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Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013). American pastor and founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, born in Ventura, California. After graduating from LIFE Bible College, he was ordained by the Foursquare Church and pastored several small congregations. In 1965, he took over a struggling church in Costa Mesa, California, renaming it Calvary Chapel, which grew from 25 members to a network of over 1,700 churches worldwide. Known for his accessible, verse-by-verse Bible teaching, Smith embraced the Jesus Movement in the late 1960s, ministering to hippies and fostering contemporary Christian music and informal worship. He authored numerous books, hosted the radio program "The Word for Today," and influenced modern evangelicalism with his emphasis on grace and simplicity. Married to Kay since 1947, they had four children. Smith died of lung cancer, leaving a lasting legacy through Calvary Chapel’s global reach and emphasis on biblical teaching
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Chuck Smith emphasizes that while we often seek help from various sources, true and reliable help comes only from Jehovah, the creator of heaven and earth. He discusses the limitations of relying on a positive attitude or friends, highlighting that they can falter in times of need. Instead, he encourages believers to look to God, who is always available and capable of providing the help we need. The sermon reflects on the significance of recognizing God's omnipotence and the importance of worshiping Him rather than the creation. Ultimately, Smith reassures that God is our steadfast keeper, always ready to support us in our struggles.
Psalms 121:1
"MY SOURCE OF HELP" Intro: No matter how clever or resourceful you may be, sooner or later we reach a point where we must reach out for help. I. WHERE DO YOU TURN FOR HELP? A. Some turn to the mysterious power of a positive attitude. 1. The little red engine, "I think I can." 2. "They said it couldn't be done..." 3. A positive attitude is important, but it has its limitations, it is not omnipotent. a. You may be facing a solid brick wall. 4. There are those who would interpret this verse by saying, "just look how strong and majestic those mountains are, now say, "I am strong and majestic, I shall endure." B. Some always looking to friends for help. 1. They seem to make a habit of it. a. Any little crisis and they cry that's it, that's the last straw, and to the phone they go. b. Then they wonder why they can't keep a friend. 2. Being very practical, it is good to have friends you can call on. a. They too have their limitations. 3. The psalmist said, "Help us O Lord, for vain is the help of man." II. "MY HELP COMES FROM JEHOVAH." A. What does looking to the hills have to do with it? 1. Psalms of ascents as Jews made their pilgrimage to Jerusalem for annual feast days. a. So many would come through Jordan Valley. b. Looking toward the hills would be looking to Jerusalem where they were to worship Jehovah. B. "My help comes from Jehovah, the maker of heaven and earth." 1. There is an irrational way of looking at nature. a. To look at nature and worship nature. 2. The rational way is to appreciate its beauty and complexity and worship the God who created it. Ill. THE VALUE OF LOOKING TO GOD FOR HELP. A. His availability, "He that keepeth thee will not slumber." 1. He is always there. a. One of the problems of learning to rely on friends, not always there when you need them. B. His ability, "The Lord is thy keeper." 1. So often we cry, "help Lord, I'm slipping." a. "He will not suffer they foot to be moved." 2. "Lord, evil is about to overwhelm me!" a. He shall preserve thee from all evil. 3. Now unto Him who is able.
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Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013). American pastor and founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, born in Ventura, California. After graduating from LIFE Bible College, he was ordained by the Foursquare Church and pastored several small congregations. In 1965, he took over a struggling church in Costa Mesa, California, renaming it Calvary Chapel, which grew from 25 members to a network of over 1,700 churches worldwide. Known for his accessible, verse-by-verse Bible teaching, Smith embraced the Jesus Movement in the late 1960s, ministering to hippies and fostering contemporary Christian music and informal worship. He authored numerous books, hosted the radio program "The Word for Today," and influenced modern evangelicalism with his emphasis on grace and simplicity. Married to Kay since 1947, they had four children. Smith died of lung cancer, leaving a lasting legacy through Calvary Chapel’s global reach and emphasis on biblical teaching