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,
Sunday, November 7, 2010
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.”
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
A Pastor’s Prayer
Temple Baptist Church - 10-20-2010
Ephesians 3:13-19
Introduction:
A. As we end the Positional division of the Book of Ephesians, it is of no casual interest to this pastor that the Holy Spirit ends these chapters with a threefold exhortation through the prayer of God’s man. We can certainly thank God every day for our position in Christ Jesus: saved and eternally secure. But, we also need to realize that we live in this present evil world during the most perilous times that have ever existed.
1. Paul tells us of the ever present, strengthening power of the Holy Spirit. Verse 16
2. Paul tells us of the unsearchable, incomprehensible love of God for His children. Verses 17-19
3. Paul tells us of the unlimited, available power of God that works within and for us. Verse 20
B. Paul ends the Positional portion of Ephesians with both a prayer and a doxology of praise. His fear is that the Ephesian believers might become discouraged and quit because of what Paul had suffered. God’s man is often attacked because if Satan can smite the shepherd, the sheep will scatter. Though the pastor is just a man, he is invaluable to the local church. The church cannot properly function without him. God made it that way. I know it seems that I am “blowing my whistle” for a moment but I cannot over emphasis the importance of the pastor in the local church! People often fail to realize the value of the gift that has been given to the church, them personally, and to their family.
C. When God’s people watch the pastor’s family suffer, they can be easily discouraged and the weaker believers may choose to leave the church. For this cause, the Apostle Paul “bowed” his knee in prayer to the Lord for the church’s steadfastness. A pastor’s desire is never to burden the church but to be a blessing.
D. I know that the past 3 ½ years has been a burden upon our people but you have handled it well and, when all is said and done, you—as well as my family—will be stronger for it. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is my prayer for you.
1. Paul prayed for the church to be strengthened - – Vs. 14-16 The Pastor needs to know where their help comes from. It is the pastor’s desire to be a source of stability and strength for the church but, ultimately, the Lord is going to be their strength.
Proverbs 24:10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
Psalms 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Psalms 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. (The best thing that I can do is to continually point you to a personal relationship with the Lord. The joy of the Lord is still our strength. This is an inner strength, not bodily strength. Strong men often fail spiritually when faced with prolonged adversity.)
a. Strength that enables them to perform their duties when they do not feel like doing so.
b. Strength that enables them to resist temptations. Temptations to either quit or to indict God. A strength that enables them to both hold on and hold out until the end.
c. Strength that enables them to bear their crosses daily. Do right if the stars fall from the sky. Just do right.
2. Paul prayed for their faith to be enlarged – Vs. 17 Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith will keep you when you do not know what lies ahead.
a. Faith to trust the Lord when you do not understand - Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (One of the toughest positions to be in is when your heart cries, “Why, Lord?”)
b. Faith to move mountains of opposition - Mark 11:22-23 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. (23) For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (Either real or perceived mountains. Objects or circumstances that seem insurmountable.)
c. Faith to stand when having done all - Ephesians 6:13 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. (When there is no place to go and nothing else that you can do.)
3. Paul prayed for their rooting and grounding in love – Vs. 17-19 Now abideth faith, hope, and charity but the greatest of the three is charity. Love is greater than faith or hope because it brings about spiritual understanding as to our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul wanted them to understand the incomprehensible love of God for them.
a. The love of God that desires only the best for His children - Romans 8: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
b. The love of God that protects His little children in every circumstance - Romans 8:35-37 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
c. The love of God that goes beyond all of our faults, failures, and fears - Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
4. Paul prayed for the fullness of God in their lives – Vs. 19 To be filled with God is to be emptied of the world. To be filled with the world is to be emptied of God.
a. The fullness of His grace to Live - 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
b. The fullness of His comfort to suffer hardship - 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (4) Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (5) For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
c. The fullness of His peace to rest in Him - Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (4) Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
Ephesians 3:13-19
Introduction:
A. As we end the Positional division of the Book of Ephesians, it is of no casual interest to this pastor that the Holy Spirit ends these chapters with a threefold exhortation through the prayer of God’s man. We can certainly thank God every day for our position in Christ Jesus: saved and eternally secure. But, we also need to realize that we live in this present evil world during the most perilous times that have ever existed.
1. Paul tells us of the ever present, strengthening power of the Holy Spirit. Verse 16
2. Paul tells us of the unsearchable, incomprehensible love of God for His children. Verses 17-19
3. Paul tells us of the unlimited, available power of God that works within and for us. Verse 20
B. Paul ends the Positional portion of Ephesians with both a prayer and a doxology of praise. His fear is that the Ephesian believers might become discouraged and quit because of what Paul had suffered. God’s man is often attacked because if Satan can smite the shepherd, the sheep will scatter. Though the pastor is just a man, he is invaluable to the local church. The church cannot properly function without him. God made it that way. I know it seems that I am “blowing my whistle” for a moment but I cannot over emphasis the importance of the pastor in the local church! People often fail to realize the value of the gift that has been given to the church, them personally, and to their family.
C. When God’s people watch the pastor’s family suffer, they can be easily discouraged and the weaker believers may choose to leave the church. For this cause, the Apostle Paul “bowed” his knee in prayer to the Lord for the church’s steadfastness. A pastor’s desire is never to burden the church but to be a blessing.
D. I know that the past 3 ½ years has been a burden upon our people but you have handled it well and, when all is said and done, you—as well as my family—will be stronger for it. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is my prayer for you.
1. Paul prayed for the church to be strengthened - – Vs. 14-16 The Pastor needs to know where their help comes from. It is the pastor’s desire to be a source of stability and strength for the church but, ultimately, the Lord is going to be their strength.
Proverbs 24:10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
Psalms 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Psalms 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. (The best thing that I can do is to continually point you to a personal relationship with the Lord. The joy of the Lord is still our strength. This is an inner strength, not bodily strength. Strong men often fail spiritually when faced with prolonged adversity.)
a. Strength that enables them to perform their duties when they do not feel like doing so.
b. Strength that enables them to resist temptations. Temptations to either quit or to indict God. A strength that enables them to both hold on and hold out until the end.
c. Strength that enables them to bear their crosses daily. Do right if the stars fall from the sky. Just do right.
2. Paul prayed for their faith to be enlarged – Vs. 17 Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith will keep you when you do not know what lies ahead.
a. Faith to trust the Lord when you do not understand - Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (One of the toughest positions to be in is when your heart cries, “Why, Lord?”)
b. Faith to move mountains of opposition - Mark 11:22-23 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. (23) For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (Either real or perceived mountains. Objects or circumstances that seem insurmountable.)
c. Faith to stand when having done all - Ephesians 6:13 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. (When there is no place to go and nothing else that you can do.)
3. Paul prayed for their rooting and grounding in love – Vs. 17-19 Now abideth faith, hope, and charity but the greatest of the three is charity. Love is greater than faith or hope because it brings about spiritual understanding as to our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul wanted them to understand the incomprehensible love of God for them.
a. The love of God that desires only the best for His children - Romans 8: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
b. The love of God that protects His little children in every circumstance - Romans 8:35-37 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
c. The love of God that goes beyond all of our faults, failures, and fears - Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
4. Paul prayed for the fullness of God in their lives – Vs. 19 To be filled with God is to be emptied of the world. To be filled with the world is to be emptied of God.
a. The fullness of His grace to Live - 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
b. The fullness of His comfort to suffer hardship - 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (4) Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (5) For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
c. The fullness of His peace to rest in Him - Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (4) Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Assurance
Temple Baptist Church - 10-17-2010
Isaiah 32:17-18
Introduction:
A. One of the most important aspects of eternal salvation is that of assurance. Without assurance, the child of God is rendered almost useless in the work of the Lord. So much is preached on this subject and needs to be so.
1 John 5:10-13 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (11) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (12) He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (13) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (A wise man once said, “Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.” In times of lack of assurance, never doubt what God did for you when He gave you assurance.)
B. A lack of assurance can come from any one of several causes:
1. Lack of assurance can be caused by dire circumstances in the life of the believer. “Would God allow something like this to happen to one of His children?” is a question often asked. We, as God’s children, are not exempt from dire circumstances.
2. Lack of assurance can be caused by willful sin in the life of the believer. “Would a child of God do some of the things that I have done?” would be another question asked. God’s children are not to live in willful sin but they are not perfected yet and there are numerous biblical examples of such sinfulness.
3. Lack of assurance can be caused by a lack of biblical teaching on the subject of salvation and eternal life. Many believers, after their salvation by grace through faith, are taught that they must now live a life acceptable to God in order to remain saved. Because of the sinfulness of our bodies, this is impossible and, therefore, places doubt in the minds of the saved as they do see sin in their lives.
4. Lack of assurance can be caused by making multiple professions of faith. In periods of doubt, the new profession is made and then the believer becomes confused concerning if and when they got saved.
5. Lack of assurance can be caused by ignorant preaching. I have heard many pastors and evangelists who preach in such a way as to make a believer doubt. Then, you get pastors, deacons, their wives, Sunday School teachers, and good godly saints to make multiple professions of faith. They gender questions such as: did I believe right; did I repent right; etc.
C. First of all, as a pastor, I want everyone in this church to make sure that you are saved! I would hate to have someone go to hell off of the pews of this church. Make sure that you have been saved. Secondly, as a pastor, I want every believer to have blessed assurance of their salvation. I never want one to doubt or become confused. God is not the author of confusion but of peace. God will never confuse you. Feeling saved today and then lost tomorrow is not a work of the Holy Spirit.
Frances Jane "Fanny" Crosby
(1820-1915) she wrote over 8,000 hymns.
Putnam County, New York.
Died: February 12, 1915, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Buried: Bridgeport, Connecticut.
About her blindness, she said:
It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.
My friend, Mrs. Joseph F. Knapp, composed a melody and played it over to me two or three times on the piano. She then asked what it said. I replied, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!”
Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Refrain
Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Refrain
Assurance Comes From God
1. Assurance By His Word. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried, and rose again for my justification. He said that He would save me if I ask and I asked. Either I am saved or His Word is a lie. Just taking God at His Word. God said and that settles it, if you believe it or not!
2. Assurance By His Presence. An inner witness. Christ in you, the hope of Glory. The inner witness of the Holy Spirit of God.
3. Assurance By A Supernatural Understanding. I have no problem believing the doctrines of the faith as they are taught in the Bible. The Bible is an open book to the child of God. The simplicity which is in Christ Jesus.
Assurance Comes From A New Life
1. Has there been a definite change in your life?
2. Are you sensitive to sin?
3. Can you enjoy and live in willful, presumptuous sin?
4. Are you rebellious toward God's Word?
5. Do you enjoy or endure God's House?
6. Do you love the brethren?
7. Do you have a sincere desire to serve God?
8. Do you have an inner witness?
9. Do you believe God's Record?
10. What are you trusting to get you to heaven
Isaiah 32:17-18
Introduction:
A. One of the most important aspects of eternal salvation is that of assurance. Without assurance, the child of God is rendered almost useless in the work of the Lord. So much is preached on this subject and needs to be so.
1 John 5:10-13 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (11) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (12) He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (13) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (A wise man once said, “Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.” In times of lack of assurance, never doubt what God did for you when He gave you assurance.)
B. A lack of assurance can come from any one of several causes:
1. Lack of assurance can be caused by dire circumstances in the life of the believer. “Would God allow something like this to happen to one of His children?” is a question often asked. We, as God’s children, are not exempt from dire circumstances.
2. Lack of assurance can be caused by willful sin in the life of the believer. “Would a child of God do some of the things that I have done?” would be another question asked. God’s children are not to live in willful sin but they are not perfected yet and there are numerous biblical examples of such sinfulness.
3. Lack of assurance can be caused by a lack of biblical teaching on the subject of salvation and eternal life. Many believers, after their salvation by grace through faith, are taught that they must now live a life acceptable to God in order to remain saved. Because of the sinfulness of our bodies, this is impossible and, therefore, places doubt in the minds of the saved as they do see sin in their lives.
4. Lack of assurance can be caused by making multiple professions of faith. In periods of doubt, the new profession is made and then the believer becomes confused concerning if and when they got saved.
5. Lack of assurance can be caused by ignorant preaching. I have heard many pastors and evangelists who preach in such a way as to make a believer doubt. Then, you get pastors, deacons, their wives, Sunday School teachers, and good godly saints to make multiple professions of faith. They gender questions such as: did I believe right; did I repent right; etc.
C. First of all, as a pastor, I want everyone in this church to make sure that you are saved! I would hate to have someone go to hell off of the pews of this church. Make sure that you have been saved. Secondly, as a pastor, I want every believer to have blessed assurance of their salvation. I never want one to doubt or become confused. God is not the author of confusion but of peace. God will never confuse you. Feeling saved today and then lost tomorrow is not a work of the Holy Spirit.
Frances Jane "Fanny" Crosby
(1820-1915) she wrote over 8,000 hymns.
Putnam County, New York.
Died: February 12, 1915, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Buried: Bridgeport, Connecticut.
About her blindness, she said:
It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.
My friend, Mrs. Joseph F. Knapp, composed a melody and played it over to me two or three times on the piano. She then asked what it said. I replied, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!”
Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Refrain
Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Refrain
Assurance Comes From God
1. Assurance By His Word. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried, and rose again for my justification. He said that He would save me if I ask and I asked. Either I am saved or His Word is a lie. Just taking God at His Word. God said and that settles it, if you believe it or not!
2. Assurance By His Presence. An inner witness. Christ in you, the hope of Glory. The inner witness of the Holy Spirit of God.
3. Assurance By A Supernatural Understanding. I have no problem believing the doctrines of the faith as they are taught in the Bible. The Bible is an open book to the child of God. The simplicity which is in Christ Jesus.
Assurance Comes From A New Life
1. Has there been a definite change in your life?
2. Are you sensitive to sin?
3. Can you enjoy and live in willful, presumptuous sin?
4. Are you rebellious toward God's Word?
5. Do you enjoy or endure God's House?
6. Do you love the brethren?
7. Do you have a sincere desire to serve God?
8. Do you have an inner witness?
9. Do you believe God's Record?
10. What are you trusting to get you to heaven
A Convenient Season
Temple Baptist Church - 10-17-2010
Acts 24:24-27
Introduction:
A. A convenient season! Felix heard the Word of God and trembled at its power. He was afforded a “season” of salvation as the Apostle Paul reasoned with him from the Word. There is no record of Felix ever getting right with the Lord after his encounter with Paul and God’s Word.
B. There are several instances in the New Testament where people came close to being saved, but failed to come God’s way.
1. The Rich Young Ruler - Matthew 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (He came to be saved but placed his possessions above his Saviour. The things of this world have kept many from coming to Christ. You cannot serve God and mammon!)
2. The Scribe - Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. (He was close to being saved but the questioning stopped short of salvation. Did he get saved? No one knows for sure but I will say that to be “not far” from being saved is to be eternally lost.)
3. King Agrippa - Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. (Almost! Almost? Almost saved is entirely lost. Agrippa understood the cost when he said “Christian.” Almost saved but eternally lost. I am sure he regrets his choice made that day.)
4. Felix - Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. (This period of decision for Felix covered a period of app. 2 years! At the end of two years, Felix left Paul bound which shows his rejection of Paul’s Saviour.)
C. The most important thing that you and I will ever do is to come to Christ and be saved.
1. Salvation is far greater than the riches of the whole world. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?
2. Salvation is far greater than being the most popular person in the world. Many actors and athletes have achieved great recognition in this world but lived lives that were empty and vain. Everybody in the world can know and esteem you but if you die without Christ, you have lost everything.
3. Salvation is far greater than being healthy in body. You can live 100+ years in perfect health and it will be nothing compared to an eternity with a new body.
4. If you die without Christ, you have missed everything.
D. There are several misconceptions concerning salvation:
1. You can get saved any way you want. Salvation only has one way: repentance from sins and faith in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the only way that man can be right with a holy God.
2. You can get saved any time you want. We have no guarantee that God will every convict out soul again if we turn away for salvation today. Salvation is only made available when the Holy Spirit convicts and draws.
3. You have plenty of time to be saved. No one knows what tomorrow (or the rest of this day) will bring. We have only the promise of today. We may live long or we may die today. Jesus Christ may come today and then all opportunity for salvation will be gone.
E. You see, salvation is never convenient because it always has to be now. You always have to turn from the world to Christ. It always has to be God’s way. You see, convenient means: suitable, advantageous, commodious, or easy!
F. I want to look at this man, Felix, for a few minutes and see what was available to him and
1. Felix’s Interest In Salvation – vs. 24 – “and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.” (There was a time when Felix was curious about spiritual things. I have seen people who were antagonistic towards the things of God. We meet people every week who are disinterested in the things of God. When one is interested or at least open to the gospel, there is opportunity to be saved.)
2. Felix’s Conviction In Salvation – vs. 25 – “Felix trembled” (The Holy Ghost dealt with his heart. When salvation is rejected, conviction wanes. When God knocks, open the door. When God calls, answer the call.)
3. Felix’s Procrastination In Salvation - vs. 25 – “Go thy way for the time” (For whatever reason, Felix would not believe on Christ when convicted. He sent God’s man away. He rejected the pleading of the Saviour. What a dangerous thing. I have had a man to tell me that he wanted to hear no more about salvation. I left that day and he died without Christ some years later. Satan’s number one tactic is found in the words “tomorrow” and “later.” He knows that one day, you will die, Christ will come, or you will be eternally hardened.)
4. Felix’s Misconception In Salvation – vs. 25 – “when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” (Felix wanted God on his terms, not God’s terms. ‘I will call for thee?” “Don’t call me, I’ll call you?”)
5. Felix’s Motive In Salvation – vs. 26 – “He hoped also that money should have been given him” (Felix evidently wanted something other than the person of Christ and His wonderful salvation. Many come to church to get what they can get or to simply have their problems alleviated or their conscience soothed.)
6. Felix’s Season In Salvation – vs. 26-27 – “wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years” (Felix heard on more than one occasion and still found no “convenient season.” In these later occasions, I find no more “trembling.” He evidently casually heard, easily rejected, and became immune to the gospel. You can preach and preach with no change or acceptance.)
7. Felix’s Rejection In Salvation – vs. 27 – “willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.” (Constant refusal of salvation brought about hardness of heart and, ultimately, final rejection of the Lord’s salvation. Felix died lost! No hope, no help, no more chances, eternally damned to a devil’s hell. My question is this: “Was it worth it, Felix?”)
Acts 24:24-27
Introduction:
A. A convenient season! Felix heard the Word of God and trembled at its power. He was afforded a “season” of salvation as the Apostle Paul reasoned with him from the Word. There is no record of Felix ever getting right with the Lord after his encounter with Paul and God’s Word.
B. There are several instances in the New Testament where people came close to being saved, but failed to come God’s way.
1. The Rich Young Ruler - Matthew 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (He came to be saved but placed his possessions above his Saviour. The things of this world have kept many from coming to Christ. You cannot serve God and mammon!)
2. The Scribe - Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. (He was close to being saved but the questioning stopped short of salvation. Did he get saved? No one knows for sure but I will say that to be “not far” from being saved is to be eternally lost.)
3. King Agrippa - Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. (Almost! Almost? Almost saved is entirely lost. Agrippa understood the cost when he said “Christian.” Almost saved but eternally lost. I am sure he regrets his choice made that day.)
4. Felix - Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. (This period of decision for Felix covered a period of app. 2 years! At the end of two years, Felix left Paul bound which shows his rejection of Paul’s Saviour.)
C. The most important thing that you and I will ever do is to come to Christ and be saved.
1. Salvation is far greater than the riches of the whole world. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?
2. Salvation is far greater than being the most popular person in the world. Many actors and athletes have achieved great recognition in this world but lived lives that were empty and vain. Everybody in the world can know and esteem you but if you die without Christ, you have lost everything.
3. Salvation is far greater than being healthy in body. You can live 100+ years in perfect health and it will be nothing compared to an eternity with a new body.
4. If you die without Christ, you have missed everything.
D. There are several misconceptions concerning salvation:
1. You can get saved any way you want. Salvation only has one way: repentance from sins and faith in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the only way that man can be right with a holy God.
2. You can get saved any time you want. We have no guarantee that God will every convict out soul again if we turn away for salvation today. Salvation is only made available when the Holy Spirit convicts and draws.
3. You have plenty of time to be saved. No one knows what tomorrow (or the rest of this day) will bring. We have only the promise of today. We may live long or we may die today. Jesus Christ may come today and then all opportunity for salvation will be gone.
E. You see, salvation is never convenient because it always has to be now. You always have to turn from the world to Christ. It always has to be God’s way. You see, convenient means: suitable, advantageous, commodious, or easy!
F. I want to look at this man, Felix, for a few minutes and see what was available to him and
1. Felix’s Interest In Salvation – vs. 24 – “and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.” (There was a time when Felix was curious about spiritual things. I have seen people who were antagonistic towards the things of God. We meet people every week who are disinterested in the things of God. When one is interested or at least open to the gospel, there is opportunity to be saved.)
2. Felix’s Conviction In Salvation – vs. 25 – “Felix trembled” (The Holy Ghost dealt with his heart. When salvation is rejected, conviction wanes. When God knocks, open the door. When God calls, answer the call.)
3. Felix’s Procrastination In Salvation - vs. 25 – “Go thy way for the time” (For whatever reason, Felix would not believe on Christ when convicted. He sent God’s man away. He rejected the pleading of the Saviour. What a dangerous thing. I have had a man to tell me that he wanted to hear no more about salvation. I left that day and he died without Christ some years later. Satan’s number one tactic is found in the words “tomorrow” and “later.” He knows that one day, you will die, Christ will come, or you will be eternally hardened.)
4. Felix’s Misconception In Salvation – vs. 25 – “when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” (Felix wanted God on his terms, not God’s terms. ‘I will call for thee?” “Don’t call me, I’ll call you?”)
5. Felix’s Motive In Salvation – vs. 26 – “He hoped also that money should have been given him” (Felix evidently wanted something other than the person of Christ and His wonderful salvation. Many come to church to get what they can get or to simply have their problems alleviated or their conscience soothed.)
6. Felix’s Season In Salvation – vs. 26-27 – “wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years” (Felix heard on more than one occasion and still found no “convenient season.” In these later occasions, I find no more “trembling.” He evidently casually heard, easily rejected, and became immune to the gospel. You can preach and preach with no change or acceptance.)
7. Felix’s Rejection In Salvation – vs. 27 – “willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.” (Constant refusal of salvation brought about hardness of heart and, ultimately, final rejection of the Lord’s salvation. Felix died lost! No hope, no help, no more chances, eternally damned to a devil’s hell. My question is this: “Was it worth it, Felix?”)
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