, private Christian schools, or public schools.  Pray for families as they make wise educational decisions which are best for their situations.  Pray that you would do your part in investing in the lives of young people.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.  We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you pray for the various levels of education our children receive.  Pray for those who work with elementary students on a regular basis as teachers, school staff, volunteers, and/or parents.  Pray that they would be filled with great patience as they teach and share their life.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Elementary School Students and Families! (10/28/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Elementary School Students and Families! (10/28/26)

 

This is the audio from the October 28, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on praying about the education of our children.  Education in math, science, language, and other school subjects are important but not nearly as important as our teaching the things of God to the next generations.  Each of them have an important part in preparing young people for the work God has created in advance for them to do.  Pray for the delivery methods of that education whether it be through homeschooling, private Christian schools, or public schools.  Pray for families as they make wise educational decisions which are best for their situations.  Pray that you would do your part in investing in the lives of young people.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“At that time Jesus 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 11:25 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you pray for the various levels of education our children receive.  Pray that God would reveal the mystery of life in Christ to these young students.  Pray that their families would have godly wisdom in choosing the schools that best meet the student’s needs.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Preschool Staff and Teachers! (10/27/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Preschool Staff and Teachers! (10/27/26)

 

This is the audio from the October 27, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on praying about the education of our children.  Education in math, science, language, and other school subjects are important but not nearly as important as our teaching the things of God to the next generations.  Each of them have an important part in preparing young people for the work God has created in advance for them to do.  Pray for the delivery methods of that education whether it be through homeschooling, private Christian schools, or public schools.  Pray for families as they make wise educational decisions which are best for their situations.  Pray that you would do your part in investing in the lives of young people.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Mark 9:37 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you pray for the various levels of education our children receive.  Pray for those who work with preschool students.  Pray that they would welcome these little ones in the name of Jesus.  Pray that those working with preschoolers would do so as ones welcoming God.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Preschool Students and Families! (10/26/26)
by

Encouragement and Prayer: Preschool Students and Families! (10/26/26)

 

This is the audio from the October 26, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on praying about the education of our children.  Education in math, science, language, and other school subjects are important but not nearly as important as our teaching the things of God to the next generations.  Each of them have an important part in preparing young people for the work God has created in advance for them to do.  Pray for the delivery methods of that education whether it be through homeschooling, private Christian schools, or public schools.  Pray for families as they make wise educational decisions which are best for their situations.  Pray that you would do your part in investing in the lives of young people.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”
Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you pray for the various levels of education our children receive.  Pray that families of preschool aged children would find the best options possible to provide the foundational elements of education in these young lives.  Pray that these children and their families would experience the welcoming call of Jesus.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Come and Drink Life! (10/24/26)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Come and Drink Life! (10/24/26)

 

This is the audio from the October 24, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty.”  
Malachi 3:7 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on knowing the invitation of Jesus to come, follow Him.  This invitation of Jesus to follow Him is not meant to be a passive following like is often done on social media.  No, it is a call to action as we come to where He is and then we follow His actions in regard to both where He goes and how He lives.  In fact, Jesus says that if we wish to come after Him we must take up our cross daily and follow Him even in our dying to self.  Pray that you would understand the need for an active following of the ways and teachings of God’s Word.  Pray for an eagerness to become more like Jesus in all your ways.  Pray that your response to God would daily be an active movement toward Him.  Pray for wisdom in living a life that invites others to come and follow Jesus.  Pray that your following of Jesus would result in a great catch of people for God’s kingdom.

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”
Revelation 22:17 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your desire to come and follow Jesus.  Pray that you would always desire to drink of the water of life.  Pray that you would call others to come to Jesus and drink life.  Pray for a growing thirst for Jesus and the life which He gives.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom