Temple Baptist Church - 5-30-2010
Psalms 138:1-8
Introduction:
A. I want to preach tonight on worship of the local church. Worship has been one of the missing elements in the church, especially over the past 50 years. If God inhabits the praises of Israel, and the Bible says that He does (Psalm 22:3 says, “But thou [art] holy, [O thou] that inhabitest the praises of Israel”), then I believe that He also inhabits the praise of the saints in the church.
B. Bro. Jesse Hailey hit the “nail on the head” this morning in Sunday School while preaching on prayer. Public praise is directly in proportion with private praise. Believers do not praise the Lord in their personal devotions and prayer time and, therefore, do not praise the Lord in public worship services.
C. The Bible also says that the Father seeks worshippers. “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth.”
(John 4:23-24) The Lord is still looking for believers who will worship and adore Him.
D. In order for the Lord to be properly glorified, praise must once again be restored to the services. We call these Worship Services but very little worship is present today. Some churches have a lot of hype with no truth while others have a lot of truth with no spirit.
E. There are several things that have led to this lack of worship in the churches that need to be both recognized and eradicated before true worship is restored.
1. In Order To Worship God, You Must Learn To Sacrifice - Genesis 22:5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. (Selfishness has become an enemy of biblical worship. We are to offer the sacrifice of praise. Praise requires reflection on the goodness of God while the minds of most are upon what they are involved with or what they are going to do when church is over.)
2. In Order To Worship God, You Must Have An Understanding Of Who God Is - Acts 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. (Biblical ignorance is an enemy of true worship. Worship involves understanding just who God is and what He had done.)
Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
3. In Order To Worship God, You Must Have Sincere Humility - Psalm 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. (Most people are too proud to either bow or kneel before the Lord. This involves a realization of who we are. Pride goeth before destruction, not worship.)
4. In Order To Worship God, You Must Have A Giving Heart - Deuteronomy 26:10 And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the LORD thy God: (I do not think that this is much of a problem here at Temple but there are many who profess to be saved who do not tithe or tithe grudgingly. You cannot rob God and worship at the same time.)
Psalm 96:8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
5. In Order To Worship God, You Must Have Confession Of Personal Sin - 1 Samuel 15:25 Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.
Nehemiah 9:3 And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God. (One of the problems with the end time church is that of Phariseeism! People think that they are right with the Lord when they are far from Him. Confession is agreement with God about ourselves.)
6. In Order To Worship God, You Must Come With Reverence– 2 Kings 17:36 But the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice.
Psalm 89:7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. (Today’s “Christians” are far too casual with God! Casualness has permeated churches as people dress, act, and sing as if they were at a theme park instead of the house of God.)
7. In Order To Worship God, You Must Have Holiness – 1 Chronicles 16:29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Psalm 99:5 Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (Anything that comes between the believer and the Lord destroys worship. God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Sinfulness separates the sinful from God.)
8. In Order To Worship God, You Must Faithful Assembly - Worship Involves Assembly - Psalm 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. (We live in days of unfaithfulness! Not forsaking the assembly of the church means absolutely nothing to many. The pastor can preach on it until he is blue in the face and people still miss church over the least thing. I do not think that you can come whenever you want or as little as you want and expect God to be either pleased or worshipped.)
9. In Order To Worship God, You Must Be Spiritually Involved - Psalm 100:1-2 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. (Worship is not a spectator’s sport. People watch other people play games without being involved. They also sit and watch a service without ever getting involved.)
10. In Order To Worship God, You Must Come With Thanksgiving - Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving. (We are to be a grateful people! We will not thank God if we take His blessings for granted!)
11. In Order To Worship God, You Must Offer To God Praise - Worship Involves Praise - Psalm 100:4 And into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (I believe in order, but not formality. Many times we are guilty of just going through the motions with no emotions. Knowing what to do and when to do without knowing HOW to do is killing our services.)
12. In Order To Worship God, You Must Do So In Truth - John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (You cannot worship the Lord with false doctrine! What you do may look good in the eyes of man but God is not pleased.)
13. In Order To Worship God, You Must Have A Worshipful Spirit - John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. ( Laodicea brings about lukewarmness which is apathy! Simply coming to church, knowing that we are to worship the Lord, and not caring if we do or not!)
Psalm 111:1 Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
What Makes America A Great Nation?
Temple Baptist Church - 5-30-2010 (Memorial Day)
Proverbs 14:34
Introduction:
A. First of all this morning, I want to recognize those who served. Stand and give me your name, rank, and serial number! J Tell us where and when you served. God bless each and every one of you! In time of war or occupation, because of you we remain free.
B. As we look forward to Memorial Day tomorrow, I want us here at Temple Baptist Church to keep upon our minds and hearts the sacrifices that have made the day possible.
1. “All gave some and some gave all” is a quote that we often hear around Memorial Day. President Ronald Reagan said that these who have died gave up two lives: the one that they had and the one that they should have had.
2. As far as I can tell (in all wars) app. 1,139,784 men and women have died in defense of our freedom while app. 1,447,299 have been wounded (excluding wounded who did not require hospitalization. These statistics also do not include POW’s.
C. I watched a series not long ago on World War II called “A World At War.” I was once again made horrifically aware of the great price paid for our being able to assemble in church this morning.
1. I saw the battles; I saw the bodies of our boys floating in the ocean foam on the shores of both Normandy and the islands of the South Pacific; I saw the faces of the wives, children, and parents as they waited not knowing. I saw the bodies swollen in the heat and the flies that covered them. I watched as they took their dog tags from around their necks so that they could inform the fathers, mothers, wives, loved ones, and children back home of their fate.
2. These were young men: teens and early twenties. Just kids who were made to grow up on the beaches of the South Pacific; on the shores of North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Normandy. Children who became young men and then old men in a matter of months! These were young men who gave up their hopes and dreams that we may hope and live out those dreams for them. Women who gave up the comforts of America to tend to the wounded
3. They lived, they loved, and they died. They were white, brown, red, yellow, and black; but they were Americans! They were from many different nations but they were Americans! They were mill workers, coal miners, farmers, business men, doctors, lawyers, preachers, salesmen, and a myriad of other professions; men and women from every walk of life brought together in a cause that was greater and more dear than their lives. I watched as families had every male in them who were of age join.
4. My Aunt Edna (my father’s older sister) had a letter from my dad, who fought with Patton in North Africa-Sicily-Italy where he was wounded, written on a long piece of calculator paper because it was all he had to write home on. She had a letter from dad’s older brother, Austin, written from Iran. All of the sons joined and served as well as did your fathers and family members. They paid so that we could enjoy the benefits. We have reaped what they have lost!
D. Our nation was founded by men and their families who left England, Europe, as well as other nations in search of a utopia which was framed in their minds. They had little but expected much as they came to the “New World” in search of freedom and prosperity. They carved out for us the greatest nation on the face of the earth. Righteousness exalteth a nation! America is known for its integrity.
E. We are so blessed and should be so thankful for the sacrifices of these pilgrims! God bless the memories of those who made these blessings possible for us. We inherited that which they paid so dearly for.
“What Makes America A Great Nation?”
1. The Principles Upon Which It Was Founded – Liberty and justice for all. Men who could never be free left their homes and families that they might find freedom and liberty on foreign soil. They bought and paid for our liberty through their foresight and sacrifice. These freedoms our Constitution upholds today. We have liberty to worship; liberty of speech; liberty to travel; liberty to personally excel in life; liberty to be all that we can be. We are free, praise the Lord, we are free! “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty!” Never let anyone take our freedom from us or our children.
2. The Values That Our Forefathers Bore – They were honest and principled. They were men of integrity and their word was their bond. Their values were Bible based, even those who were not saved. We call it “Old School” but its precepts are anchored deeply in biblical principles. Our people were honest and hard working with no time for deadbeats. They had character instead of being characters. They loved their families, their church, and their nation. They were Americans!
3. The Courage Of Our Military To Die And Our People To Sacrifice – “Give me liberty or give me death” has been the motto of every American fighting man in all wars. I gave some statistics of those who died but could not count the countless millions who have served in all branches of the military. They lay behind the bodies of their dead brothers while the bullets whizzed past their heads and returned fire. They still join up; they still fight; and they still die. Their crosses are around the world from Normandy to the South Pacific to North Africa to Arlington National Cemetery where the Tomb of the Unknowns (also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) are engraved with these words: “HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD.” The willingness of our nation to sacrifice – families have sacrificed their sons and daughters; they have sacrificed their moneys and possessions; they have sacrificed their personal desires for the betterment of the nation as a whole.
4. The Diversity Of America’s People – The greatness of America is in its diversity! We are not all the same but we all have the same rights. We are not all the same but we accept and love those who are not like us. Different cultures and ethnic backgrounds and yet united. We are of every race and every creed; we are from every country on the face of the earth. We do not look the same or act the same, but we all love the same! We love America and are willing to both die and live for her.
5. The Natural Resources That God Gave – God has given to our nation the capability to both be and remain self-sufficient. We are indebted to others because of greed and ignorance. From shore to shore and boundary to boundary, our nation is the most beautiful and blessed of all nations. America is truly a nation flowing with milk and honey. We have all and abound! We are blessed!
6. The Benevolence Of America – In natural disasters as well as war and genocide, the United States of America is the first to respond. We get relief and medical aid to other countries while other governments are thinking about it. America gives many times what all of the other nations give combined. God blesses benevolence! “It is more blessed to give than to receive” has always been America’s motto.
7. The System Of Government That We Have – America was founded as a republic, not a democracy! Three branches of government set up with checks and balances that keep us both safe and directed. Every two years we have elections to correct the mistakes that we made in the last elections. Both veto power and the power to overcome veto! The men who set up our government had divine foresight. What a magnificent piece of legislative work our Constitution is! Wise men made sure that we remain both free and prosperous.
8. The Love Of America For Israel – “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” God still blesses those who bless Israel and He still curses those who curse Israel. To this point, we have stood with God’s covenant people and God has blessed us for it. “Hang on to Israel’s coat tails, America, hang on!”
9. The Possibility Of Impossibility – Young man, young lady, you can be anything that you want to be. You can be a doctor, a lawyer, a business owner, or any other thing that you wish. You can excel both in school and the work place. You can go to college, work in the career of your choice, start your own business, and be the president of the United States of America. You are limited only by the limitations that you place on yourself!
10. The God Who Gave Her Birth – America is blessed because “In God We Trust” is still on our money and in the hearts of most. The blessed gospel is allowed to be preached and missionaries are being sent around the world. Psalms 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” May God bless the memory of our war dead and those who served! May God bless our nation! May we bless God for His blessings upon us!
Proverbs 14:34
Introduction:
A. First of all this morning, I want to recognize those who served. Stand and give me your name, rank, and serial number! J Tell us where and when you served. God bless each and every one of you! In time of war or occupation, because of you we remain free.
B. As we look forward to Memorial Day tomorrow, I want us here at Temple Baptist Church to keep upon our minds and hearts the sacrifices that have made the day possible.
1. “All gave some and some gave all” is a quote that we often hear around Memorial Day. President Ronald Reagan said that these who have died gave up two lives: the one that they had and the one that they should have had.
2. As far as I can tell (in all wars) app. 1,139,784 men and women have died in defense of our freedom while app. 1,447,299 have been wounded (excluding wounded who did not require hospitalization. These statistics also do not include POW’s.
C. I watched a series not long ago on World War II called “A World At War.” I was once again made horrifically aware of the great price paid for our being able to assemble in church this morning.
1. I saw the battles; I saw the bodies of our boys floating in the ocean foam on the shores of both Normandy and the islands of the South Pacific; I saw the faces of the wives, children, and parents as they waited not knowing. I saw the bodies swollen in the heat and the flies that covered them. I watched as they took their dog tags from around their necks so that they could inform the fathers, mothers, wives, loved ones, and children back home of their fate.
2. These were young men: teens and early twenties. Just kids who were made to grow up on the beaches of the South Pacific; on the shores of North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Normandy. Children who became young men and then old men in a matter of months! These were young men who gave up their hopes and dreams that we may hope and live out those dreams for them. Women who gave up the comforts of America to tend to the wounded
3. They lived, they loved, and they died. They were white, brown, red, yellow, and black; but they were Americans! They were from many different nations but they were Americans! They were mill workers, coal miners, farmers, business men, doctors, lawyers, preachers, salesmen, and a myriad of other professions; men and women from every walk of life brought together in a cause that was greater and more dear than their lives. I watched as families had every male in them who were of age join.
4. My Aunt Edna (my father’s older sister) had a letter from my dad, who fought with Patton in North Africa-Sicily-Italy where he was wounded, written on a long piece of calculator paper because it was all he had to write home on. She had a letter from dad’s older brother, Austin, written from Iran. All of the sons joined and served as well as did your fathers and family members. They paid so that we could enjoy the benefits. We have reaped what they have lost!
D. Our nation was founded by men and their families who left England, Europe, as well as other nations in search of a utopia which was framed in their minds. They had little but expected much as they came to the “New World” in search of freedom and prosperity. They carved out for us the greatest nation on the face of the earth. Righteousness exalteth a nation! America is known for its integrity.
E. We are so blessed and should be so thankful for the sacrifices of these pilgrims! God bless the memories of those who made these blessings possible for us. We inherited that which they paid so dearly for.
“What Makes America A Great Nation?”
1. The Principles Upon Which It Was Founded – Liberty and justice for all. Men who could never be free left their homes and families that they might find freedom and liberty on foreign soil. They bought and paid for our liberty through their foresight and sacrifice. These freedoms our Constitution upholds today. We have liberty to worship; liberty of speech; liberty to travel; liberty to personally excel in life; liberty to be all that we can be. We are free, praise the Lord, we are free! “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty!” Never let anyone take our freedom from us or our children.
2. The Values That Our Forefathers Bore – They were honest and principled. They were men of integrity and their word was their bond. Their values were Bible based, even those who were not saved. We call it “Old School” but its precepts are anchored deeply in biblical principles. Our people were honest and hard working with no time for deadbeats. They had character instead of being characters. They loved their families, their church, and their nation. They were Americans!
3. The Courage Of Our Military To Die And Our People To Sacrifice – “Give me liberty or give me death” has been the motto of every American fighting man in all wars. I gave some statistics of those who died but could not count the countless millions who have served in all branches of the military. They lay behind the bodies of their dead brothers while the bullets whizzed past their heads and returned fire. They still join up; they still fight; and they still die. Their crosses are around the world from Normandy to the South Pacific to North Africa to Arlington National Cemetery where the Tomb of the Unknowns (also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) are engraved with these words: “HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD.” The willingness of our nation to sacrifice – families have sacrificed their sons and daughters; they have sacrificed their moneys and possessions; they have sacrificed their personal desires for the betterment of the nation as a whole.
4. The Diversity Of America’s People – The greatness of America is in its diversity! We are not all the same but we all have the same rights. We are not all the same but we accept and love those who are not like us. Different cultures and ethnic backgrounds and yet united. We are of every race and every creed; we are from every country on the face of the earth. We do not look the same or act the same, but we all love the same! We love America and are willing to both die and live for her.
5. The Natural Resources That God Gave – God has given to our nation the capability to both be and remain self-sufficient. We are indebted to others because of greed and ignorance. From shore to shore and boundary to boundary, our nation is the most beautiful and blessed of all nations. America is truly a nation flowing with milk and honey. We have all and abound! We are blessed!
6. The Benevolence Of America – In natural disasters as well as war and genocide, the United States of America is the first to respond. We get relief and medical aid to other countries while other governments are thinking about it. America gives many times what all of the other nations give combined. God blesses benevolence! “It is more blessed to give than to receive” has always been America’s motto.
7. The System Of Government That We Have – America was founded as a republic, not a democracy! Three branches of government set up with checks and balances that keep us both safe and directed. Every two years we have elections to correct the mistakes that we made in the last elections. Both veto power and the power to overcome veto! The men who set up our government had divine foresight. What a magnificent piece of legislative work our Constitution is! Wise men made sure that we remain both free and prosperous.
8. The Love Of America For Israel – “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” God still blesses those who bless Israel and He still curses those who curse Israel. To this point, we have stood with God’s covenant people and God has blessed us for it. “Hang on to Israel’s coat tails, America, hang on!”
9. The Possibility Of Impossibility – Young man, young lady, you can be anything that you want to be. You can be a doctor, a lawyer, a business owner, or any other thing that you wish. You can excel both in school and the work place. You can go to college, work in the career of your choice, start your own business, and be the president of the United States of America. You are limited only by the limitations that you place on yourself!
10. The God Who Gave Her Birth – America is blessed because “In God We Trust” is still on our money and in the hearts of most. The blessed gospel is allowed to be preached and missionaries are being sent around the world. Psalms 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” May God bless the memory of our war dead and those who served! May God bless our nation! May we bless God for His blessings upon us!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Old Path Of Scripture
Temple Baptist Church - 5-23-2010
Genesis 1:3
Introduction:
A. When I think of the “Old Paths,” my mind goes immediately to the first of all: the Word of God. I took an unusual text today because I wanted to use a First Mention Principle.
B. Biblical Hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation concerning the books of the Bible. These “Principles” are essential to “rightly dividing the word of truth.” There are some 30 “Principles” used in Biblical Hermeneutics of which I will use two this morning.
1. The First Mention Principle: "God indicates in the first mention of a subject the truth with which that subject stands connected in the mind of God." (The First Mention declares that “God said!” Not “man said” or “the pope said” or the “Baptist said” but “God said!” The Author of the Bible is God Almighty Himself and is not up for debate. You can believe it or disbelieve it, it does not change it. You can obey it or not obey it, it does not change it.)
2. The Direct Statement Principle: "God says what he means and means what he says." “And God said let there be light: and THERE WAS LIGHT!” (What God says is always right and He means what He says. His promises are always true and His predictions always come to pass. His actions are always faithful to His words.)
C. The Word of God is all important because it is the “Old Path” that leads to all others. If we do not have complete confidence in our Bible, how can we have confidence in any other part of our faith? All that we believe and hope for is anchored deeply in the foundation of our faith, the Bible.
D. The Bible is our final authority for both faith and practice! Many people claim faith in Jesus Christ based upon the authority and veracity of the Bible and yet reject His principles by maintain that the Bible is authored by man. If its principles cannot be relied upon then neither can its Person be trusted. The Bible declares that his commandments are not grievous.
E. I want to look at inspiration as we begin “The Old Path Of Scripture.”
INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES
1. What Inspiration Means: 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” Inspiration of God simply means God breathed. By Inspiration we mean that the Holy Spirit moved the human writers of the Bible in such a way that they recorded the very words and sense of God. Genesis says “God said!” Simple enough is it not? As one man so adeptly put it:
The Bible is a supernatural Book like no other that has ever existed, either secular or sacred. And not even the greatest of religious books can come close to the Bible! Although a few other religious writings, such as the Koran and the Book of Mormon, make claim to being special revelation from God, it will be found in every case that they lack the credentials which authenticate the Bible as the true record of God's revelation. The claim to be the true revelation of God is not of human origin, but rather it is the claim the Bible makes for itself. Over and over again it states that the words are from God Himself: "Thus saith the Lord." The point at issue here is not whether other books such as the Koran contain some truth. The book that is the true revelation of God must in fact be infallible and without error in all matters of history, science, medicine, etc., as well as theology and morals.
2. How Inspired Scripture Was Given: 2 Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
a. Human Penmanship – “holy men of God spake” (God used men to pen the Holy Bible. Later, we will see that God used men both in inspiration and preservation of the Scripture.) Heb 1:1-2a "God, Who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son. . ." Note the inference here that the writings of the Old Testament prophets have the same infallibility as the New Testament message of Christ Himself! We are dealing with a supernatural, God-breathed Book!
b. Divine Authorship – “as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (The same Greek word for "moved" is translated "driven" in Acts 27:17, where the ship was totally controlled by the wind and at the mercy of the storm.)
3. What Inspiration Does And Does Not Mean:
a. What Inspiration Of The Scripture Does Not Mean
1) Inspiration does not mean natural inspiration, which is no more than human genius. Artists, poets, and musicians are inspired by natural inspiration. We mean more than this when we speak about the inspiration of the Bible.
2) Inspiration does not mean simply that the Book is inspiring. Some believe that the Bible is only inspired as it inspires the reader. The Bible does inspire all those who read it. But we mean more than this when we speak of the inspiration of the Bible.
3) Inspiration does not mean partial inspiration. We do not mean that parts of the Bible are inspired and are therefore reliable, and that parts are not inspired and are therefore unreliable. We do not believe,
for instance, that the Gospels are more inspired than the Epistles or the Books of the Pentateuch.
4) Inspiration does not mean progressive inspiration. There is a progressive revelation in the Bible in the sense that there is much fuller truth in the New Testament than is revealed in the Old Testament, but the Old Testament is just as much inspired asthe New Testament.
5) Inspiration does not mean the inspiration of the thoughts only. Some say it is only the ideas and the general thoughts expressed in the Bible that are inspired, and that the general sense, therefore, is reliable but the words must not be relied upon. We do not accept this view.
b. What Inspiration Of The Scripture Does Mean:
1) Verbal Inspiration or “word for word.” Jeremiah 36:4 “Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book.”
2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (The Holy Spirit supernaturally directed the authors as they either dictated or wrote their portion of the Scriptures.)
Psalms 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Proverbs 30:5a Every word of God is pure: (Bible believers are often called ignorant Bible-worshipers who believe in 'mechanical' dictation." You can call us whatever you wish, but this passage makes it perfectly clear that God spoke all the words to Jeremiah! The inspiration of the Bible is a supernatural miracle.)
2) Plenary Inspiration or “full inspiration extending to all parts alike.” 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (All of the Bible is inspired and every part of it is equally inspired. Full or from cover to cover, we have not only the very Word of God but we have all of the Word of God.)
Preservation Of Scripture
1. Now we get into a more controversial doctrine concerning the Bible. There are many fundamental Baptists that believe that the original manuscripts were inspired of God but the inspiration was lost in the preservation by both scribes and translators. If this were true, it would be a blatant lie to tell people that we have the Word of God in our hands today.
2. If it is the Word of God then it is pure; if it is not pure then we only have a man made book in our hands and both interpretation and authority lie in the hands of the experts who point out the mistakes in it.
3. To inspire the Bible and then leave preservation up to sinful, fallible man would be like miraculously saving a sinner and then leaving the keep of his salvation up to him. Both would be impossible to do. We either have the Word of God or we do not! If we have the Word of God, then the inspiration is intact through divine preservation!
4. Where do I stand? I believe that both inspiration and preservation are acts of God. It matters not if either King James or the translators of the AV 1611 were saved or not. It makes no difference to me if they were Bible believers or not. God has preserved His Word from the original manuscripts down to the Bible that we hold in our hands.
Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (7) Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. (When you realize that preservation is an act of God, then you have no problem believing that we have the Word of God today.)
5. When Moses broke the Ten Commandments, an interesting thing happened. Let us look at a good verse of Scripture to back up what I have said about preservation being an act of God. (First Mention Principle of Bible Interpretation)
a. When God gave Moses the Law, He gave him both the tables of stone and the commandments (Inspiration) - Exodus 24:12 And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
b. When Moses broke the original tables of stone, God told Moses to “Hew thee two tables … like unto the first” and then God gave the exact words a second time (Preservation) - Exodus 34:1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest. (God used Moses to make the tables just as he used men in the translation of the AV 1611 but both acts of preservation were of God.)
6. Therefore, we have the Word of God in the King James Bible:
a. Inerrant - The message was written down accurately and without error. Every word of God and, therefore, the very Word of God. We have an inerrant Bible in the King James Bible. I make no apology for it.
b. Infallible – The Word of God is without error in its doctrine and will not fail in its promises or predictions.
Evidences For Inspiration
1. There Are Internal Evidences
a. Its Details Of Events Beyond Human Knowledge - The Bible records details about Creation, reveals what is in the heart of certain people, the words of Satan, etc., which no human could possibly know about. For example, Moses is the human author of Genesis, and he did not have personal knowledge of many of the details recorded there.
b. The Unity Of The Bible - The Bible is a Book authored by some 40 human writers and compiled over 1,600 years -- yet it has an incredible doctrinal and structural unity! There is one theme; and no conflict! No other piece of literature, sacred or secular, has anything approaching this. Most of the writers did not personally know each other and many did not know what the others wrote and yet there are no contradiction nor errors.
c. The Supernatural Doctrines It Contains –
1) The Doctrine of God -- Compare the triune, infinite, sovereign, holy, and loving God of the Bible with the various "deities" concocted by men. The God of the Bible could not have been invented by man, for He altogether transcends our finite intellect. We could not have known God at all if He had not revealed Himself to us through His Word, both written and "made flesh."
2) The Doctrine of Man -- The painfully honest presentation of man as base, corrupt, vile, and helplessly depraved would never have been written so by natural man. Even the hideous sins of David, "man after God's own heart," are revealed!
3) The Doctrine of Sin -- Natural man minimizes sin and extols man's "innate goodness." The Bible does just the opposite and the natural man could never accept the fact of a literal hell as the just punishment of sinful, unrepentant mankind. Therefore, both the cults and most of the lost deny it.
4) The Doctrine of Salvation -- Man, universally and innately, seeks salvation through his own efforts. Thus, if the Bible were a human book, salvation would be obtained by works. BUT, the Bible clearly presents salvation ONLY through the shed blood of the Son of God! !
5) Fulfilled Prophecy - A major portion of the Bible was prophetic at the time of its writing, and much of this has already been fulfilled in the minutest detail! This is one of the strongest internal proofs of Inspiration. For example, over 300 prophecies about the birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ have already been fulfilled. In the 24-hr period of the crucifixion, some 21 different prophecies were fulfilled. The odds of this being mere chance is staggering!
2. There Are External Evidences - Psalm 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
a. The Evidence Of Science - Although the Bible does not claim to be a book of science, it is correct wherever it addresses scientific matters. It has never had to be revised to harmonize with established scientific facts! ! ! (And NEVER will!)
1) "Every-day" Scientific Facts - such as Human anatomy, Botany, Geography
2) Scientific Verities - Long before scientific discoverys were made, the Bible declared them - the importance of the blood (Lev 17:11); the earth's position in space (not on the back of a giant turtle!- Job 26:7); the unseen number of stars (Gen 22:17; Deut 1:10); the manner of animal repro-duction (Gen 1:24-25); the existence of other planets (Heb 1:2); the fact that air has weight (Job 28:25); existence of the jet streams (Eccl 1:6); the hydrologic cycle (Eccl 1:7); the earth is a sphere (Isa 40:22; Eccl 1:5).
b. The Evidence Of Archaeology - This is perhaps the greatest of external proofs. No archaeological discovery has ever contradicted the Word of God!
1) Topographical & Geographical - The hills, valleys, plains, deserts and mountains are all where the Bible says they are. There are no mistakes though there were no accurate maps or such information. At the time of the Bible’s writing.
2) Ethnological - The family tree of the nations in Genesis 10, and the various migrations mentioned in the Bible have been verified. The ancestry of the Hebrews from Mesopotamia through Abraham has been verified. Excavations at Ur reveal it to be the idolatrous pagan city so stated in Joshua 24:2.
3) Chronological - All the pertinent evidence uncovered has supported the record and order of Biblical events and the circumstances involved.
4) Historical - The collapse of the Jericho walls, the presence of Hebrews in Egypt, and a number of other startling archaeological discoveries have confirmed the historical trustworthiness of the Word of God.
c. The Evidence Of Supernatural Transformation Of Believers - Not only has the Bible changed the course of nations, but the most heathen of cultures have been literally transformed by its life-changing power! No other piece of literature in the history of mankind has even come close! Drunks have been made sober, harlots made chaste and lives ruined by sin have been made whole again.
d. The Bible's Inexhaustible Literary Treasures - How many books have you read twice? three times? Can you think of how many sermons by Bible-believing preachers are preached out of this book each week? how many doctrinally sound books have been written about it in the last decade?!!?
Job 23:12 either have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Psalms 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psalms 119:2 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
Psalms 119:162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
e. The Bible's Honored Promises - Whoever follows what the Bible says receives what the Bible promises.
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
f. The Bible’s Practical And Holy Law – Holy but Workable - The Ten Commandments used to be the basis of British and U. S. law. (Still are, technically, in the U.S.) But whenever man has sought to make laws contrary to the Bible, it has brought tragic and destructive consequences! (Example: death penalty)
The King James Bible Is Still The Word Of God
The King James Bible Is Still The Only Bible
The King James Bible Is Still Perfect
The King James Bible Is Still Inspired
The King James Bible Is Still Saving
The King James Bible Is Still Cleansing
The King James Bible Is Still Convicting
The King James Bible Is Still Effective
The King James Bible Is Still Eternal
Genesis 1:3
Introduction:
A. When I think of the “Old Paths,” my mind goes immediately to the first of all: the Word of God. I took an unusual text today because I wanted to use a First Mention Principle.
B. Biblical Hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation concerning the books of the Bible. These “Principles” are essential to “rightly dividing the word of truth.” There are some 30 “Principles” used in Biblical Hermeneutics of which I will use two this morning.
1. The First Mention Principle: "God indicates in the first mention of a subject the truth with which that subject stands connected in the mind of God." (The First Mention declares that “God said!” Not “man said” or “the pope said” or the “Baptist said” but “God said!” The Author of the Bible is God Almighty Himself and is not up for debate. You can believe it or disbelieve it, it does not change it. You can obey it or not obey it, it does not change it.)
2. The Direct Statement Principle: "God says what he means and means what he says." “And God said let there be light: and THERE WAS LIGHT!” (What God says is always right and He means what He says. His promises are always true and His predictions always come to pass. His actions are always faithful to His words.)
C. The Word of God is all important because it is the “Old Path” that leads to all others. If we do not have complete confidence in our Bible, how can we have confidence in any other part of our faith? All that we believe and hope for is anchored deeply in the foundation of our faith, the Bible.
D. The Bible is our final authority for both faith and practice! Many people claim faith in Jesus Christ based upon the authority and veracity of the Bible and yet reject His principles by maintain that the Bible is authored by man. If its principles cannot be relied upon then neither can its Person be trusted. The Bible declares that his commandments are not grievous.
E. I want to look at inspiration as we begin “The Old Path Of Scripture.”
INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES
1. What Inspiration Means: 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” Inspiration of God simply means God breathed. By Inspiration we mean that the Holy Spirit moved the human writers of the Bible in such a way that they recorded the very words and sense of God. Genesis says “God said!” Simple enough is it not? As one man so adeptly put it:
The Bible is a supernatural Book like no other that has ever existed, either secular or sacred. And not even the greatest of religious books can come close to the Bible! Although a few other religious writings, such as the Koran and the Book of Mormon, make claim to being special revelation from God, it will be found in every case that they lack the credentials which authenticate the Bible as the true record of God's revelation. The claim to be the true revelation of God is not of human origin, but rather it is the claim the Bible makes for itself. Over and over again it states that the words are from God Himself: "Thus saith the Lord." The point at issue here is not whether other books such as the Koran contain some truth. The book that is the true revelation of God must in fact be infallible and without error in all matters of history, science, medicine, etc., as well as theology and morals.
2. How Inspired Scripture Was Given: 2 Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
a. Human Penmanship – “holy men of God spake” (God used men to pen the Holy Bible. Later, we will see that God used men both in inspiration and preservation of the Scripture.) Heb 1:1-2a "God, Who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son. . ." Note the inference here that the writings of the Old Testament prophets have the same infallibility as the New Testament message of Christ Himself! We are dealing with a supernatural, God-breathed Book!
b. Divine Authorship – “as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (The same Greek word for "moved" is translated "driven" in Acts 27:17, where the ship was totally controlled by the wind and at the mercy of the storm.)
3. What Inspiration Does And Does Not Mean:
a. What Inspiration Of The Scripture Does Not Mean
1) Inspiration does not mean natural inspiration, which is no more than human genius. Artists, poets, and musicians are inspired by natural inspiration. We mean more than this when we speak about the inspiration of the Bible.
2) Inspiration does not mean simply that the Book is inspiring. Some believe that the Bible is only inspired as it inspires the reader. The Bible does inspire all those who read it. But we mean more than this when we speak of the inspiration of the Bible.
3) Inspiration does not mean partial inspiration. We do not mean that parts of the Bible are inspired and are therefore reliable, and that parts are not inspired and are therefore unreliable. We do not believe,
for instance, that the Gospels are more inspired than the Epistles or the Books of the Pentateuch.
4) Inspiration does not mean progressive inspiration. There is a progressive revelation in the Bible in the sense that there is much fuller truth in the New Testament than is revealed in the Old Testament, but the Old Testament is just as much inspired asthe New Testament.
5) Inspiration does not mean the inspiration of the thoughts only. Some say it is only the ideas and the general thoughts expressed in the Bible that are inspired, and that the general sense, therefore, is reliable but the words must not be relied upon. We do not accept this view.
b. What Inspiration Of The Scripture Does Mean:
1) Verbal Inspiration or “word for word.” Jeremiah 36:4 “Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book.”
2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (The Holy Spirit supernaturally directed the authors as they either dictated or wrote their portion of the Scriptures.)
Psalms 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Proverbs 30:5a Every word of God is pure: (Bible believers are often called ignorant Bible-worshipers who believe in 'mechanical' dictation." You can call us whatever you wish, but this passage makes it perfectly clear that God spoke all the words to Jeremiah! The inspiration of the Bible is a supernatural miracle.)
2) Plenary Inspiration or “full inspiration extending to all parts alike.” 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (All of the Bible is inspired and every part of it is equally inspired. Full or from cover to cover, we have not only the very Word of God but we have all of the Word of God.)
Preservation Of Scripture
1. Now we get into a more controversial doctrine concerning the Bible. There are many fundamental Baptists that believe that the original manuscripts were inspired of God but the inspiration was lost in the preservation by both scribes and translators. If this were true, it would be a blatant lie to tell people that we have the Word of God in our hands today.
2. If it is the Word of God then it is pure; if it is not pure then we only have a man made book in our hands and both interpretation and authority lie in the hands of the experts who point out the mistakes in it.
3. To inspire the Bible and then leave preservation up to sinful, fallible man would be like miraculously saving a sinner and then leaving the keep of his salvation up to him. Both would be impossible to do. We either have the Word of God or we do not! If we have the Word of God, then the inspiration is intact through divine preservation!
4. Where do I stand? I believe that both inspiration and preservation are acts of God. It matters not if either King James or the translators of the AV 1611 were saved or not. It makes no difference to me if they were Bible believers or not. God has preserved His Word from the original manuscripts down to the Bible that we hold in our hands.
Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (7) Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. (When you realize that preservation is an act of God, then you have no problem believing that we have the Word of God today.)
5. When Moses broke the Ten Commandments, an interesting thing happened. Let us look at a good verse of Scripture to back up what I have said about preservation being an act of God. (First Mention Principle of Bible Interpretation)
a. When God gave Moses the Law, He gave him both the tables of stone and the commandments (Inspiration) - Exodus 24:12 And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
b. When Moses broke the original tables of stone, God told Moses to “Hew thee two tables … like unto the first” and then God gave the exact words a second time (Preservation) - Exodus 34:1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest. (God used Moses to make the tables just as he used men in the translation of the AV 1611 but both acts of preservation were of God.)
6. Therefore, we have the Word of God in the King James Bible:
a. Inerrant - The message was written down accurately and without error. Every word of God and, therefore, the very Word of God. We have an inerrant Bible in the King James Bible. I make no apology for it.
b. Infallible – The Word of God is without error in its doctrine and will not fail in its promises or predictions.
Evidences For Inspiration
1. There Are Internal Evidences
a. Its Details Of Events Beyond Human Knowledge - The Bible records details about Creation, reveals what is in the heart of certain people, the words of Satan, etc., which no human could possibly know about. For example, Moses is the human author of Genesis, and he did not have personal knowledge of many of the details recorded there.
b. The Unity Of The Bible - The Bible is a Book authored by some 40 human writers and compiled over 1,600 years -- yet it has an incredible doctrinal and structural unity! There is one theme; and no conflict! No other piece of literature, sacred or secular, has anything approaching this. Most of the writers did not personally know each other and many did not know what the others wrote and yet there are no contradiction nor errors.
c. The Supernatural Doctrines It Contains –
1) The Doctrine of God -- Compare the triune, infinite, sovereign, holy, and loving God of the Bible with the various "deities" concocted by men. The God of the Bible could not have been invented by man, for He altogether transcends our finite intellect. We could not have known God at all if He had not revealed Himself to us through His Word, both written and "made flesh."
2) The Doctrine of Man -- The painfully honest presentation of man as base, corrupt, vile, and helplessly depraved would never have been written so by natural man. Even the hideous sins of David, "man after God's own heart," are revealed!
3) The Doctrine of Sin -- Natural man minimizes sin and extols man's "innate goodness." The Bible does just the opposite and the natural man could never accept the fact of a literal hell as the just punishment of sinful, unrepentant mankind. Therefore, both the cults and most of the lost deny it.
4) The Doctrine of Salvation -- Man, universally and innately, seeks salvation through his own efforts. Thus, if the Bible were a human book, salvation would be obtained by works. BUT, the Bible clearly presents salvation ONLY through the shed blood of the Son of God! !
5) Fulfilled Prophecy - A major portion of the Bible was prophetic at the time of its writing, and much of this has already been fulfilled in the minutest detail! This is one of the strongest internal proofs of Inspiration. For example, over 300 prophecies about the birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ have already been fulfilled. In the 24-hr period of the crucifixion, some 21 different prophecies were fulfilled. The odds of this being mere chance is staggering!
2. There Are External Evidences - Psalm 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
a. The Evidence Of Science - Although the Bible does not claim to be a book of science, it is correct wherever it addresses scientific matters. It has never had to be revised to harmonize with established scientific facts! ! ! (And NEVER will!)
1) "Every-day" Scientific Facts - such as Human anatomy, Botany, Geography
2) Scientific Verities - Long before scientific discoverys were made, the Bible declared them - the importance of the blood (Lev 17:11); the earth's position in space (not on the back of a giant turtle!- Job 26:7); the unseen number of stars (Gen 22:17; Deut 1:10); the manner of animal repro-duction (Gen 1:24-25); the existence of other planets (Heb 1:2); the fact that air has weight (Job 28:25); existence of the jet streams (Eccl 1:6); the hydrologic cycle (Eccl 1:7); the earth is a sphere (Isa 40:22; Eccl 1:5).
b. The Evidence Of Archaeology - This is perhaps the greatest of external proofs. No archaeological discovery has ever contradicted the Word of God!
1) Topographical & Geographical - The hills, valleys, plains, deserts and mountains are all where the Bible says they are. There are no mistakes though there were no accurate maps or such information. At the time of the Bible’s writing.
2) Ethnological - The family tree of the nations in Genesis 10, and the various migrations mentioned in the Bible have been verified. The ancestry of the Hebrews from Mesopotamia through Abraham has been verified. Excavations at Ur reveal it to be the idolatrous pagan city so stated in Joshua 24:2.
3) Chronological - All the pertinent evidence uncovered has supported the record and order of Biblical events and the circumstances involved.
4) Historical - The collapse of the Jericho walls, the presence of Hebrews in Egypt, and a number of other startling archaeological discoveries have confirmed the historical trustworthiness of the Word of God.
c. The Evidence Of Supernatural Transformation Of Believers - Not only has the Bible changed the course of nations, but the most heathen of cultures have been literally transformed by its life-changing power! No other piece of literature in the history of mankind has even come close! Drunks have been made sober, harlots made chaste and lives ruined by sin have been made whole again.
d. The Bible's Inexhaustible Literary Treasures - How many books have you read twice? three times? Can you think of how many sermons by Bible-believing preachers are preached out of this book each week? how many doctrinally sound books have been written about it in the last decade?!!?
Job 23:12 either have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Psalms 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psalms 119:2 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
Psalms 119:162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
e. The Bible's Honored Promises - Whoever follows what the Bible says receives what the Bible promises.
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
f. The Bible’s Practical And Holy Law – Holy but Workable - The Ten Commandments used to be the basis of British and U. S. law. (Still are, technically, in the U.S.) But whenever man has sought to make laws contrary to the Bible, it has brought tragic and destructive consequences! (Example: death penalty)
The King James Bible Is Still The Word Of God
The King James Bible Is Still The Only Bible
The King James Bible Is Still Perfect
The King James Bible Is Still Inspired
The King James Bible Is Still Saving
The King James Bible Is Still Cleansing
The King James Bible Is Still Convicting
The King James Bible Is Still Effective
The King James Bible Is Still Eternal
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Walking In The Old Paths
Temple Baptist Church - 5-16-2010
Jeremiah 6:16
Introduction:
A. There are many signs of the second coming of Christ that are very evident in our day. I am not preaching on that subject at this time, but I believe that every believer knows what time it is. I want to deal with one sign in particular over the next few weeks. The “falling away” of 2 Thessalonians 2:
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
B. Jeremiah 6:16 speaks of “the old paths.” Not “old path” which is singular but “old paths” which is plural. These are paths that need to be followed.
1. Times are changing!
2. Thinking is changing!
3. The churches are changing!
4. So called Christians are changing!
5. The children are changing!
C. One of my greatest fears is the continuing forsaking of the ways of our spiritual fathers.
1. Were these godly forefathers wrong in what they believed? Churches who once walked in the old paths are compromised.
2. Did they die in vain for the doctrines of truth that have become expendable in our day? Preachers who once walked in the old paths have forsaken them.
3. Is the sin that they preached against now more permissible to the child of God. People will not long endure the preaching of sound doctrine.
D. Each believer must make his or her decision. What kind of church to we really want here at Temple Baptist? I personally want an old fashioned, God loving church that remains both doctrinally correct and separated from the world.
1. I want old fashioned preaching.
2. I want old fashioned singing.
3. I want old fashioned standards.
4. I want old fashioned worship.
5. I want old fashioned everything!
E. I hate the condition of our churches today. They are worldly, compromised, apathetic, and dead! I watch old preachers compromise and young preachers leave their upbringing for worldly entertainment and contemporary services. I do not hate them, but I do hate their ways. They are not God’s ways! God’s ways are unchanging ways because:
1. He is an unchanging God.
2. He has an unchanging Word.
3. That is why they are called “OLD PATHS!” They are not “new paths.”
F. I want to take a look at some of these “old paths” that our forefathers walked in and why they are so important in our day. Our day is the “and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” of Hebrews 10:25. To stay right will take some things:
1. It Takes Reflection – we need to monitor where we are spiritually.
2. It Takes Recognition – we need to honestly appraise our condition.
3. It Takes Realization – we need to know that God is not pleased.
4. It Takes Resolve – we need to set our hearts and minds to hold the lines.
a) We must receive God’s Word - 1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
b) We must take heed to ourselves and the doctrine - 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
c) We must hold fast in faith and love - 2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
d) We must commit to future generations - 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
e) We must remain assured - 2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
f) We must patiently run the race that is “set before us” - Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
G. I want to look at Jeremiah 6:16 for a few minutes:
1. They Are Paths – well trodden throughout the history of the Bible. These are paths that are well worn by the feet of God’s people. From Adam and Eve to this day, God’s people have walked in the ways of God.
a. Enoch walked in them before the flood - Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
b. Noah walked in them before, during, and after the flood - Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
c. The prophets walked in them during the Law - Jeremiah 7:23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.
Isaiah 2:5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.
d. The apostles and their followers walked in them after Calvary - Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (We are not alone in our walk. Though most people choose to walk in a different path, we are a part of the fellowship of the unashamed!)
2. They Are Plain Paths – they are easily discerned through Scripture.
a. In the “Old Paths” we find a Sure Word - 2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
b. In the “Old Paths” we find a Shining Word - Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
c. In the “Old Paths” we find a Separating Word - John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (The Word of God is clear and the paths are well illuminated for us. To stray from these paths is to ignore the Word of God that illuminates them.)
3. They Are Proven Paths – paths that define both direction and safety. The Bible calls them “the good way.” Let’s look at two of my favorite verses:
a. In the “Old Paths” we find Satisfaction - 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.
b. In the “Old Paths” we find Safety - Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
c. In the “Old Paths” we find Surety - Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (We need to be persuaded of the promises of God to those who follow Him! He will do what He says and we will find the blessings of God in the Old Paths.)
4. They Are Proper Paths – they are right ways! They have been trodden through the centuries by God’s people and there will always be a remnant that follows their ways.
Isaiah 35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
a. In the “Old Paths” we find Righteous Ways “way of holiness”
b. In the “Old Paths” we find Right Ways “Wayfaring men…shall not err therein”
5. They Are Peaceful Paths – they are peaceful ways. Peace of heart and peace of mind. A man once said, “A clear conscience makes for a soft pillow!”
a. In the “Old Paths” we find Peace - Psalms 1:1-2 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. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
b. In the “Old Paths” we find Prosperity – Psalms 1:3 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.
c. In the “Old Paths” we find Pleasantness - Proverbs 3:13-18 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
I LIKE THE OLD PATHS WHEN:
Moms were at home, Dads were at work, Brothers were in the army, Sisters got married before having children!!
Crime did not pay... Hard work did and people knew the difference.
Moms could cook; Dads would work; Children would be quiet!
Husbands were loving; Wives were submissive, Children were polite!!
Women wore the jewelry; Men wore the pants; Harlots wore the paint and children wore the stripes.
Women looked like ladies; Men looked like gentlemen, and children looked decent.
People loved the truth and hated a lie; they would follow the Pastor and ignore the world; they came to get IN and not to get OUT!
Hymns sounded GODLY; Sermons sounded helpful; Shouting sounded normal and crying sounded often.
Church folk were faithful; Sinners were respectful and everybody had manners.
Cursing was wicked; Drinking was evil; Divorce was unbelievable; the Flag was honored; America was beautiful and God was welcomed.
We READ the Bible in public; Prayed in school and preached on the court house steps!
Going to Church was a blessing; going to school was an education and going to a gas station that sold beer was a disgrace.
GrandMa and GrandPa were wise; Mom and Dad were together and Children were precious.
To be called an American was worth dying for; to be called a Christian was worth living for and to be called a traitor was worth fighting for.
Cowards were shot; Deserters were hung and Criminals were sent to prison and not WASHINGTON!!
Sex was a dirty word; Homo was an unheard word and abortion was an illegal word.
Love was clean; courting was watched; and marriage was till death.
Preachers preached because they had a message; Singers sung because they had a song; Christians shouted because they had the VICTORY and sinners got convicted.
Preachers preached from the BIBLE; Singers sung from the heart; Sinners repented and got SAVED!!
A New Birth meant a NEW LIFE; Salvation meant a CHANGE; Joining the Church means you would attend.
Being a Preacher meant you were CALLED of GOD; Being a deacon meant you would serve the church; being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus
and being a Sinner meant somebody was praying for you!!
Laws were based on the BIBLE; HOMES read the Bible and churches taught the BIBLE!!
You could borrow money on your Church letter; a Man’s word was his bond and a woman’s virtue was priceless.
Preachers were more interested in NEW CONVERTS than new clothes and new cars!!
Churches wanted to reach every creature with the GOSPEL more than new buildings and paved parking lots!!
Prayed and wept over the lost in their community.
God was worshipped. Christ was exalted and the Holy Ghost was followed!!
The Bible was believed and not corrected; Sinners got Saved, Converts were CONVERTED and the Gospel was preached and not SHARED.
THOSE WERE THE DAYS WHEN:
We would go witnessing with tears; prayed a lot and talked little on the phone; spent more time with the Bible than the TV. We would weep about lost souls, enjoy going to CHURCH more than anything. We had testimony and song services. We would really try to do something for God; we would say AMEN to the truth, and got to the ALTAR to repent of sin. We would bring folks to Church, take Pastor home for Sunday dinner; give tithes and offering gladly. We would seek the WILL OF GOD in everything and stand against sin anytime and anywhere!!
THOSE WERE THE OLD PATHS!!!
Jeremiah 6:16
Introduction:
A. There are many signs of the second coming of Christ that are very evident in our day. I am not preaching on that subject at this time, but I believe that every believer knows what time it is. I want to deal with one sign in particular over the next few weeks. The “falling away” of 2 Thessalonians 2:
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
B. Jeremiah 6:16 speaks of “the old paths.” Not “old path” which is singular but “old paths” which is plural. These are paths that need to be followed.
1. Times are changing!
2. Thinking is changing!
3. The churches are changing!
4. So called Christians are changing!
5. The children are changing!
C. One of my greatest fears is the continuing forsaking of the ways of our spiritual fathers.
1. Were these godly forefathers wrong in what they believed? Churches who once walked in the old paths are compromised.
2. Did they die in vain for the doctrines of truth that have become expendable in our day? Preachers who once walked in the old paths have forsaken them.
3. Is the sin that they preached against now more permissible to the child of God. People will not long endure the preaching of sound doctrine.
D. Each believer must make his or her decision. What kind of church to we really want here at Temple Baptist? I personally want an old fashioned, God loving church that remains both doctrinally correct and separated from the world.
1. I want old fashioned preaching.
2. I want old fashioned singing.
3. I want old fashioned standards.
4. I want old fashioned worship.
5. I want old fashioned everything!
E. I hate the condition of our churches today. They are worldly, compromised, apathetic, and dead! I watch old preachers compromise and young preachers leave their upbringing for worldly entertainment and contemporary services. I do not hate them, but I do hate their ways. They are not God’s ways! God’s ways are unchanging ways because:
1. He is an unchanging God.
2. He has an unchanging Word.
3. That is why they are called “OLD PATHS!” They are not “new paths.”
F. I want to take a look at some of these “old paths” that our forefathers walked in and why they are so important in our day. Our day is the “and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” of Hebrews 10:25. To stay right will take some things:
1. It Takes Reflection – we need to monitor where we are spiritually.
2. It Takes Recognition – we need to honestly appraise our condition.
3. It Takes Realization – we need to know that God is not pleased.
4. It Takes Resolve – we need to set our hearts and minds to hold the lines.
a) We must receive God’s Word - 1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
b) We must take heed to ourselves and the doctrine - 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
c) We must hold fast in faith and love - 2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
d) We must commit to future generations - 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
e) We must remain assured - 2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
f) We must patiently run the race that is “set before us” - Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
G. I want to look at Jeremiah 6:16 for a few minutes:
1. They Are Paths – well trodden throughout the history of the Bible. These are paths that are well worn by the feet of God’s people. From Adam and Eve to this day, God’s people have walked in the ways of God.
a. Enoch walked in them before the flood - Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
b. Noah walked in them before, during, and after the flood - Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
c. The prophets walked in them during the Law - Jeremiah 7:23 But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.
Isaiah 2:5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.
d. The apostles and their followers walked in them after Calvary - Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (We are not alone in our walk. Though most people choose to walk in a different path, we are a part of the fellowship of the unashamed!)
2. They Are Plain Paths – they are easily discerned through Scripture.
a. In the “Old Paths” we find a Sure Word - 2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
b. In the “Old Paths” we find a Shining Word - Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
c. In the “Old Paths” we find a Separating Word - John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (The Word of God is clear and the paths are well illuminated for us. To stray from these paths is to ignore the Word of God that illuminates them.)
3. They Are Proven Paths – paths that define both direction and safety. The Bible calls them “the good way.” Let’s look at two of my favorite verses:
a. In the “Old Paths” we find Satisfaction - 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.
b. In the “Old Paths” we find Safety - Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
c. In the “Old Paths” we find Surety - Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (We need to be persuaded of the promises of God to those who follow Him! He will do what He says and we will find the blessings of God in the Old Paths.)
4. They Are Proper Paths – they are right ways! They have been trodden through the centuries by God’s people and there will always be a remnant that follows their ways.
Isaiah 35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
a. In the “Old Paths” we find Righteous Ways “way of holiness”
b. In the “Old Paths” we find Right Ways “Wayfaring men…shall not err therein”
5. They Are Peaceful Paths – they are peaceful ways. Peace of heart and peace of mind. A man once said, “A clear conscience makes for a soft pillow!”
a. In the “Old Paths” we find Peace - Psalms 1:1-2 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. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
b. In the “Old Paths” we find Prosperity – Psalms 1:3 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.
c. In the “Old Paths” we find Pleasantness - Proverbs 3:13-18 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
I LIKE THE OLD PATHS WHEN:
Moms were at home, Dads were at work, Brothers were in the army, Sisters got married before having children!!
Crime did not pay... Hard work did and people knew the difference.
Moms could cook; Dads would work; Children would be quiet!
Husbands were loving; Wives were submissive, Children were polite!!
Women wore the jewelry; Men wore the pants; Harlots wore the paint and children wore the stripes.
Women looked like ladies; Men looked like gentlemen, and children looked decent.
People loved the truth and hated a lie; they would follow the Pastor and ignore the world; they came to get IN and not to get OUT!
Hymns sounded GODLY; Sermons sounded helpful; Shouting sounded normal and crying sounded often.
Church folk were faithful; Sinners were respectful and everybody had manners.
Cursing was wicked; Drinking was evil; Divorce was unbelievable; the Flag was honored; America was beautiful and God was welcomed.
We READ the Bible in public; Prayed in school and preached on the court house steps!
Going to Church was a blessing; going to school was an education and going to a gas station that sold beer was a disgrace.
GrandMa and GrandPa were wise; Mom and Dad were together and Children were precious.
To be called an American was worth dying for; to be called a Christian was worth living for and to be called a traitor was worth fighting for.
Cowards were shot; Deserters were hung and Criminals were sent to prison and not WASHINGTON!!
Sex was a dirty word; Homo was an unheard word and abortion was an illegal word.
Love was clean; courting was watched; and marriage was till death.
Preachers preached because they had a message; Singers sung because they had a song; Christians shouted because they had the VICTORY and sinners got convicted.
Preachers preached from the BIBLE; Singers sung from the heart; Sinners repented and got SAVED!!
A New Birth meant a NEW LIFE; Salvation meant a CHANGE; Joining the Church means you would attend.
Being a Preacher meant you were CALLED of GOD; Being a deacon meant you would serve the church; being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus
and being a Sinner meant somebody was praying for you!!
Laws were based on the BIBLE; HOMES read the Bible and churches taught the BIBLE!!
You could borrow money on your Church letter; a Man’s word was his bond and a woman’s virtue was priceless.
Preachers were more interested in NEW CONVERTS than new clothes and new cars!!
Churches wanted to reach every creature with the GOSPEL more than new buildings and paved parking lots!!
Prayed and wept over the lost in their community.
God was worshipped. Christ was exalted and the Holy Ghost was followed!!
The Bible was believed and not corrected; Sinners got Saved, Converts were CONVERTED and the Gospel was preached and not SHARED.
THOSE WERE THE DAYS WHEN:
We would go witnessing with tears; prayed a lot and talked little on the phone; spent more time with the Bible than the TV. We would weep about lost souls, enjoy going to CHURCH more than anything. We had testimony and song services. We would really try to do something for God; we would say AMEN to the truth, and got to the ALTAR to repent of sin. We would bring folks to Church, take Pastor home for Sunday dinner; give tithes and offering gladly. We would seek the WILL OF GOD in everything and stand against sin anytime and anywhere!!
THOSE WERE THE OLD PATHS!!!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Blood Of Christ
Temple Baptist Church - 5-12-2010
Ephesians 1:7
(Temple 5-12-10)
Introduction:
A. The blood of Christ is a doctrine less and less preached upon. Most of us that are older in the Lord realize the importance of the blood but, I fear, many of our young people are much less acquainted. Doctrines such as the blood, hell, heaven, etc. are less preached upon today.
1. Because many preachers have never been acquainted with the blood of Christ! They do not preach upon what they do not know.
2. Because many preachers feel that preaching upon such familiar subjects should be left to the younger preachers while us older ones deal with the “deeper things of God.” You cannot get any deeper than the blood of Christ!
3. Because many lost church members do not like hearing about the shedding of the blood of Christ. “Slaughterhouse Religion” is a term that has been relegated to the doctrine of the blood over the past 30-40 years.
B. The payment for our salvation was an extreme one. “Without shedding of blood is no remission!” (Hebrews 9:22b) Something of such great price should be something that is priceless! Our text verse declares that redemption is through the blood of Christ.
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, (Saved people KNOW!)
C. J. P. Morgan was a noted financier and multi-millionaire of an earlier American generation. Before his death, he composed a will consisting of 37 articles and 10,000 words. While Mr. Morgan had been involved in transactions involving millions of dollars during his illustrious business career, he left no doubt as to what was the greatest transaction he had ever made. In his will he wrote:
"I commit my soul in the hands of my Savior, full of confidence that having redeemed me and washed me with His most precious blood, He will present me faultless before the throne of my Heavenly Father. I entreat my children to maintain and defend at all hazards and at any cost of personal sacrifice, the blessed doctrine of complete atonement through the blood of Christ with regard to the believer's salvation."
J. P. Morgan recognized the priceless value of the atoning sacrifice of Christ's blood that was shed in His death on the cross.
D. There is a continual red thread of truth that spans the entire breath of our inspired Bible: the blood. From the Garden of Eden when the Lord Himself shed the innocent blood of an animal to our entrance through the gates of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, the Bible is filled up with the blood of atonement in the Old Testament.
1. It was the blood of an animal that the Lord shed in the Garden.
2. It was the blood of an animal that Abel offered in Genesis 4.
3. It was the blood of an animal that Abraham offered in Genesis 22.
4. It was the blood of an animal that was placed upon the doors of the Israelites in Exodus 12.
5. It was the blood of animals, regardless of whether it was the consecration of a priest, the birth of a son, the deepest penitence due to sin, or the highest religious festival throughout the Old Testament.
6. The way to communion, at-one-ment, and fellowship with a holy God in the Old Testament was through the blood of sacrifice.
E. The New Testament is just as filled up with the precious blood of Christ. Where the Old Testament was filled with shadows and types of the atonement of Christ, The New Testament is the fulfillment of the same—only in both the fact and person of Christ sacrifice. This vital truth concerning the blood of Christ is eternally recorded in an eternal Bible that is forever settled in Heaven.
F. All hope of Heaven and forgiveness of sin is based upon the shed blood of Christ at Calvary, His presentation of the blood upon the Mercy Seat in Heaven, and it’s eternal presence upon the same. As long as the blood is there, we are saved—sanctified—and secure!
G. Now, let us look at this blood of Christ which is called precious in Peter’s first epistle.
First, Let Us Look At The Blood Itself:
1. The Blood Of Christ Was Sacred Blood. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
While Christ's blood was physical blood, real blood and genuine blood, it was uniquely different from all other blood in human history; without the defilement of the curse of sin, death or disease in its composition. No one can explain Christ's Virgin Birth! It was a divine miracle. The transmission of Christ's blood to his body cannot be adequately explained via any medical process. The miraculous work of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:22-23) is the only answer. Christ's blood was perfect, priceless and pure! His blood was declared to be the blood of God.
2. The Blood Of Christ Was Sinless Blood. 1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
As our Lord Jesus Christ was the sinless Son of God, the sinless blood of God flowed through his physical veins. Judas Iscariot did not fully realize the implications of his statement, “I have betrayed the innocent blood.” (Matthew 27:4) His blood was not tainted by the blood of fallen Adam. Since His blood had no adamic sin, His blood could neither coagulate nor die. Once the flow of His blood began, it would not be stanched.
3. The Blood Of Christ Was Substitutionary Blood. Isaiah 53:5-6 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (6) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
The blood of Christ was offered in our stead. Since our redemption required a perfect sacrifice, a perfect Saviour (Hebrews 4:15) took the place of sinful man (Romans 5:8).
4. The Blood Of Christ Was Sacrificial. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
It cost God the Father the death of His only begotten Son! Our sin, placed upon Christ at Calvary, separated God the Father from God the Son. How precious is the thought that God the Father would separate from His darling Son in order that we might never be separated from Him (John 10:28). The most expensive gift ever bought and given is that of our Lord Jesus Christ!
5. The Blood Of Christ Was Sufficient Blood. Romans 3:24-25 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (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;
The word “propitiation,” found in 1 John 2:2, means appeasement. It means satisfaction as the sole and complete payment for the sin that separates man from God. At Calvary, righteousness and peace truly kissed each other (Psalms 88:10). Many songs have been written concerning our salvation and one such said, “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
6. The Blood Of Christ Is Shielding Blood. Revelation 12:10-11 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
The blood of Christ is our “safeguard!” “When He sees me, He sees the blood of the Lamb. He sees me as worthy and not as I am!” When the old Accuser slanders me in the presence of God, it is the blood of Christ that He sees. There is eternal victory through the shed blood of Christ! It shields us from Satan’s accusatory attacks. We are victorious and Satan is a defeated foe!
7. The Blood Of Christ Is Often Slighted Blood. Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Those who reject the blood of Christ are guilty of slighting it. To count it as an “unholy thing” is beyond my comprehension. Not only does the unsaved slight the blood of Christ, the sinful saint does the same. That precious blood was shed for our sin and God forbid that we continue in it. Before we sin, we should consider the immeasurable price paid. We would never buy a shiny new car and then walk around “keying” it. We protect it because of its value. The blood of Christ is far more valuable than the most expensive automobile.
Now, Let Us Look At The Impact Of The Blood:
1. The Blood Of Christ Brought Redemption. Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Redeemed – To be bought back. The freedom of a former slave purchased off the slave block. The believer has been bought off the slave block of Satan. Purchased and “made free” by the blood of Christ. Loosed and set at liberty: free praise the Lord, free at last!
2. The Blood Of Christ Brought Righteousness. 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;
The believer is judiciously declared righteous solely upon the merit of the blood of Christ. He is justified—just as if I had never sinned! Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne! (Jude 24) “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.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) Made Him what He was not that we might be made what we are not!
3. The Blood Of Christ Brought Remission. Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
The complete, eternal purging of all sin! Once for ever is our purchase in Christ Jesus. “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” (Hebrews 1:3) Our slate has been wiped clear, never to be remembered again.
4. The Blood Of Christ Brought Reconciliation. 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Man’s relationship with God was severed by sin in the Garden of Eden. The Lord made an immediate effort to reconcile Adam and Eve. The Lord went to them when they would not come to Him. They chose to hide while He chose to reconcile. “ 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.” (Colossians 1:20) By faith, regeneration , and adoption—man is back in fellowship with God.
5. The Blood Of Christ Brought Reception. Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
The believer is not only forgiven, he or she belongs! Welcomed into the greatest family on the face of the earth. The Body of Christ. “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” ( Romans 5:2)
6. The Blood Of Christ Brought Rejoicing. Romans 5:10-11 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (11) And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Oh what joy the cross of Christ brings to the believer! Though nothing, we have been made nigh by the blood of Christ. Our life is saved, our soul is saved, eternity is secured, and joy floods our souls!
Ephesians 1:7
(Temple 5-12-10)
Introduction:
A. The blood of Christ is a doctrine less and less preached upon. Most of us that are older in the Lord realize the importance of the blood but, I fear, many of our young people are much less acquainted. Doctrines such as the blood, hell, heaven, etc. are less preached upon today.
1. Because many preachers have never been acquainted with the blood of Christ! They do not preach upon what they do not know.
2. Because many preachers feel that preaching upon such familiar subjects should be left to the younger preachers while us older ones deal with the “deeper things of God.” You cannot get any deeper than the blood of Christ!
3. Because many lost church members do not like hearing about the shedding of the blood of Christ. “Slaughterhouse Religion” is a term that has been relegated to the doctrine of the blood over the past 30-40 years.
B. The payment for our salvation was an extreme one. “Without shedding of blood is no remission!” (Hebrews 9:22b) Something of such great price should be something that is priceless! Our text verse declares that redemption is through the blood of Christ.
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, (Saved people KNOW!)
C. J. P. Morgan was a noted financier and multi-millionaire of an earlier American generation. Before his death, he composed a will consisting of 37 articles and 10,000 words. While Mr. Morgan had been involved in transactions involving millions of dollars during his illustrious business career, he left no doubt as to what was the greatest transaction he had ever made. In his will he wrote:
"I commit my soul in the hands of my Savior, full of confidence that having redeemed me and washed me with His most precious blood, He will present me faultless before the throne of my Heavenly Father. I entreat my children to maintain and defend at all hazards and at any cost of personal sacrifice, the blessed doctrine of complete atonement through the blood of Christ with regard to the believer's salvation."
J. P. Morgan recognized the priceless value of the atoning sacrifice of Christ's blood that was shed in His death on the cross.
D. There is a continual red thread of truth that spans the entire breath of our inspired Bible: the blood. From the Garden of Eden when the Lord Himself shed the innocent blood of an animal to our entrance through the gates of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, the Bible is filled up with the blood of atonement in the Old Testament.
1. It was the blood of an animal that the Lord shed in the Garden.
2. It was the blood of an animal that Abel offered in Genesis 4.
3. It was the blood of an animal that Abraham offered in Genesis 22.
4. It was the blood of an animal that was placed upon the doors of the Israelites in Exodus 12.
5. It was the blood of animals, regardless of whether it was the consecration of a priest, the birth of a son, the deepest penitence due to sin, or the highest religious festival throughout the Old Testament.
6. The way to communion, at-one-ment, and fellowship with a holy God in the Old Testament was through the blood of sacrifice.
E. The New Testament is just as filled up with the precious blood of Christ. Where the Old Testament was filled with shadows and types of the atonement of Christ, The New Testament is the fulfillment of the same—only in both the fact and person of Christ sacrifice. This vital truth concerning the blood of Christ is eternally recorded in an eternal Bible that is forever settled in Heaven.
F. All hope of Heaven and forgiveness of sin is based upon the shed blood of Christ at Calvary, His presentation of the blood upon the Mercy Seat in Heaven, and it’s eternal presence upon the same. As long as the blood is there, we are saved—sanctified—and secure!
G. Now, let us look at this blood of Christ which is called precious in Peter’s first epistle.
First, Let Us Look At The Blood Itself:
1. The Blood Of Christ Was Sacred Blood. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
While Christ's blood was physical blood, real blood and genuine blood, it was uniquely different from all other blood in human history; without the defilement of the curse of sin, death or disease in its composition. No one can explain Christ's Virgin Birth! It was a divine miracle. The transmission of Christ's blood to his body cannot be adequately explained via any medical process. The miraculous work of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:22-23) is the only answer. Christ's blood was perfect, priceless and pure! His blood was declared to be the blood of God.
2. The Blood Of Christ Was Sinless Blood. 1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
As our Lord Jesus Christ was the sinless Son of God, the sinless blood of God flowed through his physical veins. Judas Iscariot did not fully realize the implications of his statement, “I have betrayed the innocent blood.” (Matthew 27:4) His blood was not tainted by the blood of fallen Adam. Since His blood had no adamic sin, His blood could neither coagulate nor die. Once the flow of His blood began, it would not be stanched.
3. The Blood Of Christ Was Substitutionary Blood. Isaiah 53:5-6 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (6) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
The blood of Christ was offered in our stead. Since our redemption required a perfect sacrifice, a perfect Saviour (Hebrews 4:15) took the place of sinful man (Romans 5:8).
4. The Blood Of Christ Was Sacrificial. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
It cost God the Father the death of His only begotten Son! Our sin, placed upon Christ at Calvary, separated God the Father from God the Son. How precious is the thought that God the Father would separate from His darling Son in order that we might never be separated from Him (John 10:28). The most expensive gift ever bought and given is that of our Lord Jesus Christ!
5. The Blood Of Christ Was Sufficient Blood. Romans 3:24-25 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (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;
The word “propitiation,” found in 1 John 2:2, means appeasement. It means satisfaction as the sole and complete payment for the sin that separates man from God. At Calvary, righteousness and peace truly kissed each other (Psalms 88:10). Many songs have been written concerning our salvation and one such said, “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
6. The Blood Of Christ Is Shielding Blood. Revelation 12:10-11 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
The blood of Christ is our “safeguard!” “When He sees me, He sees the blood of the Lamb. He sees me as worthy and not as I am!” When the old Accuser slanders me in the presence of God, it is the blood of Christ that He sees. There is eternal victory through the shed blood of Christ! It shields us from Satan’s accusatory attacks. We are victorious and Satan is a defeated foe!
7. The Blood Of Christ Is Often Slighted Blood. Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Those who reject the blood of Christ are guilty of slighting it. To count it as an “unholy thing” is beyond my comprehension. Not only does the unsaved slight the blood of Christ, the sinful saint does the same. That precious blood was shed for our sin and God forbid that we continue in it. Before we sin, we should consider the immeasurable price paid. We would never buy a shiny new car and then walk around “keying” it. We protect it because of its value. The blood of Christ is far more valuable than the most expensive automobile.
Now, Let Us Look At The Impact Of The Blood:
1. The Blood Of Christ Brought Redemption. Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Redeemed – To be bought back. The freedom of a former slave purchased off the slave block. The believer has been bought off the slave block of Satan. Purchased and “made free” by the blood of Christ. Loosed and set at liberty: free praise the Lord, free at last!
2. The Blood Of Christ Brought Righteousness. 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;
The believer is judiciously declared righteous solely upon the merit of the blood of Christ. He is justified—just as if I had never sinned! Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne! (Jude 24) “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.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) Made Him what He was not that we might be made what we are not!
3. The Blood Of Christ Brought Remission. Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
The complete, eternal purging of all sin! Once for ever is our purchase in Christ Jesus. “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” (Hebrews 1:3) Our slate has been wiped clear, never to be remembered again.
4. The Blood Of Christ Brought Reconciliation. 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Man’s relationship with God was severed by sin in the Garden of Eden. The Lord made an immediate effort to reconcile Adam and Eve. The Lord went to them when they would not come to Him. They chose to hide while He chose to reconcile. “ 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.” (Colossians 1:20) By faith, regeneration , and adoption—man is back in fellowship with God.
5. The Blood Of Christ Brought Reception. Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
The believer is not only forgiven, he or she belongs! Welcomed into the greatest family on the face of the earth. The Body of Christ. “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” ( Romans 5:2)
6. The Blood Of Christ Brought Rejoicing. Romans 5:10-11 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (11) And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Oh what joy the cross of Christ brings to the believer! Though nothing, we have been made nigh by the blood of Christ. Our life is saved, our soul is saved, eternity is secured, and joy floods our souls!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
The Thrill Of Going To Church
Temple Baptist Church - 5-9-2010
Psalms 122
Introduction:
A. In our day, the Church is a place that is endured. Church attendance has been falling off over the past several decades. Many churches now cancel their evening and mid-week services because of a lack of interest.
B. A church member once said, “Wednesday night services are simply held to make busy people busier!” With an attitude like that I wonder why they attend at all! God’s house is not a place to be endured, but it is a place to be enjoyed!
1. We can tell by the lack of faithful attendance.
2. We can tell by the lack of willingness to stay for a while.
3. We can tell by the lack of emphasis placed on it in the home.
4. We can tell by the lack of joy and gladness in our services.
5. We can tell by the lack of personal invitations we give out.
6 We can tell by the lack of effect it has upon our lives.
7. We can tell by the lack of grooming of the grounds and buildings.
8. Psalms 84:10 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. (Is this our outlook on church?)
C. Church should be a place that is enjoyed.
Psalms 65:4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
Psalms 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
Psalms 84:10 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.
Psalms 92:13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
Psalms 96:8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
Reasons Why David Was Glad:
1. God’s House is a place of Stability - vs 2
2. God’s House is a place of Unity - vs 3
3. God’s House is a place of Testimony - vs 4a
4. God’s House is a place of Worship - vs 4b
5. God’s House is a place of Judgment - vs 5a
6. God’s House is a place of Promise - vs 5b
7. God’s House is a place of Peace - vs 6a, 7a
8. God’s House is a place of Affection - vs 6b
9. God’s House is a place of Prosperity - vs 7b
10. God’s House is a place of Companionship - vs 8
11. God’s House is a place of Sharing - vs 9
Psalms 122
Introduction:
A. In our day, the Church is a place that is endured. Church attendance has been falling off over the past several decades. Many churches now cancel their evening and mid-week services because of a lack of interest.
B. A church member once said, “Wednesday night services are simply held to make busy people busier!” With an attitude like that I wonder why they attend at all! God’s house is not a place to be endured, but it is a place to be enjoyed!
1. We can tell by the lack of faithful attendance.
2. We can tell by the lack of willingness to stay for a while.
3. We can tell by the lack of emphasis placed on it in the home.
4. We can tell by the lack of joy and gladness in our services.
5. We can tell by the lack of personal invitations we give out.
6 We can tell by the lack of effect it has upon our lives.
7. We can tell by the lack of grooming of the grounds and buildings.
8. Psalms 84:10 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. (Is this our outlook on church?)
C. Church should be a place that is enjoyed.
Psalms 65:4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
Psalms 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
Psalms 84:10 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.
Psalms 92:13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
Psalms 96:8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
Reasons Why David Was Glad:
1. God’s House is a place of Stability - vs 2
2. God’s House is a place of Unity - vs 3
3. God’s House is a place of Testimony - vs 4a
4. God’s House is a place of Worship - vs 4b
5. God’s House is a place of Judgment - vs 5a
6. God’s House is a place of Promise - vs 5b
7. God’s House is a place of Peace - vs 6a, 7a
8. God’s House is a place of Affection - vs 6b
9. God’s House is a place of Prosperity - vs 7b
10. God’s House is a place of Companionship - vs 8
11. God’s House is a place of Sharing - vs 9
A God Fearing Mother
Temple Baptist Church - 5-9-2010
Proverbs 31:30-31
Introduction:
A. Today is one of the most special days of the year: Mother’s Day. A day set aside to honor and praise the precious lady that brought me into the world. She has been with the Lord for over 5 years now but she will ever be embedded within my heart. I have been blessed with 3 very special “Mothers:”
1. I had a very special mother. I have often said that there is one word that described my mother: satisfied. She never complained and was satisfied with anything and everything that she had.
2. She placed her Lord first in her life. Mom was faithful in church and with her tithes and offerings as long as she lived. She loved her Lord and had a wonderful testimony of salvation. She loved her church and supported it with her presence, prayers, and possessions.
3. She loved her family. There was nothing that she would not do for her children. She gave her life for us and was always there when we needed her.
B. I had a very special mother-in-law. She loved me as if I were her very own. She never treated me differently than she did her natural children and, as long as she lived, I still had both a mother and a mom! I have been blessed.
C. I have a very special wife, the mother of my children. She is faithful to the Lord, her husband, her children, and her grand children. My two sons could not have found a finer mother to bring them into the world. She has given her life for them. I have been blessed to have been hers alone for the past 48 years. We dated for 7 years before being married the past 41. I tell her often and tell her again this morning: Barbara Lynn Simons Johnston, I love you with all of my heart and am having fun growing old with you!
D. I have been blessed to have—in this church—some very special ladies. I call them “My Girls.” I told one old biddy, “Don’t talk about My Girls!” Some fine ladies who love the Lord, their families, their church, and their pastor. Some people do not like me! So I say, “Go get them, girls!” Je. I want to say to each and every one of you this morning: “Happy Mother’s Day!” You both are and deserve the best. Our Mothers Should Be Honored! Ephesians 6:2,3 “Honour thy father and mother...”
1. Honor Her With Obedience - Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (The word “parents” is plural!)
2. Honor Her With Respect - Ephesians 6:2-3 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) (3) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. (If you want to live a long life, be careful how you treat your mother!)
3. Honor Her With Praise - Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. (Never take for granted what she has done and is doing for you.)
E. A woman who fears the Lord is a rare jewel of great price. Vs. 10
A Mother That Fears The Lord
1. She Has A Wonderful Testimony Of Salvation.
2. She Has An Intimate Walk With The Lord.
3. She Spends Time In Personal Devotion.
4. She Loves Her Husband And Children.
5. She Finds Fulfillment In God’s Will For Her Life.
6. She Is Help To The Local Church.
7. She Is A Blessing To Her Pastor.
8. She Will Be Praised By All Who Love Her.
9. She Will Take A Front Seat At The Judgment Seat Of Christ.
Proverbs 31:30-31
Introduction:
A. Today is one of the most special days of the year: Mother’s Day. A day set aside to honor and praise the precious lady that brought me into the world. She has been with the Lord for over 5 years now but she will ever be embedded within my heart. I have been blessed with 3 very special “Mothers:”
1. I had a very special mother. I have often said that there is one word that described my mother: satisfied. She never complained and was satisfied with anything and everything that she had.
2. She placed her Lord first in her life. Mom was faithful in church and with her tithes and offerings as long as she lived. She loved her Lord and had a wonderful testimony of salvation. She loved her church and supported it with her presence, prayers, and possessions.
3. She loved her family. There was nothing that she would not do for her children. She gave her life for us and was always there when we needed her.
B. I had a very special mother-in-law. She loved me as if I were her very own. She never treated me differently than she did her natural children and, as long as she lived, I still had both a mother and a mom! I have been blessed.
C. I have a very special wife, the mother of my children. She is faithful to the Lord, her husband, her children, and her grand children. My two sons could not have found a finer mother to bring them into the world. She has given her life for them. I have been blessed to have been hers alone for the past 48 years. We dated for 7 years before being married the past 41. I tell her often and tell her again this morning: Barbara Lynn Simons Johnston, I love you with all of my heart and am having fun growing old with you!
D. I have been blessed to have—in this church—some very special ladies. I call them “My Girls.” I told one old biddy, “Don’t talk about My Girls!” Some fine ladies who love the Lord, their families, their church, and their pastor. Some people do not like me! So I say, “Go get them, girls!” Je. I want to say to each and every one of you this morning: “Happy Mother’s Day!” You both are and deserve the best. Our Mothers Should Be Honored! Ephesians 6:2,3 “Honour thy father and mother...”
1. Honor Her With Obedience - Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (The word “parents” is plural!)
2. Honor Her With Respect - Ephesians 6:2-3 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) (3) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. (If you want to live a long life, be careful how you treat your mother!)
3. Honor Her With Praise - Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. (Never take for granted what she has done and is doing for you.)
E. A woman who fears the Lord is a rare jewel of great price. Vs. 10
A Mother That Fears The Lord
1. She Has A Wonderful Testimony Of Salvation.
2. She Has An Intimate Walk With The Lord.
3. She Spends Time In Personal Devotion.
4. She Loves Her Husband And Children.
5. She Finds Fulfillment In God’s Will For Her Life.
6. She Is Help To The Local Church.
7. She Is A Blessing To Her Pastor.
8. She Will Be Praised By All Who Love Her.
9. She Will Take A Front Seat At The Judgment Seat Of Christ.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Weakness And Fear: The Strength Of A Pastor
Temple Baptist Church - 5-2-2010
1 Corinthians 2:1-8
Introduction: One of the greatest essentials of Christian service is that of knowing your limitations and that God has none!
A. As I continue to preach on the church, I want to look again at the man of God given to the local church: the pastor.
B. The pastor is a special man. Not because of who he is but because of what he is. He is special because God made him different. He is your God called shepherd.
1. He is God chosen – do not ask me why God chose me because I find nothing in me that is worthy of being chosen. He does not choose to preach; he is chosen to preach.
2. He is God called – On March 17, 1983, 6:30 PM on a Saturday night in the prayer room of the First Baptist Church of Sturgis, KY, God called me into the ministry using Matthew 9:38. I KNOW! I conferred not with flesh and blood!
3. He is God equipped – God gives to His pastors wisdom and discernment; he is filled to preach and apt to teach; he has leadership ability and he is not a dictator; and he has compassion and love for the people of God.
4. He is God prepared – God teaches His pastors from the Bible as they teach you from the Bible. He is neither a novice nor is he a know-it-all.
5. He is God given – God calls pastors to churches! They are not “mama called” and “daddy sent.” They are not to be moved by pulpit committees or troubles. They are to remain where God calls until God calls away.
6. He is God protected – Be careful how you handle, speak about, and follow God’s man. He may seem to be just another man to you but He belongs to God and He not only prepares him—He protects him.
C. These verses (through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost), give the believer a little insight into the man instead of the great Apostle Paul. Several times, the Bible exposed the weaknesses of this great man.
1. The Weakness Of His Flesh - Romans 7 “no good thing”
2. The Weakness Of His Suffering - 2 Corinthians 12 “thrice”
3. The Weakness Of His Longsuffering – Acts 15 “contention was so sharp”
4. The Weakness Of His Service – 1 Corinthians 2 “weakness…fear…trembling”
D. It is of importance to see that, before the Lord would let Paul rebuke the Corinthian Church, the Holy Ghost let him know that he was not perfect either. It is so easy to see the sins of others and forget what manner of men we are.
E. We often place men of God on a spiritual pedestal that is above their ability to attain instead of seeing that these were just men. These were men who loved the Lord, but were robed in sinful flesh just as you and I.
F. When we see our fears and limitations, then we see our possibilities. We have the same God and the same Holy Spirit as they; therefore, we have the same possibility of service.
1. Paul’s Resolve
a) What Paul Resolved Not To Do – Rely upon fleshly wisdom (which he certainly had)
b) What Paul Resolved To Do – Depend completely upon the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. Paul’s Reasoning
a) That Their Faith Not Stand In Wisdom Of Men
b) That Their Faith Should Stand In The Power Of God
1. Weakness – The Pastor’s Strength – 2 Corinthians 12:6-10
a. Paul Was Not Powerful In Body
1) He Was Evidently Small - 2 Corinthians 10:10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. (Little Man’s Syndrome Is Dangerous)
2) He Was Evidently Sickly - Galatians 4:13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
b. Paul Was Not Powerful In Oratory - 2 Corinthians 11:6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
c. Fleshly Weakness Destroys Pride – “lest I should be exalted above measure”
d. Fleshly Weakness Brings Realization – “My grace is sufficient”
e. Fleshly Weakness Brings Reliance – “that the power of Christ may rest upon me”
2. Fear – The Pastor’s Steadfastness
a. He Was Afraid Of Personal Sin - Romans 7:14-23 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
b. He Was Afraid Of Robbing God Of His Glory - Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (“Lest I should be exalted”)
c. He Was Afraid Of Becoming A Castaway - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (Unapproved)
d. He Was Afraid Of Quitting - 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. (Earthly mindedness.)
John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. (Went back to his old profession.)
e. He Was Afraid Of Bloody Hands - Acts 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
Ezekiel 33:8-9 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
f. He Was Afraid Of Seeing A Lost World Go To Hell – John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 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. (Sinners do perish!)
Romans 10:14, 17 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Revelation 20:12-15 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. 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. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Sinners do spend eternity in hell!)
Romans 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
1 Corinthians 2:1-8
Introduction: One of the greatest essentials of Christian service is that of knowing your limitations and that God has none!
A. As I continue to preach on the church, I want to look again at the man of God given to the local church: the pastor.
B. The pastor is a special man. Not because of who he is but because of what he is. He is special because God made him different. He is your God called shepherd.
1. He is God chosen – do not ask me why God chose me because I find nothing in me that is worthy of being chosen. He does not choose to preach; he is chosen to preach.
2. He is God called – On March 17, 1983, 6:30 PM on a Saturday night in the prayer room of the First Baptist Church of Sturgis, KY, God called me into the ministry using Matthew 9:38. I KNOW! I conferred not with flesh and blood!
3. He is God equipped – God gives to His pastors wisdom and discernment; he is filled to preach and apt to teach; he has leadership ability and he is not a dictator; and he has compassion and love for the people of God.
4. He is God prepared – God teaches His pastors from the Bible as they teach you from the Bible. He is neither a novice nor is he a know-it-all.
5. He is God given – God calls pastors to churches! They are not “mama called” and “daddy sent.” They are not to be moved by pulpit committees or troubles. They are to remain where God calls until God calls away.
6. He is God protected – Be careful how you handle, speak about, and follow God’s man. He may seem to be just another man to you but He belongs to God and He not only prepares him—He protects him.
C. These verses (through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost), give the believer a little insight into the man instead of the great Apostle Paul. Several times, the Bible exposed the weaknesses of this great man.
1. The Weakness Of His Flesh - Romans 7 “no good thing”
2. The Weakness Of His Suffering - 2 Corinthians 12 “thrice”
3. The Weakness Of His Longsuffering – Acts 15 “contention was so sharp”
4. The Weakness Of His Service – 1 Corinthians 2 “weakness…fear…trembling”
D. It is of importance to see that, before the Lord would let Paul rebuke the Corinthian Church, the Holy Ghost let him know that he was not perfect either. It is so easy to see the sins of others and forget what manner of men we are.
E. We often place men of God on a spiritual pedestal that is above their ability to attain instead of seeing that these were just men. These were men who loved the Lord, but were robed in sinful flesh just as you and I.
F. When we see our fears and limitations, then we see our possibilities. We have the same God and the same Holy Spirit as they; therefore, we have the same possibility of service.
1. Paul’s Resolve
a) What Paul Resolved Not To Do – Rely upon fleshly wisdom (which he certainly had)
b) What Paul Resolved To Do – Depend completely upon the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. Paul’s Reasoning
a) That Their Faith Not Stand In Wisdom Of Men
b) That Their Faith Should Stand In The Power Of God
1. Weakness – The Pastor’s Strength – 2 Corinthians 12:6-10
a. Paul Was Not Powerful In Body
1) He Was Evidently Small - 2 Corinthians 10:10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. (Little Man’s Syndrome Is Dangerous)
2) He Was Evidently Sickly - Galatians 4:13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
b. Paul Was Not Powerful In Oratory - 2 Corinthians 11:6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
c. Fleshly Weakness Destroys Pride – “lest I should be exalted above measure”
d. Fleshly Weakness Brings Realization – “My grace is sufficient”
e. Fleshly Weakness Brings Reliance – “that the power of Christ may rest upon me”
2. Fear – The Pastor’s Steadfastness
a. He Was Afraid Of Personal Sin - Romans 7:14-23 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
b. He Was Afraid Of Robbing God Of His Glory - Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (“Lest I should be exalted”)
c. He Was Afraid Of Becoming A Castaway - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (Unapproved)
d. He Was Afraid Of Quitting - 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. (Earthly mindedness.)
John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. (Went back to his old profession.)
e. He Was Afraid Of Bloody Hands - Acts 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
Ezekiel 33:8-9 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
f. He Was Afraid Of Seeing A Lost World Go To Hell – John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 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. (Sinners do perish!)
Romans 10:14, 17 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Revelation 20:12-15 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. 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. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Sinners do spend eternity in hell!)
Romans 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
The Effects Of Laodicea - Part 2
Temple Baptist Church - 5-2-2010
Revelation 3:14-22
Introduction:
A. Last week, I preached on the position of Christ in the end time church age. He is outside of the door!
1. Most churches have gotten so far from the things of God that Jesus Christ would not be welcome in them. He was not welcome while He walked this earth because of the words that He spoke.
2. The people of His day loved the miracles and feedings but would not tolerate the authority with which He spoke.
3. The people of our days love to talk about Christmas and Easter but would not have like the Son of God who preached repentance. The people of His day were comfortable in their religion and so are the people of our day.
B. Our day is no different. People of our day will not tolerate the preaching of the “whole counsel” of God.
1. They like to pick and choose what verses that they like. They do not mind you preaching on the love and grace of God but leave their sinfulness alone.
2. They like to pick and choose what preachers they like. Most people like me as long as I keep my mouth shut! (I don’t need any comments at this point though! J) I try to be loving, kind, gentle, and longsuffering with God’s help but when I preach, I will not compromise or water down the Word of God. I do not cull preachers because they are too quiet, too loud, too animated, too still, or just not my style. If they are preaching the Word of God, let them preach and I will “amen” them.
C. Therefore, most fundamental, Bible believing churches are small by the world’s standards.
1. People are looking for churches where they can be both comfortable and have no accountability.
2. Jesus Christ was rejected and crucified by the religious crowd of His day and died virtually alone!
3. John the Baptist, the greatest preacher born of woman, had his head cut off because of what he said and died virtually alone!
4. The apostles were all martyred (with the exception of John the Beloved) because they thought more of God’s Word than they did their own lives!
D. In our text verse, we find the church so compromised and lukewarm that the Lord is on the outside knocking on the door and inviting individuals to come to Him for salvation. What a shame. Our Lord would not be welcome in the average church of our day because He has been programmed out! He would probably upset the church’s ritualistic services if He were there.
E. These verses that I just read describe their condition and the effects of it. It is a vivid description of people in the Bible Belt today. The “Old Paths” have been forsaken and the results scream of Laodicea.
Let Us Look At What The Holy Spirit Said About The Church:
A. God’s Assessment Of The Laodicean Church
1. Their Values Were Destroyed - “rich … increased … need of nothing … knowest not” temporal instead of eternal (God on the back burner!)
a) They thought more of money than they did God! You still cannot serve both God and mammon.
b) They thought more of possessions than they did God! They tried to find their happiness in things and found none.
c) They thought more of family than they did God! You cannot put anything, including family, above Him.
d) They thought more of pleasure than they did God! God’s will and self will cannot co-exist!
2. Their Vision Was Distorted – “knowest not … blind”
a) They did not see themselves as God saw them! They thought they were alright. No conviction apparently.
b) They did not see the world as God saw it! Love not the world neither the things that are in the world. As Lot saw Sodom, they saw their world.
c) They did not see the Lord as the Bible saw Him! In Him is no darkness at all. Fellowship with the world is still enmity with God.
3. Their Victory Had Departed – “wretched … miserable”
a) They were wretched! What a pitiful outfit!
b) They were miserable! They were living for the wrong things and, therefore, living unfulfilled lives.
c) They were sinful! They were walking at a guilty distance from God.
d) They were troubled! As the troubled seas, they had no peace in their hearts.
B. God’s Advice To The Laodicean Church
1. Buy Of Me Gold Tried In The Fire - 1 Peter 1:5-7 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (Real gold, not “fools gold.” Purification!)
2. Buy Of Me White Raiment That Thou Mayest Be Clothed - Philippians 3:9-11 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. (God’s righteousness, not ours. Salvation!)
3. Buy Of Me Eye Salve - John 9:6-7 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. (Distinquishing between the temporal of verse 17a and the eternal of verse 21. Identification!)
Revelation 3:14-22
Introduction:
A. Last week, I preached on the position of Christ in the end time church age. He is outside of the door!
1. Most churches have gotten so far from the things of God that Jesus Christ would not be welcome in them. He was not welcome while He walked this earth because of the words that He spoke.
2. The people of His day loved the miracles and feedings but would not tolerate the authority with which He spoke.
3. The people of our days love to talk about Christmas and Easter but would not have like the Son of God who preached repentance. The people of His day were comfortable in their religion and so are the people of our day.
B. Our day is no different. People of our day will not tolerate the preaching of the “whole counsel” of God.
1. They like to pick and choose what verses that they like. They do not mind you preaching on the love and grace of God but leave their sinfulness alone.
2. They like to pick and choose what preachers they like. Most people like me as long as I keep my mouth shut! (I don’t need any comments at this point though! J) I try to be loving, kind, gentle, and longsuffering with God’s help but when I preach, I will not compromise or water down the Word of God. I do not cull preachers because they are too quiet, too loud, too animated, too still, or just not my style. If they are preaching the Word of God, let them preach and I will “amen” them.
C. Therefore, most fundamental, Bible believing churches are small by the world’s standards.
1. People are looking for churches where they can be both comfortable and have no accountability.
2. Jesus Christ was rejected and crucified by the religious crowd of His day and died virtually alone!
3. John the Baptist, the greatest preacher born of woman, had his head cut off because of what he said and died virtually alone!
4. The apostles were all martyred (with the exception of John the Beloved) because they thought more of God’s Word than they did their own lives!
D. In our text verse, we find the church so compromised and lukewarm that the Lord is on the outside knocking on the door and inviting individuals to come to Him for salvation. What a shame. Our Lord would not be welcome in the average church of our day because He has been programmed out! He would probably upset the church’s ritualistic services if He were there.
E. These verses that I just read describe their condition and the effects of it. It is a vivid description of people in the Bible Belt today. The “Old Paths” have been forsaken and the results scream of Laodicea.
Let Us Look At What The Holy Spirit Said About The Church:
A. God’s Assessment Of The Laodicean Church
1. Their Values Were Destroyed - “rich … increased … need of nothing … knowest not” temporal instead of eternal (God on the back burner!)
a) They thought more of money than they did God! You still cannot serve both God and mammon.
b) They thought more of possessions than they did God! They tried to find their happiness in things and found none.
c) They thought more of family than they did God! You cannot put anything, including family, above Him.
d) They thought more of pleasure than they did God! God’s will and self will cannot co-exist!
2. Their Vision Was Distorted – “knowest not … blind”
a) They did not see themselves as God saw them! They thought they were alright. No conviction apparently.
b) They did not see the world as God saw it! Love not the world neither the things that are in the world. As Lot saw Sodom, they saw their world.
c) They did not see the Lord as the Bible saw Him! In Him is no darkness at all. Fellowship with the world is still enmity with God.
3. Their Victory Had Departed – “wretched … miserable”
a) They were wretched! What a pitiful outfit!
b) They were miserable! They were living for the wrong things and, therefore, living unfulfilled lives.
c) They were sinful! They were walking at a guilty distance from God.
d) They were troubled! As the troubled seas, they had no peace in their hearts.
B. God’s Advice To The Laodicean Church
1. Buy Of Me Gold Tried In The Fire - 1 Peter 1:5-7 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (Real gold, not “fools gold.” Purification!)
2. Buy Of Me White Raiment That Thou Mayest Be Clothed - Philippians 3:9-11 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. (God’s righteousness, not ours. Salvation!)
3. Buy Of Me Eye Salve - John 9:6-7 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. (Distinquishing between the temporal of verse 17a and the eternal of verse 21. Identification!)
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