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

ACTS 4:1-12: Of Mice and Men

SERIES: #5 Acts of the Apostles – Witnessing to Jerusalem

TOPIC: Salvation; Boldness, Forgiveness, Power, Preeminence, Regeneration
TITLE: OF MICE AND MEN - And Their Greatest Laid Plans!
[John Steinbeck by way of Robert Burns' famous poem, To a Mouse, which is often quoted as: "The best-laid plans of mice and men go oft awry (or astray)."]

TEXT: Acts 4:12 (1-12)

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.”

[E-MAIL] My first e-mail address was acts_412; I choose that address because of what this verse means to me personally.

You see because of my background I identified with Peter and Paul … you know “the Foot ‘n’ Mouth” twins.

TRUTH/CONTEXT: Series Reminders – A Book of three acts 1) Jerusalem [1-7], 2) Judea & Samaria [8-12], 3) remotest parts of the earth [13-28]; A Book of three themes 1) Preeminence 2) Prominence 3) Power of Authentic Church

Several things to notice …

• Notice the arrested; not only Peter and John were arrested but the healed man as well. [v. 10]
• Notice the reason; speaking to “the people” disturbed the authorities. [v.1]
• Notice the taboo;

the apostles were preaching “the resurrection (of) the dead”

the Sadducees did not believe in an afterlife. [vv.1, 2]

• Notice the power; “in Jesus.” [v.2]
• Notice the fruit; “men … five thousand.” [v.4]
• Notice the arrogance; “they began to inquire, ‘By what power, or in what name, have you done this?’” … no concern for the man or the miracle
• an acknowledgement the miracle took place. [v.7]
• Notice the preacher; … he’s the same one who denied Christ three times …
• Notice the answer; Peter’s third sermon in a few days [vv. 8-12; ]
• Notice the attitude; they were Spirit-filled but courteous, guided in truth and power
• Notice the apostle threw the issue back in the accusers laps …
• Notice Peter’s Sermon

1. “if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man”
2. “by this name … this man [was] healed.”
3. “let it be known to all of you, and all the people of Israel”
4. It was “this name”…

• “whom you crucified.”
• “whom God raised from the dead.”

• Draws from the OT: “He is the stone …”, notice the tense and the change to a definite pronoun

1. Psalm 118:22 –

[He is ] The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner stone.

2. a known psalm
3. a temple song
4. written during temple construction
5. quoted 6x in New Testament …
6. 3x by Jesus Himself [cf. Mark:12:10; Luke 20:17]

• Notice; also that builders rejected, not merchants or artisans or farmers or shepherds … a clear slap at those responsible for building
• Notice: the punctuation ending verse 12! A mark to end all marks! “by which we must be saved”

Bottom-line –

1. the power that delivered the man from his affliction came not from man but from God … all agree because it was universally understood such power could only be from divine;
2. by definition, deliverance from sin and from hell requires an even greater power … that power is still ours! It comes with some stipulations - courtesy, honesty, etc.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What should be learned from the experience of Peter and John?
EXPANDED OUTLINE

I. WE SHOULD LEARN - WHEN GOD USES US AS HANDS OF HEALING

A. We might be apprehended for it
B. And we might be detained because of it
C. Whether legal and illegal

II. WE SHOULD LEARN - WHEN GOD USES US AS FEET TO THE LOST

A. We might be interrogated

1. We must be prepared to answer
2. We must use God’s Word to answer

B. And we might be persecuted

1. We must be prepared to respond
2. We must be prepared to suffer

III. WE SHOULD LEARN WHEN GOD USES US AS VOICES OF DECREE

A. We must nor fear to confirm

1. His calling
2. His decree

B. And must know who is to be proclaimed

1. There is “no one else”
2. There is “none other name”
3. “by which we must be saved”

APPLICATION: What can we expect in times like ours? Are our times that much different than the times of our text?

We can expect when we approach life in that name …

1. Efforts to silence us! [v.1]
2. Efforts to stir-up those with an opposing worldview! [2]
3. Yet we should expect abundant fruit … if Christ is preached! [4]
4. Arrogant, intolerant, and hypocritical treatment by those who disagree! [7b]
5. Yet we should expect the same power in us if we will just “give heed to Him” [8a; also a theme of series message #4]

How are we to respond? Keep quiet and take the politically correct route or …

[NEW SHERIFF] The Six Shooter was an extremely popular western, broadcast on NBC radio from 1953-54. Jimmy Stewart starred as Britt Ponsett, a Texas plainsman who was know as The Six Shooter.

On one broadcast (“The New Sheriff”; 6/10/54) Britt called a bully’s bluff … even though his gun was several feet away on a dresser. In his signature style, Stewart (as Ponsett) told the tough he could draw his gun anytime he wanted. The surprised crook stammered, “B-b-b-but you a-a-a-ain’t got your six-shooter.” Ponsett stepped toward the thug and drawled, “Things might not work out the way you think they will.” The Six Shooter’s bold confidence made the two-bit thug turn and run.

[DUEL AT LOCKWOOD] From the same program a tee-aged killer went after The Six Shooter in a town called Lockwood … he bragged to everyone if he ran into Ponsett he’d kill him. Well Britt showed up one day and he heard the quiet gunman had come to town, so he sent a messenger to warn Ponsett he was on his way. Ponsett didn’t wait … he rode out on the trail and waited for the kid on the trail.

The gunman found Ponsett sitting on his horse waiting for him; he asked, “Who are you?” He said, “Britt Ponsett” and laid a shotgun over his saddle as the tough started to draw. And he drawled slowly, “Why are you stopping? Go ahead, draw!”

Fantasies concerning life and its living are common to all people … one of mine is stepping toward the next illogical, irrational, relativistic humanist or atheist and saying, “Things might not work out the way you think they will.”

Only in my vision the rascal doesn’t turn and run; instead he comes under conviction, drops to his knees and pleads of God’s forgiveness.

CHALLENGE: Clearly, there is a present need for more boldness amongst the Body of Christ. Jesus didn’t die in order for us to become doormats for every godless heathen we encounter. After all, Jesus was not always the easy-going man popular mythology pictures! [Luke 19:45-47; John 2:13-17]

But I declare a truth to you; our fears are not due to obedience but disobedience … a greater fear of man than of God, a greater concern for the horizontal rather than the vertical.

I fear many of our brothers and sisters have become so fearful of the world and its minions they’ve been rendered stingerless in the battle for souls.

In spite of that we must also be …

1. Courteous! [8b]
2. Honest! [10]
3. Bold! [9,11]
4. Biblical! [11]
5. But powerful
6. And fearless! [12]

Somehow, we must train up men and women of greater courage Who will ignore political correctness and shun

• The lust of the flesh
• The lust of the eyes
• And the boastful pride of life

While we were yet sinners ...

Christianity, Expository, Homiletics,
Outlines, 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

Genesis 1:1, 2 - Turn on the Lights!

TOPIC: God’s watchcare; Creation; Darkness; God's works; Light; Salvation; Damnation

TITLE: God’s Spirit is Moving – Turn on the Lights!
TEXT: Genesis 1:1-2

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How is God’s creative work in the sinner’s heart similar to His creative work in the beginning?
CONCISE OUTLINE:

I. THEY ARE SIMILAR IN THEIR EXISTENCE!
II. THEY ARE SIMILAR IN THEIR CONDITION!
III. THEY ARE SIMILAR IN THEIR DEFICIENCY!
IV. THEY ARE SIMILAR IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP!
V. THEY ARE SIMILAR IN THEIR POTENTIAL!

TRUTH/CONTEXT: Here is the beginning of something great, something beyond comprehension! God was in a creative mood! He was about to implement the plan of the ages!

Now, in the beginning, He created two things: 1.) the earth and 2.) everything that was not the earth (“the heavens”)!

When He created the earth, it was created without form and was void! So, did God make a mistake? Of course not! He had a plan, a purpose! He made it that way on purpose!

Darkness also existed, but not in and of itself; it existed only because God the Great Electrician had not installed wiring or bulbs yet! Later, God did!

But, after the lights, darkness was not everywhere over the deep; it existed only where it was allowed to: on the backside of celestial objects (separated from the source of the light) and ultimately in a sinner’s heart (likewise separated)!

Now, before the light switch was thrown, God in the person of the Holy Spirit moved over the surface of the waters where the darkness everywhere existed!

NOTE: There was no life before the light! God is again in a creative mood … His Spirit is once more hovering over the deep and the surface of the deep is once more covered by darkness!

INQUIRY: How is God’s creative work in the sinner’s heart similar to His creative work on the earth?
EXPANDED OUTLINE:

I. They are similar in their existence!

A. Before the lights, God had only created “the heavens and the earth” … lifeless and useless!
B. Both existed, just as the sinner’s heart exists! It’s just there … lifeless and useless!

II. They are similar in their condition!

A. The Bible says, “the earth was formless and void”!
B. Formless: without organization; no appearance of usefulness or purpose!
C. Void: empty; unfulfilled!
D. In the same way sin has entered into the sinner’s heart and made it formless and void … empty, unfulfilled!

III. They are alike in their deficiency!

A. The earth had no light and so it had no life!
B. So too the sinner’s heart! Where their is no light there is no life! [1 John 5:9-13]

IV. They are similar in their relationship!

A. The Bible says, “and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters”!
B. Likewise, the Holy Spirit is moving over the hearts of sinful/sin-filled man! [John 16:7-11]

V. They are similar in their potential!

A. EARTH: Life & fruit:

1. God look at what existed before the light and thought to Himself, “This is not good”!
2. And “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” [v.3]
3. “And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.” [VV.4-5]
4. And then He created life and it filled the earth and it bore fruit!

B. HEART: Life & fruit:

1. In the same way God looks at the heart of the sinner and says through His messengers, “This is not good”!
2. In the same way He as sent the Light.
3. And God has said that the Light is good; and He separated the Light from the darkness … and He called the Light salvation, and the darkness He called damnation!
4. And He told those who lived in the light to fill the earth and bear much fruit! [Matthew 28:19,20; John 15:8]

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Oh, dear friends the Holy Spirit is moving about the surface of the earth today! He is brooding over the hearts of sinful man, desiring they receive the light He has sent!

The Bible says they will not turn on the light unless someone goes and shows them where the light switch is! [Romans 10:14, 15] Won’t you go today!

Christianity, Creation, Expository, Genesis,
Homiletics, Outlines, Preaching,
Redemption, Sermons

1 Corinthians 1:18, 22-23 - That Foolish Cross; the Power and Wisdom of God!

1 Corinthians 1:18, 22-23

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. …. For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

TOPIC: Resurrection (Easter) Series – the Salvation of God #1
TITLE: THAT FOOLISH CROSS – The Power and Wisdom of God!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How does the bible present salvation?
CONCISE OUTLINE:

I. THE BIBLE PRESENTS SALVATION COMPLETELY
II. THE BIBLE PRESENTS SALVATION HISTORICALLY
III. THE BIBLE PRESENTS SALVATION CONTINUALLY
IV. THE BIBLE PRESENTS SALVATION FINALLY

TRUTH/CONTEXT: So the lost think, “the word of the cross is foolishness” … they (Jews) seek for signs and and the gentiles (Greeks) look for wisdom … “but we preach Christ crucified”; so they’ll not find what they are looking for with us.

To the Jews it is “a stumbling block” (scandalon; a scandal, an offense) to the Gentiles “foolishness” (an absurdity), “but to … the called” … “Christ crucified” is both the sign (power) and the wisdom … the very things they seek.

[CROSS] LA County has been involved in a controversy brought on by the ACLU (Awfully Corrupt Legal Union) concerning the county’s official seal. The seal has several things on it; one is the entrance to the Los Angeles Mission, showing a cross on its rampart. The county recently spent $4,000 of taxpayer money to have personal seals produced for the five supervisors. When threatened with a suit, the cowards backed down and commissioned the production of small plastic pasties to cover the offensive Christian icon; this cost the taxpayer another $1,800. The result? The County Administrative Office has ordered the seals be taken down and put in storage. Why? In spite of the $360/each cover up, the cross continued to shine through. (BIG PAUSE TO SINK IN) Ha, ha … ha!

We are embarking on a series of messages on the Christ, the Cross, and the Crucifixion – the subject is salvation. Perhaps the place to begin is “in the beginning”!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How does the bible present salvation?
EXPANDED OUTLINE:

I. THE BIBLE PRESENTS SALVATION COMPLETELY

A. In the fullest sense salvation is presented eschatologically
B. And is Messiah centered

1. His person
2. His works

C. And always as the only hope for all mankind
D. The cross continues to shine through

II. THE BIBLE PRESENTS SALVATION HISTORICALLY

A. At the fall – expelled from Eden to save sinful mankind from "the tree of life"
B. At Able'a murder – Cain expelled to save the sons of God from Cain’s influence
C. At the flood – only eight saved to show the serious nature of depravity
D. At the court of Pharaoh – Joseph (type of Christ) delivered from bondage
E. At first Passover – Hebrews saved from bondage & through waters of separation
F. At the Tent of Meeting – God delivered the people daily
G. At the Day of Atonement – God delivered figuratively
H. At the Judge’s bar – God delivered time and time again
I. At the throne of man – useless deliverance revealed by human monarchs
J. At the object of salvation – pointing toward the New Covenant
K. At the Word of God – Hebrews 1:1, 2

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

L. The cross continues to shine through!

III. THE BIBLE PRESENTS SALVATION CONTINUALLY

A. In the present – we are being redeemed

1. Zechariah’s prophecy – concerning his son John
2. John’s message – “repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand” - Jesus took this message up at John’s death

B. Three tenses of the verb used –

1. Past evidence – 2 Timothy 1:8, 9

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.

2. Present reality – 1 Corinthians 1:18

The word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

3. Future hope – Romans 13:11

Do this, knowing the time, which it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.

C. The cross continues to shine through

IV. THE BIBLE PRESENTS SALVATION FINALLY

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 1:3-5

The cross continues to shine through

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Commenting on Gen 49:18 ("For Your salvation I wait, O LORD.”), the Jewish Targums say …

My soul waiteth, not for the salvation of Gideon the son of Joash, for that is but temporal; not for the salvation of Samson, for that is transitory: but for the salvation of the Messiah the son of David, the salvation which Thou hast promised in Thy Word to accomplish for Thy people the children of Israel: for this Thy salvation my soul waiteth; for Thy salvation 0 Lord, is an everlasting salvation.

[cited by Cremer, Biblio-Theological Lexicon of New Testament Greek, p. 533.]

A New Testament commentator writes …

These three phases of salvation were seen as "aspects of one great" deliverance. There is no divorce or contradiction between the historical and the eschatological, because the former, by becoming active in the present (and no mere past-and-gone event) is the matrix and type of the latter; the eschatological salvation, even now active in the present, is the final realization beyond history of that which the historical redemption foreshadowed and promised. Past, present and future constitute, not three deliverances but one deliverance. [E. M. B. Green, The Meaning of Salvation, p.34]

[HOPE] An old Indian chief constantly spoke of salvation in Jesus and what He meant to him. "Why do you talk so much about Jesus?" asked a friend.

The old chief did not reply, but instead gathered some bits of grass and made a grass circle on the ground. In the circle he placed a caterpillar. He took an ember from the fire and lit the grass. They watched as the fire caught around the circle, the aterpillar crawled around rapidly, seeking an escape. As the fire advanced, the caterpillar raised up as high as it could. If the creature could speak, it would have said, "My help can only come from above."

The chief’s friend said, “I don’t understand.” The old chief stooped down, he extended his finger to the caterpillar, which crawled up his finger. "That," said the chief glowing "was what Jesus did for me! I was lost in sin, hopeless. I was trapped, no escape. Then Jesus stooped down in love and mercy and drew me out of the fiery pit of sin and shame. How can I help but love Him and talk of His wondrous love for me?"

Has He not reached out of eternity into your life of sin and hopelessness and drawn you out of the fiery hell that waited for you? Well then …?

Christianity, Cross, Easter, Expository, Outlines,
Preaching, Resurrection, Salvation, Sermons

PSALMS - Seed Archive

Psalm 1:2

TOPIC: Blessings

TITLE: THE SECRET THAT IS NO SECRET

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What must we do to be blessed by God?

I. Delight in His Word! (His delight is in the law of the Lord)
II. Meditate in His Word! (in the law of the Lord he meditates)
III. Abide in His Word! (day and night)

Psalm 1:3*

TOPIC: Blessings, Grace, Mercy
TITLE: SEVEN BLESSINGS OF THE GODLY MAN

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What characterizes a blessed [Godly] man?

I. Vitality! (“a tree”) [life, vigorous – “capacity to live”]
II. Security! (“firmly planted”) [safety, defense, free of risk, confident]
III. Capacity! (“by canals of water”) [potential, capability – “ability to receive”]
IV. Fertility! (“which yields its fruit”) [virility, productivity (better)]
V. Propriety! (“in its season”) [appropriateness, suitability – quality of being proper]
VI. Perpetuity! (“its foliage does not wither”) [continuity, constancy, durability, endurance – time without a defined end]
VII. Prosperity! (“all that he does prospers”) [affluence, well-being]

[*From W. Graham Scroggie’s volume THE PSALMS, Pickering & Inglis Ltd. London, 1965, p. 49]

Psalm 2:1-12

TOPIC: Protection, Provision

TITLE: THE ULTIMATE REFUGE

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What progression of prophetic events has God provided for man’s benefit?

I. MAN'S INSURRECTION! (1-3)
II. DIVINE INDIGNATION! (4-6)

A. God’s contempt [v. 4 – laughs, scoffs]
B. God’s wrath [v. 5 – His anger, fury]
C. God’s revelation [v. 6 – but … I have …]

III. MARVELOUS DECLARATION! (7-9)

A. Relationship [v. 7 – My Son]

1. Headship [v. 8 – nations, earth … as Thy possession]
2. Lordship [v. 9 – rule them, scepter or staff, shatter them]

IV. DIVINE ADMONITION! (10-12)

A. Words of warning! [v. 10 – show and take]
B. Worship and fear! [v. 11 – worship/serve, reverence/fear, rejoice/tremble]
C. Choose … [v. 12]

1. Love or Perish! [homage/kiss or]
2. Wrath of Refuge! [perish/wrath]

[Adapted from W. Graham Scroggie’s volume THE PSALMS, Pickering & Inglis Ltd. London, 1965, pp. 53, 54]

Psalm 6:1-10

TOPIC: Prayer

TITLE: TRIUMPH OVER TROUBLE – A prayer
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How should we pray when things get rough?

I. The appeal in time of trouble! (1-5)
II. The agony in time of torment! (6-7)
III. The anticipation of time of triumph! (8-10)

Psalm 6:11

TOPIC: Calamity, Faith, Security, Wicked & Righteous, Traditions, Trials

TITLE: THE LORD IS OUR REFUGE!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: If the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do?

I. Know that God is above it all! (v.4)
II. Know that God discerns the difference between ... (v.5)

A. The righteous!
B. The wicked!

III. Know that God is faithful to ...

A. Punish the wicked! (v.6)
B. Smile on the righteous! (v.7)

Psalm 11:1-7

TOPIC: God's foundations

TITLE: THE SIX FOUNDATIONS OF GOD
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What happens if the foundations are destroyed?

I. Our God Reigns From Heaven (4)
II. Our God Governs the World (4)
III. Our God Knows the Real Man (4)
IV. Our God Tests All Men (5)
V. Our God Wins the War (6)
VI. Our God Awaits Our Homecoming (7)

Psalm 12:4

Who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail; our lips are our own; who is lord over us?"

TOPIC: Wicked men; arrogance, lordship, sovereignty]
TITLE: TO ERR IS HUMAN!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What are the most common and arrogant errors of the wicked?

I. That man himself determines life's outcomes! (4a)
II. That man himself controls his words! (4b)
III. That man himself serves only himself! (4c)

Psalm 17

TOPIC: Prayer (in times of oppression); oppression, petitions, supplications

TITLE: IN THE SHADOW OF HIS WINGS!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What three requests may we make to God in times of oppression?

[Notice the three inferior petitions in each of David's requests, each of these might be brought as a message by themselves.]

I. Judge me, O Lord! [1-2]

A. Listen to me, Lord! (1)
B. Tell it like it is, Lord! (2a)
C. Be just, Lord! (2b)

II. Protect me, O Lord! [7-9]

A. Show me lovingkindness, Lord! (7)
B. Keeep me special, Lord! (8a)
C. Hide me in Your presence, Lord! (8b-9)

III. Avenge me, O Lord! [13]

A. Get up and confront in indignation, Lord!
B. Humble my enemies, Lord!
C. Deliver my soul (a.k.a. "life"), Lord!

Psalm 27

TOPIC: Provision (of God)

TITLE: WAIT ON THE LORD - He hasn't forgotten you or your needs!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What four things does David tell us are needed for a right relationship with our God?

I. His Grace Is Always Needed! [v.7]
II. His Presence Is Always Needed! [v. 9]
III. His Instruction Is Always Needed! [v. 11]

Application/Challenge: I said there were four things David told us we needed to have but only listed three ... so what is the fourth? Verses 13 & 14 tell us Our Patience Is Always Needed!

Psalm 27:1

TOPIC: Fearlessness; faith

TITLE: The Lord Is My Everything!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What should God be to you?

I. He should be the illumination of your life!
II. He should be the deliverance of your life!
III. He should be the defense of your life!

Application/Challenge: If indeed He is all of these things ... who or what should you fear?

Psalm 27:4

TOPIC: Hope

TITLE: What Would You Ask of the Lord if You Could?
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What three Kingdom things from the Lord did David consider top priority?

I. To Dwell in the House of the Lord Forever!
II. To Behold the Beauty of the Lord Forever!
III. To Inquire In the Temple of the Lord Forever!

Psalm 27:13-14

TOPIC: Despair

TITLE: An Anecdote for Despair!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How does David suggest we respond to despair?

I. David tells us to "Wait for the Lord"!
II. David Tells Us to "Be Strong"!
III. David Tells to "Take Courage"!

Psalm 50:7

TOPIC: God; Judgment, Justice, Nature, Sufficiency

TITLE: I AM YOUR GOD – God’s All Sufficient Essence
TEXT: Psalms 50:7

“Hear, O My people, and I will speak … I am God, your God.”

CONTEXT: The author is Asaph, a Levite; the patriarch of a bloodline of poets and singers ... also Psalms 73-83.

Psalm 50 is where we get “God owns … … the cattle on a thousand hills.” [10b]

Asaph was a leader in King David’s choir.

Here is judgment coming, judgment explained, judgment promised; here legalistic hypocrites are revealed ... they dot the “I” and cross the “t” of religion, yet they fail to see who God really is.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What three attitudes (expectations) interfere with God’s amazing grace?

I. THE EXPECTATION OF COMPLETE SANCTIFICATION
II. THE EXPECTATION OF IMMEDIATE SATISFACTION
III. THE EXPECTATION OF ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: So you want to rob the bank and keep the money when you are caught? Your satisfaction in life is all that matters to you … and you want it now! Simple satisfaction is not enough; you had that long ago.

And you will believe in God for sure … if He will just make an appointment with you at a convenient time … that’ll do it.

Asaph pleads on behalf of God, that disobedient men repent of their ritualistic religion and return to true worship … surrendering to God with a broken and contrite spirit.

Psalm 52

TOPIC: Fear (of God), Trust (in God)

TITLE: HOW TO DEAL WITH ENEMIES!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What should we do when others speak badly of us?

I. Do Not Speak Well of Their Behavior [vv. 1-5]
II. Do Understand the Difference Between the Righteous and the Wicked [vv. 6-8]
III. Do Tell God You Will Look [v. 9]

A. Behind and Praise Him
B. Forward and Wait on Him

Psalm 57 [Cf. 1 Samuel 22 or 1 Samuel 24]

TOPIC: Tribulation

TITLE: HOPE & TRUST IN GOD

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: Without tribulations in life and attacks from enemies, what kinds of victories would we have in life and would we still feel a need for a Savior?

I. FAITH IN A COMING SAVIOR [Vv. 1-5]

1. David seeking grace.

2. An earnest plea "to God the Most High" (Elohim elyon ... a powerful and exalted name of God. The literal translation is "to God who performs for me").

3. The coming Messiah.
4. Words are powerful weapons.
5. Praise to God most high; repeated in verse 11.

II. FAITH IN A COMING JUSTICE [Vv. 6-11]

6. The trapper becomes the quarry.
7. A profession of faith in song.
8. A noisy profession.
9. And publicly.
10. God's attributes.
11. Praise to God most high; verse five repeated.

Scroggie said - " his fear of the one is more than counteracted by his faith in the Other." [p.42]

Psalm 64 (cp. James 3)

A Psalm of prayer by David. I think it's marvelous the way David put his prayers to music.

TOPIC: Prayer

TITLE: CONFIDENCE IN GOD TRUMPS COMPLAINTS ABOUT OTHERS
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How should we deal with the tribulations of life?

I. MAKE CLEAR YOUR COMPLAINT [1-6]

A. David Describes Sinners Generally [1, 2]

1. The king wants to heard by the King of kings, he wants his complaint to have be considered. His request? He asks God to "preserve" his life from "the dread of" not from a dreaded enemy.

2. As we've seen David's life is constantly pestered by "evildoers" and "those who do iniquity." It's not that he wants God to stop their "secret counsel" but rather that he wants their fruit ("the tumult") to fall of him. In other words, his complaint is that it takes up too much of his time.

B. David Describes Sinners Specifically

3. Tongue, bitter speech: "like a sword," like an "arrow." What imagery.
4. The don't fear God and the strike the blameless "from" a hidden place and by surprise ("suddenly").
5. They conspire to do their evil; they hide traps in the innocents' path.
6. Their hearts are wicked and they devise "a well-conceived plot."

II. MAKE FIRM YOUR CONFIDENCE [7-10]

A. God is the Source of Confidence: Trust Him [7, 8]

7. But God has arrows of His own, and a blade too! And He can strike "suddenly" as well.
8. I think this should say "So He will make them stumble." Their sword, their tongue will strike them ... people will be amazed. Scroggie: "So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves."

B. God is the Source of Justice: Fear Him [9,10]

9. Because David has confidence that God is just and Protector of the innocent. Men will fear ... "all" of them. Men will proclaim God's great deeds in protecting the "blameless" and men will study them.
10. By faith "the righteous" and "the upright" live "in the LORD." AMEN.

It is a better thing to be slandered than to be one who slanders; it is a better thing to be an evil sufferer than to be an evildoer.

Psalm 95

TOPIC: Worship

TITLE: O COME! LET US CELEBRATE!*
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How should we come to worship?

I. O Come! We Come In Joy! [1-5]
II. O Come! We Come In Reverence! [6-7c]
III. O Come! We Come In Faith! [7d]
IV. O Come! And So Let Us Come! [John 4:23, 24]

[By Dr. Ronald Barcley Allen, Western Conservative Seminary (Portland, OR) 1981]

Psalm 126 (Cf. Matthew 5:1-12)

TOPIC: Encouragement, Evangelism, Prophetic Promise

TITLE: MOUTHS FILLED WITH LAUGHTER
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What is the conclusion of the captives’ song? [2]

I. They Will Be Sowing In Tears! [5a]
II. They Will Be Reaping In Joy! [5b]
III. They Will Be Bringing In Sheaves! [6]

Holiletics, Outlines,
Preaching, Psalms, Sermons

JONAH - Seed Archive

Jonah 1:1 ff

TOPIC: Missions

TITLE: While Nineveh Goes to Hell!

I. Jonah's Success

Riding the crest of popularity; a successful prophet. [2 Kings 14:25]

II. Jonah's Call [1:1-2]
III. Jonah's Flight [1:3-2:10]
IV. Jonah's Message [3:1-4]

Short & sweet -- Forty days and Nineveh will be destroyed.

V. Jonah's Surprise [3:5-10]

The heathen repented and were spared; they weren't even part of chosen people.

VI. Jonah's Displeasure [4:1-4]

First time thus saith the Lord not literally fulfilled.

VII. Jonah's Lesson [4:5-11]

God is concerned about all people groups; it is not His will that any should perish [2 Peter 3:9].

[MISSIONS] If a child comes home and tells mom & dad the boss is sending junior to South America as part of a multi-million dollar oil exploration the folks say, "Wow! Great! You've made it son. We can't wait to call the family and the friends to tell them."

But if he comes home and tells them that God has called him to the mission field in South America to rescue the perishing, they say, "What? Are you sure? Are there any benefits? Is it safe? You don't even speak the language."

SOURCE: Bill Blanchard, Commission Magazine, May 1997 p. 280 (a publication of the International Missions Board of the Southern Baptist Convention).

Homiletics, Jonah, Outlines,
Preaching, Sermons

HEBREWS - Seed Archive

4:14 -- 5:10

TOPIC: Eternal Life, Easter

TITLE: OUR HIGH PRIEST - The Source of Eternal Life!

The Hebrews were as familiar with the duties of the High Priest as modern Americans are with the duties of the President of the United States.

Their daily lives were permeated with priests, altars, and sacrifices; the writer of this epistle reminds them God has provided them a perfect High Priest and a Perfect Sacrifice for the heavenly temple ... the Lamb of God.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: Why do we need such a High Priest?

Because we need an Intercessor ...

I. Who Is Appointed By God!
II. Who Is in the Presence of God!
III. Who Is God!

The Hebrews had the shadow of the good things to come ... we have found the reality and that reality is in Jesus ... we have found the evidence of His atoning work written in blood on the altar of God's Word.

God would encourage us to persevere in the face of obstacles. We have a forerunner who is our hope, and anchor of our soul, both sure and steadfast.

12:25

See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven.

TOPIC: Salvation; hearers, judgment, last days, warnings

TITLE: LAST DAYS WARNING - Salvation Message
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What three types of listeners are seen here?

I. STUBBORN LISTENERS! (they refuse to listen)
II. UNHEEDING LISTENERS! (they do not heed the warning)

A. Earthly - did not escape him! (Moses)
B. Heavenly - will not escape Him! (God)

III. WARNED LISTENERS! (they heed the warning)

Hebrews, Homiletics,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons

1 JOHN - Seed Archive

1 John 2:15-16

About 15 years ago, I wrote a quick note to myself in the form of a sermon seed for use sometime in the future. I don't recall what prompted it but it was out of my prophetic voice, I'm sure! At the time I wrote it, 9/11 and all of its baggage was still future.

TOPIC: Cultural decay; Sin, Worldviews

TITLE: A DYSFUNCTIONAL KINGDOM - Three Deadly Diseases

A kingdom without a king is just a land filled with people in search of a leader.

[VET] An acronym with many ties ... here it stands for Voyeurism, Exhibitionism, and Terrorism

TEXT: 1 John 2:15-16

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

TRUTH: Three contemporary social diseases which find their roots in "self" are having a horrible impact on Western Civilization.

I. VOYEURISM - "the lust of the eyes"

1. A person who derives sexual gratification from observing the naked bodies or sexual acts of others, especially from a secret vantage point
2. An obsessive observer of sordid or sensational subjects

The modern addiction to the visual is symtomatic; TV, porn, entertainment, etc.

II. EXHIBITIONISM - "the lust of the flesh"

1. Extravagant and conspicuous behavior intended to attract attention to yourself
2. The perverse act of exposing and attracting attention to your own genitals

Britany Spears, Paris Hilton, rock musicians, politicians, even the mega-church and emergent movements are part of it.

III. TERRORISM - "the boastful pride of life"

1. The use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, esp. for political purposes
2. The state of fear and submission produced by terrorism or terrorization
3. A method of governing or of resisting a government
   

Here our need to dominate rather than serve others is seen.

1 John 5:13

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.”

TOPIC: Assurance, Salvation

TITLE: WHAT DO YOU KNOW FOR CERTAIN?
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What should all "believers" know for certain?

I. They Should Know Why -- SIN!

"all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 3:23

II. They Should Know What -- DEATH!

"the wages of sin is death."

Romans 6:23a

III. They Should Know When -- NOW!

"behold, now is "THE ACCEPTABLE TIME," behold, now is "THE DAY OF SALVATION"

2 Corinthians 6:2b

IV. They Should Know Who -- JESUS!

"there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved."

Acts 4:12

V. They Should Know How -- CONFESS HIM AS LORD!

"if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved"

Romans 10:9

1 John, Assurance, Homiletics, Outlines,
Preaching, Salvation, Sermons