SEEING THE SERMONS IN OUR SONGS
“JUST AS I AM”
HEBREWS 7: 19-25
Intro:
Charlotte Eliot suffered from illness for much of her life. A deeply spiritual woman, she longed to serve the God whom she loved so much. In 1836, her brother H.V. Elliot was raising funds for a new school to be built. Charlotte wanted to help in some small way, but owing to her infirmity, she felt that she was worthless to the cause.
Finally, she decided to take advantage of one of her great talents. She sat down to compose a poem for others who were physically limited. As she pondered the words which she would write, the words of a preacher some 14 years in the past returned to her. The preacher had said to her: “Come to Jesus, just as you are.”
The poem was completed, and published without Mrs. Elliot’s name. Some years later, she was handed that same poem in leaflet form by her doctor, who had no idea that she was the author. The doctor informed her that the poem was being distributed in many places, and that the proceeds’ were to be given to the school which her brother had been working to build. In the end, she had contributed mightily, just as she was.
Here in the beautiful words of Mrs. Elliot’s poem, we see an awesome concept. It is the idea that you and I, flawed though we are, can still come to God. We can come to him, because he has already reached out for us. In the world in which we live, it is a novel idea that someone would accept a person, with all their flaws and imperfection. It is a hard notion for us to grasp, yet in this song, we find it said with true elegance.
This morning, we want to continue with our series entitled, “”SEEING THE SERMONS IN OUR SONGS.” The next song which we will examine is found on page number 924, “JUST AS I AM.” There are two ideas that are expressed in this well-known hymn. These concepts are designed to aid both the follower of God, as well as those who are outside of the body of Christ in understanding the fact that you are valuable to the Lord! You are important despite yourself. Join me for a few moments, and let’s look at those who can come to God.
I. JUST AS I AM, WITHOUT REGARD TO PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
1. We as people are often consumed by physical appearance, yet it is frequently this same obsession which leads to our problems.
A. SecondSamuel 11: 2 Bathsheba was beautiful, nevertheless she led to one of the darkest periods in David’s life.
B. Genesis 13: 10-11 likewise Lot also chose beauty over substance, and paid for that choice.
2. However, there are also those who are not chosen because of physical appearance.
a. Mark 12: 41-44 what about those who are discounted because of a perceived lack of social standing?
b. Mark 10: 46-48 what about those who are discounted because of a perceived lack of physical ability?
c. First Samuel 16: 7 the key word here is “PERCEIVED”, because man only knows what is on the outside, but God understands what is in the heart of man!
3. The wonderful news is that God has said to his creation, “Come! Just as you are, come to me!”
A. First Samuel 17: 33 those who are of limited physical presents, God bids them come!
B. Mark 3: 3 those who are of limited physical resources, God bids them come!
C. Luke 17: 11-19 those who are of limited health, God bids you come!
D. Regardless of your current physical position in this world, God invites you to come to him, “Just as you are!”
II. JUST AS I AM, WITHOUT REGARD TO WHAT I'VE DONE.
1. Have you noticed how often we hold others pre-Christian life against them?
A. We never truly let go of the past, but instead use it as a weapon.
B. Matthew 13: 54-58 Jesus himself ran into this form of prejudice.
2. However, God cares not for the past, but instead calls sinners to repentance!
A. Genesis 20: 1-2 God can use lire.
B. Exodus 2: 11-12 God can use a murderer.
C. Second Samuel 11: 4, 24 God can use an adulterer and a murderer.
D. John 21: 15-21 God can even use those who shamefully try to reject him.
E. Matthew 11: 28 God can use the sinner who's tired of carrying their load of sin.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tragedy of Ignorance
TRAGEDIES OF IGNORANCE
HOSEA 4: 6 - 11
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings. For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD.
11 Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.
A survey was taken in 1962 at a christian college where 91 % surveyed were members of the church of Christ. They scored 8 to 9 points lower than the denominational students.
1. 33% did not know that Jonah was a prophet on a ship bound for Tarshish.
2. 17% did not know Romans was the sixth book in the NT.
3. 55% did not know who wrote 2 Timothy.
4. 45% did not know who wrote Revelation.
5. 56% did not know Luke wrote Acts.
6. 21% did not know Isaiah wrote Isaiah.
I am not going to ask how many you knew, but ignorance of the scripture among members of the church should help us understand God’s concern for his people in Hosea 4: 6.
In like manor, our nation is being destroyed for lack of the knowledge of God.
A good note on this survey was that after one year of study the members of the church showed an increase of 28 percentile where there was only a 15 percentile increase among the denominational students. We can learn if we will study.
Do we truly question the need and importance of Bible class? Do we not need to be here to study God’s word more?
I. Let us look at some tragedies of the ignorance of God’s word.
A. Acts 3: 17 - 19 Ignorance brought on the sin to crucify Jesus.
17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
By ignorance they killed Jesus. By believing, repentance, and obedience they obtained salvation.
B. Eph. 4: 17 - 18 Ignorance separates one from God. Paul writes…
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Ignorance can blind our thinking, the heart of man.
C. Rom. 10: 2 – 3 Ignorance causes one to reject God’s righteousness and accept his own righteousness.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
D. John 16: 1 – 3 Ignorance can cause the righteous to be a victim to their own self righteousness.
1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
Jesus told his apostles that they might remember when this began to happen. Let us remember that the religious world is ignorant of God’s true will and do not know it.
E. Matt. 13: 15 – 16 Ignorance can keep one from being converted.
15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
One must open their eyes and ears and their hearts to Christ and His will to accept Christ and be baptized for the remission of their sins. Overcoming ignorance by accepting Jesus Christ and His word.
II. God wants us to be knowledgeable Christians.
A. 2 Peter 3: 8 – 9 Peter wants us to understand, the Lord will fulfill His promises.
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Jesus wants us to repent and obey Him. He gives us time.
B. 1 Tim 2: 4 – 5 Paul teaches Timothy that it is God’s will that all know the truth and obey that truth for there is one truth.
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
There are not many true Gods, nor many mediators, nor many truths. There is one.
C. John 8: 32 A knowledge of the truth can make one free.
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
1. John 17: 17 Jesus says, God’s word is truth.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
2. John 6: 45 – 46 We are drawn by the knowledge of God’s word.
44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
We can not come to that which we do not know. We can study and know the truth, the Bible.
D. 2 Peter 1: 2 Grace and peace is multiplied through knowledge.
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
1. 2 Peter 2: 20 We can fall back into sin, be entangled and lost again.
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.
2. 2 Peter 1: 5 – 9 Knowledge is a part of the christian virtues.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
3. 2 Peter 1: 10 – 11 Knowing the truth and obeying the truth, Christ has promised to save us.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
E. Eph. 5: 11 Paul teaches to speak out against, to expose sin.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
1. Titus 1: 9 Elders are to hold fast the faithful word.
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
2. Jude 3 We are to earnestly contend for the faith.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
3. How can we expose, exhort, convince, contend for the word, unless we have a knowledge of the word of God?
III. What can we do to replace our ignorance with the knowledge of God’s truth?
A. Mark 12: 30 Fall in love with the Lord.
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
The story was told of a young lady who read a book and commented on how dull she had found it to be. Not long after, she meet the author and fell in love with him. She read the book again and when finished she commented that it was one of the most interesting books she had ever read. What made the difference? She fell in love with the author. In like manor, we will read, study, and obey the Bible when we come to love its author, God.
Children do not have trouble reading letters from their parents because they love them. When we learn to love God we will read, study and obey the Bible as the truth, the word of God.
B. 1 Cor. 8: 2 - 3 We must never think we know all we need to know from God’s word.
2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
C. 2 Tim 2: 15 Study and study some more.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
D. Matt. 5: 6 Just as one hungers for food for the body, one should hunger for the truth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Are you a christian today? Have you obeyed Jesus in baptism for the remission of your sins? Do you love Jesus? Jesus says if you love him you will obey him. Will you come to Jesus today?
Are you a christian and not studying God’s word as you should? Then begin, today.
Are you not coming to Bible class for fear you will learn to much or by learning you might be asked to do something? Why are you not in love with God enough to come and study together? Could you not learn something in one hour that may help you eternally? Do you need to come back to your first love?
What ever your need will you bring it to God? Will you come now?
Acts 17: 30 – 31 Ignorance is no longer an excuse to God, He has commanded repentance.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
HOSEA 4: 6 - 11
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings. For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD.
11 Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.
A survey was taken in 1962 at a christian college where 91 % surveyed were members of the church of Christ. They scored 8 to 9 points lower than the denominational students.
1. 33% did not know that Jonah was a prophet on a ship bound for Tarshish.
2. 17% did not know Romans was the sixth book in the NT.
3. 55% did not know who wrote 2 Timothy.
4. 45% did not know who wrote Revelation.
5. 56% did not know Luke wrote Acts.
6. 21% did not know Isaiah wrote Isaiah.
I am not going to ask how many you knew, but ignorance of the scripture among members of the church should help us understand God’s concern for his people in Hosea 4: 6.
In like manor, our nation is being destroyed for lack of the knowledge of God.
A good note on this survey was that after one year of study the members of the church showed an increase of 28 percentile where there was only a 15 percentile increase among the denominational students. We can learn if we will study.
Do we truly question the need and importance of Bible class? Do we not need to be here to study God’s word more?
I. Let us look at some tragedies of the ignorance of God’s word.
A. Acts 3: 17 - 19 Ignorance brought on the sin to crucify Jesus.
17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
By ignorance they killed Jesus. By believing, repentance, and obedience they obtained salvation.
B. Eph. 4: 17 - 18 Ignorance separates one from God. Paul writes…
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Ignorance can blind our thinking, the heart of man.
C. Rom. 10: 2 – 3 Ignorance causes one to reject God’s righteousness and accept his own righteousness.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
D. John 16: 1 – 3 Ignorance can cause the righteous to be a victim to their own self righteousness.
1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
Jesus told his apostles that they might remember when this began to happen. Let us remember that the religious world is ignorant of God’s true will and do not know it.
E. Matt. 13: 15 – 16 Ignorance can keep one from being converted.
15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
One must open their eyes and ears and their hearts to Christ and His will to accept Christ and be baptized for the remission of their sins. Overcoming ignorance by accepting Jesus Christ and His word.
II. God wants us to be knowledgeable Christians.
A. 2 Peter 3: 8 – 9 Peter wants us to understand, the Lord will fulfill His promises.
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Jesus wants us to repent and obey Him. He gives us time.
B. 1 Tim 2: 4 – 5 Paul teaches Timothy that it is God’s will that all know the truth and obey that truth for there is one truth.
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
There are not many true Gods, nor many mediators, nor many truths. There is one.
C. John 8: 32 A knowledge of the truth can make one free.
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
1. John 17: 17 Jesus says, God’s word is truth.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
2. John 6: 45 – 46 We are drawn by the knowledge of God’s word.
44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
We can not come to that which we do not know. We can study and know the truth, the Bible.
D. 2 Peter 1: 2 Grace and peace is multiplied through knowledge.
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
1. 2 Peter 2: 20 We can fall back into sin, be entangled and lost again.
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.
2. 2 Peter 1: 5 – 9 Knowledge is a part of the christian virtues.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
3. 2 Peter 1: 10 – 11 Knowing the truth and obeying the truth, Christ has promised to save us.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
E. Eph. 5: 11 Paul teaches to speak out against, to expose sin.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
1. Titus 1: 9 Elders are to hold fast the faithful word.
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
2. Jude 3 We are to earnestly contend for the faith.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
3. How can we expose, exhort, convince, contend for the word, unless we have a knowledge of the word of God?
III. What can we do to replace our ignorance with the knowledge of God’s truth?
A. Mark 12: 30 Fall in love with the Lord.
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
The story was told of a young lady who read a book and commented on how dull she had found it to be. Not long after, she meet the author and fell in love with him. She read the book again and when finished she commented that it was one of the most interesting books she had ever read. What made the difference? She fell in love with the author. In like manor, we will read, study, and obey the Bible when we come to love its author, God.
Children do not have trouble reading letters from their parents because they love them. When we learn to love God we will read, study and obey the Bible as the truth, the word of God.
B. 1 Cor. 8: 2 - 3 We must never think we know all we need to know from God’s word.
2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
C. 2 Tim 2: 15 Study and study some more.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
D. Matt. 5: 6 Just as one hungers for food for the body, one should hunger for the truth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Are you a christian today? Have you obeyed Jesus in baptism for the remission of your sins? Do you love Jesus? Jesus says if you love him you will obey him. Will you come to Jesus today?
Are you a christian and not studying God’s word as you should? Then begin, today.
Are you not coming to Bible class for fear you will learn to much or by learning you might be asked to do something? Why are you not in love with God enough to come and study together? Could you not learn something in one hour that may help you eternally? Do you need to come back to your first love?
What ever your need will you bring it to God? Will you come now?
Acts 17: 30 – 31 Ignorance is no longer an excuse to God, He has commanded repentance.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Living By Faith
SEEING THE SERMONS IN OUR SONGS
“LIVING BY FAITH”
(HEBREWS 11: 20-40)
Intro:
When I was a child, there was a song which we use to sing that drove me crazy. It wasn’t because the music was bad, or the melody wasn’t pleasant, or even that the words weren’t good. No, the reason that I didn’t like it was because I didn’t understand the words which I thought we were singing.
The song is found on page 76, and is entitled, “HOW GREAT THOU ART.” In the fourth verse, we sing: “When I shall bow, in humble adoration, and there proclaim, My God how great thou art.” Now, you need to see this from my perspective as a blind person. The words “humble adoration” completely ran together. With that being the case, I spent most of my childhood trying to figure out what “humbleadoration” meant.
Now, as funny as that sounds, I wonder how many of us are like my younger and far more clueless self. How many of us just sing along, with no regard to the words which we are singing.
Beginning tonight, and for the next several weeks, I want us to consider the amazing messages which are found in the songs we sing. I want to help you to see both the message of the songs, as well as the point of view from which the songs are sung.
This evening, we want to begin with the song found on page 560, “Living By Faith.” In the Chorus we sing: “Living by faith, in Jesus alone. Trusting confiding, in his great love. From all harm I’m safe, in his sheltering arms. I’m living by faith, and feel no alarm.” What a wonderful declaration! Clearly the author of this song wants us to shout to the world that our faith is properly placed, and we trust in Christ Jesus our Lord!
In 1918, a man by the name of James Wells sat down and wrote the words which compose the song currently before us.
In Hebrews 11, we find what many have referred to as the, “Hall of Faith.” In this beautiful and inspiring chapter, we read something very interesting. Beginning in verse 20, the writer of Hebrews reveals something amazing. We learn that those who are pleasing in the sight of God are those who are, “Living By Faith.” We are told that Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and his parents, the Children of Israel, Rahab, Gedeon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, David, Samuel, and the prophets of God indeed lived their lives by faith. By their faith, these individuals were able to bless their families, protect their children, make good decisions, forego worldly pleasure, keep the commandments of God, escape their enemies, bring down walls which stood between them and victory, avoid certain destruction, subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens, received their dead raised to life again, absorbed torture, endured trials and scourgings, stood up to the difficulties of prison life, were stoned, sawn asunder, tempted, slain with the sword, let destitute, afflicted, and tormented. They did all of this, endured all these things by faith, that they, along with you and I, might be made perfect by God.
Today, I want to share with you the three verses which precede this marvelous declaration of faith. In order for us to sing it with confidence, assurance, and meaning, there are three things which we must understand. I want to invite you to join me as we consider what we need if we are to “Live By Faith.”
I. VERSE 1: A VERSE OF VALOR
In verse 1, we find to amazing displays of valor, or bravery. First, we sing: “I care not today what the morrow may bring, if shadow or sunshine or rain. The Lord I know ruleth o’er everything.” Did you catch it? The fact of valor is seen in the trust which those who sing these words place in the one who holds the future.
Notice the way in which the author gently reminds us of two basic Biblical principles. “I care NOT today what the morrow may bring if shadow or sunshine or rain.” There are two things you need to see here.
First, in Matthew 6: 34, Jesus has this to say: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.” Jesus himself supports the idea expressed here in the first part of this song. The idea is that you and I need to have the courage necessary to trust in God. Stop worrying over things which might, or might not happen.
In the verse, the author makes an often overlooked statement. “I care not today what the morrow MAY bring.” The truth is that you and I as humans are so limited in our vision that we don’t know how any given situation might turn out. Nevertheless we spend so much of our time concerning ourselves with the millions of ways in which things can go wrong. We need to realize that it isn’t up to us whether the sun shines or not. It isn’t up to us whether it rains or not. Instead of trying to mold the future, why don’t we have faith in the one who holds the future? Why don’t we have the courage to trust that the Lord which we know wouldn’t leave us to twist for all eternity?
What I want to encourage you to do is to have the bravery shown by Noah. In Hebrews 11: 7, we are reminded of the man first shown to us in Genesis chapter 5. In Genesis chapter 6, we learn that the Lord will soon destroy the world and its inhabitance. In Hebrews 11: 7, we learn of the true bravery of Noah. He lived life with such great faith that he acted upon nothing more than the word of the Lord. He had no physical proof that the end of the world was near at hand, but just his trust in God.
What about Abraham? That same man of whom we read about in Hebrews 11: 8. That same man who was told to go to a place, but wasn’t told the name of the place to which he should go! But, because of his bravery, his valor, his faith: he obeyed the Lord!
Even Sarah his wife is mentioned there in the Hall of Faith. Spoken of in verse 11, we marvel at her valor in the face of all that we know of human reproduction. She was too old to bear a child, yet she believed that it would happen because she judged the promise maker to be faithful and trustworthy!
Now, the second biblical principle which I want you to see is very simple. Remember, the author of the song has already shown his bravery by trusting in God to see him through. At the end of the first verse he states: “the Lord I know ruleth o’er everything, and all of my worry is vain!” Yet again the author shows his valor, and thus we show our bravery, in our acknowledgment of our own ineptitude. As Jesus himself stated in Matthew 6: 27, “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit to his stature?” In other words, worry truly is vain. We cannot change a given outcome by fretting over it. But, we can find comfort by trusting in God!
II. VERSE 2: A VERSE OF VISSION
“Though tempest may blow and the storm clouds arise, obscuring the brightness of life. I’m never alarmed at the overcast skies; the master looks on at the strife.” It is important for us to see the direction of the author’s sight. There are two things which we must see if we are to live by faith.
First, we need to see the truth. Notice those first words which you and I have sung over and over. “Though tempest may blow and the storm clouds arise.” The author sees the truth of life. What is the truth? Simply put, bad things do happen. “Though tempest arise.” This statement leaves no doubt as to whether or not trouble will come; rather it begs the question of when trouble will come.
Think about the way in which we as people will just be going along through life, everything fine, everything bright and shiny. Then, without warning, the ceiling falls down. Life is good, and then financial ruin breaks down our door! (Job 1: 13-17)
What about those times when all seems well, nothing but sunshine for as far as the eye can see, when suddenly death comes calling. It decides to take a child, parent, spouse, friend, or relative? (Job 1: 18-19) What happens to you in those moments? How do you react?
What about when tragedy comes even closer? What will you do when it in fact stands at your very door? When perhaps the good health which you have for so long taken for granted is gone? (Job 2: 7-8)
Indeed, as the author writes, there are those times when the wind will rise, the rains fall down, and the strong tide will crash. There are those moments in life when the brightness of life is obscured by the raging storms. The truly amazing part isn’t that he recognizes this fact, but that he isn’t alarmed by it! What we want to examine is, why don’t the troubles and trials of life worry him? For that matter, why shouldn’t they worry us?
Put simply, he isn’t worried because he knows that the master stands at his side looking at all that is ahead.
Consider the story of Job which we have already referenced. Each time Satan asked to visit some horrible plague upon Job, God said yes. What I think we often overlook is the idea that just because God allowed Satan to test Job, that didn’t mean that God withdrew himself from Job. In fact, I would submit to you that God watched each and every thing that was done to his servant.
Folks, the same thing is true of us today. When bad things happen, we become convinced that when hard times come, it is because God has left. Nothing could be further from the truth! Remember, God has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13: 5)
When you are suffering, God is there! As the song says, the sky may be obscured, but the master, our savior and friend, is at our side, watching and assisting. Regardless of the outcome, we will overcome all things, because he has overcome all things! (John 16: 33)
III. VERSE 3: A VERSE OF VICTORY
There is perhaps no more beautiful verse than verse number 3 of Living By Faith. “Our Lord will return to this earth some sweet day, our troubles will then all be o’er. The master so gently will lead us away, beyond that blessed Heavenly shore.” For those who are truly “Living By Faith”, they must see the victory that will one day be ours!
Found within these words, we see a key word that will provide the victory on that glorious day in which our King shall return. The word is, “OUR.” The word “our” brings to mind the idea of possession. The one, who can say, with all confidence, “OUR LORD shall return”, is one who has named the name of Christ. This victory will be for those who are his followers. For those individuals, suffering, pain, death, tears, fears, sadness, sorrow, trials and tribulation will all come to an end on that wonderful day! (Revelation 21: 4)
However, for those who are not found written in the Lambs Book of Life, (Rev 21: 27), the beginning of anguish will just be getting started. For those who are not his, they will experience “outer darkness.” (Matthew 8: 12) They shall be cast into a “Furnace of Fire.” Matthew 13: 42) Instead of relief and joy, they shall know great sorrow and sadness. (Luke 13: 28)
Let me ask you this: will you be led away to that beautiful heavenly shore, or is a furnace of fire the best that you can hope to receive? The truth is, we all know where we stand. In First John 5: 13, the Bible has this to say: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” You know if you are “Living By Faith.” You know if you are in Christ Jesus today.
However, you likewise know if you are outside of the body of Christ. If you are here tonight, and you are in that loneliest of places, which is separation from God, then why don’t you do something about it? If you need to obey the Gospel, then why not tonight? If you need to return to your first love, then why not right now? If we can help you, won’t you let us know?
“LIVING BY FAITH”
(HEBREWS 11: 20-40)
Intro:
When I was a child, there was a song which we use to sing that drove me crazy. It wasn’t because the music was bad, or the melody wasn’t pleasant, or even that the words weren’t good. No, the reason that I didn’t like it was because I didn’t understand the words which I thought we were singing.
The song is found on page 76, and is entitled, “HOW GREAT THOU ART.” In the fourth verse, we sing: “When I shall bow, in humble adoration, and there proclaim, My God how great thou art.” Now, you need to see this from my perspective as a blind person. The words “humble adoration” completely ran together. With that being the case, I spent most of my childhood trying to figure out what “humbleadoration” meant.
Now, as funny as that sounds, I wonder how many of us are like my younger and far more clueless self. How many of us just sing along, with no regard to the words which we are singing.
Beginning tonight, and for the next several weeks, I want us to consider the amazing messages which are found in the songs we sing. I want to help you to see both the message of the songs, as well as the point of view from which the songs are sung.
This evening, we want to begin with the song found on page 560, “Living By Faith.” In the Chorus we sing: “Living by faith, in Jesus alone. Trusting confiding, in his great love. From all harm I’m safe, in his sheltering arms. I’m living by faith, and feel no alarm.” What a wonderful declaration! Clearly the author of this song wants us to shout to the world that our faith is properly placed, and we trust in Christ Jesus our Lord!
In 1918, a man by the name of James Wells sat down and wrote the words which compose the song currently before us.
In Hebrews 11, we find what many have referred to as the, “Hall of Faith.” In this beautiful and inspiring chapter, we read something very interesting. Beginning in verse 20, the writer of Hebrews reveals something amazing. We learn that those who are pleasing in the sight of God are those who are, “Living By Faith.” We are told that Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and his parents, the Children of Israel, Rahab, Gedeon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, David, Samuel, and the prophets of God indeed lived their lives by faith. By their faith, these individuals were able to bless their families, protect their children, make good decisions, forego worldly pleasure, keep the commandments of God, escape their enemies, bring down walls which stood between them and victory, avoid certain destruction, subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens, received their dead raised to life again, absorbed torture, endured trials and scourgings, stood up to the difficulties of prison life, were stoned, sawn asunder, tempted, slain with the sword, let destitute, afflicted, and tormented. They did all of this, endured all these things by faith, that they, along with you and I, might be made perfect by God.
Today, I want to share with you the three verses which precede this marvelous declaration of faith. In order for us to sing it with confidence, assurance, and meaning, there are three things which we must understand. I want to invite you to join me as we consider what we need if we are to “Live By Faith.”
I. VERSE 1: A VERSE OF VALOR
In verse 1, we find to amazing displays of valor, or bravery. First, we sing: “I care not today what the morrow may bring, if shadow or sunshine or rain. The Lord I know ruleth o’er everything.” Did you catch it? The fact of valor is seen in the trust which those who sing these words place in the one who holds the future.
Notice the way in which the author gently reminds us of two basic Biblical principles. “I care NOT today what the morrow may bring if shadow or sunshine or rain.” There are two things you need to see here.
First, in Matthew 6: 34, Jesus has this to say: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.” Jesus himself supports the idea expressed here in the first part of this song. The idea is that you and I need to have the courage necessary to trust in God. Stop worrying over things which might, or might not happen.
In the verse, the author makes an often overlooked statement. “I care not today what the morrow MAY bring.” The truth is that you and I as humans are so limited in our vision that we don’t know how any given situation might turn out. Nevertheless we spend so much of our time concerning ourselves with the millions of ways in which things can go wrong. We need to realize that it isn’t up to us whether the sun shines or not. It isn’t up to us whether it rains or not. Instead of trying to mold the future, why don’t we have faith in the one who holds the future? Why don’t we have the courage to trust that the Lord which we know wouldn’t leave us to twist for all eternity?
What I want to encourage you to do is to have the bravery shown by Noah. In Hebrews 11: 7, we are reminded of the man first shown to us in Genesis chapter 5. In Genesis chapter 6, we learn that the Lord will soon destroy the world and its inhabitance. In Hebrews 11: 7, we learn of the true bravery of Noah. He lived life with such great faith that he acted upon nothing more than the word of the Lord. He had no physical proof that the end of the world was near at hand, but just his trust in God.
What about Abraham? That same man of whom we read about in Hebrews 11: 8. That same man who was told to go to a place, but wasn’t told the name of the place to which he should go! But, because of his bravery, his valor, his faith: he obeyed the Lord!
Even Sarah his wife is mentioned there in the Hall of Faith. Spoken of in verse 11, we marvel at her valor in the face of all that we know of human reproduction. She was too old to bear a child, yet she believed that it would happen because she judged the promise maker to be faithful and trustworthy!
Now, the second biblical principle which I want you to see is very simple. Remember, the author of the song has already shown his bravery by trusting in God to see him through. At the end of the first verse he states: “the Lord I know ruleth o’er everything, and all of my worry is vain!” Yet again the author shows his valor, and thus we show our bravery, in our acknowledgment of our own ineptitude. As Jesus himself stated in Matthew 6: 27, “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit to his stature?” In other words, worry truly is vain. We cannot change a given outcome by fretting over it. But, we can find comfort by trusting in God!
II. VERSE 2: A VERSE OF VISSION
“Though tempest may blow and the storm clouds arise, obscuring the brightness of life. I’m never alarmed at the overcast skies; the master looks on at the strife.” It is important for us to see the direction of the author’s sight. There are two things which we must see if we are to live by faith.
First, we need to see the truth. Notice those first words which you and I have sung over and over. “Though tempest may blow and the storm clouds arise.” The author sees the truth of life. What is the truth? Simply put, bad things do happen. “Though tempest arise.” This statement leaves no doubt as to whether or not trouble will come; rather it begs the question of when trouble will come.
Think about the way in which we as people will just be going along through life, everything fine, everything bright and shiny. Then, without warning, the ceiling falls down. Life is good, and then financial ruin breaks down our door! (Job 1: 13-17)
What about those times when all seems well, nothing but sunshine for as far as the eye can see, when suddenly death comes calling. It decides to take a child, parent, spouse, friend, or relative? (Job 1: 18-19) What happens to you in those moments? How do you react?
What about when tragedy comes even closer? What will you do when it in fact stands at your very door? When perhaps the good health which you have for so long taken for granted is gone? (Job 2: 7-8)
Indeed, as the author writes, there are those times when the wind will rise, the rains fall down, and the strong tide will crash. There are those moments in life when the brightness of life is obscured by the raging storms. The truly amazing part isn’t that he recognizes this fact, but that he isn’t alarmed by it! What we want to examine is, why don’t the troubles and trials of life worry him? For that matter, why shouldn’t they worry us?
Put simply, he isn’t worried because he knows that the master stands at his side looking at all that is ahead.
Consider the story of Job which we have already referenced. Each time Satan asked to visit some horrible plague upon Job, God said yes. What I think we often overlook is the idea that just because God allowed Satan to test Job, that didn’t mean that God withdrew himself from Job. In fact, I would submit to you that God watched each and every thing that was done to his servant.
Folks, the same thing is true of us today. When bad things happen, we become convinced that when hard times come, it is because God has left. Nothing could be further from the truth! Remember, God has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13: 5)
When you are suffering, God is there! As the song says, the sky may be obscured, but the master, our savior and friend, is at our side, watching and assisting. Regardless of the outcome, we will overcome all things, because he has overcome all things! (John 16: 33)
III. VERSE 3: A VERSE OF VICTORY
There is perhaps no more beautiful verse than verse number 3 of Living By Faith. “Our Lord will return to this earth some sweet day, our troubles will then all be o’er. The master so gently will lead us away, beyond that blessed Heavenly shore.” For those who are truly “Living By Faith”, they must see the victory that will one day be ours!
Found within these words, we see a key word that will provide the victory on that glorious day in which our King shall return. The word is, “OUR.” The word “our” brings to mind the idea of possession. The one, who can say, with all confidence, “OUR LORD shall return”, is one who has named the name of Christ. This victory will be for those who are his followers. For those individuals, suffering, pain, death, tears, fears, sadness, sorrow, trials and tribulation will all come to an end on that wonderful day! (Revelation 21: 4)
However, for those who are not found written in the Lambs Book of Life, (Rev 21: 27), the beginning of anguish will just be getting started. For those who are not his, they will experience “outer darkness.” (Matthew 8: 12) They shall be cast into a “Furnace of Fire.” Matthew 13: 42) Instead of relief and joy, they shall know great sorrow and sadness. (Luke 13: 28)
Let me ask you this: will you be led away to that beautiful heavenly shore, or is a furnace of fire the best that you can hope to receive? The truth is, we all know where we stand. In First John 5: 13, the Bible has this to say: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” You know if you are “Living By Faith.” You know if you are in Christ Jesus today.
However, you likewise know if you are outside of the body of Christ. If you are here tonight, and you are in that loneliest of places, which is separation from God, then why don’t you do something about it? If you need to obey the Gospel, then why not tonight? If you need to return to your first love, then why not right now? If we can help you, won’t you let us know?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
GET A JUMP ON SIN!
GET A JUMP ON SIN.
1 PETER 5: 5 – 11
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
In verse 1 - 4 Peter speaks to elders. Peter was an elder. He says they are to feed the flock, take the oversight willingly and not for material gain. He says not to lord over the flock but to be examples to them. When Jesus comes they will receive a crown that fadeth not away. Verse 5 – 11 he speaks to everyone else, both young and old alike. He gives us a look at the future and how to get a jump on sin. Be ready, get prepared, for the devil will tempt you. What a blessing to know ahead of time what to expect and what to do to overcome.
I. 1 Peter 5: 8 Know God’s Word Better.
Be sober, be vigilant, knowing…
A. Matt. 4: 1 – 4 Jesus is the perfect example of overcoming temptation.
1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
1. Heb. 5: 8 Jesus learned obedience by the things which he suffered.
2. Jesus said it is written. Deut. 8: 3 Moses had written.
3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
Bread sustains the physical body, but the spiritual body needs the word of God.
B. Matt. 4: 5 – 7 Jesus says not to tempt the Lord thy God.
5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
1. Don’t ever think the devil does not know the Bible. He does.
2. 1 Peter 3: 15 We need to know it also so we can fight him.
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
3. Deut. 6: 16 Jesus quotes Moses.
16 Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.
4. Exod. 17: 7 The children of Israel tempted God in Massah.
7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?
We are not to tempt God or test God. Some have tested God by doing drugs, alcohol, tobacco, willful sin and have repented, quit and survived. Many have not and are dead, physically, spiritually, or both.
C. Matt. 4: 8 – 10 Jesus says to worship God and serve Him only.
8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Jesus knew this and worship His father, God.
1. Deut 6: 13 - 15 Moses said:
13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;
15 (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
2. With each temptation Jesus says; it is written.
D. Matt. 4: 11 The devil leaves Jesus.
11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
E. James 1: 22 – 25 The devil knows the Bible, but James says hearing or knowing is not enough.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
To get a jump on sin we know and do the Lord’s will.
II. 1 Peter 5: 9 We Need To Be Alert and Resist Against The Devil.
A. Matt. 7: 15 The devil loves to sneak in through false teachers.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
B. Eph. 5: 6 – 7 Beware of the deceitful words of men.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
C. 1 John 3: 7 – 8 Jesus came to destroy sin and the devil.
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
To get a jump on sin we need to be alert to the devil and temptation.
III. 1 Peter 5: 10 Let God Strengthen Us Through Obedience.
A. 1 Cor. 10: 13 God provides an escape to all who will accept it.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
God provides a way of escape, but we must be willing to look and accept it. He does not say it will be easy or without consequences. Doing the right thing is not always easy. A drug addict will go through withdrawals just as will a smoker. The adulterer may have children to care for, but they can separate themselves from adultery.
B. Phil. 4: 13 Paul writes to the Philippians of strength.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Not that we can do all things. Not that the lord will be pleased if we do all things. Paul says I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. When we believe that we will begin to do something for Christ.
C. Rev. 2: 10 – 11 Jesus says do not fear suffering. Look to heaven.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that over cometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
The second death being the final judgment. If we are faithful to god we have nothing to fear in eternity.
Getting a jump on sin.
1. Studying the word of God and obeying it.
2. Being alert to the devil and his temptations. Being ready to give an answer.
3. Strengthening our faith in God and His word. Our love for God will over come fear.
Will you come to Jesus and accept his will and obey Him?
Do you need to be baptized for the remission of sins?
Do you believe your lost and Christ alone can save you?
Why do you wait?
Are you an unfaithful christian? Oh, you attend worship, but you know in your own heart your not faithful to God. Why not come back to him. He waits on you to come. Is it a private sin? Take it to God.
Is it a sin known by others? Has it brought reproach on the church? If it is a public sin, you need to repent publicly. If you don’t know what to do talk to one of the elders. They are here to watch for your soul.
Do you need to come to Jesus? Come while we stand and sing.
1 PETER 5: 5 – 11
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
In verse 1 - 4 Peter speaks to elders. Peter was an elder. He says they are to feed the flock, take the oversight willingly and not for material gain. He says not to lord over the flock but to be examples to them. When Jesus comes they will receive a crown that fadeth not away. Verse 5 – 11 he speaks to everyone else, both young and old alike. He gives us a look at the future and how to get a jump on sin. Be ready, get prepared, for the devil will tempt you. What a blessing to know ahead of time what to expect and what to do to overcome.
I. 1 Peter 5: 8 Know God’s Word Better.
Be sober, be vigilant, knowing…
A. Matt. 4: 1 – 4 Jesus is the perfect example of overcoming temptation.
1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
1. Heb. 5: 8 Jesus learned obedience by the things which he suffered.
2. Jesus said it is written. Deut. 8: 3 Moses had written.
3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
Bread sustains the physical body, but the spiritual body needs the word of God.
B. Matt. 4: 5 – 7 Jesus says not to tempt the Lord thy God.
5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
1. Don’t ever think the devil does not know the Bible. He does.
2. 1 Peter 3: 15 We need to know it also so we can fight him.
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
3. Deut. 6: 16 Jesus quotes Moses.
16 Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.
4. Exod. 17: 7 The children of Israel tempted God in Massah.
7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?
We are not to tempt God or test God. Some have tested God by doing drugs, alcohol, tobacco, willful sin and have repented, quit and survived. Many have not and are dead, physically, spiritually, or both.
C. Matt. 4: 8 – 10 Jesus says to worship God and serve Him only.
8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Jesus knew this and worship His father, God.
1. Deut 6: 13 - 15 Moses said:
13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;
15 (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
2. With each temptation Jesus says; it is written.
D. Matt. 4: 11 The devil leaves Jesus.
11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
E. James 1: 22 – 25 The devil knows the Bible, but James says hearing or knowing is not enough.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
To get a jump on sin we know and do the Lord’s will.
II. 1 Peter 5: 9 We Need To Be Alert and Resist Against The Devil.
A. Matt. 7: 15 The devil loves to sneak in through false teachers.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
B. Eph. 5: 6 – 7 Beware of the deceitful words of men.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
C. 1 John 3: 7 – 8 Jesus came to destroy sin and the devil.
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
To get a jump on sin we need to be alert to the devil and temptation.
III. 1 Peter 5: 10 Let God Strengthen Us Through Obedience.
A. 1 Cor. 10: 13 God provides an escape to all who will accept it.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
God provides a way of escape, but we must be willing to look and accept it. He does not say it will be easy or without consequences. Doing the right thing is not always easy. A drug addict will go through withdrawals just as will a smoker. The adulterer may have children to care for, but they can separate themselves from adultery.
B. Phil. 4: 13 Paul writes to the Philippians of strength.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Not that we can do all things. Not that the lord will be pleased if we do all things. Paul says I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. When we believe that we will begin to do something for Christ.
C. Rev. 2: 10 – 11 Jesus says do not fear suffering. Look to heaven.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that over cometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
The second death being the final judgment. If we are faithful to god we have nothing to fear in eternity.
Getting a jump on sin.
1. Studying the word of God and obeying it.
2. Being alert to the devil and his temptations. Being ready to give an answer.
3. Strengthening our faith in God and His word. Our love for God will over come fear.
Will you come to Jesus and accept his will and obey Him?
Do you need to be baptized for the remission of sins?
Do you believe your lost and Christ alone can save you?
Why do you wait?
Are you an unfaithful christian? Oh, you attend worship, but you know in your own heart your not faithful to God. Why not come back to him. He waits on you to come. Is it a private sin? Take it to God.
Is it a sin known by others? Has it brought reproach on the church? If it is a public sin, you need to repent publicly. If you don’t know what to do talk to one of the elders. They are here to watch for your soul.
Do you need to come to Jesus? Come while we stand and sing.
Becoming A Great Church
"BECOMING A GREAT CHURCH"
Jer 29: 11
Intro: "Cabin Inspection"
For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to attend Thornhill week at CFBC, then you have indeed missed a treat. Aside from all of the games, activities, devotionals, Bible Studies, and lessons: there is one thing that is completely unique. It is Cabbin Inspection.
Cabbin inspection is special for a very simple reason. During this activity, you find aprocimently 85 children between the ages of 10-18 suddenly consumed by the of cleanliness. There greatest desire in the world is to have the cleanest cabin. If they win, they are allowed to go for a night-time swim. As much as the councelers don’t like this idea, the kids do. You see, their objective is to have the greatest cabin of all.
It is the drive to win which pushes us to do great things. It is our desire for success, which leads us to go that extra mile. If we are building houses, we want to build the best house. If we are playing games, we want to be the best. If we are weaving baskets, we want to weave the best basket.
While this can often be a negative attitude where our worldly lives are concerned, we should all strive to make our church as successful as we can. We should strive to reach the most people. We should look to touch the hearts of as many lost souls as we can find. Not so that the outside world will praise us, but rather it is because it is God's plan for his church. In Jeremiah 29: 11, we are told, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
This morning, we want to ask the very important question, "WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE OUR CHURCH GREAT?" This lesson is designed to help you to see the things, which we need to do if we are to be successful in our work for the Lord.
I A GREAT CHURCH FOCUSES ON SPIRITUAL GROWTH!
1. The goal of each and every member of the Lord's church should be to become more like the savior.
A. Phil 2: 5 we should all strive to be Christ like in our minds.
B. Jn 13: 5 we should all strive to be Christ like in our attitude.
C. Jn 15: 13 we should all strive to be Christ like in the way we love one another.
2. Regardless of whether or not we choosy to become more like Christ or not, we need to understand that spiritually speaking, there will be changes that take place.
A. In Romans 12: 2, Paul points out that there are only two choices that we have in terms of our spiritual well being.
(a.) Ro 12: 2 we can either be conformed to the ways of this world.
(b.) Ro 12: 2 or, we can allow god to transform our lives, by changing our thinking.
B. Paul's message is very clear.
(a.) The message is that we will be changed, one way or the other, we will be changed.
(b.) Either we will conform to the ways of the world, and thus choose to grow away from the will of God.
(c.) Or, we will choose to submit ourselves to God, allow him to transform our minds, and grow in his grace and knowledge.
C. If we are to be a church that is great, then we need to focus ourselves on spiritual growth, which is based upon the transforming of our minds!
3. The reason that many churches today aren't growing spiritually is because they focus more on numerology, rather than theology.
A. A large number is good, but it isn't always an accurate gage on the spiritual growth of the church.
B. In other words, increased size doesn't always mean increased spirit.
C. Let's focus on growing in spirit, and the numbers will take care of themselves.
II A GREAT CHURCH WORKS TO PROTECT A HEALTHY FELLOWSHIP!
1. The truth of the matter is that churches, which are successful, work on growing spiritually closer to God, but likewise they attempt to grow closer to one another.
A. Eph 4: 3 the successful church is one that takes seriously the command to, "endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
B. They accomplish this goal by honoring one another, encouraging one another, inspiring one another, and spending time with one another.
C. To put it simply, the successful church is the one that cherishes the bond, which holds them together.
2. There is a side effect, which springs forth from a healthy fellowship.
A. Those around us will see and want to experience our love.
B. Jn 15: 13 when they see a love like ours, they will want that love!
C. Mt 18: 21-22 when they see forgiveness like our's, they will want that forgiveness!
D. 2Co 13: 9 when they see our rejoicing, they too will long to rejoice!
Jer 29: 11
Intro: "Cabin Inspection"
For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to attend Thornhill week at CFBC, then you have indeed missed a treat. Aside from all of the games, activities, devotionals, Bible Studies, and lessons: there is one thing that is completely unique. It is Cabbin Inspection.
Cabbin inspection is special for a very simple reason. During this activity, you find aprocimently 85 children between the ages of 10-18 suddenly consumed by the of cleanliness. There greatest desire in the world is to have the cleanest cabin. If they win, they are allowed to go for a night-time swim. As much as the councelers don’t like this idea, the kids do. You see, their objective is to have the greatest cabin of all.
It is the drive to win which pushes us to do great things. It is our desire for success, which leads us to go that extra mile. If we are building houses, we want to build the best house. If we are playing games, we want to be the best. If we are weaving baskets, we want to weave the best basket.
While this can often be a negative attitude where our worldly lives are concerned, we should all strive to make our church as successful as we can. We should strive to reach the most people. We should look to touch the hearts of as many lost souls as we can find. Not so that the outside world will praise us, but rather it is because it is God's plan for his church. In Jeremiah 29: 11, we are told, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
This morning, we want to ask the very important question, "WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE OUR CHURCH GREAT?" This lesson is designed to help you to see the things, which we need to do if we are to be successful in our work for the Lord.
I A GREAT CHURCH FOCUSES ON SPIRITUAL GROWTH!
1. The goal of each and every member of the Lord's church should be to become more like the savior.
A. Phil 2: 5 we should all strive to be Christ like in our minds.
B. Jn 13: 5 we should all strive to be Christ like in our attitude.
C. Jn 15: 13 we should all strive to be Christ like in the way we love one another.
2. Regardless of whether or not we choosy to become more like Christ or not, we need to understand that spiritually speaking, there will be changes that take place.
A. In Romans 12: 2, Paul points out that there are only two choices that we have in terms of our spiritual well being.
(a.) Ro 12: 2 we can either be conformed to the ways of this world.
(b.) Ro 12: 2 or, we can allow god to transform our lives, by changing our thinking.
B. Paul's message is very clear.
(a.) The message is that we will be changed, one way or the other, we will be changed.
(b.) Either we will conform to the ways of the world, and thus choose to grow away from the will of God.
(c.) Or, we will choose to submit ourselves to God, allow him to transform our minds, and grow in his grace and knowledge.
C. If we are to be a church that is great, then we need to focus ourselves on spiritual growth, which is based upon the transforming of our minds!
3. The reason that many churches today aren't growing spiritually is because they focus more on numerology, rather than theology.
A. A large number is good, but it isn't always an accurate gage on the spiritual growth of the church.
B. In other words, increased size doesn't always mean increased spirit.
C. Let's focus on growing in spirit, and the numbers will take care of themselves.
II A GREAT CHURCH WORKS TO PROTECT A HEALTHY FELLOWSHIP!
1. The truth of the matter is that churches, which are successful, work on growing spiritually closer to God, but likewise they attempt to grow closer to one another.
A. Eph 4: 3 the successful church is one that takes seriously the command to, "endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
B. They accomplish this goal by honoring one another, encouraging one another, inspiring one another, and spending time with one another.
C. To put it simply, the successful church is the one that cherishes the bond, which holds them together.
2. There is a side effect, which springs forth from a healthy fellowship.
A. Those around us will see and want to experience our love.
B. Jn 15: 13 when they see a love like ours, they will want that love!
C. Mt 18: 21-22 when they see forgiveness like our's, they will want that forgiveness!
D. 2Co 13: 9 when they see our rejoicing, they too will long to rejoice!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
IT IS IN YOUR HANDS
It Is In Your Hands
IT IS IN YOUR HANDS
MATTHEW 5: 1 – 12
I. WILL YOU BE CONTENT?
A. 1 THESS. 5: 16
B. JOHN 10: 10
C. LUKE 12: 15
D. PHIL. 4: 11
II. WILL YOU HAVE FRIENDS?
A. PROVERBS 18: 24
B. PHIL. 2: 2 – 5
C. MATT. 23: 11 – 12
III. WILL YOU BE STRONGER AND GROW?
A. EPH. 6: 10
B. ACTS 2: 42
C. ACTS 8: 4
D. COL. 1: 23
REV. 20: 12
IT IS IN YOUR HANDS
MATTHEW 5: 1 – 12
I. WILL YOU BE CONTENT?
A. 1 THESS. 5: 16
B. JOHN 10: 10
C. LUKE 12: 15
D. PHIL. 4: 11
II. WILL YOU HAVE FRIENDS?
A. PROVERBS 18: 24
B. PHIL. 2: 2 – 5
C. MATT. 23: 11 – 12
III. WILL YOU BE STRONGER AND GROW?
A. EPH. 6: 10
B. ACTS 2: 42
C. ACTS 8: 4
D. COL. 1: 23
REV. 20: 12
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
L.I.F.E
L.I.F.E.
JOHN 13: 34 – 35
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
What kind of love should we have for one another? Jesus says “love one another; as I have loved you.” Was he only saying this was love that the apostles were to have? Who were these men? Jesus says “ye are my disciples.” What is a disciple? Vines’ Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines disciple as a learner. Of this text he says, “( c ) of all who manifest that they are His disciples by abiding in His Word. This is the same word found in
1 Cor. 13: 1 – 13 ASV. Paul writes about love. The KJ says charity which is the same Greek word. Read with me what kind of love we are to have for one another in Christ.
1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.
13 But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
This is the foundation of our lesson and the first point in the acrostic. LIFE.
I. LOVE – John 13: 34 We are commanded to love one another.
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
This was new to the disciples with Jesus , but it is not new to us. We know how we are to treat one another, but do we do it?
A. Col. 3: 12 – 15 Paul writes to the Col. brethren (put on or cloth yourself)
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Can we bare with one another, forgive one another, and put on love? Do we even want to? One of the problems in the church of Christ is we don’t know one another. We see one another on Sunday. Some of you won’t even hear the send part of this lesson because you have convensed yourself you can con just Sunday morning and go to heaven. What scripture did you ever read that in? None.
B. 1 Peter 1: 22 - 23 Peter instructs us to love one another.
22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
This is to be a continual love. One that last day in and day out. In good days and bad. If we live and abide in the word of God we can do it. If we want this family of God to grow we must learn to love one another. This love will motivate us to…
II. INVOLMENT Rom. 12: 9 – 13 Paul clearly teaches involvement with each other in
brotherly love, preferring one another. Preferring one another over people in the world and this includes family that are lost in the world.
( sincerity, not hypocrisy )
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Caring for one another. Showing concern for one another when one is absent, sick, even away. Could we send a card, make a call or at least say we missed them when they get back. It feels good to be missed. We are not involved in one personal business, but let each other know we care. Not like the husband that told the marriage counselor, I told my wife I loved her when we got married and if I change my mind I’ll tell her. Let people know.
A. Acts 2 Shows an involvement in Christians lives one with another.
Verse 1 The apostles were together in one place. They spent time together.
1. Acts 2: 5 – 7 These devout Jews were amazed to hear their own language being spoken by Galileans.
5 ¶ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
2. Acts 2: 14 Peter stands and speaks. With the eleven.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
3. Acts 2: 36 – 38 Peter preached unto them Jesus and they understood they needed to do something. When we preach Jesus today people will understand and want to do something. Either they will reject Christ or they will obey Christ, but not until we tell them of Jesus.
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
B. Acts. 2: 39 – 40 This was not just for them, but for all who would obey Jesus Christ.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
C. Acts 2: 46 – 47 They continued their involvement in the church.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 2 shows a people constantly meeting together and being involved in each other’s lives. This is part of what Christians do. Did you notice the word daily.
Why did the church multiply? Because they were working at it daily. Not just in fellowship but in teaching others. Having favor with all the people. What is favor? Graciousness, kindness, favor is given, deserved or earned.
Tonight we will finish Faith and Evangelism. If your not coming at least read the scriptures. What will you tonight? Watch T.V., Read a book, Work in the yeard,
Or just sit or sleep your life away. Preacher you can’t show me where the church met more than once on Sunday. That is right, But I can show you stronger Christians that attend Sunday night and Wednesday night as compared to weak Christians that don’t. I can show you elders and deacons and bible teachers that attend each service. I can tell you of faithful brethren that have passed on that were their examples. I can give you more scriptural reasons to attend than to not attend. I could go on and on, but it comes down to you and what you want to do.
You will do what you want to do, if all possible.
If you don’t come we will continue to pray for you. We will try to continue to teach you there is more to Christianity than what you are doing and receiving.
Oh yes you can find others that don’t come, but who are we living to please? People like us or God and Jesus Christ who died for us. Don’t try to please me. Vickie will tell you, you are wasting your time. Because I am human and every time you please me I will want more. We are never satisfied with one another, but God is spiritual and his plan is Holy and pure. He said If you love me keep my commandments. The inspired word says Forsake not the assembly as some are.
Now you guess which assemblies of the church are included. If you forsake to worship God you know God is not pleased. Tonight we will be here, Lord willing, to Worship God. Where will you be.
Do you need to be baptized or are you neglecting to do that also?
Do you to come today as a repentant Christian to ask prayer of you Christian family?
Will you come?
III. Faith – Heb. 11: 6 God requires faith.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
A. Luke 7: 6 – 9 Jesus marveled at the faith of the Centurion.
6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Does Jesus marvel at our faith because it is so great?
B. Mark 6: 1 – 6 Jesus marveled at the faith he found when returning to his own country.
1 ¶ And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
Do we marvel God by our lack of faith. Does he see us and say say oh ye of little faith?
C. Rom. 1: 16 – 17 Are we the faithful Christian Christ died for? Paul say:
16 ¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
When we continue to grow in faith and knowledge of the scripture the more devoted and committed our lives will become in Christ Jesus. The world will see Christ in our lives and we will be well pleasing to God and he will not be ashamed of us.
IIII. Evangelism – 1 Peter 2: 9 the purpose of the church. The reason Christ established it with his own blood.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
A. Mark 16: 15 – 16 Jesus sent out his disciples before the church was ever established. The world needs to here the gospel today. Who will take it?
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
B. Philemon 1 – 6 Paul was thankful for the work being done in Phillippi.
1 ¶ Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
C. Philemon 7 Paul’s prayer was that they may abound more and more.
9 ¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
This should be our prayer for one another in the family here at Bartow.
D. Colossians 1: 3 – 6 Paul prayer for the brethren in Colossi.
3 ¶ We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace .of God in truth:
Are we bringing forth fruit? If not why not?
Get in your LIFE zone ask your zone leader what you can do. Let him know you want to do more than wipe off tables after fellowship dinners. Young people and older people when was the last time you invited someone to come with you to bible class or worship or both? If you ask one person each day that would be 7 each week. That would be 30 to 31 each month and if 70 of us did it that could be 490 each week or 2100 each month. Just one a day. I’ll try if you will. No I’ll try even if you don’t. My salvation is my responsibility. If I am lost it is my own fault. Salvation is offered by Jesus Christ to all who will obey him. Being in this LIFE zone won’t save you but obeying Jesus Christ will help you grow in Love, Involvement, Faith and evangelism and this can help you to obey Jesus Christ and He will save you. Think about family. Do you need to obey Jesus Christ tonight in Baptism? Do you need to ask for prayers of this family of God? Do you need to respond. You know. Will you come?
JOHN 13: 34 – 35
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
What kind of love should we have for one another? Jesus says “love one another; as I have loved you.” Was he only saying this was love that the apostles were to have? Who were these men? Jesus says “ye are my disciples.” What is a disciple? Vines’ Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines disciple as a learner. Of this text he says, “( c ) of all who manifest that they are His disciples by abiding in His Word. This is the same word found in
1 Cor. 13: 1 – 13 ASV. Paul writes about love. The KJ says charity which is the same Greek word. Read with me what kind of love we are to have for one another in Christ.
1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.
13 But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
This is the foundation of our lesson and the first point in the acrostic. LIFE.
I. LOVE – John 13: 34 We are commanded to love one another.
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
This was new to the disciples with Jesus , but it is not new to us. We know how we are to treat one another, but do we do it?
A. Col. 3: 12 – 15 Paul writes to the Col. brethren (put on or cloth yourself)
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Can we bare with one another, forgive one another, and put on love? Do we even want to? One of the problems in the church of Christ is we don’t know one another. We see one another on Sunday. Some of you won’t even hear the send part of this lesson because you have convensed yourself you can con just Sunday morning and go to heaven. What scripture did you ever read that in? None.
B. 1 Peter 1: 22 - 23 Peter instructs us to love one another.
22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
This is to be a continual love. One that last day in and day out. In good days and bad. If we live and abide in the word of God we can do it. If we want this family of God to grow we must learn to love one another. This love will motivate us to…
II. INVOLMENT Rom. 12: 9 – 13 Paul clearly teaches involvement with each other in
brotherly love, preferring one another. Preferring one another over people in the world and this includes family that are lost in the world.
( sincerity, not hypocrisy )
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Caring for one another. Showing concern for one another when one is absent, sick, even away. Could we send a card, make a call or at least say we missed them when they get back. It feels good to be missed. We are not involved in one personal business, but let each other know we care. Not like the husband that told the marriage counselor, I told my wife I loved her when we got married and if I change my mind I’ll tell her. Let people know.
A. Acts 2 Shows an involvement in Christians lives one with another.
Verse 1 The apostles were together in one place. They spent time together.
1. Acts 2: 5 – 7 These devout Jews were amazed to hear their own language being spoken by Galileans.
5 ¶ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
2. Acts 2: 14 Peter stands and speaks. With the eleven.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
3. Acts 2: 36 – 38 Peter preached unto them Jesus and they understood they needed to do something. When we preach Jesus today people will understand and want to do something. Either they will reject Christ or they will obey Christ, but not until we tell them of Jesus.
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
B. Acts. 2: 39 – 40 This was not just for them, but for all who would obey Jesus Christ.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
C. Acts 2: 46 – 47 They continued their involvement in the church.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 2 shows a people constantly meeting together and being involved in each other’s lives. This is part of what Christians do. Did you notice the word daily.
Why did the church multiply? Because they were working at it daily. Not just in fellowship but in teaching others. Having favor with all the people. What is favor? Graciousness, kindness, favor is given, deserved or earned.
Tonight we will finish Faith and Evangelism. If your not coming at least read the scriptures. What will you tonight? Watch T.V., Read a book, Work in the yeard,
Or just sit or sleep your life away. Preacher you can’t show me where the church met more than once on Sunday. That is right, But I can show you stronger Christians that attend Sunday night and Wednesday night as compared to weak Christians that don’t. I can show you elders and deacons and bible teachers that attend each service. I can tell you of faithful brethren that have passed on that were their examples. I can give you more scriptural reasons to attend than to not attend. I could go on and on, but it comes down to you and what you want to do.
You will do what you want to do, if all possible.
If you don’t come we will continue to pray for you. We will try to continue to teach you there is more to Christianity than what you are doing and receiving.
Oh yes you can find others that don’t come, but who are we living to please? People like us or God and Jesus Christ who died for us. Don’t try to please me. Vickie will tell you, you are wasting your time. Because I am human and every time you please me I will want more. We are never satisfied with one another, but God is spiritual and his plan is Holy and pure. He said If you love me keep my commandments. The inspired word says Forsake not the assembly as some are.
Now you guess which assemblies of the church are included. If you forsake to worship God you know God is not pleased. Tonight we will be here, Lord willing, to Worship God. Where will you be.
Do you need to be baptized or are you neglecting to do that also?
Do you to come today as a repentant Christian to ask prayer of you Christian family?
Will you come?
III. Faith – Heb. 11: 6 God requires faith.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
A. Luke 7: 6 – 9 Jesus marveled at the faith of the Centurion.
6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Does Jesus marvel at our faith because it is so great?
B. Mark 6: 1 – 6 Jesus marveled at the faith he found when returning to his own country.
1 ¶ And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
Do we marvel God by our lack of faith. Does he see us and say say oh ye of little faith?
C. Rom. 1: 16 – 17 Are we the faithful Christian Christ died for? Paul say:
16 ¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
When we continue to grow in faith and knowledge of the scripture the more devoted and committed our lives will become in Christ Jesus. The world will see Christ in our lives and we will be well pleasing to God and he will not be ashamed of us.
IIII. Evangelism – 1 Peter 2: 9 the purpose of the church. The reason Christ established it with his own blood.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
A. Mark 16: 15 – 16 Jesus sent out his disciples before the church was ever established. The world needs to here the gospel today. Who will take it?
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
B. Philemon 1 – 6 Paul was thankful for the work being done in Phillippi.
1 ¶ Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
C. Philemon 7 Paul’s prayer was that they may abound more and more.
9 ¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
This should be our prayer for one another in the family here at Bartow.
D. Colossians 1: 3 – 6 Paul prayer for the brethren in Colossi.
3 ¶ We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace .of God in truth:
Are we bringing forth fruit? If not why not?
Get in your LIFE zone ask your zone leader what you can do. Let him know you want to do more than wipe off tables after fellowship dinners. Young people and older people when was the last time you invited someone to come with you to bible class or worship or both? If you ask one person each day that would be 7 each week. That would be 30 to 31 each month and if 70 of us did it that could be 490 each week or 2100 each month. Just one a day. I’ll try if you will. No I’ll try even if you don’t. My salvation is my responsibility. If I am lost it is my own fault. Salvation is offered by Jesus Christ to all who will obey him. Being in this LIFE zone won’t save you but obeying Jesus Christ will help you grow in Love, Involvement, Faith and evangelism and this can help you to obey Jesus Christ and He will save you. Think about family. Do you need to obey Jesus Christ tonight in Baptism? Do you need to ask for prayers of this family of God? Do you need to respond. You know. Will you come?
LOOKING BACK AND REACHING FORWARD
"LOOKING BACK AND REACHING FORWARD"
Intro:
Welcome to 2009. For many of us, 2008 was somewhat up and down. I'm sure that you had both your highlights, as well as your lowlights. Maybe you will remember 08 for some sports related memory. Maybe it was something in the world of entertainment that captured your attention. Maybe you, like millions of others around the world were caught up in the historic election, which took place during 2008. Maybe your memory wasn't on a national level, but a personal level. Maybe it was a death, birth, move, transfer, or something totally different, which will always come to mind when you think of 2008.
Regardless what memory stands out the most, it is an undeniable fact that 08 is now in the books, and it is time to turn our attention to the year which stretches before us. Let me ask you, do you want 2009 to be a successful year spiritually speaking? Do you want to serve God better in 09, than you did in 08? If the answer is yes, then what you need is a plan.
Here tonight, I want to help you to see the plan, which will assist you in growing closer to God in this New Year. If you and I are to be better Christians in 2009, then we must..
I. WE MUST WAKE UP!
(Acts 20: 7-9)
1. There were two things, which should have kept Eutychus awake.
A. The opportunity, which he was afforded.
B. The Danger, which he faced.
2. Opportunity stood at Eutychus door, just as it stands at the door of 09.
A. Eutychus had the opportunity to hear the Apostle Paul speak, and didn't take proper advantage of it.
B. For us, in 09, it is not the opportunity to listen, but to speak that should keep us awake!
C. Rom 1: 16 we have the chance to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which has the power to save souls!
3. We also, just like Eutychus, must wake up and beware the danger, which we face.
A. Eutychus fell asleep while setting in a third-story window. How could he not see the danger, which he faced?
B. If you and I are not careful in 09, we will likewise fall asleep, and we will also lose our lives.
C. 1Pet 5: 8 remember in 09, that the devil is looking out for sleeping Christians.
II. WE MUST STAND UP!
(ACTS 6-7)
1. In scripture, there are few men who stood up with the same faith, which we see in Stephen.
A. Acts 6: 1 the Grecians began to complain because they felt that their widows were being neglected.
B. Acts 6: 2-4 the Apostles instructed them to elect 7 men of honest report, and full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, and appoint them deacons, that they might see to those needs.
C. Acts 6: 5 Stephen was selected, and filled the office with wisdom and courage.
D. Acts 6: 12 the council heard of his efforts, arrested him, and brought charges against him.
E. They wanted him to set down and hush, and instead he stood up and shouted!
2. In 09, this is what we must learn to do as well.
A. It is time for us to stand and defend the Lord who died for us.
B. Matt 10: 32 if we want Christ to stand up for us before our Father in Heaven, then we must be prepared to stand up for him while here on earth.
III. WE MUST LOOK UP!
(GENESIS 3: 1-12)
1. Whether it is 2009 or A.D. 59, there is a problem which man has always faced.
A. We always take to much credit, and accept to little of the blame.
B. Gen 3: 12 from the beginning man has been looking for someone to blame.
2. However, in 09, learn to give credit where credit is due.
A. James 1: 17 God isn't the giver of evil gifts, but every thing that is good and perfect.
B. John 16: 33 if you are going through something bad right now, you can know that something good is yet to come!
Intro:
Welcome to 2009. For many of us, 2008 was somewhat up and down. I'm sure that you had both your highlights, as well as your lowlights. Maybe you will remember 08 for some sports related memory. Maybe it was something in the world of entertainment that captured your attention. Maybe you, like millions of others around the world were caught up in the historic election, which took place during 2008. Maybe your memory wasn't on a national level, but a personal level. Maybe it was a death, birth, move, transfer, or something totally different, which will always come to mind when you think of 2008.
Regardless what memory stands out the most, it is an undeniable fact that 08 is now in the books, and it is time to turn our attention to the year which stretches before us. Let me ask you, do you want 2009 to be a successful year spiritually speaking? Do you want to serve God better in 09, than you did in 08? If the answer is yes, then what you need is a plan.
Here tonight, I want to help you to see the plan, which will assist you in growing closer to God in this New Year. If you and I are to be better Christians in 2009, then we must..
I. WE MUST WAKE UP!
(Acts 20: 7-9)
1. There were two things, which should have kept Eutychus awake.
A. The opportunity, which he was afforded.
B. The Danger, which he faced.
2. Opportunity stood at Eutychus door, just as it stands at the door of 09.
A. Eutychus had the opportunity to hear the Apostle Paul speak, and didn't take proper advantage of it.
B. For us, in 09, it is not the opportunity to listen, but to speak that should keep us awake!
C. Rom 1: 16 we have the chance to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which has the power to save souls!
3. We also, just like Eutychus, must wake up and beware the danger, which we face.
A. Eutychus fell asleep while setting in a third-story window. How could he not see the danger, which he faced?
B. If you and I are not careful in 09, we will likewise fall asleep, and we will also lose our lives.
C. 1Pet 5: 8 remember in 09, that the devil is looking out for sleeping Christians.
II. WE MUST STAND UP!
(ACTS 6-7)
1. In scripture, there are few men who stood up with the same faith, which we see in Stephen.
A. Acts 6: 1 the Grecians began to complain because they felt that their widows were being neglected.
B. Acts 6: 2-4 the Apostles instructed them to elect 7 men of honest report, and full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, and appoint them deacons, that they might see to those needs.
C. Acts 6: 5 Stephen was selected, and filled the office with wisdom and courage.
D. Acts 6: 12 the council heard of his efforts, arrested him, and brought charges against him.
E. They wanted him to set down and hush, and instead he stood up and shouted!
2. In 09, this is what we must learn to do as well.
A. It is time for us to stand and defend the Lord who died for us.
B. Matt 10: 32 if we want Christ to stand up for us before our Father in Heaven, then we must be prepared to stand up for him while here on earth.
III. WE MUST LOOK UP!
(GENESIS 3: 1-12)
1. Whether it is 2009 or A.D. 59, there is a problem which man has always faced.
A. We always take to much credit, and accept to little of the blame.
B. Gen 3: 12 from the beginning man has been looking for someone to blame.
2. However, in 09, learn to give credit where credit is due.
A. James 1: 17 God isn't the giver of evil gifts, but every thing that is good and perfect.
B. John 16: 33 if you are going through something bad right now, you can know that something good is yet to come!
CLAUS VS. CHRIST
“CLAUS VS CHRIST”
Intro:
“You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I’m telling you why, Santa Clause is coming to town.” These words have delighted millions of both young and old for years. To the ear of a child, this is the anthem which signifies the coming of gifts. TO the ear of an adult, it is the anthem which reminds them of the past. It recalls memories of Christmas’s gone by. It might even call to mind the money which they will soon be spending. What a wonderful song. For all of us, it brings to mind the champion of gift giving. The great December traveler. The man known for his jolly red suet, his bright twinkling eyes, and his reindeer drawn slay. When we hear this song, we think of Santa Clause. There are so many who love the sound of those words, “Santa Clause is coming to town.”
However, at this time of year, the world often pauses to observe the birth of another great gift giver. He was the giver of life eternal. Known for his bright red redeeming blood, his sparkling mercy, and his salvation driven existence. We are of course speaking of Jesus. Tonight, so many parents will tuck their children in with the promise of the coming Clause, but will say nothing of the coming Christ.
Well, did you know that there are several similarities between the two? This morning, I want to share with you some of the differences, as well as some of the similarities, between Clause and Christ. I want to help you to see that there is one who offers much more than video games, new clothes, exercise equipment, money, or even a new car. I want to help you to see that there is one more worthy of adoration than that man with the belly which jiggles like a bowl full of jelly. Turn with me for just a moment as we consider the importance of Jesus. Not just at Christmas, but in each and every day of our life.
BOTH KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, BUT THEY ALSO GIVE YOU WHAT YOU NEED.
As children, my brother and I lived by the creed, “Shoot for the moon.” When it came time to make out our Christmas lists, we would put down the most outrageous things. I can remember one year, my first grade teacher asked us to write down what we wanted for Christmas. She said that we were to only write down the thing which we most wanted. This list would then be sent to Santa, and it would be put in the paper. Well, you need to understand that my Dad had just gotten a new dirt bike. So, I sat down at my little desk, and I took the sheet of paper which I had been given, and I said that I wanted a new motor cycle so I could go riding with my dad. The really funny thing is that I actually thought I would get it. Boy did my momma laugh. She thought that was so funny.
I can also remember one year when my brother made a rather unusual request. While watching the Chicago Bulls on WGN, he told my mom that he knew what he needed for Christmas. He said that he needed to be bald, black, and to be able to play basket ball like Michael Jordan. Mom responded that she thought that Santa could help him become bald, but the rest would be up to him.
Now, in both cases, our desires were well noted. Did I need a motor cycle at age seven? No. Did my brother really need to be bald, black, and be able to play ball like MJ? No. But the good part was that Santa was willing to listen. He knew our wants.
Even better, Santa always seemed to know our needs. So many times I would go to bed dreaming of G.I.Joes, HEMEN, Wrestlers, video games and so many other things, only to wake up to find those things, along with socks, under shirts, batteries, fruit and nuts. Sure, he gave me some of the things I wanted, but he always seemed to provide for those things which I really needed.
In the same way, Jesus knows our wants, and he will provide those things from time-to-time. But, the one thing you can count on is his ability to always provide us with those things which we truly need. Take for example the Apostle Paul. In 2Cor 12: 7-9, Paul states that one of his desires is to be relieved of his thorn in the flesh. He asked the Lord not once, not twice, but three times to remove this burden. Each time the Lord made the same reply. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Notice, not only does he tell him no, but he also gives him the reason for this answer. It is for no other reason than God knows what’s best for Paul. Whatever that thorn might have been, it was better in than out. Had God granted many of Paul’s requests? Yes. But did he know what was best in this case? Certainly.
You might not always like everything you get, but you can believe that what you get is what you need. I didn’t want socks, under shirts, fruits and nuts. I wanted toys! Toys! Toys! But someone, call him Santa, knew that I needed more. In this same way, God hears our wants, and occasionally gives us those things, but without question he always gives us what we need.
II BOTH KNOW WHO’VE BEEN NOTTY, AND WHO’VE BEEN NICE One of the most terrifying parts of the Christmas experience is the question, “Have you been knotty or nice?” In other words, have you been good or bad? We’ve all heard about Santa’s list. We know about the fact that he is keeping tabs on us all year. We know that for the well behaved children, they will get their hearts desires. However, for those who are bad, they will get nothing but switches and lumps of Cole. I don’t know whether or not any of you ever received one of these less than satisfactory gifts, but I do know that those who act in a way that they shouldn’t, miss out on the gifts come Christmas time.
I can recall a Christmas some eight years ago. My brother had been in and out of trouble all year long. Around Christmas time, he had begun to show signs of improvement. However, two nights before we were to have our dinner and open our gifts, things fell apart. In the middle of the night my parents received a call asking them to come down to the local county jail and pick up my little brother. He had been pulled over, and subsequently arrested, for under age drinking, as well as drinking and driving. For obvious reasons, that was a Christmas we will never forget. It seemed to cast a shadow over the whole holiday. We tried to push forward, but it just didn’t seem right. My parents decided that David didn’t deserve presents that year, and they made everyone take back their gifts. He didn’t get anything. He got to come, eat, and then watch us open our gifts. He had been bad, and he paid the price. When the time came, David was found to be on the knotty list.
In the same way, Christ is watching, and he too has a list. He is watching in a way that is much more personal than even that of Santa. You see, Christ can see straight to the heart of man. He doesn’t have to concern himself with just physical acts. No, instead he can know our innermost desires. Hebrews 4: 13 assures us that, we are naked before him with whom we have to do.”
In addition, he to has a list. It is known as the lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21: 27 tells us that only those who are found in this book of life shall receive that greatest gift of all. The home in Heaven which is promised to the righteous. While on the other hand, John says that those who are wicked shall be blotted out of that same book. IN other words, they will miss out.
I will never forget how broken hearted my brother was when he missed out. He messed up, and then paid the consequences. I can only imagine the sadness of the one who isn’t found on the list of those who are bound for the Promised Land.
I’m not sure what you believe about Santa Clause. I don’t know what you have or have not told your children and grandchildren. Honestly, that’s not my concern. My question is, what have you told them about Christ. Have you told them that he will always be there to give them what they need, even if it wasn’t what they wanted? Have you told them that Jesus is always watching over them? Protecting yes, but also seeing who’s been knotty and who’s been nice? I will tell you that I see nothing wrong with talking to your kids about Clause, but please don’t forget about Christ. The most important relationship which we have is between us, and our savior. I want to encourage you to examine that bond you have today. Is it where it should be? Have you been good, or bad? Do you need help here today? If so, please let those needs be known at this time.
Intro:
“You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I’m telling you why, Santa Clause is coming to town.” These words have delighted millions of both young and old for years. To the ear of a child, this is the anthem which signifies the coming of gifts. TO the ear of an adult, it is the anthem which reminds them of the past. It recalls memories of Christmas’s gone by. It might even call to mind the money which they will soon be spending. What a wonderful song. For all of us, it brings to mind the champion of gift giving. The great December traveler. The man known for his jolly red suet, his bright twinkling eyes, and his reindeer drawn slay. When we hear this song, we think of Santa Clause. There are so many who love the sound of those words, “Santa Clause is coming to town.”
However, at this time of year, the world often pauses to observe the birth of another great gift giver. He was the giver of life eternal. Known for his bright red redeeming blood, his sparkling mercy, and his salvation driven existence. We are of course speaking of Jesus. Tonight, so many parents will tuck their children in with the promise of the coming Clause, but will say nothing of the coming Christ.
Well, did you know that there are several similarities between the two? This morning, I want to share with you some of the differences, as well as some of the similarities, between Clause and Christ. I want to help you to see that there is one who offers much more than video games, new clothes, exercise equipment, money, or even a new car. I want to help you to see that there is one more worthy of adoration than that man with the belly which jiggles like a bowl full of jelly. Turn with me for just a moment as we consider the importance of Jesus. Not just at Christmas, but in each and every day of our life.
BOTH KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, BUT THEY ALSO GIVE YOU WHAT YOU NEED.
As children, my brother and I lived by the creed, “Shoot for the moon.” When it came time to make out our Christmas lists, we would put down the most outrageous things. I can remember one year, my first grade teacher asked us to write down what we wanted for Christmas. She said that we were to only write down the thing which we most wanted. This list would then be sent to Santa, and it would be put in the paper. Well, you need to understand that my Dad had just gotten a new dirt bike. So, I sat down at my little desk, and I took the sheet of paper which I had been given, and I said that I wanted a new motor cycle so I could go riding with my dad. The really funny thing is that I actually thought I would get it. Boy did my momma laugh. She thought that was so funny.
I can also remember one year when my brother made a rather unusual request. While watching the Chicago Bulls on WGN, he told my mom that he knew what he needed for Christmas. He said that he needed to be bald, black, and to be able to play basket ball like Michael Jordan. Mom responded that she thought that Santa could help him become bald, but the rest would be up to him.
Now, in both cases, our desires were well noted. Did I need a motor cycle at age seven? No. Did my brother really need to be bald, black, and be able to play ball like MJ? No. But the good part was that Santa was willing to listen. He knew our wants.
Even better, Santa always seemed to know our needs. So many times I would go to bed dreaming of G.I.Joes, HEMEN, Wrestlers, video games and so many other things, only to wake up to find those things, along with socks, under shirts, batteries, fruit and nuts. Sure, he gave me some of the things I wanted, but he always seemed to provide for those things which I really needed.
In the same way, Jesus knows our wants, and he will provide those things from time-to-time. But, the one thing you can count on is his ability to always provide us with those things which we truly need. Take for example the Apostle Paul. In 2Cor 12: 7-9, Paul states that one of his desires is to be relieved of his thorn in the flesh. He asked the Lord not once, not twice, but three times to remove this burden. Each time the Lord made the same reply. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Notice, not only does he tell him no, but he also gives him the reason for this answer. It is for no other reason than God knows what’s best for Paul. Whatever that thorn might have been, it was better in than out. Had God granted many of Paul’s requests? Yes. But did he know what was best in this case? Certainly.
You might not always like everything you get, but you can believe that what you get is what you need. I didn’t want socks, under shirts, fruits and nuts. I wanted toys! Toys! Toys! But someone, call him Santa, knew that I needed more. In this same way, God hears our wants, and occasionally gives us those things, but without question he always gives us what we need.
II BOTH KNOW WHO’VE BEEN NOTTY, AND WHO’VE BEEN NICE One of the most terrifying parts of the Christmas experience is the question, “Have you been knotty or nice?” In other words, have you been good or bad? We’ve all heard about Santa’s list. We know about the fact that he is keeping tabs on us all year. We know that for the well behaved children, they will get their hearts desires. However, for those who are bad, they will get nothing but switches and lumps of Cole. I don’t know whether or not any of you ever received one of these less than satisfactory gifts, but I do know that those who act in a way that they shouldn’t, miss out on the gifts come Christmas time.
I can recall a Christmas some eight years ago. My brother had been in and out of trouble all year long. Around Christmas time, he had begun to show signs of improvement. However, two nights before we were to have our dinner and open our gifts, things fell apart. In the middle of the night my parents received a call asking them to come down to the local county jail and pick up my little brother. He had been pulled over, and subsequently arrested, for under age drinking, as well as drinking and driving. For obvious reasons, that was a Christmas we will never forget. It seemed to cast a shadow over the whole holiday. We tried to push forward, but it just didn’t seem right. My parents decided that David didn’t deserve presents that year, and they made everyone take back their gifts. He didn’t get anything. He got to come, eat, and then watch us open our gifts. He had been bad, and he paid the price. When the time came, David was found to be on the knotty list.
In the same way, Christ is watching, and he too has a list. He is watching in a way that is much more personal than even that of Santa. You see, Christ can see straight to the heart of man. He doesn’t have to concern himself with just physical acts. No, instead he can know our innermost desires. Hebrews 4: 13 assures us that, we are naked before him with whom we have to do.”
In addition, he to has a list. It is known as the lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21: 27 tells us that only those who are found in this book of life shall receive that greatest gift of all. The home in Heaven which is promised to the righteous. While on the other hand, John says that those who are wicked shall be blotted out of that same book. IN other words, they will miss out.
I will never forget how broken hearted my brother was when he missed out. He messed up, and then paid the consequences. I can only imagine the sadness of the one who isn’t found on the list of those who are bound for the Promised Land.
I’m not sure what you believe about Santa Clause. I don’t know what you have or have not told your children and grandchildren. Honestly, that’s not my concern. My question is, what have you told them about Christ. Have you told them that he will always be there to give them what they need, even if it wasn’t what they wanted? Have you told them that Jesus is always watching over them? Protecting yes, but also seeing who’s been knotty and who’s been nice? I will tell you that I see nothing wrong with talking to your kids about Clause, but please don’t forget about Christ. The most important relationship which we have is between us, and our savior. I want to encourage you to examine that bond you have today. Is it where it should be? Have you been good, or bad? Do you need help here today? If so, please let those needs be known at this time.
SEVEN DAYS OF IMPROVEMENT
SEVEN DAYS OF IMPROVEMENT
HEB. 6: 1 – 3
1 ¶ Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
Growth and improvement will come when we set specific goals and work towards them. It is easy to talk in generalities and never get started.
When we stop growing we are dead.
I. There is a need for Growth
A. Titus 2: 11 - 14 Paul to Titus writes we can grow in the grace of God.
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Christ wants us redeemed, purified, different from the world and workers. This takes growth.
B. Titus 2: 6 – 8 Young men also should show a pattern of good works.
6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Growth is not only for the young.
We can grow and be alive in Christ or die spiritually and be lost eternally.
C. Matt. 5: 14 – 16 We come out of darkness to be the light of Christ.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
As we grow our light will shine and God will be glorified.
D. Col. 1: 10 Paul writes to be walking worthy, fruitful and increasing.
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Growing and increasing in the knowledge of God will take goal setting.
II. We need to set Goals.
A. Matt. 10: 22 The world will not be happy with our growth in Christ.
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
We will have to set our focus on eternity.
B. Acts 20: 22 – 24 Paul had his goal set on finishing the course.
22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Paul would not let anything keep him from grace of God.
C. Phil. 3: 13 – 14 Paul to the brethren sets a goal of not looking back, but looking forward.
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 believed and taught that the prize of the high calling of God was worth even dieing for.
D. 1 Peter 4: 7 Peter knew time was short and wrote watch and pray.
7 ¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
We are sure closer than Peter was to Christ coming. It should be our goal to watchful and prayerful today.
III. There is a need to Get Started.
A. We talk a lot, but what we COULD do?
B. We can not do everything we would like to do, but we can do something.
C. James 1: 22 – 27 James writes to be doers. Get started.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
James sums it up, 1) Be ye doers, 2) continue, 3) control your tong, 4) visit.
D. Matt. 7: 21 Doers will enter heaven.
21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Jesus knew there would be many want ta be’s , but few doers.
E. 1 John 2: 17 Only the doers of God’s word will endure.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Where will you be?
(Now Turn the paper over and get a pen or pencil)
IV. What Will You Do In The Next 7 Days?
A. To Improve my self
1 Cor. 11: 28 Let each of us examine our selves.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
1. Read a book of the Bible.
2. Give up a bad habit.
3. Go on a diet.
4. Rest more.
5. Pray every day.
6. Don’t tell a lie.
7. Don’t curse.
B. To Improve My Family
1. I will read
Eph. 5: 22 – Eph. 6: 4
2. Wash the supper dishes without complaining.
3. Clean out the car.
4. Clean and keep my room clean.
5. Do something good for you spouse.
6. Be kind to your family.
7. Do something I have always ` promised to do for them and din not.
C. To Improve The Church where I attend.
1. Come to Bible class every Sunday.
2. Be on time for services.
3. Study my Bible lesson before coming to class.
4. Redecorate my class room or help a teacher with theirs.
5. Send cards of encouragement.
6. Visit or call a shut – in or some one sick.
7. Grow in love for one another.
8. Forgive someone.
9. Be a better example.
10. Increase my giving.
Surely, we can do something to improve our selves, improve our family and improve our congregation for 7 days. It is the little things that get done and make a difference. Above all let us pray that we might do something more in 2006, if it be the Lord’s will. Paul wrote Hebrews 6: 3
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
If your not a Christian you need to first obey Christ. He died for you that through him you might have forgiveness of your past sins. He taught us to obey him to be pleasing to God the father. Peter told them in Acts 2: 38 to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. If your not a Christian you need to obey tonight.
If you are a Christian, baptized for the remission of sins, and have fallen away, you need to come back to Jesus. Examine your self and do what is right in God’s eyes.
We invite you to come.
HEB. 6: 1 – 3
1 ¶ Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
Growth and improvement will come when we set specific goals and work towards them. It is easy to talk in generalities and never get started.
When we stop growing we are dead.
I. There is a need for Growth
A. Titus 2: 11 - 14 Paul to Titus writes we can grow in the grace of God.
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Christ wants us redeemed, purified, different from the world and workers. This takes growth.
B. Titus 2: 6 – 8 Young men also should show a pattern of good works.
6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Growth is not only for the young.
We can grow and be alive in Christ or die spiritually and be lost eternally.
C. Matt. 5: 14 – 16 We come out of darkness to be the light of Christ.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
As we grow our light will shine and God will be glorified.
D. Col. 1: 10 Paul writes to be walking worthy, fruitful and increasing.
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Growing and increasing in the knowledge of God will take goal setting.
II. We need to set Goals.
A. Matt. 10: 22 The world will not be happy with our growth in Christ.
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
We will have to set our focus on eternity.
B. Acts 20: 22 – 24 Paul had his goal set on finishing the course.
22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Paul would not let anything keep him from grace of God.
C. Phil. 3: 13 – 14 Paul to the brethren sets a goal of not looking back, but looking forward.
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 believed and taught that the prize of the high calling of God was worth even dieing for.
D. 1 Peter 4: 7 Peter knew time was short and wrote watch and pray.
7 ¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
We are sure closer than Peter was to Christ coming. It should be our goal to watchful and prayerful today.
III. There is a need to Get Started.
A. We talk a lot, but what we COULD do?
B. We can not do everything we would like to do, but we can do something.
C. James 1: 22 – 27 James writes to be doers. Get started.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
James sums it up, 1) Be ye doers, 2) continue, 3) control your tong, 4) visit.
D. Matt. 7: 21 Doers will enter heaven.
21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Jesus knew there would be many want ta be’s , but few doers.
E. 1 John 2: 17 Only the doers of God’s word will endure.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Where will you be?
(Now Turn the paper over and get a pen or pencil)
IV. What Will You Do In The Next 7 Days?
A. To Improve my self
1 Cor. 11: 28 Let each of us examine our selves.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
1. Read a book of the Bible.
2. Give up a bad habit.
3. Go on a diet.
4. Rest more.
5. Pray every day.
6. Don’t tell a lie.
7. Don’t curse.
B. To Improve My Family
1. I will read
Eph. 5: 22 – Eph. 6: 4
2. Wash the supper dishes without complaining.
3. Clean out the car.
4. Clean and keep my room clean.
5. Do something good for you spouse.
6. Be kind to your family.
7. Do something I have always ` promised to do for them and din not.
C. To Improve The Church where I attend.
1. Come to Bible class every Sunday.
2. Be on time for services.
3. Study my Bible lesson before coming to class.
4. Redecorate my class room or help a teacher with theirs.
5. Send cards of encouragement.
6. Visit or call a shut – in or some one sick.
7. Grow in love for one another.
8. Forgive someone.
9. Be a better example.
10. Increase my giving.
Surely, we can do something to improve our selves, improve our family and improve our congregation for 7 days. It is the little things that get done and make a difference. Above all let us pray that we might do something more in 2006, if it be the Lord’s will. Paul wrote Hebrews 6: 3
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
If your not a Christian you need to first obey Christ. He died for you that through him you might have forgiveness of your past sins. He taught us to obey him to be pleasing to God the father. Peter told them in Acts 2: 38 to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. If your not a Christian you need to obey tonight.
If you are a Christian, baptized for the remission of sins, and have fallen away, you need to come back to Jesus. Examine your self and do what is right in God’s eyes.
We invite you to come.
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