The Apostle Peter

Temple Baptist Church - 9-21-2016

1 Peter 1:1

 

Introduction:

 

A.  As we begin a series on the Book of 1 Peter, I want to take a short look at an amazing man named Peter. 

 

1.  Peter is one of the most noted of the apostles and, along with James and John, comprised what is often referred to as the “inner three.”  He is one of the greatest men of the New Testament but is most remembered for his denial of the Lord and his restoration in John, chapter 21.  and is given a bad name by some for his denial of the Lord.

 

2.  Peter was a man that we can relate to! He got ahead of God; he got behind God; he rebuked God; and he was greatly used of God.

 

3.  Called by Hollywood “The Big Fisherman,” we know nothing of his size but we do know that he was one more great man for the Lord.

 

B.  I am glad that God can still use flawed men and women!  As one preacher said often, “God can take a crooked stick and draw a straight line.”  I will not take an in depth look at Peter’s life as that would take more time than I want to a lot but his life was interesting to say the least.

 

1.  Peter was just a common fisherman.  Matthew 4:18  And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

 

2.  Peter was an uneducated man.  Acts 4:13  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

 

C.  Let’s take a short look at the life and ministry of this poor, uneducated fisherman.

 

1.  Peter was led to the Lord by his brother Andrew - John 1:35-42  Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;  (36)  And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!  (37)  And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.  (38)  Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?  (39)  He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.  (40)  One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.  (41)  He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.  (42)  And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.  (These Old Testament believers awaited to promise of the coming of Israel’s Messiah and, when they found Him, they led others to Him.  I understand that these men were saved by faith in the coming of Messiah and now accepted Him when John pointed Him out to them.  Here we find the precedent of soul winning as we lead others to our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ.)

 

2.  Peter was named by the Lord – John 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.  (Peter comes from the word “Petros” or a rock.  In Matthew 16:18, our Lord said, “Thou are Peter [a rock] … upon this rock [Petra-a massive rock, which was the statement “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”])

 

3.  Peter was baptized by the Lord - John 4:1-2  When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,  (2)  (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) (These Old Testament believers were Scripturally baptized when they accepted Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah.  They were not baptized into a local church but upon the profession of their faith.)

 

4.  Peter publicly confessed the Lord - Matthew 16:13-16  When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?  (14)  And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.  (15)  He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?  (16)  And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

 

5.  Peter called by the Lord – Matthew 4:18-20  And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.  And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.  And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

 

6.  Peter committed to the Lord - Matthew 4:20  And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

 

7.  Peter left all for the Lord - Matthew 19:27  Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?  (Here we find the Biblical priority of the believer as Christ become not only first but becomes his all.)

 

8.  Peter’s confidence in the Lord - Matthew 14:28  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

 

9.  Peter’s failure of the Lord - Luke 22:31  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

 

Luke 22:34  And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

 

John 18:25  And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.

 

Matthew 26:75  And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.  (As all of us, Peter failed.  It is heart rending when we fail and feel the eyes of the Lord looking upon us with compassion.)

 

10.  Peter’s restoration to the Lord - John 21:17  He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

 

11.  Peter’s preaching of the Lord - Acts 2:14  But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

 

12.  Peter’s martyrdom for the Lord - John 21:18-19  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.  (19)  This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

The Voice On One Crying In The Wilderness

Temple Baptist Church - 1-23-2011

John 1:6-23

Introduction:

A. As we enter this new year, I believe that God’s people understand the times in which we live. I am not necessarily talking about the wickedness, etc., but rather the “hour” in which we live. Preachers have been fervently preaching about the coming of the Lord for years and I am personally shocked that we are still here. We understand that God allotted 7 thousand years of time from the beginning until eternity begins. There were 4 thousand years until the coming of Jesus Christ which is 4 days in God’s time. There have been 2 thousand years since Jesus Christ which is 2 days in God’s time. There will be a 1 thousand year Kingdom Age which is 1 day in God’s time. That shows me that we are at the end of the 6th day and the Rapture is eminent.

B. There were 400 “silent years” from Malachi to Matthew leading up to the First Advent. There have been 400 “silent years” since the translation of the King James Bible leading up to the Second Advent. The Bible also says that Israel will “sleep” for 2 days or 2 thousand years and that God would raise them up to walk in His sight which is the Millennial Reign of Christ.

C. Malachi prophesied of the coming of the “spirit of Elijah” just prior to the First Advent and it was fulfilled in John the Baptist in these verses that we read this morning. I believe that there will also be such a “spirit” just prior to the Second Advent. God has always had His voice and it is being heard today.

D. I have several Old and New Testament heroes that stand out to me personally with John the Baptist being one of them. John was not acceptable in his day as far as his person.

1. John was not Charismatic – John did not miracles. He was a preacher, not a performer!

2. John was not Social – John lived in the wilderness. He ate locust and wild honey. He was a preacher and he was not popular!

3. John was not Elegant – John dressed in leather and camel’s hair. He was a preacher and a plain man!

4. John was not Popular – John did not compromise the message. He was a preacher, not a pleaser!

E. Not only is he a hero of mine, but he was highly regarded by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 11:7-15 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

F. We live in a day of “plastics” but John was REAL! He was the “real deal” of that day and the Lord used him to prepare the way for our Lord Jesus Christ.

G. I believe that the “spirit of Elijah” is still evident in these last days just prior to the Second Advent. I want to be a part of that voice! I want you to be a part of that voice!

1. It Was The Voice! Not a voice but THE voice. There are a lot of voices clamoring for our attention in these last days.

Matthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

I have never seen as many “churches” springing up as we have today. There are little signs everywhere in front of home with the names of their ministries on them. Denominations galore can be found, especially here in the “Bible Belt.” Someone asked me one day, “How do I know which one is right?” We want to be God’s Voice, speaking from God’s Word. In order to be to be God’s Voice, you must have the right message and our message is right. We are the Voice of God in these last days.

2. It Was The Voice Of One! We are not the only ones who are “holding the ropes” in these last days.

1 Kings 19:14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. (Elijah thought that he was the only one standing but the Lord had others. I do not know where they were when Elijah went to Mt. Carmel but they were where God wanted them.)
1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

I thank the Lord, this morning, that there are men of God who still stand in the “Old Paths.” These are men who, though they may be scattered around the world, still preach from the right Bible. They are God’s Voice and their Voice is ONE with ours.

3. It Was The Voice Of One Crying! It is to be a distinct cry. It is to be a loud cry. It is to be a persistent cry.

Isaiah 58:1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

It is so easy to get discouraged in the way and, in so doing, our voices become quieter and less persistent. The numbers are not our business, they are God’s. Our work is to continuing to cry loudly in these last days. Someone will hear and heed! It is a cry of urgency; a cry of compassion; a cry of salvation. Cry aloud and lift up your voices.

4. It Was A Voice In The Wilderness! A wilderness is a dry place where there is little water. A wilderness is a non-productive place of little value.

Zechariah 7:8-14 And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying, (9) Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: (10) And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart. (11) But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. (12) Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts. (13) Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts: (14) But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

We live in a time when people refuse to hear the Word of the Lord. Their hearts have been hardened through sinfulness. So many people have become reprobate at early ages. This world has such a pull and Satan has blinded the minds of the people to the things of God.

5. It Was The Voice Of The Straight Way!

Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

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.

Zechariah 7:11-13 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. (12) Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts. (13) Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:

God’s way is a singular way; God’s way is a narrow way; God’s way is not the popular or easy way; but it is still God’s Way? It is God’s Way and the Only Way to Heaven!

Conclusion: There have been 400 Silent Years since 1611! Phariseeism is the rule of the day with salvation being of works and not of grace! We have the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth! We are the “voice of one crying in the wilderness” saying, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

Things John Had That We Need

Temple Baptist Church - 4-6-2008

Matthew 3:1-12

Introduction:

A. Both Old and New Testaments are all about the sinfulness of man and the coming of the Christ to take away the sin of the world. Christ is the Word and the Word is all about Christ. As we come to Matthew, we see the fulfillment of the promised “Lamb of God” which was to take away the sin of the world.

1. The Promise Of Christ’s Coming – verse 1-3 - Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

2. The Prelude Of Christ’s First Coming – verse 7

a) There have been 400 Silent Years between Malachi and Matthew. No revelations, no preaching, and no prophesying.

b) Judaism in now firmly imbedded within the religion and culture of the nation of Israel. Here we find Pharisees and Sadducees instead of Prophets.

Judaism - the religious beliefs and practices and the way of life of the Jews The term itself was first used by Hellenized Jews to describe their religious practice, but it is of predominantly modern usage; it is not used in the Bible or in Rabbinic literature and only rarely in the literature of the medieval period. The word Torah is employed when referring to the divinely revealed teachings of Jewish law and belief. Judaism is used more broadly, including also the totality of human interpretation and practice. Thus, one may speak of "secular Judaism," referring to an adherence to values expressed by Judaism but removed from any religious context.

3. The Performance Of Christ’s First Coming – Matthew 1 and 2

a) The Annunciation by the angel Gabriel
b) The Virgin Conception and Birth of the Christ

4. The Predecessor Of Christ’s First Coming – John The Baptist – The Forerunner of the Messiah!

B. I have several Old and New Testament heroes that stand out to me personally. I want to look at one of them this morning, John the Baptist. Not only is he a hero of mine, but he was highly regarded by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 11:7-15 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

C. We live in a day of “plastics” but John was REAL! He was the “real deal” of that day and the Lord used him to prepare the way for our Lord Jesus Christ.

D. John was not popular among the religious folks of that day, but the sinful and needy came to hear him.

1. John Was Not Great In The Sight Of Men Because He Was Not Charismatic - John 10:39-42 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there. (John was a preacher, not a performer)

2. John Was Not Great In The Sight Of Men Because He Was Not Social - Matthew 3:1-3 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (Wilderness – dry or desolate place) (He evidently was not an active member of the local Ministerial Association)

Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

3. John Was Not Great In The Sight Of Men Because He Was Not Elegant - Luke 7:25a But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, (Rich and elegant)

Mark 1:6a And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; (They were shocked at the appearance of this plain man! No $500.00 suits, no Florsheim—wing tipped shoes, not expensive automobile, no diamond stick pin, no Rolex watch, no $650,000.00 home, no gold faucets, no air-conditioned dog houses, just a plain preacher)

4. John Was Not Great In The Sight Of Men Because He Did Not Have An Expensive Cuisine – Luke 7:25b Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts. (Rarely ate at Ryan’s and, evidently, rarely was invited to dinner)

Mark 1:6b And he did eat locusts and wild honey

5. John Was Not Great In The Sight Of Men Because He Would Not Compromise - Mark 6:17-19 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:

Isaiah 30:8-11 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not (turn your head to sin); and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things (stay off of certain subjects), prophesy deceits (handle the Word of God deceitfully): Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.

2 Timothy 4:3 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;

Luke 6:26 Woe unto you (man of God!), when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their

6. John did no miracles. John was a preacher man! John was a righteous man! John was God’s man! John was a real man and what you saw was what you got.

E. We need those qualities in our lives in the light of the Second Coming. He has promised it! There have been 400 Silent Years since 1611! Phariseeism in the rule of the day with salvation being of works and not of grace! We have the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth! We are the “voice of one crying in the wilderness” saying, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

1. John Was Distinct – vs. 1 - His Doctrine “John the Baptist”

a. John Was A Distinct Man – He was distinct in his doctrine - 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

b. John Was A Marked Man – vs. 5-6 - Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (God give us distinction in light of His Second Coming!)

2. John Was Daring – vs. 2, 7-9

a. John Was Bold In His Preaching – vs. 2-3 - Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

1) John Was Dynamic In His Delivery – vs. 7-9 - Ephesians 6:19-20 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

2) John Was Dynamic In His Damning – vs. 10-11 – Jude 23 And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

b. John Was Bold In His Confronting – vs. 7 - Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

1) His Preaching Was Powerful – “repent”
2) His Preaching Was Personal – “Ye” (God give us boldness in light of His Second Coming!)

3. John Was Dedicated – vs. vs. 1, 4

a. John Was Not In The “Camp” – vs. 1, 5 - Hebrews 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

b. John Was Not In Style – vs. 4 - Matthew 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft [clothing] are in kings’ houses. (God give us dedication in light of His Second Coming!)

Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?)