“Receive Ye!

Temple Baptist Church - 4-28-2019

Romans 14:1

Introduction: 

A.  We have been in chapter 14 for several weeks because of its importance in maintaining complete unity within the local church.

B.  The greatest problem in churches is that of Christians not getting along.

Matthew 12:25  And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:  (Shall not stand, not might not stand!  This is an emphatic prophecy by Christ Jesus.  Satan fully understands this principle and continually tries to get his “foot in the door” of the local church.)

C.  Normal divisions within local churches are not doctrinal in nature.  Everyone of us in Temple Baptist Church tonight are on the “same page” doctrinally.

1.  There are times when “wolves” come in our doors and try to get anchored on the pews, but I have gotten pretty vigilant concerning their characteristics and watch for them.  Unapologetic preaching of God’s Word normally takes care of that problem.

2.  The Holy Ghost has identified the number one problem with division within the local church in this chapter.  The enemy is always among us because we all have the potential to be just that.  I have seen good people become divided over things that matter little.

D.  How to keep down personal conflict is very simple but easily forgotten.  We need to realize that there is diversity in the Body of Christ!  We have liberty in Christ, but this is neither liberty to sin nor liberty to hurt others.

1 Corinthians 12:13-25  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  For the body is not one member, but many.  If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.  And if they were all one member, where were the body?  But now are they many members, yet but one body.  And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.  Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to bemore feeble, are necessary:  And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.  For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

1.  Our personalities are different.  (Introverts and extroverts)

2.  Our temperaments are different.  (Easy going and fly off the handles)

3.  Our upbringing, therefore, our outlook may be different.  (Some get excited and some don’t)

4.  Our spiritual maturity is at different levels.  (Everything from babes to giants)

5.  Our spiritual desires are at different levels.  (Some desire to serve while others observe)

6.  Our positions are different.  (Pew people to pastors)

E. GOD RECEIVES US ALL!  If God receives us, then we are to receive each other.

1.  Receive Those Who Do Not Agree With You.  Romans 14:3  Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. (I know we have the same Holy Spirit, but I have learned that not everyone has the same convictions.  Some Christians are carnal while others are pharisaical.)

a.  If someone has a conviction, you should honor it as much as possible in their presence.  1 Corinthians 8:13  Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

b.  If someone does not have a conviction, you should not try to enforce yours upon them.  I Corinthians 9:21-22 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.  To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  (This does not mean to go against your personal convictions, but to stay away from areas of contention.)

2.  Receive Those Who Continue To Be Babes In Christ.

a.  There are some who refuse to grow spiritually and will always be babes in Christ.  Hebrews 5:12  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (They are blown about and the strong need to be a stabilizing force for them.)

b.  There are some who will always oppose themselves.  2 Timothy 2:24-26  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.  (They continue to hurt themselves and the strong are to love, pray, and help them when possible.)

3.  Receive Those Who Continue In Unfaithfulness. 

a.  There are some who will never be faithful to the Church.  Hebrews 10:24-25  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  (Be considerate of them though they are not considerate of you.  Go out of your way to make them both welcome and wanted.)

b.  There are some who will never be faithful to serve the Lord.  1 Corinthians 4:2  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.  (Continue to serve the Lord faithfully without indicting those who do not.  It is between them and the Lord, not them and you.)

4.  Receive Those Who Have Failed The Lord.

a.  There are some who failed in the area of service.  Acts 15:37-39  And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.  But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.  And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus.

b.  There are some who have failed in the area of sinfulness.  2 Corinthians 2:5-8 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.  Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.  So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.  Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirmyour love toward him.

The Blessing of Stewardship

Temple Baptist Church - 4-28-2019

1 Chronicles 29:1-9

Introduction:

A.  In our text this morning, we find Israel preparing to build Solomon’s Temple.  From the time of Israel’s departure from Egypt to King David’s day, God’s presence was found in the Tabernacle, a special tent where God met with man.

B.  David’s desire was to build God a house but was not allowed to do so because he was a man of war so David and Israel prepared by storing up the materials necessary to build the Temple in Solomon’s day.

1.  Verse 1.  The Work was Great.  “the work is great.”  It was to be the greatest building project the world had ever known: a house built for the glory and worship of God. 

2.  Verse 1.  The Temple was Great.  “the palace … for the Lord.” Heretofore, God’s presence had resided in and met with the people of God in a tent, the Tabernacle in the Wilderness.  Israel would now begin building Solomon’s Temple.

3.  Verse 2.  The Effort was Great.  “I have prepared with all my might.”  David prepared with all his might as there was so much to accomplish in such a short time.

4.  Verse 2.  The Cost was Great.  “gold … silver … brass … iron … wood … stones … marble … in abundance.”  Solomon’s Temple was the most expensive building in the world. 

5.  Verse 3.  The Affection was Great.  “I have set my affection to the house of my God.”  The people of Israel were thrilled by the prospect.

6.  Verse 3-5.  The Sacrifice was Great.  “I have of mine own proper good … over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house.” David and the people gave of their “proper good.”  Something put up or a peculiar treasure.

7.  Verses 5-8.  Their Willingness was Great.  “(5) who then is willing to consecrate … (6) offered willingly … (7) gave for the service of the house of God … (8) gave for the service of the house of God.”   They gave above and beyond expectation.  They did not give the minimum required by law, but gave freely of a willing heart.

8.  Verse 9.  Their Rejoicing was Great.  “rejoiced with great joy.” What a privilege and blessing it was to them to give to the work of the Lord.  Their sacrifice was a thing of rejoicing and joy, not sorrow and hardship.

C.  I just wanted to take a few minutes this morning to commend Temple Baptist Church for your willingness to give.  I do not spend a lot of time preaching on tithing and giving because most of you understand both the command to give and the blessing of giving. 

2 Corinthians 9:7  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

D.  This is the greatest giving church that I have ever been associated with!  I do not know who gives what but I do know what is given and stand amazed.

E.  The local church is the place of God’s choosing to edify the saints, teach the Word of God, prepare for the ministry, and carry the gospel to a lost and dying world.

1.  The Purpose of Giving.  It is two-fold.

a.  The Commission is great.  Matthew 28:19-20  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  (20)  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  (To go into all the world while remaining at home.  The only way to do that is to give to missions.)

b.  The Church is great.  Ephesians 5:25-27  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  (26)  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  (27)  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Acts 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

2.  The Proving of Giving. 

a.  Our Attitude towards God’s House - Malachi 3:10a-12  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house … 

b.  Our Attitude towards the souls of men - Acts 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (To evangelize at home and abroad at the same time.)

c.  Our Attitude towards our finances - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5  Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;  (2)  How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.  (3)  For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;  (4)  Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.  (5)  And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.  (The local church is a non-profit organization by design.  God’s money is to be spent wisely.) 

3.  The Pleasure of Giving.

a.  Giving with cheerfulness.  2 Corinthians 9:7-11  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.  (8)  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:  (9)  (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.  (10)  Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)  (11)  Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

b.  Giving with confidence.  Malachi 3:10b-12 … and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.  (11)  And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.  (12)  And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

2 Corinthians 9:6  But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

Luke 6:38  Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. 

Our Glorious Resurrection

Temple Baptist Church - 4-21-2019

Matthew 28:1-6

Introduction: 

A.  This morning, we once again celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

1.  The Resurrection was for the Declaration of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  Romans 1:4  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

Ephesians 1:18-23  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,  (19)  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,  (20)  Which he wrought in Christ,when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,  (21)  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:  (22)  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,  (23)  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

2.   The Resurrection was for the Salvation of the Sinner.  Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shaltbelieve in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

1 Peter 1:18-21  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;  (19)  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  (20)  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,  (21)  Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

3.  The Resurrection was for the Justification of the Saints of God. Romans 4:22-25  And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.  (23)  Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;  (24)  But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;  (25)  Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Romans 8:33-34  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.  (34)  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

B.  The gospel—the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ—is the blessed hope of the Christian as well as the hope of the world.  It is only through the finished work of Calvary, of which the resurrection is the acceptance of sin’s price paid in full, that we find eternal life and the hope of Heaven.

C.  Often, we sing the song “Because He Lives!”  Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; because He lives, all fear is gone.  The “Capstone of Christianity” is that there is life beyond this life and that life is eternal.

1.  It gives hope to the hopeless.

2.  It gives encouragement to the discouraged.

3.  It gives light and life to the spiritually blinded.

4.  It gives joy unspeakable and full of glory to the down trodden.

5.  It gives peace and joy to the bereaved.

6.  It gives comfort to the sick unto death.

7.  It gives courage to the oppressed.

8.  It gives strength to the weary.

9.  It gives victory to the defeated.

10.  It gives expectancy to the watcher.

D.  One day soon He is coming back as He said and we will be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.

Romans 6:5  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

John 14:19  Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

E.  The importance of the Resurrection:

1.  The Resurrection Gives Us Boldness In Death.

Psalms 23:6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  (17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  (18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Philippians 1:21-23  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  (22)  But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.  (23)  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

2.  The Resurrection Gives Us Confidence In Preaching.

Romans 1:4  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

1 Corinthians 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

3.  The Resurrection Gives Us Comfort In Loss.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  (14)  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

2 Corinthians 5:6-8  Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:  (7)  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)  (8)  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

4.  The Resurrection Gives Us Assurance In Salvation.

John 11:25-26  Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  (26)  And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

1 John 5:10-13  He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.  (11)  And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  (12)  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.  (13)  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

5.  The Resurrection Gives Us Hope in Heaven.

John 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  (2)  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

1 Peter 1:3-5  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  (4)  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  (5)  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Conclusion:  The greatest day of the life of the believer will be when he sees Christ.  This is a wicked, troublesome world and the longer I live the more I Pray with the Apostle John:

Revelation 22:20  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Why Save A Dying Thief?

Temple Baptist Church - 4-14-2019

Luke 23:32-43

Introduction:

A.  As we approach Resurrection Sunday, I want to take one more look at the Cross of Christ.  How important is the preaching of the Cross?  Eternity demands it!

B.  The account that we just read focuses upon three individuals.  Two thieves who had been tried and sentenced to death—and the Son of God, dying for the sin of the world.  The Innocent dying for the sinful with salvation within their grasp.

C.  The thieves were guilty as charged and that day was their last in this life with eternity looming.  Thus it is with all sinners.  No one knows the hour of death and there is no escape.

Ecclesiastes 8:6-8  Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.  (7)  For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?  (8)  There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

D.  One sinner mocked the Son of God:

Luke 23:39  And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.  (The world today mocks the Son of God and will die in their sin.)

E.  One sinner recognized the Son of God: 

Luke 23:42  And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.  (He was gloriously saved)

F.  The grace extended was both personal and singular! 

Luke 23:43  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.  (You do not get to heaven because of who you are or what you have done.)

G.  Why save a dying thief?

1.  Because Christ loved him!  That makes it personal.

1 John 4:9-10  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.  (10)  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

2.  Because Christ was dying for him!  That makes it personal.

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.

1 Timothy 2:4  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

3.  To show the way of salvation!  Christ, the only Way.

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.

4.  To describe the act of salvation!  By grace, not personal merit.

Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Titus 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

5.  That men might not despair!  Christ died for sinners.

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.

Luke 5:32  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

6.  That men might not presume!  Christ only saved one thief.

John 5:39-40  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.  (40)  And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

John 3:16-21  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.  (17)  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  (18)  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  (19)  And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  (20)  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  (21)  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.