Temple Baptist Church - 12-28-2011
Ephesians 6:19-20
Introduction:
A. Ephesians 6 stresses the importance of being fully armed both defensively and offensively. We must both be on guard and constantly on the attack. God has given us all things pertaining to both life and godliness so that we can walk righteously in this present evil world, making a difference. We can finish our race; keep the faith; and get a well done at the end of our lives.
B. As we finish the armor of God, we find the necessity of continual prayer and supplication for each other as well as all men. The Apostle Paul now expresses the importance of praying for God’s man. I said in a previous message that if the pulpit stays right—the people will stay right—and the church will stay right. If we stand together in the Old Paths, trouble will come but we will be victorious.
C. As Paul is requesting to be prayed for, I see once again the importance of the pastor in the lives of God’s people.
Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
D. You need a pastor, not just a preacher. I need a pastor! The child of God will never be complete without one. We live in days where many people will not allow God’s man to be their pastor: they only want a preacher. Many churches want only a preacher. Many preachers are not pastors. God gave churches pastors “according to mine heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
E. The reason for making supplication for God’s man are found in these two verses tonight: 1) a prayer for bold preaching 2) a prayer for straight preaching.
F. Preaching is much more than just climbing into the pulpit and “letting her fly.” The pastor must be both right and in the right frame of mind in order to preach as he should. Therefore, his physical and spiritual life need to be prayed for. I want to give you several things that you need to request for your pastor.
1. Pray For His Preaching - 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
a. Complete Preaching - Acts 20:26-27 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. (27) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
b. Courageous Preaching - Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
c. Compassionate Preaching - 2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2. Pray For His Protection - 2 Thessalonians 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. (A pastor’s life is characterized by adversity. I have often described the work of the ministry as bitter-sweet. Much more sweet than bitter but there are seasons of both good and hard times.)
Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
a. There Are Attacks Against His Person – 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: (Attacks upon both his person and his family. When Satan cannot get to God’s man, he will attempt to get to God’s man through his family.)
b. There Are Attacks Against His Principles – 2 Timothy 4:15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
c. There Are Attacks Against His Position - 3 John 9-10 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. (10) Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
3. Pray For His Purity – 1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
a. Purity In Longings – Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
b. Purity In Life – Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
c Purity In Love - Proverbs 5:18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
He Shall Save His People From Their Sins
Temple Baptist Church - 12-25-2011
Matthew 1:18-25
Introduction:
A. Christmas, for the most part, has lost its “innocence” through worldliness and commercialization. If people were actually celebrating the birth of our Lord, the churches would be filled and overflowing this day. Instead, most people are simply celebrating “Christmas” in a worldly manner and many churches will be canceling either one or both services. I am glad that Christmas in on Sunday this year. It certainly bares the hearts of religious people and identifies those who love and put Christ first in their lives. I am not here to preach to them because they are either not here or will not be here later. This may offend some but it is the truth that hurts. I want us to focus in on the incarnation this Christmas Day.
B. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, it does us well to reflect upon why He was born. We hear much around this time of the year concerning “the reason for the season” and opinions differ.
1. Some say that Jesus is the reason for the season. I understand that because it is the celebration of His birth.
2. Some say that sinners are the reason for the season. I do not disagree with this either as we are the object of His love. It was love that brought Him and love that bound Him to an old rugged cross.
3. The world says that Santa and tinsel is the reason for the season but this is rejected completely by God’s people.
C. I believe that the reason for the season is found in verse 21 which says, “and he shall save his people from their sins.” I want to look at that phrase for a few minutes today. The purpose is clear in the wording when we read from left to right and the progression is clear when we begin our reading from right to left.
1. Sin! Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: (17) But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (It was just a simple command that the Lord gave to Adam and Eve. They had the “run of the garden” and could eat whatever and whenever they desired. Adam and Eve listened to the Serpent, discounted the command of God, ate of the forbidden fruit and plunged the whole world into sin. What does God think of sin? Read Genesis 5! Satan said, “Thou shalt not surely die” and God punctuated “Thou shalt surely die” 8 times with “he died!” God hates sin, not sinners! It was sin that brought the Saviour to earth and the price of sin is death!)
2. Their! Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (When the Bible uses the word “their” in this verse, it does not mean everyone except us but identifies humanity corporately. It was Adam that caused sin to become inherent and the curse to come but it is each individual that chooses to sin and personal responsibility damns the sinner. Poor old Adam ate a piece of fruit (I do not diminish its sinfulness) and he gets the blame for all that we do?)
3. From! Jeremiah 7:10-11 And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? (11) Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD. (We are saved “from our sin,” not “in our sin” or “to sin!” Too many professing believers’ lives never change as they continue to walk in the way of the world. 2 Corinthian 5:17 is a reality to those who have truly been born again. Their lives are forever changed through Calvary.)
4. His people! Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (2) And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (Though Christ died for all, not all will become His children by faith. God, in His sovereignty, gave every man a free will to be exercised and saves only those who come to Him by faith.)
5. Save! Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Salvation is not probation! When the Lord saves, He saves completely and eternally. I have often said, “If you do not have eternal life you have no life at all. Eternal life is the only kind that God gives.)
6. Shall! Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (When a sinner comes to Christ by faith, he or she is never turned away! Salvation is “shall,” not “may!”)
7. He! Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. (Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners because there was no other way! He is still the Way!)
Matthew 1:18-25
Introduction:
A. Christmas, for the most part, has lost its “innocence” through worldliness and commercialization. If people were actually celebrating the birth of our Lord, the churches would be filled and overflowing this day. Instead, most people are simply celebrating “Christmas” in a worldly manner and many churches will be canceling either one or both services. I am glad that Christmas in on Sunday this year. It certainly bares the hearts of religious people and identifies those who love and put Christ first in their lives. I am not here to preach to them because they are either not here or will not be here later. This may offend some but it is the truth that hurts. I want us to focus in on the incarnation this Christmas Day.
B. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, it does us well to reflect upon why He was born. We hear much around this time of the year concerning “the reason for the season” and opinions differ.
1. Some say that Jesus is the reason for the season. I understand that because it is the celebration of His birth.
2. Some say that sinners are the reason for the season. I do not disagree with this either as we are the object of His love. It was love that brought Him and love that bound Him to an old rugged cross.
3. The world says that Santa and tinsel is the reason for the season but this is rejected completely by God’s people.
C. I believe that the reason for the season is found in verse 21 which says, “and he shall save his people from their sins.” I want to look at that phrase for a few minutes today. The purpose is clear in the wording when we read from left to right and the progression is clear when we begin our reading from right to left.
1. Sin! Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: (17) But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (It was just a simple command that the Lord gave to Adam and Eve. They had the “run of the garden” and could eat whatever and whenever they desired. Adam and Eve listened to the Serpent, discounted the command of God, ate of the forbidden fruit and plunged the whole world into sin. What does God think of sin? Read Genesis 5! Satan said, “Thou shalt not surely die” and God punctuated “Thou shalt surely die” 8 times with “he died!” God hates sin, not sinners! It was sin that brought the Saviour to earth and the price of sin is death!)
2. Their! Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (When the Bible uses the word “their” in this verse, it does not mean everyone except us but identifies humanity corporately. It was Adam that caused sin to become inherent and the curse to come but it is each individual that chooses to sin and personal responsibility damns the sinner. Poor old Adam ate a piece of fruit (I do not diminish its sinfulness) and he gets the blame for all that we do?)
3. From! Jeremiah 7:10-11 And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? (11) Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD. (We are saved “from our sin,” not “in our sin” or “to sin!” Too many professing believers’ lives never change as they continue to walk in the way of the world. 2 Corinthian 5:17 is a reality to those who have truly been born again. Their lives are forever changed through Calvary.)
4. His people! Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (2) And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (Though Christ died for all, not all will become His children by faith. God, in His sovereignty, gave every man a free will to be exercised and saves only those who come to Him by faith.)
5. Save! Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Salvation is not probation! When the Lord saves, He saves completely and eternally. I have often said, “If you do not have eternal life you have no life at all. Eternal life is the only kind that God gives.)
6. Shall! Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (When a sinner comes to Christ by faith, he or she is never turned away! Salvation is “shall,” not “may!”)
7. He! Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. (Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners because there was no other way! He is still the Way!)
Sunday, December 18, 2011
What God Has Given To The Believer
Temple Baptist Church - 12-18-2011
Luke 2:14
Introduction:
A. Oh what glory, that God became man and died in our place on Calvary that we might have eternal life and fellowship with Him. We give and receive many gifts at Christmas in remembrance of the first gift given which was Christ Jesus our Lord.
B. Through Christ, God has given us many marvelous gifts.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
C. Oftentimes, we get saved and live our lives without thinking of all that the Lord has given to us through Christ. I will be brief tonight because we have much to do but I think it good for us to reflect upon a few of them tonight.
1. First and foremost, there is the gift of His only begotten Son - 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.
2. There is the gift of Eternal Salvation - John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
a. God gave us the faith - Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
b. God granted us the repentance - Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
c. God gave us the opportunity - John 4:6-7 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
d. God gave us deliverance - 2 Corinthians 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.
1) Delivered from a burning hell - Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
2) Delivered from a life of destruction - Psalms 103:1, 4a Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name…Who redeemeth thy life from destruction.
3) Delivered from this present world - Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
John 17:14-16 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
3. There is the gift of forgiveness - Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
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.
4. There is the gift of the Holy Ghost - John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
5. There is the gift of His perfect Word - Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
6. There is the gift of a transformed life - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
7. There is the gift of abundant life - John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
8. There is the gift of perfect peace - John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
9. There is the gift of sufficient grace - 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10. There is the gift of joy - John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
11. There is the gift of a new family - Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
12. There is the gift of hope - Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Luke 2:14
Introduction:
A. Oh what glory, that God became man and died in our place on Calvary that we might have eternal life and fellowship with Him. We give and receive many gifts at Christmas in remembrance of the first gift given which was Christ Jesus our Lord.
B. Through Christ, God has given us many marvelous gifts.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
C. Oftentimes, we get saved and live our lives without thinking of all that the Lord has given to us through Christ. I will be brief tonight because we have much to do but I think it good for us to reflect upon a few of them tonight.
1. First and foremost, there is the gift of His only begotten Son - 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.
2. There is the gift of Eternal Salvation - John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
a. God gave us the faith - Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
b. God granted us the repentance - Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
c. God gave us the opportunity - John 4:6-7 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
d. God gave us deliverance - 2 Corinthians 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.
1) Delivered from a burning hell - Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
2) Delivered from a life of destruction - Psalms 103:1, 4a Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name…Who redeemeth thy life from destruction.
3) Delivered from this present world - Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
John 17:14-16 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
3. There is the gift of forgiveness - Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
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.
4. There is the gift of the Holy Ghost - John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
5. There is the gift of His perfect Word - Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
6. There is the gift of a transformed life - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
7. There is the gift of abundant life - John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
8. There is the gift of perfect peace - John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
9. There is the gift of sufficient grace - 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10. There is the gift of joy - John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
11. There is the gift of a new family - Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
12. There is the gift of hope - Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
That Name Above All Others
Temple Baptist Church - 12-18-2011
Isaiah 9:1-7
Introduction:
A. Israel has been in darkness for 400+ years prior to the first coming of our Lord. In what is called the “400 Silent Years,” no prophet spoke the Word of the Lord to the people; no man of God performed the great miracles that were done in the past; Phariseeism blossomed in Israel and the people fell into spiritual bondage. They were dark days for Israel as they were under both spiritual bondage to the Pharisees and physical bondage to Rome. They “walked in darkness!” They walked aimlessly and hopelessly: blinded in bondage.
B. In the dispensation of the fullness of times, God sent forth His only begotten Son—born of a virgin in a manger in Bethlehem—but He that was born was no longer expected. The sacrifices of the people were simply a discipline and routine with the Messiah no longer expected by the masses.
C. God in His faithfulness and grace kept His promise to Israel and, as the Christ child grew, God began to turn up the brightness of the Light of the World in the presence of His people. “Upon them hath the light shined!” They saw the Christ of God with all of His glory and miracles. They heard His words and walked in His light but the Scripture is clear when it says, “He came unto his own and his own received Him not!” They expected a King, not a Lamb!
D. Most today have also seen the light of the glorious gospel of Christ which has shined for over 200 years here in the United States of America. The gospel has shined from sea to shining sea in this land and, yet, the people still continue to walk in darkness. The Christ of the Bible is as rejected today as He was then! The people love their darkness and refuse to come to the Light because it exposes that which the darkness covers.
E. These verses tell us that, one day, “his name shall be called” those wonderful, descriptive words that we see in verse 6. One day, He will truly reign over this Earth and every one will see Him as He is. The knowledge of the Lord will cover the Earth and all people will praise the Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever. Bless His holy name for He is worthy to be praised. But, to those of us who know Him; to those of us who love Him; to those of us who serve Him—He is a “name above all others!”
F. I want to look at that description of Christ in verse 6 for a few minutes.
1. WONDERFUL – marvelous or extraordinary – Exciting, surprising, astonishing, miraculous, powerful, incredible, exceeding, supernatural, admirable. Do you hear me tonight? That is our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ! Do you know Him this morning?
His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord;
He is the mighty King, master of everything,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.
He's the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages,
Almighty God is He;
Bow down before Him, love and adore Him,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.
a. He wonderfully saved my soul in 1976! What a wonderful thought that I will be in Heaven for eternity because He loves me.
b. He wonderfully forgave all of my sin in 1976! Past, present, and future. I am both saved and secured through the Light of the World.
c. He wonderfully changed the direction and desires of my life in 1976! What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart.
d. His name became Wonderful to me! He is the sole reason of my praise tonight!
2. COUNSELOR – to give advice, to purpose, to devise or plan, to conspire, to manage causes in court.
a. He counsels me when my heart is troubled.
b. He counsels me when my faith is tried.
c. He counsels me when my integrity is tempted.
d. He has the remedy for all of my problems! He knows all because He is the COUNSELOR! His advice is slways good, His counsel is always right, and His path is always safe. He maketh no mistake nor does He turn from His divine purpose. Ask and ye shall receive! Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not!
3. THE MIGHTY GOD – strong, valiant, excelling, powerful, great, prevailing, authoritative, accomplished, extraordinary degree or quality in respect to size, character, importance, and consequences! That’s my God! That’s my Lord!
a. He is mighty when I am weak.
b. He is mighty when my enemy is strong!
c. He is mighty when the winds and waves roll over my soul!
d. He is mighty when the impossible becomes the probable.
e. He is the Resource of my power!
f. He can do anything at anytime, anywhere! When I have to “withstand in the evil day,” He stands with me. When I have done all and must continue to stand, He stands with and for me. That’s my MIGHTY GOD! With Him, I can fear no evil. With Him, I can face tomorrow.
4. THE EVERLASTING FATHER – eternal in duration, never coming to an end, a begetter, a parent, the founder of a family, the head of the home, important, distinguished!
a. As a Father, He loves me.
b. As a Father, He has pity upon me.
c. As a Father, He directs me.
d. As a Father, He corrects me.
e. As a Father, He protects me.
f. As a Father, He provides for me.
g. As a Father, He will never leave nor forsake me!
5. THE PRINCE OF PEACE – of the highest rank, in the highest place, of the highest authority, He is the Sovereign, He is the Monarch, He is the Authority, He is the Son of a King, He is of royal blood, He is of great ancestry, there is no one like Him, He is of highest rank, He is the Head of the Church, He is preeminent, He is predominant,
a. He brings stillness to my troubled soul.
b. He brings rest in restlessness.
c. He brings hope in hopelessness.
d. He brings victory out of defeat.
e. He is the Fairest of Ten Thousand to my soul!
f. There were none before Him.
g. There will be none after Him.
h. He is the Manifestation of Peace.
i. He is the Minister of Peace.
j. He is the Master of Peace. Do you know Him tonight?
Conclusion: He truly is indescribable! He is the “I AM THAT I AM!”
TO THE ARCHITECT HE IS THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.
TO THE ASTRONOMER HE IS THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR.
TO THE BUTCHER HE IS THE LAMB OF GOD WHO WAS SLAIN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THIS WORLD.
TO THE BAKER HE IS THE LIVING BREAD.
TO THE CARPENTER HE IS THE MASTER BUILDER.
TO THE DIPLOMAT HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE.
TO THE DOCTOR HE IS THE GREAT PHYSICIAN.
TO THE EDUCATOR HE IS THE MASTER TEACHER.
TO THE ELECTRICIAN HE IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
TO THE FARMER HE IS THE LORD OF THE HARVEST.
TO THE FLORIST HE IS THE LILY OF THE VALLEY AND THE ROSE OF SHARON.
TO THE GEOLOGIST HE IS THE ROCK OF AGES.
TO THE HORTICULTURIST HE IS THE TRUE VINE.
TO THE JEWELER HE IS THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE.
TO THE JUDGE HE IS THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE.
TO THE LAWYER HE IS THE CHIEF ADVOCATE.
TO THE PHILOSOPHER HE IS THE WISDOM OF GOD.
TO THE PUBLISHER HE IS GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY.
TO THE SCULPTOR HE IS THE LIVING STONE.
TO THE THEOLOGIAN HE IS AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH.
TO THE ZOOLOGIST HE IS THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH.
IF YOU'RE HUNGRY, HE'S THE BREAD OF LIFE.
IF YOU'RE THIRSTY, HE'S THE FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATER.
IF YOU'RE BLIND, HE'S THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
IF YOU'RE LOST, HE'S THE WAY.
IF YOU'RE CONFUSED, HE'S THE TRUTH.
IF YOU'RE DYING, HE'S THE LIFE.
He is WONDERFUL - He is my DELIGHT
He is THE COUNSELLOR - He is my DIRECTION
He is THE MIGHTY GOD - He is my DEITY
He is THE EVERLASTING FATHER - He is my DEFENDER
He is THE PRINCE OF PEACE- He is my DIFFERENCE
Isaiah 9:1-7
Introduction:
A. Israel has been in darkness for 400+ years prior to the first coming of our Lord. In what is called the “400 Silent Years,” no prophet spoke the Word of the Lord to the people; no man of God performed the great miracles that were done in the past; Phariseeism blossomed in Israel and the people fell into spiritual bondage. They were dark days for Israel as they were under both spiritual bondage to the Pharisees and physical bondage to Rome. They “walked in darkness!” They walked aimlessly and hopelessly: blinded in bondage.
B. In the dispensation of the fullness of times, God sent forth His only begotten Son—born of a virgin in a manger in Bethlehem—but He that was born was no longer expected. The sacrifices of the people were simply a discipline and routine with the Messiah no longer expected by the masses.
C. God in His faithfulness and grace kept His promise to Israel and, as the Christ child grew, God began to turn up the brightness of the Light of the World in the presence of His people. “Upon them hath the light shined!” They saw the Christ of God with all of His glory and miracles. They heard His words and walked in His light but the Scripture is clear when it says, “He came unto his own and his own received Him not!” They expected a King, not a Lamb!
D. Most today have also seen the light of the glorious gospel of Christ which has shined for over 200 years here in the United States of America. The gospel has shined from sea to shining sea in this land and, yet, the people still continue to walk in darkness. The Christ of the Bible is as rejected today as He was then! The people love their darkness and refuse to come to the Light because it exposes that which the darkness covers.
E. These verses tell us that, one day, “his name shall be called” those wonderful, descriptive words that we see in verse 6. One day, He will truly reign over this Earth and every one will see Him as He is. The knowledge of the Lord will cover the Earth and all people will praise the Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever. Bless His holy name for He is worthy to be praised. But, to those of us who know Him; to those of us who love Him; to those of us who serve Him—He is a “name above all others!”
F. I want to look at that description of Christ in verse 6 for a few minutes.
1. WONDERFUL – marvelous or extraordinary – Exciting, surprising, astonishing, miraculous, powerful, incredible, exceeding, supernatural, admirable. Do you hear me tonight? That is our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ! Do you know Him this morning?
His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord;
He is the mighty King, master of everything,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.
He's the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages,
Almighty God is He;
Bow down before Him, love and adore Him,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.
a. He wonderfully saved my soul in 1976! What a wonderful thought that I will be in Heaven for eternity because He loves me.
b. He wonderfully forgave all of my sin in 1976! Past, present, and future. I am both saved and secured through the Light of the World.
c. He wonderfully changed the direction and desires of my life in 1976! What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart.
d. His name became Wonderful to me! He is the sole reason of my praise tonight!
2. COUNSELOR – to give advice, to purpose, to devise or plan, to conspire, to manage causes in court.
a. He counsels me when my heart is troubled.
b. He counsels me when my faith is tried.
c. He counsels me when my integrity is tempted.
d. He has the remedy for all of my problems! He knows all because He is the COUNSELOR! His advice is slways good, His counsel is always right, and His path is always safe. He maketh no mistake nor does He turn from His divine purpose. Ask and ye shall receive! Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not!
3. THE MIGHTY GOD – strong, valiant, excelling, powerful, great, prevailing, authoritative, accomplished, extraordinary degree or quality in respect to size, character, importance, and consequences! That’s my God! That’s my Lord!
a. He is mighty when I am weak.
b. He is mighty when my enemy is strong!
c. He is mighty when the winds and waves roll over my soul!
d. He is mighty when the impossible becomes the probable.
e. He is the Resource of my power!
f. He can do anything at anytime, anywhere! When I have to “withstand in the evil day,” He stands with me. When I have done all and must continue to stand, He stands with and for me. That’s my MIGHTY GOD! With Him, I can fear no evil. With Him, I can face tomorrow.
4. THE EVERLASTING FATHER – eternal in duration, never coming to an end, a begetter, a parent, the founder of a family, the head of the home, important, distinguished!
a. As a Father, He loves me.
b. As a Father, He has pity upon me.
c. As a Father, He directs me.
d. As a Father, He corrects me.
e. As a Father, He protects me.
f. As a Father, He provides for me.
g. As a Father, He will never leave nor forsake me!
5. THE PRINCE OF PEACE – of the highest rank, in the highest place, of the highest authority, He is the Sovereign, He is the Monarch, He is the Authority, He is the Son of a King, He is of royal blood, He is of great ancestry, there is no one like Him, He is of highest rank, He is the Head of the Church, He is preeminent, He is predominant,
a. He brings stillness to my troubled soul.
b. He brings rest in restlessness.
c. He brings hope in hopelessness.
d. He brings victory out of defeat.
e. He is the Fairest of Ten Thousand to my soul!
f. There were none before Him.
g. There will be none after Him.
h. He is the Manifestation of Peace.
i. He is the Minister of Peace.
j. He is the Master of Peace. Do you know Him tonight?
Conclusion: He truly is indescribable! He is the “I AM THAT I AM!”
TO THE ARCHITECT HE IS THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.
TO THE ASTRONOMER HE IS THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR.
TO THE BUTCHER HE IS THE LAMB OF GOD WHO WAS SLAIN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THIS WORLD.
TO THE BAKER HE IS THE LIVING BREAD.
TO THE CARPENTER HE IS THE MASTER BUILDER.
TO THE DIPLOMAT HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE.
TO THE DOCTOR HE IS THE GREAT PHYSICIAN.
TO THE EDUCATOR HE IS THE MASTER TEACHER.
TO THE ELECTRICIAN HE IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
TO THE FARMER HE IS THE LORD OF THE HARVEST.
TO THE FLORIST HE IS THE LILY OF THE VALLEY AND THE ROSE OF SHARON.
TO THE GEOLOGIST HE IS THE ROCK OF AGES.
TO THE HORTICULTURIST HE IS THE TRUE VINE.
TO THE JEWELER HE IS THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE.
TO THE JUDGE HE IS THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE.
TO THE LAWYER HE IS THE CHIEF ADVOCATE.
TO THE PHILOSOPHER HE IS THE WISDOM OF GOD.
TO THE PUBLISHER HE IS GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY.
TO THE SCULPTOR HE IS THE LIVING STONE.
TO THE THEOLOGIAN HE IS AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH.
TO THE ZOOLOGIST HE IS THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH.
IF YOU'RE HUNGRY, HE'S THE BREAD OF LIFE.
IF YOU'RE THIRSTY, HE'S THE FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATER.
IF YOU'RE BLIND, HE'S THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
IF YOU'RE LOST, HE'S THE WAY.
IF YOU'RE CONFUSED, HE'S THE TRUTH.
IF YOU'RE DYING, HE'S THE LIFE.
He is WONDERFUL - He is my DELIGHT
He is THE COUNSELLOR - He is my DIRECTION
He is THE MIGHTY GOD - He is my DEITY
He is THE EVERLASTING FATHER - He is my DEFENDER
He is THE PRINCE OF PEACE- He is my DIFFERENCE
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Praying Always
Temple Baptist Church - 12-14-2011
Ephesians 6:18
Introduction:
A. Tonight, we will end the series on the armor of God but may this service be the beginning for each of us as we now understand better how to both protect ourselves spiritually and to drive off the attacker while quenching his fiery darts. Too often, we become victim to satanic attack through ignorance. We will be constantly attacked in this world but have all that it takes to be victorious.
B. We are now protected from the head to the foot with the sword of the Spirit in our hand but is that enough. Ephesians 6:18 is the capstone! We find once again the value of prayer in the life of God’s people. Not just praying but effectually praying. I am not going to begin a series on prayer but do want to properly deal with this one verse.
C. How important is prayer? James 4:2-3 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
D. Though prayer is mentioned at the end of the listing of God’s armor, we need to remember that prayer is the link between the believer and the Lord. I cannot express enough the importance to talking with God, not just to God.
Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching (praying in faith and then watching) thereunto with all perseverance (never giving up) and supplication for all saints (praying for others as well as personal needs);
1. Praying always! 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.” Here we find a much quoted verse concerning when to pray but memorizing the verse is of little good without performance of the verse. This verse covers all kinds of prayer, not only “closet praying” but praying all day. I call this an attitude of prayer. A song says, “He walks with me and He talks with me!” Go to bed praying and get up praying. It will make your day go a whole lot better.
2. Praying with all prayer and supplication. Praying about everything and in every situation and in time of need. Praying before planning; praying before acting; praying first sure makes life a whole lot easier!
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Prayer means to worship while supplication means to make petition. Too often we spend our prayer time telling God what we want or need without giving Him the glory and praise that He deserves. Worship should precede supplication.
3. Praying in the Spirit. Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Jude 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Praying with the heart, soul, and spirit engaged in it; it is put up with a true heart, and a right spirit, and without hypocrisy; in a spiritual way, and with fervency, and under the influence, and by the assistance of the Spirit of God. He is our Companion; our Comforter; He is our Guide.
4. Praying if faith. “watching thereunto with all perseverance” Mark 13:33 “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” The Lord said, “Call unto me and I WILL answer thee!” When we ask God for something, we wait upon Him and His time for the right answer. I often say, “His time is not our time and His way is not our way.”
James 1:6-8 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (8) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Someone once said, “If you pray for rain make sure you carry your umbrella!”)
5. Praying for others! Job 42:10 “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Never get so burdened down with your own problems as to forget the needs of others. When we think only of ourselves, we find no light in the darkness of our circumstances but, when we pray for the needs of others, our burden is lessened as we help to bear those of others.
Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Ephesians 6:18
Introduction:
A. Tonight, we will end the series on the armor of God but may this service be the beginning for each of us as we now understand better how to both protect ourselves spiritually and to drive off the attacker while quenching his fiery darts. Too often, we become victim to satanic attack through ignorance. We will be constantly attacked in this world but have all that it takes to be victorious.
B. We are now protected from the head to the foot with the sword of the Spirit in our hand but is that enough. Ephesians 6:18 is the capstone! We find once again the value of prayer in the life of God’s people. Not just praying but effectually praying. I am not going to begin a series on prayer but do want to properly deal with this one verse.
C. How important is prayer? James 4:2-3 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
D. Though prayer is mentioned at the end of the listing of God’s armor, we need to remember that prayer is the link between the believer and the Lord. I cannot express enough the importance to talking with God, not just to God.
Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching (praying in faith and then watching) thereunto with all perseverance (never giving up) and supplication for all saints (praying for others as well as personal needs);
1. Praying always! 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.” Here we find a much quoted verse concerning when to pray but memorizing the verse is of little good without performance of the verse. This verse covers all kinds of prayer, not only “closet praying” but praying all day. I call this an attitude of prayer. A song says, “He walks with me and He talks with me!” Go to bed praying and get up praying. It will make your day go a whole lot better.
2. Praying with all prayer and supplication. Praying about everything and in every situation and in time of need. Praying before planning; praying before acting; praying first sure makes life a whole lot easier!
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Prayer means to worship while supplication means to make petition. Too often we spend our prayer time telling God what we want or need without giving Him the glory and praise that He deserves. Worship should precede supplication.
3. Praying in the Spirit. Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Jude 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Praying with the heart, soul, and spirit engaged in it; it is put up with a true heart, and a right spirit, and without hypocrisy; in a spiritual way, and with fervency, and under the influence, and by the assistance of the Spirit of God. He is our Companion; our Comforter; He is our Guide.
4. Praying if faith. “watching thereunto with all perseverance” Mark 13:33 “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” The Lord said, “Call unto me and I WILL answer thee!” When we ask God for something, we wait upon Him and His time for the right answer. I often say, “His time is not our time and His way is not our way.”
James 1:6-8 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (8) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Someone once said, “If you pray for rain make sure you carry your umbrella!”)
5. Praying for others! Job 42:10 “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Never get so burdened down with your own problems as to forget the needs of others. When we think only of ourselves, we find no light in the darkness of our circumstances but, when we pray for the needs of others, our burden is lessened as we help to bear those of others.
Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
The Love of God
Temple Baptist Church - 12-11-2011
Luke 2:1-11
Introduction:
A. One of the most blessed truths found in the Bible is that of the love of God for sinners. John 3:16 is possibly the most noted and quoted of all verses of scripture and the least comprehended. When I think of the world, I see the sin and sorrow that permeates it. When God sees the world, He sees sinners in need of the Saviour! As we get closer to Christmas, our hearts should be joyful because of the gift of God given on that night some 2,000 years ago.
B. We can never fathom the love of God that was displayed in John 3:16 where God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son!
Ephesians 3:17-19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
1. The Breadth Of God’s Love – 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (His love is from Pole to Pole. His love is from the East to the West. His love is from Wall to Wall. The Love of God covers every man, woman, and child. There are none exempt and there are none excluded! There is not a race, color, or creed rejected! His love is for the whole world! I cannot understand it, but I believe it!)
2. The Length Of God’s Love – Psalms 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (God’s love is not only universal in its scope; it is longsuffering in its forbearance. God is compassionate, gracious, longsuffering, and merciful. I did not deserve to receive it nor do I deserve to keep it. The Lord has been far better to me than I deserve and I am eternally grateful for it. I cannot understand it, but I have seen it!)
3. The Depth Of God’s Love – 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (The wickedest man in the world is a candidate for His great salvation. It matters not what you have done; it matters not what you have thought; it matters not where you came from! His love goes to the deepest in sin and despair. I cannot understand it, but I have received it!)
4. The Height Of God’s Love – Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: (His wonderful love is far greater than all of our sin put together. God’s gracious love is always there and you cannot sin your salvation away. He will forgive 70 times 7 and never exhaust his love or forgiveness. I cannot understand it, but I have experienced it!)
C. “Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people!” It is the Lord’s desire that all people know and experience the love of God which the angel spoke of on that night.
D. I want to look at some aspects of that love this morning:
1. In Bethlehem We Find God’s Love Manifested In The Gift Of Christ - 1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
2. At Calvary We Find God’s Love Commended At The Cross - Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
3. In Salvation We Find God’s Love Bestowed In Our Sonship - 1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
4. In Choice We Find God’s Love Believed By The Sinner - 1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
5. In Relationship We Find God’s Love Perceived By The Saint - 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.
6. In Witness We Find God’s Love Shed Abroad In The Spirit - Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
7. In Fellowship We Find God’s Love Dwelling In The Heart - 1 John 3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
Conclusion: Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. “Oh, how He loves you and me! Oh, how He loves you and me! His love was manifested in the giving of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus to Calvary did go. His precious blood to bestow. He gave His life; what more could He do! Oh, how he loves you! Oh, how He loves me! Oh, how He loves you and me!”
Luke 2:1-11
Introduction:
A. One of the most blessed truths found in the Bible is that of the love of God for sinners. John 3:16 is possibly the most noted and quoted of all verses of scripture and the least comprehended. When I think of the world, I see the sin and sorrow that permeates it. When God sees the world, He sees sinners in need of the Saviour! As we get closer to Christmas, our hearts should be joyful because of the gift of God given on that night some 2,000 years ago.
B. We can never fathom the love of God that was displayed in John 3:16 where God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son!
Ephesians 3:17-19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
1. The Breadth Of God’s Love – 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (His love is from Pole to Pole. His love is from the East to the West. His love is from Wall to Wall. The Love of God covers every man, woman, and child. There are none exempt and there are none excluded! There is not a race, color, or creed rejected! His love is for the whole world! I cannot understand it, but I believe it!)
2. The Length Of God’s Love – Psalms 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (God’s love is not only universal in its scope; it is longsuffering in its forbearance. God is compassionate, gracious, longsuffering, and merciful. I did not deserve to receive it nor do I deserve to keep it. The Lord has been far better to me than I deserve and I am eternally grateful for it. I cannot understand it, but I have seen it!)
3. The Depth Of God’s Love – 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (The wickedest man in the world is a candidate for His great salvation. It matters not what you have done; it matters not what you have thought; it matters not where you came from! His love goes to the deepest in sin and despair. I cannot understand it, but I have received it!)
4. The Height Of God’s Love – Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: (His wonderful love is far greater than all of our sin put together. God’s gracious love is always there and you cannot sin your salvation away. He will forgive 70 times 7 and never exhaust his love or forgiveness. I cannot understand it, but I have experienced it!)
C. “Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people!” It is the Lord’s desire that all people know and experience the love of God which the angel spoke of on that night.
D. I want to look at some aspects of that love this morning:
1. In Bethlehem We Find God’s Love Manifested In The Gift Of Christ - 1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
2. At Calvary We Find God’s Love Commended At The Cross - Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
3. In Salvation We Find God’s Love Bestowed In Our Sonship - 1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
4. In Choice We Find God’s Love Believed By The Sinner - 1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
5. In Relationship We Find God’s Love Perceived By The Saint - 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.
6. In Witness We Find God’s Love Shed Abroad In The Spirit - Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
7. In Fellowship We Find God’s Love Dwelling In The Heart - 1 John 3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
Conclusion: Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. “Oh, how He loves you and me! Oh, how He loves you and me! His love was manifested in the giving of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus to Calvary did go. His precious blood to bestow. He gave His life; what more could He do! Oh, how he loves you! Oh, how He loves me! Oh, how He loves you and me!”
Sunday, December 4, 2011
The Prophecy Of Christ’s Birth
Temple Baptist Church - 12-4-2011
Matthew 1:18-25 (vs. 22-23)
Introduction:
A. What about the coming of the Messiah? The most prophesied event in the Bible is that of the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. The first man was given this blessed hope in Genesis 3:15, four thousand years before His birth.
1. He was and is the Hope of mankind. The promised Savior!
2. He was and is the Hope of Israel. The promised King!
3. He was and is the Hope of the Church. The Promised Eternal Bridegroom!
B. The Old Testament saints looked forward to the coming of the promised “Seed” with as much anticipation as the New Testament saints look back to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with exaltation. The Jews still place notes into the “Wailing Wall” and pray for the promised Messiah, realizing that He is their only Hope! We, as New Testament saints look back with thrill and wonder that God so loved us that He gave His only begotten Son to die in our place. God help us to never lose that!
C. There are literally hundreds of prophetic verses that deal with the first coming of Christ with each being fulfilled in the smallest detail. Not one prophecy, given thousands of years before His coming, failed! What a blessed Book the Bible is! What a wonderful God our Heavenly Father is! What a Savior!
D. I want to look at five aspects of the prophecy of Christ this morning.
1. The Prophecy Of His Person – Who came?
2. The Prophecy Of His Purpose – Why was He born?
3. The Prophecy Of His Period – When did He come?
4. The Prophecy Of His Place – Where was He born?
5. The Prophecy Of His Performance – How was He born?
1. The Prophecy Of His Person – HE WAS BORN THE RIGHT PERSON!
a. He Was To Be A Prophet, Priest, And King
1) A Prophet - Deuteronomy 18:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
2) A Priest - Ezekiel 45:16-17 All the people of the land shall give this oblation for the prince in Israel. And it shall be the prince’s part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.
Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
3) A King - Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
John 12:15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
b. God In Flesh - Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
c. The Sacrificial Lamb Of God - Genesis 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
2. The Prophecy Of His Purpose – HE WAS BORN FOR THE RIGHT REASON!
Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
a. To Provide a Savior - Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
b. To Fulfill Scripture - Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
c. To Give Hope - Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
3. The Prophecy Of His Period – HE WAS BORN AT THE RIGHT TIME!
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Daniel 9:24-27 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
4. The Prophecy Of His Place – HE WAS BORN IN THE RIGHT PLACE!
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
John 7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
5. The Prophecy Of His Performance – HE WAS BORN IN THE RIGHT WAY!
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Conclusion: Again, this morning, all I can say is “Hallelujah! What a Saviour! Have you received Christ, God’s perfect Gift to fallen man?
John 1:11-14 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Matthew 1:18-25 (vs. 22-23)
Introduction:
A. What about the coming of the Messiah? The most prophesied event in the Bible is that of the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. The first man was given this blessed hope in Genesis 3:15, four thousand years before His birth.
1. He was and is the Hope of mankind. The promised Savior!
2. He was and is the Hope of Israel. The promised King!
3. He was and is the Hope of the Church. The Promised Eternal Bridegroom!
B. The Old Testament saints looked forward to the coming of the promised “Seed” with as much anticipation as the New Testament saints look back to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with exaltation. The Jews still place notes into the “Wailing Wall” and pray for the promised Messiah, realizing that He is their only Hope! We, as New Testament saints look back with thrill and wonder that God so loved us that He gave His only begotten Son to die in our place. God help us to never lose that!
C. There are literally hundreds of prophetic verses that deal with the first coming of Christ with each being fulfilled in the smallest detail. Not one prophecy, given thousands of years before His coming, failed! What a blessed Book the Bible is! What a wonderful God our Heavenly Father is! What a Savior!
D. I want to look at five aspects of the prophecy of Christ this morning.
1. The Prophecy Of His Person – Who came?
2. The Prophecy Of His Purpose – Why was He born?
3. The Prophecy Of His Period – When did He come?
4. The Prophecy Of His Place – Where was He born?
5. The Prophecy Of His Performance – How was He born?
1. The Prophecy Of His Person – HE WAS BORN THE RIGHT PERSON!
a. He Was To Be A Prophet, Priest, And King
1) A Prophet - Deuteronomy 18:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
2) A Priest - Ezekiel 45:16-17 All the people of the land shall give this oblation for the prince in Israel. And it shall be the prince’s part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.
Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
3) A King - Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
John 12:15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
b. God In Flesh - Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
c. The Sacrificial Lamb Of God - Genesis 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
2. The Prophecy Of His Purpose – HE WAS BORN FOR THE RIGHT REASON!
Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
a. To Provide a Savior - Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
b. To Fulfill Scripture - Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
c. To Give Hope - Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
3. The Prophecy Of His Period – HE WAS BORN AT THE RIGHT TIME!
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Daniel 9:24-27 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
4. The Prophecy Of His Place – HE WAS BORN IN THE RIGHT PLACE!
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
John 7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
5. The Prophecy Of His Performance – HE WAS BORN IN THE RIGHT WAY!
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Conclusion: Again, this morning, all I can say is “Hallelujah! What a Saviour! Have you received Christ, God’s perfect Gift to fallen man?
John 1:11-14 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
The Importance of Faithfulness
Temple Baptist Church - 11-27-2011
Luke 18:1-8
Introduction:
A. In the preceding chapter, our Lord described the end time and sequence of events leading up to the Second Coming. The 18th chapter begins with the word “and.” This shows a continuation of the same train of thought. The parable shows forth the persistence of the widow before the unjust judge.
B. Parable (faith) – An earthly story with a heavenly meaning. We see the predicament of her cry – our Lord did not disclose the pressing need of this woman but we do know that the need was great. The need was not necessarily food and raiment but it was the need of vengeance! This poor widow woman had been greatly wronged by someone and the wrong needed to be made right. Vengeance was not a right that she had so she petitioned the Judge.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Be ye angry and sin not!)
C. The Lord did not disclose the details so that you and I could make application to whatever our need happens to be. Let’s look at the parable:
a. Persons – A widow and an unjust judge.
b. Persistence – she never gave up but petitioned the unjust judge until he gave her the right answer.
c. Prize – she got her petition answered!
D. The application - A wonderful lesson for us is found in these verses. Never give up! We may not see workings of the Judge of all the earth, as the unjust judge of these verses considered—without her knowledge of it—her request, so our wonderful Lord considers and honors our requests. We may or may not see the workings of His hands but, rest assured, He hears and answers our prayers.
E. I quoted this verse last week but want to use it again as this message is just a continuation of last week’s message. I believe that the “moral of the story” is that it shows the power and persuasion of persistence. Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
F. The lesson is faith! Faith is the basis for our faithfulness. We are faithful because it is commanded; because it is right; because it is rewarding! When Christ returns, will He find us with enough faith in Him to keep us faithful? Faithfulness is important.
1. Faithfulness is important to the Lord. Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (If we are faithful for no other reason, we should be so because it pleases the Lord! This should be our primary motive. Paul said, “For me to live is Christ!” Unfaithful people do not care what the Lord thinks.)
2. Faithfulness is important to the faithful. John 20:19-24 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (20) And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. (21) Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. (22) And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: (23) Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. (24) But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. (Just look at what Thomas missed: Jesus, peace, seeing the wounds of our Lord, and receiving the Holy Ghost.)
3. Faithfulness is important to your family. Psalms 78:2-7 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: (3) Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. (4) We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. (5) For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: (6) That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: (7) That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: (We want our families saved and serving but, often, we tell them with our lives, “Do not do what I do, do what I say do!” We cannot expect our families to love God if we do not love God; we cannot expect our families to be faithful if we are not faithful!)
4. Faithfulness is important to your pastor. Philippians 4:2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. (One of the most heartbreaking parts of pastoring is watching the unfaithfulness of God’s people. We have a great church with, for the most part, faithful people and it is an encouragement to this pastor. I work hard to prepare something to feed your souls each time I come to church and it discourages me when God’s people do not come faithfully to hear God’s message. Every service; every message is of the utmost importance to God’s people.)
5. Faithfulness is important to your church. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (The faithful are provoked unto loves and provoke others. (provoked – motivated or incited) The faithful are exhorted and exhort others. The faithful experience spiritual growth and edify the body. The faithful are blessed.)
6. Faithfulness is important to your missionaries. Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (When tithes and offerings are either not there are come in later, the missionary does without. I take care of missions support for two of our missionary members and see firsthand the ups and down of support each month.)
7. Faithfulness is important to the unsaved. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (If the unsaved see our unfaithfulness, they will not desire what we have nor will they “glorify” our Father which is in heaven!”
Conclusion: “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”
Luke 18:1-8
Introduction:
A. In the preceding chapter, our Lord described the end time and sequence of events leading up to the Second Coming. The 18th chapter begins with the word “and.” This shows a continuation of the same train of thought. The parable shows forth the persistence of the widow before the unjust judge.
B. Parable (faith) – An earthly story with a heavenly meaning. We see the predicament of her cry – our Lord did not disclose the pressing need of this woman but we do know that the need was great. The need was not necessarily food and raiment but it was the need of vengeance! This poor widow woman had been greatly wronged by someone and the wrong needed to be made right. Vengeance was not a right that she had so she petitioned the Judge.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Be ye angry and sin not!)
C. The Lord did not disclose the details so that you and I could make application to whatever our need happens to be. Let’s look at the parable:
a. Persons – A widow and an unjust judge.
b. Persistence – she never gave up but petitioned the unjust judge until he gave her the right answer.
c. Prize – she got her petition answered!
D. The application - A wonderful lesson for us is found in these verses. Never give up! We may not see workings of the Judge of all the earth, as the unjust judge of these verses considered—without her knowledge of it—her request, so our wonderful Lord considers and honors our requests. We may or may not see the workings of His hands but, rest assured, He hears and answers our prayers.
E. I quoted this verse last week but want to use it again as this message is just a continuation of last week’s message. I believe that the “moral of the story” is that it shows the power and persuasion of persistence. Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
F. The lesson is faith! Faith is the basis for our faithfulness. We are faithful because it is commanded; because it is right; because it is rewarding! When Christ returns, will He find us with enough faith in Him to keep us faithful? Faithfulness is important.
1. Faithfulness is important to the Lord. Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (If we are faithful for no other reason, we should be so because it pleases the Lord! This should be our primary motive. Paul said, “For me to live is Christ!” Unfaithful people do not care what the Lord thinks.)
2. Faithfulness is important to the faithful. John 20:19-24 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (20) And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. (21) Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. (22) And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: (23) Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. (24) But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. (Just look at what Thomas missed: Jesus, peace, seeing the wounds of our Lord, and receiving the Holy Ghost.)
3. Faithfulness is important to your family. Psalms 78:2-7 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: (3) Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. (4) We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. (5) For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: (6) That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: (7) That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: (We want our families saved and serving but, often, we tell them with our lives, “Do not do what I do, do what I say do!” We cannot expect our families to love God if we do not love God; we cannot expect our families to be faithful if we are not faithful!)
4. Faithfulness is important to your pastor. Philippians 4:2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. (One of the most heartbreaking parts of pastoring is watching the unfaithfulness of God’s people. We have a great church with, for the most part, faithful people and it is an encouragement to this pastor. I work hard to prepare something to feed your souls each time I come to church and it discourages me when God’s people do not come faithfully to hear God’s message. Every service; every message is of the utmost importance to God’s people.)
5. Faithfulness is important to your church. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (The faithful are provoked unto loves and provoke others. (provoked – motivated or incited) The faithful are exhorted and exhort others. The faithful experience spiritual growth and edify the body. The faithful are blessed.)
6. Faithfulness is important to your missionaries. Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (When tithes and offerings are either not there are come in later, the missionary does without. I take care of missions support for two of our missionary members and see firsthand the ups and down of support each month.)
7. Faithfulness is important to the unsaved. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (If the unsaved see our unfaithfulness, they will not desire what we have nor will they “glorify” our Father which is in heaven!”
Conclusion: “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
The Helmet of Salvation
Temple Baptist Church - 11-23-2011
Ephesians 6:17
Introduction:
A. Our next piece of armor is the “helmet of salvation.” Once again, we find the emphasis of resisting Satan, withstanding our circumstances, and standing secure in the will of the Lord resting within the head. The first piece of the Christian’s armor was having our loins girt about with the truth. These two go together and yet are distinctly different.
B. Our loins girt with truth had to do with our dependence upon the scripture doctrinally. In the midst of the “falling away” of 2 Thessalonians 2, we need to know what the bible says, not what the “talking heads” of religion tell us. As there are “shade tree mechanics,” there are also “religious, liberal theologians!” These are the ones who:
2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
C. I am a Biblicist! It matters not what the Baptist say (though I am an independent, fundamental, bible believing Baptist) nor does it matter what any other denomination or movement says. If we or anyone else is defined by their “denomination or movement,” then our definition of who and what we are is constantly changing. Look at every major denomination now and remember what it stood for 20-30 years ago. If we are defined by the bible, then who and what we are remains a constant in the face of a rapidly changing world. The bible is the final authority for both faith and practice. The bible is to correct our doctrine, not our doctrine correct the bible. This is the girting of the loins with truth.
D. The “helmet of salvation” also deals with the head (or the mind) but is completely different in its relevance and importance to the believer. I believe that this “helmet” that protects our minds or thinking has to do with the assurance of just what and who we are. It does not encompass the “truth” in all of its completeness as does the girting of the loins but zeros in on one important aspect of the truth. Our salvation!
E. One of the most important aspects of eternal salvation is that of assurance. Without assurance, the child of God is rendered virtually useless in the work of the Lord. So much is preached on this subject and needs to be so.
1 John 5:10-13 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (11) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (12) He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (13) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (A wise man once said, “Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.” In times of lack of assurance, never doubt what God did for you when He gave you assurance.)
F. Let us put this “helmet” on tonight and leave it on because:
1. The Helmet of Salvation defines who we are. 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (Knowing that we are saved should give us assurance in some things.)
a. We are loved. 1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
b. We are protected. Psalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
c. We are provided for. Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
d. We are accompanied. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Knowing who we are should give us confidence in the Lord to care for us.
2. The Helmet of Salvation defines what we are.
a. Fellow Helpers With Christ - 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
b. Soldiers Of Christ - 2 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (4) No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
c. Ambassadors For Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Knowing what we are should give us resolve for the Lord.
3. The Helmet of Salvation defines where we are going.
a. We Are Following In His Steps - Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
b. We Are Going Home - Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
Knowing where we are going should give us encouragement in the Lord.
Ephesians 6:17
Introduction:
A. Our next piece of armor is the “helmet of salvation.” Once again, we find the emphasis of resisting Satan, withstanding our circumstances, and standing secure in the will of the Lord resting within the head. The first piece of the Christian’s armor was having our loins girt about with the truth. These two go together and yet are distinctly different.
B. Our loins girt with truth had to do with our dependence upon the scripture doctrinally. In the midst of the “falling away” of 2 Thessalonians 2, we need to know what the bible says, not what the “talking heads” of religion tell us. As there are “shade tree mechanics,” there are also “religious, liberal theologians!” These are the ones who:
2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
C. I am a Biblicist! It matters not what the Baptist say (though I am an independent, fundamental, bible believing Baptist) nor does it matter what any other denomination or movement says. If we or anyone else is defined by their “denomination or movement,” then our definition of who and what we are is constantly changing. Look at every major denomination now and remember what it stood for 20-30 years ago. If we are defined by the bible, then who and what we are remains a constant in the face of a rapidly changing world. The bible is the final authority for both faith and practice. The bible is to correct our doctrine, not our doctrine correct the bible. This is the girting of the loins with truth.
D. The “helmet of salvation” also deals with the head (or the mind) but is completely different in its relevance and importance to the believer. I believe that this “helmet” that protects our minds or thinking has to do with the assurance of just what and who we are. It does not encompass the “truth” in all of its completeness as does the girting of the loins but zeros in on one important aspect of the truth. Our salvation!
E. One of the most important aspects of eternal salvation is that of assurance. Without assurance, the child of God is rendered virtually useless in the work of the Lord. So much is preached on this subject and needs to be so.
1 John 5:10-13 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (11) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (12) He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (13) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (A wise man once said, “Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.” In times of lack of assurance, never doubt what God did for you when He gave you assurance.)
F. Let us put this “helmet” on tonight and leave it on because:
1. The Helmet of Salvation defines who we are. 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (Knowing that we are saved should give us assurance in some things.)
a. We are loved. 1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
b. We are protected. Psalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
c. We are provided for. Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
d. We are accompanied. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Knowing who we are should give us confidence in the Lord to care for us.
2. The Helmet of Salvation defines what we are.
a. Fellow Helpers With Christ - 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
b. Soldiers Of Christ - 2 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (4) No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
c. Ambassadors For Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Knowing what we are should give us resolve for the Lord.
3. The Helmet of Salvation defines where we are going.
a. We Are Following In His Steps - Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
b. We Are Going Home - Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
Knowing where we are going should give us encouragement in the Lord.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Thanksgiving
Temple Baptist Church - 11-20-2011
Ephesians 5:18-20
Introduction:
A. Most people say “Thank you” simply because they have been trained to do so. I know that, personally, there have been times that I have blessed the food on our table and then had to ask my wife if I had blessed it already. Then I bow my head and really give to God thanks! There have been times when I have said, “Thank you” for something that I really did not want but did so out of courtesy. “Thank you for the beets?”
THANKSGIVING is defined as the act of rendering thanks or expressing gratitude for favors or mercies. A public celebration of divine goodness; also, a day set apart for religious services, specially to acknowledge the goodness of God, either in any remarkable deliverance from calamities or danger, or in the ordinary dispensation of his bounties. The practice of appointing an annual thanksgiving originated in New England.
B. We have so much to be thankful for.
1. Our Great Salvation
a) Saved by grace
b) Saved eternally
c) A wonderful life here and heaven waiting!
2. Our Great families and friends
a) Your greatest possession outside of salvation!
b) Your church and church family!
3. Our Great Possessions
a) Our homes
b) Our transportation
c) Our everyday needs
4. Our Great Liberty
a) Freedom of travel
b) Freedom of speech
5. Our Great Opportunities
a) You can be anything that you want.
b) Your life is limited by your will to accomplish
C. We are to be thankful at all times. I, as a pastor, have difficulties in this area. Now, I can be thankful when the heavens are opened up, and God's blessings rain down upon me, and when everything is going well, and when there are no bumps in the road! But when problems come, I am more likely to complain. When things don't go my way, I am more likely to whine than to give thanks!
1. There is the realization of Thanksgiving – 2 Corinthians 9:11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. (Everything that we have or ever hope to have is a gift from the Lord. He gives us the health, strength, and opportunity to earn a living.)
2. There is the gratitude of Thanksgiving – Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (We need to learn to never take for granted what we have and return thanks to the One who gave it. What we have now we may not always have.)
3. There is the worship of Thanksgiving – Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. (True thanksgiving is a magnification of a gracious, kind, gentle, loving and compassionate Lord.)
4. There is the song of Thanksgiving – Nehemiah 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God. (As we sing this morning, we should sing as unto the Lord. We are not here to be seen or heard but rather to give to the Lord the glory due His name.)
Psalm 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
5. There is the voice of Thanksgiving – Psalm 26:7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. (It is a good thing to give thanks publically. The bible says that everything that has breath should praise the Lord in Psalm 50.)
Psa_107:22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
6. There is the sacrifice of Thanksgiving – Psalm 50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: (I love to give back to the Lord not only my tithe but also a gift from a grateful heart. All that I have comes from Him and, as far as I am concerned, belongs to Him.)
7. There is the entrance of Thanksgiving – Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (Faithfulness to come to the House of the Lord is a sign of true thankfulness. When we come to church, we are to approach Him in our entrance with thanksgiving.)
8. There is the prayer of Thanksgiving – Psalm 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. (My wife and I bow our heads in public thanksgiving every time we go out to eat. It is also a blessing to personally thank Him in the prayer closet for His many blessings.)
9. There is the witness of Thanksgiving – 2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. (It is a great testimony when the unsaved see us thank God for all that He does for us and gives to us. “Unthankful” is a word used to describe this generation in 2 Timothy 3. We should be an example of gratefulness.)
10. There is the continuation of Thanksgiving – Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (Let us never forget to continually count our blessings while naming them one by one. God is good all of the time.)
Ephesians 5:18-20
Introduction:
A. Most people say “Thank you” simply because they have been trained to do so. I know that, personally, there have been times that I have blessed the food on our table and then had to ask my wife if I had blessed it already. Then I bow my head and really give to God thanks! There have been times when I have said, “Thank you” for something that I really did not want but did so out of courtesy. “Thank you for the beets?”
THANKSGIVING is defined as the act of rendering thanks or expressing gratitude for favors or mercies. A public celebration of divine goodness; also, a day set apart for religious services, specially to acknowledge the goodness of God, either in any remarkable deliverance from calamities or danger, or in the ordinary dispensation of his bounties. The practice of appointing an annual thanksgiving originated in New England.
B. We have so much to be thankful for.
1. Our Great Salvation
a) Saved by grace
b) Saved eternally
c) A wonderful life here and heaven waiting!
2. Our Great families and friends
a) Your greatest possession outside of salvation!
b) Your church and church family!
3. Our Great Possessions
a) Our homes
b) Our transportation
c) Our everyday needs
4. Our Great Liberty
a) Freedom of travel
b) Freedom of speech
5. Our Great Opportunities
a) You can be anything that you want.
b) Your life is limited by your will to accomplish
C. We are to be thankful at all times. I, as a pastor, have difficulties in this area. Now, I can be thankful when the heavens are opened up, and God's blessings rain down upon me, and when everything is going well, and when there are no bumps in the road! But when problems come, I am more likely to complain. When things don't go my way, I am more likely to whine than to give thanks!
1. There is the realization of Thanksgiving – 2 Corinthians 9:11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. (Everything that we have or ever hope to have is a gift from the Lord. He gives us the health, strength, and opportunity to earn a living.)
2. There is the gratitude of Thanksgiving – Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (We need to learn to never take for granted what we have and return thanks to the One who gave it. What we have now we may not always have.)
3. There is the worship of Thanksgiving – Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. (True thanksgiving is a magnification of a gracious, kind, gentle, loving and compassionate Lord.)
4. There is the song of Thanksgiving – Nehemiah 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God. (As we sing this morning, we should sing as unto the Lord. We are not here to be seen or heard but rather to give to the Lord the glory due His name.)
Psalm 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
5. There is the voice of Thanksgiving – Psalm 26:7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. (It is a good thing to give thanks publically. The bible says that everything that has breath should praise the Lord in Psalm 50.)
Psa_107:22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
6. There is the sacrifice of Thanksgiving – Psalm 50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: (I love to give back to the Lord not only my tithe but also a gift from a grateful heart. All that I have comes from Him and, as far as I am concerned, belongs to Him.)
7. There is the entrance of Thanksgiving – Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (Faithfulness to come to the House of the Lord is a sign of true thankfulness. When we come to church, we are to approach Him in our entrance with thanksgiving.)
8. There is the prayer of Thanksgiving – Psalm 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. (My wife and I bow our heads in public thanksgiving every time we go out to eat. It is also a blessing to personally thank Him in the prayer closet for His many blessings.)
9. There is the witness of Thanksgiving – 2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. (It is a great testimony when the unsaved see us thank God for all that He does for us and gives to us. “Unthankful” is a word used to describe this generation in 2 Timothy 3. We should be an example of gratefulness.)
10. There is the continuation of Thanksgiving – Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (Let us never forget to continually count our blessings while naming them one by one. God is good all of the time.)
Thanksgiving
Temple Baptist Church - 11-20-2011
Ephesians 5:18-20
Introduction:
A. Most people say “Thank you” simply because they have been trained to do so. I know that, personally, there have been times that I have blessed the food on our table and then had to ask my wife if I had blessed it already. Then I bow my head and really give to God thanks! There have been times when I have said, “Thank you” for something that I really did not want but did so out of courtesy. “Thank you for the beets?”
THANKSGIVING is defined as the act of rendering thanks or expressing gratitude for favors or mercies. A public celebration of divine goodness; also, a day set apart for religious services, specially to acknowledge the goodness of God, either in any remarkable deliverance from calamities or danger, or in the ordinary dispensation of his bounties. The practice of appointing an annual thanksgiving originated in New England.
B. We have so much to be thankful for.
1. Our Great Salvation
a) Saved by grace
b) Saved eternally
c) A wonderful life here and heaven waiting!
2. Our Great families and friends
a) Your greatest possession outside of salvation!
b) Your church and church family!
3. Our Great Possessions
a) Our homes
b) Our transportation
c) Our everyday needs
4. Our Great Liberty
a) Freedom of travel
b) Freedom of speech
5. Our Great Opportunities
a) You can be anything that you want.
b) Your life is limited by your will to accomplish
C. We are to be thankful at all times. I, as a pastor, have difficulties in this area. Now, I can be thankful when the heavens are opened up, and God's blessings rain down upon me, and when everything is going well, and when there are no bumps in the road! But when problems come, I am more likely to complain. When things don't go my way, I am more likely to whine than to give thanks!
1. There is the realization of Thanksgiving – 2 Corinthians 9:11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. (Everything that we have or ever hope to have is a gift from the Lord. He gives us the health, strength, and opportunity to earn a living.)
2. There is the gratitude of Thanksgiving – Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (We need to learn to never take for granted what we have and return thanks to the One who gave it. What we have now we may not always have.)
3. There is the worship of Thanksgiving – Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. (True thanksgiving is a magnification of a gracious, kind, gentle, loving and compassionate Lord.)
4. There is the song of Thanksgiving – Nehemiah 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God. (As we sing this morning, we should sing as unto the Lord. We are not here to be seen or heard but rather to give to the Lord the glory due His name.)
Psalm 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
5. There is the voice of Thanksgiving – Psalm 26:7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. (It is a good thing to give thanks publically. The bible says that everything that has breath should praise the Lord in Psalm 50.)
Psa_107:22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
6. There is the sacrifice of Thanksgiving – Psalm 50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: (I love to give back to the Lord not only my tithe but also a gift from a grateful heart. All that I have comes from Him and, as far as I am concerned, belongs to Him.)
7. There is the entrance of Thanksgiving – Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (Faithfulness to come to the House of the Lord is a sign of true thankfulness. When we come to church, we are to approach Him in our entrance with thanksgiving.)
8. There is the prayer of Thanksgiving – Psalm 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. (My wife and I bow our heads in public thanksgiving every time we go out to eat. It is also a blessing to personally thank Him in the prayer closet for His many blessings.)
9. There is the witness of Thanksgiving – 2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. (It is a great testimony when the unsaved see us thank God for all that He does for us and gives to us. “Unthankful” is a word used to describe this generation in 2 Timothy 3. We should be an example of gratefulness.)
10. There is the continuation of Thanksgiving – Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (Let us never forget to continually count our blessings while naming them one by one. God is good all of the time.)
Ephesians 5:18-20
Introduction:
A. Most people say “Thank you” simply because they have been trained to do so. I know that, personally, there have been times that I have blessed the food on our table and then had to ask my wife if I had blessed it already. Then I bow my head and really give to God thanks! There have been times when I have said, “Thank you” for something that I really did not want but did so out of courtesy. “Thank you for the beets?”
THANKSGIVING is defined as the act of rendering thanks or expressing gratitude for favors or mercies. A public celebration of divine goodness; also, a day set apart for religious services, specially to acknowledge the goodness of God, either in any remarkable deliverance from calamities or danger, or in the ordinary dispensation of his bounties. The practice of appointing an annual thanksgiving originated in New England.
B. We have so much to be thankful for.
1. Our Great Salvation
a) Saved by grace
b) Saved eternally
c) A wonderful life here and heaven waiting!
2. Our Great families and friends
a) Your greatest possession outside of salvation!
b) Your church and church family!
3. Our Great Possessions
a) Our homes
b) Our transportation
c) Our everyday needs
4. Our Great Liberty
a) Freedom of travel
b) Freedom of speech
5. Our Great Opportunities
a) You can be anything that you want.
b) Your life is limited by your will to accomplish
C. We are to be thankful at all times. I, as a pastor, have difficulties in this area. Now, I can be thankful when the heavens are opened up, and God's blessings rain down upon me, and when everything is going well, and when there are no bumps in the road! But when problems come, I am more likely to complain. When things don't go my way, I am more likely to whine than to give thanks!
1. There is the realization of Thanksgiving – 2 Corinthians 9:11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. (Everything that we have or ever hope to have is a gift from the Lord. He gives us the health, strength, and opportunity to earn a living.)
2. There is the gratitude of Thanksgiving – Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (We need to learn to never take for granted what we have and return thanks to the One who gave it. What we have now we may not always have.)
3. There is the worship of Thanksgiving – Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. (True thanksgiving is a magnification of a gracious, kind, gentle, loving and compassionate Lord.)
4. There is the song of Thanksgiving – Nehemiah 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God. (As we sing this morning, we should sing as unto the Lord. We are not here to be seen or heard but rather to give to the Lord the glory due His name.)
Psalm 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
5. There is the voice of Thanksgiving – Psalm 26:7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. (It is a good thing to give thanks publically. The bible says that everything that has breath should praise the Lord in Psalm 50.)
Psa_107:22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
6. There is the sacrifice of Thanksgiving – Psalm 50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: (I love to give back to the Lord not only my tithe but also a gift from a grateful heart. All that I have comes from Him and, as far as I am concerned, belongs to Him.)
7. There is the entrance of Thanksgiving – Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (Faithfulness to come to the House of the Lord is a sign of true thankfulness. When we come to church, we are to approach Him in our entrance with thanksgiving.)
8. There is the prayer of Thanksgiving – Psalm 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. (My wife and I bow our heads in public thanksgiving every time we go out to eat. It is also a blessing to personally thank Him in the prayer closet for His many blessings.)
9. There is the witness of Thanksgiving – 2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. (It is a great testimony when the unsaved see us thank God for all that He does for us and gives to us. “Unthankful” is a word used to describe this generation in 2 Timothy 3. We should be an example of gratefulness.)
10. There is the continuation of Thanksgiving – Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (Let us never forget to continually count our blessings while naming them one by one. God is good all of the time.)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The Shield of Faith
Temple Baptist Church - 11-16-2011
Ephesians 6:16
Introduction:
A. “Above all!” The most important piece of God’s armor is the shield of faith. We need to protect our minds, hearts, and feet as we walk in this world but the one area that will defeat the child of God quicker than any else is that of faltering faith. It brings disappointment, discouragement, and—ultimately—defeat. We can think right, desire right, walk right, and still become a casualty in this spiritual war. Good people, yes even great people get discouraged and quit on God. I am preaching to my family tonight as much as I am preaching to you.
B. “Above all!” Why “above all?” Because Satan is constantly attacking our faith and our faith defines our resolve! If we quit in our minds, we are defeated already. We may continue to go to church and live right but our lives are ineffective because we have no hope.
C. I do not want to give you a homiletically correct sermon tonight; I do not want to give you a beautifully alliterated sermon tonight; I want to give you a sermon that will help both you and me to stay in the battle because our “ranks” have become thinner and there are “gaps” in the lines. God is still looking for a man or woman to stand in the gap and make up the hedge and what a sad commentary when the prophet said that he found none!
D. Let’s look at our text verse and break it down.
Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
1. The Importance of our Faith – “above all” 1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (5) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Again, the most important thing that we can do is exercise our faith in God. Our faith is the “glue” that holds everything else together. You can protect your mind, heart, and feet but—if your faith wavers—you will crumble. Without faith, we cannot please God nor can we overcome the world. Our salvation, sanctification, and service are all faith based. It is the foundation upon which we stand.)
2. The Fiery Darts of the Wicked – Satan deceives; he defiles; he deters; he divides; he destroys; he is one wicked devil! Satan shoots or hurls his darts. Darts pierce and hurt. Can you imagine standing in front of a dart board? They are not “darts” that can be shrugged off; they are “fiery” in nature and are continual. They are fearsome and devastating in that they can cause great damage if not dealt with. Satan viciously attacks our faith. Not just attacks us through temptation but also attacks our faith in God! Does God love; Does God care; can God help; will God help; will God help; etc?
3. The Quenching of those Fiery Darts - Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (Not merely, “ye may.” The shield of faith will certainly intercept, and so “quench, all the fiery darts!” Not stopping them for they will continually come because Satan never gives up. We sometimes give up! But, thank the Lord, God never gives up.)
4. The Wherewith All of Quenching The Fiery Darts - 1 Peter 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (You can take everything away from a person but, if you cannot remove their faith, they can steadfastly continue. Satan attacks our faith because it is our faith that defeats him.)
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
The Definition of our Faith - Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report. (3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Faith has Substance and Evidence! “things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Our faith is not in what we see or the results of natural phenomena but faith is a trust of the One whom we cannot see to do things that cannot be humanly done in ways that we cannot understand or explain. Faith is just that, FAITH!)
5. The Shield of Faith - Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. (Our greatest “shield” is still the Lord. Who cannot be seen protects us from what can be seen. Let us keep our faith solid in Him and Him alone. He will not fail us. I cannot fathom His great love and care for His children: “casting all your care upon him; for he CARETH for you!” Keep your faith in the Lord and you will come out the victor.)
Ephesians 6:16
Introduction:
A. “Above all!” The most important piece of God’s armor is the shield of faith. We need to protect our minds, hearts, and feet as we walk in this world but the one area that will defeat the child of God quicker than any else is that of faltering faith. It brings disappointment, discouragement, and—ultimately—defeat. We can think right, desire right, walk right, and still become a casualty in this spiritual war. Good people, yes even great people get discouraged and quit on God. I am preaching to my family tonight as much as I am preaching to you.
B. “Above all!” Why “above all?” Because Satan is constantly attacking our faith and our faith defines our resolve! If we quit in our minds, we are defeated already. We may continue to go to church and live right but our lives are ineffective because we have no hope.
C. I do not want to give you a homiletically correct sermon tonight; I do not want to give you a beautifully alliterated sermon tonight; I want to give you a sermon that will help both you and me to stay in the battle because our “ranks” have become thinner and there are “gaps” in the lines. God is still looking for a man or woman to stand in the gap and make up the hedge and what a sad commentary when the prophet said that he found none!
D. Let’s look at our text verse and break it down.
Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
1. The Importance of our Faith – “above all” 1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (5) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Again, the most important thing that we can do is exercise our faith in God. Our faith is the “glue” that holds everything else together. You can protect your mind, heart, and feet but—if your faith wavers—you will crumble. Without faith, we cannot please God nor can we overcome the world. Our salvation, sanctification, and service are all faith based. It is the foundation upon which we stand.)
2. The Fiery Darts of the Wicked – Satan deceives; he defiles; he deters; he divides; he destroys; he is one wicked devil! Satan shoots or hurls his darts. Darts pierce and hurt. Can you imagine standing in front of a dart board? They are not “darts” that can be shrugged off; they are “fiery” in nature and are continual. They are fearsome and devastating in that they can cause great damage if not dealt with. Satan viciously attacks our faith. Not just attacks us through temptation but also attacks our faith in God! Does God love; Does God care; can God help; will God help; will God help; etc?
3. The Quenching of those Fiery Darts - Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (Not merely, “ye may.” The shield of faith will certainly intercept, and so “quench, all the fiery darts!” Not stopping them for they will continually come because Satan never gives up. We sometimes give up! But, thank the Lord, God never gives up.)
4. The Wherewith All of Quenching The Fiery Darts - 1 Peter 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (You can take everything away from a person but, if you cannot remove their faith, they can steadfastly continue. Satan attacks our faith because it is our faith that defeats him.)
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
The Definition of our Faith - Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report. (3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Faith has Substance and Evidence! “things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Our faith is not in what we see or the results of natural phenomena but faith is a trust of the One whom we cannot see to do things that cannot be humanly done in ways that we cannot understand or explain. Faith is just that, FAITH!)
5. The Shield of Faith - Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. (Our greatest “shield” is still the Lord. Who cannot be seen protects us from what can be seen. Let us keep our faith solid in Him and Him alone. He will not fail us. I cannot fathom His great love and care for His children: “casting all your care upon him; for he CARETH for you!” Keep your faith in the Lord and you will come out the victor.)
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Be Ye Steadfast
Temple Baptist Church - 11-13-2011
1 Corinthians 15:58
Introduction:
A. Chapter 15 deals with the resurrection of Jesus Christ and our “gathering together unto him.” One way or the other, we will not be here long! Either by death or by the rapture, we are leaving out of here. “Yesterday,” I was a kid; a little later, a young man raising a family; now, in my 60’s and time is short.
B. The Holy Ghost admonishes the church to be heavenly minded in verse 58 because the real treasures are those that are eternal, not temporal. Everything that we have or hope to have will be left behind. The bible declares that we came into this world naked and we will leave it the same way. The Corinthian Church was a carnal (fleshly) church and spent both their time and resources upon their natural, temporal desires. The “therefore” ties this verse to the preceding verses and is a summation or conclusion. His plea is based upon our blessed position in the body of Christ and hope of His soon return in the rapture of the church.
C. “My” denotes ownership. “Beloved” denotes our dearness to both the Apostle and our Saviour. “Brethren” denotes a family relationship which is important because our dependence is not only upon the Saviour but also upon each other!
1. In our text verse, we find the admonition of Steadfastness – deals with the possibility of quitting - Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (People are quitting on every hand. Pastors, missionaries, evangelists, SS teachers, soul winners, church workers, etc. More and more professing Christians are now comfortable at home when the church assembles. They are out of church and, yet, not convicted?)
2. In our text verse, we find the admonition of Immovability – deals with the possibility of being swayed - 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (We are in the midst of the “falling away.”)
3. In our text verse, we find the admonition of Abounding – deals with possibility of sitting down instead of serving - 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. (The closer to the end of the church age, the more we should labor. Unfortunately, it is just the exact opposite is true. The 75/25 rule has now become the 95/5 rule. 5 percent of the people do all of the work while 95 percent do nothing.)
4. In our text verse, we find the admonition of Knowledge – deals with the understanding that our labor is not in vain - Matthew 10:40-42 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. (Though we are in the age of “gleaning” or the Days of Noe, God is still in control of the harvest!)
5. In our text verse, we find the admonition of Reward – God will certainly reward us with fullness - 2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (full reward) for our labors (Parable of those who labored through the heat of the day for a penny while others entered the fields much later and received the same.)
ALL OF THIS IS GOING TO TAKE TWO THINGS:
1. It Takes A Real Conversion – 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (The unsaved have nothing to hold them when the storms of this life begin to blow. They will fall away.)
2. It Takes A Real Conviction – 2 Timothy 4:10a For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world! (Too many of God’s people are in love with world and at enmity with God.)
SOME THINGS WE NEED TO CONTINUE IN:
1. We Need To Continue In One Accord - Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (We have an objective! One of the major travesties of our time is sending our military into hostile environments with no clear objective. You cannot win a war without an objective! We have an objective: to win souls, support missions, and raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.)
2. We Need To Continue In Prayer - Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (The effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much! William Cowper (1731-1800), an English poet, said: “And Satan trembles when he sees, the weakest saint upon his knees.” Pray fervently and unceasingly!)
Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3. We Need To Continue In Doctrine - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 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. (God’s Word has always been under attack and that attack has only increased in these last days. We have an anchor that holds fast in an ever changing world! The King James Bible!)
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.
4. We Need To Continue In Fellowship - Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (The greatest enemy of the local church is division. The enemy within is greater than the enemy from without and Satan knows how to attack the church. Have fervent charity one for the other and be at peace.)
5. We Need To Continue In The Grace of God - Acts 13:43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. (Salvation’s Message has changed! As the world gets more “religious,” fewer and fewer people have God’s “common” salvation. We who are saved become the “right wing fundamentalist” and are maligned.)
6. We Need To Continue In Encouragement - Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Hebrews 10:25 commands our assembly with the purpose of exhortation! If you are not here, we cannot encourage you and you cannot encourage us. I have never seen so many families who were once faithful to God’s house sitting at home or our enjoying their weekend instead of being in church.)
7. We Need To Continue In Soul Winning (Both at home and abroad)
Acts 26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great
8. We Need To Continue In Godliness - Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. (A clear conscience makes for a soft pillow! Live right and you will never be sorry.)
Conclusion: Standing in a physical fight is not nearly as difficult as standing in a spiritual one.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Introduction:
A. Chapter 15 deals with the resurrection of Jesus Christ and our “gathering together unto him.” One way or the other, we will not be here long! Either by death or by the rapture, we are leaving out of here. “Yesterday,” I was a kid; a little later, a young man raising a family; now, in my 60’s and time is short.
B. The Holy Ghost admonishes the church to be heavenly minded in verse 58 because the real treasures are those that are eternal, not temporal. Everything that we have or hope to have will be left behind. The bible declares that we came into this world naked and we will leave it the same way. The Corinthian Church was a carnal (fleshly) church and spent both their time and resources upon their natural, temporal desires. The “therefore” ties this verse to the preceding verses and is a summation or conclusion. His plea is based upon our blessed position in the body of Christ and hope of His soon return in the rapture of the church.
C. “My” denotes ownership. “Beloved” denotes our dearness to both the Apostle and our Saviour. “Brethren” denotes a family relationship which is important because our dependence is not only upon the Saviour but also upon each other!
1. In our text verse, we find the admonition of Steadfastness – deals with the possibility of quitting - Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (People are quitting on every hand. Pastors, missionaries, evangelists, SS teachers, soul winners, church workers, etc. More and more professing Christians are now comfortable at home when the church assembles. They are out of church and, yet, not convicted?)
2. In our text verse, we find the admonition of Immovability – deals with the possibility of being swayed - 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (We are in the midst of the “falling away.”)
3. In our text verse, we find the admonition of Abounding – deals with possibility of sitting down instead of serving - 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. (The closer to the end of the church age, the more we should labor. Unfortunately, it is just the exact opposite is true. The 75/25 rule has now become the 95/5 rule. 5 percent of the people do all of the work while 95 percent do nothing.)
4. In our text verse, we find the admonition of Knowledge – deals with the understanding that our labor is not in vain - Matthew 10:40-42 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. (Though we are in the age of “gleaning” or the Days of Noe, God is still in control of the harvest!)
5. In our text verse, we find the admonition of Reward – God will certainly reward us with fullness - 2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (full reward) for our labors (Parable of those who labored through the heat of the day for a penny while others entered the fields much later and received the same.)
ALL OF THIS IS GOING TO TAKE TWO THINGS:
1. It Takes A Real Conversion – 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (The unsaved have nothing to hold them when the storms of this life begin to blow. They will fall away.)
2. It Takes A Real Conviction – 2 Timothy 4:10a For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world! (Too many of God’s people are in love with world and at enmity with God.)
SOME THINGS WE NEED TO CONTINUE IN:
1. We Need To Continue In One Accord - Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (We have an objective! One of the major travesties of our time is sending our military into hostile environments with no clear objective. You cannot win a war without an objective! We have an objective: to win souls, support missions, and raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.)
2. We Need To Continue In Prayer - Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (The effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much! William Cowper (1731-1800), an English poet, said: “And Satan trembles when he sees, the weakest saint upon his knees.” Pray fervently and unceasingly!)
Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3. We Need To Continue In Doctrine - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 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. (God’s Word has always been under attack and that attack has only increased in these last days. We have an anchor that holds fast in an ever changing world! The King James Bible!)
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.
4. We Need To Continue In Fellowship - Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (The greatest enemy of the local church is division. The enemy within is greater than the enemy from without and Satan knows how to attack the church. Have fervent charity one for the other and be at peace.)
5. We Need To Continue In The Grace of God - Acts 13:43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. (Salvation’s Message has changed! As the world gets more “religious,” fewer and fewer people have God’s “common” salvation. We who are saved become the “right wing fundamentalist” and are maligned.)
6. We Need To Continue In Encouragement - Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Hebrews 10:25 commands our assembly with the purpose of exhortation! If you are not here, we cannot encourage you and you cannot encourage us. I have never seen so many families who were once faithful to God’s house sitting at home or our enjoying their weekend instead of being in church.)
7. We Need To Continue In Soul Winning (Both at home and abroad)
Acts 26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great
8. We Need To Continue In Godliness - Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. (A clear conscience makes for a soft pillow! Live right and you will never be sorry.)
Conclusion: Standing in a physical fight is not nearly as difficult as standing in a spiritual one.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Your Feet Shod With The Preparation Of The Gospel Of Peace
Temple Baptist Church - 11-9-2011
Ephesians 6:10-15
Introduction:
A. Notice with me the progression of the armor. Our loin girt with truth protects our minds; the breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts; now we come to the protection of our walk. A right mind and heart make for a right walk! The Lord says nor does anything randomly. His word is both progressive and purposed.
B. I am a “tenderfoot” in my old age. I remember, as a little boy, running barefoot over just about anything but, occasionally, I would get a “stone bruise.” Remember those things? They were painful for a long while. I would stub my toes often also. Wearing shoes became a way of life as I became a little older. Oven in my teen years I do not remember going barefoot a lot unless I was walking through the freshly tilled ground of our garden. Now, I cannot walk across the grassy front yard without flinching. Shoes protect our walk.
C. When wearing shoes, I do not have to constantly be looking down to see where my foot will land. I can walk with confidence while looking down the road and see where I am going. So it is with spiritual shoes. With our feet “shod,” we can walk without having to watch our every step and walk safely.
D. I want to look at the “shoes” and the “safety” for a few minutes tonight. If you do not have the right kind of shoes on, you cannot walk safely. Can you imagine a lady wearing “spike heel” shoes while hiking through the mountains? Occasionally, I go to my tool shed in house shoes and still walk like a “tender foot” because house shoe are made to walk in the house. You can be “shod” with the wrong kind of shoes and still get hurt or not be able to walk.
1. The Believer’s Shoes. “the preparation of the gospel of peace” Preparation simply means the foundation or the base upon which we walk. There are three words that I want to look at in relation to the “shoes” of the believer.
a. Preparation – Preparation begins with a mental preparedness:
1) We walk before God - Psalms 116:9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. (Because we are His children, He watches us.)
2) We walk with God - Genesis 5:22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: (Walking with God speaks of fellowship and communion.)
3) We walk for God – Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (We carry the gospel to those who will not come to us and hear it.)
b. Gospel – The gospel is the:
1) Way of God in salvation - 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; (2) By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
2) Power of God unto salvation - Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
3) The only hope for both the sinner and this present evil world is the gospel!
c. Peace – The gospel brings to the sinner:
1) Peace with God - Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2) Peace of God - Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
3) Peace of mind - Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
2. The Believer’s Safety. “peace” Having our feet “shod” with the right spiritual “shoes” does several things to protect the believer.
a. They remind us of who we are as we walk. 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (Obligation)
b. They direct us as we walk. Psalms 25:4-5 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. (5) Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. (Purity)
c. They protect us as we walk. 1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (Testimony)
Ephesians 6:10-15
Introduction:
A. Notice with me the progression of the armor. Our loin girt with truth protects our minds; the breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts; now we come to the protection of our walk. A right mind and heart make for a right walk! The Lord says nor does anything randomly. His word is both progressive and purposed.
B. I am a “tenderfoot” in my old age. I remember, as a little boy, running barefoot over just about anything but, occasionally, I would get a “stone bruise.” Remember those things? They were painful for a long while. I would stub my toes often also. Wearing shoes became a way of life as I became a little older. Oven in my teen years I do not remember going barefoot a lot unless I was walking through the freshly tilled ground of our garden. Now, I cannot walk across the grassy front yard without flinching. Shoes protect our walk.
C. When wearing shoes, I do not have to constantly be looking down to see where my foot will land. I can walk with confidence while looking down the road and see where I am going. So it is with spiritual shoes. With our feet “shod,” we can walk without having to watch our every step and walk safely.
D. I want to look at the “shoes” and the “safety” for a few minutes tonight. If you do not have the right kind of shoes on, you cannot walk safely. Can you imagine a lady wearing “spike heel” shoes while hiking through the mountains? Occasionally, I go to my tool shed in house shoes and still walk like a “tender foot” because house shoe are made to walk in the house. You can be “shod” with the wrong kind of shoes and still get hurt or not be able to walk.
1. The Believer’s Shoes. “the preparation of the gospel of peace” Preparation simply means the foundation or the base upon which we walk. There are three words that I want to look at in relation to the “shoes” of the believer.
a. Preparation – Preparation begins with a mental preparedness:
1) We walk before God - Psalms 116:9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. (Because we are His children, He watches us.)
2) We walk with God - Genesis 5:22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: (Walking with God speaks of fellowship and communion.)
3) We walk for God – Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (We carry the gospel to those who will not come to us and hear it.)
b. Gospel – The gospel is the:
1) Way of God in salvation - 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; (2) By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
2) Power of God unto salvation - Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
3) The only hope for both the sinner and this present evil world is the gospel!
c. Peace – The gospel brings to the sinner:
1) Peace with God - Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2) Peace of God - Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
3) Peace of mind - Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
2. The Believer’s Safety. “peace” Having our feet “shod” with the right spiritual “shoes” does several things to protect the believer.
a. They remind us of who we are as we walk. 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (Obligation)
b. They direct us as we walk. Psalms 25:4-5 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. (5) Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. (Purity)
c. They protect us as we walk. 1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (Testimony)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
The Landmark of Sound Doctrine
Temple Baptist Church - 11-6-2011
1 Timothy 1:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:13-17
Introduction:
A. As I finish preaching on “landmarks” this morning, I want us to continually realize where we are spiritually, what time it is spiritually, and what is coming spiritually.
1. We live in the midst of the “falling away” of 2 Thessalonians! It seems that true believers are becoming fewer with each passing day. People who once stood for the things of God are now sitting on the spiritual “sidelines” with little or no interest in the things of God.
2. We live in the midst of the “having a form or godliness” of 2 Timothy 3! The “Christians” of our day place everything above the Lord while they look and love like the world.
3. We live in the midst of the “ear tickling” of 2 Timothy 3-4 where teachers have replaced preachers and the people “love to have it so.”
4. We live in the midst of the “lukewarm” church of Laodicea, in Revelation 2, where the church is physically well fed and spiritually despicable to the Lord.
5. We live in the midst of the “as the manner of some is” of Hebrews 10 where the Lord’s Day and the house of God has taken a “backseat” to the desires of the unfaithful!
B. 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are referred to the “Pastoral Epistles.” These books teach us how to pastor a local church. As far as I can discern, Timothy was the possibly the pastor of the church at Ephesus. In 1 Timothy, Paul told Timothy to remain with the charge of maintaining sound doctrine in the church. One of the most important aspects of the work of a pastor is defending the doctrines of the faith within the church.
Ephesians 4:11-14 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
C. Doctrine is simply the truth of the Bible set forth through the teaching or preaching of the local church. Doctrinal truth is the foundation upon which our faith is established. Sound doctrine is right and good for the believer. Sound doctrine is the meat of the word and not the milk! Churches built upon singing or emotions will not withstand the attacks of Satan. It is the grounding of the believer in truth that will hold him fast.
D. Satan attacks sound doctrine in different ways:
1. The device of infiltration. 2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (Apostates and Clowns instead of preachers who have changed the pulpits to fit the times that we live in.)
Jude 3-4 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (4) For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (We have had some over the years come to Temple that did not stand where we stand on either the bible or doctrines. I keep my “ear to the ground” at all times in order to protect both this blessed bible that we hold in our hands as well as the doctrines that in encompasses. False brethren, false teachers, etc. are continually invading the local churches.)
2. The device of confusion. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (Satan uses people who carry different versions or the using of materials that quote perverted versions. Satan also uses people who are in disagreement with the doctrines being taught by the pastor and spread their discontent to others.)
3. The device of ignorance. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (Ignorance can be either a failure by the pastor to teach sound doctrine or the carnality of believers who will not accept sound doctrine.)
E. It is important that we teach sound doctrine.
1. Jesus Christ taught doctrine. Matthew 7:28-29 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: (29) For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
2. The Apostles taught doctrine. Acts 2:41-42 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
3. Pastors are to teach doctrine. Titus 1:7-11 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; (8) But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; (9) Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (10) For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: (11) Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
F. Why such emphasis on sound 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.
1. We Are To Teach Sound Doctrine - 1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
2. We Are To Continue Steadfastly In Sound Doctrine - 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;
3. We Are To Heed Sound 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.
4. We Are To Reject False Doctrine - Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
2 John 9-10 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
1 Timothy 1:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:13-17
Introduction:
A. As I finish preaching on “landmarks” this morning, I want us to continually realize where we are spiritually, what time it is spiritually, and what is coming spiritually.
1. We live in the midst of the “falling away” of 2 Thessalonians! It seems that true believers are becoming fewer with each passing day. People who once stood for the things of God are now sitting on the spiritual “sidelines” with little or no interest in the things of God.
2. We live in the midst of the “having a form or godliness” of 2 Timothy 3! The “Christians” of our day place everything above the Lord while they look and love like the world.
3. We live in the midst of the “ear tickling” of 2 Timothy 3-4 where teachers have replaced preachers and the people “love to have it so.”
4. We live in the midst of the “lukewarm” church of Laodicea, in Revelation 2, where the church is physically well fed and spiritually despicable to the Lord.
5. We live in the midst of the “as the manner of some is” of Hebrews 10 where the Lord’s Day and the house of God has taken a “backseat” to the desires of the unfaithful!
B. 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are referred to the “Pastoral Epistles.” These books teach us how to pastor a local church. As far as I can discern, Timothy was the possibly the pastor of the church at Ephesus. In 1 Timothy, Paul told Timothy to remain with the charge of maintaining sound doctrine in the church. One of the most important aspects of the work of a pastor is defending the doctrines of the faith within the church.
Ephesians 4:11-14 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
C. Doctrine is simply the truth of the Bible set forth through the teaching or preaching of the local church. Doctrinal truth is the foundation upon which our faith is established. Sound doctrine is right and good for the believer. Sound doctrine is the meat of the word and not the milk! Churches built upon singing or emotions will not withstand the attacks of Satan. It is the grounding of the believer in truth that will hold him fast.
D. Satan attacks sound doctrine in different ways:
1. The device of infiltration. 2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (Apostates and Clowns instead of preachers who have changed the pulpits to fit the times that we live in.)
Jude 3-4 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (4) For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (We have had some over the years come to Temple that did not stand where we stand on either the bible or doctrines. I keep my “ear to the ground” at all times in order to protect both this blessed bible that we hold in our hands as well as the doctrines that in encompasses. False brethren, false teachers, etc. are continually invading the local churches.)
2. The device of confusion. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (Satan uses people who carry different versions or the using of materials that quote perverted versions. Satan also uses people who are in disagreement with the doctrines being taught by the pastor and spread their discontent to others.)
3. The device of ignorance. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (Ignorance can be either a failure by the pastor to teach sound doctrine or the carnality of believers who will not accept sound doctrine.)
E. It is important that we teach sound doctrine.
1. Jesus Christ taught doctrine. Matthew 7:28-29 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: (29) For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
2. The Apostles taught doctrine. Acts 2:41-42 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
3. Pastors are to teach doctrine. Titus 1:7-11 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; (8) But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; (9) Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (10) For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: (11) Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
F. Why such emphasis on sound 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.
1. We Are To Teach Sound Doctrine - 1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
2. We Are To Continue Steadfastly In Sound Doctrine - 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;
3. We Are To Heed Sound 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.
4. We Are To Reject False Doctrine - Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
2 John 9-10 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The Breastplate of Righteousness
Temple 11-2-2011
Ephesians 6:14
Introduction:
A. The first piece of the Christian’s armor was the truth. You will never be a good Christian until you both know and are saturated with the truth! Satan’s first attack upon mankind was to distort the truth to Eve. Truth has been attacked and distorted ever since. Truth girts the loins of the mind.
B. The second piece of the Christian’s armor is the breastplate of righteousness. As the “loins girt” with truth protects the mind, the “breastplate of righteousness” protects the heart. The breastplate is comprised of righteousness! There are three kinds of righteousness found in the bible with two being godly and one ungodly.
1. The ungodly “righteousness” is self-righteousness. In the story of the Publican and the Pharisee, we find the self-righteousness of the religious man contrasted with the contriteness of the sinner. The Publican left justified (or righteous) while the Pharisee prayed thus with himself and left self-righteous.
2. The godly “righteousness” of imputation. When the sinner comes to Christ, God imputes to him or her the righteousness of God. Perfect righteousness brings about positional salvation which is eternal life.
3. The godly “righteousness” of personal righteousness. The child of God living a life that is pleasing to the One who saved him or her. “For to me to live is Christ!”
C. I must note at this time that neither self-righteousness nor personal righteousness can save! Isaiah 64:6 declares that “all our righteousness are as filthy rags” when it comes to salvation. Not matter how righteously we live in this present evil world, we can only be right with God through the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ!
D. Secondly, it is a breastplate. The breastplate protects the vital, especially the heart. Therefore, the breastplate of righteousness protects our heart. As the metal breastplate protects the physical heart, the righteous breastplate protects the inner man or the seat of our affections.
E. When the Bible speaks of the heart, it is not speaking of the organ that pumps your blood, but of the very soul of man wherein lies the seat of his affections. Man was made in the likeness of God when created. Man is a trinity: body, soul, and spirit.
1. The body is world conscious with five senses: hearing, sight, taste, smell, and touch. With our bodies, we perceive the world.
2. The soul is self-conscious: it is what we desire and what we desire is what we are. With our soul, we perceive our wants.
3. The spirit is God conscious: it is with the spirit that man seeks after God and worships in His presence. With our souls, we perceive our worship.
F. It is of no wonder that the Bible says to “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (issue: going forth or outgoings)
1. The heart controls the body by either suppressing or encouraging its desires.
2. The heart controls the spirit by either turning to God or turning away from God.
G. I want to quickly deal with two areas concerning the heart: 1) Realization 2) Responsibility
1. A Realization concerning the Deceitfulness of the Heart.
a. The Sinfulness of the Heart - Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
b. The Secrets of the Heart - Psalms 44:21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
c. The Searching of the Heart - Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
2. A Responsibility concerning the Diligence of the Heart.
a. The Diligence of Saturation - Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. (God’s word is more necessary than physical nourishment!)
b. The Diligence of Limitation - Psalms 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
c. The Diligence of Meditation - Proverbs 23:7a For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.
d. The Diligence of Adoration - Psalms 9:1 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
Ephesians 6:14
Introduction:
A. The first piece of the Christian’s armor was the truth. You will never be a good Christian until you both know and are saturated with the truth! Satan’s first attack upon mankind was to distort the truth to Eve. Truth has been attacked and distorted ever since. Truth girts the loins of the mind.
B. The second piece of the Christian’s armor is the breastplate of righteousness. As the “loins girt” with truth protects the mind, the “breastplate of righteousness” protects the heart. The breastplate is comprised of righteousness! There are three kinds of righteousness found in the bible with two being godly and one ungodly.
1. The ungodly “righteousness” is self-righteousness. In the story of the Publican and the Pharisee, we find the self-righteousness of the religious man contrasted with the contriteness of the sinner. The Publican left justified (or righteous) while the Pharisee prayed thus with himself and left self-righteous.
2. The godly “righteousness” of imputation. When the sinner comes to Christ, God imputes to him or her the righteousness of God. Perfect righteousness brings about positional salvation which is eternal life.
3. The godly “righteousness” of personal righteousness. The child of God living a life that is pleasing to the One who saved him or her. “For to me to live is Christ!”
C. I must note at this time that neither self-righteousness nor personal righteousness can save! Isaiah 64:6 declares that “all our righteousness are as filthy rags” when it comes to salvation. Not matter how righteously we live in this present evil world, we can only be right with God through the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ!
D. Secondly, it is a breastplate. The breastplate protects the vital, especially the heart. Therefore, the breastplate of righteousness protects our heart. As the metal breastplate protects the physical heart, the righteous breastplate protects the inner man or the seat of our affections.
E. When the Bible speaks of the heart, it is not speaking of the organ that pumps your blood, but of the very soul of man wherein lies the seat of his affections. Man was made in the likeness of God when created. Man is a trinity: body, soul, and spirit.
1. The body is world conscious with five senses: hearing, sight, taste, smell, and touch. With our bodies, we perceive the world.
2. The soul is self-conscious: it is what we desire and what we desire is what we are. With our soul, we perceive our wants.
3. The spirit is God conscious: it is with the spirit that man seeks after God and worships in His presence. With our souls, we perceive our worship.
F. It is of no wonder that the Bible says to “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (issue: going forth or outgoings)
1. The heart controls the body by either suppressing or encouraging its desires.
2. The heart controls the spirit by either turning to God or turning away from God.
G. I want to quickly deal with two areas concerning the heart: 1) Realization 2) Responsibility
1. A Realization concerning the Deceitfulness of the Heart.
a. The Sinfulness of the Heart - Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
b. The Secrets of the Heart - Psalms 44:21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
c. The Searching of the Heart - Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
2. A Responsibility concerning the Diligence of the Heart.
a. The Diligence of Saturation - Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. (God’s word is more necessary than physical nourishment!)
b. The Diligence of Limitation - Psalms 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
c. The Diligence of Meditation - Proverbs 23:7a For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.
d. The Diligence of Adoration - Psalms 9:1 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
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