According to your Faith: Principles of Faith Promise Giving

Sunday Morning Sermons

II Corinthians 9:1-10

Preached Sunday Morning, July 5, 2009

 

Introduction:

 

Matthew 9:28-29

28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. 29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

 

          In many churches across this country I am sure that preachers will be reflecting upon freedom and the state of our great nation.  It is no secret that we are facing some challenging and even dangerous times.  I would go so far as to say that the nation that we grew up with is being radically changed, perhaps even beyond repair, and apathetic, ineffective Christianity is to blame. 

 

          Today we are going to talk about economics.  Jobless rates are at historical highs.  The stock market is plummeting, and our retirement is fading away.  It would seem that God is slowly removing His hand of blessing from our at one time very prosperous nation.  This morning we are going to look at a way to protect our assets and our jobs.  You see, God provides for us in order for us to serve Him with our increase.  If we do not place our faith in Him regarding our finances, then He has no reason to protect what we have and provide future financial blessing.

 

          You have heard the term “Faith Promise Missions” from time to time.  This morning we are going to explain exactly what we mean by that, where we get it in the Bible, and why giving sacrificially to Faith Promise will help to protect and increase your financial ability to serve God.  The blind came to Jesus and He told them that the blessings that they would receive would be in direct proportion to their faith in Him.  I believe that this same principle applies to our finances.  God blesses us according to our faith, this is the premise of faith promise giving.

 

I.                   Faith Promise Giving is not Tithing

 

A.     Tithing was done before the Law and commanded by Jesus, therefore it was not done away with after Calvary.

 

Genesis 14:20

20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

 

Genesis 28:21-22

21 So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: 22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

 

Matthew 23:23

23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.  

 

B.     Specific directions and promises correspond with tithing.

 

Malachi 3:8-11

8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.  11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. 

 

1.     A Tithe is 10%

 

2.     To withhold a tithe is to rob God.

 

3.     To withhold a tithe is to bring a curse on your finances.

 

4.     To obey God and give tithes brings God’s blessings.

 

5.     Tithes Go into God’s house.

 

6.     The Church is God’s house this side of Calvary.

 

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. 

 

7.     Offerings are something given that is different than tithes.

 

II.                Faith Promise Giving Supports works outside the Local Church.

 

 

A.     The Church of Macedonia gave in spite of their poverty to support Paul and the other missionaries with him.

 

2 Corinthians 8:1-4

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.  3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

 

1.     They were very poor

 

2.     They were sacrificially giving to mission support.

 

3.     Their gift was a way to join in fellowship with the missionaries.

 

B.     Paul uses the Church of Macedonia to encourage the Corinthian church to continue the same practice.

 

2 Corinthians 9:1-5

For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. 3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: 4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready,  as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.  

 

 

1.     Paul is encouraged by the openness to missionary giving.

 

2.  Compliance by the Corinthian Church had a direct effect on their testimony in the region.

 

III.             Faith Promise Giving taps directly into the Promises of God.

 

A.     You reap as you sow

 

2 Corinthians 9:6

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

 

Philippians 4:15-17

15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

 

Matthew 9:29

29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

 

B.     This giving is not tithing because the individual determines the amount that you give.

 

2 Corinthians 9:7

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

 

C.     God will increase His grace toward those that need it.

 

2 Corinthians 9:8

8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

 

D.    Eternal souls are impacted by your faith or lack of it.

 

Romans 10:13-17

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?   17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

1.     To call upon the Lord, one must believe.

 

2.     To believe, one must hear.

 

3.     To hear, there must be a preacher.

 

4.     To have a preacher, he must be sent.

 

5.     Some missionaries will be hindered if we fail to meet our financial commitments.

 

6.     There are many more mission fields that are waiting for preachers.

 

7.     We need to send more missionaries, not just maintain the ones we have.

 

8.     What are you willing to do regarding this need?

 

9.     God will directly bless you according to your faith.

The Atonement for Sin

Sunday Evening Sermons

1 John 2:1-11

 Preached Sunday Evening, July 5, 2009

 

Introduction:

 

          How is sin paid for or atoned? This is the most important theological issue in the Bible. Some believe that works or penance can be atoned for sin. Some believe that Jesus is a perpetual sacrifice and sin is atoned through the Holy Eucharist. Tonight we will search the scriptures regarding this matter of atonement for sin.

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF FAITH OF THE EVANGELICAL

BAPTIST CHURCH

 

SECTION VIII -THE ATONEMENT FOR SIN

 

WE BELIEVE (a) that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (b) through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God who by the appointment of the Father freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins; (c) that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place, the just dying for the unjust, Christ, the Lord, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; (d) that, having risen from the dead He is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in His wonderful person, the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection. He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior.

 

a)       Ephesians 2:8; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24

b)       John 3:16; Matthew 18:11; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:14; Isaiah 53:4-7;

Romans 3:25; I John 4:10; I Corinthians 15:3; II Corinthians 5:21

c)       John 10:18; Philippians 2:8; Galatians 1:4; I Peter 2:24; 3:18; Isaiah

53:11; Hebrews 12:2

d)       I Corinthians 15:20; Isaiah 53:12; Hebrews 7:25; 9:12-15; I John 2:2

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.                   Atonement for sin comes by grace alone

 

A.     This grace offered to the whole world

 

1 John 2:1-2

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

 

 

Acts 15:11

11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

 

Romans 3:24

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

 

B.     This grace is accessed by faith

 

Ephesians 2:8

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

 

Romans 5:2

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

 

II.                Atonement for sin comes through Jesus Christ

 

A.     Commissioned by the Father

 

John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 

B.     Lived a perfect life, dedicated to saving the lost

 

 

Matthew 18:11

11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

 

Philippians 2:7

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

 

Hebrews 2:14

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

 

C.     Obedient unto death

 

Isaiah 53:4-7

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.  7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

 

III.             Christ took our place, making atonement for our sins.

 

A.     Volunteered- not martyred

John 10:18

18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

 

Philippians 2:8

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 

 

Hebrews 12:2

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

 

B.     Took our blame

 

2 Corinthians 5:2

2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

 

1 Peter 2:24

24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 

 

1 Peter 3:18

18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

 

C.     Paid what we owed

 

Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Romans 3:25

25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;  

 

1 John 4:10

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

 

Galatians 1:4

4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

 

Isaiah 53:11

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.

 

IV.              Christ is our all sufficient Savior

 

A.     For eternal life

 

1 Corinthians 15:20

20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

 

B.     For intercession

 

Isaiah 53:12

12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

 

Hebrews 7:25

25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 

 

C.     For purification through his blood

 

Hebrews 9:12-15

12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 

15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

 

 

 

 

V.                 Christ is Our Shepherd of Love

 

A.     Obedience demonstrates our love for Jesus.

 

1 John 2:3-6

3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

 

B.     Love for others demonstrates our established relationship with Jesus.

 

1 John 2:7-11

7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

 

 

 

Three Reasons to Abide in Christ

Wednesday Evening Sermons

John 15:1-11

Preached Wednesday June 24, 2009

 

Introduction:

 

          Today we continue our study about how to make a grand success of the Christian Life.  Tonight’s subject is abiding in Christ.  Some well meaning, but misguided Christians use this passage to attempt to prove that one can lose his salvation.  We will uncover that fallacy this morning.

 

          This passage is the key to understanding the very reason that a born-again believer remains on Earth.  There are some common misconceptions about this as well.

 

          We must remember the context of John 15.  Jesus has been preparing the disciples for the most horrifying experience imaginable – the crucifixion of their Savior.  Jesus has already equipped the disciples with the example of servant-hood, the assurance of Heaven’s mansions, and the coming of the Comforter – the Holy Ghost.  Now Jesus turns His attention to a crucial element in the Christian walk.  If anyone is to have supernatural power flowing through them; if you want to be used mightily by God to have compassion and make a difference, you must learn to abide in Christ.

 

          The word “abide” means to “stand fast or remain”.  In another sense, it means “to submit to”.  So then, the key to having supernatural power flowing through you is to remain grounded in and to submit to Jesus Christ as your source of strength and power.

 

          Our passage this morning lists three reasons that a born-again person has to abide in Christ.  The truth that will be shared in the next few minutes, I believe, will be pivotal in your life.  If you grasp the motivations that Jesus shares with His disciples you may never approach the Christian life the same.

 

I.                  You must abide in Christ in order to produce fruit.

 

John 15:1,5 – I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

          Here we find an interesting word picture painted by our great Teacher, Jesus Christ.  Once again He uses a metaphor that was very familiar to the people.  Grapes and olives were very important to the economy in Israel.  Everyone knew how it worked.  The husbandman, or fruit farmer, would plant and care for the vines.  The purpose, though, was not mere beauty, but in order to obtain fruit from those vines.  The farmer would go over the vine very carefully and remove branches that were not bearing fruit.  He could not afford for anything to sap strength from the vine and ultimately cause a lower production of fruit.  From the fruit the farmer would gain income and – most importantly – obtain seeds to produce more fruit-bearing vines or trees.

          Jesus explains the symbolism here. First of all, verse one of John chapter 15 tells us that God the Father is the husbandman or farmer.  Fruit production is on our Heavenly Husbandman’s heart. Secondly we find that Jesus is the vine, and those of us who are born again Christians are the branches.  From Christ flow all the nutrients necessary for the branches to bear fruit. So to review, this metaphor pictures God the Father as the Husbandman, Jesus as the vine, and born again believers on this earth as the branches.

                   Now we come to the most important and, tragically, most misunderstood element of this metaphor – the fruit.  Often the assumption has been made that the fruit spoken of here in John 15 is the same fruit that is referred to in Galatians 5:22-23.  Let us examine the passage and see if this assumption is correct. 

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

          Here we see what God’s Word calls the fruit of the Spirit, yet Jesus is telling us in John 15 that we will be the ones bearing the fruit.  The fruit here in Galatians 5 is the evidence of the indwelling and influence of the Holy Spirit. Remember that when Jesus was teaching in John 15, the Holy Spirit had not yet indwelt believers. This did not occur until after the Resurrection.  Our passage then, is speaking not of the fruit of the Spirit, but rather the fruit of a Christian.

          In order to better understand what God meant by the term “fruit” in John 15, we must see how other passages of Scripture describe the term “fruit”:

Genesis 1:11-12 – 11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.  12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

          When God says something once, you should listen, but if He repeats it, one must really sit up and notice.  The phrase “whose seed is in itself” is repeated when describing what fruit is.  The technical difference between a vegetable and a fruit according to the dictionary is that a fruit always contains seeds.  Fruit then, in this metaphor, has to be referring to reproduction or, more specifically, soul-winning fruit.

Luke 19:10 – For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

          The passion that drove Jesus was winning the lost.  In these last few hours before He is separated from His disciples, He wants to make sure that they understand the importance of fruit bearing, or producing fruit from soul winning.  God’s design and desire for us is that we reach the lost.  There are several passages of scripture that make this fact clear.

 

Psalm 126:5-6 –  They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.  6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. 

Mark 16:15 – And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Luke 10:2

2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

John 4:35   Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. Therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

          We must abide in Christ in order to produce fruit because fruitless branches are removed and cast aside.

John 15:2,6 – 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

1 Corinthians 9:27 – But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

          There are several things to consider when interpreting these verses.  First of all, the fruitless branch is taken away.  It is removed from its possibility to be a productive fruit bearer.  Some would say that verse 2 is speaking of unsaved people, but Jesus says “every branch in me”.  These are saved people who have not produced soul winning fruit.  Verse 6 shows that if someone does not abide in Christ and produce soul winning fruit, then they are cast aside.  They wither.  They are carried away.  Now this picture is not one of a believer losing his salvation and going to Hell, but instead it is a graphic illustration of what happens when a life that could have been greatly used by God is cast aside as useless.  This is the ultimate fate of a fruitless branch – a life cut short.

 

John 5:16-17 – 16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

John 15:16 – Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you

          The very reason we are saved and remain on this Earth is to reach the lost with the truth and see them truly saved.  Jesus is not speaking of “1-2-3, pray with me, and from the church they will flee!”  Jesus is teaching that if you are right with Him, abiding in Him, then fruit (souls) that you have personally reached will be the natural result.  If you are not winning souls, something is desperately wrong! The Scriptures are full of stories about people that have been taken to Heaven early because they were hindering the work of God – Samson, Ananias, and Sapphira are just a few.  Thankfully, we see another principle in John 15.  If Jesus does see a believer starting to bear fruit, He will immediately take action to help that branch bear even more fruit.

John 15:2-3 – 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

          God is interested in increasing your fruit production.  Some believe that a new believer should spend much time learning doctrine and developing character before they go soul winning.  According to these verses, when a new believer, starts to produce fruit, God the husbandman will quickly act to purge that young branch in order to get more fruit.  God purges the branches through His Word. 

John 15:4-5 – 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 

          Fisherman’s training is great to help you learn verses and methods that are effective in reaching the lost, but ultimately this supernatural event of salvation will not come apart from the power of God.  If a branch cannot get enough sap, it cannot bear fruit.  If you are not abiding in, that is you are not submitted to, or, remaining in Jesus Christ, you can go out on Thursdays, but supernatural fruit will be limited. We have already learned that it is dangerous to be a fruitless soul winner.

          There is one last thing to consider regarding abiding in Christ in order to produce fruit – God is glorified as we win souls.

John 15:8 – Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

          Some confessions state that “man’s chief purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”  Some imagine this to include a multitude of rituals, alms deeds, and good works.  Jesus summarizes the whole concept.  Do you want to glorify God?  Win souls!  Jesus came to seek and to save the lost.  If anyone claims to be His disciple, yet does not do that which is most upon His heart is not right with God.  There are many ways to serve the Lord, but all things are done to one ultimate end – reach the lost!

II.              You must abide in Christ in order to experience answered prayer.

John 15:7 – If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

          In this verse, we find Jesus reminding us of one way we abide in Christ – His words must be in us.  As we fill ourselves with the perfect Word of God, then it can flow from us and reach a needy world. 

          When we abide in Christ and His Word, we will find that our prayers are influenced by His desires.  When His desires become ours, we will see our prayers answered in a powerful way. So then, our walk with Christ directly affects the very people for whom we pray.  When you miss devotions and Christ’s words are not in you, then your prayer life suffers.

James 4:2 – Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

Psalm 37:3-4 – 3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.  4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

James 5:16 –  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.

          When I was a senior in high school, I experienced a personal revival.  After having turned from many sins that had the potential to destroy my life, I started to grow close to God, and abide in Christ.  I used one study hall as my prayer time.  I listed many friends that were unsaved and prayed for them day after day.  Years later, I had the chance to meet some who were on that list, and most of them – one way or another – had been saved!  As you abide in Christ, you will experience answered prayer.

III.          You must abide in Christ in order to experience full joy.

John 15:9-10 – 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

          Jesus tells us to continue in His love and follows this up with an admonition to obey His commandments.  You may wonder how obeying commandments fits with the Gospel of grace.  Obedience here is not out of fear of Hell, but rather deep gratitude for the privilege of being saved by Grace alone and being able to share this message with others.

Romans 8:15 – For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

          Good works, then, glorify God because they back your aggressive Gospel message that you share to all who listen.  You go to church in order to get what you need, adjust your life, to become a more effective and fruitful minister of the Gospel.  Everything in your Christian walk centers around equipping you as you abide in Christ so that you are able to glorify God by reaching the lost.

Ephesians 4:11-12 – 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:

          Obedience out of love both regarding the commandments of a clean life and aggressive, confrontational soul winning will result in unquenchable joy in your inner being.

John 15:15 – Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

          This is a joy that remains!  It will not wear off when the emotions of the special meetings are but a distant memory.  The joy that comes from abiding in Christ’s commandments will outlast your troubles and trials.

          This joy is also a joy that is full.  The root meaning of the world full is “complete”.  If then, you abide in the love of Christ, keeping His commandments and winning souls, your joy will be complete.

Conclusion:

          You have heard some pivotal truth today.  You exist as a born-again Christian for the purpose of producing soul winning fruit.  The only way to do that is to abide – remain in – submit to – Jesus Christ.  Jesus wants to answer your prayers.  That will happen as you abide in – submit to – Jesus Christ.

          Jesus wants you to experience true joy – not the temporary pleasure of sin.  The only way to do that is to abide in – remain steadfast – submit to Jesus Christ your Savior.  What changes do you need to make right now?

 

The Fall of Man

Sunday Evening Sermons

Romans 5:17-21

 Preached Sunday Evening, June 21, 2004

 

Introduction:

 

          It is commonly taught in many circles that there is a little Jesus in every human, that we are essentially good. If evil is found in us it is caused by our surroundings and lack of opportunity.

 

          The Biblical view of man is not so optimistic. We will see that fallen man a sin nature bent on self-destruction. As our society continues to plum to the depths of sin and depravity, it is essential that we search the scriptures when it comes to the doctrine of the fall of man

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF FAITH OF THE EVANGELICAL BAPTIST CHURCH

 

SECTION VII – THE FALL OF MAN

 

WE BELIEVE (a) that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker but (b) by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state, (c) in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but of choice, and (d) therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse.

 

a)       Genesis 3:1-6,24

b)       Romans 5:12,19

c)       Ephesians 2:1,3; Romans 1:18; 3: 9,10; Ezekiel 18:19,20

d)       Romans 1:20,28,32; Galatians 3:22

 

 

I.                   Man was created innocent

 

A.     In the image of God

 

Genesis 1:26-27

26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.  

 

B.     Warned not to sin

 

Genesis 2:15-17

15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 

16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:  17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 

II.                Man sinned voluntarily

 

A.     Seduced by the Devil

 

Genesis 3:1-6

Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 

 

1.     Subtil

2.     Cast doubt on God’s word

3.     Called God a liar

4.     Offered the opportunity to be like God

5.     Appealed to the flesh

 

B.     Separated from God

 

Genesis 3:24

24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

 

C.     Death passed upon all

 

Romans 5:12,19

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

 

III.             Man is a sinner by nature

 

A.     Dead in sin

 

Ephesians 2:1,3

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 

 

B.     Truth suppressors

 

Romans 1:18

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

 

C.     All are sinners

 

Romans 3:9,10,23

9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;  10 As it is written,  There is none righteous, no, not one: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

 

IV.              Man is condemned without excuse

 

A.     Enough information to condemn him

 

Romans 1:20

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 

B.     Enough sin to condemn him

 

Romans 1:28,32

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;   32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 

 

C.     Faith is the only remedy

 

 

 

John 3:16-20

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 

 

Galatians 3:22

22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

 

 

 

The Spirit of Adoption

Sunday Morning Sermons

Romans 8:14-27

Preached Father’s Day June 21, 2009

Introduction:

         

          It is appropriate on this Father’s Day to think about our Heavenly Father.  Did you know that all human beings cannot call God their father?  Yes, God is their Creator, but we do not start out as children of God.  This transformation takes place once we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone as our personal Savior.  Once we receive the gift of eternal life, we have a brand new relationship with God.  He is no longer our judge, he is our Father.  This morning as we think about the change in one’s relationship to God, let us consider just what happens when one receives the Spirit of Adoption.

 

I.                   The Spirit that sets men free – vs 14-17

 

A.     Free from wandering – Spirit leading is evidence of sonship

 

Romans 8:14 – For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

B.     Free from fear

Romans 8:15 – For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

1.     Our old natural father, the devil

John 8:44 – Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

2.     Fear – of physical results of sin

Romans 1:26-27 – 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

James 1:15 – Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

3.     Adopted into a new family

John 1:12 – But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Galatians 4:5 – To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Ephesians 1:5 – Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

4.     Intimacy with the One who was once our judge – Abba = “Daddy”

C.     Free from doubt

Romans 8:16 – The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

1.     His Spirit talks with our spirit, or inner man

2.     The Spirit can be grieved or quenched

1 Thessalonians 5:19 – Quench not the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:30 – And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

3.     God is greater than our hearts

1 John 3:20 – For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

D.    Free from death

Romans 8:17 – And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

II.                The Spirit that brings hope

A.     The hope (calm assurance) of the future dwarfs the anguish of this present world

Romans 8:18 – For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

B.     All of creation has the earnest expectation of deliverance

Romans 8:19-22 – 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

1.     Fall of man = curse of creation

2.     All of creation yearns for the second advent – 1000 years where Eden is restored

3.     We wait for the redemption from our corrupt bodies

Romans 8:23-25 – 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

III.             The Spirit that intercedes for us

Romans 8:26-27 – 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

A.     Helps our infirmities – infirmities = want of strength

B.     Prays for us – vs 26-27

1.     Groanings not uttered

2.     From the heart

3.     According to God’s will

 

Jesus Loves Even When We Fail

Wednesday Evening Sermons

Matthew 11:1-6

Preached Wednesday June 17, 2009

 

Introduction:

         

          Discouragement is a very powerful weapon that our evil enemy uses against us.  We try to live for God after we are saved, but sadly we stumble from time to time.  A person who wants to make a grand success of the Christian life must understand that Jesus Loves His children even when they fall.

 

 

I.                   Jesus responded in love toward a doubting prophet – John the Baptist

 

 

A.     John, like many of the Old Testament Prophets, saw the suffering and the reigning of the Messiah as very closely related events.

 

Matthew 3:1-3

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

 

Isaiah 40:1-5

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’S hand double for all her sins.  

3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:   5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

         

 

B.     The two great lines of prophetic truth blurred like one were viewing two mountains from a distance… they would appear to be one big mountain.

 

C.     John began to wonder if he had the wrong man

 

D.    Jesus told his disciples to tell John the truth AGAIN!

 

 

II.                God Will Show Again His Truth to the Ignorant and the Doubter.

 

 

A.     We are frail, and must be shown the truth again and again.

 

1.     The disciples were astonished wjen Jesus fed the five thousand.

2.     They were astonished when Jesus came walking on the water.

3.     It took them a very long time to realize that Jesus was very God in human form.

4.     They could not believe that Jesus would die an atoning death.

 

Matthew 12:40

40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

 

Matthew 17:22-23

22 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: 23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

 

5.     Jesus has pity on our ignorance and weakness.

 

John 16:12

12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

 

John 16:25

25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.  

 

Psalm 103:14

14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

 

1 Corinthians 3:2

2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

 

 

B.     Our doubts do not anger Jesus if we want to know the truth.

 

1.     An honest doubter is invited to come and find out the truth.

 

James 4:8

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

 

John 7:17

17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

 

 

2.     No one needs to stay in doubt about the Lord Jesus.

 

Hosea 6:3

3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

 

3.  One must be ready to deal with what the light reveals when he does come to the truth.

 

John 3:19-21

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

 

 

 

III.             Jesus calls the backslider back to fellowship and joy.

 

 

A.     Peter was restored after his denial

 

Mark 16:7

7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

 

B.     Peter did not consider himself to be a disciple anymore, but Jesus did!

 

C.     David sought restoration and forgiveness after his great fall and got it!

 

Psalm 51:16-17

16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.  17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

 

D.    The Christian worker who fails is called again to serve God.

 

1.     Jonah

 

Jonah 1:1-3

Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,  2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. 3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

 

Jonah 3:1

And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

 

2.     John Mark

 

Acts 13:5

5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

 

Acts 13:13

13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

 

Acts 15:37-40

37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

 

2 Timothy 4:11

11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Does God Keep His Children?

Wednesday Evening Sermons

Ephesians 2:8-10

Preached Wednesday June 3, 2009

 

Introduction:

         

          We began our study regarding how to make a grand success of the Christian life by examining the subject of personal eternal security.  One can know absolutely beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are born again believers, adopted into the family of God.  Tonight we will look at a doctrine that is partner with personal assurance, eternal security.  Opponents of this view believe that this doctrine is a license to sin.  Tonight we will Biblically answer the question, does God keep His children saved forever or can they lose that salvation?

 

 

I.                   Salvation brings a change in nature

 

 

A.    The natural human heart wants to have a religion of doing and doing.  

 

1.     Our carnal nature wants to earn heaven by our works and get credit for it.

2.     Scriptures teach that salvation comes wholly of grace and man cannot take any credit for it.

 

Ephesians 2:8-10

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

 

         

 

B.     We are saved UNTO good works, not by good works.

 

Titus 3:5

5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

 

C.     Everyone who is saved has a new nature

 

1.     Born again – born of God.

 

1 Peter 1:23

23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

 

2.     Partakers of the divine nature

 

2 Peter 1:4

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

 

3.     New creature within the believer

 

1 John 5:18

18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

 

1 John 3:9

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

 

4.     The old nature is still in there, just not in total control.

 

Romans 7:15-17

15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.  16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

 

II.                The Christian possesses Eternal Life

 

 

A.    Present tense possession of eternal life.

 

John 5:24

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you,  He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

 

John 3:36

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

 

 

B.     A Christian cannot be lost!

 

John 10:27-30

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one.

 

2 Timothy 1:12

12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 

 

C.     People do not save themselves

 

1.     People do not partly save themselves through good works.

 

Romans 11:6

6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

 

2.     People cannot partly keep themselves by good works.

 

Galatians 3:1-3

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

 

 

III.             Eternal security is not a license to sin.

 

 

A.    In Heaven Christians will weep tears of shame because they were not abiding in Christ as they ought when they were raptured.

 

1 John 2:28

28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

 

B.     Christians in Heaven will have tears of terror, when they are called before the judgment seat of Christ.

 

2 Corinthians 5:10-11

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

 

 

C.     There will be tears of loss in Heaven when Christians find that their selfish works are burned up.

 

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.

 

 

 

Sanctification

Sunday Evening Sermons

 

 

What Am I Doing In Church?

 

Doctrinal Statement

 

John 16:8-11

Preached Sunday Evening May 31 2009

 

Introduction:

 

          Tonight as we continue our study of our constitution, we come upon the subject of sanctification. This term refers both to act of God setting believers apart from the world upon salvation, and the process of believers becoming less like the world and more like Christ.

 

          There are some false teachings out there on this subject. For example; some teach that one is made perfect, without sin, upon salvation, and when he sins, he looses his salvation. On the other hand, some cite grace as license to be as worldly as you desire after salvation since works do not save you.

 

         

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF FAITH OF THE

EVANGELICAL BAPTIST CHURCH

 

SECTION IV – SANCTIFICATION

WE BELIEVE that sanctification has a two-fold meaning; (a) that of setting apart of things, days, or persons specifically for God and that the believer at the time of his regeneration is set apart, by God the Father; and (b) the progressive work of the Holy Spirit whereby the believer, obedient to the Word of God, experiences the power of the indwelling Christ for holiness of life and victory over the old nature which work will be completed when the believer stands in Christ’s presence.

a)       I Corinthians 1:30; Hebrews 10:10,14

b)       Colossians 1:26-28; John 17:17; I Thessalonians 5:23; II Corinthians 3:18

 

 

 

I.                   Sanctification means to be set apart by God

 

A.     A change of one’s position at the point of salvation.

 

è    A change of family

 

1.     Before salvation

 

John 8:44

44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 

 

2.     After salvation

 

Romans 8:15

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

 

B.     Based upon Christ’s sacrifice

 

Hebrews 10:10,14

10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

 

C.     A holy calling to service

 

1 Corinthians 1:26-30

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

 

II.                Sanctification means to be set apart for God

 

A.     Sanctified through the Word of God

 

1.     Personal study

 

John 17:17

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

 

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.

 

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 Corinthians 3:15-18

15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 

 

2.     Preaching an teaching

 

Colossians 1:26-28

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:  28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

 

Ephesians 4:11-12

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:

 

è    ­Perfected= “completely furnished”

 

B.     Through God’s predestination

 

1.     To be conformed into Christ’s image

 

Romans 8:29-30

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. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

 

2.     To be sanctified

 

1 Peter 1:2

2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

 

C.     Through the Holy Spirit

 

1.     Leading you to blamelessness

 

1 Thessalonians 5:23

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

2.     Leading to belief of the truth

 

2 Thessalonians 2:13

13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

It All Comes Down to your Love Life

Sunday Morning Sermons

Mathew 22:15-40

Preached Sunday Morning, May 31

 

Introduction:

 

          What is the greatest and most important commandment?  Jesus was asked this question by the Pharisees who wished for nothing more than to find something to accuse Jesus of.  Our Savior responded with wisdom and authority.  The most important commandment is to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, and all of your mind.  By obeying this commandment and loving your neighbor, you have accomplished the spirit upon which all of the other commandments rest. 

 

          Today many people are seeking some kind of spirituality.  They wish to know and love God, but it is hard for some to figure out exactly how to love God.  One cannot see or touch God, how can one love Him?  The answer to that very practical question comes from our text.  One loves God with his heart, his soul, and his mind.

 

I.                   Truth is denied through political distraction.

 

Matthew 22:15-22

15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. 16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth,  neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. 17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.  20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?  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. 22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

 

A.     The enemies of truth tried to trap Jesus with political controversy.

B.     Jesus rose above the conflict.

C.     Jesus focused on who He served, not on who He supported.

D.    Although Christians should vote intelligently, it is the message of the Gospel and the service of the King that will change the world.

 

Ephesians 2:1-3

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 

 

II.                Truth is denied through finite reasoning.

 

Matthew 22:23-32

 

23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, 24 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. 25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: 26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.  27 And last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. 31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

 

A.     The questions were asked from a position of unbelief, not from a desire to know.

B.     The questions were asked to bewilder and embarrass.

C.     When these questions are answered, the questioner must accept the truth or aggressively reject it.

 

III.             Truth is discovered in love for God.

 

Matthew 22:36-40

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

 

A.     Many claim to believe and love God.

B.     These same people who tried to make a mockery of the Messiah, claimed to love God.

C.     They focused upon external rituals to salve their consciences

D.    Now they thought they would stump Jesus with a theological question about the greatest commandment.

E.     It is all about love for God and love for your fellow man.

F.      If you pursue these, then everything else falls into place.

 

IV.              Love God with your heart = inner man

 

A.     Guard your heart = keep and protect it.

 

Proverbs 4:23

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 

 

B.     Seek God with your whole heart.

 

Deuteronomy 4:29

29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

 

C.     Serve God with your whole heart.

 

Deuteronomy 10:12

12 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

 

Psalm 119:10

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

 

D.    Praise God with your whole heart.

 

Psalm 9:1

1  I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

 

Psalm 111:1

Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. 

E.     Repent with your whole heart.

Jeremiah 24:7

7 And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

 

V.                 Love God with all your soul = Breath, the very essence of physical life.

A.     More than any fleshly drive that resides in our carnal bodies.

1 John 2:16-17

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

 

B.     More than life itself.

Luke 14:26

26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

VI.              Love God with all of your mind.

A.     Get to know, and understand God’s love.

Ephesians 3:14-19

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

B.     Keep your mind clean.

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.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 

The Marriage Dinner

Sunday Morning Sermons

Matthew 2:1-14

Preached Sunday Morning, May 24, 2009

 

 

Introduction:

 

          Are you one of those people who have not yet personally accepted the free gift of eternal life?  Perhaps you are still trusting in your baptism, your sacraments, or your good efforts.  It is possible that you still have not been convinced that placing your faith and trust in Jesus alone is the only way to Heaven.  Today you will hear about another invitation.  This parable is for folks who have had every chance to know about and believe the Bible way to eternal life.  This parable is also about folks who have not heard much about Jesus.  You are trapped in your sin and your circumstances.  You do not even dare to think that there could be a way out.  This message is for you to.  Jesus tells us about the marriage dinner.

 

I.                   The First Invitation

 

Matthew 22:1-3

And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

 

A.     The king = God

B.     His Son = Jesus

C.     Servants = Prophets and messengers

D.    Invitation was made world wide through the people of Israel.

E.     This invitation was generally rejected.

 

II.                The Second Invitation

Matthew 22:4

4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

 

A.     Other servants = prophets

B.     Israel was given detailed plans of the Messiah’s Mission – all the preparations were made for the wedding supper.

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. 

 

1.     Despised and rejected

2.     Bore our griefs

3.     Wounded for our transgressions

4.     Carried our Iniquity

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.

 

C.     After all that revelation, the invitation was still rejected.

Matthew 22:5-6

5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.

1.     Made light of it.

2.     Turned to worldly pursuits

3.     Abused the messengers

4.     Aggressively rejected the message.

D.    Such rejection incurred God’s wrath.

Matthew 22:7

7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

->   Predicted the destruction of Jerusalem that took place in A.D. 70

E.  Have you, like the people of Israel, heard the message often?

F.  Have you rejected the message out of apathy, unbelief, or contempt?

III.             The Third Invitation

A.     Offered to Gentiles directly

Matthew 22:8-9

8 Then saith he to his servants,  The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

Acts 10:34-35

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

B.      The invitation is to go to as many as you can find.

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.

C.     The invitation is extended to people of every religious background.

Matthew 22:10

10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

 

IV.              The Wedding Garment

Matthew 22:11

11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

A.     Ancient kings would give gifts of wedding garments to all who attend the dinner.

B.     The garment was usually a beautiful white robe.

C.     To reject that free gift and remain in street clothes was a terrible offence.

D.    We have all been invited to the kingdom of Heaven.

E.     The robe is the righteousness of Christ

1.     We do not have our own righteousness

Romans 3:10,23

10 As it is written,  There is none righteous, no, not one:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

2.     Jesus gives us the gift of His righteousness

Romans 3:20-22

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Romans 5:8

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

3.     That gift is received by faith alone.

Romans 5:1-2

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 10:13-14

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

F.      Without the wedding garment, we are condemned to Hell.

Matthew 22:12-14

12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

 

1.     Speechless – without excuse

2.     Cast into outer darkness

3.     Weeping and gnashing of teeth.