Sunday, December 29, 2013

Those That Be Planted

Temple Baptist Church - 12-29-2013
Psalm 92
 
Introduction:
A. Psalm 92 contrasts the wicked with the righteous.
1. The righteous love God!
2. The wicked are the enemies of God!
B. If the righteous love God, then they will love God’s church!
1. They will be thankful.
2. They will be flourishing.
3. They will be faithful.
C. It is interesting that the Holy Spirit used the word “planted” when referring to the faithfulness of God’s people to the house of God. That word is normally used when speaking of trees, flowers, etc. being permanently placed into the ground.
1. I only plant specific plants.
2. I only plant in specific places.
3. I only plant for specific reasons.
D. Several kinds of plants come to mind when looking at them in light of God’s people and the church.
1. Special Occasion Plants – Easter Lilies and Poinsettias! Some people only come to church on special occasions such as Easter and Christmas. We are always glad to see them when they come and, evidently, two or three times a year is plenty for them to get their “religion” for the year.
2. Artificial Plants – These are plants with no life in them that we buy that remain in certain places in the church. They just “adorn” the church but never produce or grow. These are the unsaved that never get right with the Lord. They never get saved and become spiritually alive through the new birth.
3. Potted Plants – These plants do have life but, like the Artificial Plants, are moved around quite a bit and eventually are replaced. These are true believers who can never get settled and continually, for always a “good reason,” move on.
4. Planted Plants – These are the believers that come to get in, not get out. They become as vital, living part of the local church. I have been a member of only three churches in the 37+ years since I was saved. I joined the church I was saved in and remained there until God called me into the ministry. I joined the church where I spent my Bible College years and remained faithfully there until God called me to pastor Temple Baptist. I joined Temple Baptist and have remained here. In March, it will be 27 years. I thank God for our people as most of you have been here for years and can be depended upon in both good and bad times.
E. We need to remain “planted” in 2014!
1. Planted Plants are Faithful Plants – vs. 1-2 Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
2. Planted Plants are Happy Plants – vs. 4 Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
3. Planted Plants are Protected Plants – vs. 9 Psalms 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
4. Planted Plants are Fruitful Plants – vs. 14 Psalms 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
5. Planted Plants are Satisfied Plants – vs. 14 Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
F. Now, the question is, “How do I get planted?”
1. Planted comes through Realization! There are no perfect churches! There are no perfect pastors! You will never agree with everything that you see or hear! You will not get your way! If you do ever find the perfect church and pastor, please do not join it because you will mess it up which leads up to point number 2.
2. Planted comes through Remembering! You are not perfect! You are not always right! God knows best and faithfulness to the local church is not a request! When you join a church, you join it—it does not join you! You are not there to change the church; you are there to enhance it!
3. Planted comes through Resolve! I am joining because I love the Lord and the church is His design and will for me! I am joining the church because it takes the combined effort and talent of the corporate body to get the job done! I am joining the church, not to be seen or to be somebody, but to be a blessing and encouragement to my brothers and sisters in Christ!

2014: A Year Of Commitment

Temple Baptist Church - 12-29-2013
Philippians 3:13-15
 
Introduction:
A. This year will soon come to an end. It has been a good year with unity in the church and some families added. Unfortunately some families were lost and we had some deaths in our personal families. We have given much to missions and many doors knocked and thousands of gospel tracts handed out. All-in-all it was a good year and the Lord was good through all of the ups and downs, trials and tears, and joys and rejoicings. Now is the time to look back and reflect; look forward with resolve.
B. I have no complaints or horror stories to tell. Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
1. The Lord was more than merciful and gracious (to receive with kindness) – 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.
2. The Lord was more than good - 2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
3. The Lord was more than gentle - Psalms 103:8-10 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us–ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
C. 2013 is almost gone and there is nothing that we can do to change it. 2014 is ahead and it is limitless in its possibilities. What we do this next year if the Lord has not come is entirely up to us. The world makes New Year’s Resolutions that do not last because they are made one day a year, but the resolve of God’s children should be a daily determination to do those things that are right and to abstain from those things that are wrong. These wonderful verses could be the best life verses that you can find. The Apostle Paul learned some things in his life that can benefit us also. Let’s look at these verses this morning and glean from them.
1. A Time Of Realization – “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended”
2. A Time Of Reflection – “this one thing I do”
3. A Time Of Rest – “forgetting those things which are behind”
4. A Time Of Resolve – “and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.“
D. I want to look at three things this morning quickly about the coming of a brand new year.
1. There Is A Past That Is Finalized – 2013 is almost history and “What I have written I have written! Psalms 90:9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. (I wonder what tale will be told on me.)
a. The Past And Remembrance – There should be a critiquing of the past year: taking an honest look at our personal lives and service for the Lord, recognizing both our failures and our victories.
b. The Past And Reflection – What could I have done that would have been better?
c. The Past And Resolve – To not make the same mistakes; to do more than ever; and to put the past in a right perspective. Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
2. There Is A Prospect That Is Fantastic
a. The Prospect Of A Brand New Year – I am excited about 2014! I do not know what it will bring. It may bring me poverty, heartache, and sorrow. It will bring me VICTORY and closer to Christ if I let it!
b. The Prospect Of The Coming Of The Lord – My heart cries, “Even so come, Lord Jesus!” The trump may sound at any second and our life’s trials and tribulations will all be over. No more sorrow, pain and suffering, disappointments, discouragements, failures, heartaches or headaches! The glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ! Our beloved Bridegroom! The Lover of our souls! Our Redeemer! Our Protector! Our Lord and our God! Halleluiah! Praise The Lord!
c. The Prospect Of Our Home Going – Through the veil of death or through the glorious rapture of the church! How beautiful Heaven must be! The home of the happy and free! A haven of rest for the weary! How beautiful Heaven must be!
3. There Is A Present That Is Fresh
a. The Freshness Of A New Year – Today is the first day of the rest of my life! The past is now behind me and, hopefully, put in the right perspective.
b. The Freshness Of A New Resolve – By God’s grace, I will live for and love the One who gave Himself for me at Calvary. It is my “reasonable service!” What else could I do but love and live for Him! He has been so good to all of us! He has been so gracious to all of us! He has been so gentle with all of us! All I can do is thank Him and give Him my heart and life for the New Year.
c. The Freshness Of A New Opportunity - There are endless new opportunities to live for Christ. Opportunities to witness. Opportunities to work for him. Opportunities to worship. Opportunities to walk with Him.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Anna

Temple Baptist Church - 12-25-2013
Luke 2:36-38
 
Introduction:
A. Well, today is Christmas: the day that we normally celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I hope you had a wonderful day with family and friends. I have looked forward to tonight when we could gather together to worship the Lord Jesus Christ in His house.
B. One song says, “Come thou long expected Jesus.” Though the time before His coming was long, the time was prophesied. That phrase shows a longing, length of time, and the expectation of Messiah’s coming. He came on time!
C. These were days of spiritual darkness as the Pharisees and Sadducees now were the rule of the day spiritually and the people of Israel sat in great darkness. The length of time evidently over shadowed the expectance and excitement of prophecy. God’s people were in bondage to Rome.
D. With the promise of the First Advent goes the prophecy of the Second Advent. We are now 2000+ future years later and the time is right for the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Not only is the time right but the conditions are also the same.
1. Spiritual darkness permeates our land as old-fashioned, godly Christianity has bowed its knees to the worldliness and ungodliness of this world. Now the church people are just like the world and the world is in the church.
2. The church in general has been lulled to sleep by failed date setting and, once again, the length of time. Preaches thundered the Second Coming in the 20th century but most of the pulpits have fallen silent concerning the Lord’s coming.
3. Sin has escalated to the point that very few preachers name sin because they are afraid of “running off” the world that sits on their pews. Sin is still sin, God is still holy, and this is HIS house!
E. In our text, we find Anna! She is a beautiful type of God’s people who look for our Lord’s coming. I want to look at some characteristics that I find in Anna need to be found in God’s people.
Luke 2:36-38 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; (37) And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. (38) And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
1. Her ParentsPhanuel – Comes from the Old Testament word “Peniel” or “The Face of God.” Evidently, Anna was raised in a godly home with godly parents. I cannot over emphasize the importance of having godly homes that make safe “nests” for our children. Satan is attacking children under the noses of the parents. Uncontrolled TV sets, computers, social media, cell phones, ungodly games, and poor examples of Christianity are all detrimental to the spiritual development of children. Anna was raised in a right way.
2. Her Purity – “her virginity” She was a godly young lady who committed her life to one of purity and purpose. Though she was raised in a godly home, Anna had to make the right choices concerning her relationship to the Lord. She had to make the right choices concerning her relationship to both her family and others. She chose to keep herself pure! Again, this is not just a “girl thing.” Young men as well as young ladies need to purpose in their hearts not to be defiled with the sinfulness of the world or the lusts of the flesh.
3. Her Problems – “seven years … she was a widow” Anna, though sheltered as a child, learned quickly that life is hard and God’s people are not exempted. It still rains on the just and the unjust. Anna never got bitter against God because of the loss of her husband after 7 short years of marriage. She chose not to blame God or others. She suffered loss and continued to serve the Lord.
4. Her Pledge – “served God” She was a godly young lady who, at some point in time, committed her life to God! Anna spent the remainder or her life serving God in whatever capacity that she could. If everyone would do what that they could, then the work of the Lord would get done in an orderly and timely fashion.
5. Her Place – “which departed not from the temple” Anna chose to faithfully be a part of the Lord’s house. Hebrews 10:25 says “and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” In our day, faithfulness to the local church has diminished. In the 37+ years since I have been saved, I have been a member of 3 churches: the one I was saved in, the one where I went to Bible College, and the one that I now pastor! I am more than sure that in 84 years, she had seen both good and bad transpire in the house of God as it changed from “the house of prayer” to “a den of thieves!” Local churches are not perfect, pastors are not perfect, and the people in the church are not perfect. If you find one that is perfect, leave it alone! You will ruin it!
6. Her Patience – “fourscore and four years” 84 years is a long time! It is a lifetime for most. Anna was no doubt young when she married but 84 years plus 7 years of marriage is 91 years. She was no doubt at least in her mid to late teens when she married so she had to be over 100 years old. She looked for HER Messiah and the consolation of Israel. Anna never gave up on the Lord’s promised coming. We live in days of a “gotta have it” mentality and it rubs off on the Christian. When Barbara and I were young and just starting out, we had little but were happy. We have always lived within our means, paid our bills, and were content with what we had. Now, things are completely different. The Lord is coming, right? He said He would, right? Then, we should not give up and quit looking, right?
7. Her Prayers – “but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” What a ministry for the Lord! Not just praying but also fasting and many times around the clock. I know that a woman living in her time was limited more so than now but Anna was content to do what she could and not worry about what she could not. This shows such a commitment and determination to seek and know the will of God that it puts most of us to shame. I am preaching a little on prayer on Wednesday nights so we will move on for now but don’t forget to pray.
8. Her Praise – ” And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” At some time in her young life, Anna placed her personal faith in the Messiah and looked for His coming. Never forget what the Lord has done for you! If you are saved, then you have enough to keep you praising the Lord for the rest of your life. He has been good to us in so many ways. Thank you, Lord, for all of your blessings on me and for the promise of your soon Second Coming!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

The Prophecy Of Christ

Temple Baptist Church - 12-22-2013
Matthew 1:18-25 (vs. 22-23)
 
Introduction:
A. When reading the Old Testament, we find the foretelling or prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. It does us well to remember that the Old Testament was written over a period of 1,500 years by app. 40 authors. Most of the authors of these books did not know each other now did they own the entire scripture at the time of their writing.
2. Each of the books of the Old Testament is completely in agreement and without contradiction. One significant reason why prophecy is an indication of divine authorship and, therefore trustworthy, is found in the perfection of the fulfilment of prophecy.
3. The Old Testament is historically correct, geographically correct, physiologically correct, medically correct, scientifically correct, and prophetically correct!
4. People who choose to reject the bible have not read and studied the bible!
B. My message for this morning is not about the perfection and reliability of the Scripture but about the minute probability of fulfillment concerning the coming of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. People have made predictions for years with the vast majority failing. The impossibility of predictions coming true finds it basis in the unknown. In order to predict correctly, so many factors come into play because we do not know how the world will be, how the technology will increase, etc.
2. Prophecy is different from prediction. Prediction is a forecast made by those who calculate the parameters of a subject and evaluate the odds that certain things will com to pass. A classic example is the weather forecast. 40% chance of rain becomes the possibility of 60% that it will not.
3. Prophecy is a different story. The ancient Pharaohs of Egypt had a saying: “So shall it be written and so shall it be done.” Thus is prophecy: once written, it is to fulfilled without exception!
C. I want to look at the probability of Jesus fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies by chance instead of divine purpose. Jewish bible scholar, Alfred Edersheim (1825-1889), a convert to Christianity, wrote a classic work affirming that there are 456 passages in the Old Testament that directly refer to the Messiah. I will not try to name them all but will use a few to make my point.
1. 700 years before the birth of Christ, Micah prophesied the exact city that He would be born in.
2. 1000 years before the birth of Christ, David prophesied of the manner of death of Christ with the death of crucifixion unknown to him.
3. 530 years before the birth of Christ, Daniel prophesied the specific date of the First Advent.
4. 400 years before the birth of Christ, Malachi prophesied of His forerunner, John the Baptist.
5. The Old Testament prophesied of Christ being God in the flesh; virgin born; sinlessly perfect; the death of innocent children-Rachel weeping for her children; living in Egypt; being betrayed by a friend; coming into Jerusalem riding upon an ass; beaten with stripes; having His beard plucked; spit upon; bearing His cross; dying between two thieves; that the soldiers would gamble for His clothing; would not rend His garment; not one bone would be broken when the breaking of the legs was common during crucifixion; buried in a rich man’s grave; resurrected from the dead; and the list could go on.
D. It may be possible for an imposter to fake one or two, maybe even three of these prophecies but these which I have mentioned much less all 456? If there were only 50 such prophecies, what would be the likelihood of one man fulfilling them? What if there were only 20 such prophecies, what would be the likelihood? 45x in the Gospels and Acts the scriptures said that it was “fulfilled” concerning Jesus Christ.
E. Peter Stoner, Professor Emeritus of Science at Westmont College, used the science of probability to determine the chance that these prophecies could all occur in one person. The value and accuracy of the science of probability has been well established. Professor Stoner, calculated the probability of one man fulfilling the major prophecies concerning the Messiah and submitted his figures for review to a committee of the American Scientific Affiliation. Upon examination, they verified that his calculations were dependable and accurate in regard to the scientific material presented (Peter Stoner, Science Speaks, Chicago: Moody Press, 1969, 4). I have all of the computations that were mathematically derived from this study at the end of this message but I want to just give the “gist” of it. If you would like to see it all, I have the notes.
1. The mathematical conclusion was that for the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem was one in 300,000. That is just the fulfillment of one prophecy.
2. After studying just 8 different prophecies, they conservatively estimated that the chance of one man fulfilling all 8 was one in 10^17 or one with 17 zeros behind it. That is 100 quadrillion! Suppose that we take 10^17 silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. That is 268,820 square miles! They would cover all of the state two feet deep. Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one. What chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the prophets would've had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man, from their day to the present time, providing they wrote them in their own wisdom (Idem, 106-107).
3. In another calculation, Stoner used 48 prophecies (Idem, 109) (even though he could have used Edersheim's 456), and arrived at the extremely conservative estimate that the probability of 48 prophecies being fulfilled in one person is the incredible number 10^157. (ten unquinquagintillion – un-quin-qua-gin-tillion) Again, 45x the Bible uses the word “fulfilled” when speaking of the life of Christ.
4. Electrons are very small objects. They're smaller than atoms. It would take 2.5 TIMES 10^15 of them, laid side by side, to make one inch. Even if we counted 250 of these electrons each minute, and counted day and night, it would still take 19 million years just to count a line of electrons one-inch long (Stoner, op. cit, 109).
5. God so thoroughly vindicated Jesus Christ that even mathematicians and statisticians, who were without faith, had to acknowledge that it is scientifically impossible to deny that Jesus is the Christ.
F. 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!
G. 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.
1. The Jews still place notes into the “Wailing Wall” and pray for the promised Messiah, realizing that He is their only Hope! He came unto His own and was rejected. Israel missed their Messiah but He will come again to His people.
2. 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. I am glad that I know who Jesus is! He is more than just a prophet, He is the Son of God: almighty Jehovah God born in the flesh! God help us to never lose that!
H. There are literally hundreds of prophetic verses that deal with the first coming of Christ with each being filled 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 Saviour!
I. I want to look at several aspects of the prophecy of Christ this morning.
1. He was born the right person! Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
a. 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;
b. A Priest - 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.
c. 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.
2. 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. He was born to provide a Saviour - 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. He was born to fulfill the 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. He was born to give us 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. He was born at the right time and place! 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,
a. His birth was on time. 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.
b. His birth was 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?
4. He was born in the right way! 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.
a. He was born of the woman’s seed. 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.
b. He was born to a virgin girl. 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,
5. He lived, died, resurrected, and is coming again in the right way! 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; (4) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
a. He was the only begotten Son of God. 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.
b. He was the sinless Son of God. 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.
c. He was the sacrificial Son of God. 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.
d. He is the risen Son of God. Matthew 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
e. He is the coming Son of God. Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
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.
 

The Praise Of Singing

Temple Baptist Church - 12-22-2013
Psalm 100
 
Introduction:
A. The Bible sets forth in many verses the importance of Singing. Even in heaven, we find the presence of singing along with musical instruments.
B. Singing Is Vital To Worship - Psalms 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. (Come before His presence with singing is a command.)
C. Three different attitudes toward singing:
1. Those who make too much of singing.
2. Those who make too little of singing.
3. Those who place the proper emphasis on singing.
d. We desire to be the third in the list!
1. SINGING SHOULD BE DONE BY THE RIGHT PEOPLE – Ephesians 5:18-19 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Not by the best people! God did not say to sing if you were talented or go hire someone to come sing for you and to you. He said, “Sing!” Get in the choir.)
2. SINGING SHOULD BE CHRIST CENTERED - Isaiah 5:1 Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:
3. SINGING SHOULD BE CHRIST HONORING - Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
a. Psalms - A celebration of praise
b. Hymns - A song of victory or conquering
c. Spiritual Songs - A lively song
4. SINGING SHOULD BE DOCTRINAL - Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
a. Teaching
b. Admonishing
5. SINGING SHOULD ABSTAIN FROM THE APPEARANCE OF THE WORLD!
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
a. They should appeal to the spirit and not the flesh
b. They should have a message and not just vain repetition
6. SINGING SHOULD BE A PRELUDE TO THE PREACHED WORD
a. Preaching is the preeminent thing
b. Singing prepares the heart for the preached Word
7. SINGING SHOULD BE VIBRANT
a. It should come from a prepared heart. Open wide your mouths and lift up your voices to the Lord of Glory.
b. It should come from a thankful heart
THE SINGERS
1. Choir Singing - Ezra 2:65 Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.
Nehemiah 7:67 Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women. (men and women)
2. Choir Directors - 1 Chronicles 6:31-32 And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and the they waited on their office according to their order. (all men)
3. Congregational Singing - Psalms 149:1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
4. Special Singing - 1 Chronicles 6:32 And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order.
5. Loud Singing - Nehemiah 12:42 And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer.
THE SONGS
1. Songs of Deliverance - Psalms 126:1-3 When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Exodus 15:1-2 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
2. Songs of Encouragement
Singing Comforts The Sad Heart - Isaiah 51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Singing Encourages The Discouraged - Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Job 35:10 But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;
Psalms 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Psalms 42:8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
3. Songs of Praise - Nehemiah 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.
4. Songs of Rejoicing - Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
5. Songs of Redemption – Psalms 40:13 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
6. Songs of Thanksgiving - Psalms 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
7. Songs of Faith - Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
8. Scriptural Singing - Psalms 119:54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
9. Spiritual Singing – Ephesians 5:18-19 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord