Victory Church: Recent Episodes
Victory Church of Morganton NC
Welcome to Victory Church! Looking for a place to belong? A place to start over? At Victory Church we are passionate about relationships – real, deep, and genuine. The kind of friendships that allow you to bare your soul, struggles and passions. Enjoy listening to some of our past messages!
1: It is needful. (Luke 10:42a)
2: It is a choice to partake of the good part.(Luke 10:42b)
-The yoke of Jesus
3: It cannot be taken away. (Luke 10:42c)
-His rock cannot be taken away.
- It is choice to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of him.
Focal Text:
2 Timothy 1:1-5 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
2 Timothy 3:12-17 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
I. A Mother’s Faith is Convictional (2 Timothy 1:5) 1. It is a Faith which is Scripturally Sound (2 Timothy 3:15; 2 Timothy 2:15) 2. It is a Faith which is Savingly Sure (2 Timothy 3:15)
II. A Mother’s Faith is Communicable (2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:14:15) 1. Faith is Communicated by Personal Education (2 Timothy 3:14-15; Duet. 6:6-9; Proverbs 22:6) 2. Faith is Communicated by Practical Demonstration (2 Timothy 3:14-15; Proverbs 31:26-28)
III. A Mother’s Faith is Commendable (2 Timothy 1:5) 1. The Lasting Influence of a Mother’s Faith (2 Timothy 1:5; Hebrews 11:4-5) 2. The Living Influence of a Mother’s Faith (2 Timothy 1:5)
Focal Text: Acts 5:42 42 And daily in the temple and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Acts 6:1-7 1 And in those days when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them and said, “It is not fitting that we should leave the Word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, look ye out among you for seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.” 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor, and Timon and Parmenas and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles. And when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the Word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
I. Businessmen were called to Solve a Problem (Acts 6:1) A. Problem was caused by Church Growth (Acts 6:1) B. Problem was caused by Racial Discrimination (Acts 6:1) C. Problem was caused by Leaders Outside their Calling (Acts 6:2)
II. Businessmen were chosen by the People (Acts 6:3) A. The people chose men who were Honest (Acts 6:3) B. The people chose men who were Spirit-Filled (Acts 6:3) C. The people chose men of Wisdom (Acts 6:3)
III. Businessmen were appointed over the Business (Acts 6:6) A. The Leaders prayed for them B. The Leaders place responsibility on them
IV. Businessmen fulfilled their Calling (Acts 6:7) A. Allows Word of God to Increase (Acts 6:7) B. Allows the Church to Grow (Acts 6:7) C. Allows Believers to be Obedient to the Faith (Acts 6:7)
Focal Text: Colossians 3:17 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by Him.
Mark 16:15 15 And He said unto them, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.
I. Set a Good Example Through What You Do A. Set a Good Example in Word B. Set a Good Example in Deed C. Set a Good Example in Our Soul
II. Combine Faith with Works A. Prove Your Faith By Good Works B. Prove Your Works By Faith
III. Keep Ministry as the Priority A. You are called to Serve Others B. You are called to Love Others C. You are called to Penetrate the World
Focal Text 2 Timothy 2:1-10 1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, commit thou the same to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Endure thou therefore hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man who warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if also a man strive for masteries, yet he is not crowned unless he strive lawfully. 6 The husbandman who laboreth must be the first partaker of the fruits. 7 Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. 8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my Gospel, 9 wherein I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even unto bonds. But the Word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
I. Let Us Remember the Fact of the Resurrection A. Remember Prophetic Evidence (2 Timothy 2:8; Genesis 3:15) B. Remember Apostolic Witness (Acts 4:33) C. Remember Paul’s Conversion (Acts 26:13-16)
II. Let Us Remember the Force of the Resurrection A. As Believers, We Have the Power to Stand for Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-4) B. As Believers, We Have the Power to Strive for Christ (2 Timothy 2:5) C. As Believers, We Have the Power to Serve for Christ (2 Timothy 2:6; Matthew 25:23)
III. Let Us Remember to Deliver the Faith of the Resurrection A. We Must Preach the Gospel Regardless (2 Timothy 2:9, 11-12) B. We Must Preach the Gospel Always (2 Timothy 2:10; Mark 16:15)
Zechariah 9:9 9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, thy King cometh unto thee! He is just and having salvation, lowly, and riding upon an ass and upon a colt, the foal of an ass.
I. The Majesty of the King (Zech. 9:9) A. The Majesty of His Righteousness (Isaiah 9:7; Zech. 9:9) B. The Majesty of His Lowliness (Zech. 9:9; Phil. 2:5-11)
II. The Mastery of the King (Zech. 9:9) A. As King He Commandeered the Colt (Matthew 21:2-3; 1 Cor. 6:19-20) B. As King He Controlled the Colt (Zech. 9:9; 2 Cor. 10:5)
III. The Ministry of the King (Zech. 9:9; Matthew 1:21) A. He Brings Salvation from the Penalty of Sin (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:13) B. He Brings Salvation from the Power Sin (1 Cor. 1:18) C. He Brings Salvation from the Presence of Sin (Romans 13:11-14; 1 Thes. 4:16-17)
1 Corinthians 15:1-20 15 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 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: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
I. An Indisputable Fact (1 Cor. 15:1, 3-4) A. A Fact of Prophecy (1 Cor. 15:1, 3-4; Psalm 16:10-11) B. A Fact of History (1 Cor. 15:3-4, 5, 7-8)
II. An Indispensable Faith (1 Cor. 15:14, 17, 19) A. Faith in the Preaching of the Christ (1 Cor. 15:14) B. Faith in the Power of the Cross (1 Cor. 15:17; Romans 4:25) C. Faith in the Prospect of the Church (1 Cor. 15:19; Matthew 16:18)
III. An Irresistible Force (1 Cor. 15:54-57) A. A Revealed Force (1 Cor. 15:54-57) B. A Released Force (Acts 1:8)
*Focal Text * Philippians 4:4-9 4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! 5 Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is [a]coming soon]. 6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. 9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of [e]untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.
I. Christ’s Positive Power Generates Gratitude A. This Positive Power produces humbleness. B. This Positive Power claims the proximity of Christ.
II. Christ’s Positive Power Activates Prayer A. Positive Prayer eliminates Anxiety. B. Positive Prayer has an Universality. C. Positive Prayer has a Definite Goal.
III. Christ’s Positive Power Gives Contentment A. Positive Contentment is the result of Peaceful Heart. B. Positive Contentment Energizes Faith.
IV. Christ’s Positive Power is a Summation of Virtues A. Meditate on these Virtues. B. Practice on these Virtues. C. Model these Virtues.
Conclusion: Fix Your Mind on Christ’s Positive Power
Psalm 12 Save and help and rescue, Lord, for godly people cease to be, For the faithful vanish from among the sons of men. 2 They speak deceitful and worthless words to one another; With flattering lips and a double heart they speak. 3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, The tongue that speaks great things [in boasting]; 4 Who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; who is lord and master over us?” 5 “Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, Now I will arise,” says the Lord; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” 6 The words and promises of the Lord are pure words, Like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times. 7 You, O Lord, will preserve and keep them; You will protect him from this [evil] generation forever. 8 The wicked strut about [in pompous self-importance] on every side, As vileness is exalted and baseness is prized among the sons of men.
I. The Cause for Devout Intercession (Psalm 12:1-2, 4) A. The Decrease of Saintly Men (Psalm 12:1) B. The Increase of Sinful Men (Psalm 12:2, 4)
II. The Case for Divine Intervention (Psalm 12:3, 5, 7) A. God Hates the Sin of Rebellion (Psalm 12:3-4) B. God Hates the Sigh of Oppression (Psalm 12:5) C. God Honors the Song of Devotion (Psalm 12:6-7)
Psalm 11 In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? 2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. 3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? 4 The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. 5 The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. 6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
I. A Resistance to Man's Proneness to Spiritual Retreat (Psalm 11:1-3) 1. The Priority of Personal Deliverance (Psalm 11:2) 2. The Futility of Spiritual Resistance (Psalm 11:3; Romans 8:31, 37; James 4:7)
II. A Reliance on God's Program for Spiritual Advance (Psalm 11:4-7) 1. Knowing the Presence of God (Psalm 11:4; Exodus 33:15; Joshua 1:9; Matthew 28:20; II Timothy 4:17) 2. Proving the Power of God (Psalm 11:4; Hebrews 4:13) 3. Doing the Pleasure of God (Psalm 11:7; Matthew 5:8; Matthew 3:17)
Focal Text: Psalm 10 Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? 2 The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. 3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth. 4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. 5 His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. 6 He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. 7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. 8 He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. 9 He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. 10 He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. 11 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it. 12 Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble. 13 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it. 14 Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless. 15 Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none. 16 The Lord is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land. 17 Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: 18 To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.
I. The Problem of Wickedness (Psalm 10:1) God’s Apparent Indifference to Wickedness (Psalm 10:1) Man’s Defiant Continuance in Wickedness (Psalm 10:1)
II. The Picture of Wickedness (Psalm 10:2-11) Man is Basically Insolent in Character (Psalm 10:2-6) Man is Basically Poisonous in Conduct (Psalm 10:7-11)
III. The Punishment of Wickedness (Psalm 10:12-18) God must Hear the Praye of His Saints (Psalm 10:12-15) God must Honor the Power of His Son (Psalm 10:16-18)
Focal Text: Psalm 9 I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. 3 When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence. 4 For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right. 5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever. 6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. 7 But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. 8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. 9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. 10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. 11 Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. 12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble. 13 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death: 14 That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation. 15 The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. 16 The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. 17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. 18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. 19 Arise, O Lord; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight. 20 Put them in fear, O Lord: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.
I. The Spirit of Victory (Psalm 9:1-3) A. Is Expressed in Yieldedness (Psalm 9:1) B. Is Expressed in Openness (Psalm 9:1) C. Is Expressed in Cheerfulness (Psalm 9:2) D. Is Expressed in Thankfulness (Psalm 9:2)
II. The Story of Victory (Psalm 9:4-6) A. God Rebukes the Enemy (Psalm 9:5) B. God Destroys the Enemy (Psalm 9:5) C. God Forgets the Enemy (Psalm 9:5)
III. The Secret of Victory (Psalm 9:7-20) A. The God of Righteousness (Psalm 9:8) B. The God of Refuge (Psalm 9:9-10) C. The God of Remembrance (Psalm 9:11-12) D. The God of Redemption (Psalm 9:13-14) E. The God of Recompense (Psalm 9:15; 20)
Focal Text: Psalm 8 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. 3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: 7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; 8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. 9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
I. The Wisdom of Elective Glory 1. The Innocence of a Child Celebrates His Praise (Psalm 8:2; Matthew 18:2-3) 2. The Impotence of a Child Demonstrates His Power (Psalm 8:2)
II. The Witness of God’s Creative Glory (Psalm 8:3) 1. The Immensity of God's Creation (Psalm 8:3) A. The Witness of Heaven (Psalm 19:1) B. The Witness of the Moon (Genesis 1:14-16) C. The Witness of the Stars (Genesis 15:5) 2. The Activity of God's Creation (Psalm 8:3; Colossians 1:16-17)
III. The Wonder of God’s Redemptive Glory 1. The Place of Divinity (Psalm 8:5; John 1:12-13; John 10:28) 2. The Place of Dignity (Psalm 8:5) 3. The Place of Dominion (Psalm 8:6-8)
Conclusion (Psalm 8:9)
Focal Text: Psalm 7 O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: 2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. 3 O Lord my God, If I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; 4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) 5 Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah. 6 Arise, O Lord, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded. 7 So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high. 8 The Lord shall judge the people: judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. 9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. 10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. 11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. 12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. 13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors. 14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. 15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. 16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate. 17 I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.
I. The Pain of Accusation (Psalm 7:1-2) A. The Destructiveness of Slander (Psalm 7:1-2; 1 Peter 5:8) B. The Relentlessness of Slander (Psalm 7:2)
II. The Process of Introspection A. The Examination of Self Life (Psalm 7:3-4; 1 Samuel 24:7) B. The Extermination of Self Life (Psalm 7:5; Colossians 3:5)
III. The Prayer of Supplication (Psalm 7:6-10) A. God Alone Can Destroy Wickedness (Psalm 7:6-9) B. God Alone Can Defend Righteousness (Psalm 7:8)
IV. The Promise of Retribution (Psalm 7:11-16) A. God’s Wrath Against Sin (Psalm 7:11) B. God’s Weapon Against Sin (Psalm 7:12; Hebrews 4:12; John 16:8) C. Laws of Retribution 1. Picture of Giving Birth (Psalm 7:14; James 1:15) 2. Picture of a Trap (Psalm 7:15) 3. Picture the Gravity Law (Psalm 7:16; Numbers 32:23)
V. The Praise of Jubilation (Psalm 7:17) Conclusion (Proverbs 18:10)
Focal Text: Psalm 6 O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. 2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed. 3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long? 4 Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake. 5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? 6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. 7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. 8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. 9 The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. 10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
I. A Time of Discipline (Psalm 6:1-3) 1. The Word of Correction Applied (Psalm 6:1) 2. The Whip of Chastening Administered (Psalm 6:1)
II. A Time of Distress (Psalm 6:4-7) 1. The Distress of Sin (Psalm 6:4) 2. The Distress of Separation (Psalm 6:5) 3. The Distress of Sorrow (Psalm 6:6) 4. The Distress of Suffering (Psalm 6:7)
III. A Time of Distress (Psalm 6:8-10) 1. God Acknowledges the Repentance of a Broken Heart (Psalm 6:8) 2. God Accepts the Request of a Believing Heart (Psalm 6:9) 3. God Allows the Restoration of a Backsliding Heart (Psalm 6:10)
CONCLUSION (1 Corinthians 15:5)
Focal Text: Psalm 5 Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. 2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. 4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. 5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. 6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. 7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. 8 Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. 9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. 10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. 11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 12 For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
I. A Prayerful Invocation (Psalm 5:1-3) 1. The Address to God (Psalm 5:1) 2. The Approach to God (Psalm 5:3) a. Reservation of Time b. Preparation of the Heart c. Expectation of Faith (Matthew 21:22)
II. A Prayerful Contemplation 1. Of the Holiness of God (Psalm 5:4) 2. Of the Sinfulness of Man (Psalm 5:4; Ecclesiastes 5:1-8)
III. A Prayerful Supplication (Psalm 5:8-12) 1. For Divine Direction (Psalm 5:8; Colossians 1:10) 2. He Feels Security in God (Psalm 5:11)
Focal Text: Psalm 3 3 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. 2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. 3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. 5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. 7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
I. The Believer's Trial (Psalm 3:1-2) A. The Oppression of the Enemy (Psalm 3:1; II Samuel 17:1-2) B. The Opposition of the Enemy (Psalm 3:1; II Samuel 16:5) C. The Opinions of the Enemy (Psalm 3:2; II Samuel 15:27; Job 13:15)
II. The Believer's Trust (Psalm 3:3-4) A. The Safety that is in Jehovah (Psalm 3:3; Ephesians 6:16) B. The Sufficiency that is in Jehovah (Psalm 3:3; Daniel 3:25) C. The Succor that is in Jehovah (Psalm 3:3; II Samuel 15:30; Hebrews 2:18)
III. The Believer's Triumph (Psalm 3:5-8) A. The Peace of God (Psalm 3:5-6; Isaiah 26:3) B. The Power of God (Psalm 3:7; Isaiah 54:17) C. The Praise of God (Psalm 3:8)
Focal Text: Psalm 2 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
I. The Voice of the Nations (Psalm 2:1-3) A. There is Human Rebellion (Psalm 2:2; James 4:4) B. There is Human Apostasy (Psalm 2:1-2) C. There is HumanLawlessness (Psalm 2:3)
II. The Voice of God the Father (Psalm 2:4-6) A. The Laughter of Derision (Psalm 2:4) B. The Utterance of Displeasure (Psalm 2:5; Acts 17:31; Hebrews 10:31) C. The Statement of Disclosure (Psalm 2:6)
III. The Voice of God the Son (Psalm 2:7-9) A. The Declaration of His Purpose (Psalm 2:7-9) B. The Revelation of His Person (Psalm 2:7; Romans 1:3-4) C. The Demonstration of Power (Psalm 2:8)
IV. The Voice of God the Spirit (Psalm 2:10-12) A. His Word of Exhortation (2 Timothy 3:15) B. His Word of Invitation (Psalm 2:12) C. His Word of Admonition (Psalm 2:12)
Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the man[a] who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law[b] of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Add notes
I. What the Man of God is Negatively (Psalm 1:1) - He is opposed to Godless Thinking (Psalm 1:1) - He is opposed to Lawless Living (Psalm 1:1; 1 John 3:4) - He is opposed to Careless Speaking (Psalm 1:1)
II. What the Man of God is Positively (Psalm 1:2) - He Appreciates the Word of God (Psalm 1:2) - He Appropriates the Word of God (Psalm 1:2; Jeremiah 15:16)
III. What the Man of God is Consequently (Psalm 1:3) - He shows Stability (Psalm 1:3; 1 Colossians 1:23) - He shows Vitality (Psalm 1:3) - He shows Fertility (Psalm 1:3; Galatians 5:22-23) - He shows Consistency (Psalm 1:3) - He shows Prosperity (Psalm 1:3)
Focal Text: Isaiah 9:6 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Revelation 1:17-18 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying [a]to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of [b]Hades and of Death.
I. The Final Head of a New Revelation (Isaiah 9:6) 1. The Father of Eternal Life (John 1:1-4) 2. The Father of Eternal Light (John 1:1-4) 3. The Father of Eternal Love (John 3:16)
II. The Founder Head of a New Religion (James 1:27) 1. The Word of the Father (James 1:22) 2. The Work of the Father (James 1:27)
III. The Federal Head of a New Race (Romans 8:29) 1. Believe the Everlasting Father (John 1:12) 2. Receive the Everlasting Father (John 1:12)
Focal Text: Psalm 92 92 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High: 2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, 3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. 4 For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. 5 O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. 6 A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. 7 When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: 8 But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore. 9 For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. 10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. 11 Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me. 12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; 15 To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
I. A Moral Gratitude (Psalm 92:1; Romans 1:21) 1. Spiritual Gratitude (Psalm 92:4; Ephesians 1:3-4) 2. Social Gratitude (Psalm 92:4) 3. Worldly Gratitude (Psalm 103:3; Psalm 118:24-25) 4. Future Gratitude (Psalm 92:4-5)
II. A Moral Activity (Psalm 92:1-2) 1. Spiritual Activity (Psalm 100:4) 2. Personal Activity (Psalm 92:1; Psalm 95:6) 3. Musical Activity Word (Psalm 92:2-3; Psalm 95:1-2)
Focal Text: John 13:36-14:6
36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. 37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. 38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
I. I Am the Way: In Order that Men Might be Saved (John 14:6) 1. Christ is the Only Way to be Saved (John 14:6) 2. Christ is the Open Way to be Saved (John 14:6)
II. I Am the Truth: In Order that Men Might be Sure (John 14:6) 1. Truth Embodied in the Incarnate Word (John 14:6) 2. Truth Expressed in the Inspired Word (John 14:6)
III. I Am the Life: In Order that Men Might be Strong (John 14:6) 1. Abundant Life (John 10:10) 2. Triumphant Life (John 1:4-5)
Focal Text: John 11:20-27 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. 21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that 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? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
I. Christ is the Great Dispenser of Life (John 11:25) 1. He Gives Physical Life (Acts 17:25) 2. He Gives Spiritual Life (John 10:10)
II. Christ is the Great Restorer of Life (John 11:25) 1. Christ Restores Spiritual Life (Ephesians 2:1) 2. Christ Restores Physical Life (1 Corinthians 15:22) 3. Christ Restores Cosmical Life (John 11:25)
III. Christ is the Great Preserver of Life 1. Christ Preserves Us by His Protective Word (Matthew 4:4) 2. Christ Preserves Us by His Redemptive Work (John 6:53) 3. Christ Preserves Us by His Directive Will (John 14:17)
John 10:11-18 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
John 10:25-29 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
I. The Attractiveness of His Character (John 10:11) 1. The Good Shepherd Loves His Sheep Infinitely (John 10:11; John 10:1) 2. The Good Shepherd Loves His Sheep Intimately (John 10:3; John 10:16)
II. The Inclusiveness of His Concern (John 10:16) 1. The Good Shepherd Seeks the Sheep (John 10:16) 2. The Good Shepherd Shelters the Sheep (John 10:7; Hebrews 13:20-21; I Peter 5:4)
III. The Effectiveness of His Call (John 10:27-30) 1. The Call Expects a Response (John 10:27) 2. The Call Establishes a Relationship (John 10:28; Colossians 3:3) A. The Relationship is Indestructible (John 10:28) B. The Relationship is Indissoluble (John 10:29)
Focal Text: John 9:1-11 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. 8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? 9 Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. 10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? 11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.
John 9:35-38 35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? 36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? 37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. Add notes
I. The Blind Man's Night (John 9:1) 1. A Condition of Tragedy (John 9:1) 2. A Condition of Poverty (John 9:8)
II. The Blind Man's Sight (John 9:25) 1. The Divine Operation (John 9:11) 2. The Human Application (John 9:11)
III. The Blind Man's Light (John 9:5) 1. The Light of Positive Certainty (John 9:25) 2. The Light of Patient Constancy (John 9:28; John 9:34) 3. The Light of Progressive Clarity (John 9:25)