ACTS 5:41-42 - Continuing Daily

SERIES: #10
TOPIC: Persecution; honor, name (above all), perseverance, praise, suffering

TITLE: CONTINUING DAILY – The honor in dishonor for His Name’s sake!
TEXT: Acts 5:41-42 [21-42]

So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

CONCISE OUTLINE
INQUIRY: How do we see Acts’ three themes in this persecution of the Apostles?

I. NOTICE THE PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST JESUS!
II. NOTICE THE PROMINENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!
III. NOTICE THE POWER OF THE AUTHENTIC CHURCH!

TRUTH/CONTEXT: Most people don’t think of persecution as they should. Most, if asked, would associate it with torture, often leading to death. But the truth is broader. Definition –

Per-se-cute (pûr¹sî-ky¡t´) verb, transitive; 1. To oppress or harass with ill-treatment, especially because of race, religion, sexual orientation, or beliefs. 2. To annoy persistently; bother.

Biblical persecution is any external hindering, harassing, or oppressing treatment on account of the Name of Christ … whether direct or indirect. In our text we see how the Authentic Church ought to respond to persecution.

This is the second of two persecutions by the religious leaders of the day:

1. 1st ended with prayer for power and boldness, while
2. 2nd ended with praises for power and boldness.

Perhaps if we encountered these men in our lives today they would be unimpressive; we might not see them as great men but their behavior tells us God did!

All too often powerful people are focused on themselves; the apostles learned from their teacher to focus on others [Philippians 2:3-4]; even to the point of rejoicing for suffering abuse for the Name and their neighbors, because they knew God had the final word.

Satan never rests but to find evil people in his kingdom willing and able to torment the righteous in God’s kingdom … this is the price and the fruit of sin.

INQUIRY: How do we see Acts’ three themes in this persecution of the Apostles?
EXPANDED OUTLINE

I. THE PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST!

"about daybreak" [21] ... indicates “teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” was an important activity for them, and they got busy at it!

"in this name" [28a] ... whose name?

"this man's blood" [28b] ... what man?

"raised up Jesus" ... "hanging Him on a cross" ... "He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins" [30-31] ... it truly is all about Jesus ... that name, that man!

"they ... ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus" [40] ... do you see, it is preeminent, this name above every name, this name by which all men must be saved it they are to see the Father.

"rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name" [41] ... they are honored to suffer dishonor for it.

"And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." [42]... I dare say, this is the task of the authentic church.

II. THE PROMINENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!

We all agree the ability to teach the Good News is Holy Spirit given [21, 25, 28] ... here we have the Holy Spirit in evidence through their convicting teaching.

Christ had told them, when they suffered persecution from authorities, the Holy Spirit would give them utterance [Luke 21:14-15]. "We must obey God rather than men" [29] ... here is evidence of the Holy Spirit doing just that.

"we are witnesses ... and so is the Holy Spirit" [32] ... see 1 John 5:6-8 to see the Holy Spirit elsewhere mentioned as a "witness"

"they were cut to the quick" [33] ... see John 6:7-11 for the resume of the Holy Spirit –

"But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, be-cause the ruler of this world has been judged."

"Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law" [34] ... see here the Holy Spirit move on an enemy of the Cross

"they kept right on" [42] ... under the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit

III. THE POWER OF THE AUTHENTIC CHURCH!

"they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach" [21] ... indicates a fear of God and not man; power of faith does this

"they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this" [24] ... power of faith brings perplexity to the enemies of God.

"But someone came and reported to them, 'The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!'" [25] ... power of this kind of faith confounds the enemies of God.

"[they] intended to kill them" [30-32] ... here again is powerful unction to preach boldly the truth in the very face of death

"if it is of God, you will not be able" [39] ... this is power of the authentic kind!

"rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer ... every day ... they kept right on teaching and preaching" [41-42] ... end of the story.

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Their suffering stimulated them to greater and more courageous and evangelistic endeavors.

The disciples took advantage of every opportunity to preach about Jesus – dead, buried, raised up, exalted and the need for repentance and forgiveness.

It must be noted what happened here: God raised Jesus from the dead, exalted Him to the right hand of power on high, giving Him power to save, and gave the Holy Spirit for those whom He saved … becoming the Chief witness against accusing man.

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Matthew 5:10-12

“And turning His gaze on His disciples, He began to say, ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and cast insults at you, and spurn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. Be glad in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.’”

Luke 6:20-23

Notice how they responded to persecution:

1) Suffered with dignity

• honored
• joyful
• focused

2) Returned with diligence to teach and preach:

• Where? Publicly and privately!
• When? Daily!
• What? Lord Jesus Christ; and Him crucified and resurrected!

They were accused of doing just what they were commanded by Jesus to do … “fill Jerusalem with their teaching.”

Persecution only forced them out to Judea and Samaria, and then they filled the whole world with this teaching.

Perhaps that is what the contemporary Church needs today … persecution!

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

ACTS 5:20 - Taking A Stand!

SERIES #9: Acts of the Apostles – Witnesses to Jerusalem

TOPIC: Proclamation; Evangelism, Good News (Gospel), Obedience, Testimony, Witness, Word (Scripture)
TITLE: TAKING A STAND – What the Authentic Church Is Expected to Do!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What does God’s command to the apostles reveal about what He wants of them [and us]?
CONCISE OUTLINE

I. IT REVEALS HE DIDN’T WANT THEM IMPRISONED BY WORLD!
II. IT REVEALS HE DIDN’T WANT THEM TO WAIT FOR “THE PEOPLE” TO COME TO THEM!
III. IT REVEALS HE HAD GIVEN THEM SOMETHING WORTH STANDING FOR!
IV. IT REVEALS HE HAD GIVEN THEM SOMETHING TO SAY!

A. Who they’re to say it to – “the people”!
B. Where they’re to say it – “in the Temple”!
C. How much to say – “the whole message”!
D. What it’s about – “this life”!

TRUTH/CONTEXT: The death of Ananias and his wife Sapphira is now past; the result being great fear AND great growth.

1. great fear coming “upon the whole church, and upon all who heard of these things” (5:11)
2. great growth continued – that is, “all the more” were being added (5:14)

These two pretenders were used by God [Romans 8:28] to –

1. preserve church integrity,
2. develop a healthy fear of God, and
3. bring about dramatic church growth.

In our text we still see the bold, powerful witness of the “authentic church.”

TEXT: Acts 5:20 (12-21a)

“Go your way, stand and speak
to the people in the temple
the whole message of this Life.”

The apostles’ prayer continued to be answered: they asked to “speak Thy Word with all confidence” [aka: “boldness”], heal, and see signs and wonders – they received boldness to speak the Good News with signs and wonders [5:12, 14] and healings [15, 16].

Remember where we are: we’re in Jerusalem [through chapter 7]. Let’s also remember the central themes of Acts …

1. the Preeminence of the Living Christ
2. the Prominence of the Holy Spirit, and
3. the Power of the Authentic Church.

The Church was filled with Holy Spirit power, burdened to proclaim the Good News of “this Life.”

As it turns out, the apostles were not set free to save their own lives but the lives of others.

Literally, they were commanded –

1. to GO … “you go your way”
2. to TAKE/HOLD … “take your stand” or “hold your ground” or “stand firm”
3. to SPEAK … “continue to speak.”

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What’s God’s command to apostles reveal about what He wants?
EXPANDED OUTLINE
I. IT REVEALS HE DIDN’T WANT THEM IMPRISONED BY WORLD!

A. They were to “Go”… “Depart”
B. To get up and escape

1. Not to stay put
2. Not to wait for the guards
3. Not to submit to the ways of man
4. Not to be trouble free
5. Not to be sure they don’t offend
6. Not to fear man but God

II. IT REVEALS HE DIDN’T WANT THEM TO WAIT FOR “THE PEOPLE” TO COME TO THEM!

A. They were to go to “the people”

1. Not to their homes & families
2. Not to the Upper Room
3. Not to their place of employment
4. Not to flee Jerusalem
5. Not to the country to hide

B. God even told them where the people were - “in the temple”
C. The temple here is not naos (God’s)– but hieros (man’s)
D. In other words – right back to where they were arrested

III. IT REVEALS HE HAD GIVEN THEM SOMETHING WORTH STANDING FOR!

A. Standing on the Promises
B. On the Rock of Ages
C. “The whole message”

1. Not part of the word
2. Not the message of man

a) Not princes or rulers
b) Not shakers and movers
c) Not of mammon
d) Not one another

D. But the rhematos “of this life”

IV. IT REVEALS HE HAD GIVEN THEM SOMETHING TO SAY!
A. To say Publicly, Boldly, Resolutely, Truthfully
B. “All the words (rhemata) of this Life”! {“the full message of this life.” [NIV]}

1. “Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words (rhemata) of eternal life.’” [John 6:68]
2. “But what does it say? ‘THE WORD (rhema) IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART’ – that is, the word (rhema) of faith which we are preaching … ” [Romans 10:8]
3. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word (rhematos) of Christ.” [Romans 10:17]

APPLICATION:

[OVERSHADOWED] Like in that movie where the alien space ship comes over the horizon and blocks out the whole sky … God has sent His Son and His Son has filled the universe … and through all ages.

My friends, the fact that we are here today is by the grace of God alone … whether saved or lost we owe our present life to Him. And no eternal life will come except through His Son Jesus.

People must be told!

Let’s be clear and honest … under no circumstance is God about to tell these just released messengers to speak …

1. anything but the full message or the whole truth
2. anything but that which is most important and of the highest priority
3. anything but a message related to the person and works of Jesus Christ, His Son
4. to anyone but those needing to hear the message
5. or in anyway that is not filled with divine confidence

[GILL] “The Gospel is to be preached to all; the Spirit of God makes it effectual to some, and others are rendered inexcusable.”

CHALLENGE: No matter the circumstances, God still desires His people go, take their stands, and speak boldly … the whole message of this life.

When we were released (if indeed we were released), the message was the same: go your way, continue to speak, to the people, in public (boldly, confidently), the whole message of "this Life."

We must fear God and not man: if we fear man, we inherit everlasting torment; if God, eternal life.

Acts, Christianity, Evangelism,
Expository, Homiletics, Outlines,
Preaching, Proclamation, Sermons

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

TOPIC: Praise; New Year, worship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hebrews 9:27

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

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

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

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

Revelation 4:8 [adapted]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I. THEY SANG OF HIS PERSON …

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

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

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

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

II. THEY SANG OF HIS WORKS …

A. Power-filled creative works …

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

Psalm 19:1

B. Tenderhearted providential works …

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

III. THEY SANG OF HIS CHARACTER …

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

IV. THEY SANG OF HIS GREATNESS …

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

V. THEY SANG OF HIS GRACE …

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

Paul said,

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

Romans 12:1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 KINGS: Full Sermons

22:1 - 23:3

DUST ON THE BIBLE: Go Find The Book!

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

1 PETER: Full Sermons

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

2:24

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

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

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

HEBREWS 3:12-13 - Son of Encouragement!

TOPIC: Encouragement; prophesy
TITLE: SON OF ENCOURAGEMENT – How to be a biblical encourager!

“Take care … there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart which falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What is the profile of an authentic biblical encourager?
CONCISE OUTLINE:

I. AN ENCOURAGER IS FIRST A BIBLICAL CHRISTIAN
II. AN ENCOURAGER IS CHRIST-LIKE
III. AN ENCOURAGER HAS AN OBEDIENT SPIRIT
IV. AN ENCOURAGER THRIVES ON HIS LABOR'S FRUIT

TRUTH/CONTEXT: I was reminded this week by one of my daughters of the importance of encouragement as a ministry in our relationships.

A couple of weeks ago I preached on koinonia – fellowship! We can’t actually have authentic fellowship without encouragement ... you see they’re both rooted in love and if the church is rooted in anything it is rooted in love, agape love – for God is love!

How should I encourage others? What is the practical side of encouragement?

A Scottish blogger friend, John Brown at Scotwise, who lives on the Gold Coast of Australia, just finished a 3-part series on the subject. I’ve borrowed from some of his material.

When you encourage someone, is it limited to just words? Or do you get up close and personal, where you can see the whites of their eyes?

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. -

William Arthur Ward

It is wonderful when you run into an encourager … often they don’t know they are because it’s so natural to them. Many who are convinced they have no ministry have the ministry of encouragement.

My friend shares this story ...

[PLAY ME A SONG] An elderly widow, restricted in her activities, was eager to serve Christ. After praying about this, she realized she could bring blessing to others by playing the piano. The next day she placed this small ad in the Oakland Tribune: "Pianist will play hymns by phone daily for those who are sick and despondent – the service is free." When people called, she would ask, "What hymn would you like to hear?"

Within a few months her playing had brought cheer to several hundred people. Many of them freely poured out their hearts to her, and she was able to help and encourage them.

– Source unknown

Your image of a biblical Christian might be of one who speaks positive words of encouragement to you, one who says nice things, communicates with honey-like words. But you’d be wrong.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: What is the profile of an authentic biblical encourager?
EXPANDED OUTLINE:

I. AN ENCOURAGER IS FIRST A BIBLICAL CHRISTIAN –

A. Being a Biblical Christian of course means he is born again

Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

John 3:3

B. Being a Biblical Christian means the bible is his operations manual, his daily guide ...

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

II. AN ENCOURAGER IS CHRIST-LIKE –

A. He is an imitator of Jesus (Christian means, lil' Christ)
B. He has compassion on the multitudes [Matthew 9:36]
C. He cares for the least of these [Matthew 25:31-46]

III. AN ENCOURAGER HAS AN OBEDIENT SPIRIT –

A. He loves the Lord his God with all that he is [Matt 22:35-38; the Great Commandment]
B. He loves his neighbor [Second Commandment]
C. He seeks first the Kingdom of God [Matthew 6:33]
D. He denies himself [Matthew 16:24]
E. He serves others not self [Philippians 2:3-4]
F. He reaches out to others [Matthew 20:28; Jesus did not come to be served]
G. His focus is on things above and not things of this world [Colossians 3:1-3]
H. He takes one day at a time [Matthew 6:34; Christy Lane’s song]
I. He makes disciples and teaches God’s commandments [Matthew 28:19-20]
J. He is a John 15 disciple …

1. He knows "apart" from Jesus he "can do nothing" [John 15:5a]
2. He glorifies the Father by bearing much fruit [John 15:8]
3. He loves the brethren [John 15:12]

IV. AN ENCOURAGER THRIVES ON HIS LABOR'S FRUIT –

A. He is not one who is satisfied with a moment's elation (e.g., Ananias and Sapphira)
B. He incites and exhorts others to act (Stephen)
C. His reward is a changed life (Paul at the Areopagus)

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: The greatest encourager is the Holy Spirit; the Father had the Son tells us He sent Him to help and comfort us, lit. to encourage us.

He is referred to as the paracletos! One who comes along side of to console and to counsel, to edify and exhort!

[FLOTATION] During the Second World War a plane went down and the crew was for some reason unable to get their “Mae Wests” on and found themselves in the middle of the ocean with nothing to help them stay afloat … except a box of paper cups. Somehow they arranged the cups in such a ways that they served as a flotation device until they were rescued.

Encouragement is like those paper cups, it helps keep us all afloat until we are rescued.

My friend John says …

The ministry of encouragement does not involve great personal gifts of speech, or musical talent. Encouragement can be done by anyone, who will simply try to see those around them through the eyes of Christ, and there is a great need for people who will lift up rather than put down. It is a gift that we all must cultivate, or many who are downtrodden, will be ground into the dust.

He says ….

It costs us nothing to encourage people, it is a free gift from our encouraging God, let us use it freely to glorify his name, and to extend the Kingdom of Heaven!

But to be a biblical encourager one must be like the cups and not just like the “play me a hymn woman,” we must get in the water with the discouraged and put ourselves at risk with them.

[HALLMARK CARDS] has a great series of commercials on encouragement … the trou-bled teen whose principle encouraged her and the little boy who stayed in from his recesses in order to befriend a crippled boy … but they are only biblical if they cost you something.

I think of the 22 year old clerk at the florist who included a card of cheer to a customer’s friend’s 15 year old son who had just found out he had leukemia … she didn’t have to do it, but she’d survived the disease herself and wanted to encourage him … it changed his life!

The bottom line is this: and encourager exhorts, entreats, incites, uplifts, consoles, comforts, coun-sels, stimulates, edifies, excites courage, inspires, builds confidence & hope, motivates, and em-boldens among many things.

Notice an encourager is not a discourager, or a discomforter, a conspirator, a destroyer, a demotivator, or a robber of hope.

Expository, Faith, Hebrews, Homiletics,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons

1 Samuel 3:1-10 - How we ought to answer when He calls!

TEXT: 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. And word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent. It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place ... and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was, that the LORD called Samuel; and he said, "Here I am."

Then he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call, lie down again." ... Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD yet been revealed to him. (this happened twice more) ... .

Then Eli discerned that the LORD was calling the boy. And Eli said to Samuel, "Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

TOPIC: Calling; hearing
TITLE: HERE I AM - How we ought to answer when He calls!

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How ought we respond when the Lord calls?
CONCISE OUTLINE:

I. GOD CALLS THOSE WORTHY OF HIS TESTING!
II. GOD CALLS THOSE WORTHY OF HIS CHALLENGE!
III. GOD CALLS THOSE WORTHY OF GOD SIZED VISIONS!
IV. GOD CALLS THOSE WHO WILL BEAR HIS MESSAGES!

TRUTH/CONTEXT: Samuel’s mother had given up her son to the service of the Lord as a fulfillment of her promise to God; if He opened her womb that she might have a son she would dedicate the boy to Him.

To double her trouble she was one of two wives; of the two one was fertile and it wasn't Samuel’s mommy, Hannah. [1 Samuel 1 & 2:11]

Another aspect of the passage’s context is the priesthood of Eli and his miserable apostate and heretical sons … who Eli knew of and did nothing. God cursed Eli and his seed [1 Samuel 2:12-36] and said …

I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who will do according to what is in My heart and in My soul; and I will build him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed always.

[1 Samuel 2:35]

The real story of our passage is the genuine and innocent obedience of the boy to his surrogate father on earth, and his genuine and earnest desire to serve his Father in heaven.

FOUNDATIONAL INQUIRY: How ought we respond when the Lord calls?
EXPANDED OUTLINE:

I. GOD CALLS THOSE WORTHY OF HIS TESTING!

A. READER – Genesis 22:1-3 (we ask members to stand and read key Scripture for the message)

Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you." So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.

B. Our Response should be “Here I am” because God may test us

1. Even though it may be costly
2. Even though the world may laugh

II. GOD CALLS THOSE WORTHY OF HIS CHALLENGE!

A. READER - Genesis 46:2-4

God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, "Jacob, Jacob." And he said, "Here I am." He said, "I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there. "I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will close your eyes."

B. Our response should be “Here I am” because God may challenge us at a difficult moment

1. And God is faithful to restore
2. Consider Job and Romans 8:28

III. GOD CALLS THOSE WORTHY OF GOD SIZED VISIONS!

A. READER - Exodus 3:2-4

The angel of the LORD appeared to (Moses) in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. So Moses said, "I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up." When the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am."

B. Our response should be “Here I am” because we never know when we may be chosen

1. To change the course of time and eternity
2. Remember Esther –

Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not imagine that you in the king's palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?"

[Esther 4:13-14]

IV. GOD CALLS THOSE WHO WILL BEAR HIS MESSAGES!

A. Isaiah 6:8-10

Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here I am. Send me!" He said, "Go, and tell this people: 'Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.' "Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed."

B. Acts 9:10-15

Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight. ... . Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine ... "

C. Hebrews 1:1-2

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

D. Matthew 28:18-20

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."

Our response should be “Here I am” because, if we are indeed authentic blood bought believers, that shed blood of Jesus flowed down upon us and poured out on the ground upon which we stand ... "Behold, we are standing on holy ground."

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Long ago, in the Temple of the King on High, a voice was heard ringing down the halls of heaven, "Who will go that this stubborn people might hear? Who?"

And a voice was heard to answer back, "Here I am, Father! Send Me! I will be Your living sacrifice upon the Mount of the King!"

READER - Romans 10:11-15

For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!"

That any of us has not been called by God to be tested as Abraham, or challenged like Jacob, or trusted like Moses, should not be reason for rejoicing but for sorrow. It should say something to us that we’ve not been called. It should say that we're not considered worthy of God’s testing, challenge, or trust.

You ask, “What can I do?”

Let me suggest that you did not come this far, to this time, to this place alone … but in the presence and power of God.

The circumstances of this moment in your life are not greater than Him. He knows them better than you, and yet He permits them, and He will overcome them if you allow Him to. You are not to fret as though He does not know, does not care, and cannot overcome. Yours is to step out in faith, knowing only that He is there and here.

You are both His creation and His new creation. You are His to do with as it pleases Him - to bless or to consume, to serve or to endure. Today and every day belong to the Lord; it is the only day you have to serve and glorify Him. And so give Him all you have for today.

Lee Ann Womack sings a song called "I Hope You Dance," here are a couple of stanzas ...

Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance …
I hope you dance; I hope you dance

Give the heavens above, More than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance

[Finney] When Chas.Finney finished law school he reported to a law office as an apprentice. The senior lawyer quickly indoctrinated him in the office routine. Then the young lawyer sat at his desk and carried on this conversation with himself.

"What are you going to do when you finish your apprenticeship?"
"Hang out my shingle and practice law, of course!"
"What then?"
"Why, make a lot of money!"
"What then?"
"When I get rich I shall retire."
"What then?"
"Well, then I will die."
"What then?"

So let me ask you what you are making of the life the Lord has given you? What's next?

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

HEBREWS - Seed Archive

4:14 -- 5:10

TOPIC: Eternal Life, Easter

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

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

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

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

Because we need an Intercessor ...

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

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

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

12:25

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

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

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

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

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

III. WARNED LISTENERS! (they heed the warning)

Hebrews, Homiletics,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons