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Godly Vision – A Vision of TRUTH! (Sermon Audio)
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Godly Vision – A Vision of TRUTH! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the October 13, 2024 sermon, “A Vision of TRUTH!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Zechariah 7

“Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’”  
John 18:37 (NIV)

As God revealed Himself in Old Testament times to His chosen people, He often did so in visions seen by His prophets.  Zechariah was one of those prophets who was given a series of godly visions to share with God’s people of his time and with God’s people of today.  Today we continued a sermon series from the book of Zechariah as we consider how his godly vision should teach us now.  As we gaze into God’s Word, we find this Godly Vision looked forward to the coming of Jesus and the work He would accomplish through His life, death, burial, and resurrection.  As we return to God from wherever we are, we find He fills us with a vision of . . .

  • Tradition:  Zechariah 7:1-3

    • A vision of truth will cause us to look at the traditions we hold on to.  Traditions can easily become either the holy grail which can’t be messed with or the scapegoat which ought to be removed at all cost.  While either of those extremes would be somewhat easy to identify and deal with, the truth of of traditions is generally a more complicated issue.  God’s desire is that we hold fast to the traditions of truth which are foundational in His Word while letting go of the traditions of our own which keep us from knowing real truth. 

  • Reality:  Zechariah 7:4-7

    • A vision of truth will lead us to look at the reality of our motives in responding to God’s Word.  When we continue to do something good when the motivation is all about pleasing our self, the result will be an unnatural and unexpected distance from God.  God always knows not just the reality of our actions, He knows the reality of why we do what we do and if it is to honor Him or self.  

  • Understanding:  Zechariah 7:8-10

    • A vision of truth will result in our seeking an understanding from God in regard to both the traditions we follow and the reality of why we observe them.  The truth of God’s Word always reveals the application of how we ought to treat others, especially those who are underserved, ignored, or abused.  God’s truth is for everyone and it is our responsibility as God’s children to have an understanding and practice which shares the good news of Jesus with all people.

  • Trouble:  Zechariah 7:11-12

    • A vision of truth will make known to us, and to those around us, that there will always be trouble present in this world.  When we are truthful with ourselves and with others, we communicate the trouble we have caused as well as the trouble we have experienced beyond our control.  While Jesus clearly teaches that trouble will be present in this world, there is  a greater trouble we must be aware of, and that is the trouble when we reject God and find ourselves on the receiving end of His wrath.  This trouble which will come upon all those who reject Jesus can be avoided as we surrender to Him and find ourselves welcomed into His kingdom on the day of judgment.

  • Hearing:  Zechariah 7:13-14

    • A vision of truth comes from a willingness and desire to hear the Word of God in a way that leads us to action.  The Bible makes it clear that “without faith it is impossible to please God.”  The good news is the Bible also states that “faith come by hearing and hearing comes through the Word of God.”  While the people of God refused to listen to Him and thus found themselves unheard when they cried out to God, we can learn from their error and choose to listen to God’s Word in a way which produces action in our life.

Today, how will you respond to TRUTH?

Encouragement and Prayer: Peace That Is Sown! (10/11/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Peace That Is Sown! (10/11/24)

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This is the audio from the October 11, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is about peace.  As Jesus taught His disciples, He promised to give peace that would be different from what the world could offer.  Unfortunately, we have a tendency to pursue peace according to the world’s standards rather than knowing a peace that only God can give.  The world says that peace comes by a removal of all conflict while Jesus offers peace in the midst of conflict.  The prince of this world is waging a war that has already been won by Jesus.  Part of his goal is to disrupt the peace that God gives you so you become fearful and filled with worry.  Pray that you would do your best to resolve conflict, but also know a peace even when others keep conflict alive.  Pray that you would live as a peacemaker as you represent the One who made peace between you and God.

“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
James 3:18 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you accept the peace that He gives.  Pray that you would be aware of the seeds of peace which have been sown in your life.  Pray that you would live as a peacemaker who sows those same seeds of God’s peace into the lives of others.  Pray for eyes which look forward to a harvest of righteousness from the seeds you are planting today.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Peace That Takes Effort! (10/10/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Peace That Takes Effort! (10/10/24)

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This is the audio from the October 10, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is about peace.  As Jesus taught His disciples, He promised to give peace that would be different from what the world could offer.  Unfortunately, we have a tendency to pursue peace according to the world’s standards rather than knowing a peace that only God can give.  The world says that peace comes by a removal of all conflict while Jesus offers peace in the midst of conflict.  The prince of this world is waging a war that has already been won by Jesus.  Part of his goal is to disrupt the peace that God gives you so you become fearful and filled with worry.  Pray that you would do your best to resolve conflict, but also know a peace even when others keep conflict alive.  Pray that you would live as a peacemaker as you represent the One who made peace between you and God.

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you accept the peace that He gives.  Pray that you would work in all ways to live at peace with the people around you.  Pray that your efforts in pursuing peace would lead you to holiness that prepares you to be in God’s presence.  Pray that your efforts would lead others to seek peace with God and with one another.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Peace That Is Just Right! (10/9/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Peace That Is Just Right! (10/9/24)

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This is the audio from the October 9, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is about peace.  As Jesus taught His disciples, He promised to give peace that would be different from what the world could offer.  Unfortunately, we have a tendency to pursue peace according to the world’s standards rather than knowing a peace that only God can give.  The world says that peace comes by a removal of all conflict while Jesus offers peace in the midst of conflict.  The prince of this world is waging a war that has already been won by Jesus.  Part of his goal is to disrupt the peace that God gives you so you become fearful and filled with worry.  Pray that you would do your best to resolve conflict, but also know a peace even when others keep conflict alive.  Pray that you would live as a peacemaker as you represent the One who made peace between you and God.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you accept the peace that He gives.  Pray that you would know a peace that is just right in all times and all places.  Pray that God’s presence would be evident in your life as He makes His peace known to you, and through you, in a variety of ways.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Peace That Rules Your Heart! (10/8/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Peace That Rules Your Heart! (10/8/24)

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This is the audio from the October 8, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is about peace.  As Jesus taught His disciples, He promised to give peace that would be different from what the world could offer.  Unfortunately, we have a tendency to pursue peace according to the world’s standards rather than knowing a peace that only God can give.  The world says that peace comes by a removal of all conflict while Jesus offers peace in the midst of conflict.  The prince of this world is waging a war that has already been won by Jesus.  Part of his goal is to disrupt the peace that God gives you so you become fearful and filled with worry.  Pray that you would do your best to resolve conflict, but also know a peace even when others keep conflict alive.  Pray that you would live as a peacemaker as you represent the One who made peace between you and God.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you accept the peace that He gives.  Pray that your emotions and actions would be ruled by the peace that comes from Christ.  Pray that you would live up to your calling in Christ to be at peace with one another.  Pray that you would have the heart of a peacemaker.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Peace That Passes Understanding! (10/7/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Peace That Passes Understanding! (10/7/24)

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This is the audio from the October 7, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is about peace.  As Jesus taught His disciples, He promised to give peace that would be different from what the world could offer.  Unfortunately, we have a tendency to pursue peace according to the world’s standards rather than knowing a peace that only God can give.  The world says that peace comes by a removal of all conflict while Jesus offers peace in the midst of conflict.  The prince of this world is waging a war that has already been won by Jesus.  Part of his goal is to disrupt the peace that God gives you so you become fearful and filled with worry.  Pray that you would do your best to resolve conflict, but also know a peace even when others keep conflict alive.  Pray that you would live as a peacemaker as you represent the One who made peace between you and God.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you accept the peace that He gives.  Pray that you would accept a peace that comes from God even when it surpasses your understanding.  Pray that you would allow God’s peace to guard both your heart and your mind.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom

Godly Vision – A Vision of PEACE! (Sermon Audio)
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Godly Vision – A Vision of PEACE! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the October 6, 2024 sermon, “A Vision To Be SERVE!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Zechariah 6

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)

As God revealed Himself in Old Testament times to His chosen people, He often did so in visions seen by His prophets.  Zechariah was one of those prophets who was given a series of godly visions to share with God’s people of his time and with God’s people of today.  Today we continued a sermon series from the book of Zechariah as we consider how his godly vision should teach us now.  As we gaze into God’s Word, we find this Godly Vision looked forward to the coming of Jesus and the work He would accomplish through His life, death, burial, and resurrection.  As we return to God from wherever we are, we find He fills us with a vision of . . .

  • Power:  Zechariah 6:1-3

    • A vision of peace will come from the One who has the power to bring everlasting peace.  As God sends out His Spirit, He does so with power.  Many of our efforts of temporary peace fall short simply because we don’t have the power to establish the peace we desire.  God’s power is almighty and through the power of the blood of Jesus, He has established a way for peace to exist between us and Him.

  • Everywhere:  Zechariah 6:4-7

    • A vision of peace which comes from God will go out everywhere that mankind exists.  There is not a place we can hide, nor a place which would go unnoticed, from God’s desire that people everywhere would be at peace.  Our geographical and political borders mean nothing to the peace God wants to bring to all who would call upon the name of Jesus.  

  • Authority:  Zechariah 6:8-10

    • A vision of peace will arrive with a declaration of authority of the One making peace possible.  Often our efforts of peace fail in this world because we lack authority over the ones needing peace.  Because God’s authority is supreme, He not only sets the terms of peace, He also makes those terms attainable through the blood of Jesus.

  • Christ:  Zechariah 6:11-13

    • A vision of peace will ultimately be a vision of Christ because it is only through Him that true peace is possible.  The Branch which has grown from the root of Jesse as a descendant of David, actually preceded David as the source of all things.  It is out of this Branch, which is Christ, that the kingdom of God grows and the people of His church become His dwelling.

  • Everyone:  Zechariah 6:14-15

    • A vision of peace must extend to everyone if it is to be a godly vision of peace.  People came from far away to rebuild the temple, and people come from even greater distances to become the new temple . . . the dwelling place of God within His people.  When God says that whosoever will may come, as peacemakers on behalf of Jesus we must include all people in God’s invitation to be at peace with Him.

Today, how will you experience PEACE?

Encouragement and Prayer: Favorable Judgment! (10/4/24)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Favorable Judgment! (10/4/24)

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This is the audio from the October 4, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on some of what the Bible says about judgment.  The Bible has a lot to say about the judgments that God makes as well as the judgments that we ought to make.  Because the Bible says, “judge not lest you be judged”, there are many who think it is unfair to make any kind of determination as to right and wrong.  Yes, not only is there a judgment to come, God equips us with His Word and His Spirit to make judgments every day so that we would grow in our alignment with Him.  Pray that you would be involved in making godly judgments and that you would be ready for God’s judgment.  Pray that the people around you would realize that God has made a way for there to be no condemnation in judgment for those who are found in Christ.

“As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.”
Daniel 7:21-22 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you to understand the topic of judgment from His perspective.  Pray that you would experience the favorable judgment of God as one who belongs to Him.  Pray that you would share with others the good news of receiving favorable judgment from God.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom