Temple Baptist Church - 2-28-2010
Hebrews 10:25
Introduction:
A. Every few years, I spend some time preaching on the importance, mission, operation, leadership, membership, etc. concerning the local church. It is important to do so because of the serious decline in church attendance in the past few decades and this decline is simply a fulfillment of Scripture. It has been prophesied that in the last days, there would be a falling away and we are in the middle of it.
B. Laodicea is not only here, it is thriving! Churches are gaining, losing, and trading members at a record pace. The “old paths” are no longer popular and people are looking for a place to go to church where they can be both acceptable in their heretical upbringing and comfortable in their sin. The “form of godliness” has permeated the ranks of the professing believers with little or no conviction or holiness of life.
C. Most churches are fairly full on Sunday morning, but the Sunday night and Wednesday night crowds have dwindled to the point of calling off services. “As the manner of some is” has become the rule instead of the exception with more and more of the once faithful now either slack in their faithfulness or completely out of church. For those who cancel services citing lack of interest, My Bible still says, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. “ (Matthew 18:20)The services are canceled because the 2 or three (including the pastor) have no interest either!
D. The Importance of God’s House. The phrase “The house of the Lord” is used 213 X in the Bible. The phrase “house of God” is used 87X in the Bible. That is a total of 300 references. This does not include other references such as “temple” and “tabernacle.” God’s house is a place of great importance.
1. There needs to be a right Emphasis placed on God’s House - Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Why the emphasis?
a) It Is A Place Of Rallying. (When you are down and almost out, you find those of like precious faith to encourage you to go one more mile.)
b) It Is A Place Of Relying. (When you are devastated by the circumstances of life, you find both a wonderful comfort and strength in God’s people.)
c) It Is A Place Of Renewing. (When you are defiled by your walk in this world [sometimes we get our feet dirty], you find the holiness of God’s House and the preaching of God’s Word cleansing agents.)
d) It Is A Place Of Revival. (When you are defeated, you can find a renewed outlook on life and go back out of the church ready to fight the devil and the world.)
2. There needs be an Excitement about going to God’s House - Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
3. There needs to be an Encouragement found in God’s House - Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
Psalms 55:14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.
1. The House of the Lord Should Be A Place of Importance - As Old Testament Israel’s camp found the Tabernacle in the Wilderness as the centerpiece, so should our home revolve about the church! If the House of the Lord is not important to us, it will not be important to our children. God’s house is to be the “centerpiece” of the home, not the “mantelpiece!”
a. The House of the Lord is more important than the children’s schooling!
b. The House of the Lord is more important than the children’s ball games or homework!
c. The House of the Lord is more important than family reunions!
d. Do I need to go on? I believe that all of us get the point.
2. The House of the Lord Should Be A Place of Affection – Today, the church is just a
place of begrudging presence to many. They come to God’s House looking forward to
getting home and spend their time on the pews making plans for afterward. We should
love the House of the Lord and love going there! If we do not love it, our children will
not love it! David said, “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the
LORD” And, again, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house
of the LORD.”
a. The House of the Lord is a place of Encouragement
b. The House of the Lord is a place of Understanding
c. The House of the Lord is a place of Strength
d. The House of the Lord is a place of Joy
e. The House of the Lord is a place of Comfort
f. The House of the Lord is a place of Safety
3. The House of the Lord Should Be A Place of Worship – Worship: ascribing to God that praise that only He is worthy of! Worship from the heart. Worship from the lips. Worship upon the instruments. Worship with singing. Worship with giving. Worship in the beauty of holiness!
a. The House of the Lord is a place of Singing
b. The House of the Lord is a place of Praying
c. The House of the Lord is a place of Praising
d. The House of the Lord is a place of Sacrifice
e. The House of the Lord is a place of Sharing
f. The House of the Lord is a place of Blessing
4. The House of the Lord Should Be A Place of Growth – One of the greatest shames of the modern church age is that of biblical ignorance. I have never seen so many people who cannot grasp the simplest of truths. They neither know what they believe nor why they believe what they believe.
a. The House of the Lord is a place of Bible Teaching.
b. The House of the Lord is a place of Bible Preaching
c. The House of the Lord is a place of Spiritual Maturity
Ephesians 4:14 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;
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Building A Church That Glorifies The Lord
Temple Baptist Church - 2-28-2010
1 Kings 6:1-14
Introduction:
A. Here in the Book of 1 Kings, we find the building of King Solomon’s Temple, possibly the greatest and most expensive structure ever built by man. It was dedicated in app. 953 BC. The gold alone that went into the building was 108,000 Talents of gold or, at today’s prices, app. $231,814,980,000.00. Not including the silver and other precious metals and materials that went into the building. An astronomical figure! No building has ever come close to that value either before or since. The most expensive building built in our times was the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong at an estimated 1.5- 2 billion dollars. About 1/154th of the cost of King Solomon’s Temple. There was 1, 000,000 Talents of Silver as well as much more.
B. I said that to say this, that expensive building was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonish Army in 586 BC. Though God honored the building of this glorious Temple, He eventualy forsook it and it was brought down by human hands just as it was built by human hands. I want to look at this passage this morning and draw some spiritual truths out concerning building a church. Not a church building, but a church. Not a church that glorifies man but one that glorifies God! The church is made up of people working together for the glorification of the Son of God and the advancement of the gospel.
C. At the completion of Solomon’s Temple, the Lord was well pleased and filled it with His glory. That is the desired end-result of the church also.
D. I want us to notice three things found in these verses about the building of the Temple that are necessary for the building of a church:
1. The Purpose Of The Church Must Be Right – vs. 2 “for the Lord”
a) The Purpose Of The Word Being Preached – Fiery Preaching
b) The Purpose Of His Son Being Praised – Fervent Worship
c) The Purpose Of His Salvation Being Propagated – Faithful Soul winning and Missions
2. The Plan Of The Church Must Be Right – vs. 7
a) It Is A Secret Work – “made ready before” Churches are normally silent during the week but God’s people are in their “Prayer Closets,” doing one-on-one soul winning, family altars, raising their children for the Lord, and spending time in God’s Word.
b) It Is A Varied Work – “hammer…axe…tool” Churches are not built by one man but by everyone doing their part during the week. The results are only manifest on church days.
c) It Is A Unified Work – “brought thither” Cooperation is a necessity in building a church. Unity is a necessity in building a church. It is “our elephant” instead of “my elephant!”
d) It Is A Silent Work – “nor any tool of iron heard” Building a church is not the shout or the praise of worship but rather the day by day labor that is not in vain in the Lord. No one heart the noise of the work done somewhere else. They only saw the results of that work.
e) It Is A Precise Work – “made ready” Everything must be built to the Lord’s specifications! Bringing the Ark of the Covenant home on a new cart may look impressive, but it is not God’s way!
3. The People Of The Church Must Be Right – vs. 12
a) A Purposed People - Obedient To God’s Walk – “thou wilt walk in my statutes” A purposeful people. God’s Word holds for us the “Old Paths” wherein the good way lies. The Bible is right and obedience to it brings blessings. Living for the Lord is both right and good.
b) A Submissive People - Obedient To God’s Will – “execute my judgments”
c) A Holy People – Obedient To God’s Word – “keep all my commandments
What Kind Of Church Should We Desire?
1. A place where God is glorified instead of man. The church is to be a place where the “Head of the Corner” becomes the “Head of the House!”
2. A place where the Word of God is magnified. Where the Word of God is not “majoring on a minor” because it is the Major, magnified above the very name of God! Where the Word of God is not “a fundamental of the faith” but “the fundamental of the faith” whereupon is built every fundamental doctrine that we hold dear.
3. A place where the preaching of the Word is loved and heeded. Where the preacher has liberty to preach and the Word of God has free course to flow into the needful areas of our hearts.
4. A place where sinners are loved and evangelized. The church is a “hospital for sinners” instead of a “rest home for the saints.” A place where sinners are loved, hear the gospel, and are wondrously born again.
5. A place where families are unified and strengthened. “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain!” Strong families make for strong churches which make for a strong nation.
6. A place where lives are built up in the faith and made useful in the Lord’s Service. Sunday School is important! Youth Meetings are important! Preaching on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and Wednesday nights is important!
7. A place where sin is hated and holiness is exalted. Sin is named and holiness becometh thine house! This is not the beach! This is not Six Flags! This is not a ball game! This is God’s House! People need to dress and act like it!
8. A place where apostasy is detected and liberalism is rejected. A place where the “faith once delivered” is contended for and men of God are not afraid of naming names when it comes to apostasy and liberalism!
9. A place where unity is prevalent and encouragement is offered. We are a family! We are friends! We are fellow helpers! We are Co-laborers! We are ONE!
10. A place where the end result is that, above all things, God is both preeminent and pleased. Vs 14 – Then and only then it becomes a finished work. God’s people doing God’s will in God’s way get the job done!
1 Kings 6:1-14
Introduction:
A. Here in the Book of 1 Kings, we find the building of King Solomon’s Temple, possibly the greatest and most expensive structure ever built by man. It was dedicated in app. 953 BC. The gold alone that went into the building was 108,000 Talents of gold or, at today’s prices, app. $231,814,980,000.00. Not including the silver and other precious metals and materials that went into the building. An astronomical figure! No building has ever come close to that value either before or since. The most expensive building built in our times was the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong at an estimated 1.5- 2 billion dollars. About 1/154th of the cost of King Solomon’s Temple. There was 1, 000,000 Talents of Silver as well as much more.
B. I said that to say this, that expensive building was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonish Army in 586 BC. Though God honored the building of this glorious Temple, He eventualy forsook it and it was brought down by human hands just as it was built by human hands. I want to look at this passage this morning and draw some spiritual truths out concerning building a church. Not a church building, but a church. Not a church that glorifies man but one that glorifies God! The church is made up of people working together for the glorification of the Son of God and the advancement of the gospel.
C. At the completion of Solomon’s Temple, the Lord was well pleased and filled it with His glory. That is the desired end-result of the church also.
D. I want us to notice three things found in these verses about the building of the Temple that are necessary for the building of a church:
1. The Purpose Of The Church Must Be Right – vs. 2 “for the Lord”
a) The Purpose Of The Word Being Preached – Fiery Preaching
b) The Purpose Of His Son Being Praised – Fervent Worship
c) The Purpose Of His Salvation Being Propagated – Faithful Soul winning and Missions
2. The Plan Of The Church Must Be Right – vs. 7
a) It Is A Secret Work – “made ready before” Churches are normally silent during the week but God’s people are in their “Prayer Closets,” doing one-on-one soul winning, family altars, raising their children for the Lord, and spending time in God’s Word.
b) It Is A Varied Work – “hammer…axe…tool” Churches are not built by one man but by everyone doing their part during the week. The results are only manifest on church days.
c) It Is A Unified Work – “brought thither” Cooperation is a necessity in building a church. Unity is a necessity in building a church. It is “our elephant” instead of “my elephant!”
d) It Is A Silent Work – “nor any tool of iron heard” Building a church is not the shout or the praise of worship but rather the day by day labor that is not in vain in the Lord. No one heart the noise of the work done somewhere else. They only saw the results of that work.
e) It Is A Precise Work – “made ready” Everything must be built to the Lord’s specifications! Bringing the Ark of the Covenant home on a new cart may look impressive, but it is not God’s way!
3. The People Of The Church Must Be Right – vs. 12
a) A Purposed People - Obedient To God’s Walk – “thou wilt walk in my statutes” A purposeful people. God’s Word holds for us the “Old Paths” wherein the good way lies. The Bible is right and obedience to it brings blessings. Living for the Lord is both right and good.
b) A Submissive People - Obedient To God’s Will – “execute my judgments”
c) A Holy People – Obedient To God’s Word – “keep all my commandments
What Kind Of Church Should We Desire?
1. A place where God is glorified instead of man. The church is to be a place where the “Head of the Corner” becomes the “Head of the House!”
2. A place where the Word of God is magnified. Where the Word of God is not “majoring on a minor” because it is the Major, magnified above the very name of God! Where the Word of God is not “a fundamental of the faith” but “the fundamental of the faith” whereupon is built every fundamental doctrine that we hold dear.
3. A place where the preaching of the Word is loved and heeded. Where the preacher has liberty to preach and the Word of God has free course to flow into the needful areas of our hearts.
4. A place where sinners are loved and evangelized. The church is a “hospital for sinners” instead of a “rest home for the saints.” A place where sinners are loved, hear the gospel, and are wondrously born again.
5. A place where families are unified and strengthened. “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain!” Strong families make for strong churches which make for a strong nation.
6. A place where lives are built up in the faith and made useful in the Lord’s Service. Sunday School is important! Youth Meetings are important! Preaching on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and Wednesday nights is important!
7. A place where sin is hated and holiness is exalted. Sin is named and holiness becometh thine house! This is not the beach! This is not Six Flags! This is not a ball game! This is God’s House! People need to dress and act like it!
8. A place where apostasy is detected and liberalism is rejected. A place where the “faith once delivered” is contended for and men of God are not afraid of naming names when it comes to apostasy and liberalism!
9. A place where unity is prevalent and encouragement is offered. We are a family! We are friends! We are fellow helpers! We are Co-laborers! We are ONE!
10. A place where the end result is that, above all things, God is both preeminent and pleased. Vs 14 – Then and only then it becomes a finished work. God’s people doing God’s will in God’s way get the job done!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Glory Of The Cross
Temple Baptist Church - 2-24-2010
Galatians 6:11-18
Introduction: Galatians 6:14 is my “Life Verse.” When I quote that verse, I often think of the song, “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross.”
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
[Added by the compilers of Hymns Ancient and Modern]
To Christ, who won for sinners grace
By bitter grief and anguish sore,
Be praise from all the ransomed race
Forever and forevermore.
A. The declaration of the cross of Christ:
1. The Cross Declares God’s Love For Fallen Man - 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.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
1 John 3:16a Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us:
2. The Cross Declares God’s Hatred For Sin - 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
3. The Cross Declares God’s Punishment For Sinners - Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Revelation 20:14-15 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
B. The demand of the cross of Christ:
1. That We Who Are Saved Daily Bear It - Luke 9:23 And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
2. That We Earnestly Defend It - Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
3. That We Diligently Preach It - 1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
C. The Defilement of the cross of Christ: Religion glories in self-righteousness, not in the cross of Christ. Probably the greatest of all sin is pride. We are prone to think more highly of our selves than we should.
Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Proverbs 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Romans 12:1-3 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (The amazing context is separation from the world!)
Some Things That We Should Never Forget In Light Of Glorying In The Cross Of Christ - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
1. We Should Never Forget Where We Came From – vs. 26 (That will take the wind out of your spiritual sails!)
1 Timothy 1:12-17 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 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. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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.
2. We Should Never Forget What We Are – vs. 27 (We are still nothing apart from the grace of God!)
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
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 Corinthians 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as
3. We Should Never Forget Who He Is – vs. 27 – “but God” – (He is God! He is sovereign!)
Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. (“I am what I am” vs. “I AM THAT I AM”)
John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease. (Said by the greatest man born of woman.)
Psalms 72:19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
1 Timothy 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Jude 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
4. We Should Never Forget What He has done – vs. 30 - (Were it not for the love of God, we would all be eternally lost without hope!)
Ephesians 2:1-6 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Psalms 72:18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
WHY GLORY IN THE CROSS?
1. Because Of Its Person - Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (It glorifies God, not man!)
2. Because Of Its Price - Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
3. Because Of Its Purchase - 1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
4. Because Of Its Pardon - Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:
Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
5. Because Of Its Power - 1 Corinthians 1:18 -21 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
6. Because Of Its Peace - Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.
7. Because Of Its Promise - 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.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Conclusion: We, as believers, have nothing wherein we can boast! We were nothings when He came to us and we are nothing without Him. Thank you, dear Lord, for the “Cross Of Christ.”
Galatians 6:11-18
Introduction: Galatians 6:14 is my “Life Verse.” When I quote that verse, I often think of the song, “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross.”
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
[Added by the compilers of Hymns Ancient and Modern]
To Christ, who won for sinners grace
By bitter grief and anguish sore,
Be praise from all the ransomed race
Forever and forevermore.
A. The declaration of the cross of Christ:
1. The Cross Declares God’s Love For Fallen Man - 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.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
1 John 3:16a Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us:
2. The Cross Declares God’s Hatred For Sin - 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
3. The Cross Declares God’s Punishment For Sinners - Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Revelation 20:14-15 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
B. The demand of the cross of Christ:
1. That We Who Are Saved Daily Bear It - Luke 9:23 And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
2. That We Earnestly Defend It - Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
3. That We Diligently Preach It - 1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
C. The Defilement of the cross of Christ: Religion glories in self-righteousness, not in the cross of Christ. Probably the greatest of all sin is pride. We are prone to think more highly of our selves than we should.
Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Proverbs 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Romans 12:1-3 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (The amazing context is separation from the world!)
Some Things That We Should Never Forget In Light Of Glorying In The Cross Of Christ - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
1. We Should Never Forget Where We Came From – vs. 26 (That will take the wind out of your spiritual sails!)
1 Timothy 1:12-17 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 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. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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.
2. We Should Never Forget What We Are – vs. 27 (We are still nothing apart from the grace of God!)
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
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 Corinthians 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as
3. We Should Never Forget Who He Is – vs. 27 – “but God” – (He is God! He is sovereign!)
Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. (“I am what I am” vs. “I AM THAT I AM”)
John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease. (Said by the greatest man born of woman.)
Psalms 72:19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
1 Timothy 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Jude 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
4. We Should Never Forget What He has done – vs. 30 - (Were it not for the love of God, we would all be eternally lost without hope!)
Ephesians 2:1-6 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Psalms 72:18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
WHY GLORY IN THE CROSS?
1. Because Of Its Person - Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (It glorifies God, not man!)
2. Because Of Its Price - Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
3. Because Of Its Purchase - 1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
4. Because Of Its Pardon - Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:
Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
5. Because Of Its Power - 1 Corinthians 1:18 -21 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
6. Because Of Its Peace - Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.
7. Because Of Its Promise - 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.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Conclusion: We, as believers, have nothing wherein we can boast! We were nothings when He came to us and we are nothing without Him. Thank you, dear Lord, for the “Cross Of Christ.”
Sunday, February 21, 2010
What Did The Sea See When The Sea Saw?
Temple Baptist Church - 2-21-2010
Psalms 114
Introduction:
A. Many times in the Psalms, we find the perpetual struggle between good and evil; between Satan and God; between the people of God and the people of the devil. It began in the Garden of Eden and will continue until Satan is cast into the lake of fire and all evil is purged from this world. It is inevitable and unending!
B. Let me say, at this point, that the devil is a defeated foe and his future in the lake of fire is assured! He is neither a problem nor threat to the almighty God who created it all!
C. I know that there have been messages preached on this subject but the Lord gave me a great perspective of these verses while in Tennessee this past week. I had read this passage many times but, as the Red Sea opened up to Israel, these verses opened up to me.
D. As I read Psalm 114, the Lord spoke to me heart about the struggles of God’s people. It seems that Satan never gives up and constantly causes problems for the child of God. I could preach on the “Why” of these struggles but that is not the message this morning. I am more interested in what the sea saw! Verse 3
E. Psalm 114 gives an account of the Lord bringing Israel out of Egypt and into Canaan with only one reference to the wilderness. We spend most of our time preaching on the wilderness wanderings. The failure of the children of Israel and their punishment of dying in the wilderness. Here, the Holy Spirit only referenced the 40 years of wandering in verse 8. There, He simply stated that God took care of them through it all. That is grace.
F. As humans, we are so often entangled in our circumstances that we fail to see just what is happening and what the Lord is doing. “I can’t see the forest for the trees” is an old saying that is so true. The Red Sea had no “dog in this fight” and was simply an observer.
1. Sometimes, as humans, we find despair in adversity.
2. Sometimes, as humans, we find disquietedness in continued tribulation.
3. Sometimes, as humans, we find discouragement in heaven’s silences.
4. Sometimes, as humans, we find dread in view of our enemy.
G. I find at least 3 times where things in nature “fled” at the presence and power of an almighty, sovereign, holy God:
1. Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (The heavens fled from the face of the Son of God at the Great White Throne Judgment: The judgment of God upon the unsaved.)
2. Revelation 16:19-20 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. (20) And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. (The islands fled from the judgment of God on the city of Rome, the Babylonish harlot.)
3. Psalms 114:3 The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back. (The Red Sea fled from the judgment of God upon a Pharaoh who persecuted the people of God.)
H. Here is what the sea saw when Pharaoh chose to destroy the people of God:
1. The Sea Saw The People Of God – God’s chosen people. A good piece of advice: “Don’t mess with God’s People!
a. A People Purged – “went out”
b. A People Prized – “house of Jacob”
c. A People Peculiar – “from a people of strange language”
The sea saw the People of God. When in trouble, remember that we are the people of God. We are His chosen; we are His children; He sets His love on us; He cares about what we care about! When in the midst of troubles, we fail to see what the sea saw! We are the people of God! We are His and He is ours. He loves us and cares for us. He will put the angels on half rations in order to supply all of our needs. GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF HIS CHILDREN!!!
2. The Sea Saw The Purpose Of God – God’s Chosen Purpose. He was bringing them 0ut of Egypt to bring them into Canaan! A good piece of advice: “Don’t mess with God’s Purpose!”
a. For God’s People
1) God Bringing Them Out of Egypt
2) God Bringing Them Through the Wilderness
3) God Bringing Them Into the Promised Land
b. For God’s Rejecters
1) To Deceive Them
2) To Damn Them
3) To Destroy Them
The sea saw The Purpose Of God. God has purpose in our lives and He both can and will bring those purposes to pass. All of the devils in hell cannot stop what God ordains for His children! When in the midst of troubles, we fail to see what the sea saw! A sovereign God! Pharaoh fought against a sovereign God!!!
3. The Sea Saw The Predicament Of God – God’s Chosen Place - The Red Sea! A good piece of Advice: “Don’t mess with God’s Place!” Every good general picks his place and his time. God is a “man of way.”
a. Pharaoh’s Purpose – Exodus 14:4-5
b. Pharaoh’s Power – Exodus 14:6-7
c. Pharaoh’s Pursuit – Exodus 14:8-9
The sea saw the Predicament Of God. God brought Israel to the Red Sea! In our lives, God both authors and allows circumstances in our lives where the devil tries his best to take us down. God is in complete control of everything that touches the lives of the child of God. When in the midst of troubles, we fail to see what the sea saw! I can trust God in my circumstances! You can trust God in your circumstances!
4. The Sea Saw The Protection Of God – The sheltering wings of almighty God! Pharaoh’s attempt to destroy Israel is frustrated. A good piece of advice: “Don’t hurt what God loves!”
a. The Pillar Of God
b. The Position Of God
c. The Protection Of God
The sea saw the Protection of God. Even Satan knows that God has hedged about the people of God. We are in God’s hand and anything or anyone who tries to get to us must go through His fingers! When in the midst of troubles, we fail to see what the sea saw! Pharaoh never touched Israel! Nothing touches God’s children without God’s permission!
5. The Sea Saw The Power Of God – In no other scenario did God show more power than at the Red Sea! A good piece of advice: “Don’t mess with God period!”
a. God’s Power Over Pharaoh
b. God’s Power Over Predicaments – The blast of His nostrils opened the Red Sea
c. God’s Power Over His People – He did not allow either Pharaoh or the Sea to destroy Israel.
The sea saw the Power of God. There is nothing either impossible or hard with God. He can do anything, anytime, and anywhere. Every situation that we face is a possibility with God. When in the midst of troubles, we fail to see what the sea saw! God can meet our needs; God can bring us through our problems; God can overcome our enemies; God can DO ANYTHING, ANYTIME, ANY WHERE!!
6. The Sea Saw The Person Of God – What a sovereign God the sea saw! A good piece of advice: “Don’t disobey God!”
a. God’s Omniscience
b. God’s Omnipresence
c. God’s Omnipotence
The sea saw the Person of God. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all heaven and earth. We speak of God, believe in God, pray to God, and then doubt God! He is always there with us and for us! When in the midst of troubles, we fail to see what the sea saw! Before anything was in eternity past, He was God! After everything is done in eternity future, He will be God! Between everlasting and everlasting where we dwell, He is God!
Conclusion: We, as God’s children, need to see what the sea saw!
Psalms 114
Introduction:
A. Many times in the Psalms, we find the perpetual struggle between good and evil; between Satan and God; between the people of God and the people of the devil. It began in the Garden of Eden and will continue until Satan is cast into the lake of fire and all evil is purged from this world. It is inevitable and unending!
B. Let me say, at this point, that the devil is a defeated foe and his future in the lake of fire is assured! He is neither a problem nor threat to the almighty God who created it all!
C. I know that there have been messages preached on this subject but the Lord gave me a great perspective of these verses while in Tennessee this past week. I had read this passage many times but, as the Red Sea opened up to Israel, these verses opened up to me.
D. As I read Psalm 114, the Lord spoke to me heart about the struggles of God’s people. It seems that Satan never gives up and constantly causes problems for the child of God. I could preach on the “Why” of these struggles but that is not the message this morning. I am more interested in what the sea saw! Verse 3
E. Psalm 114 gives an account of the Lord bringing Israel out of Egypt and into Canaan with only one reference to the wilderness. We spend most of our time preaching on the wilderness wanderings. The failure of the children of Israel and their punishment of dying in the wilderness. Here, the Holy Spirit only referenced the 40 years of wandering in verse 8. There, He simply stated that God took care of them through it all. That is grace.
F. As humans, we are so often entangled in our circumstances that we fail to see just what is happening and what the Lord is doing. “I can’t see the forest for the trees” is an old saying that is so true. The Red Sea had no “dog in this fight” and was simply an observer.
1. Sometimes, as humans, we find despair in adversity.
2. Sometimes, as humans, we find disquietedness in continued tribulation.
3. Sometimes, as humans, we find discouragement in heaven’s silences.
4. Sometimes, as humans, we find dread in view of our enemy.
G. I find at least 3 times where things in nature “fled” at the presence and power of an almighty, sovereign, holy God:
1. Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (The heavens fled from the face of the Son of God at the Great White Throne Judgment: The judgment of God upon the unsaved.)
2. Revelation 16:19-20 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. (20) And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. (The islands fled from the judgment of God on the city of Rome, the Babylonish harlot.)
3. Psalms 114:3 The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back. (The Red Sea fled from the judgment of God upon a Pharaoh who persecuted the people of God.)
H. Here is what the sea saw when Pharaoh chose to destroy the people of God:
1. The Sea Saw The People Of God – God’s chosen people. A good piece of advice: “Don’t mess with God’s People!
a. A People Purged – “went out”
b. A People Prized – “house of Jacob”
c. A People Peculiar – “from a people of strange language”
The sea saw the People of God. When in trouble, remember that we are the people of God. We are His chosen; we are His children; He sets His love on us; He cares about what we care about! When in the midst of troubles, we fail to see what the sea saw! We are the people of God! We are His and He is ours. He loves us and cares for us. He will put the angels on half rations in order to supply all of our needs. GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF HIS CHILDREN!!!
2. The Sea Saw The Purpose Of God – God’s Chosen Purpose. He was bringing them 0ut of Egypt to bring them into Canaan! A good piece of advice: “Don’t mess with God’s Purpose!”
a. For God’s People
1) God Bringing Them Out of Egypt
2) God Bringing Them Through the Wilderness
3) God Bringing Them Into the Promised Land
b. For God’s Rejecters
1) To Deceive Them
2) To Damn Them
3) To Destroy Them
The sea saw The Purpose Of God. God has purpose in our lives and He both can and will bring those purposes to pass. All of the devils in hell cannot stop what God ordains for His children! When in the midst of troubles, we fail to see what the sea saw! A sovereign God! Pharaoh fought against a sovereign God!!!
3. The Sea Saw The Predicament Of God – God’s Chosen Place - The Red Sea! A good piece of Advice: “Don’t mess with God’s Place!” Every good general picks his place and his time. God is a “man of way.”
a. Pharaoh’s Purpose – Exodus 14:4-5
b. Pharaoh’s Power – Exodus 14:6-7
c. Pharaoh’s Pursuit – Exodus 14:8-9
The sea saw the Predicament Of God. God brought Israel to the Red Sea! In our lives, God both authors and allows circumstances in our lives where the devil tries his best to take us down. God is in complete control of everything that touches the lives of the child of God. When in the midst of troubles, we fail to see what the sea saw! I can trust God in my circumstances! You can trust God in your circumstances!
4. The Sea Saw The Protection Of God – The sheltering wings of almighty God! Pharaoh’s attempt to destroy Israel is frustrated. A good piece of advice: “Don’t hurt what God loves!”
a. The Pillar Of God
b. The Position Of God
c. The Protection Of God
The sea saw the Protection of God. Even Satan knows that God has hedged about the people of God. We are in God’s hand and anything or anyone who tries to get to us must go through His fingers! When in the midst of troubles, we fail to see what the sea saw! Pharaoh never touched Israel! Nothing touches God’s children without God’s permission!
5. The Sea Saw The Power Of God – In no other scenario did God show more power than at the Red Sea! A good piece of advice: “Don’t mess with God period!”
a. God’s Power Over Pharaoh
b. God’s Power Over Predicaments – The blast of His nostrils opened the Red Sea
c. God’s Power Over His People – He did not allow either Pharaoh or the Sea to destroy Israel.
The sea saw the Power of God. There is nothing either impossible or hard with God. He can do anything, anytime, and anywhere. Every situation that we face is a possibility with God. When in the midst of troubles, we fail to see what the sea saw! God can meet our needs; God can bring us through our problems; God can overcome our enemies; God can DO ANYTHING, ANYTIME, ANY WHERE!!
6. The Sea Saw The Person Of God – What a sovereign God the sea saw! A good piece of advice: “Don’t disobey God!”
a. God’s Omniscience
b. God’s Omnipresence
c. God’s Omnipotence
The sea saw the Person of God. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all heaven and earth. We speak of God, believe in God, pray to God, and then doubt God! He is always there with us and for us! When in the midst of troubles, we fail to see what the sea saw! Before anything was in eternity past, He was God! After everything is done in eternity future, He will be God! Between everlasting and everlasting where we dwell, He is God!
Conclusion: We, as God’s children, need to see what the sea saw!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Altar Of Worship
Temple Baptist Church - 2-14-2010
Hebrews 13:10-15
Introduction:
A. Paul, when ending his letter to the Hebrews, made mention of an altar. The Jewish believers were well aquainted with the concept of an altar as altars were used from Abraham until that present day.
1. An Altar Is A Place Of Sacrifice. A place of the smell of blood and death!
2. An Altar Is A Place Of Privilege. A right granted by the grace of God. We do not have any right outside of Calvary.
3. An Altar Is A Place Of Propitiation. Jesus Christ bore our sin and our reproach.
4. An Altar Is A Place Of Separation. Christ died without the camp. He was despised and rejected by the world.
5. An Altar Is A Place Of Identification. The child of God goes without the gate bearing His reproach.
B. Paul was speaking of a different altar than the one that they were well acquainted with. He was speaking of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross at Calvary. vs. 10-12
1. The cross of Christ was a willing sacrifice. It was an act of love.
2. The cross of Christ was an awful sacrifice. It was terrible in its price.
3. The cross of Christ was a beneficial sacrifice. It opened Heaven for those who believe.
C. Paul declared that those who continued to serve the tabernacle (a reference to the Old Testament priesthood) had no right to the altar at Calvary. Jesus Christ fulfilled the law (moral, civil, and ceremonial) and the continual sacrifices were a rejection of His sacrifice.
D. Paul then sets forth the obligation of the Christian. Vs. 13-16
1. Let us go forth without the camp. Losing our identity with the world.
2. Bearing His reproach. Identifying with our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Seeking a city to come. Keeping our eyes on eternal things.
4. Offer praise continually. This is open praise or the fruit of our lips.
5. Let us do good and communicate. To live right and to witness of God’s grace.
E. I want to key on the phrase “let us offer the sacrifice of praises to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” A liturgical deadness has entered our churches. Worship services (I use that term loosely) have become more ritualistic. There certainly is more form than fire. Our Lord’s commentary on the church of Sardis was that they had a name that they were alive and yet were dead.
F. The cause of this deadness and lack of praise is obvious.
1. There is the lukewarmness of Laodicea.
2. There is the materialistic society of our day.
3. There is the lack of persecution that keeps the church pure and hot.
4. There is the bombardment of worldly religion and a lack of godly, straight, sin killing preaching.
5. There is the growing carnality of God’s people.
6. There is the lack of prayer and Bible study that develop closeness to God.
G. The list could go on but this is not my subject. I want to look at praise for a few minutes. I will only use a few verses for time’s sake.
A. When Should We Praise The Lord?
1. All the day long - Psalms 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
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.
Psalms 35:28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.
Psalms 113:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.
Psalms 119:164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
2. Praise Him continually - Psalms 52:9 I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints. (The praise of some is sporadic at best and those who run on emotions normally run out. We are not to praise God on emotions alone, but praise Him in both good and bad times.)
Psalms 104:33 I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
3. Before church ever begins - Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
B. How Should We Praise The Lord?
1. Through Singing - Judges 5:3 Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel. (When God’s people really “get into” the singing, the worship service is greatly enhanced.)
2. Through remembrance and public thanksgiving - 1 Chronicles 16:4 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel. (How sweet the service when God’s people begin to stand, weep, and praise His name in testimony.)
Psalms 66:8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard.
Psalms 67:3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. (Praise is to b e done by all.)
3. With loudness, not just quietness - Psalms 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
4. Through musical instruments - 1 Chronicles 23:5 Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith
5. With our whole heart - Psalms 9:1 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
6. Increasingly instead of decreasingly - Psalms 71:14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
C. Where Should We Praise The Lord?
1. Praise Him in your private devotions - 1 Chronicles 23:30 And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even.
2. Praise Him in the Church - Psalms 22:22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
Psalms 22:25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
Psalms 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
3. Praise Him in public - 2 Samuel 22:50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.
Psalms 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
D. Why Should We Praise The Lord?
1. Because of the glories and excellencies of His person - Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
2 Samuel 22:4 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
1 Chronicles 16:25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.
2. Because of the blessings received from him, and through him, both temporal and spiritual - Deuteronomy 10:21 He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.
3. Because of the grace, and all the blessings of it now communicated to us - 1 Chronicles 29:13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
4. Because He loves you! - Psalms 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
5. Because it fills the house of God with His glory - 2 Chronicles 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD.
6. Because He has given us His Word - Psalms 56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psalms 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
7. Because our children need to see it! - Psalms 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
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.
Psalms 145:4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
8. BECAUSE IT IS GOOD, GOOD, GOOD! - Psalms 135:3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
Psalms 150:1-6 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Hebrews 13:10-15
Introduction:
A. Paul, when ending his letter to the Hebrews, made mention of an altar. The Jewish believers were well aquainted with the concept of an altar as altars were used from Abraham until that present day.
1. An Altar Is A Place Of Sacrifice. A place of the smell of blood and death!
2. An Altar Is A Place Of Privilege. A right granted by the grace of God. We do not have any right outside of Calvary.
3. An Altar Is A Place Of Propitiation. Jesus Christ bore our sin and our reproach.
4. An Altar Is A Place Of Separation. Christ died without the camp. He was despised and rejected by the world.
5. An Altar Is A Place Of Identification. The child of God goes without the gate bearing His reproach.
B. Paul was speaking of a different altar than the one that they were well acquainted with. He was speaking of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross at Calvary. vs. 10-12
1. The cross of Christ was a willing sacrifice. It was an act of love.
2. The cross of Christ was an awful sacrifice. It was terrible in its price.
3. The cross of Christ was a beneficial sacrifice. It opened Heaven for those who believe.
C. Paul declared that those who continued to serve the tabernacle (a reference to the Old Testament priesthood) had no right to the altar at Calvary. Jesus Christ fulfilled the law (moral, civil, and ceremonial) and the continual sacrifices were a rejection of His sacrifice.
D. Paul then sets forth the obligation of the Christian. Vs. 13-16
1. Let us go forth without the camp. Losing our identity with the world.
2. Bearing His reproach. Identifying with our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Seeking a city to come. Keeping our eyes on eternal things.
4. Offer praise continually. This is open praise or the fruit of our lips.
5. Let us do good and communicate. To live right and to witness of God’s grace.
E. I want to key on the phrase “let us offer the sacrifice of praises to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” A liturgical deadness has entered our churches. Worship services (I use that term loosely) have become more ritualistic. There certainly is more form than fire. Our Lord’s commentary on the church of Sardis was that they had a name that they were alive and yet were dead.
F. The cause of this deadness and lack of praise is obvious.
1. There is the lukewarmness of Laodicea.
2. There is the materialistic society of our day.
3. There is the lack of persecution that keeps the church pure and hot.
4. There is the bombardment of worldly religion and a lack of godly, straight, sin killing preaching.
5. There is the growing carnality of God’s people.
6. There is the lack of prayer and Bible study that develop closeness to God.
G. The list could go on but this is not my subject. I want to look at praise for a few minutes. I will only use a few verses for time’s sake.
A. When Should We Praise The Lord?
1. All the day long - Psalms 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
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.
Psalms 35:28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.
Psalms 113:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.
Psalms 119:164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
2. Praise Him continually - Psalms 52:9 I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints. (The praise of some is sporadic at best and those who run on emotions normally run out. We are not to praise God on emotions alone, but praise Him in both good and bad times.)
Psalms 104:33 I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
3. Before church ever begins - Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
B. How Should We Praise The Lord?
1. Through Singing - Judges 5:3 Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel. (When God’s people really “get into” the singing, the worship service is greatly enhanced.)
2. Through remembrance and public thanksgiving - 1 Chronicles 16:4 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel. (How sweet the service when God’s people begin to stand, weep, and praise His name in testimony.)
Psalms 66:8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard.
Psalms 67:3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. (Praise is to b e done by all.)
3. With loudness, not just quietness - Psalms 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
4. Through musical instruments - 1 Chronicles 23:5 Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith
5. With our whole heart - Psalms 9:1 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
6. Increasingly instead of decreasingly - Psalms 71:14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
C. Where Should We Praise The Lord?
1. Praise Him in your private devotions - 1 Chronicles 23:30 And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even.
2. Praise Him in the Church - Psalms 22:22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
Psalms 22:25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
Psalms 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
3. Praise Him in public - 2 Samuel 22:50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.
Psalms 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
D. Why Should We Praise The Lord?
1. Because of the glories and excellencies of His person - Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
2 Samuel 22:4 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
1 Chronicles 16:25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.
2. Because of the blessings received from him, and through him, both temporal and spiritual - Deuteronomy 10:21 He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.
3. Because of the grace, and all the blessings of it now communicated to us - 1 Chronicles 29:13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
4. Because He loves you! - Psalms 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
5. Because it fills the house of God with His glory - 2 Chronicles 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD.
6. Because He has given us His Word - Psalms 56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psalms 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
7. Because our children need to see it! - Psalms 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
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.
Psalms 145:4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
8. BECAUSE IT IS GOOD, GOOD, GOOD! - Psalms 135:3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
Psalms 150:1-6 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Persecution Of The Cross
Temple Baptist Church - 2-10-2010
Galatians 6:11-13
Introduction:
A. Paul, in these verses, goes back to the reason for writing the Book of Galatians. After Paul left these churches, legalists crept in and began to teach the rite of circumcision or keeping the Law to the people. I dealt with that subject so we will not go back through it again. I will only say that salvation is by grace, through faith, totally apart from works! It is either grace or it is works. It cannot be a mixture of both.
B. Some of the Jewish believers maintained circumcision because of fear of persecution from the non-believing Jews. The Jews said that Christ did away with the Law of Moses and so they persecuted the early church. The persecuted Paul after his conversion.
C. We are not persecuted to the extent of the early church but the preaching of the cross of Christ is still offensive to religionists. To be offended by either the cross or the blood of Christ shows the inward condition of the heart. I will preach on verse 14 shortly but want to say tonight that the cross has a wondrous attraction for the child of God. We glory in the cross while the world is offended in the cross.
D. What made the Judaizers persecute the Galatian believers? The word Judaizer refers to those who claim the necessity of obedience to the Torah Laws by believers. I believe that there are several things that make the cross of Christ offensive to the lost.
1. They Despise The Person Of The Cross – The Jesus of this world is the “another Jesus” of 2 Corinthians 11:1-4! Our Lord is despised by the world, therefore, they have created another Jesus.
a. A Lamb That Is Not Sufficient – Their religion is always Jesus Christ plus something.
b. A Lord That Is Not Sovereign – Their religion allows them to live as they wish instead of as God wills.
2. They Despise The Price Of The Cross – The world does not like the shedding of blood for sin.
a. To The World The Blood Is Loathed – They have removed it from their “bibles” and their song books.
b. To The Saint The Blood Is Loved – They find the cross gory while the saint sees its glory.
3. They Despise The Preaching Of The Cross – The world likes preaching that makes them feel good about themselves.
a. The Preaching Of The Cross Exposes Man’s Sinfulness – The cross declares all mankind guilty and lost before God.
b. The Preaching Of The Cross Exalts God’s Holiness – The cross reveals God’s hatred for sin and the penalty of sin.
4. The Despise The People Of The Cross – To be saved is to go without “the gate bearing his reproach.”
a. The People Of The Cross Are A Peculiar People – They are different from this world. They are in the world but not of the world.
b. The People Of The Cross Are A Praising People – Their worship is alive and filled with thankfulness. Their salvation is totally of God and through God.
Conclusion: The cross is offensive to the world because of its conclusions:
a. It concludes that all are in need of salvation.
b. It concludes that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation.
c. It concludes that salvation is both a finished and eternal work.
Galatians 6:11-13
Introduction:
A. Paul, in these verses, goes back to the reason for writing the Book of Galatians. After Paul left these churches, legalists crept in and began to teach the rite of circumcision or keeping the Law to the people. I dealt with that subject so we will not go back through it again. I will only say that salvation is by grace, through faith, totally apart from works! It is either grace or it is works. It cannot be a mixture of both.
B. Some of the Jewish believers maintained circumcision because of fear of persecution from the non-believing Jews. The Jews said that Christ did away with the Law of Moses and so they persecuted the early church. The persecuted Paul after his conversion.
C. We are not persecuted to the extent of the early church but the preaching of the cross of Christ is still offensive to religionists. To be offended by either the cross or the blood of Christ shows the inward condition of the heart. I will preach on verse 14 shortly but want to say tonight that the cross has a wondrous attraction for the child of God. We glory in the cross while the world is offended in the cross.
D. What made the Judaizers persecute the Galatian believers? The word Judaizer refers to those who claim the necessity of obedience to the Torah Laws by believers. I believe that there are several things that make the cross of Christ offensive to the lost.
1. They Despise The Person Of The Cross – The Jesus of this world is the “another Jesus” of 2 Corinthians 11:1-4! Our Lord is despised by the world, therefore, they have created another Jesus.
a. A Lamb That Is Not Sufficient – Their religion is always Jesus Christ plus something.
b. A Lord That Is Not Sovereign – Their religion allows them to live as they wish instead of as God wills.
2. They Despise The Price Of The Cross – The world does not like the shedding of blood for sin.
a. To The World The Blood Is Loathed – They have removed it from their “bibles” and their song books.
b. To The Saint The Blood Is Loved – They find the cross gory while the saint sees its glory.
3. They Despise The Preaching Of The Cross – The world likes preaching that makes them feel good about themselves.
a. The Preaching Of The Cross Exposes Man’s Sinfulness – The cross declares all mankind guilty and lost before God.
b. The Preaching Of The Cross Exalts God’s Holiness – The cross reveals God’s hatred for sin and the penalty of sin.
4. The Despise The People Of The Cross – To be saved is to go without “the gate bearing his reproach.”
a. The People Of The Cross Are A Peculiar People – They are different from this world. They are in the world but not of the world.
b. The People Of The Cross Are A Praising People – Their worship is alive and filled with thankfulness. Their salvation is totally of God and through God.
Conclusion: The cross is offensive to the world because of its conclusions:
a. It concludes that all are in need of salvation.
b. It concludes that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation.
c. It concludes that salvation is both a finished and eternal work.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Learning To Rest
Temple Baptist Church - 2-7-2010
Matthew 11:28
Introduction:
A. What a wonderful couple of verses of Scripture have been read tonight. The compassion and caring of the Lord are manifested in these verses.
1. He does care about us! I know life is hard and there things that we do not understand, but He does care!
2. He does have compassion on us! He is touched with the feeling of our infirmity. He knows what and how we feel. He wants the best for us!
B. As a general rule, we use these verses in relation to the Lord calling the lost to come to Him for salvation. In the context, He is talking to the multitudes of lost that followed Him. I am glad that the Lord loves sinners and is still calling them today.
1. If you are lost, He says, “Come unto me!” Human Responsibility is found in these verses. He would not tell you to come if you could not come. You are invited to come to Him and find eternal life and rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ on Calvary. He loves you! He died for you! He pleads with you! “Come unto me!”
2. If you are weary of your sin, He says, “And I will give you rest!” He will give you rest from the bondage and restlessness of sin. He will give you a blessed relief and newness of life in Christ. “Oh, what a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart!”
C. Now that we have made a proper interpretation, I want to make an application. We have been teaching through the Book of Hebrews in Sunday School and chapters 3-4 deal with several “rests” found in the Bible.
1. There Is Salvation Rest. This takes place at the moment of salvation. Resting in the precious blood of Christ. Resting in eternal life.
2. There Is Service Rest. We often call this Canaan’s Rest. Though we battle, the battle is the Lord’s and the victory has already been won at Calvary!
2. There Is Soul Rest. Simply trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ to help and care for you in the ups and downs of this life.
D. We become disappointed when things do not go right. Disappointment turns to discouragement when the way is long and Satan seems to have the upper hand. Discouragement turns into disquietedness of soul. Disquietedness of soul turns into defeat.
E. We live in tough spiritual times as Satan seemingly throws more and more at us. I believe that he knows that time is short and is pulling out all of the stops in his effort to destroy, defile, discourage, deter, and defame God’s children and sound churches. We have become the enemy as evil is called good and good evil. An old song says, “Troublesome times are here; filling men’s hearts with fear.”
F. I get tired sometimes. Bone tired! It becomes easy to fret and hard to rest. Why? The answered is simple, I do not come to Jesus Christ. It is in Christ Jesus that we find the rest that we both need and desire.
WHERE YOU WILL NOT FIND REST
1. You Will Not Find Rest In Your Circumstances - Luke 12:16-20 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: (17) And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? (18) And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. (19) And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. (20) But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (Though they may improve temporarily, they will continue to change.)
2. You Will Not Find Rest In Human Reasoning - Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (The world has no spiritual answers for God’s children.)
3. You Will Not Find Rest In Self-Pity - 1 Kings 19:13-14 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? 14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. (This will only cause the valley to deepen.)
4. You Will Not Find Rest In Sinfulness - Isaiah 57:20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. (God will not allow His children to enjoy sinfulness.)
5. You Will Not Find Rest In The Things Of The World - John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (They do not satisfy the inner longings of the saved.)
6. You Can Only Find Rest In The Things Of God!
WHERE CAN WE FIND REST?
1. We Can Find Rest In Our Salvation - Isaiah 32:16 -18 Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. 17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. 18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; (If the whole world sinks, you are still saved and Heaven bound!)
2. We Can Find Rest In The Scriptures - 2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
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.
3. We Can Find Rest In Our Sleep - Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
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.
4. We Can Find Rest In Our Service – 2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
John 6:19-20 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
5. We Can Find Rest In Our Spirit – 2 Corinthians 2:13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.
Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
6. We Can Find Rest In Our Sanctuary - Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
Psalms 84:1 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
7. We Can Find Rest In The Holy Spirit - John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Romans 8:26-28 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.
8. We Can Find Rest In Our Saviour - Matthew 11:28-29 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Psalms 91:1-7 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall over thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Matthew 11:28
Introduction:
A. What a wonderful couple of verses of Scripture have been read tonight. The compassion and caring of the Lord are manifested in these verses.
1. He does care about us! I know life is hard and there things that we do not understand, but He does care!
2. He does have compassion on us! He is touched with the feeling of our infirmity. He knows what and how we feel. He wants the best for us!
B. As a general rule, we use these verses in relation to the Lord calling the lost to come to Him for salvation. In the context, He is talking to the multitudes of lost that followed Him. I am glad that the Lord loves sinners and is still calling them today.
1. If you are lost, He says, “Come unto me!” Human Responsibility is found in these verses. He would not tell you to come if you could not come. You are invited to come to Him and find eternal life and rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ on Calvary. He loves you! He died for you! He pleads with you! “Come unto me!”
2. If you are weary of your sin, He says, “And I will give you rest!” He will give you rest from the bondage and restlessness of sin. He will give you a blessed relief and newness of life in Christ. “Oh, what a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart!”
C. Now that we have made a proper interpretation, I want to make an application. We have been teaching through the Book of Hebrews in Sunday School and chapters 3-4 deal with several “rests” found in the Bible.
1. There Is Salvation Rest. This takes place at the moment of salvation. Resting in the precious blood of Christ. Resting in eternal life.
2. There Is Service Rest. We often call this Canaan’s Rest. Though we battle, the battle is the Lord’s and the victory has already been won at Calvary!
2. There Is Soul Rest. Simply trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ to help and care for you in the ups and downs of this life.
D. We become disappointed when things do not go right. Disappointment turns to discouragement when the way is long and Satan seems to have the upper hand. Discouragement turns into disquietedness of soul. Disquietedness of soul turns into defeat.
E. We live in tough spiritual times as Satan seemingly throws more and more at us. I believe that he knows that time is short and is pulling out all of the stops in his effort to destroy, defile, discourage, deter, and defame God’s children and sound churches. We have become the enemy as evil is called good and good evil. An old song says, “Troublesome times are here; filling men’s hearts with fear.”
F. I get tired sometimes. Bone tired! It becomes easy to fret and hard to rest. Why? The answered is simple, I do not come to Jesus Christ. It is in Christ Jesus that we find the rest that we both need and desire.
WHERE YOU WILL NOT FIND REST
1. You Will Not Find Rest In Your Circumstances - Luke 12:16-20 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: (17) And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? (18) And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. (19) And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. (20) But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (Though they may improve temporarily, they will continue to change.)
2. You Will Not Find Rest In Human Reasoning - Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (The world has no spiritual answers for God’s children.)
3. You Will Not Find Rest In Self-Pity - 1 Kings 19:13-14 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? 14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. (This will only cause the valley to deepen.)
4. You Will Not Find Rest In Sinfulness - Isaiah 57:20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. (God will not allow His children to enjoy sinfulness.)
5. You Will Not Find Rest In The Things Of The World - John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (They do not satisfy the inner longings of the saved.)
6. You Can Only Find Rest In The Things Of God!
WHERE CAN WE FIND REST?
1. We Can Find Rest In Our Salvation - Isaiah 32:16 -18 Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. 17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. 18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; (If the whole world sinks, you are still saved and Heaven bound!)
2. We Can Find Rest In The Scriptures - 2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
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.
3. We Can Find Rest In Our Sleep - Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
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.
4. We Can Find Rest In Our Service – 2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
John 6:19-20 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
5. We Can Find Rest In Our Spirit – 2 Corinthians 2:13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.
Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
6. We Can Find Rest In Our Sanctuary - Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
Psalms 84:1 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
7. We Can Find Rest In The Holy Spirit - John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Romans 8:26-28 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.
8. We Can Find Rest In Our Saviour - Matthew 11:28-29 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Psalms 91:1-7 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall over thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Seasons
Temple Baptist Church - 2-7-2010
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Introduction:
A. Seasons are a way of life for us.
1. There are seasons of Nature. As long as I can remember, there has been spring, summer, fall, and winter. I thank God for the changes of seasons because by the time you get tired of one season, it changes. I love the winter but it wears on me after a while. I love spring but it just seems too short. I endure summer for the most part because, the older I get, the more the SC heat gets to me. Fall is a blessing! I love the color of the leaves changing, wood smoke in the air around the house, and breaking out the sweaters. Winter is fun if it snows (not too much). Seasons change.
Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
2. There are seasons of Life. King David said, “I have been young, and now am old!” Childhood, youth, middle age, old age, and second childhood! We have all ages here in the church from those ready to be born to those in the winter of life.
Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes … Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
B. The Bible is full of seasons:
1. Seasons of Israel - Sin, Servitude, Supplication, Saviors
2. Seasons of Churches - Excitement, growth, satisfaction, decline
3. Seasons of Christianity - New birth, rapid spiritual growth, disappointment, maturity
4. Seasons of the Unsaved - Ignorance, enlightenment, conviction, rejection, reprobate
I Want To Look At A Few Seasons This Morning:
1. Seasons of Sin - Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
2. Seasons of Preaching - 2 Timothy 4:2-3 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 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;
3. Seasons of Conviction - Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
4. Seasons of Salvation - Acts 24:25-27 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. (2 years)
5. Seasons of Suffering - 1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].
6. Seasons of Sorrow - 1 Peter 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
7. Seasons of Reward - Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Introduction:
A. Seasons are a way of life for us.
1. There are seasons of Nature. As long as I can remember, there has been spring, summer, fall, and winter. I thank God for the changes of seasons because by the time you get tired of one season, it changes. I love the winter but it wears on me after a while. I love spring but it just seems too short. I endure summer for the most part because, the older I get, the more the SC heat gets to me. Fall is a blessing! I love the color of the leaves changing, wood smoke in the air around the house, and breaking out the sweaters. Winter is fun if it snows (not too much). Seasons change.
Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
2. There are seasons of Life. King David said, “I have been young, and now am old!” Childhood, youth, middle age, old age, and second childhood! We have all ages here in the church from those ready to be born to those in the winter of life.
Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes … Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
B. The Bible is full of seasons:
1. Seasons of Israel - Sin, Servitude, Supplication, Saviors
2. Seasons of Churches - Excitement, growth, satisfaction, decline
3. Seasons of Christianity - New birth, rapid spiritual growth, disappointment, maturity
4. Seasons of the Unsaved - Ignorance, enlightenment, conviction, rejection, reprobate
I Want To Look At A Few Seasons This Morning:
1. Seasons of Sin - Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
2. Seasons of Preaching - 2 Timothy 4:2-3 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 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;
3. Seasons of Conviction - Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
4. Seasons of Salvation - Acts 24:25-27 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. (2 years)
5. Seasons of Suffering - 1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].
6. Seasons of Sorrow - 1 Peter 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
7. Seasons of Reward - Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
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