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

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

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

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

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

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: Why Must the Righteous Live By Faith?

CONCISE OUTLINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I. SUPERNATURAL LINK TO GOD NEEDED!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

II. DIVINE GIFT NOT WAGES NEEDED!

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

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

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

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

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

III. A LASTING RELATIONSHIP NEEDED!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Romans 10:10a

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

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

This loving faith results in blessings and James says,

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

James 1:1 7

Earlier the same writer says,

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

James 1:12

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

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

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

2 Timothy 1: 12

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

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

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

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

JEREMIAH 18:1-6 - Flawed vessels!

TOPIC: Sovereignty; Mercy, Rebirth

TITLE: FLAWED VESSELS - Once Marred, Now Remade!
TEXT: Jeremiah 18:1-6 [NKJV]

The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words."

Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?" says the LORD. "Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!"

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What Forces are Powerful Enough to Interfere with God’s Molding of Us?
CONCISE OUTLINE

I. UNWORKABLE CLAY CANNOT BE MOLDED!
II. UNUSABLE CLAY CANNOT BE MOLDED!
III. UNSEALED CLAY CANNOT BE MOLDED!

TRUTH CLAIM/CONTEXT: God has become fed up with Israel, so He calls upon Jeremiah [aka: the weeping prophet]. The Lord was intent on demonstrating to Israel that He had had enough of their adultery and fornication with the pagan gods of their heathen neighbors. He was especially upset with their lack of obedience to the Law.

Through Jeremiah, God ...

1. declares His sovereignty over all created things, as well as
   
2. His willingness to remake any of it that needs it [but only as it pleases and glorifies Him].

We are all marred/flawed vessels [Romans 6:23], destined for destruction and, except for God's mercy and grace, deserving of such treatment.

In Romans 9, in the context of a) Abraham's sons versus the promise to Sarah's seed [vv.6-9] and b) hating Esau versus loving Jacob [vv.10-13], Paul explains to Roman believers that God consults no one concerning His will concerning anything. What makes no sense to the mind of carnal man makes complete sense if spiritually discerned.

So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?" On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this," will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use, and another for common use?

What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? And He did so in order that He might make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared be-forehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.

Romans 9:18-24

Here Paul …

1. reveals that God divides His subjects into those destined for …

a. honorable use versus common use or
b. vessels of mercy versus vessels wrath …

2. and explains that God

a. endures the sinful arrogance of the lost (i.e., "vessels of wrath"; v.22) in order to
b. "make known the riches of His glory upon [the saved]" (i.e., “vessels of mercy”; v.23).

Again, the Spirit uses the metaphor of the Potter. Later [in Ephesians 8], Paul writes to believers concerning …

1. the doctrine of the True Church and
2. the purpose [or the walk] of the True Believer.

Though not mentioning the parable of the Potter, he alludes to it indirectly.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10

In this passage Paul …

1. reiterates God's sovereign power to have mercy upon whom He wills;
2. states that our receipt of this mercy is not by our own effort, but is a “gift of God”; and
3. reveals God’s establishment of righteousness works for “vessels of mercy” before being made a new creature [2 Corinthians 5:17].

This leaves a question: if God “endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction," then how much more will He endure those "vessels of mercy ... prepared beforehand for glory?” [Romans 9:22, 23 NKJV]

If, therefore, Jesus died that man might once again find himself on the Potter's wheel and find the Potter willing to show him mercy and remake him, then why, pray tell, does he continue to harden himself to the will of his Creator?

I ask you: what force is powerful enough to interfere with God’s effort to vessels destined for wrath into vessels of mercy?

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What Forces are Powerful Enough to Interfere with God’s Molding of Us?
EXPANDED OUTLINE

I. UNWORKABLE CLAY CANNOT BE MOLDED!

That is, clay which has been allowed to dry out or harden. Everywhere in the New Testament, we are reminded of the role of water in the life of the saint.

Jesus answered [the woman at the well] and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."

John 4:10; NKJV

"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."

John 7:38

… that He might sanctify and cleanse [His Church] with the washing of water by the word …

Ephesians 5:26

"Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion [in the wilderness]."

Hebrews 3:15

II. UNUSABLE CLAY CANNOT BE MOLDED!

That is, material that is full of lumps, sand, grass, sticks, etc.

… if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.

1 Corinthians 3:12-13

Can’t you see these vessels of impurity being unusable?

III. UNSEALED CLAY CANNOT BE MOLDED!

That is, vessels unprepared for firing!

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 1:13-14

I don’t claim that this text speaks to the firing of clay but believers are sealed and clay is sealed and the analogy works.

APPLICATION: God wants to do with your life just what the Potter does with the clay … remake you, repair your flaws, fill you to overflowing, and use you in His service.

Some of you are, at this time, remain flawed vessels of wrath; others of you are mended vessels of mercy.

Some who are destined for destruction will, by the Grace of God and the skin of their teeth, come to their senses and deal with their condition in time for the Potter to remake them; some won't!

Some of you who are vessels of mercy, destined to do the good works in Christ Jesus, which God created for you beforehand, are busy doing them and loving every minute of it!

Others are so afraid the Potter might require something that they’ve avoided the hands of the Potter! Oh, they’ve built their house on the Rock but they’ve built it of “wood, hay, and stubble.”

These are no longer vessels of wrath but have not yet become vessels of honor … the Bible refers to these as carnal or nominal Christians!

CHALLENGE: Now, let me talk to the vessels of wrath. You are playing fast and loose with the things of God and are in danger of falling into the abyss! Listen, won’t you, to the Apostle John as he tells us how to be certain of eternal life.

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith. …. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

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

1 John 5:4, 9-13a

You all know what you must do and why … let him with hears hear the word of God, let him with eyes see the Son high and lifted up!

Christianity, Expository, Grace, Homiletics,
Jeremiah, Mercy, Outlines, Preaching,
Regeneration, Sermons, Sovereignty

EZRA 9:8 - ESCAPE AND SANCTUARY – A Brief moment of grace!

TOPIC: Revival; Deliverance, Discipline, Forgiveness, Sanctuary

TITLE: ESCAPE AND SANCTUARY – A Brief moment of grace!
TEXT: Ezra 9:8 [5-15]

"... now, for a brief moment, grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage."

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How is “a brief moment of grace” shown here?

TRUTH/CONTEXT: In the midst of a section on the dangers of God’s people commingling their assets with non-believers (i.e., marriage to non-Jews), the prophet Ezra comments on the reality of his little group’s situation. He is well into his confession for the people when he makes his observation.

Three truths are evident in his words –

1. God places ethical and moral demands upon His people
2. God’s righteousness demands punishment for transgressions
3. God is merciful; forgiveness, deliverance, and revival are provisions of His mercy

If it were not so deadly serious, this verse would be somewhat humorous. Here they are, a people who've just been freed from Babylonian captivity only to find themselves apparently in bondage again; needing sustained grace, they get a moments worth; and needing a huge revival, they get a little.

Also apparently, Ezra foresees their freedom as being in their possession only “for a brief moment.”

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How is “a brief moment of grace” shown here?
EXPANDED OUTLINE

I. THE LORD LEFT THIS GROUP AN ESCAPED REMNANT!

A. Though in the thousands they represented only a fraction of their former self

The ten northern tribes were lost to all until the appointed time in the end times

B. Though in the thousands they were a small group to revive a great nation

II. THE LORD GAVE THEM A PEG IN HIS HOLY PLACE!

A. Two pictures are possible –

1. That of a coat peg in the holy place of God

a) For some reason this one appeals to me
b) Perhaps the Holy Place in the Temple

(1) Implies a place to serve
(2) Great comfort to own place of worship

2. That of a tent peg in Jerusalem

a) This one goes well with a small escaped remnant
b) Perhaps a place of sanctuary (to escape to)
c) Or a place to be hung for safe keeping by owner

B. In either case, the remnant has a God provided place to –

1. Either rest their hat
2. Or rest their head

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Notice the purpose of this provision – “that our God may”

1. enlighten our eyes and
2. grant us a little reviving in our bondage

In other words, Ezra sees the circumstances of the moment as a classroom experience … not for their punishment but for their discipline (i.e., to revive them and encourage their hearts).

And it matters not that it is for “a little reviving” for any small morsel in the service of God is a filling feast for the soul of man.

The conclusion drawn by the prophet from the reality of their situation is this – since, due to our sins, we deserve no grace at all, a moment of grace and an iota grace is sufficient to cause us to avoid sinning even more.

In the midst of this bounty,

• how ungrateful to offend a God who has been so kind
• how hypocritical to continue mingling with unbelievers
• how unwise to risk God’s displeasure when we are dependent upon Him for what little we have

Our Church is going through a rough period of its history, a kind of captivity if you will. I am here to tell you this is “a brief moment (of grace).” He has both left “us an escaped remnant” and given “us a peg in His holy place.”

For what purpose? For the same purpose as was offered the returned Hebrews – “(to) enlighten out eyes and (to) grant us a little reviving in our bondage.”

We too, being delivered from bondage find ourselves in it again; needing sustained grace, get only sufficient grace; needing a huge revival, get only a little from time to time.

Yet remember, we deserve punishment in Hell forever for our transgressions; we get enlightenment instead.

So leave here today and walk like a man who's received a reprieve from further bondage and death.

Christianity, Deliverance, Expository,
Ezra, Homiletics, Outlines,
Preaching, Revival, Sermons

EZRA: 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 ...

9:8

ESCAPE AND SANCTUARY - A Brief moment of grace!

Ezra, Homiletics, Preaching,
Sermons, Sermon Series

1 CHRONICLES: Full Sermons

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

9:33

DAY AND NIGHT – Don't Stop Singing!

1 Chronicles, Homiletics, Outlines,
Preaching, Sermons, Worship

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

DEUTERONOMY 8:1-10: Stop! Look! Listen! Think!

TOPIC: Blessing; Obedience, Preparation, Sanctification, Voice (of God)
TITLE: "Stop, Look, Listen and Think! Hear the voice of God!"

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: Why did God encourage Israel to stop, look, listen and think?
CONCISE OUTLINE

I. That they might profit from their past! (v. 2a)
II. That they might be perfected in their present! (v. 6)
III. That they might be possessors of His promises in their future! (vv. 7-10, 16b)

TRUTH CLAIM/CONTEXT: [Cf. Deuteronomy 1:1-14] Israel's forty years in the wilderness has come to an end; Moses' life is also at an end; God tells Moses to confront His children with His words . . . one last time.

They are to leave the plain of preparation and go to the land of promise to possess it!

Here in chapter 8, God has Moses challenge the people to think (a.k.a.: reflect) upon their past, their present and their future.

The question we will want to answer is WHY?

[RR Crossing] In the mid-west, as a youth, I recall rail crossing signs . . . each looked like a big, white, letter ex. Three arms had a single word written on it: one read, STOP; another, LOOK; the third, LISTEN; while the last was unmarked.

Considering those who take liberties at railroad crossings today perhaps that fourth arm should read, THINK! The money and effort consumed in the attempt to prevent accidents at these crossings is staggering. Why? Because . . .

1. people don't focus on what is important in life
2. people don't think before they act and
   
3. people are prone to take risks . . . ignoring consequences!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: Why did God encourage Israel to stop, look, listen and think?
EXPANDED OUTLINE

I. That They Might Profit from Their Past! (v. 2a)

"And you shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years . . . "

Deuteronomy 8:2

A. "all the way which the LORD your God has led you"
B. What was God's purpose for wanting to remind them of this?

1. Read v. 3 (to be humbled, to hunger, to understand)
2. Read v. 4 (clothing=provision)
3. Read v. 5 (to know in their heart that God, as any good father, was at work in their discipline and that it was for their own good)

"Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days."

Proverbs 19:20

II. That They Might Be Perfected in Their Present! (v. 6)

"Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God . . . "

v. 6a

Why?

A. "to walk in His ways"
B. "to fear Him"

III. And That They Might Be Possessors of His Promises in Their Future! (vv. 7-10, 16b)

"... to do good for you in the end."

v. 16b

How?

A. By ...

"bringing you into a good land . . . "

v. 7a

B. To ...

"a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey; a land where you shall eat food without scarcity, in which you shall not lack anything; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper."

vv. 7b-9

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Now that we've answered the question "How?" let's answer the question "Why?"

So that . . .

"When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you."

v. 10

So how did things turn out? Not well, as we know. People tend to get familiar with things and then take them for granted . . . like trains at rail crossings.

[HEAVENS] In a book by H.G. Wells, Wm. Clissold, one of his characters is quoted as saying: "There was a time when my little soul was uplifted at the starry enigma of the sky. That's absolutely gone. I remember looking at the stars one might, and I was in ecstasy . . . but now I can go out to look . . . [like I would] at the pattern on the wallpaper [on a theater wall]." [H. G. Wells; in Outlines and Illustrations, MacPherson, p.46]

But you don't do that with God. Israel and all they experienced were "examples for us, that we should not crave" what God does not want for us! [1 Corinthians 10:6]

God challenged Israel to remember what He had done for them but , by the end of their 40 year camping trip, they had taken Him for granted and still longed for the garlic and onions of Egypt.

READ ALOUD: Deuteronomy 8:11-20

As a nation we have the same dilemma . . . do we look at the history of our great nation and see the hand of God in every blessing. And we claim its wealth comes from the power of our own hand?

In the light of God's unchanging character, would He encourage us to STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, and THINK about this latter day failure? Would He want us to look forward and consider His promises in the shadow of this time?

1. If so, what lessons would He have us learn?

[LIVING STONES] That we aren't bricks made by human hands in a kiln over a few hours. We are "living stones." [1 Peter 2:5]

Stones take ages and ages to form in the crucible of the earth's crust; followed by ages of washing and weathering . . . to smooth out the roughness and round them. This is done to so they can be clearly differentiated from plain old rough, ragged rocks.

Francis de Sales said, "This [life] is but a quarry where the living stones of the heavenly Jerusalem are cut and washed."

God is preparing us to be good "Christians"; He is preparing us for our place in the wall of His eternal Holy Temple.

2. If so, what commands are we to keep?

We are not of the law but of righteousness by faith!

"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."

John 14:15

"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love ..."

[John 15:10a

This is the paradox of obedience: We can't keep His commandments unless we first acknowledge His authority to command; yet we cannot (it seems) acknowledge His right to command unless we begin by desiring to keep them.

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

2 Timothy 1:12

3. If so, what promises have we been given?

"seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, . . . for by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust."

2 Peter 1:3a,4

"But it isn't as though the word of God has failed. For they're not all Israel who are descended from Israel; neither are they all children because they are Abraham's descendants, but: THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL BE NAMED. That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants."

Romans 9:6b-8

Above us are the blinking reminders of our heavenly future; below us is the dust of our earthly past; and in between . . . ???

Well, between:

"there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

1 Timothy 2:5

And we have taken to heart the promise of Jesus our Lord, our God, and our Savior: "lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." [Matthew 28:20]

Christianity, Deuteronomy, Expository,
Homiletics, Outlines, Preaching, Sermons

FIRST THINGS FIRST: God’s Priorities Are Not Necessarily Mine!

TOPIC: Jesus
TITLE: FIRST THINGS FIRST – God’s Priorities Are Not Necessarily Mine!
SERIES: Jesus – His Person and His Works

TEXT: Isaiah 41:14

“Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel; I will help you,” declares the LORD, “and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.”

This morning, as we continue to look at the person and the works of Jesus, let’s hear the Lord Jesus speak to us, both individually and corporately. Jehovah has said to Jacob (aka: Israel), “I will help you.”

However, let’s notice God’s opinion concerning those He “will help.” He addresses them and says, “you worm.” He sees them not only as of nature but in nature.

He sees them as the smallest of creatures, slimy and slithering. They are useful, but not to themselves; they are garbage eaters and soil turners, walked upon, eaten by scavengers. And yet he says, “Jacob.” Is this Jacob of Hebrews 11:22? Doesn't this tell you His inner feelings for this worm?

Now (far more than ought to be necessary), we’ve taught that Jesus is Jehovah God; when we speak of Jesus, we speak of God in the flesh [John 1:1, 14]. And we know that we are the objects of God’s promises to Israel, since their promises are now in Christ, to His Bride, the Church.

The point is if He promised help to Israel, He will also help believers, and in the same way, since He is immutable (unchanging).

There have been times in my daily walk when I wonder where God is and (if He indeed is never to forsake me or depart from me) why is He not at that moment busy meeting my every need?

When I do this, Jesus says, “Do you not understand that it is a small thing for me, your Creator, to help you. Yet, in spite of this you continue to suggest I am not helping you?”

Jesus says, “Consider for a moment what I’ve already done. Did I not ransom you with My blood? What, that is somehow not enough and you still wonder if I will help you in your time of need?”

Jesus says, “Did I not die for you, even while you were yet in your sin; and if I’ve done this great thing, won’t I do the lesser things?”

He says, “I am the Lord your God, and that which I have done for you is a small feat. I’ve done greater, and will do even more.”

• “Do you not know, before the world began, I chose you and made My covenant with you?”
• “Do you not know, I set aside My divine glory and took on flesh for you?”
• “Do you not know, I freely gave My life for you. If I have done all this, will I not help you now?”
• “Do you not realize, if you were to need a thousand times as much help, that I would give it to you?”
• “Do you not comprehend, you require little compared with what I have already given and that I am ready to give even more?”

“Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”

Matthew 7:9-11

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: There is much for us to need, but it is nothing for God to give it all. He told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you."

Jesus says, “What, still you think I might not help you?” Child of God, consider ...

• Can you use more strength than the omnipotence of the Triune Godhead?
• Do you truly desire greater wisdom than already exists in you in the Father?
• Do you wish for more love than has been displayed by the Son?
• Do you desire more power than that manifested by the Holy Spirit?
• Is your thirst for more than that provided by the Water of Life?
• Is your hunger for truth not satisfied by the Bread of Life?
• Is not the Door that leads to eternal life greater than the door of opportu-nity?
• Is the Way of Christ not the only way?

Jesus says, “Bring your empty vessel! Surely, My Living Water shall fill it; you shall never again thirst”

“Hurry!” He says, “Bring your wants to Me – your emptiness, your woes, your deficiencies. My River is equal to your need. What else can you possibly desire?”

He says, “Go child, in your greatest need. I Am is your helper!”

“Fear not!” He comforts. “I am is with you. And I am is your God and I Am will give you help."
“Do not fear or be dismayed,” [Deuteronomy 1:21] brothers and sisters!

“[be] content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,’ so that we confidently say, ‘THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT SHALL MAN DO TO ME?’” [Hebrews 13:5, 6]

[MOUSE] If a mouse sought nourishment at the door of an overflowing Nebraska silo, the company could not in a thousand years ruin its finances if it gave the mouse a handful of corn each day. You are nothing but a tiny worm at the door of God’s all-sufficient grace, mercy, and love. And out of this sufficiency, Jesus has said, “I will help you.”

Morning & Evening

Grace, Isaiah, Jesus, Love, Preaching,
Priorities, Sermons, Sufficiency

GROWING IN GRACE: And Knowledge!

TOPIC: Grace; growth, sanctification
TITLE: GROWING IN GRACE - & Knowledge!

TEXT: 2 Peter 3:18a

... grow in the grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

TRUTH CLAIM: Growth implies increase; and in this case not a growth that is attributed to man but to God.

Theologically there are two graces:

• Common grace is defined as “God’s unmerited favor to all mankind; He provides sunshine, rainfall, food, and clothing. (recall the Sermon on the Mount … fowl of the air, lilies of the valley) It also denotes God’s withholding of judgment (i.e., He has not been hindered from sentencing) and restraining sin (2 Thessalonians 2:7).
• Irresistible or efficacious grace is defined as divine love and mercy, bestowed freely for all people; involves God’s sovereign work in effectively calling some to salvation, those who know His voice will respond to His call.

Knowledge is learned familiarity, awareness, or understanding.

Grow in the grace and knowledge … not in one grace only, but in all of God’s graces.

INQUIRY: How should we grow?

I. GROW IN FAITH!

Grow in the foundation grace, faith. Believe the promises of God more firmly than before; our faith should be increasing in abundance, steadfastness, simplicity in our lives.

A. In abundance:

1. Dimensional: a great or plentiful amount.
2. Conceptual: fullness to overflowing: “My thoughts … are from the abundance of my heart.”
3. Practical: affluence; wealth.

B. In steadfastness:

1. Meaning fixed or unchanging,
2. as well as, firmly loyal or constant; unswerving.

C. In simplicity:

1. Definition: the property or quality of being simple, plain, undefiled.
2. Attributes:

a) an absence of luxury or showiness, of affectation or pretense, of sophistication or embellishment;
b) with clarity of expression.

II. GROW IN HUMILITY!

Thus, grow likewise in the character grace, humility. Endeavor to walk circumspectly, and know better of your own insignificance.

The Bible says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." [James 4:6]

We cannot consider the interests of others as more important than our own if we lack humility.

III. GROW IN PRAYER!

So grow also in the connecting grace, prayer. Christianity is a dependency relationship; being related to God and each other but unconnected is a contradiction.

As you grow downward in humility, try also to grow upward in prayer, gaining frequent entry to God.

Devote yourselves to prayer … [Col. 4:2]

… pray without ceasing [1 Thess. 5:17]

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. [James 5:16]

"… THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE UPON THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER." [1 Peter 3:12]

IV. GROW IN FELLOWSHIP!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “A Christian fellowship lives and exists by the inter-cession of its members for one another or it collapses.”

Thus, grow further in the social grace, fellowship. Clear communication without intimate communion becomes a business transaction rather than a love relationship.

V. GROW IN LOVE!

Grow also in the ultimate grace, love. Pray that your love may be enlarged, be-coming more intense, becoming more practical, influencing every thought, word, and deed.

But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. [1 Corinthians 13:13]
As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for Thee, O God. [Psalms 42:1]

If you know the love of Jesus - as the hart pants for the water brooks, so will you pant after deeper drafts of His love.

Abide close by the Cross, and search the mystery of Jesus wounds; full apprehension of His love of us is one of the best tests of growth in grace.

VI. GROW IN KNOWLEDGE!

Moreover, grow in the practical voluntary grace, knowledge. May God the Holy Spirit make possible your growth “in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.”

To know Him is eternal life; to advance in the knowledge of Him is to increase in happiness. Those who do not long to know more of the Savior, know nothing of Him.

And He answered [their question regarding the use of parables] and said to them,

"To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. For whoever has, to him shall more be given, and he shall have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand." [Matthew 13:11-13]

The one who resists growing in the knowledge of Jesus, resists the blessings of God.

If you do not desire to know Him better, then you love Him not, for love always cries, “Nearer, nearer.” Absence from Christ is hell; but the presence of Jesus is heaven.

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE

[UNFINISHED] A missionary in Mexico relates how all the houses in the area had rebar sticking out of the top of the first story as if a second floor had been planned.

How this could have been was a mystery since the first stories were incapable of holding up another floor.

In Mexico a house is not taxable until it is finished, the rebar is proof the house is not finished.

We need to be sure we can carry a greater load and that we’ve built on a firm foundation … see if there is any rebar coming out of your head.

Whoever has sampled the wine of God’s grace will thirst for more. For although His grace is sufficient, it is such a sufficiency that the thirst is not appeased but all the more intensified.

So don’t be content without an increasing acquaintance with Jesus. Endeavor to know more of Him in His divine nature, in His human relationship, in His finished work, in His death, in His resurrection, in His present glorious intercession, and in His future royal advent.

Morning & Evening

, 2 Peter, Christianity, , Grace, Growth, , Sanctification, Sermons, , , , , , ,

HEBREWS: Full Sermons

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


3:13-13

SON OF ENCOURAGEMENT - How to be a Biblical Encourager!

12:1-2

POWER CHALLENGE – The Race Set Before Us!

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

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

DEUTERONOMY: Full Sermons

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

8:1-10

STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! THINK! - Recognizing the Sovereignty of God to Command!

33:27

FOUNDATION FOR LIVING LIFE TO ITS FULLEST - Fear Not For He Is With Us!

CrossLinked: Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Proclaimed Series (November 11 "Morning")

quick link: DEUTERONOMY Seed Archive

Deuteronomy, Expository, Homiletics,
Outlines, 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

1 CORINTHIANS 1:17 How to make the Cross meaningless!

TOPIC: Easter (series); Cross, Gospel, Word, Works
TITLE: How has God sent us?

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What did and did not the Lord send Paul to do?

TRUTH/CONTEXT: Easter is a time to remind ourselves that what matters is Christ … not us. In the passage before us, Paul is speaking to the Corinthians about the Christian focus because he knows he is about to confront them concerning their individual and corporate behavior.

Paul chooses his words carefully in order not to take away from his ministry to them but he wastes no time getting to the Cross (before the first chapter ends).

Consider that Paul says, "Christ did not send me to" (do certain things) ... implying the Lord did send him to do other things. What things?

First let's be clear about what he wasn't to do and then look at what he was to do!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What did and did not the Lord send Paul to do?
EXPANDED OUTLINE:

I. HE DIDN’T SEND PAUL TO DRAW ATTENTION TO PAUL!

A. He didn't send him to do righteous works ... "Christ did not send me to baptize"
B. He didn't send him to proclaim spiritual truths with clever words/speech ... "not in cleverness of speech"
C. Such things make "void" (i.e., make meaningless) the cross of Christ

II. HE SENT PAUL TO DRAW ATTENTION TO HIS WORDS, AND HIS CROSS!

A. He did send him that Jesus’ works would be full of meaning (ant. "void") …

[WOUNDED] I'm told that during World War I the Prince of Wales (I believe Edward who later abdicated his throne) visited 36 severely wounded men in a London hospital. The Prince shook hands with the men. As preparations were made to leave, the Prince indicated he’d only seen 30 men. "Where are the other six?"

Although he was informed the others were severe cases, he insisted he see the others. The others were soon seen. "But there are only five, where's the last?" asked the Prince. Although the Prince was told that the grotesqueness of the man's appearance would be unbearable, the Prince insisted on seeing him. They took him to the man's bedside.

The Prince stood silent for a long moment, then moved to the man and stooped to kiss him! With emotion breaking in his voice, the Prince of Wales was heard to say, Wounded for me. Wounded for me."

"Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD [i.e., power] been revealed? For He grew up before [the Father] like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty That we should look upon Him, Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed." [Isaiah 53:1-5].

B. And not made void [without meaning]!
C. That Jesus' words would be heard

1. Though foolishness to some ...
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, [1 Corinthians 1:18a]
2. It is powerful to others ... but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. [1 Corinthians 1:18b]

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: We now know that both the cross and the Good News are "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" [Romans 1:16].

And we know it is totally unrelated to man's works of righteousness ...

But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished. [Galatians 5:11]

For ...

Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. (i.e., embarrassed) [Galatians 6:12]

So if we want to look good, then we must imitate Paul ...

But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.* [Galatians 6:14-15]

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. [2 Corinthians 5:17]

When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. [Col. 2:13-14]

We have the very bad habit of getting in the way of this Good News … talking about what we think and what we know and how we interpret and understand it and what we're doing or what we've done! All of this is fine but not what Christ sent us to do.

[VICTOR] A Commander-In-Chief may defeat all his enemies on the battlefield yet be unable to defeat his critics at home [Lincoln, Grant, Wilson, FDR, and Dubya].

He may be able to control the men under him and yet be unable to control himself [Jefferson, Kennedy, and Clinton]. He may be a victorious leader in the estimation of men, yet defeated in the estimation of God [numerous recent Christian leaders].

And he may congratulate himself that no one has been able to stand up against him, yet he will go down at last before man's final enemy, death [Stalin, Mao, Ho Chi Min, Castro, etc,].

Thus, all men's victories are partial in this life. Even the victory over sin and evil that the regenerated believer has in Christ is at best incomplete. Only one Man has ever conquered sin and death completely and defeated all His enemies.

And faith in Him is the victory. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying,

"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." [Matthew 28:18-20]

Our works and our words are offered within His authority and He has "all authority." Where do we hear Jesus saying, "Go therefore and cleverly trick them into buying what you’re selling nor are we to impress them with fancy footwork. We are to simply "go", "make", "baptize", and "teach" without worry or fear.

And as I reminded you last week, "Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, so send I you.'" [John 20:21]

Understand, if we do what Paul says not to do, but rather do what we want to do or what seems right to us in our own eyes, we make the Cross of Christ and the Good News meaningless or void ... the opposite of meaningless is meaningful or full of meaning; that is what Paul is telling the Corinthians and you and I today ... that's what we’re to be doing.

This message is not about you or me ... it’s about Him, the One who was on the Cross but no longer, the One who was in the grave but no longer, the One who was in the clutches of death and hell but could not be kept, the One who was in the flesh but is no longer, and in this world but not of this world. How would you like to leave church today knowing that you have been making and will continue to make the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross and the Good news meaningless? You can.

"Wounded for Me, O glory to God, wounded for me!"

1 Corinthians, Cross, Easter, Expository, Homiletics,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons