Temple Baptist Church - 11-30-2008
Romans 11:1-6
Introduction:
A. I have been preaching on conversions for the past few weeks and, considering the pictures of biblical salvations found in the Bible, not many are now being truly saved. We have a lot of professions but little actual salvations. This is truly “Noe’s Day!”
B. Why a remnant? Verse 5 says, “even at this present time.” That was two thousand years ago. Only a few were being saved then! I want to look at this thought this morning, “Why a remnant?”
Why A Remnant? Negatively Speaking!
1. There is only a remnant because the Apostasy is now in “full bloom.” There have always been liberals, but now the so-called fundamental preachers have capitulated. Now it is sheer numbers that motivate men in the pulpits of America. There was a slogan once used that said, “Win the lost at any cost.” The cost has been great. Churches have let down all standards of holiness with the introduction of “Life Style Evangelism.” The slogan now is “Come as your, do as you please, leave as you came, drop your tithe in the offering plate on your way out.” In the fifties, the push was Sunday School and baptisms. What a wonderful thing to fill our Sunday Schools with the lost, but, unfortunately, they graduated from class to class and then from Sunday School to Church Membership through the baptistery.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2. There is only a remnant because Biblical Christianity is now almost impossible to find. 2 Timothy gives the description of the end time “professor.” The Church acts and looks like the world. Where is 2 Corinthians 5:17 in today’s professing Christian? From Lot to Laodicea!
2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
3. There is only a remnant because Ecumenism has become the rule of the day. The liberal has always tried to join hands with the Bible believer. Even in Nehemiah’s day, they told God’s man to come down off the wall and fellowship for a while. Today, it is the fundamental (so-called) preacher that is now taking the initiative. It is politically correct not to mention doctrinal difference or to be “judgmental” towards others who deny the Bible, err from the faith, teach another way of salvation, accept into its ranks the “Great Whore” of the Revelation. My Bible still teaches separation.
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? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 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. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
4. But, Thank God there is still a remnant!
Romans 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Why A Remnant? Positively Speaking!
1. Because There Are Still Some Men Preaching Righteousness (Noah preached an 120 years with little results, but he continued to preach) - 2 Peter 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
Amos 8:11-12 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.
Romans 2:3-11 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.
2. Because There Are Still Some Churches Standing In The “Old Paths” - Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Jeremiah 7:23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.
Isaiah 2:5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.
3. Because There Are Still Some People Saved And Kept By Grace Alone - Romans 11:5-6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Romans 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9 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.
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath 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,
1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
John 10:28-29 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
4. Because There Are Still Some Sinners Seeking and Finding Truth - Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
5. Because There Is Still A God In Heaven Who Seeks And Saves That Which Is Lost - Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Romans 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
1 John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
6. Because There Are Still Some Laborers In The Harvest - Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. (There are still a few soul winners. Thank God!)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Pastor’s Life
Temple Baptist Church - 11-26-2008
2 Corinthians 12:11-21
Introduction:
A. In his dealings with the most carnal church mentioned in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul is portrayed as a caring and loving pastor. We live in a day where churches have preachers, not pastors. Though the pastor is to be a preacher, a preacher is not necessarily a pastor.
B. The pastor is a gift from God to the local church. A Pastor is God Called not Momma or Daddy Enlisted - Acts 22:13-15 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
C. Many of the pastors who fill the pulpits as well as the preachers that cross our land are simply hireling prophets. They are in the ministry for what they can get and not for the glory of God and the edification of the saints. They love to be called “Reverend” and to be recognized as a “man of the cloth.” I personally refuse to be called “Reverend!” I am Pastor, Preacher, or Brother Dave.
D. In these verses that I have read tonight, we find once again the heart of this great man of God.
1. The Pastor’s Life
a. He is to be a Blessing and not a Burden – vs. 14 (Four times in this particular epistle[11:9; 12:33-16], Paul said that he had been a burden to the people. He had evidently been accused to it.)
b. His longing is the Brethren and not their Belongings – vs. 14
1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
c. His work is Desired and not a Dispensation – vs. 15
1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation [of the gospel] is committed unto me.
d. He gives both of his Possessions and his Person – vs. 15
2. The Pastor’s Love
a. His Love is a great Love – vs. 15
John 10:11-13 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.
b. His Love is not always a reciprocal Love – vs. 15
Galatians 4:15-16 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? (I have seen so many people turn against their pastors.)
c. His Love goes beyond the faults of the people – vs. 15 (The great apostle loved the Corinthian people in spite of all of their faults and failures. He bestowed much prayer and labor upon them and his time was well spent.)
3. The Pastor’s Longing
a. To be a Blessing to the People – vs. 16-17
2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].
b. To Edify the People – vs. 19
Ephesians 4:12-15 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 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; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
c. To keep Unity among the People – vs. 20
Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
d. To keep Purity in the Church – vs. 21
2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ.
2 Corinthians 12:11-21
Introduction:
A. In his dealings with the most carnal church mentioned in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul is portrayed as a caring and loving pastor. We live in a day where churches have preachers, not pastors. Though the pastor is to be a preacher, a preacher is not necessarily a pastor.
B. The pastor is a gift from God to the local church. A Pastor is God Called not Momma or Daddy Enlisted - Acts 22:13-15 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
C. Many of the pastors who fill the pulpits as well as the preachers that cross our land are simply hireling prophets. They are in the ministry for what they can get and not for the glory of God and the edification of the saints. They love to be called “Reverend” and to be recognized as a “man of the cloth.” I personally refuse to be called “Reverend!” I am Pastor, Preacher, or Brother Dave.
D. In these verses that I have read tonight, we find once again the heart of this great man of God.
1. The Pastor’s Life
a. He is to be a Blessing and not a Burden – vs. 14 (Four times in this particular epistle[11:9; 12:33-16], Paul said that he had been a burden to the people. He had evidently been accused to it.)
b. His longing is the Brethren and not their Belongings – vs. 14
1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
c. His work is Desired and not a Dispensation – vs. 15
1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation [of the gospel] is committed unto me.
d. He gives both of his Possessions and his Person – vs. 15
2. The Pastor’s Love
a. His Love is a great Love – vs. 15
John 10:11-13 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.
b. His Love is not always a reciprocal Love – vs. 15
Galatians 4:15-16 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? (I have seen so many people turn against their pastors.)
c. His Love goes beyond the faults of the people – vs. 15 (The great apostle loved the Corinthian people in spite of all of their faults and failures. He bestowed much prayer and labor upon them and his time was well spent.)
3. The Pastor’s Longing
a. To be a Blessing to the People – vs. 16-17
2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].
b. To Edify the People – vs. 19
Ephesians 4:12-15 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 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; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
c. To keep Unity among the People – vs. 20
Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
d. To keep Purity in the Church – vs. 21
2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Giving Thanks
Temple Baptist Church - 11-23-2008
Psalm 103:1-22
Introduction:
A. Across our country there is a spirit of ingratitude, high mindedness, and outright idolatry. It masquerades itself as a form of godliness but denies the power thereof. People are prone to complain and look at the bad side of everything. They complain about America and yet live in freedom. They complain about prices and yet have the money to buy. They complain about the government and yet do not vote.
B. As we approach everyday (not just Thanksgiving Day) as dear children of God let each of us remember to give thanks. You and I cannot breathe our next breath without our God and Creator giving us the strength to do so. We need to remember that without Him, we can do nothing, therefore, we are to be grateful.
C. There will be nothing new this morning for we are to be thankful for everything everyday.
Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Psalms 95:1-3 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
1. Thank God Publicly - Psalms 35:18 I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.
2. Thank God Privately - Psalms 119:62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
PSALM 103
1. Thank God For Your Salvation - Colossians 1:12-15 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (If you are saved this morning, you are in the vast minority of people in this world. Heaven instead of Hell! Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!)
2. Thank God For Your Physical Health - Philippians 2:25-27 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. (Doctors do what they can and God has given to them great knowledge but all healing comes from the Lord! If you are healthy and feel well, you had better be thankful! Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!)
3. Thank God For A Change of Life - Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Romans 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Thank God For His Bountiful Provision - 2 Corinthians 9:11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. (There is food on my table, shoes on my feet, a roof over my head, and gas in my van. Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!)
1 Timothy 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5. Thank God For His Everlasting Mercy - Psalms 118:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. (God has been a lot better to me than I have been to Him! God has been a lot better to me than I have deserved! Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!)
Psalms 103:10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Romans 4:8 Blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
6. Thank God For His Providential Care - Psalms 79:13 So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations. (The Lord has guided my steps beside the still waters and into the green pastures where He restores my soul. My steps are ordered, my path is lit, and my steps are sure. Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!)
7. Thank God For An Eternal Hope - Psalms 30:12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. (All of this and Heaven too! One day just like today, it may be today, I will be finally home! Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!)
Conclusion: Let us be a thankful people again this year. God has been both good and gracious to us for which I am truly thankful.
Psalm 103:1-22
Introduction:
A. Across our country there is a spirit of ingratitude, high mindedness, and outright idolatry. It masquerades itself as a form of godliness but denies the power thereof. People are prone to complain and look at the bad side of everything. They complain about America and yet live in freedom. They complain about prices and yet have the money to buy. They complain about the government and yet do not vote.
B. As we approach everyday (not just Thanksgiving Day) as dear children of God let each of us remember to give thanks. You and I cannot breathe our next breath without our God and Creator giving us the strength to do so. We need to remember that without Him, we can do nothing, therefore, we are to be grateful.
C. There will be nothing new this morning for we are to be thankful for everything everyday.
Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Psalms 95:1-3 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
1. Thank God Publicly - Psalms 35:18 I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.
2. Thank God Privately - Psalms 119:62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
PSALM 103
1. Thank God For Your Salvation - Colossians 1:12-15 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (If you are saved this morning, you are in the vast minority of people in this world. Heaven instead of Hell! Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!)
2. Thank God For Your Physical Health - Philippians 2:25-27 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. (Doctors do what they can and God has given to them great knowledge but all healing comes from the Lord! If you are healthy and feel well, you had better be thankful! Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!)
3. Thank God For A Change of Life - Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Romans 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Thank God For His Bountiful Provision - 2 Corinthians 9:11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. (There is food on my table, shoes on my feet, a roof over my head, and gas in my van. Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!)
1 Timothy 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5. Thank God For His Everlasting Mercy - Psalms 118:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. (God has been a lot better to me than I have been to Him! God has been a lot better to me than I have deserved! Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!)
Psalms 103:10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Romans 4:8 Blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
6. Thank God For His Providential Care - Psalms 79:13 So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations. (The Lord has guided my steps beside the still waters and into the green pastures where He restores my soul. My steps are ordered, my path is lit, and my steps are sure. Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!)
7. Thank God For An Eternal Hope - Psalms 30:12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. (All of this and Heaven too! One day just like today, it may be today, I will be finally home! Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!)
Conclusion: Let us be a thankful people again this year. God has been both good and gracious to us for which I am truly thankful.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Suffering Continued
Temple Baptist Church - 11-19-2008
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Introduction:
A. We have been dealing with suffering over the past few weeks in chapter 11. Chapter 12 is a continuation of chapter 11. Chapter 11 gives a listing of some of the sufferings of the Apostle Paul but chapter 12 gives detail concerning one in particular: the “thorn in the flesh.”
B. There has been much speculation concerning just what this “thorn” was.
1. Some say that it was a weakness in Paul’s eyes. They use these verses:
Galatians 4:15 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.
Galatians 6:11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. (They say that this implicates that his writing was in large letters because he could not see.)
2. Some say that it was the memory of his persecution of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church.
1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
3. I believe that this verse destroys this latter explanation:
Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
C. I do not believe that it was either of these. The Scripture plainly describes the nature of the “thorn” in verse 7. “A messenger to buffet me.” I do not pretend to understand this other than to say that, evidently, Paul had a satanic angel that personally attacked him with God’s permission. Once again, the secret things belong to the Lord so we will not speculate any further.
D. I want to look at this particular “suffering” for a few minutes tonight.
1. The Purpose Of Suffering – vs. 1 – “Lest” It was given to humble the great apostle. Sufferings bring about helplessness which brings about humility.
2. The Providence Of Suffering – “Given” “Every good gift and every perfect gift”
3. The Particulars Of Suffering – “thorn…messenger of Satan” Everyone’s “thorn” is different because it is tailor made for the individual.
4. The Pain Of Suffering – “buffet” There was nothing pleasurable about the actual suffering as it was painful.
5. The Prayer Of Suffering – “besought” This is not a lack of faith but a prayer of faith.
6. The Persistency Of Suffering – “thrice” Suffering is not always short lived in spite of our faith praying.
7. The Promise Of Suffering – “grace…strength” God does not promise an easy path, just help along the way.
8. The Perfecting Of Suffering – “perfect in weakness” Tribulation worketh patience; patience experience; experience hope:
9. The Patience Of Suffering – “most gladly therefore” Patience is accepting a hard situation with giving God a deadline to remove it.
10. The Power Of Suffering – “power of Christ” It takes the power of Christ to accept a difficult situation and remain constant in it.
11. The Pleasure Of Suffering – “Therefore I take pleasure” The pleasure is not the pain but the power!
Conclusion: I want to leave you with three verses to help us all in light of suffering. I, once again, am not real good at suffering sometimes but I always fall back on my faith in a wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
a. God Allows In Suffering - 2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things [are] for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
b. God Is There In Suffering - Hebrews 13:5 [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
c. God Is Sufficient In Suffering - 2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Introduction:
A. We have been dealing with suffering over the past few weeks in chapter 11. Chapter 12 is a continuation of chapter 11. Chapter 11 gives a listing of some of the sufferings of the Apostle Paul but chapter 12 gives detail concerning one in particular: the “thorn in the flesh.”
B. There has been much speculation concerning just what this “thorn” was.
1. Some say that it was a weakness in Paul’s eyes. They use these verses:
Galatians 4:15 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.
Galatians 6:11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. (They say that this implicates that his writing was in large letters because he could not see.)
2. Some say that it was the memory of his persecution of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church.
1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
3. I believe that this verse destroys this latter explanation:
Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
C. I do not believe that it was either of these. The Scripture plainly describes the nature of the “thorn” in verse 7. “A messenger to buffet me.” I do not pretend to understand this other than to say that, evidently, Paul had a satanic angel that personally attacked him with God’s permission. Once again, the secret things belong to the Lord so we will not speculate any further.
D. I want to look at this particular “suffering” for a few minutes tonight.
1. The Purpose Of Suffering – vs. 1 – “Lest” It was given to humble the great apostle. Sufferings bring about helplessness which brings about humility.
2. The Providence Of Suffering – “Given” “Every good gift and every perfect gift”
3. The Particulars Of Suffering – “thorn…messenger of Satan” Everyone’s “thorn” is different because it is tailor made for the individual.
4. The Pain Of Suffering – “buffet” There was nothing pleasurable about the actual suffering as it was painful.
5. The Prayer Of Suffering – “besought” This is not a lack of faith but a prayer of faith.
6. The Persistency Of Suffering – “thrice” Suffering is not always short lived in spite of our faith praying.
7. The Promise Of Suffering – “grace…strength” God does not promise an easy path, just help along the way.
8. The Perfecting Of Suffering – “perfect in weakness” Tribulation worketh patience; patience experience; experience hope:
9. The Patience Of Suffering – “most gladly therefore” Patience is accepting a hard situation with giving God a deadline to remove it.
10. The Power Of Suffering – “power of Christ” It takes the power of Christ to accept a difficult situation and remain constant in it.
11. The Pleasure Of Suffering – “Therefore I take pleasure” The pleasure is not the pain but the power!
Conclusion: I want to leave you with three verses to help us all in light of suffering. I, once again, am not real good at suffering sometimes but I always fall back on my faith in a wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
a. God Allows In Suffering - 2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things [are] for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
b. God Is There In Suffering - Hebrews 13:5 [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
c. God Is Sufficient In Suffering - 2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;
The Salvation Of A Dying Thief
Temple Baptist Church - 11-16-2008
Luke 23:32-43
Introduction:
A. Over the past few weeks, I have been looking at the salvation experiences of some well known Bible characters. These are different people with different backgrounds. These were different circumstances and yet their salvation experiences were all the same. One Saviour and one way to heaven!
B. A lot of people profess salvation today whose professions do not line up with the Scripture. The “god of this world” has certainly blinded the minds of those who believe not!
C. This morning I want to look at one of the most notable conversions found in the New Testament: that of a nameless, condemned thief. Here we find a true death bed profession. Most people who are dying are just too busy dying to trust Christ
D. I believe that some do truly get saved just before they die but, as a general rule, how you lived is how you die!
E. Here we find two thieves who were to die with Christ.
1. One Mocked Christ – vs. 39 He asked Christ to save them and still died lost. A prayer will not save the sinner. Salvation is a heart condition! This thief died unrepentant and lost. His prayer was to save “us.”
2. One Recognized Christ – vs. 40 This thief recognized who Christ was; recognized what he was; and asked for salvation. Vs. 41-42
F. What a bold request! “Lord, remember me!” He was a convicted thief with nothing to offer. He was condemned to death with no reprieve. Helpless, hopeless, he was now to die. He had lived his life for self and now requested salvation?
G. What a glorious reply! “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise!” Our Lord answered his request in the affirmative. I am so glad that we serve a merciful God who does not give us what we deserve. What a wonderful Lord and Saviour is Jesus Christ.
H. Notice that the grace of God extended was singular in number. “Thou.” Why did God save this particular thief?
1. He Saved Him Because He Loved Him! It matters not who you are or what you have done, God loves you. He is truly a Friend of publicans and sinners. He loves me, He loves, He loves me this I know! The Bible tells me so.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
2. He Saved Him Because He Was Dying For Him! I believe that we are too easy on the damnable doctrine of Calvinism. It is an affront to God Almighty! This doctrine makes God a selfish, unloving, respecter of persons! He is none of these. He is giving, loving, compassionate, and kind to all!
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.
1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
3. He Saved Him To Show The Way Of Salvation!
a. Salvation is not by works - 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.
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;
b. Salvation is through Christ alone - John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
c. Salvation is a free gift - Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.
d. Salvation is for the asking - Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
4. He Saved Him That Men Might Not Despair! Some might say, “It is too late for me.” It was not too late for the thief. Some might say, “I have done too much wrong to be saved.” There is hope in Jesus Christ for even the vilest sinner on his way to his death.
5. He Saved Him That Men Might Not Presume!
a. The Presumption of Salvation - Christ only saved one of the thieves! They presume that they will “slip into heaven” at the last moment.
b. The Presumption of Judgment. That God will not put you in Hell. Most people do not think that they will perish I hell. Bad things always happen to other people.
Conclusion
One thief railed on Christ. “If thou be Christ.”
One Thief wailed to Christ. “Lord, remember me.”
One was nailed for their sin. He was nailed for my sin. He was nailed for yours!
Luke 23:32-43
Introduction:
A. Over the past few weeks, I have been looking at the salvation experiences of some well known Bible characters. These are different people with different backgrounds. These were different circumstances and yet their salvation experiences were all the same. One Saviour and one way to heaven!
B. A lot of people profess salvation today whose professions do not line up with the Scripture. The “god of this world” has certainly blinded the minds of those who believe not!
C. This morning I want to look at one of the most notable conversions found in the New Testament: that of a nameless, condemned thief. Here we find a true death bed profession. Most people who are dying are just too busy dying to trust Christ
D. I believe that some do truly get saved just before they die but, as a general rule, how you lived is how you die!
E. Here we find two thieves who were to die with Christ.
1. One Mocked Christ – vs. 39 He asked Christ to save them and still died lost. A prayer will not save the sinner. Salvation is a heart condition! This thief died unrepentant and lost. His prayer was to save “us.”
2. One Recognized Christ – vs. 40 This thief recognized who Christ was; recognized what he was; and asked for salvation. Vs. 41-42
F. What a bold request! “Lord, remember me!” He was a convicted thief with nothing to offer. He was condemned to death with no reprieve. Helpless, hopeless, he was now to die. He had lived his life for self and now requested salvation?
G. What a glorious reply! “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise!” Our Lord answered his request in the affirmative. I am so glad that we serve a merciful God who does not give us what we deserve. What a wonderful Lord and Saviour is Jesus Christ.
H. Notice that the grace of God extended was singular in number. “Thou.” Why did God save this particular thief?
1. He Saved Him Because He Loved Him! It matters not who you are or what you have done, God loves you. He is truly a Friend of publicans and sinners. He loves me, He loves, He loves me this I know! The Bible tells me so.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
2. He Saved Him Because He Was Dying For Him! I believe that we are too easy on the damnable doctrine of Calvinism. It is an affront to God Almighty! This doctrine makes God a selfish, unloving, respecter of persons! He is none of these. He is giving, loving, compassionate, and kind to all!
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.
1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
3. He Saved Him To Show The Way Of Salvation!
a. Salvation is not by works - 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.
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;
b. Salvation is through Christ alone - John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
c. Salvation is a free gift - Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one [judgment came] upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [the free gift came] upon all men unto justification of life.
d. Salvation is for the asking - Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
4. He Saved Him That Men Might Not Despair! Some might say, “It is too late for me.” It was not too late for the thief. Some might say, “I have done too much wrong to be saved.” There is hope in Jesus Christ for even the vilest sinner on his way to his death.
5. He Saved Him That Men Might Not Presume!
a. The Presumption of Salvation - Christ only saved one of the thieves! They presume that they will “slip into heaven” at the last moment.
b. The Presumption of Judgment. That God will not put you in Hell. Most people do not think that they will perish I hell. Bad things always happen to other people.
Conclusion
One thief railed on Christ. “If thou be Christ.”
One Thief wailed to Christ. “Lord, remember me.”
One was nailed for their sin. He was nailed for my sin. He was nailed for yours!
Nevertheless At Thy Word
Temple Baptist Church - 11-16-2008
Luke 5:1-11
Introduction:
A. What a wonderful miracle took place in these verses. The Gospels are full of the wonderful works of our Lord.
1. These miracles were recorded to give us insight as to who Jesus Christ was and is - John 20:29-31 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed. 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
2. These miracles were recorded to give us 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. These miracles were recorded for our admonition - 1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (Admonition means exhortation. To exhort us on!)
B. Notice that our Lord got into Simon Peter’s ship, prayed him to “thrust out” (Simon Peter was in the boat with Him) and He taught the Word of God to both Simon Peter and the people. When He left off speaking, he gave order for Simon to “launch out into the deep” and let down the nets for a draught. (Draught means a “haul.”)
C. His teaching gave the people knowledge of who He was and the will of God. We do the same here at Temple. We give to our people the Word of God in which we find the revealed will of God for our lives. It was only after the teaching that our Lord commanded Simon to “launch out into the deep.” God grows us through His Word for the tasks that lie ahead.
Matthew 28:19-20 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.
D. The Word of God is the agent through which we find faith. “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing be the word of God.” The concept is still the same today as it has always been. God has always spoken to man in order to produce faith. Man then believes God and finds rest and peace.
E. Simon Peter has heard God’s Word and has been ordered by the Son of God to launch out and let down his nets for a draught. Simon Peter explains to the Lord that they have fished all night and caught nothing. He is informing the Lord that it is of no use but “nevertheless at they word.” I will launch out and let down but I do not believe.
F. Simon Peter catches more than all of them can handle in verses 6 and 7. When he saw the miracle, he confessed his sinfulness in verse 8. It is wonderful to observe that the Lord blessed Simon Peter in spite of his unbelief. How many times to we confess that we believe but “help thou my unbelief.”
G. If you watch the lives of the Apostles, there are some changes that you find in their faith.
1. They received Him as the Saviour in the beginning.
2. They marveled at His miracles during His ministry.
3. They forsook Him and fled in the Garden of Gethsamane.
4. They cowered in fear after His resurrection.
5. They boldly preached after Pentecost.
6. They died giants of the faith in their end.
H. Paul said, “For I have learned!” We are growing in our faith as we step our by faith, trust God to undergird us, then watch Him honor His Word.
I. It is not “Nevertheless at thy word” but “at thy word” we will launch out and let down our nets. Can the Word of God be relied upon? I believe that it can! If God says to do it, just do it. He God says that He will do it, just trust Him to do it. If God says that it should not be done, just don’t do it. If God says that it cannot be done, just don’t try it.
1. You Can Trust God’s Word When The Enemy Seems Undefeatable.
Psalms 59:1 Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.
Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
2. You Can Trust God’s Word When Circumstances Seem Insurmountable.
Psalms 61:1-4 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. 2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. 4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
3. You Can Trust God’s Word When Defeat Seems Imminent.
Psalms 142:1-7 I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. 2 I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. 3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. 4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. 5 I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. 6 Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. 7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.
4. You Can Trust God’s Word When All Human Help Is Lost.
Psalms 142:4 I looked on [my] right hand, and beheld, but [there was] no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
Psalms 22:11 Be not far from me; for trouble [is] near; for [there is] none to help.
Psalms 37:40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
5. You Can Trust God’s Word When All Hope Seems To Be Gone.
Job 19:10 He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree.
Psalms 146:5 Happy [is he] that [hath] the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope [is] in the LORD his God: (Our hope is not in circumstances, men, or machines. Our hope is in the Lord!)
Conclusion: We often sing the verse of a song that say, “I’m so glad I learned to trust thee.” Learning to trust is a step by step process. Let me leave you with these verses:
Isaiah 43:1-43a But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3a For I [am] the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt [for] thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Luke 5:1-11
Introduction:
A. What a wonderful miracle took place in these verses. The Gospels are full of the wonderful works of our Lord.
1. These miracles were recorded to give us insight as to who Jesus Christ was and is - John 20:29-31 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed. 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
2. These miracles were recorded to give us 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. These miracles were recorded for our admonition - 1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (Admonition means exhortation. To exhort us on!)
B. Notice that our Lord got into Simon Peter’s ship, prayed him to “thrust out” (Simon Peter was in the boat with Him) and He taught the Word of God to both Simon Peter and the people. When He left off speaking, he gave order for Simon to “launch out into the deep” and let down the nets for a draught. (Draught means a “haul.”)
C. His teaching gave the people knowledge of who He was and the will of God. We do the same here at Temple. We give to our people the Word of God in which we find the revealed will of God for our lives. It was only after the teaching that our Lord commanded Simon to “launch out into the deep.” God grows us through His Word for the tasks that lie ahead.
Matthew 28:19-20 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.
D. The Word of God is the agent through which we find faith. “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing be the word of God.” The concept is still the same today as it has always been. God has always spoken to man in order to produce faith. Man then believes God and finds rest and peace.
E. Simon Peter has heard God’s Word and has been ordered by the Son of God to launch out and let down his nets for a draught. Simon Peter explains to the Lord that they have fished all night and caught nothing. He is informing the Lord that it is of no use but “nevertheless at they word.” I will launch out and let down but I do not believe.
F. Simon Peter catches more than all of them can handle in verses 6 and 7. When he saw the miracle, he confessed his sinfulness in verse 8. It is wonderful to observe that the Lord blessed Simon Peter in spite of his unbelief. How many times to we confess that we believe but “help thou my unbelief.”
G. If you watch the lives of the Apostles, there are some changes that you find in their faith.
1. They received Him as the Saviour in the beginning.
2. They marveled at His miracles during His ministry.
3. They forsook Him and fled in the Garden of Gethsamane.
4. They cowered in fear after His resurrection.
5. They boldly preached after Pentecost.
6. They died giants of the faith in their end.
H. Paul said, “For I have learned!” We are growing in our faith as we step our by faith, trust God to undergird us, then watch Him honor His Word.
I. It is not “Nevertheless at thy word” but “at thy word” we will launch out and let down our nets. Can the Word of God be relied upon? I believe that it can! If God says to do it, just do it. He God says that He will do it, just trust Him to do it. If God says that it should not be done, just don’t do it. If God says that it cannot be done, just don’t try it.
1. You Can Trust God’s Word When The Enemy Seems Undefeatable.
Psalms 59:1 Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.
Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
2. You Can Trust God’s Word When Circumstances Seem Insurmountable.
Psalms 61:1-4 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. 2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. 4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
3. You Can Trust God’s Word When Defeat Seems Imminent.
Psalms 142:1-7 I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. 2 I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. 3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. 4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. 5 I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. 6 Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. 7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.
4. You Can Trust God’s Word When All Human Help Is Lost.
Psalms 142:4 I looked on [my] right hand, and beheld, but [there was] no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
Psalms 22:11 Be not far from me; for trouble [is] near; for [there is] none to help.
Psalms 37:40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
5. You Can Trust God’s Word When All Hope Seems To Be Gone.
Job 19:10 He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree.
Psalms 146:5 Happy [is he] that [hath] the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope [is] in the LORD his God: (Our hope is not in circumstances, men, or machines. Our hope is in the Lord!)
Conclusion: We often sing the verse of a song that say, “I’m so glad I learned to trust thee.” Learning to trust is a step by step process. Let me leave you with these verses:
Isaiah 43:1-43a But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3a For I [am] the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt [for] thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Immutability Of The Lord
Temple Baptist Church - 11-9-2008
Malachi 3:1-6
Introduction:
A. We live in a world of change. A lot has been said in the past few months in the political realm about change. The changes that they are talking about are not the changes that need to be made.
1. The world is changing. It is either flood or drought. It is either a category 5 hurricane or it is a storm that fizzles. There are wars and rumors of war on every hand. Voices crying “peace, peace” when there is no peace. People looking for all of the wrong answers in all of the wrong places. Instead of looking to the Lord and righteousness, they look to man and unrighteousness. Immorality is acceptable while morality is ridiculed! To be pure is to be mocked while sensuality is being popularized. Fewer morals, less character, and greater wickedness is the “rule of the day.”
2. People are changing. What happened to old fashioned manners? What happened to old fashioned morals? Iniquity abounds and the love of many waxes cold in these last days. It is all for me and my four and nothing more. Very few good neighbors and very few even know their neighbors.
3. Churches are changing. I could spend the rest of the service here. Ear tickling preachers ministering to itching ear “Christians.” Worldly churches entertaining worldly people with worldly methodology. Soul winning decreases as sinful living increases and the churches of America are in a mess.
B. I am glad to report that there are still some things that are not changing.
1. There are still Christians in this world that are trying to make a difference. They love God, America, apple pie, and the souls of men. There are some of history’s greatest Christians living today who are ridiculed and mocked for their love for the Savior and separated living. God bless them!
2. There are still good, fundamental, bible believing men of God who are trying to “withstand” and having done all, “stand” in this evil day. I know some good, godly men of God who I am proud to call my brothers. Men who are willing to pay a price for the privilege of being God’s man instead of the world’s man!
3. There are still some good fundamental, separated, God fearing churches in this world. They are few in number with fewer numbers on the pews because they are not what the “many” of Matthew 7:13 are looking for. They have a lot of one time visitors. That is the kind of church that I would be looking for. One that would raise my standards instead of lowering them. A church that would preach and teach the bible so that my family could get some help.
C. In light of all of the changes taking place over the span of my lifetime, I am glad that the Lord declared, “I change not!”
Psalms 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou [art] God.
Psalms 102:27 But thou [art] the same, and thy years shall have no end.
Hebrews 1:12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
1. The Lord Does Not Change In His Person - 1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen.
a. Spurgeon said it like this: “The sun itself grows dim with age; the world is waxing old; the folding up of the worn-out vesture has commenced; the heavens and earth must soon pass away; they shall perish, they shall wax old as doth a garment; but there is One who only hath immortality, of whose years there is no end, and in whose person there is no change.”
b. The Lord Is Immutably Holy - 1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (He still hates sin while loving sinners. He can neither commit nor condone sinfulness!)
c. The Lord Is Immutably Good - 1 Chronicles 16:34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever. (The Lord is good all of the time. He is merciful and longsuffering. “Longsuffering to us-ward.”)
d. The Lord Is Immutably Wise - Isaiah 55:9 For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (The Lord’s way is always the right way as He knows the end from the beginning.)
e. The Lord Is Immutably Faithful - Lamentations 3:22-23 [It is of] the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 [They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness. (He will be there in your darkest hour as He is in your brightest one.)
2. The Lord Does Not Change In His Promises
a. His Promise To Save The Sinner - John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
b. His Promise To Secure The Believer - Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Spiritually, physically, financially, and in every other way He cares for us. He is a refuge when fearful, He is a stronghold in trouble, He is a very present help in time of need. He secures you; He feeds you; He loves us in spite of our faults and failures; He loves you with an everlasting love!)
3. The Lord Does Not Change In His Purposes
a. His Purpose In Salvation – 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
b. His Purpose In Sanctification – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
Malachi 3:1-6
Introduction:
A. We live in a world of change. A lot has been said in the past few months in the political realm about change. The changes that they are talking about are not the changes that need to be made.
1. The world is changing. It is either flood or drought. It is either a category 5 hurricane or it is a storm that fizzles. There are wars and rumors of war on every hand. Voices crying “peace, peace” when there is no peace. People looking for all of the wrong answers in all of the wrong places. Instead of looking to the Lord and righteousness, they look to man and unrighteousness. Immorality is acceptable while morality is ridiculed! To be pure is to be mocked while sensuality is being popularized. Fewer morals, less character, and greater wickedness is the “rule of the day.”
2. People are changing. What happened to old fashioned manners? What happened to old fashioned morals? Iniquity abounds and the love of many waxes cold in these last days. It is all for me and my four and nothing more. Very few good neighbors and very few even know their neighbors.
3. Churches are changing. I could spend the rest of the service here. Ear tickling preachers ministering to itching ear “Christians.” Worldly churches entertaining worldly people with worldly methodology. Soul winning decreases as sinful living increases and the churches of America are in a mess.
B. I am glad to report that there are still some things that are not changing.
1. There are still Christians in this world that are trying to make a difference. They love God, America, apple pie, and the souls of men. There are some of history’s greatest Christians living today who are ridiculed and mocked for their love for the Savior and separated living. God bless them!
2. There are still good, fundamental, bible believing men of God who are trying to “withstand” and having done all, “stand” in this evil day. I know some good, godly men of God who I am proud to call my brothers. Men who are willing to pay a price for the privilege of being God’s man instead of the world’s man!
3. There are still some good fundamental, separated, God fearing churches in this world. They are few in number with fewer numbers on the pews because they are not what the “many” of Matthew 7:13 are looking for. They have a lot of one time visitors. That is the kind of church that I would be looking for. One that would raise my standards instead of lowering them. A church that would preach and teach the bible so that my family could get some help.
C. In light of all of the changes taking place over the span of my lifetime, I am glad that the Lord declared, “I change not!”
Psalms 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou [art] God.
Psalms 102:27 But thou [art] the same, and thy years shall have no end.
Hebrews 1:12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
1. The Lord Does Not Change In His Person - 1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen.
a. Spurgeon said it like this: “The sun itself grows dim with age; the world is waxing old; the folding up of the worn-out vesture has commenced; the heavens and earth must soon pass away; they shall perish, they shall wax old as doth a garment; but there is One who only hath immortality, of whose years there is no end, and in whose person there is no change.”
b. The Lord Is Immutably Holy - 1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (He still hates sin while loving sinners. He can neither commit nor condone sinfulness!)
c. The Lord Is Immutably Good - 1 Chronicles 16:34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever. (The Lord is good all of the time. He is merciful and longsuffering. “Longsuffering to us-ward.”)
d. The Lord Is Immutably Wise - Isaiah 55:9 For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (The Lord’s way is always the right way as He knows the end from the beginning.)
e. The Lord Is Immutably Faithful - Lamentations 3:22-23 [It is of] the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 [They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness. (He will be there in your darkest hour as He is in your brightest one.)
2. The Lord Does Not Change In His Promises
a. His Promise To Save The Sinner - John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
b. His Promise To Secure The Believer - Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Spiritually, physically, financially, and in every other way He cares for us. He is a refuge when fearful, He is a stronghold in trouble, He is a very present help in time of need. He secures you; He feeds you; He loves us in spite of our faults and failures; He loves you with an everlasting love!)
3. The Lord Does Not Change In His Purposes
a. His Purpose In Salvation – 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
b. His Purpose In Sanctification – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
The Election Is Over, What Now?
Temple Baptist Church - 11-9-2008
Romans 13:1-7
Introduction:
A. The election is over and I did not get my way! I did vote against President Elect Obama in the election. I did not vote for John McCain thought I did give him my vote. I voted AGAINST a man, not for one. I did not vote again President Elect Obama because he was black! If a more conservative black man had run against Sen. McCain, I would have voted for him. This is not a black or white issue with this preacher. I voted against President Elect Obama because I could not vote for him with a clear, godly conscience.
B. The election was done in the right manner, the American way of electing a president, and the man with the most votes won!
C. God, in His sovereignty and providence, put President Elect Obama in office!
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Esther 4:14b and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this? (By application, God is allowing our world to wax worse and worse because His coming is near. Prophecy is simply being fulfilled.)
D. I have heard preachers saying that all is now over for our country. We have had liberal presidents before and the nation survived. No doubt, there will be a “payday” for this election, but it is not over until it is over!
E. I did my best for my nation last Tuesday. I prayed for the election, tried to convince others to vote in a right manner in the election, and I exercised my citizen’s right and Christian’s obligation to vote. I would not change any of it.
F. Ok, the election is over so we need to “get over it” and get on with living for the Lord and striving to make a difference. Crying over “spilled milk” will not get the job done. What do we do now?
1. We Need To Pray For Our New Leadership – 1 Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (Just because the election did not go my way does not mean that I will not back the President of the United States of America as long as I can do so biblically.)
a. I will pray for his safety. He will possibly be targeted for assassination because of his race.
b. I will pray for his salvation. He more than likely needs to be saved.
c. I will pray for his leadership. Our freedom to worship, soul win, and get out the gospel in other lands is at stake.
d. I will pray that he continues to support Israel.
2. Give Our New Leadership The Benefit Of The Doubt. He has not made one executive decision as of yet. We will find out what kind of a president he is over a period of time as he takes the helm of this nation and shows a distinct direction in leadership.
3. We Need To Continue To Be Unashamedly American. I am not ashamed of America nor of being an American! I love this nation and am proud to be a citizen of it. Some are not ashamed of this land but I am not. I do not agree with everyone or everything but that is not the issue. This is my country! I am an American! I will both live for and fight for her!
4. We Need To Refrain From Speaking Evil Of Dignities - 2 Peter 2:10-11 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. (This is a sign of the last day apostates. As I did in the military, I salute the uniform, not the man. Barack Hussein Obama is the President Elect of the United States of America! I will respect him as such to the best of my ability.)
Jude 8-10 Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 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. 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
5. We Need To Continue To Be Good Citizens - Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
1 Peter 2:13-15 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: (We are to submit! We are to obey! We are be good citizens of this great land. If someone does not like America, then they need to leave our nation.)
6. We Need To Continue To Be Good Christians - Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Others will lean more to the left because of the ridicule that Mr. Huckabee and others have received for standing for Christian values. Politicians will “court” the liberal left because the conservative right can no longer elect a president. I will continue to live a Christian testimony before this wicked world. We will become more and more unpopular as the days go by.)
7. We Need To Pray Hard For Now For A Good Man To Vote For Next Time - Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (If we do not like who got in this time, we have four years to work on another candidate.)
Romans 13:1-7
Introduction:
A. The election is over and I did not get my way! I did vote against President Elect Obama in the election. I did not vote for John McCain thought I did give him my vote. I voted AGAINST a man, not for one. I did not vote again President Elect Obama because he was black! If a more conservative black man had run against Sen. McCain, I would have voted for him. This is not a black or white issue with this preacher. I voted against President Elect Obama because I could not vote for him with a clear, godly conscience.
B. The election was done in the right manner, the American way of electing a president, and the man with the most votes won!
C. God, in His sovereignty and providence, put President Elect Obama in office!
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Esther 4:14b and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this? (By application, God is allowing our world to wax worse and worse because His coming is near. Prophecy is simply being fulfilled.)
D. I have heard preachers saying that all is now over for our country. We have had liberal presidents before and the nation survived. No doubt, there will be a “payday” for this election, but it is not over until it is over!
E. I did my best for my nation last Tuesday. I prayed for the election, tried to convince others to vote in a right manner in the election, and I exercised my citizen’s right and Christian’s obligation to vote. I would not change any of it.
F. Ok, the election is over so we need to “get over it” and get on with living for the Lord and striving to make a difference. Crying over “spilled milk” will not get the job done. What do we do now?
1. We Need To Pray For Our New Leadership – 1 Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (Just because the election did not go my way does not mean that I will not back the President of the United States of America as long as I can do so biblically.)
a. I will pray for his safety. He will possibly be targeted for assassination because of his race.
b. I will pray for his salvation. He more than likely needs to be saved.
c. I will pray for his leadership. Our freedom to worship, soul win, and get out the gospel in other lands is at stake.
d. I will pray that he continues to support Israel.
2. Give Our New Leadership The Benefit Of The Doubt. He has not made one executive decision as of yet. We will find out what kind of a president he is over a period of time as he takes the helm of this nation and shows a distinct direction in leadership.
3. We Need To Continue To Be Unashamedly American. I am not ashamed of America nor of being an American! I love this nation and am proud to be a citizen of it. Some are not ashamed of this land but I am not. I do not agree with everyone or everything but that is not the issue. This is my country! I am an American! I will both live for and fight for her!
4. We Need To Refrain From Speaking Evil Of Dignities - 2 Peter 2:10-11 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. (This is a sign of the last day apostates. As I did in the military, I salute the uniform, not the man. Barack Hussein Obama is the President Elect of the United States of America! I will respect him as such to the best of my ability.)
Jude 8-10 Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 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. 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
5. We Need To Continue To Be Good Citizens - Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
1 Peter 2:13-15 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: (We are to submit! We are to obey! We are be good citizens of this great land. If someone does not like America, then they need to leave our nation.)
6. We Need To Continue To Be Good Christians - Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Others will lean more to the left because of the ridicule that Mr. Huckabee and others have received for standing for Christian values. Politicians will “court” the liberal left because the conservative right can no longer elect a president. I will continue to live a Christian testimony before this wicked world. We will become more and more unpopular as the days go by.)
7. We Need To Pray Hard For Now For A Good Man To Vote For Next Time - Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (If we do not like who got in this time, we have four years to work on another candidate.)
Sunday, November 2, 2008
The Well of Salvation - Part 2
Temple Baptist Church - 11-02-2008
John 4:1-14
Introduction:
A. A few weeks, we saw the wonderful, gracious conversion of a “loose living” woman. You will meet her in Heaven one day! I am so glad that God still saves old sinners! If He did not care for sinners, I would be hopelessly lost for all eternity! If He did not love old sinners, I would spend an eternity in a devil’s Hell!
B. In verse 14, our Lord said, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”
1. A Fountain Of Salvation - Zechariah 13:1 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.
2. A Fountain Of Satisfaction - John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
C. In verse 15, I want you to see the woman’s reply! John 4:15 “The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” Two things she desired:
1. “Give me this water that I thirst not!” She desired the water of life that comes only through knowing Christ Jesus!
2. “Neither come hither to draw!” She did not want to have to draw from that shallow, earthly well that Jacob gave to Joseph. It was no doubt a good well, but one that could not satisfy her thirst for long. The world cannot satisfy the thirsty soul of the child of God for long. You must drink of it over and over again and eventually, it will run dry.
D. A few weeks ago, Barbara and I began to have well problems for the first time in over 15 years. We have a bored well that is app. 50 feet deep. Because of the continuing drought here in South Carolina, the well has gotten low enough that there is air in our water lines. At times, the water flows is interrupted by the sputter of air. Therefore, we had a well punched! It is deep in the rock and when I checked it, it had over 70 feet of water in it! The man who drilled the well said that two houses or more could be run off of one well and that I should never have to worry about water again! I may or may not ever have problems with this new well but I do have great confidence in it.
E. Thus it is with Christ! This woman went away with a well within her soul that would never run dry! A well is of no value if it is not “tapped!” As I prepare this sermon, Barbara and I have a well but there are no water lines run to the house as of yet. We still have the same old sputtering well supplying our house until the ditch is trenched and water lines as well as power line is laid!
F. You may be saved but if you do not “draw from the well” within, then your life will “sputter” just as our water at home does. I want you to turn to Isaiah 12:1-3** for a few minutes tonight and see what the Lord has to say about the “wells of salvation.”
G. Notice with me four things that take place for the believer in verse 2:
1. The Lord is my Salvation
2. The Lord is my Strength
3. The Lord is my Song
4. The Lord is become my Salvation
H. Now notice the “joy” of drawing from your well:
1. The well is there!
2. The water is there!
3. The bucket is there!
4. Now the water must be drawn!
1. “Drawing from the well” brings Peace In Troubles! Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength: (He is still God and He is still the Master of the Sea!)
2. “Drawing from the well” brings Strength In Weakness! 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (I often times come to the end of myself and have no strength to go on but, as I turn to Him, I have the strength to go another step. One step at a time He gives me strength. “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow” the song says.)
3. “Drawing from the well” brings Grace In Temptation! 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. (Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it! I am so often ashamed of yielding to temptation! In the hour of temptation, God is faithful to either remove it or give you a way of escape. The strength to escape is in Him , not in your sinful flesh.)
4. “Drawing from the well” brings Hope In Discouragement! 1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. (I am glad to report that He still giveth “songs in the night!” My fervent prayer is “Even so come, Lord Jesus!” I want to see Him but I also want to fly away with the wings of a Dove! I am so tired of this world and have a longing for home tonight but, when I get down, He is always there to lift me up!”
Psalms 3:3 But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
5. “Drawing from the well” brings Joy In Disappointment! Habakkuk 3:17-18 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. (There are so many disappointments in this world. I find neither joy nor satisfaction in this life sometimes. You can still have peace and joy in the midst of disappointments! Christ Jesus is our Joy!)
Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.
6. “Drawing from the Well” brings Life In A Lost Condition! John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Conclusion: God has placed within each of us a “well” that eternally flows. Not a “bored” well that depends upon surface water, but a “punched” well. An artesian well that flows from deep within, uninterrupted by the drought conditions of this world. The Samaritian woman went to Jacob’s Well for earthly water and came home with Jesus’ Well of eternal Water!
John 4:1-14
Introduction:
A. A few weeks, we saw the wonderful, gracious conversion of a “loose living” woman. You will meet her in Heaven one day! I am so glad that God still saves old sinners! If He did not care for sinners, I would be hopelessly lost for all eternity! If He did not love old sinners, I would spend an eternity in a devil’s Hell!
B. In verse 14, our Lord said, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”
1. A Fountain Of Salvation - Zechariah 13:1 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.
2. A Fountain Of Satisfaction - John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
C. In verse 15, I want you to see the woman’s reply! John 4:15 “The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” Two things she desired:
1. “Give me this water that I thirst not!” She desired the water of life that comes only through knowing Christ Jesus!
2. “Neither come hither to draw!” She did not want to have to draw from that shallow, earthly well that Jacob gave to Joseph. It was no doubt a good well, but one that could not satisfy her thirst for long. The world cannot satisfy the thirsty soul of the child of God for long. You must drink of it over and over again and eventually, it will run dry.
D. A few weeks ago, Barbara and I began to have well problems for the first time in over 15 years. We have a bored well that is app. 50 feet deep. Because of the continuing drought here in South Carolina, the well has gotten low enough that there is air in our water lines. At times, the water flows is interrupted by the sputter of air. Therefore, we had a well punched! It is deep in the rock and when I checked it, it had over 70 feet of water in it! The man who drilled the well said that two houses or more could be run off of one well and that I should never have to worry about water again! I may or may not ever have problems with this new well but I do have great confidence in it.
E. Thus it is with Christ! This woman went away with a well within her soul that would never run dry! A well is of no value if it is not “tapped!” As I prepare this sermon, Barbara and I have a well but there are no water lines run to the house as of yet. We still have the same old sputtering well supplying our house until the ditch is trenched and water lines as well as power line is laid!
F. You may be saved but if you do not “draw from the well” within, then your life will “sputter” just as our water at home does. I want you to turn to Isaiah 12:1-3** for a few minutes tonight and see what the Lord has to say about the “wells of salvation.”
G. Notice with me four things that take place for the believer in verse 2:
1. The Lord is my Salvation
2. The Lord is my Strength
3. The Lord is my Song
4. The Lord is become my Salvation
H. Now notice the “joy” of drawing from your well:
1. The well is there!
2. The water is there!
3. The bucket is there!
4. Now the water must be drawn!
1. “Drawing from the well” brings Peace In Troubles! Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength: (He is still God and He is still the Master of the Sea!)
2. “Drawing from the well” brings Strength In Weakness! 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (I often times come to the end of myself and have no strength to go on but, as I turn to Him, I have the strength to go another step. One step at a time He gives me strength. “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow” the song says.)
3. “Drawing from the well” brings Grace In Temptation! 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. (Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it! I am so often ashamed of yielding to temptation! In the hour of temptation, God is faithful to either remove it or give you a way of escape. The strength to escape is in Him , not in your sinful flesh.)
4. “Drawing from the well” brings Hope In Discouragement! 1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. (I am glad to report that He still giveth “songs in the night!” My fervent prayer is “Even so come, Lord Jesus!” I want to see Him but I also want to fly away with the wings of a Dove! I am so tired of this world and have a longing for home tonight but, when I get down, He is always there to lift me up!”
Psalms 3:3 But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
5. “Drawing from the well” brings Joy In Disappointment! Habakkuk 3:17-18 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. (There are so many disappointments in this world. I find neither joy nor satisfaction in this life sometimes. You can still have peace and joy in the midst of disappointments! Christ Jesus is our Joy!)
Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.
6. “Drawing from the Well” brings Life In A Lost Condition! John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Conclusion: God has placed within each of us a “well” that eternally flows. Not a “bored” well that depends upon surface water, but a “punched” well. An artesian well that flows from deep within, uninterrupted by the drought conditions of this world. The Samaritian woman went to Jacob’s Well for earthly water and came home with Jesus’ Well of eternal Water!
Blind Bartimaeus
Temple Baptist Church - 11-02-2008
Luke 18:35-43
Introduction:
A. I have been preaching on conversions in the Bible for a few weeks and here we find another wonderful story of such a conversion. There have been several songs written about this particular New Testament event.
1. “Jesus Stood Still.”
2. “Jesus Passed By”
3. “Master, I See.” Etc.
B. The Bible does not specifically say that Bartimaeus was blind from his birth but I believe that we can certainly make that application. Though not specifically said, it is implied in the title of this man found in Mark 10:46b, “blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.” I think of a man that I knew (I will not give his name though some of you will know from the description who he is) who was known as “Dummy So-in-so.” He was not called this in a derogatory way but because he was unable to speak. “Blind Bartimaeus” gives the impression that he was noted for being blind all of his life. A very clear type of mankind, spiritually dead and blind from birth through an adamic nature.
C. I want to look at these few verses that so graphically paint us a picture of the new birth of a sinner.
1. The Condition Of The Lost World – vs. 35 “blind”
Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Romans 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
2 Corinthians 4:4 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. (They are blinded to their sin, salvation, and the Saviour.)
2. The Mercy Of The Lord – vs. 35 “Jesus…passed by”
Lamentations 3:22 [It is of] the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Psalms 145:8 The LORD [is] gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
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; (Grace is unmerited favor. We get what we do not deserve. Mercy is not getting what we do deserve.)
3. The Opportunity Of Salvation – vs. 37 “passed by”
In each of my messages on salvation these past few weeks, we have seen that the Lord came to each of them. The Samaritian woman, the Ethiopian Eunuch, Saul of Tarsus, and not Bartimaeus.
Hebrews 4:7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (No man knows the time of his death of the coming of the Lord. No man has the promise of either tomorrow or of another opportunity to be saved.)
4. The Misery Of The Unsaved – vs. 38 “he cried…have mercy on me”
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (If you are not laboring or heavy laden, you will not come for rest! When the sinner gets tired of sin, he will seek the Savior!)
5. The Opposition Of The World – vs. 39 “rebuked him, that he should hold his peace”
Mark 5:35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s [house certain] which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
Matthew 19:13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put [his] hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. (It seems as if every time we witness, there is interruption. Every time a sinner promises to come to church, there is something that interferes.)
6. The Persistence Of The Sinful – vs. 39 “cried so much the more”
Mark 2:4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken [it] up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
Mark 5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
Luke 19:3-4 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that [way]. (Nothing can stop the individual who wants to come to Christ!)
7. The Importance Of The Sinner – vs. 40 “Jesus stood” “Jesus stood still”
Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
Luke 15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find [it]?
Luke 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. (One sheep, one coin, and one son. The importance of “one.”)
8. The Obligation Of The Saved – vs. 40 “command…brought unto him”
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (It is the responsibility of ALL!)
9. The Omniscience of The Saviour – vs. 41 “What wilt thou…I shall do”
Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. (The Lord knows what we need and where we are!)
10. The Enactment Of Faith – vs. 41 “that I may receive my sight”
Matthew 7:7-11 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Romans 10:13, 17 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved…So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (God honors faith and hears the cry of the sinful.)
11. The Effect Of The New Birth – vs. 43
a. He immediately saw
b. He immediately followed
c. He immediately confessed
d. He immediately worshipped
Luke 18:35-43
Introduction:
A. I have been preaching on conversions in the Bible for a few weeks and here we find another wonderful story of such a conversion. There have been several songs written about this particular New Testament event.
1. “Jesus Stood Still.”
2. “Jesus Passed By”
3. “Master, I See.” Etc.
B. The Bible does not specifically say that Bartimaeus was blind from his birth but I believe that we can certainly make that application. Though not specifically said, it is implied in the title of this man found in Mark 10:46b, “blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.” I think of a man that I knew (I will not give his name though some of you will know from the description who he is) who was known as “Dummy So-in-so.” He was not called this in a derogatory way but because he was unable to speak. “Blind Bartimaeus” gives the impression that he was noted for being blind all of his life. A very clear type of mankind, spiritually dead and blind from birth through an adamic nature.
C. I want to look at these few verses that so graphically paint us a picture of the new birth of a sinner.
1. The Condition Of The Lost World – vs. 35 “blind”
Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Romans 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
2 Corinthians 4:4 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. (They are blinded to their sin, salvation, and the Saviour.)
2. The Mercy Of The Lord – vs. 35 “Jesus…passed by”
Lamentations 3:22 [It is of] the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Psalms 145:8 The LORD [is] gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
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; (Grace is unmerited favor. We get what we do not deserve. Mercy is not getting what we do deserve.)
3. The Opportunity Of Salvation – vs. 37 “passed by”
In each of my messages on salvation these past few weeks, we have seen that the Lord came to each of them. The Samaritian woman, the Ethiopian Eunuch, Saul of Tarsus, and not Bartimaeus.
Hebrews 4:7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (No man knows the time of his death of the coming of the Lord. No man has the promise of either tomorrow or of another opportunity to be saved.)
4. The Misery Of The Unsaved – vs. 38 “he cried…have mercy on me”
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (If you are not laboring or heavy laden, you will not come for rest! When the sinner gets tired of sin, he will seek the Savior!)
5. The Opposition Of The World – vs. 39 “rebuked him, that he should hold his peace”
Mark 5:35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s [house certain] which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
Matthew 19:13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put [his] hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. (It seems as if every time we witness, there is interruption. Every time a sinner promises to come to church, there is something that interferes.)
6. The Persistence Of The Sinful – vs. 39 “cried so much the more”
Mark 2:4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken [it] up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
Mark 5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
Luke 19:3-4 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that [way]. (Nothing can stop the individual who wants to come to Christ!)
7. The Importance Of The Sinner – vs. 40 “Jesus stood” “Jesus stood still”
Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
Luke 15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find [it]?
Luke 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. (One sheep, one coin, and one son. The importance of “one.”)
8. The Obligation Of The Saved – vs. 40 “command…brought unto him”
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (It is the responsibility of ALL!)
9. The Omniscience of The Saviour – vs. 41 “What wilt thou…I shall do”
Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. (The Lord knows what we need and where we are!)
10. The Enactment Of Faith – vs. 41 “that I may receive my sight”
Matthew 7:7-11 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Romans 10:13, 17 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved…So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (God honors faith and hears the cry of the sinful.)
11. The Effect Of The New Birth – vs. 43
a. He immediately saw
b. He immediately followed
c. He immediately confessed
d. He immediately worshipped
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