3/19 Fundamental Thoughts - Sermons

1 The First Disciples

 

John 1:35-42  Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;  (36)  And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!  (37)  And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.  (38)  Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?  (39)  He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.  (40)  One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.  (41)  He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.  (42)  And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

INTRODUCTION:           Someone once stated, “It is safer to obey than to govern” although our hearts would rather lead.  We are always telling God where to lead us. 

              It is easier to follow Jesus from a crowd than up close and personal.  It is safe from a crowd.  My son-in-law likes large churches where people don't get to know each other, where he is not asked questions.  Initiative is not required.

              However, in each family there is a need for someone of courage to take the initiative to step up to the plate for Jesus Christ, to be that example.

              These disciples noted in our scripture verses did just that, they did it the same way people do it to day.

I.            A SIMPLE TESTIMONY                                                 (v 36)

              A.           Behold The Lamb of God.

                             1.           John the Baptist

                                           i.            Looked to Him

                             2.           His subject was the

                                           i.            Lamb of God

3.           He believed, Timothy listened to

what the preacher had to say.

                             4.           Behold

                                           i.            Look now

                                           ii.           Not later              Now!!!

5.           A short message - A sacrificial message

                                           i.            Powerful - To the point

                                           ii.           In season - At the right time

(2 Timothy 4:2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

                                    iii.          Immediately fruitful

II.           AN ACT OF FAITH                                     

              A.           They Heard John Speak

                             1.           They beheld

                                           i.            They followed Jesus

                                           ii.           They had been following

John

                             2.           Based on John's testimony

                                           i.            They left John

                                           ii.           To follow Jesus Christ the

Messiah.

              B.           It Was John's Desire They Follow Him

                             1.           That should be our desire also.

(John 3:30)  He must increase, but I must decrease.

                        2.           John never preached himself

                                           i.            He preached the "Lamb of

God." 

ii.           Consequently, when John pointed out Christ as the Lamb of God.

                                                          a.           They believed.

                                           iii.          The disciple's faith

                                                          a.           Was evidenced by

their following Jesus Christ.

                             3.           They had to make a quick decision.

                                           i.            Jesus was walking away.

                                           ii.           He would soon be out of

sight.

III.         WHAT SEEK YE?                                                                    (v 38)

              A.           Jesus Was Testing Their Motives.

                             1.           Jesus tests our motives daily.

                                           i.            Do you walk with Him?

            B.           What Do You Expect?

                             1.           Worldly honour?

                             2.           Worldly preference?

                             3.           An earthly gift?

                             4.           Approval and acceptance of God?

                             4.           Or          Do you seek me?              

            C.           Are You Seeking The Truth and Life?

(John 14:6)  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

                        1.           He is the Way.

                             2.           He is the truth.

                             3.           He is the life.

                             4.           Search our hearts

                                           i.            What are we seeking?

                             5.           Are we seeking honour from Him?

i.            Or, are we seeking to Honour Him.

(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.

IV.         AN ANXIOUS QUESTION                                                     (v 38)

A.           They Probably Had A Load Of Questions To Ask Him.

1.           They knew it would take awhile to interview Him.

(Jeremiah 29:13)  And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

            B.           They Were Sincere In What They Asked.

1.           They wanted to get to know the Lamb of God.

            i.            Is that what you want?

V.           A GRACIOUS INVITATION                                                  (v 39)

              A.           Come And See.

(Isaiah 1:18)  Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

                        1.           They accepted His invitation

                                           i.            They abode with Him

                             2.           It was a blessed event

                                           i.            At about the tenth hour

a.           Two hours before sunset.

                             3.           The door was opened for them

                                           i.            Just like it was opened for

you.

ii.           We each have had the same opportunity.

a.           To become disciples of Christ.

b.           Say YES to His great invitation.

                                           iii.          They came - They accepted

                                           iv.          They were willing to be led

VI.         A WILLING SERVANT                                                   (vv 40-42)

              A.           Andrew Finds His Brother

                             1.           Immediate fruit bearing.

(Psalms 27:14)  Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

            B.           We Have Found The Messiah

                             1.           Their testimony

                                           i.            Clear and persuasive

                                           ii.           Their work started after they

ABODE with Him.

(Matthew 17:5)  While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

                                                i.            Then they served

Him.

            C.           Quiet Andrew Did A Great Work

1.           Brought his boisterous brother Peter to the Lord.

CONCLUSION: The main question is:  “Can we be truly following Christ if our lives are not constraining others to follow Him, as did Andrew?”

(John 15:8)  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

God expects that we as individual Christians produce fruit.  What kind of fruit; another Christian, hopefully like our selves.

              If we are NOT living to God's example, Jesus Christ, we are NOT living right.

You see we must do as these disciples;

1.           We need to stand on the Word of God. 

              i.            Where the name Jesus Christ is preached.

              2.           We need to hear the Word of God.

i.            Know that the Lamb of God died for my sins.

3.               We then must follow Jesus as they did;

i.                Come to know Him.  Grow from Him

              This is not to say we must live perfect lives as He did, but we are to try and be as much like Him as is possible.

              You say you don't know the Lord Jesus, and am wondering how do we get to know Him?

              First you must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

              John 3:16

We also need to understand that we are sinners.  We must believe and know.

              The bible tells us in

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

No not one

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

ALL have sinned, except the Lord Jesus.  Romans 10:9, 13

---

1 Taken from Handsfuls On Purpose, James Smith, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand   Rapids, MI, Vol VI pages 178-181

3/18 Fundamental Thoughts - Sermpns

Hold Fast

2 Timothy 1:13-18  Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.  (14)  That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.  (15)  This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.  (16)  The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:  (17)  But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.  (18)  The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Introduction:       We each live within an evil and wickedness in this cold, cold old world.

              If perchance you need proof, look at our war of terror, it is Islam against the world.  This war is resulting in deaths of many innocent people.

              We are a nation more likely to accept pedophiles, pornographers, and homosexuals into our community than we would accept a Christian based organization.  Who needs those Bible thumpers?

              Our society is moving away from our faith.  Christians who “Believe” are being cast as “militant” Christians.  People who believe there is only one way are now militant. 

              Just to let you know I see a lot of “Christians” who are not living the life as Christ says we ought to.  Yet, I do make judgments as to what sins I understand they are involved in.  However, I might make that judgment in my mind, but folks I do not always denigrate then to the woodshed.

              They know, I know, and it isn’t me they need to fear, let them make the realization that it is God they need to fear.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

When I start talking about “Holding fast” or remaining “Stedfast” I am not only talking to you, but, I am reminding myself where I ought to be.

              Reminding me that it is “The foolishness of preaching” is what I am here for, the rest is inconsequential.  It happens and will be taken care of regardless.

              We, you and I, we must hold fast and remain stedfast to the sound Word of our faith.  Then praise God you are worthy.  We must believe and reflect that belief to the world.

              I read an illustration given by C. H. Spurgeon in the Introduction to a book titled “Becoming A Twenty-First Century Church” by Clarence Sexton. 

“An infidel [Non-Believer] once met a Christian. “Because” said the other, “for years you have passed me on my way to my house of business.  You believe, do you not, there is a hell, into which men’s spirits are cast?”  “Yes I do,” said the Christian.  “And you believe that unless I believe in Christ I must be sent there?”   “Yes.”  “You do not, I am sure, because if you did you must be the most inhuman wretch to pass me, day by day, and never tell me about it or warn me of it.”

              We must remain stedfast and hold fast to the principles God and His Son Jesus has given us each.  If to warn is being militant, then pick up your sword.

Matthew 28:19 - 20  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  ²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

              Be aware as we hold fast, we are also susceptible to false doctrine. 

              We must be careful, “hold fast” and remain “stedfast” to our faith.  If you see your secular thinking conflicts with your Christian beliefs, then YOU, and only YOU, must decide where you really stand, Do you really believe?

John 20:31   But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

I.            HOLD FAST TO SOUND WORDS                                         (v 8)

              A.           The Words Of The Gospel

Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

                        1.           The words of salvation 

John 3:15 - 16  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.  ¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

              B.           Stand Fast With These Words

1 Corinthians 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

                        1.           Brethren / Brothers

                                    i.          Be ye stedfast

                                    ii.           Be ye unmovable

                                           iii.          Be ye always abounding

a.               In the work of the Lord

b.               With zeal / enthusiasm

II.           HOLD FAST TO THE TRUST GOD HAS GIVEN YOU(v 12)

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 

A.           God Trusts Us To Do What He Has Instructed

                             1.           The Holy Spirit to direct us in

2.           You, and me, we must follow that lead

i.            In faith and with trust.

1 Peter 4:10  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 

            B.           Go Home With The One Who Brung You

III.         HOLD FAST BY NOT TURNING AWAY                          (v 15)

              A.           Paul On Trial For Insurrection

1.           It was dangerous to be associated with Paul

i.            We know of two who deserted him

                             2.           They turned away

                                           i.            Lost the faith

ii.           Maybe they never had the faith

a.               They just wanted to be close to an important person

b.               The heat just got to hot.

Matthew 26:56  But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

                        3.           Eventually they all left Jesus

            B.           Many Remained Fast To Christ and Paul

Job 16:20  My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. 

CONCLUSION: Onesiphorus held fast, we are told in (v 16) one held fast.  One remained faithful.

              Onesiphorus sought out Paul, to help him.  He just didn’t send money, he went to help out.

              You see he was a militant for Christ.  His means of helping was to be a blessing to God’s man Paul.

              Where is our zeal, what are we as individuals doing to Glorify God?  Is your hand out to that lost soul down the street, what about that co-worker or the lady you talk to down at the MALL?

              Is some one you know, are acquainted with ever going to ask you “Why didn’t you ask me?”

Ezekiel 33:6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand. 

              The “watchman” in this verse is not just the preacher, it includes all Christians.

              His blood, him being in hell, is on your hands.  Not the preachers, not your neighbors, YOURS.

              Yes, you in your faith must be a militant, regardless.  Now I do know God doesn’t want us to cloister ourselves and become hermitlike omitting ourselves from the world.  Folks He wants you out there with you sword in hand, nothing less. 

              “Bring them in” the song states; just who is the song talking to.  

We are not looking for immediate results, we are not threatening, coercing anyone, just asking “If you died today would heaven be your home.”  Folks without doubt, no “I hope so,” an “I know for certain where I will go, Heaven.”

              It is our job, this churches job (as a church) to invite, teach and lead people to Christ.  Without your help, look at you hands, whose blood is there?

3/15 Fundamental Thoughts - Sermons

Faith

Hebrews 11:1-6  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  (2)  For by it the elders obtained a good report.  (3)  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.  (4)  By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.  (5)  By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.  (6)  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

INTRODUCTION:           Within our Holy King James Bible, we find many stories of patriarchs whose lives show us the faith they lived with.  These stories of both men and women have shown us the detail of their faithful lives.  They have shown us our Father in Heaven through their lives.

              Yet, in all the stories, and all the words, the chapters, the books that make up our King James Bible, we have only one verse which spells out to us FAITH.  

Hebrews 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

              There are a few words within this verse we probably need to define.  The first word is Substance = the essence of assurance, confidence, confident.  The second word is evidence = proof, conviction.

              Now we can see what Paul was teaching us, essentially that our faith is our confidence in the proofs we see in life.       

              Faith is many things we see and know in our life.  Faith is, trusting, believing, having the confidence, and hoping to have all that God is, all because we confidently know He exists.

              Faith isn’t “I think so”   “I hope so” ‘It maybe so” “He might exist.”  Faith is I know so; period.

              Our faith is more of an experience with God.  The more you experience Him, the stronger your Faith grows.  The more we use the knowledge of the Holy Spirit the stronger our faith is.

              We know when we see the result of the wind, yet we cannot see where it really is, or where it came from, or where it is going, but we know it is there.  Just as we know when God blesses us, and answer a specific prayer, we know who did it we just cannot see or touch Him.  My God is real and my experience with Him is greater today than last month.  Experience Him in faith.

I.            THE REWARD OF FAITH                                                      (v 2) 

              A.           The Patriarchs Believed

              1.           They pleased God

                                           i.            Through their Faith

Ephesians 1:6-7  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.  (7)  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

2.               His Grace was extended to us

i.                Through Jesus on the Cross

              a.           God’s only begotten Son

B.              The Patriarch Turned From The World

1.               They followed God

Romans 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2.               Their reasonable service

                                           i.            We are to follow as they did

                             3.           They received a good report

                                           i.            If we follow, we will also

2 Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

                                           ii.           Good or bad; a report before Jesus

II.           GOD IS THE CREATOR                                                         (v 3)

              A.           He formed it all

John 1:1-5  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  (2)  The same was in the beginning with God.  (3)  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  (4)  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  (5)  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

                             1.           He is the Word

                                           i.            ALL things were made by Him

              B.           Only Because Of Him Is There Life

                             1.           Life is His light

John 1:4  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

i.                He is the Christ, Jesus

C.              The World [Darkness] Cannot Comprehend The Light

1.               The World Will Accept Any God; except

              i.            They will not tolerate Jesus

              ii.           When God, the Father of Jesus is mentioned, we have violated                    

                            the darkness

                             a.           A crack of light is not acceptable

Matthew Henry, Bible Commentator of the past, stated “By faith we understand much more of the formation of the world than ever could be understood by the naked eye of natural reason.  Faith is not a force upon understanding, but a friend and a help to it…”

Genesis 1:1  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2.               “In the beginning”

              i.            Our universal “beginning”

              ii.           Not God’s “beginning”

                             a.           God has always been eternally

III.         THE POWER OF FAITH                                                    (vv 4-5)  

              A.           A Twofold Power

                             1.           To be counted righteous

Genesis 15:6  And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

                                           i.            Abraham was saved because he believed

                                           ii.           Abraham wasn’t

a.               Baptized

b.               A faithful church goer

c.               A faithful reader of his Bible

d.               A follower of Mosaic law

iii.          He was a believer

a.               Now in Heaven

2.           To be delivered fro death

              i.            A glorious death

                             a.           Eternal life in Heaven

              ii.           Enoch believed

                             a.           He was translated

IV.         WITHOUT FAITH                                                                  (v  6) 

              A.           It Is Impossible To Please God

                             1.           To please God

                                           i.            Our Faith must be an active Faith

                                                          a.           It is not an occasional prayer

                                                          b.           It is not being in church intermittently

                                                                        (A CEO Baptist / Christmas and Easter Only)

                                                          c.            It is not tithing on some occasion

              B.           A Person Who Accepts Jesus

                             1.           Must believe a few things

                                           i.            That Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God

                                           ii.           That we believe in the Father, in Heaven

                                           iii.          That God is a rewarder

                                                          a.           To those who seek Him

Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

CONCLUSION:               Where is your faith?  Spend time in church, in your King James Bible, in prayer, to increase your faith.  If you have great faithfulness, it still isn’t great enough, it can be greater.  If you seem to lack faith, listen to the preacher, read your Bible, Pray.  It is the only way.