The Millennial Psalm

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-21-2026

Psalm 47

 

Introduction:

A.  The reason for my naming this psalm “The Millennial Psalm” is that it continually references a future event, not something that has already been or now is. 

 

1.  In the beginning, God established the truth of six literal days of creation.  Found in two texts: Genesis chapters 2-3 with the terminology “the evening and the morning” in each of the six consecutive days of creation and His rest from His work on the seventh. 

 

Exodus 20:11  For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

 

2.  These seven days were an analogy to the seven millenniums of time before the end of times as we know it. 

 

2 Peter 3:7-8  But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.  (8)  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

 

3.  It was a period of four days or four thousand years (four days in God’s economy) from the creation to Christ, two thousand years from Christ to the end time the Church Age ended by the Rapture of the Church (two days in God’s economy),  and one thousand years (one day in God’s economy) consisting of Jacob’s Trouble, also known as The Tribulation Period and Millennium.

 

4.  Eschatology is the study of last things.  J. Dwight Pentecost wrote a book on eschatology titled “Things To Come.”

 

B.  There are two distinct possibilities, both times of peace and prosperity, with the former being the 1,000-year reign of Christ and the latter being eternal, mentioned in the Book of Isaiah.  I will give you both, but the Millennial Reign of Christ is probably the one mentioned in this psalm.

 

1.  God’s Millennial Reign - Isaiah 11:1-10  And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:  (2)  And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;  (3)  And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:  (4)  But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.  (5)  And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.  (6)  The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.  (7)  And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.  (8)  And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.  (9)  They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.  (10)  And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

 

2.  God’s Eternal Reign - Isaiah 65:17-25  For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.  (18)  But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.  (19)  And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.  (20)  There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.  (21)  And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.  (22)  They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.  (23)  They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.  (24)  And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.  (25)  The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

 

C.  Both occur after the Second Coming of Christ, which takes place in Revelation chapter 19.

 

D.  In this psalm, we see the joy and anticipation of the people of Israel as they have been the most hated people on earth over the millennia.   Today, many of the Orthodox Jews go to the Wailing Wall and pray for the coming of the Messiah.  

 

E.  Psalm 47 emphasizes a timeless truth, "For God is the King of all the earth" (Psalm 47:7), that will be glorious for both the Nation of Israel and all the kingdoms of the earth.

 

F. The time of this writing took place approximately 3,000 to 3,500 years ago, when Israel was in the beginning stages of spiritual and physical decline after the rule of David and Solomon. 

 

G.  Now, let us break down the Psalm verse by verse.

 

1.  The introduction of the psalm: “To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.”

 

a.  "To the chief Musician" indicates that the psalm was given to the leader of music in Israel's worship, likely the director of the temple choir and orchestra. It was intended to be sung publicly in worship, not merely read privately.  Much like our congregational singing out of our hymnal with musical accompaniment, songs with a message.

 

1)  The psalm was part of Israel's corporate worship.

 

2)  The Psalm was meant to be performed with musical accompaniment.

 

3)  The Psalm carried an important message for the congregation.

 

b.  "A Psalm" - The Hebrew word mizmor refers to a song sung with instrumental accompaniment, especially stringed instruments. Psalm 47 is therefore a song of praise and celebration.

 

c. "For the sons of Korah" - The "sons of Korah" were a family of Levites who served as temple singers and gatekeepers.  Korah was the man who led a rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16) and was judged by God. However, his descendants were spared (Numbers 26:11) and later became devoted servants in temple worship.  The Sons of Korah were known for composing several psalms, including Psalms 42–49, 84, 85, 87, and 88.

 

2.  Verse 1.  God’s Praise.  “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”  Here we find enthusiasm!  “Clap … shout!”  Not because of our personal situations of sorrow and defeat, but with joy and excitement!

 

3.  Verse 2.  God’s Position.  “For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.”  He is great in His power, lofty in His dominion, eminent in His wisdom, and elevated in His glory.  There is none like Him!

 

4.  Verse 3.  God’s Power.  “He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.”  Power to protect and elevate the Nation of Israel, as no weapon formed against them shall prosper! 

 

5.  Verse 4.  God’s Prerogative.  “He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.”  Israel, God’s glory!  Israel, the apple of God’s eye!  Israel, God’s chosen!

 

6.  Verse 5.  God’s Promise.  “God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.”  One day He is coming, and we will be leaving with Him.  Oh, glorious day!

 

7.  Verse 6.  God’s People.  “Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.”  He is Israel’s King but also ours!  On white horses, we shall be like Him and come back with Him. 

 

8.  Verse 7.  God’s Performance.  “For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.”  Praise Him for His creation!  He created it; He owns it; and He sustains it!  God is in perfect control of all things.

 

9.  Verse 8.  God’s Perfection.  “God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.”  On that day, the unruly nations of earth will submit to God’s rule, which will be a rule of righteousness and equity!

 

10.  Verse 9.  God’s Purpose.  “The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.”  God’s redemptive purpose is to return His once perfect creation to its former glory for all eternity.  What a day that will be!

Father’s Day – 2026 - Give Me a Man to Fight

Temple Baptist Church - 6-21-2026

1 Samuel 17:1-11

 

A.  First, let me say “Happy Father’s Day” to all the fathers both here and watching on live video.  God bless each of you!

 

B.  I chose the story of David and Goliath this morning because it conveys a truth for all of us fathers and men in general.  I chose this story because Goliath walked that valley for 40 days (morning and evening, 80 times) looking for one man )not a multitude, just one) to fight and, in the entire army of Saul, who were shouting for the battle, found none!  A whole lot of shouting but no battling going on.  Anybody can shout, but not many will fight!

 

1 Samuel 17:20  And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

 

1 Samuel 17:24  And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.

 

1.  Young David, in his mid to late teens (he was too young to go to war, and Goliath despised his youth), asked a very important question.  1 Samuel 17:29  And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

 

Not fighting for nothing, but for something worth dying for.  That was the reason for the entire story, as the Philistines had invaded Israel and threatened their destruction.  Their land, families, and the welfare of their nation.

 

2.  David then chose 5 smooth stones and did what no other warrior would do: he killed a giant named Goliath. 

 

3.  Goliath got what he asked for: a man!  Goliath got more than he bargained for!  This shows us that God can use young men as well as older ones.  A man is not an age; it is a heart that will fight and die for a right cause.

 

C.  We live in a day prophesied in Isaiah chapter 4.  Today, there are fewer and fewer good men or women (the ladies will get a pass this morning).  Because of this, the family unit has failed our children.

 

Isaiah 4:1  And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

 

D.  Notice that Isaiah did not say 7 men would be looking for one good woman!  I cannot overstate the importance of the father in the home or local church.  Men, these women cannot take our place in either!

 

E.  Gentlemen, look around you at all the young people here this morning.  We have a cause!

 

F.  God is still looking for good men!  I want to be that man in our family!  Now for the question:  “What kind of man was God looking for?”  A young man not afraid to die for a cause!  In chapter 16, God chose the youngest of all the brothers because He saw something neither Samuel nor Jesse saw: He used a 16-year-old boy who was the only man available and willing.  Age doesn’t disqualify a man on either side of the spectrum, young or old!

 

G.  This morning, God is looking for:

 

1.  God is looking for Godly Men.  Men who match a godly life with a profession of faith.

 

2.  God is looking for Praying Men.  Men who are neither afraid nor ashamed to pray.

 

3.  God is looking for Faithful Men.  Men who are steadfast in both family and church.

 

4.  God is looking for Following Men.  Men who are only followers of men as they follow Christ.

 

5.  God is looking for Serving Men.  Men who are not only available but active in the work of the Lord.

 

6.  God is looking for Surrendered Men.  Men who are looking for ways to serve rather than being asked.

 

7.  God is looking for Watching Men. Men who protect their homes from the world.

 

8.  God is looking for Guiding Men.  Men who mentor the next generation.

 

9.  God is looking for Mighty Men.   Men who are not afraid of spiritual conflict.

 

10.  God is looking for Fearless Men.  Men who are not afraid to face a giant.

Baptized for the Dead

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-17-2026

1 Corinthians 15:29-32

 

Introduction:

A.  My reason for explaining “baptized for the dead.”  

 

1.  Because of the heresy taught here by the Mormon Church.

 

a)  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) is considered by many Bible-believing Christians to be a cult because it departs from the fundamental doctrines of historic Christianity.

 

1)  While it uses the King James Bible, it also accepts the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as inspired scripture.

 

2)  Furthermore, the teachings of Joseph Smith and subsequent LDS prophets are regarded as authoritative, resulting in doctrines that often differ from and, in practice, take precedence over the plain teaching of Scripture.

 

b)  There is much heresy concerning the verse that I have just read. 

 

1)  The Mormons teach that a “believer” (I certainly use that term loosely in this instance) can go to Salt Lake City, Utah, and be baptized in the place of a non-Mormon who has died. 

 

2)  The view that deceased human beings can hear and receive the gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit world and, through proxy baptism performed for them on earth, have another opportunity to accept Mormon baptism and obtain eternal life with God.

 

2.  Because of its relevance to biblical Christianity in our day.  Paul is writing to a local church in the New Testament!  As one of the Church Epistles, Paul's letter also addresses us.

 

3.  Because of the ignorance of pulpits that deem this one of the hardest verses to explain, they dodge it.  I believe that this verse has GREAT importance.

 

B.  Now, for a short explanation of what “baptized for the dead” does not mean.  It cannot mean that living people can be baptized on behalf of dead people for their salvation because:

 

1.  Salvation is by personal faith in Christ, not by someone else's baptism.

 

Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 

Romans 10:9-13  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10)  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (11)  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  (12)  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  (13)  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

2.  Baptism follows personal belief, not precedes it.

 

Acts 2:41  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

 

Acts 8:36-38  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?  (37)  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  (38)  And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

 

3.  Scripture teaches that one's eternal state is fixed at death.

 

Luke 16:19-23  There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:  (20)  And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,  (21)  And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.  (22)  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;  (23)  And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

 

2 Corinthians 5:8  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

 

Hebrews 9:27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

 

4.  There is no command or example elsewhere in Scripture of Christians being baptized for deceased people.

 

C.  Paul was speaking of replacements! 

 

1.  A prime example:  when I was out of college in the ’60s, I suddenly became 1-A, or prime for the draft, as Vietnam was hot and replacement troops were being called up in record numbers.  This is called replacement recruitment!

 

2.  As these men of God historically died, He was replacing them through biblical recruitment.  Men were being saved and then baptized, making them eligible for enlistment rather than the required draft. 

 

3.  Paul did not take time to give further explanation because the believers at Corinth fully understood what he said.

 

a)  They understood because they were Greeks.  Corinth was a Greek city-state!  They were familiar with the Macedonian phalanx, the famous infantry formation used by Alexander the Great and developed by his father, Philip II of Macedon.

 

b)  Were soldiers marched forward in closed ranks with the first rank holding shields in front of the formation, with the soldier behind the first rank thrusting his spear between the shields.  When one of the men of these first two ranks fell in battle, the next soldier in line stepped forward to hold the shield or thrust with the spear.

 

4.  The Bible speaks of men stepping forward to fill the gaps and make up the hedges in the Old Testament.  Thus, the meaning of being “Baptized for the dead.”  To fill the gaps or make up for the holes in the hedges made by the nature of physical death to those preceding them.

 

5.  God has always had His voice heard by each generation.  These men are volunteers.

 

Isaiah 6:8  Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

 

D.  Thus, we find the only prayer request our Lord made before His death. 

 

Matthew 9:37-38  Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;  (38)  Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

 

E. Possibly the best example of being “baptized for the dead” is young Timothy.

 

1.  Timothy’s father was Greek, and nothing else was mentioned about him.  His mother was a Jewess who believed, but his father was a Greek who evidently did not.

 

Acts 16:1  Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

 

2.  Timothy was raised by a godly mother and grandmother. 

 

2 Timothy 1:3-6  I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;  (4)  Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;  (5)  When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.  (6)  Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

 

3.  Timothy’s mentor and spiritual hero was the Apostle Paul. 

 

2 Timothy 3:10-17  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,  (11)  Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.  (12)  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  (13)  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  (14)  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;  (15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  (16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

 

4.  Timothy followed in the footsteps of Paul. 

 

2 Timothy 4:1-2  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  (2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

F.  Why did Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, not give further explanation?  Because the Corinthian believers knew exactly what he was saying, and no further explanation was necessary!

 

G.  There are three distinct factors in verse 29 that lend to its biblical interpretation.

 

1.  Factor One:  Baptism is IDENTIFICATION, not SALVATION!  Many teach the false doctrine of baptismal regeneration, thus making baptism a work of grace and essential to the believer's salvation.  I do not think that this requires a biblical study on the Doctrines of Baptism at this time.  Grace through faith alone saves, while baptism is identification with the Gospel: buried in the likeness of His death and raised to walk in newness of life.

 

 

2.  Factor Two:  The Word For Used In This Verse.  The word “for” here means “on behalf of” or “in the place of.”  These believers were baptized in identification with Christ and in the place of those who had died.  This translation made good sense to the Greeks because of its cultural meaning.

 

As God’s people are dying, God is saving and raising up others to take their place in the forefront of the battle.

 

3.  Factor Three:  The Contextual Interpretation Of The Verse.  (I want to use a verse from Hebrews 11 to illustrate this point.)

 

Hebrews 11:35  Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

 

There Is The Context Of Death – “receiving their dead” - God’s people have died for the faith once delivered!  It’s a battlefield, Brother, not a recreation room!  Not that these women saw their loved ones come Alive again, but that those who would follow them would suffer as they had. 

 

Conclusion:  Why would people suffer and die for Christ if there is no resurrection? Having seen others die for Christ, do you think that I would suffer according to their example if I didn't believe in the resurrection?  Paul was convinced of the reality of our future life. This is what made it possible for him to give his present life for Christ.  Without his confidence in Christ's promise of resurrection, Paul would not have allowed himself to suffer. We must ask ourselves, "Are we convinced of the resurrection, and our future life in heaven with Christ?" If the answer is yes, we ought to be willing to suffer for Christ during this life, following the examples of the saints who went before us. Paul exhorts us to be willing to take up the shield of those who have been persecuted for Christ's sake, remembering the rewards that await those who love him.

Praise Ye The LORD - Praising the LORD for His Faithfulness

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-14-2026

Psalm 146

A.  Tonight, we will look at the first of a set of the last five Psalms, often referred to as the “Hallelujah Psalms.”  Hallelujah, though not found in the Old Testament, is the underlying word for the phrase “Praise ye the LORD,” which occurs 25 times in the Old Testament.  The word “Alleluia,” found in the New Testament four times, all in the Book of Revelation.  Alleluia is the Greek form meaning "to celebrate" or "to praise" Jah or Jehovah.

 

B.  The final five psalms (146–150) each begin and end with “Praise ye the LORD.”  The psalms call the believer to praise the Lord because He alone is worthy of our praise.

 

C.  These psalms serve as the grand doxology of the entire Book of Psalms. After the cries of lament, prayers for deliverance, wisdom teachings, and songs of thanksgiving found throughout the Psalter, the book concludes with an escalating call to praise God.

 

D.  With this short introduction, we will explore these psalms individually because, though alike, they are all different.

 

1.  Verse 1-2.  The People to Praise the LORD. 

Psalms 146:1-2  Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.  (2)  While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

a.  “Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.” Every child of God should be prayerfully thankful in their hearts!  This admonition to praise is not meant for you.  It is meant for me.  The gratefulness of my heart for the things that God has done for me, to me, and through me.  The same goes for each of you.  Grateful is thankful, and thankful is thinkful!  Learn to count your many blessings and remember what God has done.

 

b.  While I live I will praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.”  Praise should be continual.  While I live speaks of every instance, every circumstance, all the time, as long as we live!  A lifelong commitment for as long as we have our “being.”  Physically and mentally here!

c.  Singing along our way in life.  Making melody in our hearts. 

Ephesians 5:19-20  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  (20)  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

2.  Verses 3-6.  The Person of our Praise. 

Psalms 146:3-7  Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.  (4)  His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.  (5)  Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:  (6)  Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:  (7)  Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

a.  Verses 3-4.  Putting no Trust in Men.  Human leaders may possess authority (which is to be respected and biblically obeyed), influence, and power, but they cannot solve all your problems nor earn your spiritual praise.  They can do and produce good as they are ordained of God, but kings die, governments pass away, and leaders fail!

 

b.  Verses 5-6)  “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God.”  Only God remains unchanged!  God is our Help!  God is our Hope!

 

c.  God in our Confidence!  God is all-powerful.  “Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is.”

 

3.  Verses 7-9.  The Performance of our Praise.

Psalms 146:7-9  Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:  (8)  The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:  (9)  The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.

a. He defends the oppressed.  “Which executeth judgment for the oppressed.” God sees injustice and will ultimately make all things right.

 

b.  He provides for the needy.  “Which giveth food to the hungry.”  Every meal should be preceded with a prayer of thankfulness as they remind us of God’s provision.

 

c.  He delivers the captives.  “The LORD looseth the prisoners.”  God is able to free men physically and spiritually.

 

d.  He gives sight to the blinded.  “The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind.”  Often men get blinded by the things of the world for a while, but God, through His holy Word and the Holy Spirit, opens our spiritual eyes.

 

e.  He lifts up the fallen.  “The LORD raiseth them that are bowed down.”  God specializes in restoring broken people.

 

f.  He loves the righteous.  “The LORD loveth the righteous.”  What encouragement for God’s people!

 

g.  He protects the weak.  “The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow.”  The very people society often overlooks receive God’s special care.

 

4.  Verse 10.  The Permanence of our Paise.  “The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.”  God’s reign is eternal!  Earthly kingdoms rise and fall; empires have come and gone (Egypt, Babylon, Greece, Rome), but God’s praise should have no end!

 

5.  The psalm closes where it began:  “Praise ye the LORD.”

Christ: The Head of the Church

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-14-2026

Matthew 16:13-23
 

Introduction:

A. While preaching a series on the local church, I feel the need to deal with the Church, the Body of Christ. Many preachers deny that doctrine while defaming those of us who believe it. While they defame us, they have no answers to specific Bible verses dealing with Christ’s Church.

 

B. In the context of my message for this morning, we find the proper identification of the Christ, the “Rock” upon which the church is built. “Thou art Peter (Petros - a little piece of rock), and upon this “rock” (petra – bedrock, a massive rock) I will build my church.” The foundation of the Church is not the confession of Peter, but the Person of Christ. Peter fully understood what Christ said to him and recorded it in 1 Peter.

 

1 Peter 2:4-6 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, (5) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (6) Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

 

1 Corinthians 3:9-11 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. (10) According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. (11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

 

C. What the Church is not. (I am speaking of the Body of Christ)

 

1. The Church is not man-made but is divinely given.

 

2. The Church is not Christendom in general. It is not universal: the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. It is the totality of the saved in this dispensation; every born-again believer makes up the entirety of the Church.

 

D. Exactly what is the Church? There is much confusion and contention concerning what the Church is or is not. God is certainly not the Author of confusion, and the Word of God is clear concerning the Church and its meaning. The word "church " in the New Testament has a dual meaning, with context differentiating between the two.

 

1. The Holy Spirit baptizes the believer into the Body, the Church. The word “Spirit” is capitalized, referring to the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

 

2. A glorious church is not the local church as it contains both saved and lost at times. To name a few: Diotrephes, Hymenaeus, Alexander the Coppersmith, etc. Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

 

3. In the local church, we have Jew and Gentile, bond and free, male and female. In the Body of Christ, also called the Church, we are all equal. Galatians 3:26-29 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (29) And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

 

Church defined - ἐκκλησία ekklēsia ek-klay-see'-ah From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, relative to a specific time and place.

 

1. The Church, the “Body of Christ,” is made up of every born-again believer in this dispensation. The “Body of Christ” is not the local church! The collective body of believers, or of those who have turned to Christ in repentance and faith, makes up the Body of Christ.

 

2. The Church, the Body of Christ, will be called out at the right time to the right place. The Body of Christ belongs to Him!

 

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. (13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

 

a) The right time for our assembly. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17a For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air…

 

b) The right place of our assembly. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

 

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

 

c) The right reason for our assembly. Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

 

E. Having seen what the Church is not and what the Church is, let us return to our text and see what Christ Himself says concerning His Church.

 

1. The Church is built upon Christ. “Upon this rock” The Rock that cannot be moved!

 

1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

 

Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

 

1 Peter 2:6-8 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

 

2. The Church is built by Christ ("I will build"). It is Christ who died for and saves us! Salvation is an act of God that takes place when the believer comes to God in repentance and faith.

 

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

 

1 Corinthians 3:5-9 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

 

Acts 2:6-7 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

 

Psalms 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it:

 

3. The Church belongs to Christ ("I will build my church"). As the Body of Christ belongs to Christ, so does the local church. The local church is not mine, nor is it yours. It is a place to be respected and cherished.

 

Mark 12:10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

 

Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

 

Ephesians 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

 

Colossians 1:17-18 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

 

4. The Church is loved by Christ (“my church”). Christ loves the Church, His Body, and also what we are doing here this morning!

 

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

 

1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

 

5. The Church is not merely something Christ owns and loves; it is also something Christ uses. ("And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven..."). The dispensation of the Gospel has been given to both the believer and the local church.

 

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: (4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.