Temple Baptist Church - 9-25-2011
Hebrews 6:1-6
Introduction:
A. The Book of Hebrews was written to the Jewish believers who were now away from the nation of Israel and scattered among the gentile nations. Though written to the Jewish believer, these verses are applicable to you and I also.
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: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
B. As I get into the sermon for this morning, I want each of us to realize that every word, every verse, every book, every doctrine found in the bible is applicable to us. It is ours by either interpretation or application.
1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
C. Hebrews was a book that helped move the Jewish believers from “sight to faith.” Though the Old Testament saint was saved by faith just as we are (Acts 15:6-11), they had always had the temple and the priesthood to look upon and the transition for them was a difficult one: from being able to see the visible workings of the sacrificial law to believing in the invisible workings of salvation and the Spirit of God.
D. What is faith?
1. Our faith is believing God - Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Faith is a “substance” that is believed, not seen! It is believing God when you cannot see His workings or “track” His goings.)
2. Our faith is pleasing to God - Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
E. I do not want to spend a lot time on the Jewish believers because they are not the recipients of this message. Verses 1-6 deal with two things: “leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ” and going on to “perfection.” Simply stated: get saved and get it settled! The word “principles” means the beginning, the first estate, or principality. Salvation begins when we place our faith in the finished work of Christ!
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
F. I want to look at the proper progression:
1. Salvation - We all understand or should understand that salvation is an act of God where by the penitent believer is placed into Christ via the new birth. We hear the gospel story, realize that we are helplessly lost, turn to Christ in faith and are born again. It is as simple as this: “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!” Do not make salvation harder than that. I hear the term often “easy believeism” and understand what they are saying but want to clarify that salvation is both easy and simple!
2. Security – Immediately, at the moment of salvation, we have eternal security. What shall separate us from the Love of God? Nothing!! The love of God for His children never diminishes nor does His mercy cease. Salvation is an act of the Lord and security belongs to Him also. John 10:27-28 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
3. Surity – Herein lies the problem that Hebrews is dealing with. These Jewish believers, accustomed to offering the same sacrifices over and over again (Hebrews 10:10-11 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:), were attempting to get saved every time they fail God. God, in these verses is not teaching falling from grace and getting saved again. He is teaching eternal life and accountability for sin.
G. The Holy Spirit is saying, “Get saved, get it settled, and go on to spiritual maturity.” Therefore, the possibility of not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ and going on unto perfection is SURETY! Some of the best Christians that I know have had problems in the area of surety. They can take you to a time and place where they ask the Lord to save them, have all of the evidences of salvation in their lives and yet have doubts. When you are lost, Satan tries his best to convince you that you are saved but, when you get saved, he does his best to convince you that you are lost!
H. Doubting one’s salvation is a common problem among believers. That may sound like an oxymoron (doubting and believers) but it happens to some of the best “Christians” that I know. There are a couple of examples that I want to look at for a few minutes concerning spiritual doubt:
1. John the Baptist: the greatest prophet born of woman, because of his dire circumstances, doubted his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Luke 7:19-22 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. (John’s circumstances caused him to doubt though he personally had introduced Israel’s Messiah and baptized Him. John was the forerunner of our Lord: the voice of one crying in the wilderness. He cried, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Circumstances can alter your faith to some degree if you let it.)
2. The disciple Thomas: what a legacy to be nicknamed “Doubting Thomas!” Disappointment and unfaithfulness caused Thomas to doubt the One with whom he spent 3 ½ years. Thomas had observed and heard the Son of God as He taught God’s Word, healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the multitudes, and stilled the storm. I thank God that our Lord Jesus Christ came and restored this man of God!
John 20:26-28 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. (The Lord dispelled all doubt and fear in Thomas because He loved him. What a blessed assurance Thomas had as he said, “My Lord and my God!”)
3. Throughout our Lord’s earthly ministry, He rebuked His disciples time and time again for their lack of faith as they walked in His presence and watched the miracles that He performed.
I. Doubting one’s salvation is a common occurrence. I am not saying that it is a right occurrence but that many people have, to some degree, doubts. It is not something to be ashamed of nor is it something that needs to be hidden. I do believe that it something that needs to be biblically dealt with and victory gotten as some point. The greatest prophet who ever lived doubted Jesus Christ later in his life after preaching for years. Thomas doubted Jesus Christ after all that he had observed while walking with Him.
J. As a pastor, I want everyone in this church to make sure that you are saved! I would hate to have someone go to hell off of the pews of this church. Make sure that you have been saved. As a pastor, I want every believer to have blessed assurance of their salvation. I never want one to doubt or become confused. God is not the author of confusion but of peace. God will never confuse you. Feeling saved today and then lost tomorrow is not a work of the Holy Spirit, nor is it the work of the pastor!
K. In our text, the Bible says that we are to get salvation settled and go on to perfection. How?
1. Realize what salvation is and is not.
2. Remember who, when, and where you came to Christ.
3. Resolve to take the Lord Jesus Christ at His word
L. A good “rule of thumb” when doubting is to remember:
1. The Holy Spirit Convicts – conviction is the work of Holy spirit that convinces the sinner that he is a sinner and Christ is the only way of salvation. It draws sinners to Christ! (It always draws!)
2. The Devil Condemns – condemnation is the work of the devil that damns the saint. It drives the saint from Christ! (It always drives!)
A Lack Of Assurance
1. Lack of assurance can be caused by dire circumstances in the life of the believer. “Would God allow something like this to happen to one of His children?” is a question often asked. We, as God’s children, are not exempt from dire circumstances. It brings about questions such as: does God really love me (He loves us with an everlasting love); does God really care about me (casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you); where is God in my life when I need Him (I will never leave thee nor forsake thee)?
2. Lack of assurance can be caused by willful sin in the life of the believer. “Would a child of God do some of the things that I have done?” would be another question asked. God’s children are not to live in willful sin but they are not perfected yet and there are numerous biblical examples of such sinfulness. When we sin, we walk at a “guilty distance from God” and it brings conviction (not condemnation).
John 3:17-18 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
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. (God never condemns His children.)
3. Lack of assurance can be caused by a lack of biblical teaching on the subject of salvation and eternal life. Many believers, after their salvation by grace through faith, are taught that they must now live a life acceptable to God in order to remain saved. Because of the sinfulness of our bodies, this is impossible and, therefore, places doubt in the minds of the saved as they do see sin in their lives.
4. Lack of assurance can be caused by making multiple professions of faith. In periods of doubt, the new profession is made and then the believer becomes confused concerning if and when they got saved.
5. Lack of assurance can be caused by ignorant preaching. I have heard many pastors and evangelists who preach in such a way as to make a believer doubt. I hear good men of God tell their people, “If you doubt your salvation, you are not saved!” Neither we nor our faith is perfect! Then, you get pastors, deacons, their wives, Sunday School teachers, and good godly saints to make multiple professions of faith. They ask questions such as: did I believe right; did I repent right; etc.
Assurance
1. Assurance Comes Through His Word. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried, and rose again for my justification. He said that He would save me if I ask and I asked. Either I am saved or His Word is a lie. Just take God at His Word. God said and that settles it, if you believe it or not! I do not have to see Him raise the dead, heal the sick, cleanse the leper, feed the multitudes, or touch His nail pierced hands!
2. Assurance Comes Through His Presence. The believer has an inner witness of the Holy Ghost. Christ in you, the hope of Glory. I have that “small still voice” of conviction every time I fail God. His presence is always with me.
3. Assurance Comes Through A Supernatural Understanding. I have no problem believing the doctrines of the faith as they are taught in the Bible. The Bible is an open book to the child of God. The simplicity which is in Christ Jesus.
4. Assurance Comes Through A Changed Life. Even children experience a change though not as drastic as an adult. A saved person desires to live for Christ and hates it when he or she commits sin. Salvation creates a desire for the things of God.
5. Assurance Comes Through Resting In Christ.
Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
1 Thessalonians 1:5a For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; Hebrews 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Hebrews 10:22a Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
The Landmark Of Scripture
Temple Baptist Church - 9-18-2011
Genesis 3:1-4
Introduction:
A. Last week, we saw the necessity of spiritual “landmarks” that define all that we believe. Once again, a “landmark” defines a boundary and is a point from whence all other points can be measured. It is stationary and unchanging!
1. If these “landmarks” are removed, we will soon find ourselves drifting from the spiritual truths that we once held dear. Today’s denominations have drifted far from the “moorings” of their founders intentions. Most denominations were started by godly men who revered and feared the Lord while remaining true to the Word of God.
2. If these “landmarks” are removed, these spiritual truths that we once held dear will not be known by our posterity. Today’s children are a lost generation! With little or no values, either spiritual or moral—the have become the children of apostasy!
B. Eleven times in the first two chapters of Genesis it is recorded that “God said.” Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke the universe into existence and what He created was “very good.” God gave just one commandment to Adam and Eve and it also was very good. They could obey one simple command and live forever in the Garden of Eden: no pain, sorrow, problems, etc. Life eternal in a wonderful place of God’s making.
C. The first attack upon a scriptural “landmark” is found in our text as Satan questioned the Word of God thus deceiving Eve. The attack upon this spiritual “landmark” was:
1. Satanic – Dr. Harold B. Sightler once said that this particular attack was a “planned” attack which later became a “manned” attack.
2. Subtle – By simply asking a question and adding one word, Satan negated the clear commandment of God.
3. Sufficient - It effectively confused Eve while perverting the desired spiritual result of the commandment which was life.
D. At this point, we must be made aware of the importance of God’s Word (when I say “God’s Word,” I am not referring to a version of God’s Word but to the very Word of God itself). What I have in my hand is God’s Word, not a version! A version is an account of a matter from a certain point of view, as contrasted with others: therefore, being one of many. The King James Bible is a “stand alone” bible and is “one of one!” God only wrote one Bible and the King James is the Word of God for the English speaking people.
1. The Word of God is the basis for all that we know and believe about God, His Son, Sin, Salvation, Heaven, and hell.
a) In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Saviour - Psalms 40:7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
b) In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Salvation - Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
c) In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Satisfaction - Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
d) In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Security - John 10:27-28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
2. The Word of God is THE “landmark” which was given by God and is published by man! The Word of God is the revelation of God to man and it is damning:
a) To deny it – Some say it is not God’s Word!
b) To change it – Some say it is not God’s Inerrant Word!
c) To ignore it – Some simply ignore it but it will not go away!
HOW THE WORLD REMOVES THE LANDMARK OF SCRIPTURES
1. This Landmark of Scripture Is Being Removed Through Intellectualism - 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. These carry 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. This Landmark of Scripture Is Being Removed Through Dishonesty - By deviously rendering the Word of God is such a way as to make it agree with false teachings. Romans 1 says that they changed the truth of God into a lie. They Wrestle the Scripture to their own destruction.
3. This Landmark of Scripture Is Being Removed Through Textual Criticism - By elevating the Minority Text over the Majority Text and teaching people that the King James was inaccurately translated. They strive to find transcription errors in the manuscripts and “correct them.”
4. This Landmark of Scripture Is Being Removed Through Confusion – By flooding the market with various translations which add to and take away from God’s Word thus confusing the people. There are between 6-8 thousand differences between the Textus Receptus and the Wescott-Hort Greek Text which represents app. 7 % of the bible. Adding or subtracting “one word” of the bible is to incur the curse of God!
HOW WE REMOVE THE LANDMARK OF SCRIPTURE
1. By Failing To Take An Uncompromising Stand – We are to earnestly contend for it and separate from all apostasy concerning it. It is as simple as that!
2. By Failing To Hear, Rightly Divide Through Personal Study, And Apply – Allow the Word of God to be preached in our pulpits, learn the Scriptures through personal study habits, and be doers of the Word—not hearers only which brings about self-deception.
3. By Failing To Teach Our Children – We come from a long line of Bible believers: men and women who have hazarded their lives for the Bible that we hold dear. Let us not do as Joshua’s generation did: having seen the great miracles of God in Egypt, watching as the children of Israel went through the Red Sea on dry ground, being fed of God for 40 years in the wilderness, and seeing God deliver the Promised Land into their hands: they raised a generation that knew not God. When we are gone, may we leave behind a godly heritage and faith in an infallible Bible!
Genesis 3:1-4
Introduction:
A. Last week, we saw the necessity of spiritual “landmarks” that define all that we believe. Once again, a “landmark” defines a boundary and is a point from whence all other points can be measured. It is stationary and unchanging!
1. If these “landmarks” are removed, we will soon find ourselves drifting from the spiritual truths that we once held dear. Today’s denominations have drifted far from the “moorings” of their founders intentions. Most denominations were started by godly men who revered and feared the Lord while remaining true to the Word of God.
2. If these “landmarks” are removed, these spiritual truths that we once held dear will not be known by our posterity. Today’s children are a lost generation! With little or no values, either spiritual or moral—the have become the children of apostasy!
B. Eleven times in the first two chapters of Genesis it is recorded that “God said.” Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke the universe into existence and what He created was “very good.” God gave just one commandment to Adam and Eve and it also was very good. They could obey one simple command and live forever in the Garden of Eden: no pain, sorrow, problems, etc. Life eternal in a wonderful place of God’s making.
C. The first attack upon a scriptural “landmark” is found in our text as Satan questioned the Word of God thus deceiving Eve. The attack upon this spiritual “landmark” was:
1. Satanic – Dr. Harold B. Sightler once said that this particular attack was a “planned” attack which later became a “manned” attack.
2. Subtle – By simply asking a question and adding one word, Satan negated the clear commandment of God.
3. Sufficient - It effectively confused Eve while perverting the desired spiritual result of the commandment which was life.
D. At this point, we must be made aware of the importance of God’s Word (when I say “God’s Word,” I am not referring to a version of God’s Word but to the very Word of God itself). What I have in my hand is God’s Word, not a version! A version is an account of a matter from a certain point of view, as contrasted with others: therefore, being one of many. The King James Bible is a “stand alone” bible and is “one of one!” God only wrote one Bible and the King James is the Word of God for the English speaking people.
1. The Word of God is the basis for all that we know and believe about God, His Son, Sin, Salvation, Heaven, and hell.
a) In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Saviour - Psalms 40:7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
b) In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Salvation - Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
c) In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Satisfaction - Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
d) In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Security - John 10:27-28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
2. The Word of God is THE “landmark” which was given by God and is published by man! The Word of God is the revelation of God to man and it is damning:
a) To deny it – Some say it is not God’s Word!
b) To change it – Some say it is not God’s Inerrant Word!
c) To ignore it – Some simply ignore it but it will not go away!
HOW THE WORLD REMOVES THE LANDMARK OF SCRIPTURES
1. This Landmark of Scripture Is Being Removed Through Intellectualism - 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. These carry 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. This Landmark of Scripture Is Being Removed Through Dishonesty - By deviously rendering the Word of God is such a way as to make it agree with false teachings. Romans 1 says that they changed the truth of God into a lie. They Wrestle the Scripture to their own destruction.
3. This Landmark of Scripture Is Being Removed Through Textual Criticism - By elevating the Minority Text over the Majority Text and teaching people that the King James was inaccurately translated. They strive to find transcription errors in the manuscripts and “correct them.”
4. This Landmark of Scripture Is Being Removed Through Confusion – By flooding the market with various translations which add to and take away from God’s Word thus confusing the people. There are between 6-8 thousand differences between the Textus Receptus and the Wescott-Hort Greek Text which represents app. 7 % of the bible. Adding or subtracting “one word” of the bible is to incur the curse of God!
HOW WE REMOVE THE LANDMARK OF SCRIPTURE
1. By Failing To Take An Uncompromising Stand – We are to earnestly contend for it and separate from all apostasy concerning it. It is as simple as that!
2. By Failing To Hear, Rightly Divide Through Personal Study, And Apply – Allow the Word of God to be preached in our pulpits, learn the Scriptures through personal study habits, and be doers of the Word—not hearers only which brings about self-deception.
3. By Failing To Teach Our Children – We come from a long line of Bible believers: men and women who have hazarded their lives for the Bible that we hold dear. Let us not do as Joshua’s generation did: having seen the great miracles of God in Egypt, watching as the children of Israel went through the Red Sea on dry ground, being fed of God for 40 years in the wilderness, and seeing God deliver the Promised Land into their hands: they raised a generation that knew not God. When we are gone, may we leave behind a godly heritage and faith in an infallible Bible!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Remove Not The Ancient Landmark
Temple Baptist Church - 9-11-2011
Proverbs 22:28
Introduction:
A. Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the attack by Muslim extremists upon the Twin Towers of New York. “Flash Bulb” memory probably takes each of us to a time and place when we either saw or heard the news.
1. I was out on visitation when my wife called and watched the news on one of our member’s TV.
2. I distinctly remember the day that President Kennedy was shot. I was sitting in Mrs. Fuller’s class at Earlington High School when a couple of the older girls came in and made the announcement.
3. These are marks created in our lives that will not be removed. Some things need to stick! Some things need to cause us to remember and, unfortunately, tragedies have a tendency to do just that.
B. As we reflect upon 9/11 this week, we need to remember just how great a country that America is: “Land that I love!” May I sing with joy in my heart, “God bless America!”
1. My heart is saddened by these events and yet saddened even more by the changes that have transpired during the times between.
2. I remember well the America of the 50’s and 60’s in which President John F. Kennedy lived and died. They were better days in our country when people loved this land, stood for right, had some old fashioned “scruples,” and life was so much simpler.
3. 9/11 transpired in a different America! The 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and years since Y2K brought great change in our country and the changes were, for the most part, not good ones. Truly our children will never know the America that we once knew.
C. As it did in the post-Kennedy years, our country continued its downward spiral after 9/11.
1. During and for a while after 9/11, there was a “spiritual awakening” of sorts as prayer and compassion reigned in wake of the disaster. Since that time, our country has continued “business as usual” as Iraq, Afghanistan, and financial debt continue to take their toll.
2. Today, our country is in a crisis created by those who live here.
a) Financially, the crisis is almost catastrophic! We have dug a monetary hole that we may well never climb out of. Because of ignorant financial decisions, pocketbooks have become depleted causing fear and distrust
b) Morally, sin has become both popular and accepted. Our nation is losing its moral foundation and sin is now acceptable and “alternate lifestyles” politically enforced! God has been “kicked” out of the schools and our prisons are overflowing with repeat offenders.
c) Spiritually, the churches have become increasingly forsaken by those who once attended faithfully. People who once were laboring for the Lord have stopped and those who were once faithful to the services are no longer faithful. Tithing is sporadic and missions programs are “paying a price” for it.
D. Our country needs some “landmarks!” The “Twin Towers” were national Landmarks! They were an important part of the New York’s Manhattan skyline.
1. Landmarks are boundaries that define areas of importance;
2. Landmarks are points of reference by which other things are measured. When we bought our home, I found one corner stake, took the plat of the land in hand and measured distances from that point.
3. What will reverse the downward trends of the past 50+ years since the Kennedy Assassination will not be just changes in government, as we have had both Democrat and Republican in offices during that time, but a return to our spiritual heritage and faith in God.
E. Our text verse says, “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.” The landmarks were given to us at birth and by our new birth.
1. The Command of the Landmark – “remove not” (If these landmarks get either moved or removed, it will be done by us, not the world.)
2. The Antiquity of the Landmark – “ancient” (“New” may be good in some things, but not in the spiritual realm. We are to seek and walk in the “Old Paths” wherein is the good way.)
3. The Fixture of the Landmark – “landmark” (We need to make sure that these landmarks not only are left for our children but also that they do not “move!”)
4. The Setters of the Landmark – “fathers” (These landmarks come from our spiritual forefathers who loved God, loved God’s Word, loved God’s church, and loved God’s people!)
5. The Permanence of the Landmark – “set” (If these landmarks are right (and they are) then they need to be driven so deep in our hearts and lives that they can never be either moved or removed!)
F. LAND'MARK, n. [land and mark.] 1828 Webster's Dictionary: A mark to designate the boundary of land; any mark or fixed object; as a marked tree, a stone, a ditch, or a heap of stones, by which the limits of a farm, a town or other portion of territory may be known and preserved.
G. The Bible has much to say concerning “landmarks.”
1. These landmarks were given by God - Deuteronomy 19:14 Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour’s landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
2. The Lord curses those who remove them - Deuteronomy 27:17 Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.
3. These landmarks belong to others also - Proverbs 23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
4. There is an ulterior motive for removing them - Job 24:2 Some remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed thereof.
H. The longer we hold to the “Old Paths” or “Ancient Landmarks,” the farther away from this rapidly advancing, present evil world we get!
1. W become the spiritual “stick in the mud” or “narrow minded” fundamentalists! Our theology becomes less and less acceptable in both the world and the religious community.
2. The farther we get from the world (it is the world that is moving away from God, not us moving away from the world) the more of as oddity and threat we become. We will become more maligned and persecuted for an unbending faith in both Christ and the Bible.
3. The world will hate us because it hated Christ but the danger is this:
a) If we move or remove the ancient landmarks, we will think about them less and be more apt to “get used to the dark” of sinfulness.
b) If we move or remove the ancient landmarks, our children will never know them! They will only know the pseudo-spirituality of the Antichrist and his one world religion of the end-time.
2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Proverbs 22:28
Introduction:
A. Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the attack by Muslim extremists upon the Twin Towers of New York. “Flash Bulb” memory probably takes each of us to a time and place when we either saw or heard the news.
1. I was out on visitation when my wife called and watched the news on one of our member’s TV.
2. I distinctly remember the day that President Kennedy was shot. I was sitting in Mrs. Fuller’s class at Earlington High School when a couple of the older girls came in and made the announcement.
3. These are marks created in our lives that will not be removed. Some things need to stick! Some things need to cause us to remember and, unfortunately, tragedies have a tendency to do just that.
B. As we reflect upon 9/11 this week, we need to remember just how great a country that America is: “Land that I love!” May I sing with joy in my heart, “God bless America!”
1. My heart is saddened by these events and yet saddened even more by the changes that have transpired during the times between.
2. I remember well the America of the 50’s and 60’s in which President John F. Kennedy lived and died. They were better days in our country when people loved this land, stood for right, had some old fashioned “scruples,” and life was so much simpler.
3. 9/11 transpired in a different America! The 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and years since Y2K brought great change in our country and the changes were, for the most part, not good ones. Truly our children will never know the America that we once knew.
C. As it did in the post-Kennedy years, our country continued its downward spiral after 9/11.
1. During and for a while after 9/11, there was a “spiritual awakening” of sorts as prayer and compassion reigned in wake of the disaster. Since that time, our country has continued “business as usual” as Iraq, Afghanistan, and financial debt continue to take their toll.
2. Today, our country is in a crisis created by those who live here.
a) Financially, the crisis is almost catastrophic! We have dug a monetary hole that we may well never climb out of. Because of ignorant financial decisions, pocketbooks have become depleted causing fear and distrust
b) Morally, sin has become both popular and accepted. Our nation is losing its moral foundation and sin is now acceptable and “alternate lifestyles” politically enforced! God has been “kicked” out of the schools and our prisons are overflowing with repeat offenders.
c) Spiritually, the churches have become increasingly forsaken by those who once attended faithfully. People who once were laboring for the Lord have stopped and those who were once faithful to the services are no longer faithful. Tithing is sporadic and missions programs are “paying a price” for it.
D. Our country needs some “landmarks!” The “Twin Towers” were national Landmarks! They were an important part of the New York’s Manhattan skyline.
1. Landmarks are boundaries that define areas of importance;
2. Landmarks are points of reference by which other things are measured. When we bought our home, I found one corner stake, took the plat of the land in hand and measured distances from that point.
3. What will reverse the downward trends of the past 50+ years since the Kennedy Assassination will not be just changes in government, as we have had both Democrat and Republican in offices during that time, but a return to our spiritual heritage and faith in God.
E. Our text verse says, “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.” The landmarks were given to us at birth and by our new birth.
1. The Command of the Landmark – “remove not” (If these landmarks get either moved or removed, it will be done by us, not the world.)
2. The Antiquity of the Landmark – “ancient” (“New” may be good in some things, but not in the spiritual realm. We are to seek and walk in the “Old Paths” wherein is the good way.)
3. The Fixture of the Landmark – “landmark” (We need to make sure that these landmarks not only are left for our children but also that they do not “move!”)
4. The Setters of the Landmark – “fathers” (These landmarks come from our spiritual forefathers who loved God, loved God’s Word, loved God’s church, and loved God’s people!)
5. The Permanence of the Landmark – “set” (If these landmarks are right (and they are) then they need to be driven so deep in our hearts and lives that they can never be either moved or removed!)
F. LAND'MARK, n. [land and mark.] 1828 Webster's Dictionary: A mark to designate the boundary of land; any mark or fixed object; as a marked tree, a stone, a ditch, or a heap of stones, by which the limits of a farm, a town or other portion of territory may be known and preserved.
G. The Bible has much to say concerning “landmarks.”
1. These landmarks were given by God - Deuteronomy 19:14 Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour’s landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
2. The Lord curses those who remove them - Deuteronomy 27:17 Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.
3. These landmarks belong to others also - Proverbs 23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
4. There is an ulterior motive for removing them - Job 24:2 Some remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed thereof.
H. The longer we hold to the “Old Paths” or “Ancient Landmarks,” the farther away from this rapidly advancing, present evil world we get!
1. W become the spiritual “stick in the mud” or “narrow minded” fundamentalists! Our theology becomes less and less acceptable in both the world and the religious community.
2. The farther we get from the world (it is the world that is moving away from God, not us moving away from the world) the more of as oddity and threat we become. We will become more maligned and persecuted for an unbending faith in both Christ and the Bible.
3. The world will hate us because it hated Christ but the danger is this:
a) If we move or remove the ancient landmarks, we will think about them less and be more apt to “get used to the dark” of sinfulness.
b) If we move or remove the ancient landmarks, our children will never know them! They will only know the pseudo-spirituality of the Antichrist and his one world religion of the end-time.
2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Submission To Biblical Authority
Temple Baptist Church - 9-7-2011
Ephesians 6:5-9
Introduction:
A. For the past few weeks, we have dealt with the authority or “pecking order” in the home. Every member of the home is to be subject to God’s commands concerning their place in the home. No one is without biblical authority or responsibility. In our text verses, the Lord deals with the employer-employee relationship. Without submission to God given authority, there can be no submission to God! When we “buck” the system, “buck” authority in the home, “buck” the authority at work or school, we are “bucking” the God who ordained these authorities.
B. As God deals with the employer-employee relationship, He sets forth examples of humility: the humility of the employee who works as hard for the bad employer as well the good one. It is easy to be a good worker in good circumstances for good pay under a wonderful employer. By the same token, these verses teach the employer—who has every right as an employer to run his business and command his employees—to be a kind, considerate employer. These analogies are to be patterned after our relationship with our wonderful, loving, compassionate, and kind Lord.
C. From birth to death, each of us are under many kinds of authority. It would do us well to recognize these authorities that the Lord had created and submit to them as unto the Lord. Let us look at some of these authorities.
1. There is the authority of God. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (The first commandment to be followed was given by God.)
2. There is the authority of Christ. Ephesians 1:20-22 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
3. There is the authority of Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
4. There is home authority. Ephesians 5:22-6:4 There are too many verses to print out here but you can see them in our context: the authority of the Lord over the father; the authority of the father over both the wife and the children and the authority of both husband and wife over the children.
5. There is pastoral authority. Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
6. There is governmental authority. Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
1 Peter 2:13-14 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
7. There is employer authority. Ephesians 6:5-9
Ephesians 6:5-9
Introduction:
A. For the past few weeks, we have dealt with the authority or “pecking order” in the home. Every member of the home is to be subject to God’s commands concerning their place in the home. No one is without biblical authority or responsibility. In our text verses, the Lord deals with the employer-employee relationship. Without submission to God given authority, there can be no submission to God! When we “buck” the system, “buck” authority in the home, “buck” the authority at work or school, we are “bucking” the God who ordained these authorities.
B. As God deals with the employer-employee relationship, He sets forth examples of humility: the humility of the employee who works as hard for the bad employer as well the good one. It is easy to be a good worker in good circumstances for good pay under a wonderful employer. By the same token, these verses teach the employer—who has every right as an employer to run his business and command his employees—to be a kind, considerate employer. These analogies are to be patterned after our relationship with our wonderful, loving, compassionate, and kind Lord.
C. From birth to death, each of us are under many kinds of authority. It would do us well to recognize these authorities that the Lord had created and submit to them as unto the Lord. Let us look at some of these authorities.
1. There is the authority of God. Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (The first commandment to be followed was given by God.)
2. There is the authority of Christ. Ephesians 1:20-22 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
3. There is the authority of Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
4. There is home authority. Ephesians 5:22-6:4 There are too many verses to print out here but you can see them in our context: the authority of the Lord over the father; the authority of the father over both the wife and the children and the authority of both husband and wife over the children.
5. There is pastoral authority. Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
6. There is governmental authority. Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
1 Peter 2:13-14 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
7. There is employer authority. Ephesians 6:5-9
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Jesus Christ Our Lord
Temple Baptist Church - 9-4-2011
Hebrews 1:1-4
Introduction:
A. The Book of Hebrews is one of the Hebrew Christian Epistles. Though some may dispute my opinion, I believe that the Apostle Paul was the instrument that the Holy Spirit used to write the Hebrew Epistle. Paul, being a Pharisee of the Pharisees, understood as much if not more about the ways of Judaism than anyone else of his time. There are a couple of reasons that I will set forth for the writing of this book.
1. Hebrews was written to exhort the Jewish Christians to persevere in the face of persecution. These believers were hated of the Gentiles because they were Jews and hated by the Jews because they were Christians.
2. Hebrews sets forth the doctrines of the person and deity of Christ, His position as Propitiation and High Priest, and His role as mediator between God and man.
B. In verses 1-2, we see:
1. The revelation of God’s Word and Will to the men of the Old Testament.
a) Sundry Times – the different dispensations: from Adam’s revelation of the coming of the “seed of the woman,” through the era of the Patriarchs, Mosaic, to the Prophets.
b) Divers Manners – the different parts and means: the revelation of nature as the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament His handiwork, the voice of God from Heaven, dreams, visions, prophets, Christophanies, Anthropomorphisms, legible writings from the finger of God (10 commandments, hand writing on the wall), etc.
2. The revelation of God’s Word and Will to the men of the New Testament.
a) The revelation of God’s Son and by God’s Son: the most excellent Messenger who has ever lived, far superior to the past revelations and prophets.
b) The revelation of God by His Apostles
c) The revelation of God through His completed, perfect Word.
3. The revelation of the glory of Christ’s office.
a) The Heir of all things – Vs. 2 – “heir of all things” - Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (You and I that are saved are “join heirs” with Christ; therefore, everything that is His is ours! All that is in the world, all that is in the heavens, all that is in Heaven! As the Lord is rich beyond our comprehension, so we will be made rich.)
2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
b) The Creator of all things – Vs. 2 – “he made the worlds” - John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (If He made the world, and He did, then He is able to supply all our need both in this world and the world to come.)
Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
c) The Brightness of God’s glory – Vs. 3 – “brightness of his glory”- John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (Christ is the "brightness" of His glory, as he is God; the Lord of glory, and the same glory, ho-mage, and worship is to be given Him. With “doubting Thomas, I say, “My Lord and my God!)
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:
d) The Express Image of God’s person – Vs. 3 – “express (exact image) image of his person” - Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (He has the same glorious nature and perfections, and the same glorious names, as God the Father. He has the same attributes and is equal in all power and position. He is God and beside Him there is none other.)
Isaiah 43:10-11 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
e) The Sovereign of the Universe – Vs. 3 – “upholding all things by the word of his power” - Revelation 4:11 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. (As Sovereign, He controls the world; He controls the universe; He is the head of all things.)
1 Corinthians 15:24-25 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
f) The Saviour of the world – Vs. 3 – “by himself purged our sins” - 1 John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. (He is the way, the truth, and the life; He is the door of Revelation 3. If you get to Heaven, it will be through Him and Him alone.)
g) Our High Priest – Vs. 3 – “purged our sins” - Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; (When the Lord sees me, He sees blood!)
1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
h) Our Mediator - Vs. 3 – “sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” - 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.)
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
C. I believe, as bible believers, that we understand just who this God Man was. Verse 4 says that He was “made so much better than the angels” and that He had a “more excellent name than they.” The key word in Hebrews is better.
1. He is better than The prophets (Hebrews 1:1-3)
2. He is better than Angels (Hebrews 1:4-2:18)
3. He is better than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-18)
4. He is better than Joshua (Hebrews 4:1-13)
5. He is better than The High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-6:12)
6. He is better than Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:1-10)
7. He is better than Abraham (Hebrews 6:13-7:10)
8. He is better than Aaron and other earthly priests (Hebrews 7:11-8:6)
9. He is better than the old covenant sacrifices (Hebrews 8:7-10:39)
10. He is better than the old covenant faith-worthies (Hebrews 11:1-12:2)
D. It is not my intention to preach on every aspect of the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ but I do want to look at a phrase that is found in verse 4: “being made.” There are several things that Jesus Christ was “made” to be for us. He had to be “made” because these things were not a part of Him in eternity past.
1. He Was Made Of Royal Seed - Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
2. He Was Made Of The Flesh Under The Law - Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
3. He Was Made Of No Reputation - Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
4. He Was Made Like Unto His Brethren - Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
5. He Was Made Sin For Us - 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
6. He Was Made A Curse - Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
7. He Was Made The Way Of Salvation - 1 Peter 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8. He Was Made A Quickening Spirit - 1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
9. He Was Made Our Sufficiency - 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
10. He Was Made An High Priest - Hebrews 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
11. He Was Made Surety - Hebrews 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
12. He Was Made Both Lord And Christ - Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Hebrews 1:1-4
Introduction:
A. The Book of Hebrews is one of the Hebrew Christian Epistles. Though some may dispute my opinion, I believe that the Apostle Paul was the instrument that the Holy Spirit used to write the Hebrew Epistle. Paul, being a Pharisee of the Pharisees, understood as much if not more about the ways of Judaism than anyone else of his time. There are a couple of reasons that I will set forth for the writing of this book.
1. Hebrews was written to exhort the Jewish Christians to persevere in the face of persecution. These believers were hated of the Gentiles because they were Jews and hated by the Jews because they were Christians.
2. Hebrews sets forth the doctrines of the person and deity of Christ, His position as Propitiation and High Priest, and His role as mediator between God and man.
B. In verses 1-2, we see:
1. The revelation of God’s Word and Will to the men of the Old Testament.
a) Sundry Times – the different dispensations: from Adam’s revelation of the coming of the “seed of the woman,” through the era of the Patriarchs, Mosaic, to the Prophets.
b) Divers Manners – the different parts and means: the revelation of nature as the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament His handiwork, the voice of God from Heaven, dreams, visions, prophets, Christophanies, Anthropomorphisms, legible writings from the finger of God (10 commandments, hand writing on the wall), etc.
2. The revelation of God’s Word and Will to the men of the New Testament.
a) The revelation of God’s Son and by God’s Son: the most excellent Messenger who has ever lived, far superior to the past revelations and prophets.
b) The revelation of God by His Apostles
c) The revelation of God through His completed, perfect Word.
3. The revelation of the glory of Christ’s office.
a) The Heir of all things – Vs. 2 – “heir of all things” - Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (You and I that are saved are “join heirs” with Christ; therefore, everything that is His is ours! All that is in the world, all that is in the heavens, all that is in Heaven! As the Lord is rich beyond our comprehension, so we will be made rich.)
2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
b) The Creator of all things – Vs. 2 – “he made the worlds” - John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (If He made the world, and He did, then He is able to supply all our need both in this world and the world to come.)
Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
c) The Brightness of God’s glory – Vs. 3 – “brightness of his glory”- John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (Christ is the "brightness" of His glory, as he is God; the Lord of glory, and the same glory, ho-mage, and worship is to be given Him. With “doubting Thomas, I say, “My Lord and my God!)
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:
d) The Express Image of God’s person – Vs. 3 – “express (exact image) image of his person” - Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (He has the same glorious nature and perfections, and the same glorious names, as God the Father. He has the same attributes and is equal in all power and position. He is God and beside Him there is none other.)
Isaiah 43:10-11 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
e) The Sovereign of the Universe – Vs. 3 – “upholding all things by the word of his power” - Revelation 4:11 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. (As Sovereign, He controls the world; He controls the universe; He is the head of all things.)
1 Corinthians 15:24-25 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
f) The Saviour of the world – Vs. 3 – “by himself purged our sins” - 1 John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. (He is the way, the truth, and the life; He is the door of Revelation 3. If you get to Heaven, it will be through Him and Him alone.)
g) Our High Priest – Vs. 3 – “purged our sins” - Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; (When the Lord sees me, He sees blood!)
1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
h) Our Mediator - Vs. 3 – “sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” - 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.)
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
C. I believe, as bible believers, that we understand just who this God Man was. Verse 4 says that He was “made so much better than the angels” and that He had a “more excellent name than they.” The key word in Hebrews is better.
1. He is better than The prophets (Hebrews 1:1-3)
2. He is better than Angels (Hebrews 1:4-2:18)
3. He is better than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-18)
4. He is better than Joshua (Hebrews 4:1-13)
5. He is better than The High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-6:12)
6. He is better than Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:1-10)
7. He is better than Abraham (Hebrews 6:13-7:10)
8. He is better than Aaron and other earthly priests (Hebrews 7:11-8:6)
9. He is better than the old covenant sacrifices (Hebrews 8:7-10:39)
10. He is better than the old covenant faith-worthies (Hebrews 11:1-12:2)
D. It is not my intention to preach on every aspect of the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ but I do want to look at a phrase that is found in verse 4: “being made.” There are several things that Jesus Christ was “made” to be for us. He had to be “made” because these things were not a part of Him in eternity past.
1. He Was Made Of Royal Seed - Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
2. He Was Made Of The Flesh Under The Law - Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
3. He Was Made Of No Reputation - Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
4. He Was Made Like Unto His Brethren - Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
5. He Was Made Sin For Us - 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
6. He Was Made A Curse - Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
7. He Was Made The Way Of Salvation - 1 Peter 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8. He Was Made A Quickening Spirit - 1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
9. He Was Made Our Sufficiency - 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
10. He Was Made An High Priest - Hebrews 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
11. He Was Made Surety - Hebrews 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
12. He Was Made Both Lord And Christ - Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
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