Join us this Sunday at the 8:30 AM service at Coggin Church for an enlightening message by Pastor Chris Stuard. He will be discussing the mistakes of Jephthah and the effects they had on the people of Israel. The sermon will emphasize the importance of remembering and reiterating God’s faithfulness in our lives. In addition to the service, there are several upcoming events at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church, including a send-off for Sam Goss, a worship night on August 18th, and a missions luncheon with Mike and Judy van Slot on August 27th. Come experience the power of God’s word and connect with our vibrant community of believers.
Introduction
Welcome to Coggin Avenue Baptist Church! We’re so glad you joined us for our 8:30 AM service this Sunday. In today’s message, Pastor Chris Stuard will be discussing the mistakes of Jephthah and the effects they had on the people of Israel. It’s an important reminder of the faithfulness of God and the consequences of our actions. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into this captivating story.
Background Information
Before we delve into Jephthah’s mistakes, let’s take a moment to familiarize ourselves with the church events happening at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church. We invite you to join our congregation and experience the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guest cards are available for you to fill out and let us know that you’re here.
Tonight at 6pm, we have a special send-off for Sam Goss in the Fellowship Hall. Let’s celebrate Sam and his time here at Coggin as we love and support him through this transition.
On August 18th at 6pm, we’re hosting a worship night in this very room. It will be an evening focused on singing and prayer, where we come together as a community to worship the Lord.
And mark your calendars for August 27th at 12:15pm because we have a missions luncheon with Mike and Judy van Slot. They’ll be sharing about their work at Fellowship Oshawa, a church plant in Canada. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn more about their mission and support their ministry.
Israel’s Sin Cycle
Now, let’s dive into the story of Jephthah and explore the sinful cycle that the people of Israel found themselves in. Despite being chosen by God, the Israelites often strayed from His commands and fell into disobedience and evil. This led to a cycle of discipline, realization, and deliverance.
During this time, various judges, like Tola and Jair, were raised up to lead Israel and bring them back on the right path. However, even after experiencing God’s deliverance and faithfulness, the Israelites would eventually return to their sinful ways.
Illustration of Disobedience and Deliverance
To help us understand the consequences of disobedience, Pastor Chris Stuard uses an illustration of a disobedient two-year-old seeking comfort from their father. Just like the child turns to their father after facing discipline, we too should turn to our heavenly Father when we find ourselves in trouble.
He also shares the story of Blakely, who finds comfort in her father during times of trouble. This reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s comfort and guidance when we face challenges in our own lives.
Oppression and Cry for Help
Throughout the history of Israel, we see a recurring pattern. Whenever the Israelites turned away from the Lord and served other gods, they would face oppression from their enemies, such as the Philistines and Ammonites. Eventually, they would cry out to God for help.
God, in His faithfulness, would remind the Israelites of His past deliverance and come to their aid. However, there came a point when God declared that He would no longer save them and told them to cry out to the gods they had chosen. It was a harsh reminder of the consequences of their actions.
Acknowledgment of Sin and Deliverance
Realizing the error of their ways, the Israelites acknowledged their sin and repented. They put away their foreign gods and committed themselves to serving the Lord once again. God, seeing their repentance, became impatient with their misery and raised up a deliverer.
This points to the importance of acknowledging and confessing our sins, seeking forgiveness, and turning back to God. His mercy and forgiveness are always available to those who genuinely repent and seek His face.
Jephthah’s Leadership
As the story unfolds, we are introduced to Jephthah, a man chosen by God to lead Israel against the Ammonites. It’s interesting to note how the leaders of Gilead relied more on human strength than seeking God’s help. This reminds us of the danger of relying solely on our own strength and wisdom, rather than trusting in the Lord.
Despite his troubled background and gathering of “worthless fellows,” Jephthah proves himself to be a mighty warrior, willing to fight for his people. Through his leadership, he demonstrates that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, for His purposes.
Jephthah’s Vow and Sacrifice
One of the most tragic aspects of Jephthah’s story is his vow to sacrifice whatever came out of his house after the battle. Tragically, it was his daughter who greeted him upon his return. This highlights the importance of biblical literacy and understanding God’s character. Jephthah’s misguided vow stemmed from a lack of knowledge and a false understanding of God.
As parents, we have a responsibility to guide our children’s understanding of God and ensure they have a solid foundation in biblical truth. We must strive to know God deeply and avoid making the same mistakes as Jephthah.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jephthah’s story serves as a cautionary tale for us all. It reminds us of the consequences that can arise from disobedience and the importance of acknowledging and repenting of our sins. Let us strive to know God deeply and avoid any misunderstandings that may lead us astray.
We should also take the time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us, so that we may have eternal life. His sacrifice serves as a reminder of God’s immense love and faithfulness towards us.
So, as we leave Coggin Avenue Baptist Church today, let us carry these lessons with us and strive to live lives that honor God and reflect His faithfulness.