ACTS 7:58-60 - They Cast Stones

Series #14: Acts of the Apostles - Witnesses to Jerusalem
TOPIC: Consecration; Heritage, Matyrdom, Persecution, Sacrifice

TITLE: THEY CAST STONES - He Cast Eyes On Heaven!
TEXT: Acts 7:58-60 (54-60]

When they’d driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!" Having said this, he fell asleep.

[HERITAGE] This passage reminded me of a dear friend B. T. Austin (95) and he reminds me of Veterans Day; this is Veterans Day in the US.

B. T. was of the Texas Austins, the thirteenth of sixteen kids; he wrote an Austin family history and let me read it, he mentions Armistice Day; aka Veterans Day. Prior to 1954 we celebrated Armistice Day instead of Veterans Day …

Being reminded of this caused me to consider how easy it is to forget our heritage … the armistice ending WWI was signed in 1918. He said they had a saying to remind them: “the 11th month, the 11th day, and the 11th hour.” He remembered it well … he was eleven.

He and his mother were sleeping on blankets in the town square in Portales, NM; people ran into the street firing guns and setting off fire crackers. They hung an effigy of Kaiser Wilhelm in the square and shot it up while it burned.

Veterans Day is to remind us of those who served in the American armed forces in wartime (now peace time too). We’ve another day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice … Memorial Day.

Luke, the author of Acts, records Stephen’s martyrdom as an example of giving our lives for the cause of Christ … and, on lesser scale, how to die with dignity and grace.

Let’s move to our text …

(54) “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him.”

Anger wells up in the heart of those who live by the flesh … righteousness wells up in the heart of the one who lives by the Spirit ...

(55) “But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; (56) and he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’”

Stephen’s eyes turned upward, on the things of God; their eyes turned outward, looking for rocks ...

(57) “But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears, and they rushed upon him with one impulse. (58) And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him, and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.”

Those who gave testimony were required by law to cast the first stones at the condemned.

“The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.”

Deuteronomy 17:7

The first was to hit him in the chest with a small boulder to knock him to his “loins”; the second was to hit him on the head ...

(59) “And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’”

If he survived the first two …the other witnesses were to follow; then, if still alive, the congregation would follow ...

(60) “And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’ And having said this, he fell asleep.”

The Law kills, but the Spirit gives life.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What great teachings of our faith may be gleaned from our text?

I. CONFIRMATION OF CHRIST'S READINESS TO INTERCEDE!

(56) “... he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’”

Irony: Stephen stood condemned, without justice or mercy … yet he’ll soon intercede with heaven for them ... while Christ stood before the Judge Most High, in Court of courts, interceding for him.

And He is ready to intercede for us …

“Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”

Romans 8:34

[Albert Barnes] “... seeing that there was no safety in the Great Council of the nation, and no prospect of justice at their hands, he cast his eyes to heaven and sought protection there. When dangers threaten us, our hope of safety lies in heaven. When people threaten our persons, reputation, or lives, it becomes us to fix our eyes on the heavenly world; and we shall not look in vain.”

II. CONFIRMATION OF CHRIST'S DEITY!

(59) “And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’”

The word “God” (i.e., theos) is not in the record to support its inclusion here; thus we can say a godly man, in his dying moments, would turn to his god … Stephen turned to his “Lord Jesus”.

Only God forgives sin, only God is prayed to; Jesus the Christ is God, Stephen addressed Him as God!

III. CONFIRMATION OF ETERNALITY & IMMATERIALITY OF SPIRIT!

Again verse 59 ...

If we accept Stephen is a man “full of the Spirit and wisdom,” yet facing certain death then we must accept such a man would not err in his theology or offer up his spirit to God in the event he didn’t believe in its immaterial and eternal nature.

So, we must accept Stephen believed in the immateriality and eternality of his spirit; and as Christ gave His spirit to God the Father, Stephen gave his spirit to God the Son.

IV. CONFIRMATION OF SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST'S VICTORY OVER DEATH!

Again verse 59 ...

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 6:23

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”

Romans 8:2

For the same reasons as our last point Stephen’s actions and words confirm this reality.

V. CONFIRMATION OF NEED TO SETTLE ACCOUNTS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE!

(60) “And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’ And having said this, he fell asleep.”

We must not continue our debt of forgiveness of others at the moment of our death.

Stephen follows Christ’s example; we ought to follow the examples of both.

Though there is no remission of sin in the forgiveness of others by fallen men, there is settling of accounts and cleansing of sorts.

APPLICATION: If man honors the sacrifice of others how much more should the church remember those who’ve sacrificed for her?

Stephen’s example reminds us of what others have done to preserve that freedom; as in the days after Joshua’s judging Israel, people arise in every era who know not Joshua.

Where there’s no sense of investment, there’s no motivation for preservation.

Our Lord and His martyrs are His legacy and that legacy is in His church; that legacy is wrapped up in His deity, the sufficiency of His victory over sin and death, and the immateriality and eternality of man’s spirit. Ain’t that great?

CHALLENGE:

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Matthew 5:10-12

Acts, Christianity, Expository, Homiletics,
Outlines, Persecution, Preaching,
Sermons, Stephan, Veterens Day

ACTS 6:15 (8-15) Stephen - Owned by God!

SERIES: Acts #12
TOPIC: Consecration; Witness

TITLE: STEPHEN - Owned By God
TEXT: ACTS 6:15 (8-15)

And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel.

[D. L. MOODY] Said …

“The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him.” [Desiring Life]

However, he was in error … the world has seen Enoch, Joseph, Joshua, Daniel, and John the Baptizer; all pre-Ascension.

But now Stephen, post-Ascension and sold out to God; he signed his pink slip over to God; he wanted nothing but God’s presence and pleasure.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What in this passage confirms that Stephen was wholly owned by God?
CONCISE OUTLINE:

I. HIS GIFTS CONFIRM IT
II. HIS ENEMIES CONFIRM IT
III. HIS HEART CONFIRMS IT
IV. HIS HONOR CONFIRMS IT

TRUTH CLAIM/CONTEXT: Much like the Church today, the people of Israel hungered to personally experience God (8 in 10 Americans admit to such a hunger).

In spite of intense persecution by both civil and religious authorities, the new church prospered at every turn.

They were growing in numbers, in knowledge, and in the fear of the Lord and they were learning how to faithfully respond to threats … externally and internally!

One man, Stephen, first deacon and first martyr (i.e., witness), caught the attention of influential religious zealots, why? Because he was “full of faith and power” and “performing great wonders and signs among the people.” [v. 8]

Stephen followed closely in the footsteps of his Master and Savior; proclaiming the coming Kingdom to all with ears to hear. But their attention wasn’t healthy … again, why?

Because the zealots felt threatened and “they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was preaching.” [v. 10] You see, God owned Stephen … lock, stock, and barrel.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What in this passage confirms that Stephen was wholly owned by God?
EXPANDED OUTLINE:

I. HIS GIFTS CONFIRM IT

Among them were – Spirit and wisdom [3]; faith and Holy Spirit [5]; grace and power with signs and wonders [8]; and evangelical eloquence [10]

These are all (charisma) gifts and effects (energẽma) of the Holy Spirit …

“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”

1 Corinthians 12:11 [1-11]

“For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure.”

John 3:34

II. HIS ENEMIES CONFIRM IT

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master.

“If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household! Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.”

Matthew 10:24-26

Stephen’s (and Christ’s) enemies began with argumentation [9,10]; failing, they incited a fabrication [11]; failing, they move to provocation [12]; then, to ensure the desired result they employed …

– Abduction [12]
– Falsification [13]
– Then Misrepresentation! [13-14]

Two things were operative on this day:

1. the Light of Truth walked in the shadow of Mount Moriah in Jerusalem
2. the fight to darken that Truth skulked in the shadows of evil, fearing the Light
   

“There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to [do] evil, A false witness who ut-ters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.”

Proverbs 6:16-18

Notice Stephan confounded his persecutors with wisdom and Scripture.

They failed both intellectually and spiritually … so they abused the Law to justify stoning him.

Historically, if a powerful movement’s followers appear to turn from the movement’s teachings, to adopt the teachings of another, these leaders are confronted with three choices:

– turn with them
– turn from them
– or turn upon them

III. HIS HEART CONFIRMS IT

Jesus said,

“… store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:20-21

Can there be any question about what is stored up in Stephen’s heart?

IV. HIS HONOR CONFIRMS IT

Stephen highly honored God in his last moments. [7:1-53]

God highly honor him by gifting him more abundantly than others.

This was done that his mirror of righteousness might reflect God’s Shechinah glory.

It was not Stephen’s flesh which glowed as an angel, it was the righteousness of God being reflected in him and from him.

APPLICATION: Bottom-line -

In the egocentric and humanistic courts of fallen man, with man's version of truth, the calm but confident spirit of a man owned by “this Nazarene, Jesus” [6:14] will trump a thousand tanks and a multitude of defense attorneys.

I believe, to some degree, we’ve allowed Moses’ veil to again slip down before our eyes.

I believe we are not truly owned by the Father! Have we accepted Jesus as Savior? Yes! But not Lord! He owns us but we've held back the owner's slip.

In view of our claims, unbelievers say they are unimpressed

“You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being manifested that you are a letter of Christ … written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. [vv. 2-4]

We are not adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter [law] kills, but the Spirit gives life. [vv. 5-6]

But if the ministry of death, in letters engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, fading as it was, how will the ministry of the Spirit [life] fail to be even more with glory? For if the ministry of condemnation has glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory. For indeed what had glory, in this case has no glory because of the glory that surpasses it. For if that which fades away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory. [vv. 7-11]

Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech, and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away. But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ. But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. [vv. 12-16]

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. [vv. 17-18]

2 Corinthians 3:1-18

CHALLENGE: Our job is to understand the spiritual mechanics of this martyr (i.e., “witness”) Stephen … and be inspired by him.

God owns us ...

“For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”

1 Corinthians 6:20

And ...

“You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.”

1 Corinthians 7:23

Plus ...

“... false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.”

2 Peter 2:1

And for those in leadership … church leaders didn't purchase the sheep; the were paid for by the Lord's shed blood ... we don't own you.

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

Acts 20:28

God owns us all!

The church must once again find ways to let the world know our homes (i.e., “hearts”) have a new Owner.

Acts, Christianity, Expository, Homiletics,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons, Stephen

DANIEL: Seed Archive

9:3-19

TOPIC: Worship; Fasting, Prayer, Sin

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

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

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

1. An Earnest Heart
2. A Humble Heart

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

1. His Person
2. His Works

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

A. Yet Recognize Its Existence

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

B. Yet Recognize Its Effects

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

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

A. Acknowledging Openly Why God Loves Them

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

B. Understanding Deeply How God Loves Them

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

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

1 CHRONICLES 9:33 - DAY AND NIGHT – Don’t Stop Singing!

TOPIC: Praise; New Year, worship

TITLE: DAY AND NIGHT – Don’t Stop Singing!
TEXT: 1 Chronicles 9:33

“Now these are the singers … who lived in the chambers of the temple … who were engaged in their work day and night.”

INQUIRY: Just what did they find to sing about day & night?
CONCISE OUTLINE

I. THEY SANG OF HIS PERSON …
II. THEY SANG OF HIS WORKS …
III. THEY SANG OF HIS CHARACTER …
IV. THEY SANG OF HIS GREATNESS …
V. THEY SANG OF HIS GRACE …

TRUTH/CONTEXT: Our text is from a section of the historical record concerning the duties of the temple servants … in particular, “the singers.” They were residents of the temple/tabernacle, and “free from other service.” We suppose so they could commit themselves wholly to the singing of praises to God, “day and night.”

Of note is that these were heads of household, fathers of Levites (aka: priests) … all of this is a picture of our heavenly realm.

This is the final day of a rather inauspicious (unpromising) year. It seems appropriate for the times that three men of some fame died this past week:

• First came James Brown (12/25) – the obituary said, “American rhythm and blues singer and band leader, heart failure”
• Then came Gerald “Jerry” R. Ford (12/26) – his record read, “38th President of the United States (1974-1977), natural causes”
• Lastly Saddam Hussein (12/30) – his epitaph says, “5th President of Iraq (1979–2003), execution by hanging”

What caught my attention here was the contrast of lives: one was of the flesh, the other of the world, two were of the Devil, one of God; all three woke up this week in a place which words fail to describe.

One was spoken of as evil incarnate; saw himself as a latter day Nebuchadnezzar. One was a rebel and bragged about his run-ins with the law. One obeyed the law of his land, even helped frame it.

One was labeled a butcher, murderer of women and children, wicked, and cruel. One was spoken of as the Godfather of soul (little "s"), called an adultery, drug addict, egomaniac, wife abuser, and felon. The other was said to be gentle, kind, thoughtful to all, respectful, humble, good, hardworking, loving, soft-spoken, and god fearing.

All three expected to be in the presence of God when they woke up from their sleep, only one did.

And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.

Hebrews 9:27

Oh there will be a new year for all of us; I pray we are not standing on some phony resolution in our eternal hope; or on some inflated opinion of our self; no I pray each and all of you are standing on solid ground … the promises of God!

I normally don’t preach holiday homilies, other than Christmas and Easter … but let this be my message to you for the New Year (2007); let it be an encouragement that you might dig deep and reach your spiritual potential in a year which may be the worst than the one now ending.

In Joshua 1:8, we are admonished to study the word of God “day and night.” In the first psalm the “righteous man” is said to meditate “in the law of the LORD … day and night.” [Verse 2]

“… day and night (the four living creatures) do not cease to say, ‘HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.’”

Revelation 4:8 [adapted]

The House of God was so well organized (courses, orders, shifts) that its sacred singers’ songs did not cease sun or moon … at set times, “day and night,” they praised God (whose mercies endure forever; and who inhabits the praises of His people) symbolizing continuous praise. Thus, the priests lived out their lives mak-ing majestic melodies for Almighty God.

[RAIN] In the same way that the oceans, without ceasing, supply moisture for the clouds, which eventually refreshes the soil with shed tears, God’s mercy and grace never cease to flow … not by day or by night … so, neither should the heart-songs of God’s children-priests be hushed.

O beloved, your heart (which is the new temple) should learn the lesson taught by Zion's ceaseless songs: you also, like the Temple singers, are dependent upon God, so see to it that your gratefulness, like love [1 Corinthians 13:8a], never fails.

God's praise is constant in heaven, so learn to sing its eternal hallelujahs. Just as the strains of “Holy, holy, holy,” are heard without end in the halls of heaven, so should they be heard “day and night” in your heart of hearts.

[SUN] Just as the sun sheds its light upon the earth, its radiance awakening grateful recipients to begin their morning labors, so too as “day and night” navigate their course a strain of praise should ascend at all hours, wrapping the earth in a blanket of thanksgiving and worship.

Even when clouds intervene, the sun continues in its labor.

The Lord deserves always to be praised … He inhabits them after all.

INQUIRY: Just what did they find to sing about day & night?
EXPANDED OUTLINE

I. THEY SANG OF HIS PERSON …

A. Wonderful Attributes: we might say character; some inherent quality found in a person’s personality and life.

1. In Him there is no darkness
2. In Him there is all perfection

B. Wonderful Nature: the disposition or temperament of someone.

1. He so loved the world.
2. While we were yet sinners

II. THEY SANG OF HIS WORKS …

A. Power-filled creative works …

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.”

Psalm 19:1

B. Tenderhearted providential works …

1. God foresaw the need of man
2. Jesus had compassion and fed the multitudes
3. Jesus provided a way of escape

III. THEY SANG OF HIS CHARACTER …

A. Lovingkindness toward his creatures
B. Protection from their enemies

IV. THEY SANG OF HIS GREATNESS …

A. Acts of deliverance (Egypt and rebirth)
B. Sustaining provisions
C. Hope-filled promises

V. THEY SANG OF HIS GRACE …

A. Which flow from our obedience
B. Which flow from our sacrifice

Paul said,

“I urge you therefore, brethren … to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

Romans 12:1

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: It’s always beneficial to praise the Lord; it brightens our days & warms our nights; it lightens our loads & softens our sorrows.

The gladness of continual praise sheds sanctifying warmth upon us … inside and out. This creates a glow which warms us from within; this glow attracts others to us as a moth to a bare bulb.

[GERRIT GUSTAFSON/WORSHIP EVANGELISM] He defines it in two simple phrases: “whole-hearted worshipers calling the whole world to the whole-hearted worship of God … [and] the fusion of the power of God's presence with the power of the gospel.”

Evangelism is what happens when our worship testifies to God's greatness, love, and faithfulness. …. In order for worship to evangelize, it needs to be more than just one hour … out of the week.

Worship that speaks to God’s majesty and transforming power is a lifestyle. It’s a 24/7 … worship.

We can’t expect non-Christians to understand the concept of a new life in Christ if they see Christians in church on Sunday morning worshiping a holy God and then worshiping the mighty dollar and living a lifestyle … that is no different from a non-Christian lifestyle. Our worship of God has to carry over into every aspect of our lives.

Haven’t we something to sing about at this next year? Can’t we weave a song out of 1) our present joys, or 2) our past deliverances, or 3) our future hopes?

Effort still yields its harvest, golden fields still wave, the sun still tarries to bring earth’s fruit, and this goes on both day and night … if He has kept His promise so, shouldn’t we lengthen the hours we devote to worship.

For the love of Jesus (and He loved us first), let us be inspired to fill our days with songs of sanctified joy and praise!

1 Chronicles, Christianity, Expository, Homiletics,
Joy, Outlines, Preaching, Sermons, Singing

ACTS 4:23-31 - NOTICE THEIR THREATS

SERIES #6: Acts of the Apostles; Witnesses to Jerusalem [1-7]

TOPIC: Power; Church, Testimony, Witness

TITLE: NOTICE THEIR THREATS - Prerequisite for Speaking with Boldness!
TEXT: Acts 4: 29-30 [23-31]

"And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."

CONCISE OUTLINE
INQUIRY: How did the disciples react to the threat of persecution by the Jewish leaders?

I. THE THREAT MADE THEM PROCLAIM GOD … !

A. Their faith in God

1. Openly
2. Enthusiastically

II. THE THREAT MADE THEM PRAISE GOD … !

A. Loudly!
B. Unanimously!

III. THE THREAT MADE THEM PETITIONED GOD … !

A. Powerfully

TRUTH/CONTEXT: By now we should remember …

First that the Acts of the Apostles is outlined in chapter 1 verse 8 … and second that there are three themes revealed in its contents …

1. The preeminence of the Living Lord,
2. The prominence of the Holy Spirit, and
3. The power of the authentic church

We’ll be in Jerusalem through chapter 7; we’ll then enter Judea and Samaria until chapter 13, when we begin a journey to “the remotest part of the earth.”

Last week we saw that the authentic church can’t stop speaking about what is know to be true … unless it has allowed calluses to build up on its heart, or unless it, like the church in Laodicia, has lost its first love. [Revelation 2:4]

This week we’ll see how persecution results in a fearless voice, a unified voice, and a powerful voice all working together for God’s Glory.

EXPANDED OUTLINE
INQUIRY: How did the report of persecution by the Jewish leaders affect believers?

I. THE THREAT MADE THEM PROCLAIM GOD – Fearless Voice!

For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel. [27]

A. Jesus
B. By faith
C. Openly
D. Enthusiastically

1. Considered it an honor to suffer for His name
2. Unconcerned about the consequences
3. Hungered more

E. Didn’t suggest a retreat, criticize or question the apostle’s motives, suggest they go easy, stop going to the temple, propose appeasement, or send others so they could stay home.

II. THE THREAT MADE THEM PRAISE GOD – Unified Voice!

“And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord.” [24a]

A. When the disciples reported on the threat the combined response was unified. [24]
B. Praised God

1. Loudly
2. Unanimously
3. About

a) His creative POWER! [24]
b) About His providential care! [25,28]
c) About His word and its truth! [25,26]

C. Gave God the glory

1. … here called “Sovereign Lord” …
2. recognized He is greater than “nations … peoples … kings … and rulers” [despõtes]

III. THE THREAT MADE THEM PETITIONED GOD … Powerful Voice!

"And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." [29, 30]

A. As a result they prayed boldly to God …

1. to consider the threats of His enemies
2. to grant them all confidence to proclaim the Good News
3. to continue …

a. His healing … not just the flesh but the spirit.
b. His signs and wonders …

E. Notice the use of Scripture in their worship of God [24b,25b,26]
F. Notice they don’t hesitate to call a “spade” a spade [27,28]
G. Notice they don’t cower but rather

1. Requested God would humble His enemies and
2. make bold His witnesses. [29]

H. Notice they don’t ask for boldness selfishly but rather for the benefit of others and for the glory of God! [30]
I. And notice God answered their prayers and released them with power … but for many it meant dispersion, tribulation, and death! [31]
J. Notice the request is not for power to afflict God’s enemies with His wrath but rather to extend His mercy “through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” [30]

We should covet the same.

APPLICATION:

[COMMAND] During WWII the North African Campaign was in a mess and General Montgomery was sent to clean it up. I’m told his first order was as follows: “The orders of the Commander-in-Chief will no longer be open to interpretation ... just action.”

God will not bully or threaten those He has chosen. No gun will be put to their head; they will not be drug kicking and screaming into the streets.

We may choose to obey or disobey. Yet there are those who insist they’re obedi-ent and but clearly are not! Such is the problem of the twentieth century.

Were I chosen to write the epitaph for the church of this century, I would write:

GREAT PROCLAMATION;
PROCLAMATION UNPROCLAIMED

The POWER of the church (for certain THE AUTHENTIC CHURCH) was reflected in the events that followed:

1. Immediate answer to prayer … [4:31]
2. Community … [4:32-35]
3. Barnabas … [4:36,37]
4. Ananias & Sapphira [5:1-16]
5. Followed by more persecution [5:17ff.]

CHALLENGE: The AUTHENTIC but contemporary church should expect, if it has committed itself into His hands, to be …

1. shaken
2. filled and
3. made bold.

[ARMY] A few years ago the U.S. Army unveiled a new recruitment slogan recently. The “Be All You Can Be” line, a cultural icon since the 1980s, was re-tired and replaced with “An Army of One.”

According to reports, the Army hopes the slogan will appeal to a genera-tion less attracted to military service than its predecessors.

Paul says the church has had that slogan for 2,000 years …

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”

Ephesians 4:4-6

And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

Acts 4:31

Thus we know and proclaim, “I am an army of One in Christ Jesus … undefeated and unbeatable; overcoming and victorious!”

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

2 Kings 22:1-23:3 - Dust On the Bible!

TOPIC: Scripture; Apostasy, Bible, Consecration, Covenant, Word (of God)
TITLE: DUST ON THE BIBLE: Go Find The Book!

TEXT: 2 Kings 22:1-23:3

(1) Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. (2) And he did right in the sight of the LORD and walked in all the way of his father David [and] he did [not] turn aside to the right or to the left.

CONTEXT: Manasseh’s evil reign had brought Israel to its knees. Though money was everywhere it only flowed in the hands of the rich, the privileged, or the powerful. The poor were considered a necessary evil. The nations’ leaders were self-serving.

Politicians were corrupt to the core, even good politicians lack ethical and moral depth. Religious figures were no better … it was rare that good was done publicly in the name of the Lord. False religions and cults abounded. Right was wrong and wrong was right; black was white and up was down.

When King Josiah, the grandson of Manasseh, was 18 (perhaps as old as 26) he began a project to restore the run-down, cluttered temple that had been abandoned during his father’s horrible reign.

Hilkiah, the High Priest, had done some Temple Spring-cleaning and discovered a hidden copy of the law of Moses. He turned it over to the scribe Shaphan who had been sent by the king to prepare the administration of the Temple for the needed improvements.

Shaphan read the scrolls and reported to the king on what had been found. The king, a righteous man, ask that they be read to him. After they were read he came under conviction for his nation and himself. The result was a mighty revival.

TRUTH CLAIM: There is an old gospel song that has a stanza which says, “Dust on the Bible, Dust on the Holy Word, the words of all the prophets and the sayings of our Lord.” (Kitty Wells)

How is it possible that we allow dust to collect on God’s Holy Word? I continue to be amazed at how little Bible reading goes on among God’s people; I am equally amazed at how often I am asked questions that are fundamental in nature.

And yet right here in Scripture is an example of a prior time when the same thing was taking place.

Now please don’t misunderstand, I would much rather the questions be asked than not asked. It just surprises me that certain questions are asked by solid believers. And I am equally surprised at how few people want to know more about the Bible.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What Does the Story of Israel’s Rediscovery of God’s Word Suggest To You And Me?

EXPANDED OUTLINE:

I. IT SUGGESTS WE SHOULD NEVER NEED TO REDISCOVER GOD'S WORD! (vv. 3-8a)

Now it came about in the eighteenth year of King Josiah that the king sent Shaphan, the son of Azaliah the son of Meshullam the scribe, to the house of the LORD saying, "Go up to Hilkiah the high priest that he may count the money brought in to the house of the LORD which the doorkeepers have gathered from the people. And let them deliver it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the LORD, and let them give it to the workmen who are in the house of the LORD to repair the damages of the house, to the carpenters and the builders and the masons and for buying timber and hewn stone to repair the house. Only no accounting shall be made with them for the money delivered into their hands, for they deal faith-fully."

(8a) Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, "I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD."

What place does the Word of God have in your life? Is it abandoned in your home like it was in Israel in the days of the evil king Manasseh?

[BIBLES] Bibles per capita in the world as a whole is estimated at less than half of a Bible per person. Yet in the USA we average over five bibles per household. An average household is 2.2 people. That’s over two Bibles per person in America.

More Bibles are used as coffee table decorations or bookshelf fillers than are used in Bible study.

God did not ordain the written word in order that we have a record of what He has said, nor as a book of dos and don’ts, nor as a reference work. The Bible is God’s way of reminding us of who He is and that His word is sure and true!

GO FIND THE BOOK! GO FIND THE BOOK!

The old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind!” applies to the Word of God. It was not the cause of Israel’s rebellion, nor the cause of their unrighteousness. Their hardened hearts and stiff necks were the cause of their apostasy.

When the word of God was rediscovered by His people they were reminded of Him, when they were reminded of Him they were reminded of their great apostasy, when they were reminded of their condition they were brought under conviction.

Now just because someone is brought under conviction does not mean they will change, change comes about after a person has broken and pleaded for forgiveness.

GO FIND THE BOOK! GO FIND THE BOOK!

II. IT SUGGESTS WE SHOULD GO READ THE BOOK TO KNOW ITS CONTENTS! (vv.8b-10)

(8b) And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan who read it. And Shaphan the scribe came to the king and brought back word to the king and said, "Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the LORD." Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king saying, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book." And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.

GO READ THE BOOK! GO READ THE BOOK!

God’s people not only discovered the word but they uncovered the word. They rolled open the scrolls and read what God had said to His people. They rejoiced to hear from the living God. They came from every corner of the nation to hear form their Lord.

In general they broke as a nation and repented of their errant way of life. The turned from their evil ways and determined to follow after their God.

GO READ THE BOOK! GO READ THE BOOK!

A dusty Bible says it has not been read. A dusty Bible says “I don’t care what God says.” A dusty Bible says “I know everything it says, it can offer me nothing new.” A dusty Bible says, “This book is old fashioned, it doesn’t apply to today, it’s not relevant.

III. IT SUGGESTS WE SHOULD HEAR THE BOOK! (vv. 11-20)

And it came about when the king heard the words of the book of the law, that he tore his clothes.

Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king's servant saying, "Go, inquire of the LORD for me and the people and all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us."

So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter); and they spoke to her.

And she said to them, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'Tell the man who sent you to me, thus says the LORD, “Behold, I bring evil on this place and on its inhabitants, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah has read. Because they have forsaken Me and have burned incense to other gods that they might provoke Me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore My wrath burns against this place, and it shall not be quenched.”

But to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the LORD thus shall you say to him, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘Regarding the words which you have heard, because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I truly have heard you," declares the LORD. Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, neither shall your eyes see all the evil which I will bring on this place."'" So they brought back word to the king.

GO HEAR THE BOOK! GO HEAR THE BOOK!

The Bible says, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." [Romans 10:17]

GO HEAR THE BOOK! GO HEAR THE BOOK!

IV. IT SUGGESTS WE SHOULD SHARE THE BOOK! (vv. 23:1,2)

Then the king sent, and they gathered to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. And the king went up to the house of the LORD and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests and the prophets and all the people, both small and great; and he read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant, which was found in the house of the LORD.

The Gospel of John begins by identifying the Lord Jesus Christ as the Word, the writer of Hebrews identifies Him as the Living Word!

GO SHARE THE BOOK! GO SHARE THE BOOK!

V. IT SUGGESTS WE SHOULD OBEY THE BOOK! (23:3)

And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.

We need to heed: “When all else fails, follow instructions.” When we survey the panorama of contemporary American life we must conclude that we have failed. We need to read the instructions and determine where we have gone wrong.

GO KEEP THE BOOK! GO KEEP THE BOOK!

The Bible says,

But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does.

James 1:25

GO KEEP THE BOOK! GO KEEP THE BOOK!

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE:

[DAVID AND GOLIATH] The Rev. Frank Morgan reported in a recent issue of Reader’s Digest that …

“My daughter’s boss, Gene, a commercial appraiser of short stature, arrived in court with a bulging briefcase. The lawyer for the other party was a Goliath of a man who, when he caught sight of Gene, cried out across the courtroom, ‘Well, little man, what have you got in that briefcase?’

Without looking up, Gene replied, ‘Five smooth stones.’”

Let me suggest to you that the quickness of this man’s response was a function of his personality and character: his self-esteem was in place, he was confident and he knew his bible.

PRINCIPLES

1. It is possible for God’s people to abandon His word!
2. It is possible for religion to go on without His word!
3. God abandons those who abandon His word! Scripture suggests that God blesses those who humble themselves, pray, fast, repent, and turn from their evil ways!
   
4. Scripture suggests that leaders must be involved in revival and spiritual awakening!
5. Scripture emphasizes the hearing of the Word!
6. The bottom-line is man’s heart!

Notice the godly man’s has a heart for the upkeep of the Lord’s house! The godly man searches widely for the truth in God’s word! The godly man is not only a hearer of the word but an effectual doer as well!

2 Kings, Christianity, Expository, Homiletics,
Preaching, Sermon Outlines, Sermons

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

1 PETER: Full Sermons

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

2:24

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

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

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

THE MARK: The Center of Christian Living!

TOPIC: Jesus
TITLE: THE MARK – The Center of Christian Living!
SERIES: Jesus, His Person and His Works

TEXT: Philippians 1:21
“For me to live is Christ.”

INQUIRY: How does the authentic believer manifest “to live is Christ”?
CONCISE OUTLINE

I. BY PAYING THE TOTAL PRICE
II. BY DEVOTING HIS TOTAL LOVE
III. BY OFFERING THE TOTAL SACRIFICE
IV. BY ATTEMPTING TOTAL IMITATION

TRUTH/CONTEXT: Our meditative music this morning says, “Lord, we’ve come to listen, and hear what you would say.” Often I’m concerned that many church people listen but do not hear what the Lord has to say. As the Scriptures say -

“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, Who have eyes, but see not; Who have ears, but hear not.” [Jeremiah 5:21]

Apparently I’m not alone in this concern. Let me read a few words from R. Albert Mohler Jr.’s Commencement Address to the 2004 graduating class at Southern Seminary. Mohler is president of the school. He became president at age of 30 (I believe) and was voted one of Time Magazine’s top 50 young adults in America the same year.

[DEMONSTRATED LIFE] Mohler said, “there are two types of people who hear the Word of God: those who believe it and seek to conform their lives to it and those who' listen to it but remain unchanged – like the man of James 1:23-24 who stares at his reflection in the mirror. … .

“We are to center our ministries, ourselves, and all that we do in the teaching and the preaching of God's Word, and in the demonstration [of it], motivating others likewise to be doers of the Word. We will know that our ministry is effective … if our congregations show what God's Word is in their lives.

“We live in an emotive age when many people judge the authenticity of their faith by how they feel,” he warned. “But if we give our primary con-sideration to feeling, eventually we will no longer even be able to feel.”

“I think I can say on the basis of an observation of the times that we will soon find out who are the doers of the Word,” Mohler said. “In this day there will be no more cultural Christianity. In the white-hot heat of our current confrontation, there will be no casual Christianity.”

“We must confront the church of God with this truth. We must arm Christians with this realization. We must challenge ourselves and others with the task and the litmus test of true faith, which is its demonstration.”

I agree Roy and Revel Hession who said many come by the “door” way of Christianity, but very few arrive at Heaven’s gate on the “walk” way.

Apparently, many of God’s so-called children are too fearful to walk publicly with or for the Lord … to be a fool for Jesus! Or as our text says, “to live is Christ.”

The Bible speaks of sin as missing the mark … this implies that there is a mark which we should desire to hit. And that Mark is Jesus! Anything missing the Mark is sin.

The committed believer did not always live to Christ! Of course not! He began to do so when the Holy Spirit convinced him of his sin. He committed to do so when “by grace” he saw his dying Savior making propitiation for his guiltiness. From the moment of this new and heavenly rebirth, he began to “live” to Christ.

INQUIRY: How does the authentic believer manifest “to live is Christ”?
EXPANDED OUTLINE

I. BY PAYING THE TOTAL PRICE

To the committed believer, Jesus is the Pearl of Great Price, for which he is willing to part with all that he has.

II. BY DEVOTING HIS TOTAL LOVE

To the committed believer, Jesus has completely won his love: so much so that his heart beats for Him alone.

III. BY OFFERING THE TOTAL SACRIFICE

To the committed believer, Jesus’ glory is his life; in defense of His Good News, he would sacrifice his life.

IV. BY ATTEMPTING TOTAL IMITATION

To the committed believer, Jesus is the template of his life, the model by which he would sculpt his character and reputation.

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Paul's words mean more than most men think; they imply that the aim and end of his life was Christ. Let’s be honest, to Paul, life itself was Jesus.

[SPURGEON] “Jesus was his very breath, the soul of his soul, the heart of his heart, the life of his life.”

Can you say, as a professing Christian, you meet this ideal?

Can you honestly say for you “to live IS Christ”?

1. Consider your employment – are you laboring for Christ? Or is it done for self-aggrandizement and personal advantage? You ask, “Is this an improper motive?” For the Christian? Yes!
2. Consider your finances – are they wholly devoted to Him?
3. Consider your home – is it a temple of the Living God?
4. consider this church – are you making it the sanctuary of worship He deserves?
5. Consider when no one is looking – is the time devoted to the King of kings?

Jesus Himself said, “You cannot serve to masters.” If you profess, “to live is Christ”; how can you divide your devotion and not commit adultery?

Many carry out this principle in some measure; but who is there who dares to say he lives wholly for Christ … in the same way Paul did?

But, this, my friends, is the authentic Christian life … its origin, its lifeblood, its nature, its means of operation, its objective are all gathered up in one person – the Living Word of God.

Lord, our prayer this day is that You forgive us our failure to live as You would have us live.

We here present ourselves to live only in You, for You, by You, and to You.

Let us be as the bull that stands between plow and altar, to work on the one hand, or to sacrifice on the other … let our motto forever be, “Ready for either.”

Morning & Evening

Consecration, Devotion, Jesus, Philippians,
Preaching, Sacrifice, Sermons