SERMON SEEDS H30 FOR 10/25/04
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
SERMON SEEDS FOR OCTOBER 25, 2004
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1 Kings 17:1
A CHOICE SERVANT
This morning a number of choice servants of God got up early, picked up buses, and went out to bring children and adults to Sunday School.
This afternoon, there were choice servants of God conducting services in nursing homes. During this week there will be choice servants of God working in rescue missions, adult homes, youth groups, Good News Clubs, and a host of other ministries. There also will be choice servants of God doing construction, repairing buildings used for ministry, mowing lawns, nursing the sick, and running errands. All this will be done for the glory of God!
People make the mistake of thinking that the only choice servants of God are those who are in full time Christian service of some sort. This is a wrong assumption.
A CHOICE SERVANT OF GOD IS SIMPLY A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN WHO IS DOING THE WILL OF GOD.
If you are a born again Christian, you are a servant of God. 1 Peter 1:15-16, Titus 3:8.
One choice servant of God who can be a good model for us is the prophet Elijah. He was not perfect. 1 Kings 19 tells of his "burn out" in ministry. James 5:17a tells us "Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are..." Elijah was very human.
Here are some things about Elijah that we can imitate.
ELIJAH WAS A MAN OF GOD
He appears in Israel during wicked times, when Ahab and Jezebel were ruling. See 1 Kings 16:29-33. He enters the royal court of Israel, showing that he is a man of God.
1. His Profession - "As the Lord God of Israel liveth..."
Though his idolatry and lack of faith in the living God, Ahab was acting like God was dead. Elijah proclaimed that God is alive!
In an age when people are acting like God is dead, we are to proclaim that He is very much alive!
2. His Position - "...before whom I stand..."
Elijah stood in relationship to God as a believer.
Elijah stood in fellowship with God. He had good communication.
As Christians we stand in relationship (John 1:12), and should stand in fellowship with God (Ephesians 6:18).
3. His Prayers - James 5:17
Elijah was known as a man of prayer.
According this verse, the whole draught was a result of God answering Elijah's prayer. He was probably basing his prayer on Deuteronomy 11:16-17.
ELIJAH WAS A MAN OF GOD ON A MISSION FOR GOD
Someone had to tell King Ahab that the draught was coming. Elijah was sent into the hostile court with that message. We today might not think of ourselves on a mission for God, but every time we do His will, we are on a mission for Him. Teaching Sunday School, confronting a fellow believer, bearing the burdens of a fellow believer, doing good works, witnessing, and a host of other things are missions for God.
ELIJAH WAS A MAN OF GOD ON A MISSION FOR GOD WITH A MESSAGE FROM GOD.
When Elijah announced the draught, he was delivering a message from God. When we deliver messages of warning, comfort, salvation, teaching, or encouragement under the direction of God's Holy Spirit, we are speaking for God.
ELIJAH WAS A MAN OF GOD ON A MISSION FOR GOD WITH A MESSAGE FROM GOD WITH MIGHT THROUGH GOD.
Elijah went in God's power, not his own.
We should do the same. Philippians 4:13, Colossians 1:10-13
Sermon Seeds B34
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Psalm 55:16-17
LET US PRAY
Psalm 55:16-17 - As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. [17] Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
We will not fully impact our generation for Christ until we learn to pray effectively. Our text gives us some pointers on effective prayer.
PERSONAL DECISION - As for me,
PROPER DIRECTION - I will call upon God;
PROFOUND DELIVERANCE - and the Lord shall save me.
PERSISTENT DEVOTION - Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:
PRECIOUS DEMONSTRATION - and he shall hear my voice.
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Luke 7:1-10
WHEN IT HURTS
Life is full of hurts. Nobody avoids them. There are times when despair can really get hold of us. We are affected by hurts in the family, hurts in church, hurts on the job or in school, and by hurts inside that others might never know. When it hurts we need to follow the example of the centurion in this passage.
TAKE YOUR BURDEN TO THE BURDEN BEARER Vss. 1-3
HUMBLE YOURSELF BEFORE THE HUMBLE ONE Vss. 4-7
(Jesus said that He was "meek and lowly of heart.")
TRUST THE ONE WHO IS TRUSTWORTHY Vss. 8-10
Sermon Seeds A19
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Acts 20:17-32
CONCERN FOR THE CHURCH
A Complete Sunday School Lesson
§ What concerns have you heard, or do you have, for the Christian Church in America?
§ What concerns do you have for this church?
§ If you could bring in any Bible character other than the Lord Jesus, who would you bring in to help the church solve the concerns? Why?
Probably the greatest church planter and Pastor that ever lived was the Apostle Paul. He is at the end of his third missionary journey in Acts 20 and on his way to Jerusalem. Although he does not feel that he has time to visit the church in Ephesus, he summons the elders, or leaders of the church, to him. (Acts 20:15-17)
As Paul meets with these church leaders he expresses his concerns for the church in the future. His message gives some advice for those of us who gave concerns for our church.
PATTERN FOR MINISTRY Vss. 18-21, 26-27
v What is a minister?
v Who are the ministers of this church? Ephesians 2:10, 4:11-12
v Why is a ministers pattern important to the spiritual health of any church?
v Vs. 18 Paul cites himself as an example of consistency. Why is it important that we be consistent? How will consistency help a church when it has concerns? We should all be able to say with Paul 1 Corinthians 11:1, Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
v Vs. 19 Why is serving the Lord the most important phrase?
v Vs. 19 We are to serve the Lord with humility of mind. Why is humility important as we minister to each other?
v Vs. 19 Why do Christian ministers shed tears?
v Vs. 19 Paul suffered at the hands of the Jews. In whose hands might we suffer?
v What does verse 20 tell you about ministry?
v Vs. 21 What is the primary message of the Christian minister, whether he is a preacher, missionary, evangelist or layman?
v Vss. 26-27 Why was Paul pure from the blood of all men?
v Vss. 26-27 How will wanting to be pure from the blood of all men affect our behavior in and out of the church?
PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE Vss. 22-23, 29-30
1. FOR PAUL Vss. 22-23
ê Paul did not know what difficulties to anticipate in Jerusalem. We do not know what difficulties we will face in the future either.
ê Paul did know that he could anticipate bonds and afflictions. What kinds of bonds and afflictions can we anticipate? John 15:18-19, 2 Timothy 3:12, James 1:2-4
ê Why is it important that we understand that bonds and afflictions are to be expected?
2. FOR THE CHURCH Vss. 29-30
ê According to these verses, what causes churches to split?
ê Who are some of the grievous wolves that have bothered the American Christian Church over the last 100 years?
ê What is the motive of those who draw men away?
PRESCRIPTION FOR VICTORY Vss. 24, 31-32
1. FOR PAUL Vss. 24
V How was Paul going to face his future difficulties?
V How did Paul not counting his life dear unto himself help him to finish his course with joy? How will this help you?
V How did Paul not counting his life dear unto himself, help him to complete his ministry? How will this help you, no matter what your ministry is?
2. FOR THE CHURCH Vss. 31-32
V In our local church what should we be watching for?
V What should we in the local church remember?
V Who ultimately is our source of help?
V What is the word of Grace and how will that help us?
V What inheritance should we look for as individuals?
V What inheritance should we look for as a church?
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Hebrews 8:1-13
THE BETTER AGREEMENT
Hebrews Lesson #15 A Complete Lesson
· What are some things that are definitely better than when you were a kid?
· What are some things that people say are better but really arent?
· If you could make one thing better in America than it is now, what would you make better?
· When God makes something better it is. Why?
· Although the Old Testament (covenant) is great, the New Testament is better. Why?
After looking at the Picture-Perfect Priesthood of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, we move on to see our Lord as the Minister of the New Covenant in Hebrews 8. The New Covenant is a better agreement because:
1. WE HAVE A BETTER PRIEST Vs. 1
V After what order were the earthly priests in Israel? Of what order was Jesus as a priest?
V Why could Jesus not be of the Levitical priesthood?
V In Hebrews 7, what are some of the ways that the Order of Melchizedek is better than the Levitical priesthood?
V The words this is the sum mean this is the main point. The main point is that we have such an high priest as described in Hebrews 7.
V What is the main purpose of the high priest?
V How does Jesus current position enable him to fulfill the main purpose of the high priest?
V Why is Jesus sitting? Hebrews 1:3, Psalm 110:1
V When the members of the Sanhedrin, the Jews ruling body of 70 sat in judgment, there were two scribes or secretaries. The scribe which sat at the left hand was responsible for writing condemnations, but the scribe which sat at the right hand was responsible for writing acquittals. Just think, Jesus sits at the right hand of God. He is responsible for mercy, for acquittals. John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Hebrews (Chicago, Moody Press, 1983) p. 207
2. WE HAVE A BETTER PRIEST WHO MINISTERS IN A BETTER PLACE Vs. 2
ü Every high priest has a place of ministry, a sanctuary. Where was the sanctuary of the Levitical high priest? Where is Jesus sanctuary?
ü If Jesus ministers in the true sanctuary, what does that tell you about the sanctuary where the Levitical priests ministered?
ü Who, then, is closer to God when He ministers?
ü How is it a comfort to you that Jesus ministers in the real sanctuary or tabernacle?
3. WE HAVE A BETTER PRIEST WHO MINISTERS IN A BETTER PLACE WITH A BETTER PERFORMANCE Vss. 3-6
v Vs. 3 When a priest comes to God he brings an offering from the people. Sometimes it is a gift, sometimes it is a sacrifice.
v A sacrificial offering was a blood offering for sin. It was offered by the priest. Jesus offered for you the blood sacrifice for sin, once for all. His offering even takes care of the sins we commit after we are saved. 1 John 1:7, 9, 2:1-2
v The gift offering was a meal offering. It represented thanksgiving, commitment and self dedication. They were brought through a priest. Today we bring these offerings to God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:15
v Vss. 4-5 - Although Jesus is not qualified to serve in the earthly tabernacle, he is qualified to serve in the Heavenly tabernacle under the order of Melchizedek.
v In Vs. 5, how is the earthly priesthood and tabernacle a shadow?
v Vs. 6 Jesus ministry is more excellent because it is permanent, in Heaven at Gods right hand, and because it is the performance of a better covenant.
v What does a mediator do?
v What is the basis of the Old Testament or covenant?
v What is the basis of the New Testament Covenant? Luke 22:20
4. WE HAVE A BETTER PRIEST WHO MINISTERS IN A BETTER PLACE WITH A BETTER PERFORMANCE OF A BETTER PROGRAM Vss. 7-13
ê Vs. 7 - What was the fault of the Old Covenant that required a new one?
ê Vs. 8 - The passage being quoted here is Jeremiah 31:31-34. The passage refers to Israel and Judah and there will be a day when this new covenant will be true for them as a nation. Today it is true for us who know Jesus as Savior.
ê Vs. 9 What made the Old Covenant faulty?
ê Vss. 10-12 - According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary, there are four ways that the New Covenant is superior.
1. An inner inclination to obey God - I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts:
2. A firm relationship with God - and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
3. The Knowledge of God - And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. (Note You dont need to teach a Christian to know God. He already does. You need to teach him to grow in that knowledge. 2 Peter 3:18)
4. The Forgiveness of sins - For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck, editors, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament, (Wheaton, Illinois, Victor Books, 1983) p.800
ê Vs. 13 When was the Old Covenant rendered unnecessary?
ê When did the old covenant cease to function?
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1 John 2:6
WALKING AS HE WALKED, AM 5/16/99
REAL CHRISTIANITY #5 - Series on 1 John
We will be an example to others.
We tend to follow the example of others.
The best example we have is the Lord Jesus Christ.
He lived the perfect life.
He is God in the flesh.
He is the perfect example.
1 John 2:6 - He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
The reason we should want to walk as Jesus walked is contained in the verses that come before it.
1 John 2:3-5 - And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. [4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. [5] But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
We are assured that we know Jesus as Savior as we make a conscientious effort to keep His commandments. We are not sinless, but we will strive to obey if we are truly saved.
If we claim to know Jesus as our Savior and are not being obedient to Him, we lie and lack the truth dwelling in us.
The truth we lack is Jesus Himself. He said in John 14:6,
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
As we keep Gods Word the love of God is perfected in us.
As Gods Word is perfected in us, we will have the assurance that we are in Christ.
We will be obedient as Christians and have assurance of salvation as we walk as Jesus walked.
If you and I claim to abide in Christ as Christians, we are to walk as he walked! We are to follow His examples!
My challenge to you is to "walk as He walked."
Follow the examples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This morning we will take all our examples from Matthew, as we show some of the examples of Jesus that we should follow.
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
JESUS WAS BAPTIZED. YOU SHOULD BE BAPTIZED Matthew 3:13-17
John the Baptist knew that Jesus was righteous.
John the Baptist was baptizing with a baptism symbolic for repentance of sin. Jesus had no reason to repent.
Vs. 15 - In order for Jesus to fulfill all righteousness, that is, all that God the Father wanted Him to do, He had to be baptized.
In baptism He was identifying Himself with us, those who are sinners in need of repentance. He was coming to our level of need. Baptism is symbolic for death, burial and resurrection. Check out Romans 6 sometime. Our Lord Jesus would go on to die for us, be buried, and rise again.
So what about baptism today?
Jesus was baptized, YOU should be baptized.
Jesus was baptized at an age he knew what he was doing.
We should be baptized at an age we know what we are doing.
Jesus did it to fulfill all righteousness.
We do it because it is something God wants us to do. We are doing what is right in the eyes of God.
Matthew 28:19
The pattern in the book of Acts was belief in Christ followed by baptism.
One example is found in Acts 10. Peter is sent to a Gentile named Cornelius. Cornelius gathered together his close friends and relatives. Peter preached the Gospel to them.
Before Peter stopped preaching, the Holy Spirit came upon them, giving evidence that they had believed on Christ. Acts 10:47-48
Notice, Peter commanded them to be baptized! It wasn't a suggestion. It was a command! In the early New Testament church, if you were saved, you were baptized!
Baptism does not get you into Heaven.
Belief in Christ saves you.
Baptism is your testimony that you are going to Heaven.
Baptism is the first step of obedience in the Christian Life.
Baptism is Your way of saying you are trusting Christ as Savior.
He identified himself with us through Baptism. We are to identify with Him through Baptism.
JESUS RESISTED SIN. YOU SHOULD RESIST SIN Matthew 4:1-11
Immediately following the Baptism of our Lord, was the temptation of our Lord.
He is sinless, and of course, though tempted came through this test having resisted sin.
Vss. 1-3 - He had fasted for 40 days, and Satan came to tempt Him. The first temptation was to do what Jesus could have done as God. He was tempted to make bread out of stones.
Why would it have been wrong for Jesus to make bread?
First, in Vs. 1, He had been led by the Spirit of God. He was without bread because God planned it that way.
Secondly, to make bread would have meant following the devil's directions instead of God's. Therefore Jesus refused.
Vs. 4 - Jesus quoted Scripture and resisted sin.
Vss. 5-6 - Jesus is taken up to the top of the temple and invited to jump off. Satan quotes Scripture about God protecting Him.
Vs. 7 - Jesus refused. He resisted, again quoting Scripture! For Jesus to jump off the top of the temple would have tested or tempted God!
This would be something like you and I jumping out in front of a car just to see if God would protect us or not!
Vss. 8-9 - Jesus is taken to a mountain. Satan shows Him all the kingdoms of the world. He offers them to Jesus, if He will but worship the devil. Jesus would have none of it.
Satan was offering Jesus a kingdom without going to the cross!
Vs. 10 - Jesus tells Satan to leave! And Again He quotes Scripture.
We are to walk as He walked. And although we as Christians are not sinless, we are to resist sin.
God knows that we can not do it without help. 1 Corinthians 10:13
When we are tempted, we are to ask for and look for God's way of escape. And if Jesus quoted Scripture when tempted, we should also quote Scripture.
JESUS WAS WILLING TO SERVE. YOU SHOULD BE WILLING TO SERVE. Matthew 8:1-4
In Vss. 1-4, a leper, a desperately sick man with a disease that was disgusting to look upon, come to Jesus.
Vs. 2 - He comes to Jesus and worships.
Then he says, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean."
In essence, this poor leper was asking Jesus for service, the service of healing.
As you go through life, people will ask you to serve. They might say, "If you will, you can
Vs. 3 - In Jesus' case, He was asked to serve, and he said "I will".
How do we answer when we are asked to serve?
Do we say, "I will", or do we make all sorts of excuses for not serving others?
All through life Jesus served.
He served by healing many.
He served by feeding the 5,000.
He served through His teaching and preaching ministries.
He served by washing the feet of the disciples.
His ultimate act of service was going to the cross.
Matthew 20:27-28 - And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: [28] Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Galatians 6:10 - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
How do you follow the example of the Lord Jesus through service?
When Jesus found something that needed to be done He did it!
Find something that needs to be done and do it!
JESUS PLEASED THE FATHER. YOU SHOULD PLEASE THE FATHER. MATTHEW 17:1-5
Read Vss. 1-5,
Take note of Vs. 5. God is saying here, " I am well pleased with my son."
There wasn't a single thing that Jesus did to displease the Father.
There wasn't an action.
There was an attitude.
There wasn't a word that displeased our Heavenly Father.
If we are going to walk as Jesus walked, we should be concerned that we are pleasing our Heavenly Father in all we say, think and do!
The question we need to ask before we do anything is, "WILL THIS PLEASE MY HEAVENLY FATHER."
Another good question to ask - "IF I COULD SEE JESUS STANDING IN FRONT OF ME RIGHT NOW, WOULD I DO THIS ACTIVITY? If the answer is no, don't do it.
JESUS CHRIST PRACTICED FAITH. YOU SHOULD PRACTICE FAITH - Matthew 17:14-21
After Jesus comes off the mountain, He discovers that His disciples are having trouble casting out a demon.
Read Vss. 14-17 - He calls them a "faithless and perverse generation".
Vss. 18-19 - Jesus rebuked the demon and the boy was cured. Later, the disciples asked why they couldn't cast out the demon.
Vs. 20 - The answer is very clear. It was their lack of faith.
Just a little faith will move mountains.
Jesus acted in faith. He said something and it was done.
Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Our faith should be based on seeking God in His Word and prayer, praying according to His will, acting according to His will, and believing that He will work in and through us.
More would be accomplished if we believed God!
JESUS HAD COMPASSION. YOU SHOULD HAVE COMPASSION. Matthew 20:29-34
Read Matthew 20:29-34
So what motivates you and I to witness?
What motivates you and I to do good works?
What motivates you and I to listen to others?
What motivates you and I to reach out to people in need?
One of the motives Jesus had was compassion.
Jesus truly cared what happened to those around Him.
That's why He healed these blind men.
That's why He went to the cross.
He had compassion on you!
That's why He sits in Heaven interceding for you!
He has compassion.
You and I, to walk as Jesus walked must have compassion on others.
When your neighbor sees you care, he will want to know more about Christ.
When other Christians see you care, they will be comforted, encouraged and strengthened, and more willing to care themselves.
Jesus demonstrated compassion.
You have received compassion.
To whom should you show compassion?
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
JESUS CHRIST WAS BAPTIZED. YOU SHOULD BE BAPTIZED.
JESUS CHRIST RESISTED SIN. YOU SHOULD RESIST SIN.
JESUS CHRIST SERVED. YOU SHOULD SERVE.
JESUS CHRIST PLEASED THE FATHER YOU SHOULD PLEASE THE FATHER.
JESUS CHRIST PRACTICED FAITH. YOU SHOULD PRACTICE FAITH
JESUS CHRIST HAD COMPASSION. YOU SHOULD HAVE COMPASSION.
This is an elaborated version of a previously shared outline.
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OPEN
Various Texts
Here are some things mentioned in the Bible that are open or should be open.
OPEN EYES
Psalm 119:18 - Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
OPEN EARS
Revelation 3:22 - He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
OPEN HEART
Revelation 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
OPEN LIPS
Psalm 51:15 - O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
OPEN MOUTH
Psalm 81:10 - I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
OPEN DOOR
1 Corinthians 16:9 - For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
OPEN CITY
Revelation 21:25 - And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
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