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July- December 2001 Sermons
See also…
Jesus came to Build His Church! 011230
Matthew 16:13-20
Jesus came into this world as a baby born of a virgin with a purpose: That the world through Him might be saved. Part of that purpose was to begin a
structure, or organization, that those who were saved could belong to and grow spiritually within. Too often today Christians seem to think the church is a convenience, or a hindrance, to their spiritual life. That
is part of the plan of Satan to weaken, or destroy, the church of Jesus Christ. This statement, "I will build My church", came about as a result of a discussion of who He was on earth.
I. Who do men say Jesus is?
A. One of the prophets. (even the Muslims say this)
B. A great man, even a martyr.
C. These could not be true. Lu. 22:70; Mt. 27:11
II. Who do we say He is?
A.With Peter we say, "The Christ"!
Jn 20:30, 31
B.This is a message from God.
C.This should profoundly change us. Rom. 10:9, 10
III. He came to build His church.
A.It is triumphant over death.
1 Cor 15:53-57; 1 Jn 5:4
B.It has power on earth to bind and release. Mt 18:15-20
C.The church is Jesus in physical form. Eph. 4:11-16
We need to recognize that the church is not a club to belong to it is the very body of Christ on earth. It is important for every believer to be a part of the
church. The only physical expression of the church is found in local congregations. Every believer has a place in the body and they will find it best in a local fellowship.
Jesus came to Be Light! 011223
John 12:20-50
At this time of the year, whenever we go out at night, we see the lights of Christmas. Even those who do not claim a relationship to Christ light a tree and
often decorate their homes and yards with many lights. The lights are beautiful and should remind us of the true light that came into the world in Jesus so long ago.
I. When the Greeks came seeking Him.
A. The world is always seeking Him.
B. The world often cannot see Him because of us! 1 Cor. 15:34
C.We must be open -- His Light can shine through.
II. He saw Himself lifted up.
A.As Moses had lifted up the serpent.
Num. 21:8, 9
B.He would draw all men to Himself. Jn. 3:14-21
C.He has been lifted up. We must join Him in drawing people to Him.
III. To be a Light for all people.
A.His light touched His people.
Mat. 4:12-17
B.His light in us goes to the whole world. Acts 13:44-49
C.His light keeps us as beacons. 2 Cor. 4:1-6
To be a light that never flickers is not possible. To be a light that is consistent is not easy. Yet that is what we should be about this Christmas. Our goal
should be to allow the Light of the World to shine through us into the darkness. He was lifted up on a cross so we could have life abundant and free. That Life in us cries out to be shared with the dead and dying
world around us. May this Christmas be Light to the world.
Jesus came to save Sinners! 011209
1 Timothy 1:12-17
When we think of Christmas too many people seem to think that Jesus came to stimulate the economy by encouraging us to buy expensive presents, eat lots of
food and party. The Apostle Paul was very clear in his understanding. Christ came to save sinners! He also classified himself as chief of sinners. If we overlook the saving grace brought into the world by Jesus
Christ we will miss the point entirely.
I. This was the Father's view. Matt. 1:18-23
A.Sin is a curse to all people.
Rom. 3:23
B. Sin is equally destructive. Rom. 6:23
C.Sin is not curable by human activity. Eph. 2:8-10
II. This was Jesus' view. Luke 19:10
A.To seek. Mat. 18:12-14
B.To save. Isa. 43:8-13
C.That which was lost. Gen. 3:24
III. This is what we need to share. Mark 5:1-20
A. Like the woman at the well.
John 4:28, 28, & 39
B.Each of us has a story to tell.
C.Christmas is a great time to tell others.
We look ahead to Christmas with joy. That is good. We need to allow God to flow through us to draw others to Himself. As we lift him up He will do the
drawing. As we lift "us" up we turn people away. Let this Christmas be the season in which you begin to worship God for the freedom from the penalty of sin. Let this Christmas be the season you begin to tell others
of the joy Jesus has given you. This can be the greatest gift you could ever give.
Jesus Came With a Purpose 011202
Mark 1:35-39
As we look ahead to Christmas we should recognize that the first coming of Jesus was planned from before the creation of the world. Jesus' birth was not an
after thought on the part of God. It is the mystery of God that Christ was to come to pay the price for the sins of all people. This was the original purpose. Not just to pay for our sins but to give us His quality
of life and enable us to live in such a way that the world would know that He lives in us.
I. He came to do the Father's will. Jn 6:35-40
A.This can be an idea…"to do God's will!"
It is not a very clear idea for most people.
B. That He should lose none who are His. Jn 10:27-29
C.That all who believe will have eternal life. Jn 3:16
II. That people may have life abundant! Jn 10:10
A.The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy.
1 Pet. 5:8
B.Jesus came to give life – real life. Jn 4:14
C.Jesus came to give abundant life – the blessings of God.
III. Jesus came to take away the darkness. Jn 12:44-50
A. He was light.
Jn 1:4
B.Those who live in Him are in light. Jn 8:12
C.The lights of Christmas should remind us.
With a very clear sense of purpose in the ages before the world was created the Father designed the plan of salvation. That plan involved the coming of the
greatest gift of God for the entire world. God's life could be imparted to created mankind and eternity could rest in our spirits. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
The Basis of Thanksgiving 011118
Colossians 3:12-17
Having Thanksgiving as a national holiday sets this nation and Canada apart from the rest of the world. We recognize the need to express thanks to God and to
take time to do so as a people. However the tendency in modern times has always been toward making it simply the beginning of Christmas shopping. It is referred to as "turkey day" and "parade day" across our land.
This moves us away from the act of expressing thanks to God. We, as Christians, need to remember there is a reason for thankfulness and it begins with who we are not what we have received.
I. As believers we are to put on an attitude.
A. A heart of compassion.
Mat. 9:10-13
B. We are to be gentle and patient. Mat. 11:29
C.We are to bear with the faults of others. Rom. 15:7; Eph 4:32
II. We are to let love and peace mark our lives.
A.Love is the command of Christ.
Jn. 13:34, 35
B. Love is a choice we make.
C.The result of true love is peace. Eph. 2:11-22
III. We are to show thankfulness.
A. The word should fill our lives.
Eph. 5:25-27
B.We should support and encourage one another. Heb. 3:12,13
C.Everything must be done in the Lord Jesus.
Our thanksgiving as Christians should reflect who we are in Christ. We will not grow in Christ unless we allow Him to be exalted in every way in our lives.
Thanksgiving should be the happiest time of our year as we remind one another Who the source of our thanks is. The Lord has given us much beginning with His love seen in salvation. Lets use this opportunity to let
others know our state of thankfulness.
Render to Caesar 011111
Mark 12:13-17
Christians are often torn between the biblical command not to kill and the commands of government to engage in physical warfare. In fact many highly
principled Christians (and other citizens) have gone to prison, or lost their lives, in order not to serve in the armed forces. Today is Veteran's Day and we need to have a clear view of what God would have us do in
relation to honoring the veterans who have paid a very high price to maintain our freedoms.
I. Throughout the historical Bible there is warfare.
A.To rescue family.
Genesis 14:13-16
B. To obey God. Exodus 17:8-16
Throughout Joshua
C.
To protect the nation. 1 Sam. 7:3-14
II. There is New Testament support.
A.Jesus in our text.
B. John the Baptist. Luke 3:10-14
C.Paul the Apostle. Romans 13:1-7
III. We should give honor to whom honor is due.
A. Our fore-bearers.
Eph. 6:2
B.Our leaders. Hebrews 13:7
C.Our veterans. 2 Sam. 3:38
The greatest honor we can give Jesus is to declare Him to be Lord of our lives and obey Him in every area of life. He came to earth to die that our sins might
be paid for. He lived a perfect life that we might inherit His righteousness. He has given us all things good. Part of His gift to us as Americans is the freedom to worship and serve Him according to our own
conscious. That is a great gift and we should honor those who have been used by God to give it to us.
The Word of God 011104
Hebrews 4:1-13
We live in an age when most people on earth equate the Bible with the "holy" books of other religions. There has been an assault on the Bible throughout
history to discredit it as the only source of faith and practice. It is the only sure source of information about God. It is the only sure source of information about how we are to live our lives.
I. The Word of God is powerful and eternal.
A. The Word of God has great power.
Jer 23.29
B. The Word of God cleanses. Eph 5:26
C. The Word of God is eternal. 1 Pet 1:23; Ps 119:89, 90
II. The Word of God reveals the depths of our life.
A. It is a sharp sword.
Eph 6:10-17
B. It is able to divide soul from spirit.
1. We think of ourselves in either spiritual or physical ways.
2. The Bible views us spirit, soul and body. 1 Thess 5:23
III. The Word of God judges our thoughts.
A. The Word will be our judge.
Jn 12:48
B. The Word reveals Jesus. Jn 5:39-47
C. The Word of God gives life. Jn 8:42-51
We disregard the Bible and that weakens our faith and strengthens our enemy. The Bible is the source of our knowledge of all things spiritual.
The Baptist Faith and Message tells us: "The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is the record of God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God
for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. It reveals the principles by which God judges us; and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true
center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. The criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ." We need to turn to the Word more often for the daily direction for our lives.
He Saved Us 011028
Titus 3:1-11
Often it seems that we think of our salvation as something we might even deserve. It is as though, somehow, we have done something to deserve the great
goodness God has poured out on us. Remember, it is not by works that we are saved. He saved us by His grace as a result of faith. It is our response to Him that changes the world around us.
I. It was not because of righteous things we have done.
A.According to His own purpose.
2 Tim. 1:9
B. We can't boast of our works. Eph 2:9
C.It is according to His great mercy. 1 Peter 1:3
II. We were saved through the washing of rebirth.
A.Symbolized in baptism.
Rom. 6:1-4
B. Washing in the Word. Eph. 5:25-27
C.Born again. John 3:3-18
III. Through renewal by Holy Spirit.
A. In our natural state we were dead.
Eph. 2:1-4
B.By grace, through faith, we are made alive. Eph 2:5-9
C.We are not our own.1 Pet. 1:18, 19;
D.
We now have a new purpose. 1 Cor. 6:14-20
We can now rejoice that we have become heirs of the promises of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Not based on our feelings or our experiences
but based on the promise of the living God. Now we can go out and live this new life to His glory and honor.
A Vision of Ongoing Ministry 011014
Acts 16:6-15
When Paul and his companions were prevented from ministry in the direction they had chosen they sought God's direction. That direction was given in a vision.
It was a vision that led them beyond their plans. It was a vision that bore fruit for the kingdom. Sometime God hinders us. We need to be ready to see what God wants us to see and then follow our vision to His
glory.
I. The vision came from God.
A. A man from Europe.
B. One who pleaded for help. 1 Thess. 5:14
C.There was immediate response.
II. The vision led them beyond their plans.
A. Beyond their past experience.
Acts 1:8
B. Beyond their identity. Just as Peter in Acts 10.
C.To people whom they had not planned. Gal. 3:28
III. The vision bore fruit.
A. By households.
B.Whole communities.
C.Unto the entire world. Mat. 28:18-20
We see that Paul and his companions, especially Silas, had to move out of their preconceived ideas of ministry and enter into a new world. Our church needs
such a vision today. We need to reach out and claim the vision God has repeatedly given us of ministry to a larger community. We must build a strong base and then go where we do not expect and minister in ways we
have not expected.
God is Nearby 010930
Psalm 139
Bette Midler's song "From a Distance" reflects the understanding of many people with regard to God. He is there, but He seems to be "watching you from a
distance." Most of us heard that song in connection with the NYC prayer session. Others hear it often by listening to radio. I am sure the intention of the writer was good but the result may be bad as people build
into their minds the idea that God is really not nearby. We need to dispel this thought.
I. He has been there since the beginning. Gen 1:1, 2
A. At creation.
Gen. 1 & 2
B. Even when men turned from Him. Gen. 3:8
C.Many references.
Gen. 5:21-24; 6:11 ff; 9:1 ff; 12:1 ff; 18:1 ff; 35:9-13; Ex. 3; Deut 5:1-4; etc.
II. He only appears to be far away. Isa. 59:1, 2
A.Because of our sins.
B. Because of our rejection of Him. Lev. 46:14-20
C.He will never be far from those who call on Him. Rom. 10:12-14
III. He chose to come very close.
A. In Jesus. Matt. 1:18-23;
B.In Holy Spirit. John 14:25-27
C.In many ways and many voices. Heb. 1:1-4
I praise God that man is not left alone to struggle upward in the darkness of our world. Instead God has reached out to us and never left us without a witness
to Himself. As Romans 1:20
says we are "without excuse". He has revealed Himself to us and now continues to reach out to all who have not responded. He is not willing for any to perish but simply desires all to come to repentance
2 Peter 3:9. We should always remember God's presence is nearby.
Do Not Worry 010923
Matthew 6:25-34
We are passing into a time when many of us will be driven to worry by all of the news we hear and the reaction of others around us. Remember we are not to fear what they fear. God is
our Father and He will guide us through whatever we have to face. "In all things God works for the good of those who love Him." This remains true and is shown most in times of pain and struggle. The next few months
will lead us into a different world. Change is always painful in one way or another. This change will be especially painful because the news will often be of death and destruction. We need to stop and consider how
to respond, as God would have us.
I. Do not worry about material things.
A. This does not mean we should not plan for the future.
B. This does mean we are not to be bound by worry.
C. We are to respond positively. Luke 10:38-42; Phil 4:6
II. We are to focus on the Kingdom and righteous of God.
A. As citizens of the Kingdom, God knows our needs.
Matt. 6:7, 8
B. Our Father will supply our real needs. Phil. 4:19
C. Our focus must be on the Living God. 1 Tim. 4:7-10
III. We are to let God take care of issues too hard for us.
A. We are to cast our cares on Him.|
B. We are not to take them back on ourselves.
C. Our God can be trusted to turn it all to our good. 1 Peter 1:6, 7
During the days ahead we will be caused to turn more completely to God for His strength and direction. We will be shaken be we will not be broken. Even the
things we think are unbearable will result in our good. In the same way coal is converted to diamonds under pressure.
Do Not Fear
010916
Matthew 10:24-39
During the dark days of the great depression Franklin Roosevelt said, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." Often I have thought of those words because I
wanted to understand them but had so little reference to work with. Fear has never been a large part of my life. It has only been a passing experience. Fear has a way of growing in our lives without an obvious
reason. When we allow fear to grow we become immobilized and incapable of decision. In these dark days our nation must not fall to fear. As Christians we must not, individually or corporately, fall into prolonged
fear. We must follow the instruction of or Lord.
I. This passage is set in the midst of potential fear.
A. They will be arrested as Christians.
VV 17-20
B. Their families will turn against them. V 21
C. They will be hated and persecuted VV 22, 23
II. Three times Jesus said, "Do not be afraid."
A. Don't fear the unknown – everything will be revealed.
B. Don't fear death – fear (reverentially respect) God.
C. Don't fear being demeaned – you are valuable to God.
III. We are not to respond to fear the way the world does.
A. Don't be driven by worldly fear.
Isa. 8:12, 13
B. Men can only take our lives – so what? Psalm 56:11
C. Do not fear what the world does. Luke 12:22-32
We face a future filled with pitfalls and possible events that could inspire fear. We will be afraid. We will have to learn to respond to events with faith in
God through Jesus Christ. We are His people the sheep of His pasture. He will care for us. If we die – we live in Him. If we live we walk by faith. Our older Brother and our Father will guard us on this earth and
will receive us to a Mansion in glory when it is over.
Responding to Rejection 010909
Acts 4:1-22
Peter's second recorded sermon had very powerful results. There were now over 5000 men who believed. Not that women and children are unimportant but that men
are the stable strength of the church. In the midst of this great growth there was the problem of official rejection by the authorities. How would the church respond to this?
I. Peter and John were questioned.
A. By what power did they act?
B. In whose name did they act?
C. They knew how to respond. Mat. 10:17-20
II. Sensitive to the Holy Spirit, they spoke.
A. They returned the issue to reality - an act of kindness.
B. The power and the Name was the same. Eph. 1:15-23
C. This Name is the only source of salvation. 1 Tim 2:1-6
III. They had been with Jesus!
A. The authorities recognized their relationship.
B. They challenged the authorities to think.
C. They gave the only answer available to them. 1 Cor. 9:16
Our prayer should be that once we have taken a stand, on any issue, those who observe it will also note that we have been with Jesus. We should also hope we
would respond with obedience to God rather than man, if that is our choice. We must also know there may be unpleasant consequences when we respond in obedience to God. In the midst of it all He will never leave us.
He will always enable us.
Stop Struggling and Know That I am GOD! 010902
Psalm 46
The songwriters of Israel gathered their knowledge of God and of His concern for His people and wrote this beautiful song that comes down to us with the same
message. Our God is, indeed, and awesome God!
I. God is our refuge and strength.
A. Moses said it best.
Deut. 4:5-8
B. Many live in fear today of changes in weather and climate.
C. We are not to fear. Psalm 27:1
II. There is a river of God.
A. It provides for His people.
Psalm 65:9-13
B. He promised to be with His people. Joel 2:22-27
C. He promised to always be with us. Matt. 28:20
III. See the works of God.
A. Know who God is. Psalm 100
B. Know that He works for His people. Deut 4:32-40
C. His greatest work was on the cross of Christ. Gal. 6:14
Our God has never forsaken His people. He has often let them pass through a time of suffering and pain yet He has always made those things turn to their good.
When we work in our own strength and in our own ability we do something. When we work in obedience to the living God we do all things and we do them well. He saved us and He will deliver us.
The Purpose of Suffering 010826
2 Corinthians 1:1-7
The Bible assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Suffering is a part of
the life we live. It is normal and should be accepted as such. However it is not to be taken as unavoidable or without purpose. God can, in the midst of our suffering, take it away from us or us away from it. The
thing we need do is be prepared for God to turn our suffering to good.
I. Our God is compassionate and comforting.
A. He comforts us in our suffering.
Isa. 51:12; 2 Cor. 7:6, 7
B. He cares for us. Eze. 34:12: 1 Peter 5:7
C. He calls on us to join Him in His compassion. Mat. 9:36, 37
II. He has experienced our suffering – in all ways.
A. He became like us to help us.
Heb 2:14-18
B. He was tempted as we are. Heb. 4:14-16
C. He took our sins in His own body. 1 Pet. 2:24, 25
III. He purposes to turn our suffering into others' comfort.
A. Paul could see it.
2 Cor 4:7-15
B. Our experiences give us a basis of relating to the suffering.
C. This is often the only way we can reach out.
This is not to say we must suffer everything others have in order to help them. Christ already has done this and we can turn to Him and receive His
instruction. He has suffered as they have and can guide us to help them by His power and strength. His love is sufficient for all that might come our way.
The Power God's Grace 010819
Ephesians 2:1-10
Most of us forget the grace of God while we focus on the "good" things we do. We forget how much God loves us. We focus on how we are accepted by the world
and how we love others and they us. The lives of Christians have been radically changed by the grace of God. We did not, and cannot, earn that change. We even forget it has happened. In our headlong rush to fulfill
the mission of the moment we fail to remember the love and kindness of God in Christ. Let's remind ourselves today.
I. Those in Christ were once spiritually dead. Rom. 5:17
A. Living according to the world.
1 Cor. 6:9-11
B. Under the power of the enemy of our souls. Eph 6:11, 12
C. In the desires of our flesh and mind. Gal 5:19-21
II. But God made us alive with Christ.
A. Because of His great love.
John 3:16
B. Made us alive. John 5:24
C. And raised us to heavenly places. Col. 3:1
III. He did this by grace.
A. God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense
B. Through faith. 1 Peter 1:3-5
C. Not by our works. 2 Timothy 1:8-10
No one deserves the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus. Only the grace of God will give that to us. God demonstrated His love for us in the death of Christ
on the cross. We receive that love through the faith God grants us to believe in His power and love. When we believe on His name and receive Him as Lord He gives us the power to become children of God.
The Power and Wisdom of the Cross 010805
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
The Corinthian Christians were the most troublesome Paul dealt with in his ministry. Partly because of that the letters to the Corinthians are rich in
instruction and wisdom from God. After praising God for these believers and admonishing them to cease fleshly divisions Paul calls them back to the power and wisdom of the cross.
I. The cross is foolish to the world.
A. Many would deny the need for the cross.
B. Many call the cross "a religion of blood".
C. Following the way of the world is foolish. Rom. 1:18-23
II. The cross is foolish to those who are perishing.
A. The gospel is hidden to those who are perishing.
2 Cor. 4:3, 4
B. They have set themselves up for this condition. 2 Thess. 2:9-12
C. But this is the "foolishness of God". 1 Cor. 2:12-14
III. The cross is the power of God to those who have believed.
A. The cross was Paul's primary message.
V. 23; 1 Cor. 2:2
B. Turning to the world's ways would empty the cross of its power. v. 17
C. Even satan did not understand its power.
1 Cor. 2:6-10
The cross of Christ is not just an ornament to be admired or a piece of jewelry to be worn but the genuine evidence of God's power to free us from our sin and
change us into the image of His dear Son. This is God's wisdom. It is the opposite of the wisdom of the world and will often be hard to communicate to our friends and family who are yet on the outside of the
kingdom. We must never turn from its power but always lean on it as our strength.
God's Plan for Restoration 010722
2 Chronicles 7:11-22
Solomon completed the Temple of the Lord and for seven days a celebration had been going on. Fire from God had descended on the burnt offering and the
sacrifices. Tens of thousands of animals had been sacrificed for the sins of the people. Thousands of singers and musicians had lifted praise to God. The event was beyond the imagination of mere man when God Himself
spoke to Solomon and told him how to maintain and restore relations with the God of heaven. We need to consider how this applies to us and our community and our nation.
I. God had heard the prayer and chosen the Temple as His.
A. Moses had taught them what to expect.
Deut. 4:5-8
B. Later, Micah would still be amazed that God heard them. Micah 7:18
C. God promised to always be focused on that place. V. 16
II. God saw that His people would turn away from Him.
A. They had been warned not to turn from God.
Deut. 11:16, 17
B. Their habit (and ours) was to turn away. Judges 2:16-19
C. God will never overlook our unfaithfulness.
III. If we will follow His plan He will restore us.
A. Turn from self and turn to God.
1. Humble self. James 4:10
2. Pray.
3.
Seek God's face. Psalm 27: 7-10
B. Repent.Matthew 4:17
C. God promises to hear and heal. Matthew 13:15
God's promises to us are always conditional upon our response and reaction. It is His will that we be blessed beyond our imagination. Our enemies (the world,
the flesh and the devil) all conspire to draw us down. Too often we fall into those traps set for us. God has a plan that will allow us to return to Him and to His power and blessing.
Giving to the Needy 010715
Acts 3:1-26
Peter's second recorded sermon followed on the heels of a miracle. This miracle demonstrated how God would work if He is allowed by His church. Too often
today we find ourselves faced with opportunities of service with inadequate resources. Certainly the problem facing Peter and John was far beyond their ability. A man born crippled. A man Jesus had not healed though
He must have seen him. This is beyond modern medicine. It was something Peter could not do. Yet it was done. How can we learn from this?
I. They were not on their way to perform a miracle.
A. It was the time set for prayer.
Psalm 92:1-4
B. The crippled man was brought daily to the temple. Acts4:22
C. They had no money to give. V. 6
II. This lack of resources would stop most Christians.
A.There was nothing of value to offer this man.
They had no "faith based" government funding. What could they do?
B. They should have simply turned away. v. 4
C.
Instead they called attention to themselves.
Now a miracle must happen or they would have been foolish.
III. No silver or gold, but only what they had, they gave.
A.Today there is too much reliance on silver and gold.
Not enough on the power of God to supply.
B.Perhaps that is why we do not see what we truly have. Philippians 4:19
C.
In the name of Jesus rise and walk.
That is the power of God and it is beyond our ability.
We must expect that the God who can take any sinner, no matter how far away from Him, and turn that person into His child will be able to meet any need we
have and break the power of the enemy in every situation we face. He is able to deliver when we are completely unable. What a wonderful God!
The Day of Pentecost III 010701
Acts 2:37-47
The end of Peter's first sermon was an outcry from the hearers: "What shall we do?" Any preacher would be thrilled by such a response, especially if the
audience had been hostile at the beginning. Peter's reply has been the subject of theological conflict over the years. To many the meaning is baptism is a part of the forgiveness of sins. I, and others, believe
baptism is a result of the forgiveness of sins. After their baptism many remarkable things happened. These are results we should be seeing today.
I. Sins have been forgiven - be baptized.
A. Our sins were forgiven on the cross.
1 Peter 1:17-19
B. Not due to our works. Eph 2:8-10
C. Now obedience is the correct response.
II. Their devotion after salvation had results.
A. Marked by: teaching, fellowship, communion and prayers.
B. Resulting in awe followed by miracles.
C. They shared their lives and praised the Lord.
III. They had favor with all people and many joined them.
A.Their worship and service led others to faith.
I Cor. 10:31-33
B.It was the Lord who added to their number.
C. The adding was done daily as they went about their business.
It is important to see that faith is to have an object. Our faith is in God through Jesus Christ. That faith will always change our lives more and more into
the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus. That change may be a gradual one but ultimately it will result in the drawing of others into the kingdom of our God.
See Also:
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