Temple Baptist Church - 12-28-2011
Ephesians 6:19-20
Introduction:
A. Ephesians 6 stresses the importance of being fully armed both defensively and offensively. We must both be on guard and constantly on the attack. God has given us all things pertaining to both life and godliness so that we can walk righteously in this present evil world, making a difference. We can finish our race; keep the faith; and get a well done at the end of our lives.
B. As we finish the armor of God, we find the necessity of continual prayer and supplication for each other as well as all men. The Apostle Paul now expresses the importance of praying for God’s man. I said in a previous message that if the pulpit stays right—the people will stay right—and the church will stay right. If we stand together in the Old Paths, trouble will come but we will be victorious.
C. As Paul is requesting to be prayed for, I see once again the importance of the pastor in the lives of God’s people.
Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
D. You need a pastor, not just a preacher. I need a pastor! The child of God will never be complete without one. We live in days where many people will not allow God’s man to be their pastor: they only want a preacher. Many churches want only a preacher. Many preachers are not pastors. God gave churches pastors “according to mine heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
E. The reason for making supplication for God’s man are found in these two verses tonight: 1) a prayer for bold preaching 2) a prayer for straight preaching.
F. Preaching is much more than just climbing into the pulpit and “letting her fly.” The pastor must be both right and in the right frame of mind in order to preach as he should. Therefore, his physical and spiritual life need to be prayed for. I want to give you several things that you need to request for your pastor.
1. Pray For His Preaching - 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
a. Complete Preaching - Acts 20:26-27 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. (27) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
b. Courageous Preaching - Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
c. Compassionate Preaching - 2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2. Pray For His Protection - 2 Thessalonians 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. (A pastor’s life is characterized by adversity. I have often described the work of the ministry as bitter-sweet. Much more sweet than bitter but there are seasons of both good and hard times.)
Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
a. There Are Attacks Against His Person – 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: (Attacks upon both his person and his family. When Satan cannot get to God’s man, he will attempt to get to God’s man through his family.)
b. There Are Attacks Against His Principles – 2 Timothy 4:15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
c. There Are Attacks Against His Position - 3 John 9-10 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. (10) Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
3. Pray For His Purity – 1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
a. Purity In Longings – Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
b. Purity In Life – Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
c Purity In Love - Proverbs 5:18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
He Shall Save His People From Their Sins
Temple Baptist Church - 12-25-2011
Matthew 1:18-25
Introduction:
A. Christmas, for the most part, has lost its “innocence” through worldliness and commercialization. If people were actually celebrating the birth of our Lord, the churches would be filled and overflowing this day. Instead, most people are simply celebrating “Christmas” in a worldly manner and many churches will be canceling either one or both services. I am glad that Christmas in on Sunday this year. It certainly bares the hearts of religious people and identifies those who love and put Christ first in their lives. I am not here to preach to them because they are either not here or will not be here later. This may offend some but it is the truth that hurts. I want us to focus in on the incarnation this Christmas Day.
B. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, it does us well to reflect upon why He was born. We hear much around this time of the year concerning “the reason for the season” and opinions differ.
1. Some say that Jesus is the reason for the season. I understand that because it is the celebration of His birth.
2. Some say that sinners are the reason for the season. I do not disagree with this either as we are the object of His love. It was love that brought Him and love that bound Him to an old rugged cross.
3. The world says that Santa and tinsel is the reason for the season but this is rejected completely by God’s people.
C. I believe that the reason for the season is found in verse 21 which says, “and he shall save his people from their sins.” I want to look at that phrase for a few minutes today. The purpose is clear in the wording when we read from left to right and the progression is clear when we begin our reading from right to left.
1. Sin! Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: (17) But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (It was just a simple command that the Lord gave to Adam and Eve. They had the “run of the garden” and could eat whatever and whenever they desired. Adam and Eve listened to the Serpent, discounted the command of God, ate of the forbidden fruit and plunged the whole world into sin. What does God think of sin? Read Genesis 5! Satan said, “Thou shalt not surely die” and God punctuated “Thou shalt surely die” 8 times with “he died!” God hates sin, not sinners! It was sin that brought the Saviour to earth and the price of sin is death!)
2. Their! Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (When the Bible uses the word “their” in this verse, it does not mean everyone except us but identifies humanity corporately. It was Adam that caused sin to become inherent and the curse to come but it is each individual that chooses to sin and personal responsibility damns the sinner. Poor old Adam ate a piece of fruit (I do not diminish its sinfulness) and he gets the blame for all that we do?)
3. From! Jeremiah 7:10-11 And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? (11) Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD. (We are saved “from our sin,” not “in our sin” or “to sin!” Too many professing believers’ lives never change as they continue to walk in the way of the world. 2 Corinthian 5:17 is a reality to those who have truly been born again. Their lives are forever changed through Calvary.)
4. His people! Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (2) And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (Though Christ died for all, not all will become His children by faith. God, in His sovereignty, gave every man a free will to be exercised and saves only those who come to Him by faith.)
5. Save! Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Salvation is not probation! When the Lord saves, He saves completely and eternally. I have often said, “If you do not have eternal life you have no life at all. Eternal life is the only kind that God gives.)
6. Shall! Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (When a sinner comes to Christ by faith, he or she is never turned away! Salvation is “shall,” not “may!”)
7. He! Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. (Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners because there was no other way! He is still the Way!)
Matthew 1:18-25
Introduction:
A. Christmas, for the most part, has lost its “innocence” through worldliness and commercialization. If people were actually celebrating the birth of our Lord, the churches would be filled and overflowing this day. Instead, most people are simply celebrating “Christmas” in a worldly manner and many churches will be canceling either one or both services. I am glad that Christmas in on Sunday this year. It certainly bares the hearts of religious people and identifies those who love and put Christ first in their lives. I am not here to preach to them because they are either not here or will not be here later. This may offend some but it is the truth that hurts. I want us to focus in on the incarnation this Christmas Day.
B. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, it does us well to reflect upon why He was born. We hear much around this time of the year concerning “the reason for the season” and opinions differ.
1. Some say that Jesus is the reason for the season. I understand that because it is the celebration of His birth.
2. Some say that sinners are the reason for the season. I do not disagree with this either as we are the object of His love. It was love that brought Him and love that bound Him to an old rugged cross.
3. The world says that Santa and tinsel is the reason for the season but this is rejected completely by God’s people.
C. I believe that the reason for the season is found in verse 21 which says, “and he shall save his people from their sins.” I want to look at that phrase for a few minutes today. The purpose is clear in the wording when we read from left to right and the progression is clear when we begin our reading from right to left.
1. Sin! Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: (17) But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (It was just a simple command that the Lord gave to Adam and Eve. They had the “run of the garden” and could eat whatever and whenever they desired. Adam and Eve listened to the Serpent, discounted the command of God, ate of the forbidden fruit and plunged the whole world into sin. What does God think of sin? Read Genesis 5! Satan said, “Thou shalt not surely die” and God punctuated “Thou shalt surely die” 8 times with “he died!” God hates sin, not sinners! It was sin that brought the Saviour to earth and the price of sin is death!)
2. Their! Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (When the Bible uses the word “their” in this verse, it does not mean everyone except us but identifies humanity corporately. It was Adam that caused sin to become inherent and the curse to come but it is each individual that chooses to sin and personal responsibility damns the sinner. Poor old Adam ate a piece of fruit (I do not diminish its sinfulness) and he gets the blame for all that we do?)
3. From! Jeremiah 7:10-11 And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? (11) Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD. (We are saved “from our sin,” not “in our sin” or “to sin!” Too many professing believers’ lives never change as they continue to walk in the way of the world. 2 Corinthian 5:17 is a reality to those who have truly been born again. Their lives are forever changed through Calvary.)
4. His people! Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (2) And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (Though Christ died for all, not all will become His children by faith. God, in His sovereignty, gave every man a free will to be exercised and saves only those who come to Him by faith.)
5. Save! Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Salvation is not probation! When the Lord saves, He saves completely and eternally. I have often said, “If you do not have eternal life you have no life at all. Eternal life is the only kind that God gives.)
6. Shall! Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (When a sinner comes to Christ by faith, he or she is never turned away! Salvation is “shall,” not “may!”)
7. He! Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. (Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners because there was no other way! He is still the Way!)
Sunday, December 18, 2011
What God Has Given To The Believer
Temple Baptist Church - 12-18-2011
Luke 2:14
Introduction:
A. Oh what glory, that God became man and died in our place on Calvary that we might have eternal life and fellowship with Him. We give and receive many gifts at Christmas in remembrance of the first gift given which was Christ Jesus our Lord.
B. Through Christ, God has given us many marvelous gifts.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
C. Oftentimes, we get saved and live our lives without thinking of all that the Lord has given to us through Christ. I will be brief tonight because we have much to do but I think it good for us to reflect upon a few of them tonight.
1. First and foremost, there is the gift of His only begotten Son - John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
2. There is the gift of Eternal Salvation - John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
a. God gave us the faith - Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
b. God granted us the repentance - Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
c. God gave us the opportunity - John 4:6-7 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
d. God gave us deliverance - 2 Corinthians 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.
1) Delivered from a burning hell - Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
2) Delivered from a life of destruction - Psalms 103:1, 4a Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name…Who redeemeth thy life from destruction.
3) Delivered from this present world - Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
John 17:14-16 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
3. There is the gift of forgiveness - Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.
4. There is the gift of the Holy Ghost - John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
5. There is the gift of His perfect Word - Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
6. There is the gift of a transformed life - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
7. There is the gift of abundant life - John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
8. There is the gift of perfect peace - John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
9. There is the gift of sufficient grace - 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10. There is the gift of joy - John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
11. There is the gift of a new family - Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
12. There is the gift of hope - Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Luke 2:14
Introduction:
A. Oh what glory, that God became man and died in our place on Calvary that we might have eternal life and fellowship with Him. We give and receive many gifts at Christmas in remembrance of the first gift given which was Christ Jesus our Lord.
B. Through Christ, God has given us many marvelous gifts.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
C. Oftentimes, we get saved and live our lives without thinking of all that the Lord has given to us through Christ. I will be brief tonight because we have much to do but I think it good for us to reflect upon a few of them tonight.
1. First and foremost, there is the gift of His only begotten Son - John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
2. There is the gift of Eternal Salvation - John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
a. God gave us the faith - Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
b. God granted us the repentance - Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
c. God gave us the opportunity - John 4:6-7 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
d. God gave us deliverance - 2 Corinthians 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.
1) Delivered from a burning hell - Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
2) Delivered from a life of destruction - Psalms 103:1, 4a Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name…Who redeemeth thy life from destruction.
3) Delivered from this present world - Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
John 17:14-16 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
3. There is the gift of forgiveness - Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.
4. There is the gift of the Holy Ghost - John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
5. There is the gift of His perfect Word - Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
6. There is the gift of a transformed life - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
7. There is the gift of abundant life - John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
8. There is the gift of perfect peace - John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
9. There is the gift of sufficient grace - 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10. There is the gift of joy - John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
11. There is the gift of a new family - Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
12. There is the gift of hope - Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
That Name Above All Others
Temple Baptist Church - 12-18-2011
Isaiah 9:1-7
Introduction:
A. Israel has been in darkness for 400+ years prior to the first coming of our Lord. In what is called the “400 Silent Years,” no prophet spoke the Word of the Lord to the people; no man of God performed the great miracles that were done in the past; Phariseeism blossomed in Israel and the people fell into spiritual bondage. They were dark days for Israel as they were under both spiritual bondage to the Pharisees and physical bondage to Rome. They “walked in darkness!” They walked aimlessly and hopelessly: blinded in bondage.
B. In the dispensation of the fullness of times, God sent forth His only begotten Son—born of a virgin in a manger in Bethlehem—but He that was born was no longer expected. The sacrifices of the people were simply a discipline and routine with the Messiah no longer expected by the masses.
C. God in His faithfulness and grace kept His promise to Israel and, as the Christ child grew, God began to turn up the brightness of the Light of the World in the presence of His people. “Upon them hath the light shined!” They saw the Christ of God with all of His glory and miracles. They heard His words and walked in His light but the Scripture is clear when it says, “He came unto his own and his own received Him not!” They expected a King, not a Lamb!
D. Most today have also seen the light of the glorious gospel of Christ which has shined for over 200 years here in the United States of America. The gospel has shined from sea to shining sea in this land and, yet, the people still continue to walk in darkness. The Christ of the Bible is as rejected today as He was then! The people love their darkness and refuse to come to the Light because it exposes that which the darkness covers.
E. These verses tell us that, one day, “his name shall be called” those wonderful, descriptive words that we see in verse 6. One day, He will truly reign over this Earth and every one will see Him as He is. The knowledge of the Lord will cover the Earth and all people will praise the Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever. Bless His holy name for He is worthy to be praised. But, to those of us who know Him; to those of us who love Him; to those of us who serve Him—He is a “name above all others!”
F. I want to look at that description of Christ in verse 6 for a few minutes.
1. WONDERFUL – marvelous or extraordinary – Exciting, surprising, astonishing, miraculous, powerful, incredible, exceeding, supernatural, admirable. Do you hear me tonight? That is our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ! Do you know Him this morning?
His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord;
He is the mighty King, master of everything,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.
He's the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages,
Almighty God is He;
Bow down before Him, love and adore Him,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.
a. He wonderfully saved my soul in 1976! What a wonderful thought that I will be in Heaven for eternity because He loves me.
b. He wonderfully forgave all of my sin in 1976! Past, present, and future. I am both saved and secured through the Light of the World.
c. He wonderfully changed the direction and desires of my life in 1976! What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart.
d. His name became Wonderful to me! He is the sole reason of my praise tonight!
2. COUNSELOR – to give advice, to purpose, to devise or plan, to conspire, to manage causes in court.
a. He counsels me when my heart is troubled.
b. He counsels me when my faith is tried.
c. He counsels me when my integrity is tempted.
d. He has the remedy for all of my problems! He knows all because He is the COUNSELOR! His advice is slways good, His counsel is always right, and His path is always safe. He maketh no mistake nor does He turn from His divine purpose. Ask and ye shall receive! Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not!
3. THE MIGHTY GOD – strong, valiant, excelling, powerful, great, prevailing, authoritative, accomplished, extraordinary degree or quality in respect to size, character, importance, and consequences! That’s my God! That’s my Lord!
a. He is mighty when I am weak.
b. He is mighty when my enemy is strong!
c. He is mighty when the winds and waves roll over my soul!
d. He is mighty when the impossible becomes the probable.
e. He is the Resource of my power!
f. He can do anything at anytime, anywhere! When I have to “withstand in the evil day,” He stands with me. When I have done all and must continue to stand, He stands with and for me. That’s my MIGHTY GOD! With Him, I can fear no evil. With Him, I can face tomorrow.
4. THE EVERLASTING FATHER – eternal in duration, never coming to an end, a begetter, a parent, the founder of a family, the head of the home, important, distinguished!
a. As a Father, He loves me.
b. As a Father, He has pity upon me.
c. As a Father, He directs me.
d. As a Father, He corrects me.
e. As a Father, He protects me.
f. As a Father, He provides for me.
g. As a Father, He will never leave nor forsake me!
5. THE PRINCE OF PEACE – of the highest rank, in the highest place, of the highest authority, He is the Sovereign, He is the Monarch, He is the Authority, He is the Son of a King, He is of royal blood, He is of great ancestry, there is no one like Him, He is of highest rank, He is the Head of the Church, He is preeminent, He is predominant,
a. He brings stillness to my troubled soul.
b. He brings rest in restlessness.
c. He brings hope in hopelessness.
d. He brings victory out of defeat.
e. He is the Fairest of Ten Thousand to my soul!
f. There were none before Him.
g. There will be none after Him.
h. He is the Manifestation of Peace.
i. He is the Minister of Peace.
j. He is the Master of Peace. Do you know Him tonight?
Conclusion: He truly is indescribable! He is the “I AM THAT I AM!”
TO THE ARCHITECT HE IS THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.
TO THE ASTRONOMER HE IS THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR.
TO THE BUTCHER HE IS THE LAMB OF GOD WHO WAS SLAIN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THIS WORLD.
TO THE BAKER HE IS THE LIVING BREAD.
TO THE CARPENTER HE IS THE MASTER BUILDER.
TO THE DIPLOMAT HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE.
TO THE DOCTOR HE IS THE GREAT PHYSICIAN.
TO THE EDUCATOR HE IS THE MASTER TEACHER.
TO THE ELECTRICIAN HE IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
TO THE FARMER HE IS THE LORD OF THE HARVEST.
TO THE FLORIST HE IS THE LILY OF THE VALLEY AND THE ROSE OF SHARON.
TO THE GEOLOGIST HE IS THE ROCK OF AGES.
TO THE HORTICULTURIST HE IS THE TRUE VINE.
TO THE JEWELER HE IS THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE.
TO THE JUDGE HE IS THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE.
TO THE LAWYER HE IS THE CHIEF ADVOCATE.
TO THE PHILOSOPHER HE IS THE WISDOM OF GOD.
TO THE PUBLISHER HE IS GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY.
TO THE SCULPTOR HE IS THE LIVING STONE.
TO THE THEOLOGIAN HE IS AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH.
TO THE ZOOLOGIST HE IS THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH.
IF YOU'RE HUNGRY, HE'S THE BREAD OF LIFE.
IF YOU'RE THIRSTY, HE'S THE FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATER.
IF YOU'RE BLIND, HE'S THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
IF YOU'RE LOST, HE'S THE WAY.
IF YOU'RE CONFUSED, HE'S THE TRUTH.
IF YOU'RE DYING, HE'S THE LIFE.
He is WONDERFUL - He is my DELIGHT
He is THE COUNSELLOR - He is my DIRECTION
He is THE MIGHTY GOD - He is my DEITY
He is THE EVERLASTING FATHER - He is my DEFENDER
He is THE PRINCE OF PEACE- He is my DIFFERENCE
Isaiah 9:1-7
Introduction:
A. Israel has been in darkness for 400+ years prior to the first coming of our Lord. In what is called the “400 Silent Years,” no prophet spoke the Word of the Lord to the people; no man of God performed the great miracles that were done in the past; Phariseeism blossomed in Israel and the people fell into spiritual bondage. They were dark days for Israel as they were under both spiritual bondage to the Pharisees and physical bondage to Rome. They “walked in darkness!” They walked aimlessly and hopelessly: blinded in bondage.
B. In the dispensation of the fullness of times, God sent forth His only begotten Son—born of a virgin in a manger in Bethlehem—but He that was born was no longer expected. The sacrifices of the people were simply a discipline and routine with the Messiah no longer expected by the masses.
C. God in His faithfulness and grace kept His promise to Israel and, as the Christ child grew, God began to turn up the brightness of the Light of the World in the presence of His people. “Upon them hath the light shined!” They saw the Christ of God with all of His glory and miracles. They heard His words and walked in His light but the Scripture is clear when it says, “He came unto his own and his own received Him not!” They expected a King, not a Lamb!
D. Most today have also seen the light of the glorious gospel of Christ which has shined for over 200 years here in the United States of America. The gospel has shined from sea to shining sea in this land and, yet, the people still continue to walk in darkness. The Christ of the Bible is as rejected today as He was then! The people love their darkness and refuse to come to the Light because it exposes that which the darkness covers.
E. These verses tell us that, one day, “his name shall be called” those wonderful, descriptive words that we see in verse 6. One day, He will truly reign over this Earth and every one will see Him as He is. The knowledge of the Lord will cover the Earth and all people will praise the Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever. Bless His holy name for He is worthy to be praised. But, to those of us who know Him; to those of us who love Him; to those of us who serve Him—He is a “name above all others!”
F. I want to look at that description of Christ in verse 6 for a few minutes.
1. WONDERFUL – marvelous or extraordinary – Exciting, surprising, astonishing, miraculous, powerful, incredible, exceeding, supernatural, admirable. Do you hear me tonight? That is our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ! Do you know Him this morning?
His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord;
He is the mighty King, master of everything,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.
He's the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages,
Almighty God is He;
Bow down before Him, love and adore Him,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.
a. He wonderfully saved my soul in 1976! What a wonderful thought that I will be in Heaven for eternity because He loves me.
b. He wonderfully forgave all of my sin in 1976! Past, present, and future. I am both saved and secured through the Light of the World.
c. He wonderfully changed the direction and desires of my life in 1976! What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart.
d. His name became Wonderful to me! He is the sole reason of my praise tonight!
2. COUNSELOR – to give advice, to purpose, to devise or plan, to conspire, to manage causes in court.
a. He counsels me when my heart is troubled.
b. He counsels me when my faith is tried.
c. He counsels me when my integrity is tempted.
d. He has the remedy for all of my problems! He knows all because He is the COUNSELOR! His advice is slways good, His counsel is always right, and His path is always safe. He maketh no mistake nor does He turn from His divine purpose. Ask and ye shall receive! Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not!
3. THE MIGHTY GOD – strong, valiant, excelling, powerful, great, prevailing, authoritative, accomplished, extraordinary degree or quality in respect to size, character, importance, and consequences! That’s my God! That’s my Lord!
a. He is mighty when I am weak.
b. He is mighty when my enemy is strong!
c. He is mighty when the winds and waves roll over my soul!
d. He is mighty when the impossible becomes the probable.
e. He is the Resource of my power!
f. He can do anything at anytime, anywhere! When I have to “withstand in the evil day,” He stands with me. When I have done all and must continue to stand, He stands with and for me. That’s my MIGHTY GOD! With Him, I can fear no evil. With Him, I can face tomorrow.
4. THE EVERLASTING FATHER – eternal in duration, never coming to an end, a begetter, a parent, the founder of a family, the head of the home, important, distinguished!
a. As a Father, He loves me.
b. As a Father, He has pity upon me.
c. As a Father, He directs me.
d. As a Father, He corrects me.
e. As a Father, He protects me.
f. As a Father, He provides for me.
g. As a Father, He will never leave nor forsake me!
5. THE PRINCE OF PEACE – of the highest rank, in the highest place, of the highest authority, He is the Sovereign, He is the Monarch, He is the Authority, He is the Son of a King, He is of royal blood, He is of great ancestry, there is no one like Him, He is of highest rank, He is the Head of the Church, He is preeminent, He is predominant,
a. He brings stillness to my troubled soul.
b. He brings rest in restlessness.
c. He brings hope in hopelessness.
d. He brings victory out of defeat.
e. He is the Fairest of Ten Thousand to my soul!
f. There were none before Him.
g. There will be none after Him.
h. He is the Manifestation of Peace.
i. He is the Minister of Peace.
j. He is the Master of Peace. Do you know Him tonight?
Conclusion: He truly is indescribable! He is the “I AM THAT I AM!”
TO THE ARCHITECT HE IS THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.
TO THE ASTRONOMER HE IS THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR.
TO THE BUTCHER HE IS THE LAMB OF GOD WHO WAS SLAIN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THIS WORLD.
TO THE BAKER HE IS THE LIVING BREAD.
TO THE CARPENTER HE IS THE MASTER BUILDER.
TO THE DIPLOMAT HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE.
TO THE DOCTOR HE IS THE GREAT PHYSICIAN.
TO THE EDUCATOR HE IS THE MASTER TEACHER.
TO THE ELECTRICIAN HE IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
TO THE FARMER HE IS THE LORD OF THE HARVEST.
TO THE FLORIST HE IS THE LILY OF THE VALLEY AND THE ROSE OF SHARON.
TO THE GEOLOGIST HE IS THE ROCK OF AGES.
TO THE HORTICULTURIST HE IS THE TRUE VINE.
TO THE JEWELER HE IS THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE.
TO THE JUDGE HE IS THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE.
TO THE LAWYER HE IS THE CHIEF ADVOCATE.
TO THE PHILOSOPHER HE IS THE WISDOM OF GOD.
TO THE PUBLISHER HE IS GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY.
TO THE SCULPTOR HE IS THE LIVING STONE.
TO THE THEOLOGIAN HE IS AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH.
TO THE ZOOLOGIST HE IS THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH.
IF YOU'RE HUNGRY, HE'S THE BREAD OF LIFE.
IF YOU'RE THIRSTY, HE'S THE FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATER.
IF YOU'RE BLIND, HE'S THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
IF YOU'RE LOST, HE'S THE WAY.
IF YOU'RE CONFUSED, HE'S THE TRUTH.
IF YOU'RE DYING, HE'S THE LIFE.
He is WONDERFUL - He is my DELIGHT
He is THE COUNSELLOR - He is my DIRECTION
He is THE MIGHTY GOD - He is my DEITY
He is THE EVERLASTING FATHER - He is my DEFENDER
He is THE PRINCE OF PEACE- He is my DIFFERENCE
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Praying Always
Temple Baptist Church - 12-14-2011
Ephesians 6:18
Introduction:
A. Tonight, we will end the series on the armor of God but may this service be the beginning for each of us as we now understand better how to both protect ourselves spiritually and to drive off the attacker while quenching his fiery darts. Too often, we become victim to satanic attack through ignorance. We will be constantly attacked in this world but have all that it takes to be victorious.
B. We are now protected from the head to the foot with the sword of the Spirit in our hand but is that enough. Ephesians 6:18 is the capstone! We find once again the value of prayer in the life of God’s people. Not just praying but effectually praying. I am not going to begin a series on prayer but do want to properly deal with this one verse.
C. How important is prayer? James 4:2-3 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
D. Though prayer is mentioned at the end of the listing of God’s armor, we need to remember that prayer is the link between the believer and the Lord. I cannot express enough the importance to talking with God, not just to God.
Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching (praying in faith and then watching) thereunto with all perseverance (never giving up) and supplication for all saints (praying for others as well as personal needs);
1. Praying always! 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.” Here we find a much quoted verse concerning when to pray but memorizing the verse is of little good without performance of the verse. This verse covers all kinds of prayer, not only “closet praying” but praying all day. I call this an attitude of prayer. A song says, “He walks with me and He talks with me!” Go to bed praying and get up praying. It will make your day go a whole lot better.
2. Praying with all prayer and supplication. Praying about everything and in every situation and in time of need. Praying before planning; praying before acting; praying first sure makes life a whole lot easier!
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Prayer means to worship while supplication means to make petition. Too often we spend our prayer time telling God what we want or need without giving Him the glory and praise that He deserves. Worship should precede supplication.
3. Praying in the Spirit. Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Jude 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Praying with the heart, soul, and spirit engaged in it; it is put up with a true heart, and a right spirit, and without hypocrisy; in a spiritual way, and with fervency, and under the influence, and by the assistance of the Spirit of God. He is our Companion; our Comforter; He is our Guide.
4. Praying if faith. “watching thereunto with all perseverance” Mark 13:33 “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” The Lord said, “Call unto me and I WILL answer thee!” When we ask God for something, we wait upon Him and His time for the right answer. I often say, “His time is not our time and His way is not our way.”
James 1:6-8 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (8) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Someone once said, “If you pray for rain make sure you carry your umbrella!”)
5. Praying for others! Job 42:10 “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Never get so burdened down with your own problems as to forget the needs of others. When we think only of ourselves, we find no light in the darkness of our circumstances but, when we pray for the needs of others, our burden is lessened as we help to bear those of others.
Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Ephesians 6:18
Introduction:
A. Tonight, we will end the series on the armor of God but may this service be the beginning for each of us as we now understand better how to both protect ourselves spiritually and to drive off the attacker while quenching his fiery darts. Too often, we become victim to satanic attack through ignorance. We will be constantly attacked in this world but have all that it takes to be victorious.
B. We are now protected from the head to the foot with the sword of the Spirit in our hand but is that enough. Ephesians 6:18 is the capstone! We find once again the value of prayer in the life of God’s people. Not just praying but effectually praying. I am not going to begin a series on prayer but do want to properly deal with this one verse.
C. How important is prayer? James 4:2-3 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
D. Though prayer is mentioned at the end of the listing of God’s armor, we need to remember that prayer is the link between the believer and the Lord. I cannot express enough the importance to talking with God, not just to God.
Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching (praying in faith and then watching) thereunto with all perseverance (never giving up) and supplication for all saints (praying for others as well as personal needs);
1. Praying always! 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.” Here we find a much quoted verse concerning when to pray but memorizing the verse is of little good without performance of the verse. This verse covers all kinds of prayer, not only “closet praying” but praying all day. I call this an attitude of prayer. A song says, “He walks with me and He talks with me!” Go to bed praying and get up praying. It will make your day go a whole lot better.
2. Praying with all prayer and supplication. Praying about everything and in every situation and in time of need. Praying before planning; praying before acting; praying first sure makes life a whole lot easier!
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Prayer means to worship while supplication means to make petition. Too often we spend our prayer time telling God what we want or need without giving Him the glory and praise that He deserves. Worship should precede supplication.
3. Praying in the Spirit. Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Jude 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Praying with the heart, soul, and spirit engaged in it; it is put up with a true heart, and a right spirit, and without hypocrisy; in a spiritual way, and with fervency, and under the influence, and by the assistance of the Spirit of God. He is our Companion; our Comforter; He is our Guide.
4. Praying if faith. “watching thereunto with all perseverance” Mark 13:33 “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” The Lord said, “Call unto me and I WILL answer thee!” When we ask God for something, we wait upon Him and His time for the right answer. I often say, “His time is not our time and His way is not our way.”
James 1:6-8 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (8) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Someone once said, “If you pray for rain make sure you carry your umbrella!”)
5. Praying for others! Job 42:10 “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Never get so burdened down with your own problems as to forget the needs of others. When we think only of ourselves, we find no light in the darkness of our circumstances but, when we pray for the needs of others, our burden is lessened as we help to bear those of others.
Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
The Love of God
Temple Baptist Church - 12-11-2011
Luke 2:1-11
Introduction:
A. One of the most blessed truths found in the Bible is that of the love of God for sinners. John 3:16 is possibly the most noted and quoted of all verses of scripture and the least comprehended. When I think of the world, I see the sin and sorrow that permeates it. When God sees the world, He sees sinners in need of the Saviour! As we get closer to Christmas, our hearts should be joyful because of the gift of God given on that night some 2,000 years ago.
B. We can never fathom the love of God that was displayed in John 3:16 where God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son!
Ephesians 3:17-19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
1. The Breadth Of God’s Love – 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (His love is from Pole to Pole. His love is from the East to the West. His love is from Wall to Wall. The Love of God covers every man, woman, and child. There are none exempt and there are none excluded! There is not a race, color, or creed rejected! His love is for the whole world! I cannot understand it, but I believe it!)
2. The Length Of God’s Love – Psalms 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (God’s love is not only universal in its scope; it is longsuffering in its forbearance. God is compassionate, gracious, longsuffering, and merciful. I did not deserve to receive it nor do I deserve to keep it. The Lord has been far better to me than I deserve and I am eternally grateful for it. I cannot understand it, but I have seen it!)
3. The Depth Of God’s Love – 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (The wickedest man in the world is a candidate for His great salvation. It matters not what you have done; it matters not what you have thought; it matters not where you came from! His love goes to the deepest in sin and despair. I cannot understand it, but I have received it!)
4. The Height Of God’s Love – Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: (His wonderful love is far greater than all of our sin put together. God’s gracious love is always there and you cannot sin your salvation away. He will forgive 70 times 7 and never exhaust his love or forgiveness. I cannot understand it, but I have experienced it!)
C. “Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people!” It is the Lord’s desire that all people know and experience the love of God which the angel spoke of on that night.
D. I want to look at some aspects of that love this morning:
1. In Bethlehem We Find God’s Love Manifested In The Gift Of Christ - 1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
2. At Calvary We Find God’s Love Commended At The Cross - Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
3. In Salvation We Find God’s Love Bestowed In Our Sonship - 1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
4. In Choice We Find God’s Love Believed By The Sinner - 1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
5. In Relationship We Find God’s Love Perceived By The Saint - 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.
6. In Witness We Find God’s Love Shed Abroad In The Spirit - Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
7. In Fellowship We Find God’s Love Dwelling In The Heart - 1 John 3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
Conclusion: Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. “Oh, how He loves you and me! Oh, how He loves you and me! His love was manifested in the giving of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus to Calvary did go. His precious blood to bestow. He gave His life; what more could He do! Oh, how he loves you! Oh, how He loves me! Oh, how He loves you and me!”
Luke 2:1-11
Introduction:
A. One of the most blessed truths found in the Bible is that of the love of God for sinners. John 3:16 is possibly the most noted and quoted of all verses of scripture and the least comprehended. When I think of the world, I see the sin and sorrow that permeates it. When God sees the world, He sees sinners in need of the Saviour! As we get closer to Christmas, our hearts should be joyful because of the gift of God given on that night some 2,000 years ago.
B. We can never fathom the love of God that was displayed in John 3:16 where God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son!
Ephesians 3:17-19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
1. The Breadth Of God’s Love – 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (His love is from Pole to Pole. His love is from the East to the West. His love is from Wall to Wall. The Love of God covers every man, woman, and child. There are none exempt and there are none excluded! There is not a race, color, or creed rejected! His love is for the whole world! I cannot understand it, but I believe it!)
2. The Length Of God’s Love – Psalms 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (God’s love is not only universal in its scope; it is longsuffering in its forbearance. God is compassionate, gracious, longsuffering, and merciful. I did not deserve to receive it nor do I deserve to keep it. The Lord has been far better to me than I deserve and I am eternally grateful for it. I cannot understand it, but I have seen it!)
3. The Depth Of God’s Love – 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (The wickedest man in the world is a candidate for His great salvation. It matters not what you have done; it matters not what you have thought; it matters not where you came from! His love goes to the deepest in sin and despair. I cannot understand it, but I have received it!)
4. The Height Of God’s Love – Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: (His wonderful love is far greater than all of our sin put together. God’s gracious love is always there and you cannot sin your salvation away. He will forgive 70 times 7 and never exhaust his love or forgiveness. I cannot understand it, but I have experienced it!)
C. “Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people!” It is the Lord’s desire that all people know and experience the love of God which the angel spoke of on that night.
D. I want to look at some aspects of that love this morning:
1. In Bethlehem We Find God’s Love Manifested In The Gift Of Christ - 1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
2. At Calvary We Find God’s Love Commended At The Cross - Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
3. In Salvation We Find God’s Love Bestowed In Our Sonship - 1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
4. In Choice We Find God’s Love Believed By The Sinner - 1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
5. In Relationship We Find God’s Love Perceived By The Saint - 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.
6. In Witness We Find God’s Love Shed Abroad In The Spirit - Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
7. In Fellowship We Find God’s Love Dwelling In The Heart - 1 John 3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
Conclusion: Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. “Oh, how He loves you and me! Oh, how He loves you and me! His love was manifested in the giving of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus to Calvary did go. His precious blood to bestow. He gave His life; what more could He do! Oh, how he loves you! Oh, how He loves me! Oh, how He loves you and me!”
Sunday, December 4, 2011
The Prophecy Of Christ’s Birth
Temple Baptist Church - 12-4-2011
Matthew 1:18-25 (vs. 22-23)
Introduction:
A. What about the coming of the Messiah? The most prophesied event in the Bible is that of the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. The first man was given this blessed hope in Genesis 3:15, four thousand years before His birth.
1. He was and is the Hope of mankind. The promised Savior!
2. He was and is the Hope of Israel. The promised King!
3. He was and is the Hope of the Church. The Promised Eternal Bridegroom!
B. The Old Testament saints looked forward to the coming of the promised “Seed” with as much anticipation as the New Testament saints look back to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with exaltation. The Jews still place notes into the “Wailing Wall” and pray for the promised Messiah, realizing that He is their only Hope! We, as New Testament saints look back with thrill and wonder that God so loved us that He gave His only begotten Son to die in our place. God help us to never lose that!
C. There are literally hundreds of prophetic verses that deal with the first coming of Christ with each being fulfilled in the smallest detail. Not one prophecy, given thousands of years before His coming, failed! What a blessed Book the Bible is! What a wonderful God our Heavenly Father is! What a Savior!
D. I want to look at five aspects of the prophecy of Christ this morning.
1. The Prophecy Of His Person – Who came?
2. The Prophecy Of His Purpose – Why was He born?
3. The Prophecy Of His Period – When did He come?
4. The Prophecy Of His Place – Where was He born?
5. The Prophecy Of His Performance – How was He born?
1. The Prophecy Of His Person – HE WAS BORN THE RIGHT PERSON!
a. He Was To Be A Prophet, Priest, And King
1) A Prophet - Deuteronomy 18:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
2) A Priest - Ezekiel 45:16-17 All the people of the land shall give this oblation for the prince in Israel. And it shall be the prince’s part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.
Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
3) A King - Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
John 12:15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
b. God In Flesh - Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
c. The Sacrificial Lamb Of God - Genesis 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
2. The Prophecy Of His Purpose – HE WAS BORN FOR THE RIGHT REASON!
Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
a. To Provide a Savior - Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
b. To Fulfill Scripture - Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
c. To Give Hope - Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
3. The Prophecy Of His Period – HE WAS BORN AT THE RIGHT TIME!
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Daniel 9:24-27 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
4. The Prophecy Of His Place – HE WAS BORN IN THE RIGHT PLACE!
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
John 7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
5. The Prophecy Of His Performance – HE WAS BORN IN THE RIGHT WAY!
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Conclusion: Again, this morning, all I can say is “Hallelujah! What a Saviour! Have you received Christ, God’s perfect Gift to fallen man?
John 1:11-14 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Matthew 1:18-25 (vs. 22-23)
Introduction:
A. What about the coming of the Messiah? The most prophesied event in the Bible is that of the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. The first man was given this blessed hope in Genesis 3:15, four thousand years before His birth.
1. He was and is the Hope of mankind. The promised Savior!
2. He was and is the Hope of Israel. The promised King!
3. He was and is the Hope of the Church. The Promised Eternal Bridegroom!
B. The Old Testament saints looked forward to the coming of the promised “Seed” with as much anticipation as the New Testament saints look back to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with exaltation. The Jews still place notes into the “Wailing Wall” and pray for the promised Messiah, realizing that He is their only Hope! We, as New Testament saints look back with thrill and wonder that God so loved us that He gave His only begotten Son to die in our place. God help us to never lose that!
C. There are literally hundreds of prophetic verses that deal with the first coming of Christ with each being fulfilled in the smallest detail. Not one prophecy, given thousands of years before His coming, failed! What a blessed Book the Bible is! What a wonderful God our Heavenly Father is! What a Savior!
D. I want to look at five aspects of the prophecy of Christ this morning.
1. The Prophecy Of His Person – Who came?
2. The Prophecy Of His Purpose – Why was He born?
3. The Prophecy Of His Period – When did He come?
4. The Prophecy Of His Place – Where was He born?
5. The Prophecy Of His Performance – How was He born?
1. The Prophecy Of His Person – HE WAS BORN THE RIGHT PERSON!
a. He Was To Be A Prophet, Priest, And King
1) A Prophet - Deuteronomy 18:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
2) A Priest - Ezekiel 45:16-17 All the people of the land shall give this oblation for the prince in Israel. And it shall be the prince’s part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.
Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
3) A King - Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
John 12:15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
b. God In Flesh - Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
c. The Sacrificial Lamb Of God - Genesis 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
2. The Prophecy Of His Purpose – HE WAS BORN FOR THE RIGHT REASON!
Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
a. To Provide a Savior - Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
b. To Fulfill Scripture - Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
c. To Give Hope - Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
3. The Prophecy Of His Period – HE WAS BORN AT THE RIGHT TIME!
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Daniel 9:24-27 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
4. The Prophecy Of His Place – HE WAS BORN IN THE RIGHT PLACE!
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
John 7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
5. The Prophecy Of His Performance – HE WAS BORN IN THE RIGHT WAY!
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Conclusion: Again, this morning, all I can say is “Hallelujah! What a Saviour! Have you received Christ, God’s perfect Gift to fallen man?
John 1:11-14 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
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