Monthly Archives: January 2009

Stick to the Plan!

Sunday Morning Sermons

Stick to the Plan!

Mathew 16:21-28

Preached Sunday Morning January 25, 2009

 

Introduction:

 

          God has a perfect plan for each one of our lives.  The problem is we all have selfish and fleshly plans.  Sometimes we seek soft choices that preserve our temporary comfort and happiness rather than the harder choices that are better for us in the end.

 

          Peter flinched when he realized that Jesus was about to go through the suffering of the cross.  He wanted to avoid that hard path in favor of one less painful.  This placed Peter’s plan in opposition to God’s plan.  Peter temporarily became Jesus’ adversary.  Jesus rebuked Peter using the word for adversary, Satan.  Today let us search our hearts and see if we are willing to submit our own desires to God’s perfect will and stick to His plan.

 

 

I.                   God has a perfect plan.

 

Matthew 16:21

21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

 

A.     For every sinner to be saved

 

2 Peter 3:9

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

 

 

1.     Christ suffered

 

Isaiah 53:3-6

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.   6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 

 

2.     Christ died

 

Isaiah 53:10-11

10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.  11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

 

Romans 5:8

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 

2 Corinthians 5:21

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 

3.     Christ rose from the grave

 

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.   3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

 

4.     Christ surrendered to God’s perfect plan

 

 

B.     For every saint to be conformed into the image of Christ

 

Romans 8:29

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

 

1.     Through the washing of the water of the Word

 

Ephesians 5:25-26

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

 

2.     Through trials

 

James 1:2-4

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

 

Romans 5:3

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

 

2 Corinthians 12:7-9

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

3.     Through discipline

 

Hebrews 12:5-8

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

 

4.     Through fellowship

 

Hebrews 10:24-25

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

 

II.                Man has a selfish plan.

 

Matthew 16:22-23

22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.  23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

 

A.     Avoid suffering at all cost

 

1.     Avoid the sacrifice of one’s body

2.     Avoid the sacrifice of one’s schedule

3.     Avoid the sacrifice of one’s money

4.     Avoid the sacrifice of one’s priorities

5.     Avoid the sacrifice of one’s relationships

 

B.     This mindset makes you God’s adversary

C.     We must savor ( set our minds upon) the things of God

 

III.             True life is found in complete surrender to God’s will.

 

è    Everybody dies but not everyone truly lives

 

Matthew 16:24

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

 

A.     Follow Christ

B.     Deny self

C.     Take up YOUR cross- God has a personal plan opf surrender designed just for you.

D.    Find your life through surrender

 

Matthew 16:25-28

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. 28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

 

1.     Reward and fulfillment in this life

 

John 10:10

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

 

Luke 18:29-30

29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you,  There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, 30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

 

 

2.     Reward in eternity based upon works now.

 

1 Corinthians 3:11-15

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

 

1 Corinthians 15:58

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

 

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Biblical Authority and Freedom of Conscience

Sunday Evening Sermons

What Am I Doing In Church?

 

January 18, 2009

 

Baptist Distinctives

 

Biblical Authority and Freedom of Conscience

 

 

Introduction

 

  • The distinctives of Baptists spring from a foundational belief in the final authority of the Bible in all matters of faith and practice.
  • Although it is understood that other Christians may agree with one or more of the distinctives we hold, Baptists believe all of them.
  • A distinctive is a trait or a characteristic that distinguishes one thing from another.
  • Baptist distinctives are those doctrines or practices that distinguish Baptists from other Christian groups or denominations. 

Biblical Authority

2 Timothy 3:16

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 

I.                   The Baptist Declaration of Biblical Authority

 

A.     The matter of authority determines whose idea, will or way will decide or prevail.

B.      The final authority for faith and practice is the Bible.

C.     This truth is found in Baptist articles of faith through out the centuries.

 

II.                The Baptist Delineation of Biblical Authority

 

A.     This statement has similarities to the Protestant statements made at the time of reformation.

B.      The Baptist position is different than the Protestants.

C.     The Bible is supernaturally inspired.

D.     The Bible is totally true – it does not merely contain the truth.

E.      The Bible is God’s complete revelation

F.      The Bible is the final authority.

G.     This is distinct from the Roman Catholic view.

 

1.     The Catholics make edicts of councils, statements of popes and traditions of the church equal with the authority of the Bible.

2.     They believe that their church produced the Bible, so it has authority over the Bible.

3.     God tells us not to add anything or take away anything from His word.  Revelation 22:18-19

 

H.     Distinct in comparison to the view of many Protestants.

 

1.     Many main line Protestant denominations have forsaken the position of Biblical Authority.

2.     Baptists hold that the New Testament is the full and complete authority for the church.

3.     The New Testament church is not a modified synagogue of the inter biblical period.

 

I.       Distinct in comparison to the view of Pentecostals or Charismatics.

 

1.     Pentecostals and Charismatics believe that God still gives special revelation.

2.     Baptists challenge this position with the following scripture:

 

1 Corinthians 13:8-10

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.  9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 

 

Freedom of Conscience

 

I.   Foundational Distinctive

 

A.     Baptists have declared personal and individual responsibility and accountability of each person before God.

B.      Worship must be voluntary.

 

II.   A Biblical Imperative

 

A.     Each soul will be called into accountability.

 

Romans 14:12

12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

 

Revelation 20:12

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

 

Matthew 12:36

36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

 

Romans 2:16

16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

 

B.      Christ emphasized individual decisions to obey God.

 

Matthew 7:24-27

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

 

Matthew 12:46-50

46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

 

III.             An Ecclesiastical Distinctive

 

A.     Baptist denial of infant baptism is based in part upon the principle of individual freedom of conscience.

B.      Each believer is a priest with access directly to God through the Lord Jesus.

 

1 Timothy 2:5

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

 

IV.              A Historical Distinctive

 

A.     Early declarations of freedom of conscience – the Donatists

B.      English Baptists were persecuted for this principle

C.     American Baptists suffered for this principle.

I Will Build My Church

Sunday Morning Sermons

I Will Build My Church

Mathew 16:13-20

Preached Sunday Morning January 18, 2009

 

Introduction:

 

            There is a great deal of confusion out there about the Biblical definition of the church. Historically, there has been one denomination, established over 300 years after New Testament events, that claims to be the Church.

 

            It is commonly thought that this one denomination was the one started by Christ, and every other denomination is a break off from the One True Holy Universal, or Catholic Church.

 

            This morning we are going to study the word of our savior, Jesus Christ. We will discover that the church is not a denomination or sect, but rather a local organized assembly function. We will see that the local New Testament church is the body of Christ.

 

 

I.                   The Church has one founder

 

A.    Jesus wanted to know who people said that He is.

 

Matthew 16:13-14

13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist:  some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

 

1.      This is the fundamental question that must be answered.

2.      Many men think that Jesus was a good teacher, but that will not save anyone.

 

 

B.     Jesus wanted to know what the disciples thought.

 

Matthew 16:15-18

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  

 

1.      Peter confessed Jesus as the Messiah

2.      This confession came as a spiritual awakening.

3.      The conversation was about Jesus not Peter.

4.      Peter = little stone

5.      Rock = foundation stone

 

C.     The Church is not founded upon a sinful man

 

1.      Peter’s denial

2.      Peter in the boat

3.      Peter vs. Paul

 

D.    The Church is founded upon Jesus Christ

 

1.      He is the Foundation

 

            1 Corinthians 3:10-11

10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

 

Acts 4:10-12

10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 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.      He is the Protector

3.      He is the Builder

 

E.     The Church is a local body

 

1 Corinthians 12:25-27

25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.  26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

 

1.      Ekklesia= called out assembly

2.      A fellowship of Born again Christians meeting locally

 

Acts 2:41-42

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

 

F.      The local church operated under the authority of Christ and that authority is recognized in Heaven and on earth.

 

Matthew 16:19-20

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

 

II.                The Church has one main mission in the world

 

A.    Its mission is to support truth, not define it.

1.      Truth is found in the Word of God

 

John 17:17

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

 

2 Timothy 3:16

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 

2.      The Church is a pillar of truth, not the foundation of truth

 

1 Timothy 3:15

15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 

 

B.     Its mission is to reach the world with the truth of the Gospel

 

Matthew 28:19-20

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

 

1.      Go and make disciples

2.      Baptize them

3.      Teach them

 

III.             The Church has one main mission to believers

 

A.    Perfecting the Saints

 

1.      Prepared as a bride

 

Ephesians 5:25-27

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

 

2.      Perfected

Ephesians 4:11-13

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  

 

B.     Fellowship of the Saints

 

Acts 2:41-47

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

 

Hebrews 10:25

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

 

James 5:16

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 

C.     Exercise of Spiritual gifts

 

Romans 12:3-8

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.  4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.  

 

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.  24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.  26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

 

 

Mathew 15:21-39

Sunday Morning Sermons

Three Paths to Deliverance

Mathew 15:21-39

Preached Sunday Morning January 4, 2009

 

Introduction:

 

          We need the touch of God!  We need His mighty deliverance!  We need His deliverance from the bondage of sin, from the curse of sin, physical problems, and from the affect of sin, corrupted society.  If you languish today in despair and hopelessness, this message has been providentially prepared for you.  Our passage this morning tells us of three kinds of deliverance that Jesus provides. We read about Jesus providing deliverance from satanic bondage, from a physical and financial problem, and from a lack of faith.  Each deliverance here comes through a different path.  This morning, let us gain hope as we discover three paths to deliverance.

 

I.                   Pleading with the Master

 

A.     There is no claim of merit

 

Matthew 15:21-24

21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

 

1.     Her daughter was demon possessed

2.     This woman was a Canaanite

3.     She had no personal claim on the Son of David

4.     She had not earned His favor

 

B.     Jesus is her only hope of deliverance

 

1.     Have mercy

 

a.     She needed mercy

b.     Mercy is not getting what you deserve

c.      She acknowledged her lack and insufficiency

 

2.     Lord

 

a.     She acknowledged Jesus’ absolute authority

b.     She acknowledged His kingship

 

3.     Son of God – acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah

 

C.     Do not be deterred by an apparent lack of response.

 

Luke 11:7-10

7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8 I say unto you,  Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. 9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

 

1.     Silence from Jesus – She kept pleading

 

Matthew 15:23

23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

 

2.     She was identified as outside physical Israel

 

Matthew 15:24

24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

 

Romans 15:8

8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

 

3.     She responded with worship- Acknowledging Jesus’ righteous judgment.

 

 

Matthew 15:25

25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

 

4.     He remained distant referring to her as a Gentile dog.

 

Matthew 15:26

26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.

 

Matthew 7:6

6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

 

5.     She humbly asked for the crumbs of deliverance and received them!

 

Matthew 15:27-28

27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. 28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

 

D.    Take lessons from this story to heart

 

Lamentations 3:8-26

8 Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer. 9 He hath inclosed my ways with hewn stone, he hath made my paths crooked. 10 He was unto me as a bear lying in wait, and as a lion in secret places. 11 He hath turned aside my ways, and pulled me in pieces: he hath made me desolate. 12 He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow. 13 He hath caused the arrows of his quiver to enter into my reins.  14 I was a derision to all my people; and their song all the day. 15 He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood.  16 He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones, he hath covered me with ashes.  17 And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity.  18 And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: 19 Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.  20 My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. 

21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.  22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. 25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. 26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

 

1.     God is always right

2.     God is merciful and will respond, when we come to Him based on His mercy, not our merit.

3.     God will sometimes withdraw Himself to see if we will keep coming.

II.                Seeking the Master

 

Matthew 15:29-31

29 And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. 30 And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them: 31 Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

 

A.     Jesus went to be alone

B.     Thousands of people followed Him.

 

1.     They sought deliverance

2.     They changed their schedule to be in His presence

3.     They exerted a great deal of physical energy to go so far out into the wilderness.

4.     They were willing to go without fool in order to be in the presence of the Master.

 

C.     Jesus met their needs as a reward for seeking Him

 

1.     Healed them

2.     Miraculously healed them

 

D.    What will you be willing to do to be in the presence of the Master?

 

1.     His special presence is manifested in the assembly of the believers.

2.     Do you need the presence of Jesus?

3.     Is there anything that keeps you from Him?

 

III.             Obeying the Master.

 

Matthew 15:32-39

32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. 33 And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude? 34 And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes. 35 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. 36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. 38 And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children. 39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.

 

A.     He acts out of compassion

B.     He could have made food out of nothing

C.     He required the surrender of what little food was there

D.    Upon complete surrender and obedience, Jesus met every need.

 

 

 

 

 

II Timothy 1:1-5

Wednesday Evening Sermons

When A Mother’s Faith Becomes Contagious

II Timothy 1:1-5

Preached Wednesday January 7, 2009

 

Introduction:

 

          We have all heard the cliché: “The Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” Many men and women grow up and develop much of their faith and world view based upon what their mothers have taught them. Sometimes wayward children do not share the faith of their mother. It has been said that some good wombs carry bad children. This evening, while we acknowledge that faith is ultimately a personal choice, we will see what mothers can do to help their faith to be contagious and to be caught by their children.

 

          Our passage this evening is probably one of the greatest praises for Godly mothering in the Bible. Young Timothy was a great joy to the Apostle Paul because of his fervent spirit and deep convictions. Upon reflection, the Apostle Paul realizes that Timothy’s grandmother, Lois had that unfeigned faith. Lois passed that unfeigned faith to her daughter Eunice, Timothy’s mother. Eunice then passed that unfeigned faith to her son Timothy. How can that faith cross over generations? The faith like that is contagious is a special kind of faith. Contagious faith is unfeigned faith. Let us study this truth together and discover the incredible blessings that occur when a mother’s faith becomes contagious.

 

I.                   Unfeigned faith is contagious

 

A.     Definition of unfeigned

 

1.     Anupokritos= without hypocrisy sincere

2.     Hupokrisis= Hypocrisy, “play acting”

 

B.     Faith that is pure and without play acting will leave a lasting impression.

 

1.     Because faith produces the evidence of actions

 

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

 

2.     This faith is seen by children and grand children

2 Timothy 1:5

5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

 

3.     This faith is seen by an unsaved spouse

 

1 Corinthians 7:14,16

14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? 

 

II.                Unfeigned, genuine, faith produces unfeigned love

 

1 Timothy 1:5

5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

 

A.     Selfless love

 

Romans 12:9-10

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 

 

1.     Without dissimulation= anaupokritos= without hypocrisy

2.     Preferring the other over self

 

Philippians 2:3-4

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

 

B.     Obedient love

 

1 Peter 1:22

22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

 

1.     Purifies the soul

2.     Strengthens your personal assurance of Salvation

1 John 3:18-21

18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.  20 For if our heart condemn us,  God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

 

III.             Unfeigned love produces unfeigned wisdom

 

James 3:17

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 

 

A.     Pure= not contaminated

B.     Peaceable

 

Hebrews 12:29

29 For our God is a consuming fire.

 

1.     Produced as a result of God’s chastening

2.     Produced when we surrender our will

 

C.     Gentle= “Expresses that considerateness that looks humanly and reasonably at the facts of the case.”

D.    Easy to be intreated= “To be persuaded, compliant”

E.     Full of mercy= “An outward manifestation of pith”

F.      Full of good fruits

 

Matthew 5:16

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

G.    Without partiality= not to be parted, without intercession

H.    Without hypocrisy= anupokristos

 

The Baptist Acrostic

Sunday Evening Sermons

THE BAPTIST DISTINCTIVES ACROSTIC

Baptist Churches are modeled after the New Testament Churches. Other denominations believe some of the basic New Testament doctrines; however, for the most part Baptists are the only ones who have held to all of the basic New Testament doctrines down through the years. These doctrines have been arranged as an acrostic spelling BAPTISTS for ease in memorizing them.

B BIBLICAL AUTHORITY

· Its laws and doctrines are the only basis of our authority.

2 Timothy 3:16

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

A AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

· A Baptist Church is independent and governs itself.

· We live in a day when the sovereign autonomy and independence of local churches is being challenged and even threatened by the drive toward the ecumenical merging of all “religions” into an apostate one-world church.

· A New Testament Church is independent of all popes, bishops, councils, conventions, associations, synods, conferences, or civil governments and its agencies that would seek to exert control over its operations and functions.

· Baptist Churches seek to conduct their affairs as the Lord directs through the Holy Spirit because Christ alone is the Head of the Church.

Acts 15:1-30

Matthew 18:15-17

15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

P PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVERS

· Every believer has the right and duty to approach God in prayer and praise for himself without the aid of human priest, preachers, mediators or human ceremonies, rituals or forms.

· Christ alone in the believer’s mediator.

1 Timothy 2:5

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

1 Peter 2:5,9

5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Hebrews 10:19

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

T TWO ORDINANCES FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH

· Baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper are the ordinances of the local church.

· These are symbolic acts, which portray the two basic facts in our relationship to Christ. Baptism by immersion of believers only pictures our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.

· For this reason, a Baptist Church does not baptize infants.

· The Lord’s Supper (communion) pictures our fellowship with Christ and in a symbolic memorial of His death till He comes.

· Neither ordinance has any saving merit but is matters of obedience to Christ’s teachings.

Acts 2:41-42

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Matthew 28:19-20

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

Acts 16:30-34

30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

Acts 18:8

8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

I INDIVIDUAL SOUL LIBERTY AND RESPONSIBILITY

  • Soul liberty is the implementation of the truth that we must “obey God rather than men”.

Acts 5:29

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.) Each believer must give answer to god individually, and therefore, no other man and no church can act as his conscience. Because of thin, the believer has the right and responsibility to interpret the Scriptures for himself and will answer to God for the way in which he does so.

1 John 2:27

27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Romans 14:5

5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

1 Thessalonians 5:21

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Acts 17:11

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

2 Timothy 2:15

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

S SEPARATION

· The first is personal separation.

– The Scriptures clearly teach that a believer is a new creature in Christ and the old sinful ways are to be put off.

– We are commanded to come out from that which defiles and be separate.

– We are not to love the world neither the things of the world but present ourselves as living sacrifices unto the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:17

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Ephesians 4:22-24

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Romans 8:11-14

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

1 John 2:15

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

· The second aspect of separation is ecclesiastical [church] separation.

– A Bible Believing Church cannot cooperate with any groups, churches or organizations that deny the fundamentals of the faith.

– We are told to mark those who cause divisions and promote doctrine different than the Bible teaches and avoid them.

– The Bible is our standard, and we, as a church body, are to have no fellowship with those who reject or compromise its teachings.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

Romans 16:17

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

2 John 10-11

10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

· The last aspect of separation is political separation.

– Human Government in a God appointed institution given to preserve the rights and liberties of the righteous and to restrain and punish the evil.

– Believers are to be good citizens and “render to Caesar the things that are Caesars” until disobedience to God is involved, and then we must obey God rather than man.

– God has never given to civil rulers the right to govern the church, which in a spiritual body with Christ as its head.

– Only saved persons rightfully belong to this company and the officers and members of church are not authorized in the Word to divide and jeopardize their spiritual ministry by seeking authority over civil government or allowing civil government to exercise control in relationship to the church and its ministries.

– Hence comes the doctrine of what some call the separation of church and state.

– This is not to say that believers and churches may not take a stand on Biblical principles.

– We must as we are the salt and light of the earth and we are obligated to earnestly contend for the faith.

Matthew 22:21

21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

Romans 13:1-14

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Acts 5:29

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Matthew 5:13-16

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Jude 3

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

T TWO OFFICERS IN A LOCAL CHURCH

· The Pastor(s) and Deacons are the only officers sanctioned by the Scriptures and the spiritual leaders of the church.

· The body may appoint others within its number to give special responsibilities, but individuals or groups appointed by the body are not over the pastor or deacons in the exercise of their leadership.

· Pastors are also called elder, bishop, preacher, and teacher.

· As a pastor-teacher he feeds, as an elder he leads and as a bishop he oversees.

· The terms are often used interchangeably in the New Testament.

· Deacons are the Pastor’s assistants and help him so that he may give himself to prayer and the study of the Word.

1 Timothy 3:1-8

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Acts 6:1-4

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Philippians 1:1

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons

Titus 1:5-16

5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. 12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. 13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; 14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. 15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

S SAVED, BAPTIZED CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

  • A church is a spiritual, not a social, economic or political organization.
  • The church is charged by the Lord to preach the Word and to worship the Lord.
  • This is impossible for men who have not been born again (saved).
  • The Scriptural order of events is salvation, baptism by immersion and church membership

Acts 2:41-42

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

  • Anything other than this is man’s ways not God’s ways.