This Is The Beginning

Temple Baptist Church - 12-31-2017

Exodus 12:1-2

Introduction:

A.  Whew, glad that one is behind me! 

1.  In so many ways, this past year has been a wonderful one and it was also a trying one.  It started our rough but has ended up great. 

2.  From the diagnosis of cancer to surgery to 6 weeks of that wonderful draining tube to 4 more weeks of drainage without the tube to 30 weeks of radiation to working on the Mission house days seemingly without end to rebuilding my deck to cutting and splitting a mountain of firewood. 

3.  As the year progressed, things got progressively better and I thank God for being cancer free and feeling good again.

B. Tomorrow will be the “beginning of months … the first month of the year.” 

1.  As I thought about the New Year, I though of Israel.  Israel’s first month is Abib, or our month of April.  God declared the beginning of a new era in Israel’s history.

2.  430 years have now passed since Israel went down to Egypt to live.  No one ever expected to remain that long.  They went down in days of famine and fully expected to return to Canaan when it was over. 

3.  In that period of 430 years, Israel went from freedom and fulness to poverty and slavery.  God heard their cry and brought about delivery through Moses.

Exodus 3:7-8  And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;  (8)  And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

C.  Tomorrow, as we begin 2018, 2017 will be history and what we have written, we have written. 

1.  We have had successes and we have hopefully learned from our mistakes. 

2.  For dinner tomorrow, there will be cornbread, ham, black eyed peas, collards, mashed potatoes, and pie. 

3.  In 8 days, Barbara and I will head to Pigeon Forge for a few days of R&R.  Not that we need to get away from our church but just need a little Rest & Relaxation.  Pray that it snows.  When we get back, we will be “into this new year.”

D.  2017 is gone and there is nothing that we can do about it.  2018 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 Years Resolutions that do not last because they are made one day a year.   With any New Year, there needs to be a Reflection on the last year and resolve the New Year.

1.  Reflection.  A great way to measure the greatness of last year:

a.  Is God pleased with my life?  God’s children should have a daily determination to do those things that are right and to abstain from those things that are wrong. 

b.  Am I saved and serving or saved and slack?  It is so easy to get comfortable sitting and let everyone else do the work.  We are neither to rust out or to burn out as we are out either way but to have a balanced life.  Time for the Lord’s work, time for family, and time for self.

c.  Am I trusting and hopeful or doubtful and fearful?  Each of us knows that God holds our lives in His hand.  That does not mean that all will go well in life, but that God will guide us and take care of us.

d.  Am I obedient and peaceful or disobedient and distressed?  God wants our lives to be both happy and productive this New Year.

2.  Resolve.  A great way to plan for a better New Year:

a.  Learn from both the successes and failures of the last year and resolve to make this year more productive.

b.  Make every day the “first day of the rest of your life.”  Barbara’s mom sent me this and I have reflected upon it over the years gone bye.

EVERY MORNING YOU ARE HANDED TWENTY-FOUR GOLDEN HOURS

THEY ARE ONE OF THE FEW THINGS IN THIS WORLD THAT YOU GET FREE OF CHARGE

IF YOU HAD ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD YOU COULD NOT BUY AN EXTRA HOUR

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THIS PRICELESS TREASURE ?

REMEMBER; YOU MUST USE IT, AS IT IS GIVEN ONLY ONCE

ONCE WASTED YOU CANNOT GET IT BACK

c.  Resolving, despite your circumstances this year, to finish it with victory and joy.  You cannot always change your circumstances, but you can keep your circumstances from changing you!

d.  Face the unknown of the new year with faith that God will be with you and for you.  Resolving to be found in Him without spot of blemish.

1)  Correct the things that you can.

2)  Forget the things that you cannot.

3)  Rest in the Lord!

The Virgin Birth Of Christ

Temple Baptist Church - 12-24-2017

Genesis 3:15; Matthew 1:18-25

Introduction: 

A.  It is the Christmas season, in which we normally deal with the incarnation of the Son of God. 

1.  One of the most precious of all doctrines is that of the Virgin Birth of Christ.  How important it is to the salvation of the child of God! The Virgin Birth of Christ is often referred to as “The Doctrine of Holy Ground!” 

2.  The wording in Matthew 1:18 differentiate the birth of Christ from the series of “begats” found in the preceding verses.  “Espoused wife” and “before they came together” declares a birth like none other that preceded it. 

3.  No man since Adam and Eve, except for Jesus Christ, came into the world through a virgin birth or without the seed of man involved.  As God created the world to bring forth after its own kind, so man brings forth after his own kind.  Adam and Eve had no predecessors and the Father of Jesus Christ was God.

B.  The world celebrates Christmas without God and while others make Christmas about Mary as much as about the birth of Christ.

C.  Christmas is not Christmas without Christ and Christmas is not about Mary!  IT IS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST, ISRAEL’S MESSIAH, OUR SAVIOUR.  There are many heresies being taught concerning Mary.  I do not want to preach on that subject this morning but will give a few quick references on the subject for your own personal study. 

D.  The key to who Mary was and what happened at the conception of Christ is found in Genesis 3:15, the first Messianic Promise. When referencing the method of the birth of Christ, the Bible speaks of the seed of a “woman.”  “Woman” always means woman, a female human being.  Mary was no exception as Christ referred to her as so. 

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.  (The spiritual emphasis is upon the “seed” of the woman, not upon the woman.  It was the seed of the woman, Christ, who would bruise the head of the serpent.)

1.  Was Mary divine?  John 2:3-4  And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.  (4)  Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.  (Woman always means woman and is never referred to as divine.  Mary was blessed to be chosen to bear the Lord and that birth certainly has blessed many, but Mary was a woman.  The Lord never referred to her in any other way.)

2.  Was Mary “The Mother of God?”  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,  (5)  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  (God has no mother.  Mary was the mother of the physical body in which Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, was born.)

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. 

John 1:1-3, 14  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  (2)  The same was in the beginning with God.  (3)  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made … (14) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

3.  Was Mary was a perpetual virgin.  Matthew 1:18, 25  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost … Andknew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.  (“Before” and “till” show that Mary and Joseph had a normal husband/wife relationship after the birth of Christ.  This is shown clearly in the Book of Mark.)

Mark 6:3  Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

4.  Mary was immaculately conceived?  Romans 5:12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  (The Bible is clear and consistent at this point.  Only Christ had a sinless birth and had to be made sin.)

5.  Was Mary sinless?  Luke 1:46-47  And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,  (47)  And my spirit hath rejoiced inGod my Saviour.  (Only sinners need a saviour!) 

Romans 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

6.  Did Mary ascend into heaven as Christ ascended?  John 19:26-27  When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!  (27)  Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.  (Women were to always be under the authority of a man in biblical times.  When the father, “supposed father in this case as the Father of Jesus was God the Father, died—it was the responsibility of the eldest son to care for the mother.  Jesus did so until His death on the cross.  Where Jesus went, Mary went.  Before His death, Jesus placed Mary under the authority of John for as long as she lived.)

7.  Was Mary to be worshipped?    Exodus 20:3-5  Thou shalt have no other gods before me.  (4)  Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:  (5)  Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;  (Both the worship of Mary and idolatrous images are dealt with in the first Commandment.)

8.  Was or is Mary as “Co-Redemptrix ?” John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Acts 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

9.  Is Mary a “Mediatrix.” 1 Timothy 2:5  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

1 John 2:1  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:

10. Was Mary to be prayed to?  Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Matthew 6:9  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

E.  The virgin birth of Christ was the pivotal point between Promise or Prophecy and Performance. 

1.  It is a doctrine both Sweetly Adored and Severely Attacked.  It the mystery of mysteries, the jewel of all ages, the hope of mankind, and the love of God manifested. 

2.  It was a miraculous event.  A miracle is a phenomenon that cannot be explained outside the realm of supernatural intervention. It is an event that supersedes natural law.  No other child born of man has been born without the seed of the man.  The “seed of the woman” combined with the seed of the Holy Ghost to bring forth the God-Man!

3.  The immortal became mortal that the mortal may become immortal - 1 Timothy 6:16a Who only hath immortality

1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

4.  The untouchable became touchable that mortal may touch Him - 1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

1 John 1:1  That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;.

F.  The Miracle of the Virgin Birth is beyond human comprehension!

1.  The Virgin Birth Was Prophesied - 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.

2.  The Virgin Birth Was Performed - Matthew 1:18  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.  (“On this wise” sets the birth of Christ apart from the “begats” of the first 17 verses!)

G.  Dr. Herbert Lockyer said it this way, “The incarnation is the most stupendous miracle comprehending and involving all other miracles, and because it is a theme both deep and delicate, infinite and incomprehensible, how about “finding out acceptable words”.  The ground we approach is holy calling for the putting off of our shoes.”

The Importance Of The Virgin Birth:

1.  Scriptural Credibility Depends Upon It - 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.  (If the Scripture errs on this point, how can we trust any other supernatural event such as the death, burial, and resurrection?)

2.  The Deity Of Christ Depends Upon It - 1 Timothy 3:16  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.  (If the Scripture errs on this point, then anyone could have been His father and He would not be the only begotten Son of God!)

Matthew 1:18  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

3.  The Sinless Humanity Of Christ Depends Upon It - John 1:1-2, 14  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with 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.  (If the Scripture errs on this point, then the blood of Christ was tainted with the sin of Adam and Christ would have had an Adamic nature!)

1 John 3:5  And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

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.

1 Peter 2:22  Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

Hebrews 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

4.  The Vicarious Atonement Of Christ Depends Upon It - Exodus 12:5  Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:  (If the Scripture errs on this point, then the blood of Christ could not save!)

1 Peter 1:18-19  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Mark 10:45  For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

5.  The Ultimate Defeat Of Evil Depends Upon It - Hebrews 2:14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.  (If the Scripture errs on this point, then evil would ultimately win and Satan would reign!)

1 John 3:8  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

6.  The Security Of The Believer Depends Upon It - Hebrews 7:26  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;  (If the Scripture errs on this point, then the blood of Christ would ultimately corrupt and we would perish!)

1 Timothy 2:5  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

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.

All Things That Pertain Unto Godliness

Temple Baptist Church - 12-20-2017

2 Peter 1:1-4

Introduction:

A.  Last week, we saw God’s promise to meet our needs in this life as He has given to us all things to be richly enjoyed.  God, contrary to most preaching that you hear, wants you to “love life” and enjoy the fruit of your labors.  “Eat, drink, and be merry” are not necessarily states of sinfulness.

B.  The other thing that that God promises is that our spiritual needs in this life have been preemptively taken care of.  God knows what spiritual battles that we will fight before we are confronted with them.

C.  There are several things that we need to notice pertaining to godliness:

1.  We have obtained righteousness through our Lord Jesus Christ – vs. 1      

2.  God wants us to have peace of mind in this ungodly world – vs. 2

3.  God has given us all things pertaining unto life – vs. 3

4.  God has given us all things pertaining unto godliness vs. 3

5.  We are to be partakers of the Lord’s divine nature – vs. 4

D.  Ungodliness Has Permeated Our Nation - Genesis 6:5  And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

1.  The sinful condition of professing Christians.  2 Timothy 3:1-5  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  (3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  (4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  (5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2.  God has given to us ALL things pertaining to godliness so why have these prophetic verses come true?

a)  Because of the Compromise of the pulpits.  2 Timothy 4:2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

b)  Because of the worldliness of the people.  2 Timothy 4:3-4  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  (4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

c)  Because these things have led to the decline of godly churches! Jeremiah 6:16-19  Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.  (17)  Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.  (18)  Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them.  (19)  Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.

E.  Ungodliness Has Permeated Many Churches - 2 Timothy 3:1-5  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

F.  Godliness Is Commanded - 1 Peter 1:15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

G.  Godliness Is Possible - 2 Peter 1:3-4  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:  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

1.  God Has Given To Us A New Nature - 2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  (Biblical salvation always brings about a new nature with a godly direction implemented in our lives.)

2.  God Has Given To Us His Precious Holy Spirit - 1 John 4:13  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.  (Our faithful Companion and Comforter leads us into righteousness as He reproves us of our sin.  He is our “Stop Sign.”  I do not mean this in a disrespectful way.  He wants us to live a life of godliness and always leads in that direction.  Do live a selfish, carnal life and blame the Holy Ghost for it!)

Ephesians 1:13  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

John 16:13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

3.  God Has Given To Us His Infallible Word In The English King James Bible - Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.  (You do not need to study the Greek and Hebrew!  You need to study English and spend your time in the Bible.)

Psalms 19:8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Ephesians 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

4.  God Has Given To Us Godly Examples To Follow - 1 Thessalonians 1:7  So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.  (The Old Paths of godliness are well worn and plain to follow.  Our spiritual forefathers had it right!  The new “do as you please” religion of our day has it wrong.)

1 Timothy 4:12  Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Titus 2:7  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

1 Peter 5:3  Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

h.  WHAT IS TODAY’S PROBLEM?  Why do professing Christians not live lives of godliness when all that they need has already been provided?  Because their ‘LOVE FOR THE WORLD” IS GREATER THAN OUR LOVE OF GOD!

1 John 2:15-17  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16)  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  (17)  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1.  They love what they want.  “lust of the flesh”

2.  They love what they see.  “lust of the eyes”

3.  They love who they are.  “pride of life”

HOW TO LIVE A GODLY LIFE

1.  Godliness Is The Result Of A Repentant Heart - 2 Corinthians 7:9-10  Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Proverbs 28:13  He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

2.  Godliness Is A Result Of Denying Worldly Lusts - Titus 2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

1 Timothy 6:11  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

3.  Godliness Is A Result Of A Heavenly Hope - Hebrews 12:28  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

2 Peter 3:11  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.

4.  Godliness Is A Result Of Hard Work - 1 Timothy 4:8  For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

1 Timothy 4:7  But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

2 Peter 1:6  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

5.  Godliness Is A Result Of Contentment - 1 Timothy 6:6  But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Timothy 6:10  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

6.  Godliness Is A Result Of The Fear Of The Lord - Hebrews 12:28  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Proverbs 16:6  By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Psalms 19:9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.