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Saturday, October 16, 2010

Revival: Who Needs It?”

Psalm 85
The Psalmist answers this question for us. He describes for us…
I. The Nature Of Revival, vss. 1-3, 10-13
II. The Need For Revival, vss. 4-8
III. The Nearness of Revival, vs. 9

Note that in verses 4-8 the Psalmist uses the first person pronoun seven times. Who is it that needs revival?

1. The Unexcited, whose first love has grown cold.

2. The Unmoved, who are no longer stirred by sin, souls, or the Saviour.

3. The Unrepentant, who are unbroken and no longer blush at sin.

4. The Uncommitted, who are at ease in Zion and are saved spiritual slumberers.

5. The Unidentified, who have not obeyed our Lord’s command to be baptized or who have no commitment to His local church.

6. The Unsure, those dealing with doubt.

7. The Unsaved, for whom Jesus died.

Friday, September 24, 2010

WHERE WILL SALVATION TAKE YOU?

Isa. 12:1-3
In this text, there is one word that is used 3 times. That word is salvation. It is one of the most important words in the entire Bible! In fact, it is used 164 times in the Bible. In the Old Testament, the word comes from a Hebrew word which means, "Deliverance and victory." In the New Testament, it comes from a Greek word that means, "Deliverance, preservation, safety."
Salvation is what we receive when we trust Jesus as our Savior! Salvation is the gift of God! Salvation is not a thing that we will receive some day, it is a present possession of every person who has fully trusted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.

If you take the time to study the doctrine of salvation in the Bible, you will find that salvation is responsible for moving people from the place they are. Salvation always takes you somewhere!
1. It brought Israel out of bondage – Ex. 14:13
2. It brought Jonah out of the whale – Jonah 2:9
3. It brought David out of the pit – Psalms 40:1-3
4. It brought Paul out of a lost condition – 1 Tim. 1:12-15
5. It brings every sinner out of darkness – 1 Pet. 2:9
I would like to take a few minutes to tell you where salvation, if you have it, will take you. Notice four places salvation will take you.

I. John 14:1-3 IT WILL TAKE YOU TO HEAVEN
A. Salvation is the key that opens the door to the kingdom of God.
B. The glories of that city – Rev. 21:4; 21:9-22:6.
C. All believers are going there someday!

II. 2 Cor. 5:17 IT WILL TAKE YOU INTO HOLINESS
A. Salvation will alter your life! No man can receive Jesus and remain the same.
B. One mark of true repentance unto salvation is a drastically changed life – 1 John 2:9; 3:7-10.
C. There will be a difference – Gal. 5:22-23; Matt. 12:33!
D. There will be a desire to serve the Lord – Eph. 2:10; James 2:18.

III. Mark 16:15 IT WILL TAKE YOU INTO THE HARVEST
A. Sharing the Gospel is a mark of genuine salvation – Acts 1:8
B. Jesus never called us to be lazy, He called us to be busy letting our lights shine for Him – Matt. 5:16.
C. Every Christian is a witness! Either for or against Jesus! Which are you?

IV. Heb. 10:25 IT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE HOUSE OF GOD
A. Salvation is always accompanied by a desire to gather with the saints and to worship the Lord.
B. Jesus went to church – Luke 4:16.
C. There will be a desire to praise, worship and serve the Lord!

If your salvation won’t take you to Holiness, the Harvest or the House Of God, it probably won’t take you to Heaven either! Be sure you are trusting jesus for salvation – 2 Pet. 1:10.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

A MINISTRY THAT FAILED

Judges 2:1-10

Text Verses “.....and there arose another generation who knew not the Lord.”

Two or three million Jews had crossed Jordan with Joshua. This was a spiritual highlight in the life of every person in that accomplishment.

They had seen God’s power and God’s wonder all throughout the conquest of Canaan. Now 26 years later they are atheistic. What happened?

I. THEY FAILED IN THEIR TEACHING. Vs. 10. .....knew not the Lord.’

A. Parents were commanded by Jewish law to teach their children.

B. Someone failed to carry the message on.

C. What has happened in our society today?

D. If we fail in our teaching we give birth to an atheistic generation.

II. THEY FAILED III THEIR TESTIMONY

“..knew not the works He had done for Israel. vs. 10.

A. A testimony lives as long as it is told.

B. We must restate our doctrinal position over and over.

Restating will keep people stationary and solid.

III. THEY FAILED IN THEIR TECHNIQUES.

The judicial government was new to them and they didn’t hearken to it. They tried to hang on to tradition.

Let it not be said of this ministry 26 years from now — “There arose another generation which knew not the Lord.”

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Temple of God

1 Cor 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Meditate on these verses...

How many times do we find our self abusing or worshipping the temple of God. Both of these behaviours are to be rejected!

1. Would we spray paint graffiti or artwork on a place of worship, then why do we tattoo are bodies?

2. Would we start a fire and direct the smoke into a place of worship causing smoke damage? Then why do we damage our bodies with the smoke of cigarettes?

3. Would we project sexual images and profane things on a screed within a place of worship? Then why do we allow these images and words to be projected to our eyes and ears?

4. Would we pour flammable and toxic liquids on the furniture with our place of worship permanently damaging the contents within? Then why do we pour harmful alcoholic beverages into our body?

5. Would we pile up crates of food and let it rot in our place of worship? Why do we stuff our bodies with an excess of food so that in can rot in our inwards causing health and weight issues?

I am sure the list can go on and on. Our bodies are God's temple that He has bought with a price.

1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

You may say, "I do none of these things." Well let me ask you this, do you worship the temple?

A place "of worship" is not to "be worshipped". We are highly encouraged to maintain and care for the temple of God. However we must be careful not to find ourselves worshipping the temple instead of the God of the temple. Balance is key! Exercise and diet are great! However we must be careful not to forget our spiritual exercise and diet.

We all need to be reminded of these things. Lord help us. Meditate on this...

Monday, May 3, 2010

THE STYLE OF LIGHT

Matt. 5:13-16 (v. 14)

Jesus said: "I AM the light of the world" (John 8:12), Then He said: "Ye are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14). Since We are the "Light of the world" what "Style" of "Light" are We???

The CHRISTMAS "Lights" Christians...........
1. Used only one time a year.
2. Used only on a special occasion.
3. These are More For Show than anything else.
4. Some Christians come once a year or on Special Occasions.
The FLASHING "Lights" Christians............
1. These are On & Off - On & Off - On & Off.
2. These have No Consistency.
3. These Christians can't be counted on to get the job done.
The FLASHLIGHT "Lights" Christians...........
1. Very useful in Times of Trouble but not all the time.
2. Very Short Life of usefulness.
3. Begin to fade out slowly.
4. These usually must be Hand-Held.
5. These can be Made Brighter if you Shake them but not for long.
The CANDLE "Lights" Christians..............
1. These are Affected by the Wind and may even go out.
2. These are Good Inside in times of storm on the outside.
3. The brighter they burn, the shorter their life of usefulness.
The DIRTY "Lights" Christians...............
1. These have lost their effectiveness.
2. The More the Dirt, the Less the Light.
3. Dirt build-up just because of time.
4. These need to be cleaned from time to time.
The SPOT "Lights" Christians................
1. These Concentrate Only on One Area.
2. These Reach Out Farthest but do not affect a large area.
3. These make the program Look Good.
The FLOOD "Lights" Christians...............
1. These Cover a Wide Area, with usually softer light.
2. These Add Usefulness to the area and program.
The CAUTION "Lights" Christians..............
1. These Warn of Danger and Guide the Traveler on his way.
The REFLECTIVE "Lights" Christians..........
1. These Must Receive their Light from Another Source.
2. Jesus: Sun / We: Moon / Eclipse: World between Sun & Moon.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

A Godly Mother

Pro 31:10-31

A passage authored by King Lemuel. Nothing else is known of him, other than this chapter; but, it seems as if he is writing his own mother’s resume. In so doing, in these wonderful verses, he plainly distinguishes a godly mother from all others.
In these verses, he seeks to point that a godly mother is different from all others, because she has:

I. A WORTH THAT IS UNEQUALLED (V. 10-12)

A. SHE IS A LADY OF VIRTUE (10a)

B. SHE IS A LADY OF VALUE (10b-12)

II. A WORK THAT IS UNMATCHED (V. 13, 15, 19)

A. IT IS A DESIRED WORK (v. 13)

B. IT IS A DEVOTED WORK (v. 15)

C. IT IS A DEDICATED WORK (v. 19)

III. A WISDOM THAT IS UNFEIGNED (V. 26,27)

A. THERE IS WISDOM IN WHAT SHE SPEAKS (v. 26)

B. THERE IS WISDOM IN WHAT SHE SHUNS (v. 27)

IV. A WEALTH THAT IS UNSHARED (V. 28-31)

A. BY THE PRAISE OF HER FAMILY (v. 28)

B. BY THE PRAISE FROM HER FATHER (v. 30)

C. BY THE PRAISE FOR HER FRUITS (v. 31)

Saturday, April 24, 2010

He's Everything To Me

It has been estimated that there are more than 3000 names of God revealed in scripture. Perhaps some of the greatest names of God are found in Isaiah 9:6.
He is called "Wonderful , Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace."

In other words, He is all of these things, both in name and in nature. These names of God suggests that He is everything.

I. He is REASON for my praise - "Wonderful"
Everything about God is wonderful! He is worthy of all my praise. His is WONDERFUL. He is beyond anything we have ever seen,. He is singularly unique. "Wonderful" denotes something indescribably great, so tremendous, and so amazing. That which it’s literally beyond all description. It speaks of that which goes beyond human comprehension.
A. Wonderful in His passion No greater love. We love Him because He first loved us.
B. Wonderful in His pardon Free, full, and forever
C. Wonderful in His provision

II. He is the REMEDY for my problems - "Counsellor"
He is my problem solver. He is the only one in the universe who requires no counsel. In Him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He looks to no one else, and He leans on no-one else.
Our lives are filled with problems. Our lives are filled with predicaments. Our lives are filled with perils. Many people will write Dear Abby, read self-help books, go to non-Christian psychiatrists and talk to everyone they know except the only One who is able to help them and handle their problems.
God is wonderfully qualified for the job of counsellor. As counsellor He is always available. As counsellor He has unimaginable insight. He can see the end from the beginning. He knows all there is to know about anything.
He has the answer for my heart problems.
He has the answer for my home problems.
He has the answer for my hurting problems.

III. He is the RESOURCE for my power - "The mighty God"
He is the creator of all. There is nothing He cannot do.
However, I think of a little Sunday school class who was studying, for several weeks, the awesome power of God. After a few Sunday sessions, the teacher decided to quiz the class on what they had learned of God’s power. She asked, "Class, can anyone tell if there is something that God cannot do?" Silence filled the room, then suddenly little Johnny, in the back of the class, raised his hand. Needless to say, the faithful Sunday school teacher was shocked. She had spent countless hours studying, preparing, and teaching the class of the awesome power of God. She said, "Johnny, is there something God cannot do?" Johnny looked her square in the eye, and said, "Yes ma’am, He can’t please everybody!" That may be true He is the God who created all things, the God who controls all things, and the God who conducts all things. He can do anything for this world, through this world, with this world, to this world, or in this world that He chooses to do. He is the MIGHTY GOD, and the Mighty god is the resource for my power. I am glad I know the Mighty God.

IV. He is the REFUGE for my perils -"The everlasting Father"
One of the most precious, and blessed names of God is "The everlasting Father." If you are a Christian, you may be without an earthly father; but, friend, you have a Heavenly Father, and as a father He is a refuge when the storms of life come.
He is the unending Father, the unchanging Father, and the understanding Father.
He that rules the vastness of eternity, He whose being stretches from everlasting to everlasting takes the time to care for me as a Father.

V. He is the RESERVOIR for my peace -"The prince of Peace"
Peace is one of the deepest needs of the human heart.
There was a widow who had "Rest In Peace" put on her husband’s tombstone. When she found out that He left her out of his will, she had added, "Till I come." We live in a world which is striving, seeking, and starving for peace. However, peace is not found in possessions, programs, politics, or parties. True peace is only found in a person, and He is "The Prince of Peace."
A. We can REST in Him!
We read in Isaiah 26: 3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
If we are to know His peace, then we must rest in the fact that He is God, He's still on the throne, He's still in control, and He's got the whole world in His hand.
B. We can RELY on Him!
Listen again to the words of the prophet in Isaiah 26: 3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." The word "stayed" comes from a Hebrew word that gives us our English word "staff."
As you know, a staff was something closely related to the shepherds of that day. The staff was what the shepherd used to count and correct his sheep. It was something which played a vital role in the everyday life of a shepherd.
However, the staff had another important use to the shepherd. The shepherd's staff was often used for support. At the end of a long, hot, tiring day, the shepherd leaned on his staff for support. It was used to support him when he could not support himself. You could say that the shepherd relied on his staff to hold him up.
In the same way, you and I can rely on the Lord. He is our support. When we cannot support ourselves us, we can rely and lean on Him, and He supports us. We can rest in Him, and we can rely on Him for all things, in all things, and with all things.
Conclusion:
Jesus is everything to me.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Making a Difference

This is the message I preached in the Maximum Security Assembly of the Lansing Federal Prison, yesterday morning and it was a blessing to the men.

Jude 22

God gives to every man a gift called "potential" and as we reach that potential by His grace we can make a difference.

I. We Make a Difference by Staying - When we are faithful over a period of time, other will start to realize it is real to us and not just a fad or faze we are going through. “By perseverance the snail reached the ark.” – Spurgeon

II. We Make a Difference by Planning - You must plan to serve God it won't happen by accident. “Excellence never happens by accident.”

III. We Make a Difference by Participating When other start duplicating my ministry that is when "my ministry" has become a success. Quote – “It is only as we develop others around us that we permanently succeed.”

IV. We Make a Difference by Developing We never arrive in our Christian life we must always be moving forward in our own development. Quote – “If you don’t have time to do it right, when do you have time to do it again?”

V. We Make a Difference by Caring Realizing and seeing the needs of other then having a heart to do something about it will have an eternal impact on others. Quote – “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

Thursday, April 22, 2010

THE WORD OF GOD IS:

1. A Mirror To Show Us Ourselves (James 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:)

2. A Hammer To Break The Will (Jer. 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?)

3. A Fire To Melt The Heart (Jer. 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?)

4. A Sword To Pierce The Conscience (Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.)

5. A Seed To Quicken The Soul (1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.)

6. A Laver To Cleanse The Way (Eph. 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,)

7. A Light To Show The Path (Ps. 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.)

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

PRODIGAL SON’S BIOGRAPHY

Luke 15:11-24. And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

1. His Rebellion. Vs. 12.

2. His Riches. Vs. 13.

3. His Remorse. Vs. 14.

4. His Resolution. Vs. 18.

5. His Return. Vs. 20.

6. His Reception. Vs. 20.

7. His Restoration. Vs. 22.

8. His Rejoicing. Vs. 24.

9. The Older Son’s Rejection. Vs. 25-28.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

SEVEN FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS

1. The Inspiration Of The Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:)

2. The Trinity Of The Godhead (Matt. 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:)

3. The Divinity Of The Lord Jesus (John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God )

4. The Atoning Death Of Christ (Heb. 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?)

5. Justification By Faith Alone (Rom. 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.)

6. Salvation, Present And Eternal (Heb. 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;)

7. Future Punishment Of The Wicked (Matt. 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.)

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

WALKING WITH THE LORD

Ps 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Ps 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
2 Sam 22:37 & Ps 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slipJob 31:4 Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?
Ps 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1. WALK OF DISOBEDIENCE. EPH 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

2. WALK OF GOOD WORKS. EPH 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

3. WALK WORTHY OF CALLING. EPH 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

4. WALK NOT AS GENTILES. EPH 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

5. WALK IN LOVE. EPH 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

6. WALK IN LIGHT. EPH 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

7. WALK CIRCUMSPECTLY. EPH 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

SEVEN AREAS OF FAITH

1. One Newly Come To The Faith (1 Tim. 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.)

2. One Weak In The Faith (Rom. 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.)

3. One Who Kept (Guarded) The Faith (2 Tim. 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:)

4. Some Who Erred From The Faith (1 Tim. 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.)

5. Some Depart From The Faith (1 Tim. 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;)

6. Some Deny The Faith (1 Tim. 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.)

7. Some Overthrow The Faith (2 Tim 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.)

Saturday, April 3, 2010

IF THERE IS NO RESURRECTION

1. "Easter Sunday" is an annual holiday celebrated by many...
a. Millions of people commemorate the resurrection of Jesus on this day
b. Many consider it as "the most holy" of religious holidays
c. For some, it marks the only time they attend church services
(Christmas runs a close second)

2. Christians in the 1st century did not have an annual observance of this event...
a. The word "Easter" is found only once in the KJV Bible - cf. Ac 12:4
b. The word in the Greek is "Passover", elsewhere in the KJV
c. "It is certain that the NT contains no reference to a yearly celebration of the resurrection of Christ"
d. The annual observance is a human tradition, introduced in the 2nd and 3rd centuries

3. Churches today who follow the New Testament pattern do not celebrate "Easter" per se...
a. They note Paul's teaching regarding religious holidays
b. They value Jesus' warning regarding the traditions of men

4. This does not demean the importance of the resurrection of Christ...
a. It has great significance to the Christian
b. It is something we should think about often (certainly more than once a year)

5. It is an appropriate subject even on "Easter Sunday", just as sermons...
a. On thankfulness are around Thanksgiving
b. On mothers are on Mother's Day
-- Even though churches may not celebrate such holidays per se

IF CHRIST WAS NOT RAISED

A. GOSPEL PREACHING IS VAIN... (vs 14)
1. The preaching of the apostles is empty, meaningless
2. Because they proclaimed nothing more than a fairy tale, a story of fiction

B. OUR FAITH IS VAIN... (vs 14) 1. Our belief in Christ would also be empty, meaningless
2. For our faith would be in a lie, a story of make believe, not truth

C. THE APOSTLES WERE FALSE WITNESSES... (vs 15) 1. They swore that God raised Jesus from the dead – Ac 2:32
2. They claimed to spend 40 days with Him after the resurrection, eating and drinking
3. There is no way they could have been deceived or mistaken; either they told the truth or they were deliberate liars, deceivers, and frauds!

D. WE ARE STILL IN OUR SINS... (vs 17) 1. It would have been a liar or lunatic that died on the cross
2. No such person could have provided a sacrifice that was holy and without blemish

E. BELIEVERS HAVE PERISHED AT DEATH... (vs 18)
1. Their faith would have been in a false Messiah
2. They would have had no atonement for their sins
3. Dying in their sins, there would be no hope

F. CHRISTIANS ARE TO BE PITIED... (vs 19) 1. Because we believe in a false Messiah
2. Because our faith in Him leads us to refrain from much worldly pleasure
3. Because we are often ridiculed or persecuted for our faith

Friday, March 5, 2010

Lessons From A Blind Man

John 9

This man couldn’t see Jesus, but Jesus saw him. Even though this man was helpless, Jesus knew where he was. Jesus had to work on this guy in several areas to bring him to the point of salvation. He used some unusual circumstances to bring him to his knowledge of his sinful condition. His eyesight was not his worst problem; he needed to be saved. Let’s look at this man’s journey from blind beggar to a bowing believer.

I. The Reason for his Condition (vs. 1-5)

A. Not for his sin
B. Not for his parent’s sin
C. For God to be manifested in him

II. The Routine for his Cleansing (vs. 6-7)

A. Unconventional Operation
1. Socially Unconventional (spittle)
2. Scientifically Unconventional (dirt in eyes)
3. Sensibly Unconventional (he made matters worse)

B. Undisputed Obedience (and he went his way therefore, and washed)
C. Undeniable Outcome (and came seeing)

III. The Reaction of the Crowd

A. The Neighbors’ Confusion
B. The Notice of his Condition
C. The New Curiosity (how were thine eyes opened?)

IV. The Reasoning of the Council

A. The Delivery (vs. 13)
B. The Denial (vs. 16 a)
C. The Division (vs. 16d)
D. The Doubt (vs. 18-19)
E. The Dilemma (vs. 22)

V. The Response of the Cured Man

A. His Ignorance Concerning the Christ (vs. 25) An experience without the expertise!
B. His Insistence Concerning his Condition (vs.25)
C. His Interrogation Concerning the Cure (vs. 26)
D. His Implication Concerning the Charge (vs. 30-33)

VI. The Redemption of the Castaway vs.35-38

A. His Sinful Conditions (vs.34)
B. His Search for the Christ
C. His Salvation Complete (vs.38a)
D. His Sincere Conclusion (and he worshipped him)

VII. The Remarks of the Christ

A. His Dual Purpose (vs. 39)
1. To Heal (that they which see not might see)
2. To Hinder (they which see might be made blind)

B. His Disappointing Pronouncement (vs. 41)
1. Concerning Their Sight
2. Concerning Their Sin

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Will Ye Also Go Away?

John 6:48-67

This is an unusual question at first glance. Jesus is asking his disciples if they are going to go away. This sounds like a sad, helpless question on Jesus’ behalf but that is not the case. He KNOWS who will stay and who will go. He wanted them to make their decision. He is asking for a commitment in these verses. He wants them to “count the cost”.

I. The Doctrine – vs. 45 and they shall be all taught of God
A. It minimized their signs – vs. 31, 49 – told them it was time to get over it
B. He minimized their logic – vs. 41,42 – he called it murmuring!
C. He minimized their will – vs. 38,39 – what they wanted wasn't important
D. He minimized their efforts – vs. 44

II. The Division (vs.52a “…strove among themselves”

III. The Difficulty (vs.60) – this is an hard saying, who can hear it?

IV. The Declaration – vs. 63 the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.

V. The Disappointment – vs. 64 But there are some of you that believe not.

VI. The Departure – vs. 66 from that time many of this disciples went back

VII. The Decline – went back, and walked no more with him

VIII. The Decision – will ye also go away? Make up your mind NOW!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

What Are They Among So Many?

John 6:1-14

The main thought presented in this outline is the importance of giving to the Lord. Even if we seem weak, ineffective, insufficient, and small, He can take even the smallest things and do great things with them. This message could be preached with an emphasis on financial giving or sacrificial giving such as surrendering to missions, full time service, preaching, or whatever. This little boy didn’t let the “insignificance” of his gift to stop him from giving it to God. “What are they among so many?” Well, I tell you “they” are enough when it’s in God’s hands!!

I. The Crowd
1. They were determined (they followed Jesus over/around the sea)
2. They were diseased (vs.2 This represents the needs of the crowd.)

2. The Cause (vs.2)
They didn’t follow him in order:
i. To hear His Words
ii. To learn from him
iii. To have him change their life
iv. To learn more about him
v. To become better disciples

1. They wanted to see outstanding miracles.
2. They wanted to see outward signs of His power.
2. They wanted to see others made whole.

3. The Crisis (vs.5)
1. The need for provision (that these may eat)
2. The need for providers (Whence shall WE buy…)
3. The need for proving (vs.6 he is testing their reaction to the need.)

4. The Contribution
1. It was passed down (he got it from somebody else no doubt!)
2. It was put down. (but what are they among so many?)
3. It was passed out (vs. 11)
4. It was picked up (vs. 13)

5. The Conclusion
1. The crowd received Jesus (vs.14, 15)
2. The contributor received reward. (I’m convinced that the boy got the 12 baskets back!)
3. The critics received instruction. (Little is much when God is in it! I’m sure they didn’t make fun of people’s contributions after this!)

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

The New Birth

John 3:1-21

I. The Person of Nicodemus – vs. 1-2

A. His Position – Pharisee, ruler vs. 1
B. His Pride – came by night vs. 2
C. His Propriety – complimented Jesus for being good vs. 2
D. His Problem – wasn't born again – vs. 10 -12

II. The Proclamation of Jesus – vs. 3
A. The Exception – except a man be born again...
B. The Exemption – he cannot see...

III. The Picture of the New Birth – vs. 4-10
A. The Natural Birth vs. 5
B. The Wind vs. 8

IV. The Promise of Salvation – vs. 14-21

Monday, March 1, 2010

Our Purpose

Exalt the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18)
• through worshipping the Lord Jesus as God
• through the Lord Jesus being the focal point of our church

Energize people to love God with all their hearts (Matthew 22:38)
• through Bible preaching
• through Christ-honoring music
• through prayer and fellowship

Embrace them into our church family (Acts 2:41)
• through membership in our church family
• through fellowship with other believers

Educate them in Bible doctrines and Christian living (II Timothy 2:15)
• through the Discipleship Program
• through Adult Bible Classes
• through Sunday School Classes

Encourage them to be involved in ministry service (Psalm 100:2)
• through various ministry opportunities of the church

Evangelize the City, and regions beyond with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (Psalm 126: 5,6)
• through Christians sharing the Lord Jesus Christ daily
• through weekly soul-winning opportunities
• through a worldwide missions program

Friday, February 5, 2010

COMMON SAYINGS

COMMON SAYINGS BASED FROM THE HOLY BIBLE
(As found in the King James Version)

1. “Go the extra mile” Matthew 5:41
2. “Ladder of success” (Jacob’s ladder) Genesis 28:12
3. “I don’t know whether I’m coming or going” 1 Kings 3:7
4. “Head and shoulders above the rest” 1 Samuel 9:2
5. “Escaped by the skin of my teeth” Job 19:20
6. “Nobody’s perfect” (except Jesus Christ) Romans 3:23
7. “Getting the last laugh” (God has the last laugh) Proverbs 1:26
8. “Signed in blood” (That is how Jesus signed my salvation) Hebrews 9:14
9. “Etched in stone” (refers to the 10 commandments) Exodus 34:1-4
10. “I’ll be back” John 14:2
11. “I was born that way” Job 5:7
12. “A league of their own” Job 5:23
13. “You get out of it just what you put into it” Galatians 6:7
14. “A little birdie told me so” Ecclesiastes 10:20
15. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” Mat 7:12; Luk 6:31
16. “A few good men” Matthew 7:14; 1 Corinthians 1:26
17. “You can’t judge a book by its cover” John 7:24
18. “Can a leopard change his spots?” Jeremiah 13:23
19. “Writing on the wall” Daniel 5:5
20. “King of the mountain” Isaiah 14:13-15
21. “Two faced” (refers to Satan) 2 Corinthians 11:14
22. “Better think again” 2 Corinthians 10:7
23. “Rock and a hard place” Philippians 1:23
24. “Do what I say and not what I do” Matthew 23:3
25. “They wouldn’t even lift a finger to help” Matthew 23:4
26. “The kiss of death” Matthew 26:49
27. “Speak now or forever hold your peace” Matthew 26:63
28. “Read my lips” Job 33:1-3
29. “Bring the house down” (What Samson did to the Philistines) Jud 16:26-30
30. “There’s a time for that” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
31. “Don’t worry, be happy” 1 Peter 3:14
32. “Walk on water” Matthew 14:25
33. “Doubting Thomas” The apostle Thomas doubted Jesus – John 20:24-29
34. “Apple of my eye” Deut 32:10; Psa 17:8; Pro 7:2; Lam 2:18
35. “Running with the wrong crowd” 1 Peter 4:4
36. “Next of kin” Numbers 27:11
37. “You can run, but you can’t hide” Revelation 6:15-17
38. “Rise and shine” Isaiah 60:1
39. “All good things must come to an end” Joshua 23:15-16
40. “Don’t miss the boat!” (Noah’s basic message)

Thursday, February 4, 2010

There Came Down A Storm

Luke 8:22-25 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Intro: As Christians, we will experience storms. When we say storms, we are talking about any situation or problem in our life that is:
A. Unexpected – no warning; it caught you off guard, out in the "middle of the deep"
B. Unpleasant – cause fear, worry, anxiety, lack of sleep (Jesus slept; they didn't!)
C. Unpredictable – no idea where it's going, what will happen, how long it will stay...
D. Uncontrollable – no matter what, there's nothing you can do to stop it or change it

During a storm, we need to remember some things. We need to remember:

I. God's Presence - that he went into a ship with his disciples: He was on the boat with them!!

A. He was present in the Flood - Genesis 7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; B. He was present in the Fire - Daniel 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

II. God's Promise - Let us go over unto the other side of the lake.

A. His promise was simple – he didn't elaborate on the details; just said we're going over
B. His promise was sure – they did reach the other side; not because of their deeds, but his!

III. God's Protection - And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish..

A. Their Approach – they went to Jesus when the storm came down
B. Their Acknowledgment – they realized he was the Master
C. Their Appeal – they asked him to do something on their behalf, or they would perish

IV. God's Power - Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water:

A. God's Timing – then he arose; he always acts before it is too late
Psalms 121:4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
B. God's Test – he rebuked the wind, but he caused it! He was testing their faith
Psalms 107:25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
Ecclesiastes 11:4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.
You can't get anything done for God worrying about the storm. If it gets too bad, he'll make it stop!!

V. God's Peace - and there was a calm

A. God's Peace is Immediate – He is in full control
B. God's Peace is Instructive - What manner of man is this!

Conclusion: Lessons they learned from the storm
A. Nothing can hurt you when Jesus is with you
B. A child of God can never perish! John 3:16 (Master, master, we perish..)
C. Even when you think God is 'asleep', He is in full control.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Beware Of Altering God’s Word

By C. H. Spurgeon

Every motive that could move men to alter the Word of God has been fully stated in various portions of the Bible. It shows that God was aware from the first of the reception that would be given to His truth; and it is as instructive to the humble believer as it is humiliating to the modern man who critically cuts away portions of God’s Word.

The desire to alter the Word of God is dangerous. In the wilderness God Himself pointed this out: "Ye shall not add unto the Word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it" (Deut. 4:2). The nations they were advancing to conquer had long cast aside their allegiance to their Maker, and the least tendency to question or alter God’s Word might result in the same downfall for Israel. Deuteronomy 12:32 distinctly refers to this danger, and reasserts the warning: "What thing soever I command you…thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it."

The act of altering the Word of God is sinful. "Every word of God is pure…Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar" (Prov. 30:5-6). He who essays to improve upon it imputes error to the all-wise One. Only unholy minds could attempt it.

The desire to alter the Word of God is weakness. Jeremiah’s was a terrible message, and he might yield to feelings of pity for his race. God saw this, and in words that could not be misunderstood, He said to the prophet: "Diminish not a word" (Jer. 26:2). If God’s message is diminished, its power is lessened, and its results are consequently less certain. The authority, the power, the meaning, the terror of God’s truth must be preserved in all their fullness if God’s purposes are to be carried out.

The ambition to alter the Word of God is Pharisaic. To break the perfection of the law and teach our own alterations or additions as if they were of God is vile indeed. "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:19-20). Our Lord reproved this spirit in scathing and unmistakable language. Why is it His Words are forgotten? "Ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition... teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt. 15:6-9). The Pharisaic spirit thus renders impossible obedience to God as the supreme teacher.

The craving to alter the Word of God is accursed. Revelation 22:18-19 should be read with fear and trembling: "I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

Thus all down the ages God has warned men against this crime. He is a jealous God, and has determined to visit with the direct punishment all who dare to alter His complete and full revelation. This is a crime of the present day: the Lord preserve us from it!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

THE LITTLE ANT

Pro. 6:6-8; 30:24

There are about one million different kinds of insects in the animal world that breathe without lungs or gills, yet all have the same three body sections, six legs and antennae. I'm sure that up close, their appearance will outdo any special effect space alien. Each leg has three joints. The legs of the ant are very strong so they can run very quickly. If a man could run as fast for his size as an ant can, he could run as fast as a racehorse. Ants can lift 20 times their own body weight and carry it for about 100 yards without resting. Ants use their antennae not only for touch, but also for their sense of smell. The head of the ant has a pair of large, strong jaws. The jaws open and shut sideways like a pair of scissors. Adult ants cannot chew and swallow solid food. Instead they swallow the juice which they squeeze from pieces of food. They throw away the dry part that is left over. The ant has two eyes, each eye is made of many smaller eyes. It has been estimated that an ant's brain may have the same processing power as a Macintosh II computer. Each colony usually has only one queen but she will lay about 200 million eggs in a two month period. There are over 10,000 known species of ants. 270 species in California.

Fire Ants | Carpenter Ants | Acrobat Ants | Pharaoh Ants - Little Black Ants | Pavement Ants | Crazy Ants | Odorous House Ants - Argentine Ants | Ghost Ants | White Footed Ants | Thief Ants

Sluggard (Lazy person) Mentioned 14 times in Proverbs. Live in a society that often rewards or excuses laziness. Among other things the sluggard:

1. Loves to procrastinate 6:10
2. Fail to finish what he starts 12:27
3. Full if excuses 22:13
4. Never satisfied 13:4

ANTS ARE
1. Determined. 1 Co 15:58 Gal 6:9 A scout will often search for food until he dies.

2. Opportunistic. Leave something out on counter it is like an open door. Rev. 3:8

3. Concerned for others. One stomach holds the food for itself and second stomach is for food to be shared with other ants. Jude 1:22

4. Good Communicators If a worker ant has found a good source for food, it leaves a trail of scent so that the other ants in the colony can find the food. Mark 16:15

5. Adaptable. Change jobs for good of colony. Will work as a teacher of youth one day and as a scout another, if needed. 1 Co 9:19-23

6. Use their days wisely. The average life expectancy of an ant is 45-60 days. James 4:14 (Clock of life is ...)

7. Family oriented. Take great care of young. Often bring them to surface on warm days an allow them to enjoy sun between classes and then carry them below to protect them from cool nights. Adults will quickly give their own lives for the young. The young always eats first. Pro. 22:6

8. Disciplined. Will be expelled from colony for inappropriate behavior, improper actions or laziness. 1 Co 9:27

9. Organized. They are social insects often forming complex colonies. Some teach school, army, daycare, trash collectors, construction, scouts, laborers carrying food back. Team players. Often use their collective bodies to build a bridge to cross ditch. 1 Tim 3:15

10. Prepared. Build water tight hatches much like you would find on a ship to protect colony in case of flooding. Of course they store food in the summer for the future. Luke 12:16-20

Monday, February 1, 2010

Praying for Boldness

Eph 6:18-20

The great prophet Elijah serves as an example for us in the place of prayer. In James 5:17 we read that Elijah "was a man subject to like passions as we are." Elijah was not some kind of superman spiritually, but rather he was someone just like us. Elijah serves as a vivid demonstration of some one just like us. However, Elijah prayed. This presents us with a vital doctrine. Prayer is a must, an absolute necessity.

Likewise in our text Paul gives us a testimony to his own weakness when he asks the believers in Ephesus to pray for him. He wanted them to pray that his witness would be with boldness. Now this is truly an amazing request. Paul is declaring that he can not do it without their prayers.

Was not this the apostle who preached the gospel to both Jew and Gentile in public and from house to house at Ephesus (Acts 20:20)? Did not Luke record that "all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus" from the lips of Paul (Acts 19:10)?

And yet now, he requests prayer for boldness. Was Paul putting them on? Was this a self-conscious attempt at humility. No it was not.

I. A delightful request - “and for me

This was not a request for better treatment from the authorities, nor was it a request for more favorable conditions within his cell, nor was it a request for his release from captivity. Paul is not thinking about himself but his task.
He does not express a desire to escape, but he is overwhelmed with the tasks of telling others about the grace of God.

II. A definite responsibility - “as I ought

Paul was fully aware of the responsibility that he had been entrusted with. He lived under the burden of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

III. A dtermined repetition “Open my mouth boldly........may speak boldly
It is significant that Paul should repeat his request for prayer. Although he had been blessed by God and was famous among believers of his day, he realized that in his own strength he could no nothing. He needed strength to speak boldly and be the witness for Christ that he ought to be.
Paul felt his need of the prayer for the saints because he recognized the importance of his labors.
Paul valued the prayers of his friends and repeated his urgent request.

If the church at home believed more in the power of prayer and practiced it more earnestly, the missionary abroad would be more successful in his work.
When C. H. Spurgeon was once asked what was the secret of his ministry, he replied, “My people pray for me.”

Saturday, January 30, 2010

The Word of God to Equip

They Equip Us For The Fight - Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

When Paul described the armor of the believer, he only mentioned one offensive weapon: The sword of the Spirit, or the Word of God. The word sword comes from the Greek word “rhema”. It refers to what was called the “Roman short sword”. It was much like a dagger. This short sword was on the belt of every Roman Legionnaire. They carried wherever they went and used it in many tasks from preparing their food to hand to hand combat.

It is interesting that Paul should use this word for the Bible. In some other places, the word “logos” is used. The word “logos” refers to “the whole Word of God”. It is the same word used in John 1:1, where Jesus is called the Word of God. The word “rhema” refers to a “specific word”.

Think of it like this, the “logos” or the whole Bible brings to mind the idea of a complete armory. In that armory, there are weapons of every description. When a battle arises, we should be able to walk into that armory and select the perfect “rhema” or specific sword we need to fight that particular battle.

This is just what Jesus did on the Mount of Temptation, Matt. 4:1-11. Three times Jesus was tempted and three times Jesus walked into the great armory of the Word of God, entered the Deuteronomy room and walked out with the perfect sword with which He could stick the devil! (Ill. “It is written”, Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.)

Of course, before you can do this, you must be familiar with where the right swords are located within the armory! This means that you need to study the armory and familiarize yourself with placement of all the swords. Then when temptations and trials come, you can walk into the armory and find the perfect weapon for the day of your battle!

By the way, when you try to fight the battles of life and the enemy of life in your own strength, you will fail, 1 Cor. 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.. But, when you fight the battles of life with the Sword of the Spirit, you are assured of victory, Matt. 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him!

Learn the layout of the armory; it will enable you to fight far more efficiently!

Friday, January 29, 2010

Help! I Need An Attorney

Ps. 119:153-160 (Doctrinally, Jews in the tribulation)
Four things about the Psalmist:
1. His Affliction (v. 153). He prays for God to consider his problem
2. His Advocate (v. 154). He wants God to be his Attorney.
3. His Assailants (vs. 157-158). He has many enemies.
4. His Affirmation (vs. 159-160).

Situations arise that are beyond our control. We may need a lawyer.

You have been accused in the court of heaven (Rev. 12:10 cf. Job 1-2).
Christians have an Advocate! “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). Jesus is my “Counsellor” (Isa. 9:6)!
James says, “Is there any afflicted? Let him pray…” (cf. v. 153).

I. A Case to Ponder—“Consider…” — Weigh the evidence. Do I have a case? "If you will consider my case, I believe you will come to my aid."

A. Consider my AFFLICTION (v. 153).
1. Appeal to God’s pity. God was sympathetic to Israel when He considered their affliction in Egypt—“I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and I know their sorrows” (Ex. 3:7). “In all his people’s afflictions he is afflicted” (Isa. 63:9).
2. Appeal to God’s power—“Deliver me…”
3. Appeal to God’s promise— “according to thy word”
B. Consider my AFFECTION for Your Word (vs. 153b, 159a). He affirms of the truth and tenure of God’s Word (v. 159)!
v. 153,“I do not forget thy law” — I consider God’s Word
v. 157, “…yet do I not decline from thy testimonies” — I continue in God’s Word
v. 159, “I love thy precepts” — I cherish God’s Word.
1. Cooperation with an attorney is essential to winning a case.
2. “If I did not love Your Word, my plea for deliverance would be meaningless.”
3. Our prayer is in¬separably linked to our attitude towards the Bible— “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination” (Prov. 28:9).
4. Can I honestly, with confidence, ask God to consider how much I love the Bible? He loved God’s Word so much it grieved him when others did not keep it (v. 158). Grief is an outgrowth of love.

II. A Cry of Petition—

A. Cry for Rescue— “deliver me” (vs. 153, 154).
1. Persecutors (v. 157). 80 times he mentions persecution in this Psalm.
2. Enemies (v. 157).
3. Transgressors (v. 158). Difference between a friend and foe:
a. Friends do not decline from God’s Word (v. 157).
b. Foes reject God’s Word (v. 158).
c. The measure of one's distance from God is determined by one's relationship to God's Word. To be near one is to be near the other.
B. Cry for Revival— “quicken me” (vs. 154, 156, 159)—He is numb from being hurt. Needs a new infusion of abundant life. Occurs 11 times in Psalm 119. Cannot be asked too many times.
1. According to God’s Word (v. 154). God’s Word is alive.
2. According to God’s judgments (v. 156). A matter of God’s conditions. What does it mean to be infused with life? It means to be able to live life to it’s fullest extent. This requires the removal of things that God judges to hinder this kind of living.
3. According to God’s lovingkindness (v. 159). A matter of grace. We don’t deserve revival.

III. A Cause to Plead—
“Plead my cause…” (v. 154 cf. Ps. 35:1; 43:1). Isaiah prayed, “O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me” (Isa. 38:14).“I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted…” (Ps. 140:12).

A. Do we have a cause worth pleading?
B. Lord, I’m trying to win souls…
C. Lord, I’m trying to raise a Godly family…
D. Lord, I’m trying to practice good stewardship…
E. Lord, I’m trying to get a building built for Your work…
F. Lord, I’m trying to train Christian workers…
G. Lord, I’m trying to maintain a good Christian testimony where I work (go to school)…

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Doctrines

Someone ask if I would post this list. I hope it helps. Let me know if you can think of another doctrine I have left out

DEFINITIONS OF DOCTRINES

1. ANGELOLOGY -- DOCTRINES ABOUT ANGELS

2. ANTHROPOLOGY -- STUDIES ABOUT MAN

3. BIBLIOLOGY -- DOCTRINES ABOUT THE BIBLE

4. CHRISTOLOGY -- TEACHINGS ABOUT CHRIST

5. COSMOLOGY -- DOCTRINES OF THE UNIVERSE

6. DEMONOLOGY -- DOCTRINES OF DEVILS

7. DEONTOLOGY -- DOCTRINES OF MORALS

8. ECCLESIOLOGY -- DOCTRINES ABOUT THE CHURCH

9. EPISTEMOLOGY -- THEORIES OF KNOWLEDGE

10. ESCHATOLOGY -- DOCTRINES OF THE END TIMES

11. ETIOLOGY -- DOCTRINES OF ORIGINS

12. ETYMOLOGY -- STUDIES OF WORD MEANINGS

13. HAMARTIALOGY -- DOCTRINES ABOUT SIN

14. LEXICOLOGY -- DOCTRINES OF WORD USAGE

15. ONTOLOGY -- DOCTRINES ABOUT REALITY

16. PHILOSOPHY -- STUDIES OF THOUGHT AND BEHAVIOR

17. PNEUMATOLOGY -- TEACHINGS ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

18. PSYCHIATRY -- STUDIES OF MENTAL DISORDERS

19. PSYCHOLOGY -- STUDIES OF MENTAL PROCESSES

20. SATANOLOGY -- TEACHINGS ABOUT SATAN

21. SOCIOLOGY -- DOCTRINES OF HUMAN ASSOCIATIONS

22. SOTERIOLOGY -- DOCTRINES CONCERNING SALVATION

23. TELEOLOGY -- THEORIES OF FINAL RESULTS

24. THEOLOGY -- DOCTRINES CONCERNING GOD

25. TYPOLOGY -- STUDIES OF TYPES, THEMES, SYMBOLS, AND METAPHORS

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Dealing with Defeat

Joshua 7

I. The Consequences of Defeat – vs. 4,5

A. They Fled – running is the opposite of standing or fighting
B. They Feared – if you're afraid, you're defeated
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
C. They Fell – falling is a picture of being overcome with evil

II. The Concern of Defeat – vs. 6

A. A Time of Remorse – rent clothes; dust on their head
B. A Time of Reflection – and fell upon his face until eventide
C. A Time of Reproach – vs. 8
Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.


III. The Cause of Defeat

A. The Lacking – vs. 1-3
1. They lacked communication – God was angry but they didn't know it!
2. They lacked cooperation – let not all the people go up (vs. 3) No unity
3. They lacked caution – for they are but few; depended on their own strength
B. The Looking – vs. 21 when I saw
Lamentations 3:51 Mine eye affecteth mine heart
Psalms 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:
Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: C. The Lusting – then I coveted them
D. The Looting – and took them
E. The Lying – and they are hid

IV. The Cure of Defeat

A. A Sanctifying – vs. 13 ...Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow
B. A Separating – vs. 13 ...until ye take away the accursed thing from among you
C. A Severity - do not make excuses or be soft when it comes do dealing with sin
Note: They destroyed everything that was even remotely affiliated with Achan (all that he had)
D. A Sign – a great heap of stones unto this day (remember what happened!)


Conclusion: God doesn't want us to be defeated. When we are defeated, it's ALWAYS our fault. God is faithful and He is an ever present help in time of trouble. But you reap what you sow

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Jesus Changes Towns

JESUS CHANGED A TOWN WITH INDIVIDUALS -

John 4:39-42 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
This truth remains, when people are changed . . . towns, cities and society is changed!

A. Jesus Changed the Town through the Testimony of this Woman

1. The woman, who had been changed, brought to this town of Sychar an incredible change. She "testified" of the good news to her friends and family.
2. This five-time loser at the marriage altar, who was living with another man, was running up and down the streets urging people to come and hear the prophet who knew everything" (Vs. 28-30).
3. They observed the change conduct in her.
a. Arguing and nagging won't effect them, but changed behaviour will.
b. Has your family, you neighbour, your town experience change because of the change that has been made in you by Jesus?
c. If you are Christian have you shared your good news about Jesus with anyone?

B. Jesus Changed the Town with His Caring Words - Vs.40-41

1. When the people of Sychar heard Jesus they asked Him to stay. He was willing to alter His schedule to stay with them for two days.
2. Our agenda is not as important as God's agenda! We must stop and take the time to introduce people to the caring words of Jesus.

C. Jesus Changed the Town by the People Believing in Him - Vs.42

1. They experienced Jesus firsthand, and now their testimony and witness was from personal experience.
2. A town can be changed when people are so excited about Jesus that they tell others what a difference He made in their lives. Ireland is changing whether or not we like it. What kind of country do you want?

CONCLUSION:
Either we are "agents of change" or are we people who need to be changed? Which are you?
The scriptures speak so much to us today.
… We can change people through our witness of Jesus.
… We can be changed to view people differently.
… We can change our neighbourhood, our town and our country because of the difference Jesus makes.
Has Jesus Changed Us?

Monday, January 25, 2010

Paul Deals With Issues

1 Cor 1-5

1. The first issue was that of deception in the church

a. Paul warned them against substituting the so-called “wisdom of this world” for the “wisdom of God.”
1)Minimizing the need for the preaching of the cross – substituting a more “agreeable” message, a less offensive message, than that of a crucified Savior who shed his blood for the payment of our sins.
2)Minimizing the need for the power of God - relying instead on “enticing words” – something that has a more popular appeal than the plain preaching of the Bible.
b. Any time we substitute the wisdom of this world for the wisdom of God, the result will be deception in the church.

2. The second issue was that of division in the church.

a. The Corinthian church was divided over personalities.
b. They acted as if the church was built on men rather than on God.
c. Paul had to remind them that there is just one foun-dation on which the church is built – Jesus Christ.
1)There is just one Savior of all men – the Lord Jesus
2)There is just one Judge of all men – the Lord Jesus
3)Christians are not going to be judged based upon their popularity or their talents or their influence in the church, but on their faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
4)We are not to be followers of men, but followers of Christ.

3.The third issue is that of defilement in the church.

I want to remind you that Corinthians is a call to live like Je-sus in a non-Christian culture. That is one of the dominant themes of epistle. We are called to be saints – a distinctly Christian people in a defiantly un-Christian culture. While we must live in this world – and Paul makes that point in 5:9-10 – we must not live like the world. My friends, the call to follow Jesus Christ is a call to break ranks with this world and walk in step with the plans and purposes of God. It is a call to live by His grace and for His glory – and the Corinthian believers had erred in both of these.
1. One member was living in open, shocking sin – trampling the grace of God under his feet, acting as if grace means that sin doesn’t matter.
2. The other members, by their tolerance and acceptance of this man’s sin, were dishonoring and disgracing the glory of our holy Heavenly Father.
In a nutshell, that is why we must strive to live holy lives. De-filement in the church gives the world a distorted view of both God’s grace and God’s glory.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Church Growth Principles

1. Prayer or Spiritual Warfare

Prayer is indispensable to church growth. The principle of unified prayer, or prayer with one mind and purpose, is a thread that runs throughout Acts. Luke's initial description of the 120 shows that they followed Christ's command to wait for the Holy Spirit by obediently praying as a group Ac 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. See also Acts 4:18 (Sanhedrin); Acts 12:5 (Herod); Acts 11:11 (Peter's rescue).

2. A clear and unique vision

Pro 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish". Vision is God's plan of what he wants to accomplish in and through our lives and the lives of our churches. Several churches have vision statements they never use. What God blesses with success in one place is not necessarily His plan for any other. Every growing church has a sense of unique vision and purpose - a clear sense of direction. The church’s pastor and the members share a common vision for what God wants that church to accomplish. In most cases, the church’s pastor and the people can clearly describe and articulate their vision. This gives the people a sense of direction. They are moving toward an objective. They are not merely existing.

3. Leadership

A vigorous growing church is catalyzed by dynamic leadership that draws the entire church into action. For the church’s pastor to function as a good leader, he must have certain specific character qualities and carry out certain specific leadership responsibilities. The pastor must truly desire growth for the church and must be willing to pay the price in hard work. The leadership must lead the work to organize the mission, set goals, develop plans, and mobilize the people to accomplishment. He must be creative, innovative, and assertive with regard to the vision and mission God has for His work.

4. The recognition and importance of the members

The people of the work must be equipped to discover and use their gifts. They must be ready to assume new responsibilities and willingly hand over various leadership positions to other new people as the church continues to grow or expand.

5. Strategic Planning

The idea is to develop ongoing strategies that will help achieve the mission of the church. These should move the church toward realizing the accomplishment of its vision. With specific instructions from the Saviour, the apostles established a strategy to reach Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). Nehemiah positioned his people in areas of interests. Paul went to the synagogue and then the agora which was both a market place and centre of public life (Acts 7:17). A good church website can help your church to grow. Unfortunately there is an on-going war in this technological age: Technophilia vs. Technophobia. Several church leaders are yet to realize potential of a website for church growth. Yet a church website, specifically designed to reach outsiders, integrated with other appropriate outreach strategies, could be a major key to drawing non-Christians to your church.

6. Sunday School Classes

This could be stated as the principle of assimilation. Perhaps the most important aspect of this principle is that the church must be structured in a way that develops an organizational base for growth. The larger the base, the greater the possibilities for growth. Sunday school classes provide a critical function that facilitates a church's growth along with, Youth Groups, Ministries (Men, Women, Youth, Children) etc.

7. Indigenization

Paul and Barnabas left the indigenous churches with leadership that would provide the direction after the apostles departed. Though the forms of church government vary in the New Testament, they appointed elders to continue their leadership roles. The elders were within the church ("in every church" Acts 14:23) completing the indigenization process.

8. Open Gospel

In the early church, some regarded Christians as Jews who have received Jesus as the promised Saviour. Consequently, any Gentile desiring to become a Christian must first become a Jew. This 'closed' gospel was a major concern for Christians like Paul. The Jerusalem Council became a pivotal point in the history of the early church. Neither circumcision nor adaptation to the Jewish community would be a requisite. Christians today should discover the same attitude to the unbelieving world. Is the gospel open today, or does it carry the baggage of cultural expectations, idolatry of tradition etc? One should not necessarily become a member of your tribe before he is a Christian.

9. Follow-Up

The mission of the church is to win souls. Therefore, evangelism is not treated as a single principle since that is the primary mission of the church. The related concept of 'follow" is crucial for young Christians. According to Acts 15:36, And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. Follow-up could be regarded as a motherly instinct. It is a deliberate focus on young and new believers for the purpose of spiritual guidance and counseling.

10. Discipleship

According to John Wesley, leading souls to Christ without a discipleship program is to beget sons for the devil. Church growth is enhanced when each member becomes a part of the body (Eph. 4:16; Rom. 12:3-8; I Cor.12:12-22) and is endangered when they do not identify with the body. What we have learned must be committed to the faithful to teach others also 2 Tim 2:2. The importance of Bible Study, Sunday School Classes etc. cannot be overemphasized.

11. Sovereignty (Supreme Authority of God)

Despite the abundance of conflicts and setbacks in the early church, Luke communicates clearly that God is the final authority. Acts, in one perspective, is a narrative of the sovereign work of God in the midst of external and internal forces that would thwart any 'normal' movement. Though we are the vehicles to communicate the Gospel, our strength and power come from God. He gives the increase after the 'planting' and 'watering', He makes everything beautiful, not in our, but in His time. One sows, another waters but God gives the increase. The clay does not question the Potter's intent.

Friday, January 22, 2010

From Thinking To Knowing

II Kings 5:11,15
2Ki 5:11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
2Ki 5:15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.

I. A GREAT MAN - NAAMAN WAS A Prestigious PERSON

Here we have as the star of our story- the big dipper himself, Naaman by name.
A. virtuous citizen. (v.1)
He was a WELL KNOWN Syrian citizen. He was the Norman Schwarzkopf of his day. He had the prestige and prominence that went with such a powerful position.
Power personified, a prime candidate to be featured on "Lifestyles Of the Rich And Famous."
He was the king's right hand man. Vs 1b
B. victorious captain. For "by him the LORD had given deliverance" (v.1C)
Josephus and the Jews think that Naaman was the man who, in a recent war between Syria and Egypt, had loosed off his bow at a venture and killed Ahab, bringing deliverance to Syria and victory to his countrymen. Many medals were on his mantle.
C. valiant commander. "He was a mighty man in valor." (v.1d)
He was known for his courage and his bravery under fire. He had not earned his spur sitting in some desk pushing pencils, but out in front with his men fighting on the frontlines. He had all of the awards, the accolades, the applause, the approval that his king and his country could give to him. He was a man that every mother would want their daughter

II. A GRIEVOUS MALADY - NAAMAN HAD A Painful Problem

The world today loves FAME ! Naaman had it. The world today loves A FORTUNE ! Naaman had it. BUT-that’s not all he had…..!
His royal position- His ruined condition
A. A Captain - He was a Leader among the people of Syria.
B. A Conqueror - He was a Lifter of the people of Syria.
C. A Castaway - He was a Leper, separated from the people.
" the saddest slave in Syria would not change skins with him."
Leprosy was A pitiful sight & A picture of sin!
Naaman's problem was not just his leprous skin. It was his lost soul.
Naaman was not just sick, he was sinful.
Sin is not just a series of CRIMES; sin is a serious CONDITION. We are not sinners because we sin- we sin because we are sinners!
The Bible never speaks of leprosy being cured or healed. It is always cleansed. Because leprosy is the biblical picture of sin. We are never cured of sin, or healed of sin, we are cleansed of sin.
If you LEAVE LEPROSY alone…………you will die. Same for sin- Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. Any garment that was found defiled with leprosy was burned. Leprosy destines things for the fire. There is only one place for sin, and that is in the fires of God’s judgment.
He had tried every ointment, every salve, every medicine, every doctor, every hospital, every cure, every remedy, but to no avail.
Then a little slave girl, a foreigner, suggests to his wife that he go to a foreign land to a prophet he had never seen, to receive a cure he was not even sure was there. (vv.2-3) What a picture of all Christians. We have with us the message of life and liberty and cleansing and forgiveness but do the powers that be pay any mind?
No. They are too busy exploring space and building faster airplanes and pumping more and more money into education.

III. A GRAVE MISCONCEPTIONS - NAAMAN MADE A Perilous Presumption

Naaman had come to the end of his rope. He had tried everything else. So he goes in to his master, the king of Syria, and tells him of his problem. (v.4)
In return he receives two things: the king's ransom, and the king's recommendation (vv. 5-6)
(A) THE WRONG PRICE
It was an impressive trove of treasure which Naaman loaded into his caravan. ( 5:5) You see Naaman though that he could PAY for salvation !
Salvation was purchased with the most precious substance in the universe .... the blood of God's Son and it is" without money and without price." ( Isa 55:1) Do you think that you can buy your way into Heaven ? (a)
He thought salvation was for sale, so he took the king's ransom to buy his cure.
God is not for sale. Listen, you not only cannot buy God, God has already bought you. The Bible says, "You have been bought with a price." (I Cor. 6:20)
The richest person in all of the world does not have enough money to buy one square foot of heaven. You cannot buy what is not for sale.
(b) THE WRONG PERSON
He went to Jehoram the King of Israel ! Naaman is knocking on the Wrong Door ! Governments cannot solve the problems of the world, only God can. Many today are knocking at the wrong door for salvation! Education and legislation are not the answer for the problems of men; the answer is in a transformation by the Gospel of Christ!

Some knock at the door of a Priest ! Somehow they feel that if go regularly to a man and confess their sin they'll receive absolution. But the Bible says, " There is one mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus." ( 1 Tim 2:5).... there is ONE DOOR where you can find cleansing from the leprosy of sin and that door is the Lord Jesus for He Himself said, " I am the door by me .... saved." ( Jn 10:9)
Salvation, the Bible way is not in:
o Pope, preacher, or people (It's the Person of Christ.)
o Water, wafer or works (It's the Word)
o Church, catechism, or Charisma (It's Christ)
o Holy water, holy cow, or holy laughter.-It's the Holy Ghost!
You say preacher but I’ve been baptized. Did that not save me?
You can be Baptized, Catechized, Civilized, Homogenized, Pasteurized, Sanitized, Americanized, Deodorized, Eulogized, Canonized Glamorized, Hypnotized, Customized, Naturalized, & Modernized
But you will never be saved until you are Evangelized -SAVED BY THE GRACE OF God!!!
(v.7-8) All the king's horses and all the king's men could not put poor Naaman back together again. You cannot buy God with money, and you cannot bribe God with morality. Neither your gold nor your goodness is going to get you anywhere with God.

IV. A GODLY MAN - NAAMAN MET A Powerful Prophet

VS.8 The real hero of the story now comes I, a prophet by the name of Elisha. He was exactly what Naaman needed.
A. He Was A Man Of God
Naaman did not just need a man to do God's work. He needed a man to preach God's word. He didn't just need a man to call on God. He needed a man who was called by God.
1.) He was a faithful man.
Most preachers in Elisha's situation would have said, "Let the king handle that problem, that's what we are paying him for." But not Elisha. He sends word to the king and says, "What Naaman needs is not a politician. What he needs is a prophet and a preacher. Tell him to come to me."
2.) He was fearless.
Naaman rides up to this little prophet's single wide on his beautiful white stallion, surrounded by his soldiers, his medals are gleaming in the sun. -Elisha won't even come out and talk to him. Elisha feared no one but God.
Naaman wanted to be heard. He wanted to be honored, but he needed to be healed. This man of God paid no attention to his position, his power, his prestige, his possessions. Naaman came as a general who happened to be a leper, but he was treated like a leper who happened to be a general. It takes a man of God to confront a man without God about his need for God.
3.) He was also forthright.
He did not tell Naaman what he wanted to hear, but he told him what he needed to hear. He said, "Naaman, I don't care about your reputation. I don't care about your recommendation. You are sick, you are sinful, you need to be healed, and you need to be saved."
B. He Had A Message From God (v.10)
Elisha's message is simple and straight forward. We have a message today that is simple and straight forward--"Jesus Saves!" Now you would think such a simple, sweet, straight forward message would be well received. But notice Naaman's reaction. (v.11)
Naaman had a choice. He could either die in his pride, or he could die to his pride.
The only thing that keeps a person from walking down the aisle of a church is pride. The only thing that keeps a person from getting into a baptistry is pride. The only thing that keeps a person from getting involved in Bible Study is pride. The only thing that keeps a person from selling out to the church is pride.

V. A GLORIOUS MIRACLE - NAAMAN WENT THROUGH A Purifying Process

A. His humiliation
Proud Naaman humbled himself.
1. He submitted to the servants
2. He submitted to the stream
3. He submitted to the saying "according to the saying of the man of God." Before Namman could be cleansed, he must submit to the Word of God.
Hope For Healing Begins With Hearing
Faith is to believe the Word of the Lord , to do it God’s way and not our own.
B. His transformation
Naaman obeyed, and as he result, he was healed. " a little child." He was BORN AGAIN.

VI. A GREAT metamorphosis - NAAMAN WAS A PUBLIC PROFESSION

Naaman was a different man inside as well as the outside.
A. He returned…He didn’t return to the bartender or the drug pusher!
Acts 4:23 – "And being let go, they went to THEIR OWN company…"
B. He recruited. He got all his men involved. There before all of his soldiers, before all of the world, he professes his faith in God.
C. He remunerated (vs. 15-17).
D. He renounced (v. 17).
" I thought," has given way to " I know." Naaman made a great discovery, the supreme discovery for any soul. What a contrast there is between Naamans first appearance at Elisha's door and his second !

Conclusion: I want you to notice a verse in the NT.
Luke 4:27 — And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
There were MANY lepers in the days of Elisha. Why was Naaman the only one healed?
Will you come to Calvary, to the place of cleansing? Isa 1:18

Thursday, January 21, 2010

ALMOST GONE…..UNTIL

Psa 73:1-28

We have in this chapter a man by the name of Asaph writing this psalm. The Bible gives us a little information concerning this man in 1Ch 15:16-19 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy. 15:17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah; 15:18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters. 15:19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;
So we understand a little about the person who penned this psalm. Asaph was someone who was more than likely very acquainted with things in and out of the house of God, however sometimes in spite of his being in church and seeing the Lord’s hand on a daily basis he got to a point just where he said “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.” And so like Asaph we can get to a point if we are not careful where we as well are almost gone. I believe Asaph got in the condition and state of mind he was in the same way we get in that condition and state of mind and that is by dwelling upon the same things that Asaph dwelt on in this Psalm of his. He dwelt on…….
1. Their Prosperity vs3, 12
73:3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
73:12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
2. Their Pride 73:6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
3. Their Possessions 73:7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 4. Their Philosophy vs8-9, 11
73:8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
73:11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

Asaph spent way to much time thinking about all the bad and not enough of the good. And it got him to where he was almost gone……UNTIL verse 17

I. HE ENTERED HIMSELF IN THE SANCTUARY

He went to the House of God….many times when church folk have problems they lay out of Church. And you will never get strength to overcome the personal struggles and thoughts that attack you by staying out of Church. I HONESTLY DON’T KNOW HOW SOME FOLKS MAKE IT WITH THE DIET OF CHURCH THEY HAVE. But Asaph sucked it up and knew he could find help at the House of God!

II. HE EDUCATED HIMSELF IN THE SPIRIT

When Asaph went into the House of God he heard the Word of God and realized “how should a young man cleanse his way, but by taking heed thereto according to thy word
Psa 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

III. HE ENJOYED HIMSELF IN THE SAFETY

A. OF GOD’S PRESENCE VS23
B. OF GOD’S PROTECTION VS24
C. OF GOD’S PERSON VS25
D. OF GOD’S PROVISION VS26
E. OF GOD’S PUNISHMENT VS27
F. OF GOD’S PROMISES VS28

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

WHAT DOTH HINDER ME TO BE BAPTIZED?

Acts 8:26-39

This is another account of the Bible Principle of one won by one. We find five essentials for leading a soul to Christ. The five essentials are:

1. You will always find a sinner.

vs. 27“And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship
Rom. 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God
Ecc. 7:20 “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”
Part of the reason why we are not seeing people saved is that they do not believe they are sinners. It is absolutely essential that they understand they are sinners. Our sinner in this passage was a rich and important man in the Ethiopian kingdom but before the day was over, he saw himself lost and on his way to hell.

2. You will find a soul winner.

vs. 30 “And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?”
Philip was man who was convinced that men were lost. Too many times, we pray “Lord, make me a soul winner.” but we are unwilling to give the Gospel to those who God places in our path. These last few weeks the Lord has opened many opportunities for folks to witness for the Lord. A soul winner is a lover of men’s souls. a soul winner is wise.
Pro. 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”
Dan. 12:3 “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”

3. You will always find the scriptures.

vs. 30 “And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?”
Rom. 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
There is no salvation apart from the scriptures.
2 Tim. 3:15 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
It is not just any ordinary scripture passage that this man was reading. He was reading Isa. 53:7-8. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.”
What a passage this is. It tells the Gospel story and the mission of our Saviour so plain. In fact, many Jewish Bibles do not have this in them because the Jewish rabbis are afraid of the truth that is found there. When you reflect of what it cost for our salvation, it should be bring joy to our hearts and a praise to our lips.

4. You will always find the Spirit of God.

vs. 29 “Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.”
John 3:5-8 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
When a man, woman, boy or girl is under conviction, it is the Holy Spirit that is dealing with them. If you are saved today, then it will be the Holy Spirit that will draw you.

5. You will always find the Saviour.

vs. 35 “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.”
Ro 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jesus went to Calvary just for the express purpose to save men, women, boys and girls. Remember what Luke 19:10 said “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

The Bible Way to Heaven

1. We Must Recognize Our Condition

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) No one is good enough to go to Heaven on his own merit. No matter how good or moral we are, we still fall short. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…” (Titus 3:5)

2. We Must Realize the Penalty for Our Sin

For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a) A wage is our “earnings” or “hire.” The wage (or penalty) of our sin is eternal death. According to the Bible, there is a punishment for our sin. This is a complete and permanent separation from God in a place He calls Hell.

3. We Must Understand that Christ Died in Our Place

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Jesus Christ’s great love for us was shown when He died on the cross of Calvary to pay our sin debt. “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” (I John 4:9) “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened (made alive) by the Spirit:” (I Peter 3:18)

4. We Must, by Faith, Trust Jesus Christ Alone as Our Savior

“…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23b) Everlasting life, an eternal home in Heaven, is a gift that was purchased by the shed blood of Jesus Christ and is offered freely to anyone who will, by faith, receive Him. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

This can all be summed up in one of the most recognizable verses from the Bible. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” If you understand what the Bible says and want to go to Heaven, you can! Simply put your trust in Jesus Christ and ask Him to save you. If you would like to be saved, tell Jesus through prayer that you are trusting Him alone to save you.

“Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner. Please forgive me of my sins. By faith, I believe that Jesus paid for my sins, and now the best I know how I am trusting you and you alone to take me to Heaven when I die. Amen!”