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SERMON SEEDS J27 FOR 9-25-06

#1 · September 25, 2006, 7:23 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on September 25, 2006, 7:23 pm
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
OUR TENTH YEAR

SERMON SEEDS FOR SEPTEMBER 25, 2006

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Exodus 14

DELIVERANCE

GOD'S PLAN FOR DELIVERANCE - Vss. 1-9

GOD'S PROMISE OF DELIVERANCE - Vss. 10-14

GOD'S PATH TO DELIVERANCE - Vss. 15-23

GOD'S POWER IN DELIVERANCE - Vss. 24-31

Sermon Seeds D1

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Psalm 121

MY HELP

THE SOURCE OF MY HELP Vss. 1-2

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. [2] My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

THE SLEEPLESSNESS OF MY HELP Vss. 3-4

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. [4] Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

THE STRENGTH OF MY HELP Vss. 5-6

The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. [6] The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

THE STEADFASTNESS OF MY HELP Vss. 7-8

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. [8] The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

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Matthew 6:19-24

USING MONEY WISELY

THE RIGHT INVESTMENTS

Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: [21] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

THE RIGHT INSIGHT

Matthew 6:22-23 - The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. [23] But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

THE RIGHT INTEGRITY (One Master)

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

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Luke 6:36-42

MERCIFUL ME!

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

AM I GRACIOUS? Vs. 37

AM I GENEROUS? Vs. 38

AM I GUIDED? Vss. 39-40

AM I GENUINE? Vss. 41-42

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Acts 15:30-16:5

SEASONS

There are often different seasons or periods of time for a church just like there are different seasons in a year. The church at Antioch had just experienced a controversy as to the need for Gentiles to become Jewish in order to be saved. A church council in Jerusalem answered the question with a resounding no. See Acts 15:1-19. When Paul and Barnabas returned from this council in Jerusalem, there were some different seasons in the church.

A SEASON OF JOY 15:30-31

A favorable response from Jerusalem produced joy in the assembly.

A SEASON OF GROWTH 15:32-35

Judas, Silas, Paul, and Barnabas exhorted and taught the people.

A SEASON OF DISAGREEMENT 15:36-39

Paul and Silas wanted to return to the churches that had already been established on their previous missionary journey, but could not agree as the whether Mark should go with them. Barnabas took Mark and left for Cyprus.

A SEASON OF EXPANSION 15:40-16:5

The universal church grew as a result of the ministry of Paul and Silas.



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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 aged, he became shorter, lighter, and feebler than I'd ever seen him. Oh how I disliked seeing my dad get old. I didn't like the 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 Israel.

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

Sermon Seeds E28

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1 Peter 4:14-16

BORN TO FISH!

Fishermen?

Matt 4:18-19 - And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Fishermen?

Mark 16:14-15 - Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Fishermen?

Matt 5:14-16 - Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Fishermen?

Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Fishermen! The Lord Jesus has called those who know Him as Savior to be "Fishers of Men". We are called to communicate that same great message of eternal life that saved us to others who have not yet placed their faith and trust in Christ. That's how the early church grew! Acts 11:19-21

Most of us know that we should share our faith in Christ.

If John 3:36 is true, and it is, we need to get the message out to everyone!

Basically, we can say, if we've been born again into the Kingdom of God, we've been BORN TO FISH!

Let's see from this passage what fishing entails.

SEPARATION

Vs. 14 - The context in which we find these verses is that of persecution. Peter tells us here, that if we suffer for the sake of righteousness, we are happy! We should feel privileged to suffer for the one who suffered for us. And, we are told that we will suffer for Him as Christians. 2 Timothy 3:12, Philippians 1:29

The opposition will come. We are told in our text not to be afraid or worried when the opposition gives us trouble. There are reasons not to be afraid or worried.

1.     Jesus said "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

2.     The worse thing opposition can do is kill us, and that's an instant ticket to glory.

3.     Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would give us the words to say when we are brought before authorities Luke 12:11-12

Instead of being afraid or worried about opposition, Peter tells us to "sanctify the Lord God in our hearts in verse 15.

Christian, you will not be an effective fisherman for Christ unless your heart is right with God. Your actions and your words will not be a good testimony for Christ unless your heart is right with God.

The word "sanctify" means to "set apart".

Inside your heart, the real you, the seat of your emotions, and very being, there needs to be setting apart of the Lord God.

In our text these words actually mean to set apart God as Lord.

In the Trinity, who is viewed as the Lord? The Lord Jesus is! Philippians 2:9-11

If you are a born again Christian, you should set apart Jesus Christ as Lord of your heart!

That means that He is boss.

That means that He is in charge.

That means that He is worshiped and adored.

That means that He can direct you to think, to do, and to say anything that he wishes you to think, do or say.

That's because you have set Him apart as Lord in your heart. Romans 12:1

When you acknowledge Jesus as Lord, you are saying, "Lord Jesus I'll go where you want me to go, I'll do what you want me to do, I'll be what you want me to be."

Witnessing becomes an act of obedience to the one I have made King of my life.

PREPARATION

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason

HOW CAN WE PREPARE TO WITNESS, TO FISH FOR MEN?

1.     Know what you believe. The word "answer" in Geek is the word from which we get our English word "apology". This does not mean to be sorry, but rather to be able to give an apologetic, or a logical defense of the Gospel.

2.     Know the Basic Gospel that a person needs to know in order to be saved.

3.     Ask God to give you a burden for the lost.

4.     Be willing to witness, and ask God for opportunities and the Holy Spirit's direction and power.

5.     Look for the opportunities that God provides.

EXPECTATION

1 Peter 3:15 - and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you

The Christian is to be different!

He is to be a doer of good works.

He is to be moral.

He is to love his fellow Christians.

He is to have hope in times of persecution.

When the Christian is different, the unsaved will be able to tell.

When you have hope, an expectation of better things to come, the unsaved will notice.

You will not be anxious.

You will not get as flustered.

You will take mistreatment patiently.

You will have joy and peace.

Why?

Because your hope is in the fact that you've been forgiven!

Because your hope is in Jesus Christ who is coming again, at any time! Titus 2:13

SPECIFICATION

1 Peter 3:15 - and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Peter here makes a specification concerning the attitude for effective fishing for men.

Our attitude is not to be a cocky, "I'm better than you are" attitude.

It is not to be an abrasive, unpleasant approach. My Jewish roommate in college was once accosted by a preacher at a skating rink. That approach totally turned him off.

Instead, we are to are to witness with meekness or gentleness, and fear, or reverence, or respect.

Beloved, what we say for Christ is important.

Beloved, how we say it is just as important!

The person being witnessed to must be handled gently, often firmly.

He must also sense the fact that you respect him or her.

Proverbs 15:1 - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

PURIFICATION - Vs. 16

1 Peter 3:16 - Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Your conscience is an inner witness that tells you when you are doing right or wrong. It is possible to ignore your conscience and to sear your conscience.

But when you obey your conscience, you will know when things are not right!

A good conscience is important in witnessing, because those who don't like your witness will speak of you as an evil doer.

But when you are doing what is right, the accusations will mean nothing to you. And eventually, those who falsely accuse you will be ashamed, if your walk matches your talk.

It behooves us to purify our lives daily so that we can be the best possible witnesses.

1 John 1:9

When we keep short accounts with God, our witness will have power.

If you're a Christian, you've been born to fish, born again to fish for men.

Are you are a fisher of men?

If not, why not?

To be a good fisher of men, a good witness, practice:

SEPARATION

PREPARATION

EXPECTATION

SPECIFICATION

PURIFICATION

This is a greatly expanded edition of a previously shared outline.



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CONFIDENCE

(A topical study)

v    What are some of the things that you are most confident in doing?

v    What are some of the things that you are least confident in doing?

v    In what ways do we as Christians often lack confidence?

v    How is a lack of confidence in Christians good and bad?

The words confidence and confident in the Bible lead us to a special level of trust as we apply their truths to our lives.

FOCUSED CONFIDENCE

Psalm 27:3-4 - Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. [4] One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

Proverbs 3:25-26 - Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. [26] For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Proverbs 14:26 - In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

PREFERRED CONFIDENCE

Psalm 118:8-9 - It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. [9] It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

Philippians 3:3 - For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

PEACEFUL CONFIDENCE

Isaiah 30:15 - For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

PROCLAIMING CONFIDENCE

Acts 28:30-31 - And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, [31] Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

BROTHERLY CONFIDENCE

2 Thessalonians 3:4 - And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

Philemon 1:21 - Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

STEADFAST CONFIDENCE

Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

Hebrews 10:35 - Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

PRAYING CONFIDENCE

Ephesians 3:11-12 - According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: [12] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

1 John 3:21-22 - Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. [22] And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

1 John 5:14-15 - And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

HEAVENLY CONFIDENCE

2 Corinthians 5:6-9 - Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: [7] (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) [8] We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. [9] Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

COMING CONFIDENCE

1 John 2:28-29 - And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. [29] If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

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Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>

OUR TENTH YEAR

SERMON SEEDS FOR SEPTEMBER 25, 2006

http://www.sermonseeds.org

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PASTOR MAIL is a mailing list for male pastors. The purpose of the list is to share sermons, outlines, illustrations and prayer requests. To subscribe send a blank email to pastormail-subscribe@associate.com

EXPOSITORY ECHOES is a mailing list that includes a full text sermon from Pastor Jack Peters. To subscribe send a blank email to expositoryechoes-subscribe@welovegod.org

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

Exodus 14

DELIVERANCE

GOD'S PLAN FOR DELIVERANCE - Vss. 1-9

GOD'S PROMISE OF DELIVERANCE - Vss. 10-14

GOD'S PATH TO DELIVERANCE - Vss. 15-23

GOD'S POWER IN DELIVERANCE - Vss. 24-31

Sermon Seeds D1

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Psalm 121

MY HELP

THE SOURCE OF MY HELP Vss. 1-2

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. [2] My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

THE SLEEPLESSNESS OF MY HELP Vss. 3-4

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. [4] Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

THE STRENGTH OF MY HELP Vss. 5-6

The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. [6] The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

THE STEADFASTNESS OF MY HELP Vss. 7-8

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. [8] The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

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Matthew 6:19-24

USING MONEY WISELY

THE RIGHT INVESTMENTS

Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: [21] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

THE RIGHT INSIGHT

Matthew 6:22-23 - The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. [23] But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

THE RIGHT INTEGRITY (One Master)

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

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Luke 6:36-42

MERCIFUL ME!

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

AM I GRACIOUS? Vs. 37

AM I GENEROUS? Vs. 38

AM I GUIDED? Vss. 39-40

AM I GENUINE? Vss. 41-42

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Acts 15:30-16:5

SEASONS

There are often different seasons or periods of time for a church just like there are different seasons in a year. The church at Antioch had just experienced a controversy as to the need for Gentiles to become Jewish in order to be saved. A church council in Jerusalem answered the question with a resounding no. See Acts 15:1-19. When Paul and Barnabas returned from this council in Jerusalem, there were some different seasons in the church.

A SEASON OF JOY 15:30-31

A favorable response from Jerusalem produced joy in the assembly.

A SEASON OF GROWTH 15:32-35

Judas, Silas, Paul, and Barnabas exhorted and taught the people.

A SEASON OF DISAGREEMENT 15:36-39

Paul and Silas wanted to return to the churches that had already been established on their previous missionary journey, but could not agree as the whether Mark should go with them. Barnabas took Mark and left for Cyprus.

A SEASON OF EXPANSION 15:40-16:5

The universal church grew as a result of the ministry of Paul and Silas.

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

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 aged, he became shorter, lighter, and feebler than I'd ever seen him. Oh how I disliked seeing my dad get old. I didn't like the 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 Israel.

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

Sermon Seeds E28

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1 Peter 4:14-16

BORN TO FISH!

Fishermen?

Matt 4:18-19 - And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Fishermen?

Mark 16:14-15 - Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Fishermen?

Matt 5:14-16 - Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Fishermen?

Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Fishermen! The Lord Jesus has called those who know Him as Savior to be "Fishers of Men". We are called to communicate that same great message of eternal life that saved us to others who have not yet placed their faith and trust in Christ. That's how the early church grew! Acts 11:19-21

Most of us know that we should share our faith in Christ.

If John 3:36 is true, and it is, we need to get the message out to everyone!

Basically, we can say, if we've been born again into the Kingdom of God, we've been BORN TO FISH!

Let's see from this passage what fishing entails.

SEPARATION

Vs. 14 - The context in which we find these verses is that of persecution. Peter tells us here, that if we suffer for the sake of righteousness, we are happy! We should feel privileged to suffer for the one who suffered for us. And, we are told that we will suffer for Him as Christians. 2 Timothy 3:12, Philippians 1:29

The opposition will come. We are told in our text not to be afraid or worried when the opposition gives us trouble. There are reasons not to be afraid or worried.

1. Jesus said "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

2. The worse thing opposition can do is kill us, and that's an instant ticket to glory.

3. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would give us the words to say when we are brought before authorities Luke 12:11-12

Instead of being afraid or worried about opposition, Peter tells us to "sanctify the Lord God in our hearts in verse 15.

Christian, you will not be an effective fisherman for Christ unless your heart is right with God. Your actions and your words will not be a good testimony for Christ unless your heart is right with God.

The word "sanctify" means to "set apart".

Inside your heart, the real you, the seat of your emotions, and very being, there needs to be setting apart of the Lord God.

In our text these words actually mean to set apart God as Lord.

In the Trinity, who is viewed as the Lord? The Lord Jesus is! Philippians 2:9-11

If you are a born again Christian, you should set apart Jesus Christ as Lord of your heart!

That means that He is boss.

That means that He is in charge.

That means that He is worshiped and adored.

That means that He can direct you to think, to do, and to say anything that he wishes you to think, do or say.

That's because you have set Him apart as Lord in your heart. Romans 12:1

When you acknowledge Jesus as Lord, you are saying, "Lord Jesus I'll go where you want me to go, I'll do what you want me to do, I'll be what you want me to be."

Witnessing becomes an act of obedience to the one I have made King of my life.

PREPARATION

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason

HOW CAN WE PREPARE TO WITNESS, TO FISH FOR MEN?

1. Know what you believe. The word "answer" in Geek is the word from which we get our English word "apology". This does not mean to be sorry, but rather to be able to give an apologetic, or a logical defense of the Gospel.

2. Know the Basic Gospel that a person needs to know in order to be saved.

3. Ask God to give you a burden for the lost.

4. Be willing to witness, and ask God for opportunities and the Holy Spirit's direction and power.

5. Look for the opportunities that God provides.

EXPECTATION

1 Peter 3:15 - and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you

The Christian is to be different!

He is to be a doer of good works.

He is to be moral.

He is to love his fellow Christians.

He is to have hope in times of persecution.

When the Christian is different, the unsaved will be able to tell.

When you have hope, an expectation of better things to come, the unsaved will notice.

You will not be anxious.

You will not get as flustered.

You will take mistreatment patiently.

You will have joy and peace.

Why?

Because your hope is in the fact that you've been forgiven!

Because your hope is in Jesus Christ who is coming again, at any time! Titus 2:13

SPECIFICATION

1 Peter 3:15 - and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Peter here makes a specification concerning the attitude for effective fishing for men.

Our attitude is not to be a cocky, "I'm better than you are" attitude.

It is not to be an abrasive, unpleasant approach. My Jewish roommate in college was once accosted by a preacher at a skating rink. That approach totally turned him off.

Instead, we are to are to witness with meekness or gentleness, and fear, or reverence, or respect.

Beloved, what we say for Christ is important.

Beloved, how we say it is just as important!

The person being witnessed to must be handled gently, often firmly.

He must also sense the fact that you respect him or her.

Proverbs 15:1 - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

PURIFICATION - Vs. 16

1 Peter 3:16 - Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Your conscience is an inner witness that tells you when you are doing right or wrong. It is possible to ignore your conscience and to sear your conscience.

But when you obey your conscience, you will know when things are not right!

A good conscience is important in witnessing, because those who don't like your witness will speak of you as an evil doer.

But when you are doing what is right, the accusations will mean nothing to you. And eventually, those who falsely accuse you will be ashamed, if your walk matches your talk.

It behooves us to purify our lives daily so that we can be the best possible witnesses.

1 John 1:9

When we keep short accounts with God, our witness will have power.

If you're a Christian, you've been born to fish, born again to fish for men.

Are you are a fisher of men?

If not, why not?

To be a good fisher of men, a good witness, practice:

SEPARATION

PREPARATION

EXPECTATION

SPECIFICATION

PURIFICATION

This is a greatly expanded edition of a previously shared outline.

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CONFIDENCE

(A topical study)

v What are some of the things that you are most confident in doing?

v What are some of the things that you are least confident in doing?

v In what ways do we as Christians often lack confidence?

v How is a lack of confidence in Christians good and bad?

The words confidence and confident in the Bible lead us to a special level of trust as we apply their truths to our lives.

FOCUSED CONFIDENCE

Psalm 27:3-4 - Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. [4] One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

Proverbs 3:25-26 - Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. [26] For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Proverbs 14:26 - In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

PREFERRED CONFIDENCE

Psalm 118:8-9 - It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. [9] It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

Philippians 3:3 - For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

PEACEFUL CONFIDENCE

Isaiah 30:15 - For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

PROCLAIMING CONFIDENCE

Acts 28:30-31 - And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, [31] Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

BROTHERLY CONFIDENCE

2 Thessalonians 3:4 - And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

Philemon 1:21 - Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

STEADFAST CONFIDENCE

Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

Hebrews 10:35 - Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

PRAYING CONFIDENCE

Ephesians 3:11-12 - According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: [12] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

1 John 3:21-22 - Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. [22] And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

1 John 5:14-15 - And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

HEAVENLY CONFIDENCE

2 Corinthians 5:6-9 - Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: [7] (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) [8] We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. [9] Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

COMING CONFIDENCE

1 John 2:28-29 - And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. [29] If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

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