Joshua 3 & 4
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?
I. DEVOTE YOURSELF FULLY TO THE LORD!
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.
B. Devotion - World Cup Soccer, Lebron James, Tim Tebow, the Biggest Loser on TV
C. How do you know you are fully devoted to the Lord?
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
D. When you face life’s tremendous obstacles, devote yourself fully to the Lord!
2. LET GOD BRING YOU THROUGH IT!
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!
B. God gave Joshua the instructions as to what they were to do (Joshua 3:8).
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.”
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!”
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!
I. You can’t stop your obstacles in your own strength any more than Israel could make the Jordan stop – but God can!
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?
K. When you face tremendous obstacles, let God bring you through it.
3. TELL OTHERS OF GOD’S MIGHTY POWER!
A. Don’t forget all God has done for you.
B. Keep sharing who He is and what’s He’s done with others.
C. We are quick to forget all the great things God has done and long on remembering what hasn’t gone right!
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!
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!
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.
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?
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.”
H. What tremendous obstacles are you facing today? Impossible for you, but possible with God! Sum. 3 points;
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!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
God Can Use You!
Text: Joshua 2:1-24
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.
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.
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.
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!
1. GOD CAN USE YOU IN SPITE OF YOUR PAST!
A. Condition Josh. 2:1-7
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.
2. All through the Bible God chooses the weak to shame the wise.
a. Noah – Ark
b. David – slingshot
c. 12 disciples – weak on their own, power through God
d. 120 disciples – all they had was one heart, one mind, one voice to glorify God – they turned the world upside down!
e. The Lord Jesus Christ – looked weak on the cross, yet through His death offers all eternal life!
3. Think for a moment of Rahab’s past.
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.
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
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!
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?
5. No matter your condition, the God of Heaven and Earth knows you, loves you, wants you to come to Him for life!
6. Refuse to let what people look on the outside determine whether they are going to follow the Lord or not.
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.
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.
a. Remember, what God gives you is so much better than what the world gives!
B. Concealing Joshua 2:2-7
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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?”
5. Those that posses the promised life are going to be those who choose to put God’s will above their own.
6. Had those spies found the Israelite spies, everyone, including Rahab would have lost their lives.
a. Rahab was determined that no matter happened, she would serve the Lord.
C. Confession Josh. 2:8-11
1. I love Rahab’s confession of faith because she is so focused on who God is and what He’s done.
a. She knew He was the God of Superiority, the God of Strength, the God of salvation.
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!
3. Rahab knew that if she did not believe God, she would come under His judgment.
4. God still has a message for the world today and that is the message of the gospel.
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.
b. It is the message that Jesus saves sinners.
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!
d. Perhaps you know the fear of unbelief, but the sweet joy of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior!
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.”
2. GOD CAN USE TO MINISTER TO OTHERS!
A. Concern Josh. 2:12-13
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.
2. One sign that you are saved is that you want others to know the God of salvation as well!
ILLUS: Christianity is unquestionably a personal experience. It is also unquestionably not a private experience. —William Barclay
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.
4. All around us people are hurting, hopeless, and without Jesus they are on their way to hell.
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.”
5. You never know how (what you think) is a little witness for Jesus, might change someone’s life forever.
6. To posses the promised land means you allow God to make your life a living ministry to others.
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.
3. GOD CAN USE YOU TO IMPACT ETERNITY!
A. Covenant Josh. 2:15-23
1. Never underestimate what faith in the Living God can do!
2. It was not Rahab’s faith in herself, but Rahab’s faith in a great God that made all the difference.
3. Knowing the city of Jericho would be demolished in the very near future, Rahab asks for mercy.
4. God’s men say, “…bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down.”
5. What does that scarlet cord represent to you and I today? It represents the blood of Jesus Christ.
6. The blood of Jesus Christ delivers us today from the wrath of God just as the scarlet cord would signify Rahab’s deliverance.
a. What do you need today for deliverance and safety?
b. Some would say, “More money,” “More education,” “Better government.”
7. The greatest need in my life and in America today is to apply the blood of Jesus Christ to our sin stained lives.
8. Hebrews 9:22, "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin."
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
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!
10. The blood of Christ not only has the power to save you, but to sanctify you, make you holy day by day!
B. Confidence Josh. 2:22-24
1. The story of Rahab shows us that God can use anyone’s life that believes and trusts Him.
a. God includes people in His family we wouldn’t normally think would be there!
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.
3. Who was David’s great, great grandmother? A woman by the name of Rahab!
ILLUS: To this day, on Israel’s flag is the Star of David, who had the blood of
Rahab flowing through his veins.
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!
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.
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).
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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!
1. GOD CAN USE YOU IN SPITE OF YOUR PAST!
A. Condition Josh. 2:1-7
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.
2. All through the Bible God chooses the weak to shame the wise.
a. Noah – Ark
b. David – slingshot
c. 12 disciples – weak on their own, power through God
d. 120 disciples – all they had was one heart, one mind, one voice to glorify God – they turned the world upside down!
e. The Lord Jesus Christ – looked weak on the cross, yet through His death offers all eternal life!
3. Think for a moment of Rahab’s past.
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.
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
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!
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?
5. No matter your condition, the God of Heaven and Earth knows you, loves you, wants you to come to Him for life!
6. Refuse to let what people look on the outside determine whether they are going to follow the Lord or not.
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.
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.
a. Remember, what God gives you is so much better than what the world gives!
B. Concealing Joshua 2:2-7
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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?”
5. Those that posses the promised life are going to be those who choose to put God’s will above their own.
6. Had those spies found the Israelite spies, everyone, including Rahab would have lost their lives.
a. Rahab was determined that no matter happened, she would serve the Lord.
C. Confession Josh. 2:8-11
1. I love Rahab’s confession of faith because she is so focused on who God is and what He’s done.
a. She knew He was the God of Superiority, the God of Strength, the God of salvation.
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!
3. Rahab knew that if she did not believe God, she would come under His judgment.
4. God still has a message for the world today and that is the message of the gospel.
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.
b. It is the message that Jesus saves sinners.
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!
d. Perhaps you know the fear of unbelief, but the sweet joy of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior!
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.”
2. GOD CAN USE TO MINISTER TO OTHERS!
A. Concern Josh. 2:12-13
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.
2. One sign that you are saved is that you want others to know the God of salvation as well!
ILLUS: Christianity is unquestionably a personal experience. It is also unquestionably not a private experience. —William Barclay
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.
4. All around us people are hurting, hopeless, and without Jesus they are on their way to hell.
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.”
5. You never know how (what you think) is a little witness for Jesus, might change someone’s life forever.
6. To posses the promised land means you allow God to make your life a living ministry to others.
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.
3. GOD CAN USE YOU TO IMPACT ETERNITY!
A. Covenant Josh. 2:15-23
1. Never underestimate what faith in the Living God can do!
2. It was not Rahab’s faith in herself, but Rahab’s faith in a great God that made all the difference.
3. Knowing the city of Jericho would be demolished in the very near future, Rahab asks for mercy.
4. God’s men say, “…bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down.”
5. What does that scarlet cord represent to you and I today? It represents the blood of Jesus Christ.
6. The blood of Jesus Christ delivers us today from the wrath of God just as the scarlet cord would signify Rahab’s deliverance.
a. What do you need today for deliverance and safety?
b. Some would say, “More money,” “More education,” “Better government.”
7. The greatest need in my life and in America today is to apply the blood of Jesus Christ to our sin stained lives.
8. Hebrews 9:22, "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin."
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
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!
10. The blood of Christ not only has the power to save you, but to sanctify you, make you holy day by day!
B. Confidence Josh. 2:22-24
1. The story of Rahab shows us that God can use anyone’s life that believes and trusts Him.
a. God includes people in His family we wouldn’t normally think would be there!
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.
3. Who was David’s great, great grandmother? A woman by the name of Rahab!
ILLUS: To this day, on Israel’s flag is the Star of David, who had the blood of
Rahab flowing through his veins.
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!
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.
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).
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.”
Friday, July 2, 2010
Find Freedom From Your Fears
Joshua 1
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.
1. FOCUS ON GOD’S PLAN
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.
2. FOCUS ON GOD’S TRUTH
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.”
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!
3. FOCUS ON HIS FAITHFULNESS
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.
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.
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.
1. FOCUS ON GOD’S PLAN
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.
2. FOCUS ON GOD’S TRUTH
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.”
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!
3. FOCUS ON HIS FAITHFULNESS
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.
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.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
On the Road to Genuine Hope - Matthew 28:1-10
A. How much do you know about some of the events surrounding the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
1. At Christ's crucifixion what did the soldiers place on his head? Crown of Thorns
2. For what of Christ's did the soldiers cast lots? Clothes
3. For how many pieces of silver did Judas betray Christ? 30
4. When Jesus died, for how long was there darkness over the land? 3 hours
5. For how long did Jesus remain after his resurrection before he ascended into heaven? 40 days
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.
1. Forgiveness, redemption, genuine hope – that is what the empty tomb and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is all about!
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.
C. For example, I let go of hope when…
1. I doubt my difficult situation will turn around for the better
2. My fear of tomorrow robs me of today’s strength
3. I believe God is out to get me rather than help me
4. My life seems to have no motivating purpose
5. I feel more burned, bummed out than rested, recharged up!
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…
1. H - AVE MY FEARS REPLACED WITH THE ASSURANCE OF JESUS’ LOVE FOR ME
A. We are living in some pretty fearful times in America now – loss of jobs, struggling economy, terrorist threats, health, personal finances, etc.
1. Fear could easily win in our hearts and lives if we leave God of the equation.
2. If you are ever tempted to doubt God’s love, think of Calvary and the empty tomb!
3. Perhaps Jesus could love others who have their act together– but me? Sinful. Struggling. Selfish.
B. Jesus died willingly, sacrificially, lovingly, and triumphantly – through His death, you may live (John 11:15-26).
1. Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…”
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!
2. O - VERCOME MY FAILURES THROUGH GOD’S COMPLETE FORGIVENESS.
A. All of the disciples forsook Jesus (Matthew 26:56)
1. They let pride, prayerlessness, people pleasing, etc. get in the way of true commitment to Jesus
2. Can you imagine the shame, disgrace they felt?
B. It’s easy to look back and see the failures of the disciples – how about your failures?
1. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ your life does not need to be defined by failures, rather through His complete forgiveness.
2. Ephesians 1:7, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
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.
4. A very famous sermon is called, “It’s Friday…but Sunday’s coming.”
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.
They learned that even when it's Friday, Sunday's comin!”
5. What seems hopeless and impossible in your life? Remember Sunday’s comin!’
3. P – LUG INTO GOD’S POWER FOR DAILY LIVING
A. The stone that had been placed over the door of Jesus’ tomb had been rolled away.
B. Why was the stone rolled away?
1. Not to let Jesus out of the tomb.
2. The stone was rolled away not to let Jesus out but to let others in!
a. The women, and later Peter and John, went inside the tomb to verify that it was empty.
b. The empty tomb is powerful proof of Jesus’ resurrection.
3. The stone was rolled away as proof that Jesus conquered death.
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.”
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.
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."
C. It is the resurrected Christ living in us that gives us the strength to live victoriously.
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."
4. E-NVISION MY FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD
A. Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is no hope for everlasting life.
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.
C. What is Easter about? It’s about the hope we have in Christ!
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!
1. At Christ's crucifixion what did the soldiers place on his head? Crown of Thorns
2. For what of Christ's did the soldiers cast lots? Clothes
3. For how many pieces of silver did Judas betray Christ? 30
4. When Jesus died, for how long was there darkness over the land? 3 hours
5. For how long did Jesus remain after his resurrection before he ascended into heaven? 40 days
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.
1. Forgiveness, redemption, genuine hope – that is what the empty tomb and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is all about!
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.
C. For example, I let go of hope when…
1. I doubt my difficult situation will turn around for the better
2. My fear of tomorrow robs me of today’s strength
3. I believe God is out to get me rather than help me
4. My life seems to have no motivating purpose
5. I feel more burned, bummed out than rested, recharged up!
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…
1. H - AVE MY FEARS REPLACED WITH THE ASSURANCE OF JESUS’ LOVE FOR ME
A. We are living in some pretty fearful times in America now – loss of jobs, struggling economy, terrorist threats, health, personal finances, etc.
1. Fear could easily win in our hearts and lives if we leave God of the equation.
2. If you are ever tempted to doubt God’s love, think of Calvary and the empty tomb!
3. Perhaps Jesus could love others who have their act together– but me? Sinful. Struggling. Selfish.
B. Jesus died willingly, sacrificially, lovingly, and triumphantly – through His death, you may live (John 11:15-26).
1. Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…”
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!
2. O - VERCOME MY FAILURES THROUGH GOD’S COMPLETE FORGIVENESS.
A. All of the disciples forsook Jesus (Matthew 26:56)
1. They let pride, prayerlessness, people pleasing, etc. get in the way of true commitment to Jesus
2. Can you imagine the shame, disgrace they felt?
B. It’s easy to look back and see the failures of the disciples – how about your failures?
1. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ your life does not need to be defined by failures, rather through His complete forgiveness.
2. Ephesians 1:7, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
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.
4. A very famous sermon is called, “It’s Friday…but Sunday’s coming.”
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.
They learned that even when it's Friday, Sunday's comin!”
5. What seems hopeless and impossible in your life? Remember Sunday’s comin!’
3. P – LUG INTO GOD’S POWER FOR DAILY LIVING
A. The stone that had been placed over the door of Jesus’ tomb had been rolled away.
B. Why was the stone rolled away?
1. Not to let Jesus out of the tomb.
2. The stone was rolled away not to let Jesus out but to let others in!
a. The women, and later Peter and John, went inside the tomb to verify that it was empty.
b. The empty tomb is powerful proof of Jesus’ resurrection.
3. The stone was rolled away as proof that Jesus conquered death.
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.”
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.
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."
C. It is the resurrected Christ living in us that gives us the strength to live victoriously.
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."
4. E-NVISION MY FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD
A. Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is no hope for everlasting life.
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.
C. What is Easter about? It’s about the hope we have in Christ!
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!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Found Faithful to Jesus In Our Waiting - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11
There 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?
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.
Reassurance (13) – 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!
Resurrection (14-15) – 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).
Return (16) – 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.
Reunion (17-18) – 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.”
Regret (5:1-3) – 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.
Ready (5:4-11) – Thinking about the return of Jesus Christ ought to make us live with godly character, spiritual motivation, peace with the Lord and others. 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.” 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.
How can we be faithful while we wait for the Lord’s return? First, Paul says, “Be sober.” 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. Second, he says, “putting on the breastplate of faith and love.” 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. Third, he says we are to put on as helmet the hope of salvation (5:8-10). 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!
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.
Our Response:
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).
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.
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?
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.
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.
Reassurance (13) – 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!
Resurrection (14-15) – 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).
Return (16) – 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.
Reunion (17-18) – 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.”
Regret (5:1-3) – 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.
Ready (5:4-11) – Thinking about the return of Jesus Christ ought to make us live with godly character, spiritual motivation, peace with the Lord and others. 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.” 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.
How can we be faithful while we wait for the Lord’s return? First, Paul says, “Be sober.” 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. Second, he says, “putting on the breastplate of faith and love.” 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. Third, he says we are to put on as helmet the hope of salvation (5:8-10). 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!
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.
Our Response:
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).
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.
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?
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.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Found Faithful to God's Will - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
How 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.
Truths Concerning the Will of God
+ Salvation is His will for your life. 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).
+Sanctification is His will for your life. 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.
+Scripture Centered 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!
+Strong in the Lord The devil’s desire is to keep your lost or at the very best, an extremely weak Christian (Eph. 6:10-18).
+Serving the Lord and others 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?
+Secure in God’s grip of grace. 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).
+Stable, Serenity (Romans 5:1-5)
Lies from the Evil One Concerning God’s Will There is really no need to turn from sin to the Savior
God made you this way, so you can’t help but sin
You deserve anything you want RIGHT NOW – don’t delay
God will simply wink at your sin – it’s no big deal
You are better than most, you pray, give, attend church, etc.
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.
You are sufficient within yourself to defeat sin – no need for Bible study, prayer, accountability, etc.
Pleasing yourself is the highest priority of life – family, neighbors, church, etc. can take the back seat
God is not our for your good, but is really out to steal your joy
How to know and do the will of God
+Dedication to the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 - The Lord Jesus Christ must be my ultimate authority in life! (This is not optional)!
+ Desire to grow 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.”
+ Discipline yourself 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – 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.
+ Different character 1 Thessalonians 4:4-8 – 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.
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.”
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
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!
+Devotion in life ambition 1 Thessalonians 4:9 – The more you grow in the love walk, the more you are walking in the will of God!
+Decide your companions 1 Thessalonians 4:10-11 – 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.”
+Discipleship orientation 1 Thessalonians 4:12 – 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?
+Delight Yourself in the Lord Share brief testimony of Glen Mann, Scotty and C.O.P.I.N Ministries, etc.
+Day of the Lord 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.
Our Response:
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.
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.
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!
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?
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.
6. Dwell much this week on how much better it is to be actively doing Gods’ will, rather than progressively sinking in sin.
Truths Concerning the Will of God
+ Salvation is His will for your life. 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).
+Sanctification is His will for your life. 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.
+Scripture Centered 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!
+Strong in the Lord The devil’s desire is to keep your lost or at the very best, an extremely weak Christian (Eph. 6:10-18).
+Serving the Lord and others 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?
+Secure in God’s grip of grace. 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).
+Stable, Serenity (Romans 5:1-5)
Lies from the Evil One Concerning God’s Will There is really no need to turn from sin to the Savior
God made you this way, so you can’t help but sin
You deserve anything you want RIGHT NOW – don’t delay
God will simply wink at your sin – it’s no big deal
You are better than most, you pray, give, attend church, etc.
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.
You are sufficient within yourself to defeat sin – no need for Bible study, prayer, accountability, etc.
Pleasing yourself is the highest priority of life – family, neighbors, church, etc. can take the back seat
God is not our for your good, but is really out to steal your joy
How to know and do the will of God
+Dedication to the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 - The Lord Jesus Christ must be my ultimate authority in life! (This is not optional)!
+ Desire to grow 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.”
+ Discipline yourself 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – 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.
+ Different character 1 Thessalonians 4:4-8 – 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.
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.”
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
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!
+Devotion in life ambition 1 Thessalonians 4:9 – The more you grow in the love walk, the more you are walking in the will of God!
+Decide your companions 1 Thessalonians 4:10-11 – 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.”
+Discipleship orientation 1 Thessalonians 4:12 – 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?
+Delight Yourself in the Lord Share brief testimony of Glen Mann, Scotty and C.O.P.I.N Ministries, etc.
+Day of the Lord 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.
Our Response:
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.
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.
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!
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?
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.
6. Dwell much this week on how much better it is to be actively doing Gods’ will, rather than progressively sinking in sin.
Investing Your Life in the King's Service - Matthew 25:14-30
Elvis 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?
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?
Distant Journey (14) – 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?”
Delegating Talents (15) – 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.
Differing Talents (15) – 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.
Dependable Servants (16 & 17) – 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.”
Disloyal Servant (18) – 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.”
Day of Reckoning (19) – 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.
Disciple’s Praised (20-23) – 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?
Distorted View of God (24-26) – 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.
Description of the servant (26) – “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.
Devotion Rewarded (27-29) – 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.
Darkness Demanded (30) - God is light, in Him there is no darkness. Away from the Lord's presence is beyond terrible. What a wake up call!
Decisions Must Be Made – 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.
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.
How can I best invest my life in service to the King of Kings?
Spend Time Getting to Your Mater and King Better
Use what God’s given you to advance His Kingdom…now
Refuse to compare yourself with the more talented…be faithful with what He’s given you.
Anticipate hearing the King say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Have a healthy fear of God’s judgment on the unfaithful servants
Our Response:
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.
2. Let go of things that are keeping you from truly knowing the Lord better and being about His business.
3. Understand that we have nothing to boast or brag about on our own – His amazing grace is what motivates us to faithful service.
4. Put your gifts into practice this week. God gave you gifts for the building up of believers right here at CWBC.
5. May we praise God that our King is coming, our salvation is secure, He is faithful!
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?
Distant Journey (14) – 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?”
Delegating Talents (15) – 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.
Differing Talents (15) – 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.
Dependable Servants (16 & 17) – 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.”
Disloyal Servant (18) – 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.”
Day of Reckoning (19) – 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.
Disciple’s Praised (20-23) – 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?
Distorted View of God (24-26) – 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.
Description of the servant (26) – “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.
Devotion Rewarded (27-29) – 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.
Darkness Demanded (30) - God is light, in Him there is no darkness. Away from the Lord's presence is beyond terrible. What a wake up call!
Decisions Must Be Made – 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.
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.
How can I best invest my life in service to the King of Kings?
Spend Time Getting to Your Mater and King Better
Use what God’s given you to advance His Kingdom…now
Refuse to compare yourself with the more talented…be faithful with what He’s given you.
Anticipate hearing the King say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Have a healthy fear of God’s judgment on the unfaithful servants
Our Response:
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.
2. Let go of things that are keeping you from truly knowing the Lord better and being about His business.
3. Understand that we have nothing to boast or brag about on our own – His amazing grace is what motivates us to faithful service.
4. Put your gifts into practice this week. God gave you gifts for the building up of believers right here at CWBC.
5. May we praise God that our King is coming, our salvation is secure, He is faithful!
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