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January - June 2001 Sermons
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The Day of Pentecost II 010624
Acts 2:14-36
The day of Pentecost was the 50th after Passover. At that Passover Jesus had been crucified and then risen to life. He had spent 40 days with His disciples
opening the scripture to them. They then spent 10 days in the upper room awaiting and learning. Now they were ready to use His instruction. Peter stands and delivers his first Christian sermon.
I. He explained what was happening from the word of God.
A. This is that spoken by Joel.
B. The Spirit is poured out.
C. The spoken miracles are accompanied by the greatest miracle.
(Salvation for all who call - like the serpent in the wilderness)
II. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
A.
Not just saying the name of Jesus. Acts 19:13-16
B. Speaking faith. John 1:12, 13; Rom. 10:9, 10
C. Salvation is of the Lord. Acts 4:8-12
III. Jesus was raised from death for a purpose.
A. As the One to sit on David's throne.
B. Exalted to the right hand of God. Acts 5:27-32
C. Made to be Lord and Christ. 1 Peter 1:17-21
As Peter spoke to the crowd the Spirit of God moved through his words to proclaim the truth about Christ and the salvation of Christ for all people. He will
do the same today to anyone who has need and is willing to accept the truth. His power will change your life and make you able to live the life you really want to. He is Lord and Christ!
The Day of Pentecost I 010610
Acts 2:1-12
The day of Pentecost was the 50th after Passover. At that Passover Jesus had been crucified and then risen to life. He had spent 40 days with His disciples
opening the scripture to them. They then spent 10 days in the upper room awaiting and learning. Now they were ready to use His instruction.
I. There was the sound of wind.
A. God rides on the wings of the wind. 2 Sam 22:11
B. The wind illustrates Holy Spirit. John 3:8
II. There was the fire of God.
A. God appears in fire. Ex 3:2; 13:21
B. God's blessing is shown in fire. 2 Chron. 7:1
C. Purity comes with the fire of God. Isa. 6:6
III. They spoke as the Spirit gave them.
A. In known tongues.
B. As the Spirit gave them. 2 Peter 1:21
C. They spoke the mighty deeds of God
The day of Pentecost was a time of restoration of the fire of God to the true temple of God. That fire rests not on an altar of bronze, or even of gold, but
instead in the lives of people who are committed to the living God who is a consuming fire. Heb 12:29
We have that same Spirit and power in our lives today. What God has done He will gladly do as we are obedient to Him.
Why Stand Around Looking Up? 010603
Acts 1:1-11
The disciples had spent most of three years following Jesus and learning from Him. Then the power of Holy Spirit fell on them and they received special
instruction. Jesus had returned to them and walked along the way with them, taught them again how to fish and assured them of their call to serve Him. Now we see the final instructions to them and the result in
their lives.
I. They waited on the promise of the Father.
A. The Spirit of Truth. John 14:16-20
B. The Spirit of Instruction. John 14:25, 26
C. The Spirit of Testimony. John 15:26, 27
II. Promised Power With a Purpose.
A. They wanted to discuss "end times"! Not for them to know.
B. They were to be empowered to witness. Luke 24:44-49
C. A witness that was to begin at home and expand outward.
III. Angels Joined Them as Jesus Ascended Into Heaven.
A. Two men in white. Same as at the tomb?
B.
They were gazing upward in amazement.
C. The angels could not understand why they did not obey.
Today the church seems trapped in the gazing into heaven syndrome rather than going into all the earth. The power of Holy Spirit is too often subverted to
thrilling events at church or special meetings while the command to go and disciple all nations is unfulfilled. Two thousand years have not been enough to complete the task even in our own neighborhood. Let's renew
our commitment to tell the story of Jesus for of family, friends and neighbors.
Obeying the Command of Jesus 010527
Matthew 28:16-20
We often think of the command of Jesus to love one another and understand we have a responsibility to obey. We know we are commanded to honor our parents and
understand we have a responsibility to obey. With regard to baptism and participation in worship too often we accept a lesser standard. We can put that aside and adjust it to our own opinion. These commands are also
in the category which must be obeyed.
I. The process of discipling was to begin with baptism.
A. Jesus began ministry with baptism (it was right) Mat. 3:13-15
B. Baptism portrays our salvation. Rom. 6:1-4
C. Baptism demonstrates new life. 1 Pet. 3:18-21
II. The early church followed this plan.
A. They were baptized at Pentecost. Acts 2:41
B. The pattern was always baptism.
Acts 8:12, 13, 36-38; 9:17-19; 10:47, 48; 16:14, 15, 31-34; 18:8 & 19:1-5.
III. We are to do no less.
A. We need to picture our being dressed up in Jesus. Gal. 3:27
B. We need to picture our new life. Col. 2:8-14
C. We need to magnify our testimony. Mat. 10:32, 33
Almost all Christian communions practice baptism in one form or another. We believe it is an act of obedience which follows a profession of faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ. Those two actions come before church membership. Has the Lord spoken to you to publicly confess your faith and follow Christ in obedient baptism?
Honoring God in Salvation 010520
Psalm 116
The psalmist understood his reasons for loving God. "He heard my cry for mercy." This is one of the themes of Psalms: that the nations who do not know God may
know of His goodness and come to Him in repentance and confession. The psalmist had experienced, firsthand, what it meant to feel death surrounding him and then crying out to God and being heard and delivered by
God. If you are a Believer you too have had that experience. All people have sinned. Sin results in death. Death is separation from God. If physical death comes before we come to Him in faith that death is eternal.
How much more can we praise Him for? Our psalm should also end with "Praise the Lord!"
I. The Psalmist saw his need. vv. 1-3
A. The cords of death. Rom. 6:23
B. The anguish of the grave. 1 Cor. 15:55, 56
C. Overcome by trouble and sorrow. 2 Cor. 7:10
II. He Responded to that need. vv. 4-6
A. He called on the Lord. Rom. 10:9-11
B. He recognized the goodness of God. Romans 2:4
C.
He acknowledged God' salvation. Luke 12:8
III. Then the Psalmist showed his thanks. vv. 7-19
A. He counseled himself to be at rest. Phil. 4:4-7; Col. 3:15
B. He asked God to enable him to live a godly life. Psalm 56:13
1. It is not in our ability. John 3: 3, 4
2. Only God can do it. John 3:5-8
C. He promised a public testimony. Luke 19:1-10
Throughout history people have come to times of great spiritual need. They have realized man does not have adequate strength to overcome all obstacles. Only
God can do that. A confession of that faith should result in a public evidence. For the Christians that is identity with a body of believers and obedience to God. This is shown in baptism followed by a faithful walk
with God. Do you need to respond today?!
Using God and Losing His Glory 010513
1 Samuel 4:1-22
Throughout history men and women have used God, or His name, to further their own cause only to lose the glory of the One they most needed. More than 20 years
before Israel crowned her first king the people took it into their own hands to force God to fight for them. They lost the battle. Many lost their lives. And they lost the greatest symbol of God with man until the
coming of Jesus, The Ark of the Covenant. What can we learn from this event "written for our instruction"?
I. Without a king and without their prophet they went to battle.
A.
There was a promise from God. Duet. 20:1-4
B. However they forgot the warnings. Duet. 23:9; Lev. 26:14-20
C. They, as do many others, blamed God for their loss.
II. When they lost they remembered God.
A. God had promised. Lev. 26:40-42
B. They did not come to Him in repentance.
C.
They believed they could use the Ark to force God's hand.
III. They tried to force God to fight for them.
A. The Ark along with the priests came into the battle.
B. The Philistines believed as much as did Israel.
C. In the face of their miss-directed faith they lost all!
We must never forget that God will deliver us so long as we follow His will His way. We must never, ever, assume we can use a one of God's promises to force
Him to deliver us. He is God we are His people. We must only always act in obedience to Him. When all things go against us we must simply trust in God as our deliverer. We can never demand He respond according to
our desires. We can learn His will be simply watching His response to us. Be still and know that He is God.
The Power of the Blood of Jesus
010506
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
When we come to the Lord's Table to observe communion we are walking in one of the strongest traditions of the Christian Church. Baptists have traditionally
held the view that there are only two ordinances of the church. Baptism and the Lord's Supper are both clearly identified in scripture and commanded by Jesus. The Lord's supper symbolizes Jesus' death for us. His
death was not a martyrdom for Jesus — it was a sacrifice for us that yielded much more than most believers realize. The blood of Jesus is the basis of our salvation and the guarantee of our ability to live a godly
life.
I. The Blood of Jesus is the Basis of our Salvation.
A. We are redeemed by His blood.
1 Peter 1:17-19
B. His blood makes our consciences clean. Heb. 9:11-14
C. His blood cleanses ALL sins. 1 John 1:5-2:2
II. The Blood of Jesus Enables us to Walk the Walk.
A. He gave us peace with God.
Col. 1:18-20
B. He gave us peace with others. Eph. 2:11-22: Rom. 5:1, 2
C. His blood equips us to do His will. Heb. 13:20, 21
III. The Blood of Jesus Defeats our Common Enemy.
A. We can enter the Holy Place because of His blood.
Heb. 10:19-22
B. The blood, linked to our testimony, is our strength. Rev. 12:10, 11
Because of the blood of Christ we are able to live lives which honor Him. As scripture says, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the
flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and
we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ," 2 Cor. 10:3-5
The Consequence of the Cross 010422
1 Corinthians 1:4-19
The word of the cross is foolishness to the world. It has always been so. If the enemies of God, and His Kingdom, had been able to see the future the cross of
Christ would have been avoided at all costs. It was through the cross and the resurrection that Christianity was empowered. It was through the cross and the resurrection our individual lives are empowered to honor
Christ.
I. The Power of the Cross could not have been foreseen. 1 Cor. 2:6-10
A. The cross frees us from slavery to sin.
Rom. 6:6
B. The cross frees us from slavery to the sinful nature. Gal. 5:24
C. The cross frees us from slavery to this world.
Gal. 6:14
II. The Cross Gave us New Life.
A. The old man was crucified with Christ. Rom 6:6,11
B.
The cross took away the charges against us. Col. 2:8-15
C. The cross defeated our enemy. John 12;31-33
III. The Peace Promised at Christmas came through the Cross.
A. The cross reconciled all things to God. Col. 1:15-20
B. The cross brings peace to all people.
Eph. 2:13-22
C. The cross enables us to declare "Jesus is Lord" Phil. 2:5-11
It is the work of Christ on the Cross -- proven in His resurrection from the dead -- that has changed the world and enabled all who are in it to find faith
and peace in Christ Jesus. Because He Lives! we can face tomorrow. Hallelujah!!
The Good News of the Resurrection 0104015
Ephesians 1:3-23
The good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central theme of the New Testament church. The gospel is presented as drawing its power from the
resurrection. The power of God is shown in Jesus and in what the Father has done for us through Him.
I. The Power Declared Jesus to be the Son of God. Rom. 1:1-6
A. It was promised before. Acts 13:32-37
B. This power is seen in our salvation. Rom. 6:3-14
II. The Power is for us who Believe. Philp. 3:8-11
A. Jesus had promised. John 6:35-40
B.
The Apostles demonstrated that Power. Acts 4:32, 33
C. God has raised us with Christ. Eph. 2:4-10
III. The Power is to be seen through the Church.
A. It was the theme of the NT church.
Acts 1:22; 4:1,2; 13:32-37
B. It is part of our confession of faith. Rom. 10:9, 10
C. It is the foundation of our faith. 1 Cor. 15:12-17
Easter is the celebration of the victory of Life over Death. We have been called by God out of death and into life. Death was the natural result of
sin in the human race. Life came into the world in the person of Jesus. He took our sin into His own Body and put it to death. His resurrection gives us our only hope of life. That Life is His Own being lived out in
us. The power of the resurrection has released in us the very life of God.
Events on the way to Jerusalem 010408
Matthew 20:17-21:11
It is really hard to imagine the feelings which may have been rushing through Jesus' mind as He went towards His death on a cross. There are three events
along the way I would like us to dwell on for a few minutes each.
I. He Told Them How He Would Die 20:17-19
A. Peter had rebuked Him for this earlier. Mat. 16:21-26
B. They were all grieved at another time. Mat. 17:22, 23
C. They could not understand Him.
Luke 18:31-34
II. Some of Them Sought to be First in the Kingdom. 20:20-28
A. He had already taught them this truth. Mat. 18:1-6
B. Jesus was gentle with them. Mat 20:23
C. The others were jealous. Mat 20:24
III. Two Blind Men Were Healed. 20:29-34
A. They reached out to Jesus.
B. The crowd tried to push them away.
C. Jesus compassion on them.
IV. Then Jesus Entered the City. 21:1-11
A. Riding on a donkey to fulfill scripture.
B. The crowds came to welcome Him.
We need to respond as Jesus did. We cannot understand any better than the disciples. We can walk along with Him on the way to death. We can very much turn away from the self serving attitudes of the world that so
easily creep into the church. As we look forward the Easter let us do it knowing that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Brought out to Bring in 010401
Deuteronomy 6:20-25
Too often we think of the blessings of being a Christian as something "spiritual" or otherwise hard to identify. God has always desired to bless His people
openly and in many ways. Some seem to think that we will get our blessings in heaven. We won't need them then! We need the blessings of Christ today and every day of our life. That is what God desires to give to us
just as He desired to give to His people Israel.
I. He brought them (and us) out of bondage.
A. God struck Egypt and passed over Israel. Ex. 12:12, 13
B. He guarded them on their journey. Ex. 14:10-14
C. He also freed us. Gal. 4:1-6
II. His intention for them (and us) is to bring into blessing.
A. God fully intended to bring them into Canaan right away.
B. He intends to bring His people into blessings today. Heb 4:1-11
C. Unbelief and rebellion prevented them. What hinders us?
III. Remember it is God's desire to give us full freedom.
A. That is why Christ came into the world.
John 10:10
B. He came to give this to us in this life. Rom. 5:17
C. He guards this gift for us into heaven. 1 Peter 1:3-5
God has given us much more than we now enjoy. His blessings are ready to be poured out on us above and beyond our understanding. Our salvation is part of His
gift. It is the beginning part. In this life He pours out on us blessing after blessing. We need to live in absolute trust of that and allow Him to honor Himself in our lives.
The Marks of the Messiah 010325
Reading: Luke 4:14-30 Text: Luke 4:18-21
When Jesus returned to Galilee, where He had grown up, He went in the power of the Spirit. He had revealed who He was at the Jordan when He was baptized
by John. He had gone into the desert to face the real enemy of us all and defeated the devil. Now He returned to His own country and faced His neighbors with the message of the Messiah. Entering the Synagogue (which
He often did) He opened the scroll and read from Isaiah.
I. The Spirit has anointed the gospel to the poor.
A. This was a cry of the Prophets. Isa. 41:17
B. This was a constant theme of Jesus'. Luke 14:13, 14
C.
This was the ministry of the church. 1 Cor. 1: 26-29; James 2:2-5
II. The Spirit proclaims release and healing.
A. Release is promised. Isaiah 49:25
B. Healing is in the atonement. 1 Peter 2:24, 25
C. Jesus confirmed it. Mat. 8:13-17
III. The Spirit proclaims the year (season) of God's favor.
A.
When God's enemies are humbled. Isa. 2:12
B. We can call down God's favor. Joel 2:13, 15-16, 25, 27 & 32
It has always been God's desire to grant us His favor. Again and again He has cried out to us and we have turned from Him as when Jesus came to Jerusalem.
"How often I would have.... but you would not!" Luke 13:34 When Jesus came as the Messiah He wanted the world to know He was the Messiah by doing the work of the Messiah. He gathered the poor, He delivered the
captives and He healed the sick and broken-hearted. That is our ministry as well. Pray that we will do it in an acceptable manner.
The Reward for Fearing God 010318
Psalm 60:1-12
King David had entered into a time of depression after a period of victory. That seems to be a very human pattern of thinking. David could see all the things
around him being shaken. He calls on God to restore and repair. As he offers this prayer he sees God's answer. We need to see that answer as a promise for all of us.
I. Those who fear the Lord can look to Him for support.
A.
His eyes and ears are open to the righteous. Psalm 34:15
B. He wants to lend His strength to them. 2 Chron. 16:9
C. He wants to give His righteousness to them.
2 Cor. 5:21
II. He raises a banner.
A. His banner is love.
Song of Solomon 2:4
B. His love will bring us to the fullness of God. Eph 3:14-19
C. His banner protects us. 1 Peter 1:3-5
III. He unfurls it against the bow.
A.
He will protect us from the evil one. 2 Thess. 3:3
B. He will protect us in temptation. 2 Cor. 10:13
C. He is faithful. 1 Cor. 1:9
Our protection does not depend on our feelings or our ability. Our support comes from the Lord. The responsibility we have is to focus on holding Him in
reverential awe. To honor Him with our lives and know that the Lord is God it is He who made us and we are His; we are His people the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:3
To Be Like Jesus 010311
Luke 7:36-50
In Mat. 10:24, 25
Jesus said that it is enough that a disciple should be like his Master. Most Christians would be amazed if they thought for one moment that others thought them to be like Jesus. To really be like Jesus. Yet Jesus promised we would do His works if we would believe in Him. Too many people think the Christian life is one of self-righteous elevation above the masses of people. Folks, the life of Jesus was one of identification with the people.
I. He was in the home of a Pharisee.
A.
They condemned sin in others. Mat. 9:9-11
B. They were the religious best. Paul was one.
C. They represented man's effort to be 'godly'.
II. A woman who was a sinner came to Jesus and anointed Him.
A.
She ignored the crowd and ministered to Jesus.
B. She was repentant. Luke 18:10-14
C. She gave up her security for identity with Jesus.
1. Her pride in coming to a place were she would be rejected
2. Her wealth in pouring out the expensive perfume.
III. Jesus taught around this incident.
A.
Just before He had assured the disciples of John. Luke 7:18-23
B. Jesus knew what the religious thought of Him. Luke 7:34
C. He taught the Pharisee.
Luke 7:44-50
We learn from this that Jesus associated with the religious as the sinners. Yet the one He helped was the one who would allow Him. The sinner knew her need of
the Master. The Pharisee did not accept Jesus or even treat Him as a guest in his home. God sent the sinning woman to teach the religious man about the true grace of God. He will turn no one away but He will not
compel anyone to come to Him. Will you come to Him? He will not turn you away.
The Lord Almighty is With Us! 010304
Psalm 46:1-11
"The Lord Almighty is with us" has often been a battle cry for armies which thought they were doing God's will. Some were. Most may not have been. The true
meaning comes back to us in the truth that God has promised, in Christ, never to leave or forsake us. He has committed His resources to us in ways we never fully understand. He extends His arm on our behalf and we
do not even realize it and certainly do not give Him praise for that.
I. A Very Present Help in Trouble.
A. To fully understand we must experience trouble. Psalm 23:4
B. He never promised to keep us from trouble - only to overcome it. John 16:33
C. When the mountains collapse He is our courage.
Psalm 27:1-3
II. No Matter the Uproar, the River of God is with us.
A. The River of God is for His children. Psalm 36:5-9
B.
The River of God is His supply. Psalm 65:9-13
C. In Heaven the River will be physical and perpetual.
Rev. 22:1-5
III. See the Works of the Lord.
A. He brings destruction. Jer. 51:41-44
B. He brings peace. Isa. 61:1-6
C. We need to cease striving and rest in Him. Phil 4:4-7
God has called us to be His people. We are to rest in Him even if what we want does not happen we must trust that His river will flow through our lives and
bless us in ways we do not readily recognize. He will never leave us. He will always be there when we return to Him. He will guide us through the hard times and make them good. Then He will restore to us all we have
lost if we trust Him. Joel 2:23-27
Will We Ever Learn? 010225
Mark 8:1-10
Jesus had been trying to bring His disciples to see who He really is. They were having a very difficult time accepting the fact that as Son of God Jesus had
(has) supernatural power. This is the second time Jesus fed a large crowd of people with only a few loaves and a few fish. As we look at what Jesus had been doing we can perhaps see what He was up. His ministry is
now in full swing and His followers need (as we do) to realize His power and what He can do for man.
I. Jesus has been working miracles of many types.
A. He healed a man filled with demons.
Mark 5
B. He healed a sick woman and raised a girl from death. Mark 5
C. He fed 5,000 and walked on water. Mark 6
II. The disciples, like us, didn't get it! Mark 6:51, 52
A. Walking on water should be easy for one who fed 5,000.
B. We need to see that He is our supply. Philippians 4:13, 19
C. Nothing is impossible to God.
Gen. 18:14; Jer. 32:17 & Mat. 19.26
III. With God as our supply, anything is possible.
A. God is willing to bless our trust. Jer
. 17:7, 8
B. He will protect us and we can rejoice. Psalm 33:18-22
C. Just as the disciples did, we can walk away with much more than we
started with.
Mark 8: 17-21
We need to learn that our God will meet our needs. It is not up to us. It is up to Him who promises. 2 Thess. 3:1-5 Even when we are not faithful God
remains faithful. 2 Tim. 2:13 We are cared for by the God who created the universe. He has all power and all ability. His eye is searching the earth looking for people to reward. 2 Chronicles 16:9 Praise God,, He is able we must trust Him and He will supply.
The Blessing of Forgiveness 010211
Psalm 32
Forgiveness of sin is nothing to be taken lightly. King David uses a term "blessed" which can also be translated "happy". It is a happy thing to know that our
transgressions are forgiven. It is a happy thing to know that our sins are covered. In fact it is a fantastic thing that God does not count our sins against us. How can this be? All have sinned and come short of the
glory of God. The wages of sin is death. That being true - we are all doomed. Yet David realizes a truth about God's grace not often seen. That God will act the cover and forgive.
I. Silence about our sin leads to depression and defeat. vv. 1-4
A. Silence leads to physical destruction. Psalm 31:10
B. Silence leads to a day by day draining of energy. Psalm 38:1-8
C. God's hand is against our silence.
II. Confession leads to God's instruction. vv. 5-9
A. Confession leads to forgiveness.
1 John 1:9
B. No matter the spiritual opposition, confession reaches God.
C. After confession comes God's instruction.
Neh. 9:16-20
III. The Blessing of Forgiveness leads to Rejoicing. vv. 10, 11
A. Silence leads to sorrow. Psalm 39:1-4
B.
Faith causes us to be surrounded by loving-kindness. Ps. 5:11, 12
C. Because of that we can rejoice and shout for joy! Phil. 2:17, 18
We need to revisit our salvation from time to time. Not so much to be assured of its existence but to remind ourselves of what God has done in our lives. He is our Lord and He has met our needs beginning on the
important matters of security and happiness on the inside of us. Praise the Lord!
The Lord's Passover 010204
Exodus 12:1-13
When we come to the Lord's Table for Communion we often forget that it was Passover when Jesus instituted this memorial. This was intentionally done because
Passover was a picture of the work of Jesus on the cross for us. Today let's look together at this wonderful event and see Jesus in it.
I. Each family was to take a lamb and invite their friends.
A. The Lamb was to be without blemish.
1 Peter 2:21-25
B. The Lamb was to be taken into their home. John 1:10-13
C. The Lamb was a type of Jesus. John 1:29
II. It was all to be eaten and in haste.
A. The meal was a reminder of their migration. 1 Peter 2:11, 12
B.
They were not to linger over it but prepare to respond.
C. We are to accept all of Jesus and be prepared to follow.
Mat. 16:24
III. The Blood is a sign of salvation.
A. For them they were delivered from slavery. Gal. 5:1
B. They were yet in the world but now free. Gal. 6:14
C. The Blood of Jesus has set us free. 1 Peter 1:17-19
As we share in communion we remember the death of Jesus on the cross. We recall His broken body and His blood shed for us. Yet this is a celebration of
freedom. Freedom from sin and bondage. Freedom to light and life! This is a time of rejoicing not mourning. He is not dead! He is alive and because of that we are alive! Let us rejoice.
The Greatest in the Kingdom 010128
Matthew 18:1-14
The disciples had a problem with Jesus' priorities. It seems they were more interested in who would be first and greatest in the kingdom. Jesus, instead,
wanted them to see that "kingdom greatness" was a very different matter. Kingdom greatness is a matter of faith, not finances; of simplicity, not sophistication; of peace, not power. Child-likeness is elevated over
worldly maturity. We need stop once and awhile and evaluate ourselves in the light of Jesus' priorities.
I. The Disciples asked, "Who is the greatest?"
A. Later, this would become much more important to them.
Mark 9: 30-37
B. Jesus had jsut shown His power to supply. Mat. 17:24-27
C. They could never really understand Jesus. Mat. 16:21-23
II. Jesus called a little child - not a theologian.
A. He called them (and us) to change and become like a child.
B. He called them to humble themselves. 1 Peter 5:5-6
1. We do have the option of letting God humble us.
2. Our better choice is to become like Jesus. Mat. 11:29
C. He called them receive such as they received Himself.
III. We must come to see people as God does.
A. We must not be stumbling blocks.
B. We must not despise the "little ones". Luke 19:10
C. We must see them as beloved sheep. 2 Peter 3:9
God has called His church to follow Him, to have an uncondemning attitude in calling the lost to Himself and valuing them as persons for whom Christ died. We
need to see that this includes children but is not limited to them. The "little ones" are all those who are outside the kingdom and in need of loving nurture to bring them to Him who is Lord of all. We have been
called to this task and must work at it to be changed into the kind of people who seek all the "little ones".
Our God is Our Help 010121
Psalm 18:1-6
Too often we think of the men and women in scripture as being sort of 'superheros' they rise above all those around them and we tend to think of them as
untouched by human struggles. Before this triumphant song was written David had faced many problems which would have overwhelmed any person.
I. David's troubles.
A. His own son had led a revolt against him. 2 Sam. 15-18
B.
There had been a famine for three years. 2 Sam. 21
C. There had been war with the Philistines. 2 Sam. 21:15
II. He had reached the pits of despair.
A. Despair often comes with great challenges.
Elijah -- 1 Kings 19
B. Just as we solve one problem another hits.
1 Peter 5:8
C. God allows this in order to bring us to Him.
III. David crys out in victory.
A. First expressing his tender affection. Deut. 6:5
B. Then reminding himself of God's provision. Psalm 103
C. Then he moves into praise and worship.
It is so easy for us to fall into a pit of despair. We can fight it off in many ways. Because of the enemy of our souls it will return. Because God loves us
and has provided for us we will learn to climb out of that pit in the strength of the Lord. He has met all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. We need to remember to praise Him and
honor Him with our life.
Jesus Calls Sinners 010114
Matthew 9:9-13
I once heard someone say, "The biggest problem of the church is too many 'good people' come to Christ and not enough who know they are sinners." I think this
is a valid problem. Not that 'good people' do not need Christ but often we think of them as the best candidates and overlook the very people Jesus sought out. When we see people that we might think might not come to
Christ we need to rethink our position in the Light of Christ Himself.
I. The Highest Calling is to "Follow Jesus".
A. He often called people to follow. John 1:43
B. To follow is to learn from and to imitate. Heb. 13:7
C. Not everyone He called followed. Luke 9:57-62
II. Following Jesus lead to strange company.
A. He gladly ate with sinners. Luke 15:1-7
B.
He never joined in their lifestyle. 1 Peter 2:21, 22
C. He called them also to "follow".
Luke 8:1-3; John 20:1
III. Jesus had an answer for the critics.
A. Based on logic.
(The sick need) Luke 19:10
B. Based on scripture.
Hosea 6:6; Isaiah 1:10-18
C. Guided by love.
Rom. 5:8
We must follow Jesus in seeking the needy (spiritual and physical) and calling them to join with us. We too were needy and He called us. We need to remember
how much we needed Christ and call others to receive as we have. We have to join Him in His outreach. Then we will be successful.
See also:
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