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January - June 2002 Sermons
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Jesus is Who the Church is all About 020106
Ephesians 5:22-32
This text is often used in relation to a wedding or by a counselor in advising a husband and wife. In fact it is not often used in relation to the church. That however is the clear purpose of this passage. Paul said,
"I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church." Today we will look at what this passage tells us about the church which was in God's heart from the beginning of the world.
I. Christ is head of the church.
A. God made Him head of the church. Eph. 1:22
B. We are to mature in Him. Eph. 4:15
C.
His relationship is organic, not organizational. Col. 1:18
II. Christ gave Himself up for the church.
A. He promised He would. John 6:51
B. He did this because of our need. Romans 5:6-8
C.
He did this to set us free. Gal. 2:20
III. Christ cleanses the church.
A. He died for our sins.
B. He gives His word for our cleansing. Jn. 15:1-3
C.
The worst can be clean in Him. 1 Cor. 6:11
IV. Christ presents the Church to Himself.
A. That she would be holy. 1 Pet. 2:4-10
B. That she would be blameless.
C.
It is His work not ours. 1 Thess. 5:23, 24
The church as an organization leaves much to be desired. That is because organization was never meant to be the way we are united. We are united in Christ as part of His body for which He gave His life and which He
protects with His power. He died for the church to have life. While we live we should make every effort that the church express His life to the world.
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Jesus Left Instructions 020113
Matthew 28:1-20
Upon a person's death their wishes cease to be considered unless they have left a will for others to follow. Jesus left clear instructions for His church to follow. The problem is those instructions are sometimes too
simple (for us). We try to fill them out and often that is where we encounter our problems.
I. The Church is to act on the authority of Jesus.
A. Not of any other person or group. (governmental or ecclesiastical)
B. All authority rests in Jesus.
Eph. 1:18-23
C. That authority resides in each believer. John 14:19, 20
II. As we go we should make disciples.
A. Of all nations. Acts 1:8
B. Baptizing them. Acts 2:41; 8:38
C. Teaching them.
2 Timothy 2:2
III. To observe all that Jesus taught.
A. His teaching is in all the scriptures. Luke 24:27
B. Direction for His church. 1 Cor. 11:23-26
C. Growing together. Heb. 10:19-25; 2 Pet. 3:17, 18
As we come to observe the Lord's Supper we need to recognize that the power of the early church was not based on organization, or human leadership, but instead based on a united attitude of obedience to the Lordship
of Jesus Christ. Our obedience will result in others coming to faith in our Lord and Savior.
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A Common Commitment
020120
Acts 1:12-26
The disciples were without any organizational structure. In fact it is interesting that Jesus did not sit them down and say, "After I am gone you are to chose pastors, deacons and other leaders and then you are to
organize fellowships, associations, denominations and para-church groups". He has simply said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses".
I. The Church acted in unison.
A. They stuck together.
B. They were consistent in prayer. Acts 2:42
C.
The group grew in their time of trouble. (His brothers came to join them)
II. They acted on a need. (Judas' absence)
A. Many say this was a mistake but there is no rebuke here and later they were "the twelve"
B.
They continued to meet needs. Acts 11:27-30
C. All sorts of needs. Acts 3:1-10
III. The church grew.
A. In the beginning – from various backgrounds. Acts 2:5-10, 37-41.
B. In fact growth was a daily occurrence. Acts 2:47
C. Growth is natural to life.
We need to take every opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the early church. We need to see our family, co-workers and friends as God does: in need of Christ and in need of fellowship. We are known as a
church that makes a sincere effort to meet needs in our community. We need to work harder at building the kind of fellowship that results in unified action to meet the needs of our world. We must be sure Christ is
proclaimed as Savior and Lord in all that we do. A revival of commitment will cause our church to grow as we serve.
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The Cost of Commitment
020203
Luke 14:25-35
When Jesus looked at His disciples He always saw the potential rather than the current condition. When He looks at us He sees in the same manner. Otherwise none of us would have a chance. At the time we come to Him
there is little in us to recommend us to the world much less to God. We have to learn to look at what could be rather than what is.
I. Jesus calls on us to make Him first.
A. In comparison to our love for Him all else is hate.
B. We are called on to take up our own cross. Luke 9:23-26
C. We must follow Christ. John 10:27-30
II. He challenges us to look to the future.
A. "What if" must to be considered.
B. Too often we only see what is. 2 Kings 6:15-17
C.
We need to see what God sees. 1 John 5:1-4
III. Our potential is much greater than we realize.
A. The power of our prayer. 1 Peter 3:12
B. The power of our witness. 2 Timothy 2:2
C. The power of our giving. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Together we have accomplished much. We have seen changed lives in Stamford and across the earth as a result of the witness of this congregation. Potentially, we can do much more. We need to consider what might be. We
need to look at our future and begin to operate in what God can do with us as we commit ourselves anew to Him.
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Walking Worthy
020210
Ephesians 4:1-16
The world is waiting for the people of God to rise to the calling God has given them. In fact the entire creation is anxiously longing for the revealing of the sons of God. (Rom. 8:19-22) Being saved makes us
children of God. Growing in maturity makes us heirs of righteousness and full fledged joint heirs with Jesus. What can we do to really walk in the light He has given us?
I. Walk in a manner worthy of our calling.
A. In humility and gentleness. Col 3:12
B. With patience and tolerance. Col 3:13
C.
Preserving the unity of the Spirit. Col 3:14
II. Receiving the gifts God has given.
A. Gifts given to each of us. 1 Cor. 12:7
B. Gifts of leadership given to some. Heb. 13:17
C.
All of which is to build the body. 1 Cor 12:20-26
III. Until we come to maturity.
A. Equipped to serve. Gal. 5:13; 1 Cor 9:19
B. Committed to unity. Jn 17:22-23
C.
Growing in knowledge. 2 Pet 3:17-18
Folks we have been called to be the people of God. There are others here who have similar calling but we are the only ones who have our peculiar calling. We must fulfill our calling of ministry here if we are to be
happy in the Lord and if our world is changed as it should be. As we serve together, give as God guides us and touch the world with our special gifts, our world will become what God has called it to be.
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Salvation 020217
Titus 2:11-15
In Christ Jesus salvation has been brought to all men. It is a salvation we do not deserve and cannot earn. It is a gift of God's grace. The grace of God is Jesus Himself. It is too bad that many who consider
themselves to be Christians are not sure of their salvation. Or at least do not associate salvation with God's grace.
I. We do not deserve salvation.
A. All have sinned. Rom. 3:23
B. Sin separates men from God. Isa. 59:1, 2
C.
Our righteousness is not enough. Isa. 64:6
II. We cannot earn salvation.
A. It is not the product of works. Eph. 2:8-10
B. It is a matter of faith. Romans 3:28
C.
According to His mercy and grace. 2 Tim. 1:8-11
III. Salvation is a gift of God's grace.
A. A gift that came through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:15-17
B. Through Christ's redemption. Romans 3:24-26
C. A gift promised by Jesus. John 4:7-14
Too often we assume that salvation will come to us if we work hard enough or if we practice certain beliefs. We hope we are saved and try hard to live as though we are saved. John tells us that he wrote his gospel so
that we may believe and that believing we may have life in His name. (20:31) Not so we will hope. So we will know. Knowing He lives in us enable us to live the life in a way that honors Him. Praise God!
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Justified Through Faith 020224
Romans 5:1-11
Pretty much every relationship in life requires an effort to maintain it. All the important relationships require work. Marriage – you have to work at it! Parent/child – you have to work at it! Employer/employee
– you have to work at it! Best friends? You have to work at it! Even the beginning of these relationships requires effort on all sides. The most important relationship we can ever have is a free gift. By grace
through faith is how we relate to the living God. We often find it hard to grasp how this relationship works. Let's look at it.
I. We are able to rejoice in all things.
A. We have peace with God. Col 3:15 &Phil 4:4-7
B. We rejoice in the hope of God's grace. Heb. 6:17-20
C. We rejoice in our sufferings. James 1:2-4
II. We are justified through Jesus' blood.
A. He took our sins. 1 Peter 2:21-25
B. We could not save ourselves. Titus 3:5
C.
We were still sinners. Gal. 3:22
III. We shall be saved from God's wrath.
A. He paid the price. Rom 3:21-26
B. God's wrath is coming. Eph 5:6
C.
Jesus rescues us. 1 Thess 1:10
Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us. By His act of kindness we become the children of God trough faith. We need to respond to that grace by right living but no amount of right living will ever bring us to a
place where we are justified before God. That is His gift to us. His grace is poured out on us in love. Have you responded to that love?
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Hope in Despair 020303
1 Kings 19:1-18
Elijah is my very favorite prophet. He came from nowhere and has no book in the Bible named for him. At the same time he was a man who walked closer to God than most and in the midst of great success he fell into a
deep depression that led to his abandoning his ministry only to be lifted to the highest level of God's trust. God is prepared to use the least and the last.
I. Elijah had lived through the miracle of God's supply. 1 Kings 17:1-8; 18:30-46
A. A great famine had come and God had fed him.
B.
In the end he had defeated God's enemies.
C. Then he had been the instrument to end the famine.
II. Elijah was informed of a human threat.
A. He ran away from his greatest victory.
B. He asked God to end his life.
C.
He obeyed simple instruction.
III. Elijah heard God and was returned to ministry.
A. God revealed Elijah's failure.
B. God spoke to Elijah in an unexpected way.
C.
God sent Elijah to fulfill ministry.
Too often we fall into depression and defeat. In the area of spiritual life we fail often because we do not hear God. God speaks to us in many ways and He is ready to use us in spite of our own failure. We should
never give up even if we have lived through a time when we felt defeated. Our feelings do not limit God in His activity in our lives.
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The New Covenant in Jesus' Blood 020310
Luke 22:7-27
Jesus came to the last days of His life surrounded by His disciples. These were the closest to Him. They had seen the glory of God in Him. The miracles had become commonplace to them and now He wanted to share a new
truth with them. It was time for the old covenant to be added to by a new covenant. A covenant of grace not law would now be the basis of relationship to God. They were so busy with business as usual they did not
even see the true point in what Jesus taught them.
I. Jesus had prepared the Passover. vv. 7-13
A. He was head of the family.
B. He directed them to the place that was prepared.
C.
They do not even seem surprised.
II. He taught them during the meal.
A. He would come again. Rev. 19:7-10
B. He told of the giving of His body. Mat. 27:33-44
C.
He told of the shedding of His blood.
D. He promised a New Covenant. Jer. 31:31; Heb 8:7-13
III. The disciples focused on who would betray and …
A. They missed the point (as we often do)
B. They went on to argue about who was greatest.
Mark 9:33-37
C. Jesus called them back to basics. John 13:12-15
We have been called by God to be the people of God in this place. We join with others in this role but we are only responsible for ourselves. As we come to the Lord's table it is easy to forget what God has done for
us. This is a picture of His body and blood. These are the symbols of our covenant relationship to Him. At the same time it is a simple reminder. We have life through Him and He promised it to all. We must reach out
to all and give them what we have received.
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In His Name 020317
Luke 24:36-49
Jesus met two disciples along a road after His death on the cross and His resurrection. In the course of conversation with them He told them the things concerning Himself in all the scriptures. Then He met with all
the disciples and proved Himself to Thomas. Luke concludes that powerful story with our text for today. He said there would be power in His Name.
I. Forgiveness of sin.
A.This was God's plan. Acts 5:29-31
B.Prophesied.Acts 10:43
C. Confirmed by Jesus. Acts 26:15-18
II. Life in His Name.
A.To be Children of God. John 1:12, 13
B.The Bible is given to confirm that. John 20:31; 1 John 5:13
C.
Delivered from evil. 1 Cor. 6:9-11
III. Power in His Name.
A.Power to heal. Acts 3:1-16; James 5:14,15
B.Deliverance from demons. Acts 16:16-18
C. Strength to love.
1 John 3:23
In fact Paul tells us to do everything in the Name of Jesus and give thanks. Too often we forget whose name we are to live in. "Christian" means "like Christ", or "little Christ". We are to represent Him in every way
in our lives and remember what we have we have in His Name and what we do should be done in His Name.
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A Day of Triumph 020324
Matthew 21:1-17
Jesus knew He was to die. In a sense He had known this since "before the creation of the world". As a human on earth, we do not know when He knew He would die for the sins of the world. We do know He knew it long
before His day of triumph. Knowing He would die must have shaped His feelings that day. We only know the events not the feelings.
I. There was a mount for the King.
A. Arrangements had been made.
B. This was prophesied long ago. Isa. 62:11; Zech. 9:9
C.
Obedience made it happen. 1 Sam 15:22
II. There was a crowd to honor Him.
A. The street was paved with coats and branches.
(Why don't we call it "coat Sunday?)
B. Praise was offered for Him. Deut. 10:21
C. Attention was drawn to Him. Luke 13:33
III. There was work for Him to do.
A. He stopped the corruption of the marketplace.
B. He called for a restoration of original purpose.
Isa. 56:7; Jer. 7:11
C. He healed the sick and answered the critics. Mat. 4:23
The ministry of Jesus on earth was rapidly coming to an end that day. He would soon come to His trial and death. This day was a day of victory. This was a day of reckoning to expose the error and heal the hurts. The
cross was only a few days away and yet He stopped to heal and to teach on the way to His death. We need to have the same focus on the important, rather than the urgent, that Jesus did.
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Life Through the Resurrection 020331
Romans 8:1-11
Jesus' death and resurrection is essential to our salvation. Too often we fail to see the complete effect of the work of Christ on our behalf. We were born under the condemnation of sin and Christ freed us from that
condemnation. He gave us a mind that can be set on His purpose rather than ours. The Spirit that raised Christ has also indwells us to give life to our bodies.
I. Freed from the law of sin and death.
A. Jesus had promised. John 8:31, 32
B. Died to sin with Jesus. Rom. 6:8-14
C.
Dead to the law. Rom. 7:4
II. A mind set on the Spirit.
A. We had our minds set on the flesh. Gal. 5:19-21
B. He has set our minds on the Spirit. Gal. 5:22-25
C. Enabling us to be set free from the flesh. Gal. 5:16
III. We were given life by His resurrection life.
A. It is His life in us. Gal. 2:20
B. He is our hope of glory. Gal. 1:24-27
C.
His resurrected life has saved us. Rom. 5:10
Resurrection day is a real celebration of our life received from Christ. We should live each day in the power of His life in us. It is our privilege to live in Jesus' life. He has given us power to live above and
beyond humanity. He has made us the children of God. Praise His Holy Name!
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Living in the Light of the Risen Lord 020407
Acts 1
The disciples were thrust into a new level of relationship and responsibility with the physical departure of Jesus from the earth. Now He resides in each believer but is not physically present to take obvious control
of each situation. This is trickier than the former situation. Now the believer must respond to the Spirit for direction and all of us have a long learning curve so far as that is concerned.
I. First the disciples needed the promise of Power.
A.Jesus had given orders. John 20:21; Acts 10:42
B.Jesus had promised. John 14:16, 26; 15:26
C. The consequence of power. Acts 1:8; Matt 28:20
II. Then they needed direction.
A.Angels came to guide them. Luke 24:4-8
B.Why do you stand staring up?
C.Jesus will come again.
2 Peter 3:3-11
III. They then began to take action.
A.They gathered together. Hebrews 10:19-25
B.They prayed. Romans 12:9-13
C.
They added to their witness. 2 Timothy 2:2
There was a new age born with the beginning of the ministry of the Church of Christ on earth. Now men and women filled with the Spirit could fulfill Jesus' statement, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in
Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father." John 14:12 The works of Jesus are flowing through the empowered church today. We can do all things through the one who gives us power.
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Being Raised With Christ 020414
Ephesians 2
When we found Christ we were dead in sin. He then brought us from death to life and gave us a new way of living. We are now part of the family of God and have been raised up with Him. In fact we have been seated with
Him in heaven. From that position we have victory over all the efforts of the enemy to destroy us (individually or corporately). We now need to act in that life which Christ bestowed on us in the power of His
resurrection.
I. We were dead in sin.
A.This is true of all people. Rom 5:12; 6:16
B.Sin's wage is death. Rom 6:23
C.
The love of Christ rescues us. Rom 5:8-11
II. We are now part of the family of God.
A.The gift of being called God's children. 1 Jn 3:1-3
B.We now have a new focus. Rom. 8:12-16
C.We have been set free from sin. Gal. 4:21-5:1
III. We have been raised up with Christ.
A.We have been raised up. Col 2:8-12
B.We have been made alive. Col. 2:13-15
C.
Now we should live as though raised. Col. 3:1-17
These are not just words written to make hopeless people feel better about their hopeless condition. These words are life to those who by habit have existed in a condition of defeat and death. Christ has already
seated us in heavenly places. We can now live a life of victory because of our position in Him. Praise His Holy Name!
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Some of the World's Compromises 020421
Exodus 4:1-13
God called Moses to an impossible task. He was to take away a large slave workforce from the Egyptians. He was to do this by the power of God. Many times we are faced with an impossible task and want to cut our
losses with some activity less than we are confronted with. That is exactly what Moses was tempted to do. Let's look at those compromises and compare them to the ones we often face today.
I. Stay in the land and serve God. Ex. 8:25
A. It is just "religion" no need to change.
B. Don't move away from the world.
C.
We are required to depart. 1 John 2:15-17
II. If you have to go, don't go far away. Ex. 8:28
A. Stay close by.
B. Keep the world's ways.
C. We must separate ourselves.
2 Cor. 6:14-18
III. The men can go but leave the family. Ex. 10:11
A. Break up the family.
B. Let family members decide for themselves.
C.
We must be unified. Deut. 6:4-9; Eph 3:14-19
IV. Go but leave your wealth out of it. EX 10:24
A. You earned it -- it's yours. Ps 65:9-13
B. Don't let money get mixed up with faith.
C. All that we have belongs to God. Deut. 8:11-20
The people of Israel lived in a world far different than the one in which we live. Even so we are faced with the same type of temptation to compromise our faith. The arguments of the world are much the same today as
then. We must not let ourselves be taken in. Our witness to family and friends require a living faith. They are not listening to your talk, they are looking at your walk they will judge you by your actions every
time.
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Dealing with Disaster 020428
The armies of Assyria had invaded Judah and the people of God found themselves trapped in Jerusalem surrounded by the mightiest army they had ever seen. The enemy had stood outside the city and taunted those inside
and had taunted their God. Now the king is confronted with this impossible situation. How he reacted could be a model for how we should act when faced with similar disaster.
Isaiah 37:1-20
I. He expressed his grief publicly. (torn clothes)
A. The king took public action to show his pain.
B.
It is important we grieve but not without hope. 1 Thess. 4:13
C. It is important the unbelievers around us know that we grieve.
They need to know we too hurt.
II. He looked for help in the right place.
A. Sackcloth is a sign of repentance. Mat. 11:21
B. The presence of God is where truth is. Ps. 73:1-20
C. The king called for prayer. 2 Chron. 7:13, 14
III. He gave it to God and waited for relief.
A. He assumed God understood the problem. Ps. 139:1-6
B. His motive was that God be glorified. Ps. 102:12-17
C. God answered in power. Isa. 37:36-38
When we are faced with a problem that just seems to overwhelm us we need to follow the godly example of Hezekiah and turn to the God of heaven, who alone can answer, and then trust His answer to be the correct one
for us. He will bring perfect peace to His people – a peace the world cannot understand.
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Opportunity in Difficulty 020505
Acts 16:6-34
It was Paul who would later write, "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God". These words must have been impressed on his mind many times as he lived out his faith. He had been arrested,
beaten, imprisoned and rejected by his own people. Yet it was all used, one way or another, by God for Paul's good and God's glory. The visit to Philippi was one such occasion. They had been forbidden by God to
continue their planned trip and now were in a foreign land bringing the gospel to a group of women. God had a greater plan for witness.
I. God had forbidden them to continue.
A. Our plans are not always God's. Isa. 55:8, 9
B. Paul received a vision of God's plan.
C.
They obeyed this heavenly vision. That had been the pattern of Paul's life.
II. They went seeking a place of prayer.
A. Prayer was an essential part of Jesus' life. Mark 1:35; 6:46; 9:29
B. Prayer was Paul's source of direction.
Eph. 6:18-20
C. Prayer must be our main activity.1 Thess. 5:17
III. The result of their ministry was prison.
A. Could have been a great defeat.
B. Was made a matter of prayer and praise. Eph 5:15-21
C. Result: the expansion of the kingdom.
Many times we experience difficulties that cause us to fall back on our old ways of living. We fail to see the opportunity that God has placed in the situation. We need to learn to see God's hand in everything we do.
Ps. 37:23; 40:2 tell us that God is clearly directing us. We have the choice of finding a way to cooperate and seeking God's hand in the matter. That is the best path for us.
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How do We Deal With "the god of this world"? 020526
2 Corinthians 4:1-4
Paul tells us that "the god of this world" has power to blind the eyes of the perishing. This is a great tragedy since that "god" is more powerful than we are and our friends and loved ones, being blinded, cannot see
to be free from the bondage they are in. Jesus also called satan "the ruler of this world". For many Christians that fact ends their ability to oppose him. God wants us to know that is not true.
I. The devil has certain powers on this earth.
A. He offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the earth. Luke 4:5-7
B. He is "the ruler of this world." John 12:31
C. He is "the prince of the power of the air". Eph 2:2
However:
II. God has greater power.
A. He has authority over rulers. Rom. 13:1
B. He appoints and removes kings. Dan 2:20, 21
C.
He has a free hand in the world. Dan 4:34, 35
III. God is control of all that the enemy does.
A. "All things" means ALL things. Rom 8:28
B. Power flows through God's people. Luke 10:17-20
C. We are to resist by faith. 1 Pet 5:6-11
D. We are able in the Lord. Eph 6:10-18
There is no power able to overcome the power of God in our lives. We may falter and stumble in our walk but He is able to raise us up and carry us through the darkest times. In fact as we draw near to Him He is able
to keep us from stumbling. Jude 17-25
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The Work of God – Believing in Jesus! 020602
John 6:26-51
The grace of God extends far beyond the gift of Christ for salvation. God's grace is extended to us to enable us to know Him. There is a double meaning to Jesus' answer, "this is the work of God, that you believe in
Him whom He has sent." We do God's work when we believe in Jesus and God does His work in us to enable us to believe in Jesus. Salvation is the work of God and it is a gift beyond our imagination. It is also beyond
our ability.
I. Before God works in our lives we cannot believe.
A. Before we come to Christ we are blind. 2 Cor. 4:4
B. God must light our darkness. 2 Cor. 4:6
C. It is not our effort that saves us. Eph 2:9; 2 Tim 1:9
II. Before God works we can only believe about Jesus.
A. 90% of adults believe Jesus existed. (Barna)
B. In fact the devils believe. James 2:19
C. In the flesh we cannot please God. Rom 8:6-8
III. Only God can bring us to Christ.
A. No one can come unless God calls. John 6:44
B. The Father gives sheep to Jesus. John 10:25-29
C. The Father keeps those sheep. Phil 1:6; 1 Thess 5:23, 24
The grace of God is really beyond our imagination. He has given us the gift of eternal life. In fact He has given us the gift of the ability to believe. We are blessed far beyond all imagination. As we share in
communion let us rejoice that we cannot "deserve" it in our strength. It is His work to make us acceptable. Praise His Holy Name!!!
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Those Who Obtain a High Standing 020609
1 Timothy 3:1-13
We have designated today as "Jim Lowe Day" in honor of our friend who has been faithful as a part of this church for most of 19 years. I want us to look to the Word of God for information who we should honor and how
we can be the kind of people who are honorable. Jim is such a person. His time with us has added much to the heart and soul of this church. His departure will leave behind a spirit of service and humility that would
be good to imitate.
I. Desiring a place of service.
A. Having been chosen of God we need to aspire. Heb 11:13-16
B. To a place of service not honor. Mat. 20:24-26
C. To be elevated by the Master. Luke 14:7-11
II. Be of good reputation.
A. Respected by outsiders. Col 4:5, 6
B. Recognized by God's people. Rom 13:7
C.
Able to be trusted in all things. 2 Cor 4:2
III. A high standing.
A. Not as the world measures. 2 Cor 10:12-17
B. By the measure of God. 2 Cor 10:18
C.
All Christians should anticipate God's approval. Heb. 11:39, 40
Jim Lowe has set an example that should be incorporated into our lives. We are to learn how to serve if we are to be truly like our Master. He came as one who serves not as one who is served. We are to know others by
the fruit of their lives. We should be careful to be sure that our fruit is to God's glory.
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Called as an Apostle 020616
Romans 1:1-7
Today is Father's Day. I will be beginning a series of sermons on Romans. I believe it is very important for men to hear and know the word of God. It is God's way of keeping our lives in His plan. Recognizing the
call of God and the grace of God in our lives will enable each of us to live in a way that glorifies God and brings peace into our lives.
I. Paul the Apostle.
A. His life had been opposed to Christ. Phil. 3:2-6
B. Christ reached out to him. Acts 9:1-20
C.
Set apart for the gospel. Acts 9:15; Acts 13:2; Gal 1:13-24
II. The gospel of God.
A. The basis of our salvation. 1 Cor 15:1-11
B. We are to share it with others. 2 Tim 1:8-14; 2:1, 2
C.
A guiding force in our lives. Phil 1:27-30
III. Called to be saints.
A. Chosen by God. Eph 1:4
B. When we were powerless. Eph 2:1, 3; 8-10
C. That we might be saints.
1 Thess 5:23; Phil 1:6
(Almost 60 times in NT we are called "saints")
D. It is God's work, not ours. Col 1:21-23
I praise God that He gave us the letter to the Romans, through Paul the apostle. This letter is the most complete exposition of Christian theology gathered in one place in the Bible. The words of this book can change
our lives as we realize what God has called us to. He chose us to be His people in this world and throughout eternity. For that we can praise His holy name.
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A Prayer for Rome 020623
Romans 1:8-17
Paul's prayers for the churches are always instructive. In them we can see his heart of concern and compassion. He wants the Romans to know the first thing he does for them is prayer. He rejoices in their faith and
looks forward to his time of fellowship with them. He ends with a proclamation of his faith in the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I. Prayer was a key to the life of Paul
A. He had specific prayers for specific needs.
1. For the Corinthians. 1 Cor 1:4-9
2. For the Ephesians. Eph 1:15-18
3. For the Philippians. Phil 1:9-11
4. For the Colossians. Col 1:9-12
5. For the Thessalonians. 1 Thess 1:2-4
B.
We need to pray. Luke 11:1
C. Retail prayer (not wholesale) Eph 6:18, 19
II. Paul desired mutual encouragement.
A. First, that he may see them. Personal contact.
B.
For the purpose of imparting a spiritual gift. Spiritual contact.
C.
For mutual encouragement. Emotional contact.
III. The gospel is the power of God.
A. Eager to preach the gospel. Rom. 15:20-25
B. The power of God. 1 Cor 1:18-25
C.
The righteousness of God in faith. Phil 3:7-11
Paul's letter to the Romans reveal the heart of Paul as he sought to share the good news of God's grace through Jesus Christ. It becomes a sourcebook for those of us who follow in his steps with the same faith they
had in God. May God grant that we grow in the grace of God in Christ.
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Faith That Produces Righteousness 020623
Genesis 15
This incident is a pivotal point in biblical history. Abram has chosen to allow his nephew, Lot, to choose the best of all the land as his inheritance. Abram has accepted the hill country apart from the well-watered
plain. In time Lot is taken captive, Abram rescues him and gave a tithe to the king of Salem. And refused to allow Sodom to enrich him. He would trust God for his supply. Now God confronts Abram and promises him the
impossible.
I. God is his shield and reward.
A. God encourages fearlessness. Ps. 27:1; Rom 8:31, 32
B. God promises protection. Deut 33:29
C.
The future is filled with blessing. Isa. 64:1-4
II. Abram questioned God.
A. He had no heir. How could there be a future?
B. God's promise required an heir.
C.
Faced with the impossible required faith.
III. God promised millions of heirs.
A. Of Abram's body.
B. As many as the stars. Gen 22:15-18
C. Abram believed God.
IV. Faith is a forward look.
A. The assurance of things hoped for. Heb 11:1
B. The conviction of the unseen. 2 Cor 4:16-18
C.
The way to please God. Heb 11:6
Belief in the promises of God is an assurance of the future. Faith is more than belief in the past rewards of God. It is trust in the future of God's promises. Throughout scripture God promises an abundance of
blessing for His people. We need to rejoice in all He has committed to provide.
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