Sunday, December 26, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: Recognizing God's Salvation

The Recognition of God's Gifts
Recognizing God’s Salvation
Titus 2:11-14

Introduction: Timothy 1:9-10


I.   The Grace of God v. 11 
     “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, …”

Ephesians 2:8-9; Luke 1:77-79; 2 Peter 3:9; Romans 3:24; Galatians 1:4


II. The Glory of Christ vs. 12-13
     “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus; …”

Luke 2:11; John 1:14, 17; 1 Timothy 1:14; Ephesians 1:7-8; 2:4-7; 1 John 5:11; Mark 10:15; Exodus 20:3; Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 4:7-8; Romans 10:2-3; Romans 1:16-17; Genesis 1:27; 1 John 4:17; 2 Corinthians 1:12; Hebrews 6:19; 1 Peter 2:11; 1:13; Colossians 3:1


III. The Good Deeds of Man v. 14
     “Jesus; 14 … gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”

1 Peter 2:24; Matthew 7:18; 2 Timothy 2:21; John 3:21; 1 Corinthians 13:3; John 4:34; Luke 19:10; Colossians 1:10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 2:4; 1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 2:10


Conclusion: Galatians 1:4; 3 John 11; Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 3:3; Ezekiel 36:26; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 2 Corinthians 6:1-2; John 4:42; Revelation 21:6; 22:17


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Sunday, December 19, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: Recognizing God's Spirit

The Recognizing of God’s Gifts
Recognizing God's Spirit
Acts 2:38-39

Introduction: Acts 2:38-39, “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.”

Romans 5:8; James 1:21; Romans 1:17; James 1:17


I.   The Reason for the Gift 

John 14:16-17; John 4:18


II.  The Importance of the Gift

John 3:5; Ezekiel 11:19-20


III. The Extent of God’s Gift

John 3:34; Acts 6:2-3; Romans 5:5


IV. The Purpose of the Gift

2 Peter 1:3-4

     A. Adoption. Romans 8:14-16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; 5:4-5

     B. Instruction. Nehemiah 9:19-20; John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:12-14; 14:33; John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 2:12


V.  The Acceptance of the Gift

Ephesians 1:13-14; James 2:19

     A. Faith. Galatians 3:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

     B. Repentance. Acts 2:38

     C. Confession. 1 John 4:2-3

     D. Baptism. Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5-7; Romans 8:17; 1 Corinthians 12:13

     E. Obedient Christian Living. Acts 5:32; 1 John 3:24


Conclusion: Acts 2:36-41, “"Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ-- this Jesus whom you crucified." 37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself." 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!" 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”

James 4:5; Hebrews 10:29; Ephesians 4:30; Galatians 5:5; John 6:63; 1 John 4:13; 2 Corinthians 9:15

 

Sunday, December 12, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: Recognizing God's Righteousness

The Recognition of God’s Gifts
Recognizing God's Righteousness
Romans 5:8-17

Introduction: Romans 1:14-18


I.  Remission of Sins vs. 8-9
     “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”

Colossians 1:13-14; Ephesians 1:7-8


II. Reconciliation to God vs. 10-11
     “For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”

Colossians 1:19-22


III. New Representation vs. 12-15
     “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned-- 13 for until the Law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.”

1 Corinthians 15:22, 45; John 11:25


IV. Righteousness vs. 16-17
     “And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. 17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”

Romans 8:1-2; 3:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24


Conclusion: Philippians 3:8-11; Romans 6:13, 16-18; 8:10-11; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 5:3; Matthew 5:6, 10, 31, 33; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 John 2:29; Philippians 1:11


Sunday, December 5, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: Recognizing God's Word

James 1:12-21
The Recognition of God’s Gifts
Recognizing God's Word

Introduction: James 1:17; Ephesians 1:3; Matthew 5:10-12

James 1:12-21, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures. 19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.”


I.   Recognizing the Gift

2 Timothy 2:1


II.  Recognizing the Source of the Gift  vs. 13-17a
      “Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights …”

2 Peter 1:20-21; Colossians 1:25; Galatians 1:11-12; John 17:17; Matthew 4:4; Psalm 119:43, 160-161


III. Recognizing the Stability of the Gift  v. 17b
     “Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.” 

 1 Samuel 15:29; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35; Psalm 119:89; John 8:46-47; Matthew 7:24


IV. Recognizing the Significance of the Gift  vs. 18-21
     “In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures. 19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.”


Ephesians 1:3-5, 8-9; Luke 8:11, 15; Romans 10:13-17; 1 Peter 1:23; Ephesians 4:24; 2 Timothy 2:24-25; Ephesians 5:6; Romans 2:8; John 3:36


Conclusion: Luke 17:19


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Sunday, November 28, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: Recognizing God's Mercy

The Recognition of God's Gifts
Recognizing God’s Mercy
Luke 17:11-19

Introduction: Matthew 6:31-33; Colossians 3:2-3


I.    The Request of the Lepers  vs. 12-13
      “12 As [Jesus] entered a certain village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; 13 and they raised their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"


II.  The Requirement of Jesus  v. 14a
      “when [Jesus] saw them, He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests."

 Leviticus 13-14; Luke 5:12-14


III. The Result of Obedience  v. 14b
     “And as they were going, they were cleansed.”


IV. The Recognition of One Leper  vs. 15-16
      “Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, [16] and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan.”

 2 Kings 5:13-15


V.   The Response of Jesus  vs. 17-19
      “Then Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? [18] “Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” [19] And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.”””

John 5:36-40


Conclusion: Ephesians 2:1-7; 5:26; Hebrews 4:15-16; 10:21-22; Colossians 1:11-14; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 9:15; 1 Peter 1:3


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Sunday, June 20, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: Persistence

Job 2, Persistence

Introduction:

    Persistence, firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition; the continued or prolonged existence of something.

I. Satan’s Persistence vs. 1-6

    “Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. 2 The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” 3 The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man fearing God and turning away from evil. And he still holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.” 4 Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 However, put forth Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse You to Your face.” 6 So the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life.”” 
 
    Psalm 7:8-9, “The Lord judges the peoples; Vindicate me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and my integrity that is in me. 9 O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; For the righteous God tries the hearts and minds.”

II. Job’s Persistence vs. 7-10

    “7 Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 And he took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes.
    9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” 
 
    Matthew 5:43-45, ““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” 

III. The Friends’ Persistence vs. 11-13 

    “11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, they came each one from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him. 12 When they lifted up their eyes at a distance and did not recognize him, they raised their voices and wept. And each of them tore his robe and they threw dust over their heads toward the sky. 13 Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.”

     Psalm 69:19-20, “You know my reproach and my shame and my dishonor; All my adversaries are before You. 20 Reproach has broken my heart and I am so sick. And I looked for sympathy, but there was none, And for comforters, but I found none.”

Conclusion: 

    Romans 2:6-8, “God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.”

 

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Sunday, June 13, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: Character

Job 1, Character

Introduction:
    “There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job.” 

I. The Character of Job vs. 1-5
    “There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil. 2 Seven sons and three daughters were born to him. 3 His possessions also were 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and very many servants; and that man was the greatest of all the men of the east. 4 His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.”

II. The Character of God vs. 6-12
    “6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” 8 The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” 9 Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.” 12 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.”

    1 Peter 5:8, “Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
    James 1:25, “ But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.”

III. The Character of Satan vs. 13-19
    “13 Now on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and took them. They also slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and took them and slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” 18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and behold, a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you.””

1 John 2:4, “ The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

Conclusion:
    “20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” 22 Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.”

2 Chronicles 16:9, “ For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”

 

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Sunday, June 6, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: The Light of the World

"The Light of the World"
John 8:12
 
Introduction:
    John 10:10, “I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” 
    John 8:12, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life."
 
I. The Light of the World
    "I am the light of the world."

    Exodus 3:13-14, "Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I shall say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you.' Now they may say to me, 'What is His name?' What shall I say to them?" And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" 
 
II. The Purpose of Light

    Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” “Come to Me … and I will give you rest.”

    John 3:14-21, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 that whoever believes may in Him have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. 18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God."

    John 12:32-33, "’And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.’ 33 But He was saying this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die.” 
 
III. The Meaning of Light


Conclusion:
    John 9:5, "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 
    Matthew 5:14‑16, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
 
 

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: The Parable of the Potter

“The Parable of the Potter”
Jeremiah 18:1-17
 
Introduction:
    Genesis 1:26, “Let Us make man in Our image, in Our likeness …”
    “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life” (1 John 2:16).
    “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).
    “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). 
    2 Corinthians 11:2-3, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Him. 3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”


I. The Crafting of Clay vs. 1-6
    “This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2 "Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you My message." 3 So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 6 "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.”

    Genesis 1:27, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
    “sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13)
    “the cravings of our sinful nature” (Ephesians 2:3). 
    “Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him” (Isaiah 1:4).
    Jeremiah 31:31-33, “"The time is coming when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke My covenant, though I was a husband to them, … 33 This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put My law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people."” 
    “No one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins” (Mark 2:22). 
    “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). 
 
II. The Correction of Conduct vs. 7-10
    “7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in My sight and does not obey Me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.”

 
III. The Chastising of Callousness vs. 11-17
    “11 Now therefore say to the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, 'This is what the LORD says: Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.' 12 But they will reply, 'It's no use. We will continue with our own plans; each of us will follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.'" 13 Therefore this is what the LORD says: "Inquire among the nations: Who has ever heard anything like this? A most horrible thing has been done by Virgin Israel. 14 Does the snow of Lebanon ever vanish from its rocky slopes? Do its cool waters from distant sources ever cease to flow? 15 Yet My people have forgotten Me; they burn incense to worthless idols, which made them stumble in their ways and in the ancient paths. They made them walk in bypaths and on roads not built up. 16 Their land will be laid waste, an object of lasting scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and will shake their heads. 17 Like a wind from the east, I will scatter them before their enemies; I will show them My back and not My face in the day of their disaster."”

    “This people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them” (Matthew 13:15).
 
 
Conclusion:
    “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19).
    “[Take] off your old self with its practices 10 and … put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:9-10).
    “For we are God's [the Potter’s] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). 
    “If a man cleanses himself from [sinful] things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21).
 
 

Sunday, May 16, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: A Place Called Wits' End

“A Place Called Wits’ End” 
Psalm 107:23-27
 
Introduction: 
    Psalm 107:23-27, “They went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. 24 They saw the works of the LORD, His wonderful deeds in the deep. 25 For He spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. 26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. 27 They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end.”
 
I. “Lord, I’m at my wit’s end!”
     
    “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). 
    1 Peter 4:12, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”
    Psalm 107:28-31, “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. 31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men.”
    Deuteronomy 1:31-32, “… in the desert … you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place. 32 In spite of this, you did not trust in the LORD your God.” 
    Psalm 37:23-24, “If the LORD delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; 24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand.” 
 
II. “Lord, send me a miracle!”
    Psalm 106:7, “When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea.” 
    “Is the Lord among us or not?” (Exodus 17:7). 
    Deuteronomy 2:7, “These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.”
     “Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 5 All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering” (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5).
 
III. “Lord, what will happen to me now?”
    “This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. 7 But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. 8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit"” (Jeremiah 17:5-8).
 
Conclusion:
    Psalm 107:28-31, “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. 31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men.”
 
 

Sunday, April 25, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: When Pressing On Means Staying Put

“When Pressing on Means Staying Put”
1 Corinthians 16:2-9
 
Introduction:
    Exodus 14:13, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.”
    2 Chronicles 20 (vs. 15, 17), “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. … 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you …”
    Ephesians 6:13 (NAS), “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”
 
    1 Corinthians 16:2-9, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me. 5 After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you--for I will be going through Macedonia. 6 Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”
 
    1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 
 
I. Our Desires Concede To His Direction v. 7
    “I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.”
 
    1 Corinthians 11:1 (NAS), “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” 
    John 14:31, “I do exactly what my Father has commanded Me.” 
    John 7:6, “The right time for Me has not yet come ...” 
    James 4:13-15, “Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."”
    Psalm 37:23 (NAS), “The steps of a man are established by the LORD; And He delights in his way.”

II. Our Effectiveness Depends on His Endowment vs. 8-9
    “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”
 
    Acts 13:4, “The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit” 
    Acts 14:27, “they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” 
    Acts 20:22-24, “compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.”
    Zechariah 4:6, “'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts.”
    1 Corinthians 2:12-14, “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
    “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14, NAS).
 
III. Our Obstacles Convert to His Opportunities v. 9
    “a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” 
    
     Acts 20:22-24, “compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.”
    “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12, NAS).
    “when the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord” (Acts 13:12).
    Acts 13:44, “On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.” 
    Acts 13:46-48, “Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.” 
    “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).
 
Conclusion:
    “God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13, NAS).
    “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” “Most gladly, therefore,” says Paul, “I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NAS).
    “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. 19 These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life” (Jude 18-21). 
    “Stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you” (2 Chronicles 20:17, NAS).
 
 

Sunday, March 28, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: Approaching God in Faith

"Approaching God in Faith"
Psalm 15
 
Introduction: 
    Psalm 15:1-5, “LORD, who may dwell in Your sanctuary? Who may live on Your holy hill? 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart 3 and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, 4 who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, 5 who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.” 
 
I. One Who Walks Right vs. 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a
    V. 2a, “He whose walk is blameless.”  
        Genesis 6:9, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” 
        Genesis 17:1-2,  “walk before Me and be blameless. 2 I will confirm My covenant between Me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”
        Psalm 18:20-23, “The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. 21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning from my God. 22 All His laws are before me; I have not turned away from His decrees. 23 I have been blameless before Him and have kept myself from sin.”
       Luke 1:6, “Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly.”
        Philippians 2:15, “become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.”
fers three examples in the next three verses:

    v. 3a, “He has no slander on his tongue.”
    v. 4a, “He despises a vile man.” 
        Matthew 21:12-13, “Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 "It is written," He said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers.'"”
        Acts 17:16 (NAS), “while Paul was … at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was beholding the city full of idols.” 
        Ephesians 5:11, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” 
        2 John 9-11, “Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. 11 Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.”

    v. 5a, “He who lends his money without usury (interest).” 
        Romans 8:32 (NAS), “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” 
        Luke 6:34-35, “And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”

II. One Who Does Right vs. 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b
    V. 2b, “One who does what is righteous.” 
        1 Peter 2:24 (NAS), “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness;” 
        2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 
        1 John 3:7, “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous.”
        1 John 3:10 (NAS), “By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.”

    V. 3b, “does his neighbor no wrong.” 
        1 Thessalonians 5:15, “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.”

    V. 4b, “honors those who fear the LORD.”  
        Romans 12:10 (NAS), “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.”

    V. 5b, “does not accept a bribe against the innocent.” 
        Matthew 27:3-5, “When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4 "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." 5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.”
        Acts 24:26, “[Felix] was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.”

III. One Who Speaks Right vs. 2c, 3c, 4c
     V. 2c, “speaks truth from his heart.”
        Psalm 51:6 (NAS), “Behold, Thou dost desire truth in the innermost being ...”
         Ephesians 4:25, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

    V. 3c, “casts no slur on his fellowman.”
    V. 4c, “keeps his oath, even when it hurts.” 
        James 5:12, “Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.”
 
Conclusion:
    “LORD, who may dwell in Your sanctuary? Who may live on Your holy hill? 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart 3 and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, 4 who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, 5 who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.”

Matthew 7:24-25, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
 
 

Sunday, February 28, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: Happiness Is

“Happiness Is …” 
 
Introduction:
 
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
 
Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 
 
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

I. Happiness is not found in material riches.

Ecclesiastes 2:11, “When I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” 
 
“godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:6-10).

Joshua 7:1,18-26; Matthew 19:22; 27:3-5; Acts 5:1-11
 
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).

II. Happiness is not found in worldly power.

“Should you then seek great things for yourself?” “Seek them not” (Jeremiah 45:5).
 
“The power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous” (Psalm 37:17). 

III. Happiness is not found in fame and glory.
 
“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord stands forever” (1 Peter 1:24-25).

IV. Happiness is not found in worldly pleasure.
 
“I thought in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." But that also proved to be meaningless. 2 "Laughter," I said, "is foolish. And what does pleasure accomplish?" 3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly … 8 I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well – the delights of the heart of man. … 10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. 11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:2-3, 8, 10-11).

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:15-17).

V. Happiness is found in submission to God.

“To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God” (Ecclesiastes 2:26).

Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
 
Conclusion:

John 13:17, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” 
 
Acts 8:39; 16:34
 
“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
 
 

Sunday, February 21, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: Citizens of Heaven

“Citizens of Heaven”
Philippians 3:20-21

Introduction:

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our lowly condition into conformity with His glorious body, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself” (Philippians 3:20-21).

1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 11:13; John 15:19; 17:14,16; Galatians 1:4

I. Solid Citizens

Hebrews 12:23

We have been “raised up with [Jesus], and seated with Him in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 2:6).

“Not that [we] have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but [we] press on in order that [we] may lay hold of that for which also [we were] laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, [we] do not regard [ourselves] as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing [we] do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 [we] press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14). 

Philippians 3:18-19, “many walk … [as] … enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 [their] end is destruction, [their] god is their appetite, … [their] glory is in their shame, [and they] set their minds on earthly things.”

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But … in heaven, … 21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

II. Sound Thinking

Hebrews 2:5; Galatians 1:4; Matthew 6:33

Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” 

Hebrews 12:1-2; Luke 10:27

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” 

III. Sanctified Living

John 8:12

“For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed” (John 3:20).

“Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9-10). 

Hebrews 11:13, “these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, [they] confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” 

Matthew 10:37, “He who loves father or mother … son or daughter … more than Me is not worthy of Me.” 

1 Peter 2:9

“We are ambassadors of Christ, as though God were entreating through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

1 Corinthians 9:22, “I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.” 

Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:11

“… as He is, so also are we in this world” (1 John 4:17).

IV. Satisfying Substance

Acts 2:47

"In the world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33).

Hebrews 10:34, "[You] accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one."

Philippians 3:10; Philippians 3:8; 1 Peter 1:4). 

Conclusion:

2 Corinthians 1:22; 2 Corinthians 5:8; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Corinthians 4:7) 

“for we know that [when this] earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we [will] have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1).


Sunday, February 7, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: Everything will be destroyed!

“Everything will be destroyed”
2 Peter 3:11-14

Introduction:
    2 Peter 3:7, “by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly people.” 
    2 Peter 3:11-14, “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found spotless and blameless by Him, at peace.”

I. We should change our behavior. v. 11
    “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.”

II. We should want the destruction to happen quickly. v. 12
    “looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!" 

Philippians 4:11, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” 
Revelation 22:15, “Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral persons, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.”
Revelation 22:20. “Yes, I am coming quickly.” “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

III. We should look forward to our permanent home. v. 13
    “But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.”

IV. We should actively work to make peace with God. v. 14
    “Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found spotless and blameless by Him, at peace.”

Romans 5:1-11, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous person; though perhaps for the good person someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”


Sunday, January 31, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: Revive Us Again

“Revive Us Again!”
Psalm 85:4-6
 
Introduction:

    Psalm 85, “O Lord, You showed favor to Your land; You restored the captivity of Jacob. 2 You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin.3 You withdrew all Your fury; You turned away from Your burning anger. 4 Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your indignation toward us to cease. 5 Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? 6 Will You not Yourself revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? 7 Show us Your lovingkindness, O Lord, And grant us Your salvation. 8 I will hear what God the Lord will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly. 9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. 10 Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth springs from the earth, And righteousness looks down from heaven. 12 Indeed, the Lord will give what is good, And our land will yield its produce. 13 Righteousness will go before Him And will make His footsteps into a way.” 

    Mark 9:35, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all”?

    “The mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).

    Revelation 3:1, “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” 

    “4 Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your indignation toward us to cease. 5 Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? 6 Will You not Yourself revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?” 

I. Revival comes from the Word of God. vs. 8-9
    “8 I will hear what God the Lord will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly. 9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land.”
 

    Ezra 9:8-13, “But now, for a brief moment, the LORD our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in His sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage. 9 Though we are slaves, our God has not deserted us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem. 10 But now, O our God, what can we say after this? For we have disregarded the commands 11 You gave through Your servants the prophets … 13 What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, You have punished us less than our sins have deserved and have given us a remnant like this.”
     Psalms 119:25, “My soul cleaves to the dust; Revive me according to Your word;” v. 37, “Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, And revive me in Your ways;” v. 40, “Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me through Your righteousness;” v. 50, “This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me;” v. 88, “Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth;” v. 93, “I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have revived me;” v. 107, "I am exceedingly afflicted; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word;” v. 149, “Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your ordinances;” v. 154, "Plead my cause and redeem me; Revive me according to Your word;" v. 156, “Great are Your mercies, O LORD; Revive me according to Your ordinances;” v. 159, “Consider how I love Your precepts; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness.”
    “I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place” (Revelation 2:4-5).
    2 Kings 23:2, “He went up to the temple of the LORD with the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, the priests and the prophets-- all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the LORD.”
    2 Kings 23:3, “The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD-- to follow the LORD and keep His commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.”
    2 Kings 23:25, “Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did-- with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.”

II. Revival changes us. Vs. 10-11
    “10 Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth springs from the earth, And righteousness looks down from heaven.”
 

    2 Corinthians 5:9-20, “So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. … 14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
    Isaiah 57:15, “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
 

Conclusion, vs. 4-6:
    “4 Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your indignation toward us to cease. 5 Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? 6 Will You not Yourself revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?”
 

    Hebrews 1:2, “God … has spoken to us by His Son.”
     Romans 10:17, “faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”



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Sunday, January 24, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: The Nature of Spiritual Warfare

“The Nature of Spiritual Warfare”
2 Chronicles 14

Introduction:

    1 Kings 15:3, “He walked in all the sins of his father which he had committed before him; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God, like the heart of his father David.”    
 
    2 Chronicles 14, “So Abijah lay down with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David, and his son Asa became king in his place. The land was undisturbed for ten years during his days. 2 And Asa did what was good and right in the sight of the Lord his God, 3 for he removed the foreign altars and high places, tore down the memorial stones, cut down the Asherim, 4 and commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers and to comply with the Law and the commandment. 5 He also removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah. And the kingdom was undisturbed under him. 6 He built fortified cities in Judah, since the land was undisturbed, and there was no one at war with him during those years, because the Lord had given him rest. 7 For he said to Judah, “Let’s build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the Lord our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.
    8 Now Asa had an army of three hundred thousand from Judah, carrying large shields and spears, and 280,000 from Benjamin, carrying shields and wielding bows; all of them were valiant warriors. 9 Now Zerah the Ethiopian went out against them with an army of a million men and three hundred chariots, and he came to Mareshah. 10 So Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. 11 Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; help us, Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You.” 12 So the Lord routed the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled. 13 Asa and the people who were with him pursued them as far as Gerar; and so many Ethiopians fell that they could not recover, for they were shattered before the Lord and before His army. And they carried away a very large amount of plunder. 14 They destroyed all the cities around Gerar, for the dread of the Lord had fallen on them; and they pillaged all the cities, for there was much plunder in them. 15 They also fatally struck those who owned livestock, and they led away large numbers of sheep and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem.”
 
    “As for you, if you walk before Me as David your father did, and do all I command, and observe my decrees and laws, 18 I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father when I said, 'You shall never fail to have a man to rule over Israel.' 19 But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, 20 then I will uproot Israel from My land, which I have given them …” (2 Chronicles 7:17-20).
    Rehoboam “did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD” (2 Chronicles 12:14). Abijah “committed all the sins his father had done before him” (1 Kings 15:3).

I. The Elimination of Evil vs. 2-5
    “Asa did what was good and right in the sight of the Lord his God, 3 for he removed the foreign altars and high places, tore down the memorial stones, cut down the Asherim, 4 and commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers and to comply with the Law and the commandment. 5 He also removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah. And the kingdom was undisturbed under him.”

    Psalm 119:1-2, “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart.” 
    “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9).
    “put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 … be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 … put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
    “Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you” (James 1:21).

II. The Fortification of Faith vs. 6-8

    “He built fortified cities in Judah, since the land was undisturbed, and there was no one at war with him during those years, because the Lord had given him rest. 7 For he said to Judah, “Let’s build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the Lord our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered. 8 Now Asa had an army of three hundred thousand from Judah, carrying large shields and spears, and 280,000 from Benjamin, carrying shields and wielding bows; all of them were valiant warriors.”

    “Do not give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:27). “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. … 13 … put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground …” (Ephesians 6:11-13).

    Acts 14:22, Paul and Barnabas were “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.” 
 
III. The Contention of Challengers vs. 9-10
    “Now Zerah the Ethiopian went out against them with an army of a million men and three hundred chariots, and he came to Mareshah. 10 So Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.”

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith …” (1 Peter 5:8-9). “… contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 1:3).

IV. The Prayer of Petition vs. 11-15
    “Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; help us, Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You.” 12 So the Lord routed the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled. 13 Asa and the people who were with him pursued them as far as Gerar; and so many Ethiopians fell that they could not recover, for they were shattered before the Lord and before His army. And they carried away a very large amount of plunder. 14 They destroyed all the cities around Gerar, for the dread of the Lord had fallen on them; and they pillaged all the cities, for there was much plunder in them. 15 They also fatally struck those who owned livestock, and they led away large numbers of sheep and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem.”

    Luke 21:34-36, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

    “pray … that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored … 2 … pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3).
 
Conclusion:

    Luke 19:41-44, Jesus “approached Jerusalem and saw the city, [and] He wept over it 42 [saying], "If you … had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."”

    "When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. … 16 wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of My sight! Stop doing wrong, 17 learn to do right!” (Isaiah 1:15-17).

    "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life" (Jude 1:20-21).

    “though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). 
    “'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD almighty” (Zechariah 4:6).
 
 

Sunday, January 17, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: Onward Christian Soldiers



“Onward Christian Soldiers”
2 Timothy 2:1-4

Introduction:
    2 Timothy 2:1-4, “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-- he wants to please his commanding officer.”
 

I. Protection v. 1
    “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

    Romans 12:1, “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

    “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, … 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:10-17).

II. Production v. 2
    “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”

    A. PREPARATION

     2 Timothy 1:10, 13-14; 2:21; 1 Timothy 4:6-7
 

    B. PRESENTATION

    Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 4:12; James 1:21; 2 Thessalonians 2:10

    C. PRODUCTION

II. Persistence v. 3
    
“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

    2 Timothy 2:10, “I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.”

    “I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:27-28).

2 Corinthians 6:4-5

IV. Preference v. 4
    “No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-- he wants to please his commanding officer.”

    Matthew 10:37-38, “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.” 

    “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world-- the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-- comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:15-17). 

    “… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

   “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8).

Conclusion:

    “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24).

    Matthew 8:5-10

    “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. [The weapons we use] have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) 

    “the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:3-5)

    “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

 

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Sunday, January 10, 2021

Sunday Sermon Outline: A New Life in Christ

"A New Life in Christ"

2 Corinthians 5:17

 

Introduction:
     2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 

 

I. A New Life
    Romans 6:1-4, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” 

 

II. A New Creation
    John 3:3, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” 

    1 Timothy 4:8, “Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 

    Romans 12:1-2, “I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will.” 

    Ephesians 4:14-15, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching … 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”

 

III. A New Standard
    1 Peter 2:2, "Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation." 

    John 13:15, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

     Philippians 3:16, "Let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained." 

    “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

 

IV. A New Hope
    1 John 3:2-3, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
    2 Corinthians 4:8-9, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
    Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
    Hebrews 6:19, "this hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast."
    Colossians 1:22-23, “He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation--23 IF you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. …”

 

V. A New Purpose

    “I must preach the kingdom of God …, for I was sent for this purpose” (Luke 4:43).
    “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10).
    “He is the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18).
    John 12:26, “Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.”
    Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
    “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1). “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5).
    “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).
    “Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:1-2).
    "You are the light of the world ... Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:13-16).
    “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27)?
    “the sin which so easily entangles us” (Hebrews 12:1)

VI. A New Future (Conclusion)
    James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
    "Behold, I am making all things new" (Revelation 21:5).


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