Running from God: A Sermon and a Testimony

My kids found an old DVD of the last sermon I preached when I was on staff at Hepsibah Baptist Church in Seneca, SC. The sermon was from the book of Jonah, and the title was “Running from God”. While it contains the story of Jonah, it also contains my story of running from God’s call when I was in high school.

Almost 8 years after I preached that message, I found myself running from God again but for a different reason. I have been avoiding the same call God placed on my life all those years ago, but now I am pursuing it once again. While some say I can’t preach and pastor a church anymore, I’ll let God have the final say. I would rather obey Him than cave to the opinions of men.

To those of you who have run from God or are currently running from God, I pray this message hits you where you are to the point that you surrender to God’s plan for your life. If you dare watch this sermon, be warned that my Southern accent kicks up 1,000 notches when I preach. Running from God came be a dangerous thing, so I pray you find the joy in living God’s way.

Matthew Winters

November 20, 2020

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3 responses to “Running from God: A Sermon and a Testimony”

Joe-P

November 21, 2020 at 3:16 pm

in The Most Holy Name Of Jesus The Christ,
who said that we should call no one Teacher.
Pastorship with or coPastorship is often shared
with that exact phrasing by Devout Gentlemen Husbands with Devout Lady Wives.
While Adam was mentioned first, so was Help Meet. Adam completely absolutely different
gender, being a Gentleman and Eve being a Lady, worked as one another, each other,
one to the other – as two completely different Devout Blessed Roles in Lifetime Journey Testimonial Witnessing.
So, thank you for your posts in sharing these necessary clarifications of God’s Sent Providence.
God’s Impartial Peace,
have a wonderful day!
p.s. Husband and Wife and Children, doing well?
Since God’s Always Mediation does not take away from intercessory in human free will rest, breath, living;
we don’t impose each our self with an internal locus of control on someone else regarding this, most certainly
true, of course. Why write this? I got to this article regarding an article of scars of surgery, well other scars,
as reminders do not make someone broken, only sometimes extremely distressed with unearned suffering,
by veiled impositions of others at places, times, where abouts. Simple true in history. Subterfuge and other
means, like leave nefarious folk or duped folk or any folk the option to infer in the gamet of only human ability,
of humanity’s devout concerns things such as intellectual satisfaction. Extremely dangerous to anyone
suffering intensely with unearned suffering, that is for sure. i.e. good cop bad cop bright lights no bright lights,
it will be over soon with contingency qualifiers opposed to basic God Given Rights, such as Freedom Of Human Being Will and non impinged or imposed decisions in God’s Sent Providence. So many techniques, strategies,
with agendas so diverse in causation, determination, and outcome.
God’s Sent Trust.

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chaddamitz

February 1, 2021 at 2:02 am

Thank you for sharing your story, Matt. I pray the Lord gives you wisdom and direction as you follow the call back into ministering the gospel for His glory. I have a similar story. I graduated from Southern Seminary in 2012, then was on staff as a pastor for almost four years. There were some theological differences that led me to leaving that ministry. I ended up in the medical field, but I still have a desire and calling to pastor. Let me just encourage and remind you to continue being faithful with the blessings God has given you now, and He will open that door someday. Just continue to be patient. Blessings to you brother!

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1. Matthew Winters
  
  February 1, 2021 at 2:41 am
  
  Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story! It looks like God is moving me back that direction. The story is still unfolding. I will be praying for you that He will do the same for you in His time. God bless you!
  
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