SERMON SEEDS L41 - INTERNET OUT LAST EVENING SO HERE IT IS NOW! - FOR 1/25/09
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SERMON SEEDS FOR JANUARY 1/25, 2009
Rev. Jack Peters is now the pastor of Ringwood Baptist Church in Ringwood, NJ. You may visit their website at http://www.ringwoodbaptist.org. To hear recordings of his messages go to Weekly Message.
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2 Chronicles 15
THE GOOD YEARS
Asa was a good king. He returned home after a great victory over his enemies and God blessed him with good years.
COMMUNICATION FROM GOD Vss. 1-7
Asa was encouraged to do what was right.
COURAGE TO OBEY (ACT) Vss. 8-16
Asa acted courageously to do what was right.
PEACE TO ENJOY Vss. 17-19
God rewarded Asa with years of peace.
Sermon Seeds H20, 8/2/04
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2 Chronicles 16
FALTERING AT THE FINISH LINE
King Asa had lived a good, Godly life and had seen God work many victories. 2 Chronicles, 14,15
However, as he got closer to finishing His life victoriously he faltered.
HUMAN RESOURCEFULNESS Vss. 1-6
Instead of relying on God, as he had in the past, Asa hired soldiers to give him victory.
DIVINE REBUKE Vss. 7-9
God sent the prophet Hanani to rebuke Asa.
ANGRY REACTION Vss. 10-11
Instead of turning to God in repentance, Asa became angry with Gods prophet and threw him into jail.
STUBBORN REFUSAL Vs. 12
Asa did not call on God when he had diseased feet. He relied on his physicians instead.
Sermon Seeds H21, 8/9/04
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Psalm 135:1-13
OUR SUPERIOR GOD
HE CHOOSES Vss. 3-4
HE CONTROLS Vss. 5-7
HE CONQUERS Vss. 8-12
HE CONTINUES Vs. 13
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Matthew 15:1-20
TRADITIONS CHALLENGED
THE INCONSISTENCY OF THE PHARISEES Vss. 1-6
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HEART Vss. 7-9
Proverbs 4:23
THE INSTRUCTION TO THE MULTITUDE Vss. 10-11
THE INSULTING OF THE PHARISEES Vss. 12-14
THE INTERPRETATION OF THE PARABLE Vss. 15-20
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GETTING STARTED
IN STEP WITH THE MASTER (THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE) LESSON #1
Luke 1:1-4
The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
Acts 1:1
ü Why are the events of Jesus life important to you?
ü Why are the teachings of Jesus life important to you?
ü What do you expect to get out of a study of the Book of Luke?
ü What does it mean to be in step with Jesus (the Master)? 1 John 2:6 - He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
As we begin a study of the Book of Luke, we are told by Luke that his Gospel was a summary of all that Jesus began to do and teach. We will be trying to understand what Jesus did and taught so we will be more like Him every day of our lives.
He (Luke) invites us to see how we can have a relationship with God that is a journey of faith and a tour through life as it was meant to be lived.
Darrell L. Bock, The NIV Application Commentary, Luke, (Grand Rapids, Michigan, Zondervan Publishing House, 1996), 19
THE AUTHOR
v Of course God is the real author of all Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Romans 15:4
v Although the human author is not mentioned, internal evidence and the testimonies of early writings attest to the authorship of Luke the beloved physician. Lukes background is uncertain, although he could very easily be the only Gentile author of Scripture.
v Luke wrote his story in two parts, Luke and Acts. Luke is the longest Gospel in number of words. In number of words Luke wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else.
v Luke was a traveling companion of Paul, as attested by passages in Acts that use the word we. Use of this word indicates that the author was present for certain events.
Acts 16:10-17, 20:5-15, 21:1-18, 27:1-28:16
v Paul refers to Luke three times in his Epistles. Colossians 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:11, Philemon 1:24
THE DATE OF WRITING
v Although we do not know the exact date, this book was most likely written between 60-70 A.D. It was probably written after Mark and before Matthew.
CHARACTERISTICS (ACCORDING TO DWIGHT E. HIEBERT)
1. Comprehensiveness Luke covers a longer time period than anyone else. Six miracles and 19 parables are unique to Luke.
2. Praise and Thanksgiving There are four songs in chapters 1-2, as well as references to praise and thanksgiving throughout the Gospel.
3. Perfect Humanity Jesus is presented as God and Man together, and is often referred to as The Son of Man. What events in Jesus life show Him to be human? What events in Jesus life show Him to be God?
4. Savior for All Luke 2:10-11, 10:29-37, 19:10, 24:47
5. Interest in People Many people have their stories told in this Gospel, including Zacharias, Elizabeth, Simeon, Anna, Mary and Martha and the thief on the cross.
6. Domestic Interest Can you name some homes where Jesus visited?
7. Economic Interest Jesus compassion on the poor and dealings with the rich are seen in this Gospel
8. Prayer Much emphasis is placed on prayer, including Luke 11:1-13 and Luke 18:1-8
Main points and many of thoughts in this section come from D. Edmond Hiebert, An Introduction to the Gospels, Volume 1, The Gospels and Acts, (Chicago, Moody Press, 1975) 140-145
LUKES SOURCES Vss. 1-2
· Like many historians of his time, Luke begins with a prologue. Verses 1-4 are one-well written, beautiful sentence in the Greek.
· Others had written accounts concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. The inspired ones we have today are the four Gospels.
· Besides the written accounts were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word. There were those who had seen Jesus and told about it (Hebrews 2:1-4). Ministers of the Word were those who preached the Gospel.
· We see that Luke was a second generation Christian. He did not know Jesus when Jesus was here on earth.
LUKES SCHOLARSHIP Vs. 3
§ Luke did his homework. He had a perfect understanding of the events that had taken place. His detailed accounts, especially those in Luke 1, 2, 23, & 24 show us that Luke did research.
§ Luke says that he had perfect understanding. What does that teach us about our own study of Scripture?
§ Lukes account is orderly. The order here may mean logical order and not chronological order.
LUKES STUDENT Vs. 3
o Perhaps Lukes concentrating on one person helped him write such a personable Gospel.
o We cannot be sure of the identity of Theophilus. His name means friend of God or loved by God.
o He is called most excellent, a title of honor used for governors. He was evidently a very important man in his day.
LUKES STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Vs. 4
Ø Theophilus had received some instructions, and I feel that he was most likely a believer.
Ø Luke was writing to assure him that those things in which he was instructed are true.
Ø As Theophilus would have been strengthened in his faith as he studied Lukes Gospel, it is likely that we too will be strengthened as we study seriously.
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SAVING FAITH
2Peter 1:1-4
Christian Character Clinic #2
Last time we introduced a series of messages entitled Christian Character Clinic. We challenged you to start working on your Christian character week by week. We are basing this series on 2 Peter 1:5-7(NJKV) - But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
For building Christian character the beginning is saving faith.
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith
You cannot build true Christian character without saving faith. Saving faith is what made or will make you a Christian in the first place.
Saving faith is what we see in 2 Peter 1:1-4.
Saving faith because it is where Christian character begins.
THE BOND OF SAVING FAITH Vs. 1
Vs. 1 Peter, the great apostle is writing. He introduces himself as a bond-servant or slave to Jesus Christ and an Apostle.
He is writing to other Christians who have obtained like precious faith, faith of the same kind.
There is only one faith that saves. John 14:6, Galatians 3:26-28, 5:6
Okay, so theres only one saving faith. So what?
First, the same faith that saved the greats of Christianity is the same faith that saves you!
Secondly, because you have the same faith as any of the greats in Christianity, you can be used in your situation as they were in theres.
And finally, because you have the same faith as any of the greats who developed great Christian Character, you have all that you need to do the same.
We have the bond of faith.
THE BOND OF SAVING FAITH
THE BASIS OF SAVING FAITH
Vs. 1 Faith is always based on something. In this case our faith is based on the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. (NKJV)
God the Father is righteous. He is holy! God is sinless.
Gods standard for eternal life is a righteousness that is sinless. Just like Peter, Corrie ten Boom, Billy Graham, and all the other greats of the faith, we do not qualify for eternal life because in ourselves we are not righteous. Our natural, sinful condition is not pretty. Romans 3:10-13, 3:23, Isaiah 64:6
You and I do not have the righteousness that God requires. The Lord Jesus Christ, our God and Savior does!
God the Father, in His love, sent God the son, to earth to pay for our sins. He took our punishment.
2 Corinthians 5:21
Christ came to make us righteous. Every Christian has this in common. Their righteousness is not their own, but it is Christs. Every Christian has trusted Christ for righteousness. Romans 5:1
To be justified is to be declared righteous. I have been declared righteous through faith in Christs righteousness.
Now, when God looks at me or anyone else who is saved, He sees not my righteousness, but the righteousness of His Son.
Isaiah 61:10
The basis of my saving faith is not my righteousness, not my good deeds, not my efforts, not the sacraments, but the righteousness of my Savior who died for me.
THE BOND OF SAVING FAITH
THE BASIS OF SAVING FAITH
THE BENEFITS OF SAVING FAITH
Is it worth it to place my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Of course it is!
Vs. 2 First of all, I have received two special things.
First, I have received grace. Grace has been described by the acrostic Gods Riches At Christs Expense.
Grace is Gods unmerited favor giving me what I dont deserve, forgiveness and eternal life. Ephesians 2:8-9
Weve already mentioned peace. But think of it! God and I are no longer at odds, like we were before I acquired Christs righteousness. I am His child and He cares for me as such!
Whats neat about grace and peace is that I just didnt get one shot of them at salvation. God doesnt say to us, Heres my unmerited favor for salvation and thats all you get!
God doesnt say to us Heres some peace and thats all you get.
God wants to multiply grace and peace. Thats grace that gives us strength for each day and peace that rules in my heart as I commit everything to Him in prayer.
Notice too, that the better I know God the more grace and peace I will have!
And theres more! Verse 3 reminds us that Gods power has gifted us.
Gods power, through the Holy Spirit, dwells in us! Acts 1:8, Romans 8:9
Pauls prayer for the Ephesians was that they would be strengthened by the Spirit in Ephesians 3:16.
The divine power we need is inside us! Through this God has given the believer all that he needs for life (this life and the next) and godliness! Colossians 2:10
Colossians 2:10 - And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Because of saving faith, all that you need to experience the Christian character traits is available for you. All you need to do is develop them.
Verse 3 tells us something more about our salvation. God called us to salvation through the glory and virtue of His Son. When we come to Christ for salvation we see his glory and his excellence (virtue).
Verse 4 gives us more benefits of salvation.
We were given exceeding great and precious promises.
What are some of those great promises for those who believe? John 10:10, 27-28, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 1:30-31,
1 Corinthians 6:11
So what is the purpose of the promises of God? As we live them, as we claim them, we become more and more partakers of Gods nature.
Ultimately, this is what we will have in Heaven. We will be like Him! 1 John 3:2
Because we will be like Him in Heaven we should act like Him now! 1 John 3:3
The more we claim the promises of God the more we will develop Christian character traits and become like Him. 1 John 2:6
And theres one more benefit to see here. As Christians we are escapees. We have escaped the corruption that is in the world through lusts.
We can live corruption free now, as we develop Christian character.
We escape corruption in heaven forevermore.
The beginning of Christian Character is saving faith.
It is out of this that all the other characteristics flow.
THE BOND OF SAVING FAITH Every Christian comes to God the same way, through faith in Christ.
THE BASIS OF SAVING FAITH The righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ We are declared righteous through our faith in Him.
THE BENEFITS OF SAVING FAITH
1. Grace
2. Peace
3. All things that pertain to life and Godliness
4. Exceeding great and precious promises.
5. Escape from Corruption
You cannot develop Christian Character unless you a Christian. Are you?
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TRUSTING FAITH
Psalm 27
Christian Character Clinic #3
How do you think God feels when we dont trust Him? Here is the God of the universe who loved us enough to send his Son to die for our sins, and to give us eternal life to those of us who believe. And often we fail to trust Him!
How do we know when we are not trusting God? We know that we are not trusting God when we fear men and circumstances.
Proverbs 29:25 - The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
John 14:1 - Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Because we love the Lord and want to serve Him we are having a Christian character clinic based on 2 Peter 1:5-7(NKJV), But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
Previously we saw that Christian character begins with saving faith. You cant have Christian character unless you are a Christian!
During this coming week I want us to work on developing another aspect of faith.
Although the context of faith in 2 Peter 1:5-7 is saving faith, I know that trusting faith is also essential for the Christian. Psalm 125:1, Proverbs 3:5, Hebrews 11:6
You are not going to develop Christian character unless your faith goes beyond believing for salvation. We need to learn to trust God consistently.
My favorite Psalm, Psalm 27 is a great instructor in the area of trusting faith.
MY CONFIDENCE Vss. 1-6
MY CRY Vss. 7-12
MY CALM Vss. 13-14
MY CONFIDENCE Vss. 1-6
· DISTINCTIVES Vs. 1
Notice that there are three distinctive qualities that should motivate us as Christians to trust God.
First of all, the Lord is my light. Light is one of the attributes of God. John 1:4-5, 1Timothy 6:16, 1 John 1:5
Because God is light, in Him is no darkness, no sin, and no evil.
Because God is light, He can and will guide us when we need direction. Psalm 32:8
Because God is light, He can and will give us wisdom when we need it.
Secondly, God is my salvation. To be saved is to be delivered.
God is my salvation in the ultimate sense. Because I have trusted Jesus as my Savior I am delivered from the powers of sin and death. Psalm 73:24, Psalm 17:15
But Gods salvation is not only for the sweet by and by. Its also for the nasty now and now. Isaiah 41:10
It is by Gods choice that he delivers us now when we need deliverance.
Thirdly, not only is God my light and my salvation but Hes the strength, or rock, or stronghold of my life.
God is there to give us the strength when we need it. Philippians 4:13
So here are 3 distinctive qualities of God. He is my light, my salvation and my strength. Hence, David concludes that there is nothing to fear, nothing of which to be afraid.
This week, I want you to ask yourself if you really consider God to be your light, your salvation and your strength.
If you do, ask yourself, Why am I afraid of anything?
· DANGERS Vss. 2-3
Life is not without its dangers, both real and imagined, both physical and spiritual.
Vs. 2 David sees God dealing with His enemies. Even when people intend to purposely do us harm, they cant unless God permits it. I have often seen different types of enemies stumble and fall.
Vs. 3 David is saying, If a large group comes against me at my door or even a war, Im going to be confident.
Do you know why David was confident? Not only was God, his light, salvation and strength, but David had his priorities in order. David knew what was important as we see next.
· DELIGHT Vs. 4, 6b
Vs. 4 - David knew how to prioritize, He is saying, In spite of whatever concerns I have, Im going to seek God first.
David would have been content to be in the house of the Lord or church all his life. But I think what he is really saying, I want to be in fellowship with God every day and throughout the day!
How can you have fellowship with God every day and throughout the day? Stay close to the Lord Jesus by abiding in Him in prayer and meditation upon the Scriptures. John 15:4-5, John 15:7
Why would you want to do such a thing as to dwell in His presence all the day?
In doing this you will see Christs beauty, which will encourage you. And, you will be in able to easily inquire of God when you have a question. Because you will practice being at home with God, you can ask Him anything at any time.
When my study was in the home, Dottie was able to ask me anything at anytime, because I was present. God is present in your life. You can ask Him anything at anytime.
Vs. 6b One of the results of delighting ourselves in the Lord produces is a joy that leads to praise. Our hearts should be a place of continual song in praise to God.
DEFENSE Vs. 5-6a
These verses are assuring us that when we dwell in Gods presence, delighting in fellowship with Him, He will protect us.
Think of it, all the resources of God are at your disposal if you need them. He will take care of His own, especially as we abide in Him.
Think of Donnas grandfather. He was trusted by the dairy because he proved himself trustworthy.
Isnt neat? God doesnt just say Trust Me without proving that He is trustworthy.
MY CRY Vss. 7-12
David was human. There were times of distress that required him to some asking. In these verses David is saying three things. As we say these same three things, we will see our trusting faith increase.
· I REQUEST
Vs. 7 David knew where His help was coming from; therefore he was quick to ask God for that help.
David was not presumptuous. It is not like God owed David anything or owes us anything.
First, David asks to be heard.
Then David asked for God to be merciful. David didnt come in his own merit, but because of Gods grace.
It is good for us to remember that when we come to God we are coming because of Gods grace through the Lord Jesus. And we are encouraged to come. Hebrews 4:15-16,
· I RESPOND
Vs. 8 We parents know that it is frustrating to call a child to come, and get no response. The child may ignore us or defy us, but when he doesnt respond, it is nerve wracking and frustrating.
Imagine how God feels when we do not seek His face.
God calls us to come to Him, to seek His face.
· When we are happy we should seek His face in joy.
· When we are sad we should seek His face in our sorrow.
· When are afraid we should seek His face for strength.
· When we dont know what to do next, we should seek His face for guidance.
· When we are ignorant we should seek His face for knowledge.
· When we are needy we should seek His face for supply.
· When we wake up we should seek His face for encouragement.
· When we lay down we should seek His face for protection and rest.
The more we seek Gods face, the more confident we feel, just like the more time children spend with their parents, usually the more confident they feel.
Notice how quickly David responds to Gods call. He says,
Thy face Lord, will I seek.
How quickly do you respond to God when He calls you to seek His face?
When God says Seek my face, Hes inviting us to His Word for reading and meditation and Hes inviting us to praise and prayer.
When God calls us, let us say with David, Thy face Lord will I seek!
· I RELY
David relied on God. Gods presence and help were essential in his life.
Vs. 9 How do you feel when youve lost fellowship with a good friend or loved one?
Sometimes we say to someone, Dont leave me!
David did not want to lose His fellowship with God. It was too precious to Him!
Our own time with God should be so precious to us that we want nothing to separate us from the feeling of His presence.
Vs. 10 If even my parents were to disown me, my Heavenly Father will not disown me.
My mom and dad have forsaken me by way of death, but the Lord is still here to hold me up!
Vs. 11-12 David was relying on God to teach David Gods way.
David realized that Gods way is the best way! Dont ever forget that!
David also realized that Gods way was a plain or level path. It was the best way to go, especially considering the enemies that surrounded Him.
Our greatest enemies are Satanic! 1 Peter 5:8-9
How is Gods way a plain or level path? The Lord Jesus Himself through His Holy Spirit will help you, if you rely on Him. Matthew 11:28-30
MY CALM Vss. 13-14
Vs. 13 David had calm because He trusted that ultimately He would see Gods good, even in this life, the land of the living.
Vs. 14 David gives the great prescription for calm in our lives.
The prescription for calm is to simply wait on the Lord.
As we wait confidently for Him, He will strengthen us!
HERE ARE THE NOTES AND HOMEWORK I HANDED OUT THIS WEEK:
FOR THIS WEEK:
Our goal for this week is to practice trusting faith.
Here is a brief Scripture portion for each day this week.
· Meditate on it.
· Read it in different versions.
· Talk to God about the passage, asking Him for wisdom.
· Discuss it over a meal (dinner?), if possible.
TODAY - Psalm 125:1 - They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
MONDAY - Psalm 27:1 - The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
TUESDAY Psalm 27:13-14 - I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
WEDNESDAY - Proverbs 3:5-7 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
THURSDAY - Psalm 118:8-9 - It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
FRIDAY - Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
SATURDAY - John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
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