IFBKJV.com Sermons

7/8 Fundamental Thoughts - Sermons

2011-07-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

[1] “How To Overcome Evil”

Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

INTRODUCTION: This chapter contains the ethics of Christianity. It stands in relation to Christianity, as the Sermon on the Mount, and is a sort of supplement to it. It is a perfect code of Christian requirements, and the higher elements of saintly conduct. If it could be transferred in its brightness and power to Christian professors, it would fill the world with its light and glory. I have never known but one perfect living embodiment of it, yet it is the mark at which we should aim-the life we should labour to live. The concluding paragraph is most sublime-the enemy is to be killed-the man saved. Now the text contains a great general principle, one of supreme importance.

Notice in the text.

I. TWO PRINCIPLES.

A. Evil and good

1. The existence of these requires no

argument.

i. Sin is evil - Holiness good.

a. All sin-thought, imagination,

desire, purpose, deed.

b. Holiness includes all good-

graces, virtues, purposes and

acts.

ii. Ignorance is evil - Knowledge is good.

1 Timothy 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

a. Ignorance is darkness, night

b. Knowledge is light, day.

iii. Error is evil - Truth is good.

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

a. Error is false, crooked,

perversion, etc.

iv. Selfishness is evil - Benevolence good

Proverbs 11:26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

a. Selfishness, violation of the

great law - the second

commandment.

Exodus 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

v. Hate is evil - Generosity and

Love good

1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

a. Love, to pity, sympathize and

help.

II. THESE PRINCIPLES ARE DIRECT OPPOSITES

A. No Likeness, The Opposites

1. Night and Day; Evil and Good; Satan and

God; Hell and Heaven:

2. They are in absolute conflict

a. In eternal conflict

B. The Conflict Between The Two Is,

1. Ancient.

i. In Heaven-in Eden.

2. Persistent.

i. Ever since.

3. Universal.

i. In all persons and places

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

4, Still rampant.

i. We see it daily.

ii. The two elements are most visibly

in conflict.

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

5. Evil is often in the lie

i. In our hearts,

ii. Paganism-barbarism.

a. Mother Nature

iii. All the curses socially the result,

III. EVIL MAY BE OVERCOME

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

A. Evil Is Not Irresistible Or Invincible.

1. Jesus in His own life overcame it.

i. His actions temptation of Satan,

a. reviling

2. It is overcome in the sinner's conversion.

i. Evil spirit exorcised

a. Evil nature renewed

b. Evil dominion overthrown

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

3. It has been overcome by God's people.

i. Stephen, Paul,

a. Martyrs

4. It shall be totally overcome.

i. Light,

ii. Truth,

iii. Love

IV. EVIL IS TO BE OVERCOME BY GOOD

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.

A. This Is The Only Way

1. The Certain way.

i. Not devil against devil

ii. Not sin against sin

iii. Not passion against passion

iv. Not vengeance against vengeance

a. The evil must be overcome

by good.

2. See it in Redemption

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

i. Satan the prince

a. Sin the curse

b. woe the doom.

ii. Jesus the good

a. Incarnate love

b. His grace the power

iii. He conquers by truth and love

a. By tears

b. With His precious blood

iv. See it in the Conversion of the soul.

a. The good truth

b. The good spirit

c. The good grace.

4. See it in the Separated life

Ephesians 4:21-24 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: (22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

i. All malice and hatred and envy

destroyed.

ii. The good and renewed nature

rising in love and goodness.

5. See it in the Conversion of the world.

i. It must be converted-absolutely certain;

ii. By love, by goodness,

iii. The world's darkness

a. By light,

b. By messages of

reconciliation

c. By the loving Christ

d. By the loving Spirit.

iv. God's own method is to overcome

evil with good.

CONCLUSION: We as Christians are in a battle, with the reward of souls for Christ. Our text (v 20) says “…overcome evil with good.” The one thing I want you to see is the word “overcome” is not an entirely passive word, it has “Go ye” within it, yet not with a hammer, sickle and a sword.

Our Sword is our King James Bible, and it is backed with our love Christ Himself and our love for the same souls He longs for us to reach.

We must consider what we are, what we have become and above all consider how we are Glorifying God. Our battle isn’t with God, His Son Jesus or the Holy Spirit. Our battle is between our ears and our heart, and the devil himself.

Our heart remembers our first father old Satan and he is familiar. It is like an old reformed drunk walking into a bar, familiar situations, and familiar smells. All real friendly, come on back we love you.

That is why we are warned to put on the WHOLE armour of God.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Without His armour, all that familiarity is quite inviting. Stay in His Word; then continue listening, growing in His wisdom.

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

[1] adapted from “200 Sermon Outlines” Jabaez Burns, Kregel Publications, 1999, page 193

7/6 Fundamental Thoughts - Sermons

2011-07-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

"David Vows To Serve God, Will You?"

Psalms 61:1-8 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. (2) From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (3) For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. (4) I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. (5) For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name. (6) Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations. (7) He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him. (8) So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.

INTRODUCTION: David in distress vows that whatever comes, “I will cry unto Thee.” He determines not to be angry over affliction, and to pray with earnestness and fervency even though he is far removed from the sanctuary.

I. DAVID OFFERS HIS PETITON. (vv 1-2)

A. Hear Me God.

1. Answer my prayer.

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

B. No Matter Where He Is.

1. I will call upon God’s name.

2. When my heart is overwhelmed.

C. Lead Me To The Rock That Is Higher

Than I.

(Psalms 18:31) For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?

II. DAVID EXPRESSES HIS TRUST. (vv 3-5)

A. David Knows God Has Provided (v 3)

1. In the past

(Psalms 91:2-4) I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. ³ Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. ⁴ He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

2. Expects He will provide in the future

(Psalms 27:5) For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

B. David Knows He Is Heaven Bound. (v 4)

1. I will abide in thy tabernacle (Heaven)

(Psalms 122:1) I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

2. I will trust in the (covert) shelter.

C. God Has Heard My Vows

(Deuteronomy 23:21) When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

(Ecclesiastes 5:4) When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

1. I am of God’s heritage

(Isaiah 54:17) No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

i. Of those that fear the Lord.

III. DAVID PRAYS FOR LONGEVITY. (vv 6-7)

A. Thou Will Prolong My Life.

(1 Kings 3:14) And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

B. The Lord Has Been A Strong Tower.

1. David will abide before God

ii. Forever

(Daniel 12:2) And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

2. Give me mercy and truth

(Psalms 40:11) Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

3. Which preserves me

(Psalms 37:28) For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

IV. DAVID OFFERS A PROMISE (Vow) (v 8)

A. I Will Sing Praise.

1. Unto thy name

i. for ever

(Numbers 30:2) If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

B. David Wants To Pray Daily.

1. He wants to follow God.

(Nehemiah 8:18) Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.

CONCLUSION: We have seen David’s desire and his promise (vow) to God.

We talk to people weekly and ask them to come to our church and some say we will be there, count on it. I know sometimes something comes up and well they just can’t make it.

They see or hear nothing providential, just their need to go to the lake, or the park, or who knows.

Now I know I am a servant of God and an elected official of this local New Testament church.

When you tell a servant of God you will serve God, and don’t I would suspect you are in trouble. They made a vow. (A promise to God)

We each have made vows to God and we need to refresh our minds about what they were, and get on our knees to beg forgiveness if we haven’t kept our promise.

(Ecclesiastes 5:4) When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

Don’t wait pray, do your promise to God today.

Make good on your promises to God through His Son Jesus the Christ.

That is the purpose of these altars.

7/1 Fundamental Thoughts - Sermons

2011-07-04T17:28:00.001-07:00

“The Witnesses To The Revelation of Jesus Christ”

John 1:29-34 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (30) This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. (31) And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. (32) And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. (33) And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. (34) And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

INTRODUCTION: Our texts in verses 30-31 tell us that Jesus the Christ was the one “preferred before me.”

(John 1:15) John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

John knew his cousin Jesus, however John did not know HE was the Messiah until he saw the Holy Spirit descend like a dove.

(John 1:27) He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

John tells the Pharisees that he is not the Christ, in no uncertain terms. He goes so far as to explain that he is not worthy.

Today as we worship we need to see if we are worthy of God's everlasting life.

Are we worthy?

I. JESUS CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

A. The Lamb

1. A picture of Christ

2. Who was sacrificed for us.

(1 Corinthians 5:7) Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

i. Historically "The Passover"

a. Those who believed were past over

b. Those who did not believe lost their first born.

ii. Symbolically "The Passover"

a. Pictured the coming of Jesus Christ

b. A sign that the blood of the innocent Lamb was substituted for the life of the first born.

c. The eating of the Lamb, was a sign of the nourishment needed from Christ.

d. The unleavened bread was a picture of putting evil out of our lives; (No yeast, no sin)

B. The Lamb

1. A picture of the precious blood, which redeems

(1 Peter 1:18-19) Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

i. Historically "Two lambs sacrificed" Exodus 29:38-46

a. The Lambs became that substitute for the people.

b. They knew their sins had separated them from God

ii. Symbolically the sins of the people were removed.

iii. Note: It was not the deed of the sacrifice that abolished the sin.

a. It was the FAITH;

b. That by doing what God said,

c. Faith that God would remove the sin.

(Isaiah 53:6-7) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. ⁷ He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

2. The perfect Lamb of God

i. Without sin

3. The One who was sacrificed for sin.

i. He willingly climbed on that cross.

4. The One whose blood is counted precious by God and believers.

C. The "Lamb of God" Is Not Of Men

1. He is of God and God only

i. He belonged to God

ii. God provided the Lamb

a. Where God provided for Abraham over Isaac.

D. The "Lamb of God" Takes Away The Sin Of The World.

1. “Taketh away” = to lift away / carry off

2. Jesus bore our sins for us.

(1 Peter 2:24) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

3. The word “sin” is singular

i. Thereby ALL sin is packaged together.

(1 John 1:7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

4. Christ on the Cross; bore the sins of the whole world.

(1 John 2:1-2) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous ² And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

II. JESUS CHRIST, THE MESSIAH (vv 32-33)

A. The One Whom The Holy Spirit of God Remained.

1. The Dove was a sacred bird to the Jews.

2. The Holy Spirit came upon Christ LIKE a dove.

(Mark 1:10) And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

i. Only in Luke is this spirit given the shape of a dove.

(Luke 3:22) And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

B. In The Old Testament

1. The Holy Spirit came upon men

i. Only on special occasions

ii. He never remained

2. The Holy Spirit abode on Christ

i. It was a unique situation

ii. It was once and for all

a. A permanent abode

b. Powerfully

iii. His full manifestation

iv. His unlimited power

C. Christ Is The One Who Baptizes With The Holy Ghost

III. JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD (v 34)

A. The Writers Of The Gospel

1. Matthew

(Matthew 1:21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

2. Mark

(Mark 1:1) The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

3. Luke

(Luke 4:41) And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

4. John

(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.

5. Paul

(Romans 5:10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

i. They all tell us Jesus is the Son of God.

CONCLUSION: Jesus is the Son of God. He and only He Baptizes us with the Holy Spirit. It is a time of re-creation, being born again.

Jesus tells us in

John 3:7 “ye must be born again.”

It is the Son of God who tells these things. It is not what I am making up, it is the Word of God that I am repeating to you. He says you must be recreated.

We were all born once, yet only those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour is re-Born.

When we accept Jesus it must be with a humble heart, with the knowledge that you are a sinner. Without this heart being softened and with no conviction by the Holy Spirit no re-birth will happen.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

God teaches us through Paul, 1.) That we must confess Jesus with our mouth [tell others] 2.) Believe God has raised His Son from the grave, then and only then 3.) God will save you.

What are you going to do?

THE POWER OF A POSITIVE PRAISE LIFE! Psalm 150

2011-06-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

THE POWER OF A POSITIVE PRAISE LIFE!
Palm 150

Introduction: There are five places in this psalm in which we can praise the Lord.
1. In his personal holiness.
2. In the person of his Son.
3. In heaven.
4. In the assembly of saints.
5. In the silence of the heart.
Praising God can be one of the most blessed times of a Christian. It ought be said about us that we praise more than we pout. But the reality of life is that we pout more than we praise. True praise always honors God.
D. L. Moody said this about praise. “Why should we go reeling and staggering under the burdens and cares of life when we have such prospects before us? If there is nothing but glory beyond, our faces ought to shine brightly all the time.” Charles Spurgeon said that praise is the rehearsal of our eternal song.
Just for a few minutes we are going to examine the power of a positive praise life.

First God is very pleased with our praises. God said, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me.” (Psalm 50:23) God always manifests Himself in response to our praise. (Psalm 22:3 “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”) Our praise prepares us for a life of prayer and service. Without praise we are apt to be discontent at best. One reason why we are not ready to worship is that we are praising our God.

Second A defeated Christian is one who does not praise the Lord. A church with a defeated spirit has no joyful praise unto God. Praise and defeat cannot live in the same house. The foundation of victory is a life of praise and joy.

Third Absolutely... words of praise will lift you from defeat to victory, from sickness to health, from despair to joy, from bondage to liberty. Praise is the language of faith, the language of victory, and the language of heaven.

Fourth To practice a positive praise life requires willpower and boldness, for the natural man doesn’t like to praise the Lord. It is a wonderful spiritual exercise. The farther you are from God, the less you desire to praise Him. Worldly, carnal Christians do not enjoy the power and blessing of a positive praise life. Neither do people bound by fear, timidity or reluctance.

Fifth Lack of praise and thanksgiving is a spirit of these last days. (2nd Timothy 3:2 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,”) God commands us to be full of praise. (Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”) “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” (Psalm 100:4)

Sixth Bold, unceasing praise can usher in the fullness of the Spirit. The one hundred twenty folks that were at Pentecost “were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.” (Luke 24:53)
Continual praise is a definite evidence of the Spirit-filled life. Ephesians 5:18-20
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”

Seventh Discipline your lips to praise the Lord. You will possess tremendous power, enjoy great joy and keep Heaven “busy” working in your behalf for God honors a praising prayer life.
Hebrews 13:15
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
Praise brings glory to God, and rejoices the soul. We should daily offering the fruit of our lips, even praise to our God. Write down all the things for which you should be praising Him. Consider how great our Heavenly Father is and so spend time magnifying Him from a heart of praise.

Conclusion: Look with me at Psalm one and verse one. What is the first word we note here? It is the word “blessed.” Now look back at Psalm one hundred and fifty and verse six. What are the last words in that Psalm? It is “Hallelujah”. This is Hebrew word of “praise ye the Lord.” In fact, this is a universal word. It is basically the same in all languages. Our lives should be praise. Is yours?

Pastor Mike Walls
Freedom Baptist Church
Smithfield, NC
http://freedombaptistchurchnc.wordpress.com/

6/1 Fundamental Thoughts - Sermons

2011-06-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

Real Conversion

Luke 19:1-10 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. (2) And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. (3) And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. (4) And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. (5) And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. (6) And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. (7) And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. (8) And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. (9) And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. (10) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

INTRODUCTION: In this message we see an example of a Real Conversion of a man found in the Bible. He displayed a convicted heart, and a willingness to right any wrong he may have committed.

We have no idea why Jesus chose Zacchaeus; just that He knew Zacchaeus needed to be saved. Jesus also knew Zacchaeus had a convicted heart. Zacchaeus had likely heard Jesus was in town and he had heard all the things Jesus had done. When Jesus called out his name, his conviction strengthened. Likely somewhere between his position in the tree and the his position on the ground, Zacchaeus accepted Jesus as his Christ and Saviour. He might have wondered in his mind “How did He know my name?” As a tax man he had enough information to add 2+2 and get 4.

I NEVER try to talk someone or try to lead someone to the Lord if there does not seem to be at least some kind of Conviction, a willingness apparent in their heart. Too many Christians are having people repeat a prayer with no discernment of whether there is truly a sorrow for their sins. I see too many people so called get saved and NEVER have a CHANGED LIFE. This does not fit the examples of those who got saved in the bible.

In this message I want us to observe the truths that are evident.

I. HE WAS A DETERMINED MAN (vv 3-4)

A. Jesus was surrounded by what the Bible calls "the press."

1. The press our text speaks of is a mass of people surrounding Jesus so completely that one could not get through the crowd to see Jesus.

2. However Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus.

i. He was determined to see Jesus and

ii. see what the man looked like who could cleanse leprosy, open blinded eyes, and restore twisted limbs.

3. He simply just wanted to see Jesus.

4. There is no indication that Zacchaeus had a disease that needed healing.

3. However, he did have a fatal incurable illness that Isaiah describes in:

(Isaiah 1:4-6) Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. ⁵ Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. ⁶ From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

4. Isaiah gives an outward illustration of an inward malady.

i. And the tragedy of it all is that people who have the disease described by Isaiah do not even know they have it.

ii. However even in the case of Isaiah there is grace for the nation he describes:

(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.

7. There was hope for this afflicted Jew.

i. Even though he did not realize that he needed more from this man called Jesus that he knew.

II. HE WAS DRAWN MAN

(John 6:44) No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

A. It Is Amazing What God Can Do Within A Person And That Person Thinks It Is His Own Idea.

1. God had an appointment with Zacchaeus.

2. He somehow knew the direction that Jesus was taking out of Jericho.

i. So he ran around the crowd and found a Sycomore tree.

ii. He climbed that tree like a squirrel.

iii. Can't you just see this short fat man huffing and puffing from the run around the crowd straining out every bit of energy to get high enough in that tree to get a good view of Jesus?

3. How little did he know that it was Christ seeking him.

i. It was just the opposite of what he thought.

ii. Zacchaeus had his eyes fixed on Jesus as he looked over the crowd and

a. Saw a man the like of which he had never seen before.

iii. He was not only a drawn man but,

III. HE WAS A SAVED MAN

A. When was Zacchaeus saved.

1. Some where between the limb and the ground.

2. Now, this is the reason I say this.

i. This verse says, "And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully."

(John 1:12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

3. When Jesus addressed Zacchaeus

i. He responded immediately.

B. He Was A Repentant Man (v 8)

1. This is an illustration of repentance,

2. Repentance literally means a change of mind.

3. This Jew is not acting like a tax collector here.

i. He is not bent on getting as much out of people as he could to build up his personal fortune.

4. Repentance evidences itself in a change of attitude.

i. Zacchaeus qualifies as a man of true repentance.

ii. Repentance is a necessary prerequisite to saving faith.

iii. Zacchaeus demonstrates both.

IV. HE IS AN ASSURED MAN (vv 9-10)

A. The Lord Himself tells you, you are saved.

1. Many have a problem with assurance.

i. But the Bible definitely teaches that you can know you are saved.

(1 John 5:13) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

CONCLUSION: All of us have individual experiences that we can testify to as we give our testimony of salvation.

Even though we are saved under various circumstances, all of us have some things in common. All of us repented if we are saved.

A person is not saved as a baby being dedicated to the Lord in a formal service in the Church.

No one can trust God for you. This is an individual matter. We must see ourselves as sinners and come to God for forgiveness.

Then we must trust what Jesus did for us on the cross as the payment for our sins.

This is called receiving Him as a personal Saviour.

All of us that are saved are saved by simple faith in Jesus as our Saviour.

(1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This isn’t confessing our sins to one another, it is confessing to God. However, without humility and conviction of the need of God in your life, any profession you make will cause you a false illusion of a grant of eternal life.

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.

Zacchaeus was drawn near with a heart that was true [sincere] and he did it with faith, [full assurance,] he knew what had just happened. He also stated what he would do if he had cheated someone. His conscience was clear and he washed his mind clear.

God teaches us through Paul that if we will:

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Part of this confessing the Lord Jesus, is 1.) to others, become known as a devoted Christian, but the second part is 2.) Confessing to your own heart that you are a sinner and Jesus forgave you.

Once you have done that and you believe God has raised His Son from the grave, God will save you.

His saving is eternal life, a living in Heaven, a place where the street is paved in gold. Where a Mansion awaits us, and it is an eternal Mansion.

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.

Now is the time, there is no tomorrow, it is always today.

5/28 Fundamental Thoughts

2011-05-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

The Sower.

Matthew 13:1-9 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. (2) And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. (3) And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; (4) And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: (5) Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: (6) And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. (7) And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: (8) But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. (9) Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Matthew 13:18-23 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. (19) When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. (20) But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; (21) Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. (22) He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. (23) But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

The Sower is the Son of Man; The seed is the Word;

The soil is the human heart.

The Sower a name for the Preacher! He went forth to sow; not to criticize, or make a display.

All who are burdened with precious seed long to scatter it are also Sowers.

The prophets of old knew what the burden of the Lord meant. May His message so burden us that we shall go forth seeking the lost, serving God with our heart.

The four different kinds of ground represent four distinct ways in which the Word of God is treated by those who hear it.

I. THE WAYSIDE, (or an Indifferent Hearer) (v 4)

A. The "Wayside" Is

1. A hard place to be

i. The indifferent hearer

a. But his heart is like a public

footpath,

b. Open to every passer-by, and

c. Beaten hard with the feet of

selfish thoughts.

ii. The heart that is open

a. For the pleasures of sin

b. Will be hard for the Word of

God.

2. A Dangerous Place.

i. Exposed to the “fowls of the air”

a. The feet of every passer-by.

ii. No matter how precious the seed,

iii. It can only fall on it:

a. It cannot fall into it.

iv. The seed is always in danger

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

v. Fowls have quick eyes.

vi. The wicked one detects the precious

Word lying on the thoughtless heart

Matthew 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

vii. The loss is never felt,

a. Its value has never been

enjoyed.

3. A Hopeless Place.

i. The living seed can find no shelter.

ii. Although it may remain for a time,

a. It has had no entrance, and

b. So can show no life.

c. Indifferent hearers gain

nothing.

II. THE STONY GROUND, (or Emotional Hearer) (v 5)

Here the word is--

A. Joyfully Received (v 20)

1. No depth of earth it is easily moved.

2. This hearer is often very emotional.

i. Their feeling is easily wrought upon.

ii. Tears are quickly shed,

a. As quickly dried up.

3. They hear the Word gladly;

i. Yet, their heart is with the world

B. Quickly Starved.

1. There is “no root.”

i. It soon sprang up,

a. Life was all on the outside.

b. No downward growth,

c. There was no plowed earth.

2. Beneath the emotional feeling

i. There lies the hard, unyielding rock

a. Of a stubborn will.

b. No room

C. Completely Scorched.

Matthew 13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

1. There is no spiritual nourishment

i. It is overcome by worldly circumstances.

ii. Their heart must be filled with love to God

a. The Word of God will not

b. Root and grow,

c. Stand “rooted in-love."

2. Persecution soon comes

i. They finally go back

III. THE THORNY GROUND, (or Double-Minded Hearer)

We have-

A. Soil Abundant.

1. There is plenty of depth for the roots of thorns

i. There is also depth enough for seed.

ii. In the heart of the double-minded

iii. There is willingness to receive God’s Word

iv. Yet, is more concerned with the thorns of worldly things.

B. Soil Was Already Occupied

Matthew 13:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

1. That which is first is natural.

i. The thorns and the briers

ii. Have first place in the heart of man.

ILLUSTRATION: Placing a good apple within a barrel of rotten apples, will spoil the good apple. So as with people, you associate with bad apples, a bad apple you will become.

2. But, that which is first

i. Adam

a. Must be taken away

3. That which is second and spiritual

i. Jesus the Christ

a. He is to possess and prosper.

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

C. Unfruitful.

1. The thorns will choke seed.

i. The seed will not choke the thorns.

2. The sins that are allowed to abider in the heart

i. Will eventually be exposed

3. Although they may not be visible now,

i. These sins which choke the Word,

ii. Are deadly enemies,

a. Although often excused.

b. Are never forgiven

CONCLUSION: The Good Ground, (or Honest Hearer) That seed which landed on the good ground, the ground which was prepared through hearing God’s Word, ground that was willing to be used, to become fruitful.

Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

The key word in (v 23) is “…understandeth…” which would allow a person to believe the seed [or person] heard the Gospel and understood. So what is Christianity? My definition based on a few verses is: “A person who willingly listened to the Gospel, and understood, then through their personal conviction from the Holy Spirit (belief) accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour with a true heart, with a faith newly acquired, and is willing to change their ways and walk with the Lord.”

This is based on Romans 10:17; John 3:16, Romans 10:9, Hebrews 10:22 and Romans 12:1-2. A few more verses could be added.

However, to be “Fair and Balanced” we also must see what a Christian is not. “A person, who was baptized as an infant without prior knowledge, or one who claims Christianity through his baptism, or one who has done good works in Jesus’ name, or one who has joined all the churches in town without a personal conviction by the Holy Spirit, and has never accepted Jesus as their Saviour is not a Christian.” This definition is based on the same verses of Scripture as noted above, also in addition Ephesians 2:8-9.

This parable of “The Sower” defines the realm of “Christianity.” All the seed [people] called themselves Christian at one time or another, yet only one seed out of four took hold.

There is clearly a defined Christian, and he should be seen by his works. We are allowed to judge in relation to out works. So long as we make sure I judge myself first.

As a seed did you land on the plowed good earth, the earth that was plowed by hearing the Word of God, and prepared for growth from the Holy Spirit. Or did you land elsewhere? Do you know Him? If you died today, would heaven be your hom

5/26 Fundamental Thoughts - Sermons

2011-05-26T18:46:00.000-07:00

God Is

Psalm 46:1-11

Introduction: This psalm is a psalm of deliverance and a rejoicing psalm. It allows us a little reflection with God. He reminds us to be still, be quiet and listen as He asked Elijah. (I Kings 19:9-13) God isn’t in the loud and profane, He is in the quiet and the humble. This psalm is about the coming Millennium when we all come back to earth for that thousand years, so let us see what is in this psalm for us today.

I. GOD IS SECURITY (vv 1-3)

A. All Else Is Insecure

Psalm 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

1. God is

a. My Salvation

b. My glory

c. The rock of my strength

d. My refuge

2. He is everything

Jeremiah 3:23 Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of

Israel

3. In vain they hope

a. From the hills

b. From the mountains

4. Only in God is Salvation

II. GOD IS PROTECTION (vv 4-7)

A. Assurance (v 4)

1. Holy Place (Heaven)

John 10:28-30 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. ²⁹My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. ³⁰I and my Father are one.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

a. Of The Most High (v 4)

b. The City of God

B. Comfort (v 5)

Isaiah 12:1 And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

Isaiah 66:13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

1. God is in the midst

2. He shall not be moved

a. I shall not be moved

Psalm 21:7 For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.

C. He is our refuge (v 7)

Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Psalm 61:3-4 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. ⁴I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah

III. GOD’S WORKS (vv 8-11)

A. Submit To His Authority (v 8)

1. Behold His works

2. The desolations

Psalm 8:3-4aWhen I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; ⁴What is man, that thou art mindful of him? …

Ecclesiastes 3:11He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

B. He Makes Wars to Cease (v 9)

Isaiah 2:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

1. He breaks the bow

2. He cuts the spear in two

3. He burns the chariot

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ⁷Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

C. Be Still and Know (v 10)

Job 37:14 Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.

Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

1. He is God

2. He will be exalted among the heathen

3. He will be exalted in the earth.

Isaiah 12:4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

D. God Is With Us (v 11)

Deuteronomy 23:14 For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.

Conclusion: Consider God’s works, Our Security; Our protection; our Salvation.

Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

God is my Salvation

Habakkuk 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

I will trust Him

1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

God is my Strength

Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength ...

God is my song

Psalm 28:7 The LORD is … my song will I praise him.

God is my Salvation

Isaiah 25:9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Who is your Security

Your Protection

Your Refuge