Sunday, November 28, 2010

We Are Baptist! - Part 2 - Baptists Are Separatists!

Temple Baptist Church - 11-28-2010

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Introduction:

A. A few weeks ago, we saw what Baptists are not!

1. We are not reformers.

2. We are not Protestant.

3. We are not a denomination.

4. We are not Briders

5. We are not Calvinistic.

6. We are not Arminian.

B. We are Baptists! There are many so-called Baptists who do not hold to the doctrinal truths of God’s Word and have labored in their wrestling of the Scripture to the point of gross doctrinal error! I do not and will not apologize for being a Baptist but I do not think that only Baptists are saved or that the Bride of Christ is the Baptist Church!

C. I am a Baptist by conviction, not convenience. I am a fundamental, independent Baptist! Local churches of the New Testament era were fundamental, independent and I see no need of changing God’s program.

D. What makes Baptist churches distinct? Tonight, I want to deal with separatism! This is where “the rubber meets the road” in most churches. True Baptists are separatists! Separation has been taught as a negative and is now as unappealing as the word fundamental. Separation is a good thing, not a bad thing! Separation is that “good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God!” (Romans 12:1-2) Separation is as much for our protection as it is for our identification! We are not only to be separated from something; we are to be separation unto SOMEONE! As Christ suffered without the gate, we are to go unto Him without the camp. Separation is a sign of LOVE, not LEGALISM. Liberal churches have labeled separatism as an independent Baptist thing. Separatism is a Bible commanded thing! Separatists are not “legalists” nor are they “Pharisees.” Most of you know this pastor and I am neither of these. I believe in the “soul liberty” of the believer. Your walk with Christ is between you and God.

E. True Baptists Churches Have Always Been Separatists – Most denominations agree to disagree agreeably when it comes to major doctrinal differences. Their doctrine is set aside based upon the false premise of love and they fellowship and worship together without God’s Truth. Separation is not a negative but a God ordained and commanded blessing! The world views biblical separation in a negative light in order to denounce it but the Word of God not only upholds separation but also commands it! I had rather be on God’s side than to be a member of a denomination, association, or convention that compromises in this vital area of Christian walk. Both fellowship and worship must be based within the boundaries of God’s Word! Our Lord said that the Father sought worship in both truth and spirit. To walk, work, and worship outside of God’s Truth is totally unacceptable to Him. Believers by the multitudes have died over separation as they refused to hold hands, worship, or fellowship with the religionists of their times. What a price has been paid for this separation that now is given up on the slightest whim!

1. Christians Were Recognized And Respected As Christ-like By The Lost - Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

2. Christians Were Recognized And Rejected As Christ-like By The Convicted - Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

3. Christians Were Recognized And Reviled As Christ-like By The Persecutors - 1 Peter 4:16 Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

F. Today, believers are chameleons! They bend and blend with society around them and are only distinguished by their shallow profession of faith!

The following excerpt is taken from a booklet entitled “Why Baptists Are Not Protestants” which was written by Vernon C. Lyons of the Ashburn Baptist Church of Chicago, Ill.

“Twentieth century theologians have streamlined Christianity by reducing all the virtues to one – unity. In our generation the most respectable ‘ism’ is ecumenism. Few people discern that there is a false unity as well as a true unity and the each is purchased at a staggering price.

False church unity, which is the most popular kind, is purchased with freedom as the price. Gospel liberty is obliterated and liberty of conscience becomes impractical, if not impossible. The communion of saints is forfeited for a communion of committees. The minority speaks for the mass and the conscience of the individual Christian is by-passed for the consensus of a committee. This kind of church unity is also attained at the price of truth. Those who major on mergers tend to believe very little and after merging believe still less. They are more noted for their compromise than their convictions. Their spiritual discernment having been dulled, they move in a doctrinal dusk that calls non-churches churches and regard unbelievers as believers. In the mania to merge, fixed truths become forgotten tenets.

True church unity is also costly! It is to be obtained not be compromise, but by conflict. The faith must not be diluted, but defended (Jude 3). It may cost a man his unscriptural creed and his man-made catechism. This kind of unity flows from a humility which is willing to reject human tradition and subject itself to divine truth, as stated in God’s Holy Word. This unity is described by the words, ‘One Lord, one faith, one baptism’ (Eph. 4:5). The beginning of this unity is one Lord. The basis of this unity is one faith. The badge of this unity is one baptism.

This true unity will cost you your prejudice, your pride, and perhaps every your popularity.”

G. Separatism is what cost millions of believers their lives. As Christians, they were quietly “out of step with the world” and were mercilessly persecuted because of it.

Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.

H. This separatism is separated into three distinct areas that we will look at tonight.

1. True Baptists Churches Stand For Ecclesiastical Separation – We are separate in our worship. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (They Are Separate In Worship. They Are Separate In Work. Simply stated, true Baptists do not hold hands with, worship with, or support any other religious organization that has compromised the integrity of Scripture! Many churches have sacrificed their sanctification upon the altar of “Popularity” in order to gain numbers.)

2. True Baptists Churches Stand For Doctrinal Separation – We are separate in doctrine. Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

2 John 9-11 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (They are separate in walk. True Baptists are not for sale at any price! Many churches have sacrificed their doctrine upon the altar of “Fellowship.”)

3. True Baptists Churches Stand For Personal Separation – We are separate in our walk. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (King Agrippa said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian!” Christian means one who is like Christ or Christ-like! Believers were called Christians by the lost because of their testimony of Christ-likeness. Our outward demeanor is a reflection of our inward conversion.)

Conclusion: We are not “in your face” with our convictions but, at the same time, our convictions are biblical and, therefore, not for sale! Baptists are separatists!

The Holiness Of God

Temple Baptist Church - 11-28-2010

Exodus 3:1-6

Introduction:

A. One, if not the, greatest problems of our day is a lack of the fear of the Lord. This is a problem in both the lives of the saved and lost. A lack of the fear of the Lord makes us:

1. Irreverent in our Attitude toward God. We have a tendency to “humanize” God by bringing Him down to our level. This is an effort by the world to make sinful man comfortable in the presence of a holy God!

2. Casual in our Approach to God. I preached on this subject a few weeks ago. He is the Lord! He is Holy! He is to be respected and reverenced as such! I will say again that “there is no place in the Bible where God’s people approached God in a casual or irreverent manner.

3. Without a Proper Fear of the Lord, a sinner will not be saved! “He that cometh to God must believe that he is!” Not believe what we want to believe about God but believe what the Bible says about God!

B. R. C. Sproul makes this insightful observation from Isaiah 6: “The Bible says that God is holy, holy, holy. Not that He is merely holy, or even holy, holy. He is holy, holy, holy. The Bible never says that God is love, love, love, or mercy, mercy, mercy, or wrath, wrath, wrath, or justice, justice, justice. It does say that He is holy, holy, holy, the whole earth is full of His glory.” He is a thrice holy God!

C. The Bible definition of the fear of the Lord is found in Psalm 19:9 which says, “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.” A proper fear of God causes the believer to live a holy life before Him.
D. It is of small wonder that the world is in the shape that it is in when people no longer have a proper fear of the Lord. Sin is rampant today and, as in the days of Noah, “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5)

E. The church is also in a mess for the same reason! Churches of our day are becoming worldlier in both their worship and their appearance. If God is a thrice holy God, and the Bible says that He is, then He must be approached in a holy manner! Even God’s people do not have a right perspective of the holiness of God. Many of our churches today are just circuses that entertain worldly people instead of pointing the world to this thrice holy God.

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. (Holiness has now become “legalism” in religion’s economy and God’s people see no real need for living in a biblical manner. As we walk with the Lord, we are to walk “before the Lord” in holiness.)

F. The holiness of God is an attribute essential to our relationship with God.

1. Without perfect holiness, God would be as imperfect as man and there could be no salvation.

2. Without perfect holiness, God would be accessible to the unrepentant sinner.

3. Without perfect holiness, God would not be God!

G. The Bible asks this question–Revelation 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are mad manifest.

1. God is infinitely and immutably holy. Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

2. The Holiness of God is unequaled–Isaiah 40:25 To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.

H. The Holiness of God is ascribed to Him by:

1. Angels in heaven–Isaiah 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

2. Angels that are fallen–Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

3. Men–1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hat seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

I. God is holy in:

1. His Work – Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

2. His Way – Leviticus 11:44-45 For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

3. His Will – Leviticus 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.

4. His Word – Psalm 19:8-9 8-The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9-The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

1. The Holiness Of God Is An Unreachable Standard For Personal Righteousness (Impeccable-Immutable—Yet Imputable)

a. Man Thinks That God Unconditionally Accepts His Person – Habakkuk 1:13a Thou art of purer eyes that to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity. (God does not “accept us regardless” of what we do and who we are!)

b. God did not accept Cain or his offering – Genesis 4:5-7 5-But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. (God accepts us only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.)

c. God’s holiness makes sinful man accountable in judgment – Revelation 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

2. The Holiness Of God Makes Our Salvation All Of Grace (The holiness of God makes the gospel a glorious necessity.)

a. The Calling Of Salvation Is Gracious - 2 Timothy 1:9 Who had saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

b. The Gift Of Salvation Is Gracious - Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

c. The Forgiveness Of Salvation Is Gracious - Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

3. The Holiness Of God Is Our Seal Of Eternal Salvation

a. Our Resurrection Depends Upon His Holiness - Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

b. Our Sealing Depends Upon His Holiness - Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.


Sunday, November 21, 2010

Thanksgiving

Temple Baptist Church - 11-21-2010

Psalm 103

Introduction:

A. It is the most wonderful time of the year for this preacher. I love cool weather! I love Thanksgiving through Christmas! I love to fellowship! I love to eat! I love to remember all that God has done for me! I thought, I need to find something new for Thanksgiving this year but—the more I thought about it—the more I realized that Thanksgiving is simply that, Thanksgiving! I understand more than ever the ramifications of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which says, “In everything give thanks!” Even in the hard times; even in the bad times; even in the confusing times; God is more than good to His children and they are blessed.

B. As we come back to Psalm 103 again this year, I realize that it says it all. I do not know anything that needs to be added to these verses. God’s salvation has a lot of wonderful “benefits” that go along with it and we need to concentrate upon them in the next few days. Yes, thank God for turkeys! Thank God for our families! Thank God for our friends! All I can say is “Thank God!”

C. Here are a few things found in these verses that we need to be constantly reminded of:

1. Thank God For His Wonderful Redemption! Vs. 3 The most important thing in this life is to know that you know that you know that you are saved! The knowledge that your sins have all been washed away in the crimson flow of Calvary. To know the wonder of a cleansed heart. To know the forgiveness of all of your sins. To know that heaven is your home. To know the wonder of a changed life. To know Christ!

2. Thank God For Health And Strength! Vs. 3 I feel great this morning at 62. I have a few little problems but, in general, my health is good and I feel it. God has been gracious to me in giving me a strong, healthy, resilient body with a great immune system. I rarely get sick or feel bad. Thank God for healing all of my diseases. One day I will get sick and not get over it in this world but thank God He will heal me completely in the next.

3. Thank God For Saving Me From Self-destruction! Vs. 4 I have heard many say that they would be dead and in hell if it had not been for salvation. I do not know where I would be right now if God had not saved me but I do know this: I would not be where I am now. He changed my life, placed new desires in me, renovated my family, gave my two sons a dad who has loved and lived for the Lord. My body is strong because the Lord helped me to give up tobacco, alcohol, turnips, and beets! I still hate the last two on the list. Thank you Lord for saving my life as well as saving my soul.

4. Thank God For Your Lovingkindness And Mercy! Vs. 4 I believe that all of us can say that the Lord has been better to us than we deserve. He has not rewarded us after our iniquities. I have never been good enough to go to heaven and never will be. I am going because He loved me and died for my sins! Never think that you are someone spiritually. It is all of God and it is all of Grace!

5. Thank God For His Provision! Vs. 5 The Lord has sure been good to me, even in the physical things of life. It is God that gives to you the very air that you breathe! Every good gift and every perfect gift! These things come from God. He gave you your health, your home, your job, your car, your food, your every blessing in life. All is made by God and given by God. We are the richest nation on earth and have far more than we deserve. No wonder people are swimming rivers and sneaking across the borders to come to this great land!

6. Thank God For His Divine Intervention In Our Lives! Vs. 6 I am so glad that my life is in the hands of One who can help. He protects and shields us from evil things. Yes, life is hard, but I look back over the last three years and know that my family and church could have been destroyed. We are here and well! We have trusted in the Lord and have not had to compromise one inch in either our integrity or our doctrine. God has brought us this far and He will take us all of the way home. December is just 3 weeks away and someone is going to find our just who God is! We can trust Him!

7. Thank God For His Longsuffering! Vs. 8-9 He sure has to put up with a lot when He puts up with me. I am not proud of it but it is a fact! Thank you, Lord, for being there with me and for me when I did not deserve it. You are gracious; you are merciful; you are longsuffering; and you are compassionate—and I love you for it!!

Conclusion: I believe that I have said enough for this morning and you probably “get it” by now. This Thanksgiving, as you enjoy the things of this life, give glory and honor and praise to the One who made it all possible!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Walking Worthy

Temple Baptist Church - 11-17-2010

Ephesians 4:1-6

Introduction:

A. As we begin the Practical portion of Ephesians, we are admonished to “walk worthy.” Worthy of the highest calling in the world: “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours.” (1 Corinthians 1:2)

B. Higher than the office of the President of the United States! Higher than the position of a King, Queen, Prince, Princess, or Monarch! Called to be saints! (Saints – pure, blameless, consecrated, or holy) People of integrity; people of honesty; people of holiness. What a calling; what a privilege; what an honor; what a responsibility. I am not a “fan” of Warren Wiersbe nor do I stand where he stands on a lot of issues but I will quote something that he wrote. Dr. Wiersbe gives this quote in his “Bible Exposition Commentary”:

“The Christian life is not based on ignorance but knowledge, and the better we understand Bible doctrines, the easier it is to obey Bible duties. When people say, ‘Don’t talk to me about doctrine -- just let me live my Christian life!’ they are revealing their ignorance of the way the Holy Spirit works in the life of a believer. ‘It makes no difference what you believe, just as long as you live right’ is a similar confession of ignorance. It does make a difference what you believe, because what you believe determines how you behave!”

C. We find in these verse that our walk of worthiness begins in our relationship with each other, not with the world. Paul emphasizes the importance of our relationship with each other and the church. Satan hates the church and does all that he can to destroy or hinder it. Satan has learned well to divide and conquer. If he can get us to be at odds with each other, he has done all that he needs to do. We will do the rest for him!

D. Here are the ways to keep peace and unity in God’s house.

1. By having a right perspective of self – vs. 2 “With all lowliness and meekness” Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Learning to put others first and to put self last. J – Jesus first O – Others second Y – You last. JOY!

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

2. By being merciful and gracious to others – vs. 2 “longsuffering, forbearing one another” Learning to overlook those things that offend us; forgive those who trepass against us; suffering long instead of being quick to anger. People have bad days, say and do bad things, and later hate it. A brother offended is hard to be won because he does not want to forgive.

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

3. By loving one another – vs. 2 “in love” I preached once on “Love’s Overlooking” from the Song of Solomon. When we love one another, we can overlook a lot of faults which all of us have. Many times marriages begin to fail when people see the faults of their mates instead of those attributes that attracted them in the first place.

1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

4. By keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace – vs. 3 “endeavouring” To work hard at it. A spiritual union: there is an union between God and his people; between Christ and his members; between saints and saints; and the bond of each union is love: that which knits and cements them together! The saints are united under one head, are members of one and the same body, of the same mind and judgment, and of one accord, heart, and affection.

Romans 14:17-19 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (18) For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. (19) Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

5. By keeping doctrinal purity in the church – vs. 4-6 “one” This is done by allowing the Bible to be your authority, the Holy Ghost and the pastor your teacher, and avoiding those who would undercut what you believer.

Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Why do men changed doctrine? They “serve…their own belly!” they let down the doctrines of the faith in order to bring more people in and to increase the offerings. What did God say to do? He said to mark them and to avoid them. Why did God command this? Because they will deceive the hearts of the simple! Not the mature in the Lord but those who are still babes in Christ.)

Conclusion: Why walking worthy within the local church? Because if we are right with God, right with the church, and right with each other—we will be right with the world!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Thy Way Is In The Sea

Temple Baptist Church - 11-14-2010

Psalm 77

Introduction:

A. As a general rule, when seas are mentioned in the Bible, they are places of hardship or difficulty. They are places that test our faith! In this particular Psalm, we find “hindsight’s 20/20” in operation. The Psalmist looks at the trial from start to finish. He started with faith; faith faltered; faith remembered; and God delivered!

1. We Find Confidence – vs. 1 “God Will!”

2. We Find Confusion – vs. 2 “God Hasn’t!”

3. We Find Complaining – vs. 3 “God Won’t!”

4. We Find Contemplation – vs. 4-9 “God has turned His back on me”

5. We Find Consideration – vs. 10-18 “God has been here and done it before”

6. We Find Confidence – vs. 19-20 “God will do it once more”

B. Seas in general are immense! The Red Sea, to Israel who had no boats or planes, was just such a sea. It was:

1. A Place Of Improbability – The path north was the easiest and quickest

2. A Place Of Impassability – The path south was one of entanglement by sea, mountains, or desert.

3. A Place of Impossibility – They could not go forward, they could not go backward, they could not stay put!

C. Life is hard at best. When I think of a sea, I think of:

1. Great Depths - The Mariana Trench is 36,201 feet deep (Mt. Everest—the highest mountain in the world stands only 29,029 ft. tall).

2. Immense Size - The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean. It covers 69,375,000 square miles.

3. Incredible Power – Currents that cannot be contained.

4. Sudden tempests – Storms of great magnitude.

5. Long Crossings – Thousands of miles on major oceans.

6. Physical Impossibilities – I cannot neither wade through nor them can I swim across them. I often go to the Atlantic and the possibility of my swimming across it never even crosses my mind. As a matter of fact, there are fish there that would love to have a piece of this fat preacher!

D. The Psalmist said, “Thy way is in the sea and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.” God often allows His children to come to hard places in their lives. Not paths chosen by us but paths allowed by Him. This verse tells me three things:

1. God’s Path Is Not Always Easy!

2. God’s Path Is Always Ahead Of Us!

3. God’s Path Is Not Always Visible!


1. God’s Sea is a Prepared Place – His Property! God created the seas and knows every part of it like the “back of His hand!” He made every mountain and every valley in the seas. I believe that God knows every trial that we will face in our lives. It is not that God creates sinfulness nor does He condone it, but I believe that God still controls it! It Is Not The Way Of Our Comprehending!

2. God’s Sea is a Providential Place – His Permission! God knew before He ever created the world that Israel would one day stand at that precise place because it was the “hand of God” that led them there. It was a place of God’s choosing. Every good General picks his place and time of battle. God chose the place of Israel’s crossing. So does God allow us to be brought to hard places in life in His providence! It Is Not The Way Of Our Comfort! It Is Often The Harder Way! It Is Often The Long Way! It Is Not The Way Of Our Choosing! It Is Often The Only Way! When you have no choice, you can make no wrong decision!

3. God’s Sea is a Powerful Place – His Parting! When I see the ocean, it never ceases to amaze me with its magnitude and its power! It goes beyond the horizon; it goes for thousands of miles; no power on earth can either tame it or stop it. It is controlled only by God! When we come to our sea—Seas Of Disappointment, Seas Of Discouragement, Seas Of Dire Circumstances, Seas Of Duration, Seas Of Doubt—they are seas where only God can show His might power!

4. God’s Sea Is A Protected Place – His Pillar! When Israel came to the impossible, impassable Red Sea and the enemy drew near to destroy, God placed Himself between the enemies of God’s people and the people of God. No matter how they hated Israel and Israel’s God, they could do nothing to draw any nearer than God would allow. He has put Satan and the enemies of God’s children on a leash! The most protected place is not always the easiest one. The most protected place is in the midst of the fire in the will of God.

5. God’s Sea Is A Purposed Place – His Plan! His purpose is to deliver the children of God! God does not purpose that we be destroyed and He will show up on time to deliver. When we get to the end of life and look back, we will see the hand of God in our lives. His purpose is to destroy the enemies of God! As God destroyed Israel; as God destroyed Haman; God will destroy those who oppose Him and refuse to get right. Egypt could have been spared if, at any time, they had turned around but God hardened their hearts and they continued until they perished. His purpose is to purify the saint and bring praise and glory to God! In the sea, God is still God! Just let God be God, trust Him with all that you have, and He will be glorified.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Doxology Of God’s Power

Temple Baptist Church - 11-10-2010

Ephesians 3:20-21

Introduction:

A. The first 3 chapters of Ephesians are Positional while the last 3 are Practical. As the Holy Ghost begins to prepare the Ephesian believers for both living a consistent Christian life and the spiritual warfare to come, He ends the Positional portion with a prayer and praise.

B. Paul has just finished a four-fold prayer for the believers at the Church of Ephesus:

1. A Prayer For Inner Strength That Comes Only Through God –vs. 16

2. A Prayer For Inner Faith That Comes Only Through Confidence In God – vs. 17a

3. A Prayer For Inner Knowledge Of The Love Of God That Comes Only Through Scripture And Personal Walk With The Lord – vs. 17b

a) The comprehension of the incomprehensible

b) The knowledge of the unknowable

c) The finite mind understanding to a degree the infinite God

4. A Prayer For The Fullness Of God – vs. 19b

C. Paul ends his prayer with worship in what we call a Doxology. A Doxology is a fervent utterance of praise. It speaks of God’s great Power, Ability, and Willingness to do in the life of the believer.

1. This Doxology Speaks Of The Greatness Of God’s Power – “Now unto him that is able to do”
a. God has all power in Heaven and Earth

1) No situation dismays Him - Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

2) No situation is beyond His resources - Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof.

3) No situation is out of His control - Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

b. God’s Power is often underestimated

1) Satan underestimated His power – - Isaiah 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (God could defeat a billion devils!)

2) The Unsaved underestimate His power – John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. (God could withstand any and all men!)

c. God’s Power is unlimited

1) Creation did not tax His power - Isaiah 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I [am] the LORD; and [there is] none else.

2) Satan could not withstand His power - Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

d. God’s Power is unleashable – We often fail to use His power because we are always working in our own! (Worketh in you)

2. This Doxology Speaks Of The Goodness Of God’s Power – “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think”

a. He can succor those that are tempted - Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

b. He can save those who come to Him - Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

c. He can subdue all of our fears - Psalms 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

d. He can supply all or our needs - Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

e. He can satisfy our every longing - Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

g. He can secure our future - Isaiah 42:6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

Conclusion:

1. This Doxology of Power should Humble Us – It is all of Him!

2. This Doxology of Power should Encourage Us – All is within our reach

3. This Doxology of Power should Challenge Us – This power works through us

4. This Doxology of Power should Instruct Us – To give all glory and praise to God


Sunday, November 7, 2010

How To Take Care Of A Pastor

Temple Baptist Church - 11-7-2010

Philippians 4:10-19

Introduction:

A. Tonight will be one of the harder messages for God’s man to preach but it is an essential one. Not that it is a message that will be hard on you but that it will be one hard for me to preach. “How to take care of a Pastor.” I am not here to be a burden to the church. I am here to be a blessing!

B. The pastor is one of the two gifts given to the local church. The other is the evangelist which I believe means the missionary. The work “evangelist” means to “bring good news or to declare glad tidings.” We have men who are called evangelists who are actually missionaries to the local churches. These are men who come to preach to and help local pastors and churches through the ministry of preaching. The pastor is to do the work of an evangelist

C. The pastor belongs to the people of the local church and is to be taken care of by them. I have nothing but respect of men of God who pastor and work jobs when the church is not big enough to support them fully. I have worked and am willing to go back to work if the case arises. When the local church is able to support a full time pastor, I believe there is a twofold responsibility:

1. It is their responsibility to take care of the pastor’s family.

2. It is the responsibility of the pastor to give his life for the church.

D. There are several things that the pastor needs from his people. I will give a few of them tonight.

1. Learn to love the man of God and his family. Galatians 4:14-16 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. (15) Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. (16) Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? (God gives you pastors after His own heart. These men of God become a part of your family and your life. One of the greatest things you can do is to love the man of God, his wife, and his children. What a shame it is when people fall out with their pastor. He is your friend! His family is not perfect but neither is yours. Just love him!)

Psalms 55:12-14 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: (13) But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. (14) We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. (What a shame when people who once walked with their pastor now have turned against him.)

2. Learn to pray for the man of God and his family. Romans 15:30-32 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; (As God’s man faithfully prays for your family, pray for his. Paul said to “strive” in prayer for God’s man. That means to pray hard! Smite the shepherd and the sheep will scatter. Satan hates God’s men and will attack them and their families in any way he can. Learn to lift my family up in prayer! As goes the pastor, so goes the church as a general rule.)

1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brethren, pray for us!

Ephesians 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (19) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (20) For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Philippians 1:19-20 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (20) According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

Colossians 4:3-4 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: (4) That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: (2) And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

Philemon 1:22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

3. Learn to meet the needs of the man of God and his family. 1 Corinthians 9:7-14 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? (8) Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? (9) For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? (10) Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (11) If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? (12) If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. (13) Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? (14) Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. (The pastor’s family depends upon the local church for their living. The pastor is full time and draws no other income. The pastor does not get the opportunity to work overtime and bring in a little extra in hard times. He depends upon you! There are two kinds of churches: those who look at the "books" and say, “We can't afford to…" and those who look at the BOOK and say, “We can't afford not to…!" Watch for special needs or hardships. Consider the economy with rising or falling prices. Remember when and how often there is a raise in salary. I am not preaching for money tonight! I am preaching for your benefit tonight! I have found out that God will take care of His man through outside sources when God’s people fail to be responsible. God will bless the church that blesses the pastor’s family.)

4. Learn to protect God’s man and his family. 1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. (Refuse to start gossip; refuse to hear gossip; and refuse to spread gossip! Stand up for God’s man! If someone is trying to hurt him or his family, rebuke them and have no fellowship with them. I will not allow anyone to talk about you and your family. You are mine and I love you. Learn to shut up talk and learn to stand up and fight when the time comes. I have seen good churches ruined by a few people while the majority remained uninvolved. There is a time to fight; there is a time for war.)

5. Learn to stay with God’s man! 2 Timothy 4:9-11 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: (10) For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. (11) Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. (Stay with God’s man. He will stay with you! Through thick and thin; in good times and bad times; learn to encourage him. Most preachers leave their churches because of discouragement. Not because of money. A good definition of a friend is this: Someone who walks in when the whole world walks out.)
Conclusion: You may have many preachers but not many pastors. Take care of them and God will take care of you!

The Joy Of The Lord

Temple Baptist Church - 11-7-2010

Nehemiah 8:10

Introduction:

A. I am contemplating making this verse my life verse! “Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet!” This verse is a Baptist preacher’s dream. We often quote the last part of the verse without taking it in its proper context. J Smile, God loves you!

B. One thing that I find strangely missing among the people of God is that of joy! We are to be enjoying the things of God. Yes, I know that we have problems but thank God, one day, troubles and sorrows will all end and we have an eternity to enjoy the “riches of his grace!” Our sinfulness and, too often, our situations rob us of the joy of the Lord.

C. Believers endure church, the tithe, the brethren, and the Christian lifestyle! We should enjoy the Lord, the Book, the brethren, the church, the tithe, the preaching, and the life! Many lose the freshness of their salvation; the first love of the Saviour; and the excitement of their service.

D. Joy is important to the child of God.

1. The Place of Joy – Vs. 1 “the water gate” The place of assembly! The place of preaching and teaching! What a wonderful Bible we have and what a marvelous privilege to be able to hear its preaching.

2. The People of Joy – Vs. 1-7 “all the people…as one man” Unity in fellowship. How sweet to gather with the people of God. You are my family; you are my friends!

3. The Preaching of Joy – Vs. 8 “read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading” It was read distinctly! It was explained explicitly! It was understood universally!

4. The Purpose of Joy – Vs. 9-14 holiness…strength” A holy, happy people is the result of Christian joy.

5. The Publishing of Joy – Vs. 15 “publish…proclaim” Joy causes the world to both see and seek what the child of God has. Yes, we have problems and sorrows but we also have hope.

E. What joy does:

1. Joy changes Duty into Delight! 1 Thessalonians 2:18-20 (18) Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. (19) For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? (20) For ye are our glory and joy. (Is it drudgery or a delight to live for God? Is it a duty or is it a desire to live for God?)

2. Joy changes Persecution into Privilege! Acts 5:40-42 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (41) And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

3. Joy changes Burdens into Blessings! Philippians 1:12-14 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; (13) So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; (14) And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

4. Joy changes Trials into Triumphs! James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

WHERE THE CHRISTIAN FINDS HIS JOY

1. Christian Joy Is Found In Salvation - Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

2. Christian Joy Is Found In Hope - Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

3. Christian Joy Is Found In God’s Word - Nehemiah 8:12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

4. Christian Joy Is Found In Church - Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

a. The Joy Of Singing - Psalms 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

b. The Joy Of Praise - Psalms 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

5. Christian Joy Is Found In A Finished Course - Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

6. Christian Joy Is Found In The Saviour - 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

7. Christian Joy Is Found In Eternal Things - Psalms 16:8-11 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,