If The Foundations Be Destroyed

 Temple Baptist Church - 2-26-2023

Psalm 11:3

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  The most important part of any structure is the foundation upon which it stands.  It matters not how well built or how beautifully constructed, if the foundation is flawed, the structure will not stand the test of time. 

 

B.  Our spiritual foundations are the same.  If they are not built right, that which we build will not stand.  Psalms 11:3  If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

 

1.  Everything we have ever known that was foundational is being attacked and destroyed.

 

2.  I love living and I love America but I do not like the changes that have occurred in my short lifetime.

 

3.  I do not require everyone to believe the way that I believe but, if you do not agree with what I believe, please leave this poor old ex-coal miner alone! 

 

4.  Don’t attack what I believe because I still stand in the old ways and the old paths.  They are the foundations upon which I rely upon and where I stand.

 

C.  We often refer to Jeremiah 6:16 which reads, “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.”

 

1.  The Old Paths (by old, I do not mean the last century) are the well-trodden, well-worn paths of our spiritual forefathers.

 

2.  Those who walk in these Old Paths have always been the minority as is seen in Jeremiah which was written 2500 years ago or so.  The prophet Jeremiah, through inspiration, said to stand, to see, to ask, to walk therein but the people said, “We will not walk therein.”

 

3.  To forsake those Old Paths is to lose “rest for your souls.”  That rest is when we adhere to paths of truth and assurance.  I know that, if I follow the Bible, I will be alright!

 

HERE ARE SOME FOUNDATIONS THAT WE NEED TO MAKE SURE ARE RIGHT!

 

1.  The Foundation Of Our Faith, the Bible - Jude 3  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

2 Peter 1:19-21  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

 

Everything that we believe, stand for, and stand upon as believers is found in the foundation of the Bible.  If we crack that foundation, we destroy our faith, and what can the righteous do?

 

2.  The Foundation Of Our Salvation, Jesus Christ – 1 Peter 2:6  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

 

Isaiah 28:16  Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

 

                    a.  It Is A Laid Stone – I lay in Zion (Calvary)

 

                    b.  It Is A Foundation Stone – Jesus Christ

 

                    c.  It Is A Tried Stone – The Salvation Of God Works

 

                    d.  It Is A Precious Stone – To the Child Of God

 

                    e.  It Is A Sure Stone – No Wise Case Out, Shall Be Saved

 

1 John 2:25  And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

 

Make Sure Your Faith Is In Christ Alone!

 

3.  The Foundation Of God’s Church - Matthew 16:18  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

 

Ephesians 2:19-22  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

 

a.  Teach your children to have confidence in the Church.

 

b.  Teach your children to have confidence in the Pastor.

 

c.  Teach your children to obey the preaching of God’s Word.

 

Make Sure We Keep Christ The Pre-eminent One In The Church!  It Is His!

 

4.  The Foundation Of The Home – Psalms 127:1  Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

 

a.  The home is the strength of America.

         

b.  The home is the strength of the Church.

         

1)  Keep your homes centered around God’s Word.

 

2)  Keep your home centered around God’s Order.

 

a)  Husbands obey the Lord.                

         

b)  Wives, obey your husbands.

 

c)  Children, obey your parents.

                             

Make Sure That Christ Is The Head And His Word Is The Guideline!

The Danger of Church Division

 Temple Baptist Church - 2-26-2023

I Corinthians 3:1-3

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  This is not one of my favorite topics but one of the more needful ones in our day.  The most important unit on the face of the earth other than the family is the local church.  It is the vehicle through which God works to evangelize the world, teach the convert, and to edify and encourage the believer.  Satan hates the local assembly!

 

1.  The Greatest Enemy Of The Church Is Not Satan, Though he is a great enemy. 

 

1 Peter 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  (Because of his strength and power; also because of his rage, malice, and cruelty.)

 

2.  The Greatest Enemy Of The Church Is Not Finances, Though money is important and our economy is being devastated.  Just look at your grocery bill.

 

Philippians 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  (For God is not broke and the faithful with financial integrity are not poor.)

 

3.  The Greatest Enemy Of The Church Is Not Circumstances.  Though it rains on the just and the unjust.

 

2 Timothy 3:1  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 

 

Psalms 56:2-4  Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.  (3)  What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.  (4)  In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

 

4.  The Greatest Enemy Of The Church Is The Enemy From Within. 

 

2 Corinthians 12:20  For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

 

Galatians 5:15  But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

 

James 3:14-16  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.  (15)  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.  (16)  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

 

James 4:1  From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (The greatest enemy of the local church occupy the pulpits and sit upon the pews.) 

 

B.  God hates division from Genesis 4 to the present.  Much is said about both the causes and results of division in the Bible.  Satan has “devices” that he uses effectively against the believer, and we are not to be ignorant of them.  Though I do not believe that either Satan or devils can indwell the believer, I do believe that they can greatly influence their thinking and actions.

 

2 Corinthians 2:10-11  To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;  (11)  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

 

C.  Our Lord said all that needs to be said about the result of division.  Mark 3:24-27  And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  (25)  And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  (26)  And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.  (27)  No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.

 

D.  This morning, I want to look at some of the results of divisions within the church. 

 

1.  Division Destroys The Fellowship Of The Church.  People sit on the pews of the church with malice and unforgiveness in their hearts. People often sit in certain places because of who sits in other places.

 

2.  Division Destroys The Commission Of The Church.  Missions has been damaged because of gaining a family and then loosing a family through carnality and spiritual nonsense!

 

3.  Division Destroys The Testimony Of The Church. Church fights and splits have been detrimental to the prosperity of the church, both physically and financially.  The carnal reputation of a local church is well known withing the community.

 

4.  Division Destroys The Posterity Of The Church.  Children both see and hear the ungodliness of the parents.  It affects their spirituality and, eventually, they are lost because of the carnal condition of the parents.

 

5.  Division Destroys The Worship Of The Church.  A divided people and CANNOT worship God in spirit and truth.  God and His Holy Spirit are grieved with this division and worship is neither holy nor acceptable.

 

6.  Division Destroys The Evangelism Of The Church.  Instead of keeping our eyes upon the harvest and doing all that we can to win souls, our time is spent in division, bitterness, and souls are lost.

 

7.  Division Hinders The Prayers Of The Saints.  Malice and unforgiveness are sins of iniquity and, when we regard iniquity in our hearts, our prayers go unheard and unanswered.

 

Conclusion:  We must have unity in the church for it to function properly  !

 

1.  Unified in love.  

 

2.  Unified in purpose.

 

3.  Unified in doctrine.

Spiritual Division

 Temple Baptist Church - 2-22-2023

John 7:1-10

 

Introduction:

 

A.  In our text, I find in verse 5 that the brethren of Jesus had not received Him as their Messiah at this time. 

 

1.  We know that Jesus had 4 half-brothers plus sisters.  Matthew 13:55-56  Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?  (56)  And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?

 

2.  Little is said about the siblings of Jesus, and we know that some were saved but do not know for sure that all of them were saved by putting their faith in Him.  The bible is silent here.

 

B.  Many families are divided in the matter of true biblical salvation.  I have heard the testimonies of many who were the first in their family to have been saved.

 

C.  This goes back to the first mention of a family and the spiritual division among those who had been taught both right and the same.  Abel was a child of God by faith and Cain was a child of the devil by rejection.  We all know the end of that story.

 

1.  Both had the same saved parents through atonement.

 

2.  Both had the same teaching from their parents.

 

3.  Both had the same freedom of choice in sacrifice.

 

4.  One chose to believe and one to reject.

 

D.  Christ Jesus no doubt lived a perfect life before His family until the time of His identification by John the Baptist, but his own family had difficulty believing Who He was and what He was there to do.

 

“The Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.”

 

E.  In verses 3-5, his brethren actually mocked Him because remained in Galilee instead of going to the Feast of Tabernacles, the third feast where all males were to go to Jerusalem. 

 

1.  They said that Jesus wanted to be known of all men but, because of the threat to His life, was trying to remain in secret.

 

a)  Verse 6: “Your time is alway ready.”  Jesus gently answered his brothers.  Notice the singular use of the word “alway”.  It covers every instance of time instead of “always” which is a duration of time. 

 

b)  His brothers could get saved anytime if they chose to do so.

 

2.  Later during His ministry, His entire family came to see Jesus but not necessarily to hear Him.  We find in these verses His gentle rebuke.

 

Matthew 12:46-50  While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.  (47)  Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.  (48)  But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?  (49)  And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!  (50)  For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

 

F.  Spiritual division is a way of life, both for Christ Jesus and those who put their faith in Him.

 

Matthew 10:34-39  Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword (to sever).  (35)  For I am come to set a man at variance (to part ways) against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.  (36)  And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.  (37)  He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.  (38)  And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.  (39)  He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

 

Luke 12:49-53  I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?  (50)  But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!  (51)  Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:  (52)  For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.  (53)  The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

 

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 

G.  Jesus lived a life of witness before family and friends.

 

1.  It is a life of Love.  Jesus never stopped loving His earthly family.  Love your families, love your enemies, and love your neighbors.

 

John 15:13  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

 

2.  It is a life of Witness.  Jesus never stopped sharing the Word of God to His earthly family.  Saving faith comes only through the Word of God.  (Romans 10:17)

 

Matthew 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 

3.  It is a life of Testimony.  Jesus never compromised His holiness before His earthly family.  Walk in the light as He is in the light.  Then they will behold your good works and glorify your heavenly Father.  “A life lived is worth a 1000 sermons taught.”

 

John 18:38  Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

 

4.  It is a life of Consistency.  Jesus finished the task for His earthly family.  From His birth to His resurrection, Jesus’ life was marked with consistency and so must ours be.

 

John 19:30  When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

 

5.  It is a life of Forgiveness.  Jesus forgave the mockery and division of His earthly family.  We are to forgive our enemies (foes) and treat them with love.

 

Luke 23:34  Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

 

6.  It is a life of Supplication.  Our Lord was a Prayer Warrior and prayed for His earthy family.  We need to continue in prayer for ours.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17  Pray without ceasing.

 

7.  It is a life of no Regrets.  Jesus did all that He could for His family.  We can do no less.

 

Mark 14:8a  She hath done what she could:

 

Conclusion:  We do know that some of the Lord’s earthly were saved: Joseph, Mary, James, and Jude.  I would like to think that all were saved but I could give you no Scripture to bear that out with..

 

Mary - Luke 1:46-47  And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,  (47)  And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 

 

Joseph - Matthew 1:19-25  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.  (20)  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.  (21)  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.  (22)  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,  (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.  (24)  Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:  (25)  And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

 

Galatians 1:19  But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

 

Jude 1  Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

Keeping Your Pastor in a Right Perspective

 Temple Baptist Church - 2-19-2023

1 Peter 5:1-4

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  As I continue to preach on the local church, I want to spend another Sunday Morning preaching on your gift, the pastor.  Not to “beat my drum”, but to help give you a biblical understanding of who and what he is to be.

 

B.  There are a couple of dangers involving the perception the people of local churches that I need to address quickly.

 

1.  The danger of not opening the gift that God gave to each one of us concerning the pastor.  With many people in our day, the pastor is just the preacher.  God gave you a pastor!  What is the difference? 

 

a)  If the pastor is just your preacher, then he will not be allowed to be a part of your life outside of the local church.  He is just someone that you listen to on church days.

 

b)  If the pastor is just your preacher, then you can take what you want and reject what you do not want concerning the preaching of God’s Word.

 

2.  The danger of not having a proper perspective of God’s man, your pastor.  This will cause you to do one of two things.

 

a)  It will cause you to elevate your pastor to a plane of perfection that he cannot fulfill and, if he falls, you will fall with him.

 

b)  Or, it will cause you to lower your pastor to a position of disrespect and, therefore, render his influence ineffectual and he will not be able to help you.

 

C.  You need a pastor!  God made it that way!  Sheep without a shepherd will soon lose their direction, scatter, and fall pray to their enemies.  God’s people are like sheep. 

 

Matthew 9:36 says, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”  I want to look at the person and position of the pastor tonight in order to help you better understand what God is doing in your life.

 

D.  The Work of the Pastor-Teacher.  We saw this last week:

 

Ephesians 4:11-12  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  (12)  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

 

1.  For the Perfecting of the Saints.  Helping God’s people to grow in the Lord.  “Be no more children.”

 

2.  For the Work of the Ministry.  To oversee the local church by guiding and protecting, not to become a dictator.

 

3.  For the Edifying of the Body of Christ.  Educate, enlighten, exhort, and enrich.  To build up, not tear down.

 

E.  Just some simple truths that will help you to understand this man who fills your pulpit.  The word “pastor” or “pastors” is found 9 times in your Bible: 8 in the Old Testament and this 1 mention in the New Testament.  This means that God, in Ephesians chapter 4, is all that you need to know concerning your pastor. 

 

1.  The Pastor Is God’s Man – vs. 1 - Ephesians 4:11-12  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

 

a.  Be careful how you treat him.

 

b.  Be careful how you talk about him.

 

2.  The Pastor Is Just A Man – vs. 6 - 1 Corinthians 2:3  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

 

a.  He has feelings.

 

b.  He has faults.

 

c.  He has failures.

 

3.  The Pastor Is Your Man – vs. 8 - Jeremiah 3:15  And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

 

a.  He is your gift.

 

b.  He is your mentor.

 

c.  He is your friend.

 

4.  The Pastor Is A Hated Man – vs. 9-13 - 2 Timothy 4:14  Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

 

a.  He is hated because of the stand that he takes.

 

b.  He is hated because of the Word he preaches.

 

c.  He is hated because of the Lord he represents.

 

5.  The Pastor Is A Loving Man – vs. 14-15 - 2 Corinthians 12:15  And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

 

a.  He loves the Lord.

 

b.  He loves the Word.

 

c.  He loves the saints.

 

d.  He loves the sinner.

 

6.  The Pastor Is Beseeching Man – vs. 16-17 - Hebrews 13:22  And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.  (Paul used the word beseech 24 times in the Book of Acts and the Pauline Epistles.)

 

a.  He desires only the best for you.

 

b.  He desires only the best for your family.

 

c.  He desires only the best for the church.

 

7.  The Pastor Is A Concerned Man – vs. 18-21 - 2 Corinthians 11:2  For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

 

a.  He watches over you.

 

b.  He worries over you.