tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33217474795188442222024-02-08T12:50:49.848-05:00Dave's Bible SermonsDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-35608097976920541102010-12-04T17:48:00.002-05:002010-12-04T18:00:11.747-05:00HOW GOD COMFORTS YOU IN THE MIDST OF HURTINGAfter an especially hard and hurtful day at the office, a worn out, discouraged business man wrote his letter of resignation. <br /><br />He wrote, “I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult. I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities of an 8 year old again.<br /><br />I want to go to McDonald's and think that it's a four star restaurant. I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle and make a sidewalk with rocks.<br /><br />I want to think M & M's are better than money because you can eat them. I want to lie under a big oak tree and run a lemonade stand with my friends on a hot summer day. <br /><br />I want to return to a time when life was simple; when all you knew were colors, multiplication tables and nursery rhymes, but that didn't bother you, because you didn't know what you didn't know as you didn't care. All you knew was to be happy because you were blissfully unaware of all the things that should make you worried or upset. <br /><br />I want to think the world is fair. That everyone is honest and good. I want to believe that anything is possible. I want to be oblivious to the complexities of life and be overly excited by the little things again. <br /><br />I want to live simple again. I don't want my day to consist of computer crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news, how to survive more days in the month than there is money in the bank, doctor bills, gossip, illness and loss of loved ones. I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice, peace, dreams, the imagination, mankind, and making angels in the snow. <br /><br />So, here's my checkbook and my car keys, my credit card bills and my 401k statements. I am officially resigning from adulthood.”<br /><br />Have you ever felt like that business man? <br /><br />Do you ever feel like hope is almost lost? That you are going to never see better days? <br /><br />Christmas is supposed to be the most marvelous time of the year, but it can also be the most miserable time of the year for those who are hurting and just can’t find the strength to go on. God wants you to know that He is with you in the midst of your suffering. You are not alone. <br /><br />God speaks to you today through the Prophet Isaiah and wants you to know He understands what you are going through. He promises that if you wait on Him and trust Him you will find your strength renewed. <br /><br />Let’s look at what God has to say through His Word about how He comforts you in the midst of hurting. <br /><br /><strong>1. GOD COMFORTS YOU WITH HIS SYMPATHIZING PRESENCE (VS 1-11)</strong><br /><br />No matter the problem, pain, pressure you are facing right now, God cares and is concerned with the things that concern you. <br /><br />Being a child of God does not exempt you from hurting, difficult times. <br /><br />Avery Willis who wrote Masterlife recently died and is with the Lord in heaven now after going through many months of suffering from cancer and Leukemia. He gave one of his greatest witness that God gives grace even in the midst of our most difficult times prior to his death. He was one of the Southern Baptists finest Christian leaders. <br /><br />The people in Isaiah’s day were living as if God didn’t exist. They had strayed far from His will, His ways, His worship and they had paid a heavy price for it. They would end up being enslaved by their enemies, Babylon. <br /><br />Israel’s rebellion and rejection of God had cost them deeply. It never pays to turn away from God. <br /><br />The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible states, “…in the distant future, Judah and its beloved capital, Jerusalem, would fall to Babylon. Tragically, the citizens would suffer the horrors of defeat and slavery. Most of the survivors would be deported and exiled, scattered throughout the Babylonian Empire. <br /><br />The people of Judah would lose everything: their homes, property, wealth, communities, cities, nation, worship centers, and their beloved temple in Jerusalem. And they would be gripped by piercing grief, because many of their husbands would be slaughtered by the invading army. Everyone would be destitute, and a spirit of hopelessness and despair would continually flood their hearts. <br /><br />But in the midst of the Jews hardship and sorrow, the Lord gave them a wonderful promise. The day was coming when they would be comforted and set free from their captivity to Babylon and from sin and death. <br /><br />God had made a promise to save His people and He would keep it. Through His power and the promised Messiah, God’s prophecy of comfort and freedom would be fulfilled. His people would be set free from their captivity to Babylon and from their enslavement to sin and death.” <br />As you hurt today, always know God sees, knows, cares. Don’t turn FROM the Lord, to TOWARDS the Lord.<br /> <br /><strong>A. HIS SYMPATHIZING PRESENCE BRINGS YOU PEACE</strong><br /><br />God declares, “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended…” (Isaiah 40:1-2a)<br /><br />God’s Word of comfort brings you peace, today. <br /><br />Comfort does not necessarily mean that you will not have unpleasant times, but that you will have the Presence of the Lord with you. <br /><br />One of my best pastoral friends has had the most difficult, demanding year of his life. The pain in his back has been excruciating. He has been countless times to the doctor for injections, counsel, relief, only to find little to no comfort. <br /><br />I asked him what has been his comfort in the midst of his pain. He said, “My faith in God. God has never abandoned me. When I’m powerless to do anything for God, God has been powerful to be with me.”<br /><br />The hurting that you are facing today, God is with you through it all. <br /><br />Jesus spoke these comforting words, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.” (John 14:16)<br /><br /><strong>B. HIS SYMPATHIZING PRESENCE BRINGS YOU PARDON</strong><br /><br />One of the primary sins that had Israel in trouble was failure to obey God in His call to be a light to the surrounding Gentile nations. <br /><br />Isaiah calls for obedience to the mission command of the Lord, “Go forth from Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans! With a voice of singing, Declare, proclaim this, Utter it to the ends of the earth; Say, “The Lord has redeemed His servant Jacob!” (Isaiah 48:20). <br /><br />God Himself declares, “Speak comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry to her, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” (Isaiah 40:2)<br /><br />Israel received the exact discipline she needed from the Lord. God does deal with His people who remain in sin. <br /><br />A bulletin blooper stated, “The Senior Choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys SINNING to join the choir.” <br /><br />The reason you and I have full pardon from sins penalty, power, and one day presence is because of the price the Lord Jesus Christ paid on the cross of Calvary. <br /><br />The Apostle Paul writes, “In Him (Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Ephesians 1:7)<br /><br /><strong>C. HIS SYMPATHIZING PRESENCE BRINGS YOU PREPARATION</strong> <br /><br />Rev. Todd M. Kindle shares, “When a king was to visit a region or a city it would be announced well in advance so that the people could prepare the way for him, making the roads worthy of His presence. <br /><br />The coming of the king was not a one day event. It was an extended season of time of unfolding revelation. Here, the way is made smooth, clear, level, and straight as is characteristic of God’s holiness, purity, and righteousness. When He comes, He will come in the fullness of His glory and nothing will get in His way.”<br /><br />John the Baptist would come and prepare the way for the coming Messiah to enter the earth. John called people to turn away from their sins and be baptized.<br /><br />Just as John preached faithfully the truth of God’s Word, calling people to turn away from their old life and exhorting people to new life, preparing people to know and walk with the Savior, God calls each of us as His people to prepare our lives for the coming again of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. <br /><br />You are not going to live forever on this earth. You are temporary, God is everlasting. <br /><br />There was a tombstone on which was engraved: Pause now, stranger as you pass by; As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so soon you’ll be. Prepare yourself to follow me! Someone had placed a piece of wood next to the tombstone. On it was written, To follow you I’m not content, Until I know Which way you went! <br /><br /><strong>2. GOD COMFORTS YOU WITH HIS SHEPHERDING PRESENCE (V 11)</strong><br /><br />Our worship leader, Tim Chapman, shared with the choir this past week that we were hoping to have live lamb on our Christmas stage. However, the cost for the was too expensive. <br /><br />Tim asked the owner about having just one lamb. <br />The owner replied, “You do not want to have just one lamb. It will cry and cry if it is all alone. It must have another close by to be comfortable.” <br /><br />Isaiah writes of our Lord’s shepherding presence, “He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom. And gently lead those who are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)<br /><br />Micah brings these assuring words, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, <br />Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” Therefore He shall give them up, Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; Then the remnant of His brethren Shall return to the children of Israel. And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the LORD, In the majesty of the name of the LORD His God; And they shall abide, For now He shall be great To the ends of the earth; And this One shall be peace.” (Micah 5:2-5)<br /><br />What will a good shepherd do? Among other important duties, he will:<br /><br /> Keep the Sheep Together<br /> Protect the Sheep from Potential Enemies<br /> Guide the Sheep to Green Pastures<br /> Comfort the Sheep with His Presence<br /> Guide the Sheep through Difficult Valleys<br /><br />Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. <br /><br />Jesus states, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)<br /><br />Jesus declares, “As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” (John 10:15)<br /><br />A friend of mine struggled for years with alcohol, was a terrible father, example, husband, etc. Nevertheless, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, did not give up on him. <br /><br />God continually showed his everlasting, shepherding love through faithful, loving Christians who lived out the comforting mission of their Shepherd. <br /><br />Today, because of our Great Shepherd, this man’s life is totally changed. His marriage is restored and his life has meaning, purpose because of his relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ. <br /><br />One of the greatest ministries God calls you to is the ministry of comforting, encouraging others. Who needs your comforting presence today? <br /><br />The Apostle John shares of a future day, “And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:13-17)<br /><br /><strong>3. GOD COMFORTS YOU WITH HIS SUSTAINING PRESENCE</strong><br /><br />To Israel, God seemed so small and her problems seemed so large.<br /><br />To help His people with their perspective, God asks His downtrodden people. <br /><br />“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand. Measured heaven with a span. And calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?” (Isaiah 40:12)<br /><br />“Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as his counselor taught Him?” (Isaiah 40:13)<br /><br />“With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of justice? Who taught Him knowledge, and showed Him the way of understanding?” (Isaiah 40:14)<br /><br />“To whom will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him?” (Isaiah 40:18)<br /><br />“Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?” (Isaiah 40:21)<br /><br />Speaking of the Lord, Isaiah says, “It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.” (Isaiah 40:22)<br /><br />Two Harvard astronomers have discovered a “great wall” of galaxies that they estimate to be 500 million light-years long, 200 million light-years wide, and 15 million light-years thick. (One light-year is 5.88 trillion miles.) <br /><br />God created all of those galaxies and sustains everything that exists by His powerful hands. Yet that same mighty God, the one and only God, uses those hands to gently touch the lives of suffering men and women.<br /><br />The Psalmist describes our great God, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars. He calls them by name. GREAT is our Lord, and mighty in power. His understanding is infinite.” Psalm 147:3-4. <br /><br />The God of the galaxies is the Great Physician who lovingly ministers to our needs. <br /><br /><strong>4. GOD COMFORTS YOU WITH HIS STRENGTHENING PRESENCE (VS 27-31)</strong> <br /><br />Todd Linn explains, “The meaning of the word “wait” there is much like we use it today when in a restaurant. We come into the restaurant and we sit down. After a few moments, a “waiter” comes over to our table. He may even say, “My name is John and I will be ‘waiting’ on you.”<br /> <br />What he means is that he is going to be serving you, coming into the room periodically, looking at you expectantly, seeing if there is anything he can do.<br /> <br />That is why, in helping us understand the meaning of the phrase, “wait on the LORD,” the Amplified Bible offers the parenthetical words, “expect, look for, and hope in Him.” <br /> <br />To “wait on the LORD” means we do something. It is an active term. We turn to Him, we look up to Him, we place our faith in Him. <br /> <br />The word “renew” there is a word that is best translated here as “exchange.” Those who, when they become stressed, go to God, will “renew,” will “exchange” their dwindling strength which has become faint and weary with God’s strength, the God who never faints or becomes weary.<br /> <br />This is precisely why we must, we must, turn to God and be empowered by the God Who strengthens us. Exchange your strength for God’s. <br /> <br />And when you do, you will “mount up with wings like eagles, you will run and not be weary, you will walk and not faint.” Why? Because you will be flying, running, and walking in the strength of God rather than the strength of man.<br /><br />Author Carl Sandberg shared honestly, “There is an eagle in me that wants to soar, and there is a hippopotamus in me that wants to wallow in the mud.”<br /><br />Practically, how can you “wait on the LORD?” Here are four ways: <br /><br />The first way is through <strong>PRAYER</strong>. Spend time with Him with God in prayer. <br /><br />The second way is through spending time in the <strong>WORD OF GOD</strong>. Open His love letter, the Bible, and let it speak to your heart. The Bible is not going to do much for your life if all it does is sit on your shelf and collect dust. <br /><br />Isaiah declares the power of God’s Word, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)<br /><br />The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…” (Hebrews 4:12)<br /><br />Nothing feeds your soul more than finding time each day to let God’s Word speak to your heart. <br /><br />The third way to wait on the Lord is through offering <strong>PRAISE TO THE LORD</strong>. God inhabits the praises of His people.<br /> <br />God said, “This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.” (Isaiah 43:21)<br /><br />The fourth way to wait on the Lord is to be led by the <strong>HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD.</strong> <br /><br />The Apostle Paul writes, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:14 <br /><br />If you will “wait upon Him,” turning to Him, looking up to Him, expectantly and you feel the pressures of life crowding in around you, God will exchange your strength for His.<br /> <br />Pastor James Merritt gave this illustration, “In storms, most birds fly away. However, the eagle seems to long for the storm. The thermal under-drafts of the storm cause the eagle to soar higher and higher than it can under normal conditions. <br /> <br />The storm also compels the eagle to fly higher and faster. Normally an eagle can fly about 50 miles per hour. But when he is in the strong wind currents of a storm he can fly up to nearly 100 miles per hour. The eagle uses the turbulent winds to stay up longer because, rather than using his own strength, he uses the strength of the winds, and he glides through the air.”<br /> <br />George Dye shares his testimony of how God comforted his family through the hurting times, “My son Russell was downsized from FedEx after 24 1/2 years. He was out of work for a year. He lost his home through foreclosure. He and his wife Kathy came to live with us. Because of the distance of his work, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Alaska, we have had little meaningful time of fellowship. We were able to work through some of the past issues of his childhood, re-bond, and have our relationship strengthened. Russell and Kathy have found solid jobs and have recently been promoted to Jackson, Mississippi. After being out of church for several years, they are now back in church and are renewing their relationship with the Lord.”<br /> <br />God sometimes uses crisis to help us give our best testimony. Or a crisis may be used to bring us back closer to the Lord as in the case of my son.”<br /> <br />God is there for you in the midst of your hurting. He offers you His Sympathaizing, Shepherding, Sustaining, and Strengthening Presence. <br /><br />Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He is calling your name today. Come and give your life to Him.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-34240110141820435892010-08-07T14:13:00.002-04:002010-08-07T14:15:33.982-04:00Five Truths About the Power of SinJoshua 7 & 8<br /><br />Intro: It was only a little comma, but it cost the Lockheed corporation millions of dollars! An error was made in a contract with an international customer—a misplaced comma in a crucial number. The company insisted that the manufacturer honor the contract as written. Unfortunately for Lockheed, the error was made in an equation that adjusted the sales price, and it cost them $70 million. – Our Daily Bread; "People who say that small things don't bother them have never slept in a room with a mosquito." --Dennis Rainey; <br /><br />God had given His people a miraculous victory at the mighty Jericho, but a much smaller city, Ai, brought tremendous defeat. <br /><br /><strong>1. Sin Is Often Rooted In Your Overconfidence </strong><br />A. It’s a good thing to be confident, if your confidence is found in the Lord. Israel had just experienced a miraculous victory at Jericho and thought a much smaller and weaker Ai would be no problem. Wrong! <br />B. Yesterday’s victory does not guarantee today’s victory. Ex. When I was at the height of my golf game, I was pretty good. Not great, but I could hold my own. In the City Championship I played a man by the name of Clayton Gibbons. One look at him and I thought – “I’ve got this guy easy.” He was very overweight, his clothes were out of date and wrinkled, his clubs and bag looked like they were from the 1940’s. After we reached the 13th hole, Clayton had won the match. I let his appearance fool me; deceived by outward appearances, too confident in myself. <br />C. After a major victory is won, look out that you remember the One who gave you the victory! 1 Corinthians 10:12, “…let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” <br />D. Overconfidence in self causes you to think you are the source of victory, when God is! Ex. “I can watch check out this site, it’s not that bad.” Ex. “I don’t have to file my taxes with integrity, the government won’t miss anything.” Ex. “That person that showers me with so much attention at work, it’s all right. We are just friends after all. I’m too faithful to the Lord to ever let something like an extra-marital affair take me down.” I heard a pastor declare that the sin that is tearing down the church of Jesus Christ faster than any other is…ALCOHOL? No. HOMESEXUALITY? No. ABORTION? No. He said, “It’s the sin of gossip.” <br />E. Remember, normally it’s not the big things that tear you down, but the small compromises that are outside of God’s will. <br />F. Look at Joshua and the Israelites. Before Jericho, Joshua had sought God’s plan and power through prayer. No mention of prayer here. Before they had waited on God’s Word to bring them victory. No word from the Lord here on how they could just walk in and defeat Ai. READ JOSHUA 7:3, “Don’t weary the people, for the people of Ai are few.” <br />G. You may look tall and mighty, but the small things want to take you down in a major way! Replace self confidence with God confidence. Begin to admit to God your need for Him first thing in the morning, not half-way through the day when the battle is raging! Shove aside thoughts that say, “You don’t need to study, prayer, seek godly counsel, etc.” Sometimes, Christians say, “The Devil can’t do anything to me.” 1 Peter 5:8<br />H. It’s not wrong to be confident in yourself as long as that confidence is rooted in God’s grace and mercy. The Apostle Paul said, “But by the grace of God I am what I am.” <br /><br /><strong>2. Sin Damages Those Close to You </strong><br />A. Ex. Darren Evans, the UGA Athletic Director, lost his integrity, $550,000 salary, family, shed bad light on the UGA Athletic program recently (DUI, driving with a lady not married to). Ex. Football season is coming up. When one player on that offensive line messes up and goes offside, it makes the whole team go backward. <br />B. A MLB baseball player this week from the FL Marlins went to throw a pie on his teammates face after the game; player throwing pie wound up tearing up his knee; that’s not going to help his team out any. <br />C. What do you do when someone falls into sin? Do you begin to think, “Boy, they sure deserved that.” Or do you think, “Lord, strengthen me to resist sin. Without your help and power, I’ll fall, too.”<br />D. Another fact of the power of sin is that it damages those close to you. 36 lives lost at Ai! Hearts once courageous, now cowards because the Presence and power of the Lord was no longer with them. Ai means “ruins.” Sin ruins everything in life. Relationships, Homes, Churches, Countries, etc. <br />D. Your sin doesn’t only impact your life, but those around you as well. Several years ago Pastor Ted Haggard was removed from his pulpit because he was living a lie. Being a pastor does not mean you are so holy, you are beyond temptation. Sin weakens you…weakens the church. <br />E. Instead of moving forward strong in God, strong in His will, Word, etc., sin weakens and takes the heart out of you. Read Joshua 7:5<br />F. Randy Alcorn, author of Heaven, made a long list of personalized consequences of immorality. A few items listed Randy shared: Grieving my Lord; displeasing the One whose opinion most matters; Having to one day look Jesus in the face at the judgment seat and give an account of why I did it. Suffering of innocent people around me who would get hit by my shrapnel (a la Achan). Untold hurt to Nanci, my best friend and loyal wife. Loss of Nanci’s respect and trust. Hurt to and loss of credibility with my beloved daughters, Karina and Angela; Disqualifying myself after having preached to others. Bringing great pleasure to Satan, the Enemy of God. Heaping judgment and endless problems on the person I would have committed adultery with. <br /><br /><strong>3. Sin Causes You to Doubt God’s Goodness</strong><br />A. God is always leading you in the very best direction, though you may not see it now in the physical realm. <br />B. Ex. Before attending NOBTS, I was not sure if that was where the Lord wanted me to go. I went to my room and begin searching Scripture. After a while the Lord led me to Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” That was God’s promise to me, “Go, I will be with you, teach you, instruct you.” It was really a matter of trust in the Lord. Had I not trusted God, would not have married Amy, had 3 tremendous children, been a part of this church, etc. <br />C. A hard lesson to learn is that of trusting God, especially when you are facing a major trial, test, temptation, etc. Ex. At a very weak point in my life, I backed out on God’s call, began to pursue “My will” over “His will.” That is why I thank God so much for faithful men of God who preach the uncompromised Gospel of Jesus Christ! At Alpine Baptist Church, God used the preaching of David Flemming and Stephen Trammell to get me back on track! <br />D. Perhaps you’ve gotten away from seeking the Lord in private, passionate daily prayer. The enemy has gotten in and said, “You are nothing but a failure! You’ll never have that walk with Jesus like you once had. You’ll never be able to overcome that sin, go ahead and give in again. Your marriage will never be what it should be, so live it up.” The enemy is a liar, but God never lies! <br />E. When Ai defeated the Israelites, Joshua began to doubt the goodness of God. He tore his clothes, put dirt on his head, got before the Ark, had a coming to Jesus meeting! You can just hear Joshua praying, “God, are You trying to destroy us? God, we should never have come across the Jordan! God, the enemy is taking us down! God, we are going to be toasted! God, what in the world are you going to do about this?” <br />F. Prayer should be your first resort not last! Ex. Stephen Olford, “Pray when you feel like it, pray when you don’t feel like it. If you don’t feel like it, pray until you do!” <br />G. You can find victory over sin when you go to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14-15). It’s there where you find mercy, help in time of need! <br />H. Begin to go back to that daily devotion with the Lord. Ex. “So let us plan with prayerful care to always allocate a certain portion of each day to be still and meditate. For when everything is quite and we’re lost in meditation, our souls are then preparing for a deeper dedication; That will make it wholly possible to quietly endure the violent world around us, for in God we are secure.” – Helen S. Rice <br /><br /><strong>4. Sid Cannot Be Hidden from the Lord </strong><br />A. You may be able to hide your secret sin from friends, family, fellowship for a while, but you cannot hide from Omnipotence! <br />B. Don’t wait until you are caught for sin to confess it to the Lord, but do it today! Ecclesiastes 12:14, “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” <br />C. Someone might say, “But why the punishment? Why so severe?” Achan had at least five opportunities to come forward and confess, but the only time he confessed was when he was caught red handed. Had Achan simply come forward and admitted his guilt, I believe he would have been pardoned. Yet, something kept him from doing this and it was probably the sin of covetousness in his heart. He had this feeling that it all belonged to him. And that’s one of the reasons today it’s hard to get 99% of people to tithe! They think it’s theirs, when it really belongs to the Lord. In Jericho, God said, Joshua 6:18-19, “And you, by all means abstain from the accursed things, lest you become accursed when you take of the accursed things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are consecrated to the Lord; they shall come into the treasury of the Lord.” How would you feel if your children were caught stealing from your next door neighbor? How do you think God feels when His children rob what rightfully belongs to Him. Read Malachi 3:8-10. What is wrong with the church? We love our stuff more than we love our Savior. What’s one of the main problems in America? Love prosperity, possessions more than God. <br />D. Do you think stuff is going to satisfy your soul? Do you think buying the next I-Pod is going to fill the emptiness on the inside? Didn’t Jesus say in Luke 12:15, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Ex. Money Talks. A recent book entitled The Day America Told the Truth reported on a survey asking adults what they would be willing to do for ten million dollars. One out of four respondents said they would abandon their entire family, and almost that many (23%) said they would become prostitutes for a week for that kind of pay off. About 16% said they would be willing to leave their husband or wife and 3% would put their children up for adoption. —Discipleship Journal<br />E. One of the truths of sin’s power is that it cannot be hidden from the Lord. What would have happened if Achan could have caught a glimpse of what God was about to do just around the corner? What if he would have felt more confident in God’s provision. What about you? God won’t withhold anything good from those that walk uprightly. <br />F. Note the progression of Achan’s sin – He saw, coveted, took. Same thing that happened with Eve in the Garden – saw, covet, took. David with Batsheba – saw, covet, took. Believer, what are you looking at today? Does the Word of God hold your attention or the things of this world? The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:17<br />F. Never forget, God does not take sin lightly. It cost Jesus His life blood to save sinners like you and me! Ex. He paid a debt, He did not owe. I owed a debt I could not pay. I needed someone to wash my sins away. Now I sing, a brand new song, Amazing Grace, all day long. Christ Jesus paid a debt, that I could never pay!” <br /><br /><strong>5. Sin Brings Defeat, But God Is Eager to Bring You Victory</strong><br /><br />A. Joshua 8:1-2, “Now the LORD said to Joshua: “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. 2 And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its cattle you shall take as booty for yourselves. Lay an ambush for the city behind it.”<br />B. You have known some defeats in your life, and the devil would love nothing for you more than to wallow in those defeats. He wants you to stay discouraged and defeated. God’s people had made a tragic mistake of underestimating the enemy and presuming upon God’s favor. <br />C. Once sin had been dealt with, God’s people were in position to hear God’s Word and obey. God said (Dave paraphrase), “You are going to have victory, where you once had defeat!” <br />D. Failure is not final for the child of God! Like the Apostle Paul, you might be knocked down, but you are not knocked out! <br />E. Alexander Whytle, “No matter what mistake we make, the worst mistake of all is not to try again, for the victorious Christian life is a series of new beginnings.” <br />F. Today is the first Sunday in August and 8 in the Bible stands for new beginnings. Refuse to let the failure of yesterday keep you from following Jesus as Lord today! <br /><br />Action Points: 1. What Ai has defeated you recently? Lying, Gossip, Stewardship (not honoring the Lord with tithes and offerings), prayerless days and nights, pride and presumption? Confess it today and let God give you a new beginning of victory in Him. 2. You may feel too defeated to even accept Christ as Savior. He came for the broken, calling sinners to repentance and faith. He will accept you if you come to Him. He loves you so much He accepts you just as you are; He loves you too much to let you stay that way!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-61417822598211478792010-07-11T18:16:00.002-04:002010-07-11T18:18:41.373-04:00When You Face Tremendous ObstaclesJoshua 3 & 4<br /><br />Intro: What tremendous obstacle are you facing this morning? Share telephone call from Wayne Patton about Luke having cancer; our kids were out in the yard running like crazy. We broke down in prayer over the phone. Praise the Lord, Luke Patton is cancer free today! You are going to face tremendous obstacles in life. The Bible teaches there is no obstacle to big for the Lord. What do you do when you face tremendous obstacles? <br /><br /><strong>I. DEVOTE YOURSELF FULLY TO THE LORD! </strong><br /><br />A. Joshua is about to lead the people out of their 40 years of wilderness wanderings into the Promised Land! You need to show that same spirit of devotion to the Lord if you are going to live the life of victory that awaits. <br />B. Devotion - World Cup Soccer, Lebron James, Tim Tebow, the Biggest Loser on TV<br />C. How do you know you are fully devoted to the Lord? <br />1. You are a devoted to prayer (Josh. 3:1) – Prayerful people have learned they cannot make it on their own. They need God. The number one priority in your life is your personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you have a daily time of prayer? Just tell God you love Him and thank Him for who He is and all He’s done. Ex. When you’re faced with a busy day, save precious time by skipping your devotions. Signed, Satan.<br />Quest: Who or what has your full devotion this morning? God desires and deserves to have your total devotion. Why? He’s Boss. Try going to your boss Monday morning and saying, “Here is your work for the day; assignments I want done by 4 PM!” In reality it’s the opposite. The Boss sets the agenda! You don’t tell Him what to do, He tells you! Many Christians believe they are supposed to tell God what they want to do and then ask Him to bless.<br />2. You are devoted to obedience to the Lord (Josh. 3:2-3). Obedience to the Lord is what brings the blessing of God. Obedience to the Lord is not always easy, but what’s the alternative? Death, Defeat, Discouragement. What kind of testimony do you want to leave behind? Millions of God’s people had died in the wilderness because they did not walk with God in obedient faith. Hebrews 3:15-19; What could be a sweeter gift to the Lord and to your family that you loved God with full devotion. Ex. Jen Patton, “I devote my whole life to the Lord daily.” Your devotion to the Lord can change your family, church, relationships, etc. Joshua 3:3, “go after it”; What did the Israelites crossing over the Jordan into Canaan represent? It represents victorious Christian living! Victory in the Christian life comes by surrender and obedience to the Lord. God has brought you out of a life of sin (wilderness) and into a life of devotion and service to the One who rescued you. He brings you out of a life of sin and into a life of worshipful service.<br />3. You are devoted to spiritual preparation. (Josh. 3:4-5). Do you prepare yourself for God’s best? When I think of devotion it’s similar to a strong marriage. Ex. Amy and I preparing for marriage (pastoral counseling, pure, prayed, sought parents blessing), etc. We did our best to prepare ourselves, yet still find that marriage is an adventure! The enemy will do all he can to make you angry, bitter, selfish, etc. The key to is stay totally devoted to one another under the Lordship of Jesus! No one else can have me, just Amy Cook. Just as I’m set apart for Amy alone, I am set apart to the Lord alone. “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” Set apart; “Refiner’s fire, my hearts one desire is to be holy, set apart for you, Lord, choose to be holy, set apart for You, My Master, ready to do Your will.” <br />4. You are devoted to His Lordship. (Josh. 3:3, 3:6). “Ark.” The Ark represented His Presence. When you face tremendous obstacles, remember His Presence is always with you. Three important items were inside the Ark of the Covenant. The Pentateuch (first 5 books of the Bible); You must remember God’s Word! The second item that was inside the Ark was a jar of manna – remind them of God’s provision. God will take care of you daily. God gave His people manna every day to eat. The third item in the Ark of Covenant was Aaron’s rod; You remember in the wilderness, God’s people began to rebel, each rod of the leader of 12 tribes were placed near the Holy of Holies; It was Aaron’s rod that flowered and had almonds on it; God declared loud and clear that Aaron was to be the priest in Israel. Pentateuch rep. His Principles, Manna rep. His provision, and the Rod represented His Power. Ark rep. His Presence. <br />D. When you face life’s tremendous obstacles, devote yourself fully to the Lord! <br /><br /><strong>2. LET GOD BRING YOU THROUGH IT!</strong><br /> <br />A. You are facing an obstacle this morning, you don’t know how to get to the other side, but God does! They had not gone this way before, but God had! Ex. This week I had to let God bring me through a tough situation; Nathan’s Soccer and Assistant soccer coach quit! Now I’m the head coach? I didn’t know the plan, but man I was depending on God! <br />B. God gave Joshua the instructions as to what they were to do (Joshua 3:8). <br />C. They had to trust God’s plan and not their own. So many times you miss out on God’s best b/c you try to get ahead of God instead of letting Him lead. Are you doing things your way or God’s way? God says, “Bring the tithe to me.” You say, “God, You just don’t understand!” God may say, “Step out and share your faith,” You say, “Don’t know what to say.” God may say, “Rejoice in Me today,” You say, “God, I don’t feel like it.” <br />D. Stick with God’s plan. Everything you are going through may say, “Your way is the best way.” You’ve got to be willing to let God lead you through! <br />E. When I was in college, my dad battled with prostate cancer. This was something we had never dealt with. God saw all of us through it. When we were shaky, God was the Rock! <br />F. God often requires you to step out in faith trusting Him! How many times do you want the Lord to do everything and you do nothing? Often He requires you to make a move based on what He’s already said! God, make me lose 10 pounds – “make the first step and walk every day.” God, make my marriage better! “OK, write wife love note.” God, I want a full Christian life.” OK, make that call, be baptized, forgive your enemy. God, make the church better. OK, train the people, go knock on a door, plan for revival. <br />G. What God says to you may not make sense to you, but He’s trying to bring you to the Promised land! Josh. 3:15, “Now it was harvest season,” Jordan’s banks were overflowing; God chose to lead them across when river was at it’s highest stage! <br />H. “Got any rivers you think are uncrossable? Got any mountains you cannot tunnel through? God specializes in things thought impossible; He can do what no other friend can do!” <br />H. “I don’t have the power!” Israel was powerless to cross the Jordan River. Are you more focused on your powerlessness or God’s power to bring you through? I didn’t have the power to heal my dad, but God did. I didn’t have the power to comfort my mom, but God did! <br />I. You can’t stop your obstacles in your own strength any more than Israel could make the Jordan stop – but God can! <br />J. Would there be obstacles in the Promised Land? Yes! Joshua 3:10, “Ites.” What are your “ites” - Family…Finances…Friendships…Fear of future – Cancer, America; Are you focused more on the power of God or the problems? <br />K. When you face tremendous obstacles, let God bring you through it. <br /><br /><strong>3. TELL OTHERS OF GOD’S MIGHTY POWER!</strong> <br /><br />A. Don’t forget all God has done for you. <br />B. Keep sharing who He is and what’s He’s done with others. <br />C. We are quick to forget all the great things God has done and long on remembering what hasn’t gone right! <br />D. The 12 stones would serve as a memorial to the power of God. It’s easy to get discouraged when you forget about God’s amazing grace! <br />E. Think of the day God saved you, made you new! Think of the day God answered a prayer! He made a way where there was no way! <br />F. Someone once said, “The greatest enemy of faith may be forgetfulness.” If we forget how God has worked in the past we may not trust Him in the present. <br />G. The greatest gift God has ever given is His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He gives you life, forgiveness, strength, hope. He is the One who sees you through life’s tremendous obstacles. He died that you may live! Jesus, our Joshua has freed you from the bondage of sin. Have you let Him lead you into an overcoming Christian life?<br />H. Psalm 114:5-7, “What ails you, O sea, that you fled back? O Jordan, that you turned back? O mountains, that you skipped like rams? O little hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord.” <br />H. What tremendous obstacles are you facing today? Impossible for you, but possible with God! Sum. 3 points; <br /><br />Prayer: Thank the Lord for His Leadership, Lordship. Thank Him for His faithfulness! Pray to always follow His Leadership. Lead in public dedication of life to Christ. John 14:6, Jesus, the way, the truth, the life!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-85331350966553197112010-07-03T12:12:00.001-04:002010-07-03T12:14:38.575-04:00God Can Use You!Text: Joshua 2:1-24<br /><br />Intro: We are just beginning a new series in the book of Joshua. God wants you and I to posses the promised land and live the promised life. In the previous sermon, we saw how God helped Joshua overcome his fears. The good news today is that same God is alive and well and can help you and I overcome our fears. Remember he told Joshua (Focus on MY plan, Focus on MY Word, and Focus on MY Faithfulness). God calls us to be a church that majors on Him, majors on His Word, majors on what He wants to do now and in the future.<br /><br />What the world desperately needs to see today is believers who are living out the promises of God, come what may. Everyone wants the world to straighten up and get better, but it’s going to take first of all, believers bowing before All-Mighty God, saying, “God, let the change begin first in me.” As each of us as a part of the body of Christ says, “God, you are in charge of my life, all that I am I give to everything You are,” that is when we begin to live the promised life. <br /><br />Illus: When I played Little league baseball, we lost 99% of the games we played in for the first year and a half. The Bad News Bears was a popular movie around that time and people considered our team, the Bad News Realtors. As the second season begin to come to a close our team was beginning to get better. In the last game of the year, we beat the Yankees 18-6, which everyone considered highly unlikely because of our past and they had pummeled us earlier that year. <br /><br />Prop. Sent: The Bible teaches that God is able to use people in His service most of us would never consider. If you say, “God, you could never use me that matters to anything,” be careful because He may have something mighty special for you! <br /><br />1. GOD CAN USE YOU IN SPITE OF YOUR PAST! <br /><br />A. Condition Josh. 2:1-7<br /><br />1. Of all the people God chooses to work through in a mighty way to demonstrate an active faith, He chooses a prostitute by the name of Rahab. <br />2. All through the Bible God chooses the weak to shame the wise.<br />a. Noah – Ark<br />b. David – slingshot<br />c. 12 disciples – weak on their own, power through God<br />d. 120 disciples – all they had was one heart, one mind, one voice to glorify God – they turned the world upside down!<br />e. The Lord Jesus Christ – looked weak on the cross, yet through His death offers all eternal life! <br />3. Think for a moment of Rahab’s past. <br />a. Sinful life – probably full of guilt, shame, fear, etc. Why did I chose this way of life? No one loves me just for who I am. <br />b. Sinful city – Jericho – this is city that God’s judgment is soon to fall upon. Is the judgment of God about to fall upon America? Ps. 33:12 <br />c. The only hope for a sinful person and a sinful nation is to repent before a Holy God, ask for cleansing, live a godly life, acknowledge the Lord! <br />4. 40 years God had given to Rahab, Jericho to turn to Him and turn away from sin. How long has God given you? Where would you be today without the love, mercy, forgiveness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?<br />5. No matter your condition, the God of Heaven and Earth knows you, loves you, wants you to come to Him for life! <br />6. Refuse to let what people look on the outside determine whether they are going to follow the Lord or not. <br />a. On the outside, it appeared Rahab wanted nothing to do with God or God’s people, yet on the inside she had a hunger to know and worship the One True and Living God. <br />7. Think woman at the well – John 4. She’d had five husbands and was with another man at the time Jesus encountered her. She was thirsty for water which would quench her physical thirst, but also thirsty for the living water which would satisfy her spiritual thirst forever. <br />a. Remember, what God gives you is so much better than what the world gives!<br /><br />B. Concealing Joshua 2:2-7<br />1. Much has been made about Rahab’s lie to protect the spies. Many commentators have shamed her for lying and reasoned God would have made a way for His men to be protected without Rahab’s lie. <br /><br />ILLUS: Corrie Ten Boom’s family hid Jewish families in their home to protect them from being killed by German soldiers. The Egyptian midwives let the male babies live even after Pharoah ordered all male babies must die. Exodus 1:20, “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty. And so it was because the midwives feared God, that He provided households for them.” <br /><br />2. Rahab had a choice to make- she could (1) turn God’s men over to the king of Jericho or (2) seek to protect God’s men to honor the King of Heaven. <br />3. Hebrews 11:31, “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.”<br />4. James 2:25, “Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?” <br />5. Those that posses the promised life are going to be those who choose to put God’s will above their own. <br />6. Had those spies found the Israelite spies, everyone, including Rahab would have lost their lives. <br />a. Rahab was determined that no matter happened, she would serve the Lord. <br /><br />C. Confession Josh. 2:8-11<br />1. I love Rahab’s confession of faith because she is so focused on who God is and what He’s done. <br />a. She knew He was the God of Superiority, the God of Strength, the God of salvation. <br />2. Church, if we want to possess the promised land, never forget the God who is the Lord of heaven and earth is the One who worship and follow! <br />3. Rahab knew that if she did not believe God, she would come under His judgment. <br />4. God still has a message for the world today and that is the message of the gospel. <br />a. It is the message of the gospel that tells how God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross for our sins. <br />b. It is the message that Jesus saves sinners. <br />c. It is the message that the Lord who died on the cross rose again 3 days later to give life everlasting to those who trust in Him! <br />d. Perhaps you know the fear of unbelief, but the sweet joy of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior! <br /><br />ILLUS: Pastor Jack Graham tells of a speaking engagement in Philadelphia he made recently and slipping downtown to Independence Hall to reflect on the founding of our nation. He said, “As you move around the historical sites of that city you see the Word of God everywhere. It’s etched on buildings and even on the Liberty Bell itself, which says, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” (Leviticus 25:10). Scriptures are forever written into the history, the heart, and fabric of America. You see, the early Americans were patriots, but they were also believers. Those who settled this nation came here to advance the Christian faith and to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. But we have to admit that America has strayed far from those years of patriotism and spiritual revolution. In fact, it’s time for a spiritual revolution, a new American revolution that would help transform our culture and our country.” <br /> <br />2. GOD CAN USE TO MINISTER TO OTHERS! <br /><br />A. Concern Josh. 2:12-13<br />1. As soon as Rahab knows God is going to take care of her safety, she wants her family to be safe from the judgment of God as well. <br />2. One sign that you are saved is that you want others to know the God of salvation as well!<br /><br />ILLUS: Christianity is unquestionably a personal experience. It is also unquestionably not a private experience. —William Barclay<br /><br />3. Always remember, it’s not about what you’ve done for God, but it’s about what God’s done for you. You don’t have to try and clean up people’s lives, that’s His job, your job is to share.<br />4. All around us people are hurting, hopeless, and without Jesus they are on their way to hell. <br />a. Rahab didn’t say, “Thank you God for saving my life, let everyone else fall under your judgment.” She did say, “God, you’ve saved my life, use me to bring others to safety in You.”<br />5. You never know how (what you think) is a little witness for Jesus, might change someone’s life forever. <br />6. To posses the promised land means you allow God to make your life a living ministry to others. <br />a. Many of you recently allowed the Lord to make you a minister to the kids at VBS and there was great joy in that because it was all about sharing the love of Jesus Christ with kids. <br /><br />3. GOD CAN USE YOU TO IMPACT ETERNITY!<br /><br />A. Covenant Josh. 2:15-23 <br /> 1. Never underestimate what faith in the Living God can do!<br />2. It was not Rahab’s faith in herself, but Rahab’s faith in a great God that made all the difference. <br />3. Knowing the city of Jericho would be demolished in the very near future, Rahab asks for mercy. <br />4. God’s men say, “…bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down.” <br />5. What does that scarlet cord represent to you and I today? It represents the blood of Jesus Christ. <br />6. The blood of Jesus Christ delivers us today from the wrath of God just as the scarlet cord would signify Rahab’s deliverance. <br /> a. What do you need today for deliverance and safety?<br />b. Some would say, “More money,” “More education,” “Better government.”<br />7. The greatest need in my life and in America today is to apply the blood of Jesus Christ to our sin stained lives. <br />8. Hebrews 9:22, "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin."<br /><br />ILLUS: I used to think it strange that the Bible keeps talking about the cleansing power of the blood (1 Peter 1:2). It seemed to me that blood was messy stuff. I needed to wash my white lab coats if they became stained with blood. Today, I love the analogy; it is so true of the body. The blood is constantly cleansing every cell, and washing away all the debris that accumulates all the time. I like Paul’s phrase in Hebrews 9:14 KJV, “How much more shall the blood of Christ purge your conscience from dead works?” —Dr. Paul Brand <br /><br />9. If you and I are to be people who posses the promised life God has for us, there’s going to be trust in the power of the blood of Jesus Christ to both free us from the penalty of sin, the power of sin, and one day the very presence of sin! <br />10. The blood of Christ not only has the power to save you, but to sanctify you, make you holy day by day! <br /><br />B. Confidence Josh. 2:22-24<br />1. The story of Rahab shows us that God can use anyone’s life that believes and trusts Him. <br />a. God includes people in His family we wouldn’t normally think would be there!<br /> 2. Eventually, Rahab would marry a believer named Salmon. Together, they have a son named Boaz, who is the grandfather of Jesse. Who was Jesse’s son? David, the greatest king over Israel.<br />3. Who was David’s great, great grandmother? A woman by the name of Rahab! <br /><br />ILLUS: To this day, on Israel’s flag is the Star of David, who had the blood of <br />Rahab flowing through his veins.<br /><br />4. What could be more impressive than being in King David’s line? In Matthew 1:5, we find Rahab in the genealogy of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! <br />5. On July 4th, 1776, our Founding Father’s signed a document declaring our independence from British rule. In declaring our independence, we declared our dependence upon Almighty God. <br />6. There is an enemy that would love to steal, kill, and destroy everything good and godly about your life. Yet, the Lord Jesus came declaring the good news, “I have come that you may have life and life to the full” (John 10:10). <br /><br />Conclusion: God used Rahab, a former prostitute, to show us that He can bring anyone into His family and transform into His wonderful servants. Today is the day to declare, “I am trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for safety, salvation, and to make me His useful servant.”Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-91360259952819178472010-07-02T22:05:00.002-04:002010-07-02T22:07:51.607-04:00Find Freedom From Your FearsJoshua 1<br /><br />INTRO: Top Fears People Face…1. Speaking in front of a group 2. Heights 3. Insects and bugs, financial problems and deep water 4. Sickness 5. Death 6. Flying 7. Loneliness 8. Dogs…Most of the fears we face every day are not based on facts, rather our own feelings. A popular University of Michigan study showed 60 percent of our fears are totally unwarranted; they never come to pass. 20 percent of our fears are focused on our past, which is completely out of our control. 10 percent of our fears are based on things so petty that they make no difference in our lives. Of the remaining 10 percent, only 4 to 5 percent could be considered justifiable. —Dennis Wattley, Seeds of Greatness, (Revell, 1983). Fear and unbelief kept God’s people out of the promised land and only Joshua and Caleb were able to enter because of their faith in God’s promises. <br /><br /><strong> 1. FOCUS ON GOD’S PLAN</strong><br /><br />1. Just as God had a purpose and plan for Joshua and the people of God, God also has a plan for your life and this church. 2. It’s easy to look at powerful people like Josh and say, “God sure had a plan for him,” how can He have a plan for me? Jer. 29:11; I didn’t know that I marry Amy, have 3 awesome kids, be pastor of CWBC, but it was part of God’s plan. 3. God’s plan is for His people to move fwd with Him in faith. Are you growing as a believer? Do you know more of His leadership in your life today than you did a year ago? 4. This summer, God is leading us to refocus on what is truly important to Him. He’s calling us to move on up in our spiritual growth. That means learning to put the past in the past and preparing for the new. Read Joshua 1:1-2. God gives us time to mourn and weep, but not forever. I get the feeling the Lord had to put it like this because God’s people needed to wake up to reality. John B. “Life goes on. Face reality. The man is dead. The job is yours. Get on with it.” Too many churches wish for the past when God is up to something in the present! I’m amazed at how many homes, children, young families there are in this community. Many do not know X as Savior. Frustrated, Fearful, Failures, Fainting, etc. Just b/c people take vacation for the summer doesn’t mean we take a vacation from pointing people to Jesus Christ. 5. Let’s use this summer to prepare for promised land living! 6. Jsh was born into slavery in Egypt and his parents named him Hoshea, meaning, “salvation.” Moses changed his name to Joshua, “Jehovah is salvation.” Numbers 27:16-20 7. The Lord saves us to be a people who are followers of His plan. W.Wiersbe says, “The Book of Joshua is the book of new beginnings for the people of God and many believers today need a new beginning. After 40 yrs of wandering in the wilderness, Israel claimed their inheritance and enjoyed the blessings of the land God had prepared for them, “as the days of heaven upon the earth” (Dt. 11:21). That’s the kind of life God wants us to experience today. Jesus Christ, our Joshua, wants to lead us in conquest now and share with us all the treasures of His wonderful inheritance. He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings, but too often we live like defeated paupers.” 8. As a church family, we must focus more on God’s plan over our own. 9. Find freedom from you fear means you an obedient servant of the Lord like Joshua. 10. There was land to conquer, giants to face, new ground to gain as God’s people began to enter the promised land, they were entering where they’d never been before and this required they stayed focused on God’s leadership in their lives and putting God’s plan first. 11. Fear kept God’s people out of the promised land for 40 years (Numbers 13:30-14:2). The victorious Christian life is about learning to be a conqueror through Christ (Romans 8:35-39). God’s best is that you learn to overcome all the enemies this world has that would keep you from entering His rest! To find freedom from the fears that would keep you from God’s best means you focus on His plan. <br /><br /><strong>2. FOCUS ON GOD’S TRUTH </strong><br /><br /> How many hours per day do you watch TV, surf the net, text message, worry about the future? Do you spend the majority of your time filling your life with the bad news or the good news of God’s truth? Many people fear surrendering their lives to the Lord b/c they do not know His truth. They think He will destroy all their happiness, but He comes to give them fullness of joy (John 15:11). They think He wants to judge them, but He died on a cross to save them from judgment (John 3:17). They think that if they follow Christ, life will be miserable, but it will be abundant (John 10:10). To find freedom from your fears means you are going to focus on God’s truth, not your fears. It means you are going to be thinking of His Word more and your worries less! Read Josh 1:3 – God’s already been where you are going! John B. “The fear of tomorrow can be as crippling as slavery to the past, but God is already in your tomorrow.”<br />Josh. 1:8 2. How can I focus on God’s truth? Acts 17:11, 18:24. Make a commitment that you are going to be in God’s truth DAILY and you are going to become MIGHTY in the Word. Make a commitment today that you are going to read God’s Word cover to cover once/yr for the rest of your life. The more I study God’s Word, the more I realize this is an inexhaustible book! Josh 1:8; Psa 1:2. Recite them over & over. Pray about what they teach. Keep them in forefront of your mind throughout day. Like rolling hard candy around in mouth. Renewing your mind this way will transform you: Rom 12:2. 3. Please understand that your adversary the devil will do all he can to keep you from living a Word-filled life. The more you let God’s Word dwell in you, the more faith you have, the more strength you have to honor Jesus! 4. What would happen in our church if everyone had the opportunity to become stronger in God’s Word? If we come to God’s Word with an obedient heart first, we’d save ourselves from a lot of heartache. Can you imagine what our church might look like if…everyone obeyed God’s Word to rest and worship instead of continually overloading their schedule? Forgave one another as Christ forgave us? Gave to the Lord from a cheerful heart? Used their spiritual gift faithfully? Witnessed to the lost friends and family in the power of the Holy Spirit? Learned to have victory over enslaving habits through God’s Word? Had marriages and homes where Christ was honored? What has God promised? Forgiveness of sins, H.S. power, access, joy, strength, etc. FOCUS ON HIS TRUTH. Ex. Pete and I always try to put things together w/o reading the instruction manual. We get upset, angry, mad; Amy comes in and begins reading the manual. 15 minutes later we are ready to go! Focusing on God’s truth and following His will enables you to find freedom from your fears!<br /><br /><strong>3. FOCUS ON HIS FAITHFULNESS</strong> <br /><br />You will find freedom from you fears as you learn to focus on His faithfulness. Fear sets in when you leave God out of the picture. Faith comes when you remember it’s not about you, but Him working through you (2 Cor. 3). When fear threatens to take over, recall what God has done in your life. How could Joshua be confident? God would be with Him just as He was with Moses (Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20). God is calling us to walk out of the wilderness of defeat and unbelief. The reason you can is b/c God has given you the same promise given to Joshua * Be strong and courageous (v.6) Obey all of God’s laws for living (v.7)*Think often about what God has said (v.8). * Remember that God is with you (v.9). Do you teach Sunday school? You’re a leader. Are you a parent? You’re a leader. Have a job? You’re a leader. Have friends? You’re a leader. No matter who you are, others are looking at you and being influenced by your example. As you think about this awesome responsibility, what should you do? Someone has said that a good leader is one who “knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”You might be fearful to witness - He will give you the words - give - He will provide - serve - He will empower you. I get fearful if I think it's up to me to "get results" in the Christian life, but He is the One who causes growth, saves, etc. I can do anything THROUGH CHRIST who strengthens me. Instead of letting fear keep you from God's best, remember God is the One who will enable you. <br /><br />Today, you can find freedom from your fears as you focus on His plan, His truth, His faithfulness. All around us are people falling by the side and today is the day to begin the change with God’s help. With God’s help will you be strong and courageous to (1) Give your heart and life to Jesus who gave everything to you? (2) Obey God through baptism, church membership, ministry? The church must move from the wilderness of death to the promised land of faith. Today is the day to stand with the Lord, be brave and strong in this evil day.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-23993060511186651272010-04-03T19:51:00.003-04:002010-04-03T19:55:26.100-04:00On the Road to Genuine Hope - Matthew 28:1-10A. How much do you know about some of the events surrounding the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? <br />1. At Christ's crucifixion what did the soldiers place on his head? Crown of Thorns <br />2. For what of Christ's did the soldiers cast lots? Clothes <br />3. For how many pieces of silver did Judas betray Christ? 30 <br />4. When Jesus died, for how long was there darkness over the land? 3 hours <br />5. For how long did Jesus remain after his resurrection before he ascended into heaven? 40 days <br /><br />B. Almost everyone knows Tiger Woods has been the top media story of 2010 – unfortunately not for his golf, but extra-marital affairs. FOX reporter Britt Hume shared on national TV if Tiger Woods truly wanted to start over again, He needed to turn to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ offers forgiveness and redemption. <br /><br />1. Forgiveness, redemption, genuine hope – that is what the empty tomb and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is all about!<br /><br />2. With all the hope that is available in a personal relationship with the Risen Savior, sadly most believers and unbelievers do not know how to live a life of genuine hope. <br /><br />C. For example, I let go of hope when…<br />1. I doubt my difficult situation will turn around for the better<br />2. My fear of tomorrow robs me of today’s strength<br />3. I believe God is out to get me rather than help me <br />4. My life seems to have no motivating purpose <br />5. I feel more burned, bummed out than rested, recharged up!<br />D. There are four choices I must make today to live a life of genuine hope. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ I can…<br /><br /><strong>1. H - AVE MY FEARS REPLACED WITH THE ASSURANCE OF JESUS’ LOVE FOR ME</strong><br /><br />A. We are living in some pretty fearful times in America now – loss of jobs, struggling economy, terrorist threats, health, personal finances, etc. <br />1. Fear could easily win in our hearts and lives if we leave God of the equation. <br />2. If you are ever tempted to doubt God’s love, think of Calvary and the empty tomb!<br />3. Perhaps Jesus could love others who have their act together– but me? Sinful. Struggling. Selfish. <br /><br />B. Jesus died willingly, sacrificially, lovingly, and triumphantly – through His death, you may live (John 11:15-26). <br />1. Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…” <br />2. No one (on their own) is worthy of God’s unconditional love and acceptance, but Jesus wants a relationship with you not based on your goodness, but His grace!<br /><br /><strong>2. O - VERCOME MY FAILURES THROUGH GOD’S COMPLETE FORGIVENESS</strong>. <br /><br />A. All of the disciples forsook Jesus (Matthew 26:56)<br />1. They let pride, prayerlessness, people pleasing, etc. get in the way of true commitment to Jesus <br />2. Can you imagine the shame, disgrace they felt? <br /><br />B. It’s easy to look back and see the failures of the disciples – how about your failures? <br />1. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ your life does not need to be defined by failures, rather through His complete forgiveness. <br />2. Ephesians 1:7, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” <br />3. It is very freeing to know that God is not looking down at your with a sin calculator today, but is longing to give you a fresh start. <br />4. A very famous sermon is called, “It’s Friday…but Sunday’s coming.” <br />On Friday, the forces of evil won over the forces of good, every friend and every disciple fled quaking in fear, the Son of God died on a cross. Yes it's Friday, but Sunday's comin'. The disciples who lived through both days, Friday and Sunday, never doubted God again. They had learned that even when God seems absent, he might be closer than ever; when God looks powerless, he might be more powerful than ever; when God looks dead, he might be coming back to life. <br />They learned that even when it's Friday, Sunday's comin!”<br />5. What seems hopeless and impossible in your life? Remember Sunday’s comin!’<br /><br /><strong>3. P – LUG INTO GOD’S POWER FOR DAILY LIVING</strong><br /><br />A. The stone that had been placed over the door of Jesus’ tomb had been rolled away.<br /><br />B. Why was the stone rolled away?<br />1. Not to let Jesus out of the tomb. <br />2. The stone was rolled away not to let Jesus out but to let others in!<br />a. The women, and later Peter and John, went inside the tomb to verify that it was empty.<br />b. The empty tomb is powerful proof of Jesus’ resurrection.<br />3. The stone was rolled away as proof that Jesus conquered death.<br />Acts 2:24, “…whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” <br />A. Many believers live discouraged, dry, defeated lives because they fail to let go of their futile attempts to live victorious lives in their own strength and let the risen living Lord take over and live the victorious life through them by His resurrection power.<br />B. Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."<br />C. It is the resurrected Christ living in us that gives us the strength to live victoriously.<br />D. Martin Luther once was so depressed over a prolonged period that one day his wife came downstairs wearing all black. Martin Luther said, "Who died?" She said, "God has." He said, "God hasn’t died." To which she replied, "Well, live like it and act like it."<br /><br /><strong>4. E-NVISION MY FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD</strong><br /><br />A. Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is no hope for everlasting life.<br />B. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we will be reunited with our loved ones in Christ, we will be rewarded for our faithfulness to the Lord, we will be released from all pain, suffering, sadness, sorrow. <br />C. What is Easter about? It’s about the hope we have in Christ!<br />D. Have fears replaced with His love, Overcome failures through His forgiveness, Plug into God’s Power for daily living, Envision your future with confidence in the Lord!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-85108659728093571202010-03-21T13:52:00.002-04:002010-03-21T13:57:02.841-04:00Found Faithful to Jesus In Our Waiting - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11There is an overwhelming sense of discouragement that is pervading in people’s lives today. Just this week, I met a check-out lady at CVS and asked her how things were going. “Awful,” was her reply. “My husband and I have one child, I’m pregnant with child # two, however, my husband just left me for another woman in Michigan. I don’t know what I’m going to do, $$$ is gone, I’m stressed out to the max.” How many of you know someone or feel that way today? <br /><br />The Word of God gives great hope to those who are discouraged, disillusioned, downcast, etc. The Good News is that God is in control – Jesus is alive, risen, coming again and if you have Jesus as personal Lord and Savior, you can live in His peace today. <br /><br /><strong>Reassurance (13)</strong> – One thing about these Thessalonian believers is that had put their faith in the Word of God. Now, because of the intense persecution that Paul faced as he brought them the Word of God, he was only able to stay with them a few short weeks. Paul taught them about worshipping and serving the One True and Living God, encouraging one another, spiritual warfare, witnessing, doing God’s will, etc. Paul also taught them to expect the Lord Jesus Christ could return at any moment. These new believers got so excited about the Lord’s return and began to prepare their lives to meet Him. However, while they waited for the Lord to return, some of their friends, families, loved ones died. This discouraged them b/c they felt their loved ones would miss out on the wonderful coming of our Lord. Paul encouraged them with the truth that when Jesus came back, their loved ones in Christ would be there, too! The world believes that death is the end of it all (sad). The follower of Christ knows the death is just the beginning to everlasting life in the Presence of the Lord! <br /><br /><strong>Resurrection (14-15)</strong> – Why do believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have such hope? Our hope (confidence) is anchored in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Because Jesus died and rose again, we will also. 2 Cor. 4:14 we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. Rom 8:11 …if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” Where do you anchor your hope this morning? Is your hope in the AJC? Is your hope built on what is going on in the White House? Is your hope in your checkbook? If so, that is no hope. Real hope comes from building your life on the Word of God, what the Lord Jesus did for you on the innocent blood shed on the cross of Calvary, the empty tomb! Death, for the believer in Jesus, is not the end, but the beginning. According to Luke 16:22, an angel of the Lord will usher you into the very presence of the Lord. Think of the thief who was dying on the cross next to the Lord Jesus. Jesus did not say, “I hope you might someday be with me in paradise.” No, He said, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Because Jesus died, our sin debt is paid in full. Because Jesus is risen we will spend eternity with Him (John 11:25). <br /><br /><strong>Return (16</strong>) – The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with and come for His own. The trumpet of God will sound. Trumpets in the Bible were used to sound war, gather people, in this case the trumpet of God is going to assemble all in Christ. <br /><br /><strong>Reunion (17-18)</strong> – We’ll see our loved ones in the Lord Jesus Christ again. Some of you have had husbands, wives, children, grandchildren who have died…you’ll see them again! There is no separation for loved ones in Christ. I’ll see my grandfather again. I will hear him say, “Ol’ Davy boy!” again! That’s why Christians face funerals with a different perspective than unbelievers. WE know that not even death can eternally remove us from our loved ones or of the glory of the return of our Savior. Psalm 4:8: I will both lie down in peace and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” <br /><br /><strong>Regret (5:1-3)</strong> – While we do not know when the Lord will return for His own at the rapture of the church, the world does not know that the day of the Lord’s judgment is coming upon them. A day of incredible, fearful judgment is coming upon those who reject the saving grace of the Lord Jesus. A man may reject God, curse God, live a life for self, sin, and it seems like God does nothing about it. However, there is coming a day in the future when God will deal with a Christ-rejecting world. This day will come like a thief in the night. No thief I’ve ever known calls up the family he’s about to rob and says, “Now, make sure you are up and alert at 1 AM, I’m going to rob you blind!” Luke 12:39-40, “But know this, that if the mater of the house would have known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” The world leaders may even be promising peace, safety…no worries. Jesus said when He returned the days would be like the days of Noah, people eating, marrying, drinking, selling, buying…all of a sudden, judgment comes upon them. <br /><br /><strong>Ready (5:4-11)</strong> – Thinking about the return of Jesus Christ ought to make us live with godly character, spiritual motivation, peace with the Lord and others. <em>2 Peter 3:11-14, “11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”</em> We ought to be leaving, close and clean to the Lord knowing He could return at any moment. We ought to be always looking for an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with lost friends, family, co-workers, etc. We need to be a part of building up the body of Christ with our time, talent, treasures. We ought to be walking in the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, and have petty differences laid at the foot of the cross. We ought to be encouraging one another in the body of Christ, spurring one another on toward love and good works. We ought to be at church faithfully, praying, in Bible study, spending time with God’s people over the Word of God! Always living with the thought in mind of the day when we will give an account to the Lord of the lives we lived – for self or for the Savior. <br /><br />How can we be faithful while we wait for the Lord’s return? <strong>First, Paul says, “Be sober.” </strong>He is talking here about being alive to God’s will and purpose for your life (like a soldier on guard, alert). Be sensitive to what is going on around you, not sleeping, not half-hearted in your walk with the Lord. <strong>Second, he says, “putting on the breastplate of faith and love.”</strong> A soldier with his armor on is ready for action. Faith means we are trusting in the Lord and love means our relationship with others is pure, we are expressing tangibly our love for others. <strong>Third, he says we are to put on as helmet the hope of salvation (5:8-10). </strong>That is, we ought to be constantly thinking about what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. This is not a hope so salvation. This is a know so salvation. I know Jesus died for my sins. I know He rose again. I know I have turned from sin and placed all my faith in what He did for me at the cross of Calvary. I know Jesus has forgiven me, I know His Holy Spirit is in control, I know nothing can separate me from the love of God in Jesus Christ (not death, angels, suffering, pain, sorrow). Church, that is the kind of Savior we have in Jesus Christ. Fourth, he tells us to encourage and edify one another. We live in such a time when criticism, cut downs, fault-finding, bitterness, can fill the church. Instead of wasting your time on that, how about working on building up believers. Understanding they are sinners saved by grace just as you are. Understanding your call in life is to build people up in the Lord not bring people down! <br /><br />We are living in a day right now and we are to be faithful in our worship and service to the Lord. While we worship, witness, work, we are waiting for the blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. <br /><br /><strong>Our Response:</strong><br />1. This morning, you may realize that you have never thought about this and you need to become a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. ABC - Admit to God you are a sinner, Ask for His forgiveness, Believe Jesus is God’s Son who died for your sins, was buried, rose again to give eternal life to you. Confess Him as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10). <br />2. Is the Lord leading you to become part of the family of God here? If you have asked Christ into your heart, but never been baptized, then come today and join by baptism. If you have already been baptized and a member of another church and God is calling you here, then join this church family. <br />3. Maybe you know it is time the Lord receive glory from your life. Your walk with Him has grown cold, apathetic. There is much darkness in the world because believers are not being the light God called us to be. Would you come in repentance? <br />4. It’s time to begin sharing the comfort of the Gospel, build up fellow believers, growing stronger in faith, love, and hope. Come and bow before your Lord. Ask Him for the courage to live close, clean, courageously in these last days.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-2485461296054961652010-03-14T22:14:00.003-04:002010-03-14T22:30:23.102-04:00Found Faithful to God's Will - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12How many times have you asked the Lord or heard others ask, “God, what is your will for my life?” Have you ever asked God to show you His pleasant, pleasing, and perfect will for your life? Perhaps other than asking the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come into your life as Lord and Savior, the decision to know and do God’s will is of utmost importance in your life.<br /><br /><strong>Truths Concerning the Will of God</strong> <br /><br /><strong>+ Salvation is His will for your life</strong>. God has made that very clear in His Word that none should perish, but that all should come to the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. You never have to ask the Lord, “God is it your will that I am saved?” The Lord Jesus Christ has already done EVERYTHING necessary for you to become a child of God. Jesus lived a sinless life, died a cruel death on the cross of Calvary, shedding His life’s blood for you and me. He was buried and on the third day, Jesus rose from the grave – victorious over Satan, sin, death, hell, and the grave. You must be willing to receive salvation as a free gift by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:12, Ephesians 2:8-9). <br /><br /><strong>+Sanctification is His will for your life</strong>. Once you become a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, He begins a LIFETIME process of making your more like Jesus (Romans 8:28-29). Being sanctified means you are “set apart” from the world and into His service. <br /><br /><strong>+Scripture Centered </strong> Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ must feed on the Word of God, the Scriptures are essential to your spiritual walk and vitality in the Lord (Matthew 4:4, 1 Peter 2:2, Psalm 119:9-10). How long can you go without physical food and expect to stay strong? The Word of God is food for your soul! <br /><br /><strong>+Strong in the Lord</strong> The devil’s desire is to keep your lost or at the very best, an extremely weak Christian (Eph. 6:10-18). <br /><br /><strong>+Serving the Lord and others</strong> The definition of joy is Jesus – Others – You! There is so much work to be done in our church and into this community. We are actively working on our Across GA 2010 – Every Christian caring – Every believer sharing – Every Georgian hearing. Are you involved in the harvest…or content to let others take your place? <br /><br /><strong>+Secure in God’s grip of grace.</strong> We do what we do for the Lord BECAUSE He has chosen us to work through (John 15). No amount of works or service gives us eternal security – rather, out of that secure relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, we do the good works He’s planned in advance for us to walk in (Eph. 2:10). <br /><br /><strong>+Stable, Serenity (Romans 5:1-5)</strong><br /><br /><strong>Lies from the Evil One Concerning God’s Will</strong> There is really no need to turn from sin to the Savior<br /> God made you this way, so you can’t help but sin<br /> You deserve anything you want RIGHT NOW – don’t delay<br /> God will simply wink at your sin – it’s no big deal<br /> You are better than most, you pray, give, attend church, etc. <br /> The only sins that matter are the Big ones…sexual immorality, murder, hatred, pride, etc. Other sins such as gossip, un-forgiveness, jealousy, bitterness are simply not that big of a deal. <br /> You are sufficient within yourself to defeat sin – no need for Bible study, prayer, accountability, etc. <br /> Pleasing yourself is the highest priority of life – family, neighbors, church, etc. can take the back seat<br /> God is not our for your good, but is really out to steal your joy<br /><br /><strong>How to know and do the will of God</strong><br /><br /><strong>+Dedication to the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2</strong> - The Lord Jesus Christ must be my ultimate authority in life! (This is not optional)! <br /><br /><strong>+ Desire to grow</strong> As parents and grandparents, think of the sheer joy it brings to your heart as that child begins to develop new ways, habits, activities, etc. that are positive. Can you remember the first time your child brushed their teeth? Put on their own clothes? Made their bed, meal, etc. Ephesians 4:12-16, “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”<br /><br /><strong> + Discipline yourself 1 Thessalonians 4:3</strong> – There is a part God plays and a part you play in doing His will. God does not wave a magic wand over you so you always choose right – He doesn’t take away the wonderful taste of cake – there’s a part we must play. <br /><br /><strong>+ Different character 1 Thessalonians 4:4-8</strong> – We live in a sex saturated society (billboards, TV shows, magazines, internet, etc). Because you are a new creation in Christ Jesus – act like it! There are some websites to be avoided, places you simply cannot go anymore, movies, books, DVD’s that must go, improper relationships with others that must be cut off – You don’t do these things to BECOME holy…but because JESUS CHRIST made you holy through the cross! God's will is that we should avoid sexual immorality. The word translated "sexual immorality" is where we get our English word "pornography" and it refers to practices such as premarital sex, extramarital sex, homosexuality, lesbianism, sodomy, incest, etc. “Sexual Immorality”: any sexual activity that is not within the confines of a heterosexual relationship involving people who are legally married. <br /> How many homes, churches, ministries, servants of the Lord have ruined their lives because their character was no different than unbelievers? No one can play with fire without getting burned! Proverbs 6:27-29, “Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be seared? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent.” <br />God is the One who pours out His Spirit upon you, indwells you, has given you new life. We are commanded to offer ourselves to the Savior, rather than sin…if you have problems with this, your problem is not with me, rather God! 1 Thess. 4:8<br />What if I’ve failed? Who hasn’t? Take you sins and failures to the cross, leave them there, for they are under the blood of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:7, 1 John 2:2)! Jesus sees us in our sin and shame – yet with eyes of mercy (John 8:12). He does not want us to wallow in past sin, guilt, and will not use us mightily if we choose to focus more on our guilt than His grace. Jesus forgives failures – Mark 16:7, “…and Peter.” – Lk. 22:31-32, 61-62 – God is more willing to forgive than we are to receive it ourselves! <br /><br /><strong>+Devotion in life ambition 1 Thessalonians 4:9</strong> – The more you grow in the love walk, the more you are walking in the will of God! <br /><br /><strong>+Decide your companions 1 Thessalonians 4:10-11 </strong>– People you don’t need to be hanging around continually would include busybodies, apathetic believers, people who tear you down, etc. Find people who are going to call you to go higher in integrity, work, devotion to God’s will. The people you hang around with most are going to determine much about the direction of your life! 1 Cor. 15:33, “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” <br /><br /><strong>+Discipleship orientation 1 Thessalonians 4:12</strong> – People are watching you – By the way you live, work, do your daily business, would it cause others to want to follow Jesus? Are you late for work, downing employees, giving half-hearted effort? <br />+Delight Yourself in the Lord Share brief testimony of Glen Mann, Scotty and C.O.P.I.N Ministries, etc. <br /><br /><strong>+Day of the Lord</strong> What kind of an account of your life, lifestyle, do you want to give to the Lord? In light of that day (Bema Seat), all should desire to live faithful to the will of God. <br /><br /><strong>Our Response:</strong> <br />1. This morning, are you walking in the will of God? Do you understand that Jesus perfectly did the will of God? He is the only One who never failed, thus we need His forgiveness. Remember ABC. Admit to God you are a sinner. Believe Jesus Christ is God’s Son. Confess Jesus is Lord and trust His work on the cross. <br />2. Today, would you like to become a member of this church family? Perhaps you’ve received Jesus, but have never been baptized. If you are a member of another church and have been baptized, yet sense God is calling you here, then join us this morning. <br />3. Are you willing to walk in God’s will beginning today? Is there a sin that is keeping you from following Jesus? Are you willing to bring it to the Lord today? Turn away from sin and turn your eyes upon Jesus who will empower you to walk in new life today! <br />4. Is there a friend you need to ask to keep you accountable in the area of purity, pleasing God in areas such as home life, marriage, work, friendships, etc? <br />5. If you have failed, there is freedom from failure – Ask God to forgive you, choose now to live in purity, receive His forgiveness, take the next step forward in Christ. <br />6. Dwell much this week on how much better it is to be actively doing Gods’ will, rather than progressively sinking in sin.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-21737244886639575462010-03-14T22:09:00.003-04:002010-03-14T22:32:35.435-04:00Investing Your Life in the King's Service - Matthew 25:14-30Elvis Presley is known as the “King of Rock-n-Roll.” Perhaps there’s been no greater music entertainer in the past 100 years that has used his talents to shake up the crowd, like Elvis. Thinking over the latter years of Elvis’ life and his drug overdose, do you think he would do things differently if given another chance? Do you think he would have invested in a different way?<br /><br />Our Heavenly King has given each of us the awesome opportunity to invest our lives, using the gifts and talents He’s invested in us to minister. The best investment of your life is investing back into the King’s service! We will give an account one day of our faithfulness or unfaithfulness… The King of Kings will say, “Well done!” or “Wicked, worthless, wasted.” Which will it be for you? <br /><br /> <strong> Distant Journey (14)</strong> – The Lord Jesus Christ is in heaven right now, yet He has gifted every single child of His with various gifts (Eph. 4:8). He gives each of us ample time to make use of those gifts and we simply must be obedient to His call upon our lives. This is no time to be goofing off, wasting time, doing our own thing, rather we should be saying, “Lord, how have you gifted me?” <br /><br /><strong> Delegating Talents (15</strong>) – God is the One who gives the talents to His people. To one servant, He gave five. To another, He gave two. To yet another, He gave one. We must always remember God is the One who has given us what we have. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “…not your own, bought with a price, glorify God!” Our ultimate accountability is to the Lord. <br /><br /><strong> Differing Talents (15)</strong> – Not everyone has the same talent, and that is completely fine. The call is not for us to get jealous about the one who has more talent, rather to be faithful with what God has invested into our own lives! For example, I look at Billy Graham, Dr. James Dobson, Dr. James Merritt, or Dr. Charles Stanley and say, “I will never be as talented as they, can’t preach/teach, have as big ministry or church.” It’s easy to think they are more special in God’s eyes because of what’s been accomplished through them. However, God gives each of us a gift (some five, two, or one). If we are a five, be the five. Two, be the two. One, be the one. He’s not asking for us to become someone else, but to be the unique person He’s created us to be. Also, He’s not looking for our church to be like the mega church down the road, yet, He is looking for us to be faithful with what He’s invested into our lives – to touch others, minister, serve, reach out. We need to take His call upon our lives with all seriousness. The gifts we have belong to the Lord and are to be used for His glory. <br /><br /><strong> Dependable Servants (16 & 17</strong>) – These two servants of the Lord did exactly what God had intended for them to do. Both of them used their God given time, talent, treasure, testimony, etc. faithfully. The man with five talents, gained five more. The man with two talents, gained two more. Both of these men doubled their talent treasury. Both of these servants knew they would give an account one day of how they invested their Master’s talents. They could have chosen to say, “Well, thank God, I’m gifted, and that’s enough.” Instead, they took the attitude of, “My Master has invested into my life. Just as He’s invested in me, I will invest into others.” Both servants did not waste time, but immediately began to invest their talents. Some say, “I will get on board with God, one day.” “When the economy gets better, then I’ll give.” “When I’m retired, I’ll begin to think about being a witness for the Lord, etc.” “When I began to feel a little better, I’ll start taking this whole call to serve God a little more seriously.” <br /><br /><strong> Disloyal Servant (18)</strong> – In Jesus’ day, to dig a hole and put your valuables in the ground was normally a safe thing. However, the Master had not called His servants to bury their talents, rather to use those talents to gain more. Why did this one talented man do that? Perhaps he saw that others had more and felt like his didn’t really matter. Perhaps he got busy doing so many other things that he forgot about His Master’s purpose? Maybe he said, “Well, my Master is not returning for a long time, I’ll be about His business after taking care of my things first.” <br /><br /><strong> Day of Reckoning (19)</strong> – We will give an account to God one day with what He’s given to us – 2 Corinthians 5, Hebrews 9:27, Romans 14, etc. Thinking of that day ought to motivate each of us to faithfulness to the Lord. <br /><br /><strong> Disciple’s Praised (20-23)</strong> – It ought to be the desire of our heart to hear the Lord say of us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Even in this life, the greatest thing we can do is give back with a grateful heart for all God has given us. The one who had doubled to ten talents was told the exact same thing the one who had doubled to four, “Well done, enter into the joy of your Lord!” If we are faithful with what God give us, He can entrust more to us. If we are not faithful with the little things, how can He entrust us with more?<br /><br /><strong> Distorted View of God (24-26)</strong> – This third servant had the same opportunity as the others, but did not have the proper view of his Master. He said the Master was a “hard man.” Look back at how kind the Master had been to each of the three. He blessed them with what they didn’t naturally have, He gave them plenty of to invest, He praised the first two for their faithfulness. Many people don’t believe God is good, kind, faithful, giving…because of their distorted view of God, they don’t serve Him! The servant also tried to blame the Master of bad character (many people blame God) as the reason for their unfaithfulness. The servant also said, “I was afraid, went and hid your talent in the ground…” The servant is simply full of excuses as to why he could not be found faithful. This is a very selfish way to live. This is a life turned inward, instead of a life lived upward to God in thanksgiving and outward to others in service, ministry. <br /><br /><strong> Description of the servant (26)</strong> – “wicked” and “lazy.” Do you understand that you don’t have to be involved in some massive sin, yet the Lord could still say of you, “wicked, lazy servant.” Some people come to church week in and week out, yet never do anything with what they’ve heard. They think they please God simply because they warm a pew. <br /><br /><strong> Devotion Rewarded (27-29)</strong> – This is the call of God upon our lives. Wholehearted devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Faithfulness to God and His kingdom is rewarded, unfaithfulness to God and His kingdom is punished. How many of God’s people choose to be the third servant? How many churches bury the gifts in the sand that God has given them to share with their community. <br /><br /><strong> Darkness Demanded (30)</strong> - God is light, in Him there is no darkness. Away from the Lord's presence is beyond terrible. What a wake up call!<br /><br /><strong> Decisions Must Be Made</strong> – Will I use what God has given me to His glory and the benefit of others? Will I anticipate the day and the joy of hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Will I take what the Master has given me and bury it in the sand? Will I come up with every excuse in the book as to why I couldn’t and wouldn’t be faithful to my Master? This parable could also serve as a wake up call to Colonial Woods Baptist Church. God is the Master of this church and deserves, demands faithful and loving service until He returns. <br /><br /> My challenge to God’s church tonight is: Will we be found faithful or fearful? Will we have a vision to grow, be renewed, use our gifts, or live for self alone? Perhaps it is time to focus more of our time and efforts into hearing God speak to our hearts clearly about what He’d have done…and then get on board with His plan. <br /><br /><strong>How can I best invest my life in service to the King of Kings? </strong><br /><br /> Spend Time Getting to Your Mater and King Better <br /> Use what God’s given you to advance His Kingdom…now<br /> Refuse to compare yourself with the more talented…be faithful with what He’s given you. <br /> Anticipate hearing the King say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” <br /> Have a healthy fear of God’s judgment on the unfaithful servants <br /><br /><strong>Our Response:</strong> <br />1. May we be reminded that God is the King and He has richly blessed each of us with the ability to invest our lives in His kingdom.<br />2. Let go of things that are keeping you from truly knowing the Lord better and being about His business. <br />3. Understand that we have nothing to boast or brag about on our own – His amazing grace is what motivates us to faithful service.<br />4. Put your gifts into practice this week. God gave you gifts for the building up of believers right here at CWBC. <br />5. May we praise God that our King is coming, our salvation is secure, He is faithful!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-964767930438657612010-02-26T14:57:00.002-05:002010-02-26T15:06:52.169-05:00Found Faithful in Spiritual Warfare<strong><em>1 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain. 6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you— 7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? 11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, 13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.<br />- 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13</em></strong><br /><br /><strong>Introduction</strong><br /><br />Dr. Frank Page once stated, “The Christian life is not a playground…it is a battleground.” Some have taken the issue of spiritual warfare to extremes while others are not taking it seriously enough. The truth is spiritual warfare is going on continually and every follower of the Lord Jesus Christ should desire to be found faithful to our Commander and Chief Shepherd. <br /><br />First, being found faithful in spiritual warfare involves…<br /><br /><strong>I. Preparing like a Privileged Soldier in God’s Army</strong> <br /><br />A student prepares for his exams. <br /><br />A lawyer will prepare for his bar exams. <br /><br />An athlete will prepare for his sporting contest. <br /><br />A follower of the Lord Jesus Christ must prepare diligently for spiritual warfare.<br /><br />Three statements concerning spiritual preparation: <br /><br /><strong>A. Preparation begins with our family identity</strong> <br /><br />Look at verses 1-3, “Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother…” <br /><br />Let’s be reminded that we who belong to the Lord Jesus, belong to one another as “brothers” and “sisters” in Christ. <br /><br />We are a family of faith. <br /><br />The hymn says, “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God – washed in the fountain and cleansed by His blood!” <br /><br />God’s presence and power rests upon people who are rightly related to Himself and to one another. <br /><br />Psalm 133:1 states, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” <br /><br />Preparing like a soldier begins by understanding you are not in this fight alone, but others are going to be there in the trenches with you. <br /><br /><strong>B. Preparation is activated through servant ministry</strong><br /><br />Not only was Timothy a dear brother, but also a “minister of God.” <br /><br />Timothy was willing to get off the bench and get into the game spiritually. <br /><br />He was not willing to let the rest of his fellow soldiers serve in God’s army and himself not report for duty.<br /><br />Every single one of us in the body of Christ is a minister unto God. <br /><br />Just as soldiers need solid participation and teamwork to accomplish their military goals, so the body of Christ needs every member ministering to the glory of God if God’s will is to be accomplished. <br /><br />1 Peter 4:10 states , “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” <br /><br /><strong>C. Preparation labors in the gospel of Christ</strong><br /><br />Verse 2 points out that Timothy was a brother, minister of God, and “fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ…”<br /><br />An interesting survey might be to ask everyone who comes to church what the most important thing in this church. <br /><br />Answers may vary – worship style, nursery, methods of reaching out, etc.<br /><br />More important than anything in the church is the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. <br /><br />Without the cross of Calvary, without the shedding of Jesus’ precious blood, without the resurrection, we are lost and in our sins. <br /><br />The word of God says, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures…” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4<br /><br />A friend reminded me this week, “We are all equal at the foot of the cross.” <br /><br />Laboring in the gospel of Christ means I’m ready to evangelize those without Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. <br /><br />Laboring in the gospel of Christ also means I’m available to encourage God’s people – going and teaching, making disciples of Christ! <br /><br />Timothy prepared himself like a privileged soldier in the army of the Lord. He was rightly related to Jesus, others, and was walking in obedience to his Commander and Chief!<br /><br /> Second, being found faithful in spiritual warfare involves…<br /><br /><strong>2. Standing in the Supernatural Strength of the Lord</strong> <br /><br />“What God expects us to attempt, He also enables us to achieve.” <br />- Pastor Stephen Olford. <br /><br />Three benefits to standing in the strength of the Lord.<br /><br />First, the Lord’s strength will… <br /><br /><strong>A. Enables us to overcome Satan’s deceptions</strong><br /><br />Satan was doing all he could to shake up, discourage, defeat these new followers of Christ in Thessalonica. <br /><br />Paul writes, “I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.” <br /><br />These new Christians had taken their stand on the gospel of Jesus Christ, not the “health and wealth” gospel that dominates America. <br /><br />If you believe you are supposed to come to Jesus for a life of no problems, pain, persecution, etc. that’s not the gospel. <br /><br />Paul knew that Satan could be whispering lies in their ears like, “If God really loved you, you wouldn’t be suffering like this.” <br /><br />“If Jesus is really God Almighty, you would not have to go through pain.” <br /><br />Perhaps Satan tried to get them to believe Paul had abandoned them, didn’t love and care for them. <br /><br />God never tempts us to sin – but God does test us to deepen our walk with Him. <br /><br />Luke 22:31-34, “31 And the Lord said “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” 34 Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”<br /><br />Even though Simon’s faith faltered under pressure, He repented and was restored by the Lord Jesus…used greatly in God’s kingdom purposes. <br /><br />The essence of spiritual warfare is Satan’s lies vs. God’s truth. <br /><br />Believing Satan’s lies will eventually make you bitter and angry.<br /><br />Believing God’s truth will enable you to overcome no matter what you face. <br /><br />Recently two men died of cancer on the same day in rooms side by side. <br /><br />One man was bitter and angry at God because God had allowed this cancer into his life. <br /><br />He told the hospital staff no one was allowed in his room. <br /><br />The other man wanted his family, friends, pastor there with him. <br /><br />He told everyone how thankful he was for God’s sustaining grace and that Jesus had prepared a place for him. <br /><br />He thanked all his family, friends, ministers for all the love and prayers they had showered upon him. <br /><br />He rejoiced in the Lord that God had something better awaiting him in Heaven. <br /><br />Second, standing in supernatural strength of the Lord will…<br /><br /><strong>B. Empower us to mature spiritually</strong> <br /><br />What was the evidence these believers were growing strong in the Lord? <br /><br />Timothy brought back the report and shared the good news of their “faith and love.” <br /><br />“Faith” means we are rightly related to God. <br /><br />“Love” means we are rightly related to one another. <br /><br />If you love God, you are going to love God’s people. <br /><br />"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other…" (2 Thessalonians 1:3).<br /><br />"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love" (Galatians 5:6).<br /><br />"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13).<br /><br />“Love talked about can be easily turned aside, but love demonstrated is irresistible.” —W. Stanley Mooneyham, Men of Integrity, Vol. 3, no. 5.<br /><br />Even amidst the toughest of circumstances, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and love toward one another can move mountains! <br /><br />Third, standing in the supernatural strength of the Lord will…<br /><br /><strong>C. Encourage others joy in the Lord </strong><br /><br />Paul got fired up when he heard how these new believers were growing.<br /><br />He says, “For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.” <br /><br />Seeing God’s power at work in the life of His people is extremely encouraging. <br /><br />At the State Evangelism Conference we saw evidence of God’s Spirit working through the teenagers of Bartow County. <br /><br />One youth said, “Jesus called us to go preach the gospel, serve others in His Name…not just come to church.” (Cool)<br /><br />How many times do we focus on those things that are most discouraging over the things that are most encouraging? <br /><br />When I see people rising up to become the people Jesus has called them to be, in spite of their difficulties, limitations, past, it brings great joy to my heart. <br /><br />If we spend the majority of our time focusing on the defeats, discouragements, disappointments of life – Satan will have won a victory.<br /><br />If we spend the majority of our time focusing on the good news of Jesus Christ, encouraging one another, being glad in the life God has blessed us with, working together for the Lord Jesus in a spirit of unity – the Savior will have the victory in our lives.<br /><br />Third, being found faithful in spiritual warfare involves… <br /><br /><strong>3. Unleashing the Unlimited Power of God in Prayer</strong> <br /><br />Dr. Stan Wilkins would say, “No prayer, no power. Little prayer, little power. Much prayer, much power.” <br /><br />“Satan trembles when he sees, the weakest saint upon his knees.”<br /><br />Prayer was necessary in our Savior’s life, the Apostle’s lives, the early churches life. <br /><br />Through the power of God in prayer – victories were won, souls saved, miracles wrought, etc. <br /><br />How can I unleash the unlimited power of God in prayer? <br /><br />First, unleashing the unlimited power of God in prayer means… <br /><br /><strong>A. Praying for God’s spiritual direction in our own lives</strong><br /><br />God, what would you have me to do? <br /><br />I will give an account first of my own life to God…not yours! <br /><br />Sometimes, we just need to mind our own business with the Lord!<br /><br />Second, unleashing the unlimited power of God in prayer means…<br /><br /><strong>B. Praying for others to grow in their sincere love/loyalty to God</strong> <br /><br />Four kinds of love… <br /> *Eros Love – physical love<br /> * Storge Love – parent/child love<br />* Phileo Love – cherishing love, husband and wife, family to one another, deepest of abiding friendships<br /> * Agape Love – a willing , selfless love<br /><br />Warren Wiersbe said in counseling couples in marriage preparation, “If your wife became paralyzed three weeks after your were married, do you love her enough to stay with her and care for her?” <br /><br />True love deepens in difficulty.<br /><br />Shallow love disappears in difficulty. <br /><br />Third, unleashing the unlimited power of God in prayer means…<br /><br /><strong>C. Praying that everyone of our lives will bring honor and glory to God</strong> <br /><br />God is the One we owe our very lives to. <br /><br />Everyone of us ought to be consumed with knowing, following, growing in our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. <br /><br />Thinking about our Lord’s soon coming ought to quicken us to realize life is more than jobs, possessions, money – what really matters is our own growing relationship to Jesus and bringing others along with us! <br /><br />"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you" (1 Peter 5:10).<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br /><br />Being found faithful to God in spiritual warfare means preparing yourself like a good soldier in Christ Jesus, standing in the supernatural strength of the Lord, and unleashing the unlimited power of God in prayer.<br /><br /><strong>Response</strong><br /><br />Make sure your own relationship with the Lord is where it needs to be.<br /><br />Remember – ABC’s of salvation<br /><br />A – Acknowledge your sin to God – repent, U-Turn <br />B – Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ - trust in His finished work on Calvary <br /> C – Call upon the name of the Lord (Romans 10:9-10, 13) – turn to Jesus<br /><br />Be encouraged today that God is at work though the difficulties, setbacks, etc. <br /><br />As a Christian, are you on active duty? <br /><br />Is there someone you need to encourage, establish today in their walk with the Lord? <br /><br />Your prayers make an eternal difference in the lives of others – will you unleash the unlimited power of God in prayer this week?Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-89986242816714478042010-02-19T13:49:00.008-05:002010-02-19T21:55:46.908-05:00Found Faithful to the Word<em>13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, 16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost. 17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20</em><br /><br /><strong>Introduction</strong><br /><br />There are thousands of books on the market today encouraging church growth. The Bible is the best church growth book of all time! <br /><br /><strong>I. The Word of God Brought Power – Trust It! <br /><br />A. The Word Must Be Preached </strong><br /><br />Note – The Bible is not man’s word about God, but God’s word to man. I thank God that you believe His Word! What if you didn’t? <br /><br />Note – If I did not believe the Bible was the Word of God to teach, train, warn, witness, encourage, edify – I would not be in the ministry – I would not study it – I would not share it. I could be golfing, vacationing, sleeping, working, spending time with family, watching TV, etc. <br /><br />Note - Because the Bible is the Word of God and it is the truth, there is every reason in the world to study, share, speak, surrender to it. “God cannot lie,” Paul tells is in Titus 1:2. God is the Author of this book – He is Faithful and True! <br /><br /><em>2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” </em><br /><br />Note – I thank God today for faithful parents, SS teachers, Pastors, friends who speak the Word of God. (Dr. John Sullivan, Dr. Mark Brister, Dr. Stephen Trammel, Pastor Tom Cobb). Through their faithful preaching of the Gospel, I came to believe that Jesus Christ loved me, died for my sins, was buried, rose again, and now lives in me by His Spirit! How about you? <br /><br />Note - You have heard the story. God is in heaven and an angel comes up and God says, "My plan is to give the Good News to my children on earth and ask them to share it." And the angel says, "What if they don't? What is plan B?" And God says, "There is no plan B." <br /><br /><strong>B. The Word of God Must Become Personal</strong> <br /><br />Note – Some do not believe the Bible is really the Word of God – or believe only the parts that are convenient <br /><br />Note – Many are watering down God’s word to conform to their beliefs rather than letting God’s word be truth in their life<br /><br /><em>“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” – John 17:17</em><br /><br />Note – A man once said to a pastor, “I don’t believe in hell.” The pastor said, “Your unbelief doesn’t cancel out the truth of God’s word.” <br /><br />Note – Do you personally believe (rely) on God’s truth – Jesus is God and the Only way to the Father? The Lord Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, died on the cross of Calvary, was buried, and on the third day rose again? That you cannot attain eternal life by your way, but must come before God as a sinner repenting of sin and trusting only in the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you believe His Holy Spirit lives in you, empowers you, leads you, gifts you? Do you believe Jesus is coming again for His own? You are not your own, but have been bought at a price? The Word must become personal!<br /><br />Note - Theologian Norman Geisler taught why the Bible is to be trusted…<br /><br />Science verifies it. Before science believed these things the Bible said: the earth is round (Isa. 40:22); the earth is suspended (Job 26:7); the universe had a beginning (Gen. 1:1); it has been expanding (Isa. 42:5); it is running down (Ps. 102:26); human bodies are made of the earth’s elements (Gen. 2:7); <br /><br />The Scribes or writers claimed the Bible to be God’s Word<br /><br />The Scriptures contents confirm the Word of God. There are hundreds of prophecies that have been 100% fulfilled – (an interesting study is to look at the prophecies that Jesus fulfilled)<br /><br />The Savior Testified to it. Jesus claimed to be God, He was confirmed as God by the acts of God, and He said the Bible is the Word of God.<br /><br />The Stones Verify the Bible. Archaeology has found NOTHING that has ever refuted the Bible and thousands of finds that have verified things written in the Bible.<br /><br />The Structure of the Bible. It is a book of great diversity but a supernatural unity. It was written over thousands of years by around 40 writers who all describe one problem (sin), one cure (salvation), through one person (Jesus) for one purpose (the glory of God)<br /><br />The Spirit witnesses to our soul. God’s Spirit testifies of the Bible’s trustworthiness. <br /><br />The Saved. Believers testify of the change the Bible has made in their lives.<br /><br /><strong>II. The Word of God Brought Persecution – Testify to It!</strong><br /><br /><strong>A. The Persecution of Saints</strong><br /><br /><em>“For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16</em><br /><br />Note – Despite the Jews constant watching for the arrival of their Messiah, they missed him when he came, and even killed him (Matthew 27:25). The Jewish leaders thought Jesus was a false prophet, and they didn’t want his teachings to spread, so they opposed all who preached about him (Acts 4:18). – Life Application Bible Commentary, 1 & 2 Thessalonians. <br /><br />Note – Every person who stands for God’s truth, godly living is going against the flow and will take heat for it (1 Timothy 3:12). <br /><br />Note – Some of our suffering is due to sinful choices (that is not suffering for Christ). Some of our suffering is due to living out God’s will.<br /><br /><em>15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. - 1 Peter 4:15-16</em><br /><br /><strong>B. The Provoking of Satan </strong><br /><br /><em>“…Satan hindered us…” 1 Thessalonians 2:18</em><br /><br />Note – Paul eagerly wanted to minister to these new believers, but was Satanically hindered. Always remember, followers of Jesus Christ have an enemy, Satan. He wants no one encouraged, evangelized. <br /><br />Note – Jesus is Lord of the harvest and our lives. His power is greater than the enemy – He wants to work through us to touch lives with the Good News that Jesus saves. Satan will do all he can to stop believers from sharing the love of Jesus.<br /><br />Note – Do the Olympic athletes give up because of difficulty? Are you going to let Satan stop you from being faithful to the Word? <br /><br /><em>“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” – Galatians 6:9</em><br /><br />Note – Pastor Luis Rodriguez was called of the Lord to start a church in Puerto Rico. Upon arrival, he was astonished at the lack of commitment from the church people. Only one other couple showed up for prayer meeting. God spoke to Pastor Luis’ heart, “It is for one life, one soul I’m sending you to Coamo. Don’t worry about the ones who made excuses and didn’t come.” Two faithful couples have started a tremendous church there. The name of the church is Raham, Hebrew for “have compassion.” <br /><br />While Satan does work to hinder a faithful church…saints can hinder God’s work as well. Each of us should ask the Lord – Am I?<br /> <br /><strong>Hindering Church?</strong> <br /><br />Complainer <br />Content to stay home <br />Contentious<br />Careless in giving and listening<br />Carnal (not living like saved)<br /><br /><strong>Helping Church?</strong><br /><br />Comforter <br />Consistent, Faithful to attend<br />Cordial, Friendly<br />Committed, focused on Jesus and His Word<br />Christ-like, maturing <br /><br /><strong>III. The Word of God Brought Perspective – Treasure It!</strong><br /><br /><em>“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not eve you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20</em><br /><br />Note – Paul looked beyond the pain and saw people in the presence of Jesus Christ for all eternity. <br /><br /> <strong>People Are Priority</strong> – “Look” – Eyes of Jesus<br /><br />Note – What two things last forever? The Word of God (Isaiah 40:8) and people (John 3:16) – Who will you look at differently this week – through the eyes of Jesus? <br /><br /> <strong>Evangelism Is Essential</strong> – “Learn” & Eliminate Excuses <br />* I am afraid <br />* I don’t know how to <br />* People will not respond (80-90% will come to church if invited)<br />* People do not want to hear <br />* I haven’t been a Christian long enough<br />* I don’t know any lost people<br /><br />Note – Learn this…practice it with neighbor, co-worker, your child, grandchild…<br /><br /> <strong>The Problem</strong> – <em>“All have sinned” – Romans 3:23</em><br /><br /> <strong>The Penalty –</strong> <em>“The wages of sin is death” – Romans 6:23</em><br /> <strong>The Provision –</strong> <em>“God commendeth his love toward us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8</em> <br /><br /> <strong>The Promise –</strong> <em>“Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9)</em><br /><br />Note – ABC Plan – Admit to God (Sinner), Believe In your Heart God raised the Lord Jesus, Confess Jesus…Call on His Name<br /><br /><strong> Caring is Courageous – Love Is Essential</strong><br /><br />Note – What would happen if each SS class tried to increase by 2 people? What would happen in our church if everyone brought 1 other along with themselves? <br /><br /><strong> Crowns for the Committed </strong><br /><br />Note – An interesting article I read this week said the number one reason churches stay small is, “We don’t want it to grow.” <br /><br /><strong> Christ is Coming </strong><br /><br />Note - Someone has said: A rich person can sign his name to a check and make it worth millions – that’s capital. A government can mint currency by engraving and printing – that’s money. An artist can take an inexpensive canvas and paint a picture on it and make it worth thousands – that’s art. God can take a worthless, sinful life, wash it in the blood of Christ, put His Spirit into it, and make it a blessing to humanity – that’s salvation!<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br /><br />The Word of God powerfully changes lives – We will face persecution for faithfulness to Jesus – but our perspective must be the joy of seeing others come to know the Lord who has forgiven, freed us, and found us! <br /><br /><strong>Response</strong><br /><br />Come to Jesus – Admitting sin to God, Believing in Jesus, Calling on His Name. (Romans 10:13) <br /><br />If you’ve received Jesus, but never been baptized or are without a church home – come today in commitment to follow God’s will. (Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 2:18-20)<br /><br />Others need to come today with a new heart for reaching others – someone was faithful to reach you, who are you reaching out to for Jesus’ sake? (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-60904182843257552012010-02-13T10:17:00.003-05:002010-02-13T19:38:35.404-05:00FOUND FAITHFUL IN OUR WITNESS FOR JESUS<strong>1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-12<br /> <br />INTRODUCTION</strong><br /><br /><em>1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even[a] after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged[b] every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.</em><br /><br />Note – The Apostle Paul was forced to flee for his life because of the intense persecution found in Thessalonica. His attackers and accusers tried to discourage and discredit his ministry by stating he was a failure, false minister (only desiring money and praise). The church in Thessalonica was a new church full of new believers in Christ. Without a strong foundation and assurance of this they could easily be led astray and into error. This is one of the main reasons why the Apostle Paul needed to write and remind them that he was a true witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he had lived godly before them, and the need now was for these new believers to faithful in their witness and walk in the Lord Jesus Christ. <br /><br /><strong>I. OUR MOTIVATION: HIS GREAT COMMISSION</strong><br /><br />A. Undeserved Suffering<br /><br />Note – Everywhere Paul went, he suffered for preaching and teaching the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. He had been persecuted in Thessalonica, just as in Philippi. <br /><br /><em>20 And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; 21 and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” 22 Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.</em><br /><br />Note – The world would look at the Apostle Paul – persecuted, prisons, preaching, and say, “Foolish,” and “Failure.” However, the Apostle Paul knew what God had called him to do. God was his ultimate authority and he longed to hear the Lord say, “Faithful.” <br /><br />Note - J.C. Penney, the great merchant, was once asked, “What were the two greatest motivators in his life?” Without hesitation he said, “I can tell you in four words: Jesus Christ and adversity.” He went on to explain that adversity taught him never to give up, always start over again, keep his faith strong, and realize that adversity makes a person strong. —Norman Vincent Peale, Plus Magazine, July/Aug. 1985, p. 28.<br /><br />Note – Stay faithful in your witness to the Lord, do what He’s called you to do. He is looking for your faithfulness, not necessarily success! <br /><br />B. Unlimited Strength <br /><br />Note – The source of Paul’s courage was the Lord. <br /><br />Note – Paul was not naturally bold, yet he grew in boldness over his lifetime due to the power, presence, and promises of God. <br /><br /><em>"I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God" - 1 Corinthians 2: 3-5</em><br /><br /><em>“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel…” - Ephesians 6:18-19</em><br /><br />Note – God will give you the boldness if you ask Him for it<br /><br />Note – I’m thankful for the people God used in my life to speak up boldly for Jesus. For example, my minister of youth, Tom Harrison, spoke often of God’s will for our lives being that of purity and saving ourselves until marriage. He was bold to tell us the truth of God’s word and not compromise, even though it was not a popular message! <br /><br />Note – Will you dare to be that kind of person in another’s life? <br /><br /><strong>II. OUR MINISTRY: GROWING IN COMPASSION </strong><br /><br />Note – (1) We will focus more on pleasing God, instead of man. <br /><br />Note – How much sharing our faith is done to (a) Get rid of guilt (b) Make brownie points with God? (c) Impress others with the “number of souls we brought to Jesus” or (d) Pleasing the heart of God?<br /><br /><em>3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.</em><br /><br />Note – Sales people often use deception, clever TV ads, etc. to get you to buy their product (I bought hook, line, and sinker for a sorry weed-eater). <br /><br />Note – (2) We will intentionally cultivate caring relationships inside and outside the body of Christ<br /><br /><em>7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.</em><br /><br />Note – This will take time, tenderness, tenacity <br /><br />Note – Can you imagine a family bringing their newborn home, setting him down by himself and saying, “You are on your own now. Milk and juice are in the fridge. Curfew is 10 PM.” <br /><br /><em>"As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you; And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem" - Isaiah 66:13</em><br /><br />Note – (3) We will push ourselves to show more of God's love to others<br /><br /><em>For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe</em><br /><br />Note – The Jews believed if you did not teach your child to work, you taught him to be a thief. Paul was a tentmaker and a pastor. <br /><br />Note – I admire so many of you for your hard work ethic on the job, with your family and yet you are also commit much of your life to Christ’s service in the church. People joke about ministers only working 1 hour a week – in reality a minister’s work is never done. <br /><br />Note – Lazy Christians makes lousy witnesses. It’s not about your boss – but remembering Jesus is your Number One Boss. Is He pleased? (Colossians 3:23) <br /><br /><strong>III. OUR MARK: GODLY IN CHARACTER </strong><br /><br /><em>You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.</em><br /><br />Note – People are watching our whole lives – not just with what we say with our lips, but how we conduct our lives<br /><br />Note – Pastors young son became ill with a terminal cancer. Although the boy had accepted Christ, the pastor was not sure how to talk to his son about dying and meeting the Lord. After earnestly seeking the direction of the Holy Spirit, he went with a heavy heart through the hospital ward to the boy's bedside. First he read a passage of Scripture and had a time of prayer with his child. Then he gently told him that the doctors could promise him only a few more days to live. "Are you afraid to meet Jesus?" asked the father. Blinking away a few tears, the little boy said, "No, not if He's like you, Dad!" <br /><br />Note – I’m so thankful to God my dad encouraged me to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. He led the way through taking time with me, loving mom, praying at every meal, bringing us to Sunday school and church. <br /><br />Note – I’m sure it would have been easier for him to stay at home, rest, hunt, watch football, etc. My dad was found faithful in his witness of Jesus to me. <br /><br /><strong>Conclusion: </strong><br /><br />To be found faithful in our witness to the Lord and others it must stem from – Our motivation (The Great Commission) – Our ministry (Growing in Compassion) – and Our mark (Godly Conduct). This is the kind of witness that honors the Lord and impacts the world!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-2023634189551350132010-02-06T21:04:00.005-05:002010-02-07T07:03:01.153-05:00FOUND FAITHFUL IN OUR WORSHIP UNTO JESUS<strong>1 Thessalonians 1:1-10</strong><br /><br /><em>1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.</em>Introduction<br /><br />The church at Thessalonica was the Apostle Paul’s first church plant, founded on his second missionary journey. In Acts 16, Paul had received the “Macedonian” vision from the Lord to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to Europe. <br /><br />Thessalonica was the capital city of Macedonia. It was a strategic city because its famous harbor and roadway known as the Egnatian Way (went West to Rome and East to Asia) made for the rapid spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. <br /><br />The Apostle Paul was not a welcome guest to Thessalonica. Because of the fierce persecution that rose up against him, he had to flee for his life only a couple weeks after arriving. <br /><br />Knowing the need for need for new Christians to develop a deep faith and ongoing devotion to the Lord Jesus, Paul wrote them a letter encouraging them in the basics of Christianity – assurance of salvation, strong biblical doctrine (eschatology), maturing faith in the midst of persecution, strong morals in an immoral world, respect for church leadership and one another, living in the power of the Holy Spirit, etc. <br /><br />In light of the Lord’s return, Paul urged these new believers to be FOUND FAITHFUL in their worship of the Risen Savior. <br /><br /><strong>I. Experienced A Great Salvation</strong><br /><br />A. Bedrock of Salvation <br /><br />Paul, Sivlanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: - 1 Thessalonians 1:1<br /><br />Note – Great churches are made up of people who have experienced a great salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. <br /><br />Note – The local church is not a country club to which you pay dues, but is a community of faith - people whose lives have been purchased by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. <br /><br />Note – “The church is not a club we join, a retirement plan we subscribe to, or a competition we enter to win a trophy. It is a family of love where we serve one another. This is only possible because of our relationship to God.” – Knute Larson<br /><br />Note - The Lord Jesus Christ is the Lord, leader, lover of the church. <br />and salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone, to the glory of God the Father alone. <br /><br />Note – The word “Gospel” means good news. It is the Good News that God loves you so much that He sent His Son the Lord Jesus Christ to live a sinless life, die on the cross of Calvary, buried, risen on the third day, and alive forevermore! He desires a personal relationship with you, relationship not religion. <br /><br />Note – There is no greater joy in life than to serve God from a heart filled with gratitude and grace to the Lord Jesus Christ.<br /><br />Note – Remember the day you got saved…<br /><br />Note – Do you know for sure you are saved? Some rest on feelings, some believe they’ve lost salvation due to failures. Salvation is based on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! <br /><br />B. Benefits of Salvation <br /><br />Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Thessalonians 1:1<br /><br />Note - Grace – God’s unmerited kindness and favor upon us and Peace – Peace with God, Confident, secure in the love of God <br /><br />Note – God’s grace and peace daily - Not just for when we get to heaven, but now! <br /><br />Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27<br /><br />Note – No matter how hard we try, only God can give us this peace when we trust in His Son. <br /><br />Note - Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God. —J. Oswald Sanders<br /><br />Note – More benefits of salvation – (1) Partners (2) Prayers (3) Purpose – “work of faith,” “labor of love, “patience of hope”- we can confidently worship and serve the Lord Jesus Christ – no matter what – the best is yet to come! <br /><br />Note – “Chosen” – Jesus said in John 6:44, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him…” There will be a desire for worship…word…to leave sin behind and live a genuinely changed life.<br /><br />Note – Genuine salvation brings about a changed life. There is great encouragement in knowing God is for you and not against you! We worship and serve the Lord Jesus not to “get” but to “give” out of gratitude for who He is and what He’s done/doing in our lives. <br /><br /><strong>II. Empowered By God’s Spirit </strong><br /><br />A. Life In the Spirit <br /><br />Note – The most important thing a preacher can do is preach the gospel of Jesus Christ! Without Jesus as Savior, people are hopeless, helpless, hell-bound. <br /><br />“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16<br /><br />"For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5<br /><br />Note – Jesus is the One who suffered on the cross (in my place and yours) – Jesus is the One who sympathizes with the sinner – Jesus is the One who offers you salvation and new life – It is only in the Name of Jesus that we have everlasting life (Acts 4:12) <br /><br />Note – Oprah Winfrey promoted recently on her show - A Course on Miracles - teaches the New Age worldview which includes the belief that there is no sin, no evil and no devil. The book asserts false beliefs such as, “a slain Christ has no meaning” and “Do not make the pathetic error of ‘clinging to the old rugged cross.’” Of the biblical view of the atonement, the book asserts: “The atonement…teaches that, never having sinned, (man) has no need of salvation.”<br /><br />Note - Word of God (Scriptures) and the Witness of God (Spirit) brought about this new life. <br /><br />“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7<br /><br />B. Leadership of the Spirit<br /><br />Note – The Spirit of God brought peace, power, and also helped these new followers of Christ pattern themselves after great men of God. <br /><br />Note – In High School, I was fortunate to have two great friends, Wayne Patton and John Rennie, who stood out to me as a great examples of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Character, Compassionate, Consistent, etc.) <br /><br />Note – Today, I am thankful for the spiritual leadership being shown in the SBC by men of God such as Pastor Johnny Hunt, Dr. Robert White, Dr. Frank Page, etc. They are blazing in their devotion to the Lord and a lost world! <br /><br />Note – There is a great need for godly role models today! (Tim Tebow)<br /><br />Note – It’s natural for children to desire to be like their parents – in the same way, children of God desire to be more like their Savior. <br /> <br />Ephesians 5:1-2, “…be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and an sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling sacrifice.” <br /><br />Note – Can you think of the person who was the best Christ-like example in your life? <br /><br />Note - If we become too comfortable in our churches, we lose compassion for the lost! <br /><br />Note – Two of the strongest NT churches were Philippi and Thessalonica – Corinth was the most gifted, but they were not the most godly. God is looking for Christians and churches that are following hard after Him! <br /><br />Note – It’s not about being “perfect” but following the “Perfect One.” <br /><br /><strong>III. Expecting God's Son </strong><br /><br />A. Turn from Sin<br /><br />Note – They had turned to God from idols<br /><br />Note – Golf was an idol to me as a young person. The Lord Jesus Christ will not play #2 in your life. When He is truly Lord and first in your life, sin is not nearly as attractive…godly living is. <br /><br />Note – How many people today are empty because they’ve never found a real reason for living? People measure success by their material gains, possessions, promotions. God measures success through knowing, following Him, believing His word. True fulfillment is in the “Living and True God.” <br /><br />Note – “The idols are counterfeit; God is true. An idol has no ability to help; God can enter our lives and bring victory out of defeat, order out of chaos, blessing out of cursing.” – Jimmy Draper <br /><br />B. Turned to the Savior<br /><br /> Note – The Lord Jesus Christ is coming back and in the meantime we are to wait for Him and also serve Him. <br /><br />Note – What relationship would you seek to mend? What lost soul would you witness to? What ministry would you serve in if you knew Jesus was coming this time next year? <br /><br />"You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!" (James 5: 8-9).<br /><br />"…and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away" (1 Peter 5:4).<br /><br />"And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming" (1 John 2: 28).<br />Note – Had Jesus stayed in the grave, we would all be hopeless, and there would be no need to turn to Him. However, Jesus is the risen Son of God, He is our Creator, He is the Judge. <br /><br />Note – Trusting in Jesus means we acknowledge what He’s done for us on the cross of Calvary and relying on Him alone for everlasting life. <br /><br />"…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9).<br /><br />"For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living" (Romans 14:9).<br /> <br />Note – Would you receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior right now? <br /><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br /><br />When we experience a great salvation, are empowered by God’s Spirit, and excel in God’s service – others will know we are faithful worshippers. God will be honored we will know His blessing and presence.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-74174782236327102142010-01-30T20:41:00.003-05:002010-01-30T20:49:33.259-05:00From Now Through Eternity - 2 Peter 3:8-9Introduction <br /><br /><em>“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day The Lord is not slack concerning His promises, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” </em><br /><br />When was the last time you thought about eternity? I was privileged to have a conversation with the chaplain from Dekalb County this week and as we rode to a memorial service the subject of eternity came up. He said, “David, I don’t think people think about eternity enough – if they did it would change the way they live in the present.” <br /><br />Note - Billy Sunday the evangelist said, “Imagine a little bird taking a grain of sand and flying to a distant planet. It would take him a million years to fly to that distant planet. Then he would drop that grain of sand. Then the little bird would fly back to the earth taking him a million years. He gets another grain of sand and flies back to the distant planet. Back and forth, back and forth it goes. When he will have transplanted every speck of earth to that distant planet, it will only be breakfast time in eternity.” <br /><br />Note - One reason we ought to focus more of our thoughts on the Lord’s return and plan throughout history is that it will fill us with fresh motivation to live in such a way that honors and points others to Him. <br /><br /><strong>1. Jesus’ First Coming</strong><br /><br />Note - Around 2000 years ago, the Lord Jesus Christ came to this earth for the FIRST time. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross of Calvary, rose again by the power of God, and promised us that He would come again:<br /><br />Acts 1:8-12 - But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” <br /><br /><strong>2. The Present Waiting</strong><br /><br />It has been approx. 2000 years since the 1st Coming of Christ and Christians have been persecuted and ridiculed for believing that Christ will one day come again. <br /><br />II Peter 3:3-9 – “…3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.<br /><br />Note - v.8b, “Peter is saying, “A promise by God made by God 1000 years ago, or 2000 years ago…it is as good as if he made it just yesterday. It may be a while before it happens, but make no mistake – IT WILL HAPPEN!!!” Today, we LOOK AHEAD to that coming:<br /><br />I Corinthians 11:26 - For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.<br /><br /><strong>3. The Rapture of the Church</strong><br /><br />Note – This is the next event on God’s calendar and it’s not to set up His literal, physical kingdom on earth, but the Lord Jesus Christ taking His church to be with Himself forever – ALL followers of Christ.<br /><br />Note – The Rapture of the church is a different event than the Second Coming of Christ <br /><br />1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “ 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.<br /><br /><strong>4. The Tribulation Period</strong> <br /><br />Note – A 7 year period after the Rapture of the church. This will be the worst period of time there has ever been on the earth before. <br /><br />Note - There will be two distinct periods of time. The 1st 3 ½ years will be relatively peaceful while the Antichrist sets up his domination. The 2nd 3 ½ years will be a time of persecution for all believers under the new world leader, the Antichrist turns against Israel and exalts himself to be worshipped.<br /><br />Matthew 24:15-21 - “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.”<br /><br /><strong>5. The Judgment Seat of Christ</strong><br /><br />2 Corinthians 5:10 - "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."<br /><br />Note – Not to determine heaven or hell – that is decided by your acceptance or rejection of Jesus as personal Lord and Savior. This is a time when the Lord Jesus Christ rewards His followers for faithful service. <br /><br />Note - In the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, Ben Johnson of Canada won the one-hundred-meter dash, setting a new Olympic record and a new world record. Our American contender, Carl Lewis, came in second, and most were shocked that he hadn’t won the gold. After the race, the judges learned that Johnson had had an illegal substance in his body. He ran the race illegally, so the judges took away his medal. Though he ran faster and made an unforgettable impression, he did not deserve the reward…God is the final judge! He searches our hearts; He alone knows our motivation. And He will be the One to say, “This deserves a reward. Ah, but that does not.” —Charles R. Swindoll, Hope Again, (Word, 1996), p. 34.<br /><br /><strong>6. The Second Coming of Christ</strong><br /><br />Note – after the Tribulation and in the midst of the most massive war and military prowess on earth – the Lord Jesus Christ returns in all power, authority, and glory. <br /><br />Revelation 19:11-16 – “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.<br /><br />Note - THIS TIME, to take the world OVER & establish His Kingdom upon the earth! Jesus returns & destroys the enemies of the believers & establishes a literal, physical, Earthly Kingdom upon the earth. <br /><br /><strong>7. The Millennial Kingdom – 1000 Year Reign of Jesus Christ </strong><br /><br />Revelation 20:4-7 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.<br /><br />Note – War will be wiped out, harmony will be the hallmark, Disease will disappear, the lion will lay down with the lamb, the harvest will be happy! <br /><strong><br />8. Great White Throne Judgment</strong> <br /><br />Revelation 20:11a & 20:15, “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it…15 “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” <br /><br />Note – No matter what man may say, there is a literal hell for those who refuse salvation freely through the Lord Jesus Christ. <br /><br />Note – Jesus can either be your Savior or Sentencer <br /><br />Note – This is one reason our church must build a stronger evangelistic focus. We should have an urgency to share the gospel with lost family, friends, nations, for today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). <br /> <br /><strong>9. Forever Eternity with God</strong><br /><br />Revelation 21:1-5, “1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”<br /><br />Romans 8:38-39 - “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”<br /><br />Conclusion: How can you and I respond in a God pleasing way? (1) Receive Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior and turn away from all known sin (2) Have confidence and peace in the Lord - no matter what happens - God is in ultimate control (3) Set your hearts daily on Christ (Colossians 3:1-4) (4) Walk like a champion in Christ! <br /><br />(Some sermon material courtesy Dr. Jonathan Faldwell)Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-73536392874131192452010-01-23T22:35:00.002-05:002010-01-23T22:38:43.674-05:00Dwelling Together With GodNehemiah 8:13-18, Leviticus 23:33-44<br /><br />Introduction : “Now on the second day the heads of the fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and Levites, were gathered to Ezra the scribe, in order to understand the words of the Law. And they found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month, and that they should announce and proclaim in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the mountain, and bring olive branches, branches of oil trees, myrtle branches, palm branches, and branches of leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.” Then the people went out and brought them and made themselves booths, each one on the roof of his house, or in their courtyards or the courts of the house of God, and in the open square of the Water Gate and in the open square of the Gate of Ephraim. So the whole assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and sat under the booths; for since the days of Joshua the son of Nun until that day the children of Israel had not done so. And there was very great gladness. Also day by day, from the first day until the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day there was a sacred assembly, according to the prescribed manner.”<br /><br />What days do you remember the presence of the Lord most often during the calendar year? Most likely your answer would include these three days: Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. What would happen if that were to increase to 19 days as in the nation of Israel? Because of who God is and in light of all that is going on in the world, we need constant reminders of need to bow down and worship the Lord God Almighty! <br /><br />Note – “It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.” —Abraham Lincoln, Proclamation of a National Feast Day, March 30, 1863.<br /><br />Note – 7 Jewish Feasts: Passover (God’s deliverance – Jesus’ death); Unleavened Bread (Exodus, leave old and enter new – Our walk of holiness before the Lord); First fruits – (Bring first crops – God’s provision – Resurrection of Jesus Christ); Pentecost (End barely harvest and begin wheat harvest – Joy and thanksgiving – Coming of the Holy Spirit); Trumpets – (Begin the new civil year – Joy and thanksgiving to God – Rapture of the church); Day of Atonement – (Removal of sin from people and nation – Fellowship with God); Tabernacles – (God’s protection and provision in wilderness – Encourage people to trust God, guidance, protection – Unfulfilled until the second coming and all Israel is gathered into her land). <br /><br />I. Remembering His Provision<br /><br />A. Centered on the Word of God Neh. 8:13-14<br /><br />Ezra had been preaching and teaching God’s all day and on the second day the people wanted to hear more and more of the Word! <br /><br />Note - The men were especially eager to grow in the knowledge of God’s word. The desire was especially strong in the men to learn about who God is and who He called them to be. There was a desire to learn God’s Word from Ezra so they could lead their families, be strong men in society, be found faithful in their worship and service to the Lord and others. <br /><br />I pray there is a great longing in my heart and your heart to be found faithful to -Know God’s Word – Grow in God’s Word – Show God’s Word. <br /><br />“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”<br />– 2 Timothy 2:1-2<br /><br />Note – The word of God was central to the spiritual revival of this Jewish community of faith and what is going to bring revival into God’s people’s lives today is the Holy Word of God lived out through Spirit filled people of God! <br /><br />Note - Several years ago, newspapers told how a new Navy jet fighter shot itself down. Flying at supersonic speed, it ran into cannon shells it had fired only a few seconds before. The jet was traveling too fast! You are also traveling too fast, if you don’t have time to worship God in regular church services, if you don’t have time to read the Bible, if you don’t have time to pray. If you’re neglecting any of these, you’re probably traveling too fast to hear the sound of God’s voice. You can’t tell whether you are in the center of His will. Better slow down before, like the jet, you shoot yourself down.<br /><br />B. Celebrated the Works of God<br /><br />At the heart of the Feast of Tabernacles was time set aside to remember God’s goodness, presence, and protection in their lives. They needed to take time to recall God’s works and wonders as He led them out of the bondage of Egypt and into the liberty of the Promised Land of Canaan. <br /><br />During that 40 year journey in the wilderness, Israel lived in booths made of such things as leaves, branches, bark – these had not been the most comfortable of living quarters – but God had seen them through everything! <br /><br />“Yet in Your manifold mercies You did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud did not depart from them by day, to lead them on the road; Nor the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way they should go. You also gave them Your good Spirit to instruct them, and did not withhold You manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst. Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness; They lacked nothing; Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.” – Nehemiah 9:19-21 <br /><br />Note – “Sovereingly he had guided them, generously he had fed them, and powerfully he had protected them; such abundant and evident mercy must never be forgotten.” <br />– Raymond Brown <br /><br />Note - When I was a young mother with two preschoolers, I was often overwhelmed. One night I fell into bed, exhausted. I poured out my frustrations to God. “The kids won’t mind, the house is a mess, my husband doesn’t seem to care …“—the list went on. Suddenly, a voice said to my heart, “Which one do you want me to take away?” Everything I was complaining about was precious to me. Immediately, I began to thank God for everything on my list—something I continue to do now as a grandmother. —Alice Johnson. Christian Reader, Vol. 36, no. 5.<br /><br />II. Rejoicing In His Presence<br /><br />A. Confident In Witness Neh. 8:15, Lev. 23:39-44<br /><br />The Feast of Tabernacles was not something to stay silent about. God wanted His people to, “Go out to the mountain…” They were to tell everyone, everywhere, in every place of the One who had protected, provided, performed awesome acts of mercy and power in their midst. They were to tell of the Living God who had a strong hand and an outstretched arm! <br /><br />Note – Too many Christians today are timid in sharing their faith, but we need to remember God is greater and has given us Holy Spirit power to be His obedient witnesses. We must not fear man more than we fear God. <br /><br />“O Zion, You who bring good tidings, Get up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, you who bring good tidings, lift up your voice with strength, lift it up, be not afraid; Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” - Isaiah 40:9<br /><br />“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Wwho are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass? And you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth…” – Isaiah 51:12-13a<br /><br />Note - During an earthquake some years ago, the inhabitants of a small village were generally very much alarmed, but they were at the same time surprised at the calmness and apparent joy of an old woman whom they all knew. At length one of them, addressing the old woman, said, “Mother, are you not afraid?” “No,” said the woman, “I rejoice to know that I have a God who can shake the world.”<br /><br />B. Consecrate their Wealth Deuteronomy 16:15-17<br /><br />A major portion of rejoicing in the Lord is that we can offer back to Him what He’s already blessed us with. Every single Christian can make a decision they are going to become a “giver” not just a “getter.” Stop thinking about what you don’t have and look at what God has already given you. Train yourself to become a great giver to the Lord and watch what God does in your life and as a blessing in others!<br /><br />Note – One of my favorite Pastors, Don Wilton, recently shared about a mission trip he took with the young people of FBC Spartanburg. They had ministered mightily the night before, everyone was tired, yet they still had to minister to a large group of prisoners. Evidently, one young man was being grouchy, griping, because things were not going his way. Pastor Wilton asked the young man, “What’s the problem??? Are you sick?” When he learned the young man was just upset because a few others in the group had not treated him well – he said, “Young man, we are about to go in here and minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to people who have NO HOPE. We are under obligation to the Lord Jesus Christ to witness and minister to these men – giving the Lord our very best.” There was a holy glow on that young man’s face as he took his eyes off self, struggles, and onto the Lord and the real needs of others! <br /><br />Imagine what would happen if we all came before the Lord with an attitude of, “What can I give,” instead of “What can I get?” <br /><br />Note – What can you give right now to the Lord’s work? I think of the bus ministry – could you take some of your TIME on Sunday mornings to drive children, shut ins to church? I think of the choir, building up the kids ministry, can you consecrate your TALENT? Some of you, whether you are rich or poor, love to give financially to God’s work – investing your TREASURE. <br /><br />Note – Great churches are built by great Christians who continue to grow in all aspects of their Christian faith…including giving! <br /><br />“But this I say; He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7<br /> <br />Note – “All the money in the world belongs to God. My gift to Him does not make Him any richer; it makes me richer spiritually because of the realization that everything I have is His and that I am giving because I love Him and want to give.” (Unknown) <br /><br />III. Resting In His Promise<br /><br />A. Commitment to Wait Neh. 8:17, 2 Cor. 5:1-4<br /><br />God wanted His people to realize that the booth they were staying in was only a temporary abiding place. They would only have to live in the booths for seven days – then they could return to their real home. <br /><br />Do you see the significance in this? For the follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are only here on this earth temporarily. God has something far greater in store for us eternally. <br /><br />1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 5:1-8<br /><br />Note - A man in the middle of many painful trials took a walk in his neighborhood, and saw a construction crew at work on a big church. He stood and watched a stone craftsman work a long time on a block, but could not see where the block would fit, because the church appeared to be finished. He watched the man work on the block carefully and methodically, slowly shaping it into a precise pattern. Finally, he asked, "why are you spending so much time chipping and shaping that block?" The craftsman pointed up to the top of the nearly completed steeple, and said "I'm shaping it down here so it will fit in up there." The man in the middle of the trials instantly knew that was God's message to him: he was being prepared down here, so he would fit in up in heaven. www.studylight.org, 2 Cor. 5, David Guzik <br />B. Characterized by Worship Neh.8:18, Zechariah 14:4, 16-21<br /><br />It’s always been God’s desire to dwell with His people. What is our response to Him…WORSHIP! <br /><br />Note – There are many views as to why choice was made of the Feast of Tabernacles, but the most probable is that, speaking of the joys of the ingathering, it will celebrate the gathering of the nations to the Lord and especially His tabernacling among them. The millennial feast is the Feast of Tabernacles, because then God will tabernacle with men more fully than ever before in man’s long history (Feinberg, God Remembers, 203). <br /><br />Note – Worship the Lord Jesus Christ for His – Saving Power, Securing Power, Strengthening Power, Sustaining Power! <br /><br />Conclusion: God’s people often need times to stop and remember how good and gracious God has been…and still is…to them. Is your walk with Him characterized by joy, giving, thanksgiving? What is your response to the incredible and undeserved blessings of the Lord? I invite you to call upon the Lord Jesus Christ today!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-45655887795290060292010-01-16T21:42:00.000-05:002010-01-16T21:44:05.572-05:0010 Characteristics of a Spirit-Filled Church - Dr. Paul ChappellHere’s a practical lesson I shared with our staff a while back:<br /><br />1. Fear of the Lord<br />A. He is Worthy of Our Reverence – Acts 2:43-44, Proverbs 10:27<br />B. We Are Faithful in the Awareness of His Presence<br />1. Faithful in service<br />2. Faithful in righteous living<br /><br />2. Desire For The Holy Spirit’s Fullness<br />“The degree to which we understand and experience the Holy Spirit will be the exact degree to which we understand and experience God’s will for our churches.”<br /><br />A. Through Unity of Believers – Acts 2:1<br />B. Through Continual Yieldedness - Ephesians 5:18<br /><br />3. Fervent Preaching<br />A. Fearless - Acts 4:13<br />B. Faithful<br /><br />“The Power of Christ’s dispensation is a fiery pulpit, not a learned pulpit, but a pulpit on fire with the Holy Ghost.” – E. M. Bounds<br /><br />4. Doctrinal Teaching - Acts 2<br />A. The Doctrine of Salvation<br />B. The Doctrine of the Apostles or the Word of God – I Thessalonians 2:13, I Timothy 4:13<br /><br />5. Fervent Prayer<br />A. The Priority of Prayer – Acts 2:46-47<br />B. The Continuity of Prayer – Romans 12:12<br /><br />6. Loving Fellowship<br />A. Devotion in Fellowship – Romans 15:5-6<br />B. Devotion in Breaking Bread – I Corinthians 10:16<br /><br />7. Sacrificial Spirit<br />A. Toward the Lord – 2 Corinthians 8:7<br />B. Toward Fellow Believers – Acts 2:45<br />“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” – Amy Carmichael<br /><br />8. Obedient Witness<br />A. They Witnessed in Power<br />B. They Witnessed in Persecution - Acts 8:1-4<br /><br />9. Gracious Spirit within the Church<br />A. Member to Member<br />B. Member to Pastor<br />C. Pastor to Member – Acts 4:33<br /><br />“God is more interested in the health of the church than the growth of the church.”<br /><br />10. Dedicated Ministry<br />A. In Service<br />B. In Soulwinning<br />C. In Missions – Acts 1:8<br />“I’ve never met a contentious servant. When people devote themselves to doing good, they don’t have time to criticize.”Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-34698347489277660402010-01-15T22:39:00.004-05:002010-01-15T22:47:41.498-05:00Experiencing Revival Through the BibleNehemiah 8:1-12<br /><br />Intro: Can God’s Word bring real life change to people today? The Bible is the living Word of God (Heb. 4:12). It is infallible and has God Almighty as its Author. This book is called the “Word of life” and brings strong hope to those who believe it. <br /><br />Illus: In Genesis – He’s the Breath of Life, Exodus – the Passover Lamb, Leviticus – Our High Priest, Numbers – Fire by night, Deuteronomy – Moses Voice, Joshua – Salvation’s Choice, Judges – Law Giver, Ruth – Kinsman Redeemer, 1 and 2 Samuel – Trusted Prophet, Kings and Chronicles – Sovereign, Ezra – True and Faithful Scribe, Nehemiah – Rebuilder of Broken Walls and Lives, Esther – Mordecai’s Courage, Job – Timeless Redeemer, Psalms – Our Morning Song, Proverbs – Wisdom’s Cry, Ecclesiastes – Time and Season, Song of Solomon – Lover’s Dream – Isaiah – Prince of Peace, Jeremiah – Weeping Prophet, Lamentations – Cry for Israel, Ezekiel – Call from sin, Daniel, the Stranger in the Fire, Hosea – Forever Faithful, Joel – Spirit’s power – Amos – The Arms that Carry Us – Obadiah – the Lord our Savior – Jonah – Great Missionary – Micah – Promise of Peace – Nahum – Strength and Shield – Habakkuk and Zephaniah – Pleading for revival – Haggai – Restores Lost Heritage – Zachariah – Our Fountain – Malachi – Son of Righteousness Rising with Healing in His Wings- Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – God, Man, Messiah – Acts – Fire from Heaven – Romans – Grace of God – Corinthians – Power of love – Galatians – freedom from the curse of sin – Ephesians – Glorious Treasure – Philippians – Servants heart – Colossians – God-Head Trinity – Thessalonians – our Coming King – Timothy, Titus, Philemon – Mediator and our Faithful Pastor – Hebrews – Everlasting Covenant – James – the One who heals the sick – 1 and 2 Peter – He’s our Shepherd – John and Jude – Lover coming for His Bride – Revelation – King of Kings and Lord of Lords! <br /><br />PROP. SENT: The Bible teaches us of its own power and potential to transform (revive) the lives of those individuals or societies who crave its truths and willingly apply it to their lives. <br /><br />I. THE WORD AND ITS INSPIRATION<br /><br /> A. Single Minded Neh. 8:1a<br /><br />God’s people had been freed from the Babylonian empire and with God’s hand and Nehemiah’s leadership the wall of Jerusalem is miraculously built in 52 days - Faithful leaders have been assigned their positions in God’s order of worship – A generous offering has been taken and received – God’s people have a single heart and mind to worship the Lord their God. <br /><br />• They met at Water Gate to hear the Scriptures – God’s Word is often symbolized as water because it can take the filth out of our lives and make us clean!<br /><br />“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26). <br /><br />“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3). <br /><br />Note – There are many reasons why people come to church – yet the most important reason is to hear what God has to say to us through His word. <br /><br />God’s Word teaches us of the importance of assembling ourselves to worship, hear the Word, live our witness. <br /><br />Hebrews 10:25, “…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as you see the Day approaching.” <br /><br />Note – A college freshman was giving her best friend a tour of the college she attended. They spent little to no time in the classrooms or libraries – but most of the time observing local hot spots for men. She showed her friend great places for hanging out, restaurants, malls, theaters, etc. Upon returning to her dorm room, she told her friend to be quiet because other girls were studying. As their neared the dorm entrance she whispered, “All they do is study. Honestly, I don’t even know why they came to college.” <br /> <br />Note – we come to church primarily to hear and be <br />transformed by the Word of God!<br /> <br /> B. Scripture Minded Neh. 8:1b-2<br /><br />• A single hearted people in the Lord assemble themselves together to hear God’s Word – The day in which they assembled was strategic and timely – the first day of the seventh month of the Jewish calendar is similar to New Year’s Day for us – It was time for a new beginning - Celebrations during the seventh month included the Feast of Trumpets (1st day), the day of Atonement (10th day), and the Feast of Tabernacles (15th to 21st day). <br /> <br />Note – New Year’s Resolutions – how about spiritual resolutions led by the Word of God and empowered by the Spirit of God? Our SBC President, Johnny Hunt, recently twittered his goal for 2010, “I wish to embrace my deepest devotion ever in being ablazed for the glory of God. To love Jesus supremely and intimately. He’s worthy!<br /><br />Note - J. Edwin Orr defined revival as: "The Spirit of God working through the Word of God, in the lives of the people of God."<br /><br />It’s great that you are here this morning listening to God’s Word – are you letting God’s word have it’s way in your life? When you leave this service – go to your family, job, neighborhood, school, etc. how much of God’s Word is going to be filtering through your mind?<br /><br />When you have settled God’s Word as the authority in your life, you will know where to turn to help you raise that family, be honorable on your job, deal with relationships, prepare yourself and others for eternity, etc. <br /><br />Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” <br /><br />1 Peter 1:23-25, “…having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because “All flesh is grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away; But the word of the Lord endures forever.” <br /><br />Note - We must read it (1 Timothy 4:13); eat it—that is, take it into our very being (Job 23:12; Jeremiah 15:16); bathe in it for spiritual cleansing (John 15:3); look into it as a mirror to see our true self (James 1:25); meditate on it (Psalm 1:2; 1 Timothy 4:15); memorize it (Deuteronomy 11:18; Psalm 119:11); study it (2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:12-14); teach it to others (Deuteronomy 11:19; Colossians 3:16); talk about it (Joshua 1:8); and sow its seeds of truth in the field of the world (Matthew 13:3-9; Luke 8:11). The daily practice of these scriptural admonitions will keep you in a state of perpetual revival. – Dr. D.J. Depree, Gideon’s <br /><br />II. THE WORD AND ITS INTERPETATION <br /><br />A. Speaking the Word Neh. 8:2<br /><br />• Ezra knew the formation of the city could be strong and stately– but not endure. He was primarily concerned with the foundation of the city of Jerusalem – and that would be the Holy Word of God. <br /><br />Ezra 7:6-10, “…this Ezra came up from Babylon; and he was a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given. The king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him. Some of the children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes. And Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.”<br /><br />Ezra had a heart for the Word of God which led to a love for the people of God. This is the kind of pastor every church should be so fortunate to have. <br /><br />Note – Ezra prepared to study the word of God; Ezra practiced the word of God; Ezra proclaimed the word of God. <br /> <br />Note - One day as G. Campbell Morgan prayed, the Lord seemed to say to him, “Which do you want to be—a servant of mine or a great preacher?” Morgan replied, “May I not be both, Lord?” A spiritual struggle ensued as he thought, God may want me to be an unknown minister in an obscure place. Then Morgan submissively prayed, “O Lord, my greatest wish is to be a servant of Thine!” The Lord responded by making him one of the greatest preachers of his time.<br /> <br />• Looking at Ezra’s life gives us a glimpse into what it takes to be a good and godly servant of the Lord. <br /><br /> 1 Timothy 6:11-12, “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” <br /><br />2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”<br /><br />2 Timothy 3:16-4:2, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”<br /><br />B. Starving for the Word Neh. 8:3-8 <br /><br />• Evidence of their hunger for God’s truth in their lives was that they were willing to listen to God’s Word for over six hours straight! <br /><br />Note – Revival will come to people who hunger to know more and more of God’s Word. <br /><br />Note - A woman wanting to impress the pastor when he came to visit, said to her little girl, “Honey, go get the book that Mommy loves so much.” The little girl soon returned carrying the new JCPenny catalog.<br /> <br />Acts 17:11, “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”<br /> <br />• The Word of God can set us free from sin – The Word of God can show us how to be pleasing to the Lord - The Word of God can make us wise unto salvation! <br /><br />I pray God will wake up the church of the Lord Jesus Christ in America to reverencing, respecting, and relying on the Word of God. <br /><br />Note - Daniel Webster – “There is no proper foundation for civilization, but in the Word of God. If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prosperity.”<br /><br />III. THE WORD AND ITS INVIGORATION <br /><br />A. Sorrow for Sin Neh. 8:9<br /><br />As this Jewish people began to hear the Word of God, it broke their hearts. They began to understand God had a plan and purpose for their lives – but because of sin and disobedience they had been exiled for 70 years in Babylonian territory. <br /><br />Note - A young man once said to a preacher, “I do not think I am a sinner.” Then the preacher asked him if he would be willing for his mother or sister to know all he had done or said or thought, all his motives and all his desires. After a moment the young man said, “No, indeed, I certainly would not like to have them know; not for all the world.”<br /><br />Note – Dr. Jack Graham recently told about a man whose heavy drinking caused him to lose his family, job, everything. One Sunday morning, he drove by the church and decided to go in. He said, “I was so ashamed and afraid of rejection, that when I came in I sat at the back of the balcony…as far as possible from people.” Something happened though as the worship team sang and he felt the presence of the Lord Jesus. The message that day was on God’s total forgiveness (because of the Lord Jesus life, death, burial, and resurrection) and that is what the man found that day. The next week he was singing in the choir and now faithfully prays for people sitting in the balcony!<br /><br />B. Satisfaction for the Soul Neh. 8:10-12<br /><br />Knowledge of our sin brings sorrow to our souls – some causing us to weep in the presence of the Lord. Certainly there is time to confess, agree with the Lord about our sin, asking for His Holy Spirit strength to overcome. Where would that strength to overcome be found? Answer: The joy of the Lord is your strength.” <br /><br />It was time for God’s people to quit looking at the sins of their past and more time focusing on what God wanted to do with them in the present! <br /><br />Note – “Nature forms us, sin deforms us, schools inform us, prison reforms us, but only CHRIST transforms us.” – Dr. Adrian Rogers <br /><br />Note - In a radio address to the nation on Feb. 23, 1936, President Franklin Roosevelt said: “No greater thing could come to our land today than a revival of the spirit of religion, a revival that would sweep through the homes of the nation and stir the hearts of men and women of all faiths to a reassertion of their belief in God and their dedication to his will for themselves and for their world. I doubt if there is any problem, either, social, political or economic, that would not melt away before the fire of such a spiritual awakening.”<br /><br />“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14<br /><br />Note - The Christian is joyful, not because he is blind to injustice and suffering, but because he is convinced that these, in the light of the divine sovereignty, are never ultimate. The humor of the Christian is not a way of denying the tears, but rather a way of affirming something which is deeper than tears. Yes, a few things in life are absolutely tragic, no question about it. First among them, a joyless Christian. —Elton Trueblood <br /><br />Note – Strength comes into the life of the child of God who is willing to put the past in its place and begin obeying the will of God! <br /><br />Conclusion: God is willing and ready to bring revival into the lives of His people. When His people are listening to His word and obedient to His will they will experience His refreshing presence. Enough moaning and groaning about past failures –what is God asking you to do now? Who is God calling you to be now? Life is worth the living just because He lives!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-69224590476971152682010-01-10T15:50:00.002-05:002010-01-10T15:53:54.367-05:00Knowing Your Place In the Order of WorshipTEXT: Nehemiah 7:1-73 <br /><br />INTRO: A job well done is to be celebrated and certainly Nehemiah along with God’s people were primed for worship after the rebuilding of the walls. God’s hand was upon Nehemiah as he sought to move God’s people forward in obedience. However, Nehemiah still had much work to do in PREPARING God’s people to be effective in their worship of the Lord. They had to learn what they BELIEVED inwardly about God needed to worked out in their BEHAVIOR before a watching world. For the worship of God to be at its best, the PEOPLE of God needed to be their best! <br /> <br />ILLUS: A missionary tells of a woman in India holding in her arms a weak, whining infant, while at her side stood a beautiful, healthy child. The man of God saw her walk to the banks of the Ganges River and throw the robust youngster to the crocodiles as an offering, and then turn toward home again still clutching the sickly child to her bosom. Tears were running down her cheeks when he stopped to question her concerning her shocking actions; however, she proudly replied in defense of her conduct, “O sir, we always give our gods the best!” <br /><br />We must not be guilty of giving our best to the world and our least to the Lord! <br /><br />PROP. SENT: The Bible teaches that God is a God of order…He sets the standards, not us. The leadership of the church must teach, preach, and serve the Lord in such a way that God’s good order is made known and practiced. In addition, God’s people must be found faithful in discovering, developing, and deploying their unique gifts if worship is to be pleasing to God. Do you know your place and are you fulfilling your part in God’s order of worship? <br /><br />I. THE PREEMINENCE OF ORDER <br /><br />A. Scriptural in Focus Neh. 7:1 <br /><br />1. Nehemiah knew that his job was not done just because the walls had been rebuilt – God’s people needed to be led into the lifestyle of worship and service. <br /><br />2. Vital to Jerusalem ’s strength and vitality would be closely linked to their physical, spiritual, and intellectual development. <br /><br />3. It’s interesting to note how Nehemiah led God’s people during their rebuilding of the citizenship of Jerusalem . He appointed the following leaders for the benefit of the nation… <br /><br /> a. Gatekeepers – protection and security (they would sound the alarm if enemies were approaching) <br /><br /> b. Singers – spiritual worship (full of worship and praise to the Lord) <br /><br /> c. Levites – teachers of the law and history <br /><br />4. Just as Nehemiah knew God’s people had to be grounded in God’s word and led by godly leaders…WE NEED THIS SAME SCRIPTURAL FOCUS FROM THE LEADERSHIP IN THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST TODAY! <br /><br />ILLUS: “In a relativist and pluralistic age like ours, one of our greatest needs is for preachers, teachers, and homegroup leaders who will faithfully communicate the eternal truths of Scripture, and share them in a manner which will demonstrate their unique authority, crucial importance, contemporary relevance and timeless appeal.” <br /><br />5. Of course, no leader is going to be perfect in the eyes of those he leads – not even the Lord Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, pleased everyone. <br /><br />6. I’m sure, Nehemiah had people rise up and tell him what he was doing wrong and how he could be doing things better…yet Nehemiah led with a scriptural focus second to none. <br /><br />7. The Word of God is the standard we are to acclimate our lives to. (Do not water it down – but preach the Word!) <br /><br />8. The greatest thing a pastor can do is stick with the Word of God – the message does not change; the message does change lives! <br /><br />B. Spiritual in Faith Neh. 7:2-3 <br /><br />1. Nehemiah’s brother, Hanani, was given charge over Jerusalem . <br /><br />2. It was Hanani who had first reported Jerusalem ’s devastating and deplorable conditions to Nehemiah…Hanani obviously had a great heart for God and similarly, a great heart for God’s people. (Neh. 1:2-4) <br /><br />3. Hananiah was the military leader of Jerusalem . He was faithful and feared God more than most men. Wouldn’t it be great if it was said of all our military leaders in America , that they too were, “faithful men <br />and feared God more than many.” <br /><br />4. Isn’t that what the Lord is looking for in each of our lives and each of His churches? <br /><br />5. He is looking for people who are faithful and fear Him! <br /><br />ILLUS: “…to live a holy life--to reject sin…means living a life where the power of the Holy One, the power of the Infinitely Loving, Infinitely Powerful, Infinitely Wise, Infinitely Good God does His Loving, Powerful, Wise, and Good work in us, and in through us into the world. In choosing to live a holy life, we choose to exchange the bondage of sin and worldly satisfaction for the limitless, loving, powerful freedom of Christ.” - Jana Fischer <br /><br />6. Nehemiah commanded that the gates of the city would not be open until the sun was risen. This was strategic and helped keep possible enemies out. (Neh. 7:3) <br /><br />7. This speaks of our need to stay sober and vigilant in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ – on constant watch for the enemies attacks. In 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8 the Apostle Paul states, “5for you are all sons of light and sons of day We are not of night nor of darkness; 6so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 7For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. 8But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.” <br /><br />8. Nehemiah knew the importance of doing all he could to ensure his people were guarded against all kinds of attacks the enemy could throw at them - this started with leaders who were scriptural in focus and spiritual in faith! <br /><br />ILLUS: “What a tragedy that schools that once were true to the faith are today denying the faith, and churches that once preached the gospel now have in their pulpits ministers who preach “another gospel.” Every Christian ministry is one short generation away from destruction, and God’s people must be on guard.” <br /> –Warren Wiersbe <br /><br />9. Principle: What you guard – you keep and when you lose guard – it could lead to ruin – yours and the lives of others! <br /><br />10. Apply: Daily worship, obedience, trust…etc. See Proverbs 4:23 , “Watch your heart with all diligence…” <br /><br />ILLUS: Pastor Bryan Chapell speaks of a group of Christian businessmen who are plain about the fight against temptation. They meet once a month and ask each other questions: The last time you traveled on a business trip, did you stay pure in your hotel room? When you returned from your business trip, did you stay honest on your expense reports? Those are tough questions. Why would they put themselves in such embarrassing positions? Because they are in the fight. Because they are at war for the goodness of their souls, for their relationships with each other and with the Lord. —Bryan Chapell, “The Great Escape,” Preaching Today. <br /> <br /><br />II. THE PERSONS OF ORDER <br /><br /> A. Significant in the Lord Neh. 7:4-69 <br /><br />1. When you go over passages like this in the Bible, it’s easy to skip over – but in Nehemiah’s day it was of utmost importance to be able to prove you were truly of Jewish descent. This is the same genealogy found in Ezra 2 . The point is…these folks mattered to God! <br /><br />2. It was the passion of Nehemiah to have people in Jerusalem who knew where they came from and the great heritage they had in the Lord. <br /><br />3. Having a knowledge of your identity, belonging, acceptance in the Lord Jesus Christ through faith should encourage you to know something of your significance as a child of God! <br /><br />ILLUS: R. C. Sproul shares the story of a college student he once taught who had cerebral palsy. The student struggled with—spastic movements and garbled speech, yet he was very bright and capable. Sproul writes: One day he came to me vexed with a problem and asked me to pray for him. In the course of the prayer, I said something routine, with words like, "Oh, God, please help this man as he wrestles with this problem." When I opened my eyes, the student was quietly weeping. I asked him what was wrong and he stammered his reply, "You called me a man. No one has ever called me a man before." Lee Eclov, in the sermon "The Blessed Limp," PreachingToday.com <br /><br />4. If you are unsure of your relationship to the Lord – you must understand there is only one way to heaven and that is through a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. John 1:12 , Acts 4:12 <br /><br />5. It’s been said, “If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be any evidence?” Have you personally confessed your sins to the Lord and placed your faith in the crucified Lord…now risen and coming again? <br /><br />6. The men, women, boys, and girls who helped reestablish Jerusalem – left everything behind in Babylon to find a new life within the Jewish nation. <br /><br />7. It’s not enough just to have your name written down on the church roll – but your name must be written in the Lamb’s book of life! <br /><br />8. Your significance in life does not come primarily through your job, bank account, or retirement plan…but through your relationship with the Lord. <br /><br />B. Security in the Land Neh. 7:64-65 <br /><br />1. Just showing up with the returning Jewish families did not necessarily include you in the family – there were many priests and families not included at all. <br /><br />2. The Urim and Thummin was in the breastplate the priest wore and was essential in determining the will of God. Today, do we have an urim and thummin? Absolutely…it is the Word of God! <br /><br />3. Pagan nations had influenced Israel ’s history before and Nehemiah wanted to keep covenant with the Lord through the worship of Jehovah God alone! <br /><br />4. There was no compromise with people of other faiths – entrance to the city required commitment to the worship of the One True and Living God. <br /><br />ILLUS: NBA star Shaquille O'Neil—tried to get into the White House without an appointment. At 7-1 and 325 pounds, with a winning smile, and NBA championship rings on his fingers from years of playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaq has what it takes to walk into most places he wants to go. Shaq (believing doors should open just because of his name) gave it a try, and just as Shaq has rejected those who would drive past him to the hoop, so the security guards at the White House gate rejected him. Later that day, Shaq tweeted, "The White House wouldn't let me in, whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy." <br /><br />4. How many today believe they will be accepted by the King of Kings in Heaven simply on the grounds of who they are? <br /><br />5. Just as in Adam (first birth) ALL DIE…so only IN CHRIST (second birth) we can each be MADE ALIVE! <br /><br /><br />III. THE PRESENTATION OF ORDER <br /><br />A. Supply Neh. 7:70-73 <br /><br />1. It’s so encouraging to know God has a way to rebuild and restore…no matter how much wreckage the enemy has done in our lives! <br /><br />2. God’s promises are stronger and more powerful than any circumstance you are facing today. <br /><br />3. These Scriptures show that God does keep a record of how we serve, give, follow, share our faith with future generations. <br /><br />4. These believers put God before anyone or anything. <br /><br />5. There was much rebuilding to be done – how easy and typical would it have been for them to put themselves, their families first and then bring their gifts to the Lord. <br /><br />6. In fact, they did the opposite. They gave themselves first to the Lord…trusting that if they would do His will…He would see them through and take care of their needs. <br /><br />ILLUS: Plenty of people are willing to give God credit, yet few are willing to give Him cash. —Quotable Quotations <br /><br />B. Sacrifice <br /><br />7. Nehemiah did not ask God’s people to do something he was not willing to do himself. <br /><br />8. What you give is between you and the Lord – I do not know who gives what to the curch. <br /><br />9. I do know that faithful giving to the Lord’s work can bring our renewal, joy, and strength to the church and also great joy and assurance to the giver! <br /><br />ILLUS: Christian stewardship is really nothing less than all we do with all that we have. The amount Jesus is talking about is a pretty big amount: it’s 100 percent. Stewardship is not just about how much of what I own will I give to God. It’s about how much of me have I given to God…. Stewardship is not about paying dues. Sometimes I wish it were because that would be easier: just tell me how much I owe, and I can pay the Lord just as I pay the bills. It’s not paying dues. It’s about deliberately making deposits of my time and my energy and what I own into God’s business…. Fundamentally, stewardship begins with giving 100 percent of who I am to God. —Heidi Husted, “The Sermon on the Amount.” <br /><br />CONCLUSION: God is a God of order and has a place for every single child of God. He has His people in places of leadership, worship, teaching, serving, etc. Critical to your walk and joy in the Lord will be knowing your place in God’s order of worship. Do you know yours and are you faithful?Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-81124814336378324302010-01-02T23:07:00.003-05:002010-01-02T23:16:22.014-05:00FINDING RENEWED STRENGTH FOR GOD’S GREAT WORKTEXT: Nehemiah 6:1-19, Romans 12:1-8<br /><br />INTRO: God has a unique plan for every single child of God. He passionately desires for us to know His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Though that is His intention, it is not automatic that every child of God is going to live in that will and be found faithful. The enemy will do all he can to make sure we lose heart and strength in God’s service. We must find renewed strength and courage to stay faithful to God in spite of opposition, discouragement, or even Satanic sidetracks. Nehemiah moved forward and so can we. <br /><br />ILLUS: YOU PAY A PRICE FOR GETTING STRONGER. YOU PAY A PRICE FOR GETTING FASTER. YOU PAY A PRICE FOR JUMPING HIGHER. YOU PAY A PRICE FOR STAYING JUST THE SAME. —H. Jackson Brown, A Hero in Every Heart (Nelson, 1996)<br /><br />PROP. SENT: The Bible teaches us that renewed strength is found by pursuing godly wisdom and judgment as we do God’s will and stand against the continual attacks of the enemy. The wise believer will not give in to the tricky tactics of the enemy, but will stay true to the course God has laid out for him to follow. <br /><br />I. STRENGTH FOR SPECIAL ASSIGNGMENTS <br /><br />A. Dedication to God’s Plan Nehemiah 6:1<br /><br />1. Looking at Nehemiah’s life and service is rewarding and faith inspiring because he is the classic picture of the underdog who overcomes!<br /><br />2. Nehemiah was an exiled Jew whose job in life was serving as cupbearer to the Persian King, Artaxerses. <br /><br />3. The odds of Nehemiah accomplishing God’s will seem stacked heavily against him.<br /><br />4. The job seemed impossible and his enemies were extremely zealous in their attempts to pull him off course.<br /><br />5. Nehemiah had received news that the walls of Jerusalem had not been rebuilt after his fellow Jews were taken into exile.<br /><br />6. He knew that without strong walls, Jerusalem would be easy prey to attacks of their enemies and would be constantly defeated…so he asked God for favor and direction in beginning a rebuilding process. <br /><br />7. God invites each of us into a lifestyle of special heavenly assignments.<br /><br />8. Each assignment is special not so much because of the job, but because of the God who calls you to it! <br /><br />9. Finding renewed strength for God’s great work requires diligent study of His Word with a will to follow His guidance. <br /><br />ILLUS: I once came across seven rules for spiritual growth: 1. Daily Food. Take in the “pure milk of the word” through study and meditation. 2. Fresh Air. Pray often or you will faint. Prayer is the oxygen of the soul. 3. Regular Exercise. Put into practice what you learn in God’s Word. 4. Adequate Rest. Rely on God at all times in simple faith. 5. Clean Surroundings. Avoid evil company and whatever will weaken you spiritually. 6. Loving Care. Be part of a church where you will benefit from a pastor’s teaching and Christian fellowship. 7. Periodic Checkups. Regularly examine your spiritual health. K. Trivette, “Growing Church Members” <br /> <br />B. Dedication to God in Prayer Nehemiah 6:9, 14<br /><br />1. Throughout Nehemiah’s life, we find a consistent life of prayer and the Word of God continually calls us to pray and seek God’s face. <br />a. We are only kidding ourselves if we think we can move on farther without first going lower to our knees in prayer! <br />b. Nehemiah prayed for himself, God’s work, God’s people, even his personal enemies! <br /><br />2. Perhaps our greatest weapon against the enemy is the Word of God and prayer.<br /><br />3. Satan cannot stop God from answering our prayer, but he can do everything in his might to keep us from praying faithfully! <br /><br />4. It takes humility to admit your need in prayer before the Lord and the humble will find themselves being lifted up by the Lord! 1 Peter 5:7<br />a. Prayer is for the beginning, middle, and the end…our first resort instead of last resort!<br />b. Praying is not a sign of weakness, but wisdom! <br />c. James 1:5 says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given him.” <br /><br />ILLUS: There come times in our lives when we in our desperation and pain run to God and dial our 911 prayers. Sometimes we’re hysterical. Sometimes we don’t know the words to speak. But God hears. He knows our number and he knows our name and he knows our circumstance. That help is already on the way; God has already begun to bring the remedy to us. —Leith Anderson, Men of Integrity, Vol. 2, no. 2. <br /> <br />5. What heavenly assignment has God placed upon your heart? How serious are you about putting your faith in God into practice? <br /><br />II. STRENGTH FOR SPIRITUAL ATTACKS <br /><br />A. Distractions in Process Nehemiah 6:1-3<br /><br />1. Anybody who is willing to put the will of God first in their lives is going to encounter TROUBLE from the enemy!<br /><br />2. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshmu had been up front in their attacks of Nehemiah in the earlier stages of building the wall…yet now they appear to have a change of heart.<br /><br />3. A letter is sent by these men to Nehemiah stating, “Come, let us meet together among the villages of in the plain of ONO.” <br /><br />4. They wanted to get Nehemiah all alone, miles away from home, away from God’s people, away from God’s work, then they would injure him to the point of no return or even TAKE HIS LIFE! <br /><br />5. How many times has the enemy tried to take you away from doing God’s work? Are you spiritually prepared to resist him?<br /><br />ILLUS: There is a story involving Yogi Berra, the well-known catcher for the New York Yankees, and Hank Aaron, who at that time was the chief power hitter for the Milwaukee Braves. The teams were playng in the World Series, and as usual Yogi was keeping up his ceaseless chatter, attempting to distract the Milwaukee batters . As Aaron came to the plate, Yogi tried to distract him by saying, "Henry, you're holding the bat wrong. You're supposed to hold it so you can read the trademark." Aaron didn't say anything, but when the next pitch came he hit it into the left-field bleachers. After rounding the bases and tagging up at home plate, Aaron looked at Yogi Berra and said, "I didn't come up here to read." Nehemiah, Learning to Lead, J.M. Boice, Revell, 1990, p. 38. <br /><br />6. Nehemiah was full of spiritual discernment and he also knew the work God had given him to do was of UTMOST IMPORTANCE! <br /><br />B. Disappointment in People Nehemiah 6:4-9<br /><br />1. Not only did the enemy try to use trickery to get Nehemiah sidetracked, he also spread lies about Nehemiah’s motives in rebuilding the temple.<br /><br />2. If Satan can’t get the leader to quit working – he wants to get people lying about Nehemiah’s intentions and second guessing his godly character.<br /><br />3. Eventually people will begin to lose faith in God’s leader…God’s work will slow down…people lose heart and faith…eventually quit and give up the good work. VICTORY would be won for his side.<br /><br />4. The scary thing is that Satan can use us if we are not careful. <br /><br />5. Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself WILL NOT STAND” (Matthew 12:25). <br /><br />6. Nehemiah shows us how to respond to disappointing people who have allowed Satan to use them for his purposes: WE STAND ON THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD! <br /><br />7. He refuted the lie, rebuked the lie, and then released the lie to the Lord in prayer. <br /><br />8. Nehemiah knows renewal is on the way for God’s people!<br /><br />9. Great progress has been made on the wall and he’s being compelled by God’s purposes.<br /><br />10. He will not allow disappointing people being used by the enemy to bring him down! GO NEHEMIAH, GO! <br /><br />ILLUS: “What can keep us off the side street? FOCUS. It is possible to do everything else right, then get on a side street before our task is completed. I have seen this happen in marriages, in relationships, in churches, and in businesses. Have you ever been on a side street? When you are in the process of rebuilding a marriage, some Sanballat or Tobiah can come along and get you on a side street. There are those who will try anything to get you off the main road of rebuilding. Some who are rebuilding relationships get off on side streets. Some who are seeking to rebuild their vocational life are prone to take side streets. Rebuilders finish strong. How? They stay off side streets and remain focused on what they are to do.” O.S. Hawkins, Rebuilding: It’s Never Too Late For A New Beginning<br /><br />III. STRENGTH FOR STEADFAST ALLEGIANCE <br /><br /> A. Daily Presentation Nehemiah 6:9b, Romans 12:1-2<br /><br />1. As Nehemiah progressed in God’s will and call upon his life, his steadfast allegiance to God over anyone or anything is impressive. <br /><br />2. Strength in the life of each of our lives comes from continual absolute surrender of our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. <br /><br />3. When we truly begin to understand what the Lord Jesus Christ has done, the only proper response is to yield our lives at His feet in devoted worship and service.<br /><br />4. Life becomes less about SELF and more about the SAVOR AND HIS SERVICE!!! <br /><br />ILLUS: “People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paying back a small part of the great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own blest reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind and a bright hope of glorious destiny hereafter? Away with the word in such a view and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege.” Missionary, David Livingston<br /> <br />5. Is it too much to offer yourself completely to the One who gave His whole life for you? <br /><br />6. It’s sad that so many believers think the Christian life revolves around WHAT THEY CAN GET over WHAT THEY CAN GIVE! <br /><br /> B. Daily Preoccupation Neh. 6:10-16, Romans 12:3-8<br /><br />1. Steadfast allegiance comes into our lives when we are consumed with a passion to know and obey God’s Word. <br /><br />2. Shemiah tried to lure Nehemiah into disobeying the clearly revealed Word of God (Numbers 3:10, 38). <br /><br />3. The Word of God stated that only the priest was to enter the temples holy areas…outsiders were to be put to death. <br /><br />4. Dt. 18:20-22 states, “'But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.' 21"You may say in your heart, 'How will we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?' 22"When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. <br /><br />5. Defeat and disgrace symbolized Shemaiah’s life as he yielded to the enemies lies - Greed became his priority over God! <br /><br />6. Victory and virtue symbolized Nehemiah’s life.<br /><br />7. God has gifted and called you into a life of victorious service in Him. Are you preoccupied in fulfilling His will? Serving others to the glory of God? <br /><br />8. Romans 12:3-8, “3For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5so we,who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness."<br /><br />ILLUS: “It is urgently needful that the Christian people of our charge should come to understand that they are not a company of invalids, to be wheeled about, or fed by hand, nursed, and comforted, the minister being the Head Physician and Nurse; but a garrison in an enemy’s country, every soldier of which should have some post or duty, at which he should be prepared to make any sacrifice rather than quitting.” F.B. Meyer <br /><br />9. Those who faithfully use what God has given them in loving service to others are going to find their strength renewed in God’s time. <br /><br />10. Every member is a minister. Are you teaching that class? Are you greeting those visitors? Are you showing mercy? Are you singing in the choir? <br /><br />CONCLUSION: The Bible teaches that finding our strength renewed for God’s great work is a process of staying on the course God has laid out for us as a church and as individuals. The distractions, disappointments, and discouraging situations will come. Great reward, victory, changed lives will come to those who stick with God’s plan and remain faithful!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-85621784450419490712009-12-27T15:55:00.002-05:002009-12-27T16:00:44.331-05:00TELL ME THE STORY OF JESUSTEXT: Titus 2:11-15<br /><br />INTRO: When was the last time you stopped and simply thanked God for wonderful stories? Stories come in many fashions, shapes, and sizes. Some are in the present (Ex. Tiger Woods), some are from years past (Ex. childhood), some are perpetual (stood test of time). <br /><br />ILLUS: The following story of errors actually appeared in a newspaper several years ago. First Day: FOR SALE—R.D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Phone 958-3030 after 7 p.m. and ask for Mrs. Kelly who lives with him cheap. Next day the ad was “corrected” to read: NOTICE—We regret having erred in R.D. Jones’ ad yesterday. It should have read: One sewing machine for sale. Cheap. Phone 958-3030 and ask for Mrs. Kelly who lives with him after 7 p.m. That correction was “corrected” the day after. It read: R.D. Jones has informed us that he has received several anonymous telephone calls because of the error we made in his classified ad yesterday. His ad stands corrected as follows: FOR SALE—R.D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Cheap. Phone 958-3030 after 7 p.m. and ask for Mrs. Kelly who loves with him. Finally, the day after, Mr. Jones “corrected” the ad himself with a second ad: NOTICE—I, R.D. Jones, have no sewing machine for sale. I SMASHED IT. Don’t call 958-3030 as the telephone has been taken out. I have not been carrying on with Mrs. Kelly. Until yesterday she was my housekeeper, but SHE QUIT!<br /><br />PROP. SENT: The Bible teaches us that the story of God’s grace is amazing. Why? It is the saving grace of God that breaks the penalty of sin, power of sin, and eternally the presence of sin as we will abide with the Lord forever. The amazing grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that brings salvation to our lives as sinners also brings transformation into our lives making us more like the Savior! <br /><br />I. IT IS THE STORY OF A GREAT SAVIOR – (Line 1)<br /> <br /> A. Great in His Graciousness – Grand Titus 2:11a <br /> <br /> 1. Titus was a man whose life had been changed by God’s grace – everyone is in need of “saving grace.” <br /><br /> 2. Titus had heard of the amazing grace of the Lord Jesus Christ through the preaching of the Apostle Paul. <br /><br /> 3. We know that Titus took God’s call on his life very seriously because he was willing to leave behind everything – serving with the Apostle Paul in the gospel ministry. <br /><br /> 4. BY FAR the greatest story in the history of this world is the story of God’s amazing grace – demonstrated personally and perfectly in the Lord Jesus Christ.<br /> a. John 1:14, 16-17, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” <br /><br /> 5. There are many definitions of grace that have talked about for years. <br /> a. GRACE – God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense<br /> b. God giving us what we do not deserve (No one deserves God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, Holy Spirit, heaven, etc.)!<br /> c. The unmerited favor of God <br /> <br />6. These definitions are all wonderful for grace helps us to see that a right standing with God does not depend on who I am or what I’ve done, but on who God is and what God has done! <br /> <br />ILLUS: J. Vernon McGee tells the story of a certain man who wanted to join the local Baptist church. The deacons were unsure of his character and began asking him questions. Their last question was regarding his personal salvation. They asked, “How did you get saved?” His answer was, “God did His part, and I did my part.” They thought there was something wrong with his doctrine, so they questioned further, “What was God’s part, and what was your part?” He said, “God’s part was the saving, and my part was the sinning. I ran from Him as fast as my sinful heart and rebellious legs could take me. He ran after me till He ran me down.” <br /><br /> B. Great in His Goodness – Gift Titus 2:11<br /><br /> 1. God’s grace is amazing because it extends to all people!<br /><br /> 2. The people of Crete that Titus was called to minister to were not the classiest of people on the block. <br /><br /> 3. To call someone a “Cretian” was a great insult in these days! <br /><br /> 4. They were known to have the character of: <br /> a. Liars<br /> b. Cheaters<br /> c. Gluttons and Drunkards <br /> d. Unfaithful and untrustworthy <br /> <br />5. This is the story of God’s amazing grace!<br /><br /> 6. It wasn’t the goodness of these folks that qualified them for God’s grace, it was totally 100% the goodness of God.<br /><br /> 7. Perhaps some of you feel there is no way God could relate to you by His grace this morning. <br /> a. You’ve been unfaithful sexually<br /> b. You’ve lost your temper one too many times<br /> c. There is an addiction that you can’t seem to find victory over. <br /> d. You feel everyone else could be blessed by God – but you are so unworthy because of sin, guilt, shame.<br /> <br />ILLUS: Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. —Jerry Bridges<br /><br /> 5. Salvation is not a matter of your goodness, but of God’s grace.<br /><br /> 6. Titus 3:4-5, “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy HE saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” <br /><br />ILLUS: Salvation is a gift and you can't boast about a gift. You can only be thankful. —D. James Kennedy<br /><br />II. IT IS THE STORY OF GREAT SINNERS – (Line 2)<br /><br />A. Great in Our Guilt Titus 2:12a<br /><br /> 1. Saving grace is also “strengthening grace.” <br /><br /> 2. From the time you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior until the day He takes you home, you will face spiritual struggles. <br /><br /> 3. One of the greatest spiritual struggles you are going to face is which place God is going to have in your life.<br /><br /> 4. Another is by the constant pull of worldly pleasures, passions, pursuits. <br /> a. You may have wonderful clothes – the world will not want you to enjoy them – but desire better.<br /> b. You may have a cell phone that works just fine – the world will tell you that you must have one with phones, radios, high speed internet, etc. <br /> c. You may have a wonderful family – the world will tell you that you deserve something much better – and try to lead you into a lifestyle of being unfaithful to the Lord and family. <br /><br /> 4. It is natural state for those who do not love God to love the world, for this is their home. <br /><br /> 5. It is not normal for the child of God to live a life dominated by sin and worldliness– they have another home they long for in which Jesus reigns. <br /><br /> 6. Victory is won because of God’s strengthening grace! <br /><br /> 7. What kind of difference would it make in this world if every pastor longed to live holy before God and led His congregation to live holy and righteous in the Lord, too!<br /> a. Too many churches are seeking to be “happy” without being “holy.” <br /> b. God desires that each of us look to Him first – as our relationship with the Lord is strengthened – the things of this world begin to lose their stronghold on our lives! <br /><br />ILLUS: Could the United States be headed down a path similar to that of ancient Rome? Let’s look at the five reasons for Rome’s downfall, as set forth by Edward Gibbon in his classic work The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. They are: 1. The undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home. 2. Increasing taxes and spending of public money for bread and circuses. 3. The mad craze for pleasure, with sports becoming more exciting and more brutal. 4. The building of gigantic armaments, when the real enemy is the decadence of the people. 5. The decay of religion, with faith fading into mere form. See: Revelation 3:1-5, <br /><br />B. Great in Our God Titus 2:12b<br /> <br />1. To deliver us from sin and bring us into God’s kingdom we need saving grace. <br /><br />2. To help us say no to sin and its continual pull we need that strengthening grace of God. <br /><br />3. To help us look more like Jesus in this present age we need God’s sanctifying grace – the total process of becoming more and more like Christ! <br /><br />4. Too many Christians think of victory in Jesus as something that will only happen once they reach heaven – but victory in Jesus is what everyone of us needs in the nasty and now! <br /><br />5. Beth Moore had a book out not too long ago called, “When Godly People Do Ungodly Things.”<br /><br />6. Remember, God doesn’t work overnight to make you more like Himself…He’s at work on you all the time…this is a process! <br /><br />ILLUS: Grace seeks to help people reach their potential. Grace does not condemn those who have not arrived. Grace focuses on solutions – not just the problems. Grace is the lubricant that eases friction in any relationship. Grace celebrates success and keeps no record of wrongs. – Henry Blackaby, Gracisms <br /><br />7. Through God’s sanctifying grace we are separated not only from sin…but unto a living, loving relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ that begins to make us look less like the world and more like Him! <br /><br />8. Embrace God’s call to total devotion to holiness and godliness! <br /><br />9. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” John 17:17 - In Ephesians 5:25, we read, “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, that HE might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word.” <br /><br />ILLUS: E. Stanley Jones, Methodist doctor and missionary to India, writes: The early Christians did not say in dismay: “Look what the world has come to,” but in delight, “Look what has come to the world.” They saw not merely the ruin, but the Resource for the reconstruction of that ruin. They saw not merely that sin did abound, but that grace did much more abound. On that assurance the pivot of history swung from blank despair, loss of moral nerve, and fatalism, to faith and confidence that at last sin had met its match. —Leadership, Vol. 19, no. 4.<br /> <br />III. IT IS THE STORY OF GREAT SATISFACTION – (Line 3) <br /><br /> A. Great in Guidance Titus 2:13<br /><br /> 1. God’s saving, strengthening, sanctifying grace is also…Second Coming grace. <br /><br /> 2. The “blessed hope” belongs to every child of God and focuses our attention on the truth that we will see the Lord Jesus Christ one day and we’ll be with Him forever. <br /><br /> 3. That blessed hope gives us strength and confidence to live our lives with purpose and meaning – a better day is coming!<br /><br />ILLUS: In his book Winning Life's Toughest Battles, psychologist Julius Segal told about the 25,000 American soldiers who were held in POW camps during World War II. Some died, some survived. There was no reason to believe that there was a difference in stamina between the two groups, but there was one major difference: Those who survived were the ones who held on to the hope that they would someday be released. They talked about the jobs they would have, the kind of person they would marry, the homes they would build. Many of them drew pictures on the wall to illustrate their dreams. Segal goes on to say that researcher have found that a hopeful attitude can lead to physiological changes that improve the immune system -- the body's ability to fight disease. <br /><br /> 5. Knowing we have this hope in God does not lead us to just sit back in our pajamas and wait on the Lord like children wait for Santa on Christmas Eve! <br /><br /> 6. This hope in Jesus leads motivates and encourages us to live our lives for His honor and glory now! <br /><br /> 7. Aren’t you thankful today your hope is not built on:<br /> a. A Political leader or party<br /> b. Never encountering any problems<br /> c. The hope of winning the lottery <br /> d. Perfect religious system<br /> <br />8. The difference between the world’s hope and biblical hope is that worldly hope is unsure of what it hopes for (Hope I’ll find the right person, hope it doesn’t rain on my day off, hope I’ll make more money next year) – Biblical hope is sure of what it hopes for – because God has promised!<br /><br /> ILLUS: The Holman Bible Dictionary defines our blessed hope as...<br /> "Trustful expectation, particularly with reference to the fulfillment of God's promises. Biblical hope is the anticipation of a favorable outcome under God's guidance. More specifically, hope is the confidence that what God has done for us in the past guarantees our participation in what God will do in the future. This contrasts to the world's definition of hope as “a feeling that what is wanted will happen.”<br /><br /> B. Great in Glory Titus 2:14<br /><br /> 1. Think of the various forms of God’s grace we’ve mentioned – saving, strengthening, sanctifying, second coming…think now of serving grace. <br /><br /> 2. When you truly begin to understand what God’s done for you, it will motivate you to serve the Lord with fresh passion! <br /><br /> 3. While we were here in the muck of sin, headed straight for hell and death, God came and brought rescue and everlasting life! <br /><br /> 4. Knowing how much God loves and cares for you leads you out of the lifestyle of living for self only…now you are living for the Savior! <br /><br />ILLUS: Bo Barredo, a missionary who advocates an indigenous missionary strategy, shares the following about his family life: I belong to a relatively prosperous family of lawyers. My mother died of cancer at age 45. Our family buried her a few days before Christmas. My father was never the same again. He turned his back to the world, left his business and law practice and became a full-time missionary evangelist among our own people. To date, per written decision slips, God has used my father to bring to His feet more than 200,000 souls. Seeing our father’s great love for God and God’s beautiful love for him, three of my brothers and I and our wives, plus our youngest sister also became missionaries, pastors and evangelists. God gave us much grace. Where before as lawyers we represented the criminals before the judge, now as missionaries, we represent the Eternal Judge before the “criminals.” —A Mission Letter, from Advancing Native Missions, P.O. Box 5036, Charlottesville, Va 22905.<br /><br />CONCLUSION: The story of God’s amazing grace brings salvation that leads to total transformation of our lives. The Lord Jesus paid the ultimate price by laying down His life for each of us…now He has freed us to live new lives in passion and purpose unto Him! 1 Corinthians 6:20, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God’s.”Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-82366555276941528652009-12-24T10:22:00.003-05:002009-12-24T10:34:09.422-05:00The Grinch That Tried to Steal ChristmasTEXT: Revelation 12:1-11<br /><br />INTRO: It is so reassuring and confidence building to know that God and good will ultimately triumph over Satan and evil. Satan’s mission has always been to steal, kill, and destroy – while the Lord Jesus came that we might have life to the full (John 10:10). We cannot trust in what we see only with our physical eyes in order to determine victory or defeat. In the present time, it appears that Satan has the upper hand and that he will triumph. Yet, we know on the testimony and truth of the Word of God that Jesus has already overcome through His coming to this earth as baby in Bethlehem – death on the cross – ascension to the Father and ultimately He is returning as Victorious King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Don’t let anything take away the joy of victory in Jesus this Christmas or any other time of year! <br /><br />ILLUS: "Christmas day is in our grasp so long as we have hands to clasp." The Grinch could hardly believe his ears. He begins to get furious, but then something happens. He suddenly “puzzles” how Christmas came. "It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags." Suddenly the Grinch realizes that Christmas is about more than presents, or decorations, or a feast. He has a thought he’s never thought before: "Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn’t come from a store; Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more." SOURCE: "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Suess<br /><br />PROP. SENT: The Bible teaches through God’s plan, providence, and power the Lord Jesus Christ and His followers will have eternal victory while Satan and his demons will be utterly vanquished. Make sure you are on the winning team by belonging totally to the Lord! <br /><br />I. THE OVERSEEING OF THE SOVEREIGN <br /><br /> A. Great Sign Rev. 12:1-2<br /><br />1. Throughout the years there have been many speculations as to the identification of the woman. <br />a. Mary, the mother of Jesus. We know from the Scriptures Mary gave birth to the Son of God, but this is not Mary in Revelation 12. <br />b. The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ – the Church did not give birth to the Lord Jesus, rather the Lord Jesus gave birth to His church! <br />c. Mary Baker Eddy – founder of the Christian Science movement claimed she was the woman in Revelation 12 and the dragon was “mortal mind of man” which was ready to devour her new teachings. <br /><br /> 2. The woman in Revelation 12 is a picture of Israel. <br /><br />3. In Genesis 39, God gave Joseph a dream that Israel would be saved from destruction through him. Genesis 39:9, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.” <br />a. Jacob – the sun<br />b. Rachel – the moon<br />c. Eleven stars are the sons of Israel – in Rev. 12, Joseph is included in the tribes of Israel.<br /><br />4. In Romans 9:4-5 we find, “…Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed of God. Amen.” <br /><br />5. Dr. Grant Richardson explains, “Israel birthed Jesus in His first coming (Romans 9:5). Satan has always attacked the line of Judah, the line of the Messiah. The Devil did everything in his power to prevent the first coming of Christ.”<br /><br />6. The picture in Revelation 12 is also concerning the Second Coming of Christ – Israel rejected the Lord Jesus as Messiah the first time He came. At His Second Coming, many will receive Him as Messiah and Lord!<br /><br />ILLUS: “Down the years (Israel) has failed repeatedly, she has failed miserably, but that does not diminish the fact that she belongs to God. He has not written off the nation, he has not eliminated her from his prophetic agenda. Her glory is the glory of the heavens and that explains why Abraham’s seed is likened to the stars in Genesis 15:5. It is not wonder the old devil hates this nation for she is a powerful reminder to him of all that once was his and of the dizzy heights from which he fell.” - Sam Gordon, A Walk through Revelation <br /> <br />7. How many times have we failed repeatedly and miserably – yet God still claims us as His own! <br /><br />B. Gruesome Satan Rev. 12:3-4<br /><br />1. The picture Revelation gives us of Satan is of murderous, ferocious dragon. Red, perhaps, symbolizes his murderous motives. <br /><br />2. Jesus said of Satan in John 8:44 that he was a murderer from the beginning.<br /><br />3. In 2 Corinthians 4:4 and 1 John 5:19, Satan is described as the “ruler” and “god of this world.” <br /><br />4. 1 Peter 5.8 describes him as prowling about as a great lion seeking whom he may devour.<br /><br />5. If you were to ask the average person about Satan, they would probably tell you about a red man with pointed ears, long tail, with some kind of pitch-fork in his hand. That is man’s invention and is not a biblical description of him at all! <br /> <br />ILLUS: “The Bible teaches that the devil is a real person and that he controls the affairs of this evil world. His great objective is to defeat the will of God in the world, in the church, and in the Christian.” – Billy Graham <br /><br />5. While we must understand that Satan does have power, it is a limited and he is in no way as powerful and strong as the Lord Jesus Christ! <br /><br />6. No matter how strong Satan’s attempts have been to destroy the Lord Jesus Christ, they have always failed! <br /> a. Satan led Cain to kill Abel – yet God gave brought forth Seth.<br /> b. Satan led Pharaoh to kill all the male babies in Egypt, yet God gave Moses.<br /> c. Satan led King Herod to kill all the babies under the age 2 in Bethlehem – yet God told Joseph and Mary to escape with the newborn Son of God.<br /> d. Satan led the people of the world to put the Lord of Glory, our Savior Jesus Christ, on the cross to die – yet God raised Him from the dead! <br /><br />7. Everlasting victory belongs to our God and victory also belongs to the child of God. <br /><br />8. Through the Spirit of God’s indwelling, the Apostle John reminds us in 1 John 4:4, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” <br /><br />ILLUS: American writer Wilson Mizner was himself a talented fighter. One night he and boxer "Mysterious" Billy Smith visited a San Francisco bar, where Mizner started a fight with some sailors. At the end only one sailor was left standing. This sailor would not go down, in spite of the fact that Mizner was hitting him hard constantly. Suddenly, Billy Smith noticed what was happening. "Leave him alone, Wilson!" he shouted. "I knocked him out five minutes ago." On investigation it turned out that a punch from Smith had indeed knocked the sailor out cold, but had also wedged him vertically between two pieces of furniture. Here's an accurate picture of our already-defeated but still standing enemy Satan! Today in the Word, April 3, 1993<br /><br /> 9. It ought to fill us with joy and confidence in the Lord today God is greater than the devil and is always victorious. <br /><br /> 10. We reverently worship with thanksgiving and awe the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! <br /><br />II. THE OVERTHROWING OF THE SERPANT<br /><br /> A. God’s Son Rev. 12:5-6<br /><br /> 1. These verses summarize the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. <br /><br /> 2. Verse 5 tells us that the devil has failed to overpower the Christ-child in history past. <br /><br /> 3. Verse 6 enlightens us to the fact that the devil will fail to overpower the Christ-child in the future as well, particularly the future time of the Tribulation.<br /><br /> 4. Satan will once again unleash his fury and wrath attempting to destroy the Jewish people during the second half of the Tribulation period, but God will protect the nation of Israel. <br /><br /> 5. God’s continual power over the devil is a matter of historical record. <br /><br /> 6. The world in which we live needs this reminder constantly, because we know that destruction, disease, depression, defeat, and discouragement are real foes. <br /><br />ILLUS: “If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.”<br /> <br /> 7. Let me urge you to receive the free gift of salvation the Jesus died and rose again to give you. <br /> a. If you are without Jesus Christ before the Rapture of the church – Hell will be your home.<br /> b. If you are alive after the Rapture of the church – you will face tribulation like you’ve never known on this earth - and there is no guarantee of eternal life. <br /> c. “Today is the day of salvation,” 2 Cor. 6:2<br /> <br /> B. Great Struggle Rev. 12:7-9<br /><br /> 1. These verses are showing us a preview of future events – a great battle will take place during the period of the Tribulation.<br /><br /> 2. Michael and his angels vs. the Satan and his angels.<br /><br /> 3. Archangel Michael is one of the highest ranking angels is God’s army and in the Scripture is seen as coming to the aid of the people of God. <br /><br /> 4. Michael’s name means, “One like God.” <br /><br /> 5. Satan has always wanted to be God and Isaiah 14:12- 14 tells us this is what God him kicked out of heaven; His selfishness and pride, wanting to take the place of God. <br /><br /> 6. No believer can afford to grow weak in their walk with God, because spiritual warfare is very real today! <br /><br /> 7. Positionally we are already more than conquerors through Him (the Lord Jesus) who loved us – practically we must also put on the armor of God daily (Romans 8:35-39, Ephesians 6:10-18). <br /><br />ILLUS: The devil is an artist. He paints sin in very attractive colors.<br /><br /> 8. The Bible speaks of Satan presently having access to God – yet there is coming a day when he and his angels will be cast out of heaven once for all.<br /><br /> 9. Satan is known as the “accuser of the brethren,” constantly bringing up our sins and failures to God. <br /><br /> 10. When he reminds you of your past – you remind him of his future! (Rev. 20:10)<br /><br />III. THE OVERCOMING OF THE SAVIOR <br /> <br /> A. Glorious Shout Rev. 12:10-11<br /><br /> 1. Just as you get excited when something wonderful happens in your life – salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ is truly something to shout about! <br /><br /> 2. Because of Jesus – Satan is on the way down and we are on the way up!<br /><br /> 3. Note how the victory is won, “by the blood of the Lamb and the word their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” <br /><br /> 4. If you and I are to live in the victory Jesus brings, we’ll need these three victory guarantees – the cleansing (blood), the confession (Jesus and what He’s done for us), & the courage to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love! <br /> <br />ILLUS: There is a saying among Italian sculptors, who often miss the chisel and hit their own hands with the hammer: “When the blood flows out, the mastery enters.” It was so with Jesus Christ. It was his death on Calvary that made him the master of our souls. “There is power in the blood.”<br /><br /> B. Gift of Salvation Rev. 12:10 <br /><br /> 1. God has a plan for every man, woman, boy, and girl and that plan is to know Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior. <br /><br /> 2. Of all the gifts you could receive in your lifetime, this is the most important and necessary. <br /><br /> 3. The name of Jesus Christ is the only name by which we must be saved! <br /><br /> 4. HE is the One who was born of a virgin, suffered on the cross of Calvary, is risen and alive today! <br /><br />ILLUS: A little girl was helping to nurse a sick gentleman whom she loved very much. He said to her, “Ellen, it is time I should take my medicine; measure just a tablespoonful, and put it in the glass.” She quickly did so and brought it to his bedside. He made no attempt to take it from her, but said, “Now, dear, will you drink it for me?” “Me drink it! What do you mean? I am sure I would in a minute if it would make you well all the same; but you know it won’t do you any good unless you take it yourself.” “No, I suppose it will not. But if you cannot take my medicine for me, I cannot take your salvation for you. You must go to Jesus, and believe in him for yourself.” Each human being must seek, repent, believe and obey for himself. —Rev. Elon Foster, New Encyclopedia of Prose Illustrations<br /><br />CONCLUSION: Don’t just look outwardly to see if there is victory available today. The outward look will tell you all hope is lost, doom and gloom! However, take the inward look to the Word of God and the upward look to the Son of God! This Christmas remember that although there is a grinch who tries to steal Christmas…there is a God who sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ who longs to give you life to the full. Nothing and no one can stop His plan. Today, His plan is to give you a new life if you call upon the saving name of the Lord Jesus Christ!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-10233006023614687382009-12-04T20:30:00.002-05:002009-12-04T20:46:10.224-05:00Praising God From Whom All Blessings Flow!TEXT: Luke 1:5-25, 57-80<br /><br />INTRO: It’s easy to get caught up in the “busyness” of the Christmas season that we fail to appreciate the “blessings” of our Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God! We tend to take for granted the incredible gift of salvation God brought down to mankind in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. We can get so wrapped up in all our “Christmas duties” that we neglect the “consistent devotion” in worship that belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ alone.<br /><br />ILLUS: Someone has written that people use Xmas and it means Xhaustion, Xcuses, Xchanges, Xcesses, Xtravagances, Xasperations, Xhibitions and worldly Xcitement. How much better to make the Lord Jesus Christ the very center of our Christmas observance. Let’s keep Christ in Christmas!<br /><br />PROP. SENT: The Bible teaches that Christ followers are a “chosen generation,” a “holy nation,” “His own special people,” that we might proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2.9). Christians must be known for their lifestyle of worship to the King of Kings and Lord and Lords!<br /><br />TRANS. SENT: A look into the life, struggles, faith of priest Zacharias, his wife, Elizabeth, and their miraculous/mission called son, John the Baptist, will give us great inspiration to continually “praise God from whom all blessings flow!”<br /><br />I. ANSWERS TO PRAYER<br /><br />A. Faultless Devotion Lk. 1:5-6, 8-10<br /><br />1. Just one look at Zacharias and Elizabeth and you can tell this is one married couple with a heart for God and the things of God.<br />a. Zachariah’s name means “Yahweh remembers” and Elizabeth’s name means “God is my oath” or “worshipper of God.”<br /><br />2. To say they are “righteous” does not mean they were perfect or sinless – rather their lives were totally devoted to serving the Lord.<br /><br />3. They loved and obeyed God…doing what He willed, not what they willed for their lives.<br /><br />4. That’s where worship of the Lord really begins!<br />a. It’s not about me…It’s about HIM!<br />b. Understanding that God has sent His Son the Lord Jesus Christ – to be the total Lord and Savior of your life should lead you to worship and serve Him!<br />c. Romans 14:7-9, “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died (crucifixion) and rose (resurrection) and lived again (exaltation), that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.”<br />d. The word “worship” is shortened from the old word “worth-ship” - showing God the worth He deserves from your life!<br /><br />B. Fortitude Developed Lk. 1:7, 25<br /><br />1. In spite of the fact that Zacaharius and Elizabeth loved God with all their heart, soul, and strength…they still had problems in life!<br /><br />2. Ex’s: They lived under and oppressive government, Elizabeth was barren, they were both well advanced in years.<br /><br />3. The Bible teaches that children are a gift from the Lord.<br />a. Many people in these days believed that being barren meant God’s frowning displeasure was upon you.<br />b. Think of the pain and shame Elizabeth felt. <br />Perhaps other ladies of faith looked down on her because they had been blessed by God and Elizabeth had not.<br />c. Be aware of attributing your blessings to your own personal godliness!<br />d. God in His grace gives us what we do not deserve. God in His mercy does not give us what we do deserve!<br /><br />4. Perhaps this morning, you find it hard to praise the Lord because of difficult circumstances, guilt, pain in your life.<br /><br />5. Let’s remember we praise Him first and foremost because He is GOD…not because life is always GOOD from our limited standpoint!<br /><br />ILLUS: I shall meet tomorrow bravely, I am stronger now, The disappointments that befell me Strengthened me somehow. The dawn shall find my face uplifted, Serene, in the sun, And with Him my problems sifted, One by one.<br /><br />C. Fears and Doubts Lk. 1:11-25<br /><br />1. God came to Zacharias in the form of the angel, Gabriel with good news and answer to their most heartfelt prayer!<br /><br />2. God would supernaturally enable them to conceive a son whose name would be “John.”<br /><br />3. Lk. 1:15-17 tells us John would bring “gladness,” be “great,” “godly,” and “gifted.” Ultimately, His life would bring much GLORY TO GOD!<br /><br />4. Zacharias and Elizabeth were so blessed of God! Answer to prayer! A godly son who would serve the Messiah!<br /><br />5. Instead of being overcome with praise, Zacharias us overloaded in unbelief!<br /><br />6. Because of his unbelief, he would have to go a full 9 months before he would be able to speak again!<br /><br />ILLUS: Once, an unbeliever visited Isaac Newton, the great English scientist and Christian. Newton had a mechanical model of the solar system in his study. The unbeliever asked, “Who made this?” “Nobody,” Mr. Newton replied promptly. “You must think I am a fool!” the unbeliever said, “It would take a genius to make this.” Newton said, “This is only a puny imitation of a much grander system. I cannot convince you that this mere toy is without a designer, yet you profess to believe that the great original from which this design is taken has come into being without a Designer or a Maker.”<br /><br />7. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that, “without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God MUST BELIEVE that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.<br /><br />8. You and I have God’s Holy Word to build our faith upon – yet we must believe and act upon His Word to enjoy the full benefits of it!<br /><br />II. ASSURANCES FROM THE PAST<br /><br />A. Family Feud Lk. 1:57-66<br /><br />1. Time came for Elizabeth to bring forth her son.<br /><br />2. The neighbors and relatives got all happy for Elizabeth, but then they tried to take control by forcing her to name the baby after Zacharias!<br /><br />3. They can’t make Elizabeth change her mind, so they go to John! John’s been waiting 9 months for this day and he writes down on the tablet, “HIS NAME IS JOHN!”<br /><br />4. Family is one of life’s greatest blessings from God, but don’t let them keep you from being obedient to the will of God!<br /><br />5. Think of the sheer joy and happiness that Zacharias had as the Lord opened his mouth miraculously and he began to praise God!<br /><br />B. Filled and Focused Lk. 1:67<br /><br />1. Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit to speak God’s praises and to tell glad tidings of salvation for all people!<br /><br />2. The purpose of the Holy Spirit filling our lives is not mainly for an emotional experience where we go into some kind of trance and fall out!<br /><br />3. The purpose of the Holy Spirit filling our lives is that we will be witnesses unto the Lord of glory, the Lord Jesus Christ!<br /><br />ILLUS: Dr. Jack Graham is one of my favorite pastors and in a sermon recently he said, “Far too many of us are more interested in the “feeling of the Spirit,” over the “filling of the Spirit!”<br /><br />4. Ephesians 5:18, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”<br /><br />5. Being filled with God’s Spirit is for every single child of God…not just “the elite.” <br /><br />C. Forever Faithful - Our Fortress Lk. 1:68-73<br /><br />1. Zacharias praised God for visiting and saving His people!<br /><br />2. The Jews were primarily interested in a “political deliverer” – one who would free them from the oppressive Roman government - Yet the primary purpose of Jesus was not political in agenda, rather personal, peaceful, and powerful in assuring us that our sins have been forgiven by a Holy God!<br /><br />3. The coming of the Baby Jesus through the lineage of David, in a lowly manger in Bethlehem to be our Savior is certainly reason for praise to God!<br /><br />5. As the Prophet Isaiah tells, “…of His kingdom there will be no end!<br /><br />6. Zacharias also recalls God’s covenant promises to Abraham. <br /><br />7. Genesis 22:16-18 - Abrahm was faithful to obey God to the point of being willing to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice to God. God promised by Himself that Abraham and all his descendents would be forever blessed and Zacharias is rejoicing in God’s<br />forever faithfulness! <br /><br />7. Looking back at the faithfulness of God in times past brings great assurance to our hearts that He is just as faithful now!<br /><br />ILLUS: A missionary returned to the little village which had been destroyed by the enemies of the gospel. He found the people weeping over the ashes which were previously their thatched roofs. One of the natives said to him, “They even burned my Bible and my hymn book!” And then in the ruins he saw a little white paper not totally burned. He picked it up and read it. The only thing that remained was “Joy to the World, the Lord is come.” He stopped for a moment and then he said, “That’s enough for me.”<br /><br />III. ANCHORS IN THE PRESENT<br /><br />A. Anchor #1 - Freedom from Fear Lk. 1:74<br /><br />1. With Zachariah, we can praise God today because in the coming of Jesus we’ve been “delivered from the hand of our enemies,” (Sin, Satan, Death) that we might “serve Him without fear.”<br />a. Because you have a Savior in the Lord Jesus Christ – without fear you can look at people in the eye and say, “Merry Christmas!” rather than Happy Holidays.<br />b. Because of Jesus - You can go to bed at night without fear that whatever “bad news” you’ve heard through the day will over take the “good news” that Jesus is Lord<br />and you belong to Him!<br />c. Because of Jesus - You can look at death without fear and say, “I know the One who was dead, yet now is alive and I will reign with Him through all eternity!" Rev. 1:17-18<br /><br />2. Does fear or faith control you today? Fear is a choice and faith is a choice and the only way to break free of fear is to know the love and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ!<br /><br />ILLUS: One writer said it this way: “The greatness of our fears shows us the littleness of our faith.”<br /><br />B. Anchor # 2 - Forgiveness of Sins Lk. 1:77<br /><br />1. John the Baptist would preach about salvation and remission of sins.<br /><br />2. As sinners what we need more than anything else is a Savior.<br /><br />3. There is nothing that you and I can do to become good enough or somehow “earn” God’s forgiveness.<br /><br />ILLUS: One of my pastor friends, David Lyle, recently wrote in our evangelism blog that the one thing he must never forget is that he is a sinner in need of a Savior. It’s so true, but so easily forgotten!<br /><br />4. Have you come to Jesus for forgiveness of your sins and an everlasting salvation?<br /><br />5. Jesus is the “horn of salvation” for us.<br /><br />6. The word “horn” has come to signify a figure of beauty, power, and dominion.<br />a. One has said, “In speaking of Christ as a Horn of Salvation, Zechariah meant to emphasize the glory and beauty of the Savior, His supreme and universal dominion and His infinite and divine power. It is coronation, singing, “Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all.”<br /><br />C. Future that is Bright Lk. 1:78-80<br /><br />1. We look at our world today and these words seem more real than ever before.<br /><br />2. It is a world full of “darkness” and “death.” People need the light of Jesus Christ today just as much as they ever did.<br /><br />3. Aren’t you thankful this morning that no matter how dark it gets…no matter how real death is…that there is the “light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”<br /><br />5. Malachi 4:2, “But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.”<br /><br />ILLUS: As the ship moved across the ocean, the old missionary said to his wife, “Dear, something is wrong. Why should we have given our lives in faithful service for God in Africa all these many years and have no one care a thing about us? Here this man comes back from a big game hunting expedition and everybody makes much of him, but nobody gives two hoots about us…If God is running this world, why does he permit such injustice?” When the ship docked, a band was waiting there to greet the president. The mayor of New York was there, along with other leaders of the nation. The papers were full of the president’s arrival, but no one even noticed this missionary couple…that night the man’s spirit just broke. He said to his wife, “I can’t take this; God is not treating us fairly.” His wife replied, “Why don’t you go in the bathroom and talk to the Lord about this whole thing?” A short time later he came out from the bedroom, but now his face was completely different. His wife asked him, “Dear, what happened?” “Yes,” he said, “the Lord has settled it with me…I told him how bitter I was that the president should receive this tremendous homecoming, who no one met us when we returned home. And you know, when I finished, it seemed as though the Lord put his hand on my shoulder and simply said, “But you’re not home yet!” –Ray Stedman, Talking to My Father<br /><br />5. It’s so easy to get caught up in the momentary pains and strains of life…sometimes even to the neglect of how great our hope in the Lord Jesus is!<br /><br />CONC: The Bible teaches that Christians are called to continually be “praising God from whom all blessings flow. This is not always easy because our circumstance or struggles can make it difficult to worship Him faithfully. However, God has answered prayer, assured us of His work in the past, and anchored us in freedom, forgiveness, and a forever future with Him. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-4950545368671601302009-11-20T17:23:00.001-05:002009-11-20T22:30:12.296-05:00MORE WORD, LESS WORRY!TEXT: Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-19<br /><br />INTRO: Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get stressed out in the every day issues of life that you neglect the most important Person in life, Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior? <br /><br /> ILLUS: According to John MacArthur, some years ago, the Mayo Clinic stated that statistically 80 percent to 85 percent of their total case load were ill either in reality or artificially due directly to mental stress. Also according to MacArthur, not too long ago, there appeared an article in a leading medical journal entitled, “Is Stress the Cause of All Disease?” The author of the article says that at the beginning of the century, bacteria were considered to be the center of attention. Today, mental stress has replaced bacteria.<br /><br />There’s got to be a better way to live than being stressed out, worrying all the time! Worry has been compared to the rocking chair. It will give you something to do, but won’t take you anywhere! <br /><br />PROP. SENT. The Bible teaches that God would have us to learn what is truly necessary in life. God’s people are to be consumed with the uncompromising Word of God over the unnecessary worries of this life! <br /><br />TRANS. SENT. With this in mind today’s scripture focuses us on the essentials of overcoming a worry-filled attitude and enjoying a Word-filled mindset! <br /><br />I. THE DELIGHTS OF THE WORD<br /><br />A. Companions & Communion (Lk. 10:38a) <br /><br />1. Jesus and his disciples are in traveling mode here. <br /><br />2. As they come into this certain village, most likely Bethany, the plan is just a short stay.<br />a. While Dr. Luke doesn’t mention the name of the village specifically, the Apostle John did in his gospel. <br />b. Bethany was the village where Jesus’ friend Lazarus lived and toward the end of His ministry Jesus stayed there during the Passover Celebration which ultimately climaxed with His crucifixion on the cross of Calvary. <br /><br />3. Jesus greatly enjoyed the company of his companions! <br /><br />4. They were out working together doing the Father’s will of preaching the good news of the kingdom and ministering to people of all kinds. <br /><br />5. Jesus wants us to be involved in ministering His Word – yet HE also knows we need others to sustain us in the journey! <br /><br />6. Not only does Jesus call each of us to “do” ministry for Him, He also calls each of us to “be” with Him in a personal relationship! <br /><br />7. For example, Mark 3:13-15. So many of us focus on the duty side of ministry (power, prayer, preaching, providing, people, etc.) that we neglect simply the “being” side of ministry… “that they might BE with Him.” <br /> a. Just think, Almighty God Himself wants to <br /> spend each and ever day with you!<br /> b. Jesus doesn’t just want to see you in <br /> Heaven, He wants a closeness with you on the <br /> earth! <br /> c. The greatest experience in life is knowing <br /> the Lord Jesus Christ in a personal way! <br /> d. Knowing Him as Master leads to growing in <br /> Him as a minister!<br /> e. Did you know that the Lord Jesus Christ is <br /> the Creator of the Universe, yet He desires a <br /> personal one on one with you?<br /><br />1) That’s where real meaning and purpose in life comes from! <br />2) Knowing that you are connected in a vital relationship with God fills your life with purpose and meaning!<br />3) What are you doing in the way of pursuing Him on a daily basis? <br /><br />ILLUS: One man studied 50 pastors in search of the common denominators that led to church growth. They covered the bases from plenty of parking, vision for the future, creative programming, openness to new people, and financial stability. The man concluded, “I have found among these pastors a deep passion to build a big church; however I have not found a corresponding passion to know God." <br /><br />B. Completion & Comfort <br /><br />1. At the completion of a long days ministry, Jesus and His companions were probably famished! <br /><br />2. They are eager to come in and put up their feet on the couch and find some much needed comfort! <br /><br />3. Perhaps wanting to review some of the “ups” and “downs” of the day! <br /><br />4. Talking about people’s lives who have been changed by the power of God! <br /><br />5. Aren’t you grateful this Thanksgiving for a place to call “home?” <br />a. Many of your are completing a very tough <br />year and perhaps now is the perfect time to seek a little extra rest and relaxation.<br />b. If you have had a bit of a restful year, perhaps now is the time to get in gear and be busy about serving others in the name of the Lord Jesus! <br /><br />6. One of the names of Jesus is the “God of all comfort.” <br /><br />7. It’s the comfort and strength of the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ that enables us to go through even the most extreme of times!<br /><br />ILLUS: Christ my Saviour, Christ my friend; Christ my treasure without end: Christ when waves of sorrow roll; Christ, the comfort of my soul. (Unknown) <br /><br />II. THE DISTRACTIONS OF THE WORK <br /><br /> A. Courteous Luke 10:39<br /><br /> 1. “Martha opened her home to him.” <br /><br /> 2. Not only did Martha welcome Jesus into her home, <br /> but his 12 disciples as well!<br /><br /> 3. Because of Martha’s courteous attitude, I want you <br /> to just imagine all that she’s going through in <br /> preparation for the Son of God and His men! <br /><br /> 4. Remember, hospitality was a very important <br /> ingredient to strong relationships in Jesus’ day!<br /> a. Can you see Martha bringing out fresh <br /> towels and basins of water to wash her guests <br /> feet as they entered her house?<br /> b. Can you see her rushing throughout her <br /> rooms bringing out extra chairs so everyone <br /> can feel comfortable and rested? <br /> c. Can you just smell the food and spices that <br /> would fill her home and make mouths water?<br /><br />5. Martha was a giving and courageous woman of faith! <br /><br />6. Her giving spirit is shown in the way she entertains and takes care of these men.<br /><br />7. Her courageous spirit in shown because being associated with Jesus in Jerusalem was not a popular thing. <br /> a. She really is risking her reputation and <br /> possibly her life through her faithful service to the Lord! <br /><br />ILLUS: My mom is also named Martha and I see many of the same characteristics in both of these ladies. Recently, my parents moved to Dallas, TX, and mom had not stopped getting her new house prepared for Thanksgiving and Christmas guests! In the heart of my mom is a deep desire to love and serve people! <br /><br /> B. Cares Luke 10:40<br /><br /> 1. What started off as such a good act of service <br /> Martha desires to render to others, begins to get out <br /> of hand!<br /><br /> 2. The Bible tells us that Martha becomes <br /> “distracted” with much serving. <br /><br /> 3. Instead of enjoying what she’s doing, Martha <br /> begins to be loaded down with all the heavy burdens <br /> of serving. <br /><br /> 4. What started out as such a ministry of love and <br /> hospitality has really turned into a time of burden, <br /> anxieties, pressures, problems, pains.<br /><br /> 5. What is happening to Martha here is a picture of <br /> what can happen when we get so “busy” in the work <br /> of Jesus, that we neglect “being” with Jesus.<br /> a. It’s easy to get excited about serving the <br /> Lord when you believe it’s going to be a great <br /> ministry – but if you are not careful you’ll get <br /> burned out because that ministry might not go just as exactly as you planned! <br /> b. People say they are going to show up, but<br /> don’t. <br /> c. They say they are going to help, but don’t. <br /> d. It’s easy to get very frustrated in ministry <br /> when you sense you are doing your part, but <br /> others are not doing theirs! <br /><br />6. By the way, is there something that is distracting you from being found faithful in the Lord’s service this morning? <br />a. Too much on your plate?<br />b. Kids taking up all your time?<br />c. Spending too much time on unnecessary things? <br />d. Just don’t feel like being involved? <br />e. Health or family problems? <br />f. Laziness or holding a grudge against someone? <br />g. Don’t know what God has called you to? <br />h. Depressed because of difficult times? <br /><br />ILLUS: Rick Majerus, men’s basketball coach at the University of Utah, recently captured a common concern: “Everyone’s worried about the economy this year. Hey, my hairline is in recession, my waistline is in inflation, and altogether, I’m in depression.” —Leadership, Vol. 16, no. 4.<br /><br />C. Critical Luke 10: 40<br /><br /> 1. Do you sense that Martha is not really happy in her ministry unto the Lord right now? <br /><br /> 2. You know it’s time to readjust your priorities when you begin to tell the Lord of glory what He’s supposed to do…instead of the other way around!<br /><br /> 3. Often what leads to a critical spirit in our lives is <br /> thinking we are in the right and everyone else is in <br /> the wrong! “Tell her to help me!”<br /><br />ILLUS: A preacher asked a certain man why he had just ceased to attend the services of the church. The man replied, “They haven’t treated me right over there.” The preacher asked, “Then why don’t you go home and beat your wife?” The startled backslider gave the preacher a look which questioned his sanity. “My wife hasn’t done anything against me,” he said. “Well,” the preacher said, “has the Lord Jesus done anything against you?” Being peeved at the brethren and forsaking the Lord is about as logical as being angry with the dog and kicking the cat. <br /> <br /> 4. Martha’s “critical spirit” was found even though <br /> she was in the very presence of the Lord and that <br /> same critical spirit can be found in God’s house <br /> today. <br /><br /> 5. What is a critical spirit and do you have one? <br /> a. If you are excessively negative, harsh and <br /> judgmental of others…Yes! <br /> b. If you are known for faultfinding, <br /> complaining, picking…Yes! <br /> c. If you assume the worst before hearing the <br /> whole story…Yes! <br /> d. If you make judgments based primarily on <br /> appearances…Yes! <br /><br />ILLUS: June Hunt says, “People with a critical spirit look like kids on a big see saw. They push others down just to elevate themselves. <br /><br /> 6. I struggle with a critical spirit in my own life at <br /> times. <br /> a. I know it’s time to slow down and refocus <br /> on God’s Word and God’s Son, when the <br /> smallest of things gets my temper flared up!<br /><br /> 7. Sometimes I hear pastors or church members and <br /> they are critical about each other…very hard and <br /> harsh.<br /><br /> 8. There’s certainly a time to take a stand if <br /> someone is blatantly distorting the Word of God. <br /><br /> 9. There’s a time to go to your brother or sister in <br /> Christ if they’ve sinned against you. <br /><br /> 10. Yet more times than not…YOU are the one <br /> in need of the attitude adjustment…not them! <br /><br />III. THE DISCOVERY OF WORTH <br /><br /> A. Choices Luke 10:41-42<br /><br /> 1. Martha and Mary both had choices to make this <br /> day…to serve Jesus or to sit at the feet of Jesus.<br /><br /> 2. Martha had gotten so wrapped up in her service, <br /> that she forgot about “It’s all about Him…not about <br /> me.”<br /><br /> 3. We too, have that daily choice (1) Take time to <br /> learn His Word and sit as His feet or (2) Go through <br /> the day without really acknowledging our ultimate <br /> need of that personal relationship with Him.<br /><br /> 4. If we go too long without sitting at the feet of <br /> Jesus, we easily forget that God is not only concerned <br />with our service…but the strength of our relationship with Him! <br /> <br /> 5. Psalm 39:6, “Surely they busy themselves in vain.” <br /> <br /> 6. None of us would like that to be said of us. <br /> <br /> 7. The number one way to avoid this is reprioritize <br /> our relationship with the Risen Lord Jesus! <br /><br />IILUS: We can worry or we can worship. Strangely enough, busy people find it a whole lot easier to worry than to worship. Briscoe, J. <br /><br />ILLUS: Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength. – Corrie Ten Boom<br /><br /> A. Contemplation Luke 10:42a, Colossians 1:15-19 <br /> <br /> 1. We contemplate the Lord Jesus and listen to Him <br /> today by setting our affections and appetites on the <br /> Word of God!<br /> <br /> 2. Although we don’t see Jesus with our physical <br /> eyes, we see Him with our spiritual eyes as we open <br /> up His life giving Word.<br /> <br /> 3. Colossians 1:15-22, Jesus is the “image of the <br /> invisible God,” “firstborn over all creation,” “created <br /> all things that are in heaven and on earth…created <br /> through Him and for Him,” “He is before all things,” <br /> “in Him all things exist,” “He is the head of the body,the church,” <br /> Jesus is “the beginning,” “the firstborn from the dead,” <br /> “in all things He may have the preeminence.” <br /> <br /> 4. Where do I start to contemplate Jesus? <br /> a. The Worth of Jesus – Creator of Heavens <br /> and Consolation of our Hearts! <br /> b. The Work of Jesus – Commander of Saints <br /> and Canceller of Sins! <br /> c. The Worship of Jesus – Cornerstone of the <br /> Body and Completed through the Blood of the <br /> Cross! <br /> <br /> 5. The more you focus on Jesus the more you are <br /> going to become like Jesus!<br /> <br />ILLUS: Worship helps us find who we are and why God has placed us here on the earth. When we bow in God’s presence with worship, only then are we made complete. —Judson Cornwall. Leadership, Vol. 16<br /><br /> B. Comprehension Luke 10: 42<br /> <br /> 1. Mary discerned and comprehended where the most <br /> important meal of the day was coming from…and it <br /> wasn’t Martha’s kitchen!<br /> <br /> 2. Mary’s spiritual hunger for the Word of God was so <br /> strong and so important that it would not be taken <br /> away from her.<br /> <br /> 3. The world would say that Martha had chosen the <br /> most important things...busyness, hard work, <br /> sacrifice to the bone.<br /> <br /> 4. Jesus said Mary, not Martha truly comprehended <br /> what was needed most. <br /> <br /> 5. Do you? Do you believe God values your busyness <br /> over your simply being present before Him? <br /><br />ILLUS: The Bethlehem Steel Corporation was struggling, so its president, Charles Schwab, hired consultant Ivy Lee to help out. Schwab agreed to pay Lee anything within reason if Lee’s suggestion helped the company. A few days later, Lee had his plan. He suggested the Schwab, before leaving the office at night, write down the most important tasks that he had to accomplish the next day. Schwab was then to order them in the order of importance. He would work on priority number one until it was done, them move to number two, and so on. Occasionally Schwab was to recheck his priorities and then continue on. Lee recommended that Schwab make this a daily habit. Within five years, Bethlehem Steel was the biggest independent steel producer in the world and Lee was rewarded with a nice $25,000 check! <br /><br /> 6. Schwab reaped the benefits of putting first things <br /> first! <br /> <br /> 7. What benefits are you reaping if you are full of <br /> worries all day…what benefits would you reap if you <br /> put your mind on the Word of God? <br /> <br /> 8. Would you begin to set aside some time to spend <br /> with God in His Word each day this week? <br /> a. The Disciples Prayer is found in Luke 11:1-4<br /> b. Devotional Books are available in the front! <br /> <br />ILLUS: The dying words of Queen Elizabeth I were these: “All my possessions for a moment of time.” Unfortunately, we cannot buy more time—not one more day, not one more hour, not one more minute.<br /> <br /> 8. Isn’t it “time” to lay down your worries and learn <br /> at His feet the very words of life? <br /><br />CONCLUSION: The Word of God is necessary to rid you from so many unnecessary worries! It’s so easy to get wrapped up in what we think is important that we lose sight of what is most important to God…our relationship to Him in His Word! God’s Word is good for the soul! Isaiah 55:2, “Listen, and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul!”Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-89104715403730249332009-11-14T11:43:00.000-05:002009-11-14T11:44:40.608-05:00MORE GRATITUIDE, LESS GRUMBLING!<br /><br />TEXT: LUKE 17:11-19<br /><br />INTRO: We have so much to be thankful for. In spite of this, it’s easy to get wrapped up in becoming a grumbler over a person of gratitude!<br /><br />ILLUS: Thankfulness seems to be a lost art today. Warren Wiersbe illustrated this problem in his commentary on Colossians. He told about a ministerial student in Evanston, Illinois, who was part of a life-saving squad. In 1860, a ship went aground on the shore of Lake Michigan near Evanston, and Edward Spencer waded again and again into the frigid waters to rescue 17 passengers. In the process, his health was permanently damaged. Some years later at his funeral, it was noted that not one of the people he rescued ever thanked him. Our Daily Bread, February 20, 1994.<br /><br />PROP. SENT: The Bible teaches that gratitude is the obedient response of those whose ruined lives have been restored by the Master.<br /><br />INT. SENT: Why should every child of God be known for having a grateful attitude over a grumbling attitude?<br /><br />TRANS. SENT: In Luke 17:11-19, we find three biblical reasons for unrestrained gratitude in the life of the child of God. An attitude of gratitude grows in the life of the believer as he understands more of what God has done for him in the Lord Jesus Christ!<br /><br />I. THE CONDITION OF THE MEN<br /><br />A. Diseased<br /><br />1. “…there met Him ten lepers.”<br />2. Leprosy in Biblical times was a terrible thing. 3. Once a person caught it, it was considered incurable, and those diagnosed with leprosy were banned from society.<br />4. Leviticus 13:45-46 states, "The person with such an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of his face and cry out, ’Unclean! Unclean!’ As long as he has the infection he remains unclean. He must live alone; he must live outside the camp.”<br />5. Think of how embarrassing that must have been to be a leper.<br />a. Disgusted with self<br />b. Perhaps angry at God<br />c. Consumed with your disease<br />d. No hope of healing<br /><br />ILLUS: In October of 2008, our family attended a fall festival with Amy’s parents. There were at least a couple of thousand people on the grounds celebrating the fall and enjoying fun times, good food, singing, preaching, etc. Of all the people there, one lady stood out in the crowd. She probably had the disease known as “Elephants Disease.” Her face was disfigured greatly and honestly, it was a bit painful to look at her. What really got to me was this lady was wearing a shirt that said, “I love Jesus!” and she never stopped smiling!<br /><br />6. How many of us would have had that kind of attitude of gratitude? Or would we be grumbling and groaning?<br />a. We gripe when our air goes out, but what about those who have no home?<br />b. We gripe about our common colds, but what about those dying with cancer?<br />c. We get upset when the kids mess up the house, what about those who would love to have children yet are unable?<br />d. We grumble if the sermon goes five minutes over, what about those who have never heard the precious and powerful name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?<br /><br />ILLUS: “You can’t expect to be a lucky dog if you spend all your time growling.” Pentz, Zingers.<br /><br />7. How are you doing today in the shape you are already in? Grateful or grumbling?<br /><br />B. Disconnected<br /><br />1. Notice these lepers, “stood afar off.” Lepers would often travel in groups together.<br />2. Unable to be normal member of society, they would team up together – the unclean and the untouchables.<br />3. Because lepers are outsiders, they would be totally dependent on people inside the village to share some basic necessities of life with them and to be merciful to them.<br /><br />ILLUS: Ken Gire, “There he lives. W/o love. W/o hope. W/o the simple joys & dignities of life: being smiled at…being greeted on the street…buying fresh fruit in the market… talking politics by the public fountain…laughing…getting to go to work…operating a business…haggling over prices w/a shopkeeper…getting a wedding invitation…singing hymns in the synagogue, celebrating Passover w/family. All these barred to him. Forever!”<br /><br />4. In this day and age of computers and technology, it’s relatively easy to be “connected” with others.<br />a. Email<br />b. Facebook<br />c. Cell phones<br />d. Twitter<br />5. Yet with all of these technological advances, the one thing the young people of our generation craves is genuine, caring, committed relationships.<br />6. Aren’t you thankful for loving friendships?<br />a. Have you thanked family and friends for embracing you?<br />b. Who are you going to connect with over the holidays?<br /><br />C. Doomed<br /><br />1. There was no real way for these lepers to be healed…they were without hope, without strength, without a future.<br />2. They could have denied their real condition and just put their mind on other things, avoiding their real need and issues.<br />3. Instead, when Jesus comes their way, they cry out to Him, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”<br />4. They understand that without the touch of Jesus upon their lives they are doomed to die and are in desperate need of his mercy and grace!<br />5. This would be Jesus’ last trip through Galilee! a. He was on His way to Jerusalem to take our sins on the cross of Calvary!<br />b. Literally, this was their last opportunity to receive life from the Lord Jesus!<br />6. Do you know what is going to keep many folks out of a real relationship with the Lord Jesus – is that they foolishly believe, they have all the time in the world to get right with God.<br />a. They do not understand that spiritually they are just as doomed to a hopeless future as these 10 lepers were!<br />5. The greatest need in life is not money, wealth, or fame, but a personal relationship with<br />Jesus…going from spiritual disease, disconnection, doom, into a life-transforming relationship with God. Has that happened to you? It can!<br /><br />ILLUS. One of my roommates in college was the starting WR for LA Tech. Before he came to know Jesus, he lived with an attitude of, “I don’t need anything. I can handle anyone or anything life throws at me.” Through a series of events in his life, God opened his eyes to his ultimate need of a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. Dean Jackson said his life changed forever with these four words, “Jesus, I need You!”<br /><br />II. THE COMISSION OF THE MASTER<br /><br />A. Duty Initiated<br /><br />1. Lev. 14:1-7 & Luke 17:14, “Go, show yourselves to the priest.”<br />2. According to Jewish law, only the priests could announce that one was healed of leprosy, clean, and able to enter into society once more.<br />3. These lepers had to go in faith on what Jesus had said. At first, there is no outside indication they are healed – they do not look, feel any different than before. However, there is the hope that, in Jesus, they have simply been healed through the power of His word.<br />4. Now, in obedience to the law of God, they would go to the priest who was authorized to pronounce the once unclean - now clean!<br />5. In other words, God not only wanted them to “believe” but also “behave.”<br />a. Biblical faith is not something you simply, “believe,” but something you also must “do.”<br />b. James 2.17, “Thus also faith by itself, it if does not have works, is dead.” c. Some folks “profess” faith, but never really “possess” biblical faith.<br />d. They want the name of Christ-follower, but in reality do nothing to prove they are daily following Jesus as Lord…if we “talk the talk,” we must learn to “walk the walk.”<br /><br />ILLUS: A pastor friend of mine had a man in his congregation who was in church leadership prior to his coming. This man would not attend services faithfully, did not believe in tithing, or giving to missions. My friend asked him why he was not serving the Lord through the church in a more faithful manner. “Someone else will make up for my slackness,” was the mans reply.<br /><br />B. Depravity Illustrated<br /><br />1. We read in Luke 17:14-15, “And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them…”<br />2. “One of them?”<br />3. Just imagine with me that as they are walking to the temple to tell the priest, suddenly, they begin to see changes in each other.<br />a. Skin once rough is now smooth as a baby<br />b. Deformed body parts are now whole<br />c. Truly, this was the best day of their lives!<br />4. All ten lepers Jesus cleansed, but only one of returns - this is depravity illustrated!<br /><br />ILLUS: Bill, a young man was the fortunate heir of vast amounts of money and material things from his family. His wealthy grandfather passed away and left his grandson with $5 million. His mother won the lottery just a few weeks later and deposited $500,000 in his bank account. Bill’s sister married an extremely wealthy man. For Bill’s birthday, they purchased a brand new $75,000 dollar Lexus for the young man. A week later, Bill and his best friend were eating lunch. The friend noticed a very depressed, downcast countenance on Bill’s face. “What’s wrong,” he asked, I’ve never seen anyone go through such a series of incredible fortunes like you.” Bill responded, “Yes, but no one has given me anything this week.”<br /><br />III. THE COMPREHENSION OF THE MIRACLE<br /><br />A. Dedication of the Leper<br /><br />1. Lk. 17:15-16, “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.”<br />2. Probably this leper wanted to go and show everyone what had just happened in his life!<br />3. Yet, he takes time to return to the One who alone has made Him whole!<br />4. The fact that Dr. Luke points out that the one who did return was a Samaritan is significant! Samaritans were hated severely by the Jews.<br />5. To the Jews, Samaritans were the outcasts, rejects of the land and had no place in God’s kingdom. (Unwanted, unloved, undesirable)<br />6. How thankful are you that God’s grace is available for ALL people? (Muslims? Murderers? Miserable?)<br />7. Do you truly understand more and more of what undeserved grace God has freely poured out into your life…and how are you thanking Him for it?<br /><br />ILLUS: One man listed reasons for gratitude in his life: “1. A gracious God 2. A loving wife 3. A healthy family 4. Abundant life (Eternally and materially I am filthy rich compared to the rest of the world.) 5. A meaningful vocation 6.Friends 7. Today 8. Opportunities to grow in grace, knowledge, and experience and the list goes on and on and on...”<br /><br />B. Declaration of the Lord<br /><br />1. The Lord Jesus said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”<br />2. Certainly, all ten should have been down on their knees before the feet of Jesus, praising God, giving Him glory for the incredible miracle He had done in their lives!<br />3. They had to be happy, full of gratitude for this new life they’d received!<br />a. They are eager to return to life in community!<br />b. They can’t wait to see family and friends!<br />c. They desire to be a person of value in society once more!<br />4. Yet at their heart, they did not give GOD the glory He was so due! They are so caught up in this gift, they failed to recognize the GIVER of those gifts!<br /><br />ILLUS: An attorney, who after meditating on several scriptures, decided to cancel the debts of all his clients that had owed him money for more than six months. He drafted a letter explaining his decision and its biblical basis and sent seventeen debt-canceling letters via certified mail. One by one, the letters began to return, unsigned and undelivered. Sixteen of the seventeen letters came back to him because the clients refused to sign for and open the envelopes, fearing that this attorney was suing them for their debts. How profound! We owe a debt for our sin and God is willing to cancel it but too many people will not even open the letter that explains that. Rick McCarley<br /><br />5. Jesus said, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”<br />6. While it is great to have experienced the physical healing, Jesus made sure this man understood not only was he physically healed, but of much more importance, spiritually healed!<br />7. It may seem the physical is much more necessary now…but think of eternity!<br />a. If Jesus has saved you spiritually, you have a FAR GREATER MIRALCE in your life than a physical healing!<br />b. For all eternity you’ll be praising Him for it and your time on earth is simply preparation!<br />c. If people will not glorify God now…why would they want to glorify and honor Him for all eternity?<br />8. Do you comprehend the miracle Jesus brought to you at salvation?<br />a. Do you comprehend that is the most important thing that could ever happen in your short stay on this earth?<br />b. Are you truly known for your grateful heart to God or are you more of a grumbler? c. Grateful hearts are ones that are fixed on Jesus. Grumbling hearts have forgotten the goodness and grace of God in their lives!<br />9. Romans 1:21, “…although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”<br /><br />ILLUS: A spirit of ingratitude is the first step toward apostasy. —K. Ammon<br /><br />10. How appropriate for Thanksgiving to turn into “Thanks-living” for the follower of the Lord Jesus Christ!<br />11. Hebrews 13:15, “…by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”<br /><br />ILLUS: George Freideric Handel had reached the bottom. His right side was paralyzed. He was broke. His creditors threatened him with prison. He was so discouraged that he contemplated suicide. Instead he chose to praise God – to focus on God’s goodness rather than on his own desperate circumstances. Out of that experience came one of the greatest works of praise ever written – Handel’s Messiah and the “Hallelujah Chorus!” Wright and Woods, The Ministry Marathan<br /><br />CONCLUSION: A grateful (not grumbling) life defines the child of God. Have you returned to the feet of Jesus to thank Him for what He’s done in your life? Colossians 2:6-7, “You received Christ Jesus as Lord. So keep on living in him. Have your roots in him. Build yourselves up in him. Grow strong in what you believe, just as you were taught. Be more thankful than ever before.” (NIRV)Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3321747479518844222.post-13754159861961521962009-11-14T11:37:00.001-05:002009-11-14T11:39:09.355-05:00“MORE FORGIVING, LESS FAULT-FINDING!”<br /><br />TEXT: Luke 7:36-50<br /><br />INTRO: It is so easy to get into the trap of judging others unfairly!<br /><br />ILLUS: Chuck Swindoll told of his being at a pastor’s conference where he would be speaking. The first day there a man approached him and said how greatly he had looked forward to hearing Dr. Swindoll speak and his delight at now finally being able to realize that desire. That evening Swindoll noticed the man was sound asleep only a few minutes into of the sermon. Swindoll thought to himself that perhaps he was tired after a long day's drive and couldn't help himself - but this continued to happen night after night. Dr. Swindoll soon became very upset in his spirit with this man! On the last night the man's wife came up and apologized for her husband's inattention to the messages. She then explained that he had recently been diagnosed as having terminal cancer and the medication he was taking to ease the pain made him extremely sleepy. But it had been one of his life-long ambitions to hear Dr. Swindoll speak before he died, and now he had fulfilled that goal. Source Unknown.<br /><br />If there is a group of people in the world that know how to forgive lavishly and fault-find sparingly, it is the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s important to learn to become known as a people and place of forgiveness instead of being known with having a reputation of fault-finding.<br /><br />Like Pastor Swindoll, we can think everyone else has the problem and we alone are in the right!<br /><br />PROP. SENT: The Bible teaches that the Lord Jesus willingly forgives those with even the most faults in their lives.<br /><br />INT.SENT: What is the basis of God’s forgiving heart?<br /><br />TRANS. SENT: Extending life changing forgiveness to people whose lives have been messed up with sin is the heartbeat of Jesus. As we examine this topic of forgiveness and faultfinding in Luke 7:36-50, we’ll learn how we can imitate the Lord Jesus Christ – extending more forgiveness instead of continually looking down at others in their faults.<br /><br />I. SIMON’S CONTINUAL FAULTFINDING<br /><br />A. Desired Fellowship Luke 7:36<br /><br />1. “Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him.”<br />2. Hospitality is a very strong value in the Near East and they typically go all out for their guests. 3. A basin would typically be provided so guests could wash the dust of the road from their feet.<br />4. Scented olive oil was sometimes offered to anoint a guest’s hair.<br />5. And beloved guests would be kissed as they were greeted welcoming them with joy!<br />a. With the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays coming around, perhaps we could use a lesson on treating our guests with such care!<br />b. Would it make any difference if Jesus Himself were coming to your house with your relatives during this season?<br />c. What kind of extra preparation would you make if you would be hosting the Son of God for Thanksgiving dinner?<br />6. We see that Simon offered none of these marks of a gracious host. It wasn’t so much that Simon wasn’t interested in spending time with Jesus, but he just wasn’t putting his whole heart into it!<br />7. In spite of Simon’s lack of warmth, Jesus readily accepted this dinner invitation.<br />a. Jesus is willing to associate with people of all kinds.<br />b. He is the Savior of the rich just as much as He is the Savior of the rejected!<br />c. No matter what Jesus said or what He did, there was always plenty of critics and fault-finders around! d. Luke 7:34, “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!”<br />8. Fault-finders are always looking for something to criticize in others!<br /><br />ILLUS: An older lady, who had no affinity for con¬temporary worship, was complaining about a particular song used in the worship service at her church. A fellow worshipper responded, “That is not a new song - it is a very old song! David sang that song to Saul.” The older lady replied, “Well now, for the first time, I understand why Saul threw the javelin at him when he sang.”<br /><br />9. Fault-finders often try to hide their own faults by casting a negative light on others!<br />a. Perhaps there is someone you are constantly critical of.<br />(1) Focus on their good qualities – look to compliment instead of criticize.<br />(2) Try seeing that person through the eyes of God’s loving grace.<br />(3) Walk a mile in their shoes. Many adults grew up with harsh parents always bringing up the bad and never good.<br /><br />B. Disturbed Focus Luke 7:37<br /><br />1. “And behold, a woman in the city…”<br />2. While Simon apparently was curious to learn a little<br />more about Jesus alone, all the sudden this sinful<br />lady appears in their midst!<br />3. This did not please Simon whatsoever!<br />a. This is another characteristic of fault-finders.<br />b. When things don’t go their way, it’s going to<br />MAJORLY disturb their desire for control!<br />4. Evidently in these days, feasts were held outside in the open where others could be watching and paying<br />attention to what was being said and done.<br />5. What made this particularly disturbing to Simon was<br />that this “sinful woman” was taking up his time with<br />Jesus.<br />a. Religious leaders of Simon’s day would not speak to women in public or in private – so this was a doubly<br />difficult situation for him to handle!<br />6. Our own sense of “religious pride” often leads us to<br />exclude people from our presence rather than<br />including them like the Son of God did!<br />a. Let’s remember God’s church God’s can become an even greater witness of the love of Jesus Christ if we ALL remembered it wasn’t our own goodness that caused us to enter God’s family…only the GRACE AND MERCY OF GOD!<br />7. Luke 7:39, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner!”<br />a. Do we realize that Simon’s self righteous attitude<br />is just as much sin as this women who sold<br />herself on the streets for sex? She was guilty of sins of the flesh. Simon - sins of the spirit (a critical attitude, a hard heart!) Paul says in 2 Cor.7:1 “let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”<br />b. Unfortunately, we are often guilty of having Simon’s self righteous attitude instead of Jesus sympathetic heart!<br />c. Just as Simon was missing out on who Jesus really is because of his fault-finding spirit, we too can miss out on the presence of Jesus in our lives and churches when this attitude is found in us!<br /><br />ILLUS: I love the story of Charles Spurgeon when he was a speaker at a conference along with another man, who publicly proclaimed that Christians could reach a place of sinless perfection where they no longer struggled with sin because they were perfected in the love of God. The speaker went on to suggest modestly that he had realized this in his own life. Spurgeon said nothing, but the next morning, at breakfast time, he crept up behind the man and poured a jug of milk on his head. He quickly discovered that the man still had his sinful nature!” (Gary Inrig. Hearts of Iron, Feet of Clay. Chicago: Moody Press, 1979, page 158).<br /><br />II. THE SINNER’S COURAGEOUS FAITH<br /><br />A. Expressive Worship Luke 7:38a<br /><br />1. “…and she stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears; and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed his feet…”<br />2. Far from being casual and cold in her relationship to Jesus as Simon was, this “sinful woman” was extremely passionate in her love for the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />3. Perhaps this extreme gratitude and devotion she showed the Lord came out of the fact that she knew Jesus had forgiven her of everything!<br />4. May we always be quick to remember, worship is not about us, but about the Lord Jesus Christ being honored simply for who He is in our lives!<br />a. I had a conversation with a lady this week at our boys student night. She was disturbed because other churches were growing and were using songs and methods that she was not used to!<br />b. While, I too, prefer a more traditional worship service, we’d better be quick to let God judge the worship and hearts in the church.<br />c. How many of us would He have let enter in this sanctuary this morning if we had to be just as passionate as this former prostitute was?<br /><br />ILLUS: Deeply immersed in meditation during a church service, Italian poet Dante Alighieri failed to kneel at the appropriate moment. His enemies hurried to the bishop and demanded that Dante be punished for his sacrilege. Dante defended himself by saying, "If those who accuse me had had their eyes and minds on God, as I had, they too would have failed to notice events around them, and they most certainly would not have noticed what I was doing." Today in the Word, March 10, 1993.<br /><br />B. Expensive Worship<br />1. “…and anointed them with the fragrant oil.”<br />2. This fragrant oil was something that was highly valued<br />and expensive in these days!<br />3. She is coming before the Lord with the attitude of “all<br />that I am and all that I am, I lay it down at your feet<br />as a sacrifice!<br />4. She had truly experienced such mercy from the Lord<br />that the rest of her life would now be lived totally for His honor and glory!<br />5. She wasn’t trying to pay the Lord back for what He’d done for her…her debt was far too great. What she was doing was yielding her life to Jesus in gratitude.<br />a. Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies<br />as living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is<br />your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to<br />this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”<br />5. True worship is going to cost you something because you know the value of both the GIVER and the GIFT!<br />a. We sing, “Lord, you are more precious that diamonds,” and then we give him our dimes!<br />b. We sing, “Lord, you are more costly than gold!” Then get upset when the church passes the offering plate for missions!<br />c. We sing, “Nothing I desire compares with you.” Then<br />we spend all of our money on new computers, new clothes, new cars!<br />6. True worship is costly because it was cost you your whole life.<br />a. Isaac Newton, “Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were an offering far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.”<br /><br />III. THE SAVIOR’S COMPLETE FORGIVENESS<br /><br />A. The Parable Luke 7:40-49<br /><br />1. Freedom FROM:<br />a. Guilt<br />b. Penalty<br />c. Separation from God<br />d. Severed relationships<br />e. Misunderstanding of the person and purpose of God!<br />2. If Jesus were preaching from pulpits across America today, this would be a parable He would His body tell until we learned to obey and speak the truth in love!<br />3. I’m afraid there is a bit of Pharisee in most of us!<br /><br />ILLUS: A mom and dad were very concerned for their son and had talked to my pastor friend many times and had requested prayer for him. Finally, they were able to get their son to come to church and on that Sunday morning there was an evangelist speaking who went off on homosexuals calling them queers from the pulpit. He got a lot of “Amens” that morning but he also turned away that son. Did Paul condemn homosexuality? Yes, in the strongest biblical language (Romans 1:26-27). Did Paul win homosexuals to Christ? Yes, just read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Put yourself for just a few minutes in the shoes of those parents for whose son they were heartbroken. How do we present truth to those in sin? According to Galatians 6:1 “in the spirit of meekness.” Jesus was not harsh even with Judas Iscariot (John 13:27), His betrayer. – Dr. Tim White<br /><br />B. The Peace<br /><br />1. Freedom TO:<br />a. Have peace again!<br />b. To try a new start.<br />c. Have a new relationship.<br />d. Experience grace!<br />e. To understand who new purpose in life!<br />f. To extend that same kind of forgiveness Jesus showed her to those who had sinned against her in the past and would in the future!<br /><br />C. The Price<br /><br />1. As wonderful as forgiveness and freedom and Christ is, they did not come without great cost.<br />2. While it cost you and I nothing to earn these gifts, it cost the Son of God His whole life’s blood on the cross of Calvary.<br /><br />ILLUS: Divine forgiveness is costly. God is love, but God is holiness. God, least of all, can break the great moral laws on which the universe is built. Sin must have its punishment or the very structure of life disintegrates. And God alone can pay the terrible price that is necessary before men can be forgiven. Forgiveness is never a case of saying: 'It's all right; it doesn't matter." Forgiveness is the most costly thing in the world. William Barclay<br /><br />3. God’s wrath is reserved only for those who refuse to come to Him for salvation, mercy, forgiveness!<br />4. Don’t delay one moment in waiting to receive the gift of new life Jesus died and rose again to give you!<br /><br />CONCLUSION: The Bible teaches that God’s heart is one of forgiving even the greatest of sinners instead of condemning them for their faults. Have you received the forgiveness of sins that is found only in the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you known for your forgiveness or faultfinding? "Be ready to forgive others as God for Christ sake hath forgiven you." Eph. 4:32Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04190134592582926783noreply@blogger.com0