SERMON SEEDS J37 FOR 12-4-06
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
OUR TENTH YEAR
SERMON SEEDS FOR DECEMBER 4, 2006
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IN THIS ISSUE OF SERMON SEEDS I have included four past Christmas Outlines plus the latest outlines in the Life of Christ, Colossians, and Great Bible Words series.
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Isaiah 7:14etc.
ISAIAH'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Isaiah is a great book of prophecy. One of Isaiah's favorite topics is the Lord Jesus Christ. Here are three prophecies concerning his coming, which will help us remember the true meaning of the Christmas season.
THE COMING OF JESUS - Isaiah 7:14-16
The promise is given of a virgin conceiving and bringing forth a son.
His name will be called "Immanuel", or "God with us."
See Micah 5:2.
THE CHARACTER OF JESUS - Isaiah 9:6
"Wonderful"
"Counsellor"
"The Mighty God"
"The Everlasting Father ("Father of Eternity")"
"The Prince of Peace"
THE CONDUCT OF JESUS - Isaiah 61:1-3
You will note that there are parts of this passage that refer to Jesus' first coming to earth, and parts that refer to His second coming. Those things mentioned in verses 1-2a (ending with "To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.") refer to the first coming. Those things mentioned in the remainder of the passage deal with His second coming.
Sermon Seeds B38
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Luke 2, Matthew 2
THE JOYS OF CHRISTMAS
When we do these nice things, we are showing the joys of Christmas.
We feel the stress of getting ready for Christmas, but Christmas is a time of joy.
We let the attitudes and actions of others bother us, but Christmas is a time of joy.
We get frustrated with long lines at the stores and the incompetence of store personnel, but Christmas is a time of joy.
We get upset with ourselves when we dont do what we know we should do, and do things that we shouldnt do, but Christmas is a time of joy!
The Bible is very clear that Christmas is a time of joy. I want us to see Bible characters who had joy on that first Christmas.
THE ANGELS HAD THE JOY OF REVEALING
As you know, Jesus was born in Bethlehem to a virgin named Mary. Joseph was Jesus step-father.
She wrapped Jesus is swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger. There was no room in the inn.
Luke 2: 8 Out on a hillside outside of Bethlehem, shepherds were doing a traditional duty. They were keeping watch over their flocks.
Vs. 9 An angel appearing out of nowhere would have been startling enough. But you can imagine the intense light that must have shone round about him, probably lighting up the night sky. The shepherds were terrified.
Vs. 10 The angel brings to them good tidings of great joy.
If the good tidings had just been for the shepherds or for the people of Israel, it would have still been good tidings of great joy.
But this message of joy is for the whole world, including you, me, America, and the people of every tongue and nation.
Vs. 11 Notice that the shepherds are told that Jesus was born to them. He was born for their benefit!
He was born in the City of David, Davids home town, Bethlehem.
He was born to be the Savior. Thats exactly what He did when he died on the cross to pay the debt you owe God for your sins. Isaiah 53
Not only was he born to be the Savior but He was Christ, the Lord
Jesus was the promised Messiah, the anointed one who was promised in the Old Testament.
Jesus was and is the Lord. He has the authority and power to reign.
Vs. 12 The babe would be tightly wrapped in long strips of cloth called swaddling clothes. He would also be found lying in a manger.
As a servant of God, I am sure that it was sheer joy for this angel to reveal this great news. This was Gods plan, and the angel would rejoice in the plan of God.
Vss. 13-14 As if the message of one angel needed confirmation, and I think because the angels could not remain silent, an angel host filled the sky giving praise to God.
The only way there will be peace on earth is when Jesus comes and rules. And will.
The only way there is true good will to men is through the ministry of the Lord Jesus.
THE SHEPHERDS HAD THE JOY OF RECEIVING
Vs. 15- 16 The shepherds decided to do the logical thing.
They decided to go and see this child.
They received the news from the angel as truth and
acted on it. They believed what they were told.
And they found things to be just as the angels had reported.
You have been told the story of Christmas.
Do you accept the story of Christmas as true?
More important, have you received the Lord Jesus as your Savior? Have you trusted in Him as your forgiveness of sin and your only hope for Heaven? John 1:12, Romans 5:1
Vs. 20 Notice the great joy that led to glorifying and praising God for what they had seen and heard.
They experienced the joy that was a result of receiving the message of the Angel by faith.
If you dont know Jesus as your Savior, make this the happiest day of your life by trusting in Him. If you do know Christ as Savior, if you have received Him, I encourage for you to continue to receive.
Continue to receive the message of the Angels with joy.
Continue to study your Bible and do what it says and you will have the joy that obedience brings.
Continue to abide in Christ, and experience the joy of His daily presence.
Continue to talk to God and experience the joy of answered prayer!
Continue to receive what God has to tell you by faith and continue to feel joy and to rejoice!
THE SHEPHERDS AND ANNA HAD THE JOY OF REPORTING
Vss. 17-18 The shepherds could not keep silent.
They had seen a miracle.
They had seen Gods Anointed One for themselves.
They had something to report and they did.
Vss. 36-38 A very old woman named Anna saw the Lord Jesus and praised God. And she told those who were waiting for the coming of Gods Messiah.
You realize that one of your obligations as a Christian is to be a reporter of the good news about Jesus. Mark 16:1, 1 Peter 3:15
We have a problem.
Our problem is this: We know we should report to others about the Lord Jesus. We know that we should tell them they need to be saved and we know we should tell them how to be saved.
But we consider witnessing a cold obligation that wed rather pass up or ignore for fear of the response of others or fear of our own embarrassment if we mess it up.
We fail to consider witnessing as a joy and a privilege.
It should be a joy to tell people what has happened to us.
It should be a joy to tell people that there is only one way to Heaven, and you can tell them what it is.
It should be a joy to represent as an ambassador for the one who has done so much for us.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Will you take the time to share your joy with those who need to hear it?
MARY HAD THE JOY OF REFLECTING
Luke 2:19 - But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Mary thought on all the events of Christmas.
She pondered them. She remembered them.
In fact, I personally believe that Lukes account of the Christmas story probably came from Mary herself.
She was able to share many years later because she had pondered them in her heart.
Have you discovered the joy of reflecting in a Spiritual sense?
The more you memorize and meditate upon Scripture the more joy you will have.
And the more you reflect on the Christmas story and what it means to you, the more joy you will have. Jeremiah 15:16
THE WISE MEN HAD THE JOY OF RECIPROCATING
Matthew 2:1-12 tells the story of the Wise Men who came to visit Jesus.
These mystical men of the east came bearing gifts.
In appreciation for the birth of The King of the Jews they brought gifts.
They brought four gifts.
Yes, four!
They brought gold, frankincense and myrrh.
But they also brought the gift of worship.
Matthew 2:11 says they fell down and worshipped him.
Their worship for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was the best gift of all.
Do you appreciate what Jesus has done for you?
You could never fully reciprocate for what He has done, but there are some things you can do. These things will bring joy.
· Joyfully take the time to worship Him.
· Joyfully help someone else in need in His name.
· Joyfully continue to support His church and His missionaries.
Sermon Seeds G39
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Mary
Various Texts
MARY'S CONVERSATION WITH THE ANGEL - Luke 1:26-38
MARY'S COMPLETION OF PROPHECY - Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2, Luke 2:1-7
MARY'S CONTACTS AFTER JESUS' BIRTH
1. With The Witnesses - The Shepherds - Luke 2:15-20
2. With The Waiters - Simeon and Anna - Luke 2:27-38 (Waiting for Jesus to arrive)
3. With The Worshipers - The Wise Men - Matthew 2:8-11
This is a previously shared outline.
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Various Texts
Christmas Is
CHRISTMAS IS DIFFERENT
1. Because of the Virgin Birth - Isaiah 7:14
2. Because of the announcement by the angels - Luke 2:9, 13
3. Because of the visit by the Wise Men - Matthew 2:1-12
CHRISTMAS IS DELIGHTFUL
Because of who was born - Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:10-11
CHRISTMAS IS DESTINY
The One born was destined to die for the sins of the world, be buried and rise again. - Isaiah 53, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
CHRISTMAS IS DECISION TIME
Each person must decide what he will do about God's offer of salvation through Christ. - Acts 4:12, John 3:16-18
WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?
Sermon Seeds E40
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MARK 12:28-34
CLOSE!
Life of Christ #50
It is good to get close to doing something positive. We usually make progress towards a decision before we make a decision. It is tragic when we get close to doing the right thing and never do.
We return to our series in the Life of Christ. It is the last week of Jesus life, probably just a couple days before he died. He had been approached by the Pharisees, Herodians, and the Sadducees in the Temple with two questions, one about paying taxes to Caesar, and the other about the resurrection. These groups were trying to trip Jesus up so they could accuse Him, but they couldnt trip up or ensnare Jesus in His own words, because he is God.
Finally, the religious legalists of the day, the Pharisees, sent forward one of their own to question Jesus. This man was different from the typical, legalistic Pharisee, who wanted everything done to the letter of Gods laws or man-made interpretations of those laws.
This scribe, a copyist and expert in the Jewish religious writings, ended up being close to the Kingdom of Heaven, far closer than most of the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus day. Perhaps you will find yourself to be like this scribe, close to the Kingdom of Heaven, but not necessarily in it.
AN HONEST QUESTION Vs. 28
The first two questions that had been asked of Jesus were ones designed to trip Him up and get Him condemned or censored. The first question involved taxes. The second involved resurrection.
This question was of a different nature.
First of all, notice that this scribe had listened to Jesus encounter with the Sadducees. He was well pleased with the answer that Jesus gave to a very difficult question.
This question was not a trick question. It was an honest question Which is the first commandment of all?
With all the laws that were available it was significant to know which one was the most important, or on which ones were all the others based, or how they could be summarized. It is good in religion, as well as most aspects of life to have priorities.
The Scribe heard Jesus answer well, so he asked an honest question that was not only important to Him, but to the Jewish religion as well.
You will notice that on the first two questions of that day, Jesus rebuked those asking.
When He was asked about paying taxes to Caesar, He responded, Why tempt ye me? (Mark 12:15)
When He was asked about the resurrection he said,
Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. (Matthew 22:29)
This man received no rebuke because it was an honest question.
I am encouraged that when I have sincere, honest questions, that God does not rebuke me for asking. In fact God encourages sincere, honest questions especially when we are going through trials. James 1:5
A HOLY ANSWER Vss. 29-31
Vs. 29 Jesus had an answer, part of which was actually very familiar to the scribe. We would say that it was right under his nose.
Verses 29-30 were part of the shema, quoted by pious Jews in their worship both morning and evening. It is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and is an affirmation that there is only one God. The word shema means hear.
Vs. 30 God wants to be loved.
And just as a husband wants the total love of his wife, and a wife wants the total love of her husband, God wants the total love of His creatures.
God wants our love for him to go beyond human love for a husband, a wife, a relative, or a friend. God wants our love for Him to be superior to our love for any person, and activity, any thing. Luke 14:26-27
We should take seriously the warning of Exodus 34:14 - For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
And if you are a Christian, you realize that Jesus is setting a standard that you have never attained.
To love the Lord our God the way described would mean that you would have to keep the first four of the Ten Commandments perfectly. Exodus 20:2-8
In fact, it is because nobody has kept this commandment to love God completely that Jesus came to earth.
There is only one human who ever kept this commandment perfectly, the Lord Jesus, the God Man Himself.
I believe that Jesus wanted this scribe to realize that he had not kept this commandment and was in need of help. Jesus would point to Himself as the one who would die for the sins of not loving God the way one should. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Vs. 31 Jesus gives a second commandment.
Not only is a person to love God completely, he was to love his neighbor as himself.
This was a quote was from Leviticus 19:18 - Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord.
Jesus is showing that loving our neighbor was part of loving God. If we dont love our neighbor, we dont love God.
And again loving our neighbor as ourselves is summed up in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:12-17
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus made it clear that undue anger was equivalent of murder and lusting after a woman was the equivalent of adultery. Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28
Jesus summary of the Gods Law was complete.
It was forceful.
It is convicting.
AN HONORABLE RESPONSE Vss. 32-33
Vs. 32 This Scribe was special. He was not like so many of Jesus enemies who were constant opposition to Him.
He was a breath of fresh air. His response was very positive.
The scribe exclaimed, Well said! or Beautifully said!
He then explained why he agreed with the Lord Jesus.
The stunning thing about this man is that, although he was a part of a group which wanted to destroy Jesus, he was open to the truth, and willing to acknowledge it when he saw it.
May we be equally willing to approve of the truth when it is expressed to us!
Vs. 33 He also acknowledged that the moral law, our love commitment to God and Man was more important than any sort of animal sacrifice. That was the ceremonial law.
He was not discarding the animal sacrifices. He was simply prioritizing as to what was most important.
Our love for God and man is more important than any sacrifice we could make.
A HOPEFUL WORD Vs. 34
Jesus announced that this man was not far from the Kingdom of Heaven. That means that he was very close.
· He accepted Jesus teaching intellectually.
· He recognized the love for God and for ones neighbor as the ultimate fulfillment of the law.
· He was being honest and not hiding behind the legalism he had grown up with.
· He obviously respected the Lord Jesus.
He was close to the Kingdom of Heaven.
There may be some of you who are close to the Kingdom of Heaven.
· Youve heard the Gospel, perhaps all your life.
· You acknowledge that love for God and man is ultimate.
· You may acknowledge that you are a sinner and that Jesus died for the sins of the World.
So, what did this scribe have to do to go from being close to being in?
He had to admit that He couldnt save Himself.
He had to turn to Jesus by faith and trust Him as Lord and Savior.
He couldnt rely on His own law keeping or law keeping plus Jesus.
He had to trust Jesus explicitly. John 14:6, 3:16
It was good that the man was close.
It is good if you are close to the Kingdom.
But being close to the Kingdom is not being in the Kingdom.
You need to trust Jesus as your Savior!
A HORRIBLE THOUGHT
The scribe was a good man.
The scribe was leaning towards Christ.
The scribe was close.
But heres a horrible thought.
Unless this man placed his faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, for as close as He was, He didnt make it.
John 3:16-18, 36
2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith
The scribe was close.
AN HONEST QUESTION Vs. 28
A HOLY ANSWER Vss. 29-31
AN HONORABLE RESPONSE Vss. 32-33
A HOPEFUL WORD Vs. 34
A HORRIBLE THOUGHT
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Colossians 2:1-7
PROGRESS!
Series in Colossians #5
The Christian life is to be one of spiritual progress. We are not to stagnate as Christians, but we are to keep PROGRESSING.
As Paul wrote to the Colossians who were being besieged by false teachers, he challenged them to make progress in at least 5 areas that would help them withstand false teachers.
BEHIND THE SCENES - Vs. 1 - THE PRAYER MINISTRY OF PAUL
The Apostle Paul was an encourager. Not only did he encourage through his words, and his letters, but also through his prayers! For more proof of that just check out Colossians 1:9-14, Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-21, and Philippians 1:9-11.
In this passage Paul is encouraging the people to continue to stand firm for what is right. He talks of his own personal involvement with them, even though he had never seen them. It was his friend Epaphras who had won the Colossians to Christ.
The word conflict means to strive. Paul was striving for the Colossians. The Greek word here is the one from which our English words "agony" and "agonize" come from. I believe Paul's strivings, his conflicts, his struggles were centered on prayer. One of the best ways we can encourage people is to pray for them.
A good example of encouragement through prayer is the one who won many of the Colossians to Christ, Pauls friend Epaphras. Colossians 4:12
It is because of Paul great burden for the spiritual well being of these people that he wants them to progress in five ways.
1. PROGRESSIVE STRENGTH - Vss. 2-3
The Greek word "comforted" is often translated "encouraged".
But Paul is talking more about being strengthened here.
The real "us", especially our hearts or minds need to be strengthened.
We start as Spiritual "babes" in Christ, but we are expected to get stronger in our Spiritual thinking and actions. 2 Peter 3:18, Colossians 1:11
So what happens when our hearts are strengthened?
They are knit together in love.
We might use the word, "united". As saints are strengthened, they are united in love.
There are some things that help a church grow. Inviting people certainly helps. Evangelism certainly helps. But the way the church will grow that is often overlooked is when people are united in their love for the Savior and their love for each other. John 13:34-35
Our understanding is to include knowing God's mystery, or sacred secret of Christ.
We need to be strengthened so we have a true knowledge of Christ!
Vs. 3 tells us why. We need to know Christ better, because Christ is the source of all treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The more you know Christ on a personal basis, the more you will know wisdom and knowledge.
PROGRESSIVE AWARENESS Vs. 4
If we are going to be PROGRESSING in Christ, we must become more and more aware of the existence of false teaching. We must also become more and more competent at spotting false teaching.
False teaching is dangerous.
It will keep unsaved people from coming to Christ.
It will keep saved people from being victorious in Christ.
And notice what the problem is. There are lots of "smooth talkers" who can trick us with beguiling words. Someone has called them "fine sounding arguments."
PROGRESSIVE STAND - Vs. 5
Now Paul gives these people a compliment. They were doing some things right.
They already had a PROGRESSIVE stand for Christ.
Paul was not there in body, but he was in spirit. And evidently through the reports he had received about the Colossian church he rejoiced in knowing of their order.
The words "order" and "steadfastness" are military terms.
The word order refers to a line of soldiers drawn up for battle.
Steadfastness refers to the solidity of a group of soldiers.
So far, the Colossians were standing strong, individually and corporately.
He was encouraging them to continue that stand, especially against false teachers.
This is something we need to do as well. We need to be armed for battle clothed with the Christians armor found in Ephesians 6. We need to be ready to stand strong against false teaching and against sin.
PROGRESSIVE FAITH - Vs. 6
So how were you saved?
By receiving Christ by faith!
You believed in Him for eternal life and forgiveness of sin.
As you received Christ, now you are to live in Christ. That's the life of faith.
And please notice when you received Christ you received God's chosen one, the Messiah.
And when you received Christ you received "Jesus", who is the salvation of Jehovah.
And when you received Christ you received a sovereign, a boss, a king. HE IS LORD!
By faith He's your Messiah.
By faith He's your Savior.
By faith He's your master.
5. PROGRESSIVE MATURITY - Vs. 7
If we are soundly rooted in Christ we will be able to stand firm when the winds of adversity and false teaching start to blow.
After being rooted firmly in Him, now we are to build.
The Christian life is one of continual growth.
As we are built up in Him, we will become established, firm, mature in our faith.
A mature faith leads to thanksgiving.
Are you making progress?
PROGRESSIVE STRENGTH - Vss. 2-3
PROGRESSIVE AWARENESS Vs. 4
PROGRESSIVE STAND - Vs. 5
PROGRESSIVE FAITH - Vs. 6
PROGRESSIVE MATURITY Vs. 7
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FAITH
(MATTHEW STYLE)
GREAT BIBLE WORDS #7
LITTLE FAITH
Matthew 6:30 - Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Matthew 8:26 - And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
Matthew 14:31 - And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Matthew 16:8 - Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
GREAT FAITH
Matthew 8:10 - When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Matthew 15:28 - Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
OBVIOUS FAITH
Matthew 9:2 - And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
HEALING FAITH
Matthew 9:22 - But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
FULFILLED FAITH
Matthew 9:29 - Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
MOUNTAIN MOVING FAITH
Matthew 17:20 - And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Matthew 21:21 - Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
OMITTED FAITH
Matthew 23:23 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
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