ROMANS: Full Sermons

6:4-7

DISCIPLESHIP: It’s A Relationship, Not A Religion!

6:19

OUR OBLIGATION - To Die, Live, Serve, and Be United to God!

Christianity, Expository, Homiletics,
Outlines, Preaching, Romans, Sermons

WONDERFUL WORKS OF GOD: First Fruits!

SERIES: Acts #2

TOPIC: Apostles, Gospel, First Fruits, Proclamation, Witness, Works of God
TITLE – WITNESSES TO JERUSALEM #2: Wonderful Works of God – First Fruits!

TEXT: Acts 2:22-24 (14-47)

"Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know – this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.”

The following is the context for the series:

1. The Preeminence of the Living Lord!
2. The Prominence of the Holy Spirit!
3. The Power of the Authentic Church!

We want to take special notice of this context as we progress through the book.

INQUIRY: What is the gist of Peter’s powerful proclamation?
CONCISE OUTLINE

I. CHRIST WAS HELD UP BY GOD – God gave all who could rea-son adequate confirmation of the identity of His anointed! [22]
II. CHRIST WAS DELIVERED UP BY GOD – God had a plan for and a foreknowledge of the deliverance of His anointed to His enemies! [23]
III. CHRIST WAS RAISED UP BY GOD – God ended the power of death over man by raising His anointed from the dead! [24]

TRUTH/CONTEXT:

I can see the people sitting in the Upper Room … an early Starbucks for disciples … sipping on their lattes and nibbling on their chocolate coated cinnamon swizzle sticks.

Something totally unexpected happened to awaken them from their funk. The women were the first to notice; they were busy rushing around making sure the men were comfortable and the kids were quiet. They heard it more than saw it. Mary made an audible “oh” when she saw the glow build in the upper corner of the room; then whoosh, wham, whap!

The Spirit of God was on them like chigger on a hot summer day! It was over before it began … they all staggered and stumbled out the door, then down the stairs. Out into the City Square the wobbled like drunken sailors … some sprawling on the grass as their knees gave out. A cop was called to arrest “a bunch of drunken Galileans.”

Quickly James and Peter gathered the group together and laying hands on each of them, calling upon each of them “to speak in unknown tongues.” [tongue in cheek!]

Today we’re going to focus on Peter’s powerful sermon to the “men of Israel” [22] and its impact.

The book was written by Luke, the author of the gospel accredited to his name. We must understand that it is recorded history. A continuation of the gospel account.

• 1:3-5] First, Jesus had told the disciples and apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the power promised by the Father … the Holy Spirit.
• [7,8] Then, once there, Jesus reiterates the GREAT COMMISSION.
• [9-11] Christ ascends; disciples return to Upper Room (Jerusalem), where they chose an apostolic replacement for Judas [12-26].

• [2:1-3] Finally, the true Church is formed, having already been founded in its Head … Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit arrives with flourish and power; on the Day of Pentecost.
• [4-13] Under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit the 120 or so individuals in the Upper Room move into the streets to witness to the works of God [11].
• [14-36] Peter then gives his first recorded sermon … an apologetic [simultaneously proclaiming and defending the cause of Christ].

INQUIRY: What is the gist of Peter’s great message?
EXPANDED OUTLINE

I. CHRIST WAS HELD UP BY GOD – [22]

A. God gave all who could reason adequate confirmation of the identity of His anointed!
B. With miracles, wonders, signs.
C. Resurrection

II. CHRIST WAS DELIVERED UP BY GOD – [23]

A. God had a plan for and a foreknowledge of the deliverance of His anointed to His enemies!
B. He foreknew!
C. In fact He planned it!

III. CHRIST WAS RAISED UP BY GOD – [24]

A. God ended the power of death over man by raising His anointed from the dead!
B. Death was in labor, about to deliver all of mankind into the hands of the devil.
C. The death of the Son of God and His resurrection from the dead killed its power over man.
D. Christ, the First Fruits … death now saw it was impossible to hold Him in his grip.
E. In fact, for any in Christ [Romans 6:3-11 READ IT!]

APPLICATION: This now answers the question of how the Jews were to know the anointed of God, whom they longed to receive but rejected [John 1:11]

Truly God did more to reveal His anointed than could ever be reasonably demanded of Him.

Peter’s message was for the Jew only [14, 22, 29, & 37]; what happened when they heard his message?

1. THEY HAD A GREAT CONVICTION … “they were pierced to the heart.” [37a]
2. THEY ASKED A GREAT QUESTION … “Brethren, what shall we do?” [37b]
3. PETER GAVE A GREAT RESPONSE … “repent” and “receive”! [38,39]
4. GOD RECEIVED A GREAT REWARD … “there were added that day about three thousand souls” [41; cp. 47b]

CHALLENGE: But the Scriptures are for all men; Peter’s message is therefore yours to hear.

Our response to his message doesn’t have to be identical to Israel’s response but it must at least imitate or mimic it!

How did they respond? They devoted themselves steadfastly to …

• teaching/study [42]
• fellowship/held things in common/community
• breaking of bread/unity
• prayers
• felt awe (fear of the Lord) [43]
• single-minded [46]
• went to temple
• visited one another’s home
• glad sincere hearts
• praising God [47]
• soul-winning/increasing in number [41,47b]
  

We are not to duplicate by cookie cutter this early experience … but God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow … His desire for them is His desire for us.

Have you not seen the wonderful works of God? Have you not the same evidence provided to you which was provided to them? Have you not the same God and the same anointed of God?

To paraphrase v. 36 –

“Therefore let all the church know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Messiah … this Jesus who was crucified for you while you were yet a sinner.”

Messiah/Christ/anointed for your salvation;
Lord/Master/Ruler for you to serve.

Acts, Apostles, Christianity, First fruits, Gospel,
Proclamation, Sermons, Souls, Witness

ACTS: Sermon Series

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

1:4-8

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

2:22-24

WONDERFUL WORKS OF GOD - First Fruits!

3:6

GIVE WHAT YOU HAVE – Serving God In Power!

3:16, 22-23

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

4:12 [1-12]

OF MICE AND MEN - And Their Greatest Laid Plans

4:19-20 [13-22]

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

4:29-30 [23-31]

NOTICE THEIR THREATS - Prerequisite for Speaking with Boldness!

5:1-11

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

5:20 [12-21a]

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

5:21b-42

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

6:7 (1-7)

BRIDE'S WEDDING PREPARATIONS - Satan's Playpen!

6:8 (1-15)

STEPHEN - Owned By God!

7:50-53 (1-53)

ARE THESE THINGS SO? An Application from the Older Testament!

7:54-60


8:4-5 (1-8)

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

8:9-24

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

Acts, Homiletics, Preaching,
Sermons, Sermon Series

LUKE - Full Sermons

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

1:44 [39-45]

LEAPING FOR JOY - Experiencing the Lord’s Presence for Joy!

2:18

WONDER OF WONDERS – Awe and Mystery In God’s Presence!

9:18-20

THE ONE - Just Another Senator (New 6 November 2008)

18:9-14

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST – Going Down to Our House Justified!

TAGS: Gospels, Homiletics,
Luke, Preaching, Sermons

MATTHEW - Full Sermons

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

8:5-13

OH YOU OF LITTLE FAITH - What must God do to convince?

16:23-24 [21-28]

DENY THYSELF - Focus on the Object of Your Faith for a Straight Walk!

25:1-13

COME HOLY SPIRIT - Stone "1" On Our Weekly Spiritual Pathway!

25:46 [31-46]

A HELL OF A NOTE - The Bad News According to Jesus!

Homiletics, Matthew,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons

JOHN - Full Sermons

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

1:1-2,14

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

8:36

FREEDOM - The Threat & The Price! (SCCC)

15:4-5

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

17:15

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

18:36

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

Bible, Gospel of John,
Homiletics, Preaching, Sermons

MATTHEW - Seed Archive

Matthew 1:1-17 (Luke 3:23-38)

TOPIC: Knowledge; Bible, Discipleship, Scripture, Word

TITLE: ROOTS OF THE TREE OF LIFE – Hidden Treasure in Biblical Trivia!
TRUTH CLAIM: It's becoming the single greatest embarrassment to the Body of Christ in the last 20 centuries! What is it? It's the horrible lack of biblical knowledge on the part of the saints of God!

It used to be any youngster in Sunday School was better by far in Scripture than any unchurched counterpart. Not only is that no longer true, but now grownup Christians run and hide when Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormon missionaries arrive at their door. Why?

Webster’s defines ignorance as "the lack of knowledge." That's why!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What must we know about a biblical passage in order to profit from it?

I. WE MUST UNDERSTAND THE POSITION OF THE PASSAGE!
II. THE PURPOSE OF THE PASSAGE!

THEN, AND ONLY THEN, WILL WE DISCOVER -

III. THE PROFIT OF THE PASSAGE!

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Bible study isn’t a duty or an obligation for the child of God; but it's not an option either.

The old saying is true: if you love the Author, then you'll love His book.

At no time in the history of the world has it been easier to know His story than it is now. And yet, at no time in the history of the world have so many, who have been blessed with so much, known so little about the Giver of all blessings.

Sadly, this is true in almost every church in America today!

Think long and hard about why you (yes, you!) lack the necessary knowledge to defend your faith.

Ask yourself, "What is so important in my life it keeps me from the study of God's word?" Whatever your excuse is, ask yourself this, "Will it (whatever it is) stand judgment over me on that day, or will God?"

Matthew 2:2a

Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?

TOPIC: Christmas [Christ]

TITLE: Where Is He? [Seven questions]
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: Where is He who was born King of the Jews?

I. Is He in our world?
II. Is He in our philosophy?
III. Is He in our religion?
IV. Is He in our government?
V. Is He in our homes?
VI. Is He in our lives?
VII. Is He in our heart?

Matthew 3:15a

But Jesus answering said to him, "Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

TOPIC: Obedience [Other topics - focus, God's plan, righteousness]

TITLE: Fulfilling All Righteousness!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How is "all righteousness" fulfilled?

I. By Being Obedient to the Father's Plan!
II. By Demonstrating Agreement with His Plan!
III. By Separating the Vertical from the Horizontal!

Matthew 6:18

... upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.

TOPIC: Church

TITLE: UPON THIS ROCK
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: Why is Jesus a successful church builder?

I. Because He builds on a solid foundation!

Jesus says, upon this rock, not just anyplace!

II. Because He builds with certainty!

Jesus says He will build, not can or might build!

III. Because He builds as owner!

Jesus says the church is My church!

IV. And because He builds for permanence!

Jesus says even the gates of Hades shall not overpower My church!

Only the True Church will be built, only perfect materials will be used; no natural or supernatural disasters will be able to shake it or break it, and the title is clear, no second mortgages, no liens, no encumbrances, it is bought and paid for.

Matthew 10:27

TOPIC: Evangelism [Other topics: outreach]

TITLE: Be A Cheerleader For God

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: I want to be a cheerleader for God, what do I do?

I. Get On Stage, Where You Can Be Seen!

What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light

II. Get A Megaphone, So You Can Be Heard!

What you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops

Matthew 25:14-30

TOPIC: Kingdom (to come) [Other topics - discipleship, prophecy, sanctification, saved vs. unsaved, warning]

TITLE: THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT - What He Lacked!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What did the Unprofitable Servant lack?

I. He Lacked Comprehension (of God)!
II. He Lacked Devotion (to God)!
III. He Lacked Justification (from God)!

Matthew 26:17-46 (27:27-54)

TOPIC: Lord's Supper [Atonement, Blessing, Crucifixion, Easter, Ordinance, Sacrifice, Substitution, Suffering]

TITLE: THE KEEPSAKE OF THE LORD - His Agony, Our Ecstasy!
TRUTH CLAIM: Memorial tokens are given to special people in our lives to cause then to have fond and enduring remembrances of us! They're intended to be kept for remembrance’s sake ... thus they are known as keep-sakes!

The Lord gave us His keepsake - an ordinance - we know it as the Lord's Supper! He paid for it with His life, yet it brings us great blessing!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How ought we visualize the Lord’s Supper in the light of His agony but Our ecstasy?

I. WE SEE HIS AGONY IN ...

A. THE CUP OF...

1. HIS BETRAYAL!
2. HIS NECESSITY!
3. HIS SHAME!
4. HIS PAIN!
5. HIS CONDEMNATION!

B. THE BREAD OF HIS DEATH!

II. WE SEE OUR ECSTASY IN ...

A. THE CUP OF...

1. OUR AWE!
2. OUR REMEMBRANCE!

B. THE BREAD OF OUR NEW LIFE!

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: 1 Corinthians 11:26 says "as often as" we partake of His supper we "proclaim the Lord's death until He comes." This we may all do, freely!

Yet only those who can declare in truth they’ve been "crucified with Christ" will have power in the proclamation of their testimony!

I perceive there are many who desire to proclaim Him "crucified," yet have no power, because they themselves have not been crucified with Him!

How the Lord must grieve as He sees us partake of His supper with such a deficiency in our lives.

If we freely choose to preach the Lord's agony (in this symbolic way), then we are obligated to practice what we preach!

It's not just those who are called to the preaching ministry who are obligated to preach that Christ died for our sins, but all those who go by the name of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)!

And, if we preach the Lord's agony, in this memorial way, professing to be followers of His, then we must manifest that same spirit of sacrifice which brought Him to the cross of His agony!

For it's in that spirit of sacrifice the world sees the truth and reality of what Jesus did for them!

Matthew 26:36-46

TOPIC: Pre-Easter [Other topics - prayer]

TITLE: HE WAS HEARD! [Adapted from Spurgeon's Morning & Evening; "Evening," March 22]

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How did Jesus face the road He had to travel?

I. With Powerful Humility! (He fell on His face!)
II. With Powerful Misery! (Being in agony!!)
III. With Powerful Sanctity! (Thy will be done!)

Matthew 26:36-56

TOPIC: Pre-Easter [Other topics - prayer]

TITLE: STAYING FAITHFUL! [Adapted from Family Bible Study: Life Truths quarterly; LifeWay Christian Resources (© Southern Baptist Convention) June 24 2001, pp.43-51 (edited for use by Pastors Pastor)]
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How may I stay faithful to God in the face of difficult circumstances?

I. By Asking Friends for Support! [36-38]
II. By Seeking God’s Will! (39)
III. By Guarding Against Temptation! (40,41)
IV. By Facing Difficulties Head On! (47-50)
V. By Knowing God’s Word! (51-56)

Matthew 28:18 [cp. 22:37]

TOPIC: Lordship

TITLE: If Not Of All, Then Not At All!
TRUTH CLAIM: If we claim to understand every doctrine concerning the person and workof Christ but fail to allow Him to be Lord of all, we must sadly confess that weunderstand nothing at all!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What must Jesus be Lord of if He is to truly be Lord of All?

I. He Must Be Lord of All the Visibles!

A. All Our Possessions!
B. All Our Professions!
C. All Our Personals!
D. All Our Particulars!

II. He Must Be Lord of All the Invisibles!

A. All Our Thoughts!
B. All Our Emotions!
C. All Our Will!

Jesus is not Lord of anything if He is not Lord of everything.

Two points: first, Jesus IS Lord whether we accept Him or not but, second, we must submit to Him as Lord in order for Him to be OUR Lord!

Matthew 28:18-20

TOPIC: Great Commission

TITLE: A COMMISSION WITH ROYAL BACKBONE - "Go ... I Am is with you."
[Adapted from T. C. Horton, "Go & Lo!" The King's Business (Biola Press, March 1922) pp.227-28.]
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What kind of a commission are we given?

I. A BLESSED COMMISSION - One with Authorization!

All authority has been given to Me ...

II. A BLESSED COMMISSION - One with Association!

... lo, I am is with you ...

III. A BLESSED COMMISSION - One with Assertion!

Go therefore ...

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: The Great Commission -

• provides us the greatest work place - the whole world!
• provides us the greatest work ethic - the gospel truth!
• provides us the greatest work mate - The Risen Lord!
• Will you hear?
• Will you heed?
• Will you hesitate?

Homiletics, Matthew,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons

MARK - Seed Archive

Mark 2:1-12

TOPIC: Evangelism [Outreach, Witness]

TITLE: Bringing In the Sheaves - How to demonstrate that you have faith in Jesus!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How do we show that we believe their is no one besides Christ Jesus?

I. By Bringing Others to Him! [1-5]
II. By Preparing for Criticism! [6-7]
III. By Beholding His Power and Authority! [8-12]

Mark 5:24-34

TOPIC: Faith [Forgiveness, Healing]

TITLE: Are You Aware of What Is Happening To You?
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What does Christ's healing power mean to us?

I. Christ's Healing is Powerful! [30,34]

A. It overcomes human bondage. ["12 years," 25]
B. It overcomes human charlatans. ["endured much," 26]
C. It overcomes human economics. ["spent much," 26]

II. Christ's Healing is Available! [28,33]
III. Christ's Healing is Free! [28,34]
IV. Christ's Healing is Permanent! [34]

Mark 14:22-26

TOPIC: Lord's Supper [New Covenant]

TITLE: THE NEW COVENANT - PROMISE & FULFILLMENT - Broken Body, Spilled Blood!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What dimensions of God's will are at work in the Lord's Supper?

I. The determinative dimension of His will!

God has determined the best road for us to travel, He has also determined that we should be free to choose to travel that road.

II. The declarative dimension of His will!

Jeremiah 31:31 says that God declared His intentions, He did hide His intentions.

III. The discretionary dimension of His will!

The Lord has said and the Bible has recorded that God will have mercy on whom He will have mercy ... and perfectly as well. We too should be merciful!

Mark 16:20a [A message by Mike Miller, Pastor FBC Boulder Creek, Ca. (22 October 1989)]

"they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them."

TOPIC: Work [Evangelism; Good News; Harvest field; Labor]

TITLE: HOLY SWEAT - or Meet my partner, the Lord Jesus Christ!
TRUTH CLAIM: Many workers secretly wish they could pick those they work with; but can any complain when their co-worker is the Lord Himself?

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How does Jesus labor with His disciples?

I. Jesus labors as a working partner!
II. Jesus labors with a working program!
III. Jesus labors through a working power!

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Let's recall "we are laborers together with God" and "workers together with Christ." We are to labor where we are ... with what we know ... with what we have ... if we're to be a working partner.

Gospel, Homiletics, Mark,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons

1 PETER - Seed Archive

1 Peter 2:20-25

"when you do good and suffer, patiently enduring it, this finds favor before God"

TOPIC: Christ Jesus

TITLE: A Divine Response for Straying Sheep
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: Why have we been called to suffer when doing good?

I. Because Christ Experienced Suffering On Our Behalf! [21]
II. Because Christ Endured While Blameless! [22]
III. Because Christ Entrusted Himself To God Completely! [23]
IV. Because Christ Earned Our Salvation! [24]

"... for now we've returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls"

1 Peter 2:22-25

TOPIC: Jesus [Example (His); Discipleship]

TITLE: THE GUARDIAN OF MY SOUL!
FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How did Jesus set an example?

I. In His Nature - Sinless!

"WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH" [22]

II. In His Temperament - Blameless!

"while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously" [23]

III. In His Death - Vicarious!

"... He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed." [24]

IV. In His Guardianship - Shepherd!

"For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls." [25]

1 Peter, 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

1 CORINTHIANS - Seed Archive

3:13

... each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work.

TOPIC: Discipleship [Sanctification]
TITLE: UNFIRED CLAY - What it means to be a Christian!

TRUTH CLAIM/CONTEXT: What a privilege to even be considered worthy to pass through the fire, to be provided works that need testing! Likewise, what a privilege to be placed on the Potter's wheel and be molded by the Master's hand!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What does being a Christian mean?

I. It Means We've Chosen (versus being forced)! [Acts 26:28]
II. It Means We've Changed (the old is new)! [Acts 11:26]
III. It Means We're Challenged (to glorify our God)! [1 Peter 4:15,16]

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Why are Christians so proud of their denominational affiliations, of their family tree or father's name? Our Savior's name is Jesus! We ought to be more proud of our affiliation with Him and with our Father in heaven's name.

Rebirth involves a conscious choice of acceptance, a certain and consequentialchange in one's life, and no promise of vital life with out challenge.

10:1-13

TOPIC: Testimony

TITLE: STANDING LEST WE FALL - An Example to Follow!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What seven examples in the wilderness did the Israelites leave for us to follow?

I. Not to crave evil things! [6b]
II. Not to submit to idols! [7a]
III. Not to act immorally! [8a]
IV. Not to provoke the Lord! [9a]
V. Not to grumble! [10a]
VI. Not to be proud in you own eyes! [12]
VII. Not to think you suffer alone! [13a]

10:1-14

TOPIC: Walk (The Christian), Hypocrisy
TITLE: NOW YOU SEE ME, NOW YOU DON’T!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How Is Life in Corinth seen in this passage?

I. The Life Presented Outwardly!
II. The Life Revealed Inwardly!
III. The Life Ignored Spiritually!

Christians seem to be awfully naive; believing like the Hebrews ... during the days of Ezekiel and Jeremiah ... that God does not see what they are doing or know what they are thinking. (added 2/22/06)


11:11-29

TOPIC: Lord's Supper [Communion; Eucharist]
TITLE: Testimonial Proclamation!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What three questions need to be answered before we come to the Lord's Table?

I. Why do we partake in the Lord's Supper?

A. To recognize His presence!
B.To remember His absence!
C. To proclaim His resurrection!

II. What is the Lord's Supper?

A. It is a cooperative (aspect of sharing)!
B. It is a concert (aspect of unity)!
C. It is a companionship (aspect of participation)!

III. Who may share in the Lord's Supper?

A. Disciples only! (only kind present)
B. Baptized only! (ditto)
C. Worthy only! (ditto)

15:12

TITLE: HOW DO SOME SAY?

Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What consequences accrue if Christ doesn't rise from the dead?

I. Our Preaching Is In Vain! (v.14)
II. Our Faith Is In Vain! (v.14)
III. Our Faith Is Worthless! (v.17)
IV. We Are False Witnesses! (v.15)
V. We Are Still In Our Sins! (v.17)
VI. Our Dead have Perished! (vv.15,18)
VII. We Are To Be Pitied! (v.19)

APPLICATION: But now Christ has been raised ... ! [15:20-22]

(Rev. 2/22/06)

Bible, 1 Corinthians, Homiletics, Preaching, Outlines, Religion, Sermons

TOPICAL (A-Z) - Seed Archive

Culture

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.

Easter

TITLE: FROM THE WOMB TO THE TOMB - An Empty Message!
TEXT: Various

FOUNDATION INQUIRY: Various

I. An Empty World! [John 3:16,17] ... a world without light!
II. An Empty Womb! [Luke 2:6,7] ... a Savior born!
III. An Empty Manger! [Mark 1:14,15] ... a child now a man!
IV. An Empty Colt! [Zechariah 9:9; John 12:14,15] ... a triumphal entry!
V. An Empty Cross! [John 19:31-38] ... a ransom paid! *
VI. An Empty Tomb! [John 20:1-10] ... a forerunner leaves!
VII. An Empty Church! [2 Thes. 2:1-3a; see also 1 Thes. 4:13-17 and also Rev.4-22] ... a raptured body!

[*CROSS] One significant difference between the Roman church and the protesting church is Jesus on the Cross! While there is nothing inherently wrong with the use of the Christ on the Cross as a symbol of one's faith (it's no worse than Jesus in the manger at Christmas time), yet it smacks of an incomplete view of the works of Jesus and diminishes His Second Coming!

Fear

TITLE: Redemption - How It Dispels Fear!*

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: From what fears are the redeemed freed?

I. We are Freed from the Fear of God - since He is reconciled! [Romans 5:10]
II. We are Freed from the Fear of Law - since it is satisfied! [Romans 3:21,22]
III. We are Freed from the Fear of Judgment - since it is past! [John 5:24]
IV. We are Freed from the Fear of Death - since it is vanquished! [1 Cor. 15:55-57]
V. We are Freed from the Fear of Hell - since it is conquered! [Hebrews 2:3]

[* From a message by Keith L Brooks; The King's Business (January 1922) p.40]


Wordless Book, The

[Editor's note: for those who aren't familiar with this book - it is a very old witnessing tool, used to share the gospel for well over two hundred years; each page is a different color, each color represents a different element of the Good News, some use more colors, some less, some use different colors, and some use different biblical text; it can be preached as one message with four or more points or a series, one message for each point.]

TITLE: The Whole Gospel and Nothing But the Gospel, So Help Me God!

[Editor's note: paraphrase of the vow made when a witness is sworn in by an American court]

I. Black: Sin [Romans 3:23]
II. Red: Blood of Christ/Cleansing [1 John 1:7b]
III. White: New Life [Ps. 51:7b]
III. Baptism [Acts 2:41]
IV. Green: Growth in Christ [2 Pet. 3:13]
V. Gold: Heaven [John 14:2]

Homiletics, Preaching, Sermons

JOHN - Seed Archive

3:7, 14, 30

TOPIC: Absolutes; Atonement, Good News, Prophecy, Relativism
TITLE: John 3's Four Absolutes!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What four absolutes in John 3 help us understand the Good News?

I. The Sons of Men Must Be Born-again! (John 3:7)
II. The Son of Man Must Be Lifted-up! (John 3:14)
III. The Bridegroom Must Increase! (John 3:30a)
IV. The Friends of the Bridegroom Must Decrease! (John 3:30b)

11:1-45

TOPIC: Death; Doctrine, Easter, Faith, Resurrection, Sovereignty of God

TITLE: UP FROM THE GRAVE HE CALLED - Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead!*

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What doctrinal ignorance existed among the people?

I. A Misunderstanding Concerning Death [12]
II. A Misunderstanding Concerning Resurrection [23-25]
III. A Misunderstanding Concerning Faith [38-40]

14:6

TOPIC: The Way
TITLE: THE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE – Jesus is the way!

Jesus answered him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How is Jesus the way?

I. HE IS THE WAY BY DOCTRINE
II. HE IS THE WAY BY EXAMPLE
III. HE IS THE WAY BY THE SPIRIT
IV. HE IS THE WAY BY SACRIFICE

15:1-8

TOPIC: Church, Priorities
TITLE: THE PRIORITIES OF THE CHURCH - Under His Banner of Love!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How do we experience God's love?

I. Through Body Life
II. Through Fellowship
III. Through People
IV. Through Organization
V. Through Programs

16:8-15

TOPIC: Conviction, Holy Spirit, Ministry, Submission, Truth
TITLE: The Ministry of The Holy Spirit

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What are the Holy Spirit's ministries?

I. His ministry to the world! [8-11]

A. Conviction of sin! [9]
B. Conviction of righteousness! [10]
C. Conviction of judgment! [11]

II. His ministry to Christ's disciples! [12,13]

A. For guidance! [13]
B. For truth! [13]

III. His ministry to the Son of God! [14,15]

A. Revealing Him! [14]
B. Glorifying Him! [14]

16:32-33

TOPIC: Personality, Character, Nature of Jesus
TITLE: TWO UNITED IN ONE - Seeing the Humanity in Jesus' Divinity!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How do we see Jesus humanity?

I. IN HIS LONELY UNITY!

Though left alone by His friends [and He is saddened], He is not alone in the Father [for They are One].

II. IN HIS TEMPORAL MERCY!

Jesus knew His disciples would abandon Him; He brought it up now that they might be forewarned and reach beyond it, yet He did not bring it up later to hold it against them. [After all, while we were yet sinners He died for us ... why should this transgression be thought so great a thing?]

III. IN HIS OMNISCIENT SYMPATHY!

Well He knew the weaknesses of man. One such weakness was to let guilt caused by personal failure become despair. [Knowing they would lack Pentecostal power for some time yet, Jesus exhorted them, offering them peace and encouragement.]

IV. In His Shared Omnipotence!

Knowing their weakness and knowing the final outcome of the ages, Jesus shares the final chapter with His disciples.

[Thanks to Wm. Barclay for the seed thoughts for this message; see his Daily Bible Study Series, "The Gospel of John" (Westminster Press, Phil.), 1956, volume 2, pp. 237-38; Sermon Seed; Sermon-Outline-A-Week, August 2000]

Christianity, Expository Preaching, Homiletics,
John, Sermon Outlines, Preaching, Sermons