Woodland Baptist Church
Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Sermon Outlines 2004

 "Preparing For God's Blessings" Joshua 1:1-9
December 27, 2004
 
I.     PURPOSE OF GOD (vv.1-5a)
          A. He will Act (v.1)
 
          B. He will Assign (v.2)
 
          C. He will Appropriate (vv.3-4)
 
          D. He will Alleviate (v.5a)
 
II.    PROMISE OF GOD (vv.5b-9)
          A. Protection of God (vv.5b-9)
 
          B. Plan of God (v.8a)
 
          C. Prosperity of God (v.8b)
 
          D. Power of God (v.9a)
 
          E. Presence of God (vv.5b,9b)
 
  • Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord"
"The Unspeakable Gift" Matt. 1:18-25
December 19, 2004
 
  • "Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift" II Cor. 9:15
  • Gifts are a central focus of Christmas....
  • Matthew shows us some of the characteristics of the greatest Gift ever
I.     EMANCIPATOR (v.21)
          A. Free From Sin
 
          B. Free From Satan
 
II.    EXCLUSIVE (v.22)
          A. Fulfilled Prophecy
 
          B. Foretold Prophecy
 
III.   EMMANUEL (v.23)
          A. His Presence
 
          B. His Power
 
  • Do you believe on Jesus?
  • Have you received God's Ultimate Gift of Jesus?
  • Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord"
"Final Words of Fellowship" I Cor. 16:15-24
December 12, 2004
 
  • These Final Words serve a divine purpose
  • Paul closes this letter with Words about Fellowship
  • I John 4:20-21 "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?  And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."
  • Paul gives us some Marks of Christian Fellowship
I.     EVANGELISM (v.15a)
 
 
 
II.    EDIFICATION (vv.15b-16)
 
 
 
III.   ENJOYMENT (vv.17-18)
 
 
 
IV.  ENDEARMENT (vv.19-20)
 
 
 
  • Paul closes out this letter with some important Final Words
    1. Words of Faithfulness        2. Words of Fellowship
  • Paul reveals when we have God's Grace we will abide in God's Love
  • What do you possess today?  Where do you abide?
  • John 15:5-6 "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth into the fire, and they are burned"
 "Lord Of All" I Cor. 16:1-4
November 14, 2004
 
  • We move from the wonders of the resurrections to the witness of the collection
  • Paul makes some applications concerning the collection
I.         UNIVERSALLY APPLIED (v.1)
              A. Relationship
 
              B. Fellowship
 
              C. Stewardship
 
II.       CONSISTANTLY APPLIED (v.2a)
              A. Systematically
 
              B. Scripturally
 
III.      INDIVIDUALLY APPLIED (v.2b)
              A. Proportionally
 
              B. Prayerfully
  • Regular giving a command from the Lord, not an option
  • We ought to give because...
    1. Orders: commanded by God
    2. Obligation: concerned for others
    3. Obedience: committed in love
 

"Deliverance Of The Resurrection" I Cor. 15:51-58
November 7, 2004

 
 

"The Definition of the Resurrection" I Cor. 15:35-50
October 31, 2004

  • Paul writing to straighten out confusion over the resurrection
  • Pagan beliefs and worldliness had influenced their thinking
  • They had forgotten the power and potential of the resurrection
  • Paul gives them a 3-part definition of the resurrection
I.          THE RESURRECTION IS LIFE-GIVING (vv.35-44)
                A. Illustration (vv.36-37)

                B. Application (vv.38-44)

II.         THE RESURRECTION IS LIFE-CHANGING (vv.45-47)
                A. Supernatural Action (v.45)

                B. Spirit-filled Action (vv.46-47)

III.        THE RESURRECTION IS LIFE-DIRECTING (vv.48-50)
                A. Direct Your Individuality (v.48)

                B. Direct Your Image (v.49)

  • What is y our life defining??  Are you living as a resurrection miracle??
  • Have you experienced the life-giving, life-changing, life-directing resurrection of Jesus Christ??
  • You will never taste heaven without first dieing to yourself and being resurrected by Jesus.
  • Rev. 20:6 "Blessed and holy ish e that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power"
  • Which resurrection will you be in?
 "Defense of the Resurrection" I Cor. 15:20-34
October 17, 2004

  • The power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is without equal
  • We are living the resurrection age
  • Paul makes 4 statements in defense of the resurrection
I.           GUARANTEED RESURRECTION (vv.20-21)
                 A. The Power Of Christ's Resurrection (v.20)

                 B. The Promise Of Christ's Resurrection (v.20b-21)

II.          GROUP RESURRECTION (vv.22-23)
                 A. The Recognition Of Each Group (v.22)

                 B. The Resurrection Of Each Group (v.23)

III.         GRAND RESURRECTION (vv.24-28)
                 A. Establishment Of His Kingdom (v.24)

                 B. Effects Of His Kingdom (vv.25-28)

IV.          GRACEFILLED RESURRECTION (vv.29-34)
                 A. Salvation (v.29)

                 B. Service (vv.30-32)

                 C. Sanctification (vv.33-34)

  • Paul delcared the resurrection of Jesus and all who trust in Him and here he defends that resurrection
  • We have the Potential of the resurrection, the Prospect of the resurrection, and the Promise of the resurrection
 "The Declaration of the Resurrection" I Cor. 15:1-19
October 10, 2004
  • The Resurrection of Jesus is the heart of the Gospel
  • Christianity rises or falls on the resurrection of Christ
  • There was confusion and a loss of focus on the resurrection of Jesus in the Church of Corinth
  • Paul makes some declarations concerning the resurrection of Jesus
I.        SCRIPTURAL (vv.1-4)
             A. Testimony Of The Saints (vv.1-2)

             B. Testimony Of The Scriptures (vv.3-4)

II.       SUSTAINABLE (vv.5-11)
             A. Eyewitness Of The Separated (v.5)

             B. Eyewitness Of The Searchers (v.6)

             C. Eyewitness Of The Skeptic (v.7)

             D. Eyewitness Of The Sinner (vv.8-11)

III.       SENSIBLE (vv.8-11)
             A. Defeated Trust (vv.12-14)

             B. Deceitful Testimony (v.15)

             C. Disappointing Theology (vv.16-19)

  • The resurrection is Scriptural, Sustainable and Sensible, but most of all it is Supernatural (v.20)
  • "No man can come to me unless the Father who hath sent me draw him: And I will raise him up at the last day" Jn. 6:44
  • What do you believe about the resurrection?  What have you done?
  • "I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live" Jn. 11:25
"Order in Worship" I Cor. 14:26-40
September 5, 2004

  • Worship should reflect the character and nature of God
  • Christians at Corinth confused about worship
  • 1. The purpose of gifts     2. The practice of gifts     3. The procedure of gifts
I.        REGULATIONS OF WORSHIP (vv.26-31)
            A. Contradict the Perversion

            B. Continue the Proclamation

II.       RESPONSIBILITIES OF WORSHIP (vv.32-35)
            A. Role of Subjection (vv.32-33)

            B. Role of Submission (vv.34-35)

III.      RECOGNITION OF WORSHIP (vv.36-40)
            A. The Commands of God (vv.36-38)

            B. The Completeness of God (vv.39-40)

  • Are you fulfilling your role in worship?
  • Are you obeying God's Word?
    I Cor. 14:40 "Let all things be done decently and in order"
 

“The Power of Our Gifts” I Cor. 14:1-25
August 29, 2004

  • The use of power is an amazing thing
  • God has given to every Christian gifts that carry the power of God
  • Paul is confronting the Corinthians in the misuse of their gifts
  • Paul gives us 3 powers of our God-given gifts
I.      EDIFICATION (vv.1-12)
           A. Explanation (vv.1-6)

           B. Illustration (vv.7-12)

 II. EXHORTATION (vv.13-21)
           A. Interpretation (vv.13-18)

           B. Application (vv.19-21)

 III. EVANGELIZATION (vv.22-25)
           A. Confrontation (vv.22-24a)

           B. Conviction (vv.24b-25a)

           C. Conversion (v.25b)
  •  Have you accepted God’s gift of His Son?
    Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord”
  • Have you applied God’s gift of His Spirit?
    I Timothy 4:14 “Neglect not the gift that is within thee”
     
    "Permanent Love" I Cor. 13:8-13
    August 22, 2004

    • "Yet I show unto you a more excellent way" I Cor. 12:31
    • Agape type love is the more excellent way
    • Paul reveals 3 aspects of this Agape love
    I.          EXPECTATION (vv.8-10)
                    A. Love will outlast the temporary (v.8)

                    B. Love will release the truth (vv.9-10)

    II.         EXPLANATION (vv.11-12)
                    A. Illustration (v.11)

                    B. Illumination (v.12)

    III.        EXCLAIMATION (V.13)
                    A. The Temporal (v.13a)

                    B. The Eternal (v.13b)

    • Everything will pass away except the love of Christ
    • Are you living in the Temporal or the Eternal
    • Rev. 22:7 "Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book"
    "Performing Love" I Cor. 13:4-7
    August 15, 2004

    • vv.1-3 shows us Priority Love and vv.4-7 shows us Performing Love
    • Paul gives us some wonderful characteristics of agape love in
    I.           LOVE IS PATIENT (v.4)
                    --Love knows no....
                      A. No Exemption (v.4a)
                      *Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.

                      B. No Envy (v.4b)
                      *Galations 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

                      C. No Embellishment (v.4c)

    II.           LOVE IS PERSONAL (v.5a)
                     --we are to act with righteousness
                      A. For Ourselves (v.5a1)

                      B. For Others (v.5a2)

    III.         LOVE IS PERSISTENT (v.5b)
                     --2 fold matter
                      A. Outward Matter
                      *feelings on our shoulders

                      B. Inward Matter
                      *dwell on negatives

    IV.         LOVE IS PRACTICAL (v.6)
                      A. Reprove & Rebuke

                      B. Repentence & Restoration
                      *Galations 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

    V.          LOVE IS PERSERVING
                      A. Shrouds

                      B. Sustains

                      C. Strengthens

                      D. Secures

    • Only place you can find this type of love is in Jesus
    • Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
    • ***Don't settle for symbols of love...kids footprints...
    • Is there evidence of this type of love in your life???
    "Priority Love" I Cor. 13:1-3
    July 25, 2004

    • Greek language had 4 different words for 4 different types of love
      1. eros - physical love, desire
      2. storge - citizens for a nation or leader
      3. phileo - love that cherishes; husband and wife, children
      4. agape - selfless love, sacrificing love
    • Agape love is ... 1. Gracious love    2. Greatest love
    • Paul gives us 3 examples of agape love.   Without love.......
    I.            ELOQUENCE IS NOTHING (v. 1)
                    A. They Were Not Spirit Led

                    B. They Were Not Spirit Fed

    II.           EDUCATION IS NOTHING (v. 2)
                    A. Scriptural Doctrine

                    B. Special Dependence

    III.           EMPATHY IS NOTHING (v. 3)
                     A. Bear Pity

                      B. Bear Persecution

    • We must harness the love of Christ
      1. A Love Of Redemption
      2. A Love Of Reconciliation
      3. A Love Of Restoration
    • I John 4:20-21 "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar; for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? [21] And this commandment hoave we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."
    "Spiritual Gifts: Responsibility and Challenge" I Cor. 12:19-31
    July 18, 2004

    • We have witnessed 2 extremes in Spiritual Gifts
      1. Those who had a feeling of being inferior
      2. Those who had a feeling of individualism
    • Paul writing to the Church of Corinth reminding them of their responsibilities and to challenge them in their Spiritual Gifts
    • Paul shares some concerns about Spiritual gifts
    I.           SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIPS (vv.19-21)
                 A. Commonness (vv.19-20)

                 B. Compliment (vv.21-24)

                 C. Contentment (v.25)

                 D. Completeness (vv.26-27)

    II.         SPIRITUAL REALITIES (vv.28-30)
                 A. The Divineness Of Our Gifts (v.28)

                 B. The Diversity Of Our Gifts (vv.29-30)

    III.        SPIRITUAL RECEPTIONS (v.31)
                 A. Determine Our Gifts

                 B. Develop Our Gifts

    • We are responsible to God for the use of our spiritual gifts
    • I Cor. 12:31 "But covet earnestly the best gifts..."
    • You must first know the giver of gifts, Jesus Christ
      John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he taht believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.  Believest thou this?
    "Spiritual Gifts: Reception and Confirmation" I Cor. 12:8-18
    July 11, 2004

    • Paul is writing to explain Spiritual gifts to believers
      v.1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant
    • Many misconceptions and much misuse of Spiritual gifts
    • Paul makes 3 statements concerning Spiritual gifts
    • We will deal with his statement concerning the diversity of gifts
    I.           SPEAKING GIFTS (vv.8-10)
                  A. Communicate God's Word

                  B. Clarify God's Word

    II.          SERVING GIFTS (vv.9-10)
                  A. Submissive Spirit (v.9a)

                  B. Sacrificial Spirit (v.10b)

    III.         SIGN GIFTS (vv.9b,10)
                  A. Temporary

                  B. Transparent

    • 1. The Gift of God's Salvation Rom. 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of Gos is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord
    • 2. The Gift of God's Spirit 1 Cor. 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in y ou?
    "A Nation Under Siege" Jer. 5:1-31
    July 4, 2004

    • Israel had received the blessings of God under Godly King Josiah
    • Revival was short lived; Israel now in backslidden stage
    • God took the steps of a loving Father
      1. God called to Israel        2. God convicted Israel       3. God chastens Israel
    • Israel was a nation under siege; the enemy had them surrounded
    • 3 different attacks
    I.          ATTACK OF FALSEHOODS (vv.1-6)
                    A. Deceptive (vv.1-2)

                    B. Delusional (vv.3-6)

    II.        ATTACK OF FLESH (vv.7-17)
                    A. The Sin (vv.7-8)

                    B. The Sentence (vv.9-17)

    III.        ATTACK OF FAITHLESSNESS (vv.18-31)
                     A. Defiant Of The Master (vv.18-24)

                     B. Devoid Of Any Morals (vv.25-31)

    • Israel's inconsistency, immorality, and insurrection had released the chastening hand of God
    • When we live out falsehoods, live for the flesh, and live in faithlessness should we not receive the chastening hand of God
    • We need the Purchase of Redemption, the Position of Repentence and the Place of Righteousness
      Zech. 1:3 "Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts."
    "Spiritual Gifts: Revelation and Contemplation" 1Cor. 12:4-7
    June 27, 2004

    • Great amount of immorality in Corinth....
    • A root cause was misunderstandings and misuse of spiritual gifts
    • Last week we looked at real and counterfeit gifts
    • Today Paul makes some revelations of spiritual gifts and asks his readers to contemplate these revelations
    I.                MULTITUDE OF GIFTS (v.4)
                         A. Expansive (v.4a)

                         B. Exclusive (v.4b)

    II.               MINISTRY OF GIFTS (v.5)
                         A. Service Gifts (v.5a) "administrations" - service, to serve

                         B. Supernatural Gifts (v.5b)

    III.              METHOD OF GIFTS (v.6)
                         A. Energy Of The Gifts (v.6a)

                         B. Effect Of The Gifts (v.6b)

    IV.              MANIFESTATION OF GIFTS (v.7)
                          A. Personal Manifestation (v.7a)

                          B. Purposeful Manifestation (v.7b)

    • We see these revelations of spiritual gifts but two things stand out
      1. You must have the possession of the Holy Spirit
      2. You must have the purpose of the Holy Spirit
     "Order In The Church" II Thess. 3:6-18
    May 23, 2004

    • God calls and equips those who are busy
    • WE have a natural tendency to become lazy
    • Some of these early Christians had fallen off on their duties
    • Paul give 4 considerations concerning order in the Church
    I.                   THE SCRIPTURES (v. 6)
                              A. Lax In Discipline

                              B. Lazy In Duties

    II.                  THE SERVANTS (vv. 7-10)
                              A. The Reminder (vv. 7-8)

                              B. The Reason (v. 9)

                              C. The Rule (v. 10)

    III.                 THE STEADFAST (vv. 11-15)
                              A. The Disorderly (vv. 11-12)

                              B. The Dedicated (vv. 13-15)

    IV.                  THE SAVIOR (vv. 16-18)
                               A. His Peace (v. 16)

                               B. His Presence (vv. 17-18)

    • Church problems must be solved or they will fester
    • Individual sin problems must be confronted
    • We must fall at the feet of our Captain, Jesus Christ
    • Joshua 5:13-14 "...and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?  And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord I am now come.  And Joshua ell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?"
     "Remaining Faithful" II Thess. 3:1-5
    May 16, 2004

    • Paul admonishing these early Christians to remain faithful to Christ
    • Psalm 31:23 "love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful..."
    • We are called and commanded to be faithful; Profession & Practice
    • Paul points out 3 areas of faithfulness
    I.                     PRAYER (vv. 1-3)
                              A. Pray For Depth (v.1)

                              B. Pray For Deliverance (vv.2-3)

    II.                   PERFORMANCE (v. 4)
                              A. Pleasing To God (v. 4a)

                              B. Progressing With God (v. 4b)

    III.                  PERSEVERANCE (v. 5)
                              A. Purity Of God's Love (v. 5a)

                              B. Peace Of God's Love (v. 5b)

                              C. Perfection Of God's Love (v. 5c)

    • Paul calling these Christians to faithfulness; Christ is calling you to faithfulness
    • I Cor. 4:2 "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
    • Rev. 2:10 "be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
    • Faithful in profession, practice, prayer, performance, & perseverance.
     "Are You Ready? Part II" II Thess. 2:1-17
    May 9, 2004

    • Matthew 24:27 "For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."
    • The question that should be burning in our hearts is Are You Ready?
    • Look at some facts concerning the Day of the Lord.
    I.                  THE DESTRUCTION OF THAT DAY (vv.3-9)
                            A. Revealing Of The Deceiver (vv.3-6,8-9)

                            B. Revealing Of The Destruction (vv.7-8)

    II.                 THE DISOBEDIENCE IN THAT DAY (vv.10-12)
                            A. Refused The Truth (v.10)

                            B. Rejected By The Truth (v.11)

                            C. Rejoiced In The Untruth (v.12)

    III.                 THE DELIVERANCE FROM THAT DAY (vv.13-17)
                             A. Maintain The Truth (vv13-14)

                             B. Maintain Your Trust (vv.15-16)

                             C. Maintain Your Testimony (v.17)

    • Are you ready? Luke 12:40 "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."
    • 1. Receive Christ       2. Redeem the time          3. Relinquish control
      "Are You Ready" II Thess. 2:1-17
    May 2, 2004

    • Jesus said that "Behold I come as a thief in the night"
    • The principle of being prepared for that day is woven in scripture
    • The question that should be burning in our hearts is Are You Ready?
    • Look at some facts concerning the Day of the Lord.
    I.               THE DISTRESS ABOUT THAT DAY (vv.1-2)
                        --Do no be distressed; or troubled

                        A. Mentally (v.2a)

                        B. Spiritually (v.2b)

                        C. Physically (v.2c)

    II.               THE DECEPTION IN THAT DAY (vv.3-4)
                        A. Anti-Christian Attitude (v.3a)

                        B. Anti-Christian Assimilation (v.3b-4)

    • Are you ready? Luke 12:40 "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."
    • 1. Receive Christ       2. Redeem the time          3. Relinquish control
       
        "What Shall We Do Now" Matt. 28:16-20
      April 11, 2004
  • The Resurrection is now a reality
  • We have experienced His resurrection and change.  Now what?!
  • What shall we do now? Fulfill the Great Commission (vv.18-20)
  • Let's look at the tools He has given us to do this heavenly work
I.                 POWER OF CHRIST (v.18)
                   A. Power of Heaven
                   B. Power over Earth
II.                PURPOSE OF CHRIST (vv.19-20a)
                    A. Evangelize
                    B. Expression
                     C. Education
III.                PRESENCE OF CHRIST (v.20b)
                     A. Internal Presence
                     B. External Presence
  • What shall we do now?  Fulfill the Great Commission
  • What does that mean? How do we do it?
    1. Monumental Surrender
    2. Meaninful Service
    3. Motivated Servants
  • Put the tools Christ has given us to use in our world.
"True Believers" 1Thess. 5:4-11
March 7, 2004
  • Our world is a diverse place of different ethnic groups, cultures, languages, religions and political systems.
  • Really there are only 2 kinds of people in the world, the saved and the lost.
  • Jesus said there is only one way to the Father and heaven and all true believers come by way of Jesus.
  • Paul points out three distinctive characteristics of true believers.
I.                THE DESIGN OF TRUE BELIEVERS (vv.4-5)
                   - True believers live in the "Light"
                   A. The Light Reveals Darkness (v.4)
                   B. The Light Repulses Darkness (v.5)
II.                THE DESIRE OF TRUE BELIEVERS (vv.6-8)
                    - Jesus came to give us life
                    A. To Be Alert (vv.6-7)
                    B. To Be Armed (v.8)
III.               THE DESTINY OF TRUE BELIEVERS (vv.9-11)
                    - Jesus came to give us life
                    A. Life Eternal (v.9)
                    B. Life Exposed (v.10)
                    C. Life Edified (v.11)
  • True believers live in the light
    "But ye brethren are not in the darkness...Ye are all the children of the Light..." 1Thess.5:4-5
  • Where are you living?  In the darkness of this world or in the Light of Jesus Christ?
  • "If we say that we have fellowship with HIm, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all unrighteousness." 1John 1:6-7
"The Day Of The Lord" I Thess. 5:1-2
Feb. 22 & Feb. 29, 2004
  • The Rapture of the Church in 4:13-18 sets the stage for the "Day of the Lord"
  • The "Day of the Lord" is not just one day, it is a set time in history which God uses as a judgment for those who have rejected His Son
  • The Day of the Lord begins with the 7 years of tribulation following the rapture of the Church
  • The last half of this period God will begin to unleash judgments on man-kinds sin and rebellion
  • This period will climax with the battle of Armageddon and the judgment of unbelievers
  • Let's look at some facts about the "Day of the Lord"
I.                          THE SECRECY OF THAT DAY (vv.1-2)
                                  

II.                         THE SIGNS OF THAT DAY (v.3a)
                                   
III.                         THE SERIOUSNESS OF THAT DAY (v.3b)
                                   

  • What you do with Jesus now will determine where you will be on "The Day of the Lord"
  • The Day of the Lord could begin right now!  Would you be here for judgment or would you be with Jesus in Glory?
  • Heb. 2:3 "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation"
  • Christian, this should make us thankful for the grace we have received.  Romans 3:24 "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus"
"A Call To Holiness" II Thess. 4:1-12
Feb. 1 & Feb. 8, 2004
  • God never changes; James 1:17 "...In whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
  • One fundamental truth of God is His unchanging holiness
  • A holy person is not a self-righteous and pious person but one who has committed themselves to follow God's Word in obedience
  • Paul shows us in chapter 4 three levels of sanctification or obedience
    1. Positional obedience (v.7)
    2. Progressive obedience (v.3)
    3. Perfect obedience (vv.13-18)
  • To live a holy life we need to look at 3 characteristics of a holy life
I.                         THE MARKS OF A HOLY LIFE (vv.1-12)|
                                  A. Pleasing To God (vv.1-4)
                                  B. Powerful With God (vv.3-4,6,8-9,11-12)
II.                         THE MOTIVATION OF A HOLY LIFE (vv.2-3a,7,12)
                                  A. Commanded To Be Holy (vv.2-3a)
                                  B. Called To Be Holy (v.7)
                                  C. Compelled To Be Holy (v.12)
III.                         THE METHODS OF A HOLY LIFE (vv.3,6-9,10)
                                    A. Possession (vv.7-8)
                                    B. Purging (vv.3,6,9)
                                    C. Prayer (v.10)
  • We are called to Holy before God.   3 steps:
    1. Holiness begins in Jesus
    2. Holiness continues to practice
    3. Holiness manifests itself through surrender
"Abundant Harvest" 11 Cor. 9:6-15
January 18, 2004
  • Genesis 1:11-12 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yeilding seed, and the fruit tree yeilding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
  • Farmers and gardeners plant their seeds with high expectations that it will bear fruit "according to its kind"
  • The law of harvest is a principle not only agriculturally, but spiritually and financially
  • Galations 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
  • Some elements of an "Abundant Harvest"
I.                            THE PRINCIPLES OF HARVEST (vv.6-12)
                                      A. The Principle Of Investment (v.6)
                                      B. The Principle Of Identity (v.6)
                                      C. The Principle Of Increase (vv.6,8,19.12)
                                      D. The Principle Of Interval
II                            THE PRODUCTS OF HARVEST (vv.8-14)
                                       A. Perpetuation (v.8)
                                       B. Prosperity (v.10)
                                       C. Provision (v.12)
                                       D. Provocation (vv.11-14)
III.                          THE PERFECTION OF HARVEST (v.15)
                                       A. God Sowed His Love
                                      B. God Sowed His Life
  • Jesus sowed Himself so you and I could have life
  • We need to sow of ourselves if we are to have an abundant harvest
  • Sow our life to HIm, our thanksgiving, our talent, our treasures
  • Surrender your all to Jesus today, have a truly abundant harvest
"The Bonds Of Family" 1Thess. 2:14-20
January 11, 2004
  • When we are suffering we sometimes think we are the only ones
  • In times of suffering it is our Faith that carries us through
  • Our Faith is made stronger in the Christian family bonds we have
  • Paul makes some declarations to the Family of God
I.               ENCOURAGEMENT IN SUFFERING (vv.14-16)
                 --The Jews in Jerusalem oppressed the Church there likewise
                    A. The Persecuted The Messengers (v.15)
                    B. They Prohibited The Message (v. 16)
II.              EXPLANATION ON SEPARATION (vv.17-18)
                  --Paul had become separated from them not by choice
                    A. Satan Can Delay
                    B. Satan Can Deceive
                    C. Satan Can Defeat
                     D. Satan Can Discourage
                     E. Satan Can Devour
III.              EXPRESSION OF SATISFACTION (vv.19-20)
                   --Paul saw the faith and works of the Thessalonians as.....
                      A. Rewards For The Fruitful
                      B. Rejoicing For The Faithful
  • Christian is there anything abour your life for the world to persecute??
  • Are you allowing Satan to hinder your work for God??
  • Are you going to receive rewards and be rejoicing on that day??
  • Unbeliever, are you willing to believe the message of God and trust in Jesus as your Savior for eternal life??
  • (Acts 3:19a) "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out"
"Receiving The Word of God" 1 Thess. 2:13
January 4, 2004
  • The Church at Thessalonica was a dynamic Church
    1. Their proclamation of the Gospel
    2. Their perseverance through opposition
    3. Their perspective on the Word
  • Their perspective on God's Word influenced how they lived
  • The Church at Thessalonica "received the Word of God"
  • Look at 4 actions in receiving the Word of God
I.               ACCEPT THE WORD OF GOD
                        A. It Is Truth
                        B. It Is Testing
II.               ACKNOWLEDGE THE WORD OF GOD
                         A. Personal Acknowledgment
                         B. Practical Acknowledgment
III.              ANTICIPATE THE WORD OF GOD
                          A. Expecting
                          B. Excited
IV.               APPRECIATE THE WORD OF GOD
                           A. The Word Is Authentic
                           B. The Word Is Absolute
  • Have you received the Word of God?
    John 1:1,12-14
            In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, and dwelt among us.
  • You can't receive one without the other, have YOU received Jesus?
  • Christian, does the Word of God make a difference in your life?