Take up your Cross [A call to Die]

BIBLE VERSE:

Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Part 1: Deny Yourself

a. our selfish ambitions to rise above other people
b. our selfish behaviors to get what we want when we want it
c. our selfish attitudes of caring only for our own interest, and
d. our selfish desires to put our needs first above anyone else.

Part 2: Identify the sources of food for your selfishness, and stray away from those things!

a. deny reading books or magazines that stimulate those thoughts
b. deny daydreaming about having more things or controlling people
c. deny watching movies or television shows that feed those impulses
d. deny listening to music that makes selfishness seem normal
e. deny hanging out with people who drag you down and offer you selfish meat
f. deny talking about people or things or yourself in ways that put people down
g. deny gossiping, criticizing, cursing, lying, stealing, acting selfishly in any way, shape, or form

Part 3: Obey God no matter what He asks us to do and no matter how much we don't want to do it

a. valuing what God says is important, and blowing off the things that aren't
b. being loyal to the Father at all costs because he is worthy of our love
c. obeying him wherever, whenever, and however he leads
d. finding our ultimate reward in knowing our God is honored in our obedience

REFERENCES:

Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

John 8:50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

MEMORY VERSE:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. http://www.facebook.com/cesaredward

8/18 Fundamental Thoughts - Sermons

Dealing With The Devil

Ephesians 6:10-20  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  (11)  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  (12)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  (13)  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  (14)  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  (15)  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  (16)  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  (17)  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  (18)  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;  (19)  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,  (20)  For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

INTRODUCTION:           God warns us not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices.

(2 Corinthians 2:11)  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Satan will attack a growing Christian, even a church that is trying to grow.

Satan’s devices are:

    1.               He attacks by ERROR

(Ephesians 6:14)  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

              2.           He attacks by INPURITY

(Ephesians 6:14)  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

              3.           He attacks by ANGER

(Ephesians 6:15)  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

              4.           He attacks by DOUBT.

(Ephesians 6:16)  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

              5.           He attacks by ACCUSATION.

(Ephesians 6:17)  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

 6.           He attacks by you neglecting your PRAYERS.

(Ephesians 6:18)  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

i.                When Nehemiah went to rebuild the walls,

a.             Satan attacked him.

ii.               We should expect the same attacks

a.             When we see people come to Jesus Christ for salvation.

 I.            SATAN ATTACKS WITH DOUBT.

(Nehemiah 4:1-3)  But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. ²  And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? ³ Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.

            A.           What Can Feeble Jews Do?

1.               What can faith do?

(John 15:7)  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

                                                                       a.               Ask

b.               Done

i.            With faith

                       

            B.         Will They Fortify Themselves?

                                    1.           Not Necessary

(Exodus 14:14)  The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

a.               Fight for you

b.               Hold your peace

            C.           Will They Sacrifice?

(Psalms 51:16-17)  For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. ¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

1.               Sacrifices of God are:

a.               A broken spirit

b.               A contrite heart

            D.           Regardless, A Little Fox Will Tear It Down.

II.           SATAN ATTACKS WITH DISCOURAGEMENT

(Nehemiah 4:10)  And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

            A.           Much To Do

1.               That church has a reputation

2.               Those folks are to old

a.           Just plain tired.

3.               How can you do that?

III.         SATAN ATTACKS BY DIVISION

(Nehemiah 5:1)  And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.

            A.           He Set One Against The Other.

1.               We have seen that in this church.

(Luke 11:17)  But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

a.               Divided against self

b.               Will fall

IV.         SATAN ATTACKS BY DIVERSION

(Nehemiah 6:2)  That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.

            A.           Let Us Meet Somewhere Else.

1.               Not in God’s house.

2.               Might not be able to lie there.

V.           SATAN ATTACKS BY DECEPTION

(Nehemiah 6:6)  Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.

            A.           Sends Accusations

1.               Tells of rebellious hearts

2.               It builds on lies.

              B.           There Are Four Things Additional That We Need To Be Aware Of That The           

                             Devil Does:

1.             He always SHOWS up

(Job 1:5-7)  And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. ⁶ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. ⁷ And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

2.             He NEVER gives up

i.                Listen to the TV preachers, Copeland, Hinn

ii.               That is the devil talking,

              a.           24/7 spewing out heresy.

3.      He WON’T shut up

(Revelation 12:10)  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

4.      He will SETTLE up

(Revelation 20:14-15)  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

(Revelation 20:10)  And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

CONCLUSION: We must all understand, we are under attack by the devil.  Satan on some days has us just where he wants us.  It is those days we finally come back th Jesus, where we put the devil where we were.  Just remember you didn’t do it , Jesus did it for you because you asked for the help.

8/15 Fundamental Thoughts - Sermons

The Grace of God

Titus 2:11-15  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,  (12)  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  (13)  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  (14)  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  (15)  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

INTRODUCTION:           Among men grace means the favor and blessing that one person bestows upon another person.  We simplify God’s grace by saying it is unmerited favor, undeserved favor.

I.            GOD’S GRACE BRINGS SALVATION

(Romans 3:23)  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

A.              We Come Short In That We Sin

1.               God does not sin

a.           We do

2.               God never acts against His glory and nature.

a.           We do

                             3.           God dwells in the glory of His perfection.

                             4.           We come short, so short

(Romans 3:10)  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

              B.           We Fall Short

                             1.           We do not know when God will call us home

a.           We must work now

(Hebrews 9:27-28)  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: ²⁸ So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

                        2.           God lives forever

                                           a.           We live eternally

                                           b.           With our Lord in HEaven

(Romans 6:23)  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

II.           GOD’S GRACE TEACHES US HOW TO LIVE

(Psalms 10:4)  The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

              A.           God’s Grace Is Jesus Christ

                             1.           Jesus teaches us to deny 

                                           a.           Ungodliness

i.                Anything not like God

ii.               Anything not Holy

iii.             Anything not Righteous

iv.             Anything not Pure

b.           Worldly lusts

                                                          i.            Is not fit for heaven

Hebrews 10:22  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

2.           Live Righteously

1.           Doing Right

a.               Treating others, as we would want to be treated.

(James 4:17)  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

III.         GOD’S GRACE TEACHES US TO LOOK FOR THE RETURN OF JESUS

              A.           The Return Of Christ Will Be A Glorious Union

1.               We shall see Christ for the first time

2.               United With Christ for ever

(1 Thessalonians 4:17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

            B.           The Return Of Christ Will Be A Glorious Reunion

(1 Thessalonians 4:17-18)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  ¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1.               The dead in Christ shall arise

2.               We who live will be reunited with our loved ones who have gone

(1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first ¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  ¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

C.           The Return Of Christ Will Be A Glorious Transformation Of Our Body

1.               New incorruptible bodies

2.               New eternal bodies

(Philippians 3:20-21)  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:  ²¹ Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

            D.           The Return Of Christ Will Be A Glorious Reward

                             1.           To all who love His appearing.

(2 Timothy 4:8)  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

E.              The Return Of Christ Will Mean An Eternity of Ruling and Reigning

1.               We shall receive

a.           Position

b.           Responsibility

(Revelation 22:12)  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

F.              The Return Of Christ Will Mean A Glorious Dwelling Place.

1.           That mansion on the hill

(John 14:2)  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

IV.         THE GRACE OF GOD IS TO BE PROCLAIMED

              A.           To Speak Forth The Grace Of God.

(Titus 2:15)  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

B.           To Exhort People In The Grace Of God.

(Hebrews 10:25)  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

            C.           We Are To Rebuke People In The Grace Of God.

(Luke 17:3)  Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Conclusion:         Remember the most important thing is that the Grace of God is Jesus Christ. 

              Consequently, we need to understand what God’s Grace has done for us. 

              We didn’t deserve Jesus.  We are unworthy of God’s Grace we haven’t done anything to deserve His salvation.