HOSEA 14:8 - Believer's Fruit: Where does it come from?

TOPIC: Fruitfulness [Discipleship; Sanctification]

TITLE: BELIEVER’S FRUIT: Where does it come from?
Adapted from - Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Devotions, “Morning” September 8

TEXT: Hosea 14:8b

I am like a luxuriant cypress; From Me comes your fruit.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How is that the fruitless are able to bear fruit?
CONCISE OUTLINE

I. WE BEAR FRUIT BY WAY OF OUR UNION WITH GOD!
II. WE BEAR FRUIT BY WAY OF GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL PLAN!
III. WE BEAR FRUIT BY WAY OF GOD'S GENTLE CONSERVATION!

CONTEXT: In this "in your face" book of prophecy, we find Israel as Jehovah's adulterous wife, repudiated, but ultimately purified and restored. The prophet's distinctive message is summed up in one Hebrew word Lo-ammi, "not my people," and amplified by its antonym, Ammi, "my people."

Scofield says,

"Israel is not merely apostate and sinful--that is said also; but her sin takes its character from the exalted relationship into which she has been brought."

Though directed at Ephraim, the teaching is to all Israel; and so too the context fits our present Western Civilization, especially the Western Church, like a glove and certainly better than O. J.'s glove.

The context for our focal text is Israel's ultimate restoration, and like Job, blessing in the Latter Days. Oh, if they'd only have listened to their Mishua (my transliteration).

TRUTH CLAIM: Henry Blackaby in his classic curriculum on discipleship, Experiencing God, reminds us we are often so focused on our own work for God we fail to notice God is working far and away from us.

In 14:8 we understand ...

We need go no farther than God for the supply of all our wants; not merely the protection implied by the shadow of the cypress, but that which the cypress doesn't have, namely, fruit, all spiritual and temporal blessings.

It may be also implied, that whatever spiritual graces Ephraim seeks for or may have, are not of themselves, but of God (Psalm 1:3; John 15:4-5, 8; James 1:17). [Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible; edits are from The CRIB]

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How is that the fruitless are able to bear fruit?
EXPANDED OUTLINE

I. WE BEAR FRUIT BY WAY OF OUR UNION WITH GOD!

A. United with the Root!

The fruit of the branch is directly traceable to the root; sever the connection, the branch dies, and no fruit is produced.

Every bunch of grapes have been first in the root, it has passed through the stem, and flowed through the sap vessels, and fashioned itself externally into fruit, but it was first in the stem.

B. Christ is the Root! [Isaiah 11:10]

By virtue of our union with Christ we bring forth fruit; every good work was first in Christ, and then produced in us.

C. Root is the Source!

Believers, cherish your priceless union with Christ [Romans 6:5-9]; for it must be the source of all the fruitfulness which thou can hope to know.

If you aren't joined to Christ, you will be poorer than a barren tree indeed.

II. WE BEAR FRUIT BY WAY OF GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL PLAN!

A. Nature by God's Design!

When the dew-drops fall from heaven, when the cloud looks down from on high, and is about to burst forth with its treasure, when the sun swells the berries of the cluster, each heavenly gift may whisper to the tree and say, "From Me comes your fruit."

B. Not All is Supernatural!

The fruit owes much to the root – that is essential to fruitfulness – but it owes very much also to external influences.

C. Our Daily Bread!

How much we owe to God's providential and creative grace, from which he provides for us constantly; to this we owe our all of usefulness or virtue.

III. WE BEAR FRUIT BY WAY OF GOD'S GENTLE CONSERVATION!

A. Divine Grooming!

The gardener's sharp-edged knife promotes the fruitfulness of the tree, by thinning the clusters, and by cutting off superfluous shoots.

B. Divine Pruning!

So is it, Christian, with that pruning which the Lord gives to thee.

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. "

John 15:1-2

APPLICATION: Believers today seem to have forgotten these elementary truths. They've become powerless in the forgetting - forgetting that our union with Christ has made us powerful and wise not powerless and ignorant.

CHALLENGE: Since our God is the author of our spiritual and natural graces, let's give him all the glory and all the praise of our common salvation. And then let's live like the blessed and mighty children of the King we are! Amen! And amen!

Christianity, Expository,
Homiletics, Hosea, Last Days,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons

DANIEL 10:14, 18-19: How prophecy strengthens us!

TOPIC: Prophecy; Character, Conduct, Promises (of God), Understanding

TITLE: "A PROPHETIC WORD -- How prophecy strengthens us!"

TEXT: Daniel 10:14, 18-19 [2-19]

"Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future."
...
"Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me. He said, 'O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!' Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, 'May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.'"

TRUTH CLAIM/CONTEXT: Daniel, great man of faith, broken hearted over Israel, "mourning" for his nation; weak from fasting, his strength fails him in the presence of an angelic messenger; but the messenger gave him "understanding of what will happen to [his] people in ... the days yet future" and he was strengthened.

Even though the strengthening was by way of an angelic visitor's touch, it was the prophet's faith (belief) which allowed him to be effected ... he believed the messenger's words ... "as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength."

Now (Chapters 11 & 12) Daniel was about to become familiar with the promises of God concerning Israel.

It is God's intention His words strengthen those who hear them, same as Daniel [Romans 10:17]; God intends His words to influence us.

We conclude prophetic messages are intended to "strengthen" or influence or change those who receive them by faith.

We need strengthening as much as Daniel; we too are weary of the continuing powerlessness and decline of the church (the true Church being our Israel).

As Scofield said in his classic Addresses on Prophecy -

"there is implied in the influence of any truth, the fact that it is really believed to be true." [Addresses on Prophecy, C. I. Scofield, A.C. Gaebelein Publ. (NY 1910) p. 3]

Scofield also wrote elsewhere,

"The church ... has failed to follow her appointed pathway of separation, holiness ... and testimony to an absent but coming Christ; she has turned aside from that purpose to the work of civilizing the world, building magnificent temples, and acquiring earthly power and wealth, and in this way, has ceased to follow in the footsteps of Him who had not where to lay His head." [C. I. Scofield, The Biggest Failure of the Church Age]

Oh how true; both then and now.

God inaugurated a plan for the ages; He has revealed this plan to His people in His Word (His Son, John 1:14).

In ages past, He inspired men to keep a record, so that their experiences might be examples for those living in the present [1 Corinthians 10:11]; He inspired still others to speak words of prophetic mystery [Hebrews 1:1] concerning the future, so that men of every age would be inspired or condemned by them; He then spoke through His Son once, for all and for all time, in "these last days" [Hebrews 1:2-4]; and His Son declared "It is finished" [John 19:30]; We are also reminded the Law and the Prophets were fulfilled in Him [Luke 24:44].

God’s promises are revealed through prophecy; they are joined at the hip, and play a critical role in the strengthening of His people.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How does Daniel's context parallel ours?
EXPANDED OUTLINE

I. IT PARALLELS -

A. In That Both Face the Same Dilemma

1. The Jews were being held captive by Persia; we are being held captive by the world
2. Israel was rebelling; so is the Church
3. Daniel was "mourning" Israel [2, 3]; we are mourning the Church
4. He is feeling hopeless, he was losing his will to keep on keeping on [8, 9]; we often feel similar to this
5. Future revealed to Daniel; future revealed to us

II. IT DOESN’T PARALLEL -

A. IN THAT –

1. Daniel was reading his “books” [9:2]; we aren’t reading ours
2. He prayed and fasted [3, 4]; we aren’t doing much of the former and little of the latter
3. Daniel’s humility impressed God [12, 17]; what do you think God thinks of Gringo humility?
4. Christ came to give him understanding & strengthen him [14]; He’s departed from visible church, we’ve lost our understanding, and remain without strength
5. Daniel had ears that heard and eyes that see [8, 9]; we have neither
6. God held Daniel in high esteem [11]; no comment
7. Sent an angel to strengthen him [14, 18-19]; only sends angels to televangelists
8. Revelation renders Daniel speechless [15]; we can’t shut up
9. He confesses his own powerlessness [16]; the church is trying to impress God with all that it can do for Him

APPLICATION: One hundred years have passed since the writing of Scofield's now classic work: nothing has changed.

"There is a great deal of the study of prophetic truth, and a great deal of the hearing of the exposition of prophetic truth which has no effect upon conduct or character, simply because it is heard or studied without faith." [Scofield, p. 4]

Faith is the conduit for illumination [1 Corinthians 2:12-13] just as it is for saving grace [Ephesians 2:8].

And Paul cautions us to recognize that hope that is seen is not hope at all.

Now, shifting gears - what forms conduct and builds character?

"It is ... a believing understanding of prophetic truth which has an influence upon either character or conduct." [Ibid.]

Common sense reveals that conduct is what we do, how we conduct ourselves ... our behavior!

And our behavior (ultimately) finds its roots in character – character is who we are! Consider a good man habitually exhibiting bad behavior ... it is an oxymoron to think a man is good who regularly exhibits bad conduct.

Turn that around: consider a bad man habitually behaving morally and ethically ... another oxymoron.

Hopelessness or hopefulness, it's our choice. If the Word of God is errant, fallible, and not God-breathed, we're hopeless; there's no future in these.

If the Word of God is inerrant, infallible, and God-breathed, then we're hopefilled. There is prophetic truth in these; in these is hopefilled expectation from generation unto generation.

For hope is from expectation and it is born out of that expected or promised ... our promise is in God's prophetic word. If the word of God can’t be trusted; there is no hope because there is no promise.

To be familiar with God’s promises we must be intimate with His prophecies; this requires intimacy with the Author. Intimacy implies knowledge of both; this knowledge is formative … it forms who we are.

And knowledge of God’s promises brings expectation to the table.

[RETURN] A farmer had an old hound dog that he cherished. One day the dog disappeared, and several weeks passed without his return. In spite of this, the farmer continued to set out fresh food for the dog every day.

Finally, in curiosity, one of the farmer's neighbors asked why he continued to set out food for the dog when he obviously was not returning.

"He will be back," replied the farmer. "Because he knows I am here waiting for him. And when he gets here I want him to know he is welcome back."

Today we wait for Christ's return with great expectancy … it’s promised.

We don’t know the day or the hour, but we’re confident He is coming back; this knowledge should influence us to act accordingly.

Don't confuse reputation with character; a gifted gossip can ruin a good man's reputation but not his character; a gifted ad man can get an immoral man elected president.

Everything and more than what Daniel learned and "understood" is ours! We have Christ; and Christ said, "It is finished."

Peter writes that even the angels would like to look into what we know [1 Peter 1:12].

Hope comes from the expectation a thing will occur, a formative influence. Hope, for believers, is rooted in our salvation [Romans 8:24], a promise of God.

What and who we know are formative; where we are ignorant of a matter or a thing we are free from its formative influence.

That which we know intimately influences our character (and therefore our conduct) intimately.
We are not a religious people, we are a relational people; God desires an intimate relationship with each and every one of us.

CHALLENGE: So, if it’s behavior we wish to influence in our churches, and it’s character we wish to build in our people, we must begin first with our church and then with ourselves … just as Daniel did.

We must acknowledge our failure to have an intimate relationship with God, solid knowledge of His promises, and a faithful expectation of their coming fulfillment.

Then, and only then, will we be strengthened by the both the Author of our faith and the Promise Keeper Himself.

Christianity, Daniel, Expository,
Homiletics, Outlines, Preaching,
Prophecy, Promises, Sermons

HOSEA: 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 ...

14:8

BELIEVER'S FRUIT - Where does it come from?

CrossLinked: Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Proclaimed Series (September 8 "Morning")

quick link to HOSEA: Seed Archive

Homiletics, Hosea, Idolatry,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons

EZEKIEL: 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 ...

37:1-14

A CRUCIAL QUESTION - Son of man, can these bones live?

quick link to EZEKIEL: Seed Archive

Ezekiel, Homiletics, Preaching,
Sermons, Sermon Series

2 Chronicles 16:9a: The Eyes of the Lord!

TOPIC: Provision; Hope, Trust, Watchcare

TITLE: THE EYES OF THE LORD – He Strongly Supports Us!

Adapted form Spurgeon’s Morning & Evening; “Morning” September 28 (switched from Ps. 33:13 to ...

TEXT: 2 Chronicles 16:9a

“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth (in order) that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”

INQUIRY: How does God support us?
CONCISE OUTLINE

I. IN THE WAY HE ATTENDS TO OUR NEEDS!
II. IN THE WAY HE BEHOLDS TO OUR WOES!

TRUTH/CONTEXT: Perhaps no words represent God in a more gracious light than when He is spoken of as having leaned down from His throne or as having come down from heaven to behold the needs of man and attend to his woes.

Especially is this grand truth brought home, when we recall how attentive He is and has been to the whole of our temporal and eternal interests.

Our text provides two striking disclosures –

1. that the Lord is observing every movement and condition of man upon the earth and,
2. that He does so in order to know who serves Him, that He may “strongly support” them!

[SCANNER] Like a grocery scanner, His eyes are whipping back and forth over the entire surface of the earth, keeping tabs on all who live. Unlike the scanner, God misses nothing.

INQUIRY: How does God support us?
EXPANDED OUTLINE

I. IN THE WAY HE ATTENDS TO OUR NEEDS

Don’t get the idea that God sits in heaven taking no notice of us. No matter how poor or needy, no matter your station in life, remember –the Lord still numbers the hairs of your head.

The prophet Elijah, on the heights of Mt. Carmel, grappled with God over a drought and its end. But the prophet never once gave way to the fear that he would be unwelcome in God's courts.

Six times Elijah’s servant returned, and each time to the seventh, no word was spoken but "Go again.”

Our timing may not be God’s timing, but His concern for our needs is present at all times, infinitely.

II. IN THE WAY HE BEHOLDS OUR WOES

“The Lord looks from heaven; he beholds all the sons of men.”

Psalm 33:13

[LINKS] On the Internet there is something called a URL (Uniform Reference Link); it ties or links one computer with a file stored on another.

Though immeasurable of distance lies between the creature and the Creator, links exist unite us with God.

A. The Link of Our Tears: When a tear descends your cheek, don’t think God does not see its desent.

“Return and say to Hezekiah …, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of your father David, “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears...”’”

2 Kings 20:5

“… the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.”

Psalm 6:8

[BOB CARLISLE] “When a Grown Man Cries … his tears touch the very heart of God.”

B. The Link of Our Sighs: Your sigh is able to move the heart of God.

“Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, And He will hear my voice.”

Psalm 55:17

C. The Link of Our Trust: Your faith can move His arm.

“And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.”

Matthew 21:22

And He saves your prayers in golden bowls.

D. The Link of Our Fellowship: Not only your prayer but your time in the word can stay His hand.

“…the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weak-nesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:12-16

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Again, no image represents God more graciously than when He is spoken of as having leaned down from His throne (or as having come down from heaven) to behold the needs of man and attend to his woes.

But the text says His focus is only on “those whose heart is completely His.”

How the thought of Him warms our heart when we recall that He would not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah till He’d personally visited them, even though they were full of iniquity.

How our souls pour out affection toward our Lord when He ignores His Angelic Choir in order to place His ear close to the lips of a dying sinner who’s fading spirit longs for reconciliation.

How our own spirits adore Him when we remember that He numbers the very hairs of our heads, that He lights our paths, and that He establishes the way of our travels?

Oh! Then repeat the truth that never tires,
No god is as the God my soul desires;
He at whose voice heaven trembles, even He,
Great as He is, knows how to (lean down) to me.

Is your heart completely His? Does He strongly support you? If not, why not?

2 Chronicles, Christianity, Expository, Homiletics,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons

1 KINGS 10:7: The Half Not Told!

TOPIC: Evangelism; Good News, Hope, Promise, Sovereignty, Testimony, Witness
TITLE: THE HALF NOT TOLD – Seeing Christ in Solomon and Sheba!

TEXT: 1 Kings 10:7 [1 Kings 10:1-13]

“Nevertheless I did not believe the reports,
Until I came and my eyes had seen it.
And behold, the half was not told me.
You exceed in wisdom and prosperity
the report which I heard.'

TRUTH CLAIM/CONTEXT: A type is a representation of a higher, greater, or truer value. For example, the image left by the key of a typewriter is a representation of the engraved head of the key.

It’s legitimate to relate Solomon to Jesus as a "type" of our Lord; support for this view comes from Christ Himself: Jesus Himself said -

“The Queen of the South shall rise up with this generation at the judgment and shall condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.”

Matthew 12:42

Now the similarities between Sheba as a seeker of truth and spiritual seekers of every age is amazing. Of course very few seekers are monarchs or as powerful as Sheba. One might also see Sheba as a type of the Church.

Paul Harvey relates half of the story to get his listeners' attention, to stimulate his curiosity … he then tells "The Rest of the Story".

This is the way it was with the Queen of Sheba, but she didn't know she had heard only half the story. She told Solomon, "the half was told to me." The claims concerning Solomon heightened her curiosity.

[GOOD TIMES] There have been times when the first half HAS been told very well, and seekers have come from all over to hear "the rest of the story." E. g., Moody, Finney, Edwards, Wesley, Whitefield, Luther, Calvin, Spurgeon, Graham ... Gillmartin … just kidding!

Haven't you found the Good News to be much more than what you heard? You were told you would have peace which passes understanding; isn't what you have twice as good as what you thought it would be?

Weren't we told Jesus would never forsake nor depart from us; has He lied? The Bible says hope is a byproduct of the Good News; isn't real hope still found between faith & love? [1 Corinthians 13:13]

Sheba was an ancient kingdom in the southern tip of Arabia: present-day Yemen (meaning south or southern). Its people colonized Ethiopia in the tenth century BC and were known for their wealth and commercial prosperity.

Wealth was useless in those days unless one had the power to hold it … and the Queen clearly held hers well. In order to understand today's message we must walk through our passage, verse-by-verse …

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: The foundational inquiry for this outline appears later.
EXPANDED OUTLINE: [Editor's note – the preacher may make as much or as little of each point as he wishes.]

I. THE QUEEN HEARD THE REPORT!

“… the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon …” [la]

Someone traveled to the Sheba and told her of this northern king, whose faith was in the God of Israel. A picture was painted her mind in words that seemed too good to be true.

II. THE QUEEN CAME TESTING!

“… she came to test him with difficult questions.” [1b]

Like most doubters, Sheba was puffed up by her own self-image and her faith was in her nation's superstitions and powers. She thought herself intelligent and experienced.

She probably consulted others before she came, even brought some with her. She had her talking points just like someone participating in a political debate.

III. THE QUEEN CAME BEARING!

“… she came … with camels carrying spices and very much gold and precious stones.” [2a]

She probably wanted to shame Solomon, if he didn't live up to his reputation. If the stories were true, the gifts would have elevated herself as a superior monarch or possibly to compromise the king.

IV. THE QUEEN CAME REVEALING [she was transparent]!

“… she spoke with him about all that was in her heart.” [2b]

Seeing was believing. She boldly told of her doubts. How can we deny what we see with our own eyes. Truth shatters the hard shell of pride, and its secrets spill out.

V. THE QUEEN WAS ANSWERED!

"… Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was hidden … which he did not explain …” [3]

The text says, “nothing was hidden from the king.” He gave her the answers she sought. He was not just a puppet in God's hands, God gave him understanding so he could explain it to her.

How often seekers are given "facts" by well-intentioned witnesses, yet no understanding follows because the student remains a student. [Cf. Hebrews 5:11-12]

VI. THE QUEEN WAS RECEPTIVE [open to the truth]!

“When the queen … perceived all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his servants, the attendance of his waiters and their attire, his cupbearers, and his stairway by which he went up to the house of the LORD, there was no more spirit in her.” [4-5]

Sheba sensed one who was far superior to herself; far wiser, whose palace exceeded her own, whose table was so sumptuous all his subjects could feed at it. All of it was too much. And her spirit of pride departed from her. Some expositors say she was left breathless by the king's splendor.

[PERSONAL TESTIMONY] This is how I felt when I was saved. I was so filled with pride and self-centeredness. When I came into the presence of the Living God for the first time all my senses screamed out in recognition of His greatness and my insignificance.

VII. THE QUEEN GAVE TESTIMONY TO THE KING!

“Then she said to the king, 'it was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. Nevertheless I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me.” [6-7a]

VIII. THE QUEEN PRAISED THE KING AND GOD!

“You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard. How blessed are your men, how blessed are these your servants who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom. Blessed be the LORD your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel; because the LORD loved Israel forever, therefore He made you king, to do justice and righteousness.” [7b-9; notice Messianic tone]

IX. THE QUEEN GAVE TO THE KING!

“And she gave the king a hundred and twenty talents of gold, and a very great amount of spices and precious stones. Never again did such abundance of spices come in as that which the queen of Sheba gave King Solomon.” [10]

When one is in the presence of someone greater the natural motivation is to give tribute.

X. THE QUEEN RECEIVED FROM THE KING!

“And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all her desire which she requested, besides what he gave her according to his royal bounty.” [13a]

When a righteous sovereign is consulted, no matter the intentions, a righteous response is given. And a great and righteous sovereign gives more. You can't out give Him.

XI. THE QUEEN RETURNED HOME!

“Then she turned and went to her own land together with her servants.” [13b]

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: Now, how does this apply to us today?

• People must hear the first half [Good News] before they're able to say "not the half was told to me."
• People will come to test what they've heard.
• People will challenge the King of kings.
• People open to the truth will pour out their hearts once they've heard it.
• People will then receive "the rest of the story" and the truth shall set them free!

We're told to be …

“ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you."

1 Peter 3:15

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Head knowledge is not enough:

• True conversion comes from openness to the whole truth.
• True conversion is accompanied by true testimony and submission.
• True conversion is accompanied by praise of God, through the King.
• True conversion is accompanied by a giving spirit, but you can't out give the King.

Those who are truly born-again go home and love to tell the story … just the first half, they have to hear the rest of the story for themselves, directly from the King of kings, before they can pass that on!

We can’t exhaust the wonders of God; He is infinite, we are finite. What was Solomon's kingdom in the light of God's grace? Sinners need infinite grace, only our God has that much grace.

Those who dine at the Lord's table are abundantly satisfied.

[NAMES] We've all seen graffiti. It irritates us when we see it everywhere we go. Doesn't it? But have you considered how temporary their message is, how impermanent the artist's name is? First the name is lost, then the message passes into oblivion.

Time also took the name of the Queen of Sheba, but not the name above all names, the name at which every knee shall bow and tongue confess, the name by which every man must be saved.

The challenge is telling the rest of the story ... God's grace is sufficient indeed.

1 Kings, Christianity, Expository, Homiletics,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons, Sheba, Solomon

RUTH: 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 ...

4:14-15

Link - RUTH - David's Great Grandmother!

Christianity, Easter, Expository,
Homiletics, Judges, Outlines, Preaching, Sermons

RUTH 4:14-15: David's Great Grandmother!

TOPIC: Kinsman Redeemer; Commitment, Loyalty, Promises (of God), Providence, Redemption, Trust

TITLE: RUTH - David's Great Grandmother!
TEXT: Matthew 1:5b & Ruth 4:14-15

“and to Boaz was born Obed by Ruth”

“Then the women said to Naomi, ‘Blessed is the LORD who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may His name become famous in Israel. May He also be to you a restorer of life and a sustainer of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.’”

Ruth is a tender story of loyalty and trust; of purity and providence; with a prophetic purpose.

The importance of Ruth is found in the whole of the book … not the verses - very few verses are memory verses.

Possibly during a time of idolatry and immorality; during the period of the Judges … probably just before Gideon was a judge; during a time of intense famine.

Ruth demonstrates selfless character in her loyalty to Naomi and Naomi’s God ...

“Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God”

1:16

Naomi, a widow of the tribe of Judah dutifully followed husband and sons to Moab to survive, leaving all behind.

In Moab, each of her men dies in turn, leaving her a widow and caretaker of two Moabite daughters-in-law … without a redeemer. And Naomi is selfless in her concern for her daughter-in-law.

It’s About God’s Redemptive Plan!

A picture of the grafting in [Romans 11] of the Church ...

Chapter one has Naomi (Israel) and Ruth (Church) in the Land of Moab (world).
Chapter two has Ruth, without a people, gleaning in Boaz’ field (pasture or harvest field of God).
Chapter three has Ruth counseled by Naomi (Law); then on Boaz’ threshing floor (place of offering/sacrifice; winnowing and grace); by law Boaz becomes Ruth’s kinsman redeemer.
And Chapter four has Ruth and Naomi in the home of Boaz (redeemer of both); thus continues the royal line of David.

Tragedy and hardship end in joy and restoration.

Ruth provides no obvious commandments or manifested miracles, no wars or rebellions, no achievements or victories … only Naomi’s redemption from affliction ... an unusual book in the canon (i.e., without a kinsman redeemer). Highlights the providential and permissive aspects of God’s will.

Reveals mortar binding “living” stones to Chief Corner Stone; Ruth is a story central to the Good News.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: Where Does the Book of Ruth Lead a Faithful Believer?
CONCISE OUTLINE

I. It Leads Us to Trust the Power of God!
II. It Leads Us to Trust the Providence of God!
III. It Leads Us to Trust the Protection of God!
IV. It Leads Us to Trust the Promises of God!
V. It leads us to …

Who is this woman Ruth? A Moabitess, foreigner, stranger; daughter-in-law of Naomi; a childless widow. Moabites were out of Lot’s oldest daughter, through incest with her father; thus, Ruth is not only a woman and a foreigner but the off-spring of immorality and incest.

Soon to be wife of Boaz, her kinsman redeemer; a son of Rahab and David’s grandfather; one of five ladies in the genealogy of Jesus [Matthew 1:1-14]:

• Tamar, the Canaanite mother of Perez and Zerah, through her unlawful relationship with her father-in-law Judah
• Rahab, the harlot, non-Israelite, protector of Joshua’s spies; mother of Boaz, the father of Obed, the son of Ruth
• Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, taken in adultery by David, wife rooted in murder, the great-grandson of Ruth
• and Mary the wife of Joseph and the virgin-mother of Jesus, conceived and born out of wedlock

Ruth: the great-greatx10 grandmother of Jesus, along with Esther, she becomes one of Israel’s most blessed and beloved women.

Ruth is the female counterpart of Job; feeling hopeless, Naomi returned to Israel … not knowing what the future held. Then one of her two daughters-in-law professed allegiance to Naomi and her God, the Living God, the God of the living!

In spite of circumstances, Ruth was faithful to Naomi’s God; so God was faithful to redeem the family.

INQUIRY: Where Does the Book of Ruth Lead a Faithful Believer?
EXPANDED OUTLINE:

I. It Leads Us To Trust The Power of God!

God is mentioned 20 times; 3 names – Jehovah (LORD) 15x, Elohim (God) 2x, the other is Shaddai (Almighty) 2x … both times in this passage

She said to them,

"Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the LORD has witnessed against me and the Almighty has afflicted (Heb = mara) me?"

Ruth 1:20-21

Though her faith waned, it was strong enough to recall that God is Almighty and a doer of great things

II. It Leads Us To Trust The Providence of God!

God has two wills – the one with which He permits us our will; the other is fixed in relation to decreed providence.

This wonderful but brief volume reveals an unforgettable example of God’s providential concern for those who put their trust in Him.

It teaches us not to lose faith, no matter the circumstance or hardship … for His providential will includes those who love Him and are called according to Hid purpose [Romans 8:28].

Twenty times the verb “redeem” is used; and this in a book with only four chapters.

This book makes a special contribution to the truth that God alone chooses whom He will redeem; He is under no obligation to redeem any He chooses not to! (E.g., Orhah)

“He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children.”

Psalms 113:9a

The bible tells us ...

“the LORD enabled her to conceive [lit. gave her con-ception] and she gave birth to a son.”

Ruth 4:13

III. It Leads Us To Trust The Protection of God!

She believed deeply God’s eye was on the sparrow and she knew His eye was on them … she knew nothing surprises God … He is not only powerful but omniscient as well.

When all seemed lost and unfair, she turned to the teachings of her people

Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, ‘My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? Now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maids you were? Behold, he winnows barley at the threshing floor tonight.’

Ruth 3:1-2

IV. It Leads Us To Trust The Promises of God!

When the OT asserts God is Israel’s redeemer, it points to His providential and covenant promises … and who is “the promised of God”?

“Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet of My head; Judah is My scepter.”

Psalms 60:7

Thus says the Lord!

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.”

Genesis 49:10

So the blessing of Jacob on Judah, his son.

“… it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah … .”

Hebrews 7:14

“Now it came about in the days when the judges governed, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the land of Moab with his wife and his two sons. And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife, Naomi; and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem in Judah.”

Ruth 1:1,2

Compare this with others –

"But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.“

Micah 5:2

“And I began to weep greatly, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look into it; and one of the elders said to me, ‘Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.’”

Revelation 5:4,5

Speaking of the Day of the Lord and judgment …

"Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments …”

Deuteronomy 7:9

APPLICATION: Naomi is a picture of Israel while Ruth is the gentile; separated from God and her destiny, without a son to carry on the family’s name.

Naomi has this on her mind:

“Why has this happened to me? What have I done to be without an heir to my husband’s name? Why have I been cut off?”

Was it not the God of Israel, the God of promise that she trusted? Had not blessings been promised and now withheld from this child of YHWH?

For her day, Ruth was an exception to the rule: not a member of “the chosen people of God,” faithful and loyal, and unselfish; she was moral, self-controlled, and spiritual; as well as civil and mature.

CHALLENGE: Are you an exception to the rule for your day? Have you considered what you will be remembered for? Has your faith carved a testimony out of your life? Have you turned from trusting your faith in God to trusting your works?

The Bible says some things about you and me providentially … and has some promises for those who love the Lord and called according to His purpose [Romans 8:28]!

Those who have been redeemed by Almighty God, who were “not a people but are now the people of God” [1 Peter 2:10] should be transformed by their experience, and show this quality of God’s love to others!

1. It was God’s faithfulness to Israel that attracted Naomi to Him; and
2. it was her faithfulness to Him that attracted Ruth to her
3. It was Ruth’s faithfulness to her mother-in-law and her God that attracted Boaz to her; and
   
4. It should be that our faithful and public testimony would attract others as well!

The lost should be attracted to us as the moth is to the light bulb, not to death but to life, life everlasting!

Christianity, Expository, Homiletics,
Outlines, Preaching, Ruth, Sermons

NUMBERS: Full Sermons

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

6:23-27

INVOKING GOD'S NAME - Remembering the Lord's Blessing!

14:8-9

WORDS TO LIVE BY - Facing the Unknown with Emmanuel?

quick link: NUMBERS Seed Archive (INACTIVE AT THIS TIME)

Expository, Homiletics, Numbers,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons

ISAIAH 49:8-9 Quintessential Treaty!

TOPIC: Covenant; Faithfulness (God's), Promises (of God)
TITLE: CHRIST - THE QUINTESSENTIAL TREATY - A Covenant of Peace Between God & Man! [Adapted from Spurgeon's Morning & Evening; January 3, "Morning"]

TEXT: Isaiah 49:8

Thus says the LORD, “… I will … give You for a covenant of the people …”

TRUTH CLAIM: In this day, when truth is so urgently needed in our great nation, a drought has struck this land, a desolate vacuum of integrity has descended upon this people.

If there were ever a day when the sweet, reviving moisture of God’s Word was needed by His people, it would have been in the centuries prior to Christ’s first coming.

But, as we behold these days which precede His second coming, the tearless weeping of God’s children is heard as a silent roar and their parched brittleness cries out for the washing of His Word.

God’s Word is His promise, our covenant, our assurance of peace with God. And God has given His Word. Yes, He has given His Word; and the Redeemed of God must remember His Word.

… the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What then are some of His possessions which are now yours?
CONCISE OUTLINE:

I. The Power of Christ is ours!
II. The Love of Christ is ours!
III. The Justice of Christ is ours!
IV. The Acceptance of Christ is ours!
V. The Righteousness of Christ is ours!

Jesus Christ is this quintessential covenant; an agreement of peace between God and man. He Himself is the sum and substance of the promise and, as one of its gifts, He … the Lord of lords, the King of kings … is the equity of every believer.

O my friends, YES! Yes, yes, yes! This people needs, and this nation needs, the cool, wet wash of heaven’s Living Water. But we (you and me and all of our redeemed brothers and sisters) do not! We have His promise!

Can you estimate what you have received in Christ? "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily …" [Colossians 2:9]

1. Consider that word “Godhead” and all its infinity! (How does the finite explore the borders of endlessness?)
2. Meditate then upon His loveliness and all His perfection. (How do the unattractive and imperfect enter in to His glory?)

For all that He (Jesus Christ), as God and man, ever had or will have, is yours - out of sovereign, spotless grace, it has been given over to you for your personal possession forever.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What then are some of His possessions which are now yours?
EXPANDED OUTLINE:

I. The Power of Christ is ours!

Does He have power?

His power is yours to sustain and strengthen you, to overcome your enemies, and to preserve you even to the end.

Paul said Jesus was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead [Romans 1:4]; being baptized into His death we are also baptized into His resurrection [Romans 6:1-11].

II. The Love of Christ is ours!

Does He have love?

Well, there is not a drop of love in His heart which is not yours; you may dive into the immense ocean of His love, and you may say of it all, “It is mine.”

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

III. The Justice of Christ is ours!

Does He have justice?

It may seem a stern attribute, but even that is yours, for He will by His justice see to it that all which is promised to you in the covenant of grace shall be most certainly secured to you.

BEHOLD, MY SERVANT WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN; MY BELOVED IN WHOM MY SOUL is WELL-PLEASED; I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT UPON HIM, AND HE SHALL PROCLAIM JUSTICE TO THE GENTILES.

Matthew 12:18

IV. The Acceptance of Christ is ours!

Does He have acceptance?

All that He has as perfect man is yours. As a perfect man the Father’s delight was upon Him. He stood accepted by the Most High.

… a voice came out of the heavens: "Thou art My beloved Son, in Thee I am well-pleased."

Mark 1:11

O believer, God’s acceptance of Christ is your acceptance; for do you not know that the love which the Father set on a perfect Christ, He sets on you now? For all that Christ did is yours.

V. The Righteousness of Christ is ours!

Does He have righteousness?

That perfect righteousness which Jesus wrought out, when through His stainless life He kept the law and made it honorable, is yours, and is imputed to you.

Paul said …

whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Philippians 3:7-11

If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.

1 John 2:29

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Our blessed Jesus, as God, is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent. Will it not console you to know that all these great and glorious attributes are altogether yours?

Our blessed Lord, as perfect man, is our substitute, our blood atonement. Does it not give you hope and peace to know that He did these things for you and that they are altogether yours?

Christ Himself is our peace and Christ is our the covenant, but you must be in Him to be a part of the agreement.


[TRUST] Have you ever watched people try to feed the squirrels in the parks; the animal doesn’t seem to trust the human. Even though the man leaves a peanut for the squirrel again and again, it doesn’t trust him … again and again.

No matter how patient the man was the squirrel is not quite persuaded. Some people are like that, “Almost persuaded.”

Covenant, Homiletics, Isaiah,
Preaching, Promises, Sermons

JOSHUA: 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 ...

5:12

OUR CORNUCOPIA OF CHOICE – The Fruit To Eat In Our Temporal Wilderness!

CrossLinked: Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Proclaimed Series (January 1 "Morning")

quick link: ESTHER Seed Archive (INACTIVE AT THIS TIME)

Exodus, Homiletics,
Joshua, Preaching, Sermons

PSALMS: 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 ...

50:7

I AM YOUR GOD - God's all sufficient essence!

100:4 (1-5)

NEW EACH DAY - How to avoid making Jesus trivial!

CrossLinked: Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Proclaimed Series (November 5 "Evening")

104:16

HEIRS OF HEAVEN - The Mysterious Hand of God!

CrossLinked: Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Proclaimed Series (August 13 "Morning")

Expository, Homiletics, Outlines,
Preaching, Psalms, Sermons

JOHN - Full Sermons

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

1:1-2,14

CHRIST JESUS - The alpha & The omega! (SCCC)

8:36

FREEDOM - The Threat & The Price! (SCCC)

15:4-5

REAL SOVEREIGNTY - What Jesus Meant by "apart from"! (SCCC)

17:15

CHRIST DID NOT PRAY - How We Should Relate to Our Ingathering!

18:36

KINGDOM OF GOD - Fighting for the Right Kingdom! (SCCC)

Bible, Gospel of John,
Homiletics, Preaching, Sermons

ISAIAH - Seed Archive

Isaiah 9:6-7

TOPIC: Christmas; Emmanuel, hope, promise

TITLE: GOD'S LITTLE WORD - A Child With Us!

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given ... .”

TRUTH CLAIM: God has revealed His plan for the ages! In a world gone nuts with hate (terrorists), evil (killing of the innocent unborn), deception (false religions), war (Israel), corruption (politics), and much, much more, it's good to know God has a plan!

God told us not to be downtrodden but rather to rejoice in everything ... for GOD IS WITH US! “If God is for us, who then can be against us”?

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How does this passage apply to me?

I. It Provides Me a Greater Joy!
II. It Provides Me a Greater Light!
III. It Provides Me a Greater Victory!
IV. It Provides Me a Greater King!

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Dear friends, if the first half of Isaiah's prophecy has been fulfilled ... that is, if it is true that God "sent His only begotten Son," that His Son was "born of a virgin," that His Son "suffered and died for our sins," and that "God raised Him from the dead on the third day" … then we ought to believe the second half as well!

That is, Christ is coming again ... to bring a greater joy, to bring a greater light for those who dwell in darkness, to bring final victory, and to bring a government greater in every way than David's! Oh what a day of rejoicing that will be!

Isaiah 49:6

"I will also make You as a light to the Nations, so that You, My Salvation, may reach the ends of the earth."

TOPIC: Missions [Calling; Evangelism, Missionaries]

TITLE: TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH!

TRUTH CLAIM: God has a plan, salvation to "all the nations" through His Son; theSon has a plan, salvation "all the nations" through you and me!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What is our role in foreign missions?

I. Our Role is Direct Involvement!

A. Through Submission!
B. Through Promotion!

II. Our Role is Indirect Involvement!

A. Intellectually!
B. Prayerfully!
C. Financially!

III. But Our Role is Never Uninvolvement!

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Our world view affects every thought we have and everyaction we take concerning missions. God is challenging all of us to remember: nomatter how many of us there are and no matter how great our problems seem to be,there are still billions more lost people than we have problems.

Isaiah 49:8-9

TOPIC: Covenant; faithfulness (of God), promises (of God)

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What then are some of His possessions which are now yours?

I. The Power of Christ is ours!
II. The Love of Christ is ours!
III. The Justice of Christ is ours!
IV. The Acceptance of Christ is ours!
V. The Righteousness of Christ is ours!

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Our blessed Jesus, as God, is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent. Will it not console you to know that all these great and glorious attributes are altogether yours?

Our blessed Lord, as perfect man, is our substitute, our blood atonement. Does it not give you hope and peace to know that He did these things for you and that they are altogether yours?

Christ Himself is our peace and Christ is our the covenant, but you must be in Him to be a part of the agreement.

Homiletics, Isaiah, Outlines,
Preaching, Sermons

ACTS - Seed Archive

Acts 1:4-8

TOPIC: Trinity

TITLE: The Book of Acts in One Message!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What themes are conspicuous in the Acts of the Apostles?

I. The Preeminence of the Living Lord!
II. The Prominence of the Holy Spirit!
III. The Power of the Authentic Church!

Asked another way …

1. What was preeminent in that church’s life? [That is, what was clearly the most important thing to the leaders and people of their fellowships?]
2. What was prominent in the ministries of that church? [That is, does any factor stand out over all others?]
3. What power was exhibited? [That is, if their ministries were effective, what energized them?]

TRUTH/CONTEXT: The book may be divided into three distinct sections based on the outline of 1:8b ...

“… you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem (Chapters 1-7), and in all Judea and Samaria (8-12), and even to the remotest part of the earth" (13-28).

If someone were to want to know what an authentic Christian community looked like, it would probably be best to look at a definition near the time of Christ … aka: the “early church.”

Acts 1:14

TOPIC: Unity

TITLE: WITH ONE ACCORD – Biblical Co-operation!
[Concept from "The Acts of the Apostles," Thomas Walker; Moody (1965) p. 14]

ADDITIONAL TEXT: Romans 15:6 [Plus Various]

TRUTH CLAIM:

The Greek word used for our English “with one accord” is a compound word meaning “with a united heart and mind and spirit”; indicating perfect unanimity of feeling, desire, and purpose. It occurs only once outside of Acts [in Romans 15:6].

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What does God reveal about the unanimity of the original first century church?

I. They were with one accord in supplication! [1:14]
II. They were with one accord in convocation! [2:46]
III. They were with one accord in exaltation! [4:24]
IV. They were with one accord in devotion! [5:12]
V. They were with one accord in inspiration! [15:25]

And in this and many other ways the early church exhibited their unanimity over and over!

Acts 2:22-24

TOPIC: Father & Son [Foreknowledge; Gospel; Redemption; Will of God]

TITLE: UP WAS THE ONLY PLAN GOD HAD FOR HIS SON!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: Prior to sending Him, what was the Father's plan for His Son?

I. The Father Lifted Up the Son! [v. 22 - "Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God."]
II. The Father Delivered Up the Son! [v. 23 - "this Man, delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God."]
III. The Father Raised Up the Son! [v. 24 - "God raised Him up again."]

Acts 2:37-39

TOPIC: Good News; Early Church, Evangelism, Fruit, Power, Proclamation

TITLE: WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN WHEN THE GOOD NEWS IS PROCLAIMED FEARLESSLY!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What happened to the people who heard Peter's first proclamation of the Good News?

I. They Had a Great Conviction! (v. 37a - "they were pierced to the heart.")
II. They Asked a Great Question! (v. 37b - "they asked, 'what shall we do?'")
III. They Received a Great Response! (vv. 38,39 - "repent" and "receive.")

Acts 3:12-26

TOPIC: Faith; falsehood, fearlessness, hearing, lies, power, truth

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

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
3. 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

Acts 9:1-25

TOPIC: Encountering God; regeneration, relationship (with God)

TITLE: DEALING WITH A SINNER – Encountering the Living God!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What did Saul experience in his encounter with Jesus?

I. HE SAW (was blinding)!
II. HE HEARD (was convicting)!
III. HE REVEALED (was challenging)!
IV. HE DID (was amazing)!
V. HE BECAME (was startling/miraculous)!

Acts 9:1-31

TOPIC: Encountering God; regeneration, relationship (with God), Saul’s conversion

TITLE: COOPERATIVE MISSIONS - Saul’s encounter with God!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What missions points do we see in this passage?

The extended passage before us (1-31) shows–

I. The Lord dealing with an outspoken sinner! (1-9)
II. The Lord directing a faithful servant! (10-19)
III. And Saul declaring a living Savior! (20-31)

Acts 27:13-14

TOPIC: Suffering; Trials, Tribulation

TITLE: EURAQUILON - Driven By Life’s Violent Winds!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: In what way is this text similar to the life of the child of God?

I. We often have a false sense of security!
II. We ignore warnings! [vv.9,10]
III. We listen to the wrong sources! [vv.11,12]
IV. We let “too little” result in “too much”! [v.13]
V. We are often caught by surprise!
VI. Violent winds always “rush” in! [v.14]
VII. Violent winds always drive us along! [v.15]

But, We Are Never Far From Shore!

Acts, Ecclesiology, Homiletics, Outlines,
Preaching, Sermons, Trinity