"LET'S MAKE A DEAL"
Matt 4: 8-9
Intro:
Many of you will remember this show. Let’s Make A Deal daybued in May of 1963, on NBC. Ever sense then, it has been seen in some cupassity on a multiude of channels.
For those who might not know, the basic premus of the game is as follows. The host of the show will offer the contestants a cash prize, or a mystery gift, in exchange for the different items which they bring to the game.
Tonight, I want us to play a game of Let’s Make A Deal. I want to share with you the name and details of two different deals. After you have heard about these offers, I want you to make a choice. I pray that you will understand that these deals concern more than a cash prize, vacation, or a new car. The deal you make tonight concerns your emortal soul. Join me then, and allow me to show you the finer points of the deals before you.
I LET'S MAKE A DEAL
1. First, there is Satan's deal.
A. Heb 11: 25 Satan's deal is entitled, "The Passing Pleasures of Sin."
B 1Jn 2: 16 this plan concerns the lust of the flesh. (Immorality)
C. 1Jn 2: 16 this plan concerns the lust of the eye. (Materialism)
D. 1Jn 2: 16 this plan concerns the pride of life. (Self-glorification)
E. Under the conditions of this plan, there are immediate rewards, and no requirements.
2. However, god also offers a plan.
A. Rom 6: 23 God's plan is called, "The Gift Of Eternal Life."
B. God's plan is different in its rewards.
(a.) Rather than focusing upon the here an now, God's plan rewards on the eternal scale.
C. God's plan is different in its requirements.
(a.) Deut 10: 12 he requires that we commit to faithful service!
(B.) 1Co 10: 13 he requires that we resist temptation!
(c.) Jam 1: 2 he requires that we endure persecution!
II LET'S MAKE A CHOICE
1. Consider those who chose Satan's offer, and the rewards of there choice.
A. 2Sam 11: 24, 12: 18 David Chose immorality, and was rewarded with death.
B. Lk 16: 23 the rich man chose materialism, and was rewarded with death.
C. Acts 12: 21-23 Herod chose self-glorification, and was rewarded with death.
D. Rom 6: 23 notice, that choosing to make a deal with the Devil leads to death every time.
2. Consider those who chose god's plan, and their rewards.
A. Heb 11: 26 Moses chose God's plan, and obtained the reward!
B. Phil 1: 21 Paul chose god's plan, and obtained the reward!
C. Jn 3: 16 you yourself can choose God's plan, and you to will obtain the reward!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
JESUS SAYS: "COME!"
"THE INVITATIONS OF JESUS"
REVELATION 22: 17
Intro:
It's funny how good it makes us feel when someone invites us to do something. It gives us a feeling of inclusion. When we receive an invitation, we understand that we are wanted.
Today, I want to talk to you about the invitations of Jesus. He invites you to join him this very hour. The question is, will you accept his invitations?
I "COME AND SEE" (John 1: 39)
1. Here Jesus, as he begins his ministry, makes an offer to two future disciples.
A. Christ invites them to, "Come and see."
B. Matthew 8: 20 Christ is offering more than a tour of his house, because he didn't even have a place to lay his head.
C. What Jesus offered these men were the opportunity to come and get to know him.
D. This one night spent in the presents of Jesus was enough to change their lives forever.
2. Jesus offers this same invitation to all men, despite who they are or what they've done.
A. Luke 19: 1-9 even if you are a cheat and lire, he says, "come see."
B. First Timothy 1: 15 even if you are chief among all sinners, he says, "come see."
C. John 21: 15-17 even if you deny and reject him, he says, "come see."
D. Luke 23: 43 even if you are a thief hanging on a cross, he says, "Come See."
3. Christ's still says to us today, "come see."
A. Despite who you are, "come see."
B. Despite what you've done, "come see."
C. Revelation 22: 17 no matter who you are, what you've done, or anything else; Christ says, "If you long to know me, come see!"
II "COME AND I WILL MAKE YOU" (Mark 1: 17)
1. In this invitation, not only is there an implacation of what he will make us, but there is also an implacation of what he will not make us.
A. Luke 9: 23 he will not make us wealthy, because we must deny ourselves.
B. Matthew 5: 11 he will not make us popular among men, because men will eventually reject and persecute us.
C. First Corinthians 14: 33 he will not make us confused, because he is a revealer not a concealer!
2. However, the invitation also implies that which he will make us.
A. James 4: 10 he will make us humble that he might eventually lift us up!
B. Mark 1: 17 he will make us servants that we might lead others to him!
C. Philippians 4: 13 he will make us stronger that we might survive the trials of life!
REVELATION 22: 17
Intro:
It's funny how good it makes us feel when someone invites us to do something. It gives us a feeling of inclusion. When we receive an invitation, we understand that we are wanted.
Today, I want to talk to you about the invitations of Jesus. He invites you to join him this very hour. The question is, will you accept his invitations?
I "COME AND SEE" (John 1: 39)
1. Here Jesus, as he begins his ministry, makes an offer to two future disciples.
A. Christ invites them to, "Come and see."
B. Matthew 8: 20 Christ is offering more than a tour of his house, because he didn't even have a place to lay his head.
C. What Jesus offered these men were the opportunity to come and get to know him.
D. This one night spent in the presents of Jesus was enough to change their lives forever.
2. Jesus offers this same invitation to all men, despite who they are or what they've done.
A. Luke 19: 1-9 even if you are a cheat and lire, he says, "come see."
B. First Timothy 1: 15 even if you are chief among all sinners, he says, "come see."
C. John 21: 15-17 even if you deny and reject him, he says, "come see."
D. Luke 23: 43 even if you are a thief hanging on a cross, he says, "Come See."
3. Christ's still says to us today, "come see."
A. Despite who you are, "come see."
B. Despite what you've done, "come see."
C. Revelation 22: 17 no matter who you are, what you've done, or anything else; Christ says, "If you long to know me, come see!"
II "COME AND I WILL MAKE YOU" (Mark 1: 17)
1. In this invitation, not only is there an implacation of what he will make us, but there is also an implacation of what he will not make us.
A. Luke 9: 23 he will not make us wealthy, because we must deny ourselves.
B. Matthew 5: 11 he will not make us popular among men, because men will eventually reject and persecute us.
C. First Corinthians 14: 33 he will not make us confused, because he is a revealer not a concealer!
2. However, the invitation also implies that which he will make us.
A. James 4: 10 he will make us humble that he might eventually lift us up!
B. Mark 1: 17 he will make us servants that we might lead others to him!
C. Philippians 4: 13 he will make us stronger that we might survive the trials of life!
GOD SAYS: "BE THERE!"
"BE THERE"
Ex 24: 12
Intro:
At some point in your life, you've more than likely been guilty of "zoning out." Sure you have. It's that moment in life when someone is trying to tell you something, or someone is doing something and they want you to see it, but you just are not there with them. Well, in Exodus 24: 12, God commands Moses to come up to the Mountain to receive the 10 commandments. However, he says something strange to Moses. He tells him, "Come up to me on the mountain and BE THERE." What does this mean? Why would god say this?
Tonight, I want to talk to you about the relationships in your life. I want to help you to see that when we divide our attention, no one wins. Our family suffers, our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer, and even our relationship with God will be strained.
Tonight, we want to examine what it means to "BE THERE." I would like to lead you in discovering those areas in your life in which you need to be present. Not just in body, but in mind also.
I BE THERE FOR YOUR FAMILY
1. It is amazing to consider how far the family has fallen.
A. 40% of all first marriages end in divorce.
B. 60% of second marriages end in divorce.
C. 82% of couples reach their 5th year.
D. 62% reach their 10th, 52% reach their 15th, 33% reach their 25th, 20% reach their 35th, and only 5% reach their 50th.
2. However, it's not just marriage that has taken a hit, but also the safety and protection of our children that has been decimated.
A. In 1999, an estimated 3,244,000 cases of Child abuse were reported in the U.S.
B. 61% of those cases reported were related to child neglect.
C. In this country alone, we have seen a 45% increase in the number of child abuse cases over the last 10 years.
3. If we hope to change this trend, we must be there, in body and in mind.
A. Acts 18: 26 be there for the spouse working hard to make a difference!
B. Jn 19: 25 be there for the child or parent facing hard times!
C. Job 2: 11 be there for the friend who believes all hope is gone!
II BE THERE FOR YOUR BRETHREN
1. There are three ways in which we should be there for our brothers and sisters.
A. Physically
B. Emotionally
C. Spiritually
2. There is only one way that we can be there physically.
A. We must go to them in body.
B. Ro 1: 9-10 Paul longed to go to the brethren who were at Rome.
C. Jn 11: 7-11 despite the threat of imprisonment, Christ went to his friends.
3. There is also a need for emotional comfort.
A. John 11 Christ came to Martha and Mary in times of sadness.
B. Gal 6: 2 we should be there to bear the burdens of a brother or sister.
4. Most importantly however, we should be there spiritually.
A. Gal 1: 1-9 what would have happened if Paul had not gone to the Galatians?
B. 2Sa 12: 1-4 what would have happened if Nathan had not gone to David?
C. Gal 6: 1 what will happen if you don't go to a brother or sister?
III BE THERE FOR THE LORD
1. There are TWO ways in which we should be there for God.
A. We should be there with our whole heart.
B. We should be there in person.
2. We should be there with our whole heart because God sees straight to the heart of man.
A. Heb 4: 13 our thoughts, our dreams, and our hearts are naked before him!
B. 2Sa 16: 7 the first and most important way that we must be there is with our whole heart.
3. However, we cannot underestimate the importance of personal attendance.
A. Ex 24 12 God did require Moses to be there in body.
B. Heb 10: 24-25 it's not just for each other that we come together, but it's also for God.
4. The Lord also requires our full presents in doing his work.
A. Acts 2: 1-39 suppose Peter had decided not to attend the assembly at Pentecost. How many lives wouldn't have been changed?
B. Acts 14: 15 if Paul and Barnabas hadn't been paying attention, think of the bad turn the church might have taken.
C. Think of the difference that you make when you are there for the Lord in heart, body, and spirit!
Ex 24: 12
Intro:
At some point in your life, you've more than likely been guilty of "zoning out." Sure you have. It's that moment in life when someone is trying to tell you something, or someone is doing something and they want you to see it, but you just are not there with them. Well, in Exodus 24: 12, God commands Moses to come up to the Mountain to receive the 10 commandments. However, he says something strange to Moses. He tells him, "Come up to me on the mountain and BE THERE." What does this mean? Why would god say this?
Tonight, I want to talk to you about the relationships in your life. I want to help you to see that when we divide our attention, no one wins. Our family suffers, our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer, and even our relationship with God will be strained.
Tonight, we want to examine what it means to "BE THERE." I would like to lead you in discovering those areas in your life in which you need to be present. Not just in body, but in mind also.
I BE THERE FOR YOUR FAMILY
1. It is amazing to consider how far the family has fallen.
A. 40% of all first marriages end in divorce.
B. 60% of second marriages end in divorce.
C. 82% of couples reach their 5th year.
D. 62% reach their 10th, 52% reach their 15th, 33% reach their 25th, 20% reach their 35th, and only 5% reach their 50th.
2. However, it's not just marriage that has taken a hit, but also the safety and protection of our children that has been decimated.
A. In 1999, an estimated 3,244,000 cases of Child abuse were reported in the U.S.
B. 61% of those cases reported were related to child neglect.
C. In this country alone, we have seen a 45% increase in the number of child abuse cases over the last 10 years.
3. If we hope to change this trend, we must be there, in body and in mind.
A. Acts 18: 26 be there for the spouse working hard to make a difference!
B. Jn 19: 25 be there for the child or parent facing hard times!
C. Job 2: 11 be there for the friend who believes all hope is gone!
II BE THERE FOR YOUR BRETHREN
1. There are three ways in which we should be there for our brothers and sisters.
A. Physically
B. Emotionally
C. Spiritually
2. There is only one way that we can be there physically.
A. We must go to them in body.
B. Ro 1: 9-10 Paul longed to go to the brethren who were at Rome.
C. Jn 11: 7-11 despite the threat of imprisonment, Christ went to his friends.
3. There is also a need for emotional comfort.
A. John 11 Christ came to Martha and Mary in times of sadness.
B. Gal 6: 2 we should be there to bear the burdens of a brother or sister.
4. Most importantly however, we should be there spiritually.
A. Gal 1: 1-9 what would have happened if Paul had not gone to the Galatians?
B. 2Sa 12: 1-4 what would have happened if Nathan had not gone to David?
C. Gal 6: 1 what will happen if you don't go to a brother or sister?
III BE THERE FOR THE LORD
1. There are TWO ways in which we should be there for God.
A. We should be there with our whole heart.
B. We should be there in person.
2. We should be there with our whole heart because God sees straight to the heart of man.
A. Heb 4: 13 our thoughts, our dreams, and our hearts are naked before him!
B. 2Sa 16: 7 the first and most important way that we must be there is with our whole heart.
3. However, we cannot underestimate the importance of personal attendance.
A. Ex 24 12 God did require Moses to be there in body.
B. Heb 10: 24-25 it's not just for each other that we come together, but it's also for God.
4. The Lord also requires our full presents in doing his work.
A. Acts 2: 1-39 suppose Peter had decided not to attend the assembly at Pentecost. How many lives wouldn't have been changed?
B. Acts 14: 15 if Paul and Barnabas hadn't been paying attention, think of the bad turn the church might have taken.
C. Think of the difference that you make when you are there for the Lord in heart, body, and spirit!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Don't Make Me Be Thomas
DON'T MAKE ME BE THOMAS
John 20: 24-28
Intro:
It's so easy for you and I as people to obtain a certain reputation, yet it isn't as easy for us to change others perception of ourselves. This is even true when we are doing good, and others just don't understand our actions for what they are.
This statement has never been true of anyone more than Thomas. When we hear his name we automatically think, "Doubting Thomas." However, I wonder, is this an accurate picture of Thomas's character? Is that really all he is to us? Do we look at him, and see nothing more than a man who seemed to never fully get it?
Tonight, I would like to examine some of the character traits, which Thomas possessed. I would then like to make the case that you and I should want to be more like Thomas.
I COURAGEOUS THOMAS (Jn 11: 16)
1. Here we see Jesus once again putting his life on the line.
A. Jn 10: 31 Christ is called to Bethany, the very place where he had almost been stoned.
B. Jn 10: 39-40 he had already escaped them once.
C. Jn 9: 9-10 ever sense he had healed the blind, the leaders had sought to kill him.
D. The Apostles all knew this.
2. What do you think Thomas did? He didn't doubt this time.
A. Jn 11: 16 "Let us go that we might die with him."
B. He was willing to die rather than forsake Christ to go alone.
3. And we say, "Don't make me be like Thomas!"
A. Mt 5: 16 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to be examples for their fellow men!
B. Pr 3: 5 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to leave earthly wisdom and trust instead upon the Lord!
C. Lk 19:10 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to reach out and teach the lost of this world!
II A SEARCHING SEEKING AND LEARNING THOMAS (Jn 14: 5)
1. Here we find a familiar passage.
A. Christ is giving comfort to his disciples.
B. However, they just don't seem to understand.
C. Acts 1: 1-6 we know that Thomas wasn't the only one who didn't get it.
D. However, Thomas is the only one who questioned it.
2. I say we need more searching, seeking, and learning Thomas's in the church today!
A. Gal 1: 6-9 think of the difference it would have made if the Galatians had asked a question or two.
3. What will searching, seeking, and learning accomplish for us today?
A. Mt 7: 15 it will help us avoid false teaching.
B. 1Co 12: 25 it will help us avoid division among ourselves.
C. Titus 3: 9 it will help us avoid strife among ourselves.
John 20: 24-28
Intro:
It's so easy for you and I as people to obtain a certain reputation, yet it isn't as easy for us to change others perception of ourselves. This is even true when we are doing good, and others just don't understand our actions for what they are.
This statement has never been true of anyone more than Thomas. When we hear his name we automatically think, "Doubting Thomas." However, I wonder, is this an accurate picture of Thomas's character? Is that really all he is to us? Do we look at him, and see nothing more than a man who seemed to never fully get it?
Tonight, I would like to examine some of the character traits, which Thomas possessed. I would then like to make the case that you and I should want to be more like Thomas.
I COURAGEOUS THOMAS (Jn 11: 16)
1. Here we see Jesus once again putting his life on the line.
A. Jn 10: 31 Christ is called to Bethany, the very place where he had almost been stoned.
B. Jn 10: 39-40 he had already escaped them once.
C. Jn 9: 9-10 ever sense he had healed the blind, the leaders had sought to kill him.
D. The Apostles all knew this.
2. What do you think Thomas did? He didn't doubt this time.
A. Jn 11: 16 "Let us go that we might die with him."
B. He was willing to die rather than forsake Christ to go alone.
3. And we say, "Don't make me be like Thomas!"
A. Mt 5: 16 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to be examples for their fellow men!
B. Pr 3: 5 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to leave earthly wisdom and trust instead upon the Lord!
C. Lk 19:10 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to reach out and teach the lost of this world!
II A SEARCHING SEEKING AND LEARNING THOMAS (Jn 14: 5)
1. Here we find a familiar passage.
A. Christ is giving comfort to his disciples.
B. However, they just don't seem to understand.
C. Acts 1: 1-6 we know that Thomas wasn't the only one who didn't get it.
D. However, Thomas is the only one who questioned it.
2. I say we need more searching, seeking, and learning Thomas's in the church today!
A. Gal 1: 6-9 think of the difference it would have made if the Galatians had asked a question or two.
3. What will searching, seeking, and learning accomplish for us today?
A. Mt 7: 15 it will help us avoid false teaching.
B. 1Co 12: 25 it will help us avoid division among ourselves.
C. Titus 3: 9 it will help us avoid strife among ourselves.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
You're Not So Bad
"YOU'RE NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL"
(1TIMOTHY 3: 15)
Intro:
I’m sorry, but I will be unable to preach this evening. As you can see on the screen, the power point lesson I had prepared isn’t working. Well, if it it’s broken, then we better just stop now. In fact, we have had so much trouble with this thing, that I think we should just give up, and pull the thing out of this building. Give me a minute, and I will go get the laddor.
Now, how crazy did that sound. Just because one slide is messed up, I was prepared to just dump the whole system. I saw that there was a problem or two, and therefore nothing was good.
Let me ask you this, how many of us believe that the church is broken beyond repair? How many of us look at the church of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and see nothing more than a glorified collection of seats? Unfortunately, many of the messages, which we hear today, concern the problems of the church. It is a laundry list of those things that are wrong with the church, and the many ways in which it is failing in this modern world.
This morning, I want to help you to see that it isn't to late. I want you to know, "YOU'RE NOT SO BAD!" Much like the power point system could still have it's redeeming qualities, so the church still has far more right than wrong with it today! Join me as we consider those things, which are right with the church today.
I. IT HAS THE RIGHT CREATION
1. It is amazing how temporal the creations of man truly are when we examine them closely.
A. The Sistine Chapel has been restored several times over the years.
B. The very computer on which we are recording our sermon today, wonderful though it is, has a broken screen.
C. The White House, in which the most powerful man in the country if not the world lives, has been renovated and repaired over and over again.
d. The simple truth is that in each of these cases, the first design contained mistakes.
2. However, from the beginning, the Church of Christ was founded upon the right path!
A. Eph 1: 4 it is the right creation because it was provided by the perfect plan!
B. Eph 1: 6-7 it is the right creation because it was purchased by the perfect prince of peace!
C. Eph 1: 13 it is the right creation because it was procured by the promised provider of comfort!
II. IT HAS THE RIGHT COMPONENTS
1. Over time, man has shown himself to be very exclusionary.
A. "I'd like to join your club." "Sorry, you don't make enough money."
B. "I'd like to eat in your restaurant." "Sorry, your not the right color."
C. "I'd like to talk to you for a minute." "Sorry, you're not smart enough."
D. Truly it is no wonder that most of our relationships are failures, because the majority of them aren't made up of the right parts.
2. Unlike man made organizations, the Church of our Lord, that is the Church of Christ, has always been made up of the perfect components!
A. Gal 6: 1 it is made up of saved sinners!
B. James 5: 16 it is made up of stumbling saints!
C. 1Jn 3: 3 it is made up of sunny rays of light in a dark world!
III. IT HAS THE RIGHT CHALLENGE
1. One of the first things that you must know before beginning a new game is the goals and objectives of that game.
A. The funny thing is that we as people tend to change the rules and challenges of the game.
Football is forever trying to improve and change how the game is played.
B. Why, even in grade school, we eventually changed the challenge and rules of hide-and-seek.
C. We did it for no other reason than that we wanted to make the game better.
2. However, the truth of the Church of Christ is that the challenges have remained the same because the goal of the church remains the same!
A. 1Thess 5: 11 the right challenge is to edify the saints!
B. Eph 3: 21 the right challenge is to exalt the God of Heaven!
C. Matt 5: 16 the right challenge is to evangelize the lost of this world!
(1TIMOTHY 3: 15)
Intro:
I’m sorry, but I will be unable to preach this evening. As you can see on the screen, the power point lesson I had prepared isn’t working. Well, if it it’s broken, then we better just stop now. In fact, we have had so much trouble with this thing, that I think we should just give up, and pull the thing out of this building. Give me a minute, and I will go get the laddor.
Now, how crazy did that sound. Just because one slide is messed up, I was prepared to just dump the whole system. I saw that there was a problem or two, and therefore nothing was good.
Let me ask you this, how many of us believe that the church is broken beyond repair? How many of us look at the church of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and see nothing more than a glorified collection of seats? Unfortunately, many of the messages, which we hear today, concern the problems of the church. It is a laundry list of those things that are wrong with the church, and the many ways in which it is failing in this modern world.
This morning, I want to help you to see that it isn't to late. I want you to know, "YOU'RE NOT SO BAD!" Much like the power point system could still have it's redeeming qualities, so the church still has far more right than wrong with it today! Join me as we consider those things, which are right with the church today.
I. IT HAS THE RIGHT CREATION
1. It is amazing how temporal the creations of man truly are when we examine them closely.
A. The Sistine Chapel has been restored several times over the years.
B. The very computer on which we are recording our sermon today, wonderful though it is, has a broken screen.
C. The White House, in which the most powerful man in the country if not the world lives, has been renovated and repaired over and over again.
d. The simple truth is that in each of these cases, the first design contained mistakes.
2. However, from the beginning, the Church of Christ was founded upon the right path!
A. Eph 1: 4 it is the right creation because it was provided by the perfect plan!
B. Eph 1: 6-7 it is the right creation because it was purchased by the perfect prince of peace!
C. Eph 1: 13 it is the right creation because it was procured by the promised provider of comfort!
II. IT HAS THE RIGHT COMPONENTS
1. Over time, man has shown himself to be very exclusionary.
A. "I'd like to join your club." "Sorry, you don't make enough money."
B. "I'd like to eat in your restaurant." "Sorry, your not the right color."
C. "I'd like to talk to you for a minute." "Sorry, you're not smart enough."
D. Truly it is no wonder that most of our relationships are failures, because the majority of them aren't made up of the right parts.
2. Unlike man made organizations, the Church of our Lord, that is the Church of Christ, has always been made up of the perfect components!
A. Gal 6: 1 it is made up of saved sinners!
B. James 5: 16 it is made up of stumbling saints!
C. 1Jn 3: 3 it is made up of sunny rays of light in a dark world!
III. IT HAS THE RIGHT CHALLENGE
1. One of the first things that you must know before beginning a new game is the goals and objectives of that game.
A. The funny thing is that we as people tend to change the rules and challenges of the game.
Football is forever trying to improve and change how the game is played.
B. Why, even in grade school, we eventually changed the challenge and rules of hide-and-seek.
C. We did it for no other reason than that we wanted to make the game better.
2. However, the truth of the Church of Christ is that the challenges have remained the same because the goal of the church remains the same!
A. 1Thess 5: 11 the right challenge is to edify the saints!
B. Eph 3: 21 the right challenge is to exalt the God of Heaven!
C. Matt 5: 16 the right challenge is to evangelize the lost of this world!
Monday, November 10, 2008
PRAYING LIKE JABEZ
"PRAYING LIKE JABEZ"
1Ch 4: 9-10
Intro:
When it comes to the man known as Jabez, many of us are confused as to his place in the Bible narrative. I'm confident that you have heard the name, and possibly something about the small prayer he once prayed, but chances are good that you are unfamiliar with the location of that passage. This is forgivable given the location of this short prayer. It is located in the midst of the genealogy of the house of Israel. Many of us come to the first 9 chapters of Chronicles, and we simply skip over them. However, in skipping over them, we miss out on this beautiful, heartfelt, and inspirational prayer.
Recently there has been a great ground swell in regard to the prayer of Jabez. Tonight, for just a few minutes, I want us to examine the idea of, "PRAYING LIKE JABEZ." While this brief prayer doesn't cover everything concerning prayer, it does give us a wonderful foundation on which we can build a more healthy prayer life. Let us ask and answer the question, what did Jabez pray for?
I "OH, THAT YOU WOULD BLESS ME INDEED"
1. What do we know of the background of Jabez.
A. The truth of the matter is that we know very little.
B. All that we know is found in these two verses.
C. We know that he had brothers, and that his mother had difficulty in childbirth.
D. We also know that his name means, "Sorrowful."
E. From these few details, we can deduce that he likely had a hard life.
2. What can we learn from his request for blessings, and God's subsequent answer?
A. Job 42: 2 we can learn, just as Job learned, that though we might have hard times, we should never give up!
B. Psa 17: 6 we can learn, just as David learned, that regardless how bad things are going, God hears our prayers!
II "ENLARGE MY TERRITORY"
1. There is something here that you must see in order to understand his request.
A. There are many who have proposed throughout the years that Jabez was a farmer, and was asking for the Lord to increase the boarders of his land that he might give more to the Lord.
B. There have also been those who have suggested that he was a rich man, who wanted more, that he might give more.
C. In either case, the major supposition is that he wanted more, that he might give more.
2. Today, you and I should be praying for the expansion of our own boarders.
A. 2Ki 2: 9 we should pray that our individual spiritual boarders be expanded, and that we receive a double portion of the spirit of God!
B. Deut 1: 11 we should pray that the Lord would give the increase to his Kingdom 1000 times over!
III "THAT YOUR HAND WOULD BE WITH ME"
1. There is a very basic request found in these words.
A. 1Ki 3: 9 Jabez asks for the same thing King Solomon had prayed for.
B. Psa 119: 105 Jabez prayed for the same thing, which David had asked for.
C. All three asked for guidance.
2. Instead of trying to stumble down the road of life alone, why don't we ask for guidance in this same way?
A. Pr 22: 6 when razing our children, we should pray for guidance!
B. Eph 5 22-26 when dealing with our marriages, we should pray for guidance!
C. Jam 3: 13-18 when contemplating spiritual matters, we should pray for guidance!
IV "AND THAT YOU WOULD KEEP ME FROM EVIL, THAT I MIGHT NOT CAUSE PAIN"
1. As in the previous request, Jabez is asking for something very understandable.
A. Jabez is asking for protection.
B. He wants protection from his human nature.
C. He wants this protection that he might not hurt those around him, but would instead do good.
2. The lesson here is bright and clear!
A. This sounds much like the Hippocratic oath which doctors take, which says: "First do no harm."
B. The goal and objective is to do well, and avoid bringing harm.
C. Phil 1: 3-4 we should pray that we are a blessing to our brethren!
D. Rev 2: 9-11 we should pray that we might be an asset to the kingdom of God!
1Ch 4: 9-10
Intro:
When it comes to the man known as Jabez, many of us are confused as to his place in the Bible narrative. I'm confident that you have heard the name, and possibly something about the small prayer he once prayed, but chances are good that you are unfamiliar with the location of that passage. This is forgivable given the location of this short prayer. It is located in the midst of the genealogy of the house of Israel. Many of us come to the first 9 chapters of Chronicles, and we simply skip over them. However, in skipping over them, we miss out on this beautiful, heartfelt, and inspirational prayer.
Recently there has been a great ground swell in regard to the prayer of Jabez. Tonight, for just a few minutes, I want us to examine the idea of, "PRAYING LIKE JABEZ." While this brief prayer doesn't cover everything concerning prayer, it does give us a wonderful foundation on which we can build a more healthy prayer life. Let us ask and answer the question, what did Jabez pray for?
I "OH, THAT YOU WOULD BLESS ME INDEED"
1. What do we know of the background of Jabez.
A. The truth of the matter is that we know very little.
B. All that we know is found in these two verses.
C. We know that he had brothers, and that his mother had difficulty in childbirth.
D. We also know that his name means, "Sorrowful."
E. From these few details, we can deduce that he likely had a hard life.
2. What can we learn from his request for blessings, and God's subsequent answer?
A. Job 42: 2 we can learn, just as Job learned, that though we might have hard times, we should never give up!
B. Psa 17: 6 we can learn, just as David learned, that regardless how bad things are going, God hears our prayers!
II "ENLARGE MY TERRITORY"
1. There is something here that you must see in order to understand his request.
A. There are many who have proposed throughout the years that Jabez was a farmer, and was asking for the Lord to increase the boarders of his land that he might give more to the Lord.
B. There have also been those who have suggested that he was a rich man, who wanted more, that he might give more.
C. In either case, the major supposition is that he wanted more, that he might give more.
2. Today, you and I should be praying for the expansion of our own boarders.
A. 2Ki 2: 9 we should pray that our individual spiritual boarders be expanded, and that we receive a double portion of the spirit of God!
B. Deut 1: 11 we should pray that the Lord would give the increase to his Kingdom 1000 times over!
III "THAT YOUR HAND WOULD BE WITH ME"
1. There is a very basic request found in these words.
A. 1Ki 3: 9 Jabez asks for the same thing King Solomon had prayed for.
B. Psa 119: 105 Jabez prayed for the same thing, which David had asked for.
C. All three asked for guidance.
2. Instead of trying to stumble down the road of life alone, why don't we ask for guidance in this same way?
A. Pr 22: 6 when razing our children, we should pray for guidance!
B. Eph 5 22-26 when dealing with our marriages, we should pray for guidance!
C. Jam 3: 13-18 when contemplating spiritual matters, we should pray for guidance!
IV "AND THAT YOU WOULD KEEP ME FROM EVIL, THAT I MIGHT NOT CAUSE PAIN"
1. As in the previous request, Jabez is asking for something very understandable.
A. Jabez is asking for protection.
B. He wants protection from his human nature.
C. He wants this protection that he might not hurt those around him, but would instead do good.
2. The lesson here is bright and clear!
A. This sounds much like the Hippocratic oath which doctors take, which says: "First do no harm."
B. The goal and objective is to do well, and avoid bringing harm.
C. Phil 1: 3-4 we should pray that we are a blessing to our brethren!
D. Rev 2: 9-11 we should pray that we might be an asset to the kingdom of God!
What Is Prayer
WHAT IS PRAYER?
LUKE 11: 1 – 13
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
What is prayer?
I. Matt. 6: 6 Prayer is communication with God. Praising him.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
How do we know that we do not have to go into a closet, all the time, to be heard of God?
A. Matt. 6: 9 Praising God in a mountain place.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Holy is the name of God.
B. John 17: 1 Jesus with his disciples prayed .
1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
C. Luke 23: 34 – 37 Jesus prayed on the cross.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
D. Eph. 1: 12 Praise to His glory
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
II. 1 Tim. 1: 12 Prayer is communicating with God. Thanking God
Paul tells Timothy he thanked Christ.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
How often do we thank Christ?
A. Rev. 11: 16 - 17 Giving thanks to God.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
In heaven God is continued to be praised and thanked.
1. Col. 1: 12 Giving thanks to God.
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
2. 1 Cor. 15: 57 Thankful for Jesus Christ
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
B. 1 Thess. 5: 18 It is the will of God.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
C. Eph. 5: 20 For all things
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
God is the giver of all good things and we should thank him in prayer in Jesus name.
III. Phil. 4: 6 Prayer is communication with God.
Making our request to God.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
A. James 5: 16 Brotherly love.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
It should be a comfort knowing our brothers and sisters in Christ are praying for us and with us.
B. Acts 12: 5 Continue in prayer
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
He was released from prision.
C. John 12: 27 Jesus pleaded with God, His father.
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.
Jesus knew how hard it was going to be to be nailed to the cross and die. He also new to glorify the name of the Lord. In doing so he had to die.
D. Heb. 5: 6 – 10 The Bible reads,
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
With pray and humble pleading, strong crying and tears learned Jesus obedience to God the Father.
Prayer is a gift of God to His children. Let us receive it with joy and love.
Prayer is a communication with God through;
Praising God
Thanking God and
Making our request unto God.
Are we praying as God would have us pray.
Our God and Father in heaven, holy is His
name.
Do you need to come to Jesus tonight?
Do you need to be baptized?
Do you need to rededicate you life to God?
Do you need the prayers of the church?
Let us pray.
Will you come now as we stand and sing.
LUKE 11: 1 – 13
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
What is prayer?
I. Matt. 6: 6 Prayer is communication with God. Praising him.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
How do we know that we do not have to go into a closet, all the time, to be heard of God?
A. Matt. 6: 9 Praising God in a mountain place.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Holy is the name of God.
B. John 17: 1 Jesus with his disciples prayed .
1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
C. Luke 23: 34 – 37 Jesus prayed on the cross.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
D. Eph. 1: 12 Praise to His glory
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
II. 1 Tim. 1: 12 Prayer is communicating with God. Thanking God
Paul tells Timothy he thanked Christ.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
How often do we thank Christ?
A. Rev. 11: 16 - 17 Giving thanks to God.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
In heaven God is continued to be praised and thanked.
1. Col. 1: 12 Giving thanks to God.
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
2. 1 Cor. 15: 57 Thankful for Jesus Christ
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
B. 1 Thess. 5: 18 It is the will of God.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
C. Eph. 5: 20 For all things
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
God is the giver of all good things and we should thank him in prayer in Jesus name.
III. Phil. 4: 6 Prayer is communication with God.
Making our request to God.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
A. James 5: 16 Brotherly love.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
It should be a comfort knowing our brothers and sisters in Christ are praying for us and with us.
B. Acts 12: 5 Continue in prayer
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
He was released from prision.
C. John 12: 27 Jesus pleaded with God, His father.
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.
Jesus knew how hard it was going to be to be nailed to the cross and die. He also new to glorify the name of the Lord. In doing so he had to die.
D. Heb. 5: 6 – 10 The Bible reads,
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
With pray and humble pleading, strong crying and tears learned Jesus obedience to God the Father.
Prayer is a gift of God to His children. Let us receive it with joy and love.
Prayer is a communication with God through;
Praising God
Thanking God and
Making our request unto God.
Are we praying as God would have us pray.
Our God and Father in heaven, holy is His
name.
Do you need to come to Jesus tonight?
Do you need to be baptized?
Do you need to rededicate you life to God?
Do you need the prayers of the church?
Let us pray.
Will you come now as we stand and sing.
Waking Up To The Wonder of Prayer
"WAKING UP TO THE WONDER OF PRAYER!"
1Thess 5: 17
Intro:
One of the most powerful weapons at our disposal is the weapon called prayer. Someone once said that prayer is a golden key, which should open the morning, and lock up the evening. It has also been said that prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will make a man cease from prayer.
The unfortunate fact of life is that we have this weapon near at hand, yet so few of us properly use it. We place our trust in our leaders, or friends, or family, or even in ourselves. We struggle, and fight, and battle for all that we are worth, yet we refuse to take time to pray.
In Genesis 4: 26, following the birth announcement of Adam and Eve's grandchild Enos, we read: "Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord." From that day, prayer has played a major roll in the affairs of mankind. Offering us an avenue in difficult times.
Tonight, as we kick off our Home Coming, we want to examine the blessing of prayer. In particular, I want to help you “WAKE UP TO THE WONDER OF PRAYER.” God has given us a great gift, but if we refuse to take advantage of it, then it is a gift given in vain. For the next few moments, I want us to examine the three “P’s” of prayer. I hope that through something that is said here tonight, that you will understand the power that God is offering you through the avenue of prayer.
I WE MUST SEE THE PLACE OF PRAYER.
1. Prayer must be a priority in our lives.
A. Lk 18: 1, Ro 12: 12, 1Th 5: 17 over and over again the Bible shows us the role prayer ought to play in our lives.
B. Acts 16: 24-25 in times of trial we ought to pray!
C. Jam 5: 16 in spiritual matters we ought to pray!
D. Mt 26: 39 in the face of persecution and death we ought to pray!
2. I encourage you to also make prayer a prerequisite.
A. before entering into any situation, take time to ask for God's help.
B. Acts 1: 24 before they made the decision as to the new apostle, those men of God found in the first chapter of Acts went to God in prayer.
C. Luke 1: 18 if it is true that we ought to pray, then the perfect time to pray is before making life changing decisions.
C. Don’t be like the men who were discussing the perfect time and position of prayer. The first said that he believed that one should pray in the morning, while on one’s knees, and his head bowed. The second said that prayer is best done in the evening, while standing with one’s head toward Heaven asking for a gift as a small child. The third stated that he didn’t know about the first two times and methods, but that he found that he did his best praying win he fell into the well upside downing the afternoon.
II WE MUST SEE THE PATERN FOR PRAYER
(Matt 6: 9-13)
1. Here in Jesus' prayer, he shows us two petitions, or request that we should bring before God.
A. Those, which are of a physical nature.
B. Also, those, which are of a spiritual nature.
2. First, there are those petitions of a physical nature.
A. 1Thess 5: 18 we should thank him for all that he has done, and will do for us!
B. Psa 5: 8 we should ask him for guidance through the troubled paths of life!
C. Psa 23: 4 we should turn to him for comfort in times of fear and distress!
3. However, sense Jesus mentions more spiritual petitions than physical petitions; perhaps we should focus more upon the spiritual issues that we are to bring before god.
A. 1Jn 1: 8-10 we should bring our past personal sins before him.
B. Lk 23: 34 we should grant forgiveness to those who sin against us.
C. 1Co 10: 13 we should seek deliverance from both temptation and evil.
III THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER
1. So often we examine the prayers of the great men and women of the scriptures, and we consider ourselves unworthy to pray to God.
A. Jam 5: 17-18 how can I pray with the faith of Elijah?
B. Ex 33: 13 how can I pray with the confidence of Moses?
C. Mt 26: 36 how can I pray with the love and humility of Jesus?
2. We need to remember that, "prayer is not only the privilege of the spiritual giant, but it is open to all saints, without exception."
A. 1Sa 1: 1-20 that means that we can pray as Hannah prayed!
B. Lk 18: 13 that means we can pray as the publican prayed!
C. 1Ch 4: 10 that means that we can pray as Jabez prayed!
D. Regardless of whether or not you are a spiritual Giant or not: god still hears your prayers!
1Thess 5: 17
Intro:
One of the most powerful weapons at our disposal is the weapon called prayer. Someone once said that prayer is a golden key, which should open the morning, and lock up the evening. It has also been said that prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will make a man cease from prayer.
The unfortunate fact of life is that we have this weapon near at hand, yet so few of us properly use it. We place our trust in our leaders, or friends, or family, or even in ourselves. We struggle, and fight, and battle for all that we are worth, yet we refuse to take time to pray.
In Genesis 4: 26, following the birth announcement of Adam and Eve's grandchild Enos, we read: "Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord." From that day, prayer has played a major roll in the affairs of mankind. Offering us an avenue in difficult times.
Tonight, as we kick off our Home Coming, we want to examine the blessing of prayer. In particular, I want to help you “WAKE UP TO THE WONDER OF PRAYER.” God has given us a great gift, but if we refuse to take advantage of it, then it is a gift given in vain. For the next few moments, I want us to examine the three “P’s” of prayer. I hope that through something that is said here tonight, that you will understand the power that God is offering you through the avenue of prayer.
I WE MUST SEE THE PLACE OF PRAYER.
1. Prayer must be a priority in our lives.
A. Lk 18: 1, Ro 12: 12, 1Th 5: 17 over and over again the Bible shows us the role prayer ought to play in our lives.
B. Acts 16: 24-25 in times of trial we ought to pray!
C. Jam 5: 16 in spiritual matters we ought to pray!
D. Mt 26: 39 in the face of persecution and death we ought to pray!
2. I encourage you to also make prayer a prerequisite.
A. before entering into any situation, take time to ask for God's help.
B. Acts 1: 24 before they made the decision as to the new apostle, those men of God found in the first chapter of Acts went to God in prayer.
C. Luke 1: 18 if it is true that we ought to pray, then the perfect time to pray is before making life changing decisions.
C. Don’t be like the men who were discussing the perfect time and position of prayer. The first said that he believed that one should pray in the morning, while on one’s knees, and his head bowed. The second said that prayer is best done in the evening, while standing with one’s head toward Heaven asking for a gift as a small child. The third stated that he didn’t know about the first two times and methods, but that he found that he did his best praying win he fell into the well upside downing the afternoon.
II WE MUST SEE THE PATERN FOR PRAYER
(Matt 6: 9-13)
1. Here in Jesus' prayer, he shows us two petitions, or request that we should bring before God.
A. Those, which are of a physical nature.
B. Also, those, which are of a spiritual nature.
2. First, there are those petitions of a physical nature.
A. 1Thess 5: 18 we should thank him for all that he has done, and will do for us!
B. Psa 5: 8 we should ask him for guidance through the troubled paths of life!
C. Psa 23: 4 we should turn to him for comfort in times of fear and distress!
3. However, sense Jesus mentions more spiritual petitions than physical petitions; perhaps we should focus more upon the spiritual issues that we are to bring before god.
A. 1Jn 1: 8-10 we should bring our past personal sins before him.
B. Lk 23: 34 we should grant forgiveness to those who sin against us.
C. 1Co 10: 13 we should seek deliverance from both temptation and evil.
III THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER
1. So often we examine the prayers of the great men and women of the scriptures, and we consider ourselves unworthy to pray to God.
A. Jam 5: 17-18 how can I pray with the faith of Elijah?
B. Ex 33: 13 how can I pray with the confidence of Moses?
C. Mt 26: 36 how can I pray with the love and humility of Jesus?
2. We need to remember that, "prayer is not only the privilege of the spiritual giant, but it is open to all saints, without exception."
A. 1Sa 1: 1-20 that means that we can pray as Hannah prayed!
B. Lk 18: 13 that means we can pray as the publican prayed!
C. 1Ch 4: 10 that means that we can pray as Jabez prayed!
D. Regardless of whether or not you are a spiritual Giant or not: god still hears your prayers!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Humility
Humil'ity
Text: a prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69: 32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Christianity that it makes humility the avenue to glory."
I.A Prominent Christian Grace:
A.Romans 12:3
3. For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.
B.Romans 12:16
16. Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.
C. Romans 15:17
17. I have therefore my glorifying in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God.
D.Philippians 4:11-13
11. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.
12. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.
13. I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.
II.State of Mind
A.1 Peter 3:1-4
1. In like manner, ye wives, be in subjection to your won husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives;
2. beholding your chaste behavior coupled with fear.
3. Whose adorning let it not be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on apparel;
4. but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
III.Christ Sets the Example:
A. Philippians 2:5-9
5. Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6. who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7. but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;
8. and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.
9. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name;
V.Be humbled by our sins:
A. James 4:8-10
8. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded.
9. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
10. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you.
VI.Better to be of humle spirit
A.Proverbs 16:18-19
18. Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
B.Better it is to be of an humble spirit wiyh the lowlt than to divide the spoils with the proud.
VII.Must have to receive promises
A.1 Peter 5:5-6
5. Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.
6. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;
(It is a great paradox in Christianity that it makes humility an avenue to glory.)
Text: a prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69: 32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Christianity that it makes humility the avenue to glory."
I.A Prominent Christian Grace:
A.Romans 12:3
3. For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.
B.Romans 12:16
16. Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.
C. Romans 15:17
17. I have therefore my glorifying in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God.
D.Philippians 4:11-13
11. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.
12. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.
13. I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.
II.State of Mind
A.1 Peter 3:1-4
1. In like manner, ye wives, be in subjection to your won husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives;
2. beholding your chaste behavior coupled with fear.
3. Whose adorning let it not be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on apparel;
4. but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
III.Christ Sets the Example:
A. Philippians 2:5-9
5. Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6. who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7. but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;
8. and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.
9. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name;
V.Be humbled by our sins:
A. James 4:8-10
8. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded.
9. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
10. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you.
VI.Better to be of humle spirit
A.Proverbs 16:18-19
18. Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
B.Better it is to be of an humble spirit wiyh the lowlt than to divide the spoils with the proud.
VII.Must have to receive promises
A.1 Peter 5:5-6
5. Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.
6. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;
(It is a great paradox in Christianity that it makes humility an avenue to glory.)
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Change That Is Worth Making
“THE CHANGE THAT IS WORTH MAKING”
(DEUTERONOMY 27: 9)
Intro:
Allow me to begin by saying, change is hard. Those who say that change is easy are usually those who are too afraid to make a change. Consider the changing of the calendar. Once 08 has past and 09 is upon us, we will spend most of the year trying to remember to write 09, rather than 08 on our checks. However, writing the correct year on your checks should be the least of the changes, which concern you at this time.
As we consider ourselves this morning, we want to conduct our examination with an eye toward change. We want to examine the areas in our lives, which could use improvement, and then make the changes, which are called for.
Now, I'm sure you are saying to yourself, "Rusty, if you understand that change is hard, then why do you want to force me to make them?" Simply put, there are some changes that are worth making. The biggest of these is the change, which will improve your relationship with God.
If we are to make these changes, then there are a couple of guidelines, which we need to follow if we are to achieve success. I pray that you will join me in an honest effort to make the changes that are worth making in our lives.
I. DON’T PUT LIMITS ON WHAT GOD CAN DO
1. One of the major problems which we face as we try to make changes is that the past has a strong and powerful pull on our present.
A. 1Tim 1: 15 certainly the past had a strong hold on the Apostle Paul.
B. Gal 2: 11-14 likewise was the apostle Peter seduced by the temptress song of the past.
C. 2Sam 11-12 consider King David and all which dwelt within his past.
D. In each of these cases, the men in question had done horrible things, and there present selves often suffered for those sins.
2. Is the same not true for you and me today?
A. Ro 3: 10 each and every man and woman that lives has a past, and a past which often shames us.
B. If you yourself were to think back on the past year, you would recall things you did which would bring a blush to your face.
C. Often, even without thinking, you can feel the shame associated with past sins.
D. The problem is that we, much like the apostles of old, believe that our sins are so bad that there’s no way God can love us.
3. However, when we think this way, we are placing limits on the awesome power of God!
A. Acts 9: 1-6 though he had certainly made mistakes in the past, God wasn’t limited by Paul’s sins!
B. 2Pet 3: 18 despite Peter’s follies, God wasn’t limited by his mistakes either!
C. Psa 4: 3 as for David, God so completely released him from his past that he was able once again to believe that God would hear and answer his prayers!
D. Dan 6: 21-22 likewise, just as he was able to deliver Daniel from the Lions den, so he is able to deliver you and I from the degradations of our past!
II. DON’T PLACE LIMITS ON WHAT GOD WANTS YOU TO DO
1. Throughout history, there have been those who fought against God’s will, but perhaps none is as well documented as Jonah.
A. Jon 1: 1-2 God called unto Jonah, and commanded him to go to Nineveh.
B. Jon 1: 3 in spite of the call of God, Jonah decided that his way was better.
C. Jon 1: 4-2: 9 because of his refusal to walk in the path of God, he spent a great deal of time in some very unpleasant circumstances.
2. Again, we can certainly see ourselves in the actions of Jonah.
A. God says, “GO”, and we say, “No thanks, I think I’ll stay.”
B. God says, “Be still and listen”, and we say, “I’ve got to move and do!”
C. God says, “I’ve got a plan”, and we say, “Yes, but I’ve got a better plan.”
D. Unfortunately, it is only in the end that we realize that where the Lord wants us is where we need to be.
3. Let us stop placing limits on where God wants us, and instead just do what he asks.
A. Psa 1: 2 where does he want us? He wants us in meditation on his word!
B. Acts 1: 8 where does he want us? He wants us in motion to share his word!
C. Heb 10: 24-25 where does he want us? He wants us in meeting with one another to find encouragement, inspiration, and provocation!
(DEUTERONOMY 27: 9)
Intro:
Allow me to begin by saying, change is hard. Those who say that change is easy are usually those who are too afraid to make a change. Consider the changing of the calendar. Once 08 has past and 09 is upon us, we will spend most of the year trying to remember to write 09, rather than 08 on our checks. However, writing the correct year on your checks should be the least of the changes, which concern you at this time.
As we consider ourselves this morning, we want to conduct our examination with an eye toward change. We want to examine the areas in our lives, which could use improvement, and then make the changes, which are called for.
Now, I'm sure you are saying to yourself, "Rusty, if you understand that change is hard, then why do you want to force me to make them?" Simply put, there are some changes that are worth making. The biggest of these is the change, which will improve your relationship with God.
If we are to make these changes, then there are a couple of guidelines, which we need to follow if we are to achieve success. I pray that you will join me in an honest effort to make the changes that are worth making in our lives.
I. DON’T PUT LIMITS ON WHAT GOD CAN DO
1. One of the major problems which we face as we try to make changes is that the past has a strong and powerful pull on our present.
A. 1Tim 1: 15 certainly the past had a strong hold on the Apostle Paul.
B. Gal 2: 11-14 likewise was the apostle Peter seduced by the temptress song of the past.
C. 2Sam 11-12 consider King David and all which dwelt within his past.
D. In each of these cases, the men in question had done horrible things, and there present selves often suffered for those sins.
2. Is the same not true for you and me today?
A. Ro 3: 10 each and every man and woman that lives has a past, and a past which often shames us.
B. If you yourself were to think back on the past year, you would recall things you did which would bring a blush to your face.
C. Often, even without thinking, you can feel the shame associated with past sins.
D. The problem is that we, much like the apostles of old, believe that our sins are so bad that there’s no way God can love us.
3. However, when we think this way, we are placing limits on the awesome power of God!
A. Acts 9: 1-6 though he had certainly made mistakes in the past, God wasn’t limited by Paul’s sins!
B. 2Pet 3: 18 despite Peter’s follies, God wasn’t limited by his mistakes either!
C. Psa 4: 3 as for David, God so completely released him from his past that he was able once again to believe that God would hear and answer his prayers!
D. Dan 6: 21-22 likewise, just as he was able to deliver Daniel from the Lions den, so he is able to deliver you and I from the degradations of our past!
II. DON’T PLACE LIMITS ON WHAT GOD WANTS YOU TO DO
1. Throughout history, there have been those who fought against God’s will, but perhaps none is as well documented as Jonah.
A. Jon 1: 1-2 God called unto Jonah, and commanded him to go to Nineveh.
B. Jon 1: 3 in spite of the call of God, Jonah decided that his way was better.
C. Jon 1: 4-2: 9 because of his refusal to walk in the path of God, he spent a great deal of time in some very unpleasant circumstances.
2. Again, we can certainly see ourselves in the actions of Jonah.
A. God says, “GO”, and we say, “No thanks, I think I’ll stay.”
B. God says, “Be still and listen”, and we say, “I’ve got to move and do!”
C. God says, “I’ve got a plan”, and we say, “Yes, but I’ve got a better plan.”
D. Unfortunately, it is only in the end that we realize that where the Lord wants us is where we need to be.
3. Let us stop placing limits on where God wants us, and instead just do what he asks.
A. Psa 1: 2 where does he want us? He wants us in meditation on his word!
B. Acts 1: 8 where does he want us? He wants us in motion to share his word!
C. Heb 10: 24-25 where does he want us? He wants us in meeting with one another to find encouragement, inspiration, and provocation!
Friday, October 17, 2008
The Four Fathers In My Life
"MY FOUR FATHERS"
PROVERBS 4: 1-5
Intro: "The Less The Merrier, and Return to Sender"
Marty and his wife were excited about their evening out. Before they could go anywhere, Marty took his 10-year-old son to his grandmother's house. As Marty was walking out the door, his Mother asked, "When do you want to come pick him up?" Without missing a step, Marty said, "Bring him home when he's 18."
Though there is certainly humor to be found in this story, there is likewise a very important message. That message is that being a father is harder than it looks. Many men come to fatherhood with the mistaken impression that their wives will do all the work, and they can set back and watch the results. However, this is not the case. Today, more than ever, children need strong fathers. Today, more than ever, children need dads who are ready to serve as roll models. Recent statistics show that more than 40% of all children will go to bed tonight without their father's being present.
I have been so blessed throughout my life to have strong male roll models. While I am slowly learning what it means to be a father myself, I can without hesitation say that it is because of the four fathers in my life that I am the dad I am today.
This morning, we want to take a few moments to honor our fathers. We honor both those who have moved on from this present world, as well as those who are still with us. I hope you will allow me to share with you the, "FOUR FATHERS IN MY LIFE." I want to take a moment and share with you the lessons, which they have taught me over the years. I hope that you who are fathers can take some lesson from something that is said today. As for those who are not fathers, perhaps you can better understand the difficult task which Dads face each and every day.
I MY FATHER
1. There are so many lessons, which my dad has taught me during my life.
A. The most important of these lessons to me is that being a great dad takes time and sacrifice.
2. At no time in my life did my dad teach this lesson any better than in 1993-1995.
A. While attending the school for the blind, I began running track.
B. My dad came to some of my meets my first year which was 1992.
C. By the summer of 93, he had decided that he would like to run with me.
D. So, he took time away from the farm and all the other things he had to do, and would run 5k races with me all summer long.
E. Step by step, and mile after mile, he was right there at my side telling me where to go, and providing encouragement for me to finish the race.
3. This is a lesson which each of us could still learn from today.
A. Work is nice, and as for playtime that goes twice, but time spent with your family cannot be beat!
B. Gen 37: 34-35 Jacob wept because he thought his son was dead, and that thought hurt him because he wouldn't have the chance to spend any time with him.
C. Gen 46: 29 even when they were reunited, Israel wept because of time lost.
D. Jam 4: 13 life is so very short, even though you might not get to all the things you want to do, make sure to spend time with those you care about regardless of the sacrifice.
E. Remember, the best gift you can give your children is your time.
II MY GRANDFATHER
1. If someone were to ask me, "What is the greatest lesson your grandfather ever taught you?" My answer might surprise them.
A. My grandfather, or B.B, has taught me that it is okay to give or receive a hug, or even to say I love you.
2. No matter how old I am, he continues to teach me this important lesson.
A. When I was a child, he held me in his lap.
B. When I was a teenager, he opened his arms to me.
C. Even now, when I am 31, and a dad myself, he will still say I love you each time we get off the phone.
3. Time and time again, we see in scripture the effects of a physical touch.
A. Matt 8: 3 the touch that lightens the burden of illness.
B. Matt 17: 7 the touch that offers courage in the face of fear.
C. Take time to give a hug, or to say I love you. There is no shame in showing that you care.
III MY FATHER-IN-LAW
1. There are some who might say, "Why would you include your father-in-law in this lesson?"
A. I include him because he has also made a great contribution to shaping me into the man I am today.
B. I have known John for just over three years, and in that time, he has also taught me a great lesson.
C. The lesson, which he has taught me, is that it is important to live that which you preach.
2. Time and time again, he has been a great example of what a Christian should be.
A. He encourages me to spend time with my child, and I can see him doing the same thing.
B. He tells me to try to understand the other point of view, and I see him doing the same thing.
C. He tells me to rely upon God for everything in my life, and I see him doing the same thing.
3. What a wonderful pattern for how to be an example to the world!
A. Mt 20: 28 if I tell someone to serve, then I should serve as well!
B. 1Thess 5: 17 if I tell someone to pray, then I should pray as well!
C. 1Th 1: 7 likewise, we should all be examples to all men!
IV MY HEAVENLY FATHER
1. We know that above all else, god is our father.
A. Ro 8: 15 he is the Father of salvation!
B. Jam 1: 17 he is the Father of all good gifts!
C. Heb 8: 12 he is the Father of second chances!
D. However, he is also a father who seeks to teach his children.
2. Through the examples of the other three fathers in my life, I have learned how to be more like my Heavenly Father!
A. Jn 3: 16 from my Dad, as with my God, I have learned to give of myself to those whom I love!
B. Ro 5: 8 from my grandfather, as from my god, I have learned to show my love for my family, even in times when they might not deserve it!
C. Eph 5: 1 from John, as from my God, I have learned to be an example in all things!
PROVERBS 4: 1-5
Intro: "The Less The Merrier, and Return to Sender"
Marty and his wife were excited about their evening out. Before they could go anywhere, Marty took his 10-year-old son to his grandmother's house. As Marty was walking out the door, his Mother asked, "When do you want to come pick him up?" Without missing a step, Marty said, "Bring him home when he's 18."
Though there is certainly humor to be found in this story, there is likewise a very important message. That message is that being a father is harder than it looks. Many men come to fatherhood with the mistaken impression that their wives will do all the work, and they can set back and watch the results. However, this is not the case. Today, more than ever, children need strong fathers. Today, more than ever, children need dads who are ready to serve as roll models. Recent statistics show that more than 40% of all children will go to bed tonight without their father's being present.
I have been so blessed throughout my life to have strong male roll models. While I am slowly learning what it means to be a father myself, I can without hesitation say that it is because of the four fathers in my life that I am the dad I am today.
This morning, we want to take a few moments to honor our fathers. We honor both those who have moved on from this present world, as well as those who are still with us. I hope you will allow me to share with you the, "FOUR FATHERS IN MY LIFE." I want to take a moment and share with you the lessons, which they have taught me over the years. I hope that you who are fathers can take some lesson from something that is said today. As for those who are not fathers, perhaps you can better understand the difficult task which Dads face each and every day.
I MY FATHER
1. There are so many lessons, which my dad has taught me during my life.
A. The most important of these lessons to me is that being a great dad takes time and sacrifice.
2. At no time in my life did my dad teach this lesson any better than in 1993-1995.
A. While attending the school for the blind, I began running track.
B. My dad came to some of my meets my first year which was 1992.
C. By the summer of 93, he had decided that he would like to run with me.
D. So, he took time away from the farm and all the other things he had to do, and would run 5k races with me all summer long.
E. Step by step, and mile after mile, he was right there at my side telling me where to go, and providing encouragement for me to finish the race.
3. This is a lesson which each of us could still learn from today.
A. Work is nice, and as for playtime that goes twice, but time spent with your family cannot be beat!
B. Gen 37: 34-35 Jacob wept because he thought his son was dead, and that thought hurt him because he wouldn't have the chance to spend any time with him.
C. Gen 46: 29 even when they were reunited, Israel wept because of time lost.
D. Jam 4: 13 life is so very short, even though you might not get to all the things you want to do, make sure to spend time with those you care about regardless of the sacrifice.
E. Remember, the best gift you can give your children is your time.
II MY GRANDFATHER
1. If someone were to ask me, "What is the greatest lesson your grandfather ever taught you?" My answer might surprise them.
A. My grandfather, or B.B, has taught me that it is okay to give or receive a hug, or even to say I love you.
2. No matter how old I am, he continues to teach me this important lesson.
A. When I was a child, he held me in his lap.
B. When I was a teenager, he opened his arms to me.
C. Even now, when I am 31, and a dad myself, he will still say I love you each time we get off the phone.
3. Time and time again, we see in scripture the effects of a physical touch.
A. Matt 8: 3 the touch that lightens the burden of illness.
B. Matt 17: 7 the touch that offers courage in the face of fear.
C. Take time to give a hug, or to say I love you. There is no shame in showing that you care.
III MY FATHER-IN-LAW
1. There are some who might say, "Why would you include your father-in-law in this lesson?"
A. I include him because he has also made a great contribution to shaping me into the man I am today.
B. I have known John for just over three years, and in that time, he has also taught me a great lesson.
C. The lesson, which he has taught me, is that it is important to live that which you preach.
2. Time and time again, he has been a great example of what a Christian should be.
A. He encourages me to spend time with my child, and I can see him doing the same thing.
B. He tells me to try to understand the other point of view, and I see him doing the same thing.
C. He tells me to rely upon God for everything in my life, and I see him doing the same thing.
3. What a wonderful pattern for how to be an example to the world!
A. Mt 20: 28 if I tell someone to serve, then I should serve as well!
B. 1Thess 5: 17 if I tell someone to pray, then I should pray as well!
C. 1Th 1: 7 likewise, we should all be examples to all men!
IV MY HEAVENLY FATHER
1. We know that above all else, god is our father.
A. Ro 8: 15 he is the Father of salvation!
B. Jam 1: 17 he is the Father of all good gifts!
C. Heb 8: 12 he is the Father of second chances!
D. However, he is also a father who seeks to teach his children.
2. Through the examples of the other three fathers in my life, I have learned how to be more like my Heavenly Father!
A. Jn 3: 16 from my Dad, as with my God, I have learned to give of myself to those whom I love!
B. Ro 5: 8 from my grandfather, as from my god, I have learned to show my love for my family, even in times when they might not deserve it!
C. Eph 5: 1 from John, as from my God, I have learned to be an example in all things!
David Knew How TO Die
David Knew How to Die.
1 Kings 2” 1 – 4, 10 - 11
1 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,
2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;
3 And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
4 That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.
10 So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.
11 And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
A few people I have been with knew they were dying and had some final words that often are profound. David’s death drew nigh and he charged Solomon his son with three important statements.
I. 1 Kings 2: 2 “I go the way of all the earth. David accepted he was dying. It was natural for him to die. Since Adam all have been subject to death. Death is no respecter of persons. Don’t think just old people die or that only sick people die. Death can come upon anyone at anytime. David was ready.
A. Hebrews 9: 27 - 28 David’s words should remind us death is natural.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
B. Heb. 2: 14 – 15 Some might say I am afraid of death.
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
1. Why would we be afraid of the very thing that God gave Jesus in order to give us hope and peace.
2. Why be afraid of that which God destroyed, the power of death.
David had no fear because he knew he was right with God.
C. 1 John 2: 28 – 29 If we are righteous in Christ there is no reason to fear.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
II. 1 Kings 2: 3 David said “Keep the charge of the Lord your God.”
A. Eccles. 12: 13 - 14 A generation later his son Solomon said.
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
B. John 14:15 Jesus said our love will be seen.
15. If ye love me, keep my commandments.
C. Joh 15:10 Our life will show our abiding love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
D. Some may say I fear God. Should we fear facing God?
The God that loves you so much he gave his only son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. Is this the God that you fear? Yes Godly fear is needed. A fear of respect knowing and believing God will do what he has promised, both to the just and the unjust. Not a dreaded fear of seeing God. David knew there was a difference between respecting God with Godly fear and being afraid to see him because we have not obeyed him.
III, 1 Kings 2: 3 David said, “That you may prosper in all that you do.” This was his third reason given for following God.
A. Rom. 8: 28 Paul put it this way.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
1. Do we believe that?
2. If we believe it would we not obey and thank God?
B. Joh 14: 2 - 3 Jesus promised to prepare us a place.
2. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
C. Rom. 8: 1 – 2 Some are not real sure. They fear hell. Paul encourages them.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
David who had such confidence and faith that God would save him did not have the New Testament of Jesus Christ. Why is it with us who have the more perfect law, the law of liberty, the word that sets us free from sin are still afraid? Is it a lack of faith? A weak faith? A dead faith? Should we not have a greater faith than David? Let us learn from the wisdom of David that being prepared for eternity should give us the peace of mind that Christ has prepared a place for us in heaven and Jesus is coming one day to take us home.
If your not in Christ or faithful to Christ you have something to fear. The wrath of God.
1. Heb. 2: 3 Neglecting to obey Christ is terminal.
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
2. John 5: 26 – 29 Jesus said there will be a judgment all will be judged.
26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Heb. 10: 28 – 31 There is no vengeance like the vengeance of God.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Do you need to come tonight and be baptized for the remission of your sins?
As a fallen Christian do you need to come back and repent?
If you knew that this was the last day of your life, would you come forward tonight? Treat it like it is for it could be.
Knowing what you need to do today, will you come as we stand and sing?
1 Kings 2” 1 – 4, 10 - 11
1 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,
2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;
3 And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
4 That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.
10 So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.
11 And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
A few people I have been with knew they were dying and had some final words that often are profound. David’s death drew nigh and he charged Solomon his son with three important statements.
I. 1 Kings 2: 2 “I go the way of all the earth. David accepted he was dying. It was natural for him to die. Since Adam all have been subject to death. Death is no respecter of persons. Don’t think just old people die or that only sick people die. Death can come upon anyone at anytime. David was ready.
A. Hebrews 9: 27 - 28 David’s words should remind us death is natural.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
B. Heb. 2: 14 – 15 Some might say I am afraid of death.
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
1. Why would we be afraid of the very thing that God gave Jesus in order to give us hope and peace.
2. Why be afraid of that which God destroyed, the power of death.
David had no fear because he knew he was right with God.
C. 1 John 2: 28 – 29 If we are righteous in Christ there is no reason to fear.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
II. 1 Kings 2: 3 David said “Keep the charge of the Lord your God.”
A. Eccles. 12: 13 - 14 A generation later his son Solomon said.
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
B. John 14:15 Jesus said our love will be seen.
15. If ye love me, keep my commandments.
C. Joh 15:10 Our life will show our abiding love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
D. Some may say I fear God. Should we fear facing God?
The God that loves you so much he gave his only son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. Is this the God that you fear? Yes Godly fear is needed. A fear of respect knowing and believing God will do what he has promised, both to the just and the unjust. Not a dreaded fear of seeing God. David knew there was a difference between respecting God with Godly fear and being afraid to see him because we have not obeyed him.
III, 1 Kings 2: 3 David said, “That you may prosper in all that you do.” This was his third reason given for following God.
A. Rom. 8: 28 Paul put it this way.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
1. Do we believe that?
2. If we believe it would we not obey and thank God?
B. Joh 14: 2 - 3 Jesus promised to prepare us a place.
2. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
C. Rom. 8: 1 – 2 Some are not real sure. They fear hell. Paul encourages them.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
David who had such confidence and faith that God would save him did not have the New Testament of Jesus Christ. Why is it with us who have the more perfect law, the law of liberty, the word that sets us free from sin are still afraid? Is it a lack of faith? A weak faith? A dead faith? Should we not have a greater faith than David? Let us learn from the wisdom of David that being prepared for eternity should give us the peace of mind that Christ has prepared a place for us in heaven and Jesus is coming one day to take us home.
If your not in Christ or faithful to Christ you have something to fear. The wrath of God.
1. Heb. 2: 3 Neglecting to obey Christ is terminal.
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
2. John 5: 26 – 29 Jesus said there will be a judgment all will be judged.
26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Heb. 10: 28 – 31 There is no vengeance like the vengeance of God.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Do you need to come tonight and be baptized for the remission of your sins?
As a fallen Christian do you need to come back and repent?
If you knew that this was the last day of your life, would you come forward tonight? Treat it like it is for it could be.
Knowing what you need to do today, will you come as we stand and sing?
Monday, October 13, 2008
What Should Your Mirror Show?
Slide Show:
Audio Version:
"WHAT SHOULD YOUR MIRROR SHOW?
James 1: 22-25
Intro:
Depending upon your level of self-esteem, looking in the mirror might, or might not, be an enjoyable experience. Regardless of whether or not you believe yourself to be attractive, my question is, what do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see a husband or wife? Do you see a mother or father? Do you see a good friend to all who know you? Do you see a faithful child of God? You know, the problem is that the mirror doesn't lie. As the old saying says, "What you see is what you get."
Well, the question, which I have for you this morning is, "What do you get?" More specifically, I want to know what kind of Christian are you seeing in that mirror? In James 1: 22-25, James speaks about the man who looks into the mirror, but corrects none of the mistakes, which he sees. In fact, James encourages us to continue to look into the perfect law of liberty, and thereby we will be blessed.
With all this in mind, we want to try to discover what type of person we need to be. In order to do this, we want to consider the words of the savior. IN Matthew 5: 33-48, we find Jesus in the midst of his Sermon on the Mount. Contained within these 15 verses, we begin to see an image of the Christians we should be.
This morning, for just a few moments, we want to consider this image, and attempt to duplicate it in our own mirrors. Join me then as we discover who it is that God would have us to be.
I FIRST, YOU SHOULD SEE AN HONEST PERSON (Mt 5: 33-37)
1. There is something interesting taking place in these verses.
A. While there were oaths taken in both the OT and NT, (Deut 10: 20, RO 1: 9), Christ is pointing out that they are unnecessary.
B. TO that individual who is honest, they don't need to add any oath to their word.
C. They don't need additional promises because they are true followers of the one true God.
2. The question then becomes, how can following God help you to be a more honest person?
A. Prov 12: 22 it is because these individuals know that, "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are his delight!"
B. Titus 1: 2 also, those who follow God are striving to be like him, and they know that he DOES NOT LIE.
3. However, in our society, it is more common to lie, than to tell the truth.
A. In a June 7, 1996 article in the New York Times, it was reported that 91% of Americans surveyed admit to lying daily, and that 20% of those same individuals confess that their lies are premeditated.
B. Psa 12: 1-2 David might have been writing about our modern day world when he said, "The Godly man ceaseth," and" They speak falsehood everyone with his neighbor:"
4. Well, what do you see in your mirror of life?
A. Do you see a man or woman whose word is reliable?
B. Do you see a man or woman who has honestly kept the vows, which they once made to their spouse?
C. Do you see a child of God, who has been honestly, and without reservation, faithful to the father who saved them?
II SECOND, YOU SHOULD SEE A NONE-HOSTILE PERSON (Matt 5: 37-42)
1. Jesus here refers to one of the oldest laws known to man.
A. Hammurabi's Code, introduced by a ruler over Babylon, has been a tradition, which has been handed down from generation to generation.
B. An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.
C. In other words, what they do to you, you better do to them!
D. Ex 21: 23-25 in point of fact, it even became a part of the OT code of ethics.
2. In Matt 5: 37-42, Christ invites them to change their ways, and rebuke the idea of revenge.
A. Notice, he tells them they should turn the other cheek when someone strikes them.
B. This is speaking not only of physical abuse, but emotional abuse as well.
C. Jesus is telling them to turn the other cheek when someone slaps them, but also when someone insults them.
D. Isa 53: 7 if we are to emulate the savior, then we to must be silent in the face of the persecutors!
E. Luke 23: 34 we must instead learn to forgive, just as Christ did, even when others do us wrong.
3. Now this doesn't mean that we are to become doormats, but instead that we are to learn to temper the need for instant revenge.
A. "Christ said two cheeks not a dozen, two miles not a hundred, and your cloak not all your possessions." (Mark Adams)
B. The idea isn't to jump up and begin swinging; rather it is to treat hatred with love, and persecution with prayer.
C. Prov 12: 16 remember, "A fools wrath is seen at once."
D. When you look in your mirror, do you see someone who turns the other cheek, goes that extra mile, and hands over their cloak: or do you see someone who wants blood for blood?
III THIRD, YOU SHOULD SEE A PERSON WITHOUT HATRED (Matt 5: 43-48)
1. We should mention, that these men and women had heard it said, that they should hate their enemies.
A. However, they had heard this from the Pharisees, not from God.
B. Prov 25: 21 God has always instructed his children to love everyone, even those who don't love them in return.
2. Christ doesn't say, "Love your enemies, and love what they do."
A. Mk 14: 50-53 Christ loved the cowards, even if he didn't love what they did.
B. Lk 22: 60-62 Christ loved the betrayer, even if he didn't love what he did.
C. Rom 5: 8 remember, Christ even loved a sinner like you, even if he doesn't like what you do!
3. Instead, the challenge for us today is to love in spite of what has been done to us.
A. Don't let someone else's hatred become your own!
B. Don't let someone else's need to ridicule become your own!
C. Instead, live out the truth of the gospel in the way you live and love all men, even those who don't love you in return!
Audio Version:
"WHAT SHOULD YOUR MIRROR SHOW?
James 1: 22-25
Intro:
Depending upon your level of self-esteem, looking in the mirror might, or might not, be an enjoyable experience. Regardless of whether or not you believe yourself to be attractive, my question is, what do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see a husband or wife? Do you see a mother or father? Do you see a good friend to all who know you? Do you see a faithful child of God? You know, the problem is that the mirror doesn't lie. As the old saying says, "What you see is what you get."
Well, the question, which I have for you this morning is, "What do you get?" More specifically, I want to know what kind of Christian are you seeing in that mirror? In James 1: 22-25, James speaks about the man who looks into the mirror, but corrects none of the mistakes, which he sees. In fact, James encourages us to continue to look into the perfect law of liberty, and thereby we will be blessed.
With all this in mind, we want to try to discover what type of person we need to be. In order to do this, we want to consider the words of the savior. IN Matthew 5: 33-48, we find Jesus in the midst of his Sermon on the Mount. Contained within these 15 verses, we begin to see an image of the Christians we should be.
This morning, for just a few moments, we want to consider this image, and attempt to duplicate it in our own mirrors. Join me then as we discover who it is that God would have us to be.
I FIRST, YOU SHOULD SEE AN HONEST PERSON (Mt 5: 33-37)
1. There is something interesting taking place in these verses.
A. While there were oaths taken in both the OT and NT, (Deut 10: 20, RO 1: 9), Christ is pointing out that they are unnecessary.
B. TO that individual who is honest, they don't need to add any oath to their word.
C. They don't need additional promises because they are true followers of the one true God.
2. The question then becomes, how can following God help you to be a more honest person?
A. Prov 12: 22 it is because these individuals know that, "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are his delight!"
B. Titus 1: 2 also, those who follow God are striving to be like him, and they know that he DOES NOT LIE.
3. However, in our society, it is more common to lie, than to tell the truth.
A. In a June 7, 1996 article in the New York Times, it was reported that 91% of Americans surveyed admit to lying daily, and that 20% of those same individuals confess that their lies are premeditated.
B. Psa 12: 1-2 David might have been writing about our modern day world when he said, "The Godly man ceaseth," and" They speak falsehood everyone with his neighbor:"
4. Well, what do you see in your mirror of life?
A. Do you see a man or woman whose word is reliable?
B. Do you see a man or woman who has honestly kept the vows, which they once made to their spouse?
C. Do you see a child of God, who has been honestly, and without reservation, faithful to the father who saved them?
II SECOND, YOU SHOULD SEE A NONE-HOSTILE PERSON (Matt 5: 37-42)
1. Jesus here refers to one of the oldest laws known to man.
A. Hammurabi's Code, introduced by a ruler over Babylon, has been a tradition, which has been handed down from generation to generation.
B. An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.
C. In other words, what they do to you, you better do to them!
D. Ex 21: 23-25 in point of fact, it even became a part of the OT code of ethics.
2. In Matt 5: 37-42, Christ invites them to change their ways, and rebuke the idea of revenge.
A. Notice, he tells them they should turn the other cheek when someone strikes them.
B. This is speaking not only of physical abuse, but emotional abuse as well.
C. Jesus is telling them to turn the other cheek when someone slaps them, but also when someone insults them.
D. Isa 53: 7 if we are to emulate the savior, then we to must be silent in the face of the persecutors!
E. Luke 23: 34 we must instead learn to forgive, just as Christ did, even when others do us wrong.
3. Now this doesn't mean that we are to become doormats, but instead that we are to learn to temper the need for instant revenge.
A. "Christ said two cheeks not a dozen, two miles not a hundred, and your cloak not all your possessions." (Mark Adams)
B. The idea isn't to jump up and begin swinging; rather it is to treat hatred with love, and persecution with prayer.
C. Prov 12: 16 remember, "A fools wrath is seen at once."
D. When you look in your mirror, do you see someone who turns the other cheek, goes that extra mile, and hands over their cloak: or do you see someone who wants blood for blood?
III THIRD, YOU SHOULD SEE A PERSON WITHOUT HATRED (Matt 5: 43-48)
1. We should mention, that these men and women had heard it said, that they should hate their enemies.
A. However, they had heard this from the Pharisees, not from God.
B. Prov 25: 21 God has always instructed his children to love everyone, even those who don't love them in return.
2. Christ doesn't say, "Love your enemies, and love what they do."
A. Mk 14: 50-53 Christ loved the cowards, even if he didn't love what they did.
B. Lk 22: 60-62 Christ loved the betrayer, even if he didn't love what he did.
C. Rom 5: 8 remember, Christ even loved a sinner like you, even if he doesn't like what you do!
3. Instead, the challenge for us today is to love in spite of what has been done to us.
A. Don't let someone else's hatred become your own!
B. Don't let someone else's need to ridicule become your own!
C. Instead, live out the truth of the gospel in the way you live and love all men, even those who don't love you in return!
Glory In The Cross
Audio version:
GLORY IN THE CROSS
GALATIANS 6: 11 - 15
Paul writes to the Galatians.
11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Webster defines Glory as: praise, honor…something that secures praise.
Vine’s defines Glory as: the honor resulting from a good opinion.
1. Some glory in the praise of men.
John 12: 42 – 43 John writes;
42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
2. Some glory in their possessions.
Matt. 19: 21 – 22 A young man ask what lack I?
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
2. Some would even glory in their sins.
Phil. 3: 17 – 19
Phil, 3: 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
3. Why should we even glory in the cross?
I. THE CROSS GIVES VICTORY OVER SIN.
A. Rom. 3: 23 the universal reality of sin.
Paul writes all have sinned, no exception but Christ.
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
The cross is our victory through Jesus Christ. The glory of God is in Christ Jesus.
1. John 1: 14 God’s Glory seen in Christ.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
2. Rom. 1: 3 Christ the brightness of God’s glory.
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
B. Rom. 8: 1 Sin condemns man.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Those faithfully in Christ are protected by God’s grace.
C. Eph. 1: 6 – 7 Paul writes to the redeemed.
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
We obeyed him and he made us clean, acceptable to God. No one else could do that and only with his blood shed on the cross could he do it.
II. THE CROSS OF CHRIST GIVES VICTORY OVER SELF.
One said: “I am in the middle of every S “I” N.
A. Luke 15: 11 – 13 Sin is basically selfishness. Our will over God’s will.
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
He did not know what he had at home and was selfish and wanted what was his. When he had wasted it, he remembered what he once had at home. God’s people always wanted something they did not need and when they got it they did’t want it and repented and came back to God.
B. Gal. 5: 16 - 17 We must make a choice.
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
If we give in to the lust of the flesh we will die and be lost eternally. If we walk in the Spirit God is with us and the blood of Christ continues to forgive our sins. Some times we have to be brought to our knees to see the truth.
C. Matt. 16: 24 The Christian must deny self.
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
III. THE CROSS GIVES VICTORY OVER SATAN.
A. 2 Cor. 4: 4 Paul tells us Satan is the “god of this world.”
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Satan can blind the unbeliever. Don’t let Satan blind you. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1. James 4: 7 Submit to God.
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
2. Rev. 2: 8 – 9 Some good people are evil.
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
B. Gal. 6: 14 Delivered by the blood of Christ.
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
1. Eph. 2: 1 – 3 delivered from the prince of the air.
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
2. 2 Cor. 11: 3 Paul’s fear was.
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Glory in the Cross.
# 866 “There’s a Crown for your Cross”.
The greatest victory of the cross is heaven as our home.
1 Peter 5: 4 Peter’s beautiful words are:
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Rom. 6: 3 – 4 Paul says know ye not?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Have ye been cleansed by the blood of Christ?
Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins?
Are you in Christ tonight?
Are you glorying in the Cross of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?
To God be the glory.
Do you need to come to Christ tonight? He calls you home.
Will you come as we stand and sing?
GLORY IN THE CROSS
GALATIANS 6: 11 - 15
Paul writes to the Galatians.
11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Webster defines Glory as: praise, honor…something that secures praise.
Vine’s defines Glory as: the honor resulting from a good opinion.
1. Some glory in the praise of men.
John 12: 42 – 43 John writes;
42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
2. Some glory in their possessions.
Matt. 19: 21 – 22 A young man ask what lack I?
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
2. Some would even glory in their sins.
Phil. 3: 17 – 19
Phil, 3: 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
3. Why should we even glory in the cross?
I. THE CROSS GIVES VICTORY OVER SIN.
A. Rom. 3: 23 the universal reality of sin.
Paul writes all have sinned, no exception but Christ.
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
The cross is our victory through Jesus Christ. The glory of God is in Christ Jesus.
1. John 1: 14 God’s Glory seen in Christ.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
2. Rom. 1: 3 Christ the brightness of God’s glory.
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
B. Rom. 8: 1 Sin condemns man.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Those faithfully in Christ are protected by God’s grace.
C. Eph. 1: 6 – 7 Paul writes to the redeemed.
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
We obeyed him and he made us clean, acceptable to God. No one else could do that and only with his blood shed on the cross could he do it.
II. THE CROSS OF CHRIST GIVES VICTORY OVER SELF.
One said: “I am in the middle of every S “I” N.
A. Luke 15: 11 – 13 Sin is basically selfishness. Our will over God’s will.
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
He did not know what he had at home and was selfish and wanted what was his. When he had wasted it, he remembered what he once had at home. God’s people always wanted something they did not need and when they got it they did’t want it and repented and came back to God.
B. Gal. 5: 16 - 17 We must make a choice.
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
If we give in to the lust of the flesh we will die and be lost eternally. If we walk in the Spirit God is with us and the blood of Christ continues to forgive our sins. Some times we have to be brought to our knees to see the truth.
C. Matt. 16: 24 The Christian must deny self.
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
III. THE CROSS GIVES VICTORY OVER SATAN.
A. 2 Cor. 4: 4 Paul tells us Satan is the “god of this world.”
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Satan can blind the unbeliever. Don’t let Satan blind you. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1. James 4: 7 Submit to God.
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
2. Rev. 2: 8 – 9 Some good people are evil.
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
B. Gal. 6: 14 Delivered by the blood of Christ.
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
1. Eph. 2: 1 – 3 delivered from the prince of the air.
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
2. 2 Cor. 11: 3 Paul’s fear was.
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Glory in the Cross.
# 866 “There’s a Crown for your Cross”.
The greatest victory of the cross is heaven as our home.
1 Peter 5: 4 Peter’s beautiful words are:
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Rom. 6: 3 – 4 Paul says know ye not?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Have ye been cleansed by the blood of Christ?
Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins?
Are you in Christ tonight?
Are you glorying in the Cross of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?
To God be the glory.
Do you need to come to Christ tonight? He calls you home.
Will you come as we stand and sing?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Keep Going Forward
TO listen as Brother Griffis presents this lesson, please click the following link, which will take you to our podcast page. You can then click on the lesson title and enjoy God's word.
KEEP GOING FORWARD
HEBREWS 12: 1 – 10
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
Some of you know how hard it is to keep going when you have put your loved one in a full care facility. I always thought dad would die at home.
I remember Newell Thornhill and his family. They cared for him until he died. There are a lot more of them and Vickie and I could not continue to do it. How do you keep going? The Lord provides.
Hebrews 11 tells us of the faith of some of the Bibles giants. The giants of faith or heroes of faith. The writer, believed to be Paul, says in chapter 12: 1
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
He had just named the cloud of witnesses in chaper 11.
He says we are in a race and need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. No letting up, no looking back, no slowing down and no backing off.
I. Don’t Let Up 1 Cor. 15: 58 Paul says to the brethren.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Don’t let up with the Lord. Keep the faith.
A. Col. 3: 1- 2 Seek that which is above.
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Heavenly things are eternal, earthly things are temporal and will all pass away. Only the spiritual things will go on.
B. 2 Cor. 4: 18 Paul says look at that which is eternal. All else will pass away.
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
We are here to glorify God. Yes we may obtain wealth, health, freedom and over come troubles, but our main purpose should be to glorify God and in doing so we will not let up.
II. Don’t Look Back Phil. 3: 13 – 14
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul uses the word “forgetting”, this is not the inability to remember, but in this case not allowing our cares, fears, and things of the past to hinder our race in Christ.
A. Heb. 4: 15 16 We have a high priest that helps us.
Heb. 4: 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Christ understands us, knows us and loves us. We also can not fool him. He knows our desires and when we are looking back at our past sinful life. Let us not think we can fool him as we do the world around us.
B. 1 Peter 5: 6 – 7 Peter writes,
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
We do not need an appointment, we don’t have to wait, and we don’t need to look back.
III. Don’t Slow Down Rev. 3: 15 – 16 Jesus knew they were lukewarm.
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Jesus knew their works and they had slowed down.
They had slowed down to the point they were lukewarm. They found satisfaction in their works. To them it was good enough, but it made Jesus sick.
Let us not slow down in our faithfulness to God. Let us keep going forward.
A. Heb. 10: 22 - 23 To keep going forward,
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
It is not enough to draw near to Jesus. Many draw near but do not obey him. Draw near with a pure heart. Draw near with full assurance of faith. Hold fast.
B. 2 Peter 1: 2 – 4 Peter reminds us of Christ great promises.
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
IV. Don’t Back Off 2 Peter 2: 20 – 22
Peter speaks of those that returned to the world of sin.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Soloman in Prov. 26: 11
A. Luke 9: 57 – 62 Jesus says follow him!
57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the lough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
If we look back we are not fit, not going.
B. 2 Cor. 4: 14 - 18 We are renewed daily.
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
We must keep on keeping on. God never fails us, we fail him.
The prophet Isaiah tells us we can not do it alone.
Isa. 40: 27 – 31 God has not changed.
27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
John 14: 1 – 3 Jesus promises his disciples and us.
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Jesus is coming. Don’t let us let up in our service to God. Don’t let us look back desiring our past sins. Don’t let us slow down in our faithfulness or let our zeal and faith cool off. Let us not back off or grow weary in our Christian life. Keep on keeping on.
If you are not in Christ today you are not in the race to eternal life in heaven. You are headed in the wrong direction. If you know what to do then now is the time. If you’re not sure let us study with you.
God’s word is the Bible and has been written that you might understand and obey Jesus Christ in Baptism for the remission of sins.
If you’re a Christian today but not living faithful to God, now is the time to repent and begin again.
Jesus is coming for the faithful.
You want to be ready when he comes.
We need to be ready now. We have no promises of tomorrow.
Will you come as we stand and sing?
KEEP GOING FORWARD
HEBREWS 12: 1 – 10
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
Some of you know how hard it is to keep going when you have put your loved one in a full care facility. I always thought dad would die at home.
I remember Newell Thornhill and his family. They cared for him until he died. There are a lot more of them and Vickie and I could not continue to do it. How do you keep going? The Lord provides.
Hebrews 11 tells us of the faith of some of the Bibles giants. The giants of faith or heroes of faith. The writer, believed to be Paul, says in chapter 12: 1
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
He had just named the cloud of witnesses in chaper 11.
He says we are in a race and need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. No letting up, no looking back, no slowing down and no backing off.
I. Don’t Let Up 1 Cor. 15: 58 Paul says to the brethren.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Don’t let up with the Lord. Keep the faith.
A. Col. 3: 1- 2 Seek that which is above.
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Heavenly things are eternal, earthly things are temporal and will all pass away. Only the spiritual things will go on.
B. 2 Cor. 4: 18 Paul says look at that which is eternal. All else will pass away.
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
We are here to glorify God. Yes we may obtain wealth, health, freedom and over come troubles, but our main purpose should be to glorify God and in doing so we will not let up.
II. Don’t Look Back Phil. 3: 13 – 14
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul uses the word “forgetting”, this is not the inability to remember, but in this case not allowing our cares, fears, and things of the past to hinder our race in Christ.
A. Heb. 4: 15 16 We have a high priest that helps us.
Heb. 4: 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Christ understands us, knows us and loves us. We also can not fool him. He knows our desires and when we are looking back at our past sinful life. Let us not think we can fool him as we do the world around us.
B. 1 Peter 5: 6 – 7 Peter writes,
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
We do not need an appointment, we don’t have to wait, and we don’t need to look back.
III. Don’t Slow Down Rev. 3: 15 – 16 Jesus knew they were lukewarm.
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Jesus knew their works and they had slowed down.
They had slowed down to the point they were lukewarm. They found satisfaction in their works. To them it was good enough, but it made Jesus sick.
Let us not slow down in our faithfulness to God. Let us keep going forward.
A. Heb. 10: 22 - 23 To keep going forward,
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
It is not enough to draw near to Jesus. Many draw near but do not obey him. Draw near with a pure heart. Draw near with full assurance of faith. Hold fast.
B. 2 Peter 1: 2 – 4 Peter reminds us of Christ great promises.
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
IV. Don’t Back Off 2 Peter 2: 20 – 22
Peter speaks of those that returned to the world of sin.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Soloman in Prov. 26: 11
A. Luke 9: 57 – 62 Jesus says follow him!
57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the lough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
If we look back we are not fit, not going.
B. 2 Cor. 4: 14 - 18 We are renewed daily.
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
We must keep on keeping on. God never fails us, we fail him.
The prophet Isaiah tells us we can not do it alone.
Isa. 40: 27 – 31 God has not changed.
27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
John 14: 1 – 3 Jesus promises his disciples and us.
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Jesus is coming. Don’t let us let up in our service to God. Don’t let us look back desiring our past sins. Don’t let us slow down in our faithfulness or let our zeal and faith cool off. Let us not back off or grow weary in our Christian life. Keep on keeping on.
If you are not in Christ today you are not in the race to eternal life in heaven. You are headed in the wrong direction. If you know what to do then now is the time. If you’re not sure let us study with you.
God’s word is the Bible and has been written that you might understand and obey Jesus Christ in Baptism for the remission of sins.
If you’re a Christian today but not living faithful to God, now is the time to repent and begin again.
Jesus is coming for the faithful.
You want to be ready when he comes.
We need to be ready now. We have no promises of tomorrow.
Will you come as we stand and sing?
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Doing The Right Thing
For the Slide Show which is associated with this lesson, click the following link:
To enjoy the audio version of this sermon, please click the follwoing link:
"DOING THE RIGHT THING"
(JAMES 4: 17)
Intro:
There are times in our past that we look back, and are so proud of the way in which we acted. However, on the flip side, there are those moments, when you look on your actions in the past, and you honestly cannot believe that it was you who did those things.
In James 4: 17, we are told: "Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." If you are like me, then you have those times in your past when you knew the right thing to do, but you chose not to do it. It is these moments, which I want us to think about today. I want to help you to see what happens when good men do nothing. I want to show you the need for us to, "DO THE RIGHT THING."
I WHEN GOOD MEN DO NOTHING, NOTHING GOOD WILL BE DONE.
1. Allow me to suggest to you that if nothing is being done, then Satan is winning.
A. Matt 25: 14-28 the man with one talent could have accomplished great things, and done something good, but instead he chose to do nothing, and evil won out!
B. Rev 3: 1 the church of Sardis sat back and did nothing, and the spirit pronounced them to be dead!
2. The truth of life is that we were created to do good works! (Eph 2: 10)
A. Unfortunately, to many Christians are content to set on the sidelines and never participate in the work of the Lord!
B. However, if success comes, they are the first in line to celebrate, just as if their efforts made it happen.
C. On the other hand, if evil triumphs, they are the first to complain, even though much of the fault can be traced to their inactivity!
3. There is an important message, which we need to understand.
A. Matt 3: 10 John the Baptist said that the one who is inactive, shall be cast away!
B. In other words, if you are standing still, then you are the path of destruction, and evil is all around you!
II WHEN GOOD MEN DO NOTHING, EVIL WINS!
1. The truth is that good men are not just to avoid evil, but they are to actively oppose it!
A. Eze 3: 18 in refusing to oppose evil, we are giving it our tacit approval.
B. 1Ki 18: 21 by refusing to choose God over Ahab and Jezebel, the nation of Israel were actually approving of their actions!
C. Lk 10: 31-32 by passing by, and not stopping to help, the Priest and the Levite were approving of the evil, which had been perpetrated upon the beaten and bloodied man!
2. We need to realize that there is no middle ground when it comes to serving God!
A. Matt 12: 30 either you are for him, or against him, but you cannot be both!
B. If you say, "But I haven't made up my mind yet." God says, "Yes you have!"
C. If you haven't chosen God, then you have already chosen Satan!
III WHEN GOOD MEN DO NOTHING, THEY ARE NO LONGER GOOD MEN.
1. There are so many who believe that doing good is nothing more than not doing evil.
A. However, there is so much more to being a good person than just simply not doing wrong.
B. 1Pet 3: 11 instead Peter, quoting the Psalmist, says, "he must turn from evil and do good, and he must seek peace and pursue it."
2. James said that if we know the right thing to do, and we choose not to do it, then that is sin. (James 4: 17)
A. Gen 37 Reuben knew that lying about what had happened to Joseph was wrong, yet he went along with it anyway.
B. In so doing, he became no better than those who had committed the act itself!
C. Gen 42: 21-22 because of his inaction, he lived with the guilt all the days of his life.
3. There are still those who are guilty of this same thing today.
A. They see wrong taking place all around them, yet they refuse to do or say anything to stop it!
B. Those same people, while not guilty of actively seeking to tare down, will nonetheless feel the guilt and shame when the walls come crumbling down!
To enjoy the audio version of this sermon, please click the follwoing link:
"DOING THE RIGHT THING"
(JAMES 4: 17)
Intro:
There are times in our past that we look back, and are so proud of the way in which we acted. However, on the flip side, there are those moments, when you look on your actions in the past, and you honestly cannot believe that it was you who did those things.
In James 4: 17, we are told: "Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." If you are like me, then you have those times in your past when you knew the right thing to do, but you chose not to do it. It is these moments, which I want us to think about today. I want to help you to see what happens when good men do nothing. I want to show you the need for us to, "DO THE RIGHT THING."
I WHEN GOOD MEN DO NOTHING, NOTHING GOOD WILL BE DONE.
1. Allow me to suggest to you that if nothing is being done, then Satan is winning.
A. Matt 25: 14-28 the man with one talent could have accomplished great things, and done something good, but instead he chose to do nothing, and evil won out!
B. Rev 3: 1 the church of Sardis sat back and did nothing, and the spirit pronounced them to be dead!
2. The truth of life is that we were created to do good works! (Eph 2: 10)
A. Unfortunately, to many Christians are content to set on the sidelines and never participate in the work of the Lord!
B. However, if success comes, they are the first in line to celebrate, just as if their efforts made it happen.
C. On the other hand, if evil triumphs, they are the first to complain, even though much of the fault can be traced to their inactivity!
3. There is an important message, which we need to understand.
A. Matt 3: 10 John the Baptist said that the one who is inactive, shall be cast away!
B. In other words, if you are standing still, then you are the path of destruction, and evil is all around you!
II WHEN GOOD MEN DO NOTHING, EVIL WINS!
1. The truth is that good men are not just to avoid evil, but they are to actively oppose it!
A. Eze 3: 18 in refusing to oppose evil, we are giving it our tacit approval.
B. 1Ki 18: 21 by refusing to choose God over Ahab and Jezebel, the nation of Israel were actually approving of their actions!
C. Lk 10: 31-32 by passing by, and not stopping to help, the Priest and the Levite were approving of the evil, which had been perpetrated upon the beaten and bloodied man!
2. We need to realize that there is no middle ground when it comes to serving God!
A. Matt 12: 30 either you are for him, or against him, but you cannot be both!
B. If you say, "But I haven't made up my mind yet." God says, "Yes you have!"
C. If you haven't chosen God, then you have already chosen Satan!
III WHEN GOOD MEN DO NOTHING, THEY ARE NO LONGER GOOD MEN.
1. There are so many who believe that doing good is nothing more than not doing evil.
A. However, there is so much more to being a good person than just simply not doing wrong.
B. 1Pet 3: 11 instead Peter, quoting the Psalmist, says, "he must turn from evil and do good, and he must seek peace and pursue it."
2. James said that if we know the right thing to do, and we choose not to do it, then that is sin. (James 4: 17)
A. Gen 37 Reuben knew that lying about what had happened to Joseph was wrong, yet he went along with it anyway.
B. In so doing, he became no better than those who had committed the act itself!
C. Gen 42: 21-22 because of his inaction, he lived with the guilt all the days of his life.
3. There are still those who are guilty of this same thing today.
A. They see wrong taking place all around them, yet they refuse to do or say anything to stop it!
B. Those same people, while not guilty of actively seeking to tare down, will nonetheless feel the guilt and shame when the walls come crumbling down!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Christ My Redemer
To listen along as Brother Griffis presents this message, please click the folowing link:
CHRIST MY REDEEMER
Six P's are Persistent, Prior, Preparation,
Prevents, Poor, Performance.
Tonight we will look at the Four P's of Christ our redeemer.
LUKE 9: 55-56
Jesus and his disciples went into the village of Samaria and Jesus was not received because they saw he was a Jew on his way to Jerusalem.
His disciples suggested that fire be called down as with Elias.
55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
Jesus came to redeem man.
1. Christ, My Personal Redeemer.
A. Gal. 2: 20 Paul says Christ is one,
"Who loved me."
Gal. 2: 20 Paul says Christ loved and died for him. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
B. Rom. 6: 1- 6 This personal relationship is seen in obedience.
1. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Heb. 4: 14-16 He understands us.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
B. 1 John 4: 14 God sent the Saviour to
save.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
£. Rom. 6: 17 Paul says we are delivered through our obedience.
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
We die to sin with Christ in baptism. We are planted with him in baptism. We are raised with him in baptism.
II. OUR Perfect Redeemer
A. Heb. 4: 14 - 16 He is perfect in every way.
Any thing or anyone else falls short of Jesus Christ.
III. Our Powerful Redeemer
A. Matt. 28: 18 - 20 God gave him all authority.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
C. Heb. 7: 25 Jesus is the only one with the power to save. Ver. 22 tells us he is Jesus.
D. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save
them to the uttermost that come
- =---unto God by him, seeing he ever
....----..-. ---
liveth to make intercession for them.
IV. Christ Our Redeemer Is Pleading.
A. Matt. 11: 28 - 30 Jesus says-
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
B. John 7: 37 - 38 Jesus had told them. 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
V Jesus Christ is our ONLY Redeemer.
A. John 14: 6 - 7 Jesus told Phillip and the other disciples.
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should
have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
shapeType75fBehindDocument1pWrapPolygonVertices8;4;(21487,0);(0,0);(0,21452);(21487,21452)pib
B. Acts 4: 12 Peter says there is one.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Who's name?
Verse 10: Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
c. Matt 28: 18 - 20 Jesus says how to be saved.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
D. 2 Cor. 5: 20 - 21 Are you an Ambassador for Christ?
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him to be sin
for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Christ and Christ alone can save you. Personally, perfectly, powerfully and pleading. You must come to him. Will you come? Do you need to be baptized? Do you need prayer? What ever your need Christ can answer it.
CHRIST MY REDEEMER
Six P's are Persistent, Prior, Preparation,
Prevents, Poor, Performance.
Tonight we will look at the Four P's of Christ our redeemer.
LUKE 9: 55-56
Jesus and his disciples went into the village of Samaria and Jesus was not received because they saw he was a Jew on his way to Jerusalem.
His disciples suggested that fire be called down as with Elias.
55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
Jesus came to redeem man.
1. Christ, My Personal Redeemer.
A. Gal. 2: 20 Paul says Christ is one,
"Who loved me."
Gal. 2: 20 Paul says Christ loved and died for him. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
B. Rom. 6: 1- 6 This personal relationship is seen in obedience.
1. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Heb. 4: 14-16 He understands us.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
B. 1 John 4: 14 God sent the Saviour to
save.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
£. Rom. 6: 17 Paul says we are delivered through our obedience.
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
We die to sin with Christ in baptism. We are planted with him in baptism. We are raised with him in baptism.
II. OUR Perfect Redeemer
A. Heb. 4: 14 - 16 He is perfect in every way.
Any thing or anyone else falls short of Jesus Christ.
III. Our Powerful Redeemer
A. Matt. 28: 18 - 20 God gave him all authority.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
C. Heb. 7: 25 Jesus is the only one with the power to save. Ver. 22 tells us he is Jesus.
D. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save
them to the uttermost that come
- =---unto God by him, seeing he ever
....----..-. ---
liveth to make intercession for them.
IV. Christ Our Redeemer Is Pleading.
A. Matt. 11: 28 - 30 Jesus says-
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
B. John 7: 37 - 38 Jesus had told them. 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
V Jesus Christ is our ONLY Redeemer.
A. John 14: 6 - 7 Jesus told Phillip and the other disciples.
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should
have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
shapeType75fBehindDocument1pWrapPolygonVertices8;4;(21487,0);(0,0);(0,21452);(21487,21452)pib
B. Acts 4: 12 Peter says there is one.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Who's name?
Verse 10: Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
c. Matt 28: 18 - 20 Jesus says how to be saved.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
D. 2 Cor. 5: 20 - 21 Are you an Ambassador for Christ?
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him to be sin
for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Christ and Christ alone can save you. Personally, perfectly, powerfully and pleading. You must come to him. Will you come? Do you need to be baptized? Do you need prayer? What ever your need Christ can answer it.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
WHAT TO DO WHEN SUFFERING SETS IN
"WHAT TO DO WHEN SUFFERING SETS IN"
1Sa 30: 1-6)
Intro:
It is such an amazing tribute; when we see those who are enduring great trials show their faith in the sight of such distress. We see those who are down and seemingly out lift their heads and cry out, "I Will Not Stay Down!"
When we think of Job, we most likely think of his suffering. We think of all that he lost, and his reaction to it. However, there was another man who suffered quite a devastating blow. It was King David. In 1Sa 30: 6, we find that David's family has been taken hostage, and that the people of the land want to kill David. However, it is in this time when David does something remarkable. We are told, "And David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."
This morning, I want us to consider the ways in which David encouraged or strengthened himself. I want us to look at the psalms, which David penned during some of his most difficult times. Let us take note of his actions when suffering came calling.
I DAVID CALLED FOR DELIVERANCE (Psa 59: 1-2)
1. David, who is being pursued by Saul, cries for the Lord to do 2 things during this difficult time in his life.
A. Psa 59: 1 "deliver me from my enemies"
B. Psa 59: 1 ""Defend me from those who rise up against me."
C. For both of these requests, David cries, "Oh my God!
D. Notice David doesn't call upon his own power, but on the power of his God.
2. David trusted in the Lord to lead him safely home, and you and I should do the same!
A. Ro 10: 13 "for whomever calls upon the Lord shall be saved."
B. Here Paul is referring to spiritual matters, but it could just as easily apply to matters of the flesh.
C. Heb 13: 5 when we put our lives in his hands, we will win regardless of the outcome!
D. Rom: 39 why? Because he loves us more than we will ever know!
II DAVID CALLED FOR MERCY (Psa 56: 1-4)
1. Again, David is in trouble, yet it is mercy from God that he seeks, and not mercy from his persecutors.
A. Psa 56: 1 David knows that he will find no mercy from his enemies.
B. He understands that they seek to tare him down, not lift him up.
2. However, David understands, just as we need to understand, that God longs to extend mercy to us in spite of our wrongdoing!
A. Lk 22: 60 though we often deny him, he longs to confess us!
B. Jn 13: 3-9 though we often forsake his service, he has ever served you and I!
C. Heb 12: 1-2 though we often spurn his sacrifice, he loved us enough to make it!
III DAVID PRAISED THE LORD AT ALL TIMES (Psa 63: 1-8)
1. Here we find David pursued by his own son, yet he does something amazing!
A. Psa 63: 4 "Thus I will bless you while I live: I will lift up my hands in your name."
B. During this hardest of all occasions, David takes time to praise God.
C. Not rejoicing that his son wanted to kill him, but that God was who he was.
2. There is still a need for you and I to do this today.
A. " Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
B. You might think that the person who spoke this quote is someone who knows nothing of true suffering.
C. However, the speakers name was Mrs. Helen Keller.
D. Born both Blind and deaf, nevertheless she considered suffering to be a steppingstone to personal achievement.
E. James 1: 2 carry with it the same idea.
F. Take time to praise God regardless of your lot in life, because through suffering God will reveal something very special in you, by revealing how very special he truly is!
By Rusty Hilliard
1Sa 30: 1-6)
Intro:
It is such an amazing tribute; when we see those who are enduring great trials show their faith in the sight of such distress. We see those who are down and seemingly out lift their heads and cry out, "I Will Not Stay Down!"
When we think of Job, we most likely think of his suffering. We think of all that he lost, and his reaction to it. However, there was another man who suffered quite a devastating blow. It was King David. In 1Sa 30: 6, we find that David's family has been taken hostage, and that the people of the land want to kill David. However, it is in this time when David does something remarkable. We are told, "And David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."
This morning, I want us to consider the ways in which David encouraged or strengthened himself. I want us to look at the psalms, which David penned during some of his most difficult times. Let us take note of his actions when suffering came calling.
I DAVID CALLED FOR DELIVERANCE (Psa 59: 1-2)
1. David, who is being pursued by Saul, cries for the Lord to do 2 things during this difficult time in his life.
A. Psa 59: 1 "deliver me from my enemies"
B. Psa 59: 1 ""Defend me from those who rise up against me."
C. For both of these requests, David cries, "Oh my God!
D. Notice David doesn't call upon his own power, but on the power of his God.
2. David trusted in the Lord to lead him safely home, and you and I should do the same!
A. Ro 10: 13 "for whomever calls upon the Lord shall be saved."
B. Here Paul is referring to spiritual matters, but it could just as easily apply to matters of the flesh.
C. Heb 13: 5 when we put our lives in his hands, we will win regardless of the outcome!
D. Rom: 39 why? Because he loves us more than we will ever know!
II DAVID CALLED FOR MERCY (Psa 56: 1-4)
1. Again, David is in trouble, yet it is mercy from God that he seeks, and not mercy from his persecutors.
A. Psa 56: 1 David knows that he will find no mercy from his enemies.
B. He understands that they seek to tare him down, not lift him up.
2. However, David understands, just as we need to understand, that God longs to extend mercy to us in spite of our wrongdoing!
A. Lk 22: 60 though we often deny him, he longs to confess us!
B. Jn 13: 3-9 though we often forsake his service, he has ever served you and I!
C. Heb 12: 1-2 though we often spurn his sacrifice, he loved us enough to make it!
III DAVID PRAISED THE LORD AT ALL TIMES (Psa 63: 1-8)
1. Here we find David pursued by his own son, yet he does something amazing!
A. Psa 63: 4 "Thus I will bless you while I live: I will lift up my hands in your name."
B. During this hardest of all occasions, David takes time to praise God.
C. Not rejoicing that his son wanted to kill him, but that God was who he was.
2. There is still a need for you and I to do this today.
A. " Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
B. You might think that the person who spoke this quote is someone who knows nothing of true suffering.
C. However, the speakers name was Mrs. Helen Keller.
D. Born both Blind and deaf, nevertheless she considered suffering to be a steppingstone to personal achievement.
E. James 1: 2 carry with it the same idea.
F. Take time to praise God regardless of your lot in life, because through suffering God will reveal something very special in you, by revealing how very special he truly is!
By Rusty Hilliard
Thursday, September 18, 2008
IT'S NOT HOW YOU START, IT'S HOW YOU FINISH
To View the Powerpoint Presentation, please click the following link:
In high school, I ran both track and cross-country. I actually only did cross-country in order to stay in shape for the track season. I loved every aspect of track. I loved the running, jumping, and even the throwing. I also loved the strategy that went into all the events.
For example, when you filled out the card for your events, the one that decided what events you were doing, you had to make sure that one event wouldn't interfere with something else you wanted to enter.
However, there was also a great deal of strategy when it came to the events themselves. You never wanted to do your best jump first, because it might motivate your opponent. Likewise, when participating in the running events, you never wanted to just blast off at the start. If you did, you were likely to suffer at the end. Instead, you wanted to establish a pace that you could keep increasing the whole race long. I recall one memorable race my freshmen year. I was about to complete my first competitive season. It was our lone home meet of the year, and I wanted to do my best. In all honesty, I also wanted to impress the girl I was dating at the time who was on the girl's track team.
Well, my best event was the 600-meter, and I just knew that I could win. So, I lined up in my lain, got in my stance, and blasted off win the starter fired his gun! I ran like nobodies business. I flew down the track to make the first of my ten turns. I was in first place when we turned to come back! On the way back, I began to feel just a little winded, and therefore it wasn't a surprise when we made our next turn that I had slipped to third place. Now, I was just a little shocked when at the next turn I found myself in sixth out of eight places, but I still thought I had a chance. I went right on thinking that until I felt something give away in my upper leg. We would find out later that I had torn a quad muscle, however, at the time I thought my leg had just exploded! All of this just goes to show you that it's not how you start; it's how you finish.
Isn't the same thing true of our Christian lives? Often we start good, but our finish isn't nearly as good. Today, I want to help you in understanding that it isn't how you start; rather it's how you finish. There is a dangerous attitude out there, which holds that good people cannot go bad, and "bad" people cannot go good. I want to assist us in learning that regardless who you are, there's always a reason to fight, to struggle onward, to keep striving to be better and better! For the next few moments, we want to consider King Asa, who started good and finished bad, and King Manasseh who started horribly, and finished fantastically! My prayer is that through this study, we will come to see that we can change, both for the good as well as for the bad.
I. KING ASA-- FROM GREAT TO GRIZZLY
1. Few people had as good of a start as King Asa.
A. 2Chron 14: 2 in the beginning, Asa, "did what was good and right in the eyes of his God."
B. 2Chron 14: 7 in the beginning, Asa led his followers to praise God for what he had done.
C. 2Chron 14: 11 in the beginning, Asa called for the protection of God rather than the valor of man.
2. Unfortunately for Asa, he didn't finish as well as he began.
A. 2Chron 16: 7 in the end, Asa did that which was displeasing in the eyes of the Lord.
B. 2Chron 16: 10 in the end, Asa oppressed rather than led the people.
C. 2Chron 16: 3 in the end, Asa trusted more in the money in his treasury, rather than in the Lord his God!
3. Sadly I think you would agree that there are many similarities between our beginnings and end, and that of King Asa.
A. Jer 20: 9 often we begin with the Lord burning like a fire in our bones, yet end with the flames of pride and arrogance lighting our path.
B. Eph 3: 21 often we begin by giving God the glory he's due, but soon turn to our own self-glorification.
C. 2Ch 16: 9 when we, like Asa, allow our hearts to depart from that first love, we will also never know a moment of true peace.
II. KING MANASSEH—FROM GRIZZLY TO GREAT
1. As good as King Asa began in his service to God; King Manasseh was on the completely opposite end of the spectrum.
A. 2Ch 33: 3 in the beginning, Manasseh worshiped false gods.
B. 2Ch 33: 4 in the beginning, Manasseh defiled the house of the Lord.
C. 2Ch 33: 9 in the beginning, Manasseh led his followers away from the true God.
2. However, as time and experience usually do, they taught Manasseh a great deal of humility, and assured him of a great finish.
A. 2Chron 33: 11 thanks to hard time, Manasseh saw the need for a change.
B. 2Chron 33: 11 thanks to hard experience, Manasseh saw the nee for a better way of living.
C. Rather than growing bitter against God because of the decisions, which he himself had made, Manasseh instead chose to turn his life around.
3. If we are to become more than we are at this time, then we must conduct this same self-examination.
A. Josh 24: 15 let us end by serving God and him alone!
B. 1Tim 3: 15 let us end by building up the house of the Lord as the pillar of truth, which he intends for it to be!
C. 2Tim 4: 2 let us end by preaching to others about Christ, rather than teaching them to go away from Christ!
In high school, I ran both track and cross-country. I actually only did cross-country in order to stay in shape for the track season. I loved every aspect of track. I loved the running, jumping, and even the throwing. I also loved the strategy that went into all the events.
For example, when you filled out the card for your events, the one that decided what events you were doing, you had to make sure that one event wouldn't interfere with something else you wanted to enter.
However, there was also a great deal of strategy when it came to the events themselves. You never wanted to do your best jump first, because it might motivate your opponent. Likewise, when participating in the running events, you never wanted to just blast off at the start. If you did, you were likely to suffer at the end. Instead, you wanted to establish a pace that you could keep increasing the whole race long. I recall one memorable race my freshmen year. I was about to complete my first competitive season. It was our lone home meet of the year, and I wanted to do my best. In all honesty, I also wanted to impress the girl I was dating at the time who was on the girl's track team.
Well, my best event was the 600-meter, and I just knew that I could win. So, I lined up in my lain, got in my stance, and blasted off win the starter fired his gun! I ran like nobodies business. I flew down the track to make the first of my ten turns. I was in first place when we turned to come back! On the way back, I began to feel just a little winded, and therefore it wasn't a surprise when we made our next turn that I had slipped to third place. Now, I was just a little shocked when at the next turn I found myself in sixth out of eight places, but I still thought I had a chance. I went right on thinking that until I felt something give away in my upper leg. We would find out later that I had torn a quad muscle, however, at the time I thought my leg had just exploded! All of this just goes to show you that it's not how you start; it's how you finish.
Isn't the same thing true of our Christian lives? Often we start good, but our finish isn't nearly as good. Today, I want to help you in understanding that it isn't how you start; rather it's how you finish. There is a dangerous attitude out there, which holds that good people cannot go bad, and "bad" people cannot go good. I want to assist us in learning that regardless who you are, there's always a reason to fight, to struggle onward, to keep striving to be better and better! For the next few moments, we want to consider King Asa, who started good and finished bad, and King Manasseh who started horribly, and finished fantastically! My prayer is that through this study, we will come to see that we can change, both for the good as well as for the bad.
I. KING ASA-- FROM GREAT TO GRIZZLY
1. Few people had as good of a start as King Asa.
A. 2Chron 14: 2 in the beginning, Asa, "did what was good and right in the eyes of his God."
B. 2Chron 14: 7 in the beginning, Asa led his followers to praise God for what he had done.
C. 2Chron 14: 11 in the beginning, Asa called for the protection of God rather than the valor of man.
2. Unfortunately for Asa, he didn't finish as well as he began.
A. 2Chron 16: 7 in the end, Asa did that which was displeasing in the eyes of the Lord.
B. 2Chron 16: 10 in the end, Asa oppressed rather than led the people.
C. 2Chron 16: 3 in the end, Asa trusted more in the money in his treasury, rather than in the Lord his God!
3. Sadly I think you would agree that there are many similarities between our beginnings and end, and that of King Asa.
A. Jer 20: 9 often we begin with the Lord burning like a fire in our bones, yet end with the flames of pride and arrogance lighting our path.
B. Eph 3: 21 often we begin by giving God the glory he's due, but soon turn to our own self-glorification.
C. 2Ch 16: 9 when we, like Asa, allow our hearts to depart from that first love, we will also never know a moment of true peace.
II. KING MANASSEH—FROM GRIZZLY TO GREAT
1. As good as King Asa began in his service to God; King Manasseh was on the completely opposite end of the spectrum.
A. 2Ch 33: 3 in the beginning, Manasseh worshiped false gods.
B. 2Ch 33: 4 in the beginning, Manasseh defiled the house of the Lord.
C. 2Ch 33: 9 in the beginning, Manasseh led his followers away from the true God.
2. However, as time and experience usually do, they taught Manasseh a great deal of humility, and assured him of a great finish.
A. 2Chron 33: 11 thanks to hard time, Manasseh saw the need for a change.
B. 2Chron 33: 11 thanks to hard experience, Manasseh saw the nee for a better way of living.
C. Rather than growing bitter against God because of the decisions, which he himself had made, Manasseh instead chose to turn his life around.
3. If we are to become more than we are at this time, then we must conduct this same self-examination.
A. Josh 24: 15 let us end by serving God and him alone!
B. 1Tim 3: 15 let us end by building up the house of the Lord as the pillar of truth, which he intends for it to be!
C. 2Tim 4: 2 let us end by preaching to others about Christ, rather than teaching them to go away from Christ!
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