The Lord is My Helper Hebrews 13:5-8

Introduction Ups and downs in society –Relatively low inflation (4.94%) –Dire predictions by some by 2050 –Starvation, threat of nuclear war, ecology of the world destroyed (Robert Heilbroner, The Human Prospect)

Introduction What affect will of this have on us? –Some of us won’t be here! –Author saw no solution –Man has no solution (Psalm 121:1-8)

The Human Condition Bound up with a problem –Hard to identify with it in this country –If the world were a train, we would be the luxury car Curse of prosperity –Tend to forget God (Proverbs 30:8) –Easily forget the plight of others

Our Own Inadequacy Cannot care for ourselves –Not in man (Jeremiah 10:23) –Can’t understand (Proverbs 20:24) Proof of what God said –Technology no solution –Humanism no help (Job 38-40)

In Order to Help Others Support groups –S–Such groups as AA –B–Beware of religious elements –H–Humanists insist that is all we need (Galatians 6:1, 2, 10)

Only God can solve our problems –Farms lost in spite of farm aid concerts –Friends help some (Proverbs 18:24) –Young people beware

In Order to Help Others Our real friend: Jesus –Unfailing help (Psalm 54; James 2:23) –Better than close friends (Psalm 41:9-12; 55:12-14; John 13:18)

We Can have His Help Promise –Don’t worry (Hebrews 13:5) –Provide for us (Matthew 6:33) –Not by eliminating problems –Helps us face them

We Can have His Help Must call upon Him –Prayer not a “fire escape” –Refuge in Him (Psalm 118:6-9)

We Can have His Help Be strong –Moses’ advice (Deuteronomy 4:7, 8) –No answer in Humanism –Rejects God

Conclusion Need for help Not solved by fighting Teach our children