Thanksgiving

November 24, 2016 JT Leave a comment

We focus a lot on gratefulness on this day, and rightly so. We have been blessed with so much in this life, and have been promised so much more in the next if we are faithful.

Paul was thankful, not only for the church at Rome, but for their faithfulness. Romans 1:8, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” How exactly was their faith made known? It was through their “obedience leading to righteousness” (Romans 6:16-18; 16:19).

He was also thankful for the congregations in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:4), Ephesus (Ephesians 1:6); Philippi (Philippians 1:3), Colosse (Colossians 1:3), and Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:2). Again, note that the thanks is based upon their actions through faith: “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other” (2 Thessalonians 1:3).

Paul commands us to be thankful. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17; cf. Ephesians 5:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 13:15). Should we need such a command? Perhaps we shouldn’t, but we are weak and forgetful people, so it serves as a good reminder that we should frequently count our blessings.

The greatest blessing, of course, is the sacrifice of Christ. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). May we never forget His love for us!

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Saving Faith

November 23, 2016 JT Leave a comment

There can be no denying that faith is essential in God’s plan of salvation. Jesus says, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Paul writes, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

The Hebrews writer identifies the marks of the faith that saves in Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Before anything else, we must believe that God exists. This is the very foundation of saving faith. We can be certain of His existence through the evidence of His creation (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:20; Hebrews 11:3), as well as through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Second, we must believe that God is a rewarder (Hebrews 10:35-39). Peter calls it “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4), and that the “end of your faith” is “the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 3:9).

Who does God reward? The Hebrews writer says that “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” God desires men to seek Him and find Him (Acts 10:26-27). The Savior said that we are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

The logical result of these things—believing in the existence of God, believing in a rewarding God, and seeking Him—is obedience. If we truly believe what He has revealed, we will submit to Him. We will not try to make excuses or find loopholes, but quickly do what is necessary to please Him. We can avoid struggling with submission and obedience by spending more time in His Word, further developing and strengthening our faith.

Sermon Outlines

Attributes of Apollos

November 22, 2016 JT Leave a comment

Acts 18:24-28

I. APOLLOS’ LOVE FOR GOD’S WORD

II. APOLLOS’ ATTITUDE WHEN HE LEARNED THE TRUTH

III. APOLLOS’ TREMENDOUS ZEAL

zeo

Sermon Outlines

The Importance of Encouragement

November 21, 2016 JT Leave a comment

Acts 4:36-37

I. ENCOURAGEMENT OF OTHER CHRISTIANS

II. ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE CONGREGATION

III. ENCOURAGEMENT IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

IV. ENCOURAGEMENT IN THE FACE OF CONFLICT

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Does Doctrine Matter?

November 20, 2016 JT Leave a comment

Several years ago, Rick Warren released a book called The Purpose Driven Life. While the premise of the book is a good one, much religious error is propagated throughout its pages. It is not a book that should be read or studied by those who do not have a good grounding in the Scriptures, as they may be misled by the author’s errant views.

Take, for instance, what Mr. Warren says on page 34, concerning the final judgment: “God won’t ask you about your religious background or doctrinal views. The only thing that will matter is, did you accept what Jesus did for you and did you learn to love and trust him?”

Think about this statement for a moment. Does not one’s “religious background and doctrinal views” depend directly upon one’s acceptance, love, and trust of the Savior?

If one truly accepts Jesus, he will follow Him. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Do you accept Jesus as the only way into a righteous relationship with the Father?

If one truly loves Jesus, he will follow Him. “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Do you obey Jesus, or do you only say you love Him?

If one truly trusts Jesus, he will follow Him. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Do you trust Jesus, or do you “explain away” this crystal-clear statement?

One who accepts, loves, and trusts Jesus will have the “religious background and doctrinal views” that God expects and desires of His people. “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).

Doctrine does matter! We must give heed to those things taught in the New Testament—not only accept them as true, but obey them! If we reject the words of the Lord, if we rebel against Him and refuse to obey, we have no one to blame if we are lost (John 12:48).

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“My God is too big for one religion”

November 19, 2016 JT Leave a comment

I have seen those words on a bumper sticker. Many people who call themselves Christians (regardless what the Bible says) would say something similar to that, though they would probably substitute the word “denomination” for “religion.” Ecumenism is a dangerous concept—“One church is as good as any other,” or, “You believe what you want to believe, and I’ll believe what I want to believe.” God is quite clear that there is but one faith (Ephesians 4:5), and that we are to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). People may call me intolerant, but I am more concerned with what God thinks than what man thinks (Galatians 1:10).

But this particular bumper sticker—“My God is too big for one religion”—takes the idea of ecumenism even further. If one truly believes this statement, then not only are all “Christian” denominations included, but so are all religions that outright reject the Christ – Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindu, etc.

A Roman Catholic priest once said on Larry King Live, “Jesus rejoices when His Father is glorified. And when a Muslim or Jew glorifies the Father I can’t imagine Jesus coming and saying, ‘Oh, well, when are you going to look at Me?’ The joy of Jesus is the glorification of God.” Yet, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

Melvin Talbert, ecumenical officer of the United Methodist Church, was asked by Larry King if he thought his religion was right. Talbert answered in the affirmative, but denied that all others were necessarily wrong. “I believe my God is large enough to be inclusive of all human beings who were created in God’s image and that includes those religions that are not Christians.”

God’s Word is firm: those who wish to come to the Father must do so by Jesus—not Mohammed, nor Buddha, nor the Pope, nor any other teacher of error. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.

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The Hope of the Faithful

November 19, 2016 JT Leave a comment

In whom do you place your hope? During the election season, many intelligent people seem to lose their ability to reason, throwing all of their hope for tomorrow on a political candidate. Certainly, we must consider the issues before casting our vote, and we must base our choices on the promises made during the campaign, but never forget that a person—whether your preferred candidate or the other—has the ability (and often the penchant) of letting you down.

Isn’t that how it is with all people though? Have you ever been disappointed by your parents? Or your siblings? Perhaps a teacher didn’t follow through with a promised grade adjustment in high school, or a preacher failed to shake your hand after worship services. Your long-time friend forgot to wish you “happy birthday” on Facebook, your boss neglected to praise you for a job well done, your children ignored you when you asked them to make their beds…you get the idea. People can and people will disappoint us. They don’t intend to, but they do.

There is One in whom we can place our hope, One who will not disappoint us. We sing the hymn written by Edward Mote:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Let us keep our focus above, on God and His promises, and place our hope in Him. The Psalmist wrote:

Remember the word to Your servant,
Upon which You have cause me to hope. (Psalm 119:49)

And again:

Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
For the help of His countenance. (Psalm 42:5)

Pray for the men and women in office, and work to make this nation better, but place your hope in the One who is above.

But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. (Acts 8:12)