Sunday Sermon Outline: Christians Living in a Wicked World

“Christians Living in a Wicked World”
Titus 2:11-15

Introduction:
     Titus 1:5, “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you.”
     “For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision” (1:10). “One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” (1:12).
    Galatians 1:4, Christ “gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” 

    “that they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:26).
 

Titus 2:11-15, “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, [14] who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. [15] These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”
 

    Titus 2:7-8, “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, [8] sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”

    “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 5:16). 

    Matthew 16:23, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's.” 

 

I. Consider Your Lifestyle vs. 11-12
    “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 …”

    Matthew 16:24, “[24] Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.”” 

    Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

    2 Peter 3:11-12, “You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God …”

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

II. Consider Your Future v. 13
    “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus ...”

    “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3).

    “fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13)

III. Consider Your Purpose v. 14
    “gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”

    1 Peter 2:24, “He bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.”

    Titus 1:16, “they profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed”
  

    Matthew 7:21-24, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. [22] Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ [23] And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’ [24] Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

    1 Peter 2:11-12, “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. [12] Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

    Galatians 1:4, “He gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” 

 
Conclusion:
    Titus 2:15, “These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”

    “Faith is the victory that has overcome the world” (1 John 5:4).

 

LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: Let Me Never Be Ashamed

“Let me never be ashamed”

Psalm 31

I. Present Refuge vs. 1-6
    “In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be ashamed; in Your righteousness deliver me. 2 Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly; be to me a rock of strength, a stronghold to save me. 3 For You are my rock and my fortress; for Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me. 4 You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength. 5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O Lord, God of truth. 6 I hate those who regard vain idols, but I trust in the Lord.”

    1 Peter 1:5, “... who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

    “[God’s] divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).
    “Into Your hand I commit my spirit,” (Luke 23:46).

    “Sanctify them in the truth. Thy word is truth,” (John 17:17).

    Psalm 5:4-6, “You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with You the wicked cannot dwell. 5 The arrogant cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all who do wrong. 6 You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.” 

    Psalm 119:104, “I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.”

    “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). 

    “"Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you"” (2 Corinthians 6:17). 

    “Dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

II. Past Problems vs. 7-13
    “I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness, because You have seen my affliction; You have known the troubles of my soul, 8 And You have not given me over into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a large place. 9 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted away from grief, my soul and my body also. 10 For my life is spent with sorrow and my years with sighing; my strength has failed because of my iniquity, and my body has wasted away. 11 Because of all my adversaries, I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. 12 I am forgotten as a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel. 13 For I have heard the slander of many, Terror is on every side; while they took counsel together against me, they schemed to take away my life.”

    Jeremiah 20:7-11, “I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me. 8 Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day long. 9 But if I say, "I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name," His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. 10 I hear many whispering, "Terror on every side! Report him! Let's report him!" All my friends are waiting for me to slip, saying, "Perhaps he will be deceived; then we will prevail over him and take our revenge on him." 11 But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten.”
    Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

III. Future Hope vs. 14-24
    “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me. 16 Make Your face to shine upon Your servant; save me in Your lovingkindness. 17 Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, for I call upon You; let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent in Sheol. 18 Let the lying lips be mute, which speak arrogantly against the righteous with pride and contempt.”

    “19 How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, before the sons of men! 20 You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues. 21 Blessed be the Lord, for He has made marvelous His lovingkindness to me in a besieged city. 22 As for me, I said in my alarm, “I am cut off from before Your eyes”; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried to You. 23 O love the Lord, all you His godly ones! The Lord preserves the faithful and fully recompenses the proud doer. 24 Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.”

Conclusion:
    1 Chronicles 28:20, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you …”
    Hebrews 13:5-6, “God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." 6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"”

LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: The Best Advice for a Great New Year

“The Best Advice for a Great New Year”
Philippians 3:12-16


Introduction:
     Philippians 3:12-16, “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.”


I. Forget the Past v. 13a
     “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind …”


     James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”


II. Face The Future v. 13b
     “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead;”


     Matthew 6:34, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
     Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you, … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”


III. Keep Your Eye on the Goal v. 14
     “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”


     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.”


Conclusion:
     Acts 17:30-31, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed.”




LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: A New Outlook on Life

“A New Outlook on Life”
Ephesians 1:3-14

Introduction: Ephesians 1:3-14, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, 8 which He lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.”

I. Look Back vs. 3-8a
     “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, 8 which He lavished upon us.”

     2 Peter 1:12-13, “Therefore, I shall always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. 13 And I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder.”

     1 Corinthians 6:20, “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”
     Galatians 3:13, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us …”
     Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” 
     2 Timothy 1:9, God “saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.”
     1 Peter 1:23, “You have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God.”
     Colossians 1:13-14, “He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

     Romans 4:7-8, “BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. 8 BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.”

     2 Peter 3:9; Romans 6:3-4

     1 Corinthians 6:11 says, “you were washed, … you were sanctified, … you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.” 

II. Look Around vs. 8b-10a
     “In all wisdom and insight 9 [God] made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in [Christ] 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth.”

     “We are no longer strangers and aliens, but [we] are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, 20 having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:19-21).
     Hebrews 3:4-8, 12-13, “every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. 5 Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; 6 but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. 7 Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, 8 DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME, AS IN THE DAY OF TRIAL IN THE WILDERNESS, … 12 Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
     Ephesians 2:10, “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
     Matthew 5:16,  “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.”
     2 Chronicles 16:9, “the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”

     1 Peter 4:10

     Acts 13:22,  “I HAVE FOUND DAVID the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all My will.”

     2 Corinthians 3:6; Philippians 2:13

III. Look Forward vs. 10b-14
     “In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.”

     Philippians 3:13-15, “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of [salvation] yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude.”
     “[look] for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13). “Here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come” (Hebrews 13:14).
     We have been “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Conclusion: “If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3).

     Romans 11:5; Revelation 3:4; 2 Peter 3:13

     “14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15 and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation; … 17 … be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:13-18).


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: Jeremiah 31

Jeremiah 31
The Benefits of Redemption

I.  Grace vs. 1-6
     ““At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.” [2] Thus says the LORD, “The people who survived the sword Found grace in the wilderness— Israel, when it went to find its rest.” [3] The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness. [4] “Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! Again you will take up your tambourines, And go forth to the dances of the merrymakers. [5] “Again you will plant vineyards On the hills of Samaria; The planters will plant And will enjoy them. [6] “For there will be a day when watchmen On the hills of Ephraim call out, ‘Arise, and let us go up to Zion, To the LORD our God.’””

1 Peter 1:10-12; Hebrews 12:22


II. Joy vs. 7-20

     A. Salvation vs. 7-11 
     “[7] For thus says the LORD, “Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, And shout among the chief of the nations; Proclaim, give praise and say, ‘O LORD, save Your people, The remnant of Israel.’ [8] “Behold, I am bringing them from the north country, And I will gather them from the remote parts of the earth, Among them the blind and the lame, The woman with child and she who is in labor with child, together; A great company, they will return here. [9] “With weeping they will come, And by supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk by streams of waters, On a straight path in which they will not stumble; For I am a father to Israel, And Ephraim is My firstborn.” [10] Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, And declare in the coastlands afar off, And say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him And keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.” [11] For the LORD has ransomed Jacob And redeemed him from the hand of him who was stronger than he.”

     B. The Spirit vs. 12-14
     "[12] “They will come and shout for joy on the height of Zion, And they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD — Over the grain and the new wine and the oil, And over the young of the flock and the herd; And their life will be like a watered garden, And they will never languish again. [13] “Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance, And the young men and the old, together, For I will turn their mourning into joy And will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow. [14] “I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, And My people will be satisfied with My goodness,” declares the LORD.”

     C. Hope vs. 15-17
     “[15] Thus says the LORD, “A voice is heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; She refuses to be comforted for her children, Because they are no more.” [16] Thus says the LORD, “Restrain your voice from weeping And your eyes from tears; For your work will be rewarded,” declares the LORD, “And they will return from the land of the enemy. [17] “There is hope for your future,” declares the LORD, “And your children will return to their own territory.”

Romans 15:13

     D. Mercy vs. 18-20
     “[18] “I have surely heard Ephraim grieving, ‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised, Like an untrained calf; Bring me back that I may be restored, For You are the LORD my God. [19] ‘For after I turned back, I repented; And after I was instructed, I smote on my thigh; I was ashamed and also humiliated Because I bore the reproach of my youth.’ [20] “Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a delightful child? Indeed, as often as I have spoken against him, I certainly still remember him; Therefore My heart yearns for him; I will surely have mercy on him,” declares the LORD.”

Luke 1:57-58 (NIV)


III. Blessings vs. 21-40

     A. A Savior vs. 21-22
     “[21] “Set up for yourself roadmarks, Place for yourself guideposts; Direct your mind to the highway, The way by which you went. Return, O virgin of Israel, Return to these your cities. [22] “How long will you go here and there, O faithless daughter? For the LORD has created a new thing in the earth— A woman will encompass a man.””

     B. A City vs. 23-28
     “[23] Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “Once again they will speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities when I restore their fortunes, ‘The LORD bless you, O abode of righteousness, O holy hill!’ [24] “Judah and all its cities will dwell together in it, the farmer and they who go about with flocks. [25] “For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes.”
     [26] At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me.”
     “[27] “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man and with the seed of beast. [28] “As I have watched over them to pluck up, to break down, to overthrow, to destroy and to bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant,” declares the LORD.”

     C. A Covenant vs. 29-34
     “[29] “In those days they will not say again, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children's teeth are set on edge.’ [30] “But everyone will die for his own iniquity; each man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth will be set on edge. [31] “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, [32] not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. [33] “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. [34] “They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the LORD, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

     D. A Future vs. 35-40
     “[35] Thus says the LORD, Who gives the sun for light by day And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The LORD of hosts is His name: [36] “If this fixed order departs From before Me,” declares the LORD, “Then the offspring of Israel also will cease From being a nation before Me forever.” [37] Thus says the LORD, “If the heavens above can be measured And the foundations of the earth searched out below, Then I will also cast off all the offspring of Israel For all that they have done,” declares the LORD. [38] “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when the city will be rebuilt for the LORD from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. [39] “The measuring line will go out farther straight ahead to the hill Gareb; then it will turn to Goah. [40] “And the whole valley of the dead bodies and of the ashes, and all the fields as far as the brook Kidron, to the corner of the Horse Gate toward the east, shall be holy to the LORD; it will not be plucked up or overthrown anymore forever.”” 


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: Jeremiah 24

Jeremiah 24
A Vision of the Future

I.  The Vision Presented vs. 1-3
     “After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and the officials of Judah with the craftsmen and smiths from Jerusalem and had brought them to Babylon, the LORD showed me: behold, two baskets of figs set before the temple of the LORD! [2] One basket had very good figs, like first-ripe figs, and the other basket had very bad figs which could not be eaten due to rottenness. [3] Then the LORD said to me, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” And I said, “Figs, the good figs, very good; and the bad figs, very bad, which cannot be eaten due to rottenness.””


II. The Vision Explained vs. 4-10

     A. The Fate of the Good Figs vs. 4-7
     “[4] Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, [5] “Thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘Like these good figs, so I will regard as good the captives of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans. [6] ‘For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them again to this land; and I will build them up and not overthrow them, and I will plant them and not pluck them up. [7] ‘I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.'”

     B. The Fate of the Bad Figs vs. 8-10
     “[8] ‘But like the bad figs which cannot be eaten due to rottenness—indeed, thus says the LORD —so I will abandon Zedekiah king of Judah and his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem who remain in this land and the ones who dwell in the land of Egypt. [9] ‘I will make them a terror and an evil for all the kingdoms of the earth, as a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse in all places where I will scatter them. [10] ‘I will send the sword, the famine and the pestilence upon them until they are destroyed from the land which I gave to them and their forefathers.’””


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: Ecclesiastes 6

The Inevitability of Death
Ecclesiastes 6

Introduction: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”


I.  Consider Your Life vs. 1-7
     “There is an evil which I have seen under the sun and it is prevalent among men— [2] a man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor so that his soul lacks nothing of all that he desires; yet God has not empowered him to eat from them, for a foreigner enjoys them. This is vanity and a severe affliction. [3] If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, however many they be, but his soul is not satisfied with good things and he does not even have a proper burial, then I say, “Better the miscarriage than he, [4] for it comes in futility and goes into obscurity; and its name is covered in obscurity. [5] It never sees the sun and it never knows anything; it is better off than he. [6] Even if the other man lives a thousand years twice and does not enjoy good things—do not all go to one place?””

Mark 4:18-19; Luke 12:15; Deuteronomy 12:28, 32; Micah 6:6-8


II. Consider Your Soul  vs. 8-9
     “[7] All a man's labor is for his mouth and yet the appetite is not satisfied. [8] For what advantage does the wise man have over the fool? What advantage does the poor man have, knowing how to walk before the living? [9] What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and a striving after wind.”

Luke 12:19-21; Mark 8:34-36


III. Consider Your God  vs. 10-12
     “[10] Whatever exists has already been named, and it is known what man is; for he cannot dispute with him who is stronger than he is. [11] For there are many words which increase futility. What then is the advantage to a man? [12] For who knows what is good for a man during his lifetime, during the few years of his futile life? He will spend them like a shadow. For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?”

Revelation 17:14; Hebrews 12:9-10


Conclusion: Matthew 10:28; Psalm 64:9-10


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE