Sunday Sermon Outline: He Spoke to Them in Parables

Matthew 13
He Spoke to Them in Parables


Introduction:
     Matthew 13:3, “[Jesus] spoke many things to them in parables.”
     Matthew 13:10, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”


I. The crowds did not want to understand. vs. 11-15
     “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. 12 For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, ‘You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; You will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; 15 For the heart of this people has become dull, With their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes, Otherwise they would see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them.’”
    
     John 10:24-25, “The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me.””


II. The disciples were listening. v. 16
     “ But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.”

     Matthew 13:44-46, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, 46 and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
     Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”


III. Jesus wasn’t the preacher they were looking for. vs. 53-58
     “53 When Jesus had finished these parables, He departed from there. 54 He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? 55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” 58 And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.”

     Ephesians 4:10-12, “He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things. 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.”


Conclusion:
     Mark 8:31-33, “[Jesus] began to teach [the disciples] that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.””
     1 Corinthians 2:1-5, “When I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, 4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”
     John 14:8-10, “Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.””
     1 Peter 4:11, “Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
     John 12:48-49, “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak.”




LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: Luke 13:1-9

“I Didn’t Do Anything Wrong!”
Luke 13:1-9

Introduction: Job 4:7-9; Hebrews 10:26-29; Psalm 90:10

I. Repentance vs. 1-5
     “Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. [2] And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? [3] “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. [4] “Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? [5] “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.””

II. Bearing Fruit vs. 6-9
     “A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any. [7] “And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’ [8] “And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; [9] and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”

John 1:11

Conclusion: 2 Peter 3:15; Luke 12:20


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: A Model Father and Leader

“A Model Father and Leader”

Luke 15:11-32

Introduction:

Luke 15:11-32, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. 13 "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.”

“14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.'”

“20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.”

“25 Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' 28 The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' 31 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'”

I. The father was approachable. vs. 18-19

 “I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.”

1 Peter 2:25, “You were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

II. The father was an example. vs. 18, 21

Luke 15:1-2, “Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear [Jesus]. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."”

v. 18, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you” v. 21, “'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.” 

1 Peter 5:2-3, “Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

Proverbs 22:6; 12:11

III. The father was compassionate. vs. 20, 32

The son “got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

v. 32, “We had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

James 5:11, we have “seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.”

Colossians 3:12; Galatians 6:1

Conclusion:

“Why do you eat and drink with tax-collectors and ‘sinners’?” (Luke 5:30). Luke 5:31-32, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Luke 15:4-7, “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' 7 I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

 

LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: The Recognition of God's Mercy

“The Recognition of God’s Mercy”
Psalm 86

I. Recognizing God’s mercy means living in TRUST. vs. 1-7

“A prayer of David. Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am devoted to You. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You. 3 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long. 4 Bring joy to Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You. 6 Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. 7 In the day of my trouble I will call to You, for You will answer me.”

Psalm 25:1-3,  “To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul; 2 in You I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 3 No one whose hope is in You will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.”

II. Recognizing God’s mercy means walking in TRUTH. vs. 8-13

“8 Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; no deeds can compare with Yours. 9 All the nations You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord; they will bring glory to Your name. 10 For You are great and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God. 11 Teach me Your way, O LORD, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. 12 I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever. 13 For great is Your love toward me; You have delivered me from the depths of the grave.”

Psalm 25:4-14, “Show me Your ways, O LORD, teach me Your paths; 5 guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. 6 Remember, O LORD, Your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to Your love remember me, for You are good, O LORD. 8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He instructs sinners in His ways. 9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. 10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of His covenant. 11 For the sake of Your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. 12 Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. 13 He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. 14 The LORD confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them.”

III. Recognizing God’s mercy means persevering in TRIBULATION. vs. 14-17

“14 The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life-- men without regard for You. 15 But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. 16 Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant Your strength to Your servant and save the son of Your maidservant. 17 Give me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.”

Psalm 25:15-22, “My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only He will release my feet from the snare. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. 18 Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. 19 See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me! 20 Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You. 21 May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in You. 22 Redeem Israel, O God, from all their troubles!”

Conclusion:

Psalm 28:6-9, “Praise be to the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy. 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. 8 The LORD is the strength of His people, a fortress of salvation for His anointed one. 9 Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.”

 

LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: 2 Thessalonians 3

“Glorifying the Truth”
2 Thessalonians 3

Introduction: Isaiah 40:8


I.  Spreading the Word of the Lord vs. 1-5
     “Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; 2 and that we may be delivered from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. 5 And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.”

Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20; Romans 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16; Ephesians 6:11, 14-17; 1 John 3:18; John 14:15, 21, 23, 24, 31; 15:7-8, 10; 17:14-17; 1 John 2:4-5; Luke 8:15; Revelation 3:10-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22


II. Following the Apostles’ Example vs. 6-12
     “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the teaching which you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we might not be a burden to any of you; 9 not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, that you might follow our example. 10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat. 11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.”

Hebrews 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7


Conclusion: vs. 13-18, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that man and do not associate with him, so that he may be put to shame. 15 And yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! 17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” 

Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 John 9-11; 1 Thessalonians 2:12-13


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: 2 Thessalonians 2

“Standing Firm in the Truth”
2 Thessalonians 2

Introduction: Isaiah 40:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-2


I. Stay away from that which is false. vs. 1-12
     “Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, 2 that you may not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he may be revealed. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 And then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false, 12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.” 

Genesis 3:1; 2 Timothy 2:15-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2; Matthew 24:3-13, 23-27; Matthew 16:23; 1 John 3:10; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Timothy 2:25-26; Ephesians 4:14-15; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22


II. Stand firm in the truth. vs. 13-17
     “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14 And it was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the teachings which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, 17 comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”

Ephesians 1:13; Colossians 2:12; John 4:23; 1 John 4:6


Conclusion: 1 Peter 1:23-25


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: 2 Thessalonians 1

“Faith in the Truth”
2 Thessalonians 1

Introduction: 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 7:21-26; John 17:17


I.  Growing in Faith and Love vs. 1-4
     “Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; 4 therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.”

2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22; Hebrews 3:18 – 4:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; Ephesians 4:14-16; Romans 1:5; 16:26; 1 John 2:4-5


II. God’s Righteous Judgment vs. 5-10
     “This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. 6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed-- for our testimony to you was believed.”

Revelation 16:7; Romans 1:20; 2:5-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22; John 7:24


III. Glorifying Christ vs. 11-12
     “To this end also we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power; 12 in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Matthew 10:37-38; Philippians 1:27; 2 Timothy 1:9-11; Matthew 5:16-19; Isaiah 40:8; Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-8


Conclusion: 1 Peter 4:11




LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: Jeremiah 18:1-17

Jeremiah 18:1-17
“The Parable of the Potter”

Introduction: Genesis 1:26; 1 John 2:16; Exodus 20:3; Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthians 11:2-3


I.  The Crafting of Clay vs. 1-6
     “The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD saying, [2] “Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will announce My words to you.” [3] Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. [4] But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. [5] Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, [6] “Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does? ” declares the LORD. “Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.”

Genesis 1:27; Hebrews 3:13; Ephesians 2:3; Isaiah 1:4; Jeremiah 31:31-33; Mark 2:22; 2 Corinthians 5:17


II. The Correction of Conduct vs. 7-10
     “At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot, to pull down, or to destroy it; [8] if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will *relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it. [9] “Or at another moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it; [10] if it does evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will think better of the good with which I had promised to bless it.”


III. The Chastising of Callousness vs. 11-17
     ““So now then, speak to the men of Judah and against the inhabitants of Jerusalem saying, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Behold, I am fashioning calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh turn back, each of you from his evil way, and reform your ways and your deeds.’” [12] “But they will say, ‘It's hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’ [13] “Therefore thus says the LORD, ‘Ask now among the nations, who ever heard the like of this? The virgin of Israel has done a most appalling thing. [14] ‘Does the snow of Lebanon forsake the rock of the open country? Or is the cold flowing water from a foreign land ever snatched away? [15] ‘For My people have forgotten Me, they burn incense to worthless gods and they have stumbled from their ways, from the ancient paths, to walk in bypaths, not on a highway, [16] to make their land a desolation, an object of perpetual hissing; everyone who passes by it will be astonished and shake his head. [17] ‘Like an east wind I will scatter them before the enemy; I will show them My back and not My face in the day of their calamity.’””

Matthew 13:15


Conclusion: Acts 3:19; Colossians 3:9-10; Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 2:21


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: True Security

“True Security”
Isaiah 28:14-17

I. A firm foundation is necessary for true security. Isaiah 28:14-17

“Therefore hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem. 15 You boast, "We have entered into a covenant with death, with the grave we have made an agreement. When an overwhelming scourge sweeps by, it cannot touch us, for we have made a lie our refuge and falsehood our hiding place." 16 So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. 17 I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place” (28:14-17).

Hebrews 10:28-31, “Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge His people." 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

“built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). 

Luke 6:46-49, “Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears My words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

II. An honorable heart is necessary for true security. Isaiah 29:13-14

“The Lord says: "These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is made up only of rules taught by men. 14 Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."”

Mark 7:1-8, “The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and 2 saw some of His disciples eating food with hands that were "unclean," that is, unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.) 5 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?" 6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "'These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. 7 They worship Me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."”

Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for will shall see God”

Matthew 13:15-16, “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. 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.”

III. God’s Spirit is necessary for true security. Isaiah 30:1

“"Woe to the obstinate children," declares the LORD, "to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by My Spirit, heaping sin upon sin."”

Zechariah 4:6, “'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts.”

John 6:63, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.”

“the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). “Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).

Conclusion:

Isaiah 30:9-15, “These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord's instruction. 10 They say to the seers, "See no more visions!" and to the prophets, "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. 11 Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!" 12 Therefore, this is what the Holy One of Israel says: "Because you have rejected this message, relied on oppression and depended on deceit, 13 this sin will become for you like a high wall, cracked and bulging, that collapses suddenly, in an instant. 14 It will break in pieces like pottery, shattered so mercilessly that among its pieces not a fragment will be found for taking coals from a hearth or scooping water out of a cistern." 15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”

Hebrews 3:18 – 4:2, “And to whom did God swear that they would never enter His rest if not to those who disobeyed ? 19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief. 4:1 Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.”

Psalm 119:40-45, “How I long for Your precepts! Preserve my life in Your righteousness. 41 May Your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, Your salvation according to Your promise; 42 then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in Your word. 43 Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in Your laws. 44 I will always obey your law, forever and ever. 45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out Your precepts.”

James 1:21-22, “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. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

 

LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: Wrong is Always Wrong

“Wrong Is Always Wrong”
Isaiah 5:20

Introduction:  

Isaiah 5:20 (NAS), “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness …!” 

I. Wrong is always wrong … even if you don’t get caught.

Proverbs 15:3. “The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” 

Hebrews 4:13, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” 

II. Wrong is always wrong … even if its for a good cause.

1 John 3:4, “everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” 

1 John 5:17, “All wrongdoing is sin.”

2 Samuel 6:7, “The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God.”

III. Wrong is always wrong … even if it doesn’t bother your conscience.

Hebrews 5:14, “solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

IV. Wrong is always wrong … even if everyone else is doing it.

John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” 

Exodus 23:2, “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.”

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, “test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil.”

1 John 4:1, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 

Conclusion:

1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

James 1:25 (NAS), “One who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does.”

 

LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: The Glory of God's Redemption

"The Glory of God's Redemption"
1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

Introduction: John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 4:2-4


I.  God's Word in His People v. 13
     “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”
James 1:21; Hebrews 2:3; 12:25; Isaiah 55:10-11; John 8:31-32


II. God's People in the World vs. 14-18
     “[14] For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, [15] who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They are not pleasing to God, but hostile to all men, [16] hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost. [17] But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while—in person, not in spirit—were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. [18] For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us.”

1 Thessalonians 1:6; Acts 8:1; 2 Timothy 3:11-12; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; 1 Peter 4:12-14


III. God's People in Heaven vs. 19-20
     “[19] For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? [20] For you are our glory and joy.” 

Matthew 10:34; Colossians 1:13; John 14:2-3


Conclusion: Philippians 3:20; Romans 8:16-18


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: Luke 12:22-34

"How to survive the world"
Luke 12:22-34

Introduction: Romans 8:24; 15:4


I.  Curb your concerns. vs. 22-30
     “And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. [23] For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. [24] Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!””
     “[25] And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life's span? [26] If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? [27] Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. [28] But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!”
     "[29] And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. [30] For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things."


II. Concentrate on the kingdom. vs. 31-34
     "[31] But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. [32] Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. [33] Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”


Conclusion: Hebrews 6:19


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: Philippians 2:5-11

“Our Humble Example”
Philippians 2:5-11

Introduction: 2 Chronicles 36:11-16; Micah 6:7-8; Proverbs 16:18


I.  Will we – like Jesus – offer humble service? vs. 5-7
     “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” 

Matthew 20:28; Galatians 5:13; Matthew 23:37


II. Will we – like Jesus – offer humble sacrifice? v. 8
     “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” 

Romans 12:2; 8:29; 12:1; Jeremiah 6:19-20


III. Will we – like Jesus – be satisfied with a heavenly reward? vs. 9-11
     “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 

1 Peter 1:4; Hebrews 11:16; 12:2; Colossians 1:13


Conclusion: 1 Peter 5:6; James 4:10


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: Moving Forward into a New Year

“Moving Forward into a New Year”
Joshua 1

      Joshua 1:1-2, “Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, [2] “Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.””
     Joshua 1:6-9, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. [7] Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. [8] This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. [9] Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”


I.  The Past is Behind Us  v. 2
     "Moses My servant is dead."

Philippians 3:13-14


II. The Lord is With Us  v. 9
     “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 2:9-11; Romans 8:31-32


III. God's Providence is Following Us  v. 8
     "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success."

Joshua 6:20; Matthew 6:31-33


Conclusion: Hebrews 13:5-6


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE