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: 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: Religous Devotion

Religious Devotion

Ezekiel 33:30-33

 

Introduction:

Mark 7:20-23, “He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. 23 All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.””

Ezekiel 33:30-33, “But as for you, son of man, your fellow citizens who talk about you by the walls and in the doorways of the houses, speak to one another, each to his brother, saying, ‘Come now and hear what the message is which comes forth from the Lord.’ 31 They come to you as people come, and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth, and their heart goes after their gain. 32 Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them. 33 So when it comes to pass—as surely it will—then they will know that a prophet has been in their midst.”

I. Maligning the Man of God v. 30

“But as for you, son of man, your fellow citizens who talk about you by the walls and in the doorways of the houses, speak to one another, each to his brother, saying, ‘Come now and hear what the message is which comes forth from the Lord.’”

Luke 12:3, “Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.”

II. Pursuing Their Pleasures v. 31

“They come to you as people come, and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth, and their heart goes after their gain.”

Matthew 15:8, “This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me.”

Genesis 4:3-5, “So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. 4 Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; 5 but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard.”

Luke 18:9-14, “to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.””

Matthew 12:34, “the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.”  

III. Proof of the Truth vs. 32-33

“Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them. 33 So when it comes to pass—as surely it will—then they will know that a prophet has been in their midst.”

Isaiah 58:2, “They seek Me day by day and delight to know My ways, As [if they were] a nation that has done righteousness and has not forsaken the ordinance of their God. They ask Me for just decisions, they delight in the nearness of God.” 

Mark 4:18-19, “These are the ones who have heard the word, 19 but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”  

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.” 

 

LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

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.”

 

 

LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

“The Gift That Keeps On Giving”

Isaiah 9:6-7

 

Introduction:
    Isaiah 9:6-7, “to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”

 

I. The Gift of a Child
    “to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.”

 

II. The Gift of Victory
    “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel” (Genesis 3:15). 

    “To us a child is born, to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6).

 

III. The Gift of a Kingdom
    “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:31-33).
    “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:7).
    “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36). 

 

IV. The Gift of Truth
    “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me” (John 18:37).
    “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, 21 nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21).
    God “has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:12-14).

 

Conclusion:
    “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. 4 Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:3-4).
    “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26-28).
    “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).

 

LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

 

Sunday Sermon Outline: Distinguishing Right From Wrong

"Distinguishing Right from Wrong"
Isaiah 6

Introduction:
    Isaiah 5:20-23, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! [21] Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight! [22] Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine And valiant men in mixing strong drink, [23] Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away the rights of the ones who are in the right!”
    Isaiah 5:24-25, “Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes stubble And dry grass collapses into the flame, So their root will become like rot and their blossom blow away as dust; For they have rejected the law of the LORD of hosts And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. [25] On this account the anger of the LORD has burned against His people, And He has stretched out His hand against them and struck them down. And the mountains quaked, and their corpses lay like refuse in the middle of the streets. For all this His anger is not spent, But His hand is still stretched out.”
    Romans 1:18, “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” 
    1 Corinthians 10:11-12, “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. [12] Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”
    1 Timothy 4:1, “the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.” 

I. The Confirmation of Truth 6:1-4
    “In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. [2] Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. [3] And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.” [4] And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke.”

    Ephesians 2:20-21, “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, [21] in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord.”
    John 20:31, “these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” 

    Romans 15:4, “whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” 

    John 8:31-32, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

II. The Confession of Sin 6:5
    “Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.””

    Ezekiel 18:4-5, 9, “… The soul who sins will die. 5 But if a man is righteous, and practices justice and righteousness, … 9 if he walks in My statutes and My ordinances so as to deal faithfully-- he is righteous and will surely live," declares the Lord GOD.”

III. The Cleansing of Sin 6:6-7
    “Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. [7] He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.””

    Ephesians 5:25-27, “... Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, [26] so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, [27] that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.”
    2 Timothy 2:21, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” 

IV. The Commitment of the Servant 6:8
    “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!””

    Matthew 9:37-38, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
    Acts 22:10, “'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Arise and go on into Damascus; and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.'”

V. The Commission of a Servant 6:9-12
    “He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’ [10] “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed.” [11] Then I said, “Lord, how long?” And He answered, “Until cities are devastated and without inhabitant, Houses are without people And the land is utterly desolate, [12] “The LORD has removed men far away, And the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land.”

    Luke 10:16, “The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.”

    “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

VI. The Confirmation of the Faithful 6:13
    “Yet there will be a tenth portion in it, And it will again be subject to burning, Like a terebinth or an oak Whose stump remains when it is felled. The holy seed is its stump.”

    Romans 11:5, “In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God's gracious choice.”

Conclusion:
    Revelation 22:6-20, “And he said to me, “These words are faithful and true”; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the things which must soon take place. [7] “And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.” [8] I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. [9] But he said to me, “Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God.” [10] And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. [11] “Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.” [12] “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. [13] “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” [14] Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. [15] Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying. [16] “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” [17] The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. [18] I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; [19] and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. [20] He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: Our Common Salvation

Jude 1:1-4
Our Common Salvation


Introduction:
     Jude 1:1-4, “Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you. 3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. 4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”


     Matthew 13:55, “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?”


I. The Recipients of Truth v. 1
     “To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:”


     Revelation 17:14, “those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.”


II. The Rewards of Truth v. 2
     “May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.”


     John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
     Jesus “made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20).
     “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).
     Romans 5:5, “the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”


II. The Resistance of Truth vs. 3-4
     “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. 4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”


     “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29).
     Colossians 3:2, “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
     Revelation 2:12-17
     2 Corinthians 11:13-15,  “false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.”
     “By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious” (1 John 3:10).
     “God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’” (Genesis 3:3).
     “You surely will not die” (Genesis 3:4).
     Romans 6:1-2, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?”
     “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
     “From now on sin no more” (John 8:11).
     “Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:34).


Conclusion:
     “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17).
     “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” (1 Timothy 6:12).




LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: Listen and Do!

“Listen & Do”
2 Kings 22:8-20


Introduction: Matthew 7:22-27, “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. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. 26 Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”


I. The Declaration of God vs. 8-13
     “Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan who read it. 9 Shaphan the scribe came to the king and brought back word to the king and said, “Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the Lord.” 10 Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.
     11 When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. 12 Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant saying, 13 “Go, inquire of the Lord for me and the people and all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for great is the wrath of the Lord that burns against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.””


     A. Recognition of Truth, v. 11
     "When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes."


     John 17:17; 1 John 4:1, 6


     B. Realization of Sin, v. 13
     “Go, inquire of the Lord for me and the people and all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for great is the wrath of the Lord that burns against us, because our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”


     Luke 15:20-24


II. The Decision of Man vs. 14-20
     “So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter); and they spoke to her. 15 She said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Tell the man who sent you to me, 16 thus says the Lord, “Behold, I bring evil on this place and on its inhabitants, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah has read. 17 Because they have forsaken Me and have burned incense to other gods that they might provoke Me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore My wrath burns against this place, and it shall not be quenched.”’ 18 But to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the Lord thus shall you say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel, “Regarding the words which you have heard, 19 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I truly have heard you,” declares the Lord. 20 “Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes will not see all the evil which I will bring on this place.”’” So they brought back word to the king.”


     A. Rejection Brings Wrath, vs. 16-17
     “thus says the Lord, “Behold, I bring evil on this place and on its inhabitants, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah has read. 17 Because they have forsaken Me and have burned incense to other gods that they might provoke Me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore My wrath burns against this place, and it shall not be quenched.”’


     Ephesians 2:2; 5:6; John 3:36; Hebrews 3:7-11; 4:2; James 2:14; Hebrews 4:11-13


     B. Repentance Brings Peace, vs. 18-20
     “But to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the Lord thus shall you say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel, “Regarding the words which you have heard, 19 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I truly have heard you,” declares the Lord. 20 “Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes will not see all the evil which I will bring on this place.”’” So they brought back word to the king.”


     2 Peter 3:9; Luke 1:77-79; John 16:33


Conclusion: “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:9). “Once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9).




LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: Daniel 7:15-28

Solid Faith in a Shaky World
"When they call for your allegiance" (part 5)
Daniel 7:15-28

IV. The Explanation of the Vision vs. 15-28

     A. Spiritual Distress v. 15
     “15 “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed within me, and the visions in my mind kept alarming me.”

     B. Spiritual Truth v. 16
     “16 I approached one of those who were standing by and began asking him the exact meaning of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things:”

     C. Spiritual Victory vs. 17-18
     “17 ‘These great beasts, which are four in number, are four kings who will arise from the earth. 18 But the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come.’”

     D. Spiritual Peril vs. 19-22
     "19 “Then I desired to know the exact meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its claws of bronze, and which devoured, crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet, 20 and the meaning of the ten horns that were on its head and the other horn which came up, and before which three of them fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth uttering great boasts and which was larger in appearance than its associates. 21 I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them 22 until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom.”

     E. Spiritual Enemies vs. 23-27
     "23 “Thus he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it. 24 As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. 25 He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. 26 But the court will sit for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever. 27 Then the sovereignty, the dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.’”

     F. Spiritual Consideration v. 28
     "28 “At this point the revelation ended. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts were greatly alarming me and my face grew pale, but I kept the matter to myself.”


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: John 15

“Eternal Position”
John 15

Introduction: Matthew 7:20


I. Abiding in Jesus vs. 1-8
     “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”

Hebrews 12:11; 2 Timothy 2:19; John 12:46; Ephesians 5:8-9


II. Abiding in Love vs. 9-17
     “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends, if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you. 17 This I command you, that you love one another.”

John 14:27; John 13:34


III. Abiding in Truth vs. 18-27
     “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. 25 But they have done this in order that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their Law, 'THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.' 26 When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness of Me, 27 and you will bear witness also, because you have been with Me from the beginning.”

2 Timothy 3:12; Matthew 5:10-12; Acts 4:20


Conclusion: John 6:66-68


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: John 11

“Evidence of the Truth”
John 11

Introduction: John 20:30-31, “Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”


I. Natural Sight vs. 1-10
     “[11:1] Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [2] It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. [3] So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” [4] But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” [5] Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. [6] So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was. [7] Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” [8] The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone You, and are You going there again?” [9] Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. [10] “But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 


II. Natural Death vs. 11-16
     “"Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awaken him out of sleep." 12 The disciples therefore said to Him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep. 14 Then Jesus therefore said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, 15 and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him." 16 Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him."”


III. Natural Grief vs. 17-37
     “So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off; 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother. 20 Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him; but Mary still sat in the house. 21 Martha therefore said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 "Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother shall rise again." 24 Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to Him, "Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world." 
     28 And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary her sister, saying secretly, "The Teacher is here, and is calling for you." 29 And when she heard it, she arose quickly, and was coming to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha met Him. 31 The Jews then who were with her in the house, and consoling her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there.
     32 Therefore, when Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." 33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her, also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit, and was troubled, 34 and said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus wept. 36 And so the Jews were saying, "Behold how He loved him!" 37 But some of them said, "Could not this man, who opened the eyes of him who was blind, have kept this man also from dying?"”


IV. Supernatural Life vs. 38-45
     “Jesus therefore again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, "Remove the stone." Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days." 40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you, if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" 41 And so they removed the stone. And Jesus raised His eyes, and said, "Father, I thank Thee that Thou heardest Me. 42 And I knew that Thou hearest Me always; but because of the people standing around I said it, that they may believe that Thou didst send Me." 43 And when He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." 44 He who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings; and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."” 


V. Natural Disbelief vs. 47-57
     “[47] Therefore the chief priests and the Pharisees convened a council, and were saying, “What are we doing? For this man is performing many signs. [48] “If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” [49] But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, [50] nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.” [51] Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, [52] and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. [53] So from that day on they planned together to kill Him. 
     [54] Therefore Jesus no longer continued to walk publicly among the Jews, but went away from there to the country near the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there He stayed with the disciples. 
     [55] Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the Passover to purify themselves. [56] So they were seeking for Jesus, and were saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?” [57] Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where He was, he was to report it, so that they might seize Him.” 


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: John 10:22-42

A Discussion on Truth
John 10:22-42

I. The Plain Truth vs. 22-30
     “[22] At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; [23] it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. [24] 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. [26] “But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. [27] “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; [28] and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. [29] “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. [30] “I and the Father are one.”” 


II. The Hard Truth vs. 31-38
     “[31] The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. [32] Jesus answered them, “I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?” 
     [33] The Jews answered Him, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.” 
     [34] Jesus answered them, “Has it not been written in your Law, ‘I SAID, YOU ARE GODS’? [35] “If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), [36] do you say of Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? [37] “If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; [38] but if I do them, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.””

Psalms 82, “God takes His stand in His own congregation; He judges in the midst of the rulers. [2] How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? [3] Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. [4] Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked. 
     [5] They do not know nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are shaken. 
     [6] I said, “You are gods, and all of you are sons of the Most High. [7] “Nevertheless you will die like men and fall like any one of the princes.” 
     [8] Arise, O God, judge the earth! For it is You who possesses all the nations.” 


III. The Clear Truth vs. 39-42 
     “[39] Therefore they were seeking again to seize Him, and He eluded their grasp. [40] And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was first baptizing, and He was staying there. [41] Many came to Him and were saying, “While John performed no sign, yet everything John said about this man was true.” [42] Many believed in Him there.”


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: John 9

“Acknowledging the Truth”
John 9

Introduction: John 20:29; John 8:12


I. The Case vs. 1-5
     “And as [Jesus] passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was in order that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of Him who sent Me, as long as it is day; night is coming, when no man can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."”

2 Corinthians 12:7; 6:4-5; Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 5:4


II. The Cure vs. 6-12
     “When He had said this, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and applied the clay to his eyes, 7 and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). And so he went away and washed, and came back seeing. 8 The neighbors therefore, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, "Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?" 9 Others were saying, "This is he," still others were saying, "No, but he is like him." He kept saying, "I am the one." 10 Therefore they were saying to him, "How then were your eyes opened?" 11 He answered, "The man who is called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to Siloam, and wash'; so I went away and washed, and I received sight." 12 And they said to him, "Where is He?" He said, "I do not know."”

Mark 7:32-35; 8:22-26


III. The Confession vs. 13-33
     “13 They brought to the Pharisees him who was formerly blind. 14 Now it was a Sabbath on the day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. 15 Again, therefore, the Pharisees also were asking him how he received his sight. And he said to them, "He applied clay to my eyes, and I washed, and I see." 16 Therefore some of the Pharisees were saying, "This man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath." But others were saying, "How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?" And there was a division among them. 17 They said therefore to the blind man again, "What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?" And he said, "He is a prophet." 18 The Jews therefore did not believe it of him, that he had been blind, and had received sight, until they called the parents of the very one who had received his sight, 19 and questioned them, saying, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? Then how does he now see?" 20 His parents answered them and said, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but how he now sees, we do not know; or who opened his eyes, we do not know. Ask him; he is of age, he shall speak for himself." 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed, that if anyone should confess Him to be Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. 23 For this reason his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."” 
     “24 So a second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, "Give glory to God; we know that this man is a sinner." 25 He therefore answered, "Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." 26 They said therefore to him, "What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?" 27 He answered them, "I told you already, and you did not listen; why do you want to hear it again? You do not want to become His disciples too, do you?" 28 And they reviled him, and said, "You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses; but as for this man, we do not know where He is from." 30 The man answered and said to them, "Well, here is an amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing, and does His will, He hears him. 32 Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, He could do nothing."”

John 8:46


IV. The Consequences vs. 34-41
     “34 They answered and said to him, "You were born entirely in sins, and are you teaching us?" And they put him out.”

Acts 4:29; Matthew 10:32-33

     “35 Jesus heard that they had put him out; and finding him, He said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" 36 He answered and said, "And who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?" 37 Jesus said to him, "You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you." 38 And he said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshiped Him. 39 And Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see; and that those who see may become blind." 40 Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things, and said to Him, "We are not blind too, are we?" 41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, 'We see,' your sin remains.”


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: John 8:31-59

John 8:31-59

Two Paths

Introduction: Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” 

I. One True Freedom vs. 31-36

      “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

      33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?”

      34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”” 

II. One True Father vs. 37-47

      “37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants; yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak the things which I have seen with My Father; therefore you also do the things which you heard from your father.”

      39 They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.”

      Jesus said to them, “If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham. 40 But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do. 41 You are doing the deeds of your father.”

      They said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father: God.”

      42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.”” 

III. One True Future vs. 48-59

      “48 The Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?”

      49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 But I do not seek My glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death.”

      52 The Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets also; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste of death.’ 53 Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out to be?”

      54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’; 55 and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”

      57 So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?”

      58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” 59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.”

LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: John 8:12-30

John 8:12-30
“Truth and Life”

Introduction: John 1:1-5, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” 


I. The Basis of Truth vs. 12-20
     “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” 
     13 So the Pharisees said to Him, “You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not true.”
     14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. 16 But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me. 17 Even in your law it has been written that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am He who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me.”
     19 So they were saying to Him, “Where is Your Father?” 
     Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father; if you knew Me, you would know My Father also.” 20 These words He spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come.” 


Introduction: John 1:10-13, “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” 


II. The Basis of Life vs. 21-30
     “21 Then He said again to them, “I go away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come.” 
     22 So the Jews were saying, “Surely He will not kill Himself, will He, since He says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” 
     23 And He was saying to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” 
     25 So they were saying to Him, “Who are You?” 
     Jesus said to them, “What have I been saying to you from the beginning? 26 I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world.” 
     27 They did not realize that He had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” 30 As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him."


LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE

Sunday Sermon Outline: John 5:15-47

John 5:15-47

“Equal with God”

Introduction: John 1:1-13


I. Fighting Against the Truth vs. 15-18

      “The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. [16] For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath. [17] But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” [18] For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.”

II. Learning the Truth vs. 19-23

      “[19] Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. [20] “For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel. [21] “For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. [22] “For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, [23] so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.”

III. Judging the Truth vs. 24-30

      “[24] “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. [25] “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. [26] “For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; [27] and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. [28] “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, [29] and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. [30] “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

IV. Telling the Truth vs. 31-46

      A. The Testimony of John vs. 31-35

      “[31] “If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not true. [32] “There is another who testifies of Me, and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true. [33] “You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. [34] “But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. [35] “He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.”

      B. The Testimony of Jesus v. 36

      “[36] “But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works that I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me.”

      C. The Testimony of God vs. 37-47

      “[37] “And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form. [38] “You do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent. [39] You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; [40] and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.

      [41] “I do not receive glory from men; [42] but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. [43] “I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. [44] “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?

      [45] “Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. [46] “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. [47] “But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?””

LISTEN TO AUDIO MESSAGE HERE