TODAY’S “GOOD NEWS” – August 15, 2004

MESSAGE:  “WHAT TO DO ABOUT ANXIETY:

                        …Try God’s Prescription!”  Part II

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians 4:4-7

KEY VERSE:  v. 6  “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

FOCUS:  Rest from Anxiety is the provision of a loving God.

INTRODUCTION:  “I never cease to be amazed at the incredible paradox of seeing so many unhappy people in a world that has so much to offer.  What surprises me even more is the sight of so many Christians who have succumbed to busyness, unhappiness, tightness and boredom.  Many suffer from a nagging sense of guilt that no matter how much they do, it is never quite enough.”                ~ Tim Hansel  (When I Relax I Feel Guilty)

(That sounds a lot like “anxiety” to me -- htl)

I.    ANXIETY IS AN EVER-PRESENT THREAT IN LIFE

II.   ANXIETY HAS NO POWER TO HELP YOU

III.  ANXIETY REQUIRES THE RIGHT  PRESCRIPTION

CONCLUSION:  “Thousands of patients have emotional conflicts.  They make up 60 to 75 percent of the patients who show up in doctor’s offices and receive the diagnosis, ‘There is nothing wrong physically. You are just nervous.’  They are seeking help, release from the…bondage of  fear, anxiety and worry.”   (Dr. Paul Little in “NERVOUS CHRISTIANS”)

PREACHING:  Pastor Holland Lewis