Kansas Preacher

Revival: Who Needs It?”

2010-10-16T12:02:00.001-05:00

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.

WHERE WILL SALVATION TAKE YOU?

2010-09-24T09:22:00.002-05:00

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.

A MINISTRY THAT FAILED

2010-06-15T10:04:00.001-05:00

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.”

Temple of God

2010-05-04T06:35:00.001-05:00

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...

THE STYLE OF LIGHT

2010-05-03T06:28:00.002-05:00

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.

A Godly Mother

2010-04-29T05:00:00.001-05:00

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)

He's Everything To Me

2010-04-24T05:47:00.002-05:00

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.

Making a Difference

2010-04-23T06:30:00.003-05:00

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.”

THE WORD OF GOD IS:

2010-04-22T05:14:00.002-05:00

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.)

PRODIGAL SON’S BIOGRAPHY

2010-04-21T07:00:00.002-05:00

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.

SEVEN FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS

2010-04-20T05:25:00.002-05:00

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.)

WALKING WITH THE LORD

2010-04-14T04:50:00.001-05:00
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.

SEVEN AREAS OF FAITH

2010-04-07T16:00:00.002-05:00
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.)

IF THERE IS NO RESURRECTION

2010-04-03T22:03:00.002-05:00
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

Lessons From A Blind Man

2010-03-05T07:00:00.002-06:00
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

Will Ye Also Go Away?

2010-03-04T06:09:00.001-06:00
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!

What Are They Among So Many?

2010-03-03T07:03:00.002-06:00
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!)

The New Birth

2010-03-02T07:20:00.000-06:00
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

Our Purpose

2010-03-01T07:55:00.002-06:00
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

COMMON SAYINGS

2010-02-05T07:11:00.002-06:00
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)

There Came Down A Storm

2010-02-04T07:47:00.002-06:00
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.

Beware Of Altering God’s Word

2010-02-03T07:06:00.002-06:00
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!

THE LITTLE ANT

2010-02-02T06:49:00.002-06:00
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

Praying for Boldness

2010-02-01T06:29:00.002-06:00
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.”

The Word of God to Equip

2010-01-30T06:53:00.002-06:00
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!

Help! I Need An Attorney

2010-01-29T06:16:00.002-06:00
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)…

Doctrines

2010-01-28T05:52:00.002-06:00
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

Dealing with Defeat

2010-01-27T05:56:00.002-06:00
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

Jesus Changes Towns

2010-01-26T06:01:00.002-06:00
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?

Paul Deals With Issues

2010-01-25T06:15:00.004-06:00
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.

Church Growth Principles

2010-01-23T07:44:00.002-06:00
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.

From Thinking To Knowing

2010-01-22T06:40:00.002-06:00
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

ALMOST GONE…..UNTIL

2010-01-21T08:04:00.002-06:00
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

WHAT DOTH HINDER ME TO BE BAPTIZED?

2010-01-20T05:46:00.002-06:00
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.”

The Bible Way to Heaven

2010-01-19T07:24:00.002-06:00
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!”

“ IN THE LORD “

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1. BELIEVE IN THE LORD. (Acts 9:42)
“ And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.”

2. STAND FAST IN THE LORD. ( Phil. 4:1)
“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. “

3. REJOICE IN THE LORD. (Phil. 4:4)
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. “

4. LABOR IN THE LORD. (1 Cor. 15:58)
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. “

5. OBEY PARENTS IN THE LORD. (Eph. 6:1)
“ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. “

6. MARRY IN THE LORD. ( 1 Cor. 7:39)
“ The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. “

7. DIE IN THE LORD. ( Rev. 14:13)
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. “

STYLE OF LIGHT

2010-01-16T06:41:00.002-06:00
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???

MANY STYLES OF LIGHTS...................................

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.

THE MESSAGE

2010-01-15T05:04:00.002-06:00
I JOHN 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

1. SCRIPTURES ARE STILL PROFITABLE (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. SALVATION IS STILL BY GRACE. (EPH.2:8,9) 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.

3. SURRENDER IS STILL THE PREREQUISITE FOR SERVICE. (ROM.12:1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

4. SERVICE IS STILL THE PATHWAY TO JOY. (JN.15:10,11) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

5. STUDY IS STILL THE SOURCE OF GOD’S APPROVEL. (2 TIM.2:15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

6. SUPPLICATION IS STILL THE SOURCE OF POWER. (Jer 33:3) Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

7. SOULWINNING IS STILL THE MAIN BUSINESS OF THE CHURCH. (Pr 11:30) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Exceeding Things

2010-01-14T06:03:00.002-06:00
Eph. 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

1. Man's exceeding Sin (Gen. 13:13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.)

2. Christ's exceeding Sorrow (Matt. 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.)

3. God's exceeding Grace (Eph. 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.)

4. The Believer's exceeding Joy (1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: ; 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.)

Known in its extent and guilt by God alone

Endured by Him on behalf of guilty man

Cause of man's salvation apart from his own merit

Already enjoyed in part; to be perfected in heaven

Christ's Divine Glories

2010-01-13T07:04:00.002-06:00
Hebrews 1:1-3. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

1. The Son - In whom God speaks to all. Vs. 1.

2. The Universal Heir - Possessing all. Vs. 2.

3. The Creator of Worlds - Forming all. Vs. 2.

4. The Effulgence of God's Glory - Declaring all. Vs. 3.

5. The Image of His Person - Manifesting all. Vs. 3.

6. The Upholding of Worlds - Sustaining all. Vs. 3.

7. The Purger of Sins - Putting away all. Vs. 3.

THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

2010-01-11T05:26:00.002-06:00
Heb 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: (KJV)
Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (KJV)

1. THE BLOOD BRINGS CONVICTION.
Matt 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person:see ye to it. (KJV)

2. THE BLOOD BRINGS CONVERSION.
Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

3. THE BLOOD BRINGS CLEANSING.
1JN 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

4 THE BLOOD BRINGS CONFIDENCE.
REV 12:10-11 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

5. THE BLOOD BRINGS CONDEMNATION
EZEK 3:18-21 18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

Hell Is

2010-01-09T05:44:00.002-06:00
Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

We are not only living in a time when political correctness is threatening our basic rights and freedom, but we are in a time when pulpit correctness is causing us to avoid things that people may find offensive to our “Modern Civilized Thinking”

There are 162 references in the New Testament alone which warns of hell. And over 70 of these references were uttered by the Lord Jesus Christ!

Let’s look at this place called Hell, together for a few moments this morning.

1. HELL IS A REAL PLACE CALLED HELL!

Since the days of Jesus, people have refused to believe in a place called Hell.
Some religious organizations teach the Bible does not promote an eternal hell.
The Word of God must be our reference point if we are to prove hell is a real place.

2 Peter 2:4; For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment

2. Hell is An Eternal PLACE!

Matthew 25:46; And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

It is worth noting the same word is used to describe God (Romans 16:26) and The Holy Spirit (Hebrews 9:4). If one were to cease to exist, that same day, all would cease to exist.
This place called Hell is eternal. A place we do not want to spend eternity, nor a place we would want anyone to spend eternity.
Yet, what are we doing to see that not one person goes to this dreadful place?

3. Hell is a Dark Place!

Matthew 25:30; And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The significance of the darkness is that the merciful God is not there!
Where God is, there is light! [Revelation 22:5] Hell is dark, BECAUSE there is no presence of God there.
Where God is not, that is Hell!
By you and I spreading the light of Christ we are keeping them from hell!

4. Hell is a place of Fire!

The Scripture is repetitive on the subject.

Matthew 3:12; Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

5. Hell is a place of Intense Pain!

Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

Webster’s dictionary defines torment as:. Extreme pain; anguish; torture; the utmost degree of misery, either of body or mind.

6. Hell is a place of no hope!

If hell were to last 1000 years, we could say at the end of the first day, we only have 999 years, 364 days left, and I'm gone.
If hell were to last 1,000,000 years, then after the first day we could say I have only 99,999 years, 364 days left, and buddy, I'm gone!
If there were even a small light at the end of the tunnel, those who would enter hell could withstand the pain, the flames, the darkness, and the horror of it all. With hope, we can survive.
Without it we cannot. In hell we have no hope, and we cannot die!

7. Hell is An avoidable Place

There is no hope in hell!
There is no hope in religion!
There is no hope in good works!
There is no hope in baptism or church membership!

Christian friend HELL IS where your parent, your child, your relatives, and your friends will go without Christ!
Can they see evidence of Christ’s salvation in you? Will they hear about Christ’s salvation from you?
Bring them to church with you and I will tell them about Jesus Salvation for you!
What ever you do don’t let the go to hell without hearing about its reality and torment from you!

Lost friend come to Christ who is your only hope as we sing the invitation hymn and avoid hell!

APPROVED OF GOD

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2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.;

Mt. 25:14-25; Mt 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

People seek approval. (Teens want the approval of their friends. Employees seek the approval of their boss.)
We should all seek GOD’S APPROVAL!
Does God approve of what I’m doing?

GOD’S STANDARDS OF APPROVAL (see Mt. 25:21). 5 essentials…

I. “WELL” —Approval of the CALIBER of our work (Excellence)
A. Anything worth doing, is worth doing “well.”
1. The Bible says Jesus “hath done all things well…” (Mk. 7:37). HE IS OUR EXAMPLE.
2. Jehu (2 Kings 9:20-24, 27, 30-33 cf.10:18-30)
3. Philippians support of Paul (Phil. 4:14).
B. Too many do things halfheartedly. Mediocre ministries.
Colossians 3:23-24— “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Who are you doing it for?
Ecclesiastes 9:10— “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…”
C. Jesus deserves our BEST.

II. “DONE”— Approval of the COMPLETION of our work (Achievement).
A. Our job is not done yet! It is no time to quit now. Finish what you start.
B. God’s never commends quitters.
C. What have you ever accomplished for the Lord’s sake? The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul (Prov. 13:18).

III. “THOU GOOD” — Approval of the CHARACTER of the worker (Integrity).
A. Notice, this is an individual commendation (“THOU…”). We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
B. Jesus went about “doing good.” God does not commend just any kind of doing, but doing the GOOD THING.
C. Goodness is part of the fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:22). ILLUS. Barnabas (Acts 11:23-24).

IV. “FAITHFUL” — Approval of the CONSISTENCY of the worker (Determination)
A. Be not be weary in “WELL DOING” (Gal. 6:9).
B. The one thing God requires of us is FAITHFULNESS (1 Cor. 4:2).
C. Are you faithful? Are you consistent?

V. “SERVANT” — Approval of the COMPLIANCE of the worker (Self-denial).
A. A servant has no plan of his own.
B. A servant has no property of his own.
C. A servant has no problems of his own.

These are characteristics of one who is approved of God - All five are ESSENTIAL for God’s approval.
1. Your CALIBER of your work
2. Your COMPLETION of your task.
3. Your CHARACTER in your work
4. Your CONSISTENCY at your work
5. Your COMPLIANCE to God’s direction.

Will you bear God’s stamp of approval?

Lord Save Me

2010-01-07T06:08:00.002-06:00
Matt. 14:30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Intro: Short Prayers:

1. David Prayed, “ Lord hear me.”
2. Canaanite Woman prayed, "Lord help me”
3. Peter prayed, “ Lord save me.”
4. Jacob, Lord save me from Esau.
5. David, Lord save me from Saul

This is a good prayer for:

1. SINNERS, Lord save me from Eternal Damnation.
A. Thief on the cross, Lord remember me.
B. Disciples, Lord save us, we perish.
C. Some try to bargain with God.

2. SAINTS, Lord save me from a wasted life.

3. SENIORS, Lord save me from Regrets in old age.
“ I wish I had gotten involved in the church and the ministries earlier in my life.”

4. SERVANT, Lord save me from embarrassment at the judgement seat of Christ.
“ Song, “I’ll wish I had given Him more.”

5. SERIOUS CHRISTIAN, Lord save me from a cabin in the corner of glory land.

SAVED BY HIS LIFE

2010-01-06T06:39:00.002-06:00
ROMANS 5:1-10

2COR 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

Have been Saved - past - Justification - Rel. to Calvary.
Are being Saved - present - Sanctification - Rel to Companionship.
Will be Saved - future - Glorification - Rel to Coming.

Anchient mythology, there is a story of a man who was continually persued by an enemy - The enemy was allergic to the aroma & scent of a certain herb - The man in the story carried some of the herb in his possession all the time and everywhere he went and was safe from the enemy.

Mosquito repellent keeps these pesky little creatures at a distance. A person vaccinated with measle germ does not catch measles. A person can take a pill to relax, get high, or to control mood. When Jesus comes into our life He vaccinates us against World, flesh,& devil. Christ in us gives us certain characteristics. He builds a fence around us and the devil cannot get to us.

1. HIS MEEKNESS WILL KEEP OUR APPEARANCE CORRECT. (1Pet 3:3-5)" Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: "

2. HIS LOVE WILL CONTROL OUR HABIT PATTERNS. (John 14:21) "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." (Luke 7:47) "Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little."

3. HIS POWER WILL KEEP US FROM FALLING INTO SIN. (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."

4. HIS SPIRIT WILL ENABLE US TO WITNESS WITH EFFECT. (Acts 4:33) "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all."

5. HIS HOLINESS WILL ASSURE US OF ANSWERED PRAYER. (John 15:5-7) "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather th em, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."

6. HIS ZEAL WILL PRESS US TO ABOUND IN THE WORK. (1Cor 15:58) "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

7. HIS COMING WILL DELIVER US FROM DISCOURAGEMENT. (James 5:7-8) "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."

Missplaced Love

2010-01-05T05:47:00.001-06:00
Six Areas Where Love Is Misplaced

1. LOVE OF SELF. 2Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

2. LOVE OF MONEY. 1Tim 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

3. LOVE OF PRAISE. Joh 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

4. LOVE OF WORLD. 1Joh 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

5. LOVE OF PLEASURE. 2Tim 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

6. LOVE OF DARKNESS. Joh 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

2010-01-04T06:10:00.001-06:00
In The Gravedigger File, Os Guinness lists four steps for introducing liberal ideas into the church.

1. Assumption: Some aspect of modern thought (such as evolution) or behavior is assumed to be superior to traditional Christian beliefs.

2. Abandonment: That which is considered old-fashioned or inconsistent with modern thought is abandoned.

3. Adaptation: Truth is redefined and traditional beliefs are altered to accommodate the new teaching.

4. Assimilation: As the new teaching takes root, it develops into full-blown compromise or worldliness and Christianity surrenders to some aspect of the culture of its day.

I have seen this downward progression in so many churches. It serves as a warning to me.

Religious Experiences

2010-01-02T07:00:00.000-06:00
Types of Religious Experiences Common in Our Day

1. WORD - SPIRIT = LEGALISM “Moses Said”

2. SPIRIT - WORD = FANATISM “ Whoope “

3. WORD + SPIRIT = CONVICTION “Agrippa “

4. WORD + SPIRIT - FAITH = “ Hard Heart “

5. WORD + FAITH - SPIRIT = “ Dead Orthodoxy “

6. SPIRIT + FAITH - WORD = Cults

7. WORD + SPIRIT + FAITH = God Working in us

Getting It Right in 2010

2010-01-01T05:45:00.002-06:00
2 Kings 18 & 2 Chronicles 29-32

Traditional New Years’ greetings: what are they? What do they tell us about people’s expectations for the coming year? What can we do to realize these expectations? From the life of King Hezekiah, we discover a three-stage process that can help us “get it right” in the New Year

Stage One: Starting Right

1. A popular New Year’s tradition—with a catch!
2. Hezekiah’s resolution was to do right (2 Kings 18:3)
3. A fact of life: most people are unable to keep their resolutions; why do you think this is so? (Hint: see Romans 7:15-25)
4. Hezekiah’s resolve to do right is all the more amazing in light of some of the obstacles he faced including: His age/youthfulness (but remember 1 Tim 4:12), His power and position, His family background (see 2 Kings 17:1-2)
5. What are some of the obstacles we might face that would hinder our resolve? What can we do about them?
6. Hezekiah did not only resolve to do right: “He trusted in (or relied on) the Lord God of Israel . . .” (2 Kings 18:7)

Stage Two: Stepping Right

1. Resolving to start the New Year right is only just that: a good start.
2. Hezekiah’s right start was followed by his taking some right steps including:
3. The “push/pull” principle
a. Stepping away/stepping towards (here)
b. Cast off/put on (Romans 13:12-14)
c. Flee/follow (2 Timothy 2:22)
d. Lay aside/be doers (James 1:21-22)
e. Resist/draw near (James 4:8)

Stage Three: Staying Right

1. Starting and stepping right are only half the battle; the real challenge comes with staying right long term.
2. Hezekiah’s epitaph: “he did what was right in the sight of the Lord” (18:3) and “[before or] after him was none like him” (18:5; 2 Chron. 32:32-33).
3. How is it possible that Hezekiah could “stay right” his entire life? Our texts give us some indication as to how he accomplished this:
a. He held fast (or clung to) the Lord (2 Kings 18:6a)
b. He was committed to knowing and obeying God’s commands (2 Kings 18:6b)
c. He knew that the Lord was with him (2 Kings 18:7)
d. He knew that doing right was ultimately the path to blessing (2 Kings 18:7)
e. He was committed to worship ( see 2 Chron. 29:3,29-30)

Over This Jordon

2009-12-30T04:54:00.002-06:00
Joshua 1:1-18 “ Now therefore arise, go over this Jordon………..”

Joshua 3:5 “ Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you”

Moses pictures the Old Year & Joshua pictures the coming New Year.
We have a picture of the Law passing to be replaced by Grace.

I. PREPARATION must be made. V. 11
Decisions are a must.
Dedication will be necessary.
Determination is essential.

II. PROMISES of God to be considered. V. 3-5
Property promised.
Protection promised.
Presence promised.

III. POSSESSIONS to be possessed. V. 11
The Land had been given to them but they had to claim it.
The same is true of our Salvation.
The same is true of the Spirit’s Filling.

IV. PRESENCE of the Lord to be realized. V. 9
His presence gives Courage.
His presence gives Comfort.

V. PROBLEMS to be expected. V. 4
The obstacles are opportunities in disguise.
The Lord could have given them the land trouble free.
The Lord could have had an angel cleat the land.

VI. POWER of God to be obtained. V. 5
God’s power is available.
God’s power must be asked for.
God’s power must be assimilated.

VII. PROSPERITY to be enjoyed. V 7,8
Prosperity promised.
Plan of prosperity explained.

A New Year

2009-12-29T05:24:00.002-06:00
Psa. 39:12,13 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.
Psa 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

A. David’s Prayer. (39:12)
B. David’s Patience. (40:1)
C. David’s Praise. (40:2,3.)
D. David’s Preaching. (40:4) Job prayed this same prayer. (Job.10:21)

1. OUR PERISHING CAN BE RESCUED
“He brought me up out of an horrible pit “

2. OUR PLYABLE CAN BE RESTORED
“out of the miry clay”

3. OUR POSITION CAN BE RENEWED.
“ set my feet upon a solid rock”

4. OUR PILGRIMS CAN BE REINFORCED.
“ establishes my goings “

5. OUR PRAISE WILL BE RECEIVED.
“ put a new song in my mouth “

6 OUR PRODUCTIVITY WILL BE THE RESULT.
“ many shall see and trust in the Lord”

Success In 2010

2009-12-28T05:09:00.002-06:00
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

To be a success in 2010, don’t plan to reach that fantasy place called success, rather plan to do successful things each day. “Success is a journey, not a destination.”
Formula To Be Successful: Don’t plan to be successful, Plan to do successful things.

1. Being successful on the inside is your first step to doing successful things. God’s first instructions were, “Be strong and of a good courage” (Joshua 1:6).
If you win on the inside, you win your first victory; If you lose on the inside, the battle is over.

2. Take responsilbity for your growth and future achievement.
You acquire your greastest ability, when you begin taking responsibility. “Arise, go over this Jordan, you and all the people” (Joshua 1:2). You start growing to become what you can be, When you take responsibility for what you can do.

3. Follow good role models in doing successful things. Moses was dead. Now Joshua had to do the things Moses had modeled.

4. Commit yourself to your task to do successful things. “Meditate . . . that you may do.”
You get strength to do, when you make a commitment to do.

5. Learn to rise above your mistakes to do successful things.
Joshua knew that Israel had disobeyed God 40 years earlier. Now their children were given the same opportunity to obey God and enter the Promised Land. To refuse because you think you will fail is to do nothing and to actually fail. .God promised Joshua, “I will not fail you, nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). Let mistakes be the tuition you pay for your education and advancement.

6. Doing what you promise leads to successful things.
I may have failed but, I’m not a failure. God told Joshua, “Rise go over this Jordan” (Joshua 1:2). Next God promised, “Every place that the sole of your foot shall walk upon, that I have given you” (Joshua 1:3). God promised to overcome obstacles, “There shall not any man be able to stand before you” (Joshua 1:5). “So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord said” (Joshua 11:23).

7. discipline yourself to do what you have to do.
First you think about doing, then you commit yourself to doing. Prioriitize your work and life to do successful things.

8. Giving more to others than expected leads to doing successful things.
Don’t judge each day by what you get, rather, judge each day by what you give.

9. Believing in yourself will lead to doing things successfully.
Belief in yourself, is not what you possess. Belief in yourself, is what possesses you.

A YEAR FOR NEW BEGINNINGS!!

2009-12-26T04:12:00.002-06:00
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

A new year always presents a challenge. There is something about the New Year period that makes most of us want to start something over again in our lives. I wonder how many people have started off in life then got messed up and failed? Most of them never start over again.

Maybe today, you are sort of down and out, then you need to start over again. I am going to list five areas that are most common and that need a new beginning this coming year. If any of these speak to you or seem to challenge you, then let God make a new beginning in that area of your life.

I. SOME OF YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING IN BIBLE READING AND STUDY

When I Was Younger I Thought Only Preachers Read The Bible Through. When I went to Bible college they told the class I was in that one requirement was to read the entire Bible through that school year. I thought it would be impossible to accomplish that. I learned that it really wasn’t very hard. The 1189 chapters can be read in one year by reading a little more than three chapters a day.

II. SOME OF YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING IN YOUR SERVICE FOR GOD

Nothing can take the place of that peace of doing what God wants you to do.
I was in a service one time when a man in his middle 50’s walked down the aisle weeping, and told the congregation that God had called him to preach when he was 20 years old and he rejected that call. He told us he had lived in misery ever since.

III. SOME OF YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING IN YOUR MARRIAGE

There are many marriages that are just holding on. Reconstruct your marriage around the Bible, the Church, the people Of God. Most couples won’t argue and fight when they are around other Christians. Keep yourself involved with Christian fellowship.

VI. SOME OF YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING IS HELPING OTHERS

Ps 41:1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
Pr 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Each of us should be involved in a ministry of helping others.
A ministry of giving to others.
1. Giving self.
2. Giving money.
3. Giving time.
4. Giving kindness.
Our church will never go on to the next level of growth until we each begin to giving ourselves to others.

V. SOME OF YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING IN YOUR LIFE
“If any man be in Christ Jesus he is a new creature.” Your live has been made over again. A new life exists.

Some Are Saying, “If Only I Could Start Over Again.” You can. Trust Christ.
1. There are some of you who are without Christ. Trust Christ.
2. You may have pretended.
3. You know you are not saved.
4. No one really knows it except you.
5. Jesus said, “If any man will come unto me I will in no wise cast out.”
6. Now is your opportunity. You can start over again today.

Some Of You Have Been Saved, But You Have Made A Mess Out Of Your Life.
1. You, too, can start over again.
2. Forgiveness is not rationed.
3. Forgiveness is not short supply.
4. Forgiveness is not limited.
5. You can be forgiven of any and all sin. 1 John 1:9.

Don’t let this year end and you still be in the same place you are right now. Do something about it. Start over again today.

Gifts

2009-12-25T03:13:00.002-06:00
MATTHEW 2:1-12

WHAT IS A GIFT? WHY DO WE GIVE GIFTS?

To show love or appreciation to the recipient, i.e., to add love to someone’s life. The power of bestowment to make the recipient rich, or honored, or special. To value or approve the recipient. What is valued by the giver becomes valuable by the recipient. To bind or hold two people together, i.e., “to wrap up” relationship.

WHAT GIFTS DID THEY BRING?

“They opened their treasures, they presented gifts to him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (2:11).

1. Gold, monetary value, i.e., a measure of trade. They gave to Jesus their power or possessions.
2. Frankincense comes from Persia (Iran), India, or Arabia. Means “whiteness,” comes from the gum of the tree. The tree is “wounded” to gather its gum, used as perfume and medicine.
3. Myrrh, it was used to soothe muscles and wounds. Used to embalm bodies. Burned to eliminate pests. The molecular structure is blues, greens, i.e., cooling color, i.e., gentleness.
Gold to honor the King
Frankincense to worship the King
Myrrh to identify with pain and sorrow of the King
4. Why did they bring these gifts?
They were ordinary or expected gifts for a king. They were symbolic or prophetic. Gold for Christ rules on earth, frankincense for worship, and myrrh symbolizing His sufferings and death.
5. The source of their pilgrimage, the Star of Prediction.
They knew the Old Testament prediction. “There shall come a star out of Jacob, and the scepter shall rise out of Israel” (Num. 24:17). They came from the east (v. 1). “The star which they had seen in the east” (v. 9). The star reappeared. “Once again the star appeared to them” (v. 9, LB). The star travelled. “It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was” (v. 9, LB). The star produced joy. “When they saw the star they were filled with joy” (v. 10, LB). Name. The Eastern Star, the Bethlehem Star, the Christmas Star, His Star.

WHO WERE THE MAGI?

1. The word “wisemen” is Magi in the original language. A priestly caste of Zoroastrianism, they studied the stars. They had embryonic faith to believe and act on the little they knew of the Scriptures. Principle: information about the star didn’t save them, worshipping Jesus did.
2. Their names: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.
3. From three different nations they came together following the star. Brought different gifts from their nations.
4. Some believe they were kings (Hymns) because of prophetic scriptures. “Nations will come to Your light, and kings to the brightness of your light” (Isa. 60:3). “The kings . . . will bring tributes to Him” (Ps. 72:16). “Kings will bring you gifts” (Psa. 68:29).

WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF THE STORY?
1. To show Christ is King. “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him” (Matt. 2:2).
2. To predict Gentiles will worship Christ, not just the Jews.
3. To teach an attitude of worship. “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matt. 2:11).

Why People Don't Go To Your Church (Pt 3)

2009-12-24T04:05:00.001-06:00
5. Perceived Poor Services and Ministries
When it comes to building a local church (as with most of life), perception is reality. If someone believes your kids ministry is not organised particularly well or unsafe, it might as well be. Turn that perception around! Your challenge is to demonstrate your church ministries and community work so people can see it with his/her own eyes. Provide open days, brochures and even videos online – just a few ideas.

6. Poor Leadership
People are attracted to good leadership. What leadership traits do you and your team possess? Do you have a track record of making wise choices? Do you hold any influence amongst the local community? Are you approachable and in touch with the real world? I guarantee that if you rise in leadership, people will want to be around you. In my experience and from what I’ve seen, people are firstly attracted to the leader, not the church. Powerful thought isn’t it.

7. Failing to Ask
Don’t assume that just because you’ve covered all the bases that people will come. Remember to get your congregation to keep asking people!

Finally – take some risks, be creative, challenge your thinking and throw yourself into it knowing we’re all learning along the way

Why People Don't Go To Your Church (Pt 2)

2009-12-23T04:23:00.003-06:00
I began yesterday a study as to why people don't go to your church. I will look at a few more reasons this morning. With the hope of helping some of you

2. People Don’t Think They Need or Want What You’re Presenting.
Many people feel like they don’t need or want the whole ‘God thing’ in their life. I have found that most people will need God for something about once or twice a year. Lose their job, grandma gets sick, their son has a car wreck, they go through a divorce, something. Jesus is a great friend- you’ll never be alone, the Bible will enable you to succeed in life. Oh, and don’t forget eternal life!

3. People Don’t Understand What You’re Presenting
Not everyone understands God or the Bible and many have no idea who Jesus is other than the kid they wheel out for the nativity at Christmas! I wonder how many people have never tried the following because they don’t understand what they are: Facebook. Apple Mac. Apple TV. Twitter. SkyPlus. Iphone 3G. Gift Aid. Maybe if we tried a little harder to communicate what it is we’re so passionate about others may be more open to listening to what we’ve got to say.

4. People Don’t Trust You
Does your community trust you? Do they feel they know you well enough to approach you or interact with you? Consider these questions: Do you follow through on promises? Are you viewed as a respected faith group or a cult? If you have a web presence, does your site list a physical address or a P.O. box? (Physical addresses generate more trust.) Are you active (and therefore visible) in the community? Are your finances in order and available to see? Building trust is an important ingredient for any successful organisation. If you’re unsure whether you’re trusted, ask the local community straight out and see what they say – if you dare!

Why People Don't Go To Your Church

2009-12-22T06:04:00.002-06:00
You’ve got a great church. You’ve sent out flyers and brochures, networked with your local community workers and secured a great web presence. No one’s coming. What’s wrong? There are many reasons why people may not be flocking to your church.

Over the next few days I will discuss a few of my ideas that you may not be seeing the results you are looking for

Inconvenience

In today’s age of fast food and high-speed Internet connections, people want instant everything to fit around their schedule. If you have a web site, is it easy to navigate? Do the pages load quickly? Studies indicate web visitors will move on if they don’t find what they are looking for in the first 20 seconds. Similarly, is your website and are your service times easy to find? Do you provide adequate ways people can communicate with you? Can people reach a ministry leader when they need to? Do you provide enough information about what is important to your church – a vision statement or core values? Are you in a convenient location?

Merry CHRISTmas

2009-12-21T06:25:00.000-06:00
Dear Family and Friends,

We want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It’s so hard to believe that 2009 has slipped away so quickly. We continue to feel so blessed under God’s care and are so happy that He has placed us into such a wonderful church family!

The year has brought about some major developments in our family’s life. Nikki and her family moved from Hawaii back to North Carolina, which also meant a job change for Bill as well. The biggest development, for Holly and the boys of course, is that they have moved back to New York and are now expecting Kevin’s safe return from Iraq in Feb.

Within the church, we’ve seen a lot of growth in different areas, and a great start to our “Paving the Way to Growth” project. Jane and I stand amazed at the willingness of God’s people to get involved in seeing lives touched and changed. It’s also been a great privilege to meet many new people and welcome them into Northwest Baptist Church this year.

We count it such a joy to serve alongside each of you and can’t wait to see the great things God will do in, around, and through us in the upcoming year.
May God bless each and every one of you!

Bro Dave and Mrs. Jane

The Christmas Tree

2009-12-19T06:07:00.002-06:00
1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

While many of the things associated with the modern celebration of Christmas clearly have a pagan connection with their origin, the Christmas tree is different. In the seventh century a missionary to the Germans came across a group of pagans who worshiped the Oak tree as a god. He suggested they were foolish to worship something that died every year and lost its beauty.

He went on to use the evergreen tree to teach them that the living, God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and provides eternal life for His children. He said the triangular shape symbolizes the trinity. The evergreen tree quickly became a symbol of the gospel message to those living in Northern Germany. Ironically the Roman Catholic church denounced the use of the tree claiming those who failed to trust in the Roman church alone for salvation were heretics. The symbol of the division became so great, that after Martin Luther left the Catholic church he went on to use the evergreen tree as an illustration in the Gospel message in defiance of Rome.

Expanding the illustration he placed candles on the tree to show how it was Jesus and not Rome that was the light of the world. By the twelfth century the common practice was to hang the tree upside down from the ceiling. It was considered a symbol of those who rejected the Catholic church for salvation. Rome countered declaring all those who placed a tree in their home or place of worship incapable of earning salvation.

The first claim to the use of a Christmas tree in America is much debated. A city in Connecticut claims a foreign soldier put up a Christmas Tree in 1777. A city in Pennsylvania said a German immigrant was the first to erect a Christmas tree in 1816

The German reportedly used it in teaching fellow believers about Christ, eternal salvation, and the Trinity. Traditionally, Christmas trees were not brought into the home until Christmas Eve and then taken down on January 6 the date first thought to be the birthday of Christ.

Some Christians feel the practice of having a Christmas tree is prohibited in the book of Jeremiah 10:1-5 Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: 2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. 5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

A careful reading will help us understand this has nothing to do with the use of a Christmas tree. The trees of Jeremiah had no connection with the birth of Christ, the story of salvation or Christmas. The trees were worshiped as gods having supernatural power. I have never known someone today to pray to a Christmas tree, believing it could hear and answer.

Regardless of the origin of the Christmas tree, there is no doubt that the world had secularized it. It no longer represents to the average person the spiritual teachings of Christians from an earlier time who used it for good or the false teachings of the prophets of the groves or those from Jeremiah’s day. For most the tree is simply a part of the Christmas tradition. A tradition that has forgotten the Christmas message delivered on the first Christmas eve to the shepherds, Luke 2:10-11 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Trees have always played an important part for good and bad in the Scriptures. Like every other spiritual symbol, Satan loves to counterfeit and corrupt.
Trees are mentioned 287 times in the Bible. It is first mentioned in Genesis. They played an important part in the Garden story.
Genesis 1:11-12 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Trees played other important roles in Bible. Used in construction of Temple. Moses placed a branch of a tree in the bitter waters to make them sweet. False prophets often used trees to carve idols and to hide in tree groves when performing their wicked deeds. Psalms 1:3 speaks of the blessed or saved man, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

The most important reference to a tree is the one in our text.
1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Whether we choose to have a Christmas tree in our home or not is a personal decision. Whether we see it as a symbol of God’s son, salvation and sovereignty or another invasion of the world into spiritual things and a commercialization of that which is spiritual is left for each to decide. What is important however, is that we understand the real Christmas tree and the gift associated with it was given to us when Jesus hung on the wooden cross and gave his life that we might have eternal life.

Wonderful

2009-12-18T05:01:00.002-06:00
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

This is the Christmas season. This is the happiest time of the year for most people. It is a time that brings our thoughts to the birth of our Lord.

Santa Claus should not be part of our Christmas season. He is not a person, only a myth. Santa Claus teaches greed & getting; Christ teaches grace & giving.

Nevertheless, our text tells us that His name shall be called Wonderful:

There was a time when a person was given a name that was to identify with that individual’s personality. The Indians used to name their newborn babies whatever the first thing the father saw following the birth: “Flying Bird”; “Running Bear”. In the Jewish culture, names always had a very definite meaning. For instance, Abraham means, “Father of many nations.” Ruth means, “Friend”. James means, “Superior”.

I don’t think that too many parents take into consideration the meaning of the names they give their children. Isaiah tells us in this Scripture that His name shall be called Wonderful.

What does wonderful mean?

A Bible definition is: “a miracle:--marvelous thing, wonder (-ful, -fully).”

Webster’s definition is: That which causes wonder; marvelous; amazing;

We have heard the statements pertaining to the word wonderful:
“Isn’t she just wonderful?”
“He is a wonderful person.”
“That was a wonderful song.”
“What a wonderful meal you prepared.”
“Wasn’t that a wonderful surprise?”

We use the word “wonderful” in various contexts.

God was speaking through Isaiah to King Ahaz and the people of Israel. In chapter 7:14 He says, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” The name Immanuel means: “God with us.”

This is a prophetic proclamation of the coming Messiah who is to come and save Israel from their sin.

Look with me today at the “Wonderful” part of our Lord.

HIS WONDERFUL NAME

His name shall be called “Wonderful”.
“And shall call his name Immanuel”.

A. His Name Is Wonderful Because Of Who He Is.

He is the “I AM” of Moses.
He is the King of Glory.
He is the Shiloh.
He is the Great Shepherd.
He is the Bright and Morning Star.
He is the Lily of the Valley.
He is the Altogether Lovely One.
He is the Rose of Sharon.
He is the Carpenter.
He is the Servant of Jehovah.
He is the Day Star.
He is the Forgiver of Sins.
He is the Anointed One.
He is the Great Physician.
He is the Son Of God.
He is the Word Of God.
He is the Babe Born in a manger.
He is the One that the wise men sought.
He is the Giver of life.
He is the Judge.
He is the Saviour of the world.
His name is Wonderful.
He is the Almighty.
He is Emmanuel.
He is the Gift of God.
He is the Holy One.
He is the King of Kings.
He is the King of glory.
He is the Redeemer.
He is the True Vine.

There are something like 700 names attributed to the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s why His name is truly Wonderful.

THE SHEPHERDS

2009-12-17T07:10:00.002-06:00
THE REAL STORY OF THE SHEPHERDS "

LUKE 2:8-20
INTRO: * Imagine yourself in this story as one of the Shepherds.
* Imagine the reaction. ( They were sore afraid)
* Beautiful human interest story.
* I have twelve points (same as 3 main points with 3 sub points)

1. "ABIDING IN THE FIELD." (living in the world) (v 8)
* Jacob - "lambs being torn by beasts"; - "sleeplessness" "drought consumed me" - "frost by night" (Gen. 31:39,40)
* Moses - backside of the desert. (Exo. 3)
* David - Lion and bear attack - smote them both. (1Sam 17:34)
* Ezek. - "My flock became prey, they became meat for the beast of the field" (Ezek.34:8)
* Jesus the good Shepherd said, "The thief cometh to kill & steal."

2. "IT WAS NIGHT." (darkness) (v 8)
*1Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
* Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
* Suggests spiritual blindness, confusion, lack of understanding.

3. "OCCUPIED WITH THE SECULAR." (V 8)
(Making a living, doing their job, taken up with the ordinary, concern for food, clothing, wages)
Jesus said, "Take no though for your life, what ye shall eat...."

4. "INTERRUPTION FROM HEAVEN." (V 9) "The Lord came on the scene"
* Moses was caring for Sheep, sudenly, "Moses, Moses"
* Samuel was ready to sleep, when "Samuel, Samuel."
* Saul going to Damascus, " Saul, Saul."
* Peter, Andrew, James & John, fising or mending nets, "Follow me"
* Matt. collecting taxes..."Come follow me."
* Sometimes a sermon, witness, accident, tragedy, sickness.

5. "MESSAGE FROM THE LORD." (V 10) "Fear not", "Good tidings of great joy"
* Angel to Gideon, "Fear Not, I have chosen thee."
* Angel to Joseph, "Fear not, take Mary to wife."
* Angel to Zacharias, "Fear Not, thy prayer is heard."
* Angel to MAry, "Fear Not, thou art highly favored of women."
* Angel to Paul, "Saul, Saul...Interruption..

6. "THEY WERE SORE AFRAID" (V 9) He we have conviction.
* And Saul trembling, sai Who are thou, What must I do."

7. "THEIR RESPONSE." Let us go." (v 15)
* Imagine, " How do we know you are an angel anyway."
" Unless you show us some miracles, we're not going.

8. "THEY ACTED IMMEDIATELY" " (V 15) "Now", Came with haste."
Isa 1:18 "Come, now let us reason together."

9. "THEY SAW IT. (HIM) (V 17) (2 Cor.4:4) "blinded by the God of this world"

10. "THEY BELIEVED" (V 17)

11. "THEY BEGAN TO TELL OTHERS." (V 17) "made known."

12. " THEY WERE FILLE DWITH JOY." (V 20) "glorifing & praising God"

CHRISTMAS INVITATION

2009-12-16T05:27:00.001-06:00
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO A CHRISTMAS PARTY

GUEST OF HONOR: JESUS CHRIST

Date: Every day. Traditionally, December 25, but He’s always around, so the date is flexible.

Time: Whenever you’re ready. Please don’t be too late though, or you’ll miss out on all the fun.

Place: In you heart. He’ll meet you there – you’ll hear Him knock.

Attire: Come as you are. Grubbies are okay as He’ll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.

Tickets: Admission is free. He’s already paid for everyone. He says you wouldn’t have been able to afford it. It’s cost Him everything He had!

Refreshments: A far out drink he calls “living water.” This will be followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!!

Gifts Suggestions: Your Heart. He’s one of those people who already have everything else. (He’s very generous in return though-just wait until you see what He has for you!)

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise…and much more!!!
(All ‘G’ rated so bring your family and friend)

RSVP: Very Important! He must know ahead, so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, he’s keeping a list of His friends for a future reference. He calls it the “Lambs Book of Life.”

Party Given By: His Kids. That’s us! Hope to see you there! Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear (linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints) Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper if the Lamb!

ALL OF YOU WHO WILL BE THERE-PLEASE SHARE THIS INVITATION WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

Wrapped Up

2009-12-15T05:46:00.002-06:00
It’s All In The Wrapping!!

I remember when our girls were little what is was like for them to see all the Christmas presents under the tree. They would see all of those wonderful presents wrapped up in all that beautiful paper and bows. By the shape of the wrapped boxes they would try to guess what was in them.

Well, there are some presents that God has for us that He intends for us to open. They are all wrapped up and He wants us to notice, accept them and unwrap them in order to have fellowship with Him. God wants everyone to be a part of His family, but He cannot make everyone to accept His gift. His gift is wrapped up in His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Wrapping of God’s Love in His Son.

The Wrapping of the Cross.

The Wrapping of His Body – In the Tomb

It’s interesting to notice a couple of facts concerning His birth and burial:

Jesus earthly Dad was named Joseph.
The man who buried Him was named Joseph.

When Jesus was born He was wrapped in swaddling clothes.
When Jesus was buried He was wrapped in clean linen wrappings.

Joseph the poor, wrapped his adopted son in poor swaddling clothes.
Joseph the rich, wrapped the Son of God in clean linen clothes.

The Wrapping of Heaven.

The Wrapping of Our Sin.

The Wrapping of the Believer – Salvation!!!!
Righteousness

Wise Men

2009-12-14T04:56:00.002-06:00
Matthew 2:1-12

There are many wise people mentioned in the Bible. There were Enoch and Noah, wise enough to walk with God. There was Ruth, wise enough to say to her Jewish mother-in-law, "...for whither thou goest I will go; and whither thou lodgest, I will lodge; Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; (Ruth 1:16)

There was Andrew, who was wise enough to bring people to Jesus. There was David, who was wise enough to say "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." There was Martha, wise enough entertain Jesus in her home. There was Martha's sister, Mary, wise enough to set at Jesus feet and hear his word. And, of course, there were the wise men, who came to Jesus when he was a child.

There are still wise men (and women) today. God is looking for wise men who will imitate the qualities of the wise men of Matthew 2.

WISE MEN STILL COME - Vss. 1-10

WISE MEN STILL WORSHIP - Vss. 2, 11

WISE MEN STILL GIVE - Vs. 11

WISE MEN STILL LISTEN - Vs. 12

"No Room for JESUS"

2009-12-12T05:38:00.002-06:00
Luke 2:1 - 7

Our text is one of the most familiar passages in all of the Bible. This text is especially emphasized during the Christmas season. There are several truths that Luke mentions that we would love to draw your attention to.

1. The Prophetic Place (v. 4, Micah 5:2)
*Jesus is called the "son of David" (Matthew 1:1)
*David was born in Bethlehem and reigned in Jerusalem.
*Jesus was born in Bethlehem and will reign in Jerusalem!

2. The Perverted Principle (v. 7) "firstborn son"
*Mary was NOT a perpetual virgin!

3. The Present Presented (v. 7) (II Corinthians 9:15)

4. The Plain People (v. 8 - 9) "shepherds" (I Corinthians 1:27)

5. The Perfect Proclamation (v. 10 - 11) (I Timothy 4:10)

6. The Praising Party (v. 13 - 14, 20)

7. The Painful Pre-occupation (v. 7) "no room for them"

We may stop and wonder why Luke would mention this sad reality in the middle of such a joyful celebration. The fact that our Lord was NOT born in the Inn reflects at least a two-fold truth:

1. Availability -God allowed His Son to be born in such a place where whosoever will could come and see Him!

2. Accountability -Imagine being the Inn Keeper who turned away Joesph, Mary, and the Lord Jesus Christ!

*The sad truth that there was NO ROOM for Jesus is still plain and evident in this day and hour!

I. No Room in the Hotel
II. No Room at the Holidays!
III. No Room in the Home!
IV. No Room in the House of God!
V. No Room in the Hearts of Man!

*Does the CHRIST who had no room in the Inn of Bethlehem have room in your Holiday Plans???

MARY

2009-12-11T04:40:00.002-06:00
The Woman God Chose to be the Mother of His Son
Luke 1:1-38

There is a tendency among Baptists and Protestants to down play the role of Mary. But, let’s face it: The Bible tells us she was highly favored (v. 28). I’m talking about the Mary of the Bible—Not the Mary of Roman Catholicism. The Mary of the Bible was blessed among women, not above women (v. 42). She is not lifted above women, but she did lift up motherhood. This is the role she played. Mary is not a mediator between God and man. We don’t make her a goddess nor pray to her.

It was her glorious privilege to be the mother of Jesus Christ.
When Gabriel appears to Mary, she is probably about 16 years old. She was already espoused / engaged to Joseph.

I. Mary’s CHARACTER (vs. 26-34).

A. Piety— She was a godly young lady. Mary was attentive to the message of God (vs. 26-30). She listened to God’s messenger. She was familiar with God’s prophecies.
B. Purity (Luke 1:34). Nazareth was known for it's moral corruption. "Can any good thing come from Nazareth?" You can live a pure life in today’s society. She lived a chaste life in the midst of a corrupt city. God would have never chosen an promiscuous woman to raise His Son. God is seeking clean vessels to use in His service.

II. Mary’s CRISIS— Her life is immediately turned upside down.

A. Her favor. Mary was to be given the greatest honor ever afforded to a woman,
B. Her fear. With the honor came a tremendous social stigma—That of being an unwed mother. Mary is called upon to bear shame, reproach and humiliation for the glory of God. How would she break the news to Joseph?

III. Mary’s CHOICE (v. 38). She submitted to God’s will for her life.

A. It was immediate. She didn’t ask for more time to think about it. She didn’t try to negotiate the timing. There in no advantage to delaying submission to God’s will.
B. It was inclusive – She was completely given over to God. “handmaid” = bond slave—One swallowed up in the will of another. Lord=Master/Boss. She was at the Lord's disposal no matter what shame was sure to come her way. Despite the humiliation she would bear, she offered her body to be used of the Lord for His purposes. She yielded the rights of her life to the Lord.
• Willing to lose her reputation.
• Willing to suffer misunderstanding.
• Willing to jeopardize her marriage to Joseph.
• All for the joy of knowing she was being used of God.

IV. Mary’s CELEBRATION (vs. 46-55).

The months between the announcement of Christ's birth and the actual moment of His arrival were months of hard decisions and anxious waiting on the part of Mary and Joseph. Mary, even though she is young, unmarried and pregnant, begins to lift her voice in praise to the Lord. She reveals a heart that is in love with the Lord and also a mind that has been saturated with the Old Testament Scriptures.
Mary teaches us that we can praise the Lord in spite of our circumstances or apprehensions concerning the future.
A. Mary’s subject—God was the subject of Mary’s praise. Mary was not singing about herself; she was not praising herself. She was not thinking about things which she might accomplish. She said very definitely, “My soul doth magnify the Lord.”
1. The Grace of God (v. 48).
2. The Power of God (v. 49, 51).
3. The Holiness of God (v. 49).
4. The Mercy of God (vs. 50, 54).
5. The Justice of God (vs. 51-53
6. The Faithfulness of God (vs. 54-55).
B. Mary’s salvation (vs. 47). Mary was a sinner. Mary needed a Savior.

SUMMATION:
1. Are you saved?
2. Are you a woman of purity? Teenager, will you be a pure bride at the marriage altar? Mom, do your children know you are a woman of moral purity?
3. Have you placed yourself at the Lord's disposal to be used in service for Him? Have you yielded the rights of your life to God?
4. Are you willing to suffer reproach in order to follow God’s will?
5. Is praise to God a regular part of your life?
6. Is your home the kind that God would pick for His Son to grow up in?

Something Special at CHRISTmas

2009-12-10T07:26:00.002-06:00
Matthew 2:1-15

SPECIAL TIME - Vs. 1 - "When Jesus was born..."

SPECIAL PLACE - Vs. 1 - Bethlehem - Micah 5:2

SPECIAL PERSON - Vs. 1 - Jesus - Isaiah 9:6

SPECIAL WELCOMING COMMITTEE - Vs. 2 - The Wise Men

SPECIAL ENEMY - Vss. 3-8 - Herod

SPECIAL JOY - Vss. 9-10 - See Luke 2:10

SPECIAL GIFTS - Vs. 11

SPECIAL PROTECTION - Vss. 12-15

Lessons from CHRISTmas

2009-12-09T06:01:00.001-06:00
The Christmas story is full of truths which we can apply to our own lives. Consider these four truths from Matthew 2:

1. GOD'S TIMING IS PERFECT Vss. 1-2

Jesus was born at just the right time and in just the right place (Micah 5:2)
The wise men came at just the right time to just the right place.

2. GOD'S ENEMIES ARE TREACHEROUS Vss. 3-8

Satan, through Herod, would do all that he could to destroy the Lord Jesus, including trying to deceive the wise men.

3. GOD'S SERVANTS ARE FAITHFUL Vss. 9-14

a. To go. Vss. 9-10
b. To share. Vs. 11
c. To obey. Vss. 12-14 (The wise men and Joseph obeyed God's directions.)

4. GOD'S PROTECTION IS POWERFUL Vss. 15-23

Satan through Herod tried to destroy Jesus, but God protected His Son.

JOSEPH

2009-12-08T05:38:00.002-06:00
JOSEPH—The Man God Chose To Raise His Son
Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-23

It is a challenge for families today to find godly role models that have the right values for their own family. Of all the families in human history, I would like to suggest one that every one us should try to be like. This family consists of history's best known parents. Their picture is on the cover of hundreds of millions of Christmas cards that are mailed all around the world at this time.

When God selected this family, He was saying, this is the family I want My Son raised in. Last week we learned what kind of woman Mary was. In this message we will take a close look Joseph—The Man God Chose to Raise His Son.

In most Christmas programs, Joseph is treated as a mere extra—He often takes a backseat to shepherds, sheep, and wise men. He brings no gifts, he sings no songs and he says no lines. He just stands there in his sandals and his robes, watching the scene unfold around him.

Joseph has been referred to as “the unsung hero of the Christmas story.” Joseph played a major role in the birth and life of Christ. He was an ordinary man that God used in an extraordinary way. Not one word of anything he ever said is recorded in the Bible. His actions speak much louder than anything he may have said.

I.The FAITH of Joseph—Joseph was a man of FAITH!

Joseph was a JUST man (v. 19). To be JUST requires faith— “... The just shall live by faith...” (Gal. 3:11).
The requirement of faith (Heb. 11:6). Joseph’s situation required faith (vs. 18-19). Apart from having faith in God’s Word concerning his situation, Joseph would not have been able to deal it. Although you will never face the same situation Joseph faced, there will be times when you’ll be disappointed, heart-broken and troubled. The only thing that will get you through is FAITH.

II. The FEELINGS of Joseph—He was sensitive to Mary.

A. His choices:
1. Have Mary stoned (Dt. 22:13-21).
2. Give her a bill of divorcement. This would have left her destitute and because of the baby, no other man would want to marry her.
3. Marry her and raise the child as if it were his own. This last op-tion would rarely have been chosen by a Jewish man.
None of these options were appealing to Joseph. But he had to choose one of them. We are often faced with some tough choices in life. Put yourself in Joseph’s place. What would you do? Would you think the worse? Would you call the whole thing off? Would you demand justice?
B. His compassion: Joseph was not only just, but also compassion¬ate. His justice was not that which only followed the letter of the law; instead it was tempered with love, mercy, and compassion.

III. The FIDELITY of Joseph.

Fidelity involves believing and acting upon what God has said.
1. In every instance, Joseph's obedience was immediate and com¬plete. He never quibbled or questioned God’s plan.
2. Obedience is not always easy. Joseph’s step of faith would risk bringing reproach on his reputation.
•Jesus was accused of being a bastard son (John 8:39-41). In other words, “We know who our father is and we know about your birth. Your mother was pregnant before she was married. Your birth is the birth of an illegitimate.”
•Joseph took Mary as his wife because He believed God. He was willing to bear the reproach of believing God.
•Joseph knew people were talking about him and Mary. “Some man has been with Mary. Was it you Joseph? If the baby is yours, it is not right. If it is not yours, it’s not right!”
•Joseph knew something they did not know.

Joseph is an example for all fathers! He faced a crisis with FAITH in God; FIDELITY to God’s Word; and FEELINGS for the one he loved. To me, he is the real hero of the Christmas story. Imagine how the Christmas story would have been altered had Joseph acted differently!

God chose Joseph to be the surrogate father of Jesus because he was yielded to the will of the Lord. We ought to look at our own lives and ask ourselves, "Am I the kind of person that God could use in a big way?"
Is your home the kind of home God would choose to raise His Son?

"What Child is This?"

2009-12-07T05:56:00.002-06:00
Matt. 22:42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.

Intro: A hymn sung frequently at this time of the year is titled, "What Child is This?" That's a very important question. Some people called Jesus the son of David, an occurrence that is the subject of our text.

Others called him the son of Joseph. That was a mistake. The Bible points out the difference between the physical relationship of Joseph and Mary to the Lord in Luke 2:33 (in the King James Bible; most other newer "perversions" butcher the verse).
The Bible calls Him
1. The son of David
2. The son of Mary
3. The son of Man
4. The Son of God
I want to look at those four titles, of which variations are given in scripture, and point out four different aspects of the Christ-child.

I. AS THE SON OF DAVID, HE WAS THE SOVEREIGN CHILD

Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Luke 1:31-33 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
A. He was the rightful king
B. He was the rejected king
C. He is the RETURNING king! Amen!

II. AS THE SON OF MARY, HE WAS THE SUPERNATURAL CHILD

Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
A. This birth was seemingly impossible
B. This birth was stedfastly investigated
1. By Joseph
2. By the shepherds
3. By the wise men
4. By Herod
5. By angels
6. By the devil
7. By God Almighty
C. This birth was supremely important

III. AS THE SON OF MAN, HE WAS THE SERVANT CHILD

Matthew 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
As the SERVANT child, the Lord Jesus Christ
A. Shared the problems of the flesh
1. Physical weariness
2. Hunger and thirst
3. Physical pain
4. However, He never SINNED!
B. Submitted to the purpose of the Father
C. Showed a pattern for us to follow
1. Obedience
2. Patience
3. Ministry to others

IV. AS THE SON OF GOD, HE WAS THE SAVIOR CHILD

Matthew 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
John 3:16 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. As the Son of God
A. He was the only sinless man who ever lived
B. He was the only sacrifice that could TAKE AWAY sins
C. He is the only Savior who can take you to heaven - Jn. 14:6!!

LIVING GOD

2009-12-05T06:11:00.000-06:00
1. The Living God (1 Thess. 1:9) - To Serve

2. The Living Christ (1 Peter 2:5) - To Come To

3. The Living Word (Heb. 4:12) - To Search Us

4. The Living Bread (John 6:51) - To Feed On

5. The Living Way (Heb. 10:20) - To Draw Near By

6. The Living Water (John 4:10) - To Drink

7. The Living Sacrifice (Rom. 12:1) - To Offer

It's All His

2009-12-04T05:30:00.001-06:00
GOD Is the Creator and Rightful Owner of Everything

The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of hosts. — Haggai 2:8

The first thing that every believer should do with what he or she has is to transfer ownership of every possession to God. This includes money, property, education, talents, etc. This step is fundamental getting started on a "journey to financial freedom." Nothing can relieve our concerns and worries about our possessions like transferring ownership to God.

I was at a conference a few years ago where a speaker talked about his first car. He had invested all his money in his car and constantly pampered and cleaned it. When a storm came at night he would lie awake hoping there would be no hail to dent his car. When he parked it at a mall he would worry that someone might steal it. He thought the car would bring him immense joy, but because 1 did not understand that God owns everything, it was a source of constant worry.

Then he came upon the principle that God owns everything, including his car. Therefore, he prayed and admitted that God owned the car and he was only a steward of it. Soon after that decision, his ran out of gas on a dark, isolated highway at night. As he walked away, with great relief he prayed "Lord, I hope no one does anything to damage Your car."

Unless we realize that everything belongs to God, our possessions and finances will lead us into bondage of fear and worry, not freedom. Transferring ownership to God is absolutely necessary if are to have a "journey into financial freedom."

Another way that transferring ownership of all our possessions to God brings freedom is knowing if it all belongs to Him, then He must have some ideas as to how He wants us to use and manage His resources. Indeed the Bible reveals specific principles on how God wants His property to be used and managed. Bible study coupled with prayer will give us guidance and great confidence in handling resources God has entrusted to us.

WALKING WITH THE LORD

2009-12-03T07:35:00.002-06:00
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 slip
Job 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.

CARING FOR SHEEP.

2009-12-02T05:25:00.002-06:00
SHEPHERD CARING FOR HIS SHEEP.
Ezekiel 34:10-17.

1. I Will Seek Them Out.

Vs. 11 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

2. I Will Deliver Them.

Vs. 12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

3. I Will Bring Them Out.

Vs. 13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

4. I Will Gather Them Together.

Vs. 13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

5. I Will Bring Them In.

Vs. 13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

6. I Will Feed Them.

Vs. 14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

7. I Will Give Them Rest.

Vs. 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD.

8. I Will Bind Up The Broken.

Vs. 16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

9. I Will Strengthen The Sick.

Vs. 16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

Benefits for the Believers

2009-12-01T07:13:00.003-06:00
Psalm 103:1-6. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Blesss the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

1. Divine Forgiveness For The Believer. Vs. 3.
2. Divine Healing For The Believer. Vs. 3.
3. Divine Redemption For The Believer. Vs. 4.
4. Divine Mercy For The Believer. Vs. 4.
5. Divine Satisfaction For The Believer. Vs. 5.
6. Divine Preservation For The Believer. Vs. 5.
7. Divine Justice For The Believer. Vs. 6.

SEVEN ASPECTS OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

2009-11-30T05:38:00.002-06:00
2 Timothy 2

1. A Son - In Affection
2Ti 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.(

2. A Steward - In Faithfulness
2Ti 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

3. A Soldier - In Endurance
2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4. A Wrestler (Vs. 5) - In Skill
2Ti 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

5. A Workman - In Diligence
2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

6. A Vessel - In Fitness
2Ti 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

7. A Servant - In Obedience
2Ti 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

Characteristics of a Biblical Pastor

2009-11-28T05:50:00.001-06:00
Characteristics of a Biblical Pastor
1 Timothy 4

1. Warns of error (1-5) vs.6 “Put in remembrance. . .”
draw line btwn truth & error
warn wicked
NOT embrace error

2. Expert student of Scriptures (6) “Nourished up. . .”
Too many with minimal understanding
A continuing process
1 P 2.2 // 2 Ti. 2.15 // Eph 6.17 // Col. 3.16 // 2 Ti 3.16-17

3. Avoid unholy teaching (7) “Refuse profane and old wives’ fables” (myths)
Guard your mind
1 Ti 1.4 Be careful about reading material
A man went to a liberal seminary to be a minister & came out a bartender

4. Disciplined in personal godliness (7) Exercise thyself rather. . .”
Exercise = Gumnazo = Gymnasium
Takes rigorous self-sacrificing work
Don’t neglect body - don’t be preoccupied with it either

5. Committed to hard work (10) “We both labor and suffer reproach”
The earthy tasks
2 Cor. 5.9 = 2 reasons to labor

6. Teaches with authority (11) “These things command and teach”
Not to entertain
Implies boldness to challenge sin headon

7. Model of spiritual virtue (12) “Be thou an example. . .”
You can pattern your life after a godly man
He 13.7 “Whose faith follow”

8. Thoroughly biblical ministry (13) “Give attendance to . . .”
Scripture + Application + Teaching

9. Fulfill his calling (14) “Neglect not the gift. . .”
A divine enabling

10. Absorbed in his work (15) “Give thyself wholly to them”
Not double-minded

11. Progressing in spiritual growth (16) “That thy profiting may appear to all”
An advancing force

Summary = Verse 16
2 Things -- TAKE HEED
1 - Your Self - Conduct
2 - The Doctrine - Teaching

Thanksgiving at Three Taverns

2009-11-26T07:39:00.002-06:00
Acts 28:1-15 (text v. 15)
Acts 28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

Paul, as prisoner, is on his journey toward Rome. It was a rough trip:
He was shipwrecked (27:41-44)
He was cold and wet (28:2)
He was bitten by a poisonous snake (28:3)
He was accused of being a murderer and then a god (28:4-6)
He had no Christian fellowship for at least three months (28:11-14)
On Paul's approach to Rome, a "welcoming committee" of Roman Christians came out to greet and encourage him. They met up with Paul at Appii forum (about 43 miles south of Rome). An¬other group of brethren from Rome met Paul at a place called "Three Taverns" (about ten miles closer to Rome). Some Christians will travel longer distances than others to be a blessing to another saint
When Paul saw these brethren, he THANKED GOD. There’s nothing like the sight of a Christian friend when you are facing a trial.
There have been times when I’ve come to church a bit discouraged. But when I see a certain believer come through those back doors, gives me cause to THANK GOD! And when I thank God, I’m no longer discouraged!

I. The VISION of thanksgiving (“…whom when Paul SAW…”). Paul saw something to be thankful for.

A. We need to open our eyes to the blessings of the Lord.
1. Sight of these brethren reminded Paul of God Paul recognized God in his circumstances (2 Tim. 3:11).
2. Paul was thankful for brethren who cared about him.
3. Paul was thankful he was accepted by the Roman saints. Even in chains, the brethren were not ashamed to be asso¬ciated with Paul (cf. v. 20).
4. Paul was thankful he wouldn't have to enter Rome by himself. He was thankful for someone to stand by him.
B. Two responses to trials
1. You can look at what you've lost and be hateful, or
2. You can look at what you have left and be grateful. “People who are not grateful for what they have, would not enjoy the things they wish they had.”
3. Joseph was a great example of choos¬ing to be grateful instead of hateful in the face of betrayal. See: Gen 50:15-21; Job 1:20-21; 2 Cor 4:8-9.

"Count your blessings!" However, we must to recognize them first!
A man who owned a small estate wished to sell it. Sending for a real estate agent, he asked him to write an advertisement describ¬ing the house and land. When the ad was ready, the agent took it to the owner and read it to him. "Read that again," said the owner. The agent read the description of the estate once more. "I don't think I will sell after all," said the owner. "I have been looking for an estate like that all my life, and I did not know that I owned it!"
Count your blessings. Start by asking God to open your eyes to all the little things your enjoy almost everyday. Write them down. That will change your entire perspective and enable you to praise God for what you have.

II. The VOICE of thanksgiving (“…he THANKED God…”).

Every blessing that we receive is from the Lord's hand (James 1:17). Whether it be some brethren who encourage us or God's provision and protection for us,

A. VERBALIZE your gratitude. Put your thanksgiving into words (Ps. 26:7; Jonah 2:9).
B. Not enough to thank God for someone. We should thank them personally and tell them why we’re thankful.

III. The VICTORY of thanksgiving (“…and took courage”).

A. Choice of thanksgiving.
1. Instead of complaining about his stresses, pressures and persecutions, Paul gives thanks.
2. Instead of bemoaning his imprisonment, he thanks God for friends who come to support him.
B. Courage of thanksgiving. Being thankful, renewed Paul's strength and helped him to be courageous as he faced his imprison¬ment in Rome.
1. Gratitude produces fortitude! There is something invigorating about thanks¬giving that instills within us a confidence to face the trials of life.
2. Depression and thanksgiving cannot co-exist.
3. Unthankful people are discouraged people. As a person looks at God’s blessings with thanksgiving, it renews strength and instills courage.

Let’s THANK GOD & TAKE COURAGE!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T05:23:00.000-06:00
"Inasmuch as the great Father has given us this year an abundant harvest of Indian corn, wheat, peas, beans, squashes, and garden vegetables, and has made the forests to abound with game and the sea with fish and clams, and inasmuch as He has protected us from the ravages of the savages, has spared us from pestilence and disease, has granted us freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience.
Now I, your magistrate, do proclaim that all ye Pilgrims, with your wives and ye little ones, do gather at ye meeting house, on ye hill, between the hours of 9 and 12 in the day time, on Thursday, November 29th, of the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and twenty three and the third year since ye Pilgrims landed on ye Pilgrim Rock, there to listen to ye pastor and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings."

William Bradford, Governor of Massachusetts

THANK THE LORD

2009-11-24T07:49:00.002-06:00
I Thess. 5:12 - 24 (v.18) In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Intro: A man decided to write a note of gratitude to his high school literature teacher. She wrote back, “ Dear William, in 50 years of teaching, your note of thanks is the only one I ever received.”

THANK GOD FOR:

1. HIS PRESENCE AND PEACE. (V.13)

- “Lo, I am with you alway.” (Matt. 28:20)
- Three Hebrew Children “
- Rom. 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith..”
- Jn. 14:27 “ Peace I leave with you”

2. THE PLEAS AND PROMISES OF THE BIBLE.

“We beseech you..” v.12 “ We exhort you..” v.14
Matt. 11:28 “Come.......Rest”
Jer. 33:3 “Call.. I will answer thee.”
Mal. 3:10 “Bring.... I will open the windows”
Luke 6:37 “Give... and it shall be given”
Isa. 1:18 “ Come....Shall be white as snow”

3. THE PRIVELEDGE OF PRAYER. (V.17)
“Pray without ceasing” (v. 17)

4. THE POTENTIAL AND POWER. (V.19)
“ Quench not the Spirit”

5. THE PLAIN PREACHING. (V. 20)
“Despise not prophesying”

6. THE PROVISION AND PLENTY. (V.21)
“Prove all things”

7. THE PROBLEMS AND PRESSURES. (V. 18)
“ In everything give thanks “

BALANCED

2009-11-23T05:25:00.001-06:00
EXODUS 39:22 - 26

INTRO: A.A(golden)Bell & A (Blue,Pur.,Scarlet twined lin.)Pomegrante.
B.One is to hear & one to see.
C.Tradition says - High Priest with rope went into holiest.
(Jospehus)

1. BALANCE BETWEEN FAITH & WORKS. (Belief & Behaviour)(heart & Head)
A. One is profession - One is practice.
B. Ja. 2:14 - 18 " If a man say he hath faith..no works !

2. BALANCE BETWEEN HEARING & DOING.
A. Ja.1:22 " Be ye doers of the word & not hearers only"
B. Mt.7:24 " Who-so-ever heareth ...doeth them.

3. BALANCE BETWEEN SECRET LIFE AND PUBLIC LIFE.
A.Duties vs Devotion - Mary vs. Martha.
B.Tip of the Ice Berg 10% - rest 90%.
C."When thou prayest, enter into thy closet." (Mt.6:6)

4. BALANCE BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE & ZEAL.
A.Rom.10:2 "I bear them record..zeal of God - no knowledge"
B.Fire in fireplace(friend) - fire in field(enemy)
C.Story of runner - no message - slower runner with message.

5. BALANCE BETWEEN WAITING ON LORD & STEPPING BY FAITH.
A.What is faith & what is presumption.
B.How do we know when we are in the flesh - in Spirit ?
C.Isa. 40:31 - I Ki.18:21 "How long halt ye between 2 opinions.

6. BALANCE BETWEEN SOCIAL & SPIRITUAL.
A.Pray all the time.
B.Read all the time.
C.Work all the time.

7. BALANCE BETWEEN SOVERIGNTY OF GOD & RESPONSIBILITY OF MAN.
A.Hypercalvinism vs. Armenianism.

The Touch of Faith

2009-11-21T06:31:00.002-06:00
Mark 5:25 – 34

The power of the Lord is seen in three areas in this chapter.
1. Power over Demons. A man is delivered from demons. (1-20)
2. Power over Death. A Child is raised from death. (21-24;34-43)
3. Power over Disease. A Woman is healed of disease. (24-33)

A woman had a long standing disease (v.25); She grew worse under the care of her doctors. (v.26); She touched Jesus from behind. (v.27) She reasoned within herself. (v.28); She was immediately healed. (v.29) Power went out to her from Jesus. (v.30); Jesus inquired, “Who touched me ? (v.30); The disciples excused it and played it down. (v. 31); He looked around. (v.31); The woman confesses. (v.33); He gives a word of assurance to her. (v. 34)

I. A LONG STANDING PROBLEM.

A. This pictures our original sin problem.
B. This suggests also a habit or weakness that is in control.

II. THE MANY DOCTORS.

A. Social programs and secular psychology will not meet the need
B. We need a miracle from the Lord to deliver us.

III. TREMBLING FAITH.

A. Her faith was weak and small but the Lord honored it.
B. As one said, Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief.

IV. VIRTUE FROM CHRIST.

A. “Virtue” means power. It is from the word “dunimus”
B. The initiative was on her part, the miracle on his.

V. THE TOUCH.

A. Her faith did not work without contact. We must act on faith
B. Faith like Priests putting their feet in the Jordan.
C. Like the man stretching forth his hand.
D. Like the man who took up his bed and walked.

VI. AN OPEN CONFESSION.
Jesus insisted on her coming out into the open to identify with her act of faith. (Rom. 10:9; Matt. 10:32)

VII. HE CALLED HER DAUGHTER.

This speaks of relationship. We become children of God and are called sons. (John 1:12; I Jn. 2:3)

VIII. WONDERFUL PEACE.
A. The Concern for life after death is settled.
B. The days ahead in this life are settled.

Holy Ghost Conviction

2009-11-20T05:49:00.002-06:00
OF WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVICT THE SINNER?

Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

1 He convicts the sinner of SIN.

Not simply "of sins", the fruit, but "of sin", the root, and of the paramount sin of unbelief the sin of rejecting Christ, John 16:9. Our consciences, if they are not too seared, 1 Tim. 4:2, will convict us of sins, such as theft, untruthfulness or jealousy, but it is only when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes that we see the enormity of the sin of rejecting the Saviour whom God has provided. The greatest sin anyone can commit, and the one sin by which we are condemned, is the sin of rejecting Christ.

2 He convicts the sinner of RIGHTEOUSNESS.

He convicts of a righteousness which is required, Isa. 64:6 of a righteousness which is provided by God and offered to man in the Person of His Son, 2 Cor. 5:21, and which is receivable by faith, Apart from the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, man has no true conception of his own unrighteousness or of God's righteousness, John 16:10.

3 He convicts the sinner of JUDGMENT.

The Holy Spirit convinces man that Satan, and all who belong to him, are already doomed, vs 11. What great need there is today for this threefold convicting work of the Holy Spirit! There is no substitute for it. Organization, the personality of the preacher, etc., all fail. Only the Holy Spirit can convince men of their desperate need of the Saviour.

Christ's Work Today

2009-11-19T04:40:00.002-06:00
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only tru God, and Jesus Christ, whom thu hast sent.” (John 17:3)

The letters WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) became popular a few years ago. (It may be grounded in the best seller by Charles Shelton, “In His Steps.”) I believe we need to concentrate on what He has done and what He has said in His word instead of trying to use reason and logic as to what He might do.

Lets understand what Jesus is doing today on our behalf and be challenged to accept our responsibilities in light of that work. We Have:

I. A Present Position.

He is our Chief Cornerstone. “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.”(Eph.2:20)

II. A present Protector.

He is Our Shepherd. “ I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” (Jn.10:14)

III. A Present Priest.

He Is Our High Priest, making intercession for us. (Heb.9:24) “ For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands.” (Rom 8:34)

IV. A Present Provider.

He Is The Vine. (Jn.15:1) He wants to live His life through us. We are the branches and he channels His energy through us to bear fruit. “Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He may give it you.” (Jn. 15:16)

NOTICE Three things that are vital to the Christian in this verse.
A. Go - Missions
B. Bring Forth Fruit - Soulwinning
C. Fruit Should Remain - Discipleship

The Lord gave these same instructions to Adam, Noah, & Abraham. Gen. 1:28; 17:6; 35:11; Matt.28:19,20

Let's Go Get Them

2009-11-18T06:42:00.004-06:00
I think Bro Tom Wallace wrote this, it was in my "Topic File" and I know he gave me a lot of the things in that file. But when I read it I got convicted and thought I would put it here. Maybe it will help some of you like it has me.

Jesus gave the Great Commission to His disciples saying,

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.'' Matt. 28:19,20.

He also said,

"Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.'' Luke 14:21.

Then He said again,

"Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.'' --Luke 14:23.

Getting people ready for Heaven was His main business; it ought to be ours, also. Many are going out into eternity to meet God every day, most being unprepared. It certainly behooves all Christians to put forth an all-out effort to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

We must remember that over 160,000 people die every day, over 68 million every year. Surely the main business is soul winning and aggressive, evangelistic outreach. So "Let's Go Get Them!''

Churches are usually born in time of revival and evangelism when a few who get right with God band together for prayer, Bible preaching and soul-winning efforts. This red-hot evangelism approach usually draws a crowd. Too often when the buildings get full, instead of launching into building programs and solving the space problems, we settle into complacency.

One preacher being urged to participate in an outreach campaign made the statement, "I have more sheep now than I can say grace over.'' It is sad when so many do not care about the burden of carrying the Gospel to needy souls.

I heard about a football game being played on the home field. The home team was being smeared by the visiting squad. Someone on the sidelines kept yelling, "Give the ball to Calhoun! Give the ball to Calhoun!'' They tried another play, and again the home team was smashed to the ground, losing valuable yardage. Again came the cry, "Give the ball to Calhoun!'' After this happened two or three times more, the familiar cry rang out again, "Give the ball to Calhoun!'' A tall man raised up from the pile of human bodies on the field after the next play and responded, "Calhoun don't want the ball!''

I am afraid this is true of many preachers and Christian leaders. They do not want to carry the ball of evangelism. When the church settles down after a work of revival and evangelism, the members slip into a dead, orthodox teaching position and begin to work with the saints, excusing themselves from the Great Commission. They soon drift into liberalism, compromise and softening up on issues.

Modernism is the next step down on the cycle. Logic and reasoning then begin to replace scriptural teaching and doctrinal exhortation. That usually results in the uprise of radical theology. Everyone seems to feel God must have died.

That is followed by riot and revolution. The burning of cities, shooting policemen, smashing store windows, and marching in mobs down the streets usually shakes up the remaining remnant of Christians who go back to the prayer closet and seek God's face for help. That in turn brings back evangelism and revival. We have completed
a cycle and are ready to go again.

The big question now is: shall we work with the saints or continue to carry out the Great Commission and gather up sinners? Dr. Walter Hughes said, "God did not call us to cuddle the saints but to collar sinners.'' Ray Sadler used to say, "Are we to be fishers of men or keepers of the aquarium?''

Dr. Jack Hyles gives a famous illustration about a fire company being organized. He asked the question, "Is the purpose of the fire company to put out fires, or to keep the fire truck shiny and the fireman's uniform neat?'' There is surely a need for both. There must be a balance between reaching souls and caring for the saints, but to forsake one for the other must be displeasing to the Lord.

The question now before us is: Shall we build large, aggressive, soul-winning churches, using buses, Christian day schools, Bible colleges, Internet, radio outreach, TV, printing presses, camps, book stores, newspapers, etc., etc.? Some are saying we should not neglect the members and the saints.

It seems the early church in Jerusalem had that same problem. It cried out that the widows were being neglected in the daily ministration. This problem was solved by the appointing of deacons who cared for those needs, while the men of God continued to carry on a program of aggressive outreach and the Great Commission.

His Presence

2009-11-17T05:32:00.002-06:00
1. Above us:

Deut 4:39 Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.

2. Beneath us:

Deut 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

3. Before us:

John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

4. Behind us:

Exo. 14:19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:

5. Around us:

Ps 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

6. With us:

Heb 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.
Isa 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

7. Within us:

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Spiritual Veterans

2009-11-16T07:57:00.003-06:00
2 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Intro: Today we want to honor and esteem all veterans and especially those veterans who are with us in the worship service today. In doing so, we want to take a look at what is required to become a true veteran of the cross of Christ.

You see before you, this morning, two flags. The American Flag, and the Christian Flag. One represents our country, and the other represents our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. To serve either of these flags (and the kingdoms they represent) faithfully and effectively, one must meet certain requirements. Before one can become a veteran, they must first be a good soldier.

Let us now take a look at what is required to be a good soldier and thus become a true veteran of the Lord.

I. Volunteer.

First of all, to serve either flag one must do so voluntarily.

1. America no longer forces men and women to serve in the military service of their country. They are asked to volunteer to serve.
Recruitment officers are sent out to encourage people to volunteer to serve in the military.

2. God does not force anyone to serve in the service of His Kingdom, but He does plead with us to volunteer and come to salvation through Christ our Lord. He also sends out recruitment officers to urge people to serve in His Army.

2 Cor. 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
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.

Christ is pleading today for the sinner to come and serve Him willingly.
The benefits are tremendously great!! They are “Out of this world”.

II. Complete Faith.

A. When you serve this (point to American) flag, you must have faith in the American government that it will supply your every need. Your food, clothing, shelter, medical needs, and even your companions are supplied by your government.

B. When you serve this (point to Christian) flag, you must also have faith in the one who has called you into His service that He will supply your every need. You will not have to worry about your physical needs when you serve Christ.

Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

1. Christ will even provide Godly company for you to keep!!

1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

C. When it comes to faith, the Lord wants us to be true veterans; “experienced through long service (and) practice.”

III. Complete Commitment.

A. When you serve this (American) flag, you are expected to be completely committed to your country and to allow nothing to prevent you from performing your duties and serving faithfully.

B. When you serve this (Christian) flag, you are also expected to be completely committed to Christ and His Kingdom. You are expected to serve Him faithfully, not allowing anything to keep you from doing His will.

Luke 5:11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

C. Commitment requires discipline.

IV. Complete Obedience.

A. When you serve this (American) flag, you are required to follow orders and are expected to be obedient to the letter.

B. When you serve this (Christian) flag, Christ expects and requires no less.

Matthew 26:19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

V. Complete Devotion.

A. When you serve this (American) flag, you are expected to be completely devoted to the country it represents.

B. When you serve this (Christian) flag, Christ expects you to be completely devoted (consecrated) to Him and His Kingdom.

C. To be a true spiritual veteran, one must be completely devoted to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Con: To become true veterans of the cross, we must first be good soldiers of the cross. May the Lord, this Veteran’s Day, make us all true Spiritual Veterans.

The Balanced Church

2009-11-10T05:59:00.002-06:00
Job 31:6 “Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.”

Let me begin by saying that I do not believe that there is such a thing as a 'perfect church'. Whenever you have human beings assembled together, you are not going to have perfection. I do believe that some churches are more Scriptural than others. I do believe that some churches are more Biblical and some churches are more balanced than others. It is my desire and my prayer that our church be a balanced church. I would like to look through the word of God and see just how important it is to be balanced and what we need to do to be balanced.

In our text, Job is praying “Let me be weighed in an even balance.” He is admitting the possibility of being unbalanced without God's help. He wants to be balanced and he even goes on to say that an even balance is a sign of integrity. The Lord knows that we need more integrity in this day and age, not only as individuals, but in our churches as well. Biblical balance should be our prayer.

“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” Proverbs 11:1

From this verse we see that it is possible to be balanced. We can be balanced. God is displeased with anything less. We ought to pray about it and we ought to pursue it, because it is possible for us to be balanced.

I have been in many churches down through the years. I have seen churches of every size and description. I have seen every different kind of personality that a church can have. What saddened me is that of all the churches I visited, I would not have considered joining a large majority of them if I were looking for a church. These churches had neglected some important issues and in some areas they were not as balanced as they should have been.

Let me explain what I am talking about. When you think of a particular church, there are probably one or two things that stand out about that church more than anything else. Some churches are strong in the Word. They have good preaching but maybe they have poor singing. Then you have churches that have good, strong, spiritual singing that lifts up and edifies the believer, but the preaching is pitiful. The preacher just does not know how to deliver the Word with power and authority. Then you have some churches that are focused only on the youth. The elderly people are forgotten and neglected. Then you have churches that have all these ministries for the old people but they tend to forget about the youth. The scenarios are endless. Some churches are very missions minded, but do nothing locally to reach their city for God, and visa versa. I think that you get my point. I believe that there is a balance and it is my desire for this church to be balanced.

There are at least four areas in which we ought to be balanced and I honestly believe that if we can achieve balance in these areas, we will be pleasing to the Lord.

1. A Balanced Message

In Acts 20:26, we will see what Paul said about his ministry. I would like to be able to say the same thing in the future looking back on the ministry here and the time that the Lord has allowed me to serve here:

“Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.”

2. Balanced Music

Without a doubt, music is a very vital part of the service. I love music. I have loved music ever since I was a boy. I still love it. But guess what? You cannot build a church on music. You can build a big crowd with music, but not a true balanced church. You can get a big following with music, but not a Christ-centered church. The Beetles had a following. Elvis drew a crowd! We are talking about a balanced church here. Being balanced and being popular are two entirely different things. I'd rather be balanced!
It should be scriptural music
It should be spiritual music
It should not be sensual music

3. Balanced Ministry

I want to mention the four-fold ministry of the balanced church. There are many ministries that a church can have, but these four should be a top priority.
Salvation
Sanctification
Separation
Service

4. Balanced Missions

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

I have visited a lot of churches that do a good job (for there size) on the uttermost part of the earth but do very little to reach their Jerusalem. And even less to reach Judaea and in Samaria

The Church

2009-11-09T04:01:00.003-06:00
THE GREATEST THING ON EARTH
Eph 3:14-21

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

There has been a serious decline in church attendance in the past few decades and this decline is simply a fulfillment of Scripture. It has been prophesied that in the last days, there would be a falling away and we are in the middle of it.
The form of godliness has permeated the ranks of the professing believers with little or no conviction or holiness of life.

As the manner of some is has become the rule instead of the exception.

a) It Is A Place Of RALLYING. (When you are DOWN.)
b) It Is A Place Of RELYING. (When you are DEVASTATED.)
c) It Is A Place Of RENEWING. (When you are DEFILED.)
d) It Is A Place Of REVIVAL. (When you are DEFEATED.)

The Church in PURPOSE--in eternity --Mystery Hidden Eph. 3:5 ages past
The Church in PREVIEW--the Gospels
The Church in PRACTICE--The Acts
The Church in PATTERN--1 Cor.-1 Tim
The Church in PROPHECY--Rev 2:--3:

OT saints were saved but not members of THE Church.

1-In the GARDEN He dwelled NEAR man!
*(Adam & Eve) They didn't know where He was, just that He was near

2-In the TABERNACLE He dwelled ABOVE man!
*Shekinah Glory =Cloud by Day & Fire by Night

3-In the MANGER He dwelled WITH man!
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,

4-In the CHURCH AGE the dwells IN man! I Corinthians 3:16-17 & 6:19-20

Nothing can replace the Local New Testament Church; but the church is not the building, it is the believers that make it up!

EBENEZER

2009-11-07T05:31:00.002-06:00
1 Sam. 7:1-13

When you hear the name Ebenezer, what do you think of? Ebenezer Scrooge, of course, the greedy, mean, miserly villain of Charles Dicken's Christmas Carol.
The name Ebenezar is also part of a lyric in the second stanza of the hymn, “Come, Thou Fount”
Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
Hither by Thy help I’ve come;
And I trust by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home.

Some modern hymnbooks omit that verse from the song because too many Christians are clueless to what “Ebenezer” is a reference to.

In the Bible, Ebenezer is not a person but a place; not a miser but a marker; not a verse but a victory; not a song but a stone—a stone that marked victory and revival. 1 Sam. 7:12 Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.

It was a traumatic time in Hebrew history. In 1 Samuel 4, Israel was beaten—beaten badly by the Philistines. Thousands of Israelites lay dead on the battlefield at “Ebenezer” (4:1-2). The Philistines stole the most sacred object that the Israelites possessed, the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark finally wound up in Kiriath-Jearim where it remained for 20 years (7:2).

During that 20 years the people began to examine themselves. Defeat should lead to self-examination. This marked the first step in revival. God stands ready to help when we meet His conditions.

1. Contrition—“…Israel lamented after the LORD” (v. 2).

2. Confession—“We have sinned against the LORD” (v. 6).

3. Conversion—“Return unto the LORD...put away the strange gods…” (v. 3) Samuel insisted they needed to do more than have good intentions.

4. Consecration—“Prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only…” (v. 3)

5. Compliance—“Then the children of Israel DID put away Baalim…”

Samuel called them all together at Mizpah (v. 6): They drew water and poured it out. It was an expression of pouring out their hearts to God in prayer (v. 6; Job 3:24; Ps. 42:4; 62:8; Isa. 26:16; Lam. 2:19).

THE THREE B's.

2009-11-06T04:07:00.002-06:00
I. Bag.

Job 14:17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity.

When reading this verse there came into mind a practice at sea-side towns of putting dogs and cats that have been condemned, into a bag, with weights, tied, and then cast into the river or sea. This the Lord does, in figure, with sins.

II. Book.

Psalms 139:16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

What a great privilege to have our names written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

III. Bottle.

Psalms 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

It was an Egyptian custom at funerals, for mourners to have handed to them a sponge or cloth to wipe their tears, which were wrung out into a tear bottle, and this was placed in the tomb. God takes notice of all our tears.

How to Have a Quiet Time

2009-11-05T06:36:00.001-06:00
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

First of all, there is no "right way" to have a "quiet time." Personally, I am not even partial to the name "quite time" as it suggests something that isn't really necessary. Here's the thing, though - you are in a relationship with Christ and unless you spend time with Him, that relationship will suffer. As you can see in the above Scripture, apart from Him (Jesus), you can do NOTHING. It is imperative that you spend time with God through Jesus, daily.

A great way to have a simple and fruitful time with the Lord is this simple acronymn, S.O.A.P. Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. These 4 elements will insure that you're in God's Word, that you're talking and listening to Him, and that you're also applying what you learn to your life. Let's break it down;

S - Scripture. It all starts here...read God's word. Read a passage multiple times. Read it in it's fuller context...and always, let Scripture interpret Scripture.

O - Observation. What did you just read? Who was it written to? Why? What is going on in the story or passage? Is there a principle in this passage that you can learn from?

A - Application. Now it gets personal; what is God saying to YOU through this passage of Scripture? Is there something in your life that you need to change after reading this?

P - Prayer. Put simply, prayer is talking to God. A simple "form" of praying is A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication).

Is that it? Maybe - a great tool for having effective "quiet time" is to journal. Not all of us are "journalers," but all of us can at least write down one or two sentences on what God is speaking to you at that moment.

Remember that the key to any relationship is commiting to spend time with that person and investing in the relationship. Have you had your quiet time today?

Persecution Caused:

2009-11-04T07:53:00.001-06:00
Act 4:24-35

1. The persecution caused prayerfulness – vs. 24 “lifted up their voice to God”

2. The persecution caused unity – vs. 24, 32 “one accord”

3. The persecution caused worship – vs. 24 “Lord, thou art God”

4. The persecution caused a shaking – vs. 31 “the place was shaken”

5. The persecution caused an assembling – vs. 31 “where they were assembled together”

6. The persecution caused a filling of the Spirit – vs. 31 “all filled with the Holy Ghost"

7. The persecution caused a bold witness – vs. 31 “they spake the word of God with boldness.”

8. The persecution caused powerful preaching – vs. 33 “with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus”

9. The persecution caused great grace to be manifested – vs. 33 “great grace” (not just grace)

10. The persecution produced love – vs. 34-35 “distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BELIEVER.

2009-11-03T06:42:00.002-06:00
Romans 8.

1. Liberates The Soul. Vs. 2.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

2. Indwells The Body. Vs. 9.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

3. Quickens The Believer. Vs. 11.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

4. Leads The Believer. Vs. 14.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

5. Witnesses With Our Spirit. Vs. 16.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

6. Helps Us In Prayer. Vs. 26.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

7. Intercedes With The Father. Vs. 27.

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Love Is...

2009-11-02T06:17:00.002-06:00
1. Love Is Commanded

John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (This means that it is not left up to our wants or desires.)

2. Love Is A Debt To Be Paid

Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. (We owe one another love.)

3. Love Is Scriptural Evidence Of Salvation

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

4. Love Is A Sign Of Spiritual Maturity

1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. (Mature people who are married love in spite of fault and failure.)

5. We Are Taught To Love

a) Through Scripture - 1 Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
b) Through The Indwelling Holy Ghost - Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Missions

2009-10-31T06:28:00.002-05:00
MARK 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Usually, when we think of missions we think of the Great Commission. But missions didn’t begin with the Great Commission. Missions began with God. It first beat in His heart before it was ever breathed as the life sustaining force into His church.

A strong missions program rests on these three foundations:

I. A Compassionate God
Our God is missions-minded. If He were not, there would be no Christian mission.

II. A Compelling Message
In Romans 1:14-16, Paul declares that he is indebted to God to give the world the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Having heard the greatest message in the world, He was compelled to share it with whomever he could. So great was this sense of obligation that Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:16, "Yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel!" The Gospel He has given us is a missions message. If it could not save every sinner, there would be no reason to take it to every nation.

III. A Commissioned Church – Mark 16:15
And the Great Commission is a missions mandate. It identifies the local church as the center for world evangelism.

THE SUBMISSIVE ONE

2009-10-30T06:05:00.002-05:00
OUTLINE OF RUTH

The Book of Ruth is more than history, and it is not a biography. It is a true story. It has a domestic nature to it, and it brings us up to an understanding of the lineage of King David from whom has come our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
This story takes place in the days of the Judges, believed to be in a time when a great famine was within the land some sixty years of so before the birth of David.
This is one of the two books in the Bible that are named after women and have women as the principle characters. It receives its name from Ruth, the Moabitess who married Boaz, from whom came David the king.

It is believed to have been written by Samuel the prophet, and it is properly placed between the Book of Judges and the Book of I Samuel as it introduces us to David from whom came Christ.

“The Book of Ruth relates not miracles nor laws, wars nor victories, nor the revolutions of states, but the affliction first and afterwards the comfort of Naomi, the conversion first and afterwards the preferment of Ruth. Many such events have happened, which perhaps we may think as well worthy to be recorded; but these God saw fit to transmit the knowledge of to us; and even common historians think they have liberty to choose their subject.

The design of this book is:

I. To lead to providence, to show us how conversant it is about our private concerns, and to teach us in them all to have an eye to it, acknowledging God in all our ways and in all events that concerns us. I Sam. 2:7—8; Psa. 113:7—9

II. To lead to Christ, who descended from Ruth, and part of whose genealogy concludes the book, whence it is fetched into Matt. 1. In the conversion of Ruth the Moabitess, and the bringing of her into the pedigree of the Messiah, we have a type of the calling of the Gentiles in due time into the fellowship of Christ Jesus our Lord.

The afflictions of Naomi and Ruth we have an account of in chapter 1.
Instances of their industry and humility we have an account of in chapter 2.
The bringing of them into an alliance with Boaz we have an account of in chapter 3.
And their happy settlement thereby we have an account of in chapter 4.

“And let us remember the scene is laid in Bethlehem, the city where our Redeemer was born.” Matthew Henry Commentary

CHAPTER 1: RUTH’S CHOICE — GOD’S GRACE

I. THE CHOICE WAS FORCED BY CIRCUMSTANCES.

A. We are to be very careful that we don’t base our decisions on our desires more than our need.
B. We are to be very careful that we don’t base our decisions due to the pressure that is upon us.
C. We are to be very careful that we don’t base our decisions on the fact that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, so it seems.

II. THE CHOICE WAS FORCED BY CRISIS.

A. The lst crisis was the leaving of her family, her friends, her neighbors, her place of worship, etc., back in Bethlehem.
B. The 2nd crisis was the death of her husband, Elimelech.
C. The 3rd crisis was the marriage of her sons to women of Moab.
D. The 4th crisis was the death of her two sons.
E. The 5th crisis was her having to leave and to return home.

III. THE CHOICE WAS FORCED BY COMPANIONSHIP.

A. 1st, we see the companionship that is only surface.
B. 2nd, we see the companionship that is genuine.

IV. THE CHOICE WAS FORCED BY CONDITION.

A. Naomi faced the condition of being defeated.
B. Naomi faced the condition of being empty handed.
C. Naomi faced the condition of being at home at the right time.

It is clear to see God’s grace manifested in Naomi’s life, also, in the life of Ruth as we see her testimony of following after Naomi.

CHAPTER 2: RUTH’S CHARACTER - GOD’ S GRACE

I. RUTH’S CHARACTER DISPLAYS A SPIRIT OF SERVICE.

A. The spirit of service calls for independence.
B. The spirit of service calls for humility.
C. The spirit of service calls for industry.
D. The spirit of service calls for respect.
E. The spirit of service calls for divine guidance and blessings.

II. RUTH’S CHARACTER DISPLAYS A SPIRIT OF SUBMISSIVENESS.

A. Ruth was submissive to her mother—in—law.
B. Ruth was submissive to the laws of the people.
C. Ruth was submissive to the authority of the field’s owner.
D. Ruth was submissive to the rights of others.
E. Ruth was submissive to the task before her.

III. RUTH’S CHARACTER DISPLAYS A SPIRIT OF SENSITIVENESS.

A. Ruth was very sensitive to her position.
B. Ruth was very sensitive to her needs.
C. Ruth was very sensitive to her mother—in—law’s needs.
D. Ruth was very sensitive to Boaz, the owner.
E. Ruth was very sensitive to her place of service.
Ruth was the servant that honored the day:
Ruth was a daughter that honored the home.

CHAPTER 3: RUTH’ S COMMITMENT — GOD'S GOODNESS

I. RUTH’S RESTLESSNESS.

A. Note Naomi’s concern for Ruth’s rest.
B. Note Naomi’s course for Ruth’s rest.
C. Note Naomi’s command for Ruth’s rest.

II. RUTH’S REASSURANCE.

A. She was reassured by being at Boaz’s place.
B. She was reassured by being in Boaz’s presence.
C. She was reassured by being under Boaz’s power.
D. She was reassured by Boaz’s praise.
E. She was reassured by Boaz’s promise.

III. RUTH’S RETURN.

A. Ruth returned with Boaz’s promise.
B. Ruth returned with Boaz’s gifts.
C. Ruth returned with Boaz’s message.

Ruth returned home with the promise that she would be redeemed by Boar before the day ended and there she patiently waited upon him.

CHAPTER 4: RUTH’S COMPANIONSHIP - GOD’S GIFT

I. THE LOVE OF BOAZ.

A. Boaz requesting.
B. Boaz receiving.
C. Boaz redeeming.

II. THE LIFE OF NAOMI.

A. Ws see Ruth, the wife.
B. We see Ruth, the mother.
C. We see Ruth, the daughter-in-law.

III. THE LINEAGE OF DAVID.

A. Pharez
B. Herron
C. Ram
D. Aminadab
E. Nahshon
F. Salmon
G. Boas
H. Obed
I. Jesse
J. David

The whole theme of the Book is the lineage of David, from whom has come our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

FIVE FACES OF FAITH

2009-10-29T05:15:00.001-05:00
Our faith in the Lord is the staff of life for the believer. Without faith, we cannot grow in the Lord, and we certainly cannot please Him, Heb.11:6; Rom.14:23. Faith is essential! Faith is the assurance that God will do what He has said He will do - Rom.4:21. Faith, then, is best summed up by Heb.11:1; "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

I. CONVERTING FAITH

This is the type of faith that saves the soul - it is all that is required - Acts 16:31 This is eternal faith -

II. CHANGING FAITH

This type of faith helps us to live holy lives - This faith helps us to trust in Jesus for direction And helps us walk each day in His will -

III. CONTENDING FAITH

This type of faith makes us seek God for others and believe God will move in their lives.

IV. COMFORTING FAITH

This type of faith reminds us that God is still in control - Rom.8:28 This faith deals a death blow to our fears -

V. CONQUERING FAITH

This type of faith destroys any obstacle that arises in our lives it reminds us that God is still the Lord! This faith gives us the victory in any situation -

Reading God's Word Develops Faith

2009-10-28T05:23:00.002-05:00
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

Many in this day are basing their faith on experience. It is not safe to build one’s faith on feeling or something that happened to us. The devil is very subtle and deceptive, and has led away a multitude in this way.

D. L. Moody said, “For years I prayed for faith and thought that someday faith would come down and strike me like lightening, but faith did not seem to come, then one day I read Romans 10:17.”

1. It is the avenue through which we are saved.

“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)

2. When faith is developed it will please God.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

3. It will quench the fiery darts of the wicked.

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Ephesians 6:16)

4. It is the condition of answered prayer.

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22)

The Incorruptible Seed

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a. The Incorruptible Seed Brings Incorruptible Life

1 John 5:9-11 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 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. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
2 Timothy 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.
Psalms 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
Psalms 119:93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

b. The Incorruptible Seed Brings The Indwelling Holy Ghost

Galatians 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

c. The Incorruptible Seed Keeps The Saint Incorruptible

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

d. The Incorruptible Seed Brings Life More Abundantly

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

e. The Incorruptible Seed Meets Our Every Need

Psalms 19:7-10 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are the than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.