I Am Here Today Because of Jesus

Sunday Morning Sermon Notes

August 10, 2025

Pastor Derk Adams

Opening Scripture Text:

Psalm 124:2-3 – "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us."

Introduction:

David looked back over his life and declared, “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side…” That’s my testimony today! The devil tried, the storm raged, trouble knocked on my door — but God was on my side.Some of us in this room can testify — we shouldn’t even be here right now. The accident could have taken us, the sickness could have killed us, the depression could have consumed us, the addiction could have destroyed us — but Jesus stepped in.I’m not here because I was so strong, so smart, or so good — I’m here because of His mercy, His grace, and His keeping power. Just like David, I can stand and say: If it had not been for the Lord, I wouldn’t be here today!

Background on the Text:

Psalm 124 is a song of thanksgiving. David reflects on times when Israel faced overwhelming danger and certain defeat, yet God intervened. The imagery is powerful — enemies would have “swallowed us up quick” and “waters would have overwhelmed us” if it were not for the Lord.This psalm reminds us that our survival, our victory, our very presence here today is because God stepped in. The same God who delivered Israel is the same God who has kept you through every storm, trial, and attack.

Philippians 4:13 – "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Isaiah 41:10 – "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

 

 Key Points:

1. I’m Here Today Because He Saved Me

Titus 3:5 – "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…"Without salvation, I’d be lost in sin — but Jesus rescued me from eternal destruction.The cross was His way of saying, “I won’t let you be swallowed up by sin.”

2. I’m Here Today Because He Kept Me

Psalm 121:7-8 – "The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore."Every time the enemy tried to take you out, God’s hand was covering you.His keeping power is the reason you didn’t break, lose your mind, or give up.

3. I’m Here Today Because He Healed Me

Jeremiah 30:17 – "For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD…"Some of us are walking miracles — healed physically, emotionally, and spiritually.Even when the doctor said, “No hope,” Jesus said, “Live!”

4. I’m Here Today Because He Delivered Me

Psalm 34:19 – "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all."Deliverance is not just from sin — it’s from fear, bondage, and the grip of the enemy.The devil’s traps couldn’t hold you because God broke the chains.

5. I’m Here Today Because He Never Left Me

Deuteronomy 31:6 – "…for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."People may leave. Friends may turn away. But Jesus has been a faithful companion every step of the way.Through the dark nights, He was whispering, “I’m still here.”

 

 

 

Closing & Plea:

When I think about where I could be, where I should be, and where I would be without Him — I have no choice but to lift my hands and say, “Thank You, Jesus!”It’s not my education, not my strength, not my connections — I’m here today because of Jesus.

Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

"Beloved, if you are standing here today, it’s proof that God’s mercy is still at work in your life. The altar is open — come and give Him the glory, the thanks, and the surrender He deserves. Stand and declare, “I’m here today because of Jesus!”