What I Want For Our Church
February 18, 2007
WHAT I WANT FOR OUR CHURCH
Text: 2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Introduction: I Thought Of Six Things I Want For The New Year.
I) FAITH TO ACCEPT WHAT GOD DESIGNS
A) THE MAN WHO SURRENDERS HIS LIFE TO JESUS DOES NOT LIVE ACCIDENTLY. Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose
1) If that statement is true, then Christ designs everything that comes into my life
2) The Poet Was Right When He Said…
My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me.
I cannot choose the colors,
He worketh steadily.
Ofttimes He weaveth sorrow,
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the underside.
Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the why.
B) OFTEN GOD INTERRUPTS OUR PLANS.
1) Even Trials are designed by God. 1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
2) Bible says God knows how much we can bear and He will never overload us. Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship
C) WE NEED TO SURRENDER OUR LIVES TO JESUS CHRIST TODAY….
1) He brings the right trial into our life that will work out for our good.
2) We are the Clay In The Potters Hands. Jer 18:6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? Saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
3) Exciting to know everything that comes our way is screened by a Loving God.
II) LIFE YIELDED TO GOD THAT REALIZE HIS COMPLETE PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE.
A) SOME MEN GOD HAS USED IN THE PAST
1) God used D.L. MOODY who someone said
(a) World Has Yet To See What God Can Do With A Man Who Is Fully Surrendered”
(b) Moody said "I'll Be That Man"
(c) NO Education and NO Ordination papers, D.L. Moody surrendered his life to Christ.
(d) Moody Bible institute stands today as a pattern for most others to follow.
2) God used a MOSES.
(a) Stammering, stuttering man who couldn’t speak to lead his people out of bondage.
(b) b. Just because MOSES Was available.
3) GIDEON the least of his father's household
(a) He didn't want to go..
(b) Finally he submitted to God and won one of the greatest victories in the Bible.
4) DAVID – Youngest of his fathers children
(a) He was but a mere shepherd boy..
(b) He had the heart of a lion &God used Him
5) A SMALL LAD – Used to feed the 5,000
(a) He wasn't the greatest scholar there.
(b) However He Was Available.. With 5 loaves and 2 little fishes.
B) GOD COULD USE YOU ALSO.
1) It would amaze you as to what He will do with you if you will let Him.
2) He has plenty for us to do if He can find the Available instruments.
III) GRATITUDE ENOUGH TO BE THANKFUL FOR GOD'S EVER MERCY AND BLESSING. Psa 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
A) ONE OF THE GREATEST CHRISTIAN GRACES IS GRATITUDE.
1) Dr. Bob Jones said "Gratitude Is The Loveliest Flower That Grows In The Garden Of A Man's Soul;”
2) Jesus told of 10 lepers who were healed, only one turned back to give Him thanks
B) THANK GOD FOR HIS MERCIES. Lam 3:22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. multitude of
1) God's Mercies Are New Every Morning..
(a) They are higher than the heavens, and they Endure forever.
(b) Psa 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
C) MANY THINGS WE TAKE FOR GRANTED ARE GREAT BLESSINGS.
1) GRACE is God Giving to us something we do not deserve..
2) MERCY Is God Withholding from us something which we do deserve.
D) INGRATITUDE LEADS TO OTHER SINS Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful;
IV) ENOUGH PATIENCE TO BUILD THIS CHURCH INTO A GREATER MINISTRY.
A) NOT SATISFIED WITH OUR PROGRESS.
1) God sent me here but I can’t do it alone.
2) We have grown Slack
B) SHOULD BE RUNNING OVER ____NOW
1) Why do people come and then leave???
2) We losing children to other groups
C) I HAVE PRAYED FOR PATIENCE
1) Now I am praying for PROGRESS..
2) I am asking for HELP in a big way.
3) Promise God you will do your best..
V) I WANT GOD'S SMILE & APPROVAL ON EVERYTHING I SAY AND DO. 2 Cor 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, We may be accepted of Him.
A) I WOULD LIKE YOUR APPROVAL
1) However I have to have God's approval.
2) NO other way except by His approval
B) I WANT TO MAKE A COVENANT WITH GOD LIKE ABRAHAM DID. Gen 17:1-2 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
1) Now I already know I AM NOT PERFECT.
2) My Wife has already told me I AM NOT.
3) But I can ask God to make me perfect…
VI) GRACE ENOUGH TO BE SWEET UNDER ALL CONDITIONS
A) PREACHERS FACE TEMPTATIONS.
1) Many of these you do not understand.
2) Hard to show people they are wrong.
3) 2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
B) DIFFICULT To DELIVER A HARD SERMON
1) To rebuke the congregation.
2) At the same time maintain a Sweet Spirit.
3) Blessed is the man who can be sweet under ALL Conditions.
CONCLUSION: What do YOU want for your Church?
The Sacred Landmarks
February 11, 2007
THE SACRED LANDMARKS
Deut 19:14 Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it. Introduction: A) A Landmark distinguishes one man’s property from another. 1) Landmarks are not to be moved. 2) Landmarks are to be permanent B) There are landmarks that control society 1) We are living in an age in which Satan is trying to destroy the Sacred Landmarks. 2) A Time when the world & the flesh are doing all they can to destroy the Sacred Landmark C) Five Landmarks that have been destroyed 1) The Landmark of the Home. 2) The Landmark of Education. 3) The Landmark of Statesmanship. 4) The landmark of Morality. 5) The Landmark of Religion. i) The Bible is being attacked by the Critics. ii) The Doctrine of Heaven – Hell – Judgement is not Being preached. D) What God said about saving the Landmarks 1) Deut 27:17 Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. 2) Prov 22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. E) Some Landmarks that will not be removed I) THE THRONE OF GOD WILL NOT BE REMOVED A) SATAN THOUGHT HE COULD OVERTHROW GOD 1) Satan was thrown out of Heaven. 2) Rev 12:9 Satan… was..cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. B) MAN HAS DONE EVERYTHING HE COULD TO DRAG GOD DOWN. 1) 1954 Krushchev said “We will drag God out of Heaven” 2) God is referred to as “The Man Upstairs” 3) God is look on as an errand boy. C) MANY DENY GOD. 1) They try to disprove His very Existence. 2) At the end of this age God will still be there. II) THE CROSS OF CHRIST WILL SURVIVE A) THE CROSS CANNOT BE DESTROYED. 1 Cor 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1) Man had ridiculed and mocked the Cross. 2) But – He cannot do away with it. B) NOTICE THE CROSS. 1) To the Jew it was a Stumbling Block. 2) To the Greeks it was Foolishness. 3) To the Christian it is “The power of God unto Salvation” III) THE WORD OF GOD WILL SURVIVE A) THE MODERNIST CANNOT DESTROY THE BIBLE 1) The Bible is absolutely Indestructible 2) The Bible is Indispensable. 3) The Bible is Infallible. 4) The Bible is Inexhaustible. B) THE BIBLE IS A WONDER BOOK. 1) Survived despite men like Voltaire. (a) Said 100 years from now it will be NO More. (b) Today more Bible printed than ever before. 2) Survived despite men like Robert Ingersol. (a) Said “15 years from now Bible will be forgotten” (b) He was dead in 15 years – Bible still lives. C) YOU MAY DENY THIS BOOK BUT YOU WILL NEVER DESTROY IT 1) There is a copy on file in Heaven. 2) Ps 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. IV) THE CHURCH WILL SURVIVE Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. A) I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT DENOMINATIONS 1) Some Denominations will be rooted up. Mt 15:13 Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 2) Only those in White Robes will survive. B) WHERE DOES THE LORD GET HIS GLORY? 1) Not through the Preacher…. 2) Not through this Building… 3) God gets His Glory through HIS Church… V) THE SAVED WILL SURVIVe Jn 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. A) THE WORLD – THE FLESH, AND THE DEVIL MAY TRY TO DESTROY YOU…. 1) One day you will be with Jesus forever. 2) Discouraging when you see so many things fading 3) However – I am on the winning side….
Five Fearful Facts
February 4, 2007
FIVE FEARFUL FACTS
Text: Matthew 7:13-25
A) The Five Fearful Facts.
1) Not everyone is going to be saved.
2) More people will be Lost than Saved.
3) Many expecting to be saved will be lost.
4) No one will be saved after death.
5) Could be your last opportunity to be saved
B) Some wonderful Bible verses.
1) Ps 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2) Jn 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
3) Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
I) NOT EVERYONE IS GOING TO BE SAVED
A) NARROW IT DOWN – NOT EVERYONE IN THIS CONGREGATION WILL BE SAVED.
1) Unsaved will stand at the White Throne
2) Many don’t know the power of God. Mt 22:29 Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
B) DOES GOD ALLOW MEN TO GO TO HELL? Lk 16:22-23 The rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes
1) Many think because God created us He won’t send us to Hell.
2) He also created the Donkey.
II) MORE PEOPLE WILL BE LOST THAN SAVED Mt 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
A) TEXT NOT TALKING OF TIGHT ROPE WALK
1) Narrow Way is Trusting Jesus
2) Wide Gate is Trusting + baptism + 10 Commandments + Church membership.
B) MANY RELIGIOUS PEOPLE IN HELL
III) MANY EXPECTING TO BE SAVED WILL BE LOST Mt 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?
A) CAN YOU DO THIS AND STILL BE LOST?
1) I believe many “So Called” preachers will split hell wide open.
2) Many “MaMa” - Wife and Money Called
B) LOOK WHAT JESUS SAID TO THEM Mt 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
IV) NO ONE WILL BE SAVED AFTER DEATH
A) HOW LONG WILL YOU HAVE TO REPENT.
1) Cannot Repent one hour after death.
2) Cannot Repent one second after death.
B) YOU HAVE TODAY ONLY AS A PROMISE 2 Cor 6:2 Behold, now is the day of salvation.
1) No promise of tomorrow.
2) No promise of one more minute
V) THIS COULD BE YOUR LAST OPPORTUNITY TO BE SAVED
A) YOU COULD VERY WELL DIE BEFORE ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY COMES
B) I HAVE PREACHED FUNERALS OF THOSE FROM 1 DAY OLD TO 99 YEARS OLD.
C) YOURS COULD BE THE NEXT ONE.
A Nation Suffers For Sins Of A King
January 28, 2007
A NATION SUFFERS FOR SINS OF A KING
Text: 1 Chronicles 21:1-13
A) Worst sin that David ever Committed
1) He committed adultery with Bathsheba Then had her husband URIAH Killed.
2) We agree that was an ATROCIOUS SIN
B) Cannot tell the evil in persons heart
1) Look at attackers of our Nation 5 years ago – They changed the course of the U.S.A.
C) 2. Those men got on that plane looking like ordinary travelers. Jer 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
D) Sin Of Adultery And Murder Are bad
1) A sin David committed that was far worse – And cost the lives of 70,000 Men
2) In Chronicles We do not see the Sins of David and Bathsheba even mentioned.
E) The Sin Of Taking A Census
1) The taking a CENSUS is not sin in itself.
2) What made it a sin in the eyes of God was WHY & WHEN He took that CENSUS.
F) We as a Church
1) Need to examine the scriptures closely.
2) See HOW &WHY David took the CENSUS that so displeased the Lord….
3) What Did David Do That Was So Wrong
I) THE PROVOKING Vs 1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
A) WHO WAS SATAN'S ATTACK ON?
1) Not David Satan Stood Against Israel
2) Satan knew the best way to break God's heart was to cause His people to Sin.
3) He knows God is Holy – Sin breaks the Fellowship Between God And His People.
(a) What makes us different in Satan's eyes is that God Loves Us.
(b) That He sent His Son to die for us.
4) And Satan Stood Up Against Israel
(a) He did it through the leadership and Provoked David To Number Israel
5) A clear passages in Bible Revealing how Satan tries to destroy Nations.
B) WE NEED TO PRAY FOR TWO THINGS.
1) 1st – We Need To Pray For Our COUNTRY
(a) Know what is wrong with our Nation?
(1) The leadership is not obeying God
(2) Obvious God loves this land of ours
(3) Satan knows best way to lead people from God is through our Leadership.
ILLUS: A Little boy with his dad was visiting the Congress When the Chaplain was praying the opening prayer – the little boy said "Dad does he pray for congress?" – The dad replied "No son, he takes one look at congress & prays for the nation
(b) Every Day Satan Does Everything He Can To Destroy Leadership Of Our Nation
(1) He attacks the citizens of our country
(2) He attacks the Leaders even more
(3) Take them down and take the Country
(c) God Tells Us To Pray For Our Leaders.
(d) The Devil stood up against Israel..
(1) Through the office of the King..
(2) The highest political office in the land
(e) Message Is Teaching Us That We Need To Pray For Our Leaders and Our Country
2) 2nd -Need To Pray For Our CHURCHES.
(a) Satan attacks Christian in God's Church
(b) I Can Assure You His Main Attack Is On Leaders of the Church as well as others
II) THE PROBLEM
1. In America We Take A Census To Find Out The Needs Of The People.
2. Wasn’t Reason David Took A CENSUS
3. What made taking of a census Sinful?
A) DESIRE WAS IN THE WRONG MOTIVE
1) JOAB Was A Smart Man. Vs 6 But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king's word was abominable to Joab.
(a) Joab saw that his king was numbering the people for the WRONG PURPOSE.
2) David Refused To Listen To Joab.
3) Ordered to CENSUS taken JOAB OBEYED
4) Census was taken the Results Were In It was clear that God had richly blessed.
(a) Moses took Census had 603,000 men
(b) David at this Census 1,570,000 men
B) GOD WAS DISPLEASED AT DAVID'S ARROGANCE FOR TWO REASONS.
1) 1st – His DELIGHT Was In Wrong Thing
(a) 2 Sam 24:3b "..But Why Doth My Lord The King Delight In This Thing?"
(b) David had to know that his men were far greater than they had ever been.
(c) God Not Pleased With Taking a CENSUS
2) 2nd – His DELIVERANCE In Wrong Place
(a) Since David was a young man he had always looked to God as his Deliverer.
(b) When HE faced the giant GOLIATH? 1 Sam 17:45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
(c) America Is In Much The Same Position.
(d) History tells us how our past leaders trusted in God - Today Our Trust Is In
(1) DEFENSE – The only Super Power left
(2) ECONOMY – We are told that we are better off than people are anywhere else
(3) EDUCATION – People from all over the world enroll each year in our Schools
(e) How PROUD We Have Become.
(f) How Complacent we have become.
III) THE PUNISHMENT. Vs 7 And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he SMOTE Israel.
A) GOD GAVE DAVID THREE CHOICES.
1) 3 Years Of FAMINE.
2) 3 Months Destroyed Before His FOES
3) 3 Days Of The Sword Of The Lord..
(a) Notice That David Chose The 3 Days…
(b) Let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man.”
B) A NATION CAN TURN FROM GOD
1) It Is A Foolish Nation..
(a) Thinks it can soak up the blessings of God and treat God like a dirty dish rag.
(b) Throw Him away when we no longer need him
2) Israel had been ready for punishment..
3) 1 act of David cost lives of 70,000 Men
IV) THE PENANCE.
A) DAVID HAD CONFESSED HIS SIN. Vs 8 And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.
1) We think CONFESSION is enough. Rom 10:9 If thou shalt Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, & shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved
2) We forget that Sin Debt Has To Be Paid
B) DAVID READY TO PAY FOR HIS SIN.
1) Knew God would forgive if he repented. Vs 13 David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the LORD; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man.
2) But being forgiven would not ERASE the terrible consequence of HIS SIN.
3) Sow in Flesh will be Reaped in the Flesh
4) David was now putting himself into God’s hands – Not man’s hands
When Does Faith Pay
January 21, 2007
WHEN DOES FAITH PAY
Heb 11:4-10
Introduction:
1. We are Saved by Faith.
2. We Live by Faith.
3. We Walk by Faith.
4. We are Purified by Faith.
5. We are Justified by Faith.
I) WHEN STORMS OF LIFE ARE RAGING
A) HE HAVE SOMETHING TO HOLD.
1) We have God’s Promises.
2) We have God’s Provision.
3) We have God’s Protection.
B) WE HAVE SOMETHING TO HELP.
1) We have God’s Power.
2) We have God’s Presence.
3) We have God’s Peace.
II) WHEN SICKNESS IN LIFE IS REAL
A) THE DREADED WORD TERMINAL
1) If any of your family have ever heard this word it is scary.
2) Doctor’s don’t know it all – This news is Earth Shattering.
B) THE DISCOURAGING WORD – SICKNESS
1) People have had a rare disease for years
2) Niece has M.S. – Now for 15 years…
III) WHEN SINS OF LIFE ARE REALIZED
A) FIRST – THE REALIZATION OF SIN.
1) We can never be saved until we realize we are sinners.
2) Realize without Jesus we are Hell Bound.
B) SECOND – THE REPENTANCE OF SIN.
1) It is by Faith we repent of sin.
2) Tell God we are sorrow for our sin.
C) THE RECEPTION OF FORGIVENESS
1) By Faith we know God hears our Prayers
2) Sees our heart & accepts us as repentant
D) THE REJOICING OVER HIS GRACE.
1) By Faith we can rejoice in the Lord.
2) Rejoice knowing He has forgiven & saved
IV) CONCLUSION: Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
A) Some Christians are Weak in Faith. Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations
B) Some Christians have Little Faith Mt 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
C) Some Christians have Great Faith. Mt 8:10 Jesus said to them..Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
D) Some Christians have Mustard Seed Faith Mt 17:20 Jesus said unto them..If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
The Devils Substitute
January 7, 2007
THE DEVIL’S SUBSTITUTE
1 Ki 14:25-28 And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem: And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made. And king Rehoboam made in their stead brasen shields, and committed them unto the hands of the chief of the guard, which kept the door of the king's house. And it was so, when the king went into the house of the LORD, that the guard bare them, and brought them back into the guard chamber.
Introduction:
A) Satan is attacking 2 important areas today
1) The first is The Home…
2) The second is The Church…
B) Satan prepared a substitute for everything
1) He tries to make everything Pure to be Impure.
2) Tries to make everything Good to be immoral.
C) In text we see Satan “Shishak” attacking
1) He is attacking the foundation of the home.
2) He is attacking the foundation of the Church.
D) Look at some of the ways He is attacking.
I) THE ATTACK ON THE LORD’S HOUSE
A) THE ATTACK ON THE TREASURE.
1) Taxation – Many states trying to tax the Church
(a) Political leaders want it so bad they can taste it
(b) Make me thankful for Mt 16:18 And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
(c) The Church will stand until Jesus Comes.
2) Outright Lies – Some lie about the church.
B) THE ATTACK ON THE TEACHING MINISTRY.
1) Many churches discuss everything but the Word.
2) Many church done away with carrying the Bible
(a) They carry the S/S Quarterlies
(b) They carry their on Song Books
(c) Many have accepted a substitute religion.
C) THE ATTACK ON EVANGELISM.
1) Less than 10% of Churches have Evangelism
2) Satan has put in place much physical attention
(a) Scared people with threat of heart attack.
(b) Get of that fat – lose weight – exercise.
3) If you would visit people and invite them to Church you would get some Spiritual exercise 1 Tim 4:8 Bodily exercise profiteth little
D) THE ATTACK ON THE SPIRITUAL PULSE.
1) No more Getting excite about seeing souls saved.
2) Many churches are a Morgue rather than what they ought to be – A Maternity Ward.
(a) Church is not a place for the dead.
(b) It is a place for the Re-Born.
E) THE ATTACK ON THE MUSIC OF THE CHURCH
1) 90% Of the so called “Gospel Music” has no place in the N.T. Church.
2) Music must hold forth the fundamentals of Faith 1 Thess 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
II) THE ATTACK ON THE HOUSE OF THE KING
A) THIS WAS REHOBOAM’S HOUSE – WHERE HE LIVED WHERE HE RAISED HIS FAMILY. Vs 25 In the fifth year of king Rehoboam 1. In just 5 years the entire kingdom was a shamble 2. His family was morally and spiritually wounded 3. Some of them will die as a result of this.
B) THE ATTACK ON THE KING’S HOUSE.
1) The Home and the Family and fall together.
2) The Home is under the full attack of Satan today.
3) If Satan destroys home he can destroy America
III) THE ATTACK ON THE GOLDEN SHIELDS
1) Look closely – Rehoboam never resisted.
2) No Fight – No Conflict – No Battle
3) He just let them walk off with everything.
4) Rehoboam made brass substitutes.
B) THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE FAITH.
1) The Church is built on Christ “Upon This Rock”
(a) a. The Deity of Christ
(b) The Inspiration of the Bible.
(c) The Death on the Cross.
(d) The Resurrection
(e) The Reality of Heaven – Hell.
2) The Home was founded by God.
(a) It was Adam and Eve – Not Adam and Steve.
(b) The Husband is the head of the home.
C) THE SADDEST PART OF THE WHOLE MESSAGE. Rehoboam made in their stead brasen shields
1) This is a Clear Picture of America’s problem.
2) Sishak, a spiritual enemy had come & carried away the Church – Home – Fundamentals
3) Rehoboam never even resisted – Didn’t even put up a fight of any kind.
4) He is out in his Spiritual workshop making a Brazen Image – a Substitute
D) THIS IS HAPPENING IN AMERICA IN CHURCHES
1) Across our country Brazen Churches being built
(a) With an emphasis on Popularity.
(b) With an emphasis on Buildings..
(c) With an emphasis on Music.
2) The is NO emphasis on Soul Winning.
(a) No emphasis on Sacrifice.
(b) No emphasis on Separation.
E) IN THE HOME EMPHASIS IS PLACE ON…
1) Materialism – Big Houses – Long Vacations…
2) No time for the traditional home today.
F) SIN CHANGES THE APPEARANCE OF RIGHT.
1) Makes right become Secondary.
2) Doing right just becomes another choice.
G) TO THE WORLD SIN HAS BECOME FASHIONABLE
1) Drunkenness is just Social Drinking.
2) Adultery become Living Together.
3) Sodomy becomes Gay Rights.
4) A Thief becomes Creative Bookkeeping.
5) Cannot change the fashion of sin by making it Fashionable.
H) SOME HAVE MADE BRAZEN SHIELDS OF HOME/
1) Why not get it straightened out.
2) Ps 119:126 It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
The Birth Of A King
December 13, 2006
THE BIRTH OF A KING
Text: Matthew 1:1-25
A) Mt read more than any other book
B) Matthew tells the story of Christ.
1) Tells of His Birth – His Life…
2) Tells of His Great Teaching
3) Tells of His Death – Resurrection.
C) Lets look at three things in Matthew THE BOOK – THE BIRTH – THE BLESSING
I) THE BOOK
A) WRITTEN BY 1 OF CHRIST 1st DISCIPLES
1) His name was Matthew – Formerly Levi.
2) Levi was a Tax Collector who worked for the Roman Government.
3) He collected exorbitant taxes.
4) One day Levi looked up- there was Jesus
(a) Evidently Levi had heard Him before.
(b) Jesus didn’t make a long speech to Levi.
(c) Simply said Follow Me & Levi followed
B) WHEN GOD SPEAKS TO A MAN HE OUGHT TO MOVE
1) God has spoke to some of you.
2) Maybe something is wrong in your life.
C) CHANGES LEVI’S NAME TO MATTHEW
1) Name Matthew means “Gift Of God.”
2) That’s what we are today A Gift Of God
3) After Matthews Conversion he gave a dinner in honor of Jesus.
4) What sweet fellowship must have been.
5) Matthew wanted to get as close to Christ as he possibly could.
D) LOOK AT TE PURPOSE OF THE BOOK.
1) Four Gospels write picture Christ 4 ways
(a) MARK – Pictures Him as Servant suffering for humanity.
(b) LUKE – Shows Him as the Physician He shows the man side of the God Man.
(c) JOHN – Shows Christ as the Son of God God comes to Earth in Human Form.
(d) MT – Christ pictured as King & Messiah
(a) The one prophesied in the O.T.
(b) One who would rule &reign over man
2) In Mt hear Zachariah Behold Your King
3) Is Jesus a King???
(a) YES – He is the Prophesied King.
(b) YES – He is the Rejected King
(c) He will be the coming as the reigning King
(d) He will sit on the Throne of Davd.
4) Then all the World will sing out in Praise KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS
II) THE BIRTH
A) MT IN 17 VS GIVES CHRIST GENEALOGY
1) Gives Christ ancestors back to Abraham
2) Even names some Notorious Sinners
(a) TAMAR – She plaid the part of a Harlot
(b) RAHAB – A harlot – The Scarlet Thread
(c) DAVID/BATHSHEBA committed Adultery
(d) RUTH was a Gentile.
3) These included to Link Christ to the Human Race
4) But – Christ did not inherit Sinful Nature
5) Sin never touch Jesus – He was sinless.
B) LOOK AT THE VIRGIN MARY.
1) Angel Gabriel came down from God & told her she was going to bare a son.
2) How can this be – Not been with a man
(a) Mary accepted this responsibility.
(b) She trusted God with all of her heart.
C) SHE WAS ESPOUSED TO JOSEPH
1) A fine Jewish man in every way.
2) He was horrified to hear this news.
(a) He was no doubt filled with anger.
(b) Probably thought she was unfaithful
3) Didn’t want her to be held to public shame – He would put her away privately.
4) Didn’t want to act hastily- He just waited
5) When a man waits upon the Lord – He will help
6) God spoke to Joseph. – He cleared up the mystery and told him what to do.
D) MANY HAVE A FALSE IDEA ABOUT MARY
1) They worship her in may ways.
(a) Say she remained a Perpetual Virgin.
(b) They say Christ was her only child.
2) Bible says she had 6 other children. Mt 13:55-56 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us?
3) Catholic’s say Mary is the MEDIATRIX
E) 1 Tim 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
1) They say that Mary didn’t die.
2) Say that Mary is an object of worship. Jn 4:24 God is a Spirit: & they that worship him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
F) IS IT HARD TO BELIEVE – VIRGIN BIRTH
1) From Human standpoint its impossibility
2) God’s standpoint All Things Are Possible.
III) THE BLESSINGS Mt 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
A) WHAT WONDERFUL NEWS.
1) What a glorious Good Tidings
2) Lift up you heads poor lost humanity.
B) JESUS IS SWEETEST NAME ON EARTH
1) The name means ”Savior”
(a) Majesty in that name – (GOD)
(b) Personality in that name – (JEHOVAH)
(c) Power in that name – (LORD)
(d) Direction in that name – (CHRIST)
(e) Intercession in name – (MEDIATOR)
(f) Salvation only in that name (JESUS) Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
2) Great Preacher W.A. Chriswell Said……..
(a) An Alexander may build an empire.
(b) An Napoleon may change nations of world
(c) An Newton may bring intellectual revolution
(d) An Edison may create a world of science.
(e) Only one who can touch & transform the Human Heart is Jesus Christ.
C) WHAT IS GREATEST WORK OF JESUS?
1) Isn’t guiding the Sun; Moon; and Stars
2) Isn’t deciding the Destiny of the Nations
3) It isn’t ruling over the Angel’ Band.
4) It is Saving His People FROM Their Sins
(a) Washing the clean in His own Blood.
(b) By putting the Holy Spirit in their heart.
D) IN LUKE “Was NO Room In The INN.”
1) The world is still closing out Jesus.
2) Won’t you invite Jesus into your heart today.
With Jesus At Bethlehem
December 12, 2006
WITH JESUS AT BETHLEHEM
Text: Luke Chapter 2
A) The story of Jesus at Bethlehem is an old and familiar one….
1) We can never say the last word on it.
2) Jesus' birth into the world was unique
B) Jesus was “IS” the God-man..
1) Not God indwelling man or a man defiled
2) GOD & Man, in 1 Personality & 2 natures.
C) Genealogical tables in the Gospels
1) Matthew’s list is proof of the Messiah's connection with ABRAHAM and DAVID.
2) Shows Him as the True & Final successor to the Throne of the DAVIDIC Kingdom
D) Jesus of is the last in Jewish history whose descent is from Royal line
1) Nothing any Jew now on the earth can say to prove from which tribe he springs
2) No tribe of Judah, or Davidic family now
3) The True King of Israel is a Son Of David
4) ONLY record preserved proving Jesus' descent from David are preserved in N.T.
E) Clear He was born in Ancestral Home
1) The INN was known in the days of JEREMIAH as the INN Of CHIMHAM
2) This was the house of BOAZ and RUTH, who on his death made it an INN.
3) To give an INN to a town was like giving a park or hospital today.
I) THE TOILERS SEEKING JESUS. Lk 2:8 And there were in the same country SHEPHERDS abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
A)
1) SHEPHERDS represented the working class
2) Jesus honors the LOWLY and the HUMBLE.
(a) Lowly MAID selected as the mother of Jesus.
(b) Town of BETHLEHEM selected as the birthplace
THE SHEPHERDS WERE IN THE DARK. Vs 8 "Shepherds…Keeping Watch Over The Flock By NIGHT."
B) SHEPHERDS GOT INTO THE LIGHT. Vs 9 Glory Of The Lord Shone About Them
1) A Light from above fell upon them.
2) Come to the One who proclaimed Himself the "Light Of The World” & that Light will fall on us
3) It was a Glorious Light that fell about them.
C) THE SHEPHERDS WERE FULL OF FEAR. Vs 9 "They Were Sore Afraid" (TERRIFIED)
1) Light from Heaven always produces fear in the heart of the unconverted.
2) FEAR is a result of Guilt of SIN…
D) THE SHEPHERDS HEARD THE GOSPEL Vs 10 "Behold I Bring you Good Tidings Of Great Joy… For Unto You Is Born This Day.. A Saviour, Which Is Christ The Lord"
1) The Gospel was preached by angels…
2) Angel Declared "Good Tidings Unto YOU"
3) Angels Didn’t Say UNTO US – But UNTO YOU
E) THE SHEPHERDS OBEYED THE GOSPEL. Vs 15 "Let Us Now Go Even Unto Bethlehem, And See This Thing Which Is Come To Pass."
1) They determined to See for themselves..
2) Gospel to be Obeyed as well as to be Believed
F) THE SHEPHERDS FOUND THE SAVIOUR. Vs 16 "They Found Mary And Joseph And The Babe Lying In The Manger."
1) All earnest seekers Seek After The Lord.
2) Mt 7:7 Ask, & it shall be given you; seek & ye shall find; knock, & it shall be opened unto you
G) THE SHEPHERDS REJOICED GREATLY. Lk 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
1) All who find the Saviour will Glorify God…
2) Lk 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, & leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven
II) THE THINKERS SEEKING JESUS. Mt 2:2 Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, & are come to worship him
1) The greatest THINKERS the world has ever seen have been humble followers of The Jesus.
2) Bible full of Wisdom & is True source of wisdom Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
B) WISE MEN WERE IN A FAR COUNTRY. Mt 2:2 There Came WISE MEN From The East To Jerusalem."
1) We too are in a Far Country…….
2) WISE MEN Must Have Come From a far Country
C) WISE MEN SAW GOD'S MESSENGER. Mt 2:2 We Have Seen His Star In The East
1) That was a sign of Real Wisdom.
2) Some Don’t See Because They Don’t Look Up Num 24:17 "I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel.."
D) THEY WENT FORTH TO FIND & WORSHIP JESUS
1) Purpose of the Star not to amuse but to Lead.
2) The purpose of the Church is not to Entertain but to Lead us to Jesus.
E) THE SHEPHERDS SEEM TO HAVE MADE A MISTAKE Where Is He That Is Born King Of The Jews
1) They took their eyes off the star and were leaning on their own wisdom.
2) Soon came to Jerusalem before King Herod. Mt 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled…
3) Surely they thought The Great One Would Be Born In Jerusalem The Capital City.
4) Look at the disastrous result that followed.
(a) Massacre of the innocent babies at Bethlehem
(b) Far better to be guided by the Lord.
F) SOON THE WISE MEN FOUND JESUS. Mt 2:11a "When they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother.." Notice it says House
1) This is as all REAL Seekers Do.
2) What satisfaction that find brings to our hearts and lives.
G) THEN THE WISE MEN WORSHIPPED. Vs 11b They Fell Down & Worshipped Him
1) They Presented Their Costly Gifts. Vs 11c "When they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."
2) Many TAKE all the Lord Jesus Has To Give..
3) Then they forget to GIVE a Gift To Him, The One Who Gave Us Everlasting Life.
A Right Christmas
December 11, 2006
A RIGHT CHRISTMAS
Text: Mt 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Introduction:
A) You know the song “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas”
1) Well, I’m dreaming of a Right Christmas
B) What does Christmas mean to you?
1) To some it means Hard Work. Crowded stores – Malls overflowing – Highways full of traffic.
2) To some it means A Visit Home. - Reunion with family – Reunited with old friends.
3) To some it means Revelry – Christmas Liquor – Whiskey – Wine drugs ETC.
4) To many millions Christmas means Nothing.
C) To a Christian Christmas means everything.
1) It means God loves him with all His heart.
2) It means God has given the Best Gift Ever!!!
3) It means “A Savior Is Born.”
D) See what a “Right Christmas” Includes
I) IT INCLUDES MAKING ROOM FOR JESUS
A) LOOK AT MARY AND JOSEPH AT THE INN. Lk 2:7 “There was no room for them..”
1) The Inn keeper had many guest in his Inn.
2) Most of those would soon be gone – Forgotten
3) Today many have “No Room For Jesus.”
B) TODAY WE NEED TO THROW OUT ALL ELSE TO MAKE ROOM FOR JESUS.
1) Not only sins of the flesh – Infidelity – Adultery
2) Throw out Sins of the Disposition.
3) Some people are always grouchy – Because of Strife – Hatred – Unforgiving Spirit.
ILLUS: Travel down a highway and see a sign that says “No Vacancy, No Room” – Some of you have that same sign – “No Room, No Vacancy” in your heart. – That is like .
(a) The ocean saying – No room for the tide.
(b) Garden saying – No room for the flowers
(c) Mountain saying – No room for the trees
(d) Heavens saying – No room for the stars.
4) You are “Not Living” until you let Him Come In.
II) RIGHT CHRISTMAS INCLUDES WORSHIP
A) WHEN JESUS WAS BORN A WONDERFUL MIRACLE OF NATURE TOOK PLACE.
1) Heaven opened up.
(a) Angels came down and spoke to Shepherds
(b) Lk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(c) You will find him wrapped in swaddling clothes
(d) Yonder He is laying in a Manager.
2) Shepherds went to find Him and worship Him
3) To have a “Right Christmas” YOU must come to Him also.
B) HAS WORSHIP ANY PLACE IN YOUR LIFE?
1) Worship is a lost art to many Christians.
2) Don’t have time to look to God & worship Him
(a) Never enter God’s house.
(b) Never worship Him.
3) Even the Heathen worship the sun.
(a) The dog worships his master….
(b) The Baby worships its mother.
4) Yet – Gods children go on and never lift their heart in praise.
(a) They won’t even say – AMEN
(b) They won’t shout hallelujah.
C) PREACHER – JUST WHAT CAN I DO?
1) A Mechanic can take a $5.00 part – $50.00
2) Artist can take a worthless canvas – Thousands
3) Longfellow can take a worthless piece of paper write a poem worth thousands.
4) Bill Gates can take a worthless check – sign it and it be worth millions.
D) GOD CAN TAKE A WORTHLESS SINFUL LIFE.
1) Wash it in the blood of Christ….
2) Put His Holy Spirit in that life…..
3) Make a total change in their life.
4) He can make a blessing out of them…..
E) I AM TALKING TO THOSE WHO HAVE THE CHURCH OUT OF THEIR LIVES.
1) They have NO time for worship.
2) Don’t have time for a “Right Christmas.”
3) They won’t give Christ a place to stay.
4) Have NO room for the Savior of the world.
III) A RIGHT CHRISTMAS INCLUDES THE GRACE OF GIVING.
A) THE WISE MEN BROUGHT GIFTS TO JESUS.
1) We sing of the 3 Wise Men but the Bible does not say just when they come or how many there were..
2) Gifts were brought later – Not at the Stable.
3) What Gifts did they bring preacher?
(a) First of all – It was not leftovers.
(b) It was not the changer in their pocket.
(c) It wasn’t the crumbs from the table.
4) Their gift was the best they could get. Gold – Frankensense – Myrr.
5) These were gifts of Great Value…
6) God expects or – Time – Talent – Tithe…
B) GIVING REACHED ITS CLIMAX ON THE CROSS.
1) Jesus gave all of Himself there.
2) He gave Himself for our redemption
3) We need to give to the Lord what rightfully belongs to Him anyhow.
IV) A “RIGHT CHRISTMAS” TELLING OTHERS ABOUT JESUS.
A) FOR YEARS MEN HAD LOOKED FOR JESUS.
1) Looked for Him to come and fill their heart.
2) Looked for Peace and Joy
3) Now the waiting is over.
4) The Angel brings the sweetest message ever.
5) The MESSIAH is born.
B) MEN ARE STILL LOOKING FOR SOMETHING..
1) Something that satisfies & brings Peace & Joy
2) Christians know what they need.
3) We have found the remedy.
C) LETS DO 4 THINGS FOR A “RIGHT CHRISTMAS”
1) Make room for Jesus in our hearts.
2) Bow down and worship Him.
3) Bring Gifts To Him…
4) Tell others of the Sweet Story of Jesus.
D) BY DOING THAT, ALL OF OUR CHRISTMAS DREAMS WILL COME TRUE AND WE WILL HAVE A RIGHT CHRISTMAS.
The Greatest Miracle Of All
December 10, 2006
THE GREATEST MIRACLE OF ALL
Text: Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Introduction:
A) The grandest night of all the years.
B) Many great nights in the Bible
1) Some laden with Tragedy.
2) Some bright with Hope.
C) Some examples of Great Nights.
1) The Death Angel in Egypt brought Death to the Egyptians – Life To The Israelites.
2) Jacob slept under Stars & Dreamed of a ladder reaching into Heaven.
3) Great night when Daniel slept in the Den Of Lions
4) Great night when Belshazzar saw the handwriting on the wall.
5) What a night when Paul had the Board Meeting as the boat broke up.
D) Greatest night of all was the night Jesus was born.
1) Joseph leads donkey with Mary on back
2) See him going from one inn to the other.
3) Every place is crowded – Inn was full….
E) Finally they are put in a stable.
1) Mary’s time come time for Baby Christ
2) Angels sang “Glory To God In The Highest”
3) This was the greatest night the world would ever know.
I) WHEN WAS JESUS BORN? Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
A) LOOK – GOD’S PROMISE OF THE SAVIOR
1) It all started in the Garden of Eden.
(a) Man had fallen into sin.
(b) God pronounced a Curse upon him. Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
2) God told Abraham that all the nations of the world would be blessed through him.
3) Jesus would be the one that would bless.
4) David sang a song of This Great King
5) Isaiah said: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
6) Jesus would come from tribe of Judah.
B) THE JEWS MADE THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THIS “FULLNESS OF TIME”
1) They were a Covenant people.
2) Jews looked for Messiah – Never came
C) GREEKS MADE THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THIS “FULLNESS OF TIME”
1) Gave language that spread the Gospel
2) Greeks broke down the language barrier.
II) THE TWO GROUPS WHICH PARTICIPATED THAT NIGHT
A) THE ANGELS.
1) The Angel came to Zacharias and foretold the Birth of John the Baptist.
2) An Angel came to Joseph and told him to take Mary as his wife.
3) Angel came unto the Shepherds saying For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
4) Heaven must have rejoiced when the Angels made their report
B) THE SHEPHERDS.
1) While Caesar slept no one told him Jesus had been born.
2) God told the Shepherds Jesus was born
3) Jesus loved the Poor and the Lowly.
4) Shepherds had a simple childlike faith
(a) They didn’t question why.
(b) The just went to see this miracle child.
CONCLUSION:
- Have you been to see the Christ Child
- What is Christmas to you.
- Have you found Jesus as your Savior.