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SERMON SEEDS L44 FOR 3/1/09

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SERMON SEEDS FOR

MARCH 1, 2009

www.sermonseeds.org



Rev. Jack Peters is the pastor of Ringwood Baptist Church in Ringwood, NJ. You may visit their website at www.ringwoodbaptist.org. To hear recordings of his messages go to Weekly Message.

ANNIVERSARY MONTH

Next week begins our 13^th year with Sermon Seeds. I thank God for His faithfulness in giving me the outlines to share with you. I also thank God for you who have faithfully subscribed to this ministry. This month I plan on sharing two new outlines each week plus some formerly shared outlines which might still be something that will bless your heart and/or give you a sermon idea. All of the outlines shared this week besides the two new ones are from our first two years of seeds from March 1997 through March of 1999.

***************************************************************************

Luke 2:21-52

IN THE TEMPLE

IN STEP WITH THE MASTER LESSON #6 in the Gospel of Luke



What are some of the most exciting things youve seen happen in a church?

What are some of the exciting things that happened in the Temple at Jerusalem?

As we conclude the nativity section of the Gospel of Luke most of the activity centers at the temple. This was not the original temple built by Solomon. This was a temple that was rebuilt after the captivity of Judah and described in Ezra 3-6. Herod the Great transformed the second temple through a major building program that took decades to complete. It is this temple that is the scene for most of the activities taking place in             Luke 2:21-52.

A PRESENTATION IS MADE Vss. 21-24

·        After the birth of Jesus there were three events which Joseph and Mary made sure were attended to. As we examine what little we know about Joseph and Mary we discover that they were very devout, adhering to the regulations set down in the Old Testament Law. Why was this important for them to do?           Matthew 5:17-18

·        Vs. 21 - First, Jesus was circumcised. This took place eight days after his birth. At the circumcision He was officially named Jesus as was commanded by the angels that told both Joseph and Mary His name.

·        The name Jesus means Yahweh or Jehovah is salvation. In what ways is Jesus a perfect name for Him?

·        Vss. 22-23 - Jesus was brought to the temple to be presented to the Lord.

·        Firstborn sons who were not of the Tribe of Levi were redeemed with a payment of five shekels to a priest (Exodus 13:1-2, Numbers 3:12, 40-51), thus freeing them from temple service.

·        Most important, it appears that Jesus was simply being dedicated to the Lord in a method similar to Hannahs dedicating her son, Samuel (1 Samuel 1:24-28). In what ways was Jesus Holy unto the Lord?

·        How, when, and why should we present our children to the Lord?

·        Vss. 24 mentions a third event that took place. Mary was considered ceremonially impure for 40 days after the birth of her son. She came to offer a sacrifice. The sacrifice was to be a lamb or if the family was poor, a pair of turtledoves. Notice that Mary and Joseph brought the turtledoves, an indication of their poverty. Leviticus 12

A PROMISE IS KEPT - Vss. 25-35

·        Vs. 25 The scene shifts to an elderly man by the name of Simeon. We know little about him, except that he was a godly man, and that is of the greatest importance. Simeon was righteous towards men and devout in service to God. Best of all, the power of the Holy Spirit rested on him.

·        Vs. 26 - Simeon awaited the consolation of Israel or the arrival of the Messiah, and had been promised that he would see Christ before he died.

·        We await the second coming of Christ. How should we do so? Titus 2:11-14

·        Vss. 27-28 Notice how the Holy Spirit puts people in the right place at the right time. How has this happened to you?

·        Vs. 29 Simeon utters praise to God. He was ready to go home. What important lesson(s) is (are) here?

·        The word Lord here is not the typical word. It speaks of one with absolute power. We get our English despot from the Greek word. What implications does this title for God have for us?

·        Vss. 30-32 What do we learn about salvation in these verses?

·        Vs. 33 What caused Mary and Joseph to marvel?

·        Vs. 34 There are two ways of looking at the fall and rising of many. It could mean many will fall in humility and then rise to faith. More likely I think it means that there are two groups.                                            One group will fall because they fail to believe on Christ. The second group rises through faith in Christ.                                             Isaiah 8:14-15, 28:16, Psalm 118:22-23

·        Jesus was a sign or revelation from God that was spoken against. What were some of the accusations made against Jesus in His lifetime?

·        Vs. 35 In what ways did a sword pierce Marys heart?

·        How is a persons reaction to Jesus a heart condition indicator? What are some of the various possible reactions to the Lord Jesus?

A PROPHETESS IS BLESSED Vss. 36-38

·        Vss. 36-37 Here is a remarkable woman. She was either 84 or about 105!

·        Anna was constantly at the temple. It does not necessarily mean that she was there 24/7. We would say of a person like this, Whenever the church doors are open, shes there!

·        Notice how she served God with fasting and prayer. What misconceptions do people have about serving God?

·        Why is prayer such an important ministry? 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Matthew 7:7-11, Ephesians 6:18, Jude 1:20-21

·        Vs. 38 Like Simeon, Anna did not arrive by coincidence. God sent her at just the right time. Notice her fitting response to what she experienced. She gave thanks and shared the good news! Why did she speak to a particular group of people?

·        I know they didnt have newspapers in that day, but if they did, I imagine that the obituary column would have contained the names of Simeon and Anna shortly after this event. They had witnessed the arrival of Messiah, and then there tasks were probably done. God takes us home in His time! Psalm 116:15

A PRODIGY APPEARS Vss. 39-47

·        Vs. 39 Luke omits Matthews accounts of the wise men, Herod, and the trip to Egypt.

·        Vs. 40 Here is the only account of Jesus life in Nazareth from infancy to twelve years old. What do we learn about Him?

·        Vs. 41 Male Jews were originally expected to attend three feasts a year in Jerusalem, Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 16:16). By Jesus day the custom was to attend one feast a year. It was not mandatory for Mary to attend but she did, probably due to her piety.

·        Vs. 42 It seems likely that a Jewish boy became responsible religiously at age 13, when he went through his bar-mitzvah. At age 12, fathers often took their sons to get them used to the temple traditions.

·        Vss. 43-45 The day came when the caravan headed for home. The women and children walked in front and the men brought up the rear. I imagine Joseph and Mary each supposed him be with the other person, or with other family members. You can imagine the panic that sent them back to Jerusalem.

·        Vss. 46-47 He was found on the third day. That would mean one days journey out and one back. He was located in the temple on the third day.

·        Studies in the temple courts would have been an ongoing event. The system of learning included asking questions of the teachers and the teachers asking questions of the students. Jesus excelled in both of these exercises and the teachers marveled at his understanding and answers.

A PARENT IS CORRECTED Vss. 48-52

·        Vs. 48 Can you sympathize with Marys rebuke of Jesus? Why?

·        Vs. 49 It is almost like Jesus is saying, Mother, have you forgotten who I am?

·        When Jesus said that he must be about His Fathers business, or His Fathers house, he was claiming to be the Son of God. Such an intimate claim of Gods Fatherhood was not found in the Old Testament.

·        What does Jesus teach us about priorities?

·        Vs. 50 Why did Jesus parents fail to understand?

·        Vss. 51-52 What important lessons do the last 2 verses in this chapter teach us about the Lord Jesus?

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BITE-SIZED PERSEVERANCE

AM 3/1/09

CHRISTIAN CHARACTER CLINIC #8

James 1:2-4 - My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

The more we are assaulted with the difficulties of life the more we are to persevere. As we persevere by faith and with Gods enabling power, we will see ourselves developing patience and Spiritual maturity.

As we study in our Christian Character Clinic we find that perseverance or patience is the next quality that we are to add to our character which flows out of saving faith.

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. (NKJV)

Perseverance flows out of a life of self-control, which flows out of a life of knowledge of Gods Word, which flows out of a life of virtue or moral excellence, which flows out of a life of faith.

Most of us will admit that we in at least some ways lack patience or perseverance. We are hesitant to ask for patience because the minute we ask God for it, He is likely to send us trials.

I have noticed a trend today. The food industry is making things bite-sized. Something bite-sized is the size of a bite, which for most people is a convenient size to eat.

Now if you think about it, we generally make what we eat bite-sized. We take bites in sizes that we can handle.

Just as we eat food that is bite-sized so that we can chew, swallow, and digest them, God makes our trials bite sized so that we can persevere.

Matthew 6:34 - Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

This passage means that theres enough trouble in one day so we should not worry about other days of trouble.

But this also reminds us that our troubles are measured! Our sovereign God is in control of the troubles that we face. He only puts in one day what He wants us to have.

And remember, not only are our troubles measured out daily, but his compassion or mercy is also measured out daily.

Lamentations 3:22-23 - It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

So if God measures out our troubles in bite-sized portions, should we not handle our troubles in bite sized portions? Should we not persevere in bite-sized portions?

Probably no other person other than the Lord Jesus has suffered as much as the Apostle Paul. Perhaps Job was a close second.

In fact Paul, who persecuted the church, was called on by the Lord Jesus to suffer for His sake. In fact the Lord said of Paul in Acts 9:16 - For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

When Paul ministered in Corinth he had a vision of encouragement from the Lord to persevere! Acts 18:9-19

Paul was a brilliant man! He was an evangelist, a missionary, a pastor, and a human author of Scripture. God greatly used Paul. Paul also suffered greatly! 2 Corinthians 11:23-29

In spite of all that Paul went through, he was able to say at the end of his life in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 - For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

When Paul wrote these words he was in prison in Rome for the second time. He had been there before and was eventually released. Then, he was imprisoned again, and Paul knew that he was facing execution.

Vs. 6 There was an Old Testament offering called the burnt offering. After an animal had been sacrificed wine was poured out on the sacrificed animal.

In this case it appears Paul is saying that his life was being poured out as a sacrifice for the Lord Jesus. As he had been a living sacrifice in Gods service for many years, now he was a literal sacrifice, being martyred for the Lord Jesus.

But Paul realized that this was not as tragic as it sounded. He added that the time of his departure was at hand. The Word was used in various ways. The verb literally meant unloose.

Paul realized a great truth applicable to all Christians whether they are martyred, or suffer a painful slow death, or a sudden death. That truth is that this life is temporary and departure from this life means eternal life in heaven. 2 Corinthians 5:8

This truth alone is enough to make us want to persevere.

Vs. 7 Paul gives a view of his life which basically says, I was patient. I endured. I persevered. We will return to this verse in a couple of minutes.

Vs. 8 tells us what reward Paul expects having persevered.

When the Olympics handed out rewards for winning, they handed out a victors crown, made up of a laurel branch.

Paul was anticipating a crown of righteousness. In a real way every person who has put their trust in Jesus has a crown of righteousness.

Because Jesus died for their sins and rose again, any person who truly trusts Jesus is declared righteous. Titus 3:5, 7

There will also be rewards handed out at the Judgment Seat of Christ to believers.

Faithful service will be rewarded to those who looked forward to the return of the Lord Jesus and persevered.                                2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 4:5

So if you have been declared righteous as a believer and faithfully persevere for Him, you will be righteous in Heaven and will be rewarded for your righteous faithfulness to Christ.

How do we practice bite-sized perseverance?

First, remember that all your yesterdays are gone. You cannot get them back. You can confess the sins of your yesterdays, but you cannot change what happened in the past. You cannot change your record of perseverance.

Second, remember that tomorrow may never come. You can plan to persevere in the future, and you should. You can worry about things that might happen in the future and whether you will be able to persevere, but thats just borrowing trouble.

James said it well when he stated in James 4:14, Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

We never know when our time will be up. So if yesterday is passed and tomorrow may never come, we need to persevere today! That makes it bite-sized.

Lets think of 2 Timothy 4:7 as bite-sized perseverance. What Paul accomplished in his life time through perseverance was actually the accumulation of a lot of todays. So to persevere over a life time, I need to do three things today.

TODAY I AM TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

TODAY I AM TO FINISH MY COURSE

TODAY I AM TO KEEP THE FAITH

TODAY I AM TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

In the Olympics the good fight could probably have referred to any contest.

Paul was involved in the good fight.

It was a good fight because through it He was getting to know God better. Philippians 3:10

It was a good fight because it was a fight against the enemies of God. Ephesians 6:10-13

It was a good fight because he had kept his body under control was not disqualified from receiving his rewards.                       1 Corinthians 9:26-27

It was a good fight because it was the fight of faith. 1 Timothy 6:12

The only way I can win the fight is by faith.

I have no righteousness of my own. I have no ability to fight without my Lords enabling power within me.

So today I must decide to fight the good fight by faith! Today I will know Jesus better by faith. Today I will fight Satan by faith. Today I will control my body by faith.

Remember the Words of Jesus in John 15:5, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

TODAY I AM TO FINISH MY COURSE

God has a plan for your life which you are to pursue. If at the end of your life you have done what God has wanted you to do you can say I have finished my course.

Now make this bite-sized by being able to say at the end of today, I have finished my course, or I have done what God wanted me to do for today!

So what do I know God that wants me to do today? I need to check my Bible, for each day, God will give us instructions if we allow Him too.

As I study my Bible I will find that there are some basic things that God wants me to do today.

·        Jesus wants me to sacrificially follow Him today. John 12:24-26

·        God wants me to praise, thank, and pray to Him today. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

·        God wants me to witness for Him today if possible. 1 Peter 3:15

·        God wants me to be filled with the Holy Spirit today. Ephesians 5:18;

·        God wants us to love Him today and to show it by being obedient. 1 John 5:2-3

And besides the will of God that is revealed in the Word we are to finish our course by doing those specific things He has called us to do.

·        If God calls you to give to a specific project or missionary, do it today.

·        If God has called you to preach, be a missionary, or teach in a Christian school, pursue it today.

·        If God has called you to teach or attempt a specific outreach for Him, do it today.

·        If God has called you to church membership, tell me today.

Finish the course that God has called you to. Do it today!

TODAY I AM TO KEEP THE FAITH

Paul had kept the faith.

He kept it in the sense that he did not waver from the Gospel message. He consistently preached the Gospel message of Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, and that faith in Him brings eternal life.

He kept the faith in that He never stopped putting His total trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:20

He kept the faith in that he always believed, practiced, and taught the Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16

He kept the faith in that daily persevered by being faithful to God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation 2:10

How do you keep the faith? By doing it today!

Do not waver from the Gospel message today.

Trust God for everything today.

Believe, practice and teach the Word of God.

Be faithful unto death today.

How do we persevere in bite-sized chunks? Persevere today!

TODAY I AM TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

TODAY I AM TO FINISH THE COURSE

TODAY I AM TO KEEP THE FAITH

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Genesis 12, 15, 18, 22

AT THE CROSSROADS

There have probably been many times when you have been driving your car that you have come to what we call a "crossroads". This is when two or more roads intersect. At these crossroads, you needed to decide which way to go!

There are often crossroads experiences in our lives. We come to a point where we can go in two or more directions, and need to decide which way to go. Such crossroads experiences include decisions about our careers, our marriage partners, our behavior, our church affiliation etc.

A Bible character who often found himself at the crossroads was Abraham. He didn't always make the right Spiritual choices, but very often he did. Here are four "crossroads" where Abraham made the right decision.

THE ROAD TO GOD, OR THE ROAD TO GODLESSNESS Genesis 12:1-3

Abraham did not grow up in what we would call a Godly home. His relatives were idol worshipers. Joshua 24:2

In our text God called Abraham to follow Him, and promised him great blessings. Abraham had to chose whether he would follow the true God, or would follow the false God's of his relatives, which was really Godlessness. He chose to follow the road to God.

THE ROAD TO FAITH OR THE ROAD TO FRET (WORRY) Genesis 15

Abraham had just rescued Lot and others in chapter 14.

In Vs. 1, he was evidently worried about possible retaliation against him. In Vss. 2-3 he is worried because he does not yet have a child.

God tells Abraham "Fear not." He also takes him out and shows him the stars and tells him that his seed will be numerous like the stars. In Vs. 6 it says that Abraham "believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness."

THE ROAD TO PASSIVENESS OR THE ROAD TO PETITION Genesis 18:17-33

God showed Abraham his plan for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham could have chosen to be passive about the information, but chose to intercede in behalf of the righteous in those cities. Of course he was also praying for his nephew Lot.

THE ROAD TO OBSTINACY OR THE ROAD TO OBEDIENCE Genesis 22

God called on Abraham to sacrifice his only son.

Abraham could have balked. He could have refused.

Instead, he obeyed God, and was praised for it.

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Psalm 3

GOOD GOD FOR TROUBLING TIMES

We all face troubles (Job 5:7, James 1:2-4).

The Christian can be assured that God is there for him during his troubles.

GOD IS AWARE OF MY TROUBLES Vss. 1-3

GOD IS AVAILABLE DURING MY TROUBLES Vss. 4-6

GOD IS ABLE TO DELIVER ME FROM MY TROUBLES Vss. 7-8

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Daniel 3

A GODLY STAND

Introduction - Many people have taken a step for God. Give some examples of people you know who have stood for God at work, home, school, etc. Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego made their stand for God when their king wanted them to worship an idol.

REASON FOR A GODLY STAND Vss. 1-7

REPORT AGAINST A GODLY STAND Vss. 8-12

REBUKE CAUSED BY A GODLY STAND Vss. 13-15

RESOLVE OF A GODLY STAND Vss. 16-18

RAGE PROVOKED BY A GODLY STAND Vss. 19-23

RESULTS OF A GODLY STAND Vss. 24-30

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Mark 5:21-43

DESPERATION!

There are many different things that will make people desperate.

I suggest you use illustrations of desperate people with whom you are familiar.

In this passage we find two desperate people.

The Lord was able to help them both.

A DESPERATE MAN IS DELAYED BY A DESPERATE WOMAN. Vss. 21-28

A DESPERATE WOMAN IS DETECTED BY A DIVINE SAVIOR .Vss. 29-34

A DESPERATE MAN IS DELIGHTED BY THE RESULTS OF FAITH IN THE MASTER. Vss. 35-43

************************************************************************************

Romans 1:14-17

RESOLVED

The Apostle Paul was resolved to win souls to Christ. We should have the same attitude he had when he said:

I AM DEBTOR Vs. 14

I AM READY Vs. 15

I AM NOT ASHAMED Vss. 16-17

************************************************************************************

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SERMON SEEDS FOR

MARCH 1, 2009

http://www.sermonseeds.org

Rev. Jack Peters is 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.

ANNIVERSARY MONTH

Next week begins our 13^th year with Sermon Seeds. I thank God for His faithfulness in giving me the outlines to share with you. I also thank God for you who have faithfully subscribed to this ministry. This month I plan on sharing two new outlines each week plus some formerly shared outlines which might still be something that will bless your heart and/or give you a sermon idea. All of the outlines shared this week besides the two new ones are from our first two years of seeds from March 1997 through March of 1999.

***************************************************************************

Luke 2:21-52

IN THE TEMPLE

IN STEP WITH THE MASTER LESSON #6 in the Gospel of Luke

What are some of the most exciting things youve seen happen in a church?

What are some of the exciting things that happened in the Temple at Jerusalem?

As we conclude the nativity section of the Gospel of Luke most of the activity centers at the temple. This was not the original temple built by Solomon. This was a temple that was rebuilt after the captivity of Judah and described in Ezra 3-6. Herod the Great transformed the second temple through a major building program that took decades to complete. It is this temple that is the scene for most of the activities taking place in Luke 2:21-52.

A PRESENTATION IS MADE Vss. 21-24

· After the birth of Jesus there were three events which Joseph and Mary made sure were attended to. As we examine what little we know about Joseph and Mary we discover that they were very devout, adhering to the regulations set down in the Old Testament Law. Why was this important for them to do? Matthew 5:17-18

· Vs. 21 - First, Jesus was circumcised. This took place eight days after his birth. At the circumcision He was officially named Jesus as was commanded by the angels that told both Joseph and Mary His name.

· The name Jesus means Yahweh or Jehovah is salvation. In what ways is Jesus a perfect name for Him?

· Vss. 22-23 - Jesus was brought to the temple to be presented to the Lord.

· Firstborn sons who were not of the Tribe of Levi were redeemed with a payment of five shekels to a priest (Exodus 13:1-2, Numbers 3:12, 40-51), thus freeing them from temple service.

· Most important, it appears that Jesus was simply being dedicated to the Lord in a method similar to Hannahs dedicating her son, Samuel (1 Samuel 1:24-28). In what ways was Jesus Holy unto the Lord?

· How, when, and why should we present our children to the Lord?

· Vss. 24 mentions a third event that took place. Mary was considered ceremonially impure for 40 days after the birth of her son. She came to offer a sacrifice. The sacrifice was to be a lamb or if the family was poor, a pair of turtledoves. Notice that Mary and Joseph brought the turtledoves, an indication of their poverty. Leviticus 12

A PROMISE IS KEPT - Vss. 25-35

· Vs. 25 The scene shifts to an elderly man by the name of Simeon. We know little about him, except that he was a godly man, and that is of the greatest importance. Simeon was righteous towards men and devout in service to God. Best of all, the power of the Holy Spirit rested on him.

· Vs. 26 - Simeon awaited the consolation of Israel or the arrival of the Messiah, and had been promised that he would see Christ before he died.

· We await the second coming of Christ. How should we do so? Titus 2:11-14

· Vss. 27-28 Notice how the Holy Spirit puts people in the right place at the right time. How has this happened to you?

· Vs. 29 Simeon utters praise to God. He was ready to go home. What important lesson(s) is (are) here?

· The word Lord here is not the typical word. It speaks of one with absolute power. We get our English despot from the Greek word. What implications does this title for God have for us?

· Vss. 30-32 What do we learn about salvation in these verses?

· Vs. 33 What caused Mary and Joseph to marvel?

· Vs. 34 There are two ways of looking at the fall and rising of many. It could mean many will fall in humility and then rise to faith. More likely I think it means that there are two groups. One group will fall because they fail to believe on Christ. The second group rises through faith in Christ. Isaiah 8:14-15, 28:16, Psalm 118:22-23

· Jesus was a sign or revelation from God that was spoken against. What were some of the accusations made against Jesus in His lifetime?

· Vs. 35 In what ways did a sword pierce Marys heart?

· How is a persons reaction to Jesus a heart condition indicator? What are some of the various possible reactions to the Lord Jesus?

A PROPHETESS IS BLESSED Vss. 36-38

· Vss. 36-37 Here is a remarkable woman. She was either 84 or about 105!

· Anna was constantly at the temple. It does not necessarily mean that she was there 24/7. We would say of a person like this, Whenever the church doors are open, shes there!

· Notice how she served God with fasting and prayer. What misconceptions do people have about serving God?

· Why is prayer such an important ministry? 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Matthew 7:7-11, Ephesians 6:18, Jude 1:20-21

· Vs. 38 Like Simeon, Anna did not arrive by coincidence. God sent her at just the right time. Notice her fitting response to what she experienced. She gave thanks and shared the good news! Why did she speak to a particular group of people?

· I know they didnt have newspapers in that day, but if they did, I imagine that the obituary column would have contained the names of Simeon and Anna shortly after this event. They had witnessed the arrival of Messiah, and then there tasks were probably done. God takes us home in His time! Psalm 116:15

A PRODIGY APPEARS Vss. 39-47

· Vs. 39 Luke omits Matthews accounts of the wise men, Herod, and the trip to Egypt.

· Vs. 40 Here is the only account of Jesus life in Nazareth from infancy to twelve years old. What do we learn about Him?

· Vs. 41 Male Jews were originally expected to attend three feasts a year in Jerusalem, Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 16:16). By Jesus day the custom was to attend one feast a year. It was not mandatory for Mary to attend but she did, probably due to her piety.

· Vs. 42 It seems likely that a Jewish boy became responsible religiously at age 13, when he went through his bar-mitzvah. At age 12, fathers often took their sons to get them used to the temple traditions.

· Vss. 43-45 The day came when the caravan headed for home. The women and children walked in front and the men brought up the rear. I imagine Joseph and Mary each supposed him be with the other person, or with other family members. You can imagine the panic that sent them back to Jerusalem.

· Vss. 46-47 He was found on the third day. That would mean one days journey out and one back. He was located in the temple on the third day.

· Studies in the temple courts would have been an ongoing event. The system of learning included asking questions of the teachers and the teachers asking questions of the students. Jesus excelled in both of these exercises and the teachers marveled at his understanding and answers.

A PARENT IS CORRECTED Vss. 48-52

· Vs. 48 Can you sympathize with Marys rebuke of Jesus? Why?

· Vs. 49 It is almost like Jesus is saying, Mother, have you forgotten who I am?

· When Jesus said that he must be about His Fathers business, or His Fathers house, he was claiming to be the Son of God. Such an intimate claim of Gods Fatherhood was not found in the Old Testament.

· What does Jesus teach us about priorities?

· Vs. 50 Why did Jesus parents fail to understand?

· Vss. 51-52 What important lessons do the last 2 verses in this chapter teach us about the Lord Jesus?

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BITE-SIZED PERSEVERANCE

AM 3/1/09

CHRISTIAN CHARACTER CLINIC #8

James 1:2-4 - My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

The more we are assaulted with the difficulties of life the more we are to persevere. As we persevere by faith and with Gods enabling power, we will see ourselves developing patience and Spiritual maturity.

As we study in our Christian Character Clinic we find that perseverance or patience is the next quality that we are to add to our character which flows out of saving faith.

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. (NKJV)

Perseverance flows out of a life of self-control, which flows out of a life of knowledge of Gods Word, which flows out of a life of virtue or moral excellence, which flows out of a life of faith.

Most of us will admit that we in at least some ways lack patience or perseverance. We are hesitant to ask for patience because the minute we ask God for it, He is likely to send us trials.

I have noticed a trend today. The food industry is making things bite-sized. Something bite-sized is the size of a bite, which for most people is a convenient size to eat.

Now if you think about it, we generally make what we eat bite-sized. We take bites in sizes that we can handle.

Just as we eat food that is bite-sized so that we can chew, swallow, and digest them, God makes our trials bite sized so that we can persevere.

Matthew 6:34 - Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

This passage means that theres enough trouble in one day so we should not worry about other days of trouble.

But this also reminds us that our troubles are measured! Our sovereign God is in control of the troubles that we face. He only puts in one day what He wants us to have.

And remember, not only are our troubles measured out daily, but his compassion or mercy is also measured out daily.

Lamentations 3:22-23 - It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

So if God measures out our troubles in bite-sized portions, should we not handle our troubles in bite sized portions? Should we not persevere in bite-sized portions?

Probably no other person other than the Lord Jesus has suffered as much as the Apostle Paul. Perhaps Job was a close second.

In fact Paul, who persecuted the church, was called on by the Lord Jesus to suffer for His sake. In fact the Lord said of Paul in Acts 9:16 - For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

When Paul ministered in Corinth he had a vision of encouragement from the Lord to persevere! Acts 18:9-19

Paul was a brilliant man! He was an evangelist, a missionary, a pastor, and a human author of Scripture. God greatly used Paul. Paul also suffered greatly! 2 Corinthians 11:23-29

In spite of all that Paul went through, he was able to say at the end of his life in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 - For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

When Paul wrote these words he was in prison in Rome for the second time. He had been there before and was eventually released. Then, he was imprisoned again, and Paul knew that he was facing execution.

Vs. 6 There was an Old Testament offering called the burnt offering. After an animal had been sacrificed wine was poured out on the sacrificed animal.

In this case it appears Paul is saying that his life was being poured out as a sacrifice for the Lord Jesus. As he had been a living sacrifice in Gods service for many years, now he was a literal sacrifice, being martyred for the Lord Jesus.

But Paul realized that this was not as tragic as it sounded. He added that the time of his departure was at hand. The Word was used in various ways. The verb literally meant unloose.

Paul realized a great truth applicable to all Christians whether they are martyred, or suffer a painful slow death, or a sudden death. That truth is that this life is temporary and departure from this life means eternal life in heaven. 2 Corinthians 5:8

This truth alone is enough to make us want to persevere.

Vs. 7 Paul gives a view of his life which basically says, I was patient. I endured. I persevered. We will return to this verse in a couple of minutes.

Vs. 8 tells us what reward Paul expects having persevered.

When the Olympics handed out rewards for winning, they handed out a victors crown, made up of a laurel branch.

Paul was anticipating a crown of righteousness. In a real way every person who has put their trust in Jesus has a crown of righteousness.

Because Jesus died for their sins and rose again, any person who truly trusts Jesus is declared righteous. Titus 3:5, 7

There will also be rewards handed out at the Judgment Seat of Christ to believers.

Faithful service will be rewarded to those who looked forward to the return of the Lord Jesus and persevered. 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 4:5

So if you have been declared righteous as a believer and faithfully persevere for Him, you will be righteous in Heaven and will be rewarded for your righteous faithfulness to Christ.

How do we practice bite-sized perseverance?

First, remember that all your yesterdays are gone. You cannot get them back. You can confess the sins of your yesterdays, but you cannot change what happened in the past. You cannot change your record of perseverance.

Second, remember that tomorrow may never come. You can plan to persevere in the future, and you should. You can worry about things that might happen in the future and whether you will be able to persevere, but thats just borrowing trouble.

James said it well when he stated in James 4:14, Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

We never know when our time will be up. So if yesterday is passed and tomorrow may never come, we need to persevere today! That makes it bite-sized.

Lets think of 2 Timothy 4:7 as bite-sized perseverance. What Paul accomplished in his life time through perseverance was actually the accumulation of a lot of todays. So to persevere over a life time, I need to do three things today.

TODAY I AM TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

TODAY I AM TO FINISH MY COURSE

TODAY I AM TO KEEP THE FAITH

TODAY I AM TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

In the Olympics the good fight could probably have referred to any contest.

Paul was involved in the good fight.

It was a good fight because through it He was getting to know God better. Philippians 3:10

It was a good fight because it was a fight against the enemies of God. Ephesians 6:10-13

It was a good fight because he had kept his body under control was not disqualified from receiving his rewards. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

It was a good fight because it was the fight of faith. 1 Timothy 6:12

The only way I can win the fight is by faith.

I have no righteousness of my own. I have no ability to fight without my Lords enabling power within me.

So today I must decide to fight the good fight by faith! Today I will know Jesus better by faith. Today I will fight Satan by faith. Today I will control my body by faith.

Remember the Words of Jesus in John 15:5, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

TODAY I AM TO FINISH MY COURSE

God has a plan for your life which you are to pursue. If at the end of your life you have done what God has wanted you to do you can say I have finished my course.

Now make this bite-sized by being able to say at the end of today, I have finished my course, or I have done what God wanted me to do for today!

So what do I know God that wants me to do today? I need to check my Bible, for each day, God will give us instructions if we allow Him too.

As I study my Bible I will find that there are some basic things that God wants me to do today.

· Jesus wants me to sacrificially follow Him today. John 12:24-26

· God wants me to praise, thank, and pray to Him today. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

· God wants me to witness for Him today if possible. 1 Peter 3:15

· God wants me to be filled with the Holy Spirit today. Ephesians 5:18;

· God wants us to love Him today and to show it by being obedient. 1 John 5:2-3

And besides the will of God that is revealed in the Word we are to finish our course by doing those specific things He has called us to do.

· If God calls you to give to a specific project or missionary, do it today.

· If God has called you to preach, be a missionary, or teach in a Christian school, pursue it today.

· If God has called you to teach or attempt a specific outreach for Him, do it today.

· If God has called you to church membership, tell me today.

Finish the course that God has called you to. Do it today!

TODAY I AM TO KEEP THE FAITH

Paul had kept the faith.

He kept it in the sense that he did not waver from the Gospel message. He consistently preached the Gospel message of Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, and that faith in Him brings eternal life.

He kept the faith in that He never stopped putting His total trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:20

He kept the faith in that he always believed, practiced, and taught the Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16

He kept the faith in that daily persevered by being faithful to God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation 2:10

How do you keep the faith? By doing it today!

Do not waver from the Gospel message today.

Trust God for everything today.

Believe, practice and teach the Word of God.

Be faithful unto death today.

How do we persevere in bite-sized chunks? Persevere today!

TODAY I AM TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

TODAY I AM TO FINISH THE COURSE

TODAY I AM TO KEEP THE FAITH

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Genesis 12, 15, 18, 22

AT THE CROSSROADS

There have probably been many times when you have been driving your car that you have come to what we call a "crossroads". This is when two or more roads intersect. At these crossroads, you needed to decide which way to go!

There are often crossroads experiences in our lives. We come to a point where we can go in two or more directions, and need to decide which way to go. Such crossroads experiences include decisions about our careers, our marriage partners, our behavior, our church affiliation etc.

A Bible character who often found himself at the crossroads was Abraham. He didn't always make the right Spiritual choices, but very often he did. Here are four "crossroads" where Abraham made the right decision.

THE ROAD TO GOD, OR THE ROAD TO GODLESSNESS Genesis 12:1-3

Abraham did not grow up in what we would call a Godly home. His relatives were idol worshipers. Joshua 24:2

In our text God called Abraham to follow Him, and promised him great blessings. Abraham had to chose whether he would follow the true God, or would follow the false God's of his relatives, which was really Godlessness. He chose to follow the road to God.

THE ROAD TO FAITH OR THE ROAD TO FRET (WORRY) Genesis 15

Abraham had just rescued Lot and others in chapter 14.

In Vs. 1, he was evidently worried about possible retaliation against him. In Vss. 2-3 he is worried because he does not yet have a child.

God tells Abraham "Fear not." He also takes him out and shows him the stars and tells him that his seed will be numerous like the stars. In Vs. 6 it says that Abraham "believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness."

THE ROAD TO PASSIVENESS OR THE ROAD TO PETITION Genesis 18:17-33

God showed Abraham his plan for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham could have chosen to be passive about the information, but chose to intercede in behalf of the righteous in those cities. Of course he was also praying for his nephew Lot.

THE ROAD TO OBSTINACY OR THE ROAD TO OBEDIENCE Genesis 22

God called on Abraham to sacrifice his only son.

Abraham could have balked. He could have refused.

Instead, he obeyed God, and was praised for it.

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Psalm 3

GOOD GOD FOR TROUBLING TIMES

We all face troubles (Job 5:7, James 1:2-4).

The Christian can be assured that God is there for him during his troubles.

GOD IS AWARE OF MY TROUBLES Vss. 1-3

GOD IS AVAILABLE DURING MY TROUBLES Vss. 4-6

GOD IS ABLE TO DELIVER ME FROM MY TROUBLES Vss. 7-8

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Daniel 3

A GODLY STAND

Introduction - Many people have taken a step for God. Give some examples of people you know who have stood for God at work, home, school, etc. Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego made their stand for God when their king wanted them to worship an idol.

REASON FOR A GODLY STAND Vss. 1-7

REPORT AGAINST A GODLY STAND Vss. 8-12

REBUKE CAUSED BY A GODLY STAND Vss. 13-15

RESOLVE OF A GODLY STAND Vss. 16-18

RAGE PROVOKED BY A GODLY STAND Vss. 19-23

RESULTS OF A GODLY STAND Vss. 24-30

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Mark 5:21-43

DESPERATION!

There are many different things that will make people desperate.

I suggest you use illustrations of desperate people with whom you are familiar.

In this passage we find two desperate people.

The Lord was able to help them both.

A DESPERATE MAN IS DELAYED BY A DESPERATE WOMAN. Vss. 21-28

A DESPERATE WOMAN IS DETECTED BY A DIVINE SAVIOR .Vss. 29-34

A DESPERATE MAN IS DELIGHTED BY THE RESULTS OF FAITH IN THE MASTER. Vss. 35-43

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Romans 1:14-17

RESOLVED

The Apostle Paul was resolved to win souls to Christ. We should have the same attitude he had when he said:

I AM DEBTOR Vs. 14

I AM READY Vs. 15

I AM NOT ASHAMED Vss. 16-17

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