Evangelism, Follow-Up, Baptism Saturday, Jun 28 2008

Matthew 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19-20 lays the groundwork for evangelism, follow-up and expectations of new converts. The expectations should also be toward the convert and the evangelist as well. Many people love to go and preach against sin. Some only want to teach the do’s and dont’s on the Lord’s Day and all goes home until the next appointed church service. To introduce the topic of today we must point out the fact our example taught by Christ Himself included more than one focus or one day.

Christians who evangelize should desire to teach all nations. The focus is not singular, however the subject is. The subject is Jesus Christ. We must teach the nations (and neighbors) Christ is the only way to salvation. This is not the parting point. We are called to also baptize converts and teach them to observe all things whatsoever the Lord has commanded.

In today’s study we will focus on the Baptism of the believer. Baptism is not the saving work of Christ. Baptism is a foundational exercise in the life of every confessing believer in Christ as saviour. Baptism is for believers only. We should see why by the end of this study.

1. Baptism is a Testimony of Faith
   • We testify to our understanding of our own sinfulness/ An old person who must die(by one man’s sin death passed upon all men (Romans 5:12) The need to be buried
   • We testify to our faith in the “fact” Christ died for us, and He was buried for us
   • We testify to our faith in Christ as risen Lord/ We are buried (immersed in water) and raised out of the water (grave)
   • We testify to our faith in the promise of a ressurection of the saints when Christ returns
   • We testify to our faith in Christ as giving us newness of life. (born again). The old person is passed away, dead, buried ressurected as a new creature.
2. Baptism is a Testimony of our Salvation
   • Baptism is the first thing a new creature does to tell the world He/She is a born again believer in Christ
   • Baptism is the beginning of following the commands of Christ
   • Baptism is a means of joining a local fellowship for the purpose of assembling together in the provoking one another to love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24-25).
   • Baptism is a work for the congregation to witness for the expressed purpose of knowing the believer is part of the covenant community of believers who are commanded to love and care for one-another (see James 5:19, Galatians 6:1, 1John 3:14-16, 1Timothy 5:1)
3. Baptism is Necessary for Church Membership
   • Without a public profession of faith in Christ the church should not accept a person as a faithful member of the church.

A study of scriptures gives us a clear picture of Baptism being a important part of discipleship in the early church. We must never forget the importance of Baptism in our efforts to evangelize a lost world.

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The Foolishness of Preaching, The Cross of Christ Tuesday, Jun 24 2008

Here is a great sermon for all to hear. Preachers will find this most helpful.

http://www.ligonier.org/media_player.php?tabID=1&id=003

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Free Bible Sermons Thursday, May 15 2008

This post is not a sermon. Normally I do not post anything other than sermons on this site. I want to reach out to the viewers of this site through this post. As most of us begin our studies for sermon preparation we run into obstacles from time to time. Maybe you find the information here useful. If you do please leave a comment with any questions we might be able to help you with. Also, if you would like to see a sermon posted on a particular subject make your desire known. It may take some time to get it posted, but I will begin work on it as soon as possible.

Thank you visiting this site and may God bless His family, Glorify His name and draw souls to His grace through this work.

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Family Matters Sunday, May 11 2008

FAMILY MATTERS

EPHESIANS 5:24-25, 6:1, 6:5

Only 63% of American children grow up with both biological parents as of 2005 (http://www.divorcemag.com/statistics/statsUS.shtml)

INTRODUCTION;

In our current age many fundamental institutions have fallen under attack in more ways than ever. Marriage is not exempt. New age groups have led movements to change marriage to be something other than what it was originally intended to be.

The world may argue against God’s design for marriage. No argument can change the fact God’s design is perfect. Acceptance is not enough to over-rule God’s design. Political correctness is not enough to cause God to change His mind. Changing times will never affect God’s plan. God said what He meant and meant what He said when He inspired His people to pen His words. Those words are forever settled in Heaven. We cannot change them.

Preachers need to preach God’s design for marriage more. Teachers need to teach God’s design for marriage and family more than ever. Parents need to model God’s design for marriage and family, and the family should seek to give God the honor He is due because of His design. He is the creator and chief architect. He knows what He designed, why He designed it that way and what the purpose of such design is. He has not hidden the design or purpose. He tells us plainly in the text of today’s study. May we all pray for guidance and understanding of today’s important look into the most understated union and most effective unit when revered as God’s chosen union to model His existence, the Family?

 

In our country we are required to get a license to:

• Drive
• Get married
• Do business
• Practice medicine
• Hunt and fish
• many other things

One thing we do not need a license to do is:

• have and raise children

 

Today’s message is not to belittle those who may be divorced. We do not want to beat up on those who have committed sins in any area of this important matter of family God’s way. However we need to teach the right way. If you are among us today and have failed in these areas know this going forward; God’s grace is sufficient. From this day forward may we repent of past sins and commit to God’s design. From this point we can all see God build us and our families in the way He desires.

To comfort you today for the coming days after repentance consider these;

• The woman at the well
• The woman caught in adultery
• Hosea and Gomer

 

• I. Fundamentals of Marriage
• a. Ordained institution
• i. between one woman and one man = not two men or two women
• b. Ordained uses of marriage
• i. The marriage bed is undefiled (Hebrews 13:4) = Sex outside of marriage is sin.
• 1. Husbands and wives keep one another from sin through this fulfillment of marriage purposes
• c. Ordained purpose of Marriage (Ephesians 5:24-27)
• i. Marriage creates a stronger witness for the creator and savior = if the two are desiring the same thing/God’s honor and glory
• II. Framework of the Family
• a. Ordained created order
• i. Husband, wife and children
• 1. Husband = responsible for everything/ Leader
• 2. Wife = help to the husband/ technician organizing the home to accomplish the vision and responsibilities
• 3. Children = demand our attention/ remind us of our need of the Heavenly Father
• b. Ordained sacrifices
• i. All members of the family are to sacrifice themselves
• 1. Children submit to parents = children are unlearned
• 2. Wives submit to husbands = not because he is dictator. She respects the call God has issued to him as leader
• 3. Husbands = Sacrifice your lives by always serving your entire family to and for Gods glory
• III. Fortune of the Godly Family
• a. Ordained blessings
• i. givers of respect receive respect = all must first understand their ordained role and respect each one
• ii. fulfillment in physical and spiritual needs
• 1. children need and appreciate hugs of affirmation and comfort
• 2. wives appreciate a hug and kiss for no reason other than love
• 3. Husbands need a families love more than they admit. Men really need someone affirming them or they feel inadequate.
• b. Ordained witness
• i. a loving family operating according to God’s design portrays a picture of God and man when we are receptive to His call on us.

Close;

To see revival of faith in our nation we will have to respect the first ordained union of God. Only then will we see real change toward fulfilled people who are focused on the things of God. Let us never stop preaching the ordained union of marriage between one man, one woman and the raising of children by the two!

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For the Glory of God, Suffering Monday, Mar 31 2008

 2 Timothy 2:8-13

The Cause is above the Comfort

“I suffer trouble” = vs. 9

“The word of God is not bound”= vs. 9

“I endure all things”= vs. 10

For the elects sake”=vs. 10

Christianity in real life is not always comfortable! We live with people today who act on selfish motives and do so with biblical illiteracy. Biblical illiteracy is at a dangerous level. Far too many people only do what feels good or results in financial profit. THIS IS NOT WHAT GOD EXPECTS FROM HIS CHURCH!

It is obvious in scripture most memorable people suffered. Consider Joseph, Job, Jeremiah, Jesus our Lord, Jochbed mother of Moses, John the Baptist, Jerrubbabaal, Jacob and many others. All these suffered as Paul did. Paul said he counted it all joy that he might win Christ.

Knowing the history of Gods people gives us a glimpse into the spiritual realm of warfare and greater purpose. Any time we forget our activities, circumstances and reactions effect eternity we lose sight of the promise of eternally enjoying and respecting the Creators good will.

I. Above our Comfort

a. Jeremiah in stocks= not very comfortable

b. Paul in prison= not very comfortable

c. Three Hebrew boys in the furnace= not exactly comfortable

Most of us view discomfort as losing our nice home, new car, fashionable clothing or something of the like. Many missionaries know real discomfort in fighting disease, mad drug lords, deadly insects and much more.

II. Above our Casual Time

a. David was at home when he should have been in the battle. He spotted Bathsheba during this time.

Too often we spend our casual time looking at things we shouldn’t, listening to things we shouldn’t and doing things we shouldn’t do.

III. Above our Cause

a. Jonah’s cause was to preach judgement to the people of Nineveh and watch them suffer. God’s cause was to spare Nineveh.

The cause of Christ is the highest cause we can engage in. Our own glory and recognition is worth nothing in eternity with God. Our cause is vengence one day and wealth the next.

IV. Above our Cynicism (disbelief)

a. Pharaoh doubted the authority of the God of Israel (see Exodus ch. 4)

b. The Philistines doubted the God of the Israelites (see Judges)

c. The 850 false prophets doubted the God of Israel (see 1 Kings 1

Many people today say the don’t believe though God shows His sovereignty in so many ways.

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What is My Purpose? Wednesday, Mar 12 2008

We live in a time when too many people are bouncing around from one place to another because they are searching for meaning and purpose. The idea of purpose in itself is not bad. The idea of purpose being for us is where the theological lines must be drawn. All who are saved by grace through faith and understand they are saved by grace will see this truth and its importance. We are created by God and given gifts to fulfill our purpose. Still our work is not our purpose.

A great deal of the misery experienced today is encountered due to our misguided beliefs. That statement sounds too bold and maybe a little thoughtless. Let me borrow your heart, mind and soul for a little while and explain why our thoughts concerning purpose are often misguided.

Going into this message we should have our Bibles and  our heart opened. Knowing this we can ask God to give us understanding through His grace to understand His thoughts on our purpose. After all He created us for that purpose. This means His thoughts are correct and without error. If we learn the truth in scripture we will have no need to argue with anyone or doubt our purpose on this earth.

read Isaiah 43:7

OUR PURPOSE IS TO GLORIFY GOD!!

1. With our mouth Psalm 29:9, Isaiah 66:19
   • in words spoken
   • in the songs we sing = Psalm 138:5
   • in the prayers we pray = 1Chronicles 16:35
2.  With our Hands
   • our works = Matthew 5:16, Colossians 3:23
   • touch = Romans 16:16 (note = given our current culture a handshake is just fine)
   • lifting of hands in worship = Psalm 28:2, 1Timothy 2:8

This is a beginning for you in studying your purpose. In everything we do let us remember in all things to God be the Glory! After all that is our purpose. Understansing we are created to glorify God is the beginning of finding purpose in whatever you do. Does God want you to drive a bus or be a doctor? Does God want you to be a nurse or a teacher? These questions are haunting far too many Christians who have not been taught the Simple Truth about purpose. Wherever you are, whatever you say and whatever you do it is to be done unto the Lord. That is your purpose!

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Ten Commandments, No other Gods! Saturday, Feb 23 2008

In Exodus chapter 20 God tells His people to have no other Gods before Him. You and I as believers are to follow this command today. If this commandment is not recognized first none of the others can be recognized. Jesus said we are to love the Lord God with all our heart mind and soul (Matthew 22:37). Knowing God is above all is the only way we can begin to love Him with all we are.

Some passerby to a Christian conversation might wander why a believer would put the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob first above all things, people and self. We should always be ready to give and answer (1Peter 3:15). Living the commandments and sharing them are both methods God uses in His perfect plan (Psalm 19:7). The law is a outline of Gods holiness. The law is a statement of our unrighteousness. The law is proof we are sinners. The law is a vehicle in convicting the sinner.

From the starting point of the law salvation is preached. Without a sin against God there is no object of wrath. Without the Wrath of God there is nothing to be saved from. Though we are saved from sin we are most importantly saved from Gods wrath.

Offering a reason for the hope in us;

God Created

• Without Him nothing was made = He is worthy to be first because He is first

God Cares

• We are alive through Gods design
• We are nourished by His creation = all forms of food are taken from His creation
• God says His seed will never be found begging bread (Psalm 37:25)

He Calls

• He calls us to Repentance = I can not find Him. He found me.

note: I was happy as a sinner until one day the Holy Spirit of God came and confronted me in the midst of my sins. He pointed out my sin, showed me the righteousness of a holy God and offered me the free gift of salvation through Christ.

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The Lord is My Shepherd, Psalm 23 Thursday, Feb 14 2008

The Psalmist said, “the Lord is my shepherd”. To say the Lord is my shepherd resounds a few Christian truths. Before we look into the depth of identifying with Christ by claiming to be His sheep we must examine our lives.

Do we follow where He leads? Are we glad to go where He directs? Do we welcome His staff when He deems the use of necessary? Can we discern His voice from that of a intruder?

To be His sheep reminds us some are not. With that in view we know we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against the rulers of the darkness. Those who do not serve Christ, the Good Shepherd, serve the one who is at enmity with Christ. That is the devil.

After checking up against the above questions and truths we can now move forward in realizing the benefits of being a sheep and having The Lord as Shepherd!

Identified as a Sheep

• Identifies us not as individuals but as a part of the flock

We have the benefit of other sheep (see Hebrews 10:24-25)

• the flock provokes one another to love and good works

We have a body working with us in the one purpose of glorifying the Father

• each believer is called to service (see Ephesians chapter 4)
• each believer is gifted with gifts to sacrifice in service to God (Ephesians 2) In Ephesians 2 we see terms such as Gentiles, Aliens, us, our, commonwealth and others. These all identify us as part of something greater than ourselves. This is a good foundation for learning to serve among a group of like minded believers.

Identified by the Shepherd

• He speaks to us and we know His voice
• He knows when we are straying from His designated pasture
• He corrects us with love
• He corrects us with His Fathers honor in view
  • some can’t say the Lord is there shepherd. These people continue in sin without the benefits of the Shepherds staff rescuing and correcting us.

The above points scratch the surface of what it means to be identified as a sheep with the Lord as ”our” Shepherd.

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Only Bad People Go to Heaven Friday, Feb 8 2008

Matthew chap. 23

 

I remember as a small child staying with my great Aunt Leat. As children we naturally told little white lies in effort to escape punishment for wrongdoing.  Aunt Leat had a way of knowing every time we were trying to pull the wool over her eyes. She would say to us; “there want be any liars in heaven”, followed by the old symbol for shame, shame, shame.

Our attempt was one begging for approval in the midst of our wrongdoing, better known as sin. Churches are full of people living such childish lives making attempts to be accepted among society as righteous without following the only path to righteousness.

This is the place where things get down and dirty. Many still teach the way of righteousness comes from living right and doing well. Let me take a few words and try to get your attention, and maybe even upset your theology for a moment. Living right and doing well is not the way of righteousness… (Pause while folks catch their breath)…  There is only one way to righteousness. Matthew 7:14 says, “straight is the gate and narrow is the way which leads to  life and few there be that find it”. Jesus said He is the way, truth and life and no one comes to the father but by him. The way to righteousness is through the only righteous to ever live. Jesus Christ.

Many are living today believing they are righteous. They believe the lie they tell themselves and they convince others of the same fallacy. These people are so good they will miss the place called Heaven. Let me finish introducing today’s message by stirring your soul with a disturbing statement. “Only bad people will go to Heaven”. These will be the ones who realize even in their most righteous state as a person they are filthy before a Holy God.

The issues of Pharisaic actions are not bound to any denomination. They cross every ethnic, gender and age boundary. Let us not think we are exempt from this possible way of thinking and living.

Let us now lay out the differences between good and bad people according to Matthew chapter 23.

I. GOOD PEOPLE

a. Tell others how good they are

i. They also tell others how bad they are

ii. They are always watching and waiting for you to mess up to point it out

b. Prey on vulnerable people

i. They use sad times of widows to gain stature

ii. They use the poverty of others to enlarge their own bank account

iii. They will do nothing for anyone if they can’t get gain

c. Attracted others to so called Religious stature

i. Religion was popular to the Pharisees

1. Today certain religious sects are popular

d. Swear by the gold and goods in the temple

i. Churches success is too often judged by its bank account or appearance

e. Put traditions above the truth of God’s word

f. Seen paying tithes

i. Overlook important things like mercy and faith

!!! Appearance is everything to Pharisees. They are seeking the approval and status among men. They will therefore have their reward among men and not in Heaven. (Matthew 6:5 and 16).

Those who always view themselves as good people have not been broken by the conviction brought by the Holy Spirit of God. If you don’t know you are bad you are not good. If you know you are bad you are good.

Broken by the Spirit of God = realizing your sinful state

By faith accepting Gods free gift of grace = knowing we can do nothing to save ourselves.

Being transformed = made into a new creature in Christ

He is Holy and we are not

He is worthy of praise and we are not

He is righteous and we are not

He is sinless and we are not

Unless you know you are bad you will not accept Gods grace by faith and escape the wrath to come. Therefore you will not be in Heaven. Only bad people go to Heaven!!

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What is IT Worth to You? Friday, Feb 8 2008

 Matthew 13:44

Philippians 3:8-9

While listening to a sermon by one of my favorite modern day theologians (R.C. Sproul) my mind and spirit were captured by his opening prayer. Here is what he said; “Lord help me to preach boldly, with accuracy no matter what the cost”, (Together for the Gospel DVD series, Ligonier Ministries, 2008). In a modern setting it is truly difficult to find preachers willing to stand firm in the faith by preaching God’s word with accuracy and boldness. Many people find that hard to believe. With a thorough investigation into what happens to bold preachers who preach with accuracy will prove this maxim.

Powerful people of society have taken over many of our churches today. The preachers across this nation often go into a church with honorable intentions and great spiritual hopes. After settling into the position as pastor and starting to preach on some of the difficult subjects the powerful members become uncomfortable and show resentment for the pastor. The rest is history. The powerful member begins his/her campaign to make serving God difficult for the man if he continues preaching hard truths.

When a preacher finds himself in this position he has to make a decision. Will he stay until he is run out for the sake of truth or will he conform to the ideas of the sinners he originally hoped to help?  If the gospel is worth anything at all to the preacher he will hold to the truth without wavering. To please God is better than to be accepted by man!!

• Justification by faith alone = Ephesians 2:8 for by grace are you saved and not of yourselves, it is a gift of God.
• All have sinned = Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
• Jesus is the only way to Heaven = John 14:6 I am the way the truth and the life, no man comes to the father but by me.
• Some will not be saved = Matthew 7:22-23 many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? And in thy name cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me you that work iniquity.
• We are created to glorify God = Revelation 4:11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
• We are not created for our own fulfillment = Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.
• God’s word is truth = John 17:17 sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
• There is no private interpretation of God’s word = 2 Peter 1:20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation.

Many times Christians hear someone say they belong to a church and believe it is a church that preaches truth. That is a sad mistake. Our evangelism cannot stop with knowing if someone belongs to a church. We must ask do you believe in Jesus Christ.

CHURCHES OF TODAY

1. Church of scientology (belief in science itself above anything else)

a. Many of society’s elite subscribe to this religion

2. The Church of Ed Wood (a self professed cult)

3. The Church of non-believers

4. The Church of Moo (based on silliness)

5. This one deleted due to error. With apologies to the church of wifi. They are not really a church.

6. The church of satan

7. The church of the grey (you write your own holy book)

8. The church of the spiral tree (a membership made up of pagans)

9. The church of euthanasia (pushing for controlling the population through euthanasia)

10. Church of the seven African Powers

I. TRUTH IS HARD = holds a level of difficulty

a. To Preach

i. The Preacher stands in jeopardy of offending the audience

b. To Hear

i. Truth often goes against our desire

II. TRUTH IS HAUNTING = evoking strong emotion

a. Breaking your heart = brought to the place, by the moral compass of truth, to know you have wronged God through sin

i. Understanding all sin is against God.

b. Breaking your will = no longer willing to perform particular actions

i. This is old fashioned Holy Ghost Conviction!

c. Breaks ties between people = light and darkness have no fellowship together

i. We must understand we are at enmity with those of wrong doctrine concerning scripture and God

III. TRUTH IS HONORABLE

a. Worthy to be preached

b. Worthy to die for

c. Worthy to be persecuted for

d. Worth dying for

IV. TRUTH IS WHOLE

a. Without error = Gods word given by Himself is without error as He is holy and righteous. He has no sin, therefore His word is without error.

b. Leaves nothing undone = good for all things pertaining to life and Godliness.

c. Unchanging = Gods word is unchanging and is good for all generations.

d. The final word = truth always reaches beyond emotions to give the real picture and presents things according to reality.

Gods word is true. Gods word gives direction to every life. Gods word gives answers to every question. Gods word points us to the one who gives life, direction and answers. Anything other than Gods truth will lead you into error.

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