Temple Baptist Church - 5-31-2011
Ephesians 5:1-14
Introduction:
A. Now we find a list of sins that, though they are wicked and characterize the world, they are a possibility for the child of God to commit. Many believers (I use the word “believers” and not “Christians”) have fallen prey to the wickedness of their flesh, thus bringing reproach to the name of Christ and incurring the judgment of God.
B. If we “follow God” and “walk in love,” the following list is not a problem. When we “follow God” and “walk in love,” we control both our imaginations and flesh. Our heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked and our old nature is alive and doing well if we feed it.
C. The problem with sin in the life of the believer is a constant reminder that our flesh is not saved. The problem with our living in sin has to do with our disobedience to the Word of God.
1. We see the life of Lot - Genesis 13:12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. (This verse is in direct violation of 1Thess. 4:22 which says, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”)
2. We see the life of Demas - Timothy 4:10a For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world… (This verse is in direct violation of 1 John 2:15 which says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”)
D. These sins are entirely avoidable though many succumb to them. A verse that may be of great help is found in the “Hall of Faith” chapter:
Hebrews 11:15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. (“Mindful” means to reherse the memory. Mind Full is the problem with sinfulness in our lives.)
E. There are several “negative” aspects to willful, presumptuous sin in the life of the believer that I want to deal with tonight. Yes, we do have choices; yes, we can still sin; yes, we can act just like the world; yes, we can even return to our old life. I find it amazing that, when we were lost, it was “vomit” in our mouths that made us turn to Christ. Isn’t it amazing how we, like the dog and sow, return to the very things that made us “throw up” spiritually just a few years ago!!
1. Our sinfulness is displeasing to our Lord! Hebrews 10:38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (I am not speaking of anger alone; I am speaking of a displeasing of our Lord who loves us and gave His best for our salvation. I am speaking of the wonderful Kinsman Redeemer who bought us off of the “slave block” of sin with His own blood. We try to please our boss at work; we try to please our mates and family; we try to please the people of this world and care not if we please or displease the One who loves us the most.)
Hebrews 10:39 says, “But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” We cannot lose our salvation but our lives can be displeasing to our Lord.
2. We can suffer a loss of rewards! Vs. 5 1 Corinthians 3:14-15 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (15) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (The loss of rewards is not an eternal loss. I find no place in the Bible where there are degrees of heaven. After Revelation 20, we find no tears in the eyes of the believer. There is one street in the Holy Jerusalem; no back streets but all equally living on the same street. Loss of rewards has to do with two things:)
a. A loss of crowns at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Revelation 4:10-11 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, (11) Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Crowns to be cast at the feet of our Lord for He alone is worthy to wear them. What a shame to have nothing to give to Him!)
b. A loss of position in our ruling with the Lord for 1,000 years during the Golden Age of the Millennium. Luke 19:16-26 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. (17) And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities… And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five citiesAnd he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (25) (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) (26) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. (Our position with Christ will depend upon our faithfulness in this life during the Millennium.)
3. We can be chastened of the Lord! Vs. 6 Hebrews 12:5-7 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: (6) For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (7) If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? (The Lord’s chastening is progressive in nature. He speaks to our hearts through God’s Word and or God’s men. If sin is not gotten right, He progressively chastens. If this chastening does not bring about the right results, he “scourgeth” which can end in a premature death for the child of God.)
4. Our life can bring shame upon us, our family, our church, and—most importantly—the name of our Lord! Vs. 12-13 Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints. (A testimony for the Lord is not easily built; it can be quickly destroyed; and almost impossible to rebuild to its original glory. The Lord will forgive and forget; elephants may or may not forget; but people do not forget and many will not forgive.)
5. How do we maintain our walk of light with the Lord? Vs. 13-16
a. Awake to the fact that sin made you miserable before you were saved and it will make you much more miserable now! Simple enough?
b. Rise up and seek those things that are above! Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (3) For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
We often sacrifice the eternal for the temporal. We choose that which we cannot keep over that which we cannot lose! 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
c. Walk in the Light! Why stumble along in the darkness of this world when we have the light of life. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
d. Redeem our time. Stay busy for the Lord! “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
A Famine of Hearing
Temple Baptist Church - 5-29-2011
Amos 8:11-12
Introduction:
A. The prophecy of the Lord concerning the Word of God in the end time. The interpretation is to Israel but application can certainly be made to the end-time church also. A famine defined: extreme and general scarcity of food, as in a country or a large geographical area; any extreme and general scarcity; extreme hunger; starvation.
B. There are several things that I want to notice concerning this “famine” of the last days.
1. The famine is sent of the Lord. There is an old saying that goes something like this, “God will always give you what you want but it will always cost you what you’ve got!” God is neither the Author of sin nor does He approve of sin but, when someone is just too hard headed to listen, God will allow that individual to do as he or she wishes. God will allow that sin to run its course and then let the judgment come.
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
2. The famine is a scarcity of hearing the Word of God. They shall seek the Word of God but “shall not find it.” There are still those who want God’s Word but, because of the scarcity, they cannot find it. They “wander” from church to church seeking and not finding. They “run to and fro” which speaks of confusion. What a shame! Our nation was established on God’s Word and its principles.
C. What I want to deal with tonight is the aspect of “hearing” of God’s Word. A famine of hearing! The problem with hearing God’s Word is two-fold in America and in our area called “The Bible Belt.” I have said for years that the “Bible Belt” is “unbuckled!”
1. The South cut its spiritual teeth on the King James Bible and its preaching. Great revivals began in the South and its spiritual heritage runs deep.
2. The South in our day is permeated with biblical ignorance. As we knock on doors, I am astounded at the lack of biblical knowledge of supposedly saved people. They not only know nothing, most of these people do not even suspect anything!
3. The problem here is two-fold and the answer to the problem is found in Romans 10:17, “ So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” I find two “hearings” in that verse: an outer hearing and an “inner” hearing. Thus, we find the problem of the “famine.”
D. Let us look at that verse and the two “hearings” for a few minutes.
A LACK OF OUTER HEARING
1. First of all, there is a “famine” of Bible preaching in the land because they do not have the Bible. Most churches today do not even understand what the Word of God is. These churches have many “bibles” instead of one Bible. I often say, “If you do not know what God’s Word is, then I do not care to hear what you have to say spiritually.” NASB, NIV, NKJV, etc. are the “bibles” that you find in churches and book stores. The revered King James Bible is “antiquated” and no long relevant to our day, according to the “experts.” In order to hear the Word of God, you must have the preaching of the Word of God.
2. Secondly, there is a “famine” of Bible preaching in the land because those who do have a King James Bible either do not preach it or only preach a part of it. The only thing that will help our churches is having the whole counsel of God’s Word preached!
a. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (If all scripture is profitable—and it is—then all scripture needs to be preached! Otherwise, man is not made perfect (mature) nor is he throughly furnished unto all good works.)
b. Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (If man is to live by “every word” of God, then he cannot be living a godly life when much of God’s Word is not being preached! Thus, we have worldly, carnal children.)
3. Thirdly, there is a serious lack of and decline in God’s men! Preachers climb into pulpits that are neither called nor qualified!
a. Unsaved Preachers – False prophets such as the old man who prophesied of the Lord’s coming last week. Many are religious Charlatans who are making fortunes off of lost church members.
b. Unscriptural Preachers – False preachers who teach heretical doctrines and lead people in the wrong paths.
c. Unconcerned Preachers who place personal needs above the needs of their people. I put these in two categories:
1) Popular Preachers – These preach “smooth” things and are heavy on salvation and exhortation with little or no regard to holiness and spiritual maturity. Their congregations are worldly and will remain that way. These are afraid to preach, either because they have no personal conviction or are afraid that conviction will run their people off.
2) Prosperous Preachers – These are men who are in the ministry because it is an easy way to earn a living. These are guilty of “filthy lucre.”
A LACK OF INNER HEARING
1. The main object of preaching God’s Word is that people spiritually hear. Jeremiah 22:29 says, “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.” This is not just a physical hearing but is also a spiritual one. We sometimes hear the expression, “You hear but you don’t listen!” This hearing is paying attention and heeding the preaching.
2. People no longer want to hear the Word of God and are pouring into the aforementioned churches where they either do not have God’s Word or do not preach it. Matthew 13, in the parable of the Sower, there are 4 types of hearers with only one bringing forth fruit.
a. Some hear Bible preaching but will not properly respond. Ezekiel 33:31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.
b. Some leave Bible preaching churches in search of “teachers” because they have itching ears. Instead of desiring help, they simply desire to have their ears scratched.
1) They harden their necks to the preaching. Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2) They pull away the shoulder. Zechariah 7:11 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
3) They eventually leave for “greener grass.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
c. These have ears to hear but do not hear!
Conclusion: We have something very special here. We have the Word of God and the preaching of God’s Word. Let us do two things:
1. Follow God’s Man as he follows the Lord.
2. Follow God’s Word by being doers of the Word and not hearers only.
Amos 8:11-12
Introduction:
A. The prophecy of the Lord concerning the Word of God in the end time. The interpretation is to Israel but application can certainly be made to the end-time church also. A famine defined: extreme and general scarcity of food, as in a country or a large geographical area; any extreme and general scarcity; extreme hunger; starvation.
B. There are several things that I want to notice concerning this “famine” of the last days.
1. The famine is sent of the Lord. There is an old saying that goes something like this, “God will always give you what you want but it will always cost you what you’ve got!” God is neither the Author of sin nor does He approve of sin but, when someone is just too hard headed to listen, God will allow that individual to do as he or she wishes. God will allow that sin to run its course and then let the judgment come.
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
2. The famine is a scarcity of hearing the Word of God. They shall seek the Word of God but “shall not find it.” There are still those who want God’s Word but, because of the scarcity, they cannot find it. They “wander” from church to church seeking and not finding. They “run to and fro” which speaks of confusion. What a shame! Our nation was established on God’s Word and its principles.
C. What I want to deal with tonight is the aspect of “hearing” of God’s Word. A famine of hearing! The problem with hearing God’s Word is two-fold in America and in our area called “The Bible Belt.” I have said for years that the “Bible Belt” is “unbuckled!”
1. The South cut its spiritual teeth on the King James Bible and its preaching. Great revivals began in the South and its spiritual heritage runs deep.
2. The South in our day is permeated with biblical ignorance. As we knock on doors, I am astounded at the lack of biblical knowledge of supposedly saved people. They not only know nothing, most of these people do not even suspect anything!
3. The problem here is two-fold and the answer to the problem is found in Romans 10:17, “ So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” I find two “hearings” in that verse: an outer hearing and an “inner” hearing. Thus, we find the problem of the “famine.”
D. Let us look at that verse and the two “hearings” for a few minutes.
A LACK OF OUTER HEARING
1. First of all, there is a “famine” of Bible preaching in the land because they do not have the Bible. Most churches today do not even understand what the Word of God is. These churches have many “bibles” instead of one Bible. I often say, “If you do not know what God’s Word is, then I do not care to hear what you have to say spiritually.” NASB, NIV, NKJV, etc. are the “bibles” that you find in churches and book stores. The revered King James Bible is “antiquated” and no long relevant to our day, according to the “experts.” In order to hear the Word of God, you must have the preaching of the Word of God.
2. Secondly, there is a “famine” of Bible preaching in the land because those who do have a King James Bible either do not preach it or only preach a part of it. The only thing that will help our churches is having the whole counsel of God’s Word preached!
a. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (If all scripture is profitable—and it is—then all scripture needs to be preached! Otherwise, man is not made perfect (mature) nor is he throughly furnished unto all good works.)
b. Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (If man is to live by “every word” of God, then he cannot be living a godly life when much of God’s Word is not being preached! Thus, we have worldly, carnal children.)
3. Thirdly, there is a serious lack of and decline in God’s men! Preachers climb into pulpits that are neither called nor qualified!
a. Unsaved Preachers – False prophets such as the old man who prophesied of the Lord’s coming last week. Many are religious Charlatans who are making fortunes off of lost church members.
b. Unscriptural Preachers – False preachers who teach heretical doctrines and lead people in the wrong paths.
c. Unconcerned Preachers who place personal needs above the needs of their people. I put these in two categories:
1) Popular Preachers – These preach “smooth” things and are heavy on salvation and exhortation with little or no regard to holiness and spiritual maturity. Their congregations are worldly and will remain that way. These are afraid to preach, either because they have no personal conviction or are afraid that conviction will run their people off.
2) Prosperous Preachers – These are men who are in the ministry because it is an easy way to earn a living. These are guilty of “filthy lucre.”
A LACK OF INNER HEARING
1. The main object of preaching God’s Word is that people spiritually hear. Jeremiah 22:29 says, “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.” This is not just a physical hearing but is also a spiritual one. We sometimes hear the expression, “You hear but you don’t listen!” This hearing is paying attention and heeding the preaching.
2. People no longer want to hear the Word of God and are pouring into the aforementioned churches where they either do not have God’s Word or do not preach it. Matthew 13, in the parable of the Sower, there are 4 types of hearers with only one bringing forth fruit.
a. Some hear Bible preaching but will not properly respond. Ezekiel 33:31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.
b. Some leave Bible preaching churches in search of “teachers” because they have itching ears. Instead of desiring help, they simply desire to have their ears scratched.
1) They harden their necks to the preaching. Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2) They pull away the shoulder. Zechariah 7:11 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
3) They eventually leave for “greener grass.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
c. These have ears to hear but do not hear!
Conclusion: We have something very special here. We have the Word of God and the preaching of God’s Word. Let us do two things:
1. Follow God’s Man as he follows the Lord.
2. Follow God’s Word by being doers of the Word and not hearers only.
Memorial Day 2011 - Fight The Good Fight Of Faith
Temple Baptist Church - 5-29-2011
1 Timothy 6:12
Introduction:
A. Tomorrow, May 30,2011, is Memorial Day. The day in which we honor our war dead: men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom that we enjoy today. “All gave some but some gave all.” Their lives were cut short; they died in their youth; their dreams were never realized; their dreams can only be realized through us!
B. As we enjoy our freedom and blessings tomorrow, do not fail to remember those who will not be there to enjoy them with us! In all of the American wars, either by our country or within our country, over 45,000,00 men and women have served in wartime with app. 1,175,000 war dead and app. 1,500,000 wounded in action. That is a tremendous number of young lives that have been given and forever changed while affording us the freedom that we now enjoy.
C. Freedom in a privilege, not a right! There are many living in this country that enjoy the freedoms while misusing them.
1. We do not have the freedom to do wrong in this land.
2. We do not have the freedom to live here and defame this land.
3. America has had some sordidness in its history and still is not a perfect land, but it is my country and I say, “Love it or leave it.”
4. Come legal, learn the language, salute the flag, pay taxes, and be a good citizen!
5. You are not here because it is your right; you are here because you are privileged to live here.
D. War is not something that any sane man or woman wants, but we find in our text that war is sometimes a necessity. Men who will not fight will not remain free. Patrick Henry said, “Give me liberty or give me death!” It is the cry of the patriot and is the prerequisite for freedom. In order to live free, men must sometimes die.
E. God bless the memory of our war dead; God bless our troops; God bless America!
F. This morning, for a few minutes, I want to look at a different type of war casualty. You and I are in a spiritual warfare today. It is a war just as real as physical wars are real. We have spiritually what we have this morning because someone paid a great price.
1. From the blood of Abel to those who are martyred in other countries today, blood has been shed as men earnestly contended for the faith once delivered.
2. Throughout history, men and women have been tortured and died because they were not willing to recant concerning their faith. We have the witness of the Scriptures; we have the witness of books such as “Fox’s Book of Martyrs” and “Trail of Blood.”
3. We have the witness of both church and secular historians who have brought to us the reality of these sacrifices. Millions upon millions have and will die for their faith.
Hebrews 11:33-38 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, (34) Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (35) Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: (36) And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: (37) They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (38) (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Revelation 6:9-11 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: (10) And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? (11) And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
G. Because of the sufferings and death of these and countless others like them, we are spiritually blessed!
1. We have the blessing of a pure Bible! Without those who suffered and died for this old Book that I hold, we would not be so blessed. I know that preservation is an act of God—not an act of man—but God used men who were willing to suffer reproach and often die that we might have it. This morning, I want to say, “Thank you for my Bible!”
2. We have the blessing of our Faith once delivered! Without those who suffered and died, I would not know the way to heaven! They prayed and many “paid” that I might have the privilege of knowing how to be saved. So many denominations have departed from the faith into “Cain Worship.” They are now right with God because they are “right with God?” I am glad that my salvation is by grace through faith. Many have been persecuted for their unwillingness to capitulate on the doctrine of salvation. I am glad that I know that Jesus Christ is the only Way to heaven. This morning, I want to say, “Thank you for my Salvation!”
3. We have the blessing of Fathers to follow! Not only do we have the Bible and a wonderful Salvation, we have the “Old Paths” wherein is the right way and the good way. Our doctrine is pure, our separation is purposed, and our path is well trodden by those who went before. Many have suffered and died to make those paths well defined and easy to follow. Many are leaving the “Old Paths” for the “New Paths” in order to draw crowds and avoid persecution. In the “Old Paths,” we are different from this present evil world that the Lord died to deliver us from. We are not saved in our sin; we are not saved to sin; we are saved from our sin! I love the “Old Paths” that our fathers trod and will not forsake them for the “New Paths” that the world follows. The “Old Paths” are the right ways! They are the good ways! This morning, I want to say, “Thank you for leading me into the Old Paths!”
4. We have the blessing of Truth to guard us! We live in days of spiritual deception. This past week, a spiritual “crackpot” denied clear Scripture concerning the time of our Lord’s return. He brought reproach to the Second Coming of Christ by the news media. He gave the scoffers an occasion to blaspheme by saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?” There are men and women on every hand who claim to be either the Messiah or claim to know Him and, at the same time, preach doctrines contrary to clear Scripture. They are being followed by those who will one day be sent “strong delusion” and be damned eternally. I am glad that I know the Truth of God’s Word. I accept it as Truth. I follow it as Truth. This morning, I want to say, “Thank you for teaching me the Truth!”
Conclusion: Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Let us remember our war dead. Let us remember those who gave their lives for our Freedom! Let us also remember those who gave their lives for our Faith!
1 Timothy 6:12
Introduction:
A. Tomorrow, May 30,2011, is Memorial Day. The day in which we honor our war dead: men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom that we enjoy today. “All gave some but some gave all.” Their lives were cut short; they died in their youth; their dreams were never realized; their dreams can only be realized through us!
B. As we enjoy our freedom and blessings tomorrow, do not fail to remember those who will not be there to enjoy them with us! In all of the American wars, either by our country or within our country, over 45,000,00 men and women have served in wartime with app. 1,175,000 war dead and app. 1,500,000 wounded in action. That is a tremendous number of young lives that have been given and forever changed while affording us the freedom that we now enjoy.
C. Freedom in a privilege, not a right! There are many living in this country that enjoy the freedoms while misusing them.
1. We do not have the freedom to do wrong in this land.
2. We do not have the freedom to live here and defame this land.
3. America has had some sordidness in its history and still is not a perfect land, but it is my country and I say, “Love it or leave it.”
4. Come legal, learn the language, salute the flag, pay taxes, and be a good citizen!
5. You are not here because it is your right; you are here because you are privileged to live here.
D. War is not something that any sane man or woman wants, but we find in our text that war is sometimes a necessity. Men who will not fight will not remain free. Patrick Henry said, “Give me liberty or give me death!” It is the cry of the patriot and is the prerequisite for freedom. In order to live free, men must sometimes die.
E. God bless the memory of our war dead; God bless our troops; God bless America!
F. This morning, for a few minutes, I want to look at a different type of war casualty. You and I are in a spiritual warfare today. It is a war just as real as physical wars are real. We have spiritually what we have this morning because someone paid a great price.
1. From the blood of Abel to those who are martyred in other countries today, blood has been shed as men earnestly contended for the faith once delivered.
2. Throughout history, men and women have been tortured and died because they were not willing to recant concerning their faith. We have the witness of the Scriptures; we have the witness of books such as “Fox’s Book of Martyrs” and “Trail of Blood.”
3. We have the witness of both church and secular historians who have brought to us the reality of these sacrifices. Millions upon millions have and will die for their faith.
Hebrews 11:33-38 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, (34) Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (35) Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: (36) And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: (37) They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (38) (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Revelation 6:9-11 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: (10) And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? (11) And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
G. Because of the sufferings and death of these and countless others like them, we are spiritually blessed!
1. We have the blessing of a pure Bible! Without those who suffered and died for this old Book that I hold, we would not be so blessed. I know that preservation is an act of God—not an act of man—but God used men who were willing to suffer reproach and often die that we might have it. This morning, I want to say, “Thank you for my Bible!”
2. We have the blessing of our Faith once delivered! Without those who suffered and died, I would not know the way to heaven! They prayed and many “paid” that I might have the privilege of knowing how to be saved. So many denominations have departed from the faith into “Cain Worship.” They are now right with God because they are “right with God?” I am glad that my salvation is by grace through faith. Many have been persecuted for their unwillingness to capitulate on the doctrine of salvation. I am glad that I know that Jesus Christ is the only Way to heaven. This morning, I want to say, “Thank you for my Salvation!”
3. We have the blessing of Fathers to follow! Not only do we have the Bible and a wonderful Salvation, we have the “Old Paths” wherein is the right way and the good way. Our doctrine is pure, our separation is purposed, and our path is well trodden by those who went before. Many have suffered and died to make those paths well defined and easy to follow. Many are leaving the “Old Paths” for the “New Paths” in order to draw crowds and avoid persecution. In the “Old Paths,” we are different from this present evil world that the Lord died to deliver us from. We are not saved in our sin; we are not saved to sin; we are saved from our sin! I love the “Old Paths” that our fathers trod and will not forsake them for the “New Paths” that the world follows. The “Old Paths” are the right ways! They are the good ways! This morning, I want to say, “Thank you for leading me into the Old Paths!”
4. We have the blessing of Truth to guard us! We live in days of spiritual deception. This past week, a spiritual “crackpot” denied clear Scripture concerning the time of our Lord’s return. He brought reproach to the Second Coming of Christ by the news media. He gave the scoffers an occasion to blaspheme by saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?” There are men and women on every hand who claim to be either the Messiah or claim to know Him and, at the same time, preach doctrines contrary to clear Scripture. They are being followed by those who will one day be sent “strong delusion” and be damned eternally. I am glad that I know the Truth of God’s Word. I accept it as Truth. I follow it as Truth. This morning, I want to say, “Thank you for teaching me the Truth!”
Conclusion: Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Let us remember our war dead. Let us remember those who gave their lives for our Freedom! Let us also remember those who gave their lives for our Faith!
Dry Bones Baptist Church
Temple Baptist Church 5-29-2011
Ezekiel 37:1-10
Introduction:
A. By interpretation, this chapter deals with the re-gathering of Israel in the End-Time. Since the Allenby Declaration of 1914—making Canaan of the Old Testament the homeland of the Jew—God’s covenant people have been going home. Jacob’s Trouble is at hand (Daniel’s 70th Week) and God will once again deal with Israel as a nation.
B. We see the desolate state of the nation prior to the ingathering (almost 2000 years of national blindness and dispersion). Now, we see life once again come to Israel as the Lord brings them together and blows upon them with the breath of God.
C. By application, we see the condition of the church just prior to the Rapture. Much has been in the news lately concerning the coming of the Lord and that news has been detrimental to the cause of Christ. False prophets arising who go against clear scripture with their predictions while giving the news media and the enemies of Christ an occasion to mock and blaspheme.
D. “Dry Bones Baptist Church!” I have never seen that name on any sign but I have seen death slowly come to the majority of churches. These churches once lived! They were vibrant with life; preached the truth; won souls to Christ; lived separated lives; shed abroad the love of Christ; and made a difference in both their communities and the world.
E. There are several things that I want us to see in these verses that should open our eyes to the condition of the local church today. If we do not see, we cannot correct!
1. The Deadness of Our Churches – vs. 1
a. Churches Have Traded Preaching for Programs
b. Churches Have Traded Conviction for Compromise
c. Churches Have Traded Revivals for Seminars
d. Churches Have Traded Wed. Night Services for Family Nights
e. Churches Have Traded Prayer Rooms for Family "Life" Centers
f. Churches Have Traded Salvation for Church Membership
g. Churches Have Traded God's Word for Man's Reasoning
2. The Dryness of Our Churches –vs. 2
a. Churches Have Traded Praise for Knowledge
b. Churches Have Traded Worship for Menus
c. Churches Have Traded Powerful Preaching for Philosophy
d. Churches Have Traded Pure Word of God for Perverted word of man
e. Prayer rooms are empty
f. Altars are empty
g. Sunday night, Wed night, revival night, visitation nights are empty
h. Baptistries are dry
i. Eyes are dry
j. Souls are dry and thirsty
k. The joy of salvation is gone
3. The Question of Our Churches – 3 “Can these bones live?”
a. The answer is yes! In the midst of this Valley of Dry Bones, there can be local churches that live!
b. It takes realization of what has been lost. We must see where we have come from; what we have lost!
c. It takes a desire to live. In my years of visiting the sick and dying, I have seen people who have died simply because they lost the desire to live. They gave up when there was still hope. We must fight for life in order to live.
4. The Message of Our Churches – vs. 4
a. The Prophecy to the Church. Preach, Preacher, Preach! Our churches need to hear the Word of God preached in order for them to live. Pulpits must be much more than just compassionate, they must be straight and strong. The message must be biblical and complete.
b. Hear the word of the Lord, Church, hear! Jeremiah 22:29 says, “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.” There must be a hearing of what is being preached. Otherwise, we go home empty and unchanged; we go home disobedient; and we go home dying.
c. In order to live, we need to preach to dead churches!!! Otherwise, they will continue to die or they will remain dead.
5. The Desired Result of Our Churches – vs. 5-6
a. Breath – We need the breath and life of God! Not a pseudo-spirituality that is disobedient to the Bible but a spirituality that is obedient to God and His Word.
b. Life – We need life! Not the life of the world in the churches but the life of God. A life that has holiness instead of worldliness; a right music; a right dress; a right attitude toward God.
c. Growth – We need a right growth. Most churches grow through the loss of other churches. Many grow through proselyting! They grow by sheep stealing instead of door knocking and soul winning. I know what time it is; I know that God has to add; but I also know that have to go out and compel people to come to Christ.
d. Faith - "know that I am the Lord!" He is still the I AM THAT I AM who opened the Red Sea and led Israel through the wilderness. He is still the same!
6. The Deception of Our Churches – vs. 7-8
a. There Is A Noise - shouting is not necessarily Spirit
b. There Is A The Shaking - Things going on are not necessarily Spirit
c. There Is A Coming Together - Numbers are not necessarily Spirit
d. There Is A Placement - Organization is not necessarily Spirit
e. There Is An Appearance - Beauty is not necessarily Spirit
7. The Need of Our Churches – vs. 9-10 We need the Breath of God!
a. We Need The Breath of God In Our Worship - John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
b. We Need The Breath of God In Our Witness - Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
c. We Need The Breath of God In Our Fellowship - 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
d. We Need The Breath of God In Our Daily Walk With God - Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Conclusion: “Can these bones live?” Yes, they can live! “Will these bones live?” That is up to you and me!
Ezekiel 37:1-10
Introduction:
A. By interpretation, this chapter deals with the re-gathering of Israel in the End-Time. Since the Allenby Declaration of 1914—making Canaan of the Old Testament the homeland of the Jew—God’s covenant people have been going home. Jacob’s Trouble is at hand (Daniel’s 70th Week) and God will once again deal with Israel as a nation.
B. We see the desolate state of the nation prior to the ingathering (almost 2000 years of national blindness and dispersion). Now, we see life once again come to Israel as the Lord brings them together and blows upon them with the breath of God.
C. By application, we see the condition of the church just prior to the Rapture. Much has been in the news lately concerning the coming of the Lord and that news has been detrimental to the cause of Christ. False prophets arising who go against clear scripture with their predictions while giving the news media and the enemies of Christ an occasion to mock and blaspheme.
D. “Dry Bones Baptist Church!” I have never seen that name on any sign but I have seen death slowly come to the majority of churches. These churches once lived! They were vibrant with life; preached the truth; won souls to Christ; lived separated lives; shed abroad the love of Christ; and made a difference in both their communities and the world.
E. There are several things that I want us to see in these verses that should open our eyes to the condition of the local church today. If we do not see, we cannot correct!
1. The Deadness of Our Churches – vs. 1
a. Churches Have Traded Preaching for Programs
b. Churches Have Traded Conviction for Compromise
c. Churches Have Traded Revivals for Seminars
d. Churches Have Traded Wed. Night Services for Family Nights
e. Churches Have Traded Prayer Rooms for Family "Life" Centers
f. Churches Have Traded Salvation for Church Membership
g. Churches Have Traded God's Word for Man's Reasoning
2. The Dryness of Our Churches –vs. 2
a. Churches Have Traded Praise for Knowledge
b. Churches Have Traded Worship for Menus
c. Churches Have Traded Powerful Preaching for Philosophy
d. Churches Have Traded Pure Word of God for Perverted word of man
e. Prayer rooms are empty
f. Altars are empty
g. Sunday night, Wed night, revival night, visitation nights are empty
h. Baptistries are dry
i. Eyes are dry
j. Souls are dry and thirsty
k. The joy of salvation is gone
3. The Question of Our Churches – 3 “Can these bones live?”
a. The answer is yes! In the midst of this Valley of Dry Bones, there can be local churches that live!
b. It takes realization of what has been lost. We must see where we have come from; what we have lost!
c. It takes a desire to live. In my years of visiting the sick and dying, I have seen people who have died simply because they lost the desire to live. They gave up when there was still hope. We must fight for life in order to live.
4. The Message of Our Churches – vs. 4
a. The Prophecy to the Church. Preach, Preacher, Preach! Our churches need to hear the Word of God preached in order for them to live. Pulpits must be much more than just compassionate, they must be straight and strong. The message must be biblical and complete.
b. Hear the word of the Lord, Church, hear! Jeremiah 22:29 says, “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.” There must be a hearing of what is being preached. Otherwise, we go home empty and unchanged; we go home disobedient; and we go home dying.
c. In order to live, we need to preach to dead churches!!! Otherwise, they will continue to die or they will remain dead.
5. The Desired Result of Our Churches – vs. 5-6
a. Breath – We need the breath and life of God! Not a pseudo-spirituality that is disobedient to the Bible but a spirituality that is obedient to God and His Word.
b. Life – We need life! Not the life of the world in the churches but the life of God. A life that has holiness instead of worldliness; a right music; a right dress; a right attitude toward God.
c. Growth – We need a right growth. Most churches grow through the loss of other churches. Many grow through proselyting! They grow by sheep stealing instead of door knocking and soul winning. I know what time it is; I know that God has to add; but I also know that have to go out and compel people to come to Christ.
d. Faith - "know that I am the Lord!" He is still the I AM THAT I AM who opened the Red Sea and led Israel through the wilderness. He is still the same!
6. The Deception of Our Churches – vs. 7-8
a. There Is A Noise - shouting is not necessarily Spirit
b. There Is A The Shaking - Things going on are not necessarily Spirit
c. There Is A Coming Together - Numbers are not necessarily Spirit
d. There Is A Placement - Organization is not necessarily Spirit
e. There Is An Appearance - Beauty is not necessarily Spirit
7. The Need of Our Churches – vs. 9-10 We need the Breath of God!
a. We Need The Breath of God In Our Worship - John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
b. We Need The Breath of God In Our Witness - Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
c. We Need The Breath of God In Our Fellowship - 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
d. We Need The Breath of God In Our Daily Walk With God - Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Conclusion: “Can these bones live?” Yes, they can live! “Will these bones live?” That is up to you and me!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Walking IN Love
Temple Baptist Church - 5-25-2011
Ephesians 5:2
Introduction:
A. A vital part of both our following of God and being like Him is the aspect of walking in love. Many times in the Bible we find analogies such as “as God” or “as Christ.” These analogies give both the manner and scope in which we are to operate in this life. Here we find the words “as Christ” in relation to our walking in love.
1. Love motivated God to give His Son. It was God’s love for sinners that compelled Him to give the very best that heaven had for their redemption.
2. Love circumscribed the life of Christ upon this earth as He was a friend of publicans and sinners. It was love that moved our Lord through Samaria in order to save a poor, lost Samaritan woman.
3. It was love that bound our Lord to the cross. He died that we might live eternally with Him in heaven. Greater love hath no man than this!
B. In 1917, Fredrick M. Lehman wrote a song titled “The Love of God.” The song writer said:
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.
When years of time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Refrain
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.
C. When the Bible says to “walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour,” it shows us the driving force of Calvary and its effect upon us as we live our lives for Christ.
1. Acts 17:28 says, “For in him we live, and move, and have our being.”
2. 1 Corinthians 5:14 says, “For the love of Christ constraineth us.”
3. Ephesians 3:17 says, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.”
D. Verse 2 did not say that we were to love as we walk in this world but rather that:
1. Our walk is to be circumscribed by Love!
2. Our thoughts are to be captivated by Love!
3. Our desires are to be directed by love.
4. Our relationships are to be established upon love!
5. Our service for Christ is to be rooted and grounded in love!
E. What is the “great commandment?”
Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? (37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
F. The first aspect of the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22 is love. It is charity (brotherly love) that is the greatest of the gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13. This love is more than just being civil and courteous towards each other; it is more than just having affection for each other; it is more than just having good camaraderie with each other.
G. Our verse says that “walking in love” is an “offering…sacrifice…sweet smelling savour” to God.
1. Love Is Given At The Moment Of Salvation - 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.
2. Love Is One Of The Most Visual Signs Of Salvation - John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
3. Love Is A Sign Of Knowing God - 1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
4. Love Is A Sign Of Abiding In Christ – 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.
1. We Are To Love Our Lord - 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (Mentioned 15 times directly and many times indirectly.)
2. We Are To Love One Another (Mentioned 14 times directly)
a. This Love Is Expressed In Unity –2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
b. This Love Is An Expression Of Service - Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
c. This Love Is An Expression Of Purity – 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
d. This Love Is Expressed In Forgiveness – 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
3. We Are To Love Our Neighbor (Mentioned at least 10 times directly and is called the Royal Law) - James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: (Your Neighbor may be either saved or lost!
a. Your Neighbor Is A Person Of Any Religion
b. Your Neighbor Is A Person Of Any Race
c. Your Neighbor Is A Person Of Any Region
4. We Are To Love Our Church - Psalms 84:1-2 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! (2) My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
a. Love It By Attending
b. Love It By Praying
c. Love It By Supporting
d. Love It By Serving
5. We Are To Love Our Family
a. Husbands, Love Your Wives (mentioned 4x)
b. Wives, Love Your Husbands (mentioned 1x)
c. Love Your Children (mentioned 1x)
d. Children Are To Honor And Obey (love comes naturally)
Ephesians 5:2
Introduction:
A. A vital part of both our following of God and being like Him is the aspect of walking in love. Many times in the Bible we find analogies such as “as God” or “as Christ.” These analogies give both the manner and scope in which we are to operate in this life. Here we find the words “as Christ” in relation to our walking in love.
1. Love motivated God to give His Son. It was God’s love for sinners that compelled Him to give the very best that heaven had for their redemption.
2. Love circumscribed the life of Christ upon this earth as He was a friend of publicans and sinners. It was love that moved our Lord through Samaria in order to save a poor, lost Samaritan woman.
3. It was love that bound our Lord to the cross. He died that we might live eternally with Him in heaven. Greater love hath no man than this!
B. In 1917, Fredrick M. Lehman wrote a song titled “The Love of God.” The song writer said:
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.
When years of time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Refrain
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.
C. When the Bible says to “walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour,” it shows us the driving force of Calvary and its effect upon us as we live our lives for Christ.
1. Acts 17:28 says, “For in him we live, and move, and have our being.”
2. 1 Corinthians 5:14 says, “For the love of Christ constraineth us.”
3. Ephesians 3:17 says, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.”
D. Verse 2 did not say that we were to love as we walk in this world but rather that:
1. Our walk is to be circumscribed by Love!
2. Our thoughts are to be captivated by Love!
3. Our desires are to be directed by love.
4. Our relationships are to be established upon love!
5. Our service for Christ is to be rooted and grounded in love!
E. What is the “great commandment?”
Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? (37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
F. The first aspect of the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22 is love. It is charity (brotherly love) that is the greatest of the gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13. This love is more than just being civil and courteous towards each other; it is more than just having affection for each other; it is more than just having good camaraderie with each other.
G. Our verse says that “walking in love” is an “offering…sacrifice…sweet smelling savour” to God.
1. Love Is Given At The Moment Of Salvation - 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.
2. Love Is One Of The Most Visual Signs Of Salvation - John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
3. Love Is A Sign Of Knowing God - 1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
4. Love Is A Sign Of Abiding In Christ – 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.
1. We Are To Love Our Lord - 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (Mentioned 15 times directly and many times indirectly.)
2. We Are To Love One Another (Mentioned 14 times directly)
a. This Love Is Expressed In Unity –2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
b. This Love Is An Expression Of Service - Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
c. This Love Is An Expression Of Purity – 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
d. This Love Is Expressed In Forgiveness – 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
3. We Are To Love Our Neighbor (Mentioned at least 10 times directly and is called the Royal Law) - James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: (Your Neighbor may be either saved or lost!
a. Your Neighbor Is A Person Of Any Religion
b. Your Neighbor Is A Person Of Any Race
c. Your Neighbor Is A Person Of Any Region
4. We Are To Love Our Church - Psalms 84:1-2 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! (2) My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
a. Love It By Attending
b. Love It By Praying
c. Love It By Supporting
d. Love It By Serving
5. We Are To Love Our Family
a. Husbands, Love Your Wives (mentioned 4x)
b. Wives, Love Your Husbands (mentioned 1x)
c. Love Your Children (mentioned 1x)
d. Children Are To Honor And Obey (love comes naturally)
Self Examination Is Good For The Soul!
Temple Baptist Church - 5-25-2011
Psalm 26
Introduction:
A. One of the greatest men of God recorded in the Bible is David: a man after God’s own heart.
B. Much can be learned, both good and bad, by studying the life of this man. He, like all men, made his share of mistakes but he had a heart for God. Some of my favorite verses in the Psalms describe David’s love for the things of God.
C. Here in the 26th Psalm, we find his heart:
1. David’s appeal - appealed to the Lord for judgment – vs. 1
2. David’s desire – walked in mine integrity – vs. 1
3. David’s trust – not in self, but in the Lord – vs. 1
4. David’s confidence – I shall not slide – vs. 1
D. From this Psalm, I believe that David knew the importance of self-examination. Too many times, we “forget what manner” of men that we are. We begin to slack off on our Bible reading and prayer; slip in our daily walk with God; and lose sight of where we are spiritually.
James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (23) For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: (24) For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (25) But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
1. In verse 1, we find the importance of reflection. “I have walked” We need to examine where we have been spiritually in order to see what changes need to be made.
2. In verse 11, we find the importance of resolve. “I will walk” We need to examine where we desire to be spiritually the remainder of our lives
3. In verses 2-10, we find the importance of realization. Without self-examination, the past becomes only history while the future becomes unsure.
E. From these verses, we see that it is important for the child of God to examine him or herself. Self-judgment is a time of honesty before the Lord in which the believer is willing to allow the Holy Spirit to point out the spiritual failures and a willingness to honestly correct them. The Holy Spirit used three words in verse 2:
1. Examine – “with God’s Word”
2. Prove – “through divine testing”
3. Try – “to refine” Job 23:10
Psalms 139:1-6 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
a. God Knows My Emotions – “downsitting…uprising”
b. God Knows My Thoughts – “thought afar off”
c. God Knows My Deeds – “all my ways”
d. God Knows My Words – “word in my tongue”
1. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Walk – vs. 1 (Unbroken fellowship through honesty)
Luke 6:42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.
James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
2. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Motivation – vs. 3 (Why we do what we do)
Matthew 10:37-38 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
3. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Associations – vs. 4-5 (Who we talk with; who we walk with; who we agree with)
Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Psalms 119:63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
Jeremiah 15:17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.
4. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Confession – vs. 6 (I will wash…I will compass)
Isaiah 1:16-18 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Psalms 51:1-4 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Witness – vs. 7 (A debt of gratitude)
Psalms 116:12-14, 18-19 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people… I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people, In the courts of the LORD’S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.
6. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Faithfulness – vs. 8 (We live in days of unfaithfulness and lame excuses for unfaithfulness)
Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
7. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Integrity – vs. 11 (I will walk instead of I have walked in verse 1)
Psalms 26:1 Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.
8. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Steadfastness – vs. 11-12 (Consistency in both personal walk with the Lord and fellowship with the saints)
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
9. There Needs To Be Self-Examination Of Salvation - 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Psalm 26
Introduction:
A. One of the greatest men of God recorded in the Bible is David: a man after God’s own heart.
B. Much can be learned, both good and bad, by studying the life of this man. He, like all men, made his share of mistakes but he had a heart for God. Some of my favorite verses in the Psalms describe David’s love for the things of God.
C. Here in the 26th Psalm, we find his heart:
1. David’s appeal - appealed to the Lord for judgment – vs. 1
2. David’s desire – walked in mine integrity – vs. 1
3. David’s trust – not in self, but in the Lord – vs. 1
4. David’s confidence – I shall not slide – vs. 1
D. From this Psalm, I believe that David knew the importance of self-examination. Too many times, we “forget what manner” of men that we are. We begin to slack off on our Bible reading and prayer; slip in our daily walk with God; and lose sight of where we are spiritually.
James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (23) For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: (24) For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (25) But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
1. In verse 1, we find the importance of reflection. “I have walked” We need to examine where we have been spiritually in order to see what changes need to be made.
2. In verse 11, we find the importance of resolve. “I will walk” We need to examine where we desire to be spiritually the remainder of our lives
3. In verses 2-10, we find the importance of realization. Without self-examination, the past becomes only history while the future becomes unsure.
E. From these verses, we see that it is important for the child of God to examine him or herself. Self-judgment is a time of honesty before the Lord in which the believer is willing to allow the Holy Spirit to point out the spiritual failures and a willingness to honestly correct them. The Holy Spirit used three words in verse 2:
1. Examine – “with God’s Word”
2. Prove – “through divine testing”
3. Try – “to refine” Job 23:10
Psalms 139:1-6 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
a. God Knows My Emotions – “downsitting…uprising”
b. God Knows My Thoughts – “thought afar off”
c. God Knows My Deeds – “all my ways”
d. God Knows My Words – “word in my tongue”
1. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Walk – vs. 1 (Unbroken fellowship through honesty)
Luke 6:42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.
James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
2. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Motivation – vs. 3 (Why we do what we do)
Matthew 10:37-38 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
3. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Associations – vs. 4-5 (Who we talk with; who we walk with; who we agree with)
Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Psalms 119:63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
Jeremiah 15:17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.
4. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Confession – vs. 6 (I will wash…I will compass)
Isaiah 1:16-18 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Psalms 51:1-4 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Witness – vs. 7 (A debt of gratitude)
Psalms 116:12-14, 18-19 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people… I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people, In the courts of the LORD’S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.
6. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Faithfulness – vs. 8 (We live in days of unfaithfulness and lame excuses for unfaithfulness)
Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
7. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Integrity – vs. 11 (I will walk instead of I have walked in verse 1)
Psalms 26:1 Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.
8. There Needs To Be A Self-Examination Of Steadfastness – vs. 11-12 (Consistency in both personal walk with the Lord and fellowship with the saints)
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
9. There Needs To Be Self-Examination Of Salvation - 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Cities Of Refuge
Temple Baptist Church - 5-22-2011
Numbers 35:9-28
Introduction:
A. One of the most interesting studies in the Bible is that of the Cities of Refuge. Before Israel entered into Canaan, a type of victorious living in Christ, God told Moses to appoint six cites of refuge for the manslayer. When an Israelite killed another person—with the exception of pre-meditated—God gave to the individual a place of refuge. (vs. 11)
B. This refuge was safety from the avenger of blood. That appointment of this avenger rested on the principle of Genesis 9:6, which reads, “whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed.” The unwritten code of the East conceded to the nearest kinsman of a murdered man the right of avenging the blood that had been shed. (vs. 12)
C. There was no such refuge for the pre-meditated murderer. When the guilty came into the city of refuge, it was only a temporary refuge u until the case could be fairly examined by the magistrates in the presence of the people, or the elders their representatives; and this was done in the city or place where he had done the murder (Joshua 20:4-6). If he was found worthy of death, they delivered him to the avenger that he might be slain (Deuteronomy 19:12); if not, they sent him back to the city of refuge, where he remained till the death of the high priest (Numbers 35:25).
D. These 6 cities are a beautiful type of grace.
1. There Was Grace In Their Position – vs. 13-14
a) Three on the West Bank –Grace in the place of God’s will: Canaan.
b) Three on the East Bank – Grace in the place of man’s compromise: Ruben, Gad, half tribe of Manasseh.
2. There Was Grace In Their Purpose – vs. 15-23
a) A Place For The Manslayer of the Children of Israel – Grace for the Jew.
b) A Place For The Manslayer of the Stranger and Sojourner – Grace for the Gentile.
3. There Was Grace In Their Provision – vs. 24-25
a) A Place of Protection From The Avenger of Blood
b) A Place of Provision Until The Death of The High Priest
E. As the Cities of Refuge were a type of Christ and His protection, we have the very person of Jesus Christ as our Refuge.
Psalms 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psalms 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Psalms 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Psalms 62:7-8 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. (8) Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Psalms 142:4-5 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. (5) I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Isaiah 4:6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.
Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
F. Let me give to both you and I a good verse this morning as we look at these cities for a few minutes:
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
G. The Cities Of Refuge are both a type of Christ and a contrast to Christ! There are 7 vivid similarities as well as 7 vivid contrasts, which we will look at.
7 CONTRASTS BETWEEN THE CITIES OF REFUGE AND CHRIST
1. The Manslayer In The City of Refuge Was Not Exempt From Judgment
Joshua 20:6 And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.
The Saint In Christ Is Exempt From Judgment
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
2. The Manslayer In The City of Refuge Could Still Perish
Numbers 35:26-27 But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled; And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:
The Saint In Christ Will Never Perish
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
3. The Manslayer In The City of Refuge Had Temporal Safety
Numbers 35:28 Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.
The Saint In Christ Has Eternal Safety
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
4. The Manslayer Could Possible Survive Outside of The City of Refuge
Numbers 35:26-27 But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled; And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:
The Sinner Can Not Possible Survive Outside of Christ
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
5. Once Inside The City, The Manslayer Was Absent From His Home And Longed To Go Back
Numbers 35:28 Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.
Once Inside Christ, The Saint Is At Home And Never Longs To Go Back
Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
6. The City of Refuge Was For The Manslayer, Not The Murderer
Numbers 35:19-21 The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him. (20) But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die; (21) Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.
Jesus Christ Welcomes The Murderer!
Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
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.
7. You Could Be Taken Out Of The City Of Refuge By Man
Numbers 35:24 Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:
No Man Can Take You Out Of Christ’s Hand
John 10:28-29 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
7 SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE CITIES OF REFUGE AND CHRIST
1. The Cities Of Refuge Were Appointed Cities
Numbers 35:11-12 Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares. (12) And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment. (None other would do)
Christ Is The Appointed Refuge Of Salvation
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (None other will do)
2. The Cities Of Refuge Were Strategically Placed For Easy Access
Numbers 35:14 Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.
Christ Is Easily Accessible For The Sinner
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
3. The Cities Of Refuge Were There For All
Numbers 35:15 These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.
Christ Is A Refuge For All Who Will Come To Him
Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
4. There Is Imminent Danger To Both The Manslayer And The Sinner
To The Manslayer – Physical Death
Numbers 35:12 And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.
To The Lost Sinner – Eternal Death
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
5. There Is Immediate Need Of Fleeing For Refuge To Both The Manslayer And The Sinner
To The Manslayer – no promise of escape otherwise
Numbers 35:11 Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.
To The Lost Sinner – no promise of tomorrow
James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
6. There Is Immense Folly In Hesitation To Both The Manslayer And The Sinner
To The Manslayer – Death
Numbers 35:12 And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.
To The Lost Sinner – Hell
2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
7. There Is Safety To Both The Manslayer And The Sinner
To The Manslayer – Safety From The Avenger Of Death
Numbers 35:25 And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.
To the Sinner – Safety From Satan And Hell
Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Numbers 35:9-28
Introduction:
A. One of the most interesting studies in the Bible is that of the Cities of Refuge. Before Israel entered into Canaan, a type of victorious living in Christ, God told Moses to appoint six cites of refuge for the manslayer. When an Israelite killed another person—with the exception of pre-meditated—God gave to the individual a place of refuge. (vs. 11)
B. This refuge was safety from the avenger of blood. That appointment of this avenger rested on the principle of Genesis 9:6, which reads, “whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed.” The unwritten code of the East conceded to the nearest kinsman of a murdered man the right of avenging the blood that had been shed. (vs. 12)
C. There was no such refuge for the pre-meditated murderer. When the guilty came into the city of refuge, it was only a temporary refuge u until the case could be fairly examined by the magistrates in the presence of the people, or the elders their representatives; and this was done in the city or place where he had done the murder (Joshua 20:4-6). If he was found worthy of death, they delivered him to the avenger that he might be slain (Deuteronomy 19:12); if not, they sent him back to the city of refuge, where he remained till the death of the high priest (Numbers 35:25).
D. These 6 cities are a beautiful type of grace.
1. There Was Grace In Their Position – vs. 13-14
a) Three on the West Bank –Grace in the place of God’s will: Canaan.
b) Three on the East Bank – Grace in the place of man’s compromise: Ruben, Gad, half tribe of Manasseh.
2. There Was Grace In Their Purpose – vs. 15-23
a) A Place For The Manslayer of the Children of Israel – Grace for the Jew.
b) A Place For The Manslayer of the Stranger and Sojourner – Grace for the Gentile.
3. There Was Grace In Their Provision – vs. 24-25
a) A Place of Protection From The Avenger of Blood
b) A Place of Provision Until The Death of The High Priest
E. As the Cities of Refuge were a type of Christ and His protection, we have the very person of Jesus Christ as our Refuge.
Psalms 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psalms 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Psalms 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Psalms 62:7-8 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. (8) Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Psalms 142:4-5 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. (5) I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Isaiah 4:6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.
Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
F. Let me give to both you and I a good verse this morning as we look at these cities for a few minutes:
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
G. The Cities Of Refuge are both a type of Christ and a contrast to Christ! There are 7 vivid similarities as well as 7 vivid contrasts, which we will look at.
7 CONTRASTS BETWEEN THE CITIES OF REFUGE AND CHRIST
1. The Manslayer In The City of Refuge Was Not Exempt From Judgment
Joshua 20:6 And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.
The Saint In Christ Is Exempt From Judgment
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
2. The Manslayer In The City of Refuge Could Still Perish
Numbers 35:26-27 But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled; And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:
The Saint In Christ Will Never Perish
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
3. The Manslayer In The City of Refuge Had Temporal Safety
Numbers 35:28 Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.
The Saint In Christ Has Eternal Safety
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
4. The Manslayer Could Possible Survive Outside of The City of Refuge
Numbers 35:26-27 But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled; And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood:
The Sinner Can Not Possible Survive Outside of Christ
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
5. Once Inside The City, The Manslayer Was Absent From His Home And Longed To Go Back
Numbers 35:28 Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.
Once Inside Christ, The Saint Is At Home And Never Longs To Go Back
Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
6. The City of Refuge Was For The Manslayer, Not The Murderer
Numbers 35:19-21 The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him. (20) But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die; (21) Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.
Jesus Christ Welcomes The Murderer!
Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
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.
7. You Could Be Taken Out Of The City Of Refuge By Man
Numbers 35:24 Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:
No Man Can Take You Out Of Christ’s Hand
John 10:28-29 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
7 SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE CITIES OF REFUGE AND CHRIST
1. The Cities Of Refuge Were Appointed Cities
Numbers 35:11-12 Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares. (12) And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment. (None other would do)
Christ Is The Appointed Refuge Of Salvation
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (None other will do)
2. The Cities Of Refuge Were Strategically Placed For Easy Access
Numbers 35:14 Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.
Christ Is Easily Accessible For The Sinner
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
3. The Cities Of Refuge Were There For All
Numbers 35:15 These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.
Christ Is A Refuge For All Who Will Come To Him
Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
4. There Is Imminent Danger To Both The Manslayer And The Sinner
To The Manslayer – Physical Death
Numbers 35:12 And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.
To The Lost Sinner – Eternal Death
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
5. There Is Immediate Need Of Fleeing For Refuge To Both The Manslayer And The Sinner
To The Manslayer – no promise of escape otherwise
Numbers 35:11 Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.
To The Lost Sinner – no promise of tomorrow
James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
6. There Is Immense Folly In Hesitation To Both The Manslayer And The Sinner
To The Manslayer – Death
Numbers 35:12 And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.
To The Lost Sinner – Hell
2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
7. There Is Safety To Both The Manslayer And The Sinner
To The Manslayer – Safety From The Avenger Of Death
Numbers 35:25 And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.
To the Sinner – Safety From Satan And Hell
Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Followers Of God
Temple Baptist Church - 5-18-2011
Ephesians 5:1
Introduction:
A. In our verse for tonight, we find an interesting command. We are “commanded” of God to follow Him. It seems strange that the Apostle Paul had to command believers in the Church of Ephesus to follow the Lord.
1. The Lord saved them from a devil’s hell.
2. The Lord birthed them into the most wonderful family in the world.
3. The Lord fed them their daily bread.
4. The Lord protected them from both satanic and self-destruction.
5. The Lord had prepared them an eternal home in heaven.
6. The Lord had graciously and mercifully shown them a daily compassion.
B. It would seem only right that these “children” would want to follow a Father who did all of that for them. Often, children fail to appreciate what their parents do for them. I have seen many a teenager turn their backs on the wonderful heritage that they were born into and systematically destroy their lives and hurt their parents.
C. We call them foolish children who do so and yet we so often do the same things to our heavenly Father. He is so good to each of us. His way is the right way. He knows the end from the beginning so He knows where we travel before we go that way. He wants only the best for us and only offers the best to us. How foolish we often become in our decisions that we make.
D. Here, Paul describes those who follow the Lord as “dear children.” God loves all of His children! His love is unchanging, even when we are not what we should be but those who “follow” Him are especially dear to Him. The same with our children. When they follow right, they cause us little stress and we appreciate them. We do not love them more than our disobedient children but their manner of life is a blessing to us.
E. In God’s children, we find:
1. The Casual Follower. Those who follow the Lord at times and then drift back and forth. They are the “inconsistent believers.”
2. The Conditional Follower. Those who follow what they like and reject what they do not like. They are the “selfish believers.”
3. The Cautious Follower. Those who follow afar off. They remain close enough to see what is going on but not close enough to be an affective part of it.
4. The Committed Follower. Where He leads me, I will follow; what he feeds me I will swallow! Anywhere, everywhere, anytime, and every time—these follow the Lord. They follow closely and immediately.
F. Luke 9:23-25 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (24) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. (25) For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
Following in God’s steps:
1. Following Takes Desire – “If any man”
2. Following Takes Denial – “deny himself”
3. Following Takes Determination – “take up his cross daily”
4. Following Takes Devotion – “lose his life for my sake”
G. Following the Lord brings about:
1. Providence – Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
a. Our Steps are Orderly - Psalms 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
b. Our Steps are Ordered - Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
c. Our Steps are Observable - Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (We do not follow blindly)
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
2. Protection – Psalms 17:5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
a. He guards our Steps – Psalms 121:3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
b. He guards our Situations - Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
c. He guards our Sleep - Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. (The safest place on earth is found in the will of God.)
3. Provision - Genesis 48:15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day.
a. Convenient Provision - Proverbs 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: (What I need.)
b. Constant Provision - Luke 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread. (When I need.)
c. Complete Provision – Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (All I need.)
4. Promise – 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (The end of the road will always be fulfillment of purpose. It is a life of no regrets.)
Ephesians 5:1
Introduction:
A. In our verse for tonight, we find an interesting command. We are “commanded” of God to follow Him. It seems strange that the Apostle Paul had to command believers in the Church of Ephesus to follow the Lord.
1. The Lord saved them from a devil’s hell.
2. The Lord birthed them into the most wonderful family in the world.
3. The Lord fed them their daily bread.
4. The Lord protected them from both satanic and self-destruction.
5. The Lord had prepared them an eternal home in heaven.
6. The Lord had graciously and mercifully shown them a daily compassion.
B. It would seem only right that these “children” would want to follow a Father who did all of that for them. Often, children fail to appreciate what their parents do for them. I have seen many a teenager turn their backs on the wonderful heritage that they were born into and systematically destroy their lives and hurt their parents.
C. We call them foolish children who do so and yet we so often do the same things to our heavenly Father. He is so good to each of us. His way is the right way. He knows the end from the beginning so He knows where we travel before we go that way. He wants only the best for us and only offers the best to us. How foolish we often become in our decisions that we make.
D. Here, Paul describes those who follow the Lord as “dear children.” God loves all of His children! His love is unchanging, even when we are not what we should be but those who “follow” Him are especially dear to Him. The same with our children. When they follow right, they cause us little stress and we appreciate them. We do not love them more than our disobedient children but their manner of life is a blessing to us.
E. In God’s children, we find:
1. The Casual Follower. Those who follow the Lord at times and then drift back and forth. They are the “inconsistent believers.”
2. The Conditional Follower. Those who follow what they like and reject what they do not like. They are the “selfish believers.”
3. The Cautious Follower. Those who follow afar off. They remain close enough to see what is going on but not close enough to be an affective part of it.
4. The Committed Follower. Where He leads me, I will follow; what he feeds me I will swallow! Anywhere, everywhere, anytime, and every time—these follow the Lord. They follow closely and immediately.
F. Luke 9:23-25 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (24) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. (25) For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
Following in God’s steps:
1. Following Takes Desire – “If any man”
2. Following Takes Denial – “deny himself”
3. Following Takes Determination – “take up his cross daily”
4. Following Takes Devotion – “lose his life for my sake”
G. Following the Lord brings about:
1. Providence – Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
a. Our Steps are Orderly - Psalms 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
b. Our Steps are Ordered - Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
c. Our Steps are Observable - Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (We do not follow blindly)
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
2. Protection – Psalms 17:5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
a. He guards our Steps – Psalms 121:3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
b. He guards our Situations - Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
c. He guards our Sleep - Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. (The safest place on earth is found in the will of God.)
3. Provision - Genesis 48:15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day.
a. Convenient Provision - Proverbs 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: (What I need.)
b. Constant Provision - Luke 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread. (When I need.)
c. Complete Provision – Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (All I need.)
4. Promise – 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (The end of the road will always be fulfillment of purpose. It is a life of no regrets.)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
I’m Not Quite Finished Yet!
Temple Baptist Church - 5-15-2011
2 Timothy 4:6-8
Introduction:
A. Today is the “Big Day” for me in 2011. Today is my birthday! I was born May 15, 1948 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Evansville, IN. You do the math! I was saved late in life (28); called to preach late in life (almost 34); began to pastor my first church late in life (almost 39); and am now a “senior citizen” who is approaching the “winter” of my life.
B. I have enjoyed my salvation and still do! Saved, Saved, Saved! I have enjoyed my school years! They were wonderful years sitting at the feet of Dr. Harold B. Sightler and Dr. Jerry C. Clark! I have and am enjoying pastoring my first (and last) church! We have had ups and downs; seen some saved and watched some leave possibly lost; had war and peace; but—through it all—I have no complaints. You are a wonderful church and our fellowship is sweet. We are family, friends, and fellow laborers.
C. Though the years are quickly passing, I—for the most part—feel good. I plan on staying here until I have used up my usefulness as a pastor. I feel like I have 15-20 good years left in me. I thought about what to preach on today because my birthday rarely hits on Sunday. I want to encourage both myself and you in the Lord this morning.
D. According to tradition, 2 Timothy was the last book that the Apostle Paul wrote and guess what? He was probably about my age. The date of 2 Timothy’s writing has been placed at about 66 AD. He was probably about our Lord’s age or a little younger. That would place his age in the early to mid-60’s. Paul knew that he would soon be put to death and was writing to encourage young Timothy, a young pastor and Paul’s son in the faith.
E. We, as parents and grandparents, have an awesome responsibility. One) to the Lord for all that He has done for us. Two) to our children and families. Three) to sinners around the world. If we do not hold the lines and remain in the “old paths,” then just who will.
F. I want to look at Paul’s reference to both his labor and love for the Lord.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
1. Our Fight Must Be Right! Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Paul was referring to a “good fight.”)
a. We Must Have Desire. We need a people who are not afraid of the fight. Satan may possibly destroy you in the fight but he will destroy you if you refuse to fight. The “good fight” is worth the effort. I pray that, in the days to come, we will be willing to fight. So much depends upon our standing firm and straight.
b. We Must Have Discernment. Oftentimes, we fight the wrong fights. Some things are worth fighting for. Some things are worth dying for. Some fights are just not the right fights. I have seen good people fight each other over personal convictions. I have seen good people fight against people of other denominations. I have seen good people tear down instead of buildup. Identify and Isolate the enemy. To many of God’s Children are killed by “friendly fire.”
1) Fight sin, not sinners.
2) Fight sin, not sinful saints.
3) Fight heresy, not the heretic.
4) Fight to change government, not those in authority. We pray for them.
c. We Must Have Determination. The fight is not easy and the enemy will not go away. Fight with determination and direction. Paul said, “So fight I, not as one that beateth the air.”
2. Our Finish Must Be Right – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: (27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (We must be able to withstand as well as to stand. We want to finish right.)
a. We will be persecuted for righteousness sake. 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
b. We will be hated of the world for the Lord’s sake. John 15:18-19 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. (19) If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
3. Our Faith Must Be Right! Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
a. The Following Of Our Faith. Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
b. The Foundation Of Our Faith. Psalms 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
c. The Fight Of Our Faith. 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Conclusion: One day, we will stand before the Lord and it will not matter how much money we made in this life. It will not matter how successful we were in this life. The only thing that will matter is what we did with Christ, what we did for Christ, and how we finished our race.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
Introduction:
A. Today is the “Big Day” for me in 2011. Today is my birthday! I was born May 15, 1948 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Evansville, IN. You do the math! I was saved late in life (28); called to preach late in life (almost 34); began to pastor my first church late in life (almost 39); and am now a “senior citizen” who is approaching the “winter” of my life.
B. I have enjoyed my salvation and still do! Saved, Saved, Saved! I have enjoyed my school years! They were wonderful years sitting at the feet of Dr. Harold B. Sightler and Dr. Jerry C. Clark! I have and am enjoying pastoring my first (and last) church! We have had ups and downs; seen some saved and watched some leave possibly lost; had war and peace; but—through it all—I have no complaints. You are a wonderful church and our fellowship is sweet. We are family, friends, and fellow laborers.
C. Though the years are quickly passing, I—for the most part—feel good. I plan on staying here until I have used up my usefulness as a pastor. I feel like I have 15-20 good years left in me. I thought about what to preach on today because my birthday rarely hits on Sunday. I want to encourage both myself and you in the Lord this morning.
D. According to tradition, 2 Timothy was the last book that the Apostle Paul wrote and guess what? He was probably about my age. The date of 2 Timothy’s writing has been placed at about 66 AD. He was probably about our Lord’s age or a little younger. That would place his age in the early to mid-60’s. Paul knew that he would soon be put to death and was writing to encourage young Timothy, a young pastor and Paul’s son in the faith.
E. We, as parents and grandparents, have an awesome responsibility. One) to the Lord for all that He has done for us. Two) to our children and families. Three) to sinners around the world. If we do not hold the lines and remain in the “old paths,” then just who will.
F. I want to look at Paul’s reference to both his labor and love for the Lord.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
1. Our Fight Must Be Right! Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Paul was referring to a “good fight.”)
a. We Must Have Desire. We need a people who are not afraid of the fight. Satan may possibly destroy you in the fight but he will destroy you if you refuse to fight. The “good fight” is worth the effort. I pray that, in the days to come, we will be willing to fight. So much depends upon our standing firm and straight.
b. We Must Have Discernment. Oftentimes, we fight the wrong fights. Some things are worth fighting for. Some things are worth dying for. Some fights are just not the right fights. I have seen good people fight each other over personal convictions. I have seen good people fight against people of other denominations. I have seen good people tear down instead of buildup. Identify and Isolate the enemy. To many of God’s Children are killed by “friendly fire.”
1) Fight sin, not sinners.
2) Fight sin, not sinful saints.
3) Fight heresy, not the heretic.
4) Fight to change government, not those in authority. We pray for them.
c. We Must Have Determination. The fight is not easy and the enemy will not go away. Fight with determination and direction. Paul said, “So fight I, not as one that beateth the air.”
2. Our Finish Must Be Right – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: (27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (We must be able to withstand as well as to stand. We want to finish right.)
a. We will be persecuted for righteousness sake. 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
b. We will be hated of the world for the Lord’s sake. John 15:18-19 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. (19) If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
3. Our Faith Must Be Right! Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
a. The Following Of Our Faith. Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
b. The Foundation Of Our Faith. Psalms 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
c. The Fight Of Our Faith. 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Conclusion: One day, we will stand before the Lord and it will not matter how much money we made in this life. It will not matter how successful we were in this life. The only thing that will matter is what we did with Christ, what we did for Christ, and how we finished our race.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
The Attack Upon God’s Word
Temple Baptist Church - 5-8-2011
2 Peter 1:16-17
Introduction:
A. Satan hates the Word of God above all things because it is the basis for:
1. Eternal Salvation
2. Blessed Assurance
3. Doctrinal Purity
4. Spiritual Maturity
5. Satanic Exposure
6. Everlasting Damnation
B. Satan attacked the Word of God in the Garden of Eden and has not let up to this day. His attack upon the Word of God is a direct attack upon the person of God. A man is only as good as his word and the same can be said about the Lord. To destroy one’s confidence in the Bible is to destroy one’s confidence in God.
C. Satan’s attack is:
1. Devilish - Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
2. Diverse – There are many way in which Satan attacks the Bible. They will be dealt with later in the message.
3. Deceptive – It preys upon biblical ignorance. One of the greatest enemies of the church is the ignorance of its people. Paul often mentioned his desire to educate scripturally the people of God by saying, “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren!” (6x in one form or another)
4. Divisive – It has effectively divided the body of Christ as well as many local churches.
5. Destructive – It thwarts the work of the church and damns sinners.
D. This attack upon God’s Word exposes false brethren as God’s men preach God’s Word, not change or challenge it! God called preachers champion the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible as it is the foundation for all that we believe and stand for.
E. Satan’s initial attack upon God’s Word in Genesis 3 was a planned attack in that it was:
1. It Was A Demonic Attack – 3:1 “serpent”
2. It Was A Deliberate Attack – 3:1 “he said unto the woman”
3. It Was A Deceptive Attack – 3:1 “subtil”
4. It Was A Directed Attack – 3:1 “Yea, hath God said”
5. It Was A Determined Attack – 3:4-5 “Ye shall not surely die”
6. It Was A Divisive Attack – 3:8 “Adam and his wife hid themselves”
7. It Was A Destructive Attack – 3:16-17 “sorrow”
F. Satan’s continued attack upon God’s Word is a “manned” attack. These false brethren attack:
1. The Inspiration of God’s Word
2. The Preservation of God’s Word
3. The Purity of God’s Word
4. The Veracity of God’s Word
5. The Singularity of God’s Word
Let Us Look At Some Of The Tools Used In Attacking The Bible
1. The Tool Of Intellectualism - 2 Peter 1:16-17 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (Almost every denomination or religious group has fallen through their institutions of higher learning. Seminaries have become breeding places for heretical teachers who undercut the authority and veracity of God’s Word.)
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Philo-sophia or the love of wisdom. The wisdom of man is foolishness with God and the wisdom of God is foolishness to man.)
Matthew 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. (Rabbi means “My Master.” One who is over another. Rabbi means “Teacher” or one trained in Jewish Law. Today it is “Doctor, doctor!” I have no problem with education but education does not equate spirituality nor does it make one superior in any respect.)
2. The Tool Of Dishonesty - 2 Corinthians 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. (By deviously rendering the Word of God is such a way as to make it agree with false teachings. Romans 1 says that they change the truth of God into a lie. Where I come from, the only thing that we rendered was pig fat in order to make lard! In Bible Colleges as well as many pulpits, the teacher of pastor will read King James English and then contradict the Scripture by said, “This word would be better rendered” or “This word should have been rendered!” It makes the pastor or professor the final authority as he corrects the Bible instead of allowing the Bible to be the final authority as it corrects the man.)
3. The Tool Of Textual Criticism - 2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Jeremiah 36:22-24 Now the king (Jehoiakim) sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him. And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth. Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words. (Textual Criticism is the science of studying ancient manuscripts to determine the authentic text of the Bible. It is sometimes called Lower Criticism. Many elevate the Minority Text over the Majority Text and teaching people that the King James was either inaccurately translated or in archaic and in need of revision.)
4. The Tool Of Deception - Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
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. (These men pretend to be Bible believers while infiltrating the fundamental ranks and later showing their true colors by leading others astray from the “Old Paths.” These are “ungodly men!” Enemies of the Word of God are enemies of the Lord God!)
5. The Tool Of Confusion - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 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.
1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. (By carrying the King James Bible while constantly referring to the Greek and Hebrew, teaching God’s people that you must have a working knowledge of the original languages in order to properly understand the Word of God.)
2 Peter 1:16-17
Introduction:
A. Satan hates the Word of God above all things because it is the basis for:
1. Eternal Salvation
2. Blessed Assurance
3. Doctrinal Purity
4. Spiritual Maturity
5. Satanic Exposure
6. Everlasting Damnation
B. Satan attacked the Word of God in the Garden of Eden and has not let up to this day. His attack upon the Word of God is a direct attack upon the person of God. A man is only as good as his word and the same can be said about the Lord. To destroy one’s confidence in the Bible is to destroy one’s confidence in God.
C. Satan’s attack is:
1. Devilish - Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
2. Diverse – There are many way in which Satan attacks the Bible. They will be dealt with later in the message.
3. Deceptive – It preys upon biblical ignorance. One of the greatest enemies of the church is the ignorance of its people. Paul often mentioned his desire to educate scripturally the people of God by saying, “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren!” (6x in one form or another)
4. Divisive – It has effectively divided the body of Christ as well as many local churches.
5. Destructive – It thwarts the work of the church and damns sinners.
D. This attack upon God’s Word exposes false brethren as God’s men preach God’s Word, not change or challenge it! God called preachers champion the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible as it is the foundation for all that we believe and stand for.
E. Satan’s initial attack upon God’s Word in Genesis 3 was a planned attack in that it was:
1. It Was A Demonic Attack – 3:1 “serpent”
2. It Was A Deliberate Attack – 3:1 “he said unto the woman”
3. It Was A Deceptive Attack – 3:1 “subtil”
4. It Was A Directed Attack – 3:1 “Yea, hath God said”
5. It Was A Determined Attack – 3:4-5 “Ye shall not surely die”
6. It Was A Divisive Attack – 3:8 “Adam and his wife hid themselves”
7. It Was A Destructive Attack – 3:16-17 “sorrow”
F. Satan’s continued attack upon God’s Word is a “manned” attack. These false brethren attack:
1. The Inspiration of God’s Word
2. The Preservation of God’s Word
3. The Purity of God’s Word
4. The Veracity of God’s Word
5. The Singularity of God’s Word
Let Us Look At Some Of The Tools Used In Attacking The Bible
1. The Tool Of Intellectualism - 2 Peter 1:16-17 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (Almost every denomination or religious group has fallen through their institutions of higher learning. Seminaries have become breeding places for heretical teachers who undercut the authority and veracity of God’s Word.)
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Philo-sophia or the love of wisdom. The wisdom of man is foolishness with God and the wisdom of God is foolishness to man.)
Matthew 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. (Rabbi means “My Master.” One who is over another. Rabbi means “Teacher” or one trained in Jewish Law. Today it is “Doctor, doctor!” I have no problem with education but education does not equate spirituality nor does it make one superior in any respect.)
2. The Tool Of Dishonesty - 2 Corinthians 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. (By deviously rendering the Word of God is such a way as to make it agree with false teachings. Romans 1 says that they change the truth of God into a lie. Where I come from, the only thing that we rendered was pig fat in order to make lard! In Bible Colleges as well as many pulpits, the teacher of pastor will read King James English and then contradict the Scripture by said, “This word would be better rendered” or “This word should have been rendered!” It makes the pastor or professor the final authority as he corrects the Bible instead of allowing the Bible to be the final authority as it corrects the man.)
3. The Tool Of Textual Criticism - 2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Jeremiah 36:22-24 Now the king (Jehoiakim) sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him. And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth. Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words. (Textual Criticism is the science of studying ancient manuscripts to determine the authentic text of the Bible. It is sometimes called Lower Criticism. Many elevate the Minority Text over the Majority Text and teaching people that the King James was either inaccurately translated or in archaic and in need of revision.)
4. The Tool Of Deception - Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
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. (These men pretend to be Bible believers while infiltrating the fundamental ranks and later showing their true colors by leading others astray from the “Old Paths.” These are “ungodly men!” Enemies of the Word of God are enemies of the Lord God!)
5. The Tool Of Confusion - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 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.
1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. (By carrying the King James Bible while constantly referring to the Greek and Hebrew, teaching God’s people that you must have a working knowledge of the original languages in order to properly understand the Word of God.)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Forgiveness Or Bitterness?
Temple Baptist Church - 5-4-2011
Ephesians 4:31-32
Introduction:
A. I have spent several weeks dealing with the subject “How To Get Along In The Church.” The context of these verses certainly lies within the realm of the local church. I will make applications along with the proper interpretation of the text.
B. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul dealt with a sinful church member in light of church discipline. He was put out of the church—which is scriptural—and turned over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. Later, the sinful man evidently got right with the Lord and was not properly restored through forgiveness. The sinful got right and the church got wrong! Paul dealt with the church’s sin in 2 Corinthians 9.
C. Unforgiveness is sin! We need to first make that plain as it is not only a sin against the perpetrator but is also a sin against the Lord. Sin not confessed will always bring about the judgment of God.
D. The Bible gives an analogy of the extent of our forgiveness that we are to extend to those who offend or hurt us. “Even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” God has forgiven us all and completely. He never brings it up again. Our sins are gone from His sight.
E. I want to look at the progression of bitterness, the product of bitterness, and the protection against bitterness. Bitterness will destroy you and defile everyone around you. It must be avoided or dealt with in a scriptural manner.
1. The Progression Of Bitterness
a. Wrong produces Hurt! When someone intentionally wrongs a person, the person wronged almost invariably is hurt by it. The wrong can be verbal attack or slander; it can be defraud or deceit; it can be a number of other wrongs but the end is normally hurt.
b. Hurt produces Anger! There comes a time when the hurt begins to change and anger at the wrong doer wells up in the heart of an individual. If hurt is not handled properly, then anger becomes the result. Uncontrolled anger will eventually bring about wrath which, by my definition, is anger put to use. “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20)
c. Anger produces Bitterness! Bitterness begins as an invisible root—no matter how small—but eventually brings forth fruit. Bitterness does not go away by itself. Bitterness must be dealt with in a scriptural manner in order to have a godly end.
2. The Product Of Bitterness
a. It gives Satan an advantage! 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; (11) Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (Bitterness is a satanic stronghold in the heart of a believer.)
b. It troubles the unforgiving. 2 Corinthians 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. (Reconciliation and renewed fellowship depend upon two elements.)
1) Repentance by the perpetrator! You can forgive him completely and yet fellowship cannot be restored. The bible says that we are to forgive 70 times 7 when they repent. You can love, do good, and pray for them but it will remain at a distance.
2) Forgiveness by the victim! No matter how the perpetrator repents and tries to make amends, he or she cannot reconcile or fellowship with an unforgiving victim.
3. There can be wrong done by both: by the perpetrator when he or she offends and by the victim when they refuse to forgive.
c. It defiles those whom we love. (Those who we love and are around then become the victims as our bitterness defiles the innocent.)
3. The Protection Against Bitterness
a. Realization - vs. 31 We need to learn to recognize the symptoms of Unforgiveness and bitterness. Then, LET these things be put away. We cannot be right with either God or our brethren when we have these things in our lives.
b. Resolve - vs. 32 We need to show forgiveness and kindness to those who have injured us. The Bible says to pray for them and to do good to them who wrong you.
c. Remember - vs. 32 Forgiveness is as much for us as it is for those who have hurt us. They may never get right; they may never ask for forgiveness; but we can have the peace of God in our hearts that we have done that which is right. “A clear conscience makes for a soft pillow!”
Ephesians 4:31-32
Introduction:
A. I have spent several weeks dealing with the subject “How To Get Along In The Church.” The context of these verses certainly lies within the realm of the local church. I will make applications along with the proper interpretation of the text.
B. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul dealt with a sinful church member in light of church discipline. He was put out of the church—which is scriptural—and turned over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. Later, the sinful man evidently got right with the Lord and was not properly restored through forgiveness. The sinful got right and the church got wrong! Paul dealt with the church’s sin in 2 Corinthians 9.
C. Unforgiveness is sin! We need to first make that plain as it is not only a sin against the perpetrator but is also a sin against the Lord. Sin not confessed will always bring about the judgment of God.
D. The Bible gives an analogy of the extent of our forgiveness that we are to extend to those who offend or hurt us. “Even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” God has forgiven us all and completely. He never brings it up again. Our sins are gone from His sight.
E. I want to look at the progression of bitterness, the product of bitterness, and the protection against bitterness. Bitterness will destroy you and defile everyone around you. It must be avoided or dealt with in a scriptural manner.
1. The Progression Of Bitterness
a. Wrong produces Hurt! When someone intentionally wrongs a person, the person wronged almost invariably is hurt by it. The wrong can be verbal attack or slander; it can be defraud or deceit; it can be a number of other wrongs but the end is normally hurt.
b. Hurt produces Anger! There comes a time when the hurt begins to change and anger at the wrong doer wells up in the heart of an individual. If hurt is not handled properly, then anger becomes the result. Uncontrolled anger will eventually bring about wrath which, by my definition, is anger put to use. “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20)
c. Anger produces Bitterness! Bitterness begins as an invisible root—no matter how small—but eventually brings forth fruit. Bitterness does not go away by itself. Bitterness must be dealt with in a scriptural manner in order to have a godly end.
2. The Product Of Bitterness
a. It gives Satan an advantage! 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; (11) Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (Bitterness is a satanic stronghold in the heart of a believer.)
b. It troubles the unforgiving. 2 Corinthians 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. (Reconciliation and renewed fellowship depend upon two elements.)
1) Repentance by the perpetrator! You can forgive him completely and yet fellowship cannot be restored. The bible says that we are to forgive 70 times 7 when they repent. You can love, do good, and pray for them but it will remain at a distance.
2) Forgiveness by the victim! No matter how the perpetrator repents and tries to make amends, he or she cannot reconcile or fellowship with an unforgiving victim.
3. There can be wrong done by both: by the perpetrator when he or she offends and by the victim when they refuse to forgive.
c. It defiles those whom we love. (Those who we love and are around then become the victims as our bitterness defiles the innocent.)
3. The Protection Against Bitterness
a. Realization - vs. 31 We need to learn to recognize the symptoms of Unforgiveness and bitterness. Then, LET these things be put away. We cannot be right with either God or our brethren when we have these things in our lives.
b. Resolve - vs. 32 We need to show forgiveness and kindness to those who have injured us. The Bible says to pray for them and to do good to them who wrong you.
c. Remember - vs. 32 Forgiveness is as much for us as it is for those who have hurt us. They may never get right; they may never ask for forgiveness; but we can have the peace of God in our hearts that we have done that which is right. “A clear conscience makes for a soft pillow!”
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Biblical Inspiration – Part 3 - Which Bible?
Temple Baptist Church - 5-1-2011
Jude 3
Introduction:
A. I have been asked many times, “How do you know which bible is the right one?” It is a legitimate question and needs a logical answer. How do we know for sure that we stand right in light of the many different bible versions on the shelf? I do not know just how many English versions of the bible that there are but it is in excess of 50.
B. Fundamental bible believers accept only one and that is the authorized King James Bible. We that stand for the old King James Bible have been slandered and belittled for simply believing what God said. We are called:
1. A King James Cult by ignorant people who do not even know the definition of a cult.
2. Ruckmanites – If you believe in one Bible that is perfect, the liberal links you to Peter S. Ruckman. If he was a bible believer, he would not be thrice married and still in a pulpit! He also teaches double inspiration while we teach single inspiration and perfect preservation which keeps the inspiration intact!
3. Divisive – we are not divisive; we are separatists.
4. Narrow minded – we are neither narrow minded nor are we broad minded. We are bible mindful!
5. Ignorant and unlearned men – I neither count myself either ignorant or unlearned. Though I do not have all of the answers, I do believe that I have a “good handle” on the bible. I certainly am not a novice.
6. Bible believers have been called many things but I thank God we have never been called liberal!
WHICH BIBLE? WHY DO WE BELIEVE THAT THE KING JAMES BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD AND NOT OTHER TRANSLATIONS?
1. Because Of God’s Promise Of Both Divine Inspiration And Perfect Preservation. If the Word of God is not the King James Bible, then where is it?
a. The Bible declares that the Word of God was given only once and they preserved it through divine providence! The Lord brought up the subject of divine Bible preservation, not man. Bible preservation is therefore a Bible doctrine that needs to be taught and preached!
1 Samuel 3:19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
b. Bible preservation, according to Scripture is verbal pertaining to the words of God and not the doctrines only.
Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (No place in the Word of God is room left for error or mistranslation! This is a man-made doctrine and is contrary to clear biblical teaching.)
c. If verbal preservation is so, and the Bible says it is, then we must have the very Word of God in our hands if we have the right bible. Now, the question will arise: “Which version is the right one?” Many different people use many different versions and divine inspiration and preservation demand that there only be one Bible for the English speaking people. Things that are different are still not the same!
2. Because The King James Bible Has No Copyright! The text of the KJV may be reproduced by anyone for there is no copyright forbidding its duplication. This is not true with the modern versions.
COPYRIGHT, n. The sole right which an author has in his own original literary compositions; the exclusive right of an author to print, publish and vend his own literary works, for his own benefit; the like right in the hands of an assignee.
Psalms 68:11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. (You can print the bible from your own computer and give it to anyone you want.)
3. Because The King James Bible Was Translated During The Philadelphian Church Age. (Revelation 3:7-13)
a. The modern versions begin to appear rather late on the scene as the lukewarm Laodicean period gets underway (Revelation 3:14-22), but the KJV was produced way back in 1611, just in time for the many great revivals (1700-1900). (The greatest missions’ outreach that the world has ever known was “fueled” by the King James Bible!)
b. The Philadelphia church was the only one that did not receive a rebuke from the Lord Jesus Christ, and it was the only church that "kept" God's word.
Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
4. Because of the text from which it comes! There are two major lines of manuscripts.
a. The Textus Receptus or Received Text from which we get our King James Bible. (This was the Majority Text with over 99% of extant manuscripts in agreement with it.)
b. The Wescott-Hort Text or Critical Text from which other versions come. (This was the Minority Text with less than 1% of all extant manuscripts agreeing with it and they disagreed with each other.)
c. There are over 5,000 differences between these two lines of text!
d. The time of the translation of the King James is further proof that it is the right Bible from the right line of texts! (During the critical years of the Reformation, Revival, and one of the greatest eras of mission’s outreaches!)
e. If the Westcott-Hort Text is the right one, then why was it either not available (and it was) or not used in the greatest translation work in the world? It was rejected by the translators as corrupt!
f. Why would God allow the Reformation Period, Revivals and mission’s outreaches of England, Scotland, Wales, etc. be left with an inferior Bible off of an inferior text? (God’s Word would have not been preserved for a period of app. 270 years before the Wescott-Hort Text was translated!)
5. Because Of The Confusion and division That The Other Versions Have Caused!
a. Different versions cause confusion in reading. 1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (Here at Temple, we begin our services by reading chapters of Scripture in unison. Can you imagine the confusion with many different versions being read?)
b. Different versions cause confusion in memorization. Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Which Word and does it make a difference? I believe that it does make a difference! We have our children memorize Scripture in VBS. We had a family once at Temple who intentionally told their children to memorize the NIV because of their rebellion. I rewarded the children though they memorized the wrong version because it was the parent’s fault. How ungodly and rebellious!)
c. Different versions cause the preacher to not be able to expound or preach upon individual words within a text because other member’s versions may or may not have them. 2 Timothy 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. (Different versions limit the effectiveness of expository preaching!)
d. Different version cause division and strife. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. (There was no division or strife concerning God’s Word among Christian before the new versions. It was the new versions that caused the problem, not the Bible believers who stood for the King James Bible.)
e. God is neither the Author of confusion nor strife! 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
6. Because Of The Authority Problem Other Bible Cause. If there are many Bibles, then you can pick and choose to suit your own particular beliefs.
a. Four things can be your authority spiritually:
The Church – this is Catholicism
Personal Experience – this is Pentecostalism
Human Reason – this is Intellectualism
The Bible – this is Fundamentalism
b. If the Bible is our Final Authority and I believe that it is, then we must have one that is right! (The other versions disagree with the King James and, therefore, correct the Authority!)
c. If the Bible is not our Final Authority, then man can do that which is right in his own eyes and man becomes the authority!
Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
7. Because The Introduction Of The New Versions Have Brought About A serious Deterioration In Spirituality.
a. There has never been a major revival using another version other than the King James. This lack of Spiritual Revivals has brought about a Sinful Revolution within “Christendom!” Churches are now permeated with the sins that God’s Word condemns and the sinful are comfortable!
b. When other versions are introduced and used, all standards of holiness begin a serious decline! Worldly music, worldly dress, and worldly people are now catered to.
8. Because The King James Bible Produces Good Fruit.
Matthew 7:17-20 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (No modern translation can compare to the KJV when it comes to producing good fruit. For nearly four hundred years, God has used the preaching and teaching of the KJV to bring hundreds of millions to Christ. Laodicean Christians might favor the new versions, but the Holy Spirit doesn't.)
9. Because The King James Bible Exalts The Lord Jesus Christ.
a. John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
b. There is no book on this planet which exalts Christ higher than the King James Bible. In numerous places the new perversions attack the Deity of Christ, the Blood Atonement, the Resurrection, salvation by grace through faith, and the Second Coming. The true scriptures will TESTIFY of Jesus Christ, not ATTACK Him! (Some of the newer versions change the “thee” and “thou” along with genderless nouns and pronouns to please the feminists! God forbid that the bible name sin and condemn sinners! The King James Bible is both correct and handles the sin problem correctly.)
The Bible
Majestic, eternal, immutable Book,
Inspired, inerrant, complete.
The Light of my path as I walk on life’s way,
The Guide and Lamp to my feet.
Its writings are holy and verbally true,
The unalterable Statute of Light,
For profit, for doctrine, for correction, reproof,
Infallible Guide to the right.
My Treasure, My Comfort, My Help, my Stay,
Incomparable Measure and Rod,
Each page is replete with its textual proof,
The Bible, the EXACT WORD OF GOD!
Jude 3
Introduction:
A. I have been asked many times, “How do you know which bible is the right one?” It is a legitimate question and needs a logical answer. How do we know for sure that we stand right in light of the many different bible versions on the shelf? I do not know just how many English versions of the bible that there are but it is in excess of 50.
B. Fundamental bible believers accept only one and that is the authorized King James Bible. We that stand for the old King James Bible have been slandered and belittled for simply believing what God said. We are called:
1. A King James Cult by ignorant people who do not even know the definition of a cult.
2. Ruckmanites – If you believe in one Bible that is perfect, the liberal links you to Peter S. Ruckman. If he was a bible believer, he would not be thrice married and still in a pulpit! He also teaches double inspiration while we teach single inspiration and perfect preservation which keeps the inspiration intact!
3. Divisive – we are not divisive; we are separatists.
4. Narrow minded – we are neither narrow minded nor are we broad minded. We are bible mindful!
5. Ignorant and unlearned men – I neither count myself either ignorant or unlearned. Though I do not have all of the answers, I do believe that I have a “good handle” on the bible. I certainly am not a novice.
6. Bible believers have been called many things but I thank God we have never been called liberal!
WHICH BIBLE? WHY DO WE BELIEVE THAT THE KING JAMES BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD AND NOT OTHER TRANSLATIONS?
1. Because Of God’s Promise Of Both Divine Inspiration And Perfect Preservation. If the Word of God is not the King James Bible, then where is it?
a. The Bible declares that the Word of God was given only once and they preserved it through divine providence! The Lord brought up the subject of divine Bible preservation, not man. Bible preservation is therefore a Bible doctrine that needs to be taught and preached!
1 Samuel 3:19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
b. Bible preservation, according to Scripture is verbal pertaining to the words of God and not the doctrines only.
Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (No place in the Word of God is room left for error or mistranslation! This is a man-made doctrine and is contrary to clear biblical teaching.)
c. If verbal preservation is so, and the Bible says it is, then we must have the very Word of God in our hands if we have the right bible. Now, the question will arise: “Which version is the right one?” Many different people use many different versions and divine inspiration and preservation demand that there only be one Bible for the English speaking people. Things that are different are still not the same!
2. Because The King James Bible Has No Copyright! The text of the KJV may be reproduced by anyone for there is no copyright forbidding its duplication. This is not true with the modern versions.
COPYRIGHT, n. The sole right which an author has in his own original literary compositions; the exclusive right of an author to print, publish and vend his own literary works, for his own benefit; the like right in the hands of an assignee.
Psalms 68:11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. (You can print the bible from your own computer and give it to anyone you want.)
3. Because The King James Bible Was Translated During The Philadelphian Church Age. (Revelation 3:7-13)
a. The modern versions begin to appear rather late on the scene as the lukewarm Laodicean period gets underway (Revelation 3:14-22), but the KJV was produced way back in 1611, just in time for the many great revivals (1700-1900). (The greatest missions’ outreach that the world has ever known was “fueled” by the King James Bible!)
b. The Philadelphia church was the only one that did not receive a rebuke from the Lord Jesus Christ, and it was the only church that "kept" God's word.
Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
4. Because of the text from which it comes! There are two major lines of manuscripts.
a. The Textus Receptus or Received Text from which we get our King James Bible. (This was the Majority Text with over 99% of extant manuscripts in agreement with it.)
b. The Wescott-Hort Text or Critical Text from which other versions come. (This was the Minority Text with less than 1% of all extant manuscripts agreeing with it and they disagreed with each other.)
c. There are over 5,000 differences between these two lines of text!
d. The time of the translation of the King James is further proof that it is the right Bible from the right line of texts! (During the critical years of the Reformation, Revival, and one of the greatest eras of mission’s outreaches!)
e. If the Westcott-Hort Text is the right one, then why was it either not available (and it was) or not used in the greatest translation work in the world? It was rejected by the translators as corrupt!
f. Why would God allow the Reformation Period, Revivals and mission’s outreaches of England, Scotland, Wales, etc. be left with an inferior Bible off of an inferior text? (God’s Word would have not been preserved for a period of app. 270 years before the Wescott-Hort Text was translated!)
5. Because Of The Confusion and division That The Other Versions Have Caused!
a. Different versions cause confusion in reading. 1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (Here at Temple, we begin our services by reading chapters of Scripture in unison. Can you imagine the confusion with many different versions being read?)
b. Different versions cause confusion in memorization. Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Which Word and does it make a difference? I believe that it does make a difference! We have our children memorize Scripture in VBS. We had a family once at Temple who intentionally told their children to memorize the NIV because of their rebellion. I rewarded the children though they memorized the wrong version because it was the parent’s fault. How ungodly and rebellious!)
c. Different versions cause the preacher to not be able to expound or preach upon individual words within a text because other member’s versions may or may not have them. 2 Timothy 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. (Different versions limit the effectiveness of expository preaching!)
d. Different version cause division and strife. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. (There was no division or strife concerning God’s Word among Christian before the new versions. It was the new versions that caused the problem, not the Bible believers who stood for the King James Bible.)
e. God is neither the Author of confusion nor strife! 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
6. Because Of The Authority Problem Other Bible Cause. If there are many Bibles, then you can pick and choose to suit your own particular beliefs.
a. Four things can be your authority spiritually:
The Church – this is Catholicism
Personal Experience – this is Pentecostalism
Human Reason – this is Intellectualism
The Bible – this is Fundamentalism
b. If the Bible is our Final Authority and I believe that it is, then we must have one that is right! (The other versions disagree with the King James and, therefore, correct the Authority!)
c. If the Bible is not our Final Authority, then man can do that which is right in his own eyes and man becomes the authority!
Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
7. Because The Introduction Of The New Versions Have Brought About A serious Deterioration In Spirituality.
a. There has never been a major revival using another version other than the King James. This lack of Spiritual Revivals has brought about a Sinful Revolution within “Christendom!” Churches are now permeated with the sins that God’s Word condemns and the sinful are comfortable!
b. When other versions are introduced and used, all standards of holiness begin a serious decline! Worldly music, worldly dress, and worldly people are now catered to.
8. Because The King James Bible Produces Good Fruit.
Matthew 7:17-20 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (No modern translation can compare to the KJV when it comes to producing good fruit. For nearly four hundred years, God has used the preaching and teaching of the KJV to bring hundreds of millions to Christ. Laodicean Christians might favor the new versions, but the Holy Spirit doesn't.)
9. Because The King James Bible Exalts The Lord Jesus Christ.
a. John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
b. There is no book on this planet which exalts Christ higher than the King James Bible. In numerous places the new perversions attack the Deity of Christ, the Blood Atonement, the Resurrection, salvation by grace through faith, and the Second Coming. The true scriptures will TESTIFY of Jesus Christ, not ATTACK Him! (Some of the newer versions change the “thee” and “thou” along with genderless nouns and pronouns to please the feminists! God forbid that the bible name sin and condemn sinners! The King James Bible is both correct and handles the sin problem correctly.)
The Bible
Majestic, eternal, immutable Book,
Inspired, inerrant, complete.
The Light of my path as I walk on life’s way,
The Guide and Lamp to my feet.
Its writings are holy and verbally true,
The unalterable Statute of Light,
For profit, for doctrine, for correction, reproof,
Infallible Guide to the right.
My Treasure, My Comfort, My Help, my Stay,
Incomparable Measure and Rod,
Each page is replete with its textual proof,
The Bible, the EXACT WORD OF GOD!
When We Have Lost Our Song
Temple Baptist Church - 5-1-2011
Psalm 100
Introduction:
A. Psalm 100 is one of the most quotable and notable of all of the Psalms. The Psalms are what we call the “Hymn Book” of Israel. As many of our songs that we sing in church, these Psalms cover many different events in the lives of God’s people.
1. Songs that relate to the “night” experiences of God’s people.
2. Songs about great trails and needs.
3. Songs about the silences of God when the troubled saint can find no answers.
4. Songs of divine deliverance.
5. Songs of great praise as well as great problems. Life is a “roller coaster” with times of plenty as well as times of need.
6. Songs in times of health as well as times of sickness.
7. Songs in times of triumph as well as times to tragedy.
B. In Psalm 100, we find a song of praise—a song of thanksgiving that goes far beyond our trials and triumphs.
1. A song of thanks giving and praise, not because of our situation but because of our Saviour!
2. We, as God’s people, have much to rejoice in this morning.
C. The psalmist said to “come before his presence with singing!” You may say, “I have nothing to sing about this morning!” It shows in:
1. Lack of Singing – I watch and find that some people never sing! Singing is vital to worship! It is not to be pre-eminent but it is to be a prelude to worship.
2. Lackluster Singing – Simply going through the motions with no true worship involved. Worship is a personal thing, not just a church thing. God seeks those who will worship Him in spirit and truth.
D. Either a lack of or lackluster singing can be caused by:
1. A Worried Heart
2. A Worn Heart
3. A Worldly Heart
E. We are all affected to some degree by our circumstances when they become greater than our God!
1. We become discouraged because of the length of our valley.
2. We become disappointed because things don’t turn out as they should.
3. We become disquieted because we no longer expect a good end.
4. Yes, the winds and waves are often “boisterous” but we have not drowned yet.
5. Our boat often “takes on a little water” but the Lord is still in our “ship.”
6. We often feel forsaken and on our own but he still never leaves us nor forsakes us!
F. Our “song” has a lot to do with our perception of God. We all would agree that He is sovereign, all powerful, all knowing, ever capable but now our circumstances have shrouded Him. We become as a bottle in smoke.
G. There are many things that we should be thankful for this morning:
1. We live in the greatest country in the world.
2. We live safe in a world of tension and disaster.
3. We still drive in spite of the gas prices.
4. We are full and literally have need of nothing.
5. Food, clothing, shelter, freedom, health, etc. We have it all.
H. But, being thankful for these temporal things will not sustain you and I when the trials of life bombard us. We will take them for granted and our spiritual eyes become fixed upon our problems. A steak dinner will become just another meal; our new car will become just another automobile; our homes become just another building; our freedoms become a blessing unnoticed; and our rejoicing turns to heaviness when we “lose our song!” We simply go through the motions of worship.
Psalms 137:4 How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?
I. Our song is to be a song of worship. “Come before his presence with singing.”
1. Our singing should be Christ centered– about God
2. Our singing should be Christ directed – toward and to God
3. Our singing should be Christ honoring - enthusiastic for God
J. This Psalm shows us the reason for our singing. “Know ye that the Lord he is God!” What causes us to sing is just to know who He is.
1. We Can Sing Because He Is God And He Is Good!
a. He was before all things, He will be after all things, by Him all things consist, He controls, He is forever the Sovereign of the universe!
b. He made us, we did not evolve! Created in His image, we are the crowning element of His creation.
c. We that are saved are His people. We are His children by faith. He loves us with an everlasting love!
d. We are the “sheep of his pasture.” As sheep we are led and, in “his pasture,” we are fed. He leads us into green pastures and beside of “still waters.” He restores our souls! He leads us in the paths of righteousness for His name sake; We are His and He is ours! As a Shepherd, He watches over, protects, and cares for His “lambs.”
2. We Can Sing Because He Is God And He Is Merciful!
a. Because of His mercies, we are not consumed. He hath not rewarded us after our iniquities. God has been better to us than we have been to Him! If we got what we all deserved, we would spend an eternity in a Christless hell!
b. Because His mercy is everlasting! His mercy is new every morning and His compassions fail not. No matter how much we fail, He forgives. He loves as no man is capable of loving and finds in us “no fault at all!” We are dressed in the righteousness of God through the precious blood of Christ.
3. We Can Sing because He Is A God Of Truth!
a. We have God’s Word to guide us.
b. We have God’s Promises to encourage us.
c. We have God’s Word! We often believe that we can die by it but cannot trust it to live by it. His Word has been magnified above His name and what He says will come to pass. It ENDURETH every attempt by Satan and satanic man to discredit or change it. Every “jot and tittle” shall come to pass!
Conclusion: We are to come before His presence with singing: not because of what we have or what is happing in our lives, but because of who He is!
Psalm 100
Introduction:
A. Psalm 100 is one of the most quotable and notable of all of the Psalms. The Psalms are what we call the “Hymn Book” of Israel. As many of our songs that we sing in church, these Psalms cover many different events in the lives of God’s people.
1. Songs that relate to the “night” experiences of God’s people.
2. Songs about great trails and needs.
3. Songs about the silences of God when the troubled saint can find no answers.
4. Songs of divine deliverance.
5. Songs of great praise as well as great problems. Life is a “roller coaster” with times of plenty as well as times of need.
6. Songs in times of health as well as times of sickness.
7. Songs in times of triumph as well as times to tragedy.
B. In Psalm 100, we find a song of praise—a song of thanksgiving that goes far beyond our trials and triumphs.
1. A song of thanks giving and praise, not because of our situation but because of our Saviour!
2. We, as God’s people, have much to rejoice in this morning.
C. The psalmist said to “come before his presence with singing!” You may say, “I have nothing to sing about this morning!” It shows in:
1. Lack of Singing – I watch and find that some people never sing! Singing is vital to worship! It is not to be pre-eminent but it is to be a prelude to worship.
2. Lackluster Singing – Simply going through the motions with no true worship involved. Worship is a personal thing, not just a church thing. God seeks those who will worship Him in spirit and truth.
D. Either a lack of or lackluster singing can be caused by:
1. A Worried Heart
2. A Worn Heart
3. A Worldly Heart
E. We are all affected to some degree by our circumstances when they become greater than our God!
1. We become discouraged because of the length of our valley.
2. We become disappointed because things don’t turn out as they should.
3. We become disquieted because we no longer expect a good end.
4. Yes, the winds and waves are often “boisterous” but we have not drowned yet.
5. Our boat often “takes on a little water” but the Lord is still in our “ship.”
6. We often feel forsaken and on our own but he still never leaves us nor forsakes us!
F. Our “song” has a lot to do with our perception of God. We all would agree that He is sovereign, all powerful, all knowing, ever capable but now our circumstances have shrouded Him. We become as a bottle in smoke.
G. There are many things that we should be thankful for this morning:
1. We live in the greatest country in the world.
2. We live safe in a world of tension and disaster.
3. We still drive in spite of the gas prices.
4. We are full and literally have need of nothing.
5. Food, clothing, shelter, freedom, health, etc. We have it all.
H. But, being thankful for these temporal things will not sustain you and I when the trials of life bombard us. We will take them for granted and our spiritual eyes become fixed upon our problems. A steak dinner will become just another meal; our new car will become just another automobile; our homes become just another building; our freedoms become a blessing unnoticed; and our rejoicing turns to heaviness when we “lose our song!” We simply go through the motions of worship.
Psalms 137:4 How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?
I. Our song is to be a song of worship. “Come before his presence with singing.”
1. Our singing should be Christ centered– about God
2. Our singing should be Christ directed – toward and to God
3. Our singing should be Christ honoring - enthusiastic for God
J. This Psalm shows us the reason for our singing. “Know ye that the Lord he is God!” What causes us to sing is just to know who He is.
1. We Can Sing Because He Is God And He Is Good!
a. He was before all things, He will be after all things, by Him all things consist, He controls, He is forever the Sovereign of the universe!
b. He made us, we did not evolve! Created in His image, we are the crowning element of His creation.
c. We that are saved are His people. We are His children by faith. He loves us with an everlasting love!
d. We are the “sheep of his pasture.” As sheep we are led and, in “his pasture,” we are fed. He leads us into green pastures and beside of “still waters.” He restores our souls! He leads us in the paths of righteousness for His name sake; We are His and He is ours! As a Shepherd, He watches over, protects, and cares for His “lambs.”
2. We Can Sing Because He Is God And He Is Merciful!
a. Because of His mercies, we are not consumed. He hath not rewarded us after our iniquities. God has been better to us than we have been to Him! If we got what we all deserved, we would spend an eternity in a Christless hell!
b. Because His mercy is everlasting! His mercy is new every morning and His compassions fail not. No matter how much we fail, He forgives. He loves as no man is capable of loving and finds in us “no fault at all!” We are dressed in the righteousness of God through the precious blood of Christ.
3. We Can Sing because He Is A God Of Truth!
a. We have God’s Word to guide us.
b. We have God’s Promises to encourage us.
c. We have God’s Word! We often believe that we can die by it but cannot trust it to live by it. His Word has been magnified above His name and what He says will come to pass. It ENDURETH every attempt by Satan and satanic man to discredit or change it. Every “jot and tittle” shall come to pass!
Conclusion: We are to come before His presence with singing: not because of what we have or what is happing in our lives, but because of who He is!
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