Temple Baptist Church - 1-12-2011
Ephesians 4:11-16
Introduction:
A. In these verses that we have been preaching through, we find the purpose of teaching the Word of God and doctrine to God’s people.
1. The Purpose of Spiritual Growth - Perfecting
2. The Purpose of Equipping For Service – Work of the ministry
3. The Purpose of Strengthening The Church – Edifying of the body
4. The Purpose of Safeguarding Against Apostasy – Tossed … carried
5. The Purpose of Compacting The Body – Fitly joined together
B. In Matthew 28:18-20, we find the command to teach “all things” and this takes a variety of teaching ministries. In the local New Testament church, I find:
1. The God Called Teacher - Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (The elder or pastor is to be “apt to teach” in order to be qualified. If a pastor cannot teach his people, he will be ineffective in the ministry of “perfecting” the saints. They will remain children spiritually.)
2. The Gifted Teacher - Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; (7) Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; (8) Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (Among the many gifts given to the church are those who can both rightly divide the word of truth and articulate what they have studied to others. We have classes for all ages because people have to be taught on their age or level of understanding.)
3. The Grown Up Teacher (Mature Christian men and women)
a) Spiritually Mature Men - 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (Women are not to teach men - 1 Timothy 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.)
b) Spiritually Mature Women - Titus 2:3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; (4) That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, (5) To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. (Young women need to be taught by older, godly women who not only know right but also behave right!)
The Necessities Of Teaching
1. The Priority Of Teaching
a. It’s Prominence – the word “teaching” in one form or another is used 178X while “preaching” in one form or another is used only 153X. The Great Commission contains both preaching and teaching.
b. It’s Position – is one of the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:28-31).
c. It’s Power – it is God’s way of influencing our next generation of leaders. Timothy is a prime example of being taught by both his mother and grandmother (1 Timothy 1:1-5) as well as men of God (2 Timothy 3:15).
2. The Profile Of The Teacher.
a. Efficient In The Word—It is the source of truth and knowledge.
b. Enthusiastic in the work.
1) A mediocre teacher tells.
2) A good teacher explains.
3) A better teacher demonstrates.
4) A great teacher inspires.
c. Exemplar in his or her ways.
3. The Purpose Of Teachers.
a. The Perfecting of the Christian – “perfecting of the saints”
b. The Performing of the Commission – “work of the ministry”
c. The Profiting of the Church – “edifying of the body of Christ”
4. The Promise To The Teachers.
a. The Word will not return Void (Isaiah 55:10-11)
b. The Work is not in Vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)
The Qualities Of Teachers:
1. They Must Be Saved! This may seem trite but I have known a lot of churches that have placed people in positions as teachers who had no clear testimony of salvation! I have also seen men and women who had no testimony teaching young men and women to follow their worldly ways.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
2. The Must Be Faithful! I do not want teachers who are unfaithful to the church! If they do not have enough God in them to be faithful, they do not have enough God in them to teach. Faithfulness is a requirement for stewardship and teaching is a stewardship. (Stewardship is an administration or dispensation.)
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. (2) Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
Proverbs 25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
3. They Must Be Godly! Teachers teach by example as much as they do by word. The world says “Do as I say, not as I do.” The Bible says “Do as I do!” We want our young men and women to know what God says about their deportment. We need young men who will make godly, gracious, good and loving husbands and fathers. We need young women who will make godly, gracious, chaste, and loving wives and mothers. Young people who will structure their homes after a biblical pattern and raise their children for the Lord, not the world.
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
What Will Cause You To Quit And Why You Can’t!”
Temple Baptist Church - 1-16-2011
Job 3:1
Introduction:
A. One of the most popular books in the Bible is the Book of Job. Job is a book of mystery to us and leaves many questions unanswered as to why God’s people suffer. Here, we find a godly, upright man who feared God and hated evil with all of his heart. He not only lived for the Lord, he sacrificed for his children and served as an example of godliness to all of the people of the east. A man noted and revered comes into hard times through no fault of his own.
B. We understand the conversation between God and Satan as well as what transpired afterward. Job lost his all of his children as well as his herds. In chapter two, he lost his health. Through all of this suffering, we find that Job maintained his integrity! (1:20-22; 2:7-10)
C. What I want to bring to our attention this morning is chapter 3:1. In the beginning of his problem, Job worshipped God and maintained his integrity but in this verse, we find that he cursed his day. He is no longer worshipping nor has he maintained his integrity. He is overcome with pain and grief; he is cursing the day that he was born. We find many references to this in the next chapters when he said that it would have been better for him to have had a still birth and never to have seen the light of day.
D. I thank God that I have read the last chapter of the Book and know that the goodness of God brought about a glorious end but Job did not have that benefit. All he knew was that he had lost all and the Lord had seemingly forsaken him. I understand to some degree where Job was spiritually. How many people have we seen that trusted the Lord in the beginning of their problems but later “failed” the grace of God?
E. There are several things in the first 2 chapters that I believe led to where Job was in chapter 3:1. These same things cause God’s children to give up on God when problems come.
Four Things That Will Cause You To Quit
1. The enormity of the situation! The combination of devastation and duration of Job’s problems where almost overwhelming. Life is full of problems. Job certainly had more than his share and all at once.
Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
a. We face them in one form or another almost every day. But, there are problems and there are PROBLEMS! There are times in our lives when we have problems that are enormous in size and extend over long periods of time. These problems “wear” on us spiritually, physically, and financially. They seem to have neither explanation nor end.
b. One messenger after another showed up on Job’s “doorstep” with increasingly bad news, ending with the death of all ten of Job’s children. Job worshipped God and did not charge God foolishly. In chapter 2, he lost his health also. Now, he is both grieved and in physical pain.
c. People often get out of the will of God in these circumstances and quit. Our life expectations are often unrealistic as we think that we will go the Heaven on flowery beds of east when in reality life is hard. When you realize that life is hard, you can make it!
2. The explosion of the spouse! When everything collapsed in his life, the one nearest and dearest to him said, “Curse God and die!” It would do us well at this point to remember that what Job lost, his wife lost. It was her children and possessions also. One of the hardest things for a man to handle is the devastating effect of problems upon his immediate family. Men and women are “heirs together” of the grace of this life so when problems come, they should draw closer to one another.
a. In times of great problems, it is a time when families should pull together and lean upon one another but many come apart at the seams during these times. Instead of family telling you to hang in there and everything will be alright, they begin to give up while giving to you the worst case scenario.
b. Families are born to stick together. We you lose everything else, you should still have your family. I have seen so many families disintegrate when problems come instead of drawing strength from one another.
3. The encouragement of the saints! I say that sarcastically! What wonderful friends Job had! “Our brethren have discouraged our heart” became a reality for Job in the next weeks.
a. I do believe that they were truly his friends because, when they saw Job, they rent their mantles, threw up dust, and said not one word of seven days and seven nights. I heard one man say that they could not have been independent Baptist preachers! Many times, when in adversity, your friends will forsake you.
b. Then, at other times, your friends will say the wrong things. It is not that they are mean spirited, it is just that sometimes they do not either know the entire truth of your situation or do not know what to say.
c. Much discouragement comes from those who are to stick closer than a brother!
4. The envelopment of solitude! Job, in chapter 3:1, is now overwhelmed with the magnitude of his problems. This man who “worshipped…sinned nor...nor charged God foolishly” in chapter one; this man who retained his “integrity” in chapter two; has now cursed his day in chapter 3. Job’s mind is no longer on God or those who surround him but upon himself. He now suffers from self-isolation. One thing that will cause you to give up quicker than anything else is when you withdraw from the fellowship of others.
a. There is strength in the presence of others of like precious faith. You can withdraw from brethren even though you are still among them physically. I have found that you feel so alone in a crowd.
b. I have seen so many people, when trials come, isolate themselves from others who love them. This self-isolation gives a person a sense of abandonment and causes him or her to think that others do not care.
Four Things That Will Keep You From Quitting:
1. The Goodness Of God – Job 1:20-22 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, (21) And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (22) In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. (God has been better to all of us than we deserve.)
2. The Sovereignty Of God – Job 2:9-10 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. (10) But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. (God controls our circumstances. He knows the end from the beginning.)
3. The Testimony Of God – Job 13:15-16 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. (16) He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him. (He SHALL be my salvation)
4. The Reward Of God - Job 42:12-13 So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. (13) He had also seven sons and three daughters. (God will more than make it all worth your while, both in the world and the one to come.)
Job 3:1
Introduction:
A. One of the most popular books in the Bible is the Book of Job. Job is a book of mystery to us and leaves many questions unanswered as to why God’s people suffer. Here, we find a godly, upright man who feared God and hated evil with all of his heart. He not only lived for the Lord, he sacrificed for his children and served as an example of godliness to all of the people of the east. A man noted and revered comes into hard times through no fault of his own.
B. We understand the conversation between God and Satan as well as what transpired afterward. Job lost his all of his children as well as his herds. In chapter two, he lost his health. Through all of this suffering, we find that Job maintained his integrity! (1:20-22; 2:7-10)
C. What I want to bring to our attention this morning is chapter 3:1. In the beginning of his problem, Job worshipped God and maintained his integrity but in this verse, we find that he cursed his day. He is no longer worshipping nor has he maintained his integrity. He is overcome with pain and grief; he is cursing the day that he was born. We find many references to this in the next chapters when he said that it would have been better for him to have had a still birth and never to have seen the light of day.
D. I thank God that I have read the last chapter of the Book and know that the goodness of God brought about a glorious end but Job did not have that benefit. All he knew was that he had lost all and the Lord had seemingly forsaken him. I understand to some degree where Job was spiritually. How many people have we seen that trusted the Lord in the beginning of their problems but later “failed” the grace of God?
E. There are several things in the first 2 chapters that I believe led to where Job was in chapter 3:1. These same things cause God’s children to give up on God when problems come.
Four Things That Will Cause You To Quit
1. The enormity of the situation! The combination of devastation and duration of Job’s problems where almost overwhelming. Life is full of problems. Job certainly had more than his share and all at once.
Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
a. We face them in one form or another almost every day. But, there are problems and there are PROBLEMS! There are times in our lives when we have problems that are enormous in size and extend over long periods of time. These problems “wear” on us spiritually, physically, and financially. They seem to have neither explanation nor end.
b. One messenger after another showed up on Job’s “doorstep” with increasingly bad news, ending with the death of all ten of Job’s children. Job worshipped God and did not charge God foolishly. In chapter 2, he lost his health also. Now, he is both grieved and in physical pain.
c. People often get out of the will of God in these circumstances and quit. Our life expectations are often unrealistic as we think that we will go the Heaven on flowery beds of east when in reality life is hard. When you realize that life is hard, you can make it!
2. The explosion of the spouse! When everything collapsed in his life, the one nearest and dearest to him said, “Curse God and die!” It would do us well at this point to remember that what Job lost, his wife lost. It was her children and possessions also. One of the hardest things for a man to handle is the devastating effect of problems upon his immediate family. Men and women are “heirs together” of the grace of this life so when problems come, they should draw closer to one another.
a. In times of great problems, it is a time when families should pull together and lean upon one another but many come apart at the seams during these times. Instead of family telling you to hang in there and everything will be alright, they begin to give up while giving to you the worst case scenario.
b. Families are born to stick together. We you lose everything else, you should still have your family. I have seen so many families disintegrate when problems come instead of drawing strength from one another.
3. The encouragement of the saints! I say that sarcastically! What wonderful friends Job had! “Our brethren have discouraged our heart” became a reality for Job in the next weeks.
a. I do believe that they were truly his friends because, when they saw Job, they rent their mantles, threw up dust, and said not one word of seven days and seven nights. I heard one man say that they could not have been independent Baptist preachers! Many times, when in adversity, your friends will forsake you.
b. Then, at other times, your friends will say the wrong things. It is not that they are mean spirited, it is just that sometimes they do not either know the entire truth of your situation or do not know what to say.
c. Much discouragement comes from those who are to stick closer than a brother!
4. The envelopment of solitude! Job, in chapter 3:1, is now overwhelmed with the magnitude of his problems. This man who “worshipped…sinned nor...nor charged God foolishly” in chapter one; this man who retained his “integrity” in chapter two; has now cursed his day in chapter 3. Job’s mind is no longer on God or those who surround him but upon himself. He now suffers from self-isolation. One thing that will cause you to give up quicker than anything else is when you withdraw from the fellowship of others.
a. There is strength in the presence of others of like precious faith. You can withdraw from brethren even though you are still among them physically. I have found that you feel so alone in a crowd.
b. I have seen so many people, when trials come, isolate themselves from others who love them. This self-isolation gives a person a sense of abandonment and causes him or her to think that others do not care.
Four Things That Will Keep You From Quitting:
1. The Goodness Of God – Job 1:20-22 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, (21) And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (22) In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. (God has been better to all of us than we deserve.)
2. The Sovereignty Of God – Job 2:9-10 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. (10) But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. (God controls our circumstances. He knows the end from the beginning.)
3. The Testimony Of God – Job 13:15-16 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. (16) He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him. (He SHALL be my salvation)
4. The Reward Of God - Job 42:12-13 So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. (13) He had also seven sons and three daughters. (God will more than make it all worth your while, both in the world and the one to come.)
Sunday, January 9, 2011
We Are Baptist! - Part 4 - Baptists Are Biblicists
Temple Baptist Church - 1-9-2011
2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12
Introduction:
A. We have seen what Baptists are not in the first message. That certainly needed to be clarified because many people who claim to be Baptists are everything except Baptists.
B. We have seen that true Baptists are separatists! It is for this reason that our forefathers died in the fires of persecution. Not for being offensive but for being non-conformists!
C. I want us to see that true Baptists are actually Biblicists. We got our name from the Roman Catholic Church who called us Anabaptists. The Anabaptists were separatists who rejected infant baptism and believed that the outward, external church should consist only of saved and baptized believers. They would re-baptize those who professed Christ who had previously been baptized as infants. The preposition ana means “again,” thus Anabaptists were those who “baptized again.”
D. Let us look at the word tradition for a few minutes. Most churches follow traditions or some sort or another.
E. First, we need to understand what a tradition is: The word tradition comes from the Latin word traditio which means "to hand down" or "to hand over." It is used in a number of ways in the English language:
1. Beliefs or customs taught by one generation to the next, often orally.
2. A set of customs or practices. For example, we can speak of Christmas traditions.
3. That which is brought forth into the present from the past and repeated over a long sequence of time. For such acts or practices, once performed, disappear unless they have been transformed into some manner of communicable information.
F. The Bible says much about traditions, both pro and con:
1. Pro: Not all Baptist traditions are bad ones - 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (These traditions are beneficial in the running of the local church and keep down confusion and chaos.)
2. Con: Not all Baptists Traditions are Bible based and some are detrimental - Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.
a) Breaking Of Unbiblical Traditions Often Bring About Censure - Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
b) Unbiblical Traditions Become A Problem When They Contradict Scripture - Matthew 15:3, 6 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?...And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
Mark 7:8-9 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, [as] the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
G. Examples of traditions that are not bad:
1. Commemorating The Lord’s Supper At Certain Times: some churches observe the Lord’ Supper on the fifth Sunday while others either each week or at various times. The Bible says, “As oft.” Whenever the church decides to observe the Lord’s Supper is up to them and others can vary and be just as biblical. We observe it on the fifth Sunday but do not teach it as a commandment of God.
2. Joining The Church: this was started for a very good reason. It was to keep church hopping trouble makers from stirring up trouble and then simply going to a sister church and starting over. They were required to bring a “letter of recommendation” from the church that was left. This was not a generic form from Broadman Press but an actual letter giving either recommending the precious believer or exposing the troublemaker. In the New Testament Churches, people were saved and assembled! “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” I find no place in the Word of God where anyone ever “walked down an isle and joined a church.” I am all for someone walking down an isle, giving a testimony of saving grace, and placing their stamp of approval on the church by joining but we have people at Temple Baptist who have been with us for almost 20 years who never “joined.” They are faithful tithers, soul winners, Sunday School teachers, choir members, youth workers, etc. I know that many will disagree with me at this point but all they have to do is give me chapter and verse (plain verses and not “I believe this meant”) and I will reconsider where I stand. I do not censure them for where they stand.
H. What separates the “true Baptist” from virtually every other religion or denomination is their source of authority. Four things can be your authority spiritually:
a. The Church – that is Catholicism
b. Personal Experience – that is Pentecostalism
c. Human Reason – that is Intellectualism
d. The Bible – that is Fundamentalism
I. BAPTISTS ARE BIBLICISTS!
WHAT ARE BIBLICISTS?
1. Biblicists Stand For Inspiration And Preservation Of Holy Scripture.
a. Holy Men Were The Vessels - 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
b. Holy Spirit Was The Vehicle - 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
The King James Bible is the inerrant, infallible, inspired, perfectly preserved Word of God! If any other so called Bible were on the same plane with the King James, then neither would be inerrant, infallible, inspired, or perfectly preserved—therefore, not the Word of God but containing the “words of God.”
1) Perfect Scripture Is Essential To Salvation
2) Perfect Scripture Is Essential To Spiritual Growth
3) Perfect Scripture Is Essential To Service
2. Biblicists Stand For The Final Authority Of Holy Scripture In Both Faith And Practice.
a. The Bible Is Final Authority For Evangelizing The Lost
b. The Bible Is Final Authority For Operating The Church
c. The Bible Is Final Authority For Rebuking The Sinful
d. The Bible Is Final Authority For Building The Saint
e. The Bible Is Final Authority For Correcting The Apostate
f. The Bible Is Final Authority For Building The Home
g. The Bible Is Final Authority For Raising The Children
h. The Bible Is Final Authority For Encouraging The Discouraged
Conclusion: I have an opinion and you have an opinion. Everyone has an opinion except God. God has no opinion. He has absolute Truth! True Baptists hold His Word to be Final Authority for both faith and practice.
2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12
Introduction:
A. We have seen what Baptists are not in the first message. That certainly needed to be clarified because many people who claim to be Baptists are everything except Baptists.
B. We have seen that true Baptists are separatists! It is for this reason that our forefathers died in the fires of persecution. Not for being offensive but for being non-conformists!
C. I want us to see that true Baptists are actually Biblicists. We got our name from the Roman Catholic Church who called us Anabaptists. The Anabaptists were separatists who rejected infant baptism and believed that the outward, external church should consist only of saved and baptized believers. They would re-baptize those who professed Christ who had previously been baptized as infants. The preposition ana means “again,” thus Anabaptists were those who “baptized again.”
D. Let us look at the word tradition for a few minutes. Most churches follow traditions or some sort or another.
E. First, we need to understand what a tradition is: The word tradition comes from the Latin word traditio which means "to hand down" or "to hand over." It is used in a number of ways in the English language:
1. Beliefs or customs taught by one generation to the next, often orally.
2. A set of customs or practices. For example, we can speak of Christmas traditions.
3. That which is brought forth into the present from the past and repeated over a long sequence of time. For such acts or practices, once performed, disappear unless they have been transformed into some manner of communicable information.
F. The Bible says much about traditions, both pro and con:
1. Pro: Not all Baptist traditions are bad ones - 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (These traditions are beneficial in the running of the local church and keep down confusion and chaos.)
2. Con: Not all Baptists Traditions are Bible based and some are detrimental - Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.
a) Breaking Of Unbiblical Traditions Often Bring About Censure - Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
b) Unbiblical Traditions Become A Problem When They Contradict Scripture - Matthew 15:3, 6 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?...And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
Mark 7:8-9 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, [as] the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
G. Examples of traditions that are not bad:
1. Commemorating The Lord’s Supper At Certain Times: some churches observe the Lord’ Supper on the fifth Sunday while others either each week or at various times. The Bible says, “As oft.” Whenever the church decides to observe the Lord’s Supper is up to them and others can vary and be just as biblical. We observe it on the fifth Sunday but do not teach it as a commandment of God.
2. Joining The Church: this was started for a very good reason. It was to keep church hopping trouble makers from stirring up trouble and then simply going to a sister church and starting over. They were required to bring a “letter of recommendation” from the church that was left. This was not a generic form from Broadman Press but an actual letter giving either recommending the precious believer or exposing the troublemaker. In the New Testament Churches, people were saved and assembled! “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” I find no place in the Word of God where anyone ever “walked down an isle and joined a church.” I am all for someone walking down an isle, giving a testimony of saving grace, and placing their stamp of approval on the church by joining but we have people at Temple Baptist who have been with us for almost 20 years who never “joined.” They are faithful tithers, soul winners, Sunday School teachers, choir members, youth workers, etc. I know that many will disagree with me at this point but all they have to do is give me chapter and verse (plain verses and not “I believe this meant”) and I will reconsider where I stand. I do not censure them for where they stand.
H. What separates the “true Baptist” from virtually every other religion or denomination is their source of authority. Four things can be your authority spiritually:
a. The Church – that is Catholicism
b. Personal Experience – that is Pentecostalism
c. Human Reason – that is Intellectualism
d. The Bible – that is Fundamentalism
I. BAPTISTS ARE BIBLICISTS!
WHAT ARE BIBLICISTS?
1. Biblicists Stand For Inspiration And Preservation Of Holy Scripture.
a. Holy Men Were The Vessels - 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
b. Holy Spirit Was The Vehicle - 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
The King James Bible is the inerrant, infallible, inspired, perfectly preserved Word of God! If any other so called Bible were on the same plane with the King James, then neither would be inerrant, infallible, inspired, or perfectly preserved—therefore, not the Word of God but containing the “words of God.”
1) Perfect Scripture Is Essential To Salvation
2) Perfect Scripture Is Essential To Spiritual Growth
3) Perfect Scripture Is Essential To Service
2. Biblicists Stand For The Final Authority Of Holy Scripture In Both Faith And Practice.
a. The Bible Is Final Authority For Evangelizing The Lost
b. The Bible Is Final Authority For Operating The Church
c. The Bible Is Final Authority For Rebuking The Sinful
d. The Bible Is Final Authority For Building The Saint
e. The Bible Is Final Authority For Correcting The Apostate
f. The Bible Is Final Authority For Building The Home
g. The Bible Is Final Authority For Raising The Children
h. The Bible Is Final Authority For Encouraging The Discouraged
Conclusion: I have an opinion and you have an opinion. Everyone has an opinion except God. God has no opinion. He has absolute Truth! True Baptists hold His Word to be Final Authority for both faith and practice.
For Such A Time As This
Temple Baptist Church - 1-9-2011
Esther 4:1-17
Introduction:
A. The three books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther record God's dealings with the Jews after their captivity in Babylon. But while Ezra and Nehemiah deal with the remnant of the people which returned to Jerusalem, the book of Esther is concerned with those who stayed on in the land of their captivity.
B. The book of Esther is a drama, not of FICTION but of FACT! It is set on the stage of real history, and involves real people. Esther is the main figure in this drama, and her elevation to the throne is the focal point on which the story hinges.
C. Through the disobedience of a Queen, Vashti, Esther is elevated to a place of prominence and power from which she, through the unseen but powerful hand of God, delivers His people. I think of Joseph in Egypt when I think of Esther.
D. The Book of Esther is one of two books named after a woman: Esther and Ruth.
1. Ruth was a Gentile who married a Jewish Prince and Esther was a Jew who married a Gentile King.
2. Both of these books set forth a descriptive portrayal of the Providence of God at work: preparing years before for events that eventually take place.
3. The foresight and foreknowledge of God are shown in both the dilemmas and outcomes of both books.
E. The Book of Esther is one of two books that make no mention of the Lord: Esther and Song of Solomon.
1. In both of these books, we can see the “unseen hand of God” working in the background for both the protection and benefit of His people. This book reveals that “unseen hand of God” delivering His chosen people from a diabolical enemy!
2. I have found that when God seems so far away He does His most wonderful work. He sees; He cares; and He works in the lives of His people.
F. He does not always miraculously work on our behalf but allows His power to work through us. He does not always instantly “fix” our problems but allows us to “step by step” walk through our valleys and come out the other side victoriously. I often say that God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts!
G. In the days just prior to the First Advent, we find that the greatest preacher ever born of woman “did no miracle.” (John 10:41) In light of the Second Advent, once again God’s people do no miracles! We find just God’s chosen, beloved people standing in the gap for the Lord, their nation, and their people.
H. Verses 13-14 are probably the most recognized verses in the entire book.
“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews…For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
I. These evil devices recorded in the book of Esther that were hatched in the mad mind of Haman did not take God by surprise. God knew what to do. All He needed was a willing soul wherein He could work. You and I are not here today by chance or accident! We are here, in this time, because of the Providence of Almighty God!
1. The World In Which We Live Is Prophetically Dark: God said that it would be this way!
a. It Is Sinfully Dark! Never, since the days of Noah and Lord, has such sinfulness reigned. Once again, “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually!” There is seemingly nothing sacred anymore. Sin that was once hidden in the darkness of the night is now openly practiced in the light of day. There is very little shame anymore. Sin has always been rampant but never has there been a day when it has been more acceptable!
2 Timothy 3:1-8 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (6) For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (7) Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (8) Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
b. It Is Spiritually Dark! “Christendom” is a shallow façade that is enveloped in the sinfulness and philosophy of this “present evil world.” The title of “Christian” is now being placed upon the heads of people who know nothing about Christ likeness! Hypocrisy is the rule of the day.
Titus 1:15-16 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. (16) They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
c. It Is Scripturally Dark! Very few preachers or churches stand for the Word of God anymore. So preachers and churches have compromised in every area of separation (doctrinal, ecclesiastical, and personal). They have gone the way of the world in order to bring the world into the church. We are to remain separate from the world and take the gospel to them! We do compel them to come in but are not to adopt their dress, philosophy, music, or methodology! Many have gone out from among us because they were not of us while others have become “Demas” in their love for this present world.
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Amos 8:11-12 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: (12) And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.
2. “For Such A Time As This!” A time for the true Christian to stand! As Esther stood and “if I perish, I perish!”
Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
a. Stand In Christian Testimony!
b. Stand In Adversity!
c. Stand In Unity!
d. Stand In Purity!
e. Stand In Temptation!
f. Stand Before Your Enemies!
g. Stand Before Your Family!
h. Stand Before Your Church!
i. Stand Before The World!
j. Stand Before The Lord!
k. “And having done all, to stand!”
Conclusion: We have been born “for such a time as this” and the Lord will help us to stand tall and firm in these last days as an undying testimony for the Lord before a lost and hopeless generation!
Esther 4:1-17
Introduction:
A. The three books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther record God's dealings with the Jews after their captivity in Babylon. But while Ezra and Nehemiah deal with the remnant of the people which returned to Jerusalem, the book of Esther is concerned with those who stayed on in the land of their captivity.
B. The book of Esther is a drama, not of FICTION but of FACT! It is set on the stage of real history, and involves real people. Esther is the main figure in this drama, and her elevation to the throne is the focal point on which the story hinges.
C. Through the disobedience of a Queen, Vashti, Esther is elevated to a place of prominence and power from which she, through the unseen but powerful hand of God, delivers His people. I think of Joseph in Egypt when I think of Esther.
D. The Book of Esther is one of two books named after a woman: Esther and Ruth.
1. Ruth was a Gentile who married a Jewish Prince and Esther was a Jew who married a Gentile King.
2. Both of these books set forth a descriptive portrayal of the Providence of God at work: preparing years before for events that eventually take place.
3. The foresight and foreknowledge of God are shown in both the dilemmas and outcomes of both books.
E. The Book of Esther is one of two books that make no mention of the Lord: Esther and Song of Solomon.
1. In both of these books, we can see the “unseen hand of God” working in the background for both the protection and benefit of His people. This book reveals that “unseen hand of God” delivering His chosen people from a diabolical enemy!
2. I have found that when God seems so far away He does His most wonderful work. He sees; He cares; and He works in the lives of His people.
F. He does not always miraculously work on our behalf but allows His power to work through us. He does not always instantly “fix” our problems but allows us to “step by step” walk through our valleys and come out the other side victoriously. I often say that God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts!
G. In the days just prior to the First Advent, we find that the greatest preacher ever born of woman “did no miracle.” (John 10:41) In light of the Second Advent, once again God’s people do no miracles! We find just God’s chosen, beloved people standing in the gap for the Lord, their nation, and their people.
H. Verses 13-14 are probably the most recognized verses in the entire book.
“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews…For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
I. These evil devices recorded in the book of Esther that were hatched in the mad mind of Haman did not take God by surprise. God knew what to do. All He needed was a willing soul wherein He could work. You and I are not here today by chance or accident! We are here, in this time, because of the Providence of Almighty God!
1. The World In Which We Live Is Prophetically Dark: God said that it would be this way!
a. It Is Sinfully Dark! Never, since the days of Noah and Lord, has such sinfulness reigned. Once again, “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually!” There is seemingly nothing sacred anymore. Sin that was once hidden in the darkness of the night is now openly practiced in the light of day. There is very little shame anymore. Sin has always been rampant but never has there been a day when it has been more acceptable!
2 Timothy 3:1-8 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (6) For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (7) Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (8) Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
b. It Is Spiritually Dark! “Christendom” is a shallow façade that is enveloped in the sinfulness and philosophy of this “present evil world.” The title of “Christian” is now being placed upon the heads of people who know nothing about Christ likeness! Hypocrisy is the rule of the day.
Titus 1:15-16 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. (16) They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
c. It Is Scripturally Dark! Very few preachers or churches stand for the Word of God anymore. So preachers and churches have compromised in every area of separation (doctrinal, ecclesiastical, and personal). They have gone the way of the world in order to bring the world into the church. We are to remain separate from the world and take the gospel to them! We do compel them to come in but are not to adopt their dress, philosophy, music, or methodology! Many have gone out from among us because they were not of us while others have become “Demas” in their love for this present world.
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Amos 8:11-12 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: (12) And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.
2. “For Such A Time As This!” A time for the true Christian to stand! As Esther stood and “if I perish, I perish!”
Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
a. Stand In Christian Testimony!
b. Stand In Adversity!
c. Stand In Unity!
d. Stand In Purity!
e. Stand In Temptation!
f. Stand Before Your Enemies!
g. Stand Before Your Family!
h. Stand Before Your Church!
i. Stand Before The World!
j. Stand Before The Lord!
k. “And having done all, to stand!”
Conclusion: We have been born “for such a time as this” and the Lord will help us to stand tall and firm in these last days as an undying testimony for the Lord before a lost and hopeless generation!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
We Are Baptist! - Part 3
Temple Baptist Church - 1-2-2011
Matthew 28:18-20
Introduction:
A. In these last days, we often hear the so-called Christians say, “It doesn’t matter where you go to church as long as you go.”
B. I want to make it clear tonight that it is all important where you attend church! You need to know that you are eternally saved through the blood of Christ and then be in a good Bible preaching church.
C. The Bible says much about doctrine. It says to remain under sound doctrine. It says to separate from unsound doctrine. It says to preach and teach with all longsuffering and doctrine. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you!” You cannot be obedient to this verse in a doctrinally unsound church.
D. I feel that this message is one of great importance. I have been preaching on the local church so I believe that it is essential to identify what we are, Baptist, and why we are Baptist.
E. There is much ignorance concerning Baptist churches, both concerning its origin and eschatological purpose. There is much ignorance, both biblical and historical, being preached and taught on this particular subject.
F. We have dealt with what Baptists are not. Not everything with Baptist on the sign is a good Baptist Church. We are not reformers, Protestant, a denomination, Baptist Bride, Calvinist, Arminian, nor are we negative! We are Baptist!
G. We have also seen that Baptists are separatists! We preach doctrinal, ecclesiastical, and personal separation. Not at all popular in our day but all three concepts are both biblical and commanded.
H. I want to look at a few things that make Baptists distinct from churches or denominations:
WHAT MAKES BAPTISTS DISTINCT?
1. Biblical Authority. The Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. No decree of men or any council of churches can supersede the Bible. Four things can be your authority spiritually:
a. The Church – that is Catholicism
b. Human Experience – that is Pentecostalism
c. Human Reason – that is Intellectualism
d. The Bible – that is Fundamentalism
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (God’s Word is the final authority for both faith and practice!)
2. Autonomy of the Local, Visible Church. The local church is an independent body accountable only to the Lord Jesus Christ who is its Head. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church’s beliefs or practices. The local church is both self-governing and self-sustaining. It is independent in nature and indigenous in nature.
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.
3. Priesthood of the Believer. Priests represented man to God and were intercessors. Apostles represented God to man and were ambassadors. Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No human mediator is needed between God and man.
1 Peter 2:5-10 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
4. Two Ordinances. The local church practices only two ordinances, Baptist by immersion in water and the Lord’s Supper or communion.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
1 Corinthians 11:25 After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:23-32) (These are Ordinances, not Sacraments!) Sacrament defined: a formal religious ceremony conferring a specific grace on those who receive it. These ordinances are for identification and remembrance.
5. Believer’s Baptism. Baptism has no saving grace but symbolizes the believer’s death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. Baptism is total emersion and sprinkling or pouring is not acceptable as baptism. Baptism takes place after the salvation of the believer and is a testimony of God’s saving, changing grace in the life, therefore, pedo-baptism is heretical.
Acts 8:36-39 And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
6. Individual Soul Liberty. Every individual believer has the liberty and responsibility to believe as his own understanding dictates within the framework of the Word of God. No one is forced to assent to any belief against his or her will, however, this doctrine does not grant a license to sin or to continually oppose the practices of the local church based upon Scripture.
Romans 14:5-8 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
7. Two Offices. Only two Biblically mandated offices exist in the church: pastor and deacon. These two offices exist within the local church. The pastor is the under shepherd and is to take the oversight of the church. He is not a dictator!
1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
The deacon is a servant to the church and has no authority.
1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
8. Separation of Church and State. God established both the church and civil government, giving each its own distinctive sphere of operation. When operated within the realm of Scripture, these two establishments compliment one another. The state has no business in the affairs of the church. The church is not a political institution but its membership is responsible to be both good Christians and good citizens.
Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
1 Peter 2:13-17 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
9. World Wide Missions. It is the commission of the church to go into the entire world and preach the gospel to every creature. Every creature needs and deserves a preacher. The church is not the local welfare center. It is a soul saving station and base of operations for world wide evangelism.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Conclusion: We are Biblicists first and then we are Baptists. If the Baptist errs, the Word of God will not. Our authority is the Bible!
Matthew 28:18-20
Introduction:
A. In these last days, we often hear the so-called Christians say, “It doesn’t matter where you go to church as long as you go.”
B. I want to make it clear tonight that it is all important where you attend church! You need to know that you are eternally saved through the blood of Christ and then be in a good Bible preaching church.
C. The Bible says much about doctrine. It says to remain under sound doctrine. It says to separate from unsound doctrine. It says to preach and teach with all longsuffering and doctrine. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you!” You cannot be obedient to this verse in a doctrinally unsound church.
D. I feel that this message is one of great importance. I have been preaching on the local church so I believe that it is essential to identify what we are, Baptist, and why we are Baptist.
E. There is much ignorance concerning Baptist churches, both concerning its origin and eschatological purpose. There is much ignorance, both biblical and historical, being preached and taught on this particular subject.
F. We have dealt with what Baptists are not. Not everything with Baptist on the sign is a good Baptist Church. We are not reformers, Protestant, a denomination, Baptist Bride, Calvinist, Arminian, nor are we negative! We are Baptist!
G. We have also seen that Baptists are separatists! We preach doctrinal, ecclesiastical, and personal separation. Not at all popular in our day but all three concepts are both biblical and commanded.
H. I want to look at a few things that make Baptists distinct from churches or denominations:
WHAT MAKES BAPTISTS DISTINCT?
1. Biblical Authority. The Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. No decree of men or any council of churches can supersede the Bible. Four things can be your authority spiritually:
a. The Church – that is Catholicism
b. Human Experience – that is Pentecostalism
c. Human Reason – that is Intellectualism
d. The Bible – that is Fundamentalism
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (God’s Word is the final authority for both faith and practice!)
2. Autonomy of the Local, Visible Church. The local church is an independent body accountable only to the Lord Jesus Christ who is its Head. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church’s beliefs or practices. The local church is both self-governing and self-sustaining. It is independent in nature and indigenous in nature.
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.
3. Priesthood of the Believer. Priests represented man to God and were intercessors. Apostles represented God to man and were ambassadors. Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No human mediator is needed between God and man.
1 Peter 2:5-10 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
4. Two Ordinances. The local church practices only two ordinances, Baptist by immersion in water and the Lord’s Supper or communion.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
1 Corinthians 11:25 After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:23-32) (These are Ordinances, not Sacraments!) Sacrament defined: a formal religious ceremony conferring a specific grace on those who receive it. These ordinances are for identification and remembrance.
5. Believer’s Baptism. Baptism has no saving grace but symbolizes the believer’s death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. Baptism is total emersion and sprinkling or pouring is not acceptable as baptism. Baptism takes place after the salvation of the believer and is a testimony of God’s saving, changing grace in the life, therefore, pedo-baptism is heretical.
Acts 8:36-39 And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
6. Individual Soul Liberty. Every individual believer has the liberty and responsibility to believe as his own understanding dictates within the framework of the Word of God. No one is forced to assent to any belief against his or her will, however, this doctrine does not grant a license to sin or to continually oppose the practices of the local church based upon Scripture.
Romans 14:5-8 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
7. Two Offices. Only two Biblically mandated offices exist in the church: pastor and deacon. These two offices exist within the local church. The pastor is the under shepherd and is to take the oversight of the church. He is not a dictator!
1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
The deacon is a servant to the church and has no authority.
1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
8. Separation of Church and State. God established both the church and civil government, giving each its own distinctive sphere of operation. When operated within the realm of Scripture, these two establishments compliment one another. The state has no business in the affairs of the church. The church is not a political institution but its membership is responsible to be both good Christians and good citizens.
Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
1 Peter 2:13-17 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
9. World Wide Missions. It is the commission of the church to go into the entire world and preach the gospel to every creature. Every creature needs and deserves a preacher. The church is not the local welfare center. It is a soul saving station and base of operations for world wide evangelism.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Conclusion: We are Biblicists first and then we are Baptists. If the Baptist errs, the Word of God will not. Our authority is the Bible!
Temple Baptist Church - 1-2-2011
Philippians 3:13
Introduction:
A. It is hard to believe that 2010 is gone and a New Year has begun. “My how time flies when you are having fun!’’ J It seems like just yesterday that 2010 started. Court was over and we were waiting on the AG’s Office to make their decision to “get out of town” and now the DSS has gotten “out of town too.” It was a good year for my family as well as a good year for the church.
B. The Lord has added to the church and there is a wonderful spirit of love and fellowship here. This has been one of the best years at Temple since I have been here. I am proud, in a right way, of where the Lord has brought us from over the past couple of years.
C. Last year is now history and we are facing a New Year with a blank slate. We cannot change those things that we have done but we can certainly learn from them. We learn from our victories and our defeats. I often say that “today is the first day of the rest of our lives.” What we do with the days ahead is up to each of us personally. What we do with the days ahead is up to the church corporately!
D. I am excited about what this year will hold for us. This may be the year that the Lord returns. What a blessing that would be! I am glad that I do not know what tomorrow holds but I am glad that I can face it with hope. I heard a man say once, “Let us make peace with our past and press on in the future.” If you are lost, get saved! If you are sinful, get right! If you are disgruntled, get with the program! If you are sitting, get to serving! If you are living godly and serving the Lord, KEEP ON!
E. I believe that the Lord is still looking for men and women to stand in the gap for our families, for our friends, for our nation, and for the world!
A. The world needs men and women:
1. Who cannot be bought;
2. Whose word is their bond;
3. Who put character above wealth;
4. Who possess opinions and a will;
5. Who are larger than their vocations;
6. Who do not hesitate to take chances;
7. Who will not lose their individuality in a crowd;
8. Who will be as honest in small things as in great things;
9. Who will make no compromise with wrong;
10. Whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires;
11. Who will not say they do it" because everybody else does it";
12. Who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, adversity as well as in prosperity;
13. Who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hardheadedness are the best qualities for winning success;
14. Who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular;
15. Who can say "no" with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says "yes."
B. This Coming Year Satan Will:
1. Try To Discourage Us
2. Try To Distract Us
3. Try To Defile Us
4. Try To Divide Us
5. Try To Destroy Us
6. Try To Deceive Us
C. What We Need To Resolve:
1. We Need To Resolve To Be Faithful
2. We Need To Resolve To Be Holy
3. We Need To Resolve To Be Unified
4. We Need To Resolve To Be Watching
5. We Need To Resolve To Be Trusting
D. Some Things You Can Count On Next Year
1. God Will Still Be God And Will Not Change
2. The Bible Will Still Be Right
3. Satan Will Still Be Active
Conclusion: Let us face this New Year with a resolve in our hearts to make it the best year that we have ever had! Let us face this New Year with excitement and hope in our hearts! May the Lord bless each and every one of you in 2011!
Philippians 3:13
Introduction:
A. It is hard to believe that 2010 is gone and a New Year has begun. “My how time flies when you are having fun!’’ J It seems like just yesterday that 2010 started. Court was over and we were waiting on the AG’s Office to make their decision to “get out of town” and now the DSS has gotten “out of town too.” It was a good year for my family as well as a good year for the church.
B. The Lord has added to the church and there is a wonderful spirit of love and fellowship here. This has been one of the best years at Temple since I have been here. I am proud, in a right way, of where the Lord has brought us from over the past couple of years.
C. Last year is now history and we are facing a New Year with a blank slate. We cannot change those things that we have done but we can certainly learn from them. We learn from our victories and our defeats. I often say that “today is the first day of the rest of our lives.” What we do with the days ahead is up to each of us personally. What we do with the days ahead is up to the church corporately!
D. I am excited about what this year will hold for us. This may be the year that the Lord returns. What a blessing that would be! I am glad that I do not know what tomorrow holds but I am glad that I can face it with hope. I heard a man say once, “Let us make peace with our past and press on in the future.” If you are lost, get saved! If you are sinful, get right! If you are disgruntled, get with the program! If you are sitting, get to serving! If you are living godly and serving the Lord, KEEP ON!
E. I believe that the Lord is still looking for men and women to stand in the gap for our families, for our friends, for our nation, and for the world!
A. The world needs men and women:
1. Who cannot be bought;
2. Whose word is their bond;
3. Who put character above wealth;
4. Who possess opinions and a will;
5. Who are larger than their vocations;
6. Who do not hesitate to take chances;
7. Who will not lose their individuality in a crowd;
8. Who will be as honest in small things as in great things;
9. Who will make no compromise with wrong;
10. Whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires;
11. Who will not say they do it" because everybody else does it";
12. Who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, adversity as well as in prosperity;
13. Who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hardheadedness are the best qualities for winning success;
14. Who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular;
15. Who can say "no" with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says "yes."
B. This Coming Year Satan Will:
1. Try To Discourage Us
2. Try To Distract Us
3. Try To Defile Us
4. Try To Divide Us
5. Try To Destroy Us
6. Try To Deceive Us
C. What We Need To Resolve:
1. We Need To Resolve To Be Faithful
2. We Need To Resolve To Be Holy
3. We Need To Resolve To Be Unified
4. We Need To Resolve To Be Watching
5. We Need To Resolve To Be Trusting
D. Some Things You Can Count On Next Year
1. God Will Still Be God And Will Not Change
2. The Bible Will Still Be Right
3. Satan Will Still Be Active
Conclusion: Let us face this New Year with a resolve in our hearts to make it the best year that we have ever had! Let us face this New Year with excitement and hope in our hearts! May the Lord bless each and every one of you in 2011!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The Word Made Flesh
Temple Baptist Church - 12-26-2010
John 1:1-14; 1 John 1:1-4
Introduction:
A. Over the past couple of weeks, we have said much about the birth of Christ and what He did for us through the incarnation. He sought us; He bought us; He convicted us; He illuminated us; He convinced us; He graciously saved us; He marvelously keeps us; He abides within us; He works through us; He protects us; He provides for us; He guides us; He succors us; and, one day, He is coming for us! That will preach!!
B. For a few minutes this morning, I want to look once again at the Lord Jesus Christ. I do not think that I can preach enough about Him. I do not think that I will ever understand everything about Him. I do know that He is a once in all eternity Person! There was none before Him; there is none like Him; there is none beside Him; and there will never be one after Him! He was that He was; He is that He is; and He will be what He will be!
C. Having said all of that, let us look at these few verses. In John 1, we find the manifestation of the Lord Jesus Christ in verse 14. In 1 John 1, we find the manifestation of Jesus Christ. The Apostles knew Him:
1. They Heard Him – John 7:46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. We Heard Him - Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
2. They Saw Him – John 20:27-28 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. We Have Not Seen And Yet Believe - 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:
3. They Handled Him – Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. We Have Handled Him - 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
D. John 1:1-14 has perhaps the best description of who our Lord Jesus was as well as what He became and came to do. I just want to lift up His name for a few minutes this morning. He certainly is worthy of both our praise and our preaching. Dr. Harold Sightler taught us “preacher boys” to preach Christ. He often told us to never stray far from the cross for it was the preaching of Christ and Him crucified that would win the world to God.
1. Vs. 1-2 – His Person - We See Christ As God! He is the eternal God and the only true God!
John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. (I AM comes from a root word that simply means “to exist!” All that I can say about God is that HE IS! The world can accept Him or reject Him but that does not change the fact that HE IS!! When this world is gone and time is no more HE IS!!)
2. Vs. 3 – His Power - We See Christ As Creator – Jesus Christ is the Jehovah God of the Old Testament, the Creator of all things. Don’t take my word for it. Take God’s Word for it.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God (that’s HIM) created the heaven and the earth.
Psalms 33:6 By the word of the LORD (that’s HIM) were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his (that’s HIM) mouth.
Colossians 1:16-17 For by him (that’s HIM) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him (that’s HIM), and for him (that’s HIM): 17 And he (that’s HIM) is before all things, and by him (that’s HIM) all things consist.
Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son(that’s HIM), whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom (that’s HIM) also he made the worlds; (All I can say is that HE DID IT! I do not have to understand it to believe it! I know that the Word of God declares that He formed the heavens and the earth through the spoken Word of His mouth and I believe it. HE DID IT!! Nothing has been created since He DID IT! Matter can neither be created nor destroyed. It can only be changed!)
3. Vs. 4-5 – His Purpose - We See Christ As Life! It is because of the very breath of God that you and I live. He is our mortal Life! He is our spiritual Life! It is through Him that we believe!
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (Without Him, there is no life. Without Him no life could possible exist! You may have physical life ([and that came from Him] but without Him you have no spiritual life. You are dead in trespasses and sins!)
4. Vs. 6-9 – His Purity - We See Christ As Light! I want to say this morning that He is THE LIGHT, not a light! THE LIGHT that shines through this sin darkened world to point the wandering sinner to Himself!
1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Psalms 18:28 For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. (To have Christ is to have Light, to not have Christ is to live a life of total darkness!)
5. Vs. 10-14 – His Pre-eminence - We See Christ As Saviour! If you e
ver get to Heaven, it will through Jesus Christ!
Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me [there is] no saviour.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (Jesus Christ is my Lord and Saviour! All of my hope is found in Him! He is my eternal Life!)
Conclusion: What a wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord! Do you know Him this morning?
John 1:1-14; 1 John 1:1-4
Introduction:
A. Over the past couple of weeks, we have said much about the birth of Christ and what He did for us through the incarnation. He sought us; He bought us; He convicted us; He illuminated us; He convinced us; He graciously saved us; He marvelously keeps us; He abides within us; He works through us; He protects us; He provides for us; He guides us; He succors us; and, one day, He is coming for us! That will preach!!
B. For a few minutes this morning, I want to look once again at the Lord Jesus Christ. I do not think that I can preach enough about Him. I do not think that I will ever understand everything about Him. I do know that He is a once in all eternity Person! There was none before Him; there is none like Him; there is none beside Him; and there will never be one after Him! He was that He was; He is that He is; and He will be what He will be!
C. Having said all of that, let us look at these few verses. In John 1, we find the manifestation of the Lord Jesus Christ in verse 14. In 1 John 1, we find the manifestation of Jesus Christ. The Apostles knew Him:
1. They Heard Him – John 7:46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. We Heard Him - Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
2. They Saw Him – John 20:27-28 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. We Have Not Seen And Yet Believe - 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:
3. They Handled Him – Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. We Have Handled Him - 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
D. John 1:1-14 has perhaps the best description of who our Lord Jesus was as well as what He became and came to do. I just want to lift up His name for a few minutes this morning. He certainly is worthy of both our praise and our preaching. Dr. Harold Sightler taught us “preacher boys” to preach Christ. He often told us to never stray far from the cross for it was the preaching of Christ and Him crucified that would win the world to God.
1. Vs. 1-2 – His Person - We See Christ As God! He is the eternal God and the only true God!
John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. (I AM comes from a root word that simply means “to exist!” All that I can say about God is that HE IS! The world can accept Him or reject Him but that does not change the fact that HE IS!! When this world is gone and time is no more HE IS!!)
2. Vs. 3 – His Power - We See Christ As Creator – Jesus Christ is the Jehovah God of the Old Testament, the Creator of all things. Don’t take my word for it. Take God’s Word for it.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God (that’s HIM) created the heaven and the earth.
Psalms 33:6 By the word of the LORD (that’s HIM) were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his (that’s HIM) mouth.
Colossians 1:16-17 For by him (that’s HIM) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him (that’s HIM), and for him (that’s HIM): 17 And he (that’s HIM) is before all things, and by him (that’s HIM) all things consist.
Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son(that’s HIM), whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom (that’s HIM) also he made the worlds; (All I can say is that HE DID IT! I do not have to understand it to believe it! I know that the Word of God declares that He formed the heavens and the earth through the spoken Word of His mouth and I believe it. HE DID IT!! Nothing has been created since He DID IT! Matter can neither be created nor destroyed. It can only be changed!)
3. Vs. 4-5 – His Purpose - We See Christ As Life! It is because of the very breath of God that you and I live. He is our mortal Life! He is our spiritual Life! It is through Him that we believe!
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (Without Him, there is no life. Without Him no life could possible exist! You may have physical life ([and that came from Him] but without Him you have no spiritual life. You are dead in trespasses and sins!)
4. Vs. 6-9 – His Purity - We See Christ As Light! I want to say this morning that He is THE LIGHT, not a light! THE LIGHT that shines through this sin darkened world to point the wandering sinner to Himself!
1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Psalms 18:28 For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. (To have Christ is to have Light, to not have Christ is to live a life of total darkness!)
5. Vs. 10-14 – His Pre-eminence - We See Christ As Saviour! If you e
ver get to Heaven, it will through Jesus Christ!
Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me [there is] no saviour.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (Jesus Christ is my Lord and Saviour! All of my hope is found in Him! He is my eternal Life!)
Conclusion: What a wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord! Do you know Him this morning?
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