SERMON SEEDS K25 FOR 9/3/07
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
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SERMON SEEDS FOR SEPTEMBER 3, 2007
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Genesis 22:1-18
A LESSON IN TRUST
We know that Abraham was a man of faith. The day his faith might have been tested the most was when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his Son, Isaac.
ABRAHAM'S AVAILABILITY - Vss. 1-3
Abraham was available to do as God asked, even though he certainly didn't like it.
ABRAHAM'S ASSURANCE - Vss. 4-8
Abraham indeed believed that God would provide a lamb for the sacrifice.
ABRAHAM'S ACQUIESCENCE - Vss. 9-10
Abraham actually tried to do what God told him. He lifted up the knife to take his own son's life.
GOD'S ACTION - Vss. 11-12
God intervened to stop Abraham.
GOD'S ALTERNATIVE - Vss. 13-14
A ram was available for sacrifice.
GOD'S APPROVAL - Vss. 15-18
God promises blessing upon Abraham and his seed.
Sermon Seeds F20
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Psalm 77
THE WAY OUT
THE PSALMISTS CRY Vss. 1-2
THE PSALMISTS COMPLAINT Vss. 3-9
THE PSALMISTS CONSOLATION Vss. 10-13
THE PSALMISTS CONFIDENCE Vss. 14-20
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Proverbs 6:20-24
ON FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS
KEEP THEM Vs. 20
SECURE THEM Vs. 21
FOLLOW THEM Vs. 22
RELY ON THEM Vs. 23-24
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LUKE 5:17-26
WHO WILL CARRY THE STRETCHER?
We already read the Scripture about 4 men who carried a stretcher and brought a paralytic man to Jesus. When you came to Christ as your Savior, there were probably one or more people who helped bring you to Jesus. They were instrumental in leading you to Christ. In a sense, they helped carry the stretcher.
Many of the ideas for this message came from an article written by Donald D. Orvis in Moody Monthly magazine in March of 1978. I would like to begin by reading you the introduction to his article.
Think for a moment, who helped carry the stretcher that brought you to Jesus?
· Who prayed for your salvation?
· Who set an example of what a Christian is?
· Who witnessed to you?
· Who preached to you in person or on radio or T.V.?
If you are saved, Jesus wants you to carry the stretcher so others will come to know Him as Savior. After all someone else did it for you! Where would you be if someone didnt pray for or witness to you? Mark 16:15, 1 Timothy 2:1-4, 1 Peter 3:15
Do you remember what Jesus said to those who would want to be disciples? He told them to count the cost. They were to consider what was required to be a disciple.
This morning my question is "WHO WILL CARRY THE STRETCHER?"
I am reminded of Isaiah 6:8 - Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Before we decide if we are going to say, "Yes Lord, I'll help carry the stretcher to bring people to Christ," I want us to consider from the story in front of us what it will take from us in order to carry the stretcher that brings others to Jesus. What will it cost us?
IT TAKES COMPASSION TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
Vs. 18 - These men brought this sick man to Jesus because they cared! They had compassion on the man who was sick.
I think we as Christians have lost our compassion for the lost, or perhaps we have never had it. I don't think that we really care that people without Christ are dying and going to hell. John 3:36, Revelation 20:11-15
IT TAKES TIME TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
In our story, these men donated their time to bring this sick man to Jesus.
Everything we do takes time.
Work takes time.
Pleasure takes time.
Eating takes time.
Church takes time.
Prayer and reading the Bible take time.
Carrying the stretcher, bringing someone to Jesus takes time.
· It takes time to develop a friendship, a relationship, so a person will be receptive to the Gospel. I am convinced that most people are more receptive to the Gospel if they see someone living the Christian Faith in front of them. We can't live the Christian Faith in front of people, unless we spend time with them.
· It takes time to be available when that person has a need.
· It takes time to pray for that person's salvation.
· It takes time to share the Gospel.
· It takes time that you could be using to do something else. But we should be making the best use of our time. Ephesians 5:15-17
IT TAKES PERSISTENT EFFORT TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
These four men came to where Jesus was, and discovered that due to the crowds and location of Jesus, that they weren't going to have it so easy. They were going to have to be persistent to get this man to Jesus.
There are some people, especially children, who can hear the Gospel once and be saved.
There are others who require persistent effort on our part to be won to Jesus.
Make no mistake, only the Spirit of God convicts and saves. But also make no mistake, that we need to be persistent about bringing people to Jesus!
IT TAKES CREATIVITY TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
Vs. 19 - They couldn't get in to see Jesus. They got creative! They found a way to get the man to Jesus!
Let me tell you folks, the Gospel message doesn't change.
The message of salvation is the same.
God's Word does not change.
But methods do change!
For example, years ago, many people came to evening church. In fact many unsaved would go to church, and many would be converted. Pastors would emphasize evangelism and see many come to Christ.
In our day the unsaved, if they come to church at all, come in the morning. We emphasize the Gospel now in the morning service instead of the evening. The message hasn't changed, but the method has.
Let me tell you something folks, if we are going to win people to Christ, we need to ask the Lord for creative methods that are going to reach Baby Boomers and Generation-X!
IT TAKES FAITH TO CARRY THE STRETCHER.
Vs. 20 - Jesus responded to the faith of the men who brought the sick man to Jesus. It doesn't say he saw the man's faith. It says that He saw their faith, the ones who were carrying the stretcher!
Carrying the stretcher, bringing someone to Jesus requires faith.
· Faith that bringing people to Jesus is important
· Faith that bringing people to Jesus is God's will
· Faith that bringing people to Jesus is a heaven or hell issue
· Faith that bringing people to Jesus is worth the effort
· Faith that bringing people to Jesus pleases God
· Faith that bringing people to Jesus helps them.
IT TAKES PRAYER TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
When the men in our story lowered the stretcher of that man down to Jesus it was a form of a prayer. They were saying to Jesus, "Here he is, Lord, please heal him!"
For some reason, God honors the prayers of His people when it comes to saving people.
2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 5:14-15
If it's God's will that people be saved, shouldn't we be praying for their salvation? God has chosen to accomplish His work in answer to our prayers! We'd better get busy!
IT MIGHT TAKE MONEY TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
It might not have cost any money to fix that roof, but I have a feeling that these men either paid for the fixing or did the fixing of the roof.
Jesus talks about money. He talks about investing money in God's work. Often, when we invest money in God's Work, we are investing in souls. Matthew 6:19-21
IT MIGHT TAKE CRITICISM TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
Do you think everyone was happy with those men?
With all the Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting there, I highly doubt it.
When you witness you may be criticized,
· For being narrow minded
· For wanting to convert people to your religion
· For not minding your own business
· For being too religious
But it is better to be criticized than to be silent!
Four men carried the stretcher to bring a man to Jesus.
Will you carry the stretcher to bring others to Christ?
Remember, there is a cost.
IT TAKES COMPASSION TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
IT TAKES TIME TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
IT TAKES PERSISTENT EFFORT TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
IT TAKES CREATIVITY TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
IT TAKES FAITH TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
IT TAKES PRAYER TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
IT MIGHT TAKE MONEY TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
IT MIGHT TAKE CRITICISM TO CARRY THE STRETCHER
ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE?
WILL YOU CARRY THE STRETCHER?
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Titus 3:1-7
BACK TO BASICS
#6 in Titus Series GODLY LIVING IN THE CHURCH
(Complete Lesson)
· What are some of the basic rules of etiquette (manners) that you taught your children?
· What are some basic things you learn when you learn to read?
· What are some of the basics of arithmetic (math)?
· Why is it always important to learn the basics of anything we are involved in?
In Titus 3:1-7 we find Paul presenting some basics that are important for us to understand as Christians. The three point outline is mine, but the idea of three sections of seven points each comes from John MacArthur. John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary Titus, (Chicago, Moody Press, 1996), pp.136-155
HOW WE BEHAVE AS CHRISTIANS
· How do you know that unsaved people are watching you?
· Why should your behavior be beyond reproach before unsaved people even when theirs is not?
· Here are seven basics of behavior for us to practice before a watching world of unbelievers:
1. Subject to Principalities and Powers Why should we be submissive and supportive towards government, including proper payment of taxes? Romans 13:1-7
2. Obey Magistrates What laws are Christians most likely to break? Why is that a poor testimony?
3. Ready to Every Good Work What good works can we do towards government and for the betterment of our community? How involved should a Christian be in politics?
4. Speak Evil of No Man Psalm 101:5 We tend to malign those we dont like. Why is it so easy to be critical and even slanderous against politicians and public officials? Some of you are upset when President Bush is criticized unmercifully, but how did you treat President Clinton? Why might it be helpful that a Christian not be primarily known for his political position?
5. No Brawlers What are contentious people like? Why does being contentious hurt the cause of Christ?
6. Gentle Philippians 4:5 - The Golden Rule shows us how to be gentle. Matthew 7:12
7. Showing Meekness to all Why is it important that we always be considerate of others?
WHAT WE WERE AS UNBELIEVERS
· How will remembering what we were like before we were saved help us to treat unsaved people properly?
· Even if we were saved at an early age and dont remember being particularly bad, we can think of how we would be today if we werent saved! Think of what Christ has saved you from!
1. Foolish In what areas of living were Christians foolish before they were saved?
2. Disobedient Why should we be able to understand the disobedience of unsaved people even though we shouldnt agree with it or practice it?
1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 2:1-3
3. Deceived How did Satan have you fooled before you were saved?
4. Serving Lusts and Pleasures Why are unsaved people enslaved to these things?
5. Malice If you think about it, if it wasnt for the Lord Jesus Christ in our life we would practice malice (evil) whatever chance we get, even though we might cover it up.
6. Envy How does jealousy show itself on the evening news?
7. Hateful and Hating What causes someone to act in a hateful way and to actually hate another human being?
· Not only should we remember what we are like in the past, but we must also remember that we are not perfect now! Matthew 7:3-5
WHAT WE HAVE IN CHRIST
1. Kindness How has Christ been kind to you?
2. Love of God our Savior Toward Man Notice the deity of Christ alluded to in this phrase. What Scripture verses about the Fathers and Christs love come to your mind?
3. Mercy How has God shown pity on us?
4. Washing of Regeneration How were you washed by the new birth? John 3:1-8
5. Renewing of the Holy Ghost In what ways does the Holy Spirit give us new life? Galatians 5:22-26
6. Jesus Christ our Savior Remember Romans 5:6-8
7. Grace Why did it take grace for you to be justified? As an heir, what do you expect to inherit?
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CONVERSION STORY
A FUNERAL SERMON
Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
We need rest often.
· Sometimes we need physical rest. Weve been working very hard and have not taken or gotten breaks from our activities. We are exhausted and in need of rest! And sometimes our bodies will be sick and we are exhausted because we have been fighting disease.
· Sometimes we need emotional rest. Our minds are in a state of unrest. Our minds are always agitated. We never get any rest and sometimes no sleep because we are emotionally stressed.
· Sometimes we need spiritual rest. We have no peace with God, and henceforth we are needy spiritually. Sin is always at the root of spiritual rest.
Weve all sinned. Weve all failed God. Hence, there is a lack of rest.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Isaiah 59:1-2 - Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: [2] But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Our friend was in that state a few months ago. I believe that he was afraid to die and needed some spiritual help. He was in spiritual trouble and he knew it. He needed spiritual rest. He needed to come to Jesus for help.
Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
He did come to Jesus.
HE CAME HUMBLY
I visited him in the hospital and I asked him a question.
What if you were to die and found yourself at the gate of Heaven, and God asked you Why should I let you in? I believe that He answered that he didnt know.
I then explained to him that nobody deserved to go to heaven, including him.
Romans 3:10 - As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Ezekiel 18:4 - Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
I further explained that God in His love sent Jesus to die for our sins and rose from the dead.
2 Corinthians 5:21 - For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
I explained to him that he could not earn his way to Heaven, but he could put his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
He came to Jesus humbly. He prayed by faith to receive Jesus as his Savior.
HE CAME HUMBLY
HE LIVED HOPEFULLY
When a person truly puts their faith in Christ, change takes place. They have a new hope for the future, knowing that they are going to Heaven. Others can see their hope by the change that takes place in their lives.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
What was new about him?
· His wife tells me that He was no longer afraid to die.
· He was interested in attending church and becoming a church member.
· He was eager to have prayers said for him during the last few weeks of his life.
HE CAME HUMBLY
HE LIVED HOPEFULLY
HE WENT HOME
Early Friday evening God welcomed him into his presence. He had come humbly and lived hopefully. Now he is home.
Psalm 116:15 - Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
2 Corinthians 5:8-9 - 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.
He is at rest as Jesus promised.
And if God did ask him, Why should I let you into Heaven? His answer would have been something like this, Father, I dont deserve to come into Heaven. Im a sinner. But I trusted your Son as my way to Heaven. He died for me. My faith is in Him. Based on a sincere testimony like that, God would receive him.
Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Now what about you? If you are in spiritual turmoil or lack spiritual rest or if you are unsure what will happen to you after you die what should you do?
COME HUMBLY
Acknowledge before God that you are not good enough to earn your way into Heaven. The Bible says that it is not of works lest any man should boast,
Put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as the one who died for you, and that he paid for your sins in full.
Receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
LIVE HOPEFULLY
· If you truly trust Jesus for eternal life, you will begin to experience spiritual rest.
· You will have a desire to learn more about the Lord Jesus, to obey Him, and to serve Him.
· You will have a desire to attend church in order to worship God and be with Gods people
2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
COME HUMBLY
LIVE HOPEFULLY
GO HOME
Having trusted Jesus and having lived a changed life through the power of God, you will be ushered into the presence of God.
COME HUMBLY
LIVE HOPEFULLY
GO HOME
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24 HOURS TO LIVE!
If you only had 24 hours to live how would you spend it?
ID WORSHIP HIS MAJESTY Hebrews 13:15
ID WATCH FOR CHRISTS COMING Titus 2:13, 1 Peter 4:7
ID WALK IN THE SPIRIT Ephesians 5:18
ID WITNESS TO THE UNSAVED 1 Peter 3:15
ID WORK FOR HIS BENEFIT Titus 3:8
In fact Id just do everything Im supposed to be doing now as a Christian!
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