SERMON NOTES:
- As Pastor of the Word of Grace I believe in equipping the body of Christ through expositional preaching and teaching with sermon notes being provided each Sunday I preach, printed in the church bulletin. This page is dedicated to making those Sunday sermon notes available to the membership or visitors to this website.
- These sermon notes are in outline form only and full thoughts on the outline cannot be expressed here, so fell free to visit in person on Sundays and see the outline come to life
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2 Timothy 4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. NAS
2 Tim 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
NAS
Click on Sermon date and title below to go to beginning of Sermon notes:
For 2005 Sermons - click here
2006 Sermons
“GOD’S NEW YEAR FOR HIS PEOPLE”
Scripture: Exodus
12:1-8
Purposes:
To put Christians in the mindset of a spiritual set of New Year’s resolutions
by using the Jewish New Year mandates given by God in the Exodus and Leviticus
23. The first month of the year for the Jews would be the month of Nisan (Abib)
to us March-April.
I
THE FIRST MONTH OF THE YEAR – PASSOVER 14th of Nisan
A
Jewish implications Exodus 12:1-13 , Lev. 23: 4-6
1
Death Angel will Passover killing the first born in household, blood
on the door post Exo 12:12-13, 23, 27-27
2
Keep spotless lamb for 4 days prior to sacrifice -
Exo 12:3-6
3
Tell future children of what this night means - Exo 12:24-27
B
New Testament implications
1
Jesus is our spotless Passover Lamb sacrificed - 1Cor 5:7
2
Jesus’ death redeemed us - 1 Peter 1:18-19
Applic:
1. Seek to bring your whole family into the protection of the blood of Christ in
2006
2.
Get to know your Savior on a person basis through scripture and prayer
3.
Don’t stop reminding yourself and family of the redemption of God by
Christ’s death
II
THE FIRST MONTH OF THE YEAR – UNLEAVEN BREAD 15th-21st of Nisan
A Jewish implications
1 Not
enough time to let bread rise Exo 12:14-20, Lev 23:6
B New Testament Implications – 1Cor 5:1-8
1.
Sanctification of the Believer
2
Sin in churches unchecked grow
Applic:1
Actively seek out in every area of your life and remove the sins that hindering
you
2
Individuals in congregations who live in sin uncheck will eventually adversely
affect the entire church
III
THE FIRST MONTH OF THE YEAR – FIRSTFRUITS 16th of Nisan
A Jewish implication
1 The
first fruits of the future annual crop harvest goes to God first – Lev
23:9-14
B New Testament Implications
1 Jesus
is the first fruits from the death of many to follow
- 1Cor 15:20-23
Applic: 1
The first and best of our possessions go to God
2 Trust God for our future
provisions once we have placed God first
3 Remember source of
blessings is God and not man
4 Remember because of Christ
being the first from the grave then we have hope that others who believe will
follow
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“Mumbling, Grumbling and Complaining - It Will Kill You!”
Scripture:
Philippians 2:14-16 (NAS)
Purposes: To show the negative effects of constant grumbling,
mumbling, murmuring and complaining and in contrast show the positive effects of
thanksgiving and acceptance of this same situation that another grumbled,
murmured and complained about.
Mumble - mutter: to speak or utter something quietly and unclearly without opening the mouth very much
Murmur - a
complaint, especially one that is not made openly
Grumble (verb)
1 .express dissatisfaction: to complain or mutter in a discontented way
Complain –
to express unhappiness about something:
I.
THE CHRISTIAN – MUMBLING, GRUMBLING AND COMPLAINING
A.
Christians are to demonstrate their salvation with reverential fear and
trembling of God,
Applic.
Our salvation by faith is to demonstrated outwardly by our actions, we work not
to be saved, but we work because we are saved.
B. In the course of doing God’s will and work, do all things individually and corporately without
grumbling
and disputing - Phil 2:14
Applic.
If will we are doing God’s will and work then we should not grumble about it
with one another or against God.
C.
Not grumbling and arguing makes you appear to be the blameless and
innocent
children of God who are lights to a
crooked and perverse generation- Phil 2:15-16
Applic.
The world watches the Christian in his actions, to be a Christian who constantly
complains is not a good draw to the unbeliever
II
THE OLD TESTAMENT– MUMBLERS, GRUMBLERS AND COMPLAINERS
A.
Grumbled (v.24) about bitter waters at Marah, 3 days out,
waters made sweet –
Exo 15:22-25
B.
Grumbled (v.2,7,8,9,12,) about no
food, 1 month out, Manna and quail given to eat,
Exo
16:1-30
C.
Grumbled and quarreled (v.2-3) about no water, water from rock, Exo
17:1-7
D.
Complain (v.1) about adversity, God gets angry burns them up, Num
11:1-3
E.
Complain (v.4-6) about nothing but manna to eat, given quail a
month, die of plague
Num 11:4-35
F. Murmuring (v.1) against Moses about Cushite wife, Miriam gets leprosy 7 days –
Num 12:1-16
G. Grumble (.v2,27,29,36) and complains (v.27) about giants in the promise land, die in
wilderness over 40 years and 10 spies died of plague.
Num 14:1-45
H. Complain (v.5) about long route, no food, water and hate manna, serpents kill them
Num. 21:4-9
Applic.
1. Don’t complain about what you do have, for it may be taken from you.
2. Christians are warned about grumbling like the Children of Israel (1Cor.
10:10)
3. Unbelievers can come among the church and become grumblers Jude
1:4,16
4. Don’t destroy your Christian witness among the unsaved by constant complains about
your life and God’s calling
for your life.
5. Grumbling and complaining is very contagious among people, and is destructive so don’t
openly complain.
6. Christ gives the strength to be content in whatever state we are in Phil
4:10-13
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“The Wilderness Test”
Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:1-20
Purposes:
The children of Israel were tested in the wilderness
to see if they would obey God and trust Him for his promises and provisions. We
as Christians can learn from their experiences and use their experiences as
practical applications for our lives.
I.
GOD’S TEST CONTROLS
A.
Place – Wilderness of Sinai- Dt.8:2
Applic:
The place of your testing could be your Job, School, Neighborhood or Home or a
combination of some or all.
Applic.
God will pick the proper juncture of your life to start your wilderness test and
God will determine how long it will last in your life, for a little while or for
a life time.
Scorpions - Dt.8:3,15-16
Applic.
God will inject the proper types and
timing of discomfort in our life to get His desired results in our lives.
Applic.
God knows the limits of our endurance and the provision we need to get through
the trial.
II.
GOD’S PURPOSES
A
To see if Israel would Obey - Dt.8:2, Exo 16:4-7
Applic.
Obedience in adversity is a test to see if we trust God when it does not make
sense.
Dt.8:3
Applic.
We have a spiritual side that needs to be feed and blessed as well as our
physical side, do not neglect your spiritual feeding.
Applic.
God has to prepare our heart and mind to receive a large blessing from him.
Applic.
In everything we are to give thanks
to God, for in everything He is working it for our good and future blessing
Applic
Bad previous conditions in our
lives should make us grateful for what we have.
III.
GOD’S WARNINGS
A
Prosperity can cause Israel to abandon God if not caution Dt 8:11-18, Prov
30:8-9
Applic.
Some people God will never bless with stuff because they cannot stay faithful if
they are prosperous
Applic.
Stuff can become our God and then God
will judge us and then we lose all.
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“TAKING GOD WITH YOU WHEN YOU GO OUT”
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 4:23
PURPOSE: To give practical biblical insights and direction into
the dating process of today.
I.
THE BIBLE AND COURTSHIP AND MODERN DATING
A.
Arranged marriage by
parents – Gen 24:1-4
B.
Choice of the man to marry
who he wants – Judges 14:1-2
C.
Widow woman marry whom she
wants as long as they are saved – 1Cor 7:39
D.
Asking permission of
parents to court daughter was and still is used today
E.
Dating process we have
today does not have the same intent as in ancient days which
was to find a future spouse.
II.
BIBLICAL INSIGHTS THAT CAN BE USED TODAY IN DATING PROCESS
A.
Be on guard with your
emotions and thinking so not to caught up emotional and be wise
spiritually - Prov 4:23
Applic: If people can know of your weakness and strengthens
emotionally then they can play into your heart. Any date can turn out to be a
future mate, so be cautious.
B.
Parental input
in the choice of person you are dating – Gen 24:3-4, 28:8-9 cf. 26:34-35
Applic: Godly parents can see the character of a person better
than you can when dating them.
C.
Running with the wrong crowd while going out can get you in trouble
– Gen 34:1-7
Applic: Do not place yourself in the wrong situation by going
out with a crowd of unsaved people on a date.
D. Don’t drink alcohol on a date it could lead to rape or surrendering
oneself sexually –
Hab 2:15
Applic: Drugs and alcohols lower people’s inhibitions to do
wrong morally whether attacking another or surrendering one’s body for sex
acts.
E. Keep your hands off one another in an inappropriate way – Gen
39:6-12
Applic: To much inappropriate touching can stir up passions that
lead to premarital sex
F. Never date married people it can lead to death and destruction – Prov
7:6-23
Applic: Anybody who betrays their own wife will have no problem
betraying you later.
G. Look for people’s natural interaction skills with other people to see
their true nature and
character – Gen. 24:10-14
Applic: Your date treats other people when not being watched is
how they will treat you.
H.
Ask God to guide you to
the right person for your character and destiny in life –Gen 24:6-7, 12-14
Applic: Talk to God while on the date and ask him to show the truth about the person.
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD”
Scripture: Psalms 46:1-11
Purposes: To bring peace to troubled Christians who
are overwhelmed by looking at the psalmist encouragement of just be still and
know that I am God
I. GOD
IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTHEN – Psa 46:1-3
A. God is our hiding place and strength and with
us always v.1
Applic: God a Spirit and though not seen is always
with us and we hide in Him.
B. Because of this we are encouraged not to be
afraid though disasters happen around us
v.2-3
Applic: Stop and think about all the diasasters God
has brought you through in life to this point and be still. God has power over
nature.
II. GOD IS
IN THE MIDST OF HIS PEOPLE – Psa 46:4-7
A. God is in the midst of Jerusalem and
will help her in time of need v.4-5
Applic: 1.
When Jerusalem stopped being faithful to Him and followed other Gods,
God’s glory did leave Jerusalem and judgment came. Same for Christians stop
being godly and judgment will come.
2. God knows where all his saints live in the whole
world and will protect them
B. The heathens raged against Jerusalem v.6-7
Applic: God has control of people and nations, so
your people problems are no problem for Him. Remember God is with you.
III GOD WORKS ARE TO BE BEHOLDED
– Psa 46:8-11
A. Look at the power of God among the
nations and see how he destroys nations military
power v.8-9
Applic. If God can handle the military powers of
the world, then He can handle the people who trouble in life.
B. Stop worrying and be still and know that
there is only one God in control v.10-11
Applic: Anxieties stop when we stop and realize who
God is, his power and he is in control.
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“Becoming the World’s Greatest
Lover or Not – Part 1”
Scripture: 1
CORINTHIANS 13:4-8
Purposes: To define and demonstrate on a practical basis what
biblical love is. Also to show how that love is demonstrated to at least eight
individuals.
I.
WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF
LOVE – 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-8
A.
Love defined in the ancient world
1. Gr. Eros – sexual, physical love
2. Gr. Stergo – affection, parents for
children, people for king, dog for master
3. Gr. Phileo – Brotherly affection
without family connection
4. Gr. Agape – Sacrifice for others
B.
Love is a fruit of the Spirit of God – Gal 5:22-23
C.
Love is a command not a option – John 13:34-35
D.
How
well do you love (agape) 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-8
v.
4
Love is patient
Love
is kind,
Love is not jealous
Love does not brag
Love is not arrogant
v. 5
Love does not act unbecomingly;
Love it does not seek its own
Love is not provoked
Love does not take into account a wrong suffered,
v. 6
Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth
v. 7
Love bears all things
Love believes all things
Love
hopes all things
Love endures all things.
v. 8
Love never fails;
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“Becoming
the World’s Greatest Lover or Not – Part 2”
Scripture: 1
CORINTHIANS 13:4-8
Purposes: To define and
demonstrate on a practical basis what biblical love is. Also to show how that
love is demonstrated to at least eight individuals.
Review: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love
does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek
its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does
not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things,
believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails;
I. WHO ARE WE TRYING TO LOVE
A. How Many of these have you loved
1. God, 2. Jesus, 3. Enemies, 4. Neighbor, 5. Husband, 6. Wife,
7.Children, 8. Parents
II.
HOW
TO BE A GOOD LOVER TO:
A. How
to love
God, Don’t cheat with other Gods Dt. 13:1-3
B.
How
to love
Jesus, Keep his commandments John 14:15
C.
How
to love
Enemies, Pray for enemy Matt. 5:43-48
D.
How
to love
Neighbor, No ill will toward Rom. 13:10
E.
How
to love
Husband, Submit to him Titus 2:4-5
F.
How
to love
Wife, Love her like self Eph.
5:25
G.
How
to love
Children, Provoke not to anger Eph 6:4
H.
How
to love Parents,
Honor parents Eph 6:1-3
III.
WORLD’S GREATEST LOVER AWARD
A. Rewards
for Loving well:
1. God
– Blessed by God
2. Jesus – Known as disciple
3. Enemies – Perfect like Father
4. Neighbor – Peace
5. Husband – Leadership
6. Wife – Affection
7. Children – Following the Lord
8. Parents – Well & live long on earth
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“YOU ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE, SO SURRENDER”
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Purposes: To encourage Christian to surrender their lives,
minds, wills, agendas, service, bodies, decision making and futures to God
because when you accepted Christ as Lord and Savior you gave up all rights to
your life and future because you were paid for by Christ’s blood and became
the temple of God.
1
Cor 6:19-20 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy
Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20
For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
NAS
I.
MASTER’S CONTROLS
A.
Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit – 1 Cor 6:19
B.
You don’t own yourself any more you are paid for by Christ – 1Cor
6:19b-20a, Eph 1:7
C.
You confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior and invited him your life – Rom
10:9,
John 1:11-12
D.
Our bodies are to be a living sacrifice of worship and service – Rom 12:1-2
E.
Your body is the temple of God – 1 Cor 3:16-17
Applic.
When you received Christ as Lord and Savior you were in indwelled by the
Spirit and Christ and surrendered control of your life, soul, body for God’s
glory not your own.
II.
MARRIAGE – SURRENDER
A.
Mandate in marriage, marry only a believer – 1Cor 7:39, 2Cor 6:14
Applic.
Surrender your marriage options to God
III.
MONEY – SURRENDER
A.
Peter, Andrew, James, John and Matthew surrendered their businesses and
jobs to
follow Christ – Matthew 4:18-22,
Matthew 9:9
Applic.
Your money, possessions, job and spending are to be at God’s dictates in your
life and not your own you are bought will price body and possessions.
IV.
MINISTRY – SURRENDER
A.
Peter had to surrender to the fact that his ministry was to feed sheep and not
fish for
fish
– John 21:1-19
B. Jonah did not like the
ministry God gave him and ran the opposite direction in to pain
and regret and still had to come back
to his original ministry call – Jonah 1-2
Applic.
God’s call in ministry could be a private stay home and raise your kids to a
public
world
wide evangelism ministry. Both are chosen of God and glorify him equally.
V.
MOVEMENTS – SURRENDER
A. Paul
wanted to go to Asia but was instead sent to Macedonia – Acts 16:6-10
Applic.
Surrender to where we should go and live is always best left in God’s hand for
he knows the future and knows the best place for us and His glory.
V.I
MISSION – SURRENDER
A.
Jesus surrendered to the will of the Father in his ultimate mission, that was to
suffer
and
die on the cross – Lk 22:42-44
Applic.
The owner of a thing can choose to do what he wants to do with his possession
and sometimes it may look bad in the choice but it is always for the ultimate
glory of God and the best for all so surrender and submit.
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“CHILDREN COMING AND COMMITTING TO CHRIST”
Scripture: Mark 10:13-16, 17-22
Purposes:
1. To show youth that God wants then involved now in service to Him. 2. To have
youth evaluate where they are now in their service to Christ. 3. To show youth
that tomorrow’s local church existence is dependent on them not the older
generation today.
I.
CHILDREN COMING TO CHRIST – Mark 10:13
A.
They were bringing children to Jesus that he might bless them v. 13 cf. v.16
Applic.
It is the parents and grandparents who are to take the leading role in bringing
their children to come to know Christ. And saved parent sanctify their children (1Cor
7:14)
Note:
Probability of Accepting Christ, Segment by Age
43 % of Americans accept Christ before
age 13
64 % of Americans accept Christ before
age 18
13 % of Americans accept Christ while 18
to 21 years old
Ages 13 to 21 Brought to Christ By
Friend brought to Christ - 20%
Parents brought to Christ - 20%
An Event in Life brought to
Christ - 20%
Relative other than Parent
brought to Christ -16%
Minister brought to Christ -10%
Media and Special Personal
situations brought to Christ -1%
Applic.
1. The older the person
the least likely they will come to Christ later in life. 2. Come to
Christ before the body wears out and becomes old, Eccles 12:1-2. Those
closest to the child in relationships will have the greatest chance of bringing
them to Christ.
II.
CHILDREN HINDERED FROM COMING TO CHRIST– Mark 10:13b-16
A.
Disciples try to stop the children from coming to see Jesus v.13b
Applic.
Adults in many ways hinder children from coming to Christ: 1. Don’t bring the
children to church, 2. Live a hypocritical life before children at home, 3.
Parents don’t know the Lord themselves, 4. Church member’s lives do not
match the Christianity of the Bible.
B.
Jesus is angered by the attempt to stop the children from coming to him v.14
C.
It takes child like faith (without question or doubt) to enter the
Kingdom v.15
III.
CHILDREN COMMITTING TO CHRIST – Mark 10:17-21a
A.
Rich young ruler (Matt 19:20,22, Lk 18:18) was a moral person from his
childhood but knew something was missing in him receiving eternal life - v.17-20
Applic.
Keeping moral rules is not enough, it is a living, undivided (no other
god) and obedient relationship that Christ is looking for from us.
B.
Jesus felt love for the rich young ruler - v.21a
Applic.
God loves us but he cannot make us love him back or obey him freely, that is up
to us to do.
IV.
CHILDREN HINDERED FROM COMMITTING TO CHRIST– Mark 10:21b-22
A.
The rich young ruler could keep moral rules to man but would not give up his
god, wealth
for Christ sake, suffer and follow Christ . Christ wanted the young man to serve
Applic.
1. Our affluent society is a major hindrance for people committing to Christ, we
love stuff and self more than God. (Matthew 13:22) 2. Our wealth when
given to God is converted over to a heavenly reward just not lost with no
return. 3. We need to stop Sunday Spiritual appointments only one day a week
with Dr. God and then don’t take the spiritual prescription but follow the
Doctor’s orders daily as a life style change.
Conclusion:
Come to Faith Early in Life: People who become Christians before their teen years are more
likely than those who are converted when older to remain “absolutely
committed” to Christianity. Tomorrow’s Church will be in the hands of
today’s youth. Young people where will the church be?
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“SOWING THE RIGHT KINDS OF SEEDS IN
LIFE”
Scripture:
Galatians 6:7-8
Purposes:
To teach Christians to plant
a spiritual crop you are proud of and Not a spiritual crop you are ashamed of or
afraid of in the future of coming back to hurt you rather than bless you.
I.
SOWING AND REAPING BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES IN SCRIPTURE
A.
What you Sow (Plant), you will Reap (Harvest) like kind – Galatians
6:7-8, Job 4:8,
Hosea 8:7, 10:12
B.
The portion you Sow (Plant), will determine the proportion you Reap
(Harvest) –
2 Cor. 9:6
C.
Do unto others, as you would have them do to you (you will be treated the
way you treat
people) Matt. 7:12, Luke 6:31
D.
God pays back to you, what you paid out to others, both bad and good – Rom.
12:19,
Prov. 19:17
E.
The timing of the reaping of what is sown may come in the afterlife
rather than in this life
Luke 16:25
F.
Sowing and reaping is an individual process, you harvest the crop you
planted –
Rom 6:5-10
SOWING AND REAPING ILLUSTRATED
REPEATED IN SCRIPTURE
A. King Adonibezek cut off thumbs and toes of 70 kings had his thumbs and toes cut off
and died Judges 1:4-7
B. Haman planned to hang Mordecia on gallows he built and was hung
himself on the
same
- Esther 7:9-10
C. Widow of Zarephath sowed her last meal into Elijah and reaped food for
years and her
son raised from the dead - 1Kings
17:9-24
D. Shunammite woman gave Elisha a room on her house and reaped a
household with a
son born and son raised from the dead - 2 Kings 4:8-37
III. SOWING AND REAPING BY JACOB AND REBEKAH
A. Jacob Sowing Deceit –
Genesis 27
1. Sowed deception in Canaan
2. Rebekah and Jacob premeditated a
plan to gain birthrigh v.6-17
3. Verbally and knowing lied to Isaac
his father v.19-24
4.
Wore clothing to deceive father v.22
5.
Used father’s blindness to deceive v.1
6.
Birthright carries a double portion of inheritance
7. Esau wanted to murder his brother
Jacob v.41, 13
B. Jacob Reaping Deception – Genesis 29
1. Jacob reaped being deceived
Padanaram
2. Laban premeditated plan to get
Jacob to work double the time v.26
3. Laban verbally and knowing lied to
Jacob v. 18-19
4. Leah’s face is veiled (clothes
used to deceive) v.23
5. Wedding at night and tent dark
(cannot see) v.23
6. Jacob worked double
time for wife wanted (2 x 7 yrs) v.27
7. Esau after 20 yrs. forgave Jacob Gen.
33:1-15
Note: Jacob got crop failure about Esau’s revenge
CONCLUSION:
YOU
SOW IT, YOU REAP IT, THEREFORE:
1.
Never plant a crop you don’t want to harvest in the future
2.
Don’t sow seeds and pray for crop failure (the crop may come in as planted)
3.
You may sow in one field and reap in another
4.
Some crops take years to harvest, some sooner
5. Make it a habit to plant only seeds worthy of harvesting
“JOHN
THE BAPTIST, JAILHOUSE BLUES”
Scripture:
Matthew 11:1-3
Purposes:
To help
Christians who maybe depressed because of opposition in their Christian walk
overcome their current feelings of abandonment and confusion.
I. John’s Beginnings
A.
Priesthood family lineage
- Lk 1:5-10
B.
Chosen
of God before birth to be forerunner for the Messiah - Lk 1:15-17
C.
Born under impossible circumstances – Lk 1:13-20
D.
Filled with the Holy Spirit from womb – Lk 1:15,
II. John’s Person, Ministry & Message
A.
Lived
in the wilderness until ministry started –
Lk 1:80
B
Dressed in camel’s hair & leather vs. Linen robes of priest – Matt.
3:4
C.
Eating locust , wild honey vs. lamb chops - Matt.3:4
D.
Preached in Judea wilderness vs. in city of Jerusalem at temple – Matthew
3:1,5
E.
Preaching to common people vs. the big wigs alone -Matt. 3:10-14
F.
Hard direct message of repentance and service vs. crowd pleasing words, a
illustration
G.
Spoke of coming eternal judgment vs. ignoring it - Matt 3:12
III. John’s Relationship to Jesus
A. John
and Jesus were relatives - Lk. 1:36
B. Knew he was just a forerunner – John 1:19-23
C. Felt unworthy to untie Jesus sandals – John 1:27
D. Was told the Spirit would come upon the Messiah “this is the Son of
God” –
John 1:30-34
E. Knew Christ existed before him – John 1:30
F. Baptized Jesus – Matt. 3:13-16
G. Announced
“Behold the lamb of God” – John 1:29-30
H. Knew he must decrease and Jesus increase in ministry presence - John
3:30
IV.
John the Baptist Jailhouse Blues
A Spoke the “truth” to Herod about his wife - Mark 6:18
B Put in “prison” – Matt
14:3
C Hated” by Herod’s wife – Mark 6:18-19
D Hears of “Jesus’ ministry” exploits – Matt. 11:1
E “Not delivered” from prison by his disciples or Jesus – Matt
4:12
V.
Jailhouse Blues Indicators Statements:
A.
Have you said lately..
1. I
feel all by myself in life
2.
Bummer
3. I
wish I were dead
4.
Life
stinks
5.
This
just really sucks
6. I
wish I was never born
7.
I
hate to get up out of bed everyday
8. God are you still alive or did you die
9. I
must not be God’s child or saved
10. God
hates me, I know it
11. I
ought to kill myself
B.
Personal Jailhouse Blues
1. You changed
your profitable careers to serve in poverty
2. You followed
God and your family deserted you
3. Your service to God
has cost you your health
4. Your life is now
harder now that you serve God than before you served him
5. People are always
mad at you now and they did not use to be
6. I had my
future all mapped out before serving God and now I don’t know
about today or tomorrow
7.
I had a sense of self worth before through my accomplishments and now I
don’t know if I don’t any good in life
8. I feel God does not
care or know about my present situation
9.My love ones hurt because of my service to God
VI. Overcoming the Jailhouse Blues, Remember the following:
A.
Jesus has validated himself as Messiah &
Savior – review God’s works in your life
B.
Our job was to promote Jesus not our self
C.
Our ministry has a set season and then its over
D.
Opposition is evidence of a godly non-comprising ministry
E.
Remember God knows your sacrifice for his name and kingdom and will
reward it in His perfect timing
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“THE POWER OF ENCOURAGING WORDS”
Scripture: Proverbs
12:25
Purposes:
To show the power of encouraging words (exhortation)
spoken to people to lift them up from despair and motive them to go on and to
renew hope for tomorrow. For, we
sometimes need an encouraging word or will be the encourager to someone else who
is in the midst of anxiety, discouragement, despair, sadness, or feeling
hopeless and abandonment by God and man.
I
Worry brings depression, a positive word brings gladness
Proverbs
12:25 Anxiety in the heart of a
man weighs it down,
But a good word makes it glad.
NAS
II
Temporary Relief and masking the pain
Proverbs 14:13
Even in laughter the heart may be in pain,
And
the end of joy may be grief. NAS
III
Emotions of the Heart Affect the Face and Motivation
Proverbs
15:13 A joyful heart makes a
cheerful face,
But when the heart is sad, the spirit
is broken. NAS
IV
Emotional distress greater than physical distress
Proverbs 18:14
The spirit of a man can endure his sickness,
But a broken spirit who can bear?
NAS
V Positive emotion thoughts is healing and Negative emotional thoughts is bad for your health
Proverbs 17:22 A
joyful heart is good medicine,
But a broken spirit dries up the
bones. NAS
VI
Delays in expectations brings depression but expectations realized
brings new life
Proverbs
13:12 Hope deferred makes the
heart sick,
But desire fulfilled is a tree of
life. NAS
VII
Words that are effective have to be spoken the right tone of voice
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger. NAS
IIX
Words that are effective are spoken in the right time and circumstances
Proverbs 15:23
A man has joy in an apt answer,
And
how delightful is a timely word! NAS
Proverbs 25:11
Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken in right
circumstances. NAS
IX
Words can bring life and death to a person
Proverbs 18:21 Death
and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its
fruit. NAS
Proverbs
10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
But the mouth of the wicked conceals
violence. NAS
Proverbs 12:18 There
is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings
healing. NAS
Conclusion: SOURCES OF WORDS OF HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT
1.
People -
Proverbs 27:9
Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
So a man's counsel is sweet to his
friend. NAS
2.
Scripture and
3. God
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“When Nothing in Life Goes Right Then It Could Mean..”
Scripture: Job 1:8-12
Purposes: To share 4 possible reasons why nothing goes right no
matter how hard you try in life sometimes. This will help you evaluate where you
are in life right now and know to rest and wait or change what you are doing.
I.
Really Living Right With God
A.
Job living right tested to see if his commitment to God is just stuff and
blessing based – Job 1:8-12, 2:3-10
B.
Christian if living openly right will see the world attack
him – 2Tim 3:11-12
Applic.
Satan will use every force available to come against you when you live right
with God whether it is attacking your money,
possessions, family, health and safety.
II.
Really Living Wrong with God
A.
Rebellious living to God can make cause all to go wrong – Proverbs
28:13,
1Peter 3:12,
1Peter 4:15
Applic.
Confession and repentance is a start to turn things around but remember
consequences of your actions may remain even after you are back in fellowship
with God.
III.
Really Trusting in Self and Not God
A
Paul was allowed to go through trials so serve that he may learn not to trust in
his self
but instead
in God – 2Corin. 1:8-11
Applic:
God
sometimes blocks all doors in life because we are trying to accomplish something
without God and in our own flesh so we can boast rather than through the power
of God.
IV.
Really Being Moved to the Top
A
God’s divine providence in moving Joseph to the top by circumstances that kept
moving
him
down in life – Genesis 37-45
Applic.
God’s uses the bad circumstances in life to really move us to our ultimate
best in life.
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“Your Liberties In
Christ That May Become Liabilities To Others”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians
8:4-13
Purpose: To Make the Christian aware that certain personal
liberties in Christ may be spiritual stumbling blocks to other Christians and to
give a practical set of guidelines for the Christian to use in determining if a
gray area of liberty in Christ should be pursued.
I.
LIBERTY TO EAT IDOL MEAT – 1Cor. 8:4-13
A.
The idol meat is nothing for the Christian who knows better – 1 Cor
8:4-8
B.
The weaker Christian brother who does not under this and may fall in
their Christian walk
–
1Cor 8:9-11
C.
Therefore if your liberty in Christ causes your brother fall don’t do
it – 1Cor 8:12-13
II.
LIBERTY OF PAUL TO BE SUPPORTED RELINQUISHED – 1Cor. 9:1-27
A. Paul has every right to be
financial supported – 1Cor 9:1-14
B. Paul voluntarily relinquished
his right to be supported – 1Cor 9:15-27
III.
LIBERTY GUIDELINES FOR EATING - 1 Cor. 10:19-33
A. The meat and idol is nothing but
Gentiles sacrifice to the demon behind the idol v.19-22
B. Meat that is sold at the butcher - v.25-26
Applic: Don't try to stir up your own conscience
to guilt.
C. Meat that is served at a feast
hosted by pagans - v.27-30
Applic: Be aware of the weaker Christian who may
be present with you and give up your liberty so he will not fall into sin or
guilty conscience.
D. Glorify God and do not offend Jew,
Gentiles or Christians- v.31-33
Applic: Your liberty to do certain things is governed by
others being offended and God being glorified.
IV
LIBERTY GUIDELINES - 1Cor. 10:23-24
A. Some liberties are okay but not
beneficial. v.23a
B. Some liberties are okay but not
going to build you up v.23b
C. Seek the good of others and not
your own thing. v.24
Applic: True mature
Christians are concerned for others and not self.
D. The seven guidelines to check to
see if gray areas are okay to do
1. Will it profit me
- 1 Cor. 10:23a
2. Will it build me up - 1 Cor.
6:12, 10:23b
3. Will it control me - 1 Cor. 6:12
4. Will it glorify God - 1Cor 10:31
5. Will it hinder my witness to
unbelievers - Col 4:5
6. Will it cause my brother to stumble
- Rom. 14:21
7. Will it hinder my Christian race in
life - Heb. 12:1
8. Is it something Jesus would do if
it was Him - 1 John 3:2
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“Palm
Sunday Worship”
Scripture: Matthew 21:1-16
Purpose: To show that people's hearts are same every Palm Sunday
when it comes to worshipping Jesus with a variety of attitudes and methods and
types of worshippers.
Context: Jesus has raised Lazarus form the dead and the people
are assembling for the Passover feast. Jesus presents Himself as King.
I. OBEDIENT
WORSHIP (Matt 21:1-7)
A.
Disciples obeyed in seeking for colt
B.
Owner obeyed Jesus in letting him use the animals
Applic. 1. True worship of God always involves deeds of service.
II. SURFACE
EMOTIONAL WORSHIP (Matt 21:8-9)
A. The crowd's emotional mood is contagious and spreads to all.
Applic. 1. Emotional worship generated from the outside will
fade as the crowd leaves and nothing substantial will be left. But emotional
worship generated from the inside will have lasting effects in outward service.
III. IGNORANT WORSHIP (Matt 21:10-11)
A. Some didn't even know who Jesus was and what the commotion was about
concerning Jesus but they were present in the middle of it.
Applic. 1. Don't be involved in any worship service without a
purpose for being there (e.g. to worship and praise God, to seek guidance and/or
edification, to contribute to the kingdom in some way, to seek forgiveness
and/or salvation, etc.).
B. Jesus weeps over the city as He nears it, for He knows the coming
rejection of the people and the judgment to come. (Luke 19:41-44)
Applic. 1. God hurts inside when He sees the true state of
affairs of our heart, when outwardly to man all seems in order.
IV. HYPOCRITICAL
WORSHIP (Matt 21:12-13)
A. Jesus drove out the temple profiteers who corrupted the purpose of the
temple.
Applic. 1. Hypocrites and church leeches are always present at every service and take from every worship service.
V. SEEKING
HELP WORSHIP (Matt 21:14)
A. The blind and the lame sought Jesus for healing in the temple.
Applic. 1. God wants us to seek Him for assistance in the midst
of worship so cry out to Him in your heart at altar prayer and seek help.
VI. ANTI-WORSHIP
WORSHIPPERS (Matt 21:15b)
A. The chief priest and scribes seek to stop the children from praising
Jesus.
Applic. 1. Some come to worship service and refuse to worship
themselves and seek to hinder others from worshipping either intentionally or
unintentionally.
VII. GENUINE PRAISE AND WORSHIP (Matt 21:15-16)
A. The children openly and publicly praise Jesus from a sincere heart.
Applic. 1. Only the pure in heart will really be able to worship
God. (Matt 5:8)
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
"BUT GOD..."
Scripture:
Act 13:27-31
PURPOSE: To show that God can, if he chooses to, can turn the
tide on humanly impossible situations in our life by His divine power &
sovereignty.
I.
BUT GOD, IN THE DEFINING MOMENT OF CHRIST'S MINISTRY - Acts 13:27-31
A. Accused, tried, convicted, sentenced, executed and no God.
Applic: Because it seems that God is not there in the most
difficult hours of our life does not mean He has not been there the whole time.
B. Buried and dead three days, but God raised him .... v.30
Applic: God receives the greatest glory when man's efforts to
deal with the situation have been eliminated.
II.
"BUT GOD" IN THE MOST DIFFICULT TIMES IN OUR LIFE
A. I MESSED UP MY LIFE WITH A LIE - BUT GOD.....
Gen 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream of
the night, and said to him, "Behold, you are a dead man because of the
woman whom you have taken, for she is married." (NAS)
B. I HAVE BEEN WRONGED BY FRIENDS - BUT GOD....
Gen 50:20 "And as for you, you meant evil against me, {but}
God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to
preserve many people alive. (NAS)
C. I AM IN A HOPELESS SITUATION AND IN NEED - BUT GOD....
Judges 15:19 But God split the hollow place that is in
Lehi so that water came out of it. When he drank, his strength returned and he
revived. Therefore, he named it En-hakkore, which is in Lehi to this day. (NAS)
D. I HAVE PRESSURE AND TRIALS OF LIFE - BUT GOD....
2 Cor 7:6 But
God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
E. I AM IN DANGER FOR MY SAFETY - BUT GOD....
1 Sam 23:14 And David stayed in the wilderness in the strongholds,
and remained in the hill country in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him
every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand. (NAS)
F. I HAVE A SEVERE ILLNESS - BUT GOD......
Phil 2:27 For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but
God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, lest I should
have sorrow upon sorrow. (NAS)
G. I MADE PLANS FOR MY LIFE - BUT GOD.....
Luke 12:20 "But God said to him, `You fool! This
{very} night your soul is required of you; and {now} who will own what you have
prepared?' (NAS)
H. I HAVE TO DIE AND LEAVE MY LOVES ONES - BUT GOD.....
Gen 48:21 Then Israel said to Joseph, "Behold, I am about to
die, but God will be with you, and bring you back to the land of
your fathers. (NAS)
Gen 50:24 And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die,
but God will surely take care of you, and bring you up from this land
to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac and to
Jacob." (NAS)
I. I'M SATAN'S CHILD BOUND FOR HELL - BUT GOD....
Eph 2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of
His great love with which He loved us, (NAS)
J. NO ONE WILL SAVE MY SOUL
- BUT GOD....
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward
us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (NAS)
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“USED UP OR USED BY GOD”
Scripture: 2 Timothy
2:20-22
Purposes: To help young Christians make wise choices in life,
especially in choosing to let God used them for his glory and to show the
futility of running with world to be like them.
I
CHOICES MADE – 2Timothy
2:20-22
A.
Types of vessels – precious metal, wood, clay; Uses – Honor or
Dishonor - v.20
B.
Choice – Honor, Sanctified, Useful, Good work - v.21
C.
Flee youth lust; Follow what’s right; Fellows to follow along with-
v.22
Applic.
Make a conscience decision to avoid tempting situations and follow what is right
and only associate with youth genuinely committed to the same principles of
righteousness, faith, love, peace and a pure heart.
II.
COMMITMENT CHALLENGED – Luke 22:31-34
A. Peter’s statement of
commitment is challenged by Satan
Applic.
Any commitment to the Lord will be challenged by Satan in your life to get you
to break off from following God. If you fail in your commitment, get back up,
ask God to forgive and get back to serving God.
III.
CALAMITY COMES FROM DEVIATION – Luke 15:11-32
A. Decision to leave a
godly environment - v. 11-12
B. Lack of wisdom in an
ungodly environment - v.13-14, 30
C. Hard times without God
in an ungodly environment – v.15-16
D. Reality of the evil world drives
you back to God – v.17-19
E. Repentance of mistakes
and confession of wrong - v.
20-21
F. Returning to become a
vessel fit for the Father’s use – v.22-24
Applic.
When you leave the protection of the God the Father to run with the world, the
world chew you up and spit you out and not love you. Stay with the Father, if
gone from him come back today before it is to late.
G. The son who stayed was
bitter because of the brother returning who had strayed was being
celebrated but the Son who not left had not missed any fellowship his Father the
whole time the other brother was gone v.25-32
Applic.
Don’t be jealous of young Christians who run to the world for a while and have
to come back to the church and God. They we tell you they were miserable in the
world the whole time they were in the world if they were truly saved.
IV.
CONCLUSIONS FROM THE SAME WISE AND FOOLISH MAN - Eccles 2:1-11,
Eccles12:1-7,13-14
A. Tried to find happiness in
pleasure and possessions – all was futile - Eccles
2:1-11
B. Solomon’s advice is
remember God while young before you get old and cannot serve and
die, Eccles 12:1-7
C. Fear God and keep his commandments
because we will all give account of our acts and deeds in judgment - Eccles 12:13-14
Conclusion:
We can get to the end of our lives having spent it on our personal pleasures and
self and be used up in mind and body or we can spend our lives as a vessel used
by God for His glory and our reward and be rewarded beyond this world and life.
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“WHY
THERE ARE HOLES IN YOUR POCKET”
Scripture:
Haggai 1:1-6
PURPOSE: Show that our blessings are tied directly to our giving
to God and that the church's progress is tied to your giving.
I.
GOD'S HOUSE NEGLECTED -
Haggai 1:1-2:19
A. You are living large at your house - 1:3-4
B. You are not getting any where in life - 1:5-6
C. The reason for your lost - God is last -1:7-11
D. The solution - Take care of the things of God first - 1:12-15
E. Builders encouraged by God, because rebuilt temple is not like first –
2:1-5
F Reviewing and looking
ahead - God blessings start when you start to bless him with
your offerings - 2:15-19
G. Your possessions belong to God in the first place you are stealing
from him by not
giving - Malachi 3:8-12
II.
BLESSING INVESTMENT RATIOS
A. If you don't give you will not receive - Luke 6:38
Luke
6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and
shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the
same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (KJV)
B. Proportion you give to God is the proportion you get back - 2Cor
9:6-8
C. Your giving is to be continuous and consistent - 1 Cor 16:1-2
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“WOMEN: SINGLE, MARRIED, WIDOWED, AND WICKED”
Pt.
1 "Singleness, Marriage and Service"
SCRIPTURE:
1 Corinthians 7:25-40
PURPOSE:
To show that being single has it's advantages over marriage when it comes to
serving God.
I.
PAUL'S COUNSEL GIVEN CURRENT PERSECUTIONS - 1 Corinthians 7:25-28
A. Advice to virgins in light of persecutions, stay single. v.25-26
B. Advice to married couples in light of persecutions, remained married. v.27a
C. Advice to divorced individuals in light of persecutions, don't
remarry. v.27b
D. If you do marry, you have not sinned, but expect trouble. v.28
Applic:
Your decisions are tougher to make if you are concerned with another's
person's well being and safety.
II.
SERVING THE LORD IN TIME REMAINING - 1 Corinthians 7:29-35
A.
Serve as though you don't have any personal distractions
or concerns for this world is
passing away. v.29-31
Applic:
Time and opportunity to serve is running out, so stay on track.
B. The unmarried individuals' focus is pleasing the Lord. v.32
Applic:
A single can serve God with greater commitment. You have no excuse not to
serve more than a married person. Luke 2:36-37
C. The married individual's focus is pleasing the spouse. v.33-34
Applic:
A married person's service to God can be divided up or cut out by a spouse. Luke
14:16,20
D. Reasons for Paul's statements v.35:
1. To benefit you, not restrain you
2. To promote what is proper and to give undistracted devotion to the
Lord
III.
VIRGINS, WIDOWS AND MARRIAGE - 1 Corinthians 7:36-40
Note:*NAS views the man as the father of the virgin daughter.
NIV views the man as the man engaged to the virgin woman.
A.
A father in Paul's day determined whether his daughter
could marry or not. If he
allowed her to marry, he would not sin. v.36
B. If a father prohibited his daughter's marriage in light of present
situations, he made a better decision. v.37-38
Applic:
A father's insight into his child life can sometimes be better than the
child can see for themselves.
C. A widow could make her decision to remarry on her own, but the man
must be saved. v.39
Applic:
Widows who want to remarry will have divided interest.1Tim 5:11-12
D. Paul's advice as guided by the Holy Spirit, to the widow is she
would be better off
staying single like him. v.40
Applic:
Paul and Barnabas were single versus Peter, the Apostles and the Lord Jesus'
half brothers who were married and their ministries differed because of it. 1
Cor 9:5-6
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“WOMEN: SINGLE, MARRIED, WIDOWED, AND WICKED”
Pt.
2 "Daughters, Wives, Mothers, Cycle of Life"
SCRIPTURE:
Ephesians 5:22-33
PURPOSE: Daughters, who may eventually, marry and become mothers
are molded for their later roles in life when they are young girls by mother and
father whether they are their in their life or not, for the positive or the
negative later in life. We will examine the impact of fathers and mother on the
girl who will one day be married and maybe become a mother. A girl’s options
are to like the models they see good or bad and copy it or despise the models
they see and still copy it or despise the models they see and do the opposite of
it.
Life Options: 1. Good and proper relations with parent(s) become like
them
2. Good and proper relations with parent(s) become opposite of them
3. Bad and improper relations with parent(s) become like them
4. Bad and improper relations with parent(s) become opposite of them
I
Daughter and Fathers
A
Fabulous Father and Daughter – Caleb – Josh 15:13-19
Applic. Fathers who look out for their daughters instill the
ideal that a man can look out for them in life.
B.
Faulty Father and Daughters – Laban, Leah and Rachael - Gen 31:14-20
Applic. Fathers who cheat their daughters instill the ideal that
it is every man for himself.
C.
Father God and Daughters – Num 27:1-8, 1Peter 3:7
Applic. Daughters without fathers should look to God the Father
for their pattern of correct male
provision
II
Wives and Husbands
A.
Wives and Husband – Ephesians 5:22-33, Col 3:19
Applic. How a man treats his wife will profoundly affect his
daughter’s future view of the male and his role in the marriage and family.
B.
Woman who shames her husband is rottenness) - Proverbs 12:4, Proverbs
30:21-23
Applic. A woman with a bitter unloved past can make a man (hushand)
miserable and influence her daughter on how to be a mother and wife.
III.
Mother and Daughters
A.
Model mother of evil – Mark 6:21-28
Applic. Daughters will follow a dominate influencing mother’s
lead for good or bad in life, she looks for her mother for direction good or
bad.
B.
Model mother and wife
to children (daughters) - Proverbs 31:13-31
Applic. A good mother positively affects her children and
husband and sets the godly pattern for her daughter to become a future good
mother.
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“HOW
TO LISTEN TO GOD”
From: How
To Listen to God, by Dr. Charles Stanley
Why
seek guidance from God by praying or by reading the Bible?
Scripture: Proverbs
20:24
A man’s steps are directed by the Lord,
how
then can anyone understand his own way?
Psalms 85:8
I will hear what God the LORD will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly.
NAS
Scripture: 1 Samuel
3:1-10
Purposes: We talk to God in prayer
but often do we stop talking long enough to listen to the response of God. Or,
God has been speaking to us for sometimes now and we have failed to realize the
whole time that he is talking to us about an issue in our life. My five purposes
this morning is to show you how God speaks today, how he gets our attention when
we are not listening, how to tune your spiritual ear so you know how to listen
to God, How to Identify that the voice you are hearing is indeed the voice of
God and finally what hinders you from hearing the voice of God
I.
HOW GOD SPEAKS TODAY (5 ways):
A. Through Word of God: Read it, Meditate on it, What verse comes
up over again
B. Through the Holy
Spirit: Talks to hearts, minds
C. Through Other
people (mostly believers): Knowingly and Unknowingly sent
D. Circumstances:
Failures, Successes, Disappointment, Tragedies
E. Other ways - remember God
is omnipotent, He will speak to you any way He wants
II.
HOW GOD GETS OUR ATTENTION WHEN HEADED IN THE WRONG DIRECTION
A. A restless spirit
: uneasiness in our hearts, trouble feeling but no trouble in life
B.
A word from others
: Nathan sent to David – 2Sam 12:1 – criticism and reproof
C.
Blessings in unusual ways
(not on the selfish person though)
D.
Unanswered prayer: Wrong
reasons James 4:3, Disobedience 1John 3:22, Out of will of God 1
John 5;14, abuse in marriage 1Pet 3:7
E.
Unusual Circumstances:
Burning bush not consumed Exo 3:1-4, attention getters
your are fired unexpectedly
F. Failure:
Success at Jericho, failure at Ai – Joshua 7:5
G.
Financial collapse:
Midianites take all Israel has Judges 6:1-6, Jud 17:6 do what is
right in own eyes
H Tragedy :
Israel complains fiery serpents sent Numbers 21:4-7, Joni Eareckson
Tada, Jim Elliot, Elizabeth Elliot
I Sickness
and Affliction: Hezekiah heart proud 2Chron 32:20-26, sick unto death
J Disappointment
: Numbers 14 not go in promise land now because unbelief –
Defeated
III.
IDENTIFYING THE VOICE OF GOD VERSUS SATAN OR SELF :
Matthew 16:21-23 Jesus go be killed rise 3rd day, Peter tries
to stop
A. It will be Consistent
with the Word of God and not Contradict it
B. It will Conflict
with human wisdom:
1. It Clashes with a natural, reasonable course of action
2. "My thoughts are not your thoughts, my ways are not your ways."(Isaiah
55:8)
C. It Clashes with
fleshly nature, it will not tell us to gratify our flesh
D. It
will be a Challenge to my faith
F.
It May require courage to do what we hear: Joshua be of good
courage – Josh 1:-6-9
JESUS DID ALL THE ABOVE IN MATTHEW 16:21-23
G. It will be for the good
of everyone not just myself
H.
Doesn’t require a
rushed decision , patience: Saul offers sacrifice before Samuel
comes
I.
Consider the consequences -
should be positive and not negative
– Abraham &
Hagar, David numbers the people
J. Get Godly
counsel from other believers
K. Should stimulate
spiritual growth – called to be conformed to the image of Jesus
L. Should give
peace - calmness in the spirit
"Peace that passes all understanding" (Philippians 4:7)
IV.
HINDRANCES TO HEARING (9 things that hinder):
A.
We don’t know God - need to study the Word to know him and his
will
B.
A poor self-image – I am not a preacher why would speak to me?
C.
A false sense of guilt – forgiven but feel guilty by Satan bring
up past, God won’t
hear me is how you feel but it is not true
D.
Business / Busyness – hectic full daily schedules, don’t stop
to listen
"Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)
F.
Unbelief that God will answer prayer in today’s time like O.T.
G.
God directed anger because of rage at God because of tragedy or
disappointment
H.
Harboring sin that you know about and will not let go of
I.
A rebellious spirit - does not want to hear God , don’t want to
do what God wants me
to do
J. Rejecting God’s messengers - other
believers, spouse, children, parents, pastor
V.
HOW TO LISTEN (5 ways):
A.
Ask questions – say “God what are you trying to tell me” and
wait for a rely
B.
Anticipate God speaking – Heb 13;8 Christ is the same
yesterday, today, and
forever
C.
Respond to what we hear – move in the direction God tells us to
go
D.
Be alert to confirming events – God confirms his message through
events look for
them and obey them
E Ask God to speak
to us – Before you go to bed ask God to speak to you and that
you are available to hear – Like Samuel, Speak for your servant hears 1Sam 3:4-10
Conclusion: Sit
before God Expectantly, Quietly, Patiently, Actively, Confidently, Dependently,
Openly, Attentively,
Carefully, Submissively, Gratefully, Reverently and you will hear him.
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“WOMEN: SINGLE, MARRIED, WIDOWED, AND WICKED”
Pt.
3 "Widows, Life Beyond Marriage, Women With Wisdom”
SCRIPTURE:
1 Timothy 5:3-16
PURPOSE: To give biblical the directives regarding treat of
widows and biblical advice to widows on life after marriage.
Background:
Widows in the ancient world – Not educated, not considered equal to man but
lower, no authority, rights through father or husband, supported by father,
husband or children, husband died in war before her sometimes
I.
SECOND CHANCES FOR WIDOWS - REMARRIAGE
A.
Freed from the first marriage obligation, which is only
bound for this life, widow is free to remarry only in the Lord, Rom 7:1-3,
Luke 20:27-36, 1Cor 7:39-40,
Applic. In God’s original plan marriage was for life and only
in this world and only to be dissolved by death, it was not to carry over to the
next world like the Mormons teach
B.
Young widows should remarry and start a family if they want to –1Tim
5:11-14,
1Cor 7:7-8
Applic. God wants widows to live on productively after the
death of their husbands
C.
Some widows who remarried the in the Bible – Abigail, Bathsheba, Ruth,
Famous Christian women who remarried – Elizabeth Elliot
Applic. Sometimes the second marriage is more pleasant than the
first marriage.
II.
SUPPLY FOR WIDOWS
A.
Supply for widow through children, grandchildren - 1Tim 5:3-4, 7-8,16,
John 19:26-27
Applic. Children have a biblical obligation to look out for their
widowed mother.
B.
Supply and protection for widows in the Old Testament – Not
afflict Exo 22:22, Justice
for Dt. 10:18, tithe given to every 3rd year Dt.
14:28-29, Not take garment as pledge Dt. 24:17, leave
grain in field for Dt. 24:19, Curse on those who pervert justice to
C.
Supply for widows in New Testament church by congregation and believers
–
Acts 6:1-3, James 1:27, and church permanent support of qualifying
widows
1Tim 5:9-10
Applic. Churches have biblical obligation to take care of its
widows who are destitute.
D.
Widows were targets for abuse by others – Psa 94:3-6, Luke 20:46-47
E.
Supply for widows through miraculous provisions of God Psa 146:9 -
Son raised from
dead Luke 7:11-15, Oil to sale for husband’s debt 2Kings
4:1-7
Applic. God is always looking out for widows, and orphans to
provide for and protect them.
III.
SERVING WIDOWS
A.
Service or Second Marriage choices in life – 1Timothy 5:5-15,
pledge to God made
v.12
B.
Serving widows – Anna by prayer Luke 2:36-38
C. Serving through training
younger women how to be mothers and wives – Titus 2:3-5
Applic. Younger women need older spiritually mature women to
guide in living as a woman
IV.
SACRIFICES OF WIDOWS
A.
Last of money given to Temple - Mark 12:41-44
B.
Last bread given to Prophet to fed him - 1Kings 17:9-24
Applic. Widows can serve by sacrifices to the things and people
of God in God’s service.
(back to Sermon schedule / top of page)
“WOMEN: SINGLE, MARRIED, WIDOWED, AND WICKED”
Pt.
4 “Minding Blowing, Malicious, Mean and Misleading Women –
Don’t Go There”
SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 21:9 (25:24)
PURPOSE: Women can have a tremendous influence on the affairs of
the things of God for the better or worse. These four woman had an influence on
the things of God for the worse so ladies don’t go there with them.
I
MIND BLOWING WOMAN – Delilah – Judges 16:4-31
Destroys a Man of God
A
A one way love relationship he loved her but her not him – Judg.
16:4
B
Reputation must have been known to make her an offer - Judg 16:5
C
Delilah attempts at finding Samson’s secret that he may be afflicted for gain
1 Tie with 7 bowstrings – Judg 16:6-9
2 Tie with new ropes – Judg 16:10-12
3 Weave his 7 locks in fabric loom – Judg 16:113-14
4 Nagged Samson daily for secret - Judg 16:15-16
5 Shave hair off (Samson sleep in her lap) Judg 16:17-20
6 Samson capture eyes gouged out, taken to Gaza – Judg 16:21-22
D Delilah’s actions
caused
1 A man of God to fall – Judg 16;21
2 The idol God Dagon to receive glory – Judg 16:23-26
3 Samson, 3,000 Phiistines and their Lords to die – Judg 16:27-31
II
MALICIOUS WIFE – Jezebel – 1Kings 16:31-
Destroys the People of God
A Her parents Sidonians – 1Kings
16:31
B Marries an evil ungodly
man, worse king ever in Israel –1Kings 16:30-33
C She killed the prophets of
God – 1Kings 18:4,13
D Hated main spokesman of
God, tried to kill him – 1Kings 19:1-3
E Fellowshipped and fed 850
false prophets – 1Kings 18:19
F Would not repent after God
proved himself at Mt. Carmel – 1Kings 18:17-19:3
G A lair, murderer and theft
– 1Kings 21:1-29
H Inspired husband to do
evil – 1Kings 21:25
I Thought her looks
could save her – 2Kings 9:30
J Her death by treachery –
2Kings 9:31-33
K No burial, dogs ate her body, skull, hands feet left – 2Kings
9:34-37
III
MEAN MOTHER – Athaliah – 2Kings 11:1-2
Destroys Her Own Family (Only sole reigning Queen of Judah or Israel
–6 yrs)
A She had evil parents Ahab
and Jezebel – 1Kings 16:30-33, 21:25
B She had evil influence on
her husband, King Jehoram- 2Chron 21:6
C She had evil influence and
counsel to son, Kings Ahaziah – 2Chron 22:1-4
D Sons of Athaliah used things of God’s temple for Baal worship 2-Chron
24:7
E Lack of sorrow for death of her mother Jezebel, 2Kings 9:30-37,
brother King Joram, 2
Kings 9:22-26, and son king Ahaziah 2 Kings 9:27-28 all
killed on same day by Jehu
F Cold blooded murderer of her own grandchildren after death of her
mother, brother
and son – 2Kings 11:1-2, 2 Chron 22:9-12
G Self deluded thinking justice is treason – 2Kings 11:14, 2Chron
23;13
H People rejoice after Athaliah is slain –2Chron 23:21, 2Kings 11:20
IV
MISLEADING MEMBER – Jezebel - Revelations 2:18-25
Destroys a Church
A Church
of Thyatira has good deeds, love, faith, service and perseverance and growing
in deeds but church allowing false prophetess to run it– Rev 2:19-20
B Tolerating Jezebel the
false prophetess teaches immorality and eating things offered
to idols – Rev 2:20
C Given time to repent but
refuses to – Rev 2:21
D Judgment coming on her and
children (followers) unless they repent – Rev 2:22
E Her judgment will
serve as an example that God searches the minds and hearts and
rewards accordingly - Rev 2:23
F Warning do not hold to this teaching - Rev 2:24
-
Sermon Notes for June 4, 2006
“MEN: SINGLE, MARRIED, WIDOWED, AND WICKED”
Pt. 1 "Single
Men: Sin, Serving and Searching
Scripture Psalms 119:9-11
Purposes:
To give single men advice in staying pure while single, advantage of being
single and serving God and helping in the decision to go from singleness to
marriage.
I.
SINGLE MEN AND SIN STRUGGLE
A
Struggling with Self and the World – James 1:13-15, Prov. 6:24-25,
1John 2:15-17
Applic. With
all the visual and audio sexual stimulation today it is hard for a Christian
male to stay pure. So avoid as much as you can on what you see and hear.
B The Word of God is the
Life line to staying pure – Psa
119:9-11
C God
fearing Christian male friends are essential to keep you accountable and pure
–
2Tim 2:22
Applic.
Stay in personal Bible reading, staying Bible study and worship and associate
with genuinely committed Christian males who will hold you accountable.
D
Covenant with eyes not to look, lust, and lose
- Job 31:1, 2Sam 11:1-5
E
Treating Christian women like sisters – 1Tim 5:2, not defraud
them of sexual purity
1Thess 4:3-8
Applic.
Make plans in advance of how you will conduct yourselves in a godly manner
around females so as not to succumb to sexual temptation
F
Escape hatch for temptation will be made available by God, take it - 1Cor
10:12-13
Applic. God’s
way of escape may only come one way and one time so take it when it comes,
don’t assume another is awaiting you if you past this one up.
II.
SINGLE MEN AND SERVING GOD
A
Spiritually gifted in being single – 1Cor. 7:7-9,32-34a
B
Single and undistracted service to God – 1Cor 7:32, 35
Applic. Beside
the advantage of undistracted service to God there are also practical advantages
of just being single also
C
A personal decision to serve and remain single –
Matthew 19:10-12
1.)
Origen 184-254 A.D. castrated himself to avoid slander concerning him his female
Christian students he taught
2.)
Apostle Paul and Barnabas – 1Cor 7:8-9
Applic. The
travels and hardships of Paul would not have been good for a marriage
relationship 2Cor 11:22-28
III.
SINGLE MEN AND SEARCHING FOR COMPANIONSHIP
A
Personal decision to be married and serve like Peter - Mark 1:30, 1Cor
9:5
B
A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from God – Prov
18:22
Applic.
Spend much time in God’s presence seeking to know if this is the right one to
marry.
C
Adam was given a woman who complimented him in his task
- Gen 2:20-25
Applic. Look
for a woman who will compliment your task, calling and your personality.
D
Prepare to compromise time, energy and service when married – 1Cor
7:33-34a
Applic.
If a single Christian man decides to marry, be sure you marry an equally
committed Christian woman or you will be in a living hell on earth, trying to
please an unsaved or carnal wife and a Holy God.