Resolved Notes

For John MacArthur's second sermon I didn't have many notes because I could not write fast enough!  He taught on Isaiah 6 but he explained Isaiah 5 so we could understand the next chapter better.  I have heard many sermons on Isaiah 6 but never has anyone broken down what was going on in Isaiah 5 to me.  It was very interesting and helped me see Isaiah 6 in a whole new way. Once he got to the main passage here are the notes I have:
The person God uses in crisis is one who understands His sovereignty and holiness, one who understands their sinfulness, who are drawn into repentance, and are cleansed and forgiven.  God is not looking for perfect people but forgiven people.  We must be broken, penitent, and forgiven.

Next C.J. Mahaney preached on Jude 22 "When Someone Doubts".  
1.  The reality of doubt
-contend for the faith
-contend with our hearts
-contend for others
-satan is at work
-false teachers
-live in a sinful world
*every Christian to some degree struggles with the temptation to doubt-don't be surprised at this temptation!*
Don't be surprised but be prepared!
2.  The appropriate response to someone who doubts
-have mercy: remember and acknowledge that we have received mercy, help them understand the differences between doubt and unbelief.  Unbelief=refusal to believe, defiance.  Doubt=uncertainty, does not mean absence of faith, wavering in their belief.  Resolve doubt with God's Word.  Those who don't understand this distinction easily find themselves in paralyzing condemnation.  Help them discern the nature of their doubt (theological, moral).  We are most vulnerable to doubt when going through severe and prolonged suffering.  Suffering always has some degree of mystery.  Get used to it.  "When you cannot trace His Hand you must trace His heart." Spurgeon.  Assuring them with the gospel provides assurance.


My last bit of Resolved notes comes from Rick Holland's last sermon.  He preached on Lamentations 3.
3 Theological Reminders When Facing Difficulty:
1.  The Lord is sovereign over people (v. 37).  People are only tools that God uses.  He's not responsible for sin but uses sin for His glory.  Example: Joseph-you meant it for evil but God meant it for good.  
2.  The Lord is sovereign over circumstances (v.38).  Providence=His sovereignty in your life (Ps. 135:6, 115:3).  God's truth is not dependent on our personal experience.  It is harder to trust God then to obey God.  
3.  The Lord is serious about our response (v.39).  We think we deserve good.  We complain because we are not aware of our sin.  Don't complain when God punishes for sins.


"Man's dislike at God's sovereignty arises from his suspicion of God's heart." Bonar.

"God's sovereignty is either your greatest comfort or biggest nightmare." Rick Holland.

You must put your thought of God between you and your anxiety.