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SERMON SEEDS M2 FOR 3/15/09

#1 · March 19, 2009, 9:55 pm

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Posted by: jackpeters <jackpeters@...>
STARTING OUR 13^TH YEAR!

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SERMON SEEDS FOR MARCH 15, 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

This month 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 week I am sharing one new outline 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 one new one will be from our fifth and sixth years of seeds from March 2001 through March of 2003.

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LUKE 10:25-37

BROTHERLY KINDNESS WHO SHOULD BE MY NEIGHBOR?

CHRISTIAN CHARACTER CLINIC #10 - 2 Peter 1:5-7

We have been studying the Christian Character Clinic as outlined in 2 Peter 1:5-7 - 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.

Last time we talked about Godliness as Walking as Jesus walked, that is imitating Him. Such Godliness naturally leads to brotherly kindness.

So, what is brotherly kindness? It comes from a very familiar Greek Word. The word is Philadelphia. Thats why the city of Philadelphia is known at least in theory as They City of Brotherly Love.

Brotherly kindness is something that we should express towards our own families. We should always show affection and support for family members.

Brotherly kindness or affection is something that we should show for other believers. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-9

Have you ever wondered to whom you should extend brotherly kindness or affection? Have you ever wondered to what extent you should be helping others? If a person in need is not a relative or Christian brother or sister, to what extent do I need to be kind?

When we lived in Western Pennsylvania we heard a lot about being neighbors.

That's because for many years Mr. Rodgers of Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood from the Pittsburgh area had been singing on children's television for years, "Won't you be my neighbor?"

We as Christians sometimes are asking a question that was asked two thousand years ago. Instead of asking "Won't you be my neighbor?" we want to know "Who should be my neighbor?" As Christians, who are we obligated to help? Many times the answer is not easy to come by. There seem to be so many needs, so many people asking for help, and sometimes people who make us downright uncomfortable when they ask for our assistance.

Luke 10:25-37, contains a very familiar story. It is the story of "The Good Samaritan". It is from this story that we can get the answer to the question, "Who Should Be my Neighbor?"

Vs. 25 - There have always been those who have wanted to trip up Godly teachers. Such is the case here with our Lord Jesus. A lawyer of religion, one who might have been considered a Doctor of Divinity, or expert in God's Word, asked Jesus a question.

He asked "Master, what should I do to inherit eternal life?"

This question was not a new one. It was discussed often

This time it was not asked out of sincerity, but so as to tempt or test our Lord, and then find fault in the answer that He gave.

Vs. 26 - Jesus' answer was very simple.

Here is a very good question to ask at any time.

What does the Word of God say?

Or, as Paul says in Romans 4:4, "What saith the Scriptures?"

Vs. 27 - The lawyer gives an accurate answer. What he has to say is based on two Old Testament Scripture passages.

Deuteronomy 6:5 - And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Leviticus 19:18 - Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Vs. 28 - Jesus' answer may surprise you.

             Jesus told the man "You're right! Do this and live!"

A person would receive eternal life if he or she could live this way! If a person lived this way, which would mean keeping the Ten Commandments perfectly, he or she would be admitted into Heaven!

There's only one problem. Not one man or woman, teenager, or boy or girl has ever kept the Ten Commandments perfectly with the exception of the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23

So, if it is impossible to keep God's Law, why did Jesus tell the man to keep it? He wanted the man to see that he just wasn't good enough to inherit eternal life. He wanted the man to ask Him, Jesus, for help.

It is Jesus who died for our sins, the just for the unjust so that we can be forgiven of our sins through faith in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:21

Vs. 29 - The man was on the defensive.

The main purpose of the law is to convict people of sin so they will turn to the Savior who died for their sin. Galatians 3:24

This man was probably convinced that because he outwardly kept the law that he did love the Lord his God with all his heart soul, strength, and mind.

The man's problem was his neighbor. Who his neighbor was would determine if he had kept the law well enough to inherit eternal life. So he asks this question so he can justify himself.

Jesus answered with a story which, might have been a parable, but very well could have been a true story. It is this story which answers for you and I the question, "Who should be my neighbor?" or To whom should I show brotherly kindness? There are three things we discover from this passage.

Read Vss. 30-35

Vs. 30 - Jesus talks of a certain man. No doubt, he was a Jew.

He was traveling down through the mountains from Jerusalem to Jericho. That is an accurate description. Jerusalem sits about 2,600 feet above sea level. Jericho is about 1,300 feet above sea level. The road was narrow and rocky. It was a great place for robbers to plunder innocent travelers.

The man in our story was robbed. He was stripped, wounded, and left for dead. The man was in sorry, dreadful shape.

MY NEIGHBOR IS SOMEONE GOD BRINGS TO MY ATTENTION.

First, a priest comes, supposedly, a very religious man. He saw the man in need and went around him.

A priest's helper, a Levite, also came along. He saw the man in need and also went around him.

Then a Samaritan came. He was a half-breed Jew, and considered an enemy by most Jews. For the most part the Jews hated the Samaritans and the Samaritans hated the Jews.

It is the Samaritan who stopped to help the Jew.

God brought the need of this wounded man to the attention of 3 men. Two men were fellow countrymen. The third, you would think, was the most unlikely to help. He was more like an enemy, but a fellow human being was in need, and he stopped to help.

The needs of people will often be brought to our attention.

Some needs may be phony needs or not real needs at all.

Not everyone who asks for money really needs it or wants to use it for the right reasons.

Other needs will be brought to our attention by God.

Some of the people with real needs that we will face will include:

·        Those who need financial help

·        Those who need food, clothing, or shelter

·        Those with a Spiritual need of salvation, advice, healing, or growth

·        Those who need direction

·        Those with a need for a ride

·        Those with need of a friend

·        Those with need of sympathy and/or encouragement

Let us ask God to help us be alert when He is showing us those in need who we can help. Let's not be like the first two men in Jesus' story who saw the need, but ignored it. And let us not be like Vladmir Nobokov, the Russian-born novelist

MY NEIGHBOR IS SOMEONE WHOM I HAVE THE ABILITY TO HELP

Each one of the men in this story would have been able to help in some way.

Even if they didn't have the medicine that the Samaritan had, they could have least gotten the wounded man to safety somewhere.

What made the difference between the Samaritan and the two religious men? Just one word, that's all. The word is compassion.

·        It's compassion that made the Samaritan help.

·        It's compassion that will make us witness to poor, lost sinners.

·        It's compassion that will motivate us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and house the homeless.

·        It's compassion that will motivate you to give to missions.

·        It's compassion that will drive you to your knees in prayer for those who are persecuted or held hostage.

·        It's compassion that will cause us to listen when people are hurting emotionally or spiritually.

Oh, that God would give us a special measure of compassion!

MY NEIGHBOR IS SOMEONE TO WHOM I MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE.

Vss. 34-35 The Samaritan made himself available to the wounded man. First, he applied first aide, then, he transported the wounded man on his own donkey. Then he nursed the sick man.

When the Samaritan left the sick Jew he paid the inn-keeper the equivalent of two days wages for a common laborer. The money was for the care of the sick man, with the promise that if there were costs involved, the Samaritan would pay them.

All too often we as Christians, shake our heads, say What a shame, and move on when we see people with problems. We do not want to get physically involved in the problems of others.

Vss. 36-37 So Jesus asks the question Who was the real neighbor?

The lawyer had to admit that it was the one who showed the mercy.

Jesus instructed the man to Go and do likewise.

If we are going to show brotherly kindness as Peter instructs us to we must Go and do likewise.

Did Jesus practice what He preached?

Our need as sinners was brought to His attention

He alone had the ability to help.

He made Himself available by dying for our sins.

He invites us to come to Him for relief.

Matt 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Jesus became your neighbor when he didnt have to.

So who is my neighbor?

MY NEIGHBOR IS SOMEONE GOD BRINGS TO MY ATTENTION.

MY NEIGHBOR IS SOMEONE GOD GIVES ME THE ABILITY TO HELP.

MY NEIGHBOR IS SOMEONE TO WHOM I MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE.

Who is your neighbor?

To whom will you show brotherly kindness?

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2 Kings 2:1-14

A GOOD DISCIPLE

Elisha was a disciple of the great prophet Elijah. He was designated as Elijah's successor but first worked as Elijah's servant. 1 Kings 19:15-21

When God was ready to take Elijah to heaven by a whirlwind, Elisha showed the qualities of a good disciple.

A DISCIPLE FOLLOWS - Vss. 1-8

Wherever Elijah went Elisha insisted on going too.

We should follow our Lord Jesus this diligently. Luke 9:23, John 12:26

A DISCIPLE IS FAITHFUL - Vss. 1-8

Even though Elijah and the Sons of the Prophets both seemed to try to dissuade Elisha from following, he was faithful. He was not going to be dissuaded. 1 Corinthians 4:2, Luke 14:26-27

A DISCIPLE HAS FORESIGHT - Vss. 9-12

When Elijah asked Elisha what he wanted, He desired a double portion of his spirit. Elisha had the foresight to ask for spiritual blessing. He was actually requesting the power of the Holy Spirit upon his life. May we have the same foresight to desire the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives!

Elijah told Elisha that if he saw Elijah go into Heaven, it would mean that his request had been granted. Elisha saw it happen.

A DISCIPLE HAS FAITH - Vss. 13-14

Elisha picked up Elijah's mantle and performed the same miracle that Elijah had done earlier. He had the faith to believe that God's Spirit was upon him. We must remember as Christ's disciples to live our lives by faith. Hebrews 11:6

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Psalm 47

OUR WONDERFUL GOD

THE POWER OF GOD - Vss. 1-3

THE PLAN OF GOD - Vs. 4

THE PRAISE OF GOD - Vss. 5-7

THE PREEMINENCE OF GOD - Vss. 8-9

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Isaiah 53

ISAIAH SHOWS US THE CROSS

The Prophet Isaiah painted us a distinctive picture of the cross of Christ many years before the event took place.

SIMPLICITY AND THE CROSS - Vs. 2

Jesus came as a humble servant.

SHAME AND THE CROSS - Vs. 3

He was "despised and rejected". He was refused by His own people.

SACRIFICE AND THE CROSS - Vss. 4-6

Jesus paid the price in full for our sins.

SILENCE AND THE CROSS - Vss. 7-9

Silence of Words - Vss. 7-8

Silence of Death - Vs. 9

SATISFACTION AND THE CROSS - Vss. 10-12

Satisfaction of Resurrection - Vs. 10

Satisfaction of Justification - Vs. 11, Romans 5:1

Satisfaction of Glory - Vs. 12, Philippians 2:9-11

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Matthew 15:29-39

STILL!

There are two recorded instances of the Lord Jesus feeding large crowds.

In Matthew 14:14-21 the feeding of the five thousand is recorded.

In Matthew 15:29-39 the feeding of the four thousand is recorded.

There were several things still true for both miracles.

JESUS STILL HAD COMPASSION - 15:29-32, 14:13-16

THE DISCIPLES STILL DIDN'T GET IT - 15:33, 14:17

They didn't realize that they, with Jesus power, could feed the multitude.

JESUS STILL USED WHAT WAS AVAILABLE - 15:34, 14:17-18

JESUS STILL WORKED IN ORDERLY FASHION - 15:35-36, 14:19

THERE WAS STILL PLENTY OF FOOD WITH LEFTOVERS - 15:37-38, 14:20-21

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Philippians 4:1-5

A HAPPY CHURCH

The church at Philippi was experiencing some inner tension. Paul gave some advice that, if followed, would make this church a happy place of worship and service. Our churches would be happier if we followed the same advice.

UNWAVERING STAND - Vs. 1

First, each church member must be strong in the Lord's power and might.

UNIFIED FAMILY - Vss. 2-3

Those who didn't get along were to receive help getting along.

UNENDING REJOICING - Vs. 4

We are to constantly have an attitude of joy in the Lord.

UNIQUE CONTROL - Vs. 5

Our moderation or "sweet reasonableness" is to be known to all. After all, "the Lord is at hand", and we want to be pleasing Him when He arrives.

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Hebrews 13:8

THE SAME

Raymond was a friend of mine, and I miss him. Raymond was the best trustee that I've ever encountered anywhere in my ministry. But, like the rest of us, Raymond didn't like change!

At the first church council meeting that I ever attended here I walked in early. Raymond and one other trustee were present. I set down my materials for the meeting on the table by a chair.

A couple of minutes later, Raymond said something like this to me, "Pastor we all sit in the same places. For instance Bob sits there and Hughie sits there. Your seat is over there." He pointed to my assigned seat. So I moved my materials to what was my assigned seat. A few minutes later Raymond sat down, right where I was originally going to sit. Raymond didn't like change.

As my dad got into his 80s, he got shorter, lighter, and more feeble than I've ever seen him. Oh how I disliked seeing my dad get old. I didnt like change.

Have you noticed, for as much as we don't like change, change occurs? On Tuesday, September 11, 2001 there was much change in America and the world because of the acts of terrorism committed against the United States.

No matter who we are, there will be times when we need to face change. However the Lord Jesus gives us some words of encouragement in Hebrews 13:8.

Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever."

If you are a born again Christian, this basic truth is still true. It has not changed. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, God in the flesh, has not changed. He's still on the throne. He's still in charge. He's still available to help. He still cares.



Because Jesus does not change, we can be hopeful, we can find peace and rest, we can be confident, and we can go on!

There are at least three things about the Lord Jesus that have not changed and will not change.

JESUS IS POWERFUL, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER

Yesterday, Jesus was powerful.

Long before Jesus was born, Isaiah 9:6 described the Lord Jesus.

Notice in this verse that Jesus is called mighty God and everlasting Father, which means "Father of eternity."

Isaiah is telling us that Jesus is God.

Isaiah is telling us that Jesus is eternal.

John 1:1-4 also tells us that Jesus is God, that He is eternal and that He is creator.

Yesterday Jesus showed His power when He came to earth.

A lame man, sitting by a pool, was made to walk.

A blind man, named Bartimaeus was made to see.

A sea blowing, and churning, causing fear, was made to be still.

A little girl, a widow's son, and a man named Lazarus were all made to rise from the dead.

And these are just a few examples of the power of Jesus that was demonstrated.

And here's another remarkable thing about Jesus. He was sinless!

He alone had the power to live a sinless life!

And then Jesus showed His power by going to the cross.

You might be thinking, "Jesus died on the cross. How does that show His power?"

It is only Jesus who had the power to die for our sins.

It is only Jesus who could pay for our sins. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Another way Jesus showed his power yesterday was through the resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Jesus also showed His power when He ascended into Heaven. Luke 24:50-51

Well, that's great! Jesus was powerful yesterday, but what about today? Is Jesus still powerful? See Ephesians 1:19-23 for the answer to that question.

Jesus is still powerful.

Jesus is still in control.

Jesus is still God.

So that leads us to a very tough question.

If Jesus is still powerful, still in control, and still God, why were innocent people killed last week? Why is there so much devastation in the world?



If Billy Graham could not give a complete answer to this question when he spoke at a memorial service, don't expect me to.

But let me say this.

Hurt, pain and sorrow are caused by man's sin, not by God.

God has given man free will to make choices and often man makes very bad choices.

And if God did not allow choice, we'd be robots.

Also, God has a plan that I don't understand, and these tragedies are part of His plan.

And often God uses these tragedies to get our attention, to draw us to Himself. Some people would never turn to God unless things like this happened.

I am very comforted by the words of Colossians 1:17, "And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."

No matter what, Jesus holds things together. We need not fear.

And Jesus shows His power today each time a prayer is answered in His name. John 14:13-14,

1 John 5:14-15

The Lord Jesus is powerful, yesterday and today, but what about His power forever?

There will be a day when Jesus will come for His saints. That's called the rapture! This will mean resurrection from the dead!

After that there will be a great tribulation, and at the end Jesus will come and win what we know as the "Battle of Armageddon".   Revelation 19:19-21

Philippians 2:9-11 tells us that every knee will bow to the Lord Jesus and every tongue shall declare that He is Lord.

JESUS PARDONS, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER

Before God created man, God knew that man would sin.

Before God created man, God knew that man would fail to please God.

Before God created man, God had a plan so that man could be pardoned. 1 Peter 1:18-20

Yesterday, before the foundation of the world, God had foreordained, planned ahead that Jesus Christ would die for your sins. God loved us so much that He planned for His Son to die to secure our pardon.

Yesterday, 2000 years ago, Jesus did die for our sins, so that we might be forgiven. Romans 5:6-8

Yesterday Jesus secured pardon for you and me.

Today Jesus offers pardon to all who believe. John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9

My friend pardon is available for you, for your family and for your friends.

Pardon is available for all sinners who will turn to the Lord Jesus in faith.

That is why we encourage you who know Christ as Savior to share your faith.

Pardon is available, but only through Christ.

And when we Christians sin, pardon is still available. 1 John 1:7-9

There was pardon yesterday. There is pardon today. There is pardon forever!

Hebrews 10:14 - "For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified."

JESUS IS PRESENT, YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER

God has been present throughout all history.

Jesus, as God has been present throughout all history.

Jesus made Old Testament Appearances as the Angel of the Lord.

Jesus was present in the Garden of Eden.

Jesus was present when Enoch walked with God.

Jesus was present with Abraham.

Jesus was present with Moses and the Children of Isarel.

Jesus was present with David and the prophets.

And Jesus was present when He is, for us, unthinkable. He became a man, and walked among men.

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

Yesterday Jesus was present.

But is Jesus present today?

Yes He is! John 14:16-18, Matthew 28:20

My Christian friend, wherever you go and whatever you face, Jesus is present.

And what about the future?

Will Jesus continue to be present?

Yes, but His presence will even be more special than it is now. 1 Thessalonians 4:6-7

We will be with the Lord forever!

Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever."

JESUS IS POWERFUL, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER

JESUS PARDONS, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER

JESUS IS PRESENT, YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER

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STARTING OUR 13^TH YEAR!

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SERMON SEEDS FOR MARCH 15, 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

This month 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 week I am sharing one new outline 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 one new one will be from our fifth and sixth years of seeds from March 2001 through March of 2003.

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

LUKE 10:25-37

BROTHERLY KINDNESS WHO SHOULD BE MY NEIGHBOR?

CHRISTIAN CHARACTER CLINIC #10 - 2 Peter 1:5-7

We have been studying the Christian Character Clinic as outlined in 2 Peter 1:5-7 - 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.

Last time we talked about Godliness as Walking as Jesus walked, that is imitating Him. Such Godliness naturally leads to brotherly kindness.

So, what is brotherly kindness? It comes from a very familiar Greek Word. The word is Philadelphia. Thats why the city of Philadelphia is known at least in theory as They City of Brotherly Love.

Brotherly kindness is something that we should express towards our own families. We should always show affection and support for family members.

Brotherly kindness or affection is something that we should show for other believers. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-9

Have you ever wondered to whom you should extend brotherly kindness or affection? Have you ever wondered to what extent you should be helping others? If a person in need is not a relative or Christian brother or sister, to what extent do I need to be kind?

When we lived in Western Pennsylvania we heard a lot about being neighbors.

That's because for many years Mr. Rodgers of Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood from the Pittsburgh area had been singing on children's television for years, "Won't you be my neighbor?"

We as Christians sometimes are asking a question that was asked two thousand years ago. Instead of asking "Won't you be my neighbor?" we want to know "Who should be my neighbor?" As Christians, who are we obligated to help? Many times the answer is not easy to come by. There seem to be so many needs, so many people asking for help, and sometimes people who make us downright uncomfortable when they ask for our assistance.

Luke 10:25-37, contains a very familiar story. It is the story of "The Good Samaritan". It is from this story that we can get the answer to the question, "Who Should Be my Neighbor?"

Vs. 25 - There have always been those who have wanted to trip up Godly teachers. Such is the case here with our Lord Jesus. A lawyer of religion, one who might have been considered a Doctor of Divinity, or expert in God's Word, asked Jesus a question.

He asked "Master, what should I do to inherit eternal life?"

This question was not a new one. It was discussed often

This time it was not asked out of sincerity, but so as to tempt or test our Lord, and then find fault in the answer that He gave.

Vs. 26 - Jesus' answer was very simple.

Here is a very good question to ask at any time.

What does the Word of God say?

Or, as Paul says in Romans 4:4, "What saith the Scriptures?"

Vs. 27 - The lawyer gives an accurate answer. What he has to say is based on two Old Testament Scripture passages.

Deuteronomy 6:5 - And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Leviticus 19:18 - Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Vs. 28 - Jesus' answer may surprise you.

Jesus told the man "You're right! Do this and live!"

A person would receive eternal life if he or she could live this way! If a person lived this way, which would mean keeping the Ten Commandments perfectly, he or she would be admitted into Heaven!

There's only one problem. Not one man or woman, teenager, or boy or girl has ever kept the Ten Commandments perfectly with the exception of the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23

So, if it is impossible to keep God's Law, why did Jesus tell the man to keep it? He wanted the man to see that he just wasn't good enough to inherit eternal life. He wanted the man to ask Him, Jesus, for help.

It is Jesus who died for our sins, the just for the unjust so that we can be forgiven of our sins through faith in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:21

Vs. 29 - The man was on the defensive.

The main purpose of the law is to convict people of sin so they will turn to the Savior who died for their sin. Galatians 3:24

This man was probably convinced that because he outwardly kept the law that he did love the Lord his God with all his heart soul, strength, and mind.

The man's problem was his neighbor. Who his neighbor was would determine if he had kept the law well enough to inherit eternal life. So he asks this question so he can justify himself.

Jesus answered with a story which, might have been a parable, but very well could have been a true story. It is this story which answers for you and I the question, "Who should be my neighbor?" or To whom should I show brotherly kindness? There are three things we discover from this passage.

Read Vss. 30-35

Vs. 30 - Jesus talks of a certain man. No doubt, he was a Jew.

He was traveling down through the mountains from Jerusalem to Jericho. That is an accurate description. Jerusalem sits about 2,600 feet above sea level. Jericho is about 1,300 feet above sea level. The road was narrow and rocky. It was a great place for robbers to plunder innocent travelers.

The man in our story was robbed. He was stripped, wounded, and left for dead. The man was in sorry, dreadful shape.

MY NEIGHBOR IS SOMEONE GOD BRINGS TO MY ATTENTION.

First, a priest comes, supposedly, a very religious man. He saw the man in need and went around him.

A priest's helper, a Levite, also came along. He saw the man in need and also went around him.

Then a Samaritan came. He was a half-breed Jew, and considered an enemy by most Jews. For the most part the Jews hated the Samaritans and the Samaritans hated the Jews.

It is the Samaritan who stopped to help the Jew.

God brought the need of this wounded man to the attention of 3 men. Two men were fellow countrymen. The third, you would think, was the most unlikely to help. He was more like an enemy, but a fellow human being was in need, and he stopped to help.

The needs of people will often be brought to our attention.

Some needs may be phony needs or not real needs at all.

Not everyone who asks for money really needs it or wants to use it for the right reasons.

Other needs will be brought to our attention by God.

Some of the people with real needs that we will face will include:

· Those who need financial help

· Those who need food, clothing, or shelter

· Those with a Spiritual need of salvation, advice, healing, or growth

· Those who need direction

· Those with a need for a ride

· Those with need of a friend

· Those with need of sympathy and/or encouragement

Let us ask God to help us be alert when He is showing us those in need who we can help. Let's not be like the first two men in Jesus' story who saw the need, but ignored it. And let us not be like Vladmir Nobokov, the Russian-born novelist

MY NEIGHBOR IS SOMEONE WHOM I HAVE THE ABILITY TO HELP

Each one of the men in this story would have been able to help in some way.

Even if they didn't have the medicine that the Samaritan had, they could have least gotten the wounded man to safety somewhere.

What made the difference between the Samaritan and the two religious men? Just one word, that's all. The word is compassion.

· It's compassion that made the Samaritan help.

· It's compassion that will make us witness to poor, lost sinners.

· It's compassion that will motivate us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and house the homeless.

· It's compassion that will motivate you to give to missions.

· It's compassion that will drive you to your knees in prayer for those who are persecuted or held hostage.

· It's compassion that will cause us to listen when people are hurting emotionally or spiritually.

Oh, that God would give us a special measure of compassion!

MY NEIGHBOR IS SOMEONE TO WHOM I MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE.

Vss. 34-35 The Samaritan made himself available to the wounded man. First, he applied first aide, then, he transported the wounded man on his own donkey. Then he nursed the sick man.

When the Samaritan left the sick Jew he paid the inn-keeper the equivalent of two days wages for a common laborer. The money was for the care of the sick man, with the promise that if there were costs involved, the Samaritan would pay them.

All too often we as Christians, shake our heads, say What a shame, and move on when we see people with problems. We do not want to get physically involved in the problems of others.

Vss. 36-37 So Jesus asks the question Who was the real neighbor?

The lawyer had to admit that it was the one who showed the mercy.

Jesus instructed the man to Go and do likewise.

If we are going to show brotherly kindness as Peter instructs us to we must Go and do likewise.

Did Jesus practice what He preached?

Our need as sinners was brought to His attention

He alone had the ability to help.

He made Himself available by dying for our sins.

He invites us to come to Him for relief.

Matt 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Jesus became your neighbor when he didnt have to.

So who is my neighbor?

MY NEIGHBOR IS SOMEONE GOD BRINGS TO MY ATTENTION.

MY NEIGHBOR IS SOMEONE GOD GIVES ME THE ABILITY TO HELP.

MY NEIGHBOR IS SOMEONE TO WHOM I MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE.

Who is your neighbor?

To whom will you show brotherly kindness?

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2 Kings 2:1-14

A GOOD DISCIPLE

Elisha was a disciple of the great prophet Elijah. He was designated as Elijah's successor but first worked as Elijah's servant. 1 Kings 19:15-21

When God was ready to take Elijah to heaven by a whirlwind, Elisha showed the qualities of a good disciple.

A DISCIPLE FOLLOWS - Vss. 1-8

Wherever Elijah went Elisha insisted on going too.

We should follow our Lord Jesus this diligently. Luke 9:23, John 12:26

A DISCIPLE IS FAITHFUL - Vss. 1-8

Even though Elijah and the Sons of the Prophets both seemed to try to dissuade Elisha from following, he was faithful. He was not going to be dissuaded. 1 Corinthians 4:2, Luke 14:26-27

A DISCIPLE HAS FORESIGHT - Vss. 9-12

When Elijah asked Elisha what he wanted, He desired a double portion of his spirit. Elisha had the foresight to ask for spiritual blessing. He was actually requesting the power of the Holy Spirit upon his life. May we have the same foresight to desire the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives!

Elijah told Elisha that if he saw Elijah go into Heaven, it would mean that his request had been granted. Elisha saw it happen.

A DISCIPLE HAS FAITH - Vss. 13-14

Elisha picked up Elijah's mantle and performed the same miracle that Elijah had done earlier. He had the faith to believe that God's Spirit was upon him. We must remember as Christ's disciples to live our lives by faith. Hebrews 11:6

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Psalm 47

OUR WONDERFUL GOD

THE POWER OF GOD - Vss. 1-3

THE PLAN OF GOD - Vs. 4

THE PRAISE OF GOD - Vss. 5-7

THE PREEMINENCE OF GOD - Vss. 8-9

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Isaiah 53

ISAIAH SHOWS US THE CROSS

The Prophet Isaiah painted us a distinctive picture of the cross of Christ many years before the event took place.

SIMPLICITY AND THE CROSS - Vs. 2

Jesus came as a humble servant.

SHAME AND THE CROSS - Vs. 3

He was "despised and rejected". He was refused by His own people.

SACRIFICE AND THE CROSS - Vss. 4-6

Jesus paid the price in full for our sins.

SILENCE AND THE CROSS - Vss. 7-9

Silence of Words - Vss. 7-8

Silence of Death - Vs. 9

SATISFACTION AND THE CROSS - Vss. 10-12

Satisfaction of Resurrection - Vs. 10

Satisfaction of Justification - Vs. 11, Romans 5:1

Satisfaction of Glory - Vs. 12, Philippians 2:9-11

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Matthew 15:29-39

STILL!

There are two recorded instances of the Lord Jesus feeding large crowds.

In Matthew 14:14-21 the feeding of the five thousand is recorded.

In Matthew 15:29-39 the feeding of the four thousand is recorded.

There were several things still true for both miracles.

JESUS STILL HAD COMPASSION - 15:29-32, 14:13-16

THE DISCIPLES STILL DIDN'T GET IT - 15:33, 14:17

They didn't realize that they, with Jesus power, could feed the multitude.

JESUS STILL USED WHAT WAS AVAILABLE - 15:34, 14:17-18

JESUS STILL WORKED IN ORDERLY FASHION - 15:35-36, 14:19

THERE WAS STILL PLENTY OF FOOD WITH LEFTOVERS - 15:37-38, 14:20-21

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Philippians 4:1-5

A HAPPY CHURCH

The church at Philippi was experiencing some inner tension. Paul gave some advice that, if followed, would make this church a happy place of worship and service. Our churches would be happier if we followed the same advice.

UNWAVERING STAND - Vs. 1

First, each church member must be strong in the Lord's power and might.

UNIFIED FAMILY - Vss. 2-3

Those who didn't get along were to receive help getting along.

UNENDING REJOICING - Vs. 4

We are to constantly have an attitude of joy in the Lord.

UNIQUE CONTROL - Vs. 5

Our moderation or "sweet reasonableness" is to be known to all. After all, "the Lord is at hand", and we want to be pleasing Him when He arrives.

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Hebrews 13:8

THE SAME

Raymond was a friend of mine, and I miss him. Raymond was the best trustee that I've ever encountered anywhere in my ministry. But, like the rest of us, Raymond didn't like change!

At the first church council meeting that I ever attended here I walked in early. Raymond and one other trustee were present. I set down my materials for the meeting on the table by a chair.

A couple of minutes later, Raymond said something like this to me, "Pastor we all sit in the same places. For instance Bob sits there and Hughie sits there. Your seat is over there." He pointed to my assigned seat. So I moved my materials to what was my assigned seat. A few minutes later Raymond sat down, right where I was originally going to sit. Raymond didn't like change.

As my dad got into his 80s, he got shorter, lighter, and more feeble than I've ever seen him. Oh how I disliked seeing my dad get old. I didnt like change.

Have you noticed, for as much as we don't like change, change occurs? On Tuesday, September 11, 2001 there was much change in America and the world because of the acts of terrorism committed against the United States.

No matter who we are, there will be times when we need to face change. However the Lord Jesus gives us some words of encouragement in Hebrews 13:8.

Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever."

If you are a born again Christian, this basic truth is still true. It has not changed. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, God in the flesh, has not changed. He's still on the throne. He's still in charge. He's still available to help. He still cares.

Because Jesus does not change, we can be hopeful, we can find peace and rest, we can be confident, and we can go on!

There are at least three things about the Lord Jesus that have not changed and will not change.

JESUS IS POWERFUL, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER

Yesterday, Jesus was powerful.

Long before Jesus was born, Isaiah 9:6 described the Lord Jesus.

Notice in this verse that Jesus is called mighty God and everlasting Father, which means "Father of eternity."

Isaiah is telling us that Jesus is God.

Isaiah is telling us that Jesus is eternal.

John 1:1-4 also tells us that Jesus is God, that He is eternal and that He is creator.

Yesterday Jesus showed His power when He came to earth.

A lame man, sitting by a pool, was made to walk.

A blind man, named Bartimaeus was made to see.

A sea blowing, and churning, causing fear, was made to be still.

A little girl, a widow's son, and a man named Lazarus were all made to rise from the dead.

And these are just a few examples of the power of Jesus that was demonstrated.

And here's another remarkable thing about Jesus. He was sinless!

He alone had the power to live a sinless life!

And then Jesus showed His power by going to the cross.

You might be thinking, "Jesus died on the cross. How does that show His power?"

It is only Jesus who had the power to die for our sins.

It is only Jesus who could pay for our sins. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Another way Jesus showed his power yesterday was through the resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Jesus also showed His power when He ascended into Heaven. Luke 24:50-51

Well, that's great! Jesus was powerful yesterday, but what about today? Is Jesus still powerful? See Ephesians 1:19-23 for the answer to that question.

Jesus is still powerful.

Jesus is still in control.

Jesus is still God.

So that leads us to a very tough question.

If Jesus is still powerful, still in control, and still God, why were innocent people killed last week? Why is there so much devastation in the world?

If Billy Graham could not give a complete answer to this question when he spoke at a memorial service, don't expect me to.

But let me say this.

Hurt, pain and sorrow are caused by man's sin, not by God.

God has given man free will to make choices and often man makes very bad choices.

And if God did not allow choice, we'd be robots.

Also, God has a plan that I don't understand, and these tragedies are part of His plan.

And often God uses these tragedies to get our attention, to draw us to Himself. Some people would never turn to God unless things like this happened.

I am very comforted by the words of Colossians 1:17, "And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."

No matter what, Jesus holds things together. We need not fear.

And Jesus shows His power today each time a prayer is answered in His name. John 14:13-14,

1 John 5:14-15

The Lord Jesus is powerful, yesterday and today, but what about His power forever?

There will be a day when Jesus will come for His saints. That's called the rapture! This will mean resurrection from the dead!

After that there will be a great tribulation, and at the end Jesus will come and win what we know as the "Battle of Armageddon". Revelation 19:19-21

Philippians 2:9-11 tells us that every knee will bow to the Lord Jesus and every tongue shall declare that He is Lord.

JESUS PARDONS, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER

Before God created man, God knew that man would sin.

Before God created man, God knew that man would fail to please God.

Before God created man, God had a plan so that man could be pardoned. 1 Peter 1:18-20

Yesterday, before the foundation of the world, God had foreordained, planned ahead that Jesus Christ would die for your sins. God loved us so much that He planned for His Son to die to secure our pardon.

Yesterday, 2000 years ago, Jesus did die for our sins, so that we might be forgiven. Romans 5:6-8

Yesterday Jesus secured pardon for you and me.

Today Jesus offers pardon to all who believe. John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9

My friend pardon is available for you, for your family and for your friends.

Pardon is available for all sinners who will turn to the Lord Jesus in faith.

That is why we encourage you who know Christ as Savior to share your faith.

Pardon is available, but only through Christ.

And when we Christians sin, pardon is still available. 1 John 1:7-9

There was pardon yesterday. There is pardon today. There is pardon forever!

Hebrews 10:14 - "For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified."

JESUS IS PRESENT, YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER

God has been present throughout all history.

Jesus, as God has been present throughout all history.

Jesus made Old Testament Appearances as the Angel of the Lord.

Jesus was present in the Garden of Eden.

Jesus was present when Enoch walked with God.

Jesus was present with Abraham.

Jesus was present with Moses and the Children of Isarel.

Jesus was present with David and the prophets.

And Jesus was present when He is, for us, unthinkable. He became a man, and walked among men.

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

Yesterday Jesus was present.

But is Jesus present today?

Yes He is! John 14:16-18, Matthew 28:20

My Christian friend, wherever you go and whatever you face, Jesus is present.

And what about the future?

Will Jesus continue to be present?

Yes, but His presence will even be more special than it is now. 1 Thessalonians 4:6-7

We will be with the Lord forever!

Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever."

JESUS IS POWERFUL, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER

JESUS PARDONS, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER

JESUS IS PRESENT, YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER

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