Temple Baptist Church - 4-28-2010
Ephesians 1:3-7
Introduction:
A. One of the, if not the most, misunderstood of all of God’s gifts is that of grace. Be it ignorance or plain old pride, most people never get a grip on the gift of grace.
1. Most people are trying to merit favor with God through their works or righteousness or perceived self-worth, either in salvation or security. “You’ve got to do your part!” is what they would say.
2. The word “grace” destroys any and all attempts at personal merit with God. We are sinners by both nature and choice! I cry with the Apostle Paul, “In me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing!”
3. We get our word “grace” from the Latin word “gratus.” It means “out of kindness,” “free,” or “without charge.”
4. The Bible definition says it all: “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” (Romans 11:5-6)
B. Just what is it about grace that people cannot understand. God says that salvation is through grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is all of God. Sanctification is all of God. Security is all of God. Service is all of God. If anything gets done and done right, it is God that does it both to us and through us!
C. We deserve nothing in ourselves so all that is good comes from God. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from the Lord according to James 1:17. It makes it a lot easier to thank Him when you realize that it is from Him.
D. I want to look at that phrase tonight: “to the praise of the glory of his grace.”
1. The Worship Of His Grace – “to the praise” Thank God for His grace!
a) We should be a thankful people for all that God has done for us.
b) We should be a worshipful people for all that God has done for us.
2. The Wealth Of His Grace – “glory of his grace” Thank God for His abundant grace!
a) God’s grace is abundant for every trial.
b) God’s grace is sufficient for every mile.
3. The Workings Of His Grace – “wherein” Thank God for His manifold grace!
a) Grace for every situation of life.
b) Grace for every length of trials.
1. God’s Grace In Salvation - Ephesians 1:6-7 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
2. God’s Grace In Sanctification - Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
3. God’s Grace In Service - Romans 11:33-36 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
4. God’s Grace In Sorrow - Psalms 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
5. God’s Grace In Suffering - 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
6. God’s Grace In Sinfulness - Psalms 103:10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
7. God’s Grace In The Shadow Of Death - Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Effects Of Laodicea
Temple Baptist Church - 4-25-2010
Revelation 3:14-22
Introduction:
A. The Laodicean Church Age is here! We not only live in it, we are living in the end of it as the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ—our Blessed Hope—is eminent.
1. Laodicea Has Been Long Expected - Preachers have preached on its coming for years. Little is being said in today’s pulpits because they are so greatly affected by it.
2. Laodicea Is Being Largely Experienced – the Bible Belt is unbuckled and fundamental churches are permeated with loose living, lukewarmness, and the love of this present evil world.
B. In 2 Timothy 3, the Apostle Paul prophesied of our day as the problems associated with it were already becoming rooted in the local churches of Asia Minor. It was a constant war to keep apathy, apostasy, and sinfulness out of the local churches of their time.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (In the first 4 verses, Paul gave a description of the “perilous times” of the last days.)
1. The Condition of the World – vs. 1-4a
2. The Condition of the Churches – vs. 4b-5 (Notice that the wickedness of the world permeated the churches of the end time. A man once said (I may misquote it), “I looked for the church and found it in the world. I looked for the world and found it in the church!”)
C. My message will be two-fold: the effects of Laodicea on salvation and the effects of Laodicea on spirituality. It will take more than one service so I will begin with the effects of Laodicea on salvation this morning. I want to “zoom in on” verse 20.
D. In a day of religion and religious lost people, it is hard to find a church or denomination that still teaches and preaches Jesus Christ as the only way to Heaven.
1. They emphasize works, church membership, baptism, and almost everything else as prerequisites for salvation. They “think so,” “hope so,” and “doing my best” to get to Heaven.
2. Salvation is and always has been KNOW SO!! He is the only Way! We are called bigoted and narrow minded because we preach Christ Jesus and eternal life through faith in His finished work at Calvary. If your faith is in anything other than the finished work of Jesus Christ, it will not save!
Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (Old Testament or New Testament, it makes no difference. The only way to Heaven is through the Lord Jesus Christ. He was Jehovah God of the Old and Jesus Christ of the New Testament.)
E. In spite of Laodicea’s condition, we find a wonderful Saviour in verses 20-21:
1. Jesus Christ Is Israel’s Saviour - Acts 13:23 Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus.
2. Jesus Christ Is The World’s Saviour - 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.
3. Jesus Christ Is My Personal Saviour - 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.
a) He Saved Me From Self - Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
b) He Saved Me From Sin - Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
c) He Saved Me From Fear - 1 Corinthians 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
d) He Saved Me From Hell - Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Let Us Look At These Verses For A Moment:
1. Jesus Christ Is A Waiting Saviour – “Behold, I stand”
2. Jesus Christ Is A Present Saviour – “at the door”
3. Jesus Christ Is A Seeking Saviour – “and knock”
4. Jesus Christ Is A Pleading Saviour – “if any man open the door”
5. Jesus Christ Is A Promising Saviour – “I will come unto him”
6. Jesus Christ Is A Communing Saviour – “sup with him and he with me”
Revelation 3:14-22
Introduction:
A. The Laodicean Church Age is here! We not only live in it, we are living in the end of it as the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ—our Blessed Hope—is eminent.
1. Laodicea Has Been Long Expected - Preachers have preached on its coming for years. Little is being said in today’s pulpits because they are so greatly affected by it.
2. Laodicea Is Being Largely Experienced – the Bible Belt is unbuckled and fundamental churches are permeated with loose living, lukewarmness, and the love of this present evil world.
B. In 2 Timothy 3, the Apostle Paul prophesied of our day as the problems associated with it were already becoming rooted in the local churches of Asia Minor. It was a constant war to keep apathy, apostasy, and sinfulness out of the local churches of their time.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (In the first 4 verses, Paul gave a description of the “perilous times” of the last days.)
1. The Condition of the World – vs. 1-4a
2. The Condition of the Churches – vs. 4b-5 (Notice that the wickedness of the world permeated the churches of the end time. A man once said (I may misquote it), “I looked for the church and found it in the world. I looked for the world and found it in the church!”)
C. My message will be two-fold: the effects of Laodicea on salvation and the effects of Laodicea on spirituality. It will take more than one service so I will begin with the effects of Laodicea on salvation this morning. I want to “zoom in on” verse 20.
D. In a day of religion and religious lost people, it is hard to find a church or denomination that still teaches and preaches Jesus Christ as the only way to Heaven.
1. They emphasize works, church membership, baptism, and almost everything else as prerequisites for salvation. They “think so,” “hope so,” and “doing my best” to get to Heaven.
2. Salvation is and always has been KNOW SO!! He is the only Way! We are called bigoted and narrow minded because we preach Christ Jesus and eternal life through faith in His finished work at Calvary. If your faith is in anything other than the finished work of Jesus Christ, it will not save!
Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (Old Testament or New Testament, it makes no difference. The only way to Heaven is through the Lord Jesus Christ. He was Jehovah God of the Old and Jesus Christ of the New Testament.)
E. In spite of Laodicea’s condition, we find a wonderful Saviour in verses 20-21:
1. Jesus Christ Is Israel’s Saviour - Acts 13:23 Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus.
2. Jesus Christ Is The World’s Saviour - 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.
3. Jesus Christ Is My Personal Saviour - 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.
a) He Saved Me From Self - Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
b) He Saved Me From Sin - Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
c) He Saved Me From Fear - 1 Corinthians 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
d) He Saved Me From Hell - Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Let Us Look At These Verses For A Moment:
1. Jesus Christ Is A Waiting Saviour – “Behold, I stand”
2. Jesus Christ Is A Present Saviour – “at the door”
3. Jesus Christ Is A Seeking Saviour – “and knock”
4. Jesus Christ Is A Pleading Saviour – “if any man open the door”
5. Jesus Christ Is A Promising Saviour – “I will come unto him”
6. Jesus Christ Is A Communing Saviour – “sup with him and he with me”
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Greatest Asset of The Church
Temple Baptist Church - 4-18-2010
Acts 2:41-47
Introduction:
A. The majority of churches today are made up of a mixed multitudes. Much damage has been done to the reputation and effectiveness of the local church because of this. Loose living, hypocritical people who profess that they know Christ but deny Him in their works. Some of these are backslidden believers but I fear that the majority of them have never been saved.
B. While “Goats” are a continual source of problem to God’s men, the “sheep” are a wonderful group of people. The most wonderful people in the world are the people who belong to the local church. I am talking about the saved people, not the lost church members. The problem with the “goats” is not a seed problem, but the heart problem of the hearer.
Parable of the Sower
1. The Wayside Hearer (Darkened Heart – They come once and do not come back - fail to understand the gospel and really do not care.)
Matthew 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
Matthew 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
2. The Stoney Ground Hearer (Hard Heart - Abide a while - but hard heartedness keeps them from being saved - close their ears to the truth and are soon offended.)
Matthew 13:5-6 Some fell upon stony places, where they had much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
Matthew 13:20-21 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
3. The Thorny Ground Hearer (Unrepentant Heart – They want Heaven and want this World)
Matthew 13:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
4. The Good Ground Hearer (Receptive Heart – They hear and receive God’s Word and are truly saved.)
Matthew 13:8-9 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
NOTICE: It was the seed that brought forth fruit (SALVATION THAT WORKS, NOT A SINNER THAT WORKS)
The greatest asset of the local church is its people. What makes these people so special? It is the work of the Lord in their lives.
1. The People of The Church Are A Forgiven People – 41 (Forgiven people love God and people that love God do not cause problems.)
a. The Compassion of His Forgiveness - Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace
Ephesians 2:4-9 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
b. The Completeness of His Forgiveness - Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
2. The People of The Church Are A Faithful People – 42 (Faithful people love the church and can therefore be depended upon.)
a. They Are Faithful to The Services of The Church - 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.
b. They Are Faithful To The Tithe - Luke 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
c. They Are Faithful To The Service of God - 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
3. The People of The Church Are A Fellowshipping People – 46 (Fellowshipping people love the Lord and each other and have very little conflict. They are “over lookers!”)
a. Because They Love The Lord - 1 John 1:3-7 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
b. Because They Love One Another - John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
4. The People of The Church Are A Fruitful People – 47 (Fruitful people love souls and try to be a witness for Christ.)
a. Fruitful People Are Holy People - Psalms 1:1-4 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so!
b. Fruitful People Are Abiding People - John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
c. Fruitful People Are Soul Loving People - Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
5. The People of The Church Are A Fragrant People - 47 (Fragrant people love worship and are a blessing to the services.)
a. Fragrant Because of Their Praise of God - Psalms 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
b. Fragrant Because of Their Position With God - Song of Solomon 4:10 How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!
Acts 2:41-47
Introduction:
A. The majority of churches today are made up of a mixed multitudes. Much damage has been done to the reputation and effectiveness of the local church because of this. Loose living, hypocritical people who profess that they know Christ but deny Him in their works. Some of these are backslidden believers but I fear that the majority of them have never been saved.
B. While “Goats” are a continual source of problem to God’s men, the “sheep” are a wonderful group of people. The most wonderful people in the world are the people who belong to the local church. I am talking about the saved people, not the lost church members. The problem with the “goats” is not a seed problem, but the heart problem of the hearer.
Parable of the Sower
1. The Wayside Hearer (Darkened Heart – They come once and do not come back - fail to understand the gospel and really do not care.)
Matthew 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
Matthew 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
2. The Stoney Ground Hearer (Hard Heart - Abide a while - but hard heartedness keeps them from being saved - close their ears to the truth and are soon offended.)
Matthew 13:5-6 Some fell upon stony places, where they had much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
Matthew 13:20-21 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
3. The Thorny Ground Hearer (Unrepentant Heart – They want Heaven and want this World)
Matthew 13:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
4. The Good Ground Hearer (Receptive Heart – They hear and receive God’s Word and are truly saved.)
Matthew 13:8-9 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
NOTICE: It was the seed that brought forth fruit (SALVATION THAT WORKS, NOT A SINNER THAT WORKS)
The greatest asset of the local church is its people. What makes these people so special? It is the work of the Lord in their lives.
1. The People of The Church Are A Forgiven People – 41 (Forgiven people love God and people that love God do not cause problems.)
a. The Compassion of His Forgiveness - Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace
Ephesians 2:4-9 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
b. The Completeness of His Forgiveness - Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
2. The People of The Church Are A Faithful People – 42 (Faithful people love the church and can therefore be depended upon.)
a. They Are Faithful to The Services of The Church - 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.
b. They Are Faithful To The Tithe - Luke 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
c. They Are Faithful To The Service of God - 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
3. The People of The Church Are A Fellowshipping People – 46 (Fellowshipping people love the Lord and each other and have very little conflict. They are “over lookers!”)
a. Because They Love The Lord - 1 John 1:3-7 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
b. Because They Love One Another - John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
4. The People of The Church Are A Fruitful People – 47 (Fruitful people love souls and try to be a witness for Christ.)
a. Fruitful People Are Holy People - Psalms 1:1-4 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so!
b. Fruitful People Are Abiding People - John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
c. Fruitful People Are Soul Loving People - Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
5. The People of The Church Are A Fragrant People - 47 (Fragrant people love worship and are a blessing to the services.)
a. Fragrant Because of Their Praise of God - Psalms 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
b. Fragrant Because of Their Position With God - Song of Solomon 4:10 How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!
As He Is, So Are We In This World
Temple Baptist Church - 4-18-2010
1 John 4:13-19
Introduction:
A. This passage of Scripture has always intrigued me and is one that I have never preached on. Our Bible is so complex and such a myriad of subjects to be dealt with that it could not be preached in a lifetime.
B. “As he is” is a direct reference to the Lord Jesus Christ in both His person and this present time in which we live. “As he is…so are we” in this world. I want you to see the implications of this verse this morning.
C. I, like most—if not all—of you, know what I am. I find nothing in my person or actions that would cause the Lord to even give to me the time of day. First of all, I want to say, “Thank God for grace!” If you are working your way to heaven or trying to maintain your salvation through works, you are the most deceived of all people.
D. This is the point that I will strive to make: we see what and who we are and it causes our spiritual perception of self to be tainted. We have a natural problem discerning the difference between positional salvation and practical salvation.
1. Positional Salvation is what we are in Christ Jesus. It does not involve or rest upon personal merit but rather upon the finished work of Jesus Christ (death, burial, and resurrection). Salvation depends upon what He did, not what we are doing.
2. Practical Salvation is what Jesus Christ does through us and involves both a conversion—which brings about the new creature—and either obedience or lack of obedience to God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is difficult for us to realize just how secure that we are in Christ! Nothing that we do can separate us from the love of Christ! (Romans 8:38-39)
E. Verse 17 says that we may have boldness in the day of judgment (Judgment Seat of Christ [2 Corinthians 5:10]) because we will stand before God positionally perfect: dressed in the righteousness of Christ alone (2 Corinthians 5:21.)
F. As He is right now, seated at the right hand of the throne of God—making intercession for us, so are we right now! Not, “so will we be when we get to heaven,” but SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD! In a sinful world, in a sinful body, and with all of our spiritual imperfections! Hallelujah, What A Saviour!!!
G. Let us look at some of the things that we have in common with our Lord:
1. We Have The Same Heavenly Father - John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (My earthly father loved me, protected me, fed me, clothed me, sheltered me, guided me, and cared about my complete well being. God cares about me and for me infinitely more that my earthly dad!)
2. We Have The Same Eternal Life - John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. (Our Lord is not talking about our physical life here. The disciples lived physically regardless of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. He is speaking of a life with no end.)
3. We Have The Same Nature - 2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (By way of resemblance and likeness, the new man or principle of grace, being formed in the heart in regeneration, after the image of God, and bearing a likeness to the image of his Son. We are changed from glory to glory because of the Spirit that lives within!)
4. We Have The Same Position - Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (In God’s infinite wisdom, we are already seated with Him in Heaven. Just as if you were already home!)
5. We Have The Same Peace - John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. (The child of God not only has peace with God, he or she has the peace of God.)
6. We Have The Same Love - 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (When we get saved, we love as God loves! One of the greatest changes that take place in our lives is that we love what and who God loves! Too many people say that they are saved and yet do not love God, God’s house, God’s word, God’s people, or sinners!)
7. We Have The Same Mission - John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. (We receive power through the Holy Ghost and we have commandment to go into all the world and give the gospel to every creature.)
8. We Have The Same Glory - John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one. (We, in this world, are as perfect and pure as Jesus Christ. It is because we have the righteousness of God in Him!)
Conclusion: We should do the best that we can do in this world, but—in spite of our best efforts—we are miserable failures in the flesh. Do not be too hard on yourself though. While not condoning sin, God sees us through the blood of His Son and—therefore—sees us in all of His perfection, not our imperfection! Well Glory!
1 John 4:13-19
Introduction:
A. This passage of Scripture has always intrigued me and is one that I have never preached on. Our Bible is so complex and such a myriad of subjects to be dealt with that it could not be preached in a lifetime.
B. “As he is” is a direct reference to the Lord Jesus Christ in both His person and this present time in which we live. “As he is…so are we” in this world. I want you to see the implications of this verse this morning.
C. I, like most—if not all—of you, know what I am. I find nothing in my person or actions that would cause the Lord to even give to me the time of day. First of all, I want to say, “Thank God for grace!” If you are working your way to heaven or trying to maintain your salvation through works, you are the most deceived of all people.
D. This is the point that I will strive to make: we see what and who we are and it causes our spiritual perception of self to be tainted. We have a natural problem discerning the difference between positional salvation and practical salvation.
1. Positional Salvation is what we are in Christ Jesus. It does not involve or rest upon personal merit but rather upon the finished work of Jesus Christ (death, burial, and resurrection). Salvation depends upon what He did, not what we are doing.
2. Practical Salvation is what Jesus Christ does through us and involves both a conversion—which brings about the new creature—and either obedience or lack of obedience to God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is difficult for us to realize just how secure that we are in Christ! Nothing that we do can separate us from the love of Christ! (Romans 8:38-39)
E. Verse 17 says that we may have boldness in the day of judgment (Judgment Seat of Christ [2 Corinthians 5:10]) because we will stand before God positionally perfect: dressed in the righteousness of Christ alone (2 Corinthians 5:21.)
F. As He is right now, seated at the right hand of the throne of God—making intercession for us, so are we right now! Not, “so will we be when we get to heaven,” but SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD! In a sinful world, in a sinful body, and with all of our spiritual imperfections! Hallelujah, What A Saviour!!!
G. Let us look at some of the things that we have in common with our Lord:
1. We Have The Same Heavenly Father - John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (My earthly father loved me, protected me, fed me, clothed me, sheltered me, guided me, and cared about my complete well being. God cares about me and for me infinitely more that my earthly dad!)
2. We Have The Same Eternal Life - John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. (Our Lord is not talking about our physical life here. The disciples lived physically regardless of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. He is speaking of a life with no end.)
3. We Have The Same Nature - 2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (By way of resemblance and likeness, the new man or principle of grace, being formed in the heart in regeneration, after the image of God, and bearing a likeness to the image of his Son. We are changed from glory to glory because of the Spirit that lives within!)
4. We Have The Same Position - Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (In God’s infinite wisdom, we are already seated with Him in Heaven. Just as if you were already home!)
5. We Have The Same Peace - John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. (The child of God not only has peace with God, he or she has the peace of God.)
6. We Have The Same Love - 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (When we get saved, we love as God loves! One of the greatest changes that take place in our lives is that we love what and who God loves! Too many people say that they are saved and yet do not love God, God’s house, God’s word, God’s people, or sinners!)
7. We Have The Same Mission - John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. (We receive power through the Holy Ghost and we have commandment to go into all the world and give the gospel to every creature.)
8. We Have The Same Glory - John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one. (We, in this world, are as perfect and pure as Jesus Christ. It is because we have the righteousness of God in Him!)
Conclusion: We should do the best that we can do in this world, but—in spite of our best efforts—we are miserable failures in the flesh. Do not be too hard on yourself though. While not condoning sin, God sees us through the blood of His Son and—therefore—sees us in all of His perfection, not our imperfection! Well Glory!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Spiritual Blessings In Heavenly Places
Temple Baptist Church - 4-14-2010
Ephesians 1:1-14
Introduction:
A. God has blessed His children in the world and certainly Thanksgiving is a must for the child of God. We have all things to enjoy in this life. What a marvelous world we live in; what a wonderful country we live in; what great blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us! Look around you at the world and you will have no problem finding something to thank God for!
B. Much of our earthly blessing depends upon us and our faithfulness to the Lord and His work. Many of our earthly blessings are still undeserved for which we should give unending thanks to the Lord. He hath not rewarded us after our iniquities, but has fed us according to the integrity of His heart. Glory to His holy name!
C. But, the greatest blessings that we have are in heavenly places, not earthly. Our greatest blessings are found in heavenly things through our Lord Jesus Christ. The greatest things that God has done for us are unseen to the human eye and are only seen through the eye of faith. Here in Ephesians, “The Highlands of Faith,” we find many of them enumerated for us.
1. The Heavenly Blessing Of His Eternal Plan For Us (Grace) – vs 1, 2, 13
a. His Grace Is Underserved - Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
b. His Grace Is Unreserved - 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
c. His Grace Is Unlimited - Colossians 1:3-6 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
1) We Saw – vs 13a
2) We Sought – vs 13b
3) We Were Sealed – vs 13c
2. The Heavenly Blessing Of His Eternal Peace For Us – vs 2
a. The World Has No Peace Because Their Peace Depends Upon Themselves - Isaiah 48:22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.
b. The Saint Has Perfect Peace Because His Peace Depends Upon Jesus Christ - John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
3. The Heavenly Blessing Of Our Eternal Position In Christ – vs 3, 5
a. The Place Of Our Position – “in heavenly places” - 2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
b. The Person Of Our Position – “in Christ” - 1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
c. The Pleasure Of Our Position – “the good pleasure of his will” - Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
4. The Heavenly Blessing Of Our Eternal Purity In Christ – vs 7
a. The Character Of Our Peace – “holy and without blame before him” - 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,
b. The Cause Of Our Purity – “in love” - 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
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.
5. The Heavenly Blessing Of Our Eternal Purpose – vs 9-14
a. The Purpose Of Gathering – vs 10 “gather together in one all things in Christ” - 2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
b. The Purpose Of Garnishing – vs 11 “an inheritance” - 1 Peter 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
c. The Purpose Of Glorifying – vs 12-14 “his glory…praise of his glory” - Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Ephesians 1:1-14
Introduction:
A. God has blessed His children in the world and certainly Thanksgiving is a must for the child of God. We have all things to enjoy in this life. What a marvelous world we live in; what a wonderful country we live in; what great blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us! Look around you at the world and you will have no problem finding something to thank God for!
B. Much of our earthly blessing depends upon us and our faithfulness to the Lord and His work. Many of our earthly blessings are still undeserved for which we should give unending thanks to the Lord. He hath not rewarded us after our iniquities, but has fed us according to the integrity of His heart. Glory to His holy name!
C. But, the greatest blessings that we have are in heavenly places, not earthly. Our greatest blessings are found in heavenly things through our Lord Jesus Christ. The greatest things that God has done for us are unseen to the human eye and are only seen through the eye of faith. Here in Ephesians, “The Highlands of Faith,” we find many of them enumerated for us.
1. The Heavenly Blessing Of His Eternal Plan For Us (Grace) – vs 1, 2, 13
a. His Grace Is Underserved - Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
b. His Grace Is Unreserved - 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
c. His Grace Is Unlimited - Colossians 1:3-6 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
1) We Saw – vs 13a
2) We Sought – vs 13b
3) We Were Sealed – vs 13c
2. The Heavenly Blessing Of His Eternal Peace For Us – vs 2
a. The World Has No Peace Because Their Peace Depends Upon Themselves - Isaiah 48:22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.
b. The Saint Has Perfect Peace Because His Peace Depends Upon Jesus Christ - John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
3. The Heavenly Blessing Of Our Eternal Position In Christ – vs 3, 5
a. The Place Of Our Position – “in heavenly places” - 2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
b. The Person Of Our Position – “in Christ” - 1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
c. The Pleasure Of Our Position – “the good pleasure of his will” - Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
4. The Heavenly Blessing Of Our Eternal Purity In Christ – vs 7
a. The Character Of Our Peace – “holy and without blame before him” - 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,
b. The Cause Of Our Purity – “in love” - 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
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.
5. The Heavenly Blessing Of Our Eternal Purpose – vs 9-14
a. The Purpose Of Gathering – vs 10 “gather together in one all things in Christ” - 2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
b. The Purpose Of Garnishing – vs 11 “an inheritance” - 1 Peter 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
c. The Purpose Of Glorifying – vs 12-14 “his glory…praise of his glory” - Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Worry, Worry, Worry!
Temple Baptist Church - 4-11-2010
Matthew 6:19-34
Introduction:
A. “The Sermon on the Mount!” The greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher who ever lived! In the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord dealt with a myriad of problems that face God’s people.
1. The greatest Preacher to ever live cared about what we care about.
2. He is affected by what affects us. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmity. He was tempted in all points as we are tempted.
3. He has promised to be there with us and there for us. If God be for us, who can be against us?
B. In the passage that I just read, we find that the Lord knows and will supply our every need: both physical and spiritual.
1. His power is able!
2. His promises are trustworthy!
3. His admonition is “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness!” You take care of your spiritual things first and let God take care of your physical things.
C. His promise is “and all these things shall be added unto you.” Food, shelter, clothing, and protection! He cares for and takes care of His own.
D. In verse 34, He then says, “Take therefore no thought for the tomorrow!” This statement does not mean that we are not to plan for tomorrow. A man once said, “A right perspective of life is to live as if our Lord would come today and plan as if He would never come.” What the Lord is saying in these verses is this: When you cannot prepare for the morrow, do not worry about it! Do the best you can and leave the rest to Him.
E. Planning for the future is not contrary to verse 34. Verse 34 speaks of the “evil thereof.” These are the things that cause the child of God to fear. The fear of the unknown or the fear of what we suspect may happen. There are many verses of Scripture that deal with the subject of “Worry.” Here are a few of the better known ones.
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 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
F. Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, told the country during the Great Depression that the greatest fear was fear itself.
“A day of worry is more exhausting than a day of work.”
“Work won't kill, but worry will.”
“Don't tell me that worry doesn't do any good. I know better. The things I worry about don't happen.”
“Tain't worthwhile to wear a day all out before it comes.”
“It ain't no use putting up your umbrella till it rains.”
“Happy is the man who is too busy to worry by day, and too sleepy to worry at night.”
G. George McDonald wrote the following about worry. "No man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow’s burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear. Never load yourselves so. If you find yourselves so loaded, at least remember this: It is your doing, not God’s. He begs you to leave the future to Him, and mind the present."
H. Worry causes stress and stress is possibly the greatest killer in America. People today are stressed out because of the economy, the wickedness in our Land, the uncertainty of the future of our children and grandchildren, and the list could go on and on.
1. Worry will damage both your physical and mental health. Look at the people on medication for mental health. The Mayo Clinic states that statistically 80-85 % of their case load of ill people was either directly or indirectly related to stress. “Seventy percent of all patients who come to physicians could cure themselves if they only got rid of their fears, worries, and bad eating habits.”
2. Worry will cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts. The Bible says that we are to think upon good things. (Philippians 4:8) Most social, family, and church problems are stress related.
3. Worry will disrupt your productivity and purposes. You cannot give yourself over to worry and do what needs to be done diligently. Job performance across our land is caused by apathy and stress. People who do not care or people who are consumed with their problems.
4. Worry will negatively affect the way you treat and interact with others. You will be self-centered because of the load of your cares. You will seek your own good instead of the good of others.
5. Worry will adversely affect your emotions. Your “fuse will be short” and your outward demeanor will not glorify the Lord.
6. Worry will cause you to say things that you would not ordinarily say.
a) Out of the heart are the issues of life.
b) As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.
c) Out of the abundance of the heart, a man speaketh.
7. Worry will reduce your faith and trust in the Lord. You cannot trust and worry at the same time. These two are like oil and water, they cannot mix!
8. Worry is more harmful than helpful! It is a total waste of time and effort. Some confuse worry and concern. Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern: Worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action. We should be concerned and not neglect matters of importance. We shouldn't worry about them and do nothing about it.
1. Christians Are Not Immune To Worry!
a. Though We Know That God Is In Control – He is in control of all that exists and that includes our circumstances!
b. Though We Know That All Will End Well – Our life story has already been recorded in Heaven. The final chapter of our life has been written and it is alright!
c. Though We Know That Worry Is Sin And Distrust – It is one thing to have concerns and another to worry. We are concerned because we do not know the end of a thing but worry is a “horse of another color!” Worry is our failure to trust our lives, families, finances, protection, and provision to the One who holds it all in His hand.
d. And Yet, We Still Have A Tendency To Worry
1) We worry because we are affected by the world.
2) We worry because we are robed in frail flesh.
3) We worry because we are still imperfect in our faith.
2. And, Most Of The Time:
a. We worry about things that either never occur or do not measure up our expectations.
b. We worry about things that we cannot change.
c. We worry often times about things that really do not matter.
3. Two Kinds Of Worry Found In These Verses:
a. Financial – When The Heart Is In The Wrong Place– vs 19-24
(Temporal Treasures Instead of Heavenly Treasures) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness”
b. Physical - When The Trust Is In The Wrong Place– vs 25-32
(Depending Upon Self For Supply Instead Of God To Supply)
4. How To Handle Worry:
a. We Should Not Worry Because We Are Children Of God -
Ephesians 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
b. We Should not worry because, as Christians, we are people of faith - Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
c. We should not worry because our focus is to be on kingdom of God, on the spiritual - not the material - Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
d. We Need To Realize That God Cares - 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Said the Robin to the Sparrow,
"I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and hurry so."
said the Sparrow to the Robin,
"Friend, I think that it must be
That they have no Heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me."
-- Elizabeth Cheney
Matthew 6:19-34
Introduction:
A. “The Sermon on the Mount!” The greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Preacher who ever lived! In the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord dealt with a myriad of problems that face God’s people.
1. The greatest Preacher to ever live cared about what we care about.
2. He is affected by what affects us. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmity. He was tempted in all points as we are tempted.
3. He has promised to be there with us and there for us. If God be for us, who can be against us?
B. In the passage that I just read, we find that the Lord knows and will supply our every need: both physical and spiritual.
1. His power is able!
2. His promises are trustworthy!
3. His admonition is “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness!” You take care of your spiritual things first and let God take care of your physical things.
C. His promise is “and all these things shall be added unto you.” Food, shelter, clothing, and protection! He cares for and takes care of His own.
D. In verse 34, He then says, “Take therefore no thought for the tomorrow!” This statement does not mean that we are not to plan for tomorrow. A man once said, “A right perspective of life is to live as if our Lord would come today and plan as if He would never come.” What the Lord is saying in these verses is this: When you cannot prepare for the morrow, do not worry about it! Do the best you can and leave the rest to Him.
E. Planning for the future is not contrary to verse 34. Verse 34 speaks of the “evil thereof.” These are the things that cause the child of God to fear. The fear of the unknown or the fear of what we suspect may happen. There are many verses of Scripture that deal with the subject of “Worry.” Here are a few of the better known ones.
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 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
F. Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, told the country during the Great Depression that the greatest fear was fear itself.
“A day of worry is more exhausting than a day of work.”
“Work won't kill, but worry will.”
“Don't tell me that worry doesn't do any good. I know better. The things I worry about don't happen.”
“Tain't worthwhile to wear a day all out before it comes.”
“It ain't no use putting up your umbrella till it rains.”
“Happy is the man who is too busy to worry by day, and too sleepy to worry at night.”
G. George McDonald wrote the following about worry. "No man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow’s burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear. Never load yourselves so. If you find yourselves so loaded, at least remember this: It is your doing, not God’s. He begs you to leave the future to Him, and mind the present."
H. Worry causes stress and stress is possibly the greatest killer in America. People today are stressed out because of the economy, the wickedness in our Land, the uncertainty of the future of our children and grandchildren, and the list could go on and on.
1. Worry will damage both your physical and mental health. Look at the people on medication for mental health. The Mayo Clinic states that statistically 80-85 % of their case load of ill people was either directly or indirectly related to stress. “Seventy percent of all patients who come to physicians could cure themselves if they only got rid of their fears, worries, and bad eating habits.”
2. Worry will cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts. The Bible says that we are to think upon good things. (Philippians 4:8) Most social, family, and church problems are stress related.
3. Worry will disrupt your productivity and purposes. You cannot give yourself over to worry and do what needs to be done diligently. Job performance across our land is caused by apathy and stress. People who do not care or people who are consumed with their problems.
4. Worry will negatively affect the way you treat and interact with others. You will be self-centered because of the load of your cares. You will seek your own good instead of the good of others.
5. Worry will adversely affect your emotions. Your “fuse will be short” and your outward demeanor will not glorify the Lord.
6. Worry will cause you to say things that you would not ordinarily say.
a) Out of the heart are the issues of life.
b) As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.
c) Out of the abundance of the heart, a man speaketh.
7. Worry will reduce your faith and trust in the Lord. You cannot trust and worry at the same time. These two are like oil and water, they cannot mix!
8. Worry is more harmful than helpful! It is a total waste of time and effort. Some confuse worry and concern. Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern: Worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action. We should be concerned and not neglect matters of importance. We shouldn't worry about them and do nothing about it.
1. Christians Are Not Immune To Worry!
a. Though We Know That God Is In Control – He is in control of all that exists and that includes our circumstances!
b. Though We Know That All Will End Well – Our life story has already been recorded in Heaven. The final chapter of our life has been written and it is alright!
c. Though We Know That Worry Is Sin And Distrust – It is one thing to have concerns and another to worry. We are concerned because we do not know the end of a thing but worry is a “horse of another color!” Worry is our failure to trust our lives, families, finances, protection, and provision to the One who holds it all in His hand.
d. And Yet, We Still Have A Tendency To Worry
1) We worry because we are affected by the world.
2) We worry because we are robed in frail flesh.
3) We worry because we are still imperfect in our faith.
2. And, Most Of The Time:
a. We worry about things that either never occur or do not measure up our expectations.
b. We worry about things that we cannot change.
c. We worry often times about things that really do not matter.
3. Two Kinds Of Worry Found In These Verses:
a. Financial – When The Heart Is In The Wrong Place– vs 19-24
(Temporal Treasures Instead of Heavenly Treasures) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness”
b. Physical - When The Trust Is In The Wrong Place– vs 25-32
(Depending Upon Self For Supply Instead Of God To Supply)
4. How To Handle Worry:
a. We Should Not Worry Because We Are Children Of God -
Ephesians 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
b. We Should not worry because, as Christians, we are people of faith - Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
c. We should not worry because our focus is to be on kingdom of God, on the spiritual - not the material - Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
d. We Need To Realize That God Cares - 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Said the Robin to the Sparrow,
"I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and hurry so."
said the Sparrow to the Robin,
"Friend, I think that it must be
That they have no Heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me."
-- Elizabeth Cheney
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Predestination - Part 2
Temple Baptist Church - 4-7-2010
Ephesians 1:1-7
Introduction:
A. As we look at predestination tonight, we need to remember that the Bible plainly asserts that God is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:6-11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25; James 2:1) Any doctrine that places God in a position of such is patently false!
B. Some confuse and equate Divine foreknowledge and foreordination. God can know a matter before hand without predetermining the matter to the point that the people (in this case) are excluded, as far as their will and participation are concerned. Some religionists, nonetheless, maintain such a radical view of predestination that in stressing the sovereignty of God, they have totally eliminated the will and role of man.
C. God “understandeth our thoughts afar off” and, therefore, knows what choices that we will make. God knew that Satan would tempt Eve and that Adam would sin. He did not force or program them to sin. They committed sin by choice. God is a God of love and ultimate equity!
D. Biblical predestination is proof of God's omniscience. Furthermore, biblical prophecy is predicated on God's foreknowledge and predestination. The fact that God knew that only a few would accept his Son is also indicative of God's love in sending his Son. "The few" who will be saved are not a group whom God arbitrarily and totally, without any participation on their part, chose to be save, but those who "enter in at the strait gate," which is faith in Jesus Christ!
E. First of all, I hope everyone has the preceding straight. Man has responsibility to come to Jesus Christ for salvation. Period!
F. Secondly, predestination has to do with God’s purpose in salvation, not selection in salvation. Predestination has to do with foreknowledge! As we look at these verses, we see them from God’s side which was precipitated in eternity past, declaring His purpose and man’s side which began in verse 7. No man is predestined to either heaven or hell. Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels, not man! (Unless some ignorant theologian thinks that all of the unsaved are the “angel-humans” of their “Sons of God” theory in Genesis 6!)
G. Let’s look at these verses in their context and see what God said concerning predestination. GOD’S SIDE: The problem is that we are seeing from God’s perspective. He declares the end from the beginning and, thus, sees us as already saved, sanctified, and secure in Heaven with Him.
1. God’s Foreknowledge Sees Us In Heaven - vs. 3 – Eternity Future – according to Ephesians 2:6, we are already seated “in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Thus, the Holy Spirit sets the context. He is dealing with eternity.
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Ephesians 2:6-7 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
God’s Purpose for us is that we might be with Him for all eternity! Blessed with all of the riches at His disposal!
2. God’s Foreknowledge Sees Us Holy And Without Blame Before Him In Love – vs. 4 - Chosen – before the foundation … holy and without blame … before Him
Chosen of God does not relieve man of his responsibility to accept the call of God.
John 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
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,
God’s Purpose for us is that we be “holy and without blame before Him in love!”
3. God’s Foreknowledge Sees Us Conformed To The Image Of His Son – vs. 5-6 The Beloved is a reference to the Body of Christ, the Church, and—as some call it—the Family of God. We are all baptized into one body by the Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (For those who deny spirit baptism: John the Baptist believed in it; Jesus Christ believed in it; the apostles believed in it; Paul—in the “Church Epistles”—believed in it; and the Holy Spirit believed in it because He penned 1 Corinthians 12:13! The word “Spirit” is capitalized which is a direct reference to deity and one body means just what it says.)
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.
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.
God’s Purpose for us is that we be like Him!
4. God’s Foreknowledge Sees Our Salvation Blood Based – vs. 7 Salvation is not through election or predestination. Salvation is through the precious blood of Christ! It was the blood in Genesis, it is the blood in Revelation (Revelation 7:14), and it is still the blood!
Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
1 Peter 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
God’s Purpose for us is that we might be eternally saved through the blood of His Son!
Conclusion: MAN’S SIDE: Come to Jesus Christ through faith and be saved! Be transformed through presentation of our bodies to Christ and, one day, be conformed!
Ephesians 1:1-7
Introduction:
A. As we look at predestination tonight, we need to remember that the Bible plainly asserts that God is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:6-11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25; James 2:1) Any doctrine that places God in a position of such is patently false!
B. Some confuse and equate Divine foreknowledge and foreordination. God can know a matter before hand without predetermining the matter to the point that the people (in this case) are excluded, as far as their will and participation are concerned. Some religionists, nonetheless, maintain such a radical view of predestination that in stressing the sovereignty of God, they have totally eliminated the will and role of man.
C. God “understandeth our thoughts afar off” and, therefore, knows what choices that we will make. God knew that Satan would tempt Eve and that Adam would sin. He did not force or program them to sin. They committed sin by choice. God is a God of love and ultimate equity!
D. Biblical predestination is proof of God's omniscience. Furthermore, biblical prophecy is predicated on God's foreknowledge and predestination. The fact that God knew that only a few would accept his Son is also indicative of God's love in sending his Son. "The few" who will be saved are not a group whom God arbitrarily and totally, without any participation on their part, chose to be save, but those who "enter in at the strait gate," which is faith in Jesus Christ!
E. First of all, I hope everyone has the preceding straight. Man has responsibility to come to Jesus Christ for salvation. Period!
F. Secondly, predestination has to do with God’s purpose in salvation, not selection in salvation. Predestination has to do with foreknowledge! As we look at these verses, we see them from God’s side which was precipitated in eternity past, declaring His purpose and man’s side which began in verse 7. No man is predestined to either heaven or hell. Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels, not man! (Unless some ignorant theologian thinks that all of the unsaved are the “angel-humans” of their “Sons of God” theory in Genesis 6!)
G. Let’s look at these verses in their context and see what God said concerning predestination. GOD’S SIDE: The problem is that we are seeing from God’s perspective. He declares the end from the beginning and, thus, sees us as already saved, sanctified, and secure in Heaven with Him.
1. God’s Foreknowledge Sees Us In Heaven - vs. 3 – Eternity Future – according to Ephesians 2:6, we are already seated “in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Thus, the Holy Spirit sets the context. He is dealing with eternity.
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Ephesians 2:6-7 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
God’s Purpose for us is that we might be with Him for all eternity! Blessed with all of the riches at His disposal!
2. God’s Foreknowledge Sees Us Holy And Without Blame Before Him In Love – vs. 4 - Chosen – before the foundation … holy and without blame … before Him
Chosen of God does not relieve man of his responsibility to accept the call of God.
John 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
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,
God’s Purpose for us is that we be “holy and without blame before Him in love!”
3. God’s Foreknowledge Sees Us Conformed To The Image Of His Son – vs. 5-6 The Beloved is a reference to the Body of Christ, the Church, and—as some call it—the Family of God. We are all baptized into one body by the Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (For those who deny spirit baptism: John the Baptist believed in it; Jesus Christ believed in it; the apostles believed in it; Paul—in the “Church Epistles”—believed in it; and the Holy Spirit believed in it because He penned 1 Corinthians 12:13! The word “Spirit” is capitalized which is a direct reference to deity and one body means just what it says.)
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.
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.
God’s Purpose for us is that we be like Him!
4. God’s Foreknowledge Sees Our Salvation Blood Based – vs. 7 Salvation is not through election or predestination. Salvation is through the precious blood of Christ! It was the blood in Genesis, it is the blood in Revelation (Revelation 7:14), and it is still the blood!
Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
1 Peter 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
God’s Purpose for us is that we might be eternally saved through the blood of His Son!
Conclusion: MAN’S SIDE: Come to Jesus Christ through faith and be saved! Be transformed through presentation of our bodies to Christ and, one day, be conformed!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The First Resurrection
Temple Baptist Church - 4-4-2010
John 19:38-20:18
Introduction:
A. This Easter Sunday, I want to look once again at the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the Capstone of Christianity! I thank God that He was not found in the tomb on that particular Sunday. His resurrection was on the first day of the week, not the Sabbath.
B. His resurrection was a bodily one. He did not swoon; He was not stolen away; He arose from the grave that morning through the power of God! He gloriously resurrected from the grave.
C. I want to call your attention to another verse this morning and take my text from it.
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
D. There are several resurrection mentioned in the Bible but they can be categorized into two major resurrections. These two resurrections will be separated by 1007 years.
John 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
1. The Resurrection Of Life – the resurrection of the saved of all ages which takes place at the moment of the rapture of the church and just preceding the Tribulation Period of the time of Jacob’s Trouble.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
2. The Resurrection Of Damnation – the resurrection of the unsaved of all ages which takes place at the end of the Millennium at the Great White Throne Judgment.
Revelation 20:12-13 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
E. I thank God that I will be in the First Resurrection! Hell is both hot and eternal for those who have rejected the salvation that is found in Christ Jesus alone. Religion always incorporates the goodness of man and the grace of God together. The Bible says, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” (Romans 11:6) Salvation is either all of grace (which means that we do not deserve it) or it is of works (which means that we do deserve it). It cannot be a mixture of both! I am saved by the finished work of Calvary!
F. I want to look at the blessings and benefits of this First Resurrection for a few minutes this Easter Sunday. The Importance of the Resurrection:
1. There Is Validation
a. The Resurrection Validates His Person - Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
b. The Resurrection Validates His Purchase - Isaiah 53:11 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.
c. The Resurrection Validates His Promise - Matthew 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
2. There Is Implication
a. Through The Resurrection We Are Saved - Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
b. Through The Resurrection We Are Sanctified - Romans 6:4-5 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. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
c. Through The Resurrection We Are Secure - 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
d. Through The Resurrection We Are Sure - John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
e. Through The Resurrection We Are Satisfied - Psalms 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
3. There Will Be Imitation
a. It Will Be A Bodily Resurrection - Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
b. It Will Be A Blessed Resurrection - Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
John 19:38-20:18
Introduction:
A. This Easter Sunday, I want to look once again at the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the Capstone of Christianity! I thank God that He was not found in the tomb on that particular Sunday. His resurrection was on the first day of the week, not the Sabbath.
B. His resurrection was a bodily one. He did not swoon; He was not stolen away; He arose from the grave that morning through the power of God! He gloriously resurrected from the grave.
C. I want to call your attention to another verse this morning and take my text from it.
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
D. There are several resurrection mentioned in the Bible but they can be categorized into two major resurrections. These two resurrections will be separated by 1007 years.
John 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
1. The Resurrection Of Life – the resurrection of the saved of all ages which takes place at the moment of the rapture of the church and just preceding the Tribulation Period of the time of Jacob’s Trouble.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
2. The Resurrection Of Damnation – the resurrection of the unsaved of all ages which takes place at the end of the Millennium at the Great White Throne Judgment.
Revelation 20:12-13 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
E. I thank God that I will be in the First Resurrection! Hell is both hot and eternal for those who have rejected the salvation that is found in Christ Jesus alone. Religion always incorporates the goodness of man and the grace of God together. The Bible says, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” (Romans 11:6) Salvation is either all of grace (which means that we do not deserve it) or it is of works (which means that we do deserve it). It cannot be a mixture of both! I am saved by the finished work of Calvary!
F. I want to look at the blessings and benefits of this First Resurrection for a few minutes this Easter Sunday. The Importance of the Resurrection:
1. There Is Validation
a. The Resurrection Validates His Person - Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
b. The Resurrection Validates His Purchase - Isaiah 53:11 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.
c. The Resurrection Validates His Promise - Matthew 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
2. There Is Implication
a. Through The Resurrection We Are Saved - Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
b. Through The Resurrection We Are Sanctified - Romans 6:4-5 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. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
c. Through The Resurrection We Are Secure - 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
d. Through The Resurrection We Are Sure - John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
e. Through The Resurrection We Are Satisfied - Psalms 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
3. There Will Be Imitation
a. It Will Be A Bodily Resurrection - Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
b. It Will Be A Blessed Resurrection - Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)