Sermon Title: When everything else fails, go back to what you know. Highlights from 01/13/08  Apostle Mark Perry
Texts: I Samuel 17:32 and following and Luke 15:14-

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Apostle Perry paraphrased the account of David and Saul discussing the battle with Goliath. Saul was sure that David was no match for the giant. David testified to him about his encounters with the lion and the bear. Then Saul became willing to let David go meet Goliath. But he insisted that David wear his armor. David refused the armor by saying that it had not been proven. Actually, it had covered a man of disobedience.

David wanted no part of it. He had to go with what and who he knew; and that was God. He was totally dependant on the Deliverer who had proven himself time and time again. Though he wore no armor and his weapon was a simple sling, he defeated Goliath with one stone slung in the power of the Almighty.

Turning to Luke chapter 15, Apostle Perry recounted the story of the prodigal son. He emphasized the part about him feeding the swine and "coming to himself". The prodigal had tried everything he wanted to try. He had lost everything. When it seemed all his hope was gone, he remembered how life was back in his father's home.

Pastor likened this account to how troubled folks can remember back to their days in the church and find strength to come out of their mess. If they will just remember the times when they sang, "Father, I stretch my hand to thee" they will find hope and reach out to the Lord again.

At this point, he injected Romans 8:38,39. He elaborated on them saying, "nothing will keep the love of God from you." Then he quoted a portion of Psalm 139; saying there was no pit too deep that God could not find those that had fallen into it.

He put forth the challenge to all who were present: When you have tried everything, go back to what you know.