Temple Baptist Church - 11-14-2010
Psalm 77
Introduction:
A. As a general rule, when seas are mentioned in the Bible, they are places of hardship or difficulty. They are places that test our faith! In this particular Psalm, we find “hindsight’s 20/20” in operation. The Psalmist looks at the trial from start to finish. He started with faith; faith faltered; faith remembered; and God delivered!
1. We Find Confidence – vs. 1 “God Will!”
2. We Find Confusion – vs. 2 “God Hasn’t!”
3. We Find Complaining – vs. 3 “God Won’t!”
4. We Find Contemplation – vs. 4-9 “God has turned His back on me”
5. We Find Consideration – vs. 10-18 “God has been here and done it before”
6. We Find Confidence – vs. 19-20 “God will do it once more”
B. Seas in general are immense! The Red Sea, to Israel who had no boats or planes, was just such a sea. It was:
1. A Place Of Improbability – The path north was the easiest and quickest
2. A Place Of Impassability – The path south was one of entanglement by sea, mountains, or desert.
3. A Place of Impossibility – They could not go forward, they could not go backward, they could not stay put!
C. Life is hard at best. When I think of a sea, I think of:
1. Great Depths - The Mariana Trench is 36,201 feet deep (Mt. Everest—the highest mountain in the world stands only 29,029 ft. tall).
2. Immense Size - The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean. It covers 69,375,000 square miles.
3. Incredible Power – Currents that cannot be contained.
4. Sudden tempests – Storms of great magnitude.
5. Long Crossings – Thousands of miles on major oceans.
6. Physical Impossibilities – I cannot neither wade through nor them can I swim across them. I often go to the Atlantic and the possibility of my swimming across it never even crosses my mind. As a matter of fact, there are fish there that would love to have a piece of this fat preacher!
D. The Psalmist said, “Thy way is in the sea and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.” God often allows His children to come to hard places in their lives. Not paths chosen by us but paths allowed by Him. This verse tells me three things:
1. God’s Path Is Not Always Easy!
2. God’s Path Is Always Ahead Of Us!
3. God’s Path Is Not Always Visible!
1. God’s Sea is a Prepared Place – His Property! God created the seas and knows every part of it like the “back of His hand!” He made every mountain and every valley in the seas. I believe that God knows every trial that we will face in our lives. It is not that God creates sinfulness nor does He condone it, but I believe that God still controls it! It Is Not The Way Of Our Comprehending!
2. God’s Sea is a Providential Place – His Permission! God knew before He ever created the world that Israel would one day stand at that precise place because it was the “hand of God” that led them there. It was a place of God’s choosing. Every good General picks his place and time of battle. God chose the place of Israel’s crossing. So does God allow us to be brought to hard places in life in His providence! It Is Not The Way Of Our Comfort! It Is Often The Harder Way! It Is Often The Long Way! It Is Not The Way Of Our Choosing! It Is Often The Only Way! When you have no choice, you can make no wrong decision!
3. God’s Sea is a Powerful Place – His Parting! When I see the ocean, it never ceases to amaze me with its magnitude and its power! It goes beyond the horizon; it goes for thousands of miles; no power on earth can either tame it or stop it. It is controlled only by God! When we come to our sea—Seas Of Disappointment, Seas Of Discouragement, Seas Of Dire Circumstances, Seas Of Duration, Seas Of Doubt—they are seas where only God can show His might power!
4. God’s Sea Is A Protected Place – His Pillar! When Israel came to the impossible, impassable Red Sea and the enemy drew near to destroy, God placed Himself between the enemies of God’s people and the people of God. No matter how they hated Israel and Israel’s God, they could do nothing to draw any nearer than God would allow. He has put Satan and the enemies of God’s children on a leash! The most protected place is not always the easiest one. The most protected place is in the midst of the fire in the will of God.
5. God’s Sea Is A Purposed Place – His Plan! His purpose is to deliver the children of God! God does not purpose that we be destroyed and He will show up on time to deliver. When we get to the end of life and look back, we will see the hand of God in our lives. His purpose is to destroy the enemies of God! As God destroyed Israel; as God destroyed Haman; God will destroy those who oppose Him and refuse to get right. Egypt could have been spared if, at any time, they had turned around but God hardened their hearts and they continued until they perished. His purpose is to purify the saint and bring praise and glory to God! In the sea, God is still God! Just let God be God, trust Him with all that you have, and He will be glorified.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The Doxology Of God’s Power
Temple Baptist Church - 11-10-2010
Ephesians 3:20-21
Introduction:
A. The first 3 chapters of Ephesians are Positional while the last 3 are Practical. As the Holy Ghost begins to prepare the Ephesian believers for both living a consistent Christian life and the spiritual warfare to come, He ends the Positional portion with a prayer and praise.
B. Paul has just finished a four-fold prayer for the believers at the Church of Ephesus:
1. A Prayer For Inner Strength That Comes Only Through God –vs. 16
2. A Prayer For Inner Faith That Comes Only Through Confidence In God – vs. 17a
3. A Prayer For Inner Knowledge Of The Love Of God That Comes Only Through Scripture And Personal Walk With The Lord – vs. 17b
a) The comprehension of the incomprehensible
b) The knowledge of the unknowable
c) The finite mind understanding to a degree the infinite God
4. A Prayer For The Fullness Of God – vs. 19b
C. Paul ends his prayer with worship in what we call a Doxology. A Doxology is a fervent utterance of praise. It speaks of God’s great Power, Ability, and Willingness to do in the life of the believer.
1. This Doxology Speaks Of The Greatness Of God’s Power – “Now unto him that is able to do”
a. God has all power in Heaven and Earth
1) No situation dismays Him - Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
2) No situation is beyond His resources - Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof.
3) No situation is out of His control - Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
b. God’s Power is often underestimated
1) Satan underestimated His power – - Isaiah 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (God could defeat a billion devils!)
2) The Unsaved underestimate His power – John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. (God could withstand any and all men!)
c. God’s Power is unlimited
1) Creation did not tax His power - Isaiah 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I [am] the LORD; and [there is] none else.
2) Satan could not withstand His power - Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
d. God’s Power is unleashable – We often fail to use His power because we are always working in our own! (Worketh in you)
2. This Doxology Speaks Of The Goodness Of God’s Power – “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think”
a. He can succor those that are tempted - Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
b. He can save those who come to Him - Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
c. He can subdue all of our fears - Psalms 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
d. He can supply all or our needs - Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
e. He can satisfy our every longing - Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
g. He can secure our future - Isaiah 42:6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
Conclusion:
1. This Doxology of Power should Humble Us – It is all of Him!
2. This Doxology of Power should Encourage Us – All is within our reach
3. This Doxology of Power should Challenge Us – This power works through us
4. This Doxology of Power should Instruct Us – To give all glory and praise to God
Ephesians 3:20-21
Introduction:
A. The first 3 chapters of Ephesians are Positional while the last 3 are Practical. As the Holy Ghost begins to prepare the Ephesian believers for both living a consistent Christian life and the spiritual warfare to come, He ends the Positional portion with a prayer and praise.
B. Paul has just finished a four-fold prayer for the believers at the Church of Ephesus:
1. A Prayer For Inner Strength That Comes Only Through God –vs. 16
2. A Prayer For Inner Faith That Comes Only Through Confidence In God – vs. 17a
3. A Prayer For Inner Knowledge Of The Love Of God That Comes Only Through Scripture And Personal Walk With The Lord – vs. 17b
a) The comprehension of the incomprehensible
b) The knowledge of the unknowable
c) The finite mind understanding to a degree the infinite God
4. A Prayer For The Fullness Of God – vs. 19b
C. Paul ends his prayer with worship in what we call a Doxology. A Doxology is a fervent utterance of praise. It speaks of God’s great Power, Ability, and Willingness to do in the life of the believer.
1. This Doxology Speaks Of The Greatness Of God’s Power – “Now unto him that is able to do”
a. God has all power in Heaven and Earth
1) No situation dismays Him - Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
2) No situation is beyond His resources - Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof.
3) No situation is out of His control - Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
b. God’s Power is often underestimated
1) Satan underestimated His power – - Isaiah 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (God could defeat a billion devils!)
2) The Unsaved underestimate His power – John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. (God could withstand any and all men!)
c. God’s Power is unlimited
1) Creation did not tax His power - Isaiah 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I [am] the LORD; and [there is] none else.
2) Satan could not withstand His power - Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
d. God’s Power is unleashable – We often fail to use His power because we are always working in our own! (Worketh in you)
2. This Doxology Speaks Of The Goodness Of God’s Power – “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think”
a. He can succor those that are tempted - Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
b. He can save those who come to Him - Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
c. He can subdue all of our fears - Psalms 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
d. He can supply all or our needs - Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
e. He can satisfy our every longing - Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
g. He can secure our future - Isaiah 42:6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
Conclusion:
1. This Doxology of Power should Humble Us – It is all of Him!
2. This Doxology of Power should Encourage Us – All is within our reach
3. This Doxology of Power should Challenge Us – This power works through us
4. This Doxology of Power should Instruct Us – To give all glory and praise to God
Sunday, November 7, 2010
How To Take Care Of A Pastor
Temple Baptist Church - 11-7-2010
Philippians 4:10-19
Introduction:
A. Tonight will be one of the harder messages for God’s man to preach but it is an essential one. Not that it is a message that will be hard on you but that it will be one hard for me to preach. “How to take care of a Pastor.” I am not here to be a burden to the church. I am here to be a blessing!
B. The pastor is one of the two gifts given to the local church. The other is the evangelist which I believe means the missionary. The work “evangelist” means to “bring good news or to declare glad tidings.” We have men who are called evangelists who are actually missionaries to the local churches. These are men who come to preach to and help local pastors and churches through the ministry of preaching. The pastor is to do the work of an evangelist
C. The pastor belongs to the people of the local church and is to be taken care of by them. I have nothing but respect of men of God who pastor and work jobs when the church is not big enough to support them fully. I have worked and am willing to go back to work if the case arises. When the local church is able to support a full time pastor, I believe there is a twofold responsibility:
1. It is their responsibility to take care of the pastor’s family.
2. It is the responsibility of the pastor to give his life for the church.
D. There are several things that the pastor needs from his people. I will give a few of them tonight.
1. Learn to love the man of God and his family. Galatians 4:14-16 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. (15) Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. (16) Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? (God gives you pastors after His own heart. These men of God become a part of your family and your life. One of the greatest things you can do is to love the man of God, his wife, and his children. What a shame it is when people fall out with their pastor. He is your friend! His family is not perfect but neither is yours. Just love him!)
Psalms 55:12-14 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: (13) But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. (14) We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.
Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. (What a shame when people who once walked with their pastor now have turned against him.)
2. Learn to pray for the man of God and his family. Romans 15:30-32 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; (As God’s man faithfully prays for your family, pray for his. Paul said to “strive” in prayer for God’s man. That means to pray hard! Smite the shepherd and the sheep will scatter. Satan hates God’s men and will attack them and their families in any way he can. Learn to lift my family up in prayer! As goes the pastor, so goes the church as a general rule.)
1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brethren, pray for us!
Ephesians 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (19) 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.
Philippians 1:19-20 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (20) According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Colossians 4:3-4 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: (4) That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: (2) And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
Philemon 1:22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
3. Learn to meet the needs of the man of God and his family. 1 Corinthians 9:7-14 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? (8) Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? (9) For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? (10) Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (11) If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? (12) If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. (13) Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? (14) Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. (The pastor’s family depends upon the local church for their living. The pastor is full time and draws no other income. The pastor does not get the opportunity to work overtime and bring in a little extra in hard times. He depends upon you! There are two kinds of churches: those who look at the "books" and say, “We can't afford to…" and those who look at the BOOK and say, “We can't afford not to…!" Watch for special needs or hardships. Consider the economy with rising or falling prices. Remember when and how often there is a raise in salary. I am not preaching for money tonight! I am preaching for your benefit tonight! I have found out that God will take care of His man through outside sources when God’s people fail to be responsible. God will bless the church that blesses the pastor’s family.)
4. Learn to protect God’s man and his family. 1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. (Refuse to start gossip; refuse to hear gossip; and refuse to spread gossip! Stand up for God’s man! If someone is trying to hurt him or his family, rebuke them and have no fellowship with them. I will not allow anyone to talk about you and your family. You are mine and I love you. Learn to shut up talk and learn to stand up and fight when the time comes. I have seen good churches ruined by a few people while the majority remained uninvolved. There is a time to fight; there is a time for war.)
5. Learn to stay with God’s man! 2 Timothy 4:9-11 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: (10) For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. (11) Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. (Stay with God’s man. He will stay with you! Through thick and thin; in good times and bad times; learn to encourage him. Most preachers leave their churches because of discouragement. Not because of money. A good definition of a friend is this: Someone who walks in when the whole world walks out.)
Conclusion: You may have many preachers but not many pastors. Take care of them and God will take care of you!
Philippians 4:10-19
Introduction:
A. Tonight will be one of the harder messages for God’s man to preach but it is an essential one. Not that it is a message that will be hard on you but that it will be one hard for me to preach. “How to take care of a Pastor.” I am not here to be a burden to the church. I am here to be a blessing!
B. The pastor is one of the two gifts given to the local church. The other is the evangelist which I believe means the missionary. The work “evangelist” means to “bring good news or to declare glad tidings.” We have men who are called evangelists who are actually missionaries to the local churches. These are men who come to preach to and help local pastors and churches through the ministry of preaching. The pastor is to do the work of an evangelist
C. The pastor belongs to the people of the local church and is to be taken care of by them. I have nothing but respect of men of God who pastor and work jobs when the church is not big enough to support them fully. I have worked and am willing to go back to work if the case arises. When the local church is able to support a full time pastor, I believe there is a twofold responsibility:
1. It is their responsibility to take care of the pastor’s family.
2. It is the responsibility of the pastor to give his life for the church.
D. There are several things that the pastor needs from his people. I will give a few of them tonight.
1. Learn to love the man of God and his family. Galatians 4:14-16 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. (15) Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. (16) Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? (God gives you pastors after His own heart. These men of God become a part of your family and your life. One of the greatest things you can do is to love the man of God, his wife, and his children. What a shame it is when people fall out with their pastor. He is your friend! His family is not perfect but neither is yours. Just love him!)
Psalms 55:12-14 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: (13) But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. (14) We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.
Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. (What a shame when people who once walked with their pastor now have turned against him.)
2. Learn to pray for the man of God and his family. Romans 15:30-32 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; (As God’s man faithfully prays for your family, pray for his. Paul said to “strive” in prayer for God’s man. That means to pray hard! Smite the shepherd and the sheep will scatter. Satan hates God’s men and will attack them and their families in any way he can. Learn to lift my family up in prayer! As goes the pastor, so goes the church as a general rule.)
1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brethren, pray for us!
Ephesians 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (19) 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.
Philippians 1:19-20 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (20) According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Colossians 4:3-4 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: (4) That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: (2) And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
Philemon 1:22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
3. Learn to meet the needs of the man of God and his family. 1 Corinthians 9:7-14 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? (8) Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? (9) For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? (10) Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (11) If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? (12) If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. (13) Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? (14) Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. (The pastor’s family depends upon the local church for their living. The pastor is full time and draws no other income. The pastor does not get the opportunity to work overtime and bring in a little extra in hard times. He depends upon you! There are two kinds of churches: those who look at the "books" and say, “We can't afford to…" and those who look at the BOOK and say, “We can't afford not to…!" Watch for special needs or hardships. Consider the economy with rising or falling prices. Remember when and how often there is a raise in salary. I am not preaching for money tonight! I am preaching for your benefit tonight! I have found out that God will take care of His man through outside sources when God’s people fail to be responsible. God will bless the church that blesses the pastor’s family.)
4. Learn to protect God’s man and his family. 1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. (Refuse to start gossip; refuse to hear gossip; and refuse to spread gossip! Stand up for God’s man! If someone is trying to hurt him or his family, rebuke them and have no fellowship with them. I will not allow anyone to talk about you and your family. You are mine and I love you. Learn to shut up talk and learn to stand up and fight when the time comes. I have seen good churches ruined by a few people while the majority remained uninvolved. There is a time to fight; there is a time for war.)
5. Learn to stay with God’s man! 2 Timothy 4:9-11 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: (10) For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. (11) Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. (Stay with God’s man. He will stay with you! Through thick and thin; in good times and bad times; learn to encourage him. Most preachers leave their churches because of discouragement. Not because of money. A good definition of a friend is this: Someone who walks in when the whole world walks out.)
Conclusion: You may have many preachers but not many pastors. Take care of them and God will take care of you!
The Joy Of The Lord
Temple Baptist Church - 11-7-2010
Nehemiah 8:10
Introduction:
A. I am contemplating making this verse my life verse! “Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet!” This verse is a Baptist preacher’s dream. We often quote the last part of the verse without taking it in its proper context. J Smile, God loves you!
B. One thing that I find strangely missing among the people of God is that of joy! We are to be enjoying the things of God. Yes, I know that we have problems but thank God, one day, troubles and sorrows will all end and we have an eternity to enjoy the “riches of his grace!” Our sinfulness and, too often, our situations rob us of the joy of the Lord.
C. Believers endure church, the tithe, the brethren, and the Christian lifestyle! We should enjoy the Lord, the Book, the brethren, the church, the tithe, the preaching, and the life! Many lose the freshness of their salvation; the first love of the Saviour; and the excitement of their service.
D. Joy is important to the child of God.
1. The Place of Joy – Vs. 1 “the water gate” The place of assembly! The place of preaching and teaching! What a wonderful Bible we have and what a marvelous privilege to be able to hear its preaching.
2. The People of Joy – Vs. 1-7 “all the people…as one man” Unity in fellowship. How sweet to gather with the people of God. You are my family; you are my friends!
3. The Preaching of Joy – Vs. 8 “read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading” It was read distinctly! It was explained explicitly! It was understood universally!
4. The Purpose of Joy – Vs. 9-14 holiness…strength” A holy, happy people is the result of Christian joy.
5. The Publishing of Joy – Vs. 15 “publish…proclaim” Joy causes the world to both see and seek what the child of God has. Yes, we have problems and sorrows but we also have hope.
E. What joy does:
1. Joy changes Duty into Delight! 1 Thessalonians 2:18-20 (18) Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. (19) For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? (20) For ye are our glory and joy. (Is it drudgery or a delight to live for God? Is it a duty or is it a desire to live for God?)
2. Joy changes Persecution into Privilege! Acts 5:40-42 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (41) And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
3. Joy changes Burdens into Blessings! Philippians 1:12-14 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; (13) So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; (14) And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
4. Joy changes Trials into Triumphs! James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
WHERE THE CHRISTIAN FINDS HIS JOY
1. Christian Joy Is Found In Salvation - Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
2. Christian Joy Is Found In Hope - Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
3. Christian Joy Is Found In God’s Word - Nehemiah 8:12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
4. Christian Joy Is Found In Church - Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
a. The Joy Of Singing - Psalms 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
b. The Joy Of Praise - Psalms 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
5. Christian Joy Is Found In A Finished Course - Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
6. Christian Joy Is Found In The Saviour - 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
7. Christian Joy Is Found In Eternal Things - Psalms 16:8-11 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Nehemiah 8:10
Introduction:
A. I am contemplating making this verse my life verse! “Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet!” This verse is a Baptist preacher’s dream. We often quote the last part of the verse without taking it in its proper context. J Smile, God loves you!
B. One thing that I find strangely missing among the people of God is that of joy! We are to be enjoying the things of God. Yes, I know that we have problems but thank God, one day, troubles and sorrows will all end and we have an eternity to enjoy the “riches of his grace!” Our sinfulness and, too often, our situations rob us of the joy of the Lord.
C. Believers endure church, the tithe, the brethren, and the Christian lifestyle! We should enjoy the Lord, the Book, the brethren, the church, the tithe, the preaching, and the life! Many lose the freshness of their salvation; the first love of the Saviour; and the excitement of their service.
D. Joy is important to the child of God.
1. The Place of Joy – Vs. 1 “the water gate” The place of assembly! The place of preaching and teaching! What a wonderful Bible we have and what a marvelous privilege to be able to hear its preaching.
2. The People of Joy – Vs. 1-7 “all the people…as one man” Unity in fellowship. How sweet to gather with the people of God. You are my family; you are my friends!
3. The Preaching of Joy – Vs. 8 “read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading” It was read distinctly! It was explained explicitly! It was understood universally!
4. The Purpose of Joy – Vs. 9-14 holiness…strength” A holy, happy people is the result of Christian joy.
5. The Publishing of Joy – Vs. 15 “publish…proclaim” Joy causes the world to both see and seek what the child of God has. Yes, we have problems and sorrows but we also have hope.
E. What joy does:
1. Joy changes Duty into Delight! 1 Thessalonians 2:18-20 (18) Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. (19) For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? (20) For ye are our glory and joy. (Is it drudgery or a delight to live for God? Is it a duty or is it a desire to live for God?)
2. Joy changes Persecution into Privilege! Acts 5:40-42 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (41) And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
3. Joy changes Burdens into Blessings! Philippians 1:12-14 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; (13) So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; (14) And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
4. Joy changes Trials into Triumphs! James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
WHERE THE CHRISTIAN FINDS HIS JOY
1. Christian Joy Is Found In Salvation - Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
2. Christian Joy Is Found In Hope - Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
3. Christian Joy Is Found In God’s Word - Nehemiah 8:12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
4. Christian Joy Is Found In Church - Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
a. The Joy Of Singing - Psalms 95:1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
b. The Joy Of Praise - Psalms 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
5. Christian Joy Is Found In A Finished Course - Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
6. Christian Joy Is Found In The Saviour - 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
7. Christian Joy Is Found In Eternal Things - Psalms 16:8-11 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Who Is The Lord?
Temple Baptist Church - 10-31-2010
Exodus 34:1-8
Introduction:
A. As Moses stood before the Lord on Mt. Sinai, the Lord passed before him and proclaimed the name of the Lord to him. The Lord God wanted Moses to know just who He was!
B. No doubt Moses knew a lot about the Lord because the rejected the riches and power of Egypt for the reproach of the Lord Jesus Christ according to Hebrews 11. For a man to reject the position, possessions, and power that Moses rejected for persecution tells me that he knew something about the Lord 40 years prior to the Burning Bush.
C. Moses then went down to Egypt in the power of the Lord and watched as God delivered Israel from the hands of the Pharaoh. Moses stood on the west side of the Red Sea with his rod extended and watched as Jehovah God open the Red Sea from the east with a blast of His nostrils, led the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground, and drowned Pharaoh and his army in the sea.
D. Here, we find God giving to Moses the Law on Mt. Sinai. Before He gave Moses the Law, God wanted Moses to know just who He was. I want us to look at this proclamation from the Lord for a few minutes as to give us all a better explanation of who He is.
E. You and I as believers know much about the Lord. We were taught as children to know Him; to love and respect Him; to receive His as our Lord and Saviour. Sometimes we need to get a fresh glimpse of just who this God is that we love, respect, fear, and trust for our salvation. Our humanity often blurs our vision of Him. Our circumstances often shroud our understanding of just who He is.
F. Before we look at these verses, I want us to understand that God is an unchanging God. He said, “I am the Lord, I change not!” He is not changed by the failures of our humanity nor is He changed by our direness of our circumstances. As He was to Moses, so is He to every child of God. The world has done much to diminish His Person, His Presence, and His Power in the minds of both the lost and the saved. The god of this world has blinded their minds!
1. Who He Is! He is the Lord God! He is Jehovah God! The self-existing One! The Eternal One! He is the immutable One! He is the Alpha and the Omega! He is the Beginning and the End! There was none before Him and there will be none after Him and there will never be one like Him! He is the Creator of all things! He is the Possessor of all things! He is the Beginning of all things! And He is the End of all things! He was there in the beginning when He laid the foundations of the world! He will be there at the end when He changes the world! He does not have wisdom, He is Wisdom! He knows the end from the beginning! He does not have knowledge, He is Knowledge! He does not try to be good, He is Good! He does not try to love, He is Love! He does not need power, He is Power! He needs nothing and yet He owns everything! He is not in competition nor does He have any competitors! He is the Way of Salvation and He is the Door to Heaven. “I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no Saviour!” You may not acknowledge Him this morning but you can’t ignore Him! You may not want to live with Him but you can’t live without Him! “Moses, I AM THAT I AM!” Moses, I am the Lord! He does when He wants; He does how He wants; He does where He wants; and He asks no man for advice! He is omniscient! He is omnipotent! He is omnipresent! He fills the universe; He measured the seas in His hand; He is everywhere all of the time and He lives in my heart! I guess S. M. Lockridge said it all when he gave his dissertation titled “My King:”
The Bible says He's the King of the Jews. He's the King of Israel. He's the King of Righteousness. He's the King of the ages. He's the King of Heaven. He's the King of Glory. He's the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that's my King!
David says, "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork." No means of measure can define His limitless love. No far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
Well, He's enduringly strong. He's entirely sincere. He's eternally steadfast. He's immortally graceful. He's imperially powerful. He's impartially merciful. That's my King!
He's God's Son. He's the sinner's Saviour. He's the centrepiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He's august. He's unique. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He's supreme. He's pre-eminent. He's the loftiest idea in literature. He's the highest personality in philosophy. He's the supreme problem in higher criticism. He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology. He's the cardinal necessity of spiritual religion. That's my King!
He's the miracle of the age. He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He's the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He's available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He guards and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent, and He beautifies the meek.
Do you know Him? Well, my King is the key of knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom. He's the doorway of deliverance. He's the pathway of peace. He's the roadway of righteousness. He's the highway of holiness. He's the gateway of glory. He's the master of the mighty. He's the captain of the conquerors. He's the head of the heroes. He's the leader of the legislators. He's the overseer of the overcomers. He's the governor of the governors. He's the prince of princes. He's the King of kings, and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King! That's my King!
His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His life is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
Well, I wish I could describe Him to you. He's indescribable. He's incomprehensible. He's invincible. He's irresistible. I'm trying to tell you, the Heaven of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explain Him. You can't get Him out of your mind. You can't get Him off of your hands. You can't outlive Him, and you can't live without Him.
Well, the Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree. Herod couldn't kill Him. Death couldn't handle Him, and the grave couldn't hold Him. That's my King!
He always has been, and He always will be. I'm talking about, He had no predecessor, and He'll have no successor. There was nobody before Him, and there'll be nobody after Him. You can't impeach Him, and He's not going to resign. That's my King! Praise the Lord! That's my King!
Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory. The glory is all His. Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, and ever, and ever, and when you get through with all of the forever’s, then amen.
2. What He Is!
a. God is Merciful! Psalms 103:8-13 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. (9) He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. (10) He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. (11) For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. (12) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. (13) Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. (I am glad, this morning that I have not gotten what I have deserved! Mercy is divine deliverance from justice. If God struck me down today, I would deserve it! If God put me in hell this very moment, I would deserve it! Don’t you ever think that you are good enough to be saved and go to Heaven outside of the marvelous mercy of God who laid all your sins and iniquities upon His precious Son, Jesus Christ! God is Merciful! God is Merciful to you!! If you are here lost this morning, it is of the Lord’s mercies that you are not already dead and in an eternal hell. You need to be saved today.)
b. God is Gracious! Ephesians 1:6-8 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (7) In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (8) Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence. (Grace is different from mercy. Mercy means that we do not get what we deserve. Grace means that we get what we do not deserve! God has been so good to this poor old sinner! He has saved me; He has led me; He has fed me; He has protected me; He has given to me life more abundantly; and He will one day take me home to Heaven for all eternity! God is Gracious to you this morning! You have been blessed far beyond anything that you have deserved! God is Gracious!! It is by God’s marvelous grace that you can breathe His free air, eat His food, wear His clothing, live in His home, and ride in His automobile.)
c. God is Longsuffering! 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (God has been so gentle and forbearing with the preacher! It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not all consumed. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness, O Lord! One day, His longsuffering, mercy, and grace will all come to an end.)
d. God is abundant in Goodness! Psalms 103:2-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: (3) Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; (4) Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; (5) Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Every need, His hand is supplying. The Bible says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift cometh down from the Lord.” All that I have, all that you have, all that I ever will or hope to have, all that you ever will or hope to have comes and will come from the Lord. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!)
e. God is abundant in Truth! Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (What the Lord says is the way it is. He cannot be wrong for He knows the end from the beginning. He cannot lie because H alone is high and holy. What is truth? Jesus Christ is the Truth! This Book is right because it is His Bible. It is forever settled in heaven; heaven and earth will pass away before on jot or tittle passes from the Word of God. It is settled if you believe it or not. Unbelief does not either change or nullify the Word of God.)
f. God is Forgiving to the sinful! Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (No matter what you have done; no matter who you are; come unto the Lord and He will give you rest here and heaven on the other side.)
g. God is the Judge of all the earth! Revelation 20:11-12 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (One day, if you do not get saved, you will be judged in your sin, be cast into the Lake of Fire, and spend all of your eternity in a devil’s hell. It is not the will of God that the wicked perish. It is your choice.)
Conclusion: “And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.” The Lord God is worthy of our praise, both here and throughout all of eternity!
Exodus 34:1-8
Introduction:
A. As Moses stood before the Lord on Mt. Sinai, the Lord passed before him and proclaimed the name of the Lord to him. The Lord God wanted Moses to know just who He was!
B. No doubt Moses knew a lot about the Lord because the rejected the riches and power of Egypt for the reproach of the Lord Jesus Christ according to Hebrews 11. For a man to reject the position, possessions, and power that Moses rejected for persecution tells me that he knew something about the Lord 40 years prior to the Burning Bush.
C. Moses then went down to Egypt in the power of the Lord and watched as God delivered Israel from the hands of the Pharaoh. Moses stood on the west side of the Red Sea with his rod extended and watched as Jehovah God open the Red Sea from the east with a blast of His nostrils, led the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground, and drowned Pharaoh and his army in the sea.
D. Here, we find God giving to Moses the Law on Mt. Sinai. Before He gave Moses the Law, God wanted Moses to know just who He was. I want us to look at this proclamation from the Lord for a few minutes as to give us all a better explanation of who He is.
E. You and I as believers know much about the Lord. We were taught as children to know Him; to love and respect Him; to receive His as our Lord and Saviour. Sometimes we need to get a fresh glimpse of just who this God is that we love, respect, fear, and trust for our salvation. Our humanity often blurs our vision of Him. Our circumstances often shroud our understanding of just who He is.
F. Before we look at these verses, I want us to understand that God is an unchanging God. He said, “I am the Lord, I change not!” He is not changed by the failures of our humanity nor is He changed by our direness of our circumstances. As He was to Moses, so is He to every child of God. The world has done much to diminish His Person, His Presence, and His Power in the minds of both the lost and the saved. The god of this world has blinded their minds!
1. Who He Is! He is the Lord God! He is Jehovah God! The self-existing One! The Eternal One! He is the immutable One! He is the Alpha and the Omega! He is the Beginning and the End! There was none before Him and there will be none after Him and there will never be one like Him! He is the Creator of all things! He is the Possessor of all things! He is the Beginning of all things! And He is the End of all things! He was there in the beginning when He laid the foundations of the world! He will be there at the end when He changes the world! He does not have wisdom, He is Wisdom! He knows the end from the beginning! He does not have knowledge, He is Knowledge! He does not try to be good, He is Good! He does not try to love, He is Love! He does not need power, He is Power! He needs nothing and yet He owns everything! He is not in competition nor does He have any competitors! He is the Way of Salvation and He is the Door to Heaven. “I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no Saviour!” You may not acknowledge Him this morning but you can’t ignore Him! You may not want to live with Him but you can’t live without Him! “Moses, I AM THAT I AM!” Moses, I am the Lord! He does when He wants; He does how He wants; He does where He wants; and He asks no man for advice! He is omniscient! He is omnipotent! He is omnipresent! He fills the universe; He measured the seas in His hand; He is everywhere all of the time and He lives in my heart! I guess S. M. Lockridge said it all when he gave his dissertation titled “My King:”
The Bible says He's the King of the Jews. He's the King of Israel. He's the King of Righteousness. He's the King of the ages. He's the King of Heaven. He's the King of Glory. He's the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that's my King!
David says, "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork." No means of measure can define His limitless love. No far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
Well, He's enduringly strong. He's entirely sincere. He's eternally steadfast. He's immortally graceful. He's imperially powerful. He's impartially merciful. That's my King!
He's God's Son. He's the sinner's Saviour. He's the centrepiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He's august. He's unique. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He's supreme. He's pre-eminent. He's the loftiest idea in literature. He's the highest personality in philosophy. He's the supreme problem in higher criticism. He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology. He's the cardinal necessity of spiritual religion. That's my King!
He's the miracle of the age. He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He's the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He's available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He guards and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent, and He beautifies the meek.
Do you know Him? Well, my King is the key of knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom. He's the doorway of deliverance. He's the pathway of peace. He's the roadway of righteousness. He's the highway of holiness. He's the gateway of glory. He's the master of the mighty. He's the captain of the conquerors. He's the head of the heroes. He's the leader of the legislators. He's the overseer of the overcomers. He's the governor of the governors. He's the prince of princes. He's the King of kings, and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King! That's my King!
His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His life is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
Well, I wish I could describe Him to you. He's indescribable. He's incomprehensible. He's invincible. He's irresistible. I'm trying to tell you, the Heaven of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explain Him. You can't get Him out of your mind. You can't get Him off of your hands. You can't outlive Him, and you can't live without Him.
Well, the Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree. Herod couldn't kill Him. Death couldn't handle Him, and the grave couldn't hold Him. That's my King!
He always has been, and He always will be. I'm talking about, He had no predecessor, and He'll have no successor. There was nobody before Him, and there'll be nobody after Him. You can't impeach Him, and He's not going to resign. That's my King! Praise the Lord! That's my King!
Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory. The glory is all His. Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, and ever, and ever, and when you get through with all of the forever’s, then amen.
2. What He Is!
a. God is Merciful! Psalms 103:8-13 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. (9) He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. (10) He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. (11) For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. (12) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. (13) Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. (I am glad, this morning that I have not gotten what I have deserved! Mercy is divine deliverance from justice. If God struck me down today, I would deserve it! If God put me in hell this very moment, I would deserve it! Don’t you ever think that you are good enough to be saved and go to Heaven outside of the marvelous mercy of God who laid all your sins and iniquities upon His precious Son, Jesus Christ! God is Merciful! God is Merciful to you!! If you are here lost this morning, it is of the Lord’s mercies that you are not already dead and in an eternal hell. You need to be saved today.)
b. God is Gracious! Ephesians 1:6-8 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (7) In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (8) Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence. (Grace is different from mercy. Mercy means that we do not get what we deserve. Grace means that we get what we do not deserve! God has been so good to this poor old sinner! He has saved me; He has led me; He has fed me; He has protected me; He has given to me life more abundantly; and He will one day take me home to Heaven for all eternity! God is Gracious to you this morning! You have been blessed far beyond anything that you have deserved! God is Gracious!! It is by God’s marvelous grace that you can breathe His free air, eat His food, wear His clothing, live in His home, and ride in His automobile.)
c. God is Longsuffering! 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (God has been so gentle and forbearing with the preacher! It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not all consumed. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness, O Lord! One day, His longsuffering, mercy, and grace will all come to an end.)
d. God is abundant in Goodness! Psalms 103:2-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: (3) Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; (4) Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; (5) Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Every need, His hand is supplying. The Bible says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift cometh down from the Lord.” All that I have, all that you have, all that I ever will or hope to have, all that you ever will or hope to have comes and will come from the Lord. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!)
e. God is abundant in Truth! Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (What the Lord says is the way it is. He cannot be wrong for He knows the end from the beginning. He cannot lie because H alone is high and holy. What is truth? Jesus Christ is the Truth! This Book is right because it is His Bible. It is forever settled in heaven; heaven and earth will pass away before on jot or tittle passes from the Word of God. It is settled if you believe it or not. Unbelief does not either change or nullify the Word of God.)
f. God is Forgiving to the sinful! Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (No matter what you have done; no matter who you are; come unto the Lord and He will give you rest here and heaven on the other side.)
g. God is the Judge of all the earth! Revelation 20:11-12 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (One day, if you do not get saved, you will be judged in your sin, be cast into the Lake of Fire, and spend all of your eternity in a devil’s hell. It is not the will of God that the wicked perish. It is your choice.)
Conclusion: “And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.” The Lord God is worthy of our praise, both here and throughout all of eternity!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Knowing The Unknowable
Temple Baptist Church - 10-27-2010
Ephesians 3:17-19
Intro:
A. Paul feared that the Ephesian believers would faint because of both the report of Paul’s trials and the reality of their tribulations. The Holy Spirit gives us insight into the prayer life of the great apostle. Paul prayed a three-fold prayer that ends in a doxology of praise.
1. A Prayer For Spiritual Continuance In The Inner Man From The Lord - (To rely on His strength and not the arm of flesh)
2. A Prayer For Spiritual Communion In The Inner Man With The Lord - (To experience His abiding presence and sweet communion)
3. A Prayer For Spiritual Comprehension In The Inner Man Of The Lord - (To know our Savior’s love which constrains us to love and serve Him)
B. Tonight, I want to look at these two verses which speak of the love of Christ. The love of Christ cannot be known in its entirety, but it can be comprehended! (Two words are used here: comprehend and know)
1. To Comprehend with all saints – to understand or to be taught
2. To Know the love of Christ – to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel 1a) to become known 2) to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of 2a) to understand 2b) to know 3) Jewish idiom for intimacy between a man and a woman 4) to become acquainted with, to know
C. You see:
1. When Hard Times Come – you had better know the love of God so that you can trust Him.
2. When You Cannot See What Is Ahead – you had better know the love of God so that you can trust Him.
3. When You Do Not Understand And Things Look All Wrong – you had better know the love of God so that you can trust Him.
TO COMPREHEND WITH ALL SAINTS
The Incomprehensibility Of God’s Love
1. The Breadth Of God’s Love – 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (His love is from Pole to Pole. His love is from the East to the West. His love is from Wall to Wall. The Love of God covers every man, woman, and child. There are none exempt and there are none excluded! There is not a race, color, or creed rejected! His love is for the whole world! I cannot understand it, but I believe it!)
2. The Length Of God’s Love – Psalms 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (God’s love is not only universal in its scope; it is longsuffering in its forbearance. God is compassionate, gracious, longsuffering, and merciful. I did not deserve to receive it nor do I deserve to keep it. The Lord has been far better to me than I deserve and I am eternally grateful for it. I cannot understand it, but I have seen it!)
3. The Depth Of God’s Love – 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. (The wickedest man in the world is a candidate for His great salvation. It matters not what you have done; it matters not what you have thought; it matters not where you came from! His love goes to the deepest in sin and despair. I cannot understand it, but I have received it!)
4. The Height Of God’s Love – Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: (His wonderful love is far greater than all of our sin put together. God’s gracious love is always there and you cannot sin your salvation away. He will forgive 70 times 7 and never exhaust his love or forgiveness. I cannot understand it, but I have experienced it!)
II. The Knowledge Of God’s Love
2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
1. Knowing the love of Christ comes from knowing Him in an intimate, personal relationship - John 13:25 He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? (He walks with me and talks with me, He tells me I am His own!)
2. Knowing the love of Christ comes from knowing the joy of sins and failures forgiven - Mark 16:7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. (I am so glad that God not only loves but also, in His love, forgives.)
3. Knowing the love of Christ comes from knowing His companionship and comfort in the trials of this life - Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
a. He Stood By Paul In The Storm - Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
b. He Stood By Joshua In Battle - Joshua 5:14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
c. He Stood By Stephen In Persecution And Death - Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
d. He Stood By Paul When All Else Forsook Him - 2 Timothy 4:16-17 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all me forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. (He has stood with me in my darkest hours!)
4. Knowing the love of Christ comes from knowing His abiding presence through each day of this life - 1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (He is always there! There is never an hour of the day when the child of God is alone.)
5. Knowing the love of Christ comes from knowing that no matter what comes, you will live eternally with Him - Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God. (I am His and He is mine is more than just a catch phrase. It is a reality. I may never fully understand the love of Christ in this life but I do know it. He loves me; He loves me; He loves me this I know. He gave Himself to die for me because he loves me so!)
Ephesians 3:17-19
Intro:
A. Paul feared that the Ephesian believers would faint because of both the report of Paul’s trials and the reality of their tribulations. The Holy Spirit gives us insight into the prayer life of the great apostle. Paul prayed a three-fold prayer that ends in a doxology of praise.
1. A Prayer For Spiritual Continuance In The Inner Man From The Lord - (To rely on His strength and not the arm of flesh)
2. A Prayer For Spiritual Communion In The Inner Man With The Lord - (To experience His abiding presence and sweet communion)
3. A Prayer For Spiritual Comprehension In The Inner Man Of The Lord - (To know our Savior’s love which constrains us to love and serve Him)
B. Tonight, I want to look at these two verses which speak of the love of Christ. The love of Christ cannot be known in its entirety, but it can be comprehended! (Two words are used here: comprehend and know)
1. To Comprehend with all saints – to understand or to be taught
2. To Know the love of Christ – to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel 1a) to become known 2) to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of 2a) to understand 2b) to know 3) Jewish idiom for intimacy between a man and a woman 4) to become acquainted with, to know
C. You see:
1. When Hard Times Come – you had better know the love of God so that you can trust Him.
2. When You Cannot See What Is Ahead – you had better know the love of God so that you can trust Him.
3. When You Do Not Understand And Things Look All Wrong – you had better know the love of God so that you can trust Him.
TO COMPREHEND WITH ALL SAINTS
The Incomprehensibility Of God’s Love
1. The Breadth Of God’s Love – 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (His love is from Pole to Pole. His love is from the East to the West. His love is from Wall to Wall. The Love of God covers every man, woman, and child. There are none exempt and there are none excluded! There is not a race, color, or creed rejected! His love is for the whole world! I cannot understand it, but I believe it!)
2. The Length Of God’s Love – Psalms 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (God’s love is not only universal in its scope; it is longsuffering in its forbearance. God is compassionate, gracious, longsuffering, and merciful. I did not deserve to receive it nor do I deserve to keep it. The Lord has been far better to me than I deserve and I am eternally grateful for it. I cannot understand it, but I have seen it!)
3. The Depth Of God’s Love – 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. (The wickedest man in the world is a candidate for His great salvation. It matters not what you have done; it matters not what you have thought; it matters not where you came from! His love goes to the deepest in sin and despair. I cannot understand it, but I have received it!)
4. The Height Of God’s Love – Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: (His wonderful love is far greater than all of our sin put together. God’s gracious love is always there and you cannot sin your salvation away. He will forgive 70 times 7 and never exhaust his love or forgiveness. I cannot understand it, but I have experienced it!)
II. The Knowledge Of God’s Love
2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
1. Knowing the love of Christ comes from knowing Him in an intimate, personal relationship - John 13:25 He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? (He walks with me and talks with me, He tells me I am His own!)
2. Knowing the love of Christ comes from knowing the joy of sins and failures forgiven - Mark 16:7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. (I am so glad that God not only loves but also, in His love, forgives.)
3. Knowing the love of Christ comes from knowing His companionship and comfort in the trials of this life - Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
a. He Stood By Paul In The Storm - Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
b. He Stood By Joshua In Battle - Joshua 5:14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
c. He Stood By Stephen In Persecution And Death - Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
d. He Stood By Paul When All Else Forsook Him - 2 Timothy 4:16-17 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all me forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. (He has stood with me in my darkest hours!)
4. Knowing the love of Christ comes from knowing His abiding presence through each day of this life - 1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (He is always there! There is never an hour of the day when the child of God is alone.)
5. Knowing the love of Christ comes from knowing that no matter what comes, you will live eternally with Him - Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God. (I am His and He is mine is more than just a catch phrase. It is a reality. I may never fully understand the love of Christ in this life but I do know it. He loves me; He loves me; He loves me this I know. He gave Himself to die for me because he loves me so!)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Casual Church
Temple Baptist Church - 10-24-2010
Exodus 3:1-6
Introduction:
A. As we get to the last of the last days (the Bible calls them “perilous times” and this present world “evil”), I see more and more the effects of the world upon the local church. A man once said that “I looked for the church and found it in the world. I looked for the world and found it in the church.” I remember well going to church as a little boy back in the 50’s. Church was different then. People were different then: church was a hallowed place; a respected place; and a holy place.
B. Today, most of our churches have been heavily affected by these days of Noah and Lot (sinfulness). They have been affected by the apostasy of 2 Thessalonians 2 (false doctrine) and the false profession of 2 Timothy 3 (wicked church members). They have been heavily affected by the apathy and blindness of Laodicea.
Just prior to the Great Awakening, Richard Webster writes, "A vast change was visible in the churches of New England: the discipline was relaxed, the doctrine diluted, and the preaching was tame and spiritless." Webster asserts that preachers of the day were more a part of the problem than the solution. It would be more than 40 years between Webster's comments and the revival of religion known as the Great Awakening.
C. We come to Temple Baptist Church for a particular reason this morning.
1. We came to see the Lord!
2. We came to worship at His feet!
3. We came to allow the Lord to make a difference in our lives!
4. We came here because we both needed and wanted something from the Lord.
5. Many times, we go away unfulfilled and empty because of the effects of the things previously mentioned.
D. I want to look at these verses in Exodus for a few minutes. How should we come to the Lord and what effect should His presence have upon us as His children? Moses came to Horeb, the mountain of God, and God revealed Himself to him.
1. I still stand in awe as I read the account of this meeting.
2. It has thrilled the souls of men for thousands of years.
3. It still fills us with a sense of the burning presence of God that filled Moses!
E. This is going to be a tough message this morning. It is going to be a straight message but one greatly needed in these times of shifting, rock and rolling churches. “The Casual Church!”
Three Aspects Of Moses’ Meeting With God
1. Moses Turned Aside In Anticipation Of God - We are to be holy in our Anticipation – “turn aside, and see this great sight” Moses came to the “burning bush” to see God! We are here this morning to see God and to worship Him in spirit and truth. God spoke to Moses out of the bush and He should speak to us in God’s house.
a. Moses came to see God! “this great sight!” El Bethel! I came to God’s house to find Him at home! I came to meet with Him for a while this morning.
b. Moses came to see a Burning God! “burned with fire!” I came to watch Him burn in my bosom for a while. I came to sing, shout, praise, give, adore, and worship Him!
c. Moses came to see an Incomprehensible God! “was not consumed!” He never burn out nor does Hi burn up! He will set every heart ablaze this morning if we will let Him. If we will seek Him!
2. Moses Was Holy In His Approach To God - We are to be holy in our Approach “put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground” Notice with me that this was not something that Moses did naturally. It was a command of God! There was a time when the church was a place of holiness; a place where sinners were convicted; a place where old fashioned preaching brought about old fashioned repentance and salvation; a place where God was worshipped in a godly manner. Most churches have worldly bibles; worldly methods; worldly music; worldly dress; and worldly worship. (The Charismatic Movement destroyed the old Pentecostals! They were once known by long dresses and piled up hair. Today, Pentecostals are worldly in their dress because of the popularity of the Charismatics. Protestants and liberal Baptists followed suite! Because of dwindling numbers, they all lowered their standards to accommodate these worldly, shallow “believers.” Now, the Neo-evangelicals and Community Church Movement has affected the rest. Laid back worship, worldly bibles and music, casual—comfortable dress, and “cool” preachers are drawing the masses of unsaved men and carnal believers. Churches that were once good ones have followed suite again. “If you can’t beat them, join them” is the cry of the worried pastors! The people call themselves “Christians” any yet they look like the world, smell like the world, act like the world, and think like the world.)
a. A Wrong Approach Has Compromised The Church’s Purity – if we are to “abstain from all appearance of evil” in our daily walk, we certainly are to do so in the church.
b. A Wrong Approach Has Cost The Church Its Power – without holiness no man shall see the Lord.
c. A Wrong Approach Has Confused The Church’s Purpose – We are supposed to be different from the world, not like the world. (Come as you are, do as you will, and leave as you came—unrepentant, unsaved, unfilled, and unusable!)
3. Moses Was Holy In His Attitude Toward God - We are to be holy in our Attitude “Moses hid his face…afraid to look upon God” Today’s churches are operated so as to make people feel comfortable and casual. A “laid back” atmosphere is not a right attitude toward meeting with God. I find no place in the Bible where God’s people were ever casual with God. I find no place in the Bible where the unsaved were comfortable in their sin before a thrice holy God!
a. He was humble before the Lord – He hid his face” Moses knew who and what he was. Moses knew Who and What He was!
b. He was fearful before the Lord – “He was afraid” This God that Moses faced was a consuming Fire that was never consumed. This perpetual “I AM THAT I AM” who spoke to Moses was the God of heaven and earth! A thrice holy, all consuming, all powerful, everywhere present, all knowing God!
Conclusion: I find no place in the Bible where saints were “casual” nor sinners “comfortable” in the presence of a holy God. The “god” of this world does not “fit the bill” of the God of this Bible. We are not here today to be entertained; to have our conscience soothed; or to feel good about ourselves. We are here to worship in spirit and truth; speak to God and have God speak to us; then leave here a better Christian who is better equipped to serve the Lord in this “present evil world.”
Exodus 3:1-6
Introduction:
A. As we get to the last of the last days (the Bible calls them “perilous times” and this present world “evil”), I see more and more the effects of the world upon the local church. A man once said that “I looked for the church and found it in the world. I looked for the world and found it in the church.” I remember well going to church as a little boy back in the 50’s. Church was different then. People were different then: church was a hallowed place; a respected place; and a holy place.
B. Today, most of our churches have been heavily affected by these days of Noah and Lot (sinfulness). They have been affected by the apostasy of 2 Thessalonians 2 (false doctrine) and the false profession of 2 Timothy 3 (wicked church members). They have been heavily affected by the apathy and blindness of Laodicea.
Just prior to the Great Awakening, Richard Webster writes, "A vast change was visible in the churches of New England: the discipline was relaxed, the doctrine diluted, and the preaching was tame and spiritless." Webster asserts that preachers of the day were more a part of the problem than the solution. It would be more than 40 years between Webster's comments and the revival of religion known as the Great Awakening.
C. We come to Temple Baptist Church for a particular reason this morning.
1. We came to see the Lord!
2. We came to worship at His feet!
3. We came to allow the Lord to make a difference in our lives!
4. We came here because we both needed and wanted something from the Lord.
5. Many times, we go away unfulfilled and empty because of the effects of the things previously mentioned.
D. I want to look at these verses in Exodus for a few minutes. How should we come to the Lord and what effect should His presence have upon us as His children? Moses came to Horeb, the mountain of God, and God revealed Himself to him.
1. I still stand in awe as I read the account of this meeting.
2. It has thrilled the souls of men for thousands of years.
3. It still fills us with a sense of the burning presence of God that filled Moses!
E. This is going to be a tough message this morning. It is going to be a straight message but one greatly needed in these times of shifting, rock and rolling churches. “The Casual Church!”
Three Aspects Of Moses’ Meeting With God
1. Moses Turned Aside In Anticipation Of God - We are to be holy in our Anticipation – “turn aside, and see this great sight” Moses came to the “burning bush” to see God! We are here this morning to see God and to worship Him in spirit and truth. God spoke to Moses out of the bush and He should speak to us in God’s house.
a. Moses came to see God! “this great sight!” El Bethel! I came to God’s house to find Him at home! I came to meet with Him for a while this morning.
b. Moses came to see a Burning God! “burned with fire!” I came to watch Him burn in my bosom for a while. I came to sing, shout, praise, give, adore, and worship Him!
c. Moses came to see an Incomprehensible God! “was not consumed!” He never burn out nor does Hi burn up! He will set every heart ablaze this morning if we will let Him. If we will seek Him!
2. Moses Was Holy In His Approach To God - We are to be holy in our Approach “put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground” Notice with me that this was not something that Moses did naturally. It was a command of God! There was a time when the church was a place of holiness; a place where sinners were convicted; a place where old fashioned preaching brought about old fashioned repentance and salvation; a place where God was worshipped in a godly manner. Most churches have worldly bibles; worldly methods; worldly music; worldly dress; and worldly worship. (The Charismatic Movement destroyed the old Pentecostals! They were once known by long dresses and piled up hair. Today, Pentecostals are worldly in their dress because of the popularity of the Charismatics. Protestants and liberal Baptists followed suite! Because of dwindling numbers, they all lowered their standards to accommodate these worldly, shallow “believers.” Now, the Neo-evangelicals and Community Church Movement has affected the rest. Laid back worship, worldly bibles and music, casual—comfortable dress, and “cool” preachers are drawing the masses of unsaved men and carnal believers. Churches that were once good ones have followed suite again. “If you can’t beat them, join them” is the cry of the worried pastors! The people call themselves “Christians” any yet they look like the world, smell like the world, act like the world, and think like the world.)
a. A Wrong Approach Has Compromised The Church’s Purity – if we are to “abstain from all appearance of evil” in our daily walk, we certainly are to do so in the church.
b. A Wrong Approach Has Cost The Church Its Power – without holiness no man shall see the Lord.
c. A Wrong Approach Has Confused The Church’s Purpose – We are supposed to be different from the world, not like the world. (Come as you are, do as you will, and leave as you came—unrepentant, unsaved, unfilled, and unusable!)
3. Moses Was Holy In His Attitude Toward God - We are to be holy in our Attitude “Moses hid his face…afraid to look upon God” Today’s churches are operated so as to make people feel comfortable and casual. A “laid back” atmosphere is not a right attitude toward meeting with God. I find no place in the Bible where God’s people were ever casual with God. I find no place in the Bible where the unsaved were comfortable in their sin before a thrice holy God!
a. He was humble before the Lord – He hid his face” Moses knew who and what he was. Moses knew Who and What He was!
b. He was fearful before the Lord – “He was afraid” This God that Moses faced was a consuming Fire that was never consumed. This perpetual “I AM THAT I AM” who spoke to Moses was the God of heaven and earth! A thrice holy, all consuming, all powerful, everywhere present, all knowing God!
Conclusion: I find no place in the Bible where saints were “casual” nor sinners “comfortable” in the presence of a holy God. The “god” of this world does not “fit the bill” of the God of this Bible. We are not here today to be entertained; to have our conscience soothed; or to feel good about ourselves. We are here to worship in spirit and truth; speak to God and have God speak to us; then leave here a better Christian who is better equipped to serve the Lord in this “present evil world.”
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