SERMON SEEDS J8 FOR MAY 8, 2006
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
CLICK HERE FOR MOTHERS DAY SERMONS
SERMON SEEDS FOR MAY 8, 2006
***************************************************************************
TO SUBSCRIBE - Send a blank e-mail to: sermonseeds-subscribe@welovegod.org
TO UNSUBSCRIBE - Send a blank e-mail to: sermonseeds-unsubscribe@welovegod.org
***************************************************************************
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
MOUNT UNION ECHOES is a mailing list that includes a full text sermon from Pastor Jack Peters. To subscribe send a blank email to mountunionechoes-subscribe@welovegod.org
CLICK HERE FOR MOTHERS DAY SERMONS
***************************************************************************
Joshua 14:6-15
CULMINATION OF A GREAT LIFE
CALEB REMEMBERED GODS PROMISE Vss. 6-9
CALEB REVIEWED GODS GOODNESS Vss. 10-11
CALEB REQUESTED GODS BEST Vs. 12
CALEB RECEIVED GODS REWARD Vs. 13
************************************************************************************
Psalm 5
AM I?
AM I AVAILABLE TO GOD? Vss. 1-3, 7
AM I AWARE OF GODS RIGHTEOUSNESS? Vss. 4-6
AM I ATTENTIVE TO GODS PLAN? Vss. 8-10
AM I ACKNOWLEDGING GODS GOODNESS? Vss. 11-12
***************************************************************************
Mark 9:14-27
TROUBLE ABOUNDING, AM 5/7/06
LIFE OF CHRIST #33
Trouble often follows high points in our lives. Ive learned that when there are high points in my experiences, the very lows are sure to follow!
Last time we saw Jesus and three of his apostles, Peter, James, and John on a mountain where Jesus was transfigured before them and they saw Jesus in his glorified state as God. They also heard the voice of God saying out of a cloud saying, This is my beloved Son, hear him!
As they come down the mountain to meet the other nine disciples, they walk right into trouble!
DISCIPLES IN TROUBLE Vss. 14-15
Vs. 14 Jesus shows up to find the scribes, copiers and interpreters of the Law, the Jewish Scriptures, arguing with the disciples. There was also a great crowd of onlookers.
The disciples were busy defending themselves because they had failed. As well see in a minute, a man brought his demon possessed son to Jesus. Because Jesus wasnt there, the disciples, who had been commissioned to cast out demons, tried to and failed.
You and I can relate to these disciples. We know all about failure. Weve failed often enough, even when we were trying to serve the Lord and do His business.
Vs. 15 At this very crucial time, in the midst of their failure, Jesus shows up. I believe the people were surprised to see Jesus because they werent expecting Him at that moment, and because the discussion had somewhat to do with Him.
You see, when we disciples fail, it is a reflection on our Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. When we blow it, He very often gets the blame.
The moment Jesus showed up, the attention was no longer placed on the disciples, but on the Master!
In our day and age, because Jesus is always with us through His Holy Spirit, we dont have to wait for Him to show up.
BOY IN TROUBLE Vss. 16-18
Vs. 16 Notice something here. When Jesus is brought into a problem, Hell take over if you let Him!
Right away Jesus is on the defense of His disciples. This wont let them off the hook as far being accountable for their mistakes, but it does mean that Jesus is there to help, fix, and defend.
Jesus asked the scribes what the problem was and evidently there was a deafening silence.
Vs. 17 A man in the crowd tells Jesus what the problem is. Theres a boy in trouble. It is His boy, in fact, its his only son.
The man was saying, I brought Him to you Lord. He has a dumb spirit. That means he couldnt talk. Evidently he couldnt hear either, because when Jesus healed the boy he removed a deaf and dumb spirit.
Vs. 18 The boys problem becomes more detailed and more troubling. The boy is having seizures. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes as stiff as a board.
This was evidently a form of epilepsy complicated by demon possession.
And to make the boys problem even greater, the disciples could not help him.
GENERATION IN TROUBLE Vs. 19
Jesus was talking to the disciples, and putting them in the same boat as the generation in which they lived.
The disciples had tried to cast the demon out of this boy and couldnt. But they had been commissioned to do this. Mark 3:14-15
They had some success. Mark 6:12-13
Now, they were powerless.
They, like the rest of the generation, were faithless.
They had tried to cast out the demons in their own power, without relying on the power of the Lord Jesus.
There faith was evidently not in God, but in their own abilities, and they failed.
Jesus was distraught with them. He was wondering out loud how long He had to put up with their obvious lack of faith.
The boy was still hurting because the disciples were faithless.
Jesus said about the boy, Bring him to me.
As well see in a few moments, we must learn to bring the troubles of people to Jesus by faith.
FATHER IN TROUBLE Vss. 20-24
Vs. 20 The demon saw Jesus and seemed to tighten his grasp on the boy. A severe convulsion took place. It seems that when the devil senses that he is trouble, he often intensifies his attack.
Vss. 21-22 Jesus asked the Father how long this problem had been occurring.
The Father responded that it had happened since the boy had been a child,
He added that the demon had such a hold on the boy that he even cast him to fire and water trying to destroy the lad.
And notice the fathers impassioned plea, If you can do anything have compassion on us, and help us.
The fathers faith was in trouble.
It was wearing thin over the years of no relief.
It had worn thinner because the disciples couldnt help.
And now his last hope is Jesus.
Vs. 23 How often do we doubt Gods willingness to help us?
How often do we doubt Gods ability to help us?
How often have we in our minds rendered things impossible?
Next Jesus says, All things are possible to him that believes.
Jesus is not saying that whatever I want I can have if I just believe.
The man here was standing before the Son of God, and what the man wanted was the healing of his son. Jesus is showing that the healing of the son is Gods will and indicating that Jesus had the power to do it. What he needed was the faith of the Father.
Our faith should always be based on the clear teaching of the Word of God. If God promises something, we can believe He will do it if we ask by faith.
If the Spirit of God clearly impresses us that something is Gods will, we should then believe that God will provide it in answer to prayer. 1 John 5:14-15,
Vs. 24 Immediately the father of the child cries out, Lord I do believe! It was a like a lunge forward. Based on what you just said Lord, I believe that you are going to heal my son.
But now notice how transparent the man is!
We should all be so honest!
Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief.
The mans faith was imperfect and he admitted it.
Now instead of asking for help for his son, hes asking for help for himself!
Your faith wont always be perfect. This mans wasnt.
And when your faith is not perfect, admit it and ask for help!
LORD OVER TROUBLE Vss. 25-27
Now we see the power of Jesus at work.
Vs. 25 Evidently the discussion with the man was of a more private nature. Now the people were coming together again. Jesus commands the spirit to come out and not to return. He uses his authority as God.
This is why we are pray and trust. It is God that has authority not me. And when God takes action there is no doubt that there will be submission on the part of others. They have no choice.
Vs. 26 The demon left kicking and screaming. He so worked on the boy that he appeared dead.
Vs. 27 But Jesus lifted him up and he was healed. The demon was gone.
The boys trouble was a demon.
The fathers trouble was that his boy had a demon, and both he and son were helpless to do anything about it.
The father submitted his trouble by request and faith to the Lord Jesus.
He placed the trouble under Jesus authority.
ANTIDOTE FOR TROUBLE Vss. 28-29
Vs. 28 The disciples asked the logical question, Why did we fail?
Jesus had given them authority over demons, and yet they couldnt handle this one.
Vs. 29 The problem was so great that the only solution was prayer!
Jesus stressed the need for persevering prayer. Matthew 7:7-8
Jesus stressed the importance of believing prayer. Mark 11:22-24
All through the Epistles there is a call to persistent, faithful, believing prayer. Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2, 1 Timothy 2:8, James 5:16-18, 1 Peter 4:7
For personal problems pray!
For family problems pray!
For church problems pray!
For church growth pray!
For more effective preaching pray!
And what about fasting? There is some question as to whether the word belongs in the text or not. But the Bible Knowledge Commentary explains it well when it says, But the words, if original, refer to a practical means of focusing ones attention more fully on God for a specific
purpose, for a limited period of time. John F. Walvoord, Roy F. Zuck, Editors, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament Edition, (Wheaton, Illinois, Victor Books, 1983), p145
If God moves you to fast to concentrate on seeking Gods face in prayer, do it!
As we close this message, what does this passage of Scripture teach us?
WHEN TROUBLES ABOUND, THE ANSWER IS PERSISTENT, BELIEVING, RELIANT PRAYER!
***************************************************************************
John 5:1-16
BY THE POOL
THE SCENE SET Vss. 1-4
THE SICK IDENTIFIED Vs. 5
THE STUCK MOVED Vss. 6-9
THE SABBATH VIOLATED Vss. 10-13
THE SINNER CHALLENGED Vs. 14
THE SAVIOR INDICATED Vs. 15
*************************************************************************
ACTS 4:23-37 - Page 1
(NOT SO) SECRET WEAPON
THE MODEL CHURCH LESSON #9
· What are some of the secret, or not so secret, weapons that men use on women to get their way.
· What are some of the secret, or not so secret weapons that men use on men to get their way?
· How is prayer a not so secret weapon?
· Should I use prayer to get my way?
· What have you seen God do in answer to prayer?
We return to our study of the Model Church we find them having a prayer meeting. This meeting had a quite an impact, and it is a reminder to us about the importance of prayer. Prayer is our not so secret weapon.
We need to understand a little of the background of this passage.
Acts 3:1-11 - Peter and John healed a man who was lame from birth.
Acts 3:12-26 - Peter gave a Spirit empowered-message. Many were saved as a result.
Acts 4:1-12 - Peter and John were arrested by the leadership. And they had another opportunity to witness for Christ.
Acts 4:13-22 - They had no reason to throw these men in jail. They decided to release them with threats. And we saw last time that Peter and John were under pressure because of their testimony for God.
Vs. 23 - When they were released they gathered themselves together with other believers. I imagine that they had already gathered to pray for Peter and John once word got out that they were taken into custody.
RECOGNITION OF THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD - Vss. 24-28
Vs. 24 - Notice what was done. They lifted up their voice to God with one accord. They were in total harmony and agreement. Obviously people prayed one at a time, but the people were in total agreement with the prayer that was uttered. They were a prayer team.
· Every thing is under God's sovereign control. He is Lord. Name some of the specific things that are under His control.
Because everything is under control we can endure any trial, and problem, and puzzling situation because we know that God is in total control. And we can come to Him in prayer because we know that He is in total control.
Vs. 25-26 - They also recognize the Lord as the God of Scriptures. They see what was done to Him as a fulfillment of Psalm 2:1-2.
They realize that what had happened to Jesus was part of God's sovereign plan for the redemption of the world.
Vss. 27-28 - What Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles and the people of Israel did was part of God's sovereign plan. Isaiah 53:1-6
REQUEST FOR SUPPLY FROM GOD - Vss. 29-30
Vs. 29 - The apostles ask the Lord to look at the threatenings, to take note of them.
Boldness is asked for to speak the Word of God.
They were in one accord asking for boldness.
Not just the apostles, but everyone gathered was asking for boldness.
The most important job in this church is preaching and teaching the Word of God.
Matthew 28:19-20
1 Timothy 4:12-13
2 Timothy 4:2
1 Corinthians 1:18
1 Corinthians 1:21
The early church asked for boldness.
We do not ask enough for boldness.
We do not ask in unison for boldness.
We should ask for boldness for the Pastor or whoever is speaking.
We should ask for boldness for the youth leaders, Good News Club teachers, Sunday School Teachers, and Small Blessings Teachers.
We should ask for boldness for ourselves, that when we are in witnessing situations or sharing with other Christians that we will have boldness.
Vs. 30 - Here's an interesting thing. A healing had gotten them in trouble and they were asking them for more healing.
We pray a lot for physical healing.
I think we need to pray for spiritual healing.
The healing of relationships with others
The healing of peoples' walk with God
The healing that comes from knowing Christ as Savior
I believe that we should also ask for signs and wonders.
I don't think we should ask for the same kind of signs and wonders found in the church in Acts.
But I do think we should ask for,
What we need signs and wonders of God's Holy Spirit moving, empowering and convicting in our midst.
I feel that there should be evidence in just about every service that God is at work.
We just don't ask God to do anything much, and so he doesn't. Mark 11:22-24
RECEPTION OF STRENGTH FROM GOD - Vss. 31
Vs. 31 - The place was shaken. And we need the Lord to shake this place up, and to shake me up too.
They were all filled with the Holy Ghost. There were two kinds of strength received.
And the Word of God was spoken with boldness.
Notice there was great power on the speaking of the Apostles. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
God gave them what they asked.
So let's do some asking.
Let's ask for boldness.
Let's ask for changes in people's lives.
Let's ask for souls.
Let's ask for something to happen.
*********************************************************************
James 5:1-6
WARNINGS FOR THE WEALTHY, OR FAITH WORKS FINANCIALLY PM 5/7/06
FAITH WORKS #14
Most of us dont want to be filthy rich, but most of you wouldnt mind winning the lottery or the Publishers House Sweepstakes. Some of us, like myself, dont play the lottery, but wouldnt mind winning the money.
In James 5:1-6 we find James attacking the rich with the zeal of an Old Testament prophet. In fact he seems to use a technique that some of the Old Testament prophets. He was probably talking to people who couldnt hear him.
The Old Testament prophets would sometimes address nations and pronounce judgments on them. It wasnt likely that these nations were even going to hear these pronouncements, but they were written for the benefit of Gods people, so Gods people would understand what was going to happen to these ungodly nations.
The people James addressed in James 5:1-6 were probably unsaved wealthy Jewish landowners, most of which, were not involved at all with the church. The chances of them hearing this pronouncement against them were unlikely.
So why did God have James include these verses in his letter? I think that there are at least two reasons.
First of all, many Christians might have secret desires towards becoming wealthy. It is possible to love money without being wealthy. 1 Timothy 6:10, Matthew 6:24
By addressing the rich, James was also giving warning to those in the church who wanted to be rich or had the love of money.
Secondly there were many in the congregation who were poor and suffering under the hand of the rich. These words would have encouraged them that the rich would be judged and were really in bad shape.
So, as you and I approach this passage, it should serve as both as warning for us if we happen to love money and lifestyles of the rich and famous. It should also be an encouragement for us if we feel oppressed or intimidated by the rich people that are around us.
In these warnings for the wealthy I find James giving us five specific problems that the rich have.
FUTURE MISERIES - Vs. 1
The interesting thing here is that this is not a call to repentance. James is simply telling the rich that they should weep or cry aloud and howl because of the impending judgment that they would receive.
Remember that they will not be punished for being rich. They will be punished because their riches kept them from God and because they trusted their riches and not God. Luke 12:16-21
The unsaved rich man will be miserable. Although the rich often suffer misery in this life, it is nothing compared to the life that is to come. Luke 16:19-31, Revelation 20:15
The future is miserable for the unsaved rich and any person who is not a born again Christian.
FALSE SECURITY - Vss. 2-3
There are three kinds of wealth alluded to here in these two verses. These were ways of measuring wealth in the ancient world.
Vs. 2 It is possible that food stuffs is alluded to here. A standard of wealth would be how much grain one would have laid up in store. But James says that their riches were corrupted or rotted. Food eventually rots.
Vs. 3 Another standard for wealth was clothing. Fancy and ornate clothing was a sign of wealth. But when these garments were in storage they were susceptible to moths.
When the garments were moth eaten they became worthless.
Gold and silver are mentioned next. They literally dont rust. But they do in a figurative way. If they are not used for the right reasons in this life, they, in a sense rust. Matthew 16:19-21
The rust of horded or misspent wealth will be a witness against them and eats at them as if it were fire. Fire often represents judgment. It is the last days. Jesus could come at any time. Instead of investing in Gods kingdom because time is short, they were hording.
FAULTY BUSINESS PRACTICES
Not only were the rich hording, but they were abusing the poor. They were keeping back wages that belonged to the poor.
There were day laborers who worked by the day and got paid by the day. They were probably already poor.
In the time of harvest when there would have been plenty of food and wine available, the poor were being cheated of their rightfully earned income. This was clearly a violation of the Old Testament Law.
Leviticus 19:13, Deuteronomy 24:14-15, Malachi 3:5
James says that the cries of those who have been oppressed are heard by the Lord of sabaoth, the Lord of hosts. God will be their judge.
This is a good reminder to all of us. We are not to cheat, or hold back funds from another when it is rightfully theirs, whether it be salary, or money that you have borrowed, or an inheritance that is rightfully theirs. Proverbs 3:27
FOOLISH PLEASURES - Vs. 5
The rich lived in the lap of luxury, and made this their lifestyle, what they lived for. There was no concern for the well being of others. 1 John 3:17
I dont think it wrong to have nice things, especially once in awhile. But I do think that it is wrong to live for these things and make them the goal of our lives.
And notice what the person who lives for luxury accomplishes. He fattens his heart, just like as you might fatten a pig or an ox before slaughtering it.
The slaughter that the heart is being fattened for is the slaughter of judgment.
Solomon called the self indulgent life vanity or empty. Ecclesiastes 2:4-11
FRAMING THE INNOCENT - Vs. 6
As it is today, the rich often have the advantage in the courts. Only it was worse in those days.
The rich could condemn and kill the righteous or just and the righteous or just would not oppose them.
That might be because the righteous had no way of fighting back. The odds were stacked against them.
But James might also have the Christian poor in view here.
When they were abused by the wicked, they were instructed not to fight back. Matthew 5:39
Before we abuse anyone, it is good that we remember that the Lord sees everything and doesnt miss any abuse that we dish out in any way. Proverbs 5:21, Proverbs 15:3
The ways of unsaved rich people can certainly be wrong.
We should not want to imitate them, nor should we set our heart on being rich.
***************************************************************************
HELPING YOUR CHURCH GROW - PART 2
ON OUR KNEES - LEARNING FROM MEN OF PRAYER LESSON #10 of 10 PAUL
(A COMPLETE LESSON)
INTERACTION
V What are some things you wish or hope for in the lives of your children or grandchildren 18 and under?
V What are some things you wish or hope for in your adult children?
V What are some things you hope for your Christian friends?
V Are our wishes for others always spiritual? Why or why not?
V What qualities made Paul a great pastor?
We continue to see the heart of Paul tonight as we examine the third and fourth prayers that Paul prayed for the churches he pastored. These are also prayers we can pray for our church and for our Christian friends.
1. PRAY FOR PERCEPTION - Ephesians 1:15-23
2. PRAY FOR POWER - Ephesians 3:14-21
3. PRAY FOR PERFORMANCE - Philippians 1:3-11
· According to verses 3-7 thanksgiving is a key ingredient in praying for others. What are some of the things Paul was thankful for?
· According to verse 8, what must we do to imitate Paul?
I see this prayer as a prayer for action!
· How is Christianity a proactive religion?
· Why do Christians often act like Christianity isnt proactive?
1. Abounding in love - Vs. 9
· What are some of the ways that Christians could love other Christians better?
· What hinders us from loving other Christians better?
· Why is love for God and other Christians something we should desire for others as we pray?
· How does knowing God help us love others better?
· How does knowing others character and needs help us to love others better?
· How does discernment or judgment help us love others?
2. Abounding in choice and Godly living - Vs. 10
· Whats the difference between good and excellent?
· Why should we not settle for the good or want our brothers and sisters in Christ not to settle for that which is good?
· When pottery was made in Bible times it often developed cracks. Some dealers would plug the cracks with hard wax. The plugged cracks were often undetectable except when exposed to sunlight. Reputable dealers would advertise their pottery as sine cera or without wax.
· There should be no impurities in our lives. There should be no hidden agendas or sins that are dishonoring to the Lord.
· How can a Christian be an offense to other Christians?
· How can a Christian be an offense to unbelievers?
3. Abounding in fruitfulness - Vs. 11
· In what ways should Christians be fruitful?
· According to this verse what is the only way that we can hope to be fruitful?
· What happens when we are truly fruitful?
4. PRAY FOR PERSEVERANCE - Colossians 1:9-14
The Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon. We need to pray that other Christians "hang in there".
1. Knowing His will - Vs. 9
· Why is it important to know Gods will?
· Why do we often not consider what Gods will is?
· How do we go about knowing Gods will?
· Why are wisdom and spiritual understanding keys to knowing Gods will?
2. Walking worthily - Vs. 10a
· Whats the difference between being worthy and walking worthily?
· What are some things we will do when we walk worthily of Christ?
· How do we know when we are walking worthily?
3. Being fruitful - Vs. 10b
4. Knowing God - Vs. 10c
· Why do we all need to know God better?
· How should we go about knowing God better?
5. Enduring with:
a. patience Vs. 11
· Why do Christians need patience during trying situations?
b. longsuffering Vs. 11
· Why are we sometimes patient with situations and impatient with people?
· Why do others deserve us to be longsuffering?
c. joyfulness Vs. 11
· How does joyfulness in hard times distinguish us as Christians?
d. thanksgiving - Vss. 12-14
· How does being thankful help us to endure?
· What is the bottom line key to endurance according to verse 11?
***************************************************************************
HAVE THESE SERMON SEEDS BLESSED YOU? THEN, PLEASE PASS THEM ALONG!
ABOUT SERMON SEEDS:
Sermon Seeds is a weekly e-mailing of free brief sermon outlines from Pastor Jack Peters. These outlines are meant to help other pastors and Bible Teachers in their own preparations.
These outlines are only "seeds". They are not sermons ready for you to preach. Feel free to improve on these outlines anyway the Lord leads you.
TO SUBSCRIBE - Send a blank e-mail to: sermonseeds-subscribe@welovegod.org
TO UNSUBSCRIBE - Send a blank e-mail to: sermonseeds-unsubscribe@welovegod.org
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEB SITE!
http://www.sermonseeds.org is the location for the Sermon Seeds Archives. You will find most of the outlines from these e-mail editions, plus links to other helpful web pages. Be sure to sign the guest book, and tell me a little about yourself.
JACKS EMAIL ADDRESS jpeters@alltel.net
TALK TO JACK THROUGH INSTANT MESSAGING
I welcome live correspondence with those on the Sermon Seeds list. To put me on your "buddy list" here is the information you need.
AOL AIM JackPeters1947
MSN (Microsoft) - johnwpeters@hotmail.com
VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.sermonseeds.org
This ministry has grown over the years because people like you have told others about Sermon Seeds. Always feel free to forward the weekly Sermon Seeds email to those who you think might be interested in these outlines. Also, please share our website address with others as well. Thank you for your support.
-- To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: sermonseeds-unsubscribe@welovegod.org