Post by Christopher Johnson on Jun 3, 2008 14:16:42 GMT -5
Pastor Robert Hendricks
New Testament Church
SAINTS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW SERIES
GOOD AND ANGRY
(Ephesians 4:26-32)
New Testament Church
SAINTS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW SERIES
GOOD AND ANGRY
(Ephesians 4:26-32)
Introduction:
“Friendly Fire”
(True story – Name and locations have been changed)
“Friendly Fire”
(True story – Name and locations have been changed)
Brian Jackson was born on February 3, 1982 in New Brunswick, New Jersey to Karla and Mike Jackson. Brian received Christ and was baptized at Progressive Baptist Church in Los Altos, CA at the tender age of five years old. As Christ directed his life, he proceeded to grow into a very respectful and honorable young man. “Ma’am” and “sir” were customary word’s in Brian’s conversation.
Brian graduated high school from Long Beach Polytechnic High School in the year 2000. Brian then enrolled in L.A. City College where he majored in Liberal Arts. Brian loved children and dreamed of one day becoming an elementary teacher.
Brian had two primary passions, his family and his music. Family always came first in Brian’s life. He was a devoted father to his beautiful 19 month old daughter Teri Jackson. He incorporated his love for music in his everyday family by “rapping” and playing the keyboard to his usual audience which consisted of his daughter and her lovely mother, Jackie. Brian also recorded and performed his music in various venues throughout the city.
Brian was very committed and devoted man. He was a man who worked hare for his family. He worked at Adams Elementary where he worked making a difference in the lives of children. He also showed his patriotism by enrolling in the Army Reserves where he proudly served his county for two years.
Brian departed this world at the early age of 22 on July 3, 2004. Killed while fighting for his country? NO! Killed by gang violence? NO! Hit by a car or died of sickness? Again, NO!
This young man was killed by “friendly Fire”. His father shot and killed him. He shot Brian as he was driving away from him. The reason . . . His father was angry at him. Remember, Anger equals the restriction you seek to put on others.
Once shot, the young man lost control of his car. The car ran into a structure that had a sign that read, “The Lord Built This House” (Psa. 127:1).
Do you think God is trying to say something to the church about relationships?
Who had the problem with anger? Was it the son or the father? Remember, the father was a son growing up at one time in his life. What did he get too much of or not enough of?
Page 2
GOOD AND ANGRY
ANGER DEFINED:
A helpful emotion created by God for (1) good purpose and (2) good intentions
It can be likened to a fire. If under control, it can be helpful and productive. If out of control, it can be harmful and deadly.
*Aristotle articulated this way:
“Anybody can be angry…but to be angry with the right person,
to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and
the right way-this is not within everybody’s power.”
SAINTS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW, ANGER is a warning light built in by God.
1. How well do you respond to the warning signs of anger? 2. How well do you anticipate the things that cause anger? 3. How well do you keep it from getting out of control?