Temple Baptist Church - 3-31-2010
Ephesians 1:1-5
Introduction:
A. The subject that I will begin to deal with tonight is one of much controversy. Again let me say that there is no controversy in the Word of God. God is not the Author of confusion and where confusion is God is not! Then this question must be answered: “If God is not the Author of confusion, then who is?” The answer is simple: Satan! God will never confuse you while Satan strives to do so.
B. A good “Rule of Thumb” that I often teach our people is this: always interpret a hard portion of Scripture (we do not understand everything that is written in the Bible) with the ones that are easily understood. Since there are no contradictions with God, then difficult passages will not be contrary to the simple ones.
C. We often equate predestination and election with the tenets of John Calvin’s theology. John Calvin was an intellectual who set forth his theology in what is called the “TULIP” or “TULIP THEOLOGY.”
T – Total Depravity (total inability)
U – Unconditional Election
L – Limited Atonement
I – Irresistible Grace
P – Preservation of the Saints
D. I am not going to deal with the “TULIP” in detail in this study of Ephesians (I dealt with it over the course of about 10 weeks while preaching through 1 Corinthians). I just wanted our people to know what Calvinism teaches. When one gets the wrong impression of election and predestination, they become “Calvinistic” at the least and Calvinism is a stumbling block to the saint.
E. A wrong understanding of election and predestination is an enemy to assurance of salvation. None of our names are written in the Bible and then only way we can have assurance of salvation is if we are a “whosoever!” It is interesting that every Calvinist’s family is also elect. It is interesting that every Calvinistic Church member is elect. The only ones who are not elect are the “other” people.
1. A Wrong Understanding Of Election And Predestination Defiles The Person Of God. It Defiles God’s Character (I will just suggest a few of God’s immutable attributes.)
a. The Bible Declares That God is Love – 1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (Not makes an attempt to love but is intrinsically love itself.)
Mark 10:21-23 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. (22) And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. (23) And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! (Calvinism teaches that God loves His children and hates those who are not but these verses tell us that Christ loved a man who remained unsaved.)
Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Matthew 5:43-44 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. (44) But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (God tells us to love our enemies while He hates His?)
b. The Bible Declares That God Is Good - Psalms 107:1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Not makes an attempt to be good but is good!)
Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. (For God to create men, who have no chance to accept His sacrifice, and condemn them to hell with no chance is about as far from good as you can get.)
c. The Bible Declares That God Is Just - Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (Because of God’s justice, babies, who are born in sin, remain innocent until they reach an age of accountability.)
Psalms 98:8-9 Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together (9) Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
2. A Wrong Understanding Of Election And Predestination Defies The Word Of God (It attacks the veracity of the Bible. The Bible is clear concerning both the ability and obligation of mankind to respond to God.)
a. The Invitation Of God’s Word - Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Come when you can’t come?)
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Whosoever will can come when salvation is limited?)
b. The Inclusion Of God’s Word - 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (Died for the sins of the whole world when in fact he died for only a few?)
John 4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (The Bible declares that Jesus Christ died for whosoever and that includes every man, woman, and child ever born!)
c. The Indictment Of God’s Word - John 5:39-40 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (40) And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (Our Lord indicted the Pharisees for not coming to Him when they could not come?)
Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! (Jerusalem rejected the call of God as did the Pharisees. God can be rejected!)
3. A Wrong Understanding Of Election And Predestination Destroys The Purpose of God. (It deters both missions and personal witnessing.)
a. It Destroys The Personal Responsibility Of The Sinner - Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (How can anyone deny the personal responsibility of the sinner in this verse?)
Revelation 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. (Could have repented! Should have repented! Did not repent and was held personally responsible.)
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (Not believing is the sinner’s fault, not God’s! He is not lost because he is not elect or predestined. He is lost because he chose not to believe.)
b. It Destroys The Message Of The Cross - Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
c. It Destroys The Mission Of The Church - Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (You can say what you want about missions hearted, Calvinistic churches but this theology severely affects missions outreach.)
d. It Destroys The Personal Soul Winning Of The Saint (True Calvinists are fatalists! Why witness to someone who will be saved anyway or why witness to someone who cannot be saved?)
Assurance
Calvinism
God and foreknowledge
God and respect of persons
God and second chances Shalt thou not be accepted was the lie of all ages
He lied to the Pharisees – ye would not come unto me – life
God and indictment for now being saved – would not come unto me, come unto me,
God and goodness and love
Whosoever meanth who
Calvinism Destroys The Righteousness Of God
It Destroys His Justice
It Destroys His Love
It Destroys His Veracity (whosoever will)
Calvinism Destroys The Personal Responsibility Of The Sinner
He Has The Responsibility To Come
He Has The Responsibility To Repent
He Has The Responsibility To Believe
Calvinism Destroys The Assurance Of The Believer
He Has No Assurance That He Is One Of The Elect
A. Calvinism Is An Enemy Of The Character Of God
1. Calvinism Attacks The Veracity Of God
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
2. Calvinism Attacks The Righteousness Of God
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
Ephesians 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
James 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
Isaiah 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Ezekiel 18:23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Colossians 3:23-25 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
3. Calvinism Attacks The Character Of God
1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Matthew 26:50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
B. Calvinism Is An Enemy Of The Cross Of Christ
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.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
C. Calvinism Is An Enemy Of The Commission Of The Church
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (All Nations)
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (All Of Mankind)
D. Calvinism Is An Enemy Of The Command To The Soul Winner (Calvinist are not zealous soul winners – their visitation is sporadic)
Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Hell was prepared for the Devil and his angels!
There are only 4 times that predestinate in one form or another is found. In each instance, it has to do with God’s purpose and foreknowledge.
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Jesus Christ Is Elect - Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
Israel Is Elect - Isaiah 45:4 For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
Isaiah 65:9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.
Isaiah 65:22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect‘s sake those days shall be shortened.
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect‘s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Romans 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
Romans 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Romans 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
Romans 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
1 Thessalonians 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
1 Timothy 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect‘s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
1 Peter 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
1 Peter 5:13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
2 John 1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
2 John 1:13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Calvary
Temple Baptist Church - 3-28-2010
John 19:1-18
Introduction: Passion Week.
A. It is of no little interest to this preacher that, when speaking of the crucifixion of Christ in the New Testament, John said little of the suffering of Jesus Christ.
B. The Old Testament gave a much more vivid description of these sufferings.
C. The Old Testament Jew was very familiar with the sacrifice of the Paschal lamb and found the antitype in “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
D. Thus, the Old Testament dealt with the sacrifice while the New Testament dealt more with the substitute.
E. In the crucifixion of Christ, the Bible gives the ultimate fulfillment of Genesis 3:15.
1. The Scourging
New Testament - John 19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.
Old Testament - Isaiah 52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
The Physical Description Of The Scourging - Scourging, practiced by the Romans was a cruel punishment that usually preceded crucifixion. The only ones exempted from scourging were women, Roman senators and soldiers except in cases of desertion. Normally there were between one and six trained Roman officer called lictors who were responsible for dispensing the blows to the victims. The lictors chosen to administer the scourging had previously received special medical training. They knew how to wield the whip so as to open bruises which had already formed. The instrument used for scourging is a short whip called a flagrum or flagellum to which was attached several braided leather thongs of variable lengths. Knots were tied in the ends of each thong, and sheep bone or iron balls were inserted into the knots at the end of each thong. This whip is called a flagrum or flagellum. The person to be scourged is stripped of his clothing and his hands are tied to a post. Roman soldiers repeatedly strike the victim's back, buttocks and legs with their full force causing deep contusions. Lacerations from repeated blows cut into the underlying muscles and rip the overlaying skin of the back to a point where it hangs in ribbons of bleeding flesh. The capillaries and veins were often torn causing intense bleeding and at times leaving the entrails exposed. Even once the victim fainted, if the lictors could feel a pulse and detect sufficient respiration, the beating would continue. Once the centurion in charge determined that the prisoner is near death, the beating is halted. According to Jewish law the prisoner was to receiver no more than forty lashes. The Pharisees, always making sure that the law was strictly kept, insisted that only thirty nine lashes be given in case an error occurred during counting.(Deuteronomy 25:3) The Roman law did not have any set limit on the number of blows which could be administered. The object of the scourging was to weaken the victim to a state of collapse and bring them as near to death as possible without killing them. Many did not survive this punishment and it was given the name "half death." The extent of blood loss may well have determined how long the victim would survive on the cross.
2. The Smiting
New Testament - John 19:3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.
Old Testament - Psalms 22:12-13 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.
3. The Crucifying
New Testament - John 19:16-18 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
Old Testament - Psalms 22:14-16 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
The Physical Description Of The Crucifixion - Klauaner, the Jewish writer, writing of crucifixion says, “Crucifixion is the most terrible and cruel death which man has ever devised for taking vengeance on his fellow-men.” Cicero called it “the most cruel and the most horrible torture.” Tactitus called it “a torture only fit for slaves.” It originated in Persia; and its origin came from the fact that the earth was considered to be sacred to Ormuzd the god, and the criminal was lifted up from it that he might not defile the earth, which was the god’s property. From Persia crucifixion passed to Carthage in North Africa; and it was then from Carthage that Rome learned it, although the Romans kept it exclusively for rebels, runaway slaves, and the lowest type of criminal. It was indeed a punishment which it was illegal to inflict on a Roman citizen. Goguel quotes A. Reville’s description: “It represented the acme of the torturer’s art: atrocious physical sufferings, length of torment, ignominy, the effect on the crowd gathered to witness the long agony of the crucified. Nothing could be more horrible than the sight of this living body, breathing, seeing, hearing, still able to feel, and yet reduced to the state of a corpse by forced immobility and absolute helplessness. We cannot even say that the crucified person writhed in agony, for it was impossible for him to move. Stripped of his clothing, unable even to brush away the flies which fell upon his wounded flesh, already lacerated by the preliminary scourging, exposed to the insults and curses of people who can always find some sickening pleasure in sight of the tortures of others, a feeling which is increased and not diminished by the sight of pain—the cross represented miserable humanity reduced to the last degree of impotence, suffering, and degradation. The penalty of crucifixion combined all that the most ardent tormentor could desire: torture, the pillory, degradation, and certain death, distilled slowly drop by drop. It was an ideal form of torture”
THIS IS WHAT THE WORLD SEES IN THE SUFFERINGS AND CRUCIFIXION OF CHRIST.
Leon Morris, The Gospel According to John (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1971), pp. 805-806, fn. 44.192 “John describes the horror that was crucifixion in a single word. As in the case of the scourging, he simply mentions the fact and passes on. Popular piety, both Protestant and Catholic, has often tended to make a great deal of the sufferings of Jesus, to reflect on what was done and to dwell on the anguish He suffered. None of the Gospels does this. The Evangelists record the fact and let it go at that. The death of Jesus for men was their concern. They make no attempt to play on the heartstrings of their readers. It may be a challengeable opinion, but I think the Church of God has suffered more than it knows by pictures of the crucifying of Jesus; and sometimes by very honest and well-intentioned sermons, trying to describe the matter on the physical side. I am not denying the tragedy and the pain of it physically, but the physical suffering of Jesus was nothing compared to the deeper fact of that cross.”
THIS IS WHAT THE CHRISTIAN SEES IN THE SUFFERINGS AND CRUCIFIXION OF CHRIST.
1. We See Sin With Its Ultimate Consequence - Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
a. Sin Brings About Separation From A Holy God - Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
b. Sin Brings About Both Temporal And Eternal Death - Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
2. We See Religion Exposed For What It Really Is - John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
John 19:4-6 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.
Luke 23:20-25 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
Matthew 26:59-68 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
3. We See The Gracious Forgiveness Of God - Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
4. We See The Simplicity Of Salvation Manifested - Luke 23:39-43 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
5. We See The finished Work Of The Cross Of Christ - John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Isaiah 53:10-12 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
6. We See The Personal Substitution Of Christ For The Sinner - John 18:38-19:1 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.
John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: (Barabbas’ cross became “his cross.”)
Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
John 19:1-18
Introduction: Passion Week.
A. It is of no little interest to this preacher that, when speaking of the crucifixion of Christ in the New Testament, John said little of the suffering of Jesus Christ.
B. The Old Testament gave a much more vivid description of these sufferings.
C. The Old Testament Jew was very familiar with the sacrifice of the Paschal lamb and found the antitype in “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
D. Thus, the Old Testament dealt with the sacrifice while the New Testament dealt more with the substitute.
E. In the crucifixion of Christ, the Bible gives the ultimate fulfillment of Genesis 3:15.
1. The Scourging
New Testament - John 19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.
Old Testament - Isaiah 52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
The Physical Description Of The Scourging - Scourging, practiced by the Romans was a cruel punishment that usually preceded crucifixion. The only ones exempted from scourging were women, Roman senators and soldiers except in cases of desertion. Normally there were between one and six trained Roman officer called lictors who were responsible for dispensing the blows to the victims. The lictors chosen to administer the scourging had previously received special medical training. They knew how to wield the whip so as to open bruises which had already formed. The instrument used for scourging is a short whip called a flagrum or flagellum to which was attached several braided leather thongs of variable lengths. Knots were tied in the ends of each thong, and sheep bone or iron balls were inserted into the knots at the end of each thong. This whip is called a flagrum or flagellum. The person to be scourged is stripped of his clothing and his hands are tied to a post. Roman soldiers repeatedly strike the victim's back, buttocks and legs with their full force causing deep contusions. Lacerations from repeated blows cut into the underlying muscles and rip the overlaying skin of the back to a point where it hangs in ribbons of bleeding flesh. The capillaries and veins were often torn causing intense bleeding and at times leaving the entrails exposed. Even once the victim fainted, if the lictors could feel a pulse and detect sufficient respiration, the beating would continue. Once the centurion in charge determined that the prisoner is near death, the beating is halted. According to Jewish law the prisoner was to receiver no more than forty lashes. The Pharisees, always making sure that the law was strictly kept, insisted that only thirty nine lashes be given in case an error occurred during counting.(Deuteronomy 25:3) The Roman law did not have any set limit on the number of blows which could be administered. The object of the scourging was to weaken the victim to a state of collapse and bring them as near to death as possible without killing them. Many did not survive this punishment and it was given the name "half death." The extent of blood loss may well have determined how long the victim would survive on the cross.
2. The Smiting
New Testament - John 19:3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.
Old Testament - Psalms 22:12-13 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.
3. The Crucifying
New Testament - John 19:16-18 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
Old Testament - Psalms 22:14-16 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
The Physical Description Of The Crucifixion - Klauaner, the Jewish writer, writing of crucifixion says, “Crucifixion is the most terrible and cruel death which man has ever devised for taking vengeance on his fellow-men.” Cicero called it “the most cruel and the most horrible torture.” Tactitus called it “a torture only fit for slaves.” It originated in Persia; and its origin came from the fact that the earth was considered to be sacred to Ormuzd the god, and the criminal was lifted up from it that he might not defile the earth, which was the god’s property. From Persia crucifixion passed to Carthage in North Africa; and it was then from Carthage that Rome learned it, although the Romans kept it exclusively for rebels, runaway slaves, and the lowest type of criminal. It was indeed a punishment which it was illegal to inflict on a Roman citizen. Goguel quotes A. Reville’s description: “It represented the acme of the torturer’s art: atrocious physical sufferings, length of torment, ignominy, the effect on the crowd gathered to witness the long agony of the crucified. Nothing could be more horrible than the sight of this living body, breathing, seeing, hearing, still able to feel, and yet reduced to the state of a corpse by forced immobility and absolute helplessness. We cannot even say that the crucified person writhed in agony, for it was impossible for him to move. Stripped of his clothing, unable even to brush away the flies which fell upon his wounded flesh, already lacerated by the preliminary scourging, exposed to the insults and curses of people who can always find some sickening pleasure in sight of the tortures of others, a feeling which is increased and not diminished by the sight of pain—the cross represented miserable humanity reduced to the last degree of impotence, suffering, and degradation. The penalty of crucifixion combined all that the most ardent tormentor could desire: torture, the pillory, degradation, and certain death, distilled slowly drop by drop. It was an ideal form of torture”
THIS IS WHAT THE WORLD SEES IN THE SUFFERINGS AND CRUCIFIXION OF CHRIST.
Leon Morris, The Gospel According to John (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1971), pp. 805-806, fn. 44.192 “John describes the horror that was crucifixion in a single word. As in the case of the scourging, he simply mentions the fact and passes on. Popular piety, both Protestant and Catholic, has often tended to make a great deal of the sufferings of Jesus, to reflect on what was done and to dwell on the anguish He suffered. None of the Gospels does this. The Evangelists record the fact and let it go at that. The death of Jesus for men was their concern. They make no attempt to play on the heartstrings of their readers. It may be a challengeable opinion, but I think the Church of God has suffered more than it knows by pictures of the crucifying of Jesus; and sometimes by very honest and well-intentioned sermons, trying to describe the matter on the physical side. I am not denying the tragedy and the pain of it physically, but the physical suffering of Jesus was nothing compared to the deeper fact of that cross.”
THIS IS WHAT THE CHRISTIAN SEES IN THE SUFFERINGS AND CRUCIFIXION OF CHRIST.
1. We See Sin With Its Ultimate Consequence - Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
a. Sin Brings About Separation From A Holy God - Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
b. Sin Brings About Both Temporal And Eternal Death - Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
2. We See Religion Exposed For What It Really Is - John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
John 19:4-6 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.
Luke 23:20-25 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
Matthew 26:59-68 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
3. We See The Gracious Forgiveness Of God - Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
4. We See The Simplicity Of Salvation Manifested - Luke 23:39-43 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
5. We See The finished Work Of The Cross Of Christ - John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Isaiah 53:10-12 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
6. We See The Personal Substitution Of Christ For The Sinner - John 18:38-19:1 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.
John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: (Barabbas’ cross became “his cross.”)
Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
The Faithful In Christ Jesus
Temple Baptist Church - 3-24-2010
Ephesians 1:1
Introduction:
A. The believers at Ephesus were “born in the fire” so to speak but had remained faithful to the Lord. Ephesus was noted for the great Temple of Diana, the goddess of the Ephesians. They were persecuted greatly for their faith in Christ Jesus. In Acts 19, the religious fervor of idolatrous Ephesians was made evident when—for the space of two hours—thousands chanted “Great is Diana of the Ephesians.”
B. Throughout the centuries, God’s children have been faithful in the fires of adversity. It seems that the more the children of God are persecuted, the more faithful they are to Him and His cause.
C. A lack of faithfulness has always been a problem to many though and it seems that faithfulness has fallen on hard times now-a-days. Even in David’s day, he prayed, “Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men” (Psalm 12:1). I know of men whom I thought would never stop serving God, but sadly they’ve fallen by the wayside.
D. The Laodicean Church Age has also taken its toll on Christendom. In these days of plenty, pleasure, and lack of persecution—it is easy to be “at ease in Zion!” Our Lord asked a question that needs to be looked at tonight: “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)
E. Faithful men are a rare commodity these days. Proverbs 20:6—“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness; but a faithful man who can find?” There is a real shortage of faithfulness. Now, instead of sporadic cases, unfaithfulness seems to be the “rule of the day.”
1. Marriages are failing because of unfaithfulness.
2. Ministries are failing because of unfaithfulness.
3. Friendships end in bitterness because of unfaithfulness.
F. What does it mean to be faithful?
1. Dependable—Your greatest ability is dependability. When it’s time for you to be at a certain place, people can count on you being there!
2. Reliable (reliable car?)
3. Trustworthy / Honest
4. Loyal
5. Unfailing (consistent)
G. I have used this illustration often but it fits the message again tonight.
1. A husband or wife that is faithful to their mate 23 hours a day is not really faithful. A husband or wife that is faithful to their mate 364 days of the year is not really faithful.
2. An employee that is absent from work one day every week is not a faithful employee.
3. A Car that will only start 3 out of every 4 times is not to be depended upon. The list could go on into the night but I believe that we get the picture.
H. Faithfulness is NOT a natural virtue, otherwise why would God admonish us to “be thou faithful.” Let’s make a renewed vow to be faithful:
How much do we depend on the Lord? How much can He depend on us?
1. We Need To Be Faithful To The Lord
a. Faithful Out Of Love
b. Faithful Out Of Fear
c. Faithful Out Of Debt
2. We Need To Be Faithful To Our Family
a. Husbands To Their Wives
b. Wives To Their Husbands
c. Parents To Their Children
d. Children To Their Parents
3. We Need To Be Faithful To Our Church
a. Faithful To Attend
b. Faithful To Give
c. Faithful To Labor
d. Faithful To Exhort And Edify
4. We Need To Be Faithful To Our Fellow Man
a. Faithful In Example
b. Faithful In Prayer
c. Faithful In Witness
5. We Need To Be Faithful To Our Country
a. Faithful To Be A Good Citizen
b. Faithful To Be A Good Intercessor
c. Faithful To Be A Good Voter
Conclusion: Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? (May the Lord help us to be faithful in these last days!)
Ephesians 1:1
Introduction:
A. The believers at Ephesus were “born in the fire” so to speak but had remained faithful to the Lord. Ephesus was noted for the great Temple of Diana, the goddess of the Ephesians. They were persecuted greatly for their faith in Christ Jesus. In Acts 19, the religious fervor of idolatrous Ephesians was made evident when—for the space of two hours—thousands chanted “Great is Diana of the Ephesians.”
B. Throughout the centuries, God’s children have been faithful in the fires of adversity. It seems that the more the children of God are persecuted, the more faithful they are to Him and His cause.
C. A lack of faithfulness has always been a problem to many though and it seems that faithfulness has fallen on hard times now-a-days. Even in David’s day, he prayed, “Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men” (Psalm 12:1). I know of men whom I thought would never stop serving God, but sadly they’ve fallen by the wayside.
D. The Laodicean Church Age has also taken its toll on Christendom. In these days of plenty, pleasure, and lack of persecution—it is easy to be “at ease in Zion!” Our Lord asked a question that needs to be looked at tonight: “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)
E. Faithful men are a rare commodity these days. Proverbs 20:6—“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness; but a faithful man who can find?” There is a real shortage of faithfulness. Now, instead of sporadic cases, unfaithfulness seems to be the “rule of the day.”
1. Marriages are failing because of unfaithfulness.
2. Ministries are failing because of unfaithfulness.
3. Friendships end in bitterness because of unfaithfulness.
F. What does it mean to be faithful?
1. Dependable—Your greatest ability is dependability. When it’s time for you to be at a certain place, people can count on you being there!
2. Reliable (reliable car?)
3. Trustworthy / Honest
4. Loyal
5. Unfailing (consistent)
G. I have used this illustration often but it fits the message again tonight.
1. A husband or wife that is faithful to their mate 23 hours a day is not really faithful. A husband or wife that is faithful to their mate 364 days of the year is not really faithful.
2. An employee that is absent from work one day every week is not a faithful employee.
3. A Car that will only start 3 out of every 4 times is not to be depended upon. The list could go on into the night but I believe that we get the picture.
H. Faithfulness is NOT a natural virtue, otherwise why would God admonish us to “be thou faithful.” Let’s make a renewed vow to be faithful:
How much do we depend on the Lord? How much can He depend on us?
1. We Need To Be Faithful To The Lord
a. Faithful Out Of Love
b. Faithful Out Of Fear
c. Faithful Out Of Debt
2. We Need To Be Faithful To Our Family
a. Husbands To Their Wives
b. Wives To Their Husbands
c. Parents To Their Children
d. Children To Their Parents
3. We Need To Be Faithful To Our Church
a. Faithful To Attend
b. Faithful To Give
c. Faithful To Labor
d. Faithful To Exhort And Edify
4. We Need To Be Faithful To Our Fellow Man
a. Faithful In Example
b. Faithful In Prayer
c. Faithful In Witness
5. We Need To Be Faithful To Our Country
a. Faithful To Be A Good Citizen
b. Faithful To Be A Good Intercessor
c. Faithful To Be A Good Voter
Conclusion: Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? (May the Lord help us to be faithful in these last days!)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Behold The Man
Temple Baptist Church - 3-21-2010
John 19:1-15
Introduction:
A. Calvary! Calvary! I am so glad that Calvary covers it all! As Easter Sunday approaches, our hearts and minds should go back to Calvary. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin.
B. As I begin this evening, I want us to glory in this thought: our Lord Jesus Christ is not still on the cross! Many denominations show a crucifix with Jesus still nailed to it. Most of these religions crucify Him again and again. We serve a risen Saviour who sits at the right hand of the throne of God. He ever liveth to make intercession for the saints of God.
C. As we go back to Calvary for a few minutes, I want to look at a phrase spoken by a lost man concerning our Lord. In verse 5, Pilate—speaking to the unruly crowd of Jews—said, “Behold the man!” I want to answer the question: “What did the crowd see in ‘the man?’”
1. They saw a man rejected by the multitudes – John 18:39-40
John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
2. They saw a man battered and torn – John 19:1
Isaiah 52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
3. They saw a man mocked and derided – John 19:2-3
Psalms 35:15-16 But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.
4. They saw a man condemned to death – John 19:6-7
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
D. We that are saved understand that this man was God in the flesh. I want to look at this “God-man” who went to Calvary to die for the sins of the world; this God-man who so loved that His life mattered not; this God-man who left it all that we may have it all one day.
1. “Behold the man!” Who lived in Heaven and chose to be born in poverty. Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
a. No robes of royalty but only swaddling clothes.
b. No soft bed of down but a manger of hay.
c. No palace of great beauty but a stable.
d. No joyous reception in an inn but a birth of obscurity.
2. “Behold the man!” Who owned the world and chose to have nothing. Luke 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
a. He had no home and yet Heaven was His home. Isaiah 66:1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
b. He hungered and yet He made it all. Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
Psalms 24:1 The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
c. He thirsted and yet He made the waters of the seas and rivers.
Isaiah 40:12 Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
3. “Behold the man!” Who made the storm and chose to rock in a boat. Nahum 1:3-4a The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.
He was in the midst of the storm and yet He made the storms - Mark 4:37-38 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
4. “Behold the man!” He lived in physical weakness and yet had power over all nature. Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
5. “Behold the man!” Who was despised and rejected and yet was a friend of sinners. Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
6. “Behold the man!” Who was unrighteously judged by man while He was the righteous Judge. Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
7. “Behold the man!” Who hated sin and yet became sin for us. Habakkuk 1:13 Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?
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.
8. “Behold the man!” Who chose to die and yet was the Giver of life. Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
John 19:1-15
Introduction:
A. Calvary! Calvary! I am so glad that Calvary covers it all! As Easter Sunday approaches, our hearts and minds should go back to Calvary. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin.
B. As I begin this evening, I want us to glory in this thought: our Lord Jesus Christ is not still on the cross! Many denominations show a crucifix with Jesus still nailed to it. Most of these religions crucify Him again and again. We serve a risen Saviour who sits at the right hand of the throne of God. He ever liveth to make intercession for the saints of God.
C. As we go back to Calvary for a few minutes, I want to look at a phrase spoken by a lost man concerning our Lord. In verse 5, Pilate—speaking to the unruly crowd of Jews—said, “Behold the man!” I want to answer the question: “What did the crowd see in ‘the man?’”
1. They saw a man rejected by the multitudes – John 18:39-40
John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
2. They saw a man battered and torn – John 19:1
Isaiah 52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
3. They saw a man mocked and derided – John 19:2-3
Psalms 35:15-16 But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.
4. They saw a man condemned to death – John 19:6-7
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
D. We that are saved understand that this man was God in the flesh. I want to look at this “God-man” who went to Calvary to die for the sins of the world; this God-man who so loved that His life mattered not; this God-man who left it all that we may have it all one day.
1. “Behold the man!” Who lived in Heaven and chose to be born in poverty. Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
a. No robes of royalty but only swaddling clothes.
b. No soft bed of down but a manger of hay.
c. No palace of great beauty but a stable.
d. No joyous reception in an inn but a birth of obscurity.
2. “Behold the man!” Who owned the world and chose to have nothing. Luke 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
a. He had no home and yet Heaven was His home. Isaiah 66:1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
b. He hungered and yet He made it all. Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
Psalms 24:1 The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
c. He thirsted and yet He made the waters of the seas and rivers.
Isaiah 40:12 Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
3. “Behold the man!” Who made the storm and chose to rock in a boat. Nahum 1:3-4a The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.
He was in the midst of the storm and yet He made the storms - Mark 4:37-38 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
4. “Behold the man!” He lived in physical weakness and yet had power over all nature. Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
5. “Behold the man!” Who was despised and rejected and yet was a friend of sinners. Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
6. “Behold the man!” Who was unrighteously judged by man while He was the righteous Judge. Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
7. “Behold the man!” Who hated sin and yet became sin for us. Habakkuk 1:13 Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?
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.
8. “Behold the man!” Who chose to die and yet was the Giver of life. Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The Pastor And His Ministry
Temple Baptist Church - 3-21-2010
1 Corinthians 4:15-21
Introduction:
A. I have been preaching on the church for several weeks and want to continue along that line for a while. One of the most important gifts given to the New Testament local church is the pastor.
Ephesians 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
1. His work is valuable (Without a pastor, churches falter)
2. His work is varied (I will deal with this aspect in a few minutes.)
B. It is of no wonder that pastors are under such satanic attack.
Zechariah 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
1. His integrity is so often attacked. (If Satan can get to him, he can get to you!)
2. His family is attacked. (If Satan can get to them, he can get to the pastor. Then he can get to you!)
C. One of the problems associated with the pastor-church relationship is that of misunderstanding. Because churches are now run by trustees or deacon boards and pastors do not stay at churches for extended periods of time, the pastor’s office is neither understood nor filled scripturally.
D. It seems that almost everyone has a different view of the pastor’s work and, when not diligently taught, can often get either disappointed or offended. I may preach more than one message on this subject before moving on. I will try to set forth some things that are a part of the ministry and are essential to both the welfare of the local church and the spiritual growth of the believers.
E. Paul, when writing to the Corinthian Church, instructed them to follow him and his teaching. He was writing to them as a missionary pastor. Though they may have had 10,000 instructors, they had only one pastor. There are many great pastors, evangelists, and missionaries in America but you only have one pastor. He is a God called gift to the local church! He is a man but he is also God’s man! He is the will of God for you!
1. The Pastor Is A Father – vs. 15
a. Representative Of Respect - 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
b. Representative Of Authority - 1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
2. The Pastor Is A Shepherd – vs. 16
a. As You Follow, He Guides - Psalms 23:1-3 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
b. As You Follow, He Guards - Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
3. The Pastor Is A Teacher – vs. 17
a. He Teaches By Example - 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
b. He Teaches By Explaining - Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
4. The Pastor Is a Disciplinarian – vs. 18-21
a. The Power Of Discipline – 1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
b. The Progression Of Discipline - 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
c. The Purpose Of Discipline – Two fold.
1) To Recover The Sinful Member - 1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
2) To Protect The Purity Of The Church - 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
5. The Pastor Is A Friend – vs. 21
a. He Is A Friend To The Family - Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
b. He Is A Friend To The Failing - Amos 3:12 Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch.
1 Corinthians 4:15-21
Introduction:
A. I have been preaching on the church for several weeks and want to continue along that line for a while. One of the most important gifts given to the New Testament local church is the pastor.
Ephesians 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
1. His work is valuable (Without a pastor, churches falter)
2. His work is varied (I will deal with this aspect in a few minutes.)
B. It is of no wonder that pastors are under such satanic attack.
Zechariah 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
1. His integrity is so often attacked. (If Satan can get to him, he can get to you!)
2. His family is attacked. (If Satan can get to them, he can get to the pastor. Then he can get to you!)
C. One of the problems associated with the pastor-church relationship is that of misunderstanding. Because churches are now run by trustees or deacon boards and pastors do not stay at churches for extended periods of time, the pastor’s office is neither understood nor filled scripturally.
D. It seems that almost everyone has a different view of the pastor’s work and, when not diligently taught, can often get either disappointed or offended. I may preach more than one message on this subject before moving on. I will try to set forth some things that are a part of the ministry and are essential to both the welfare of the local church and the spiritual growth of the believers.
E. Paul, when writing to the Corinthian Church, instructed them to follow him and his teaching. He was writing to them as a missionary pastor. Though they may have had 10,000 instructors, they had only one pastor. There are many great pastors, evangelists, and missionaries in America but you only have one pastor. He is a God called gift to the local church! He is a man but he is also God’s man! He is the will of God for you!
1. The Pastor Is A Father – vs. 15
a. Representative Of Respect - 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
b. Representative Of Authority - 1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
2. The Pastor Is A Shepherd – vs. 16
a. As You Follow, He Guides - Psalms 23:1-3 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
b. As You Follow, He Guards - Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
3. The Pastor Is A Teacher – vs. 17
a. He Teaches By Example - 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
b. He Teaches By Explaining - Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
4. The Pastor Is a Disciplinarian – vs. 18-21
a. The Power Of Discipline – 1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
b. The Progression Of Discipline - 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
c. The Purpose Of Discipline – Two fold.
1) To Recover The Sinful Member - 1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
2) To Protect The Purity Of The Church - 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
5. The Pastor Is A Friend – vs. 21
a. He Is A Friend To The Family - Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
b. He Is A Friend To The Failing - Amos 3:12 Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch.
The Blessings Of A Vegetarian Diet
Temple Baptist Church - 3-21-2010
Proverbs 15:16-17
Introduction:
A. Today is Homecoming Day and marks 23 years that my family has been here at Temple. They have been good years. We have buried some, married some, seen some leave right, some leave mad, seen God save some, seen some come and join us, we have laughed and cried. It has been worth the trip! I love you as only a pastor can love and would not trade you for any other congregation in the world. God has given us a good church!
B. One of the greatest attacks made by Satan in our day is upon the unity and internal peace of the local church. He hates the church. In the Book of Acts, Satan “pulled out all of the stops” in his attack against the church. Over and over again in the Pauline Epistles, we find men such as Diotrephes and Alexander the Coppersmith attacking the man of God and the unity of the church. People like Euodias and Syntyche are mentioned. They could not get along and their fussing was a “thorn in the side” of their local church.
C. We too often equate physical numbers and financial blessings with having a great church. Having a great church is not measured by what you have but rather by what you are! What you are doing!
D. The Holy Spirit said that it is better to be poor financially than to be rich and have trouble therewith. I had rather be as “poor as a church mouse” than to have great revenue with division and strife sitting on the pews. People never look better leaving than they do coming but sometimes “back door revivals” are a necessity.
E. The Holy Spirit said that it was better to live on a vegetarian diet than to have a stalled ox with hatred. Now you know that hurts this preacher! I love to eat and I take after my mother. Dad could live on vegetables. Mom was different. It there was no meat on the table, she did not count it as a real meal. I am the same way. When I go to a buffet, I load my plate with almost every kind of meat available.
F. It is better to have no “jingle” in your pocket and turnip greens on your plate than money galore and meat aplenty coupled with strife. I want to give us some biblical pointers this morning that will help us to have peace and unity in our church.
G. Peace and unity depends upon each of us having a right purpose and attitude.
1. Be Slow To Anger - James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
2. Be Kind - Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
3. Be Forgiving - Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
4. Be Gentle - Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
5. Be Loving - 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
6. Be Tough – Psalms 119:168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
7. Be Purposed - 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
8. Be Busy - 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (Idle hands are the devil’s workshop)
Proverbs 15:16-17
Introduction:
A. Today is Homecoming Day and marks 23 years that my family has been here at Temple. They have been good years. We have buried some, married some, seen some leave right, some leave mad, seen God save some, seen some come and join us, we have laughed and cried. It has been worth the trip! I love you as only a pastor can love and would not trade you for any other congregation in the world. God has given us a good church!
B. One of the greatest attacks made by Satan in our day is upon the unity and internal peace of the local church. He hates the church. In the Book of Acts, Satan “pulled out all of the stops” in his attack against the church. Over and over again in the Pauline Epistles, we find men such as Diotrephes and Alexander the Coppersmith attacking the man of God and the unity of the church. People like Euodias and Syntyche are mentioned. They could not get along and their fussing was a “thorn in the side” of their local church.
C. We too often equate physical numbers and financial blessings with having a great church. Having a great church is not measured by what you have but rather by what you are! What you are doing!
D. The Holy Spirit said that it is better to be poor financially than to be rich and have trouble therewith. I had rather be as “poor as a church mouse” than to have great revenue with division and strife sitting on the pews. People never look better leaving than they do coming but sometimes “back door revivals” are a necessity.
E. The Holy Spirit said that it was better to live on a vegetarian diet than to have a stalled ox with hatred. Now you know that hurts this preacher! I love to eat and I take after my mother. Dad could live on vegetables. Mom was different. It there was no meat on the table, she did not count it as a real meal. I am the same way. When I go to a buffet, I load my plate with almost every kind of meat available.
F. It is better to have no “jingle” in your pocket and turnip greens on your plate than money galore and meat aplenty coupled with strife. I want to give us some biblical pointers this morning that will help us to have peace and unity in our church.
G. Peace and unity depends upon each of us having a right purpose and attitude.
1. Be Slow To Anger - James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
2. Be Kind - Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
3. Be Forgiving - Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
4. Be Gentle - Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
5. Be Loving - 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
6. Be Tough – Psalms 119:168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
7. Be Purposed - 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
8. Be Busy - 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (Idle hands are the devil’s workshop)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Saints
Temple Baptist Church - 3-17-2010
Ephesians 1:1-2
Introduction:
A. What a blessing to be in such a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ as to be called saints. I fear that, all to often, we fail realize just who and what we are in Christ. The theme of Ephesians is “Seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” If you miss that (I will elaborate upon it more later) then you will begin to fall into doctrinal error.
B. As God’s children:
1. We Are Sons – In Relationship
2. We Are Students – In Education
3. We Are Soldiers – In Battle
4. We Are Servants – In Obedience
5. We Are Saints – In Standing
C. In the realm of last day religion, the Catholic Church venerates people who have lived and done “great” things in their lives as “Saints”. Their sainthood must be presented to the proper authorities and then voted upon in order to secure this glorious privilege. Religion requires service and endurance for sainthood whereas salvation bestows instant sainthood. Every believer in Scripture is referred to as a “saint.”
Acts 9:32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
Romans 15:25-26 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
D. If you look up the word “saint” in a dictionary, you will get a varied definition which has nothing to do with the biblical definition of the word.
SAINT, n. [L. sanctus.] A person sanctified; a holy or godly person; one eminent for piety and virtue. (This definition has more to do with piety than standing.)
E. Sainthood is not even related to spirituality - Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints. (Therefore, we should live a life becoming to our standing, but the standing is secured through the new birth and not works of righteousness!)
F. Once we become “saints” through the new birth, this sainthood is expressed in a change of both attitude toward sin and results of sin.
1. True Sainthood Always Brings About Conviction Of Sin - 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
2. True Sainthood Always Brings About Either Confession or Chastisement For Sin.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Deuteronomy 8:5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.
I want to look at the sainthood of the believer tonight.
1. POSITIONAL SAINTHOOD - We Are Saints In Imputation - 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.
a. In Sainthood, We See Substitution – “sin for us” - 1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
b. In Sainthood, We See Sinlessness – “knew no sin” - 1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
c. In Sainthood, We See Sanctification – “in him” - Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
2. PRACTICAL SAINTHOOD - We Are Saints In Character Integrity - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
a. In Sainthood, We See Condition – “if”
b. In Sainthood, We See Change – “a new creature”
c. In Sainthood, We See Character – “old things … become new”
3. PRESENTED SAINTHOOD – We Are Saints In Infinity - Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
a. In Sainthood, We Find Power – “able … keep you from falling” - 1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
b. In Sainthood, We Find Presentation – “present you faultless” - 2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
c. In Sainthood, We find Promise – “presence … exceeding joy” - John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Ephesians 1:1-2
Introduction:
A. What a blessing to be in such a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ as to be called saints. I fear that, all to often, we fail realize just who and what we are in Christ. The theme of Ephesians is “Seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” If you miss that (I will elaborate upon it more later) then you will begin to fall into doctrinal error.
B. As God’s children:
1. We Are Sons – In Relationship
2. We Are Students – In Education
3. We Are Soldiers – In Battle
4. We Are Servants – In Obedience
5. We Are Saints – In Standing
C. In the realm of last day religion, the Catholic Church venerates people who have lived and done “great” things in their lives as “Saints”. Their sainthood must be presented to the proper authorities and then voted upon in order to secure this glorious privilege. Religion requires service and endurance for sainthood whereas salvation bestows instant sainthood. Every believer in Scripture is referred to as a “saint.”
Acts 9:32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
Romans 15:25-26 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
D. If you look up the word “saint” in a dictionary, you will get a varied definition which has nothing to do with the biblical definition of the word.
SAINT, n. [L. sanctus.] A person sanctified; a holy or godly person; one eminent for piety and virtue. (This definition has more to do with piety than standing.)
E. Sainthood is not even related to spirituality - Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints. (Therefore, we should live a life becoming to our standing, but the standing is secured through the new birth and not works of righteousness!)
F. Once we become “saints” through the new birth, this sainthood is expressed in a change of both attitude toward sin and results of sin.
1. True Sainthood Always Brings About Conviction Of Sin - 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
2. True Sainthood Always Brings About Either Confession or Chastisement For Sin.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Deuteronomy 8:5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.
I want to look at the sainthood of the believer tonight.
1. POSITIONAL SAINTHOOD - We Are Saints In Imputation - 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.
a. In Sainthood, We See Substitution – “sin for us” - 1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
b. In Sainthood, We See Sinlessness – “knew no sin” - 1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
c. In Sainthood, We See Sanctification – “in him” - Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
2. PRACTICAL SAINTHOOD - We Are Saints In Character Integrity - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
a. In Sainthood, We See Condition – “if”
b. In Sainthood, We See Change – “a new creature”
c. In Sainthood, We See Character – “old things … become new”
3. PRESENTED SAINTHOOD – We Are Saints In Infinity - Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
a. In Sainthood, We Find Power – “able … keep you from falling” - 1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
b. In Sainthood, We Find Presentation – “present you faultless” - 2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
c. In Sainthood, We find Promise – “presence … exceeding joy” - John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Necessities For Building A Church
Temple Baptist Church - 3-14-2010
Acts 2:42-47
Introduction:
A. The Lord wants to build His church according to Matthew 16:18. “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” It is the Lord’s desire to see the churches grow.
B. As we approach the end of time, we are seeing the “falling away” increase. Knocking on doors becomes less fruitful. I understand what time it is, but God’s people need to be busy about the Father’s business.
C. It always has been and still it the Lord who builds the church but He has chosen to use people to get the work done. We need not sit back and do nothing and expect the church to flourish. Our job is to “be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
D. In order for a church to grow both physically and spiritually, some things have to be evident in the church.
IN ORDER TO BUILD A CHURCH THAT HONORS GOD WE MUST HAVE:
1. A Word Of God That Has Free Course And Is Glorified - 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have [free] course, and be glorified, even as [it is] with you: (Satan hates the church that makes much of the Word of God! The religionist says that we are majoring on a minor while we are actually majoring on THE MAJOR!) Isaiah 55:10-11 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it.
a. We Must Make Much Of The Word Of God - 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.
b. We Must Hear The Word Of God - Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
c. We Must Heed The Word Of God - Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
2. A Willingness To Work - Nehemiah 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
3. A Burden For Souls - Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Matthew 9:37-38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly [is] plenteous, but the labourers [are] few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Luke 14:21-23 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise.
4. A Heart For Missions – 2 Corinthians 8:5 And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if [it had been] possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
5. An Uncompromising Stand On Both Doctrine And Separation - 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
6. A Holy Membership - Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
7. A Fervency In Prayer And Supplication - Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
Isaiah 56:7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8. A Fervent Love For Each Other - 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:
John 13:35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.
9. A Sacrificial Stewardship - Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
2 Corinthians 9:6 But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Acts 2:42-47
Introduction:
A. The Lord wants to build His church according to Matthew 16:18. “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” It is the Lord’s desire to see the churches grow.
B. As we approach the end of time, we are seeing the “falling away” increase. Knocking on doors becomes less fruitful. I understand what time it is, but God’s people need to be busy about the Father’s business.
C. It always has been and still it the Lord who builds the church but He has chosen to use people to get the work done. We need not sit back and do nothing and expect the church to flourish. Our job is to “be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
D. In order for a church to grow both physically and spiritually, some things have to be evident in the church.
IN ORDER TO BUILD A CHURCH THAT HONORS GOD WE MUST HAVE:
1. A Word Of God That Has Free Course And Is Glorified - 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have [free] course, and be glorified, even as [it is] with you: (Satan hates the church that makes much of the Word of God! The religionist says that we are majoring on a minor while we are actually majoring on THE MAJOR!) Isaiah 55:10-11 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it.
a. We Must Make Much Of The Word Of God - 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.
b. We Must Hear The Word Of God - Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
c. We Must Heed The Word Of God - Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
2. A Willingness To Work - Nehemiah 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
3. A Burden For Souls - Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Matthew 9:37-38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly [is] plenteous, but the labourers [are] few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Luke 14:21-23 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise.
4. A Heart For Missions – 2 Corinthians 8:5 And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if [it had been] possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
5. An Uncompromising Stand On Both Doctrine And Separation - 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
6. A Holy Membership - Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
7. A Fervency In Prayer And Supplication - Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
Isaiah 56:7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8. A Fervent Love For Each Other - 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:
John 13:35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.
9. A Sacrificial Stewardship - Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
2 Corinthians 9:6 But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Saved To Serve
Temple Baptist Church - 3-14-2010
Romans 1:1-16
Introduction:
A. One of the greatest of all New Testament Christians was the Apostle Paul. He was Saul of Tarsus before his conversion in Acts 9 and an enemy to the church of the living God. He was both a persecutor of the church and our Lord Jesus Christ. He was gloriously saved on the road to Damascus that day and his life forever changed through a marvelous work of God’s grace.
B. Paul was a man who never thought more highly of himself than he ought to have thought. He never forgot either who he was before his conversion or did he forget who he was afterward. Jesus Christ was his all-in-all; Jesus Christ was the love of his life; Jesus Christ was his reason for living!
C. What a wonderful example of God’s miraculous conversion! Paul opened his epistle to the Romans with a statement which showed the priority of his life. “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ!” In the old testament, we see the example of a bond servant or bond slave.
Deuteronomy 15:12-17 And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee. (13) And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty: (14) Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him. (15) And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day. (16) And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee; (17) Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.
1. A slave set free from his slavery.
2. A slave who loved the one who set him free.
3. A slave who deliberately chose to place his ear to the post.
4. A slave who became a servant through love and personal choice.
D. Paul, one of God’s chief persecutors became one of God’s choicest servants!
1. His Sin Was Enormous (blasphemous and injurious! To whom much is forgiven, they love much!)
2. His Salvation Was Exciting (Lord, what will thou have me to do? What a marvelous, miraculous, immediate change!)
3. His Service Was Exemplary (And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed. He fought a good fight, kept the faith, and finished his course! “To me to live is Christ!”)
a) Paul’s Perspective “servant” – Romans 1:5 “grace”
b) Paul’s Position “apostle” – Romans 1:5 “apostleship”
c) Paul’s Performance “separated” – Romans 1:5 “for obedience”
d) Paul’s Preaching “gospel of God” – Romans 1:5 “among all nations”
E. You and I that are saved are saved for the purpose. Yes, we are saved from sin and hell. Yes, we are saved to go to heaven and spend an eternity with Christ. But we are also saved to serve as long as we live.
1. In Our Natural State, We Were Slaves to Sin
2. In Our Spiritual State, We Are Made Free To Serve - 1 Peter 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
F. We Need To Realize That We Will Serve Someone Or Something - Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
G. Let us take a short look at this great Apostle of the Gentiles this morning and see what Paul meant when he said, “A servant of Jesus Christ.”
1. Paul Became A Servant To His Lord
a. His Conversion - Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?
b. His Commitment - 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness. (**Also see Romans 6:16-23)
2. Paul Was A Servant To The Lost
a. His Debt - Romans 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
b. His Desire - 1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
3. Paul Was A Servant To His Brethren
a. He Pleased The Brethren - Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
b. He Forgave The Brethren - 2 Corinthians 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
c. He Gave Himself For The Brethren - 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
d. He Loved The Brethren - 1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
Romans 1:1-16
Introduction:
A. One of the greatest of all New Testament Christians was the Apostle Paul. He was Saul of Tarsus before his conversion in Acts 9 and an enemy to the church of the living God. He was both a persecutor of the church and our Lord Jesus Christ. He was gloriously saved on the road to Damascus that day and his life forever changed through a marvelous work of God’s grace.
B. Paul was a man who never thought more highly of himself than he ought to have thought. He never forgot either who he was before his conversion or did he forget who he was afterward. Jesus Christ was his all-in-all; Jesus Christ was the love of his life; Jesus Christ was his reason for living!
C. What a wonderful example of God’s miraculous conversion! Paul opened his epistle to the Romans with a statement which showed the priority of his life. “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ!” In the old testament, we see the example of a bond servant or bond slave.
Deuteronomy 15:12-17 And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee. (13) And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty: (14) Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him. (15) And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day. (16) And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee; because he loveth thee and thine house, because he is well with thee; (17) Then thou shalt take an aul, and thrust it through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.
1. A slave set free from his slavery.
2. A slave who loved the one who set him free.
3. A slave who deliberately chose to place his ear to the post.
4. A slave who became a servant through love and personal choice.
D. Paul, one of God’s chief persecutors became one of God’s choicest servants!
1. His Sin Was Enormous (blasphemous and injurious! To whom much is forgiven, they love much!)
2. His Salvation Was Exciting (Lord, what will thou have me to do? What a marvelous, miraculous, immediate change!)
3. His Service Was Exemplary (And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed. He fought a good fight, kept the faith, and finished his course! “To me to live is Christ!”)
a) Paul’s Perspective “servant” – Romans 1:5 “grace”
b) Paul’s Position “apostle” – Romans 1:5 “apostleship”
c) Paul’s Performance “separated” – Romans 1:5 “for obedience”
d) Paul’s Preaching “gospel of God” – Romans 1:5 “among all nations”
E. You and I that are saved are saved for the purpose. Yes, we are saved from sin and hell. Yes, we are saved to go to heaven and spend an eternity with Christ. But we are also saved to serve as long as we live.
1. In Our Natural State, We Were Slaves to Sin
2. In Our Spiritual State, We Are Made Free To Serve - 1 Peter 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
F. We Need To Realize That We Will Serve Someone Or Something - Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
G. Let us take a short look at this great Apostle of the Gentiles this morning and see what Paul meant when he said, “A servant of Jesus Christ.”
1. Paul Became A Servant To His Lord
a. His Conversion - Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?
b. His Commitment - 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness. (**Also see Romans 6:16-23)
2. Paul Was A Servant To The Lost
a. His Debt - Romans 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
b. His Desire - 1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
3. Paul Was A Servant To His Brethren
a. He Pleased The Brethren - Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
b. He Forgave The Brethren - 2 Corinthians 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
c. He Gave Himself For The Brethren - 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
d. He Loved The Brethren - 1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Marks Of The Lord Jesus
Temple Baptist Church - 3-10-2010
Galatians 6:15-18
Introduction:
A. In these verses, we find the price paid by the Apostle Paul for his stand for the gospel.
2 Corinthians 11:22-28 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. (23) Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. (24) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. (25) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; (26) In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; (27) In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. (28) Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. (Paul paid a great price for his unwillingness to compromise the doctrines of the faith. He was most certainly a contender!)
B. Through the ages, God’s people have paid a price for their testimony. It is estimated that over 50,000,000 died in the Dark Ages alone at the hands of the Roman Catholic Church. History is being re-written to cover such atrocities including the annihilation of over 6,000,000 million Jews in Nazi Germany.
C. Even in our day, there are Christians in other countries that are being persecuted. Our Lord said that they would hate us because they hated Him first.
D. We, as United States citizens, have been blessed! We may be slandered and sometimes snubbed, but there is little to no actual physical persecution in America. We are a marked people though. The true Christian stands out in the crowd because he or she is in the world but not of the world.
E. Though we are not marked physically, we are marked by our Lord Jesus Christ. I want to look at several of those marks tonight. I will only mention a few as the list and message would be much more than could be preached in one service.
1. There Are Inward Marks
a. The Witness Of The Spirit - 1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
b. A Work Of Peace - Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
c. A Love And Desire For God’s Word - Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
d. A Love And Desire For 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.
2. There Are Upward Marks
a. A Father-Son Relationship - Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
b. Access And Boldness In Prayer - Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
c. Chastisement When In A Sinful Condition - Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
d. Obedience To The Word Of God - 1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
3. There Are Outward Marks
a. A Changed Life That Is Separated Unto The Saviour - Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
b. A Compassionate Heart Towards The Lost - Jude 22-23 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
c. A Brotherly Love That Is Evident - 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
Conclusion: How could a person be saved and not know it? I thank God tonight for the wonderful changes that He made in my heart, mind, and life when He saved me!
Galatians 6:15-18
Introduction:
A. In these verses, we find the price paid by the Apostle Paul for his stand for the gospel.
2 Corinthians 11:22-28 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. (23) Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. (24) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. (25) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; (26) In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; (27) In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. (28) Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. (Paul paid a great price for his unwillingness to compromise the doctrines of the faith. He was most certainly a contender!)
B. Through the ages, God’s people have paid a price for their testimony. It is estimated that over 50,000,000 died in the Dark Ages alone at the hands of the Roman Catholic Church. History is being re-written to cover such atrocities including the annihilation of over 6,000,000 million Jews in Nazi Germany.
C. Even in our day, there are Christians in other countries that are being persecuted. Our Lord said that they would hate us because they hated Him first.
D. We, as United States citizens, have been blessed! We may be slandered and sometimes snubbed, but there is little to no actual physical persecution in America. We are a marked people though. The true Christian stands out in the crowd because he or she is in the world but not of the world.
E. Though we are not marked physically, we are marked by our Lord Jesus Christ. I want to look at several of those marks tonight. I will only mention a few as the list and message would be much more than could be preached in one service.
1. There Are Inward Marks
a. The Witness Of The Spirit - 1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
b. A Work Of Peace - Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
c. A Love And Desire For God’s Word - Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
d. A Love And Desire For 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.
2. There Are Upward Marks
a. A Father-Son Relationship - Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
b. Access And Boldness In Prayer - Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
c. Chastisement When In A Sinful Condition - Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
d. Obedience To The Word Of God - 1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
3. There Are Outward Marks
a. A Changed Life That Is Separated Unto The Saviour - Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
b. A Compassionate Heart Towards The Lost - Jude 22-23 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
c. A Brotherly Love That Is Evident - 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
Conclusion: How could a person be saved and not know it? I thank God tonight for the wonderful changes that He made in my heart, mind, and life when He saved me!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Why I Love The Church
Temple Baptist Church - 3-7-2010
Ephesians 5:22-33; Matthew 16:15-18
Introduction:
A. Hebrews 10:25-27 are possibly the most quoted verses concerning church attendance and, like biblical separation, has been preached as a negative. Psalms 84:10 is in direct contrast to the end time professing Christian. Hebrews 10:25 says, “As the manner of some is.” The word manner means a custom or habitual practice.
B. Today, more is said against the church than for the church. Many local churches have brought this problem upon themselves by their wicked and unscriptural behavior.
1. Some say that the church is full of hypocrites.
2. Some say that the church has become a social organization.
3. Some say that the church no longer portrays the love of Christ.
C. There has been a great forsaking of the assembling in the past few decades with the majority of America unchurched at the present.
1. Church attendance is at an all time low with more churches and professing Christians than ever.
2. The faithful few that make up the nucleus of the local church have become fewer in number, especially Sunday and Wednesday night crowds.
D. The majority of the average church’s visitation program is spend visiting people who professed to be saved and either make shallow excuses for missing church or have become disgruntled over some petty problem and now are permanently excused from faithful attendance.
1. Many Of These Have Religion And Not Salvation.
2. Many Of These Are so Worldly And Carnal That They Cannot Know The Will Of God.
3. These have the love of Ephesus.
4. These have the deadness of Sardis.
5. These have the lukewarmness of Laodicea.
E. But I still love the local church! It has been a major part of my life for the past 33 years. What a privilege to be able to come to church! What a blessing to be able to come to church! What a benefit to be able to come to church!
Here are some reasons why I love the church:
1. It Is The Place That God Loves - Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. (Jesus Christ died for the Church! He gave His life for that which He loves. Truly, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” When you get saved, you love what God loves!)
2. It Is The Place Of Worship - Psalms 5:7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. (I can worship anywhere but the church house is a special place. It was a place built to worship in. I can go there and sing as loud as I please; I can say “Amen” or shout “Glory to God;” I can give my tithe and offerings scripturally in God’s house. What a blessing!)
3. It Is The Place Of Preaching And Teach God’s Word - 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (You probably know it by now but I love this blessed old King James Bible that I hold in my hand. I can read it at home; I can study it at home; but here in the house of the Lord, men of God preach like they know what they are preaching about! I rejoice with the Apostle Paul when the Bible is heralded and the preacher lifts up his voice like a trumpet!)
4. It Is The Place Where God’s People Gather - Psalms 55:14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.
(The greatest people on earth are there! When I got saved I fell in love with a lot of things that please God but one of the greatest of all was the people of God. No, they are not perfect but they are my brothers and sisters in Christ! We are all in the Body of Christ which is the Family of God and I love you!)
5 It Is The Place Where Sinners Are Both Sought And Loved - Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. (We had a young man get saved a couple of weeks ago in a Sunday Morning Service. What a blessing! I love to see sinners come to the church house and be privileged to sit under the power of the Word of God and have an opportunity to hear the gospel and give their hearts and lives to Christ. The to watch the Lord gloriously change their lives for His glory.)
6. It Is God’s Instrument For World Evangelism - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God–ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. (I love to give an offering to missions! I can help support precious families as they cover the globe preaching the same gospel that I preach. Missionaries are the greatest people in the world! There is no greater calling than that. Carrying the Word of God to a world that needs Jesus Christ and I can help go by giving! I can go on organized visitation where we can personally witness to the Lost and occasionally see one get saved!)
7. It Was There That I Heard The True Gospel Preached And Was Gloriously and Eternally Saved – Luke 18:10, 13-14 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican … And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (If it weren’t for the local church, this pastor would still be lost in my sin. I got saved on a Sunday night in an independent Baptist Church. Thank God for Bob Lamb! God laid it upon his heart to come to Madisonville, Ky and start a church under an old gospel tent! Barbara and I were saved because of it! Ask me why I love the local church!!)
8. It Is A Place Of Comfort And Spiritual Joy - Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. (The church is a refuge; a stronghold; a place of peace and tranquility; a place where we come and enjoy the things of God. It is a place of comfort to the troubled and a source of joy to those who are hurting.)
9. It Is An Encouragement Filling Station - 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
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. (I get filled up at church. I go to put something into the service and also to get something out of it. If you do not get a blessing, then it was because you were not blessable! I know blessable is not a word but I can make one up if I wanna! If you want a blessing, you will get one. If you do not want a blessing, don’t blame it on anyone or anything but yourself. You get out of a church service what you put into it.)
10. It Is Just A Little Bit Of Heaven On Earth - Psalms 84:1-12 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. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. (If you don’t like church, don’t go to heaven! You won’t like it there because church is a little bit of heaven on earth!)
Ephesians 5:22-33; Matthew 16:15-18
Introduction:
A. Hebrews 10:25-27 are possibly the most quoted verses concerning church attendance and, like biblical separation, has been preached as a negative. Psalms 84:10 is in direct contrast to the end time professing Christian. Hebrews 10:25 says, “As the manner of some is.” The word manner means a custom or habitual practice.
B. Today, more is said against the church than for the church. Many local churches have brought this problem upon themselves by their wicked and unscriptural behavior.
1. Some say that the church is full of hypocrites.
2. Some say that the church has become a social organization.
3. Some say that the church no longer portrays the love of Christ.
C. There has been a great forsaking of the assembling in the past few decades with the majority of America unchurched at the present.
1. Church attendance is at an all time low with more churches and professing Christians than ever.
2. The faithful few that make up the nucleus of the local church have become fewer in number, especially Sunday and Wednesday night crowds.
D. The majority of the average church’s visitation program is spend visiting people who professed to be saved and either make shallow excuses for missing church or have become disgruntled over some petty problem and now are permanently excused from faithful attendance.
1. Many Of These Have Religion And Not Salvation.
2. Many Of These Are so Worldly And Carnal That They Cannot Know The Will Of God.
3. These have the love of Ephesus.
4. These have the deadness of Sardis.
5. These have the lukewarmness of Laodicea.
E. But I still love the local church! It has been a major part of my life for the past 33 years. What a privilege to be able to come to church! What a blessing to be able to come to church! What a benefit to be able to come to church!
Here are some reasons why I love the church:
1. It Is The Place That God Loves - Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. (Jesus Christ died for the Church! He gave His life for that which He loves. Truly, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” When you get saved, you love what God loves!)
2. It Is The Place Of Worship - Psalms 5:7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. (I can worship anywhere but the church house is a special place. It was a place built to worship in. I can go there and sing as loud as I please; I can say “Amen” or shout “Glory to God;” I can give my tithe and offerings scripturally in God’s house. What a blessing!)
3. It Is The Place Of Preaching And Teach God’s Word - 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (You probably know it by now but I love this blessed old King James Bible that I hold in my hand. I can read it at home; I can study it at home; but here in the house of the Lord, men of God preach like they know what they are preaching about! I rejoice with the Apostle Paul when the Bible is heralded and the preacher lifts up his voice like a trumpet!)
4. It Is The Place Where God’s People Gather - Psalms 55:14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.
(The greatest people on earth are there! When I got saved I fell in love with a lot of things that please God but one of the greatest of all was the people of God. No, they are not perfect but they are my brothers and sisters in Christ! We are all in the Body of Christ which is the Family of God and I love you!)
5 It Is The Place Where Sinners Are Both Sought And Loved - Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. (We had a young man get saved a couple of weeks ago in a Sunday Morning Service. What a blessing! I love to see sinners come to the church house and be privileged to sit under the power of the Word of God and have an opportunity to hear the gospel and give their hearts and lives to Christ. The to watch the Lord gloriously change their lives for His glory.)
6. It Is God’s Instrument For World Evangelism - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God–ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. (I love to give an offering to missions! I can help support precious families as they cover the globe preaching the same gospel that I preach. Missionaries are the greatest people in the world! There is no greater calling than that. Carrying the Word of God to a world that needs Jesus Christ and I can help go by giving! I can go on organized visitation where we can personally witness to the Lost and occasionally see one get saved!)
7. It Was There That I Heard The True Gospel Preached And Was Gloriously and Eternally Saved – Luke 18:10, 13-14 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican … And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (If it weren’t for the local church, this pastor would still be lost in my sin. I got saved on a Sunday night in an independent Baptist Church. Thank God for Bob Lamb! God laid it upon his heart to come to Madisonville, Ky and start a church under an old gospel tent! Barbara and I were saved because of it! Ask me why I love the local church!!)
8. It Is A Place Of Comfort And Spiritual Joy - Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. (The church is a refuge; a stronghold; a place of peace and tranquility; a place where we come and enjoy the things of God. It is a place of comfort to the troubled and a source of joy to those who are hurting.)
9. It Is An Encouragement Filling Station - 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
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. (I get filled up at church. I go to put something into the service and also to get something out of it. If you do not get a blessing, then it was because you were not blessable! I know blessable is not a word but I can make one up if I wanna! If you want a blessing, you will get one. If you do not want a blessing, don’t blame it on anyone or anything but yourself. You get out of a church service what you put into it.)
10. It Is Just A Little Bit Of Heaven On Earth - Psalms 84:1-12 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. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. (If you don’t like church, don’t go to heaven! You won’t like it there because church is a little bit of heaven on earth!)
The Stilling Of The Storm
Temple Baptist Church - 3-7-2010
Mark 4:35-41
Introduction:
A. One of the most notable and preaching on of all of the miracles of the Lord was the one I just read. It is one that I love the most also. The majesty of our Lord in this particular miracle is almost unparalleled! We sit this morning shaking our heads at the immeasurable power of our Lord Jesus Christ as He does that which only He can do.
B. The reality of storms in our lives. When we were children, we knew very little about the problems associated with growing up. As we became older, problems became more frequent and much larger than expected. I am not talking about physical storms such as Katrina but spiritual storms. These spiritual storms are much more difficult to weather than the physical ones. Physical storms can be avoided through forewarning and evacuation. Spiritual storms often come with no prior warning, leaving no chance to escape.
1. This particular storm caused spiritual doubt. (Master, carest thou not!)
C. Our song books are full of hymns written by saints who weathered spiritual storms. A couple of my favorites are:
“Till The Storm Passes By”
In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face;
While the storm howls above me and
There’s no hiding place.
Mid the crash of the thunder, precious Lord, hear my cry;
Hold me fast till the storm passes by.
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand, in the hollow of thy hand.
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
“Stand By Me”
When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.
When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.
When the world is tossing me
Like a ship upon the sea;
Thou Who rulest wind and waters,
Stand by me!
D. It is so wonderful and easy to sing these songs and they both lift up our spirits and encourage our hearts but it quite another thing for us to sing them when in the midst of the storm! We can be spiritual when on the top of our spiritual mountain but walking through spiritual valleys is where the “rubber meets the road.”
E. I want to look at several things about this particular storm that we can often relate to.
1. This particular storm came without warning. (There arose.)
2. This particular storm came at the worst possible time. (Jesus was asleep.)
3. This particular storm was humanly insurmountable. (The ship was full of water.)
4. This particular storm was emotionally devastating. (They were in fear of perishing.) (Great storm – these men were seamen.)
F. The Lord was awakened, rose up, rebuked the wind and waves, and then said, “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” Our faith often wavers during these spiritual storms. This miracle is here for a reason. To teach us that we can trust the Lord who is always there in the storm with us and for us.
G. We see the awe and wonder of the disciples as they said one to another, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” We know “what manner of man” our Lord is but often allow our circumstances and fears to over ride our faith.
SOME THINGS THAT WILL GET YOU THROUGH THE STORMS
1. Our Remembrance Of The Presence Of God – vs. 35 “let us” Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (The last time I look, He was still in the boat! Never, never, …!!)
Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
2. Our Remembrance Of The Promise Of God – vs. 35 “pass over” Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
3. Our Remembrance Of The People Of God – vs. 36 “they” Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
4. Our Remembrance Of Prayer To God – vs. 38 “say unto him” Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Verse 1 – Jeremiah was in prison.)
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
5. Our Remembrance Of The Power Of God – vs. 39 “He arose, and rebuked the wind…sea” Matthew 19:26-27 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. 27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
6. Our Remembrance Of The Peace Of God – vs. 39 “said unto the sea, Peace, be still.” Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
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.
7. Our Remembrance Of The Person Of God – vs. 41 “What manner of man is this?” 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.
Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, (Master! We know He is in the boat, but we often forget who He is!)
8. Our Remembrance Of The Purpose Of God – vs. 5:1 “they came over” 2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Mark 4:35-41
Introduction:
A. One of the most notable and preaching on of all of the miracles of the Lord was the one I just read. It is one that I love the most also. The majesty of our Lord in this particular miracle is almost unparalleled! We sit this morning shaking our heads at the immeasurable power of our Lord Jesus Christ as He does that which only He can do.
B. The reality of storms in our lives. When we were children, we knew very little about the problems associated with growing up. As we became older, problems became more frequent and much larger than expected. I am not talking about physical storms such as Katrina but spiritual storms. These spiritual storms are much more difficult to weather than the physical ones. Physical storms can be avoided through forewarning and evacuation. Spiritual storms often come with no prior warning, leaving no chance to escape.
1. This particular storm caused spiritual doubt. (Master, carest thou not!)
C. Our song books are full of hymns written by saints who weathered spiritual storms. A couple of my favorites are:
“Till The Storm Passes By”
In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face;
While the storm howls above me and
There’s no hiding place.
Mid the crash of the thunder, precious Lord, hear my cry;
Hold me fast till the storm passes by.
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand, in the hollow of thy hand.
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
“Stand By Me”
When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.
When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.
When the world is tossing me
Like a ship upon the sea;
Thou Who rulest wind and waters,
Stand by me!
D. It is so wonderful and easy to sing these songs and they both lift up our spirits and encourage our hearts but it quite another thing for us to sing them when in the midst of the storm! We can be spiritual when on the top of our spiritual mountain but walking through spiritual valleys is where the “rubber meets the road.”
E. I want to look at several things about this particular storm that we can often relate to.
1. This particular storm came without warning. (There arose.)
2. This particular storm came at the worst possible time. (Jesus was asleep.)
3. This particular storm was humanly insurmountable. (The ship was full of water.)
4. This particular storm was emotionally devastating. (They were in fear of perishing.) (Great storm – these men were seamen.)
F. The Lord was awakened, rose up, rebuked the wind and waves, and then said, “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” Our faith often wavers during these spiritual storms. This miracle is here for a reason. To teach us that we can trust the Lord who is always there in the storm with us and for us.
G. We see the awe and wonder of the disciples as they said one to another, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” We know “what manner of man” our Lord is but often allow our circumstances and fears to over ride our faith.
SOME THINGS THAT WILL GET YOU THROUGH THE STORMS
1. Our Remembrance Of The Presence Of God – vs. 35 “let us” Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (The last time I look, He was still in the boat! Never, never, …!!)
Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
2. Our Remembrance Of The Promise Of God – vs. 35 “pass over” Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
3. Our Remembrance Of The People Of God – vs. 36 “they” Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
4. Our Remembrance Of Prayer To God – vs. 38 “say unto him” Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Verse 1 – Jeremiah was in prison.)
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
5. Our Remembrance Of The Power Of God – vs. 39 “He arose, and rebuked the wind…sea” Matthew 19:26-27 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. 27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
6. Our Remembrance Of The Peace Of God – vs. 39 “said unto the sea, Peace, be still.” Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
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.
7. Our Remembrance Of The Person Of God – vs. 41 “What manner of man is this?” 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.
Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, (Master! We know He is in the boat, but we often forget who He is!)
8. Our Remembrance Of The Purpose Of God – vs. 5:1 “they came over” 2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Glory Of The Cross Of Christ!
Temple Baptist Church - 3-3-2010
Galatians 6:14
Introduction:
A. In verse 14, We find a two-fold work of the Cross. There is the crucifixion of the Christian to the world and there is the crucifixion of the world to the Christian. One has to do with our salvation and the other with our sanctification. In both, the glory is in the Cross and not in the Christian!
B. Last week, we saw that the Apostle Paul gloried in the cross of Christ because of its saving power: “By whom the world is crucified unto me.” It is only through the cross of Christ that we have hope of eternal life.
C. Tonight, I want to look at the sanctifying power of the cross of Christ. “And I unto the world.” We, as Bible believers understand the true meaning of sanctification as it applies to our position, lives, and eternal hope.
D. It is imperative that we understand the order of the cross. It is always salvation first and then sanctification. Sanctification always follows salvation as we become new creatures in Christ Jesus. I read a sign once which said, “You catch them and let God clean them.”
E. There are three separate and distinct steps to sanctification, dealing with our position, life, and blessed hope:
1. Positional Sanctification speaks of our position and does away with the Penalty of sin as we are placed into the Body of Christ by the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
2. Progressive Sanctification speaks of our life in Christ and does away with the Power of sin. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3. Permanent Sanctification speaks of our Blessed Hope which delivers us from the Presence of sin. 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
F. The Cross Of The Christian
1. It Is A Cross Of Duty - Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
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.
2. It Is A Cross Of Denial - Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
3. It Is A Cross Of Discipleship - Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
4. It Is A Cross Of Distinction - Hebrews 13:12-13 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
5. It Is A Cross Of Determination - 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.
G. If any man had something to “glory in” it was the Apostle Paul! What a great man of God he was! Very little negative things are said concerning his life and ministry and he was certainly greatly used of God.
H. The cross of Christ not only saved Paul but it also changed him forever.
THE SANCTIFYING POWER OF THE CROSS
1. Paul got “old fashioned” saved - Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
2. Paul was a man sold out to God - Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.
3. Paul was a man who counted his earthly possessions as “dung” - 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.
4. Paul was a man who was not afraid to die for the cause of Christ – Philippians 1:21 For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.
5. Paul was a man who knew who he was - 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.
6. He was a man not ashamed of his Lord. (“nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed.”)
7. Paul was a man of determination - Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
8. Paul was a man who knew suffering - Galatians 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
9. Paul was a man convinced - 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;
10. Paul was a man possessed of a hope - Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Psalms 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Conclusion: When we are saved, we are saved forever. Praise the Lord for eternal life! When we are saved, we are also changed forever. Praise the Lord for a new life in Christ!
Galatians 6:14
Introduction:
A. In verse 14, We find a two-fold work of the Cross. There is the crucifixion of the Christian to the world and there is the crucifixion of the world to the Christian. One has to do with our salvation and the other with our sanctification. In both, the glory is in the Cross and not in the Christian!
B. Last week, we saw that the Apostle Paul gloried in the cross of Christ because of its saving power: “By whom the world is crucified unto me.” It is only through the cross of Christ that we have hope of eternal life.
C. Tonight, I want to look at the sanctifying power of the cross of Christ. “And I unto the world.” We, as Bible believers understand the true meaning of sanctification as it applies to our position, lives, and eternal hope.
D. It is imperative that we understand the order of the cross. It is always salvation first and then sanctification. Sanctification always follows salvation as we become new creatures in Christ Jesus. I read a sign once which said, “You catch them and let God clean them.”
E. There are three separate and distinct steps to sanctification, dealing with our position, life, and blessed hope:
1. Positional Sanctification speaks of our position and does away with the Penalty of sin as we are placed into the Body of Christ by the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
2. Progressive Sanctification speaks of our life in Christ and does away with the Power of sin. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3. Permanent Sanctification speaks of our Blessed Hope which delivers us from the Presence of sin. 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
F. The Cross Of The Christian
1. It Is A Cross Of Duty - Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
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.
2. It Is A Cross Of Denial - Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
3. It Is A Cross Of Discipleship - Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
4. It Is A Cross Of Distinction - Hebrews 13:12-13 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
5. It Is A Cross Of Determination - 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.
G. If any man had something to “glory in” it was the Apostle Paul! What a great man of God he was! Very little negative things are said concerning his life and ministry and he was certainly greatly used of God.
H. The cross of Christ not only saved Paul but it also changed him forever.
THE SANCTIFYING POWER OF THE CROSS
1. Paul got “old fashioned” saved - Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
2. Paul was a man sold out to God - Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.
3. Paul was a man who counted his earthly possessions as “dung” - 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.
4. Paul was a man who was not afraid to die for the cause of Christ – Philippians 1:21 For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.
5. Paul was a man who knew who he was - 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.
6. He was a man not ashamed of his Lord. (“nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed.”)
7. Paul was a man of determination - Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
8. Paul was a man who knew suffering - Galatians 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
9. Paul was a man convinced - 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;
10. Paul was a man possessed of a hope - Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Psalms 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Conclusion: When we are saved, we are saved forever. Praise the Lord for eternal life! When we are saved, we are also changed forever. Praise the Lord for a new life in Christ!
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