1 JOHN 5:4-5 FAITH IS THE VICTORY - How to overcome the world!

TOPIC: Overcoming faith

If you love the Author of your faith, you'll love the book He wrote!

TITLE: FAITH IS THE VICTORY - How to Overcome World!

TEXT: 1 John 5:4-5

… whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith. And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

TRUTH CLAIM: This message was recently preached as a New Years message.

NOTE: Ad lib current events and their tie to our cultural decay, both in USA and the whole world.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How can one live in the world and still have a victorious life in Christ … what’s the mystery of overcoming faith?

CONCISE OUTLINE: - According to the bible, overcoming faith is ...

I. A Believing Faith!
II. A Pleasing Faith!
III. A Working Faith!
IV. A Believing Faith!
V. A Sustaining Faith!
VI. A Saving Faith!

CONTEXT: Americans are known world over as a people who take their hits and then get up, dust themselves off, and start all over again. And we may have a rough year ahead of us.

Past generations have been stronger in their faith than this generation though! How will we fair if times get tough?

We are also known for our defense of underdogs. We’ll root for the under-dog when we’re not in the game but put us on the field and we play to win. When all is said and done, we all like a winner!

In the summer Olympics in Beijing, NBC (broadcasting to a primarily American audience) knew this truth very well; when an underdog had a shot at victory they played it for all it’s worth.

They filled our screens with background on anyone who had a chance for victory out of hardship. When there was no clear top runner they would hype the underdogs constantly.

Americans want the loser to win and win big! That’s why it’s hard to under-stand why American’s aren’t pushing & shoving to get into the Kingdom of God! A place made ready by the Chief Underdog.

Yet not even all of those who know of victory have victory! Theirs is the same as the demons in James 2:19.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How can one live in the world and still have a victorious life in Christ … what’s the mystery of overcoming faith?

EXPANDED OUTLINE:

ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE IT IS …

I. A Believing Faith!

My wife gets real nervous going over bridges, especially those that arch high!

Our faith in Jesus is as simple as crossing a bridge. We must have the simple confidence Christ is who He says He is and will do what He says He’ll do! Just like we trust a bridge to be what it claims to be and do what it claims it will do!

The bible says "… faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." [Hebrews 11:1]

We must first believe!

You say you believe but so do the demons.

What should we say then, that your faith believes that God is but does not believe that he can heal you, that He can bring you through the tough times ahead, pay your bills, feed your kids, or give you hope and purpose in life?

You believe there is a God … who is He? Describe Him! Give me His bio!

ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE IT IS …

II. A Pleasing Faith!

Hebrews 11:6 says

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."

In the light of (a) Jeremiah’s plea ("we believe, Lord help us in our unbelief") and (b) Jesus’ own statements to the believing apostles ("oh ye of little faith"), this tells us that pleasing faith is more than a simple statement of belief.

ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE IT IS …

III. A Working Faith!

James, the half brother of Jesus, says real faith shows itself by its works - James 1:22. (see also James 1:14, James 1:17-18)

[OARS] I have said it before, and it is not original with me, and will say it again, that faith and works are the Christian’s oars for crossing the River of Life. It takes both oars to keep from rowing in circles.

ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE IT IS …

IV. A Sustaining Faith!

For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. [2 Timothy 1:12]

For the arms of the wicked will be broken; but the LORD sustains the righteous. [Psalm 37:17]

Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. [Psalm 55:22]

He is able to finish that which He began in us!

ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE IT IS …

V. It’s A Proclaiming Faith!

you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excel-lencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. [1 Peter 2:9, 10]

Jesus gave His final instructions to His disciples as He ascended into heaven to be with the Father,

“you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” [Acts 1:8]

But most of all ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE IT IS …

VI. A Saving Faith!

For by grace are you saved, through faith … [Ephesians 2:8]

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE:

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. [1 Corinthians 9:24-25]

Tom Landry - one of the NFL’s most successful coaches was asked what makes a champion. “A champion is simply someone who will not give up when he wants to.”

Richard Blair - says the missing ingredient in many people’s lives is commitment. Many people own jogging apparel but few jog. Those who jog seriously jog in the rain, snow, or wind. The difference is commitment.

Some jog to be seen, but not the serious jogger. And they would never buy their jogging outfits to make a statement.

In fact most are like serious skiers, they’d never spend money on fancy fashion statements. Levi’s and heavy thermal under-wear is what the want; the little money they have goes into equipment. Blair says many Christians are like joggers and skiers. Some are to be seen, others are there for the discipline.

The difference for the believer is not in commitment: it's in surrender. The surrendered believer labors to be a workman unashamed of the gospel and the God of the gospel. Surrendered believers know the Word and the Word knows them.

One thing is for sure you cannot have overcoming faith if you do not have God’s Faith.

The bible also says … faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. [Romans 10:17]

This is the single biggest area of weakness in the church today, biblical ignorance. How can the people of God have overcoming faith if the source of that faith is the word of God and they are ignorant of what it says?

How can God’s team be victorious if it does not train, if it does not prepare itself?

Let me tell you how to be prepared for the eventualities of life in Christ:

1. read His word often, daily
2. study His word regularly, deeply
3. wash in His word thoroughly, frequently
4. share His word constantly, boldly
5. proclaim His word boldly, reverently!

Abe Lincoln - said, “Take all of this book upon reason that you can, and the balance on faith, and you will live and die a happier and better [person].”

Suggested close - "Faith Is the Victory" followed by "I Surrender All"

1 John, Christianity, Expository, Faith,
Homiletics, New Years,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons

Luke 9:18-20 KJV: THE ONE - Just Another Senator

NOTE: The following is a message prepared to be delivered on Radio Panorama in South African by a good friend, Cornelius Claassen. Cornelius and his family minister in Welcomen, South Africa, a gold fields Township.

TOPIC: The Second Coming
TITLE: THE ONE - Just Another Senator

TEXT: Luke 9:18-20 [KJV]

And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, "Whom say the people that I am?" They answering said, "John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again."

He said unto them, "But whom say ye that I am"? Peter answering said, "The Christ of God."

TRUTH CLAIM/CONTEXT: November 2008 and the American Nation has elected a new President – Senator Barack Hussein Obama – an historical event – the first American of African decent to be elected to the highest office in their democratic government.

A little known fact is that Senator Barack Obama visited South Africa two years ago.

The American Embassy informed the South African Government before hand of his proposed visit. They even warned the South African Government that the Senator had Presidential aspirations.

Senator Barack Obama visited many of the Townships in our country – places that the average visitor to South Africa never visits.

There was hardly any newspaper or TV coverage of his visit. Only one South African Government Official was prepared to meet with the Senator from Illinois.

Our Leaders were just too busy! Too many other important people to be met! Too many other important things to do! This was just another American Senator visiting South Africa!

Little did they realize that this man was to become the next freely elected leader of the most powerful nation on earth.

They were warned but they chose to ignore the possibility that he might become President of his country!

Today, many regret the decision they made two years back to ignore the Senator from Illinois:

"If only – if only we had known who it was that was visiting South Africa – things would have been done differently!"

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How does our text compare the opinion of man versus the opinion of a believer?

Should Barack Obama decide to visit South Africa again, I am convinced that things would be different, much different – he will receive red carpet treatment!

But it is too late now – the damage is done!

We thought that he was just another Senator from America!

So many regrets: "If only we had acted differently ... if only we had not ignored him!"

There are some important Spiritual lessons that we can learn from this event and what happened two years ago!

2000 years ago Jesus came to this earth.

Nearby the city of Bethsaida Jesus spoke to a multitude of about 5000 men about the Kingdom of God

Matthew tells us in his Gospel account – there were about 5000 hungry men, besides women and children!

Jesus took five loaves and two fishes and blessed them and broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before this multitude.

What a miracle:

And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

Luke 9:17 KJV

Friend I want to remind you:

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Hebrews 13:8 KJV

What Jesus did 2000 years ago – He is still able to do today!

Please don’t lose hope! Whatever your need or problem may be today – Jesus is able to help you!

Put your trust in Him! Prayer moves the hand of Him through whom all things are possible!

I. WHO MEN SAY HE IS!

Jesus leaves behind the crowd!

While He was alone praying, His disciples with Him He asked them:
"Who do men say that I am?"

They answered and said:
"Some say – John the Baptist!"
"Some say – Elijah!"
"Others say – One of the old prophets who has risen again!"

If I ask you today: Who do men say Jesus is? What answer would you receive?

If we ask our Muslim friends they will answer: He was a prophet! They will acknowledge that Jesus was born of a virgin! The only person ever known to be born of a virgin!

And she (Mary) who guarded her virginity. We breathed into her of Our spirit (Gabriel), and made her and her son a sign for the worlds.

Sura 21:91

They acknowledge that Jesus was a sign for the worlds! They even acknowledge that Jesus preformed many miracles! They will acknowledge that He was preferred above other Messengers of God -

Of these Messengers, We have preferred some above others. To some Allah spoke; and some He raised in rank. We gave (Prophet) Jesus, the son of Mary, clear signs and strengthened him with the Spirit of Purity (Gabriel). Had Allah willed, those who succeeded them would not have fought against one another after the clear verses came to them. But they differed among themselves; some believed, and others disbelieved. Yet had Allah willed, they would not have fought against one another. Allah does whatever He will.

Sura 2: 253

BUT they will insist – He was nothing more than a prophet!

Who do men say that Jesus is?

Some will tell you that Jesus was a good Teacher!
His teaching are worth following!
But that is as far as they will go – a good Man – a good teacher!

II. WHO BELIEVERS SAY HE IS!

Jesus then asks:

He said unto them, "But whom say ye that I am?" Peter answering said, "The Christ of God."

Luke 9:20 KJV

I want you to notice something very carefully:

But who do you say I am?

We need to answer this question!

Friend, what is important is not -

Who your parents say Jesus is!
Who you family say Jesus is!
Who your friends say Jesus is!
Or even Who your Church says Jesus is!

The question is Who do you say – Jesus is?

Peter answered: "The Christ of God!"

John the Baptist called out:

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

John 1:29 KJV

Remember when Jesus was baptised:

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Matthew 3:16-17 KJV

Jesus told His disciples during the night that He was betrayed:

Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

John 14:6 KJV

The only way to the Father!

The only way to enter the Kingdom of God is by going through the door, into the Lord's sheep pen, and enter into Jesus!

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: To leaders of South Africa, Obama was a mere human being, just another Senator from America; little did they know that the Senator from Illinois would become the next President of the most powerful nation in the World!

If they had only known!

Friend I want to remind you of something in closing -
The Bible says:

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:10

In that day will you call out: If only I realized Who Jesus was!

Today, I was fulfilled my duty as a Preacher of the Gospel!

Jesus is the Son of God – the Saviour of the World!

Listen to the words of Scripture:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 KJV

What must we do?

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Romans 10:9

Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."

Acts 2:38-39 KJV

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:12 KJV

Dear friend, do not hesitate to go out to see Him for yourself, do not hesitate one microsecond - seek Him, ask Him to be your Savior and your Lord, seek His forgiveness and live for all eternity with Him.

Homiletics, Luke,
Preaching, Second Coming, Sermons

HABAKKUK 2:4 - Reckoned Righteous - Faith is the victory!

TOPIC: Faith; Grace, Imputation, Mercy, Perseverance, Relationship, Salvation

TITLE: RECKONED RIGHTEOUS – Why faith is the victory!
TEXT: Habakkuk 2:4

“Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith.”

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: Why Must the Righteous Live By Faith?

CONCISE OUTLINE

I. SUPERNATURAL LINK TO GOD NEEDED!
II. DIVINE GIFT NOT WAGES NEEDED!
III. A LASTING RELATIONSHIP NEEDED!

TRUTH CLAIM/CONTEXT: The Old Testament doesn’t specifically mention salvation by grace through faith, as does the New Testament [“For by grace you have been saved through faith.” Ephesians 2:8a].

But scripture does tell us Abraham was reckoned righteous because he believed God when God promised to make his seed a great nation at a time when he was old and childless. And our selected text certainly supports the contention.

No matter how we interpret the salvation of Abraham or translate Habakkuk 2:4, it remains that the whole of Scripture teaches salvation by grace through faith. Whether we use the term faith or trust or belief, it is by the grace of God we are saved ... through faith.

It's not sacrilegious to ask, why through faith? Why not good works? Or love? Or profession [publicly saying we believe in God]? Why has faith been chosen?

Clearly, if God is God, He can do whatever He chooses. If He can have mercy on whom He will have mercy [Romans 9:15], He can likewise choose the vehicle for His saving grace.

God seeks the counsel of no man. If I'm having difficulty with one of my children, seeking the counsel of another is an admission that I'm unable to parent without the help of others. God doesn't have that problem; He needs no ones counsel … He is the perfect parent, etc.

But it's not wrong to seek God's help in understanding His truths.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: Why Must the Righteous Live By Faith?
EXPANDED OUTLINE

I. SUPERNATURAL LINK TO GOD NEEDED!

Because a supernatural link to God for man is required - faith is that link!

God has ordained faith as the conduit by which man receives His free gift of grace.

[WATER] It never fails but that our little daughter gets thirsty the minute we are too far from the house to get her one; we do not have a conduit from the water source to our car. If we did we could satisfy her thirst.

Problem: how to get the water to her mouth to satisfy her thirst.

Solution: take her to the source of water or build a conduit for the water to flow from the source to her mouth.

Analogy: So too with God's grace; it's in heaven where we can not go at the moment, far from the thirst of our hearts.

However, God, who spoke the heavens and the earth in existence, has said that faith will be His divine conduit for His grace. What the conduit can be to our need for water, faith is to our need of God's grace.

So it makes no sense to seek another route ... there is only one link between heaven and earth and that link is faith in the Son of God.

[PROMISE] A little boy hears his mom offer him a Snickers candy bar from the kitchen window; all he must do is come to the back door and receive what she's promised.

If he believes she will keep her promise and desires the gift, why would he go to the front door or to the neighbor's door? Why would he expect to receive it anywhere but where she promised?

II. DIVINE GIFT NOT WAGES NEEDED!

Because grace is a gift of God and faith is not the basis of that gift!

How is it a gift of God? It is a gift of God in that we are prevented from playing any role in its acquisition lest the gift be seen as something earned, and our sinful, selfish pride vaunts itself.

In the water illustration above, it is necessary to understand that the conduit didn't create the water nor does it improve the water. The conduit is simply used to move the water from its source to its destination.

The conduit is not the basis of satisfied thirst, rather it is the instrument for its delivery.

Faith is the connection between God and man but not the basis of our salvation. The recipient of water doesn't thank the conduit for the water, neither does the born-again believer thank his faith for salvation.

III. A LASTING RELATIONSHIP NEEDED!

Because Christianity is a relationship not a religion; God initiates that relationship!

Faith links man, who is sinking in a sea of sin, to God who is our Anchor and our Hope. Our need for a link is to provide a way of salvation, once that link is established a relationship exists.

[LIFE-LINES] The drowning man does not reject the life-line thrown from a rescue ship in order to grab a pallet floating by … why? Because the pallet offers only temporary deliverance, whereas the line to the ship offers permanent deliverance!

Likewise, God offers a life-line of faith in His Son, promising to reckon us righteous if we'll but trust Him.

[CABLE] Though faith seems a thin thread to many, it is in reality an unbreakable cable, held by the hands of Almighty God, whose infinite power slowly and surely draws all men to His heavenly shore. [paraphrase of Spurgeon]

There must, of necessity, be a relationship between the drowning man and the rescue ship.

However, it cannot just be a life-line, someone must be on board to pull the man from the water.

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: The half brother of Jesus said faith without action is dead.

Now action issues from faith in two ways: first, all action is a function of faith (walking, eating, exploring, employment, athletics, teaching, banking, politics, etc.); second, faith in God is a function of the knowledge of His love for us, such knowledge prompts acts of affection on the part of the recipients of His love.

That heart invaded by God is saved from sin and urged onward to holiness, prayer, sacrifice and service.

[FAITH] "What oil is to the wheels ... what wings are to birds ... faith is to all holy duties and services." [Spurgeon]

“… with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness.”

Romans 10:10a

God knows faith is the result of an understanding of His love which germinates in the heart, this understanding will result in right doing [i.e., righteousness].

Our love of God results in our loving our fellow man ... this, the Bible says, glorifies God and proves that we are disciples of Christ [John 15:8].

This loving faith results in blessings and James says,

"Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights."

James 1:1 7

Earlier the same writer says,

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial, for once he has been approved (i.e., perfected), he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

James 1:12

In combination, this cycle of trials and blessings, prepares us for glory: strengthening our ability to persevere under testing, on the one hand, and strengthening our ability to resist temptation, on the other.

Faith furnishes us with armor for this life and prepares us for the life to come. We are to walk fearlessly in our relationship with the living Lamb of God knowing what Paul knew:

“For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”

2 Timothy 1: 12

Faith does what nothing else can do. Why then would anyone attempt another route into the sheepfold?

[SAFE] It's a foolish man who labors on the door of a safe which holds the secret of eternal life, pounding and pulling, grunting and groaning … when the owner of the safe will provide the combination for free.

Ill-informed sheep and shepherds are leading the lost to the wrong gate to the wrong sheepfold; I fear thousands will not see glory because lazy or careless witnesses did not understand sola fide.

Christianity, Expository, Faith,
Habakkuk, Homiletics,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons

DANIEL: Seed Archive

9:3-19

TOPIC: Worship; Fasting, Prayer, Sin

TITLE: PRAYER & FASTING - The Intercession of Daniel!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How may we imitate Daniel's example?

I. BY HAVING A RIGHTEOUS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD [3-4]

A. Revealing Circumspection with Regard to Self (others as more important)

1. An Earnest Heart
2. A Humble Heart

B. Revealing Circumspection with Regard to God (a genuine fear of the Lord)

1. His Person
2. His Works

II. BY HAVING AN AUTHENTIC AVERSION TO INIQUITY [5-14]

A. Yet Recognize Its Existence

1. And Its Relationship to God's Commandments
2. And Its Relationship to God's Proclamations

B. Yet Recognize Its Effects

1. The Unpleasantness of Shame
2. The Certainty of Punishment
3. The Potential for Calamity

III. BY HAVING AN UNCONDITIONAL COMPASSION FOR OTHERS (espec. sinners) [15-19]

A. Acknowledging Openly Why God Loves Them

1. Because He Alone Has Earned the Right To Love Them
2. Because He Alone Is Worthy to Love Them

B. Understanding Deeply How God Loves Them

1. Though They Do Not Deserve It
2. In Spite of Their Resistance to It

Christianity, Consecration, Daniel, Expository,
Faith, Homiletics, Outlines, Preaching,
Religion, Sermons

1 PETER: Full Sermons

The following are links to full sermons, preached at FBC La Verne in Southern California or at San Carlos Community Church (SCCC) in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico ...

2:24

Link - THE TAPESTRY OF ATONEMENT - What it means to us!

1 Peter, Christianity, Easter, Expository,
Homiletics, Outlines, Preaching

ACTS: Full Sermons

The following are links to full sermons, preached at FBC La Verne in Southern California or at San Carlos Community Church (SCCC) in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico ...

1:4-8

FAITH OF OUR FATHERS - How a Few Nobodies Turned the World Upside Down!

2:22-24

WONDERFUL WORKS OF GOD - First Fruits!

3:6

GIVE WHAT YOU HAVE – Serving God In Power!

3:16, 22-23

TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED – Living Faith Comes From Hearing Him!

4:12 (1-12)

OF MICE AND MEN - And Their Greatest Laid Plans

4:19-20 [13-22]

WHETHER IT IS RIGHT - We are compelled to speak out following an experience with God!

4:29-30 [23-31]

NOTICE THEIR THREATS - Prerequisite for Speaking With Boldness!

5:1-11

THE GREAT PRETENDERS - The cost of doing business with Satan!

5:20 [12-21a]

TAKING A STAND – What the Authentic Church Is Expected to Do!

5:21b-42

CONTINUING DAILY – The honor in dishonor for His Name’s sake!

6:7 (1-7)

BRIDE'S WEDDING PREPARATIONS - Satan's Playpen!

6:8 (1-15)

STEPHEN - Owned By God!

7:58-60

THEY CAST STONES - He Cast Eyes On Heaven!

8:4-5 (1-8)

A GREAT DAY - Being Blown Around a Corner for God's Glory!

8:9-24

A MAGIC ACT - There's Nothing Magical About This Treasure!

Acts, Expository, Homiletics, Outlines,
Preaching, Sermons, Sermon Series

ACTS 3-16, 22-23: Listen to Him!

SERIES: #4 Acts of the Apostles – Witnessing to Jerusalem

TOPIC: Faith; Error, Good News, Proclamation, Unsaved, Witness
TITLE: TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED – Living Faith Comes From Hearing Him! [Romans 10:17]

TEXT: Acts 3:16 [& 22-23 (12-26); cf. Deuteronomy 18:15ff]

[Peter said to them, “You miserable seekers after signs] – on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.”

[And] Moses said, ["You stubborn and stiff-necked people, who grumble at anything] THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM [amongst] YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED to everything He says to you. And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.”

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What can we learn from Peter’s reaction to the people running to John and him?

CONCISE OUTLINE

I. WE MUST … [12-15]

A. KNOW THE TRUTH
B. IF WE ARE TO SEE THE LIE

II. WE MUST … [16-21]

A. BOLDLY CORRECT THE LIE

1. WITHOUT FEAR
2. WITHOUT HESITATION

B. WITHOUT CONDEMNATION

III. WE MUST … [22-26]

A. KNOW SCRIPTURE WELL
B. IF WE ARE TO SEIZE

1. THE MOMENT
2. AND OPPORTUNITY TO PROCLAIM

TRUTHCLAIM/CONTEXT: All of this is supported “by the faith given by way of the Name.”
Let’s rehearse our context briefly –

OBEDIENCE TO THE GREAT COMMISSION CONTINUES …

• Three sections in this book …

1. “In Jerusalem” (1-7)
2. “In Judea & Samaria” (8-12)
3. “In the remotest part” (13-28)

• Three conspicuous themes … [message #1]

1. PREEMINENCE of Christ Jesus (Living Lord)
2. PROMINENCE of the Holy Spirit prominence
3. POWER of the Authentic (True) Church

• Three things God did with Jesus to inaugurate the Church … [message #2]

1. He LIFTED UP the Son
2. He DELIVERED UP the Son
3. He RAISED UP the Son

• Three things we must face concerning our possessions … [message #3]

1. We don’t have everything
2. What we do have we must share with those who don’t
3. We must be willing to be involved in this process

• Three key factors about role models …

1. We are known by the company we keep [“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” 1 Corinthians 15:33]
2. Inappropriate role models beget inappropriate behavior
3. Appropriate role models beget appropriate behavior

• Christ Jesus must be our Role Model!
• We have also agreed that three things seem to happen when a person REALLY “hears” the Good News …

1. they come under GREAT CONVICTION [“they were pierced to the heart”; 2:37a]
2. they ask a GREAT QUESTION [“what shall we do?”; 37b]
3. they received a GREAT RESPONSE [“repent” of your sins & “re-ceive” the Lord Jesus Christ; 3,39]

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What can we learn from Peter’s reaction to the people running to John and him?
EXPANDED OUTLINE

PETER KNEW THE TRUTH; therefore ...

I. WE MUST … [12-15]

A. KNOW THE TRUTH

1. Jesus is “the Truth” know Him
2. Jesus is “the Word” know Him
3. God gets all the glory
4. Only God has piety and power
5. Jews are seekers of signs [John 4:48, 12:37; 1 Corinthians 1:22]

B. TO SEE THE LIE

[FALSE] How are we to discern the counterfeit unless we know the authentic; a crooked wall screams for attention adjacent to a true wall

1. Man receiving glory is wrong
2. Man has no piety or power
3. These people were seeking after signs

• Peter saw their behavior and understood their amazement was at man the instrument not at the doctor, the Healer
• He knew the staring was at man not God; he knew they thought Peter and John had some divine powers
• Peter wants them to know the truth
•  by what power the man was healed
•  and by what righteousness the lameness left his body
• When they had the chance the chose the lie and disowned the truth [v. 14, 15]
• The power of God allows him to speak bluntly; accusing them of murder and crimes against God … “you did this” and “you did that”!
• He understood their culpability in the context of ignorance … avoiding a condemning message.
• He proudly and boldly proclaims the resurrection! [v.15]
• We must live like this!

II. WE MUST … [16-21]

A. BOLDLY CORRECT THE LIE

1. Without intimidation
   
2. Without hesitation
3. Without condemnation
   

• He glorifies the Father by directing the people’s praise away from the instrument to the POWER!

a) through the name of Jesus,
b) through faith in the name!

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name!”

John 1:12

• Peter took popular scriptures and individuals, well known to his audience, and turned them to his advantage.
• He preaches of Abraham & uses him to point to “Abraham’s seed.” [13, 25]
• He preaches Moses and the prophets in order to direct their attention to a greater prophet. [18-24]
• Here is the message of the Baptizer and Jesus … “repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.”
• We must live like this!

III. WE MUST … [22-26]

A. KNOW SCRIPTURE SKILLFULLY

1. If we are to ...

a. Seize moment
b. and opportunity

B. USE SCRIPTURE EXTENSIVELY

1. To address this present age
2. and to proclaim the one to come

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Peter prevented the excited people from slipping into the error of false worship … worshiping the creature rather than the Creator … turning their eyes toward Jesus Christ.

He remembered that it was not their piety or power but God’s that wrought the miracle of healing in the lame man.

He challenged them to remember they’d seen others rise from the dead.

He asked them why they were amazed that a lame man was healed.

Note in all of this – the preeminence of Christ Jesus, the prominence of the Holy Spirit, and the power demonstrated bt the authentic church!

We must ask, “What happens to those who do not hear?” Who do not “listen”? It’s unspeakable to reject the Gospel [read v.23] … you reject God Himself.

WHAT CAN MAN DO TO KNOW THEY’VE HEARD?

1. Ask themselves if they believe that …

a. Jesus is the promised seed of Abraham.
b. Jesus is the promised prophet of Moses
c. it is Jesus who will bring in the time of refreshing, the time of restoration of Israel

[REFRESH] My browser … it needs refreshing once in awhile

2. Ask themselves if they have …

a. repented of their sins [v.19]
b. been converted [turning from their “wicked ways,” v.26]
c. given heed to Him [v.22].

3. Ask themselves if they sense …

a. the forgiveness of their sins [v.19]

[BLACK BEAN STAIN] my first effort at black beans and ham

b. the hope in Christ’s coming again [v.19]
c. the promise of everlasting life [v.21]

Political, ecclesiastical and familial ties will not benefit a single soul

A man may have Abraham or Bill Graham as his father according to the flesh yet have the devil according to the Spirit

A man may be a member in good standing of the First Missionary Lighthouse of the Baptized in the New Blood in Christ Pentecostal Church of the Latter Day Redeemed in God and still not have a single letter of His name recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life

A man may be the son of a third generation deacon, a son of the founding pas-tor of the church he attends, and have an aunt and uncle who are missionaries to Zimbabwe but not be related to the Son of David

If a man is not turned from his wicked ways he will not be found on the Way of Jesus of Nazareth

Clearly the intent of God (in recording the book of Acts) was more than establish-ing an historical record.

Clearly His purpose was to …

1. show the POWER of His people in a.) the spread of the Good News and b.) the growth of the church, the Body of Christ
2. reveal the hardships frequently encountered in absolute obedience;
3. demonstrate the greater need for such hardship;
4. glorify Himself!

Today’ message was titled “TO HIM YOU SHALL LISTEN!” This is a cornerstone of our Good News.

On the Mount of transfiguration:

“Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, ‘This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!’”

Mark 9:7

We’re not to listen to the voices of men, but the voice of God! And Jesus is God!

Faith, Homiletics, Preaching,
Sermon Series, Unsaved, Witness

HEBREWS: Full Sermons

The following are links to full sermons, preached at either FBC La Verne (FBC/LV) in Southern California or at San Carlos Community Church (SCCC) in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico ...


3:13-13

SON OF ENCOURAGEMENT - How to be a Biblical Encourager!

12:1-2

POWER CHALLENGE – The Race Set Before Us!

CrossLinked: Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Proclaimed Series [January 2, "Evening" and January 3, "Morning"]

Church health, Commitment, Endurance,
Faith, Hebrews, Perseverance, Preparation

1 SAMUEL: Full Sermons

The following are links to full sermons, preached at FBC La Verne (FBC/LV) in Southern California or at San Carlos Community Church (SCCC) in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico ...

1:27-28

ASKED OF GOD - For This I Prayed!

CrossLinked: Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Proclaimed Series (19 September "Evening")

3:1-10

HERE I AM - How we ought to answer when He calls!

1 Samuel, Calling, Christianity, Homiletics,
Outlines, Preaching, Samuel, Sermons

JAMES - Full Sermons

The following are links to full sermons, preached at FBC La Verne in Southern California or at San Carlos Community Church (SCCC) in San Carlos, Sanora, Mexico ...

1:21-25

WORKS v. FAITH - Essentials for Christian Living!

James, Outlines,
Preaching, Sermons

TITUS - Full Sermons

The following are links to full sermons, preached at FBC La Verne in Southern California or at San Carlos Community Church (SCCC) in San Carlos, Mexico ...

2:11 (1:5-3:11) (31-46)

SANCTIFIED LIVING - How's My Walk?

Titus, Homiletics,
Preaching, Sermons

HEBREWS 3:12-13 - Son of Encouragement!

TOPIC: Encouragement; prophesy
TITLE: SON OF ENCOURAGEMENT – How to be a biblical encourager!

“Take care … there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart which falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What is the profile of an authentic biblical encourager?
CONCISE OUTLINE:

I. AN ENCOURAGER IS FIRST A BIBLICAL CHRISTIAN
II. AN ENCOURAGER IS CHRIST-LIKE
III. AN ENCOURAGER HAS AN OBEDIENT SPIRIT
IV. AN ENCOURAGER THRIVES ON HIS LABOR'S FRUIT

TRUTH/CONTEXT: I was reminded this week by one of my daughters of the importance of encouragement as a ministry in our relationships.

A couple of weeks ago I preached on koinonia – fellowship! We can’t actually have authentic fellowship without encouragement ... you see they’re both rooted in love and if the church is rooted in anything it is rooted in love, agape love – for God is love!

How should I encourage others? What is the practical side of encouragement?

A Scottish blogger friend, John Brown at Scotwise, who lives on the Gold Coast of Australia, just finished a 3-part series on the subject. I’ve borrowed from some of his material.

When you encourage someone, is it limited to just words? Or do you get up close and personal, where you can see the whites of their eyes?

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. -

William Arthur Ward

It is wonderful when you run into an encourager … often they don’t know they are because it’s so natural to them. Many who are convinced they have no ministry have the ministry of encouragement.

My friend shares this story ...

[PLAY ME A SONG] An elderly widow, restricted in her activities, was eager to serve Christ. After praying about this, she realized she could bring blessing to others by playing the piano. The next day she placed this small ad in the Oakland Tribune: "Pianist will play hymns by phone daily for those who are sick and despondent – the service is free." When people called, she would ask, "What hymn would you like to hear?"

Within a few months her playing had brought cheer to several hundred people. Many of them freely poured out their hearts to her, and she was able to help and encourage them.

– Source unknown

Your image of a biblical Christian might be of one who speaks positive words of encouragement to you, one who says nice things, communicates with honey-like words. But you’d be wrong.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What is the profile of an authentic biblical encourager?
EXPANDED OUTLINE:

I. AN ENCOURAGER IS FIRST A BIBLICAL CHRISTIAN –

A. Being a Biblical Christian of course means he is born again

Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

John 3:3

B. Being a Biblical Christian means the bible is his operations manual, his daily guide ...

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

II. AN ENCOURAGER IS CHRIST-LIKE –

A. He is an imitator of Jesus (Christian means, lil' Christ)
B. He has compassion on the multitudes [Matthew 9:36]
C. He cares for the least of these [Matthew 25:31-46]

III. AN ENCOURAGER HAS AN OBEDIENT SPIRIT –

A. He loves the Lord his God with all that he is [Matt 22:35-38; the Great Commandment]
B. He loves his neighbor [Second Commandment]
C. He seeks first the Kingdom of God [Matthew 6:33]
D. He denies himself [Matthew 16:24]
E. He serves others not self [Philippians 2:3-4]
F. He reaches out to others [Matthew 20:28; Jesus did not come to be served]
G. His focus is on things above and not things of this world [Colossians 3:1-3]
H. He takes one day at a time [Matthew 6:34; Christy Lane’s song]
I. He makes disciples and teaches God’s commandments [Matthew 28:19-20]
J. He is a John 15 disciple …

1. He knows "apart" from Jesus he "can do nothing" [John 15:5a]
2. He glorifies the Father by bearing much fruit [John 15:8]
3. He loves the brethren [John 15:12]

IV. AN ENCOURAGER THRIVES ON HIS LABOR'S FRUIT –

A. He is not one who is satisfied with a moment's elation (e.g., Ananias and Sapphira)
B. He incites and exhorts others to act (Stephen)
C. His reward is a changed life (Paul at the Areopagus)

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: The greatest encourager is the Holy Spirit; the Father had the Son tells us He sent Him to help and comfort us, lit. to encourage us.

He is referred to as the paracletos! One who comes along side of to console and to counsel, to edify and exhort!

[FLOTATION] During the Second World War a plane went down and the crew was for some reason unable to get their “Mae Wests” on and found themselves in the middle of the ocean with nothing to help them stay afloat … except a box of paper cups. Somehow they arranged the cups in such a ways that they served as a flotation device until they were rescued.

Encouragement is like those paper cups, it helps keep us all afloat until we are rescued.

My friend John says …

The ministry of encouragement does not involve great personal gifts of speech, or musical talent. Encouragement can be done by anyone, who will simply try to see those around them through the eyes of Christ, and there is a great need for people who will lift up rather than put down. It is a gift that we all must cultivate, or many who are downtrodden, will be ground into the dust.

He says ….

It costs us nothing to encourage people, it is a free gift from our encouraging God, let us use it freely to glorify his name, and to extend the Kingdom of Heaven!

But to be a biblical encourager one must be like the cups and not just like the “play me a hymn woman,” we must get in the water with the discouraged and put ourselves at risk with them.

[HALLMARK CARDS] has a great series of commercials on encouragement … the trou-bled teen whose principle encouraged her and the little boy who stayed in from his recesses in order to befriend a crippled boy … but they are only biblical if they cost you something.

I think of the 22 year old clerk at the florist who included a card of cheer to a customer’s friend’s 15 year old son who had just found out he had leukemia … she didn’t have to do it, but she’d survived the disease herself and wanted to encourage him … it changed his life!

The bottom line is this: and encourager exhorts, entreats, incites, uplifts, consoles, comforts, coun-sels, stimulates, edifies, excites courage, inspires, builds confidence & hope, motivates, and em-boldens among many things.

Notice an encourager is not a discourager, or a discomforter, a conspirator, a destroyer, a demotivator, or a robber of hope.

Expository, Faith, Hebrews, Homiletics,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons

MATTHEW 8:5-13 - You of little faith!

TOPIC: Faith (living or simple)

TITLE: OH YOU OF LITTLE FAITH – What must God do to convince?
TEXT: Matthew 5:5-13

And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented." Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion said, "Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes, and to another, 'Come!' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this!' and he does it."

Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, "Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And Jesus said to the centurion, "Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed that very moment.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What kind of faith did the Centurion exhibit that attracted the Lord’s notice?

CONCISE OUTLINE

I. HE EXHIBITED A PROACTIVE FAITH!
II. HE EXHIBITED A SELF-RELIANT FAITH!
III. HE EXHIBITED AN UNSELFISH FAITH!
IV. HE EXHIBITED A FAITH-BASED FAITH!
V. HE EXIBITED A GOD EXALTING FAITH!
VI. HE EXHIBITED A CHILD-LIKE FAITH!

TRUTH/CONTEXT: Faith is not a normal feature of human existence; having been given intellect/reason man has a hard time dealing openly with acts of faith (e.g., child discipline, patriotism, moral values, traditions, etc.).

We’re challenged everyday with events and circumstances which cry out for faith, for trust in God, for confidence in Him, for simple belief. Yet, how do we deal with the testing?

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

James 1:2-8

This week’s message is a result of two separate events. I get together each week with another member for Bible study; it was at this week’s get together the Lord pointed to our text as the text He wanted me to preach today!

I believe it had to do with another event involving a member of the church, where a lack of faith has been exhibited for some time. That lack of faith revealed a misunderstanding of faith by still another member.

[SOVEREIGNTY] One night when a diplomat and his valet were required to sleep in the same railcar, the valet noticed his boss having trouble sleeping. “Whazzzzup?” He asked (things have changed). “Oh, I have so many things on my mind; the responsibilities I have to bear.”

“Look, I want to get some sleep, so let me ask you: do you think God was governing the world okay before you were born and don’t you think He'll manage after you're dead and gone?” “Absolutely!” “Okay then, let’s get some sleep, cause He’s gonna do just fine while your alive … right?"

As pastor, I’m called upon to address issues such as faith and nothing can be more important to a Christian church than faith …

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What kind of faith did the Centurion exhibit that attracted the Lord’s notice?
EXPANDED OUTLINE: To answer that we need to notice what stands out as significant in our scriptural vignette …

I. HE EXHIBITED A PROACTIVE FAITH!

He didn’t worry himself sick; by faith he took action! He didn’t sit around wringing his hands; by faith he went to the Right Hand of God! He didn’t complain to local religious leaders; by faith he went to the Son of God! He didn’t call for a healing service; by faith he went to the Healer! He didn’t go to the medical community; by faith he went to the Great Physician!

II. HE EXHIBITED A SELF-RELIANT FAITH!

He didn’t send others; by faith he went himself! He didn’t seek intercessors; by faith he went directly to the One he believed could solve his problem!

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.

Hebrews 11:30

III. HE EXHIBITED AN UNSELFISH FAITH!

He didn’t go for himself; by faith he went for a servant!

By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Hebrews 11:7

IV. HE EXHIBITED A FAITH-BASED FAITH!

There is no record of God having done anything for this man that would have explained such proactive faith; by faith he simply went.

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Hebrews 11:8

V. HE EXIBITED A GOD EXALTING FAITH!

By faith he went and humbled himself before someone people considered of less stature. By faith he recognized Jesus authority and sovereignty and power!

By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.

Hebrews 11:11

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.

Hebrews 11:24-26

VI. HE EXHIBITED A CHILD-LIKE FAITH!

And said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 18:3

By faith the Centurion told Jesus, “Just say the word” and he will be healed.

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son.

Hebrews 11:17

[I SEE YOU] A dad stood in the cellar looking up at his son standing at the edge of a trap door. He called up, “I’m right here son, go ahead jump down to me."

The boy hesitated, in uncertain fear. "I can't, dad; I can't see you." Up came the answer, "I know you can't, but I see you!”

We may not see our Father but He sees us!

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE:

And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment.

They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us …

Hebrews 11:32-40

I’m usually conflicted when I hear people try to describe the difference between Christianity and another religions ... "by grace you are saved, through faith" [Ephesians 2:8]; this includes every thing from Genesis to Revelation, from the Garden to the incarnation, from Calvary’s cross to the Judgment seat, from the ascension to the 2nd Coming, from the Rapture to the millennium, and from Creation to our first moment in eternity future ... in a word, Christianity is summed up in Christ.

Consider the following in light of the Centurion’s interaction with Jesus –

Money: both personal and related (e.g., paying your bills and the church’s)
Career: both the one you are in and the one you want
Health: both yours and those around you (e.g., recent events regarding your health or the health of a loved one)
Family: yours or that of someone near you; parents or grandkidsConsider how you, by faith, would approach the Lord; put yourself in the Centurion’s shoes of faith, just change his need to your need.

At this point in your life, what behavior, what words, what faith would impress the Lord similarly to that of the Centurion?

Are you coming proactively or with doubt? Are you expecting your church or your pastor to go to the Lord for you? Are you coming on behalf of others or self? Are you going due to something the Lord did or something He promised to do? Is your supplication be exalting to God or man?

Are you seeming to be foolish to others? When you come to you understand … "the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those (are the things that) defile the man." [Matthew 15:18]

[YOUR WALLET] Faith is resident in the heart of the believer; dozens of Scripture support this. Capitol One runs a popular commercial which has the punch line, “What’s in your wallet?” For our purposes, let’s morph this to, “What’s in your heart?”

[TWO PARTS] An old preacher was fond of saying, “There are two parts to the Good News; the first is believing and the second is behaving.” The one who hears but does not do is the one James describes as having dead faith. [James 2:17]

For nine long years we’ve been a church which has lived in the past; everything that happens, good or bad, seems to be examined by our history, rather than looking forward by faith to what can be … to what is promised!

We’ve been so busy licking our wounds, we’ve forgotten we’re to live by faith, believing God will do great things.

Our text tells us a world of things about the kind of faith which gets the notice of God. Let me suggest that we start being noticed!

Faith, Homiletics, Matthew, Outlines,
Preaching, Sermons, Sovereignty