Pulpit Ready Sermons - by Dr. Ken Matto

WHY WE STRAY

Acts 20:28-29

Amos 8:11

 

As the church goes, so goes the nation - i.e., Judah, Israel, USA

The church has lost its reason of existence

Text: Psalm 78 & Ezekiel 22:25-28

 

1. We no longer recognize the authority of Scripture - Ps 78:10

A. Consistent attack - Higher criticism - church/seminary is enemy

B. Greedy publishers printing anything for money

C. Neutralizing the significance of God's Word

D. Holy book on par with Koran or book of Mormon

E. Authenticity questioned

F. Christians check horoscopes

 

2. We lost our fear of God - Ps 78:17

A. Man's cry is independence

B. Shake our fist/emergency room

C. Abortion - homosexuality - other heinous sins in direct defiance of God

D. The pride of man provokes God

E. A Self oriented society

F. Heaven may seem silent but heaven is never silent. (Esther)

G. We challenge God through seeking signs & wonders - Matthew 12:39

WHEN THE CHURCH BEGINS TO ADOPT THE WAYS OF THE WORLD IT IS NO LONGER A HOLY ENTITY BUT A PROFANE INSTITUTION. IT HAS BECOME THE VERY THING THAT IT SHOULD BE OPPOSING. IT BECOMES THE ENEMY OF GOD.

 

3. Man's wisdom & counsel has been substituted for God's - PS 78:22

A. God's salvation plan is questioned - All humans are good (Psalm 53:3)

(Psa 53:3 KJV) Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

B. We add to it by works and ritual

C. Bible plus self-help books

D. PK pushes "Masculine Journey" by Robert Hicks (psychologist & psychotherapist)

(Phallic worship (PW) as a symbol of masculinity - PW is ancient occult practice)

 

4. Ecumenicism out of control - Ps 78:58-60

A. Reunion with Rome

B. Amalgamation of Truth and Ritual (Galatians 1:8-9)

(Gal 1:8 ) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Gal 1:9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

C. Christian leaders selling out and sinning out

 

5. Unqualified Leaders in the Church - Ezekiel 22:25-28

A. Devouring Souls - Teachings lead to hell

B. Taken the treasure & precious things

    1. Treasure in earthen vessels

    2. Precious blood we are redeemed by

    3. Their gospel is void of truth

C. Widows - No husband - Gospel does not lead to salvation (bride of Christ)

D. They try to meld the Holy & profane into one

E. Souls are destroyed for wealth

F. Lord hath not spoken - Lies of the evil one

(untempered unique to Ezekiel=foolish things, frivolity)

 

Results

1. Christians have no firm foundation

2. Salvation & Sin become cloudy issues

3. Doctrinal teachings and beliefs become fragmented

4. People are hell bound while thinking they are going to heaven.

5. The church becomes a forsaken entity - THEN WHERE DO WE HEAR OF SALVATION.

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REVIVING THE CHURCH MILITANT

 

Two Methods of reviving the church militant

 

1. Text: Jeremiah 26:1-6 - Vs. 2 "Diminish Not a Word"

First Method - THE TRUE GOSPEL MUST BE PREACHED

A. We preach a preserved word - When no word is diminished:

1. Joshua 8:35 - Jeremiah 1:8 - Acts 20:27

 

1. Ideas Intact

2. Message is intact

3. The hearers are blessed or angry

4. A neutralized message creates a neutralized Christian

 

B. Salt must be pure and fresh - Luke 14:34-35

How the salt of the gospel loses its savor

1. Rationalizing - miracles, creation, etc.

2. Mix it with worldly philosophy

3. Attack it under the guise of higher criticism

4. When Jesus is preached as a revolutionary or some other inferior personality

 

C. The Warnings

Deut. 4:2 - 'Keep"

Deut. 12:32 - "Observe" = Take heed

Prov. 30:6 - 'Liar"

Rev. 22:18-19 - "Plagues"

Add - Preach the Bible with our own additions

Subtract - Don't preach or study the verses we don't like

 

D. Why we need a pure gospel

1. Deut. 8:13 - It is Life

2. Deut. 17:19 - To learn to fear the Lord

3. Isaiah 8:20 - It brings light

4. Mark 4:14 - It is the means to be saved

5. Eph. 6:17 - A defense

 

Second Method: THE TRUE GOSPEL MUST BE RESPONDED TO:

In obedience and salvation

Text: 2 Kings 22: 8 & 11

 

1. Vs 11 - Josiah recognized the spiritual declension in Judah

2. Vss 12-13 - We must inquire of the Lord when the truth is preached

3. Vs 13 "concerning us" - We the believers

4. Vs 13 - "Our fathers"

(Rev 2:5) Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

5. Vs 16 - Evil forthcoming because

6. Vs 17 - Three Strikes:

    A. Forsaken Me:  (Rom 1:25)

    B. Burned incense to other gods - Other gospels

    C. Provoked me/with work of their hands - Those who attack Scripture and recreate the reason of existence of the church - World           Council of Churches & National Council of Churches

7. Why we must respond to the true gospel:

 

A. It is God's direct message to you - Jer. 26:5

(Jer 26:5) To hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending them, but ye have not hearkened;

B. It is God's way of bringing you back - Ezekiel 34:11-12

(Ezek 34:11-12) For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. {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.

How does God accomplish this?

(Rom 10:17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

C. It is God's way of drawing you to Jesus

(Mat 22:14) For many are called, but few are chosen.

D. It is God's way of warning, that your destiny depends on your response.

(Deu 30:15-19) See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; {16}

In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. {17} But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; {18} I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. {19} I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

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SIX DIVINE ELEMENTS IN THE BELIEVER'S LIFE

 

(Our willingness to serve is predicated on our God assessment)

1. OUR DIVINE POSITION

1 Peter 2:9-10

A. Chosen

B. Royal - Rev. 1:6 - Kings & Priests

C. Holy - Psalm 50:16-17

D. Peculiar (possession or preservation)

E. We are "The" people of God - all benefits accordingly

F. Drop the false description "Sinner saved by grace"

2. OUR DIVINE PARTNERSHIP

A. Deut. 31:8 - The Lord goes before thee.

B. Joshua 1:5 - God is with us as with previous generations.

C. Acts 19:26 - One man dedicated to God

(Acts 19:26) Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

 

3. OUR DIVINE COMMISSION

John 20:21 - As God sent Jesus, Now He sends us, How:

1. Matthew 7:29 - Jesus taught with authority

(Mat 7:29) For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

2. Mark 13:34 - Jesus delegated Authority

(Mark 13:34) For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

3. Titus 2:15 - We must speak with authority and without reservation.

(Titus 2:15) These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

 

4. OUR DIVINE POSSESSION - The Holy Spirit

A. John 14:26 - He will teach you and bring to remembrance what you studied.

B. John 16:8 - He does the reproving of the unbeliever and sinning brother.

C. John 16:13 - He guides us into all truth.

 

5. OUR DIVINE INVESTMENT - The Cross

A. Ezekiel 22:26 - We are holy and clean, the world is not (Lev. 10:9-11)

B. Ezekiel 44:23 - We must teach the difference between the holy & profane

C. Colossians 2:13-14

(Col 2:13-14) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; {14} Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

 

1. We were dead (nekrous) - profane - unclean

2. He made us spiritually alive

3. Forgiven us all trespasses

4. Blotting out - Forgot all our sins - Heb. 8:12 & 10:17

5. His instrument of forgiveness - His cross

6. Our instrument of evangelism - Our cross - death to self

6. OUR DIVINE ARSENAL

 

The Word of God - Romans 10:17 "dia" "through" the Word of God

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GIVING: A DYNAMIC OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

Context: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

 

Text: Vss 6-8 >>>>> Three Principles of Godly Giving

 

Vs 6 - PRINCIPLE OF SOWING

A. Not health, wealth, name it and claim it.

B. Bountiful giving

C. Deut. 16:17 - According to what one has

(Deu 16:17) Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.

D. Proverbs 11:24 - Scatter - Disperse abroad - "Where needed"

(Prov 11:24) There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

E. Ecclesiastes 11:1 - "Cast" - Piel Verb - Intense or intentional action

(Eccl 11:1) Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

F. Matthew 6:3 - Secret Giving

(Mat 6:3) But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

G. 1 Corinthians 16:2 - Regular Giving - "First of the Sabbaths" mian sabbatwn

(1 Cor 16:2) Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

 

Vs 7 - PRINCIPLE OF ATTITUDE - Cheerful

A. Not grudgingly (sorrow, sadness, pain of mind or body)

B. How much do I trust God?

C. Purposeth - Middle Voice Verb - "Decide" - Go either way

D. 2 Cor. 8:12 - A willing mind

(2 Cor 8:12) For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

E. 1 Cor. 4:1-3 - Stewardship requirement

F. Gift of Giving - Romans 12:8 - Lives to give

G. The unjust steward - Luke 16:9-11 - Faithful in least

 

Vs 8 - PRINCIPLE OF RETURN

A. R.G. Letourneau

B. Psalm 81:10-11 - How wide will we open?

C. Prov. 11:25-26 Generous Soul Blessed

(Prov 11:25-26) The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. {26} He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

D. Proverbs 19:17 - Will be repaid

(Prov 19:17) He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

E. Proverbs 22:9 - Blessings

(Prov 22:9) He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

F. Isaiah 32:8 - Liberal Soul=Generous - (will be treated generously)

(Isa 32:8) But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.

G. Malachi 3:10 - The size of the windows are proportionate

(Mal 3:10) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

H. Luke 6:38 - The way you give is the way you will receive

(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.

I. Galatians 6:7 - We will reap what we sow

(Gal 6:7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

 

Six basic dynamics giving builds into our lives:

1. It teaches us to look beyond ourselves.

2. It teaches us we are stewards and not owners.

3. It arrests greed and self-centerdness.

4. It opens the door for a sacrificial life

5. It teaches us that we can trust God with money which opens the door to trust Him with other things.

6. It is obedience.

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THE JOYS OF BEING BORN AGAIN

Text: 1 Peter 1:17-23

 

4 principles which undergird the Christian life.

1. Saved - Deliverance, Preservation

2. Transferred - Adopted into the family of God - Plundering Satan's house - Rom. 8:15

3. Secured - We are sealed and the seal can't be broken - Ephesians 4:30

4. Rest - Hebrews 4:9 - "Sabbatismos" - Sabbatismos - We no longer work for ourselves but pay heed to the work God has done on our behalf.

 

FIVE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS IN OUR LIFE WHICH ALSO BECOME BORN AGAIN

1. OUR TODAYS - Lamentations 3:22-23

A. Each new day is a gift from God

B. Each new day is an adventure with God.

C. Each new day can be faced with confidence - "can" vs. "may," can is a word of ability not permission

 

2. OUR YESTERDAYS - Romans 6:3-4

A. Past sins need not be feared.

B. God has buried our sins

1. "We are buried" should be "we were buried" (Indicative mood/aorist tense/passive voice) the dead person does not lower their own casket, others do. God takes our sins and buries them. Passive voice is the subject receiving the action.

2. Baptism - Acts 2:38 - Baptism in the Holy Spirit at time of salvation.

3. Lazarus in the grave stunk - 4 days - So do our sins if we try to dig them up.

 

3. OUR FUTURE - Deuteronomy 31:8

A. Before thee - Divine Lookout

B. Be with thee - Divine Guidance

C. Not fail thee - Divine assurance

D. Neither forsake - Divine possession

 

4. HABITS - 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

A. God promises freedom from worldly habits

B. Worldy dependence is now heavenly dependence - Matthew 6:33

C. Deadly habits turned to God-ward habits - 1 Thess. 1:9

D. Let our banner cry be "Remember Jericho" - Joshua 6

 

5. HOPES - Psalm 38:15

A. In Thee O Lord - My hope has a focus

B. Thou wilt hear - My hope has confidence

C. O Lord My God - My hope is living

When we become born again, all the elements of our life are born again. Some areas need to be refocused and redeveloped from existing thought patterns, nevertheless, we are fit for heaven.

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COURAGEOUS CHARACTERS WHO RALLIED TO THE CALL

Is there a calling on your life? Does God want you to do something and you have neglected His call?

 

1. CALEB - Joshua 14:9-12 - BELIEF

A. Caleb claimed the promise - Vs 9

B. Age was no hindrance - Vs 10

C. He was going to drive out the enemy

D. His key - Verse 14 - "He wholly followed the Lord"

 

2. JONATHAN - 1 Samuel 14:6 - WISDOM

A. He used wise tactics to infiltrate the enemy

B. He faced the Philistines with confidence

C. Jonathan knew his God and His abilities (last part of vs. 6) (restraint = hindrance)

Do you know your God? Is there something you want to accomplish?

 

3. DAVID - 1 Samuel 17:32 - FAITH

A. No enemy was bigger than God

B. Right perspective on:

    1. God

    2. Situation - Vs 47 (armies of living God, not just Israel)

    3. Himself - a Child of God

 

4. NEHEMIAH - Nehemiah 6:10-12 - WORKS

A. He would not be diverted - Have you been diverted?

B. He refused to live in fear (slay thee/and I said)

C. His eye was fixed on the goal (Zechariah 4:6-7)

 

5. DANIEL - Daniel 6:10 - PRAYER

A. Nothing would deter Daniel from Prayer

B. God's law was higher than man's (Key word is knew)

C. Daniel's prayer life bore fruit - (Vss. 25-26)

 

6. JESUS - John 19:10-11 CHALLENGE

A. Pilate represented Rome in all its power

B. Jesus looked beyond the physical and knew who was really in charge.

 

1. Caleb rallied to the call of BELIEF.

2. Jonathan rallied to the call of WISDOM.

3. David rallied to the call of FAITH.

4. Nehemiah rallied to the call of WORKS.

5. Daniel rallied to the call of PRAYER.

6. Jesus rallied to the call of THE CHALLENGE.

TOTAL VICTORY ON ALL COUNTS

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THE INCUBUS OF INDECISION

Text: John 7:24

 

WHY WE DO NOT WANT TO MAKE DECISIONS

1. Fear of Outcome - Pre-Programmed Fear of failure

2. Wait for someone else - Husband for wife, wife for husband - We possess a pre-programmed belief that we are incapable of making decisions.

3. Irresponsibility - 1 Corinthians 6:2-3

4. We hold a wrong concept of God - (i.e., He will punish us if we are wrong)

5. We are comfortable where we are - (The comfort zone Christian) Acts 1:8 Vs. 8:1

6. We don't trust God for the results - Naaman in 2 Kings 5:11-12 >We can't see past the horizon so we think God can't

 

HOW TO MAKE A WISE DECISION

1. Heavy Prayer Focus - Neh. 1:4 - Seek God for hidden areas you are not aware of.

2. Gather all necessary data:

    A. Count the cost - Luke 14:28-30

    B. Do research - Nehemiah 2:12-16

3. Seek Godly counsel - Proverbs 15:22

4. Never rush a major decision - 1 Samuel 13:5-6, 8-10, 13 (Proverbs 15:28)

5. Never make a decision when emotions run high - Numbers 14:39-45

6. Will it hinder my Christian walk?

7. How will it affect the rest of my life? My family? Those around me?

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WHAT? ME AN EVANGELIST?

 

Principles of Evangelism from Philip the Evangelist

Text: Acts 8:26-40

1. Vs 26 - The Evangelist desires to "go toward."

2. Vs 26 - The Evangelist desires to preach in spiritual deserts.

3. Vs 27 - The Evangelist puts the plan into action.

4. Vs 30 - The Evangelist does not waste time after receiving marching orders.

5. Vs 30 - The Evangelist is ready to challenge.

6. Vs 35 - The Evangelist starts from the point where people are at.

7. Vs 35 - The Evangelist has only one message.

8 .Vs 37 - The Evangelist expounds the Scriptures for understanding by their hearers.

9. Vs 40 - The Evangelist seeks to proclaim Christ wherever they are.

 

Were all God's Servants Eager to Obey?

1. Moses argued on the basis of speech - Exodus 4:10

    God's answer - Exodus 4:11-12

2. Gideon argued on the basis of Inadequacy - Judges 6;15

    God's answer - Judges 6:16

3. Isaiah argued on the basis of his sinful nature - Isaiah 6:5

    God's answer - Isaiah 6:6-7

4. Jeremiah argued on the basis of youth - Jeremiah 1:5

   God's answer - Jeremiah 1:7

5. Ananias argued on the basis of rumor - Acts 9:13-14

    God's answer - Acts 9:15

 

OUR RELUCTANCE TO SERVE IS PREDICATED ON OUR SELF-ASSESSMENT!

 

OUR WILLINGNESS TO SERVE IS PREDICATED ON OUR GOD-ASSESSMENT.

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PROJECTING POWERFUL PRAYER or HOW TO PRAY FOR OTHERS!!

Text Colossians 1:9-12

 

OUR METHOD

Vs 9a - Do Not Cease

Importunate in Prayer - Luke 18 - Unjust Judge

A. Abraham - Genesis 18:32 - (Outcome 50, 40, 30, 20, 10)

B. Jacob - Genesis 32:26 - Blessing (wrestled)

C. Moses - Deuteronomy 9:18 - (Intercessor 40 days on behalf of Israel)

 

OUR FOCUS

Vs 9b - Know God's Will (Purpose or Desire) Why?

A. To know God's place for them (where)

B. To know God's plan for them (what)

C. To know God's path (how)

 

Wisdom and Spiritual Understanding

A. To see things from God's point of view - Habakkuk 1:6, 12-13

B. To see beyond the physical - Job - "Shall we accept good and not evil..."

C. Proverbs 4:7 - Getting=substance or wealth

 

Vs 10

Walk Worthy

A. Romans 6:4 - Newness of life (denotes complete change from old life to new)

B. Romans 16:12 - (As becometh)

C. Colossians 2:6 - Received Christ by Faith/Walk by Faith (Pleasing to God)

 

Fruitful - The Tree - Jeremiah 17:7-8

A. It pushes its roots down

B. It drinks all the water it can.

C. It spreads out its roots

 

Grow in the Knowledge of God

A. Past experiences with God - 2 Chronicles 20:7 - Jehoshaphat

B. Present level

C. Perspective for growth - Works, Faith, and Study

 

 

Vs 11- Strengthened by Might (dunamis) Dunamis

Ephesians 3:16 - Might - Kratos (Great Power in the Spirit) Why?

1. Patience - Endurance - Romans 12:12

2. Longsuffering - Perseverance (The long haul)

 

Vs 12 - They may give Thanksgiving from within when they come through adversity.

The seven desires of every believer.

1. To know God's will

2. Possess Wisdom and Spiritual Understanding

3. They will walk worthy

4. Fruitful

5. To grow in knowledge of God

6. Strengthened by might

7. To give thanks

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ETERNAL 911

Text: Romans 3:10-19

 

THE PROBLEM

Vs 10 - No one righteous (indwelt sin)

Vs 11 - No one understands (sin darkens our eyes)

Vs 11 - No one seeks after God ( John 3:19 - Man loves darkness)

Vs 12 - Everyone gone out of the way - Man believes their way is right (Proverbs 14:12)

Vs 12 - All unprofitable (useless or worthless) - Because of sin which is compounded by sins [sic]

Vs 13 - Throat is an open grave (lies, deceit - God likens us to poisonous snakes Psalm 58:3-4)

Vs 14 - We speak with cursing and bitterness - Directed or focused anger, hatred or jealousy.

Vs 15 - Murder comes easy (murder by tongue also) - First recorded sin after man's fall was murder

Vs 16 - Man's wickedness leads only to misery and destruction - Deuteronomy 28:67

Vs 17 - No peace in their lives - Isaiah 48: 22 & Isaiah 57:21 - Because of separation from God whom the unbeliever is at war with - Romans 5:1 speaks of having "peace" with God because of cessation of hostilities.

Vs 18 - No fear of God - Swear His Holy Name - God will hold people guilty of this (God bless you is also a vain or profane [Common] use of God's name.

Vs 19 - All the world is guilty before God - They will be judged

 

THE SOLUTION - JESUS CHRIST

John 3:15 - Those in Christ will not perish

3:17 - Salvation through Christ

3:18 - Those in Christ are not condemned

3:21 - Those in Christ will be the light of the world

3:36 - Those in Christ receive everlasting life - (Contrast Revelation 14:10-11)

 

2 Judgment days - Calvary or Great White Throne

Believer's judged by God through Calvary and found not guilty - Justified In Christ or eternity in Hell

Salvation is completely of God - John 1:12-13

Christ must become your Savior

Christ must become your Lord

The believer's rejoicing is found in Romans 8:1

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GOING FORWARD

Text: Genesis 12:6-8; 13:1-4; Philippians 3:13-14 & selected verses for body of sermon from Philippians.

 

Why go Back to Bethel

A. For spiritual refreshment

B. To do spiritual recollection

C. To clean house

5 times in Matthew 5 in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus states, "Ye have heard it said by them of old time."

Old=Original derived from a word which means order, rank, or place.

Jesus then proceeds to say, 'But I say unto you."

He was changing their normal pattern of thinking.

In Philippians 3:13-14 - Paul is also changing our normal thinking patterns. In verse 13 he is exhorting us to forget and reach forth.

We must learn a major principle, "NEVER USE TODAY'S DEFEAT AS A SEED FOR TOMORROW'S FAILURES."

Philippians: WE MUST GO FORWARD:

 

1. In Faith (1:6)

A. Our entire being is in Christ's hand

B. Our faith - His faithfulness - Perfect Together

C. "Will" perform not 'maybe"

 

2. In Boldness (1:28)

A. We are on the winning side

B. We are equipped for the battle (never concern ourselves with what Satan may do)

C. God's promises are always valid (2 Cor. 1:20)

 

3. In Likemindedness (2:2)

A. Learn to combine church resources

B. Shun the island mindset

C. Resolve differences immediately

 

4. As a Servant (2:7)

A. Seek an area of service.

B. Seek the back seat

C. Lower is higher in God's plan

 

5. In Acceptance (2:14-15)

A. Jonah

B. Learn to accept where God has placed you

C. Our testimony is on trial

 

6. In the Knowledge of Christ (3:10)

A. read and study Scripture more.

B. Experience the strength of Christ through Trials

C. become a living sacrifice - "unto his death"

 

7. In Healed Relationships (4:2)

A. Look at the other person's point of view (Archie Bunker said you should always show two sides of the story so you can show the other guy where he is wrong!)

B. Look at the other person from Christ's perspective

C. Release them in your mind if you cannot come to agreement with them.

 

8. In Peace (4:7)

A. "Passes all understanding" - Keeps us peaceful in an unpeaceful world

B. Heart - God's peace will protect your emotions

C. Mind - God's peace will protect your thoughts

 

9. In Life (4:13)

A. Seek a ministry you can do - not what you cannot do ( we tend to focus on what we cannot do rather than on what we can do.

B. Take the step this year you feared to take last year.

C. Realize the source of your strength

 

10. In The Confidence of God (4:19)

A. God's supply is equal to your need.

B. God's supply is your arsenal.

C. God's supply is yours.

 

WE MUST GO FORWARD IN:

1. Faith

2. Boldness

3. Likemindedness

4. Servanthood

5. Situational Acceptance

6. The Knowledge of Christ

7. Healed Relationships

8. Peace

9. Life

10. The Confidence of God

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BECOMING A CHILD IN GOD

Preliminary texts:

Matthew 18:1-6 - 'Be converted and become as little children" - Vs 3

'Humble Himself" - Vs 4

Mark 9:35-37 - 'Last of all and servant of all" - Vs 35

Mark 10:13-16 - "As a little child" - Vs 15

Luke 9:46-48 - "Least among you" - Vs 48

Luke 18:15-17 - 'As a Little child" - Vs 17

The thread which runs through these verses is the unadulterated purity of a child before he/she is molded by the world. They still have a fertile mind.

 

Characteristics of the childlike mind the believer needs to adopt:

1. Implicit trust

2. Teachable

3. No pre-programmed attitudes

4. Willing to pattern themselves after their superiors

5. Willing to be submissive

6. They feel safe in the family when facing adverse conditions

7. They are loyal

8. They befriend other children

9. They are inquisitive

10. They have the ability of unquestionable love

This is why Christ, in Matthew 18:3 says, "Unless ye be converted..." The word "converted" is the Greek word "straphete" which comes from a root word "strepho" which is a common word in the New Testament which means "turn, change, or return. Straphete in this context means a full turning back. This is the only place in the New Testament this word is used.

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THE GODS OF DESTRUCTION

Opening Text: Acts 17:16-23

Are we any different from Athens?

Halloween>Occult

Thanksgiving>Food and Spirits

Christmas>Santa Claus

Easter>Bunnies

 

WHEN A NATION TURNS ITS BACK ON THE GOD OF THE BIBLE, WHAT IS THE RESULT?

Does the United States fit this description?

Text: Deuteronomy 28:15>

1. Vs 16 - Cities have become crime havens - can't walk at night or fear to visit them

2. Vs 16 - Cursed in the field - Much of western land is burned up

3. Vs 27 - Pestilence - Aids - Instead of abstinence we push condoms

4. Vs 28 - More people today in counselor's offices - counselors are being set up as mini-gods

5. Vs 29 - Grope (search) - No way out of our predicaments - It seems hard times and oppression are a way of life

6. Vs 30 - Divorce, remarriage, and adultery on the rise - property foreclosures on the rise

7. Vs 31 - Ox and Ass were instruments of work for farming - Unemployment is on the rise as more companies leave America

8. Vs 32 - Our children have been sacrificed on the altar of public education, shopping malls, and video games

9. Vs 43 - Waves of immigrants (legal and illegal) are coming here and opening businesses and receiving the good jobs, while Americans stand in the unemployment line

 

WHEN A NATION TURNS ITS BACK ON THE GOD OF THE BIBLE, THIS IS THE RESULT

Can this trend be reversed?

I believe the degeneration of a nation is closely linked to the salt effect of the believing church. We have a nation of neutralized Christians who will not rock the boat.

Richard Baxter stated in his book "The Reformed Pastor," penned in 1656:

"God will be honored when His church is manifestly seen to be different from that of the world."

Jeremiah 18:6-10 says impending judgment can be stayed. Key word in Vs 8 is "Turn."

 

Turn from What?

1. Personal philosophies designed to allow me to keep a good hold in this world - The deceit of sin is that it makes you think you are

    walking with God when you are walking opposite him.

2. The following of Theologians and Preachers instead of the Bible.

3. The refusal to submit to biblical authority - My will not Thine. Shopping and eating out on Sunday is wrong. We may read and give

    heed to the Scriptures but when it is convenient we will rationalize so we may fulfill our desires.

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PRAISE YE THE LORD - AFFECT AND EFFECT

Text: Acts 16:22-39

Psalms 146-150 begin with "Praise Ye The Lord"

Psalm 146 - The Soul

Psalm 147 - Good, pleasant, comely (beautiful or suitable)

Psalm 148 - From the Heavens and in the heights

Psalm 149 - A new song in the congregation of saints

Psalm 150 - In the sanctuary & firmament of his power (expanse of His strength)

 

Vss 22-24 - The spiritual praise test (beaten with rods)

Vs 25 - Praise during the darkest hour transforms our outlook on our present situation

    A. True praise (TP) is based on our relationship with Christ - Psalm 16:8-9

    B. TP is based on walking in the spirit - Romans 8:1, 5

    C. TP emanates outward in contrast to feelings which flow inward

    D. TP gives evidence you are living above your circumstance - Paul and Silas could have been bitter (Acts 5:40-42)

    E. TP is a thank offering to the Lord for the position you are in:

            1. The tougher the position, the more God has entrusted to you.

            2. Did God trust Paul with much? 1 Thess. 2:4 2 Tim. 2:2

    F. TP refocuses your mind - Self to Christ/Sorrow to Joy/Independence to Dependence

    G. TP affects others around you - What do you think the other prisoners were thinking?

    H. TP testifies to the reality of the living God.

    I. TP testifies to your belief in Christ & your relationship with Him

Vs 26 - Praise frees you from whatever binds you - fear/insincerity/anger/doubt/fragmented beliefs

Vs 27-28 - Praise frees you in the situation you are in

Vs 30-31 - Praise is a form of evangelism (a high goal of praise)

Vs 34 - Praise reveals something you have that others are searching for

 

The essence of praise:

Vss 22-23 - They were the victims

Vss 37-39 - They were the victors

 

The situation which began in pain, ended in praise.

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ADVERSITY: BANE OR GAIN

How do I view Adversity?

1. Man's Eyes - Fleshly

2. God's Eyes - Spiritually

 

Why does God send Adversity?

1. To purify our ways - Malachi 3:2-3

2. Walking by faith or sight? - Romans 1:17

3. To reveal areas of disobedience - 2 Corinthians 2:9

4. Walking in my strength or His - Philippians 4:13

5. Measures our true spiritual condition - Hebrews 3:12-13

6. Because of our faithfulness to Him in our walk - 1 Kings 22:8

7. To be a testimony to others - Genesis 39:5

 

Five Assurances to the Believer going through Adversity!

1. God's Protection ----Isaiah 43:2

2. God's Provision -----Jeremiah 52:31-34

3. God's Profit -----------Hebrews 12:10

4. God's Preservation -1 Peter 1:3-5

5. God's Promises -----2 Peter 1:1-4

 

Adversity's Desired Effect!

1. God will reclaim His rightful place on the throne of our hearts - Isaiah 42:8

2. Trust in God will be increased - Jeremiah 17:7

3. We will order our lives according to God's wisdom - 1 Corinthians 2:6

4. To mature us in our walk - Hebrews 13:20-21

5. Christ becomes our life - Colossians 3:4

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COMMITTED OR CONTENTED

How would you describe your Christian Walk?

Committed - Daniel 3:16-18

Contented - 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

 

COMMITTED CONTENTED

Christ is my Life OR Christ is part of my life

Desires obedience OR Fragmented obedience

Giving generously OR Giving cheaply

Active Christian OR Life Apathetic

A thirst for God OR Happy with one fact about God

Home Bible study OR Daily devotional guide

Teach the Bible OR Learn the Bible

Fruit Bearer OR Fruit Picker

Change Agent for Christ OR Agent of Status Quo

Doctrinal Absolutes OR Doctrine of the Day

 

If you are contented, then examine yourself to see if you are in the faith. Christianity cannot be a convenient part of a person's life, it must be their life.

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SEVEN ELEMENTS OF GOD'S PEACE OR THE PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING

Philippians 4:7

Passeth - uperecw (huperecho) = Superior, Surpass, Excel

Peace - eirhnh (eirene) - Peace, Cessation of hostilities

Inward peace is the sole characteristic which sets us apart from the world.

We can negate peace with graduated mental scenarios (assumed fears).

Shall - Not a wavering promise

Keep - As a watchman or sentinel

Hearts - Physical or spiritual

Mind - Emotions (emotion/spiritual reign/submission) Emotions or Spiritual will reign or submit.

 

1. Initial Peace - Romans 5:1

A. God the initiator - When? - Ephesians 1:4

B. God the performer - Colossians 1:20

C. God the reconciler - Colossians 1:20

 

2. Guiding Peace - Luke 1:79 (ultimately it is salvation)

A. Decisions made according to Scripture yield peace - Psalm 119:101

B. God guides till we reach heaven - Psalm 73:24

C. God's guidance is by faith - Isaiah 42:16

 

3. Sustaining Peace - John 14:27; 16:33

A. God's peace is distinct - 14:27

B. God's peace sustains in troubles and fear - 14:27

C. God's peace is only in Christ (Authoritative peace) 16:33

 

4. Social Peace - Mark 9:50 & Hebrews 12:14

A. Peace with others is a command - 12:14

B. 12:14 "follow"="pursue, follow after" translated in 1 Timothy 3:12 "shall suffer persecution"

C. 9:50 - Salt preserves and so does peace

 

5. Perfect Peace - Isaiah 26:3

A. Perfect = Complete (covers any and all situations)

B. The condition "stayed" (to lean upon or take hold of)

C. A perfectly stayed mind results in trust in God.

 

6. Ruling Peace - Colossians 3:15

A. Let rule - brabeuw - Brabeuoo - To arbitrate - (only place in NT this word is used) Peace should be the third party which hears the situation, God's peace should govern and rule our actions

B. "ye are called" Peace is a foundational characteristic in which we are to filter our live's actions.

C. Thankfulness is the peaceful acceptance of god's working in our life.

 

7. State of Peace - Romans 8:6

A. The spiritual mind brings life and peace - David (Psalm 4:8)

B. The spiritual mind is both sponge and filter.

C. The spiritual mind is the normal mind of the Christian.

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"FEAR" - THE CHRISTIAN'S STOPLIGHT - PART 1

Text: Psalm 56 & 1 John 4:18

There are about 40 words in the original language for fear.

Their meanings range from timidity to reverence to terror.

1. Fear is a prison - It holds us captive.

2. Fear is sin - It causes us to think God is incapable of taking care of us.

3. Fear also causes our minds to become:

    A. Polluted with satanic doubts

    B. Confused - clarity of thought is gone - all thoughts come with the roadblock "What if."

4. Fear robs us of joy.

5. Everything we do is filtered through a mindset of fear.

 

    Some reasons we fear:

1. Repeat of previous incident.

2. Anticipation gone awry - Don't have whole picture - Moses debated with God at the bush about his speech

     problem.

3. Feelings of Inadequacy - Self-protection.

4. Feeling of unworthiness - Ephesians 1:6 - Accepted

5. Lack of parental and/or peer encouragement

6. We let God in at the end (crisis point) of a situation instead of at the beginning.

    When God delays an answer, immediately we have feelings of abandonment - Psalm 13:1-2

7. We trust in ourselves - limitations - Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 4:29-30

8. We have been trained to look to the world for solutions - for example, churches borrow which results in years

     of fear the budget will not be met.

9. We are impatient - Especially if God delays answer to prayer.

10. We do not forgive ourselves for past sins or actions (1 Kings 17:18)

11. We live religiously not understanding the full impact of Christ's atonement - We are still trying to please God   and not realizing it - Colossians 2:13 - All trespasses - It is finished

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"FEAR" THE CHRISTIAN'S SPOTLIGHT - PART 2

Text: Psalm 56 & 1 John 4:18

The big question: How do I reverse fearful living?

How do I turn fear into "forward?"

1. Realize your position in Christ - Ephesians 1

2. Realize your position in Christ is secure - 2 Peter 3:9 > John 6:39

3. Waiting on the Lord - there are about 40 verses in the Bible which exhort and command us to wait on the

     Lord.

    Waiting on God is an investment of:

    A. Time

    B. Trust

    C. Training

4. Realize we are freed from spiritual penalty of our past - Romans 8:1 - Calvary was judgment day for

    Christians resulting in Hebrews 8:12 & 10:17

5. Realize that bad things will happen to us while on earth - 1 Peter 4:12

6. View problems as a trial from God - Eph. 1:19 - Resurrection Power

7. Focus on the past deliverances of God - 2 Chronicles 20:7

8. Stop living totally on feelings.

9. Pray and do - fear is a lifestyle which can be reversed by action, not only prayer. Fear feeds itself on

     inactivity.

10. Scriptures which build our confidence against fear:

Psalm 3:6

Psalm 27:1

Psalm 34:4

Psalm 49:16

Psalm 56:3

Psalm 56:11

Psalm 91:5

Psalm 112:7

Psalm 112:8

Proverbs 3:24-26

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THE METHODS OF SATAN

Text: Ephesians 6:11

Wiles = Methodeia = strategy, scheming, or planned deceitful procedure

 

1. CONTRADICTS GOD'S WORD - Genesis 3:4

    Modern theories and philosophies

    A. Humanism

    B. Free thinkers

    C. No-consequence morality

 

2. COUNTERFEITS GOD'S WORD - Genesis 3:5

    Satan's counterfeit is:

    A. "God doth know" - putting words into God's mouth

    B. "shall" used twice - denoting dogmatism

    C. False teachers - God told me

    D. Commentaries - mix up with God's word

 

3. PERSUADES OR ENTICES - 1 Chronicles 21:1

    A. Provoked = enticed

    B. Buy now - pay later

    C. Always against God's word

    D. Temptation always seems harmless - (70,000 died because of David's sin)

    E. Jonadab - 2 Samuel 13:1-5, 11-15

 

4. HE DIVERTS OUR OBJECTIVES - Matthew 16:22-24

    A. We look at the immediate not the big picture

    B. Diversion from God brings it back to a human perspective

    C. Vs 24 - Human perspective normally is void of "self-denial"

 

5. HE BUILDS A BITTERNESS BASE IN OUR LIVES - 2 Corinthians 2:10-11

    A. Non-forgiveness does not represent the forgiveness given to Christians

    B. Hebrews 12:15 - Bitterness has a ripple effect

    C. He Expands the base: Hate, lust, wrong desires, bad habits, good habits,

         2 Corinthians 10:4 - Stronghold=dungeon, prison, or fortress

 

6. CONSTANT REBUKING BY UNBELIEVERS - 2 Corinthians 12:7

    A. Judges 2:3; Joshua 23:13; Numbers 33:55 - The Canaanites were constant "thorns in the side to Israel,"

         as all unbelievers will be to us.

    B. The world will always oppose true Christianity, will agree with Ecumenicism.

    C. If we are living the Christian walk, we will be rebuked - 2 Timothy 3:12

    D. If we do not understand our position in Christ, we will retreat.

        These are not all the methods Satan uses but they give us enough understanding as to his methods

 

21. UNCONDITIONAL FORGIVENESS - KEY TO PERSONAL PEACE (Luke 23:34)

22. CHANGED BY THE WORD OF GOD (Psalm 119 Selected)

23. NO MORE TOMB LIVING: THE CORNERSTONE NOT THE HEADSTONE (Mark 5:1-6, 15-20)

24. BECOMING MIGHTY IN THE LORD (2 Chronicles 27; 2 Kings 15:32-33)

25. PRINCIPLES OF LIVING A SACRIFICIAL LIFE - (Rom. 12:1)

26. A COMMITTED CHRISTIAN (2 Cor. 11:22-33)

27. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE (1 Cor. 13:4-7)

28. JESUS CHRIST - OUR SOURCE (Colossians Selected)

29. THE FAITH OF THE WISEMEN (Matthew 2:1-12; 2 Cor. 9:15)

30. THE DEBT OF LOVE I OWE (Romans 1:14-16)

31. LOOKING FOR OUR REDEMPTION (2 Peter 3:10-16)

32. REGAINING OUR EVANGELISTIC FERVOR (1 Cor. 9:16)

33. THE PROMISES THAT FOLLOW SALVATION (Isaiah 40:1-11-Selected)

34. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PLAN OF GOD FOR YOUR LIFE (Jeremiah 29:11)

35. CORRUPTING THE WORD OF GOD (2 Corinthians 2:17)

36. DEALING WITH THE SIN OF ASSUMPTION (Lev. 9:16; Ps. 50:20; Prov. 11:13; 20:19; Ezek. 22:9)

37. FEAR OF LIVING AN INSIGNIFICANT CHRISTIAN LIFE (Romans 8:15-16)

38. MARY'S PRAISE OF GOD (Luke 1:46-56)

Previous 20 Sermons Next 18 Sermons

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UNCONDITIONAL FORGIVENESS - KEY TO PERSONAL PEACE

LUKE 23:34

One of the highest forms of love is forgiving someone who has hurt you, especially when they do it intentionally. To tell one who hurt you that you forgive them may shock them into apologizing to you for their misdeeds. Unconditional forgiveness is one of the highest characteristics of true Christianity which can be manifested by a believer. It is with this trait that you may win many to Christ. So we must learn how to deal with those memories.

 

Consequences of an unforgiving spirit:

1. Emotional problems

2. A gradual increase in bitterness

3. Physical ailments

4. A gradual withdrawal from spiritual things

5. Satan will build a stronghold of hatred into your life, thus isolating you from others.

 

Once you have forgiven that person:

1. Determine at that moment you will not raise that issue with the person who hurt you.

2. Ask the Lord immediately for strength to squelch the desire for revenge.

3. Keep in mind those whom you have hurt in the past and how they have forgiven you.

4. As soon as you have forgiven that person, seek immediately to rebuild the relationship.

5. Pray for the one who hurt you on a daily basis. It is hard to seek revenge or hate them when you are praying for them.

6. Remember the cross, God's ultimate forgiveness

 

If you keep these 6 principles of forgiveness in mind, you will gain victory over a revengeful mindset and you will maintain stable relationships with all believers. True forgiveness is possible.

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CHANGED BY THE WORD OF GOD

Text: Psalm 119 - Selected verses

Some general principles concerning the Word of God:

1. God's thoughts are not ours - Isaiah 55:8

2. God's word will accomplish His will - Isaiah 55:11

3. God's warnings are absolute - Galatians 6:7

4. God's promises are absolute - -2 Corinthians 1:20

To be spiritually prosperous we must align our thinking with God - Psalm 119:26

 

How God's Word Changes Us - 8 Ways

Vs 7 - IT TEACHES US TRUE PRINCIPLES OF PRAISE. Some are:

A. It dispels fear of situation - 2 Chronicles 20:22

B. It is a declaration of God's workings - Psalm 9:11

C. Praise is evangelism - Acts 2:47

 

Vs 19 - IT DRIVES HOME OUR EARTHLY STATUS - IT MAKES THE DECISION OF OUR FOCUS BY DETERMINING OUR LIFE'S PHILOSOPHY.

A. None abides forever - 1 Chronicles 29:15 (David's prayer of Praise)

B. We seek a country - Hebrews 11:13-16

C. It brings reality into focus about planting roots.

 

Vs 45 - IT REMOVES RELIGIOUS RUBBISH FROM OUR LIVES - Liberty literally means "a wide space."

A. The truth makes us free - John 8:32

B. We are free in the Spirit of the Lord but not free to sin. - 2 Corinthians 3:17

C. Free from the law of sin and death - Romans 8:2

D. Free from the law of ritual - Galatians 2:4

 

Vs 50 - THEY COMFORT US IN THE VALLEY OF AFFLICTION

A. You may have to live physically according to your circumstances but you can live spiritually above them.

B. God gave us real people in the Bible so we may identify with them:

    1. Joseph as an example

    2. God ruled in their situation.

    3. God determined a purpose for their affliction.

    4. God was glorified in their affliction.

    5. God used these folks to teach us trust and consequences of mistrust like Saul.

 

Vs 59 - IT TEACHES US INWARD INSPECTION

A. Is there anything you do which causes uneasy feelings?

B. Am I trying to make God's way my way or my way His way?

C. It helps us to examine two vital elements of the Christian walk:

    1. Motive

    2. method

D. It causes us to ask if I am saved

 

Vs 67 - IT HELPS US PREVENT DRIFTING

A. It cuts off wrong desire at the point of thought - 2 Corinthians 10:5

B. It reaches into the depths of our spirit

C. It reveals the outward consequences of our actions.

D. It prevents Doctrinal drifting.

 

Vs 89 - GOD'S WORD IS UNMOVEABLE - James 1:17

A. It builds stability into our walk

B. It builds integrity into our walk (a soundness)

C. It maintains a clear mind and proper situational perspective

 

Vss 99-100 - TRUE UNDERSTANDING

A. It allows you to see what others cannot (even Christians) with deeper spiritual insights.

B. True insight results in Godly Wisdom

C. Godly Wisdom results in purer walk

D. A purer walk results in a changed Christian

THEREFORE, WE ARE CHANGED BY THE WORD OF GOD.

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NO MORE TOMB LIVING: The Cornerstone not the Headstone

Text: Mark 5:1-6, 15-20 (Parallel Text - Luke 8:26-39)

Verse 1-5 represents life without Christ:

 

Vs. 1 Gadarenes - from Gadara means walls:

A. Adam & Eve's sin built a wall

B. Our sins build a wall

C. Jesus came to confront those walls

 

Vs 2 As a result of sin, we live in a tomb:

A. Death is our constant companion

B. Cemeteries remind us of death (Church steeples remind us of life)

C. "But" John 10:10 - I am come...abundant life

 

Vs 3-4 No man could bind him:

A. The world contains all kinds of laws and programs to control people

B. Man cannot restrain sin, therefore it must be punished, Hell. (Man can't control man)

C. Sin indicates an independence from God:

    1. I will do my own thing

    2. Adam & Eve did their own thing - consequences of that decision

 

Vs 5 Inwardly man cries out for help: (Psalm 142:4)

A. Outward rebellion manifests a cry for help

B. Satan gives deceitful help:

    1. For love he gives perversion

    2. For peace he gives religion (Mars Hill - Acts 17)

    3. For self-worth he gives crime (opulent lifestyle of criminals)

    4. For life he gives death

 

RESULTS OF MEETING CHRIST

Vs 6 The demon caused the man to kneel and worship Christ:

A. Every knee

B. What ever binds us will be loosed when Jesus comes on the scene (Daniel 3:25)

C. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

 

Vs 15 SITTING - Figurative=rest, remain, beside

A. Peace - Isaiah 57:21

B. Security - Amos 8:12

C. Contentment - Isaiah 30:15

CLOTHING - (Perfect tense = completed action) (passive voice = Christ clothed him)

(This word used only here and in Luke 8 in reference to the demoniac)

A. Naked means "still in sins" - Revelation 3:17

B. Calvary's finished work - Revelation 7:9

RIGHT MIND - Sound mind, sane

God's gift is a sound mind - 2 Timothy 1:7

 

A sound mind is:

1. A spiritual mind - emphasis on spiritual values

2. A rational mind - making right choices

3. An active mind - Analytical - not allowing others to do your thinking for you (TV, media, etc.)

4. Dedicated mind - Orville Redenbacher said, "Do one thing and do it well."

 

Vs 19 He now had purpose where before he had only subsistence. The man now had direction and that direction was Christ.

Vs 20 He knew his purpose and he acted.

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Becoming Mighty in the Lord

Text: 2 Chronicles 27 (Key Verse 6)

2 Kings 15:32-33

Jotham means "Perfection of the Lord"

Jerushah means "He that possesses the inheritance"

 

A. Jotham was a co-regent with his father Uzziah from about 750 BC. He ascended to the throne about 740 BC and ruled till about 725-724 BC.

 

B. During this time Jotham learned to trust the Lord

 

C. He learned from his father: (2 Chronicles 26)

1. To seek the Lord early in his reign (Vs 5)

2. God's enemies are his enemies (Vs 7)

3. To prepare his people for the battle (Vss 9-15)

4. You do not disobey the Lord (Vs 16, 21)

 

D. IF I AM TO BECOME MIGHTY IN THE LORD, THEN I MUST HAVE A FOCUSED:

1. Prayer life - Psalm 5:3 (Exodus 33:11)

2. Praise Life - Psalm 135:1-3

3. Priority - Matthew 8:18-22

4. Philosophy - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

5. Profession - Galatians 6:14

6. Passion - Philippians 3:7-14 (emphasis vs. 10)

7. Patience - 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 (emphasis vs. 7)

8. Pilgrimage - 1 Peter 2:11-12 (Ephesians 2:10)

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PRINCIPLES OF LIVING A SACRIFICIAL LIFE

INITIAL TEXT: Romans 12:1 - The command

Sacrificial Mindset - 2 Cor. 12:15

Spend - actually means "will spend"

Be Spent - actually means "will be utterly spent"

 

Principles of Sacrifice - Leviticus 1:1-9

Vs 1 - "Out of the tabernacle" We learn the principles of sacrifice in the church & Bible. The world says look out for #1.

 

Vs 2 - A sacrificial life is spent among believers. There is no such thing as a Christian hermit. A sacrificial life is spent furthering the cause of Christ.

 

Vs 3 - "Without Blemish"=entire, integrity, completed. A sacrificial life means a mature life. 1 Tim. 3:6 - No novice "Of his own voluntary will" - Living a sacrificial life is voluntary. "Voluntary"=to be pleased with, as if to pay a debt.

Romans 1:14-15 - Debtor=One who is obligated

 

Vs 4 - A person living the sacrificial life allows themselves to be touched by others as Jesus was.

God recognizes the sacrificial life of His children only. - Proverbs 21:27

 

Vs 5 - The sacrifice is killed which means dead to self. It is killed before it becomes a sacrifice or else it will squirm to become free. The mortification of sin - Romans 8:13

 

Vs 6 - A sacrifice is groomed for the purpose. Everything is open, Achan in Joshua 7 & Hebrews 4:13

 

Vss 8-9 - A sacrifice is totally burned which means total commitment - No turning back - We are only stewards we withhold nothing. Aaron placed the pieces of the sacrifice and Christ will place you.

 

Vs 9 - A sacrifice is made unto God, not man. This means sincerity or else it is a blemished sacrifice and unacceptable (Vs 3)

 

Vs 9 - A sacrificial life is pleasing to the Lord

"Sweet savor" - Soothing fragrance - Philippians 4:18

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A COMMITTED CHRISTIAN

Text: 2 Corinthians 11:22-33

A Committed Christian is one who entrusts their entire being to the Lord Jesus Christ regardless of situation or result.

1. Lack of commitment pervades the church (won't be a faith partner but will tithe to car dealer for new car - future )

2. Commitment crumbles at the first sign of trouble.

3. Commitment is based on self-fulfillment

4. Commitment is a lost art.

 

Five principles why a committed Christian is a conquering Christian

 

A Committed Christian:

1. Views hindrances as opportunities - 1 Corinthians 16:8-9

A. Paul viewed the adversaries as a mission field - Romans 1:14-16

B. He viewed Ephesus as a wide door

C. He also viewed it as a place of effective service Acts 19:20 shows how Paul invaded Satan's territory

 

2. Lives a sacrificial life - 2 Corinthians 12:15

A. Willing to give themselves to others

B. Sacrificial people are motivated by love

C. "Less"=inferior or worse.- "I be loved" - Paul was not receiving love from the Corinthians. Because you love does not mean you will

     be loved.

 

3. Accepts the position God places them in:

A. They learn to work from and within the context of their weakness.

B. It gives a distinction between human effort & God's strength.

C. "He might buffet" in Verse 7 is in the present tense which means it is not single act but a consistent daily buffeting. Every believer has a thorn in the flesh, The thorn is not a sickness but it is symbolic for the unbelievers that daily attack. Judges 2:3; Numbers 33:55; Joshua 23:13; Psalm 118:22; Matthew 13:22

 

4. Is a Separated Christian - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

A. Separated in Mind - 1 Corinthians 2:16

B. Separated in Deed - Business, church, dating, marriage

C. Separated in Word - Mark 16:17-18

D. An unseparated Christian relinquishes both the power and authority given to us by God (not loss of salvation but loss of effectiveness)

 

5. Is a spiritual Warrior - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

A. They see beyond the flesh - Vs 4 (pulling down=Overthrow) 1 Samuel 17:26; Matthew 16:21-23

B. They know their spiritual arsenal is through Christ - Philippians 4:13

C. They project victory - dispels man's reasonings

"The church is a workshop, not a dormitory; and every Christian man and woman is bound to help in the common cause."

            -Alexander MacLaren

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THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

CHARITY SUFFERETH LONG - Long Suffering - Colossians 1:11

AND IS KIND - A verb which denotes action - Acts 9:39

CHARITY ENVIETH NOT - Not jealous - Galatians 5:26

CHARITY VAUNTETH NOT ITSELF - Does not boast - Daniel 4:30

IS NOT PUFFED UP - Humility - Genesis 18:27

DOTH NOT BEHAVE UNSEEMLY - Proper Conduct - 2 Thessalonians 3:7

SEEKETH NOT HER OWN - Self-sacrificing - Matthew 16:25

IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED - Maintains a calm temper - 2 Peter 1:6

THINKETH NO EVIL - No evil desires - Philippians 2:5

REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY - Rebukes evil - James 4;7

BUT REJOICETH IN THE TRUTH - John 14:6

BEARETH ALL THINGS - (Beareth=Sustains against attacks) - Isaiah 53:7

BELIEVETH ALL THINGS - Exercises faith - Galatians 5:6

HOPETH ALL THINGS - Firm hope in God - Romans 4:18

ENDURETH ALL THINGS - The strength of endurance - James 5:11

 

Commentary on "All Things"

In 1 Cor. 3:20-23, Paul is exhorting these brethren not to glory in man. Especially in clinging to the teachings of one teacher as we see in the early parts of 1 Corinthians. In Vss. 21 & 22, Paul concludes that all things are ours. This refers to the glorious inheritance we have as Christians. Our relationship to Christ grants us spiritual intercourse with every believer in the world. In other words, every Christian belongs to every other Christian. Our relationship to Christ also grants us all the spiritual benefits of heaven, in the present and the future, (Eph. 1:3; 2:7). In 1 Cor. 13. Paul is affirming that true Christian love is a powerful enough force to rule in every situation, thus giving us the meaning of "all things."

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JESUS CHRIST - OUR SOURCE

Text: Colossians 3 - Selected Verses

What is your source when:

A. The bottom falls out

B. You lose your job

C. Basically when things go awry

 

What is your source of:

A. Strength

B. Comfort - Understands my situation

Christ is the foundation or undergirding power and strength in a believer's life.

Christ is our source in good times as in bad times - Job's famous declaration in Job 2:10

 

CHRIST IS THE SOURCE OF:

 

Vs 1 - Our resurrection

There are 2 resurrections:

A. First resurrection - Col. 2:13 - Spiritual - Hath he quickened "made us alive together"

B. Second Resurrection - John 6:40 - Physical - Bodily resurrection

 

Vs 1 - Our power for living - "Right hand of God) Luke 22:69>Eph. 1:20

Vs 3 - Our power for dying - Romans 8:13>Romans 6:6

Vs 4 - Our Life - Both physical and spiritual - (sustains spiritual life)

 

Vs 10 - Our New Image - 'Image from 'Icona' (we get word "Icon" from it)

A. Old image in harmony with old nature

B. New image must be void of old nature habits - Eph. 4:22

C. New image must be of Christ and His traits - Eph 4:24

D. New image must be in concert of who we are - Rev. 1:6 (we put on>Col. 3:12)

 

Vs 13 - Our Forgiveness

A. Every sin removed because of Calvary - Hebrews 8:12 & 10:17 (Col. 2:13 &14 "all")

B. Soul made as white as snow - Isaiah 1:18

 

Vs 13 - Our Ability to Forgive Others

A. We have been forgiven much - we must forgive others

B. Forgiveness is the chief Christian characteristic

C. To hold a grudge is of Satan - parable of wicked servant (Matt. 18:21-35 note vss 34 &35)

 

Vs 15 - Our Peace

A. He alone reconciles us to God - Romans 5:1

B. He reconciles us to each other "one body"="soma"

 

Vs 17 - Our Discernment in Questionable Things

A. When in doubt, do nothing - don't make an unsure move

B. Does it coincide with biblical truth?

C. How about your conscience?

D. What other questions in your life must be answered.

 

Vs 23 - Our Motivation

A. His life motivates our life

B. Working for Christ comes from deep in our soul - heartily "ek psuchos" = out of the soul

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THE FAITH OF THE WISEMEN

First Text: 2 Corinthians 9:15

Primary Text: Matthew 2:1-12

The Wisemen who journeyed to see Christ give us a good picture of faith and how it should work in our lives.

 

1. Vs 2 - They Believed The Sign God gave Them

A. Their Sign - The Star (Astera)

1. A natural view - very bright and easily star - personal star - not a major star like Polaris nor alignment of planets which occurred in

    6 or 7 BC

2. A spiritual view - Luke 1:78 - 'Dayspring" same Greek word as "Star"

 

B. Before Christ was 2 years old, He was already doing 3 things:

1. Drawing people to Himself

2. Showing the world He is the light - Malachi 4:2

3. Showing He was worthy of worship

 

C. Our Sign

The resurrection of Christ. - Matthew 12:38-40

 

2. Vss 3-8 - They were informed by the Scriptures

A. They went to Jerusalem which was the seat of the Jewish religion

1. Jerusalem is pictured as House of God - Jerusalem means "city or possession of peace"

2. Our direction comes at the house of God - Psalm 73:16-17

 

B. Vs 5 - They learned Christ's location from the Scriptures

1. I wonder what the wisemen thought that no inquiry was made by the ruling monarch in Jerusalem for 2 years. It was spiritual apathy - They were not looking for the coming of Christ in their generation as ours is not looking.

2. Vs 6 - He was born in Judah - Bethlehem

Hebrews 7:14 - No priest came from Judah - represents a complete change and departure from the Mosaic system. Christmas was the start of the unveiling of the mystery of the church and grace - God's salvation plan was now being unfolded.

 

3. Vss 9-11 - They Worshipped Jesus

A. They probably prostrated themselves

B. They presented their gifts, which were of prophetic nature:

1. Gold - Represented His Kingship

2. Frankincense - A bitter plant - represented His sorrows

3. Myrrh - Represented His death - It was used for embalming.

C. The gifts were probably used to fund their flight into Egypt to escape Herod's edict (vs 13)

 

4. Vs 12 - They followed God's direction to avoid Herod and to return to their own country.

The faith of the wisemen should inspire us to believe and follow Christ.

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THE DEBT OF LOVE I OWE

Text: Romans 1:14-16

 

The 1933 Chicago World's Fair had a model city of the future. There were no churches. The reason given is there was no need for churches.

 

There was a city in California called Century City. There are no churches in it.

Rudyard Kipling stated, "The human soul is a very lonely thing. We are born alone, we die alone, and in the depths of our souls we live alone."

 

Psalm 142:4 gives us a picture of the loneliness of man. He cries, 'no one cares for me."

How true is this statement?

 

2 Timothy 3:1 - Perilous Times

A. For only the unbeliever?

B. Also for the church, because I believe we are prey to the list of self-serving sins:

 

1. Unthankful

2. High minded - Puffed Up (Knowledge Puffeth Up)

3. A form of godliness - Form = Take shape of godliness - piety

4. Covetous - Do we befriend people based on what they can do for us?

If mind-sets like this pervade the church, is it any wonder why so many are lonely. We are the light and Jesus said we cannot hide the true light.

How do we fan the flame which would once again burn bright as the noon day sun?

 

Romans 1:14-16 - The Roman Trilogy

Vs 14 - Debtor - A Debtor is: [Responsibility]

1. One who is held to an obligation or duty - great commission

2. One who owes someone - Christ

3. One who must satisfy their obligations before themselves - deny ourselves

4. Servant to the lender - Proverbs 22:7

 

Vs 15 - Ready - A Ready person is: (Willing, Eager) [Reliability]

1. A ready person seeks opportunities to minister - they don't wait for it. - John 4:35

2. A ready person is a battle prepared person - Eph. 6:13-17

3. A ready person knows their purpose and acts - Mark 5:19-20

 

Vs 16 - Not Ashamed [Reliance on the Gospel]

First century thought about the cross was abhorrence, yet it remained the central teaching.

Why Paul was not ashamed:

1. He walked close to Christ - far from Christ creates coldness and fear. Mark 7 - Church traditions not based on scripture creates

    distance from Christ and truth.

2. Vs 16 - The power of God - confuses the world - Biblical absolutes not opinionated Christianity

3. Vs 16 - Focus on the power - Salvation

4. Vs 16 - The condition - Believing

 

Are you still believing? Not only in reference to your salvation but to your Christian walk? Is the power of God still evident in your life? Has the gospel become dormant or just a routine? Is it your life or is your life like it used to be?

Romans 13:1-12 - Our debt of love can only be paid if we are willing to go forth in the power of God, fulfilling our divine responsibility and believing Christ every step of the way!

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LOOKING FOR OUR REDEMPTION

TEXT: 2 Peter 3:10-18

Vss 10-11

A. Earth and Universe is dissolved

B. Simultaneous with Judgment Day - Rev. 20:11/Rev. 21:1

C. Knowing this - what is our responsibility as believers

1. Holy conduct - Conduct which becomes a Christian

2. Godliness 'Eusebeia" - Christian attitude and conduct which is the heart of the faith - (attitude determines conduct)

3 elements of 'eusebeia"

1. A general attitude of devotion toward God

2. A respect for fellow man (created in God's image)

3. A high regard for the truth of the gospel (without fanfare)

 

Vss 12-14

God adds a new dimension to our Christian walk and attitude - We are to look for the second coming

Look (prodoskao) = wait for, anticipate, look for, expect (waiting for someone you love, like going on a date)

Luke 1:21 -----"Waited" for Zacharias

Luke 3:15 -----"Were in expectation"

Luke 7:19-20 -"LOOK we FOR"

Prodoskao used above in an intense looking for something

 

Vs 12 - Hasting (speudo) = Desire earnestly, to hurry, strive (for)

Vs 13 - According to the promises of God - Isaiah 65:17; 2 Cor. 1:20 (Yea & Amen)

Vs 14 - Peace - Ephesians 2:14

Without spot - Leviticus 13:2 (leprosy - 3 chapters on leprosy 13-15)

Blameless - Phil. 2:15 - Someone who can't be blamed - God justifies His people - Romans 8:33

IN OTHER WORDS, WE MUST EXAMINE OURSELVES TO INSURE WE ARE SAVED AND THEN LIVE LIKE IT!

 

Vs 17 - WE KNOW BEFORE - Error of the Wicked - 1 Thess. 5:3 & 6 (Apathy and Sleep)

Daniel 12:2-4, 11 - Wise will understand (the believers)

Amos 1:1 - 2 years before the earthquake

Where we are according to Scripture:

These are the last days: (eschatos - 60 times - 13 inflections)

Acts 2:17; 1 Cor. 10:11; Heb. 1:1-2; Heb. 9:26; 1 Pet. 4:7

 

What warnings do we see in Scripture concerning impending judgments?

1. Noah - Noah's flood - Genesis 7:4 - 7 Days

2. Destruction of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, & Zeboim (Deut. 29:23) Abraham was given a warning before their estruction - Genesis

    18:16-18

3. Nineveh was given a 40 day notice through Jonah - they repented but Nahum records their destruction 125 yrs. later,

    God is now warning us that the time is short - the culmination of the ages is upon us and the Desire of all Nations is at the door.

 

3 exhortations to a watchful life

1. Vs 11 - Be holy (in all phases of life

2. Vs 17 Be steadfast (firmly fixed or established

3. Vs 18 Keep growing

    A. As you grow in grace - sinful desires will recede

    B. As you grow in knowledge your walk will stabilize - will prevent Amos 8:11-12 & Dan. 12:4

    What will you now do with this information?

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REGAINING OUR EVANGELISTIC FERVOR

Text: 1 Corinthians 9:16

Preach = Euangelizomai = Evangelize

 

1. Threefold purpose of Christian existence:

A. Evangelism - Great Commission is a command for every Christian

B. Discipleship - (Parenting) Discipling young believers

C. Spiritual Growth - After the milk comes the meat

 

2. True Christianity has been sidetracked:

A. Social Gospel

B. Gospel mixed with worldly sciences (psychology, et al)

C. Word of God not preached as authoritative because many do not believe it is God's Word.

    Resulting in:

    1. No spiritual content - Ephesians 4:14

    2. No spiritual concerns

    3. No spiritual commitment

    3. Regaining our Evangelistic Fervor

 

The Need

1. A. Fresh awareness of Hell - Mark 9:44, 46, 48

2. A fresh awareness of our responsibility - Mark 16:15

3. To overcome our shame of being a Christian - Romans 1:16

 

The Method

1. Be a pupil of Scripture - Not man's works - Rom. 10:17

2. Be a focused prayer warrior - Acts 12:5 (not just Lord bless, bless, bless)

3. Plan a strategy - start small - Goals in steps - Creation was in 6 days, not 1

4. Proceed with what you know - Never will have all the answers - The unbeliever knows less about Christ and Christianity than you  

    do.

Summary of Method - PUPIL > PRAY > PLAN > PROCEED

 

The Nevers

1. Never concern yourself with the possibility of satanic hindrance. Satan has no authority over the believer. He cannot Prevent anyone's salvation. He was defeated at the cross.

A. Peter preached and 3000 saved

B. Remove from your evangelism vocabulary, "What if" in a negative context.

2. Never allow your profession to dictate your usefulness for Christ. Gideon was a wheat thresher and Amos was a Herdsman.

3. Never allow financial support to replace your personal involvement in ministry. If giving is all you can do, then do it.

 

Direct and Indirect evangelism has the same effect.

Direct - Handing out tracts, speaking one on one, preaching, etc.

Indirect - Giving money, sending tracts by mail, supporting missionaries.

 

The Dependence

Leave the results with God - Don't be anxious over what you cannot control. God is in control of salvation. You just bring the Word. One plants, one waters, and God gives the increase.

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THE PROMISES THAT FOLLOW SALVATION

Text: Isaiah 40:1-11

 

Vs 2 - WARFARE IS DONE

A. Romans 5:1 - Peace with God

B. Sins are forgiven and forgotten - Hebrews 8:12 & 10:17

C. Comforted by God's Mercy, not His judgment

 

Vs 4 - SPIRITUAL LIFE IS SATISFIED

A. "Valley Exalted" = No more seeking philosophies of life

B. "Mountains and Hills" = Kingdoms we sought (Psalm 121:1)

C. "Crooked" = The dark paths we trod

D. 'Rough Places" = God with us in adversity

E. "Plain" = A wide level valley between mountains (leveling of our Christian life)

 

Vs 8 - GOD'S WORD IS UNCHANGEABLE

A. 2 Tim. 1:12 - Paul knew whom he believed

B. Heb. 13:8 - Writer says Christ is same yesterday, today and tomorrow

C. Zephaniah 3:17 - He said God in the midst is mighty

D. Nahum 1:7 - Nahum said the Lord is a stronghold in the day of trouble

E. Micah 7:19 - Micah said he is compassionate

 

Vs 11 - HE FEEDS AS A SHEPHERD - Safe in the Arms of Jesus

A. A shepherd protects

B. A shepherd corrects wrong behavior in the sheep

C. "Gather the lambs" = A shepherd guards against future danger

D. A shepherd leads the flock

E. The true shepherd does not abandon the flock

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CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PLAN OF GOD FOR YOUR LIFE

JEREMIAH 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

 

God's Plan is:

1. Always Good - Genesis 50:20

2. Personal - Psalm 32:8

3. Detailed - Psalm 37:23

4. Joyful - Psalm 89:15

5. Replete with wisdom - Psalm 143:8

6. Continuous - Isaiah 58:11

7. Profitable - Jeremiah 17:7-8

8. Specific and Definite - Jonah 1:1-2; 3:1

9. Eternal - Ephesians 2:7

10. An Assurance - 1 John 5:13

 

Why we have trouble identifying God's plan

1. We hold on to pet sins - sin blinds

2. The things of the world crowd it out

3. We look in the wrong places for advice

4. We are really afraid to relinquish control of our lives to God

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CORRUPTING THE WORD OF GOD

Text: 2 Corinthians 2:17 - Corrupt=dealing deceitfully with

1. Adding or Subtracting Words - Eve (Gen. 3:2-3)

A. She did not know her enemy

B. She should have sought the Lord (James 1:5)

 

2. Adding or Subtracting Words - Sadducees - (Acts 23:8)

A. No resurrection, angel, or spirit

B. They had all the OT Scriptures

    1. Abraham's Visitation

    2. Lot's Visitation

    3. Manoah's Visitation

    4. Moses's Visitation

C. The Tradition of the Elders (Mark 7)

D. New Bible translations which chop up the word of God

 

3. Rationalizing it - Scoffers (2 Peter 3:3-4)

A. Mistaking the silence of God for no God

B. Since there is no God, they take liberty with the Scriptures

C. Their philosophy is chosen over the teachings of Scripture

 

4. Personal Gain

A. Ezekiel 22:27 - Like today's TV preachers and false teachers

B. Bishop Tetzel sold indulgences in the early 16th century. This practice caused Luther to write his 95 theses.

 

5. Doubting Parts - Wolves in the Pulpit

A. Sarah - Doubted she would have a baby

B. Zacharias - Doubted he would have a son (John the Baptist)

C. Today's neo-evangelicals who question parts of the Bible

 

6. Neglecting Parts of It - Saul

A. Saves the Amalekite King, Agag, and the best sheep, was to kill all. (1 Sam. 15)

B. sacrifices a burnt offering in violation of God's word (1 Sam. 13)

C. He seeks the witch of Endor (1 Sam 28)

 

7. Not Appropriating the Teaching - Corinthian Church

A. Preacher Worship (1 Cor. 3-4)

B. Lack of Church Discipline (1 Cor. 5)

C. Idolatrous element (1 Cor. 8)

 

8. Reject its teachings - Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36)

A. He cut it up (Vs 23)

B. No fear of rejection (Vs 24)

C. Our rejection has no effect upon the truth (Vs 29)

ADULTERATING THE WORD OF GOD DOES NOT NEGATE THE TRUTH OF WHAT GOD HAS DECLARED. IF EVERY BIBLE WAS DESTROYED IN THIS WORLD, JUDGMENT DAY WOULD STILL COME.

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DEALING WITH THE SIN OF ASSUMPTION

Preliminary texts: Lev. 9:16; Psalm 50:20; Proverbs 11:13; Proverbs 20:19; Ezekiel 22:9

The sin of assumption carries the identical credentials as gossip.

 

1. All Assumption is not sin:

    Assumption of:

A. Dangerous situations

B. Routine situations

C. Partial Assumptions with facts in evidence (not conclusive)

 

2. Sinful Assumption:

A. Dogmatic conclusions without facts in evidence - Prov. 19:13

B. Random/fragments assumption - Prov. 19:13

C. Prideful assumption - Prov. 19:9

D. Assumption based on predilection of character

E. Assumption of outcome without seriously seeking the Lord

 

3. Three Principles of Sinful Assumption

A. Sinful assumption sets a person up as a god (omniscience)

B. Sinful assumption exalts the big 'I" by comparison with others "projected" faults.

C. Sinful assumption is akin to prognostication. If we can't read a person's palm, how can we read their mind.

 

4. How To Break Free from Sinful Assumption

1. Realize it is Sin:

    A. Confess it

    B. Repent of it

    C. Deal with it when it attempts to surface - After it surfaces, it is too late

2. Deal with reality through God's word. Filter each situation through the eyes and thought of God, not your projections

3. Understand our minds are sin-tainted and unable and incapable of sinless thinking, just like the one we are pointing our finger at.

4. Renew your mind through God's word daily:

    A. The helmet of salvation - Eph. 6:17

    B. Learn to recognize the seeds of gossip cropping up in your mind and deal with them at the moment they appear.

5. Realize that other people have not yet been perfected like you and God is still working in them (Romans 7)

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FEAR OF LIVING AN INSIGNIFICANT CHRISTIAN LIFE

Webster's dictionary definition of insignificant: meaningless, having no weight or effect, unimportant, trivial

Romans 8:15-16 "Insignificance Complex" > "Fear Again - The Bondage of"

 

How we build the "insignificance complex" into our thinking:

1. We compare ourselves with others concerning their jobs, position or ministries which leads to-

2. Wrong personal assessment which leads to-

3. Attaching insignificance to our thinking which leads to-

4. An attitude of insignificance which leads to:

    A. Shyness of personality

    B. Withdrawal

    C. Reclusive life - leads to pew warming and non-involvement

 

HOW TO BUILD BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE INTO YOUR LIFE

BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE FLOWS FROM UNDERSTANDING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND HOW THAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED.

 

Significance in false religions is based on what I do. Significance in Christianity is based on what Christ has done. The believer is passive concerning salvation which means we do nothing to gain salvation only receive it, therefore, we draw our significance from Christ. This means every true Christian has significance regardless of social or medical standing.

 

HOW DO I RECOGNIZE MY SIGNIFICANCE - 1 Corinthians 2:12

Realize unsaved man's standing before God:

Psalm 5:5-7

Psalm 58:3-5

 

1. Redemption - 1 Peter 1:18-21 (Rev. 5:9-10)

A. Condescension of Christ - Vss 18-19

B. Crucifixion of Christ - Vs 20]

C. Completion of Salvation Plan - Vs 21

 

2. Resurrection of our souls (The first resurrection) - Rev. 20:5-6

1. Eph 2:1-6

2. Col. 2:13-14

3. Col. 3:1

4. The essence is we were once spiritually dead but God has made us spiritually alive. We received our resurrected souls, now we

    are alive unto God and dead to the world

 

3. Relocation - Romans 8:15

1. 2 Cor. 6:18

2. Gal. 3:26

3. Gal. 4:5-7

 

4. Restoration - Psalm 23:3

YOUR SIGNIFICANCE WAS ALWAYS THERE BUT YOU NEEDED TO RECOGNIZE IT! OPEN THY MOUTH WIDE AND I WILL FILL IT - Psalm 81:10-11

How wide will you open to God so he may fill you?

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MARY'S PRAISE OF GOD

Text: Luke 1:46-56

Vs 46 - Soul magnifies=praise, extols or exalts. Soul is the depth of our being

Vs 47 - "hath rejoiced" - literally "jumped for joy" - "God my Saviour" - shows the deity of Christ

Vs 48 - Hath regarded - look upon or have respect to Low estate - humiliation from recognizing her sinfulness

              handmaiden - doulos - doulos - servant

             "shall call me blessed" - James 5:11

Happiness or blessedness results from the endurance - Luke 2:34-35

Vs 49 - Great things - Grand, Magnificent - 1 Timothy 2:5

              Holy - she realizes this is a holy event tied to prophecy

             (No doubt she heard devout Jews everywhere praying for the Messiah to come)

Vs 50 - A picture of the gospel going forth - Genesis 17:7

Vs 51 - Shown strength - Psalm 17:7; Psalm 20:6

             God rejects the proud - James 4:6

              Imagination - thoughts - Romans 12:3

Vs 52 - Puts down mighty rulers - Raises and puts down kings

              Low degree - the downcast, lowly - Matthew 23:12

Vs 53 - The hungry

             Matthew 5:6 - Hungry for righteousness

             The Rich - Proverbs 13:7; Luke 6:24

Vs 54 - The promises in the OT of the coming of Messiah

Vs 55 - Galatians 3:29