Midway Baptist Church Sermons

Text: Ruth 1:6-17Opening Statement:In each of these widows there are lessons to learn. In one we have a troubling example, in one a tragic example, and finally in one a thrilling example. These three widows illustrate three responses of people. First, we see in Naomi:I) A DISCOURAGING WIDOW (6-13)Naomi illustrates how the life of a believer that is not living for God, is often a discouragement to others knowing God.As we view this scene, we see that:A) Naomi Was Being ObservedWhen she started back her daughters-in-law followed her. In their hour of grief, they looked to her for guidance. They were watching to see what Naomi would do. Whatever she did, they would do. Every action and step of Naomi was being observed.We as believers need to be constantly reminded that we are being watched by the unsaved. Whether we admit it or not, accept it or not, or acknowledge it or not, we are being watched by those around us. As we continue looking at this scene, we also see that:B) Naomi Was Being ObstructiveOne of the chief occupations of a believer is to try and lead unbelievers to the Lord. A person going to heaven is to work to take people to heaven. Naomi was only thinking of their material circumstances rather than their spiritual condition. She was only thinking of their physical needs and not their spiritual needs. Naomi reminds us of those who are professing Christians but are not practicing Christians. The second widow in our story that I want us to consider is Orpah. In her we see:II) A DEPARTING WIDOW (14)Orpah illustrates those who turn away from God and reject Him as their Lord and Savior. As we look at Orpah, we first see her:A) Returning To MoabOrpah chose to stay in a cursed land. She chose to live in a place of spiritual darkness and desolation. Orpah reminds us of those who are given the opportunity to be saved, yet they reject that offer and choose to live a life without God.We not only see Orpah returning to Moab, but we also see her:B) Remaining In MoabHow tragic it is for someone to have heard the Gospel; to have been given the opportunity to be saved; to say no, and then die lost without God. The great tragedy is that not one person in hell had to go there. All could have been saved, but they like Orpah rejected the opportunity to be saved. The third widow in this story is Ruth. In her we see:III) A DECIDING WIDOW (16-17)We see Ruth making a decision that changed her life. We read that instead of leaving Naomi, “Ruth clave unto her” (Vs.14). The decision Ruth made gave her a:A) New LifeSalvation gives a person a new life. Paul said, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things pass away and behold all things are become new” (II Cor.5:17). Salvation makes us a new person and gives us a new life.We also see that her decision gave her a:B) New LordNo doubt she had worshipped the false idols and false gods of Moab. She had known nothing but paganism. Now she has a new Lord in her life. Her life is now centered around Him and His people.Finally, we see that her decision gave her a:C) New LoyaltyRuth was saying, “This decision is for the rest of my life.” She had no desire to go back nor plans to return. Her decision was for time and eternity. There is nothing behind us and everything before us.Closing Statement: Which of these poor widows best represents the life you are living right now? If you are saved and away from the Lord, I invite you to come home. If you are lost and are thinking about a life of faith, I invite you to receive Jesus today. If you are saved, secure and settled I invite you to come before Him to worship, praise and thank Him for grace.Watch us here on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook pagehttps://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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2023.4.30 - The Mercado Missionaries by Midway Baptist Church

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Text: Ruth 1:1-7Opening Statement:In the book of Ruth there are scenes that are tragic, domestic, romantic, dramatic, historic, and prophetic. Yet each scene is a mine filled with precious gems. The Book of Ruth is a beautiful picture of Christ’s great love for us, and the redemption He purchased for us. The opening scene of the book is tragic for we find three graves in Moab. Let’s notice the story behind these 3 graves. First, notice:I) THE DEPARTURE FROM THE LORD (vs.1-4)As we look at this departure from the Lord we see:A) Where They Were LeavingTheir home was the town of Bethlehem in the country of Judah. The name “Bethlehem” means, “House of bread.” “Judah” means “praise.” This was the place we find Elimelech and his family leaving. They first left the city limits of Bethlehem and then left the borders of Judah. They first got out of the House of God and then out of the will of God. We also see:B) Where They Went to LiveWe read that they “went to sojourn in the country of Moab” (Vs.1). In Psalm 108:9, we find an interesting description of Moab. We read, “Moab is My washpot.” Elimelech’s journey to Moab is illustrative of a Christian leaving God and going back to the old life.We see that not only did they settle down in Moab, but their children took to themselves wives of the Moabites (Vs.4). Marriage among the pagan nations was strictly forbidden by God. The parents’ departure only led to a further departure in the children. We see a departure from the Lord, and we also see the results of leaving God.II) THE DISCIPLINE BY THE LORDJust as an earthly father will discipline a disobedient child, God will discipline His disobedient and straying children (Heb.12:6). The writer of Hebrews describes both a process and a procedure of God’s discipline.When we look at Elimelech and his family we see this process and procedure of discipline.A) The First Acts Of Discipline (V.2)It would appear that Elimelech and Naomi, had begun to drift from God in their hearts, before they ever left Bethlehem-judah. A departure from God always begins on the inside long before it is seen on the outside. The names of their children would seem to suggest that God had already begun a work of discipline to get their attention. These boys seem to be the first acts of discipline in their life. Both of their children would seem to suggest that God was trying to get their attention.B) The Fatal Acts Of Discipline (vs. 3,5)First God chastens us, and if that does not get our attention, He scourges us. The first warnings were ignored and finally God’s discipline was drastic and fatal. Whenever a Christian gets out of the house of God, and the will of God, God will discipline. He will deal with them patiently and lovingly. But in time, if there is no repentance and a return to God, He will deal in a more drastic measure. A departure from the Lord will always bring the discipline of the Lord.III) THE DESIRE FOR THE LORD (vs. 6-7)She heard of how God was blessing His people again. The famine was over at last. The people had come back to God. It was this news, coupled with all that had happened, that created in her heart a desire to return to God. In her desire we see:A) Her RepentanceIt is interesting how her actions are described. It was not just that she returned to Bethlehem-judah. She was turning her back on Moab. She was leaving Moab. That is repentance. In her desire we also see:B) Her ReturnShe returned to the place of blessing. She came back to the will of God. She is leaving the place of sin for the place of blessing.In Closing:Just like Naomi and the prodigal son, if you find yourself in a foreign place don’t make your home there. Come home, your Heavenly Father is waiting to receive you with open arms of forgiveness. Return to him today.

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Easter is Over, Now What?Text: Matt. 28:18-20 Opening Statement: It's clear from all four Gospels that, after His Resurrection, Jesus is single-minded on His mission to share the good news throughout the world. Jesus fulfilled the earth-bound portion of His mission. It would soon be time for His followers to fulfill their part in the mission to take the Gospel to the nations. That was then, and this is now! The Great Commission still stands! God still expects His people to take His message to a lost world so that they might hear the wonderful words of life.I) WE HAVE A DIVINE MANDATE (v. 19) The mandate of The Great Commission is to “Go”. There are two ways we can do this.1) It involves our Lifestyle (Matt. 5:13-16) Like salt, our life should create a thirst in people for the Lord. If He is the focus of our lives, men will see Him lived out through our lives, day by day!2) It involves our Lips We are told to “teach”. That word has the idea of “making disciples or to instruct”. It is not enough to just show it, we must also say it! II) WE HAVE A DIVINE MESSAGE (v. 20) Jesus tells His followers to share a specific message: “…to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” As we go and as we tell the world about Jesus, the message we are to share is very clear. We are to share the Gospel. There is no other message that God will use to draw the sinner to Himself and there is no other message He will use to save lost souls! III) WE HAVE A DIVINE MISSION (v. 19) He tells us that we are to “Go…and teach all nations”. He is telling us very clearly that our mission is to every person in the world. If they are sinners, they are candidates to hear the message of the cross. If they are lost, they need a Savior. If they do not know Him, they need to, and we have been authorized and commanded to reach them!IV) WE HAVE A DIVINE MENTOR (v. 20) Jesus doesn’t send us in to the lost world without any resources. 1) We Are Promised His PresenceWhen you are standing there sharing the Gospel with that friend, that family member, even that total stranger, the Lord Himself is right there with you. You will never share the Gospel alone if you are a child of God! 2) We are Promised His Power The Spirit of God will take our efforts and He will use the words we share to convict the hearts of the lost. In Closing: The question we need to ask, and answer is, has “The Great Commission” become “The Great Omission” in your life and mine? Are we as a church doing everything we can to find inroads of outreach into the world around us? Or are we sitting back watching the world around us slip into Hell?

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2023.04.09 - The Emptiness of Easter by Midway Baptist Church

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This event we are looking at today in Jesus’ life is often called the Triumphal Entry. We all know the scene well: Jesus entering Jerusalem accompanied by the waving of palm branches, the cheering of the crowds and great anticipation. If you were a visitor to Jerusalem on this day, if you were unfamiliar with Jesus’ life and teachings, you would probably be wondering what this was all about. You might even ask, “What makes Jesus worthy of worship?” I) Jesus Reveals that He is the Messiah (28-34)There are three ways Jesus reveals himself as Messiah.A) He starts from the Mount of Olives (28-29)The starting point of the Mount of Olives is important because the Mount of Olives is more than just a geographical marker here. The Mount of Olives has Messianic implications. Ezekiel 11:23 and Zechariah 14:4B) He rides the tethered colt (30)For the Jewish person in Jesus’ day, steeped in the Old Testament as they were, this tethered colt here in Luke’s gospel would evoke associations with this prophecy in Genesis 49:10-11 and provide yet another reason to see Jesus as the Messiah.C) Jesus alludes to the position of “Lord” (31-34)The name “Lord” was a title that was used for the coming Messiah. For example, Psalm 110:1 “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” II) The People Reveal Jesus as Messiah (35-38)We see this in a number of ways.A) They place him on the donkey (35)By placing him on the donkey and then going before him into the city of Jerusalem, the people clearly proclaim Jesus as Messiah and king.B) They spread their cloaks before him (36)The spreading of the cloaks was a sign of respect for the king. (2 Kings 9:13)C) They shout his praises (37-38)The word “hosanna” literally means, “Lord save us!” (Matthew 21:9)The praises of the people are the third way that the people proclaim Jesus as Messiah as he enters Jerusalem.III) Jesus Relishes their praise of him as Messiah (39-40)Not everyone was happy about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. A) The Pharisees object to the people’s praise of Jesus (39)They understood the implications of all these things. Jesus was revealing himself as Messiah, and the people revealed Jesus as Messiah. And so, they tell Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples. Tell them to stop!”B) Jesus relishes the people’s praise (40)In fact, instead of rebuking them, Jesus relishes the people’s praise instead. Look at verse 40: “I tell you that, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” I love that phrase. It is wonderfully ambiguous, and yet at the same time such a clear affirmation that Jesus accepted the people’s praise of him as Messiah. In Closing: We started out asking the question, “What makes Jesus worthy of worship? So, what does Jesus’ triumphal entry say to us today? Let me leave you with three words of application.1) Believe that Jesus is the Messiah. 2) Serve him as King. 3) Proclaim his praises. How do you respond to Jesus’ Triumphal Entry today?

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Strange Fire - Leviticus 10:1-3I. Worship Worthy of a Holy GodII. God is a Consuming FireIII. God Will be Treated as Holy

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Jesus says,“What is it that I should do for you?” “That our eyes should be opened.” That’s it, and then 3 things immediately happen. He touched them, they regained their sight, and then they follow him. We can learn a lot when Jesus stops. We learn at least three lessons in this miracle.I) The Need for Persistent faith (29-31)The blind men asked what was going on? And when they hear that Jesus is going by, they begin shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”A) A Cry for MercyTheir cry for mercy is an expression of faith. Faith in Jesus begins with the acknowledgement of your need. These two blind men knew their need very well. They were blind and could not see. Their cry for mercy was an acknowledgement of their need and a demonstration of faith.B) A Cry of AcknowledgmentWhen they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”The expression “Son of David” is another name for the Messiah. They call on Jesus as Messiah and Lord, believing that he has the power to heal them.C) A Cry that Won’t be Silenced These two blind men cried out for mercy. They called on Jesus as Messiah and Lord. And then they also persevered through the obstacles. They didn’t give up, did they? These two blind men demonstrate persistent faith. They cry for mercy. They call on Jesus as Messiah and Lord. They persevere through the obstacles.II) The Need to Respond to Penetrating Questions (32)So, how does Jesus respond to these two men’s faith? He asks them a penetrating question. A) Jesus: “What do you want me to do for you?” (John 9:39-41)Jesus asks the two blind men who are crying out for mercy, “What do you want me to do for you?” What do you want Jesus to do for you? Jesus stopped and called them to himself. The gospel call of salvation still goes out today. Many still do not respond. Don’t be one of them!III) The Need to Receive the Most from God (33-34)A) What they Received on a Physical LevelSo, on the physical level the two men told Jesus, “We want to see.” They demonstrated faith in Christ. They received their sight and followed him.B) What they Received on a Spiritual levelJesus’ miracles always have a spiritual meaning as well. And on the spiritual level, we demonstrate faith by recognizing our spiritual darkness and need. When you cry out for mercy, when you ask Jesus to open the eyes of your heart, he will have compassion on you. He will touch you. He will give you the sight you need. In Closing: There’s an old saying: “There are none so blind as those who will not see.” Is that you this morning? Jesus asks you this morning, “What do you want me to do for you?” What better response than: “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, that I may see and follow you.”Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook pagehttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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We are going to look this morning at the prayer life of Jesus. Luke gives us a summary statement here. This is not any particular day. This is a day that happened over and over again in the three years of Jesus’ active earthly ministry.I) Surveying the Prayer Life of Jesus1. Jesus Prayed Alone (Matthew 14:23)2. Jesus Prayed During Special Events (Luke 3:21)3. Jesus Made Prayer a Priority (Luke 5:15-16) & (Luke 6:12)4. Jesus Prayed Both Privately and Collectively (Luke 9:18) & (Luke 9:28) 5. Jesus Prayed During Times of Distress In the Garden (Luke 22:44)On the Cross Jesus prays out three times. First, (Luke 23:34)Second, (Matthew 27:46)Third, (Luke 23:46)II) Specific Principles from the Prayer Life of JesusWhat do we learn from the prayer life of Jesus? What can we apply to our own prayer life as we meditate on the example of Jesus?1. First, we see the priority to prayer in the life of Jesus. The discipline in Jesus’ prayer life stands out in several respects.A) A Certain Place (Luke 11:1)This phrase lends itself to the idea that Jesus had “certain places” He went to pray. Wilderness (Luke 5:16)Mountain (Luke 6:12 and 9:28) Garden (Luke 22:39) B) A Consistent Practice (Luke 5:16)Despite the many demands that are being made upon Jesus. He knew of the importance to slip away and pray on a regular basis. C) A Concrete Pattern (Luke 11:1)The teaching that follows in verse 2-4 serves as a model for praying—not words to necessarily be mimicked, but a pattern that serves as a concrete pattern.D) A Continuing ProcessLuke 22:44, 23:34, and 23:46 show us the continuing prayer life of Jesus. Paul said 1 Thess. 5:17 that we are to pray unceasingly. 2. Second, we see the purpose of prayer in the life of Jesus.If we have learned “how” he prayed by the discipline (priority) in His life, then we can learn “why” we pray by examining the things that Jesus prayed.Jesus prayed . . .• For refreshment (5:16)• In times of important decision (Luke 6:12)• In times of distress—In garden and on the cross• For the faith of the disciples (Luke 22:32)• For the unity of the disciples (John 17)Closing:Prayer is the key to unleashing human participation in the works of God. and Prayer is the key to unleashing Divine participation in the works of humanity.If Jesus prayed, how much more do we need to pray?Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook pagehttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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As I was praying about what we should focus on for this year, the idea of jubilee kept coming to mind. This morning I have three R's that you can remember that may help in understanding the meaning and purpose behind the Jubilee and the Day of Atonement. Then I want to transition to our theme of “A Good Time for a Jubilee” and share with you three R’s of Midway’s Jubilee. As we consider celebrating Jubilee, I want us to see what the Lord has done, is doing, and is going to do for us here at Midway.First, we must consider: I) The Biblical Three R’s of Jubilee1) ReleaseThat is our first R: A release. They would release all the slaves that is to say if you were in bondage to someone for financial reasons you would be set free. Once you and I were slaves to sin, you were slaves until the Jubilee. Jubilee is about forgiveness it is about being set free from bondage to sin. We are released just like those slaves were released from their enslavement. That is something to be jubilant about. 2) ReturnThat is our second R: Return. In Leviticus 25:23-28, God gives them instructions about returning the land back to its ancestral owners in the year of the Jubilee, as well as redeeming the land. They must give back the land in the year of Jubilee as a sign of faith that all the land belongs to the Lord. I think for us - what a great reminder. Who owns us? Well, God owns us, doesn't He? Jesus made a way through His sacrifice on the cross for all of us to return to our rightful owner which is God. 3) RevitalizeNow the third R is Revitalize.You see the land was to lay fallow, uncultivated. It was to just sit there. It was resting. Isn't that interesting? How was the land regenerated? It was by resting; by not being worked up; by not having crops. It was replenished; it was restored by rest; it was revitalized. These people were taking a risk when they didn't plant in that 49th year. Well, are we ready to take a risk to show that our faith is a living faith that is dependent on God? Now we must consider:II) The Three R’s of Midway’s Jubilee1) RememberWe need to remember where God has brought us from to where we are now. Have you ever wondered why God told Israel to celebrate a Jubilee every 50 years? The short answer is so that every generation would learn the lessons that God was teaching. Many folks who set in this building today that the Lord has blessed us with have no idea of what it took to get us from where we were to where we are now. Many, have no idea of the praise we owe God for leading us through so much to get us to this place. Remembering is vital for moving forward.2) RegroupLast year brought us to the end of an amazing journey. What I mean by this is that we finalized a “Vision of Victories” of a new sanctuary and fellowship hall that is now paid for. It brings us to the place where we can stop and remember and regroup as to what God would have us to do for the kingdom next. This is a time of rest and regroup before the next journey of faith begins. 3) ResolveI want us to begin our next journey of faith with a Resolve, which means to, “decide firmly on a course of action; an earnest determination to do something.” My thought here is that as we remember the goodness of God on us as a church and as a people that we will regroup with a plan to move forward for the glory of the Lord, with a resolve that won’t and can’t be stopped by the things of this world. In Closing:I think this is A Good Time for a Jubilee; how about you?Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook pagehttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Love. There are few things so universal and yet so challenging. Love for God. “The most important” commandment, says Jesus (Mark 12:29–30), and one that both the old and new covenants portray as necessary to enjoy God’s sustained favor.In verses one through six of chapter two John has already made the point that one of the ways we know we know Him is if we obey Him. And now, he follows that insight up with another one; We know that we know Him if we have His love.He tells us that if we love Him, we will grow to be more like Him and that is a love worth having.Notice these three things.I) The priority of love (7-11)In these five verses John draws our attention to three things, concerning a love worth having.A) The origin of love (vs. 7)Beginning in the earliest books of the Old Testament, God's desire was that we would love Him and love others.John is reiterating what they had known, from the beginning. Love God and love each other. This is foundational to what it means to know God.B) The operation of love (vs. 8)Jesus’ commandment did not have to do so much with the decision to love, that was the old commandment. The new commandment had to do with the depth of that love, or the kind of love we are to have for one another.Jesus says, I want you to love each other like I have loved you. C) The opposite of love (vs. 9-11)John is contrasting true love with hatred. True love, Christian love, the kind of love God has for us, the kind of love Jesus expressed on the cross, is sacrificial and active. There is no room for neutrality, we either love others or we hate them, we cannot, according to John, ignore them and at the same time say we love them.II) The process of maturity (vv. 12-14)In these three verses, John gives us two sets of three parallel statements. He addresses three different groups of people in the church.A) The children - those who are young in the faithB) The Fathers - those who have been believers a long timeC) The Young Men - those who presently carry the responsibility for the furtherance of the gospel.III) The perils of the world (vv. 15-17)Whereas we are told to love God and one another, here we are strongly warned against loving the world and the things of the world.A) The lust of the flesh (v. 16)The cravings of sinful man. They are the desires that come from the human desires which are shaped by the world and the spirit of the age, rather than by the Spirit of God living within us. B) The lust of the eyes (v.16)Greed, materialism, envy, are strong desires which come from wanting what we see. In all of our lives the enemy tries to tempt us with that which we see. That's why we must be careful what we set before our eyes.C) The pride of life (v.16)This is the sin of self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and pride. That desire to get more at any cost, consider the pride of life it took for Judas to betray Jesus. In Closing:Where is your love this morning? Do you love the world, or do you love the Lord? Do you have this love worth having? And if not, what are you willing to do to get it?Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook pagehttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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How we treat others and how we act is an outward expression of how we see God. If you view God as a loving Father, then chances are you will love unconditionally. If you view God as only a just God that will just punish sin, then you may view people with little tolerance. How do you see God?I) The Description of God's Love (vv. 8, 11, 13, 17)How do you describe a rose to a blind person? How do you describe the infinite love of God to impure, finite humans?One of the most vivid characteristics of God is that he is a God of love. The Psalmist was descriptive in recording the love-nature of God. (Psalm 103:8), (Psalm 103:11), (Psalm 103:13), and (Psalm 103:17).II) The Definition of God's Love (v. 2)The point is not simply that God "loves," but that he is love itself. Love is not merely one of his attributes, but his very nature. God has your best interest in mind. He wants to give you good gifts and provide you with "all his benefits" (Psalm 103:2).III) The Benefits of God's Love (v. 2)The Psalmist uncovers all the phases of life that God's love has touched and in turn benefited and blessed the recipient.A) Spiritually (v. 3, 12)B) Emotionally (v. 3)C) Eternally (v. 4)D) Authoritatively (v. 4)E) Physically (v. 5)F) Judicially (v. 6)IV) The knowledge of God's loveWhat should I know about God's love?A) God's love is all consumingThe number of times the three-lettered word "all" is used in this text reminds us that God's love is all consuming. His love touches every area of our lives. There is nowhere we can go to escape his love. B) God's love is personalThe Bible cuts through all the philosophical abstractions and declares that God is a Person. As a personal being God is capable of loving and being loved. And as a personal being he loves each one of us intensely personal. C) God's love is beyond comprehension (vv. 13-14)Amazing, isn't it? God knows me and still loves me. Like a father's love for a wayward and rebellious son that waits anxiously for him to return home so he can grant him a new start, is God's love for us. That's a glimpse of the kind of incredible, incomprehensible love God has for us.In Closing:If you ever wonder if God loves you, look to the cross. The cross is God's way of saying, "I love you this much," with his arms outstretched. God's final words to us are etched on a Roman cross. They are blood red. They scream to be heard. They say, "I love you."Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook pagehttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Today, we will begin by looking at our need for love. 1. Our Need to Be LovedOne of the deepest needs of our hearts is to be loved by others. Not only do we want to be loved, but we want also for others to make that love known to us. 2. Our Need for God’s LoveAn even deeper need is to be loved by God and to see a demonstration of His love. We must realize that even when others do not love us, God intensely loves us.My desire is to show you that the love we all need is found in God’s love for us.I) God’s Expressed LoveGod demonstrated His love for us.1) The God who LovesWho is this God who loves us? We believe in the Triune God. God is One God, but He has three Persons. He is God, the Father, God, the Son and God, the Holy Spirit. There was, is, and ever will be perfect love and fellowship within the Trinity.We can build a relationship with Him, but that interactive relationship requires the giving and receiving of love.2) The Evidence of God’s LoveWhen we think about it, we see much evidence of God’s love for us. We see the love of God in all aspects of life.a) Natureb) Achievementsc) ActionsThe love of God for us stands out in the actions of people who love us and the rest of God’s creation. 1 John 4:193) God’s Ultimate Show of LoveMany have asked, “Why did Christ have to die?” “Could not God have forgiven our sins and redeemed us in some other way? The answer to both questions is clearly “No.” God loves us, but He is also just. Only Christ was sinless. Only He was a worthy sacrifice for our sins. If another plan would have worked, God the Father so love God the Son that He would have chosen the other plan. We could only be forgiven and redeemed if God loved us enough to give His Son.II) God’s Gracious LoveChrist died for us as ungodly people not as godly people. If we had been righteous, He would not have died for us.1) Because None are RighteousWe were born with a tendency to sin. Therefore, as we begin thinking about God’s love, we have to admit that we are not claiming the right to be loved, but we are calling upon God in His mercy to love us.2) Because God Is GraciousIn contrast to the bad news, the good news is that God the Father graciously loves us. God overcame the bad news with the good news of the gift of His Son who paid the penalty for our sins.III) Christ’s Sacrificial LoveThe love of God, through Christ, is a sacrificial love. It is higher than any other love for us.1) A Display of LoveJesus understood that dying for someone else was the supreme sacrifice. (John 15:13) It was the ultimate display of love. Jesus is the ultimate hero for His display of love.2) An Expression of LoveThe love of Christ for us is an exalted love. Now, we should note how exalted is the expression of the love of Christ.Christ went beyond dying for a good man and died for sinners. His love for the ungodly is unequaled. He laid down His life for them. In Closing:Allow me to make this very personal. Christ loves you personally and individually. St. Augustine said, “He loves each one of us, as if there were only one of us.” He died for you. If you had been the only sinner, He still would have died for you.Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook pagehttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Jonah went from running from God to trying to run God.By the way, if you preached to a city, and every person in the city repented of their sin, how would you respond? Most likely, not the way Jonah does. But that depends on where your heart is at.Look how Jonah responded when Nineveh repented.I) The Response of Jonah to God’s Grace (Jonah 4:1)We should not be too hard on Jonah here. We all sometimes wonder why God doesn’t judge a certain person or group of people. We see the wicked seemingly getting away with evil and we wish God would just rain down on them. Sometimes we might pray as Jonah prays here in verse 2-3.II) The Honest Confession of Jonah (Jonah 4:2-3)Here, at last, we see why Jonah would rather flee to Tarshish than preach fire and brimstone to Nineveh, and why he would rather die than obey God. The answer to both is that he knew God was gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. Jonah, in his anger, is attacking God’s actions saying that the people of Nineveh do not deserve God’s grace. What Jonah forgets, and we do as well, is that no one deserves God’s grace. III) The Probing Questions of God (Jonah 4:4-9)A) A Question of Misdirected Perspective “Is it right for you to be angry?” Jonah 4:4This is a question of perspective. Jonah looked at the city of Nineveh and got angry that God had shown them mercy. God basically says, “Listen, Jonah, we’re looking at the same situation, yet we have two different perspectives. Which one do you think is reasonable?” Which leads to… B) A Question of Mistaken Priority “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” Jonah 4:9The second question, in response to Jonah’s plea to die, exposes a mistaken priority. Jonah declares, "Yes, I have a right." But did he have a right? He did nothing to produce the plant. He did nothing to grow the plant. He did nothing to save the plant. It wasn't Jonah's plant; it was God's plant. C) A Question of Misguided Passion “should not I spare Nineveh?” Jonah 4:11God’s third question focuses on Jonah’s misguided passion. He had become concerned about the perishable but not the permanent. God compares 120,000 souls to one plant asking where should one’s passion be? IV) The Lasting Lesson of Jonah (Jonah 4:10-11)And with that, the story ends. Why does the story end this way. It seems like the story should have ended after chapter 3. God has mercy on Nineveh. The End.But that wasn’t the end. Why not? Because the story is not about Nineveh.What is this story about? The story is about you and me. The text leaves us hanging because it asks the question, “What about you? What does God see in your heart?”In Closing:Here is the question the book asks of you: What are you concerned about? What is God concerned about? Do these match? The question is not “Where can God use me the most, but where can God change me the most?” Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook pagehttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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So, let’s look at our passage together and marvel at what God once did, and pray that He does it again…. Spirit led words though they are few; will amaze the world in what they will do. Ask the Ninevites.I) Revivals Demand a Stern Message (3:4) Jonah entered the outskirts of the great city and began to preach sermons on judgment, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown" (Jonah 3:4). I think this was the title or subject of Jonah's sermons. We do not have a record of his entire sermons in the Bible. This only seems to be the subject that he spoke on. He preached on the judgment of Almighty God against the city, because God said, "Their wickedness is come up before me" (Jonah 1:2). But the people of Nineveh did not stone Jonah, or imprison him, as he doubtlessly expected they would do. Instead, when he preached on judgment, "The people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast" (Jonah 3:5). II) Revivals Follow Sincere Repentance (3:5–9) Repentance is hatred of sin and turning from it unto God in the light of his mercy. Scripture highlights four parts of the sincere response of the Ninevites, which serve as a model of genuine repentance today.A) Repentant People Believe God’s Word of Judgment (v. 5) From whatever preaching Jonah did, the Ninevites gathered enough of God’s true identity not only to believe in him and trust his mercy, but to recognize God’s sovereignty despite the predicament in which they found themselves. The most basic response to a confrontation with God is to believe him. Without believing God, there is no salvation.The question is for each of us to answer: Do you believe God? B) Repentant People Grieve Their Wicked Condition (v. 8) The Ninevites’ grief was blatant; they wore it! In the ancient Near East sackcloth and ashes externalized inner grief and mourning (Job 1:20; 2:8). They were using the body as an auxiliary to the soul. By fasting they afflicted their bodies to bring them into harmony with their afflicted souls. Sin isn’t a joke to repentant people. It is a tragedy. When confronted with their sin the Ninevites “were sorrowful, miserable, broken, and grief-stricken over their sin as they suddenly realized that their wickedness had offended God . . . A similar experience of repentance is needed today.” C) Repentant People Put Away Their Sin (vv. 8, 10) A truly penitent person turns from his evil ways. Sinners cannot draw near to God simply by affirming he exists or by regretting their shortcomings. The king told each Ninevite to turn from “his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands” (3:8). We can’t expect salvation if we refuse to part with the sins for which Christ died.D) Repentant People Appeal to God for Mercy (vv. 5, 9) The thought of being rejected by God so horrified the Ninevites that experiencing God’s mercy became their main concern. The king’s decree asked, “Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish?” Even this modest hope “should quicken you and stir you to cast yourselves upon his free grace.” Why assume that you must remain unsaved? The Ninevites didn’t. The Ninevites are our sign. They teach us how to repent. They warn us to lament our sins now or to lament them forever in hell.III) Revivals Depend on God’s Mercy (3:10) The Lord is not the God merely of second chances, but the God who accepts even those who have squandered their entire lives in rebellious living.God didn’t change his mind; he changed the Ninevites! The proud, wicked, atheistic people against whom he had threatened judgment ceased to exist when they were made into a new creation by God’s grace. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook pagehttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistn

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12 views Streamed live on Jan 1, 2023Text: Jonah 3:1-5Opening Statement: Have you ever noticed in scripture how many times the Lord called or came "the second time?" Sometimes, it brought stern warning, while other times it extended profound grace and abundant blessing. But, in every case it implied the Lord was not through yet!In each of our lives there have been moments when our spiritual obituary was written, and our tombstone engraved. The world had given up on us, and friends could scarcely be found. Were you not deeply humbled and speechless when the Lord called or came "the second time?"Today being New Year’s I thought it was a good day to pick up where we left off in Jonah. New Year’s always reminds me of a second chance in that an old year has passed, and a new one is beginning. Today Jonah reminds us that we are Serving a God of Second Chances. I) A Fresh Start Jonah 3:1. . . the second time . . . Wow, what a phrase! What grace and forgiveness are bound up in these three words – the second time. "The second time" of the Lord signifies a fresh start. The world may be limited in its love and chances, but the love of the Lord gives more than a second chance. He gives us a second wind!Imagine the thrill of Jonah the prophet as he heard the word of the Lord coming to him again – the second time. II) A Faithful Summons Jonah 3:2 It is interesting to me that this is the same commission Jonah first received in chapter 1. However, the first time, Jonah is told of the wickedness of the people of Nineveh, but in this second commission, Jonah is not reminded of their wickedness. Instead, he is challenged by God with the sacred task to, “deliver to them My word”. Jonah is given a second chance and now, he is given a faithful summons. This charge is nothing less than to preach the word. It is the same charge given by Paul to Timothy, and to every pastor since, [Timothy], preach the word... (II Timothy 4:2a) "The second time" of the Lord submits a faithful summons. What is the Lord saying “the second time” to you?III) A Fruitful Season Jonah 3:4-5"The second time" of the Lord suggests a fruitful season.The word “overthrow” means literally, “turn upside down”. The tense of the verb indicates thoroughness, so this would be a complete destruction or overturning of the city’s foundations, walls and gates. This is the same verb that is used to describe the total destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.Is it really surprising then, to read in the very next phrase in verse 5, Then the people of Nineveh believed in God... Imagine this – they believed in God. By the way, it does not say they believed in Jonah. The people of Nineveh may not have been all that swept away by Jonah. However, they were swept away by the warning of this Sovereign; they were swept into the mercy of Jonah’s God. God not Jonah brought about a fruitful season. In Closing:How thankful I am that the Lord has never given up on you or me.Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook pagehttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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2022.12.25 - Merry Christmas by Midway Baptist Church

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Midway Baptist Christmas Eve Candle Light Service

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Christmas is a wonderful story, but it is so much more than a story. It is a true story, it is history, and it is our story, the story of when love came down in the person of Jesus Christ. I would like to share with you three simple truths from our Scriptures passage of how love came down at Christmas. I) Love comes from God (7-8)Have you ever wondered where love comes from? Most people agree that love is the most beautiful thing in the world. But where does all this love come from? Did you ever wonder that? The Bible gives us the answer. Love comes from God, because God is love.There has never been a time when there was not God, and so there has never been a time when there was not love. Where does love come from? Love comes from God, because God is love. That’s our first truth for today. Love comes from God.II) Love came down to earth (9)Love began in heaven among the persons of the Trinity, but love came down to earth at Christmas. God sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.The miracle of Christmas is that the baby in the manger was God in human flesh. God became a man. The Son of God became the son of man. Jesus who had lived with God the Father for all of eternity entered our world on Christmas day. He left the glories of heaven and came to earth as a tiny baby. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. Love began in heaven. But love came down to earth at Christmas.III) Love came down to the cross (10)Love comes from God. That’s our first truth. Love came down to earth. That’s our second truth. And finally, love came down to the cross. God loves us so much that he not only sent Jesus to earth. He sent him to the cross at Calvary.This was God’s plan all along. It’s part of the Christmas story. Jesus lived his entire life in the shadow of the cross. Love not only came down to earth at Christmas. Love came down to the cross to pay the price for our sins so that we could be saved. As the angel said to the shepherds that first Christmas Eve: “ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) This was the true gift of Christmas. Not simply the gift of a Son, but the gift of a Savior. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Love came down all the way. Love came down to the cross for sinners the likes of us.In Closing: Christmas is all about love. Where does love come from? Love comes from God. How did God show his love among us? He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. Love came down to earth.What is love? This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Love came down to the cross. Listen to us here on Soundcloud or watch us on our YouTube channel, Facebook page, or website.https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnchttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670

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We all long for peace in our lives, and yet peace is sadly lacking in our world. People are full of worry and anxiety. Relationships are full of conflict and stress. The world is full of conflict and wars. But that’s where Jesus comes in. Part of the Christmas story, part of the Christmas message is that Jesus brings us peace. We will be looking at four aspects of the peace that Jesus brings this morning. I) Jesus brings peace with God – Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:26-30, 76-79; Romans 5:1The Bible tells us our sins have separated us from God, and it is only through Jesus and faith in him that we are brought into a relationship of peace with our God and Creator. Romans 5:1How did Jesus do this? By what Jesus did at the cross. Jesus was born into this world to die on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven, and we could be restored to a right relationship of peace with God. As we read in Isaiah 53:5II) Jesus brings peace with self – Luke 2:28-31; John 14:27; Philippians 4:6-7Sin not only separates us from God. Sin also brings separation within our own being. We are conflicted beings. We are constantly fighting anxiety and stress and inner turmoil. We desperately need inner peace, and Jesus came not only to bring peace with God but also personal peace within ourselves.Hear these beautiful words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) Jesus not only brings peace with God. He also brings peace with self.III) Jesus brings peace with others – Matthew 1:20; Ephesians 2:14; Colossians 3:15And then thirdly, Jesus brings peace with others. We have a wonderful example of this early in the Christmas story. When Joseph first heard that Mary was pregnant, he considered breaking off the engagement. If Mary was pregnant with any other child, Joseph would most likely have broken the engagement. But this wasn’t any other child. Jesus, even before he was born, brought peace between Joseph and Mary and kept their marriage from coming apart.As believers in Christ, we are called to follow in his footsteps. Paul says: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” (Colossians 3:15) Jesus brings peace with others.IV) Jesus will bring peace on earth – Isaiah 2:4, 9:6-7, 11:6-9; Luke 2:13-14; Colossians 1:19-20The angels who announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds that first Christmas also proclaimed the peace that Jesus would bring to our planet. (Luke 2:13-14)But it gets even better than that! Because the Bible tells us that Jesus will not only bring peace on earth but will bring peace to the whole universe and that he will reconcile all things to himself in heaven and on earth. We read in Colossians 1: “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:19-20)Closing: Those verses in Colossians brings us right back to where we started. The reason Jesus can bring peace with God, peace with self, peace with others and peace on earth all goes back to the cross. Without Jesus being born as a baby at Christmas, there would be no cross. And without Jesus shedding his blood on the cross, there would be no peace. Listen to us here on Soundcloud or watch us on our YouTube channel, Facebook page, or website.https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnchttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670

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The baptism of believers in Jesus Christ by immersion is one of the distinctions of the Baptist Church. While other Churches may teach & practice baptism, very few require it for church membership. Why should we be so specific about what we believe about Baptism? The simple answer is: Because the New Testament teaches believers baptism by immersion, and the early Church in obedience to Christ’s command, practiced it. I) The Authority Behind Believer’s Baptism (Matthew 28:18-20)The authority for baptism comes directly from our Lord Jesus Christ. The command to baptize is associated with the authority given Him by the Father. One of our Lord’s last commands to the Apostles was to baptize. The point is that we do not receive authority from any human source to baptize, not even the Church. The Church did not invent baptism, Our Lord did. The Church is to administer Baptism. II) Who Should be Baptized? (Acts 8:36-38)1) All who hear the Word and come to faith in Jesus Christ. Those who have come to trust Him alone as their Savior and Lord. Rom 10:8-9 On the day of Pentecost, the First day of the Church, the day of birth for the Church; After Peter preached that first Sermon we read; Acts 2:41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. The order in Preparation for baptism is hearing the Word of God, trusting in or receiving Christ as Savior and then Baptism follows. III) The Method of Believer’s Baptism (Rom 6:3-4)How should a believer be baptized? Since baptism is a symbol, it is vitally important what method is used, since the reality of the event pictured must agree with the symbol.What is the real event that is pictured by baptism? It is the believer’s participation in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Rom 6:3-4 Crucial to our belief that immersion is the proper and only New Testament method of baptism is: 1) The meaning of the word. Baptizo which meant at the time the New Testament was written, “To dip” or “to immerse”, “to put or go under water”. IV) The Symbolism of Baptism (Romans 6:3-5)Believer’s Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward condition. It is a picture of what the Holy Spirit has done within the believer; He identifies the believer in Jesus Christ with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Baptism is like a wedding ring: they both symbolize transactions.In Closing: Why should a believer be baptized? Christ commanded it in Matthew 28:18-20. Obedience to Christ requires it in John 14:15-24. The Scriptures clearly state that the early Church practiced it in Acts 2.Listen to us here on Soundcloud or watch us on our YouTube channel, Facebook page, or website.https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnchttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670

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Text: Deuteronomy 26:1-11Opening Statement: To harvest crops is to bring them in, out of the cold and storms. Harvesting is a sheltering, a keeping after growing is done and a celebration at year’s end. In the Old Testament, the harvest was observed by the feast of Succoth or the Feast of Booths. The feast was a reminder of God’s bountiful goodness and the blessing of God’s providence in the lives of his people. We celebrate Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving, as farmers and families are giving thanks for a bountiful yield, as in the days of old, we pause to ask ourselves:• What, in our lives, by divine grace, has been safely gathered in, sheltered from the storms of life?• What relationships have been restored?• What financial difficulties have been resolved?• What health problems have been cleared up?Now that is “A Reason to Be Thankful!” Let’s consider three reasons to be thankful today. I) A reason to be thankful is remembering God is the source of all good things.The ability to give thanks with a joyful heart begins with recognizing God as the source of all good things and that God is always faithful toward his children. James 1:17 Remembering what God has done, made possible, or mercifully prevented doesn’t just provide us with a sense of self-satisfied gratitude. Rather, the writer of Deuteronomy teaches to remember, which is the first step to thankfulness. We are to remember God is the one who is faithful and provides, not us. II) A reason to be thankful is sharing God’s gifts and blessings with others.Few farmers hoard what they harvest. Jesus tells us about one and it didn’t end well for him in Luke 12:16-21 They must part with their crops so that both they and their neighbor may eat. As Christians, we can’t hold on to what isn’t ours to start with. Psalm 24 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, and they that dwell therein.” Sharing God’s generosity with others is the very act of giving thanks. Giving thanks is sharing God’s blessings with others.III) A reason to be thankful comes from thanking God with a joyful heart.We’ve all heard said, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). But we rarely quote all of what Paul originally wrote to the Corinthian church, “Each one of you must make up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” We too are compelled to make up our minds to offer what we have with joyful hearts. In Closing: May God continue to remind us that a thankful heart creates thankfulness and thankfulness leads to Thanksgiving. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook pagehttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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A Desperate Man’s Desperate Prayer | Text: Jonah 2:1-10Opening Statement: When last we left Jonah, he was in the belly of the great fish. He was in a bad fix and a bad way. As Jonah drops down into the belly of this fish, feels the great heat perhaps, and breathes the putrid air, he realizes where he is, even though he is in the dark, and further recognizes that he is without hope and beyond help. God is allowing Jonah to experience a taste of what the Ninevites will experience in judgment – hopelessness and helplessness if no one goes to them. Today we are going to discuss “A Desperate Man’s Desperate Prayer.”I) God Teaches Us When to Pray (2:1-3)I suspect that the most fervent and powerful prayer Jonah ever prayed was from the belly of a fish.The first ingredient of Jonah’s prayer is admission. Now, notice that Jonah admits this is God’s hand of discipline in verse 3. At this point Jonah is no longer resisting the will of God; he is no longer rejecting the word of God – he is about to re-enlist in the work of God. However, first, there is admission of his wrongdoing and the right of God to discipline. Now he is on his way to restoration. II) God Teaches Us What to Pray (2:4-7)The second ingredient of Jonah’s prayer is restoration. Notice verse 4. Up to this point, everything about the life of Jonah has been in the opposite direction of God’s authority. Now, Jonah is admitting his sin and turning back to the temple of God – a statement of recommitment for the Old Testament saint. Did you catch this? Jonah would not pray before – he wanted to run from God; he did not want to speak for God. He would not even pray to God for the sake of these frantic sailors who were afraid of drowning, “I’m not on speaking terms with God.” Now, however, Jonah says, yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.Sinclair Ferguson writes, “Isn’t it marvelous that God has mercy upon His servant Jonah before Jonah will preach that God will have mercy on Nineveh.”III) God Teaches Us Why We Should Pray (2:9-10)The third ingredient of Jonah’s prayer is appreciation. Keep in mind that Jonah has not been given a promise of deliverance. He was not thankful because he was back on dry land. He was not thankful that he had not drowned. He was thankful that God had turned his heart from rebellion and had caused him to call on the name of the Lord once again. Jonah was thankful for his salvation.What can Jonah sacrifice? He cannot sacrifice an animal – he has been swallowed by one. So, what can Jonah sacrifice to God now? He has gone too far – what can he offer to God? Jonah can offer to God the same thing we can. When David repented and wrote Psalm 51, a great hymn of repentance, he wrote, The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Psalm 51:17) As Jonah offers up to God the sacrifices of a repentant heart and a humbled spirit, God sends down the biggest case of indigestion any fish has ever experienced, and this fish spits up Jonah onto dry land. In Closing:Is there something in your life that God is desperately trying to get your attention about? Is there something God wants you to repent about? Remember running from God always leads down, while repentance always takes us upwards.Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook pagehttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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You Can Run but You Can’t HideWe need to be reminded of the same lesson Jonah learned, “You can run but you can’t hide.”Let’s take a look at how God begins the process of bringing Jonah back home. As we see how God deals with Jonah, we’ll discover that God deals with us in the same way when we disobey. I) He Sends Storms to Get Our Attention (1:4-5)Jonah is starting to learn that it isn't as easy to run away from God as he may think! In fact, it's starting to look like even the elements and nature itself is rebelling at his rebellion! A) Our Storms Affect Us in Different Ways We all know that life can turn on a dime. God knows exactly how and what to get our attention.Our God is infinitely creative. He can send the storm in so many different ways. B) Our Storms Affect Others Around Us Everyone on board is endangered by Jonah’s sin. Jonah was the sinner in this situation, and yet his foolish rebellion endangered everyone around him.Please ponder these four words: We never sin alone. Every step we take out of the will of God hurts those around us.II) He Sends Someone to Challenge Us (1:6-9)How could a man sleep during a terrible storm like this? The answer is simple. The devil has his sleeping pills too. He knows how to put us to sleep while the world crashes in around us. Look what happens next:A) They Expose his Slumbering (v.6)Seeing the danger, he wants Jonah to wake up and start praying.The world doesn’t want our sermons. The world wants our prayers. Ponder that thought for a moment.The lesson is clear. The world waits for us pray. The world wants us to pray. The world wonders why we don’t pray.Are we hearing what Jonah heard? “Wake up! Wake up!” “Why aren’t you praying?” “My life is falling apart. I need you to pray for me.”B) They Expose his Disobedience (vs.7-10)Verse 7 says the sailors cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. Casting lots was an old way of answering an unanswerable question. Roll the dice and let God (or in this case, the gods, as the pagan sailors believed) decide where it falls. For it to fall on Jonah means this was no mere coincidence; it was divine providence. III) He Sends Salvation in an Unusual Way (1:11-17)A) Man’s Attempt at Salvation (vs. 11-13) The sailors asked Jonah, “What do we need to do to you in order to save ourselves from the storm?” He said, “Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea….” After Jonah told them what needed to be done, verse 13 says, “Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought and was tempestuous against them.” It is the same today, God has put a plan of salvation into action but instead of accepting His way we try to do it our way. B) God’s Plan of Salvation (v. 17)This verse tells us that God provided Jonah with a great fish. Notice this about God’s plan of salvation, there was no other person able to do what Jonah could do for those men. Similarly, only the death of Jesus is sufficient to stem the tide of God’s wrath and save us from our sins.Therefore, Peter said, "there is no other name” whereby we can and must be saved apart from the name of Jesus.In Closing:Perhaps there is someone here today out of the will of God. You are headed for a big storm and a great fish. Please heed my advice. Turn around now. Most importantly, if there is someone here today living without the assurance of a personal relationship with the Lord. Come to him today. Believe on Him today. Repent of your sins and receive Him into your heart today - for this is the day of Salvation.Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook pagehttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Life on the Run | Text: Jonah 1:1-3Opening Statement: Rather than heading toward Nineveh in obedience to God’s word and will you’re headed to your Tarshish in disobedience to God’s word and will! Which direction are you headed? Nineveh or Tarshish? Obedience or disobedience?That’s what chapter 1 is all about! We find this prophet like some of you running in the wrong direction. Let’s see what Jonah’s story meant then, what it means today and what it means for us personally.I) Jonah Gets a Word from the Lord (1:1-2)A) Jonah Received a Personal Word.Now remember Jonah was a real man who lived in a real place and like today God called him to a task. God had a personal word to say to His servant.You need to know that God still speaks a personal word to us! How? He speaks to us through the Scriptures! He speaks to us through His Spirit! He speaks to us through His Saints!B) Jonah Received a Pointed Word.Verse 2, Do you sense the urgency in those words? “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city” Just the mention of their name brought out the passions of the Israelites. And how they longed to see God wipe them off the map!In fact, I think the main reason Jonah ran was that he knew that if they heard the gospel that they would repent, and that God would forgive them. And rather than forgive them he wanted God to destroy them 4.2!C) Jonah Received a Purposeful Word. And now God instructs His prophet to go THERE to the wicked and godless city of Nineveh to preach the gospel! It was the last place on earth Jonah wanted to go! Verse 2, “cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” II) Jonah Gets Away from the Lord (1:3)And don’t think that Jonah was simply running from the will of God, he was running from the presence of God. Now as he tries to run from the presence of God, I want you to notice with me a few things you need to know especially for you who are running from God today!A) Consider the Direction of His Steps. (3)What direction were his steps as he began running from God? D O W N! “He went DOWN to Joppa …. and went DOWN into it ...” Do you see it? He went down to Joppa he went down into the boat. Later we’re going to read that he went DOWN into the belly of the fish. Jonah’s life was spiraling down, down, down.Learn this: you will never go up while you’re living in rebellion against God! Down is always the direction when there is rebellion against God! B) Consider the destination of his ship. (3)By the way whenever you run from God the Devil will make sure that there is a ship for you to get on!Why Tarshish? I’ll can tell you why! Because Tarshish was as far away as any place on earth in that day! Most believe that Tarshish was in Spain over 2000 miles from Joppa! Tarshish was as far West as you could go.C) Consider the desperation of his soul. (3)Every time you run in the wrong direction it’s going to cost you! There is a price to pay! In fact, the rest of the book of Jonah shows us just how much running from God cost.Have you ever stopped to consider the price you’re paying for running from God? Remember the old saying, • Sin will take you further then you ever wanted to go; • Sin will keep you longer than you ever wanted to stay; • Sin will cost you more than you ever wanted to pay. There’s a high price to pay for running from God. In Closing:You can run, but you cannot hide from God. It’s time you stop running from God and enjoy the fellowship and blessing He longs to give you!Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook pagehttps://www.youtube.com/@midwaybaptistnc1670https://midwaybaptistnc.orghttps://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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But before we get there I want to begin our time together by setting the tone for our study. To do that, I wish to read a quote from one of my favorite pastors. Listen to these words. Imagine there was a great king who loved His bride more than anything and he is going to go on a long journey and before He goes on that journey He calls you and says to you, “you will be the steward, you will take care of my bride, she is most precious to me. Here are the decrees by which you will care for her. This is what you shall do and shall not do with her. You must fulfill everything. Your faithfulness will be rewarded and your unfaithfulness, your unconcern for these decrees regarding my bride will be punished. So the king goes on His long journey. He is gone for a long time and the steward begins to notice that the people are loosing interest with the king and loosing interest in His bride the queen because she is somewhat pale, plain, and old-fashioned to them. So the steward decides in order to save the kingdom, he is going to remake the bride and in doing so he is going to change her simple yet elegant white robe into something a bit more flashy and eye catching. He may even paint her face, make her hair and then parades her in front of carnal men in order to attract them somehow back into the kingdom. When that king returns what is He going to do to that steward? I’m sure He will take his life. He will judge him most severely, looking at him He will say, who do you think that you are that you would do this to my bride especially in light of the specific commands I gave you. We see this today. So many try to repackaged, remake the bride of Christ so that worldly men would be attracted to the King. Those men should be extremely afraid.

Point I - The Seriousness of Holiness (v.1-4)

Point II - The Sin of Irreverence (v. 5-10)

Don’t think to yourself, I am saved, I can do what I want, go where I want, or live how I want. That is the very same spirit of irreverence Uzzah displayed in his disobedient act that cost him his life. While faith in Christ is what saves it is not a license to live a wanton life of flesh and pleasure. God expects those called by the Name to reflect His glory and holiness. Be reverent before God in all things not just when you come into this building.

Maybe, you are here today and have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ, who by His body and blood—that is, His crucifixion—has made payment for your sin, yes your sin, and through His resurrection granted the gift of eternal life. I implore you, before you meet the same fate as Uzzah, repent and believe in Jesus. You see divine judgment by a holy God against sinners is an eternal punishment in His prison called Hell.

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Text Jonah 1:1 Opening Statement: Let us start our time today with a pop quiz. • Zacchaeus climbed ----------- • Adam and ----------------------- • Noah and ------------------------ • Daniel and ----------------------- • Ammishad’dai and ------------- • Jonah and ------------------------ In less than fifty verses of scripture, there is a storm at sea, the conversion of idolatrous sailors, a miraculous rescue, a song of praise, the repentance of a brutal nation, the unique revelation of God’s relationship to unbelieving Gentiles, a disobedient Jew, and uses of all sorts of nonhuman creations – the wind, a fish, a vine, a worm, and cattle. The book of Jonah is much more than a Whale of a Tale. I) The Evidence that God is at Work A) Why Should we Believe this Story to be True? Because Jonah is not make-believe. He was a real man, living in a real time, with a real challenge on his hands. Jonah, in fact, has already been around for quite a while. He was the court prophet for Jeroboam II who reigned in the northern kingdom of Israel 750 years before the birth of Christ. (II Kings 14:25). This verse collaborates the time and place of Jonah’s ministry. II Kings even mentions his hometown which would become known during the days of Christ as Galilee. B) Why don’t Some Believe this Story to be True? There is little wonder that Satan has attempted throughout history to make the book of Jonah the butt of many jokes and sneers. Let me briefly lay out a few of their objections. 1. They object to the abundance of miracles in the book of Jonah. 2. They consider Jonah a fairytale because of the strange unique mission of Jonah. 3. Their objection is that Jonah uses some words that seem incompatible with his vocabulary. II) The Evidence of God’s Call (Jonah 1:1) “Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai” A) Key Lessons about Jonah Jonah is the Hebrew word for “dove”. So, this is a man whose name was the symbol of peace, sent as a messenger to extend the olive branch to a nation headed for destruction. Jonah, the “dove,” is about to be commissioned by the Emperor of Heaven to serve as the ambassador of peace. Jonah the son of Amittai” which meant “the messenger of peace, the son of truth”. Here is the messenger of peace who is going to tell the truth. “If you don’t repent, you will be destroyed.” We cannot have peace with God unless we believe the truth of God. B) Key Lessons from Jonah 1. Be alert – God has delivered His word to us as well. Have you ever thought about the fact that the word of the Lord has come to you too? It has it is right here we call it the Bible. God has spoken. So, be alert to what God has spoken to you through His word – it will equip you for life. 2. Be encouraged – God can use anyone and anything to accomplish His will. Jonah shows us how God use pagan sailors, a storm at sea, a plant and a worm, a fish, and a stubborn prophet. So, be alert and be encouraged God can use you too. 3. Be careful – past obedience does not guarantee future obedience. Think about it – Jonah had years of faithful service as a prophet of God and we have only one verse about it in II Kings, but he has a couple months of failure, and we have a book on it. I am grateful that God did not give us a book on Jonah’s successes and one verse on his failures. We would not learn nearly enough of what we need in our own struggle with obedience. This is a book for saints who get it wrong. This is a book to warn and amaze and thrill and challenge us to get it right.

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Text: Philippian 4:20-23 Opening Statement: I was thinking about Paul’s closing remarks, I was drawn to Paul’s use of the word saint. Causing me to ask, what does it mean to be a saint? Many Christians would struggle to give a formal definition of the term “saint.” More importantly, many would struggle to answer the simple question: “Are you a saint?” Many would say, “I am not a saint. I’m a Christian. Jesus is my Savior and Lord. But I wouldn’t call myself a saint.” Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus Christ set believers apart to God and makes them holy...to make them saints. I) The Goal of The Saints (20) This verse (vs. 20), flowed from Paul’s exuberant joy over the glorious truths he had been inspired by God to expound on in this letter. When Paul acknowledged God’s faithfulness to meet every need of the saints, he burst forth into praise to the glory of God. A) The Glory of God What is the glory of God? The Bible speaks of the glory of God in two ways. 1) There is God’s INTRINSIC GLORY. It includes all the characteristics that are innately his and all the perfections that are inherently his. 2) There is God’s ASCRIBED GLORY. Intrinsic glory refers to the character of God. Ascribed glory is our response to his self-¬revelation. We cannot add to God’s intrinsic glory. But we can give him the glory he deserves through our worship, trust, and obedience. B) The Worship of God Worship is the appropriate response to all that God has done for believers...in gratitude for our salvation...for our hope of eternal life and heaven...in the refuge of eternal security. Worship of the one true God is personal, intimate, and habitual. It’s impossible to worship Him unless you know who He is. But when you know Him...it’s impossible to not worship Him. II) The Fellowship of The Saints (21-22) The three-fold repetition of the word greet implies a strong bond of fellowship. Notice that Paul used both the individualistic term every, as well as, the collective term all in this verse. This emphasizes that every saint was part of his concern, affection, and care...individually and corporately. The sharing of a common bond of love and a mutual desire for each other’s spiritual well-being is an essential characteristic of true fellowship among saints. III) The Benefits of the Saints (23) Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi ends with a benediction: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” In this final statement, Paul shares the benefits of being a saint by entrusting the saints to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace does not stop at salvation. Grace both saves and sanctifies. Grace both pardons sin and produces holiness. Grace both covers our past and covers our future. The same grace that will one day get you into heaven will also keep you day-¬‐by-¬‐day until you get there. This is what Paul means when he says, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” In Closing: Lessons to remember: Every believer is a saint. As a saint, we must live as those separated from SIN to RIGHTEOUSNESS. Finally, saints aren’t only SAVED by grace, but also are SUSTAINED

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Text: Philippians 4:14-20 Opening Statement: Why is it so important to support the gospel financially? This morning I would like to look at five things from our passage that happens when you support the gospel with your finances. And I pray they will be an encouragement to you as you grow in the grace of giving to the Lord. WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE GOSPEL WITH YOUR FINANCES: 1) You Further the Spread of the Gospel (14-15) Paul recalls how the Philippian church supported him financially in the early days of their acquaintance with the gospel. We will never fulfill the Great Commission without shared sacrifice for the furtherance of the gospel. That’s your first encouragement to give to the Lord’s work this morning. When you support the gospel with your finances, you further the spread of the gospel. 2) You Supply the Needs of Christian Workers (16) The people we support in missions are real people. Just like you they have real needs. They are not superhuman. They require food, clothing, medical attention, rest, relaxation, and support for their families. Trust me, none of them are getting rich off their work as missionaries. As partners in the gospel, we have the privilege of meeting their needs and making sure they are well provided for. That’s our second encouragement this morning: when you support the gospel with your finances, you supply the needs of Christian workers. 3) You store up treasure in heaven (17) Financial support of the gospel has a strange accounting procedure. What you give for the gospel gets credited back to your account. In fact, that treasure is earning compound interest! How is your heavenly account looking these days? What does your heavenly ledger look like compared to your earthly ledger? That’s our third encouragement for giving this morning. When you support the gospel with your finances, you store up treasure in heaven. 4) Your Gift is an Act of Worship (18) Paul moves from an accounting imagery to that of sacrifice. There is a spiritual dimension to giving that he does not want the Philippians to miss. The gifts from Philippi have not only supplied his need, but they are also a pleasing sacrifice of worship to God – they are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And he wants them and us to understand that gifts are like sacrifices, laid on the altar to the glory of God. This is our fourth encouragement in Christian giving this morning: When you support the gospel with your finances, your gift is an act of worship that is pleasing to God. 5) Your Gift is Met with a Promise (19) With all this talk of giving sacrificially for the gospel, someone might ask: What will happen to my own needs if I support the work of the gospel financially? We have here a wonderful promise from God, a wonderful word of assurance, that God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ. In the same way, we can be generous in our giving to the gospel, because God will more than supply our needs. God’s supply is infinite. He will meet your needs out of his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. This is a wonderful encouragement towards Christian giving. When you support the gospel with your finances, God promises to meet all your needs. In Closing: This is a fitting close not only to this section but to the whole letter. The bottom line is this. When you support the gospel, the work of the gospel goes forth, people are saved, and God is glorified. There is no greater investment with no greater return than supporting the gospel with your finances. To God be the glory! Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Text: Philippians 4:10-13 Opening Statement: In his very personal letter to beloved friends, an old Apostle, who is nearing the end of his life and ministry, speaks to this subject of contentment. He even informs them that he has found the secret to this rather elusive virtue. What I want to do is pull from this text 4 principles that lead the way to capturing this challenging – this godly and mature virtue we call contentment. I) We Should Appreciate Whatever We Have! (4:10) Your first step to learning the secret of contentment is to rejoice in God’s provision. This starts by acknowledging that everything you have comes from God. If you want to learn the secret of contentment in all circumstances, the first step is to rejoice in God’s provision. Appreciate whatever you have, and you are on your way to learning contentment. II) We Should Apply Whatever We Learn (4:11) The verb Paul uses informs us that he learned it by means of experience – over time. Look at what he says in verse 11. “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content . . .” The word that he uses for “learned” refers to being ‘taught’ something so that it becomes a custom or a habit. This is something according to Paul’s own testimony that he learned over a lifetime of practice. And that’s our responsibility too. Let’s make sure we’re doing the homework and getting the lessons right. III) We Should Accept Wherever God Has Us (4:12) So, does Paul really mean that he is content wherever the circumstances take him, or is he exaggerating here? Just in case you think he might not really mean what he says, Paul goes on to describe his own experience. Paul had lived on both ends of the spectrum. He experienced times of excruciating need, and he experienced times of plenty. And he had learned the secret of being content in both situations. Paul didn’t seek satisfaction in material things when he didn’t have them, and he didn’t find his satisfaction in material things when he had them. IV) We Should Abandon Ourselves to His Will (4:13) He isn’t saying, “I can do anything – or I can do everything” – Paul is saying, “I can do all things through Christ” and what are the all things he has in mind? He just described them. I can suffer hardship – I can go hungry without resentment – I can handle an overflowing cup with balance – I can hold the lowest humble status on the food chain – I can be stuffed with food, and I can be starving for food – I can be content in all things – how? Through the strength of the indwelling Christ within me. Here’s the promise – God is effectively promising to give us the strength to do whatever He asks us to do. In Closing: How did Paul learn to be content? What was the secret to his contentment? Remember, to be content means that you are satisfied. Therefore, contentment means “having enough”. The secret to contentment is to understand and acknowledge that when you have Christ; you have all you need. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Philippians 4:8-9 Martin Luther has been quoted as saying, “While you cannot prevent birds from flying over your head, you can prevent them from building a nest in your hair.” You will never have a joyful, enduring faith if you surrender the fight raging on the battlefield in your mind. Far too many Christians have let the sinful birds of lies, deceit, immorality, etc. to build nests in their hair; allowing the enemy to run rampant among their thoughts. The tragic result is that many Christians are miserable, resentful, bitter, ineffective, and unfruitful in their service for Christ Jesus. I) A Principle to Safeguarding our Minds In our struggle against the schemes of Satan, we must have strategies to safeguard our mind. Here are six ways to begin that process: 1. Protection begins with salvation. (Ephesians 6:17a & 1 Corinthians 2:16). 2. Prayer is the path to peace of mind (Philippians 4:6-7). 3. Preparation is an action word. (1 Peter 1:13) 4. Preeminence of mind means, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2; also, Philippians 3:19). 5. Position means “place of mind” (Isaiah 26:3). 6. Process refers to being “clear minded” (1 Peter 4:7). The mind games Satan plays with you and me are deadly serious. II) A Pattern for Right Thinking (4:8) Make no mistake: There is no enduring change in life, there is no meaningful Christ-exalting, sin-killing sanctification apart from a transformation in how you think. Your mind matters. In fact, it matters eternally. So, Paul tells us all to think these eight virtues. 1) “Whatsoever is true” Paul’s exhortation is that we are to think and meditate on truth with regard to God, man, the church, the world, sin, redemption, relationships, etc 2) “Whatsoever is honorable” He has in view things that lift the mind rather than dragging it through the gutter. 3) “Whatsoever is just” That is to say, whatever is in accord with divine standards of right and wrong. 4) “Whatever is pure” He’s calling us to fix our thoughts on those things that are untainted by evil or moral corruption; that are lacking in defect and are morally blameless. 5) “Whatever is lovely” Here he focuses on whatever calls forth or evokes love and admiration and is pleasing or agreeable to the heart. 6) “Whatsoever is commendable” That is to say, whatever is worthy of a good report, praiseworthy and appealing; whatever is worthy and avoids giving offence. 7) “if there is any excellence” God calls us to excel, to do all within our power and by his grace to pursue and produce the very best. 8) “if there is anything worthy of praise” By this I think he means the sort of conduct that wins the affection and admiration of others, even non-Christians. III) A Practice of Right Thinking Leads to Right Living What is our responsibility? Is it to simply just “think” on such things, to reflect upon them, to ponder, to meditate on, to dwell on them? No, don’t just think about these things . . . apply them. Translate biblical principles into biblical practices. Put this truth into practice. Why? Because when you do these things, God makes you a promise. Look closely at verse 9 and you will see that the promise is not that God’s peace will be with you but “the God of peace will be with you.” Yes, God will give you peace, but He will be with you as you put these things into practice. When you put this into practice you demonstrate your faith and trust in Jesus. You will never have a joyful, enduring faith if you surrender the fight raging in the battlefield of your mind. Remember, while you can’t control the birds flying over your head, you can control those that want to land on your head and build nests. Take your thoughts captive, place your trust in Jesus, live for Him, and “the God of peace will be with you.”

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Have you ever had a time in your life when things were so overwhelming that you could not sleep? Have there been times when you were so preoccupied with a problem that you didn't seem to be able to function? Have there been issues of your life that seem to dominate every waking thought? If so, you have known anxiety. Because of this Paul wrote these words in Philippians 4:6-7. I) Understanding the Nature of Anxiety (4:6a) In Matthew 6 Jesus condemns worry. He says worry is foolish and shows a lack of confidence in the person, character, and ability of God. (Mt. 6:25-33) So why is worry wrong? Jesus gives us several reasons. 1) It puts the focus on the wrong issues. Worry distorts our thinking. When we worry, we tend to look at situations through a magnifying glass which makes things bigger than they really are. 2) Worry causes us to lose sight of who we belong to. Jesus concludes that God is more than capable of taking care of us. [Matthew 7:7-9] If God knows what we need it is inconceivable to think that God will not meet those needs if we trust Him rather than our own devices. 3) Worry is a fruitless activity. Jesus said, "Who by worry can add a single hour to his life." Worry is wasted energy. There is nothing productive about worry. It leads to nowhere. Understanding the nature of anxiety is important but it is only the first step towards what comes next. II) Understanding the Remedy for Anxiety (4:6b) In understanding the remedy for anxiety, you don’t just stop something, you have to start something. In fact, you have to do both of them or it will never fly! Now Paul uses three words here for the same practice of talking with the Lord. • The first word is prayer: This word is the general term for talking with God. It can happen anywhere at any time. • The second word Paul uses is supplication. The word refers to praying with urgency about whatever issue it is that concerns you. • The third word Paul uses is request: This word refers to simply bringing to the Lord any specific need you might have. Anxiety is an expression of fear. Prayer is an expression of faith. That, quite simply, is why the antidote to anxiety is prayer. III) Understanding the Anticipation of God’s Peace (4:7) This is what you can anticipate Notice verse 7. And the peace of God – watch this – this peace – this serenity doesn’t come from you, it emanates from – it is sourced from the very character of God. So, His, peace becomes your peace. This peace is not natural, it is supernatural. And look at what this peace “does,” yes, “does,” for it is not impotent or quiet or weak or inactive: it guards your hearts and minds. In Closing: The all-powerful, all-wise, all-loving God who called this universe into existence out of nothing wills for your prayers to be the occasion of his acting on your behalf. Never assume that God will do for us apart from prayer what he has promised to do for us only through prayer. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page

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Opening Statement: Philippians chapter 4 begins with two women at odds with one another; Paul settles the dispute by asking that grace be demonstrated among the disagreeable in the church. Now Paul moves on to talk about how we as Christians demonstrate grace in a disagreeable world. I) Grace that Leads to a Resolution of Joyfulness (v. 4) You happen to be living in an unhappy culture; surrounded by dissatisfied, disappointed human beings – you can become a demonstration of the grace of God and the gospel when you face everything – always, with a resolution to rejoice. Throughout the New Testament we’re given several truths about joy A) Joy is given by God to those who are saved. In other words, joy is bound up in the gospel. It’s impossible to separate salvation from joy. B) Joy is an ongoing production of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and so on.” (Galatians 5:22). In other words, happiness is human . . . joy is supernatural. C) Joy is the result of receiving and obeying the word of God. Jeremiah the prophet said this to God; “Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and a delight to my heart; for I have been called by your name, O Lord God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16) D) Joy is deepened as believers experience trials. No one wants to hear this, but it is true. Paul wrote having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Listen, the resolution to rejoice isn’t natural . . . it’s supernatural. II) Grace that Leads to a Reputation of Gentleness (V.5) A) The Act of Gentleness What in the world does Paul mean here? “Let your Moderation be known.” Paul is effectively commanding us all – pursue a reputation for yielding . . . pursue a reputation of being gracious when you might even be the one who’s right and the other person is wrong. There is a sense of decency and civility bound up in this command. Do we ever need a fresh demonstration of what this means today! Listen, we happen to be living at the perfect time and in the perfect generation to resurrect and pursue a reputation for being civil, gracious . . . gentle. B) The Reason for Gentleness Our resolution is to be joyful. Our reputation is to be gentle. Why? Because The Lord is near. The Lord is near can certainly be interpreted in regards to time – in other words, ‘the time is short’ – He is near, prophetically speaking. But you can also interpret this phrase, the Lord is near, in terms of His immediate, personal presence. In other words, this isn’t just a phrase of prophecy, but proximity. The Lord is near . . . to you . . . now! In Closing: Paul is saying to be joyful spills out . . . to be gentle spills over. Imagine, the church could be known as an assembly resolved to follow joyfully their Lord who is near and who’s coming is nearer than ever before. Make this your resolution to be joyful . . . make this your reputation to be gentle for the glory of God.

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Pt. I - The Work of God Requires Rest (Vs. 11) Nehemiah’s journey would have taken him approximately two months and the first thing he does is rest. Before assessing the project, looking at the walls, introductions etc… Nehemiah finds time to rest and recuperate before beginning God’s work. Jesus alone can save, not good works, not penance, not your mommy or daddy but Christ alone. He is the fulfillment of the law that you and I broke. But that does not excuse us from giving dedicated rest to the Lord so that we can accomplish all that He has for us. Nehemiah set out first to build the walls of Jerusalem. But his real aim was the spiritual condition of the people. Having a good solid and secure building is great but if the people are not building their life in God it won’t really matter. Pt. II - The Work of God Requires Discretion (Vs. 12) Remember that Nehemiah was coming with a purpose. He had set out to accomplish a great feat in Jerusalem, one which he received from God. He knows it has been stopped before and he already has opponents that seek to derail him. But he knows that he must begin well or the project could face failure. Pt. III - The Work of God Requires Inspection (Vs. 13-15) Nehemiah fasted, wept, and prayed for months, took a long journey, rested, and now goes out to see for himself just how bad the situation is. We need to spend more time evaluating the need, taking notes, checking for cracks in the walls (spiritually speaking), assessing the situation and then executing a plan. Nothing should be overlooked. If we were willing to set aside pride, self-exaltation and examine ourselves as the church, we could measure all of it against God’s word making corrections where necessary and seeking His Glory! Pt. IV - The People of God Are Not Above the Work of God (Vs. 16) Notice that Nehemiah says, “I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials or the rest who did the work.” He includes everyone. Basically, showing that no one is above the work of God. Also notice that Nehemiah did not say, those who would do the work, or who I pleaded with to do the work, or who I begged to do the work, but he said, “who did the work.” Plenty of us say, “well pastor that’s not my job.” I have heard some variation of “I have done my time” as if they were in prison and waiting for sweet release from their service to God. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Pt. V - The Glory of God (Vs. 17-18) Here is what it is all about. Nestled in Nehemiah’s explanation here about how bad things are and how they had gone for him was for one purpose: to show the glory of God. COME LET US ARISE AND BUILD! Pt. VI - Despite the Enemies of God Opposition doesn’t just come when there is disunity, frustration, backbiting, or gossip in the church. Opposition from the enemies of God come when the people of God set out to do the work of God for the glory of God after rest, discretion, and inspection.

The people of God will have success because it will come from the God of heaven if we rest in Christ stop chasing the world, exercise discretion, inspect continually to ensure we are aligning with God’s word, seek to do the work to God’s glory without assuming we are above it, and despite the enemies of God. Conclusion Nehemiah understood the task was great but exercised his leadership abilities by focusing his mind and mission on the work of God, the people of God, and the glory of God. He had no fear of the enemies of God for he knew that the God of heaven would give them success if they stayed the course and that God’s enemies would no longer eventually be neutralized.

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Text: Habakkuk 1:2-4, 2:2-4 I - Remember the character of God II - To be attentive and listen for a response from God III - Call out to God for his power and glory IV - Believe in a better day despite God's correction and what we suffer for his purpose V - Determine to live a life of joy because of the rewards of the

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The Bible says, “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.” What are the key facets of Christian unity? In this passage we will see three different types of relationships and the keys to maintaining unity in each. I) Unity Means Loving One Another With Joy (1) Relationship with the Church We see Paul’s relationship with the Philippian church. Paul is their leader, their spiritual mentor. And notice the kind of relationship He has with them. He loves them. Let me make this one thing clear love is absolutely essential for unity in the church between the leaders and the congregation. Why? Because people are sinners that includes the pastor and the congregation. Moses was a good leader, right? Jews revere Moses more than anyone else in their history. And yet the people complained. At one point they were so angry at Moses that they threatened to stone him. Help your leaders respond with joy by following and obeying. Pray for them. You can encourage them through word and deed. You can support them. II) Unity Means Living With One Another in Harmony (2) Relationship Between People Ephesians 4:1-3 -These verses give us important keys to unity. 1) Attitude is important. To keep unity, you must be humble, gentle, and patient. Proverbs says, “a gentle answer turns away wrath.” 2) Eagerness to maintain unity. It is hard work! It takes effort. Satan wants to promote disunity. You must be vigilant and work hard to maintain unity. 3) Unity Already Exist Note also that according to these verses, believers already have unity! That is the starting point when you come to Christ. It is only when sin comes into the picture that that unity is broken.

III) Unity Means Laboring With One Another For the Gospel (3) Relationship with the Gospel Working toward a common goal can bring people together. Take a moment right now to look around the room. See all those smiling faces? You have the same goal. All of us should be laboring together to build God’s kingdom by spreading the gospel. Having the same goal gives us unity. What do we need to do to promote Unity? Get to work! Become a laborer in God’s kingdom. In Closing: Whose names are in the book of life. This phrase ties together all the points about unity we have discussed today. That is what unites us. The world today is full of conflict, division, hate, anger. But your name being in that book is far more important than all the differences. Jesus died to bring us peace. Let us work hard to keep that peace. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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As citizens of Heaven, we to have great privileges and responsibilities. This morning we are going to look at four characteristics of citizens of heaven. I) Your Name Has Been written in the Book (4:3) Not everyone’s name is written in heaven. Because I am a U.S. citizen. My name is written in a record book in New York. Now the amazing thing about this I didn’t have to work for it I was born into it. It is the same way when it comes to having my name in Heaven’s book, I didn’t have to work for my citizenship in heaven I was born into it. It is a free gift from God! And the fact that our names are written in heaven is a cause for rejoicing. If you are a citizen of heaven, then your name is written in heaven’s book. You belong to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, and he will never blot you out of his book. And that is cause for great rejoicing. II) Your Life is to be Governed from another Country (3:17) Paul is reminding us that we are citizens of another country and ambassadors while living here. As good ambassadors we should be able to say what Paul said, “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” (Philippians 3:17) Have you been a good ambassador? Would you encourage others to follow the example of your life as Paul encouraged others to follow his example? III) Your Heart is Focused on the Lost Around You (3:18-19) Paul weeps as he writes verses 18 and 19. His tears stain the page as he writes. Why? Because there are so many who think they are ok with Christ and yet live as enemies of the cross of Christ. In verse 19 Paul gives us his four-part evaluation of these enemies of the cross. 1. Their condemnation is settled Notice verse 19, whose end is destruction. Other passages call it death or judgment. Paul was overwhelmed by the gravity of such an eternal, unremitting, never-ending existence. You see, the question is not, “Does a person cease to exist?” The question is “Where will that person exist for eternity?” Apart from Jesus Christ their condemnation is settled. 2. Their cravings are sensual Paul writes further in verse 19 . . . whose god is their appetite. Paul uses it metaphorically to refer to the unrestrained, sensual, physical, forbidden desires. The world is running after the gods of their own satisfaction. And the tragedy, learned too late, is that they have chosen unsatisfying gods. And before they know it, they have wasted their lives. 3. Their commendations are shameful Paul writes, they exalt – they glory in practices and habits and desires of which they should be ashamed but are not. But it doesn’t stop there. Paul is saying that they arrive at the most extreme form of wickedness in that they are not only proud of their worst perversions, but they also applaud the same in other people. 4. Their captivations are short-sighted Notice once more verse 19 – they set their minds on earthly things. Paul effectively informs the church in Philippi that for these unbelievers, earth will be the closest they will ever get to heaven. But that doesn’t have to be the case for you, it’s not too late there is still time today for you to come to faith in Christ. IV) Your Eyes are Watching for His Return (3:20-21) True citizens of heaven are watching for Christ’s return. Scripture exhorts us to watch, pray, be ready, eagerly expect, wait for and look for the return of our Savior. Our citizenship is in heaven! When Jesus comes, we’re going home! No wonder we should be eagerly watching for him! Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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I) Know Where You Want to Go (12) Paul knew where he wanted to go; he had a goal. “I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” Paul is saying, “l want to fulfill my ministry. I want to be the best apostle I can be.” A) Be honest about where you are in your Christian walk Notice Paul’s honesty. Paul doesn’t claim that he is perfect, that he has made it as a Christian, that he has already arrived. No, he realizes he is still on the journey and that he still has a long way to go. Be honest about where you are in your Christian walk, and that will help other people be honest, too B) We need to strive to reach our goal That’s what Paul says in the second half of verse 12: “I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12) God grabbed hold of Paul, because he had a purpose for Paul’s life. And if you are a Christian, then God grabbed hold of you because he has a purpose for your life. Ephesians 2:10 II) Keep Your Eye on the Prize (13-14) If you are going to press on towards the goal, you need to keep your eye on the prize. So how do you do that? There are three things here. A) Get rid of all distractions (3:13) The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we need to get rid of all the distractions. (Hebrews 12:1) I’m sure Paul had many things going on in his life, and yet he was able to focus all of his energies in one direction and say “One thing I do!” He got rid of the distractions and kept his focus on Christ. In the midst of our busy schedules, we need to be able to say with Paul, “One thing I do!” B) The Danger of Looking Back When you are in a race, the last thing you want to do is look back. Look at the rest of verse 13: “But one thing I do: forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” (Philippians 3:13) Do you ever look back in such a way that keeps you from moving forward in your Christian life? Paul wants us to look at it this way, “I can remember yesterday, but I am choosing to move beyond it. I’m going to move past my past.” If you keep looking backwards, you will never go forwards. C) Reach for the goal to win the prize You need to reach for the goal to win the prize. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) III) Continually Adjust Your Attitude (15-16) Paul writes in verse 15, Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude . . . I’ve heard it said that 10% of your life is made up of things that happen to you and 90% of your life is in your attitude toward what just happened to you. A) Always Remain Teachable (15) Paul is effectively saying, “I am maturing, but I am not yet completely mature; I am growing up, but I’m not fully grown up yet. I am being perfected in the image of Christ, but I’m not perfect!” How refreshing – especially coming from an older Christian. B) Refuse to slip into Neutral (16) And then finally he closes with an exhortation to maintain your progress in the faith. The only thing sadder than not moving forward in your Christian life is going backward. Don’t lose ground in your walk with Christ. In Closing: The Christian life is a race, and there are only three reasons you’re not in the race today: 1) you never started, 2) you stopped running, or 3) you finished. So, if you’re not in the race that means either you never started, or you stopped running. Or maybe you started the race a long time ago, but you stopped running. If you’re sitting on the sidelines, it’s time to get back in the race. There’s a Savior to serve and a prize to be won. Run in such a way as to finish the race and win the prize. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Text- Psalm 139

1- Human life is created with value. Genesis 2:7 ”And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

-God is the creator and giver of life.

John 1:1-3 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

-Mankind was created with a purpose

Genesis 2:5-6 “And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;”

2- Human life is created with a vision. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

-God has created us with a plan already in place for our lives.

Psalm 139:14-18 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.” -UNPERFECT translates to UNFORMED! -Yet still we had a purpose upon creation!! 3- There will be vengeance for the taking of innocent human life. Psalm 139:19-24 “Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Proverbs 6:16-19 “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” -It is clear that God is a god of mercy, but also of Justice and Judgement. -We must be separated from those who practice abominable acts of sin. -Not a neutral position, going nowhere… being swayed in every direction, but standing firm on God’s Word! -The lines have been drawn, and we must be willing to stand on the right side of God’s Word! As His servants, we should love what God loves and we should hate what God hates! -Abortion is murder. No murderer will have his place in Heaven. (Rev. 21:8) Conclusion- God abhors all sin, and mankind is ultimately sinful, so we must repent of our sinful ways and believe. Jesus is our only hope, the ONLY way to Heaven!

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There are so many who want to offer their advice on raising children. So, where DO we turn for solid advice? The best place to turn is the Word of God. God understands the dynamics of the family and the needs of young people better than any human being. His wisdom is timeless and to the point. However, as I read this verse, I would have to admit it sounds easier than it really is. That is why I have come today not with a how to book for dad’s but with my toolbox filled with some tools that will help you to be better dads. I) Adjustable Wrench This adjustable wrench helps us to see that fathers must be flexible and adaptable to any situation that arises. Eph. 6:4 "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Colossians 3:21 "Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged." II) Level This level reminds us to the fact that Fathers must be fair and level-headed. Prov. 20:7 "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him." III) Staple Gun and Clamp These two items are different ways to show how Fathers must be able to hold things together. Ephes. 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. Ephes. 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. [2] Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) [3] That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. [4] And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. IV) Shop Towels Hey everyone, here is a news flash for you, Father’s are not perfect. We all must be ready to clean up the messes we sometimes make. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. V) Extension Cord Fathers must be able to stretch and connect with their families. Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." VI) Cologne Dads it never hurts to smell good for mom every now and again. Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; One of the best things a Dad can give his children is to love their mother. VII) Pliers Fathers must be able to hold on when everyone else is losing their grip. Prov. 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. VIII) Rubber mallet Fathers must be able to do some persuasion without doing damage. Titus 3:1-2 "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men." IX) Instruction Book or better know as the Bible I believe it is a must to consult the instruction book before any work begins. Kids this book not only speaks to the parents but a few words for you as well. Prov. 4:1 "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding". Prov. 5:7 "Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth." Prov. 1:8 "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:" Prov. 4:1 "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding." Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Philippians 3:1-11 There are many wonderful things in life, but knowing Christ is the greatest thing of all. Nothing can compare with knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. And so, Paul lays out his case for us here in Philippians 3:1-11. Causing us to ask four important questions that answered correctly lead us to truly knowing God. I) What in your life is drawing your attention away from Christ? (1-3) Paul warns us to watch out for those who would draw your attention away from Christ. A) Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1) The first step in keeping your attention on Christ is to rejoice in him. Begin every day with praise to God and Christ. Rejoice in your salvation! Rejoice in God’s love for you in Christ! Rejoice in his promise to be with you always, never to leave or forsake you. When you are rejoicing in Christ, it is hard for anyone to pull your attention away from Christ. B) Be Aware of False Teachers (Philippians 3:2) It is clear from the context that these were false teachers whose focus was on circumcision and the law rather than on Jesus Christ. The words are laced with irony because Paul addresses these false teachers who were clinging to circumcision and the Jewish law as pagan Gentiles. II) Hold on to Your True Identity in Christ (Philippians 3:3) True circumcision isn’t circumcision of the flesh, but circumcision of the heart. Paul identifies the true people of God as: 1. We are those who worship by the Spirit of God. True worship is not by ceremony or ritual but by the Holy Spirit. (John 4:23-24) 2. We are those who glory in Christ alone. (Jeremiah 9:23-24) 3. We put no confidence in the flesh. There is a specific reference to circumcision here, but the phrase means much more than that. It means we don’t put our confidence in ourselves when it comes to our relationship with God, but once again in Christ alone. III) In what are you placing your confidence, Christ, or self? (4-6) Paul is going to “boast” about his credentials for a minute in order to show us all the things he used to put his confidence in before he came to Christ. And you know what? They are the exact same kinds of things people continue to put their confidence in today instead of Christ. A) Paul put confidence in his background (Philippians 3:5) If anyone had reason to put confidence in his background it was Paul. His credentials were impeccable. B) Paul put confidence in his achievements (Philippians 3:5b-6) If anyone could have confidence before God, Paul’s the man. His background and record were flawless. He was the MVP in the game of righteousness. C) Paul counted these them as loss for the sake of Christ (Philippians 3:7) Paul counted all the good in his life and it came up to a lot. But when he met Christ, you know what he did? He took all those things he had been placing his confidence in, and he let go of them. Whatever was to his profit or gain, he now counted as loss for the sake of Christ. In Closing: We are left to answer one last question: Do you want to know Christ more than anything else? You see, it’s not enough just to count those things that were to your profit as loss. Here is Paul’s testimony, and here is the model for us to follow. Paul says, “I want to know Christ.” Now Paul already knows Christ. He has known Christ for nearly thirty years when he writes these words. He knows him better now than he did the year before. But he wants to know Christ more. He wants to know him more fully and deeply with each passing day. It is the same way for us. There is no greater thing than knowing Christ. Will you make knowing Christ the supreme desire of your life?

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Philippians 3:1-11 Opening Statement: There are many wonderful things in life, but knowing Christ is the greatest thing of all. Nothing can compare with knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. And so, Paul lays out his case for us here in Philippians 3:1-11. Causing us to ask four important questions that answered correctly lead us to truly knowing God. I) What in your life is drawing your attention away from Christ? (1-3) Paul warns us to watch out for those who would draw your attention away from Christ. A) Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1) The first step in keeping your attention on Christ is to rejoice in him. Begin every day with praise to God and Christ. Rejoice in your salvation! Rejoice in God’s love for you in Christ! Rejoice in his promise to be with you always, never to leave or forsake you. When you are rejoicing in Christ, it is hard for anyone to pull your attention away from Christ. B) Be Aware of False Teachers (Philippians 3:2) It is clear from the context that these were false teachers whose focus was on circumcision and the law rather than on Jesus Christ. The words are laced with irony because Paul addresses these false teachers who were clinging to circumcision and the Jewish law as pagan Gentiles. II) Hold on to Your True Identity in Christ (Philippians 3:3) True circumcision isn’t circumcision of the flesh, but circumcision of the heart. Paul identifies the true people of God as: 1. We are those who worship by the Spirit of God. True worship is not by ceremony or ritual but by the Holy Spirit. (John 4:23-24) 2. We are those who glory in Christ alone. (Jeremiah 9:23-24) 3. We put no confidence in the flesh. There is a specific reference to circumcision here, but the phrase means much more than that. It means we don’t put our confidence in ourselves when it comes to our relationship with God, but once again in Christ alone. III) In what are you placing your confidence, Christ, or self? (4-6) Paul is going to “boast” about his credentials for a minute in order to show us all the things he used to put his confidence in before he came to Christ. And you know what? They are the exact same kinds of things people continue to put their confidence in today instead of Christ. A) Paul put confidence in his background (Philippians 3:5) If anyone had reason to put confidence in his background it was Paul. His credentials were impeccable. B) Paul put confidence in his achievements (Philippians 3:5b-6) If anyone could have confidence before God, Paul’s the man. His background and record were flawless. He was the MVP in the game of righteousness. C) Paul counted these them as loss for the sake of Christ (Philippians 3:7) Paul counted all the good in his life and it came up to a lot. But when he met Christ, you know what he did? He took all those things he had been placing his confidence in, and he let go of them. Whatever was to his profit or gain, he now counted as loss for the sake of Christ. In Closing: We are left to answer one last question: Do you want to know Christ more than anything else? You see, it’s not enough just to count those things that were to your profit as loss. Here is Paul’s testimony, and here is the model for us to follow. Paul says, “I want to know Christ.” Now Paul already knows Christ. He has known Christ for nearly thirty years when he writes these words. He knows him better now than he did the year before. But he wants to know Christ more. He wants to know him more fully and deeply with each passing day. It is the same way for us. There is no greater thing than knowing Christ. Will you make knowing Christ the supreme desire of your life? Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page

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Text: Philippians 2:19-30 Opening Statement: This is Memorial Day weekend a time to stop and to think about those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is fitting today that we come to the passage of Scripture that talks about some servants who made the ultimate sacrifice for the Lord. As we reflect on the service of those to our country it is fitting that we look at those who give service to the Lord. Let’s remember their service together today. If we crave a servant’s heart and endure a servant’s hardships, we will receive a servant’s honor. I) A Look at a Servant’s Heart Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus illustrate men who had servant’s hearts, as seen in two dimensions: A) A Heart Centered on the Things of Christ Every servant of Jesus Christ does what he does, whether giving or helping or speaking, as an offering to the Lord Jesus. A servant’s heart is centered on the Lord Jesus Christ and His work. Three attitudes mark servants who are focused on the Lord Jesus Christ: 1) They are Willing to be Sent Anywhere Have you told the Lord, “I’m willing to go anywhere You want me to go”? We should always remember that “God is a loving Father who knows what is best for us and won’t send us somewhere we don’t want to be.” 2) They are Willing to Serve Anyone A servant of Christ isn’t out to make a name for himself by speaking to large crowds only. He’s available to his Lord to serve anyone the Lord directs him to serve. 3) They are Willing to Sacrifice Anything Have you told the Lord, “I’ll give up everything--my desires, my ambitions, my comforts, my time, my money--to serve You”? B) A heart that Puts Others Ahead of Himself There are at least three ways you can tell if you’re putting others ahead of yourself: 1) You will have heartfelt love These verses are oozing with Paul’s heartfelt love for Timothy, Epaphroditus, and for the Philippians. Paul wasn’t afraid to be human and to express his deep feelings for others. 2) You will show genuine concern Let it be said of us that we are not in it for our glory but for the concern of others. 3) You can work cooperatively with others Paul and Epaphroditus worked together harmoniously in the gospel cause. To do that, you’ve got to die to self and put others ahead of yourself for the sake of the work. II) A Look at a Servant’s Hardships Serving Christ is not easy. Testing or hardship in Christian service can come from many sources: A) Hardship Comes from Without and Within Paul was in prison due to hardship from without. But it’s often more difficult to bear the attacks from those within the flock than from those outside, because you expect the world to be against you, but not fellow Christians. B) Hardship from the Work Itself The work of the gospel involves both physical and emotional hardships that can wear us down. We must be prepared for hardships in serving the Lord and rely on His sustaining grace, not on our own strength or resources. III) A Look at a Servant’s Honor We don’t seek the honor for ourselves, but for our Lord who alone is worthy. Paul here honors Timothy by sending him as his own representative. He honors Epaphroditus by his commendation and tells the church to “hold men like him in high regard” (2:29). In Closing: Whatever our ministry to the body of Christ may be—whether we are like Timothy and are called to a preaching/teaching role; or are like Epaphroditus and are called to a hand’s-on/service role—may the qualities that characterized these two men characterize us. May we, like them, serve with genuine compassion for people, sacrificial commitment to the gospel, and proven faithfulness in our tasks. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Opening Statement: Personal obedience can be a challenge, especially when we feel tempted to believe that we stand to lose more through our obedience than we might gain. However, obeying God is essential to pleasing Him—not just in times of temptation, but at all times. I) Work out your salvation (12-13) A lot of people find these verses confusing because they go, “Wait a second. I thought I was saved by faith in Jesus, not works? What is this working out my salvation? And who’s supposed to do the working here? Is it me or is it God?” Well, let’s take a closer look at these verses and see what they mean. There are three important principles in these two verses: A) You can’t work out what you don’t already have Philippians 2:12 is not talking about working to earn your salvation. It is talking about working out your salvation in obedience to God. You can’t work out what you don’t already have. Faith comes first, then obedience. B) Don’t take the working out of your salvation lightly Salvation is not only something you receive, but something you do. Working out your salvation means obedience. You need to work out your salvation with an attitude of awe and respect towards the God who saved you. Don’t take the working out of your salvation lightly. C) It won’t work out unless God is already working in Remember, God is the one who began this good work in you, and he is the one who will carry it on to completion. (Philippians 1:6) In fact this is the reason you are to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, because God is working in you. II) Back up your witness with your life (14-16) What’s the old saying? “Your actions speak so loudly I cannot hear what you are saying.” Personal obedience is an essential part of your gospel witness. You must back up your witness with your life. A) No complaining or arguing (14) And Paul starts with a doozy here: no complaining or arguing. Not do some things without complaining or arguing. Not do most things without complaining or arguing. Do everything without complaining or arguing. Any other complainers here today? You may want to make Philippians 2:14 your next memory verse! B) Stand out from the world (15) As Christians we are to stand out from the world. We are children of God, but all too often we act like we are children of the culture. We blend in. We allow the world around us to conform us to its image rather than let God work within us to conform us to Christ’s image. How can you back up your witness with your life, if your life is indistinguishable from those in the world around you? C) Hold forth the word of life to others (16) When God tells you no complaining or arguing, and when he calls you to be blameless and pure, this is not personal obedience just for your own sake, but it is part of your gospel witness to a watching world. You are to shine like stars “as you hold out the word of life” to others. III) Rejoice in your part of the sacrifice (17-18) A) Pour yourself out in service to others As a Christian, God calls you to pour yourself out in service to others. The Christian life is not a solitary life of obedience to God. It is a community life of serving each other out of obedience to God. B) Mutual sacrifice, mutual joy In Closing: Personal obedience to Christ is an essential part of your gospel witness. And in these verses God gives you three motivations to obey Christ. 1) God is working in you to will and to act according to his good pleasure – that’s love for God. 2) The world is watching your life as you share the gospel – that’s love for the unsaved. 3) Others have poured themselves out for you in the gospel – that’s love for the body of Christ. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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A Mother / Genesis 3:14–16 Introduction The main point that I want to highlight in all of this is THE GLORY OF GOD IN MOTHERHOOD. With that said, turn in your Bibles to Genesis 3 and we will read verses 14-16. That is Genesis 3:14-16 If you do not have your bible, or are online, it should be on the screen. If you able, please stand as we honor the reading of the word of the Lord. Genesis 3:14-16 The first thing God makes painfully clear is that: Sin has immediate and long-term consequences. Pt. I - Sin Has Immediate & Long-Term Consequences When you put everything at the feet of Jesus and run the race of motherhood in His power and strength The Glory of God in Motherhood is on display for the world to see and the world desperately needs to see that. Additionally, the second thing that God shows us is sin destroys womanhood, martial & maternal relationships. Pt. II - Sin Destroys Womanhood, Martial & Maternal Relationships The Glory of God in Motherhood is displayed in its fullest is when you lay at Jesus’ feet your burdens, worries, cares, and exhaustion and find your rest in Him. The Glory of God in Motherhood is displayed in its fullest when women embrace Godly feminism. The last thing verse 15 shows us is Sin destroyed through motherhood. Pt. III - Sin Destroyed through Motherhood Look with me real quick back to verse 15 Conclusion Motherhood and femininity were created with the Glory of God in full view. Not as an afterthought, not as some unnecessary role without purpose. But with wonder, mystery, and in the image of a thrice Holy and Good God. The Glory of God in Motherhood is on full display: 1. when you lay your burdens, worries, cares, and exhaustion at Jesus’ feet and find your rest in Him 2. when women embrace Godly feminism 3. when sin was destroyed through motherhood Let’s Pray!

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Welcome Sarah Liu

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Opening Statement: The life of our Lord was marked by contrasts. In the beginning of His ministry, He operated in obscurity. However, as the news of His power and His claims to be the Messiah spread, people began to flock around Him. As Jesus reached the last week of His life on earth, the crowds are still there. One thing that strikes me about these crowds that surrounded Jesus during His last week of earthly ministry is the fact that they were engaged in a lot of shouting. All these events lead up to that one event that silenced the crowd. That is what I would like to focus our attention on this morning. I) THE CROWDS SHOUTED AT HIS ENTRANCE (Luke 19:29-40) Causing us to ask, “Why all the Excitement?” A) They had experienced Excitement (V. 37) Some people only want the miracles and the excitement Jesus brought. B) They had experienced Enlightenment (V. 37) Some were there shouting because of the radical teachings they had heard Jesus giving out. C) They had experienced Expectation (V. 38) They shouted at His Entrance to Jerusalem, but they didn't understand that there was more to His story. Those who know Him know that there is a reason to shout and to praise His name! They know He is worthy of honor and praise. I don't know about you, but I don't want a pile of rocks doing my praise for me! II) THE CROWDS SHOUTED AT HIS EXAMINATION (John 19:13-16) The words "cried out" mean "to scream for or to demand something be done." That is why we find some of the same people who were calling Him the King when He rode into Jerusalem, now crying out for His blood. Making us ask, “Why the sudden change?” A) They Considered Him An Imposter (John 19:13-16) Because He did not overthrow Rome. B) They Considered Him An Instigator (Matt. 23:25-28) Because He defied their Rulers. C) They Considered Him An Intruder (Matt. 26:63-65) Because He spoke against their Religion. Jesus is on trial in your heart this morning! What is your verdict concerning Jesus? III) THE CROWDS SHOUTED AT HIS EXECUTION (Mark 15:25-37) By this time, their tolerance of this strange man with the strange message had turned to pure hatred. They wanted Jesus dead and they wanted His teachings to die with Him! Leaving us to ask; “Why all the anger?” A) They Misunderstood Christ's Mission Again, they were looking for a man that would overthrow Rome. What they missed is that Jesus did not come for revolt, but for redemption! Jesus summed up His mission in one clear statement - For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10) Has He fulfilled His mission in your life? B) They Misapplied Scriptures Message When Jesus came as a Servant of the people, as One destined to die on a cross, they stumbled and totally missed what the Word of God had taught them. These people missed the Servant while they looked for the Soldier! When they saw Jesus on that cross, they were finished with Him. The cross became their great stumbling block. C) They Missed God's Methods They expected a soldier and got a Savior! In those 6 hours on that cross, Jesus accomplished more than any conqueror in history! He defeated the most persistent, and terrible of man's enemies: Death, Sin, Satan, Hell, Eternity, etc.! But they didn't get it then, and many do not get it now! In Closing: Finally, that terrible day ended. The lifeless body of Jesus hung dead on that cross. They aren't shouting now. Challenging us to ask, “Why so quiet?” The shouting stopped because the object of their anger was dead! Come to the foot of the cross by way of the alter this morning and I promise you Jesus will change everything. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Opening Statement: A paradox can be defined as two seemingly contradictory statements where both happen to be true. Nowhere does that seem to cause so much confusion than with statements that show up in the Bible. We all have certain tendencies that get in the way of humility and obedience; so as we go through this text, I hope to put into words what Paul is kindly and affectionately, yet carefully pointing out – and what Paul points out effectively provides solutions to our sanctification process as we grow in humility and obedience. I) We Have a Tendency to Stray (12) Stop there for a moment – can you hear what Paul is graciously suggesting – you have obeyed my authority when I was with you – now be very careful and even more diligent to be obedient while I’m away. Paul effectively says to the Philippians, you’ve been obedient in my presence, but now I want you to obey even more so when the pressure of my presence isn’t there in Philippi. • A growing reputation is based on how you act when people are watching • Growing in sanctification is how you act when people are not watching As we mature in our sanctification, the pressure of presence moves from an external authority to an internal Authority who happens to be the Spirit of God. II) We Have a Tendency to Stall (12b) By the way, make sure you understand that Paul is writing to Christians. He isn’t defining how you get salvation; he’s referring to how you demonstrate salvation. Paul specifically tells the growing believer to work out their salvation. Keep in mind that throughout the New Testament, we are given three dimensions of salvation. 1) The past dimension Our past salvation saved us forever from the penalty of sin – He bore our penalty on the tree. That is past tense and forever settled and secure. 2) There is a future dimension Our future salvation will save us forever from the presence of sin – that’ll be gone forever 3) The present dimension Our present salvation is saving us from the power of sin; one temptation at a time. We can call this present dimension of salvation – sanctification. This is the process of spiritual growth Paul is referring to here in Philippians 2:12. III) We Have a Tendency to Strut (12c) So, Paul adds here a perspective that will help us from getting too caught up with our progress in sanctification; verse 12 – work out your salvation with fear and trembling. He didn’t write, with gloating and self- congratulation, but with fear and trembling. Work out your salvation with humble respect and awe and no one struts in the presence of the glory of God. IV) We Have a Tendency to Steal (13) In other words, we have a tendency to take the credit for our accomplishments. Here’s the paradox – we are commanded to work outwardly – but now we’re told that what we work outwardly is a result of God working inwardly. Which, in the context of humility, is Paul’s way of reminding us that God alone deserves the credit because ultimately He was at work in us – both to will (to want) and to do (to act). I mean how humbling is that? It happens to be some of the most telling evidence of your growth in sanctification. Anything good that I desired was a desire He put in me. Anything good that I did was something He did through me. Ultimately, it is God who is at work. In Closing: Stay alert! Stay the course! Stay fearfully respectful! Stay grateful!

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I) Possess the Same Humility as Jesus (5) That phrase “your attitude should be the same” means “to think or direct your mind” in a certain direction. II) The Humble Journey of Jesus (6-8) The humble journey of our Lord Jesus’ descent from Heaven to earth. A) Jesus started out at the highest place (“equality with God”) Long before Jesus was born at Bethlehem, long before he created the world, from all of eternity Jesus shared eternal glory with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. B) Jesus traveled to the lowest place (“made himself nothing”) The phrase literally means that he emptied himself. He poured himself out in love for you and for me in humble obedience to the Father. He gave up those rights and privileges in coming to earth as our Savior. Exactly, what rights and privileges did He give up? 1) He took on the life of a servant The word servant can also be translated “slave.” And what is a slave? A slave is someone who has no rights. One of the early Greek writers wrote that whoever is permitted to do whatever he wishes is a free man and whoever is not is a slave. Jesus took the attitude of a servant or a slave, and he said to the Father: “Not my will but yours.” The first step downward for Jesus was becoming a servant, submitting himself to the Father’s will and willingly giving himself in humble service to others. 2) He took on the form of a human He became a human being. In Genesis 1 man was created in the likeness of God. Here we find God being made in the likeness of man. The invisible God became visible. He took on flesh in full view of all. He laid aside his glory as God to become human. He was truly God and truly man. 3) He was obedient even to death This verse shows us how low Jesus was willing to go. He became obedient unto death. This doesn’t mean Jesus was just obedient up until the time he died, but that his death was part of his obedience. He was obedient even to God’s command to die, to willingly give up his life for others. (Matthew 26:42) 4) He endured the humiliation of the cross Notice the cross was Jesus’ destination all along. All the other steps down the ladder were simply necessary steps to get him there. The cross was the heart of Jesus’ mission, and it is the heart of the gospel. Apart from Jesus’ death for us on the cross, there would be no salvation. III) The Glorious Exaltation of Jesus (9-11) The gospel is the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection. God did not leave Jesus in the grave but raised him from the dead and exalted him to the highest place. A) God exalted Jesus to the highest place Notice the change in direction. God exalted him to the highest place. Jesus humbled himself, but God exalted him. The journey down was all the things that Jesus did. But the journey back up is all the things that God the Father did. Jesus humbled himself; God exalted him. B) God exalted the name of Jesus above every other name “God gave him the name that is above every name.” (Philippians 2:9b) Although we often think of “Jesus” as being the name above all names. We see that Jesus was named “Jesus” at his birth. But at his exaltation he was given the name “Lord”. C) God exalted the worship of Jesus Every knee will bow. In short, you can bow before Jesus now, or you can bow later. But one day everyone will bow before him and confess him as Lord. In Closing: Let me leave you with three application points. 1) There is no task too small to do for Jesus. 2) There is no obedience too difficult for you through Christ. 3) There is no reward so sweet as that which God gives. God calls you to have the same attitude as Jesus. God calls you to step out of your comfort zone, let go of your rights, and humbly serve each other out of obedience to God.

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John 4: 1-42 Though Jesus engaged in a public ministry by preaching and teaching, He also took part in personal evangelism, our subject for today, is found in Jesus’ encounter with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.

I. Contact (John 4:1-9) A. Contact and connection are a must if we are to be fruitful in our attempts to share the gospel of Jesus.

B. Create contact and connection opportunities: C. Jesus contends that the seed has been sown and the fields are “white already to harvest” (John 4:34-38)

II. Challenge (John 4:10-19) A. A difficult step and stumbling block for most Christians. B. The turning point could be a current news event, a difficulty they are facing, the death of a friend or family member, facing their own death, or it may simply be a question someone asked them or that they have.

III. Confirmation (John 4:20-26) A. This is where the Christian’s talk turns to walk. B. Confirmation comes by in the form of BE, KNOW, and DO

IV. Call (John 4:20-26) A. After every sales pitch, Bible study, or sermon, there is a call to action. A call to do something with the information they’ve just received. B. In the case of personal evangelism, the call may be making another appointment for the next Bible study, or the next church service.

V. Conversion (John 4:20-26) A. At some point, there is no set time because people move, think, and decide on differing timelines, the person needs to decide to follow or not follow Christ.

B. How do we know when they are ready? Ask.

We must ask, not force or pressure but ask.
If they’re not ready, continue to treat them with Christian charity, continue to call them to action, continue to witness to them, and continue to ask for a commitment at varying times.

VI. Sanctification A. Sanctification is a matter for a team of people – the church and its leaders. It involves training up the new Christian, making them a disciple of Christ.

VII. Multiplication (John 4: 28-30; 39-42) A. This last step takes excitement and zeal on our part. It requires commitment, passion, and, importantly, a strong walk with Christ. A solid foundation in Scripture and a fervent prayer life.

Conclusion To recap, we must contact and connect with people to move them toward Christ at the Cross. Next, we must challenge their thinking and former beliefs. We confirm what we are saying through our own actions and deeds. Then we call them to action, maybe just small actions at first. After a time, we ask for them to decide to convert, to make a commitment to Christ. After their conversion, the church body is involved in their sanctification – becoming a disciple of Christ. With and through them, we reach others and multiply our increase.

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Philippians 2:1-4 Opening Statement: Whenever there is disunity in the church, danger is on the horizon. Disunity is very seldom because of external forces or persecution, rather disunity comes because of a personal agenda by one or more persons in the body of the Christ. I) Christian Fellowship is motivated by God’s love for us. (V.1) The four realities Paul raises here are experienced by all Christians, and they form the basis of Christian fellowship. A) If you have any encouragement in Christ. So, first Paul says: “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ.” The word consolation means encouragement. As a Christian do you have any encouragement from being united with Christ? Any at all? B) If you have any comfort from God’s love. Once again, the answer is yes, a thousand times yes. This is the experience of anyone who has come to God through Jesus Christ. Of course, we have comfort in our lives from knowing God’s love. C) If you have any fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Once again Paul is appealing to our Christian experience here. As Christians we all share together in the gift of the Holy Spirit, and we have all experienced this wonderful fellowship with the Spirit. D) If you have any inside affections. II) Christian Fellowship is united around the gospel of Christ. (v. 2) Paul is already full of joy as he prays for the Philippians and as the gospel is preached in Rome. But now he asks the Philippians to make his joy complete, to fill his cup of joy to the brim, by uniting around the gospel of Christ. And he does this by asking them to do three things. A) Being likeminded Paul is encouraging them to be like-minded, to be unified in their thinking, to think the same thing when it comes to life’s ultimate priority. He is calling them to unite around the gospel of Christ. We too should not allow anything to take our focus off spreading the gospel. B) Having the same love A Christian community is a supposed to be a loving community. You cannot have Christian fellowship without love. And each person in the body of Christ should have the same love for each other. Fellowship is not a one-way street. There is a back-and-forth, there is a reciprocal love and relationship in the body of Christ. C) Being one in spirit and purpose This last phrase brings out the idea of a common goal once again. Being of one accord and of one mind refers to being united as one soul, one person for a common task. Now in the face of inner division he encourages us to stand strong as one man united around a common goal or purpose – the gospel of Jesus Christ. III) In Christian Fellowship we humbly serve each other. (vs. 3-4) Paul gives us three instructions here. A) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit Now selfish ambition was exactly the problem Paul addressed back in chapter one. There is no room for competition or rivalry in the Christian faith. B) Consider others better than yourselves Rather than selfish ambition or vain conceit we should practice humility and consider other betters than ourselves. This is true in marriage, it is true in parenting, it is true in relationships, and it is definitely true in the church. C) Look to the interests of others, not just yourself What are you focused on in life? Your own needs or others? In Christian fellowship each person puts the needs of the other people first. Once again, your attitude should be the same as Christ who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) In Closing: But it is worth it, for the unity of the church and for the glory of God. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Philippians 1:27-30 Opening Statement: When we talk about living worthy of the gospel, we are not talking about living in such a way as to earn the benefits of the gospel. Rather we are talking about living in such a way to reflect the reality that God has already forgiven you in Christ. You cannot live worthy to receive the gospel, rather you should live worthy of the gospel which you have received. I) A Courageous Church Stands Together as Citizens of Heaven (27a) A) Determine to live for Christ God gives you a lot of freedom. He gives you a lot of latitude in the choices you make. But no matter your choices, no matter your circumstances Determine to live for Christ no matter what happens. B) Trust God at all times Just because Paul was in one of the bad times did not mean that God had abandoned him. In fact, God was using Paul where he was to further advance the gospel. Paul was willing to Trust God at all Times. II) A Courageous Church Strives Together for the Faith of the Gospel (27b) When you start taking a stand for Christ and the gospel in your life, you will face opposition. Paul has two instructions for us when we face opposition for Christ: A) Stand firm together in the Holy Spirit Even though some translations spell “spirit” with the lowercase “s” in this verse, I believe Paul is talking about the Holy Spirit here. It is the Holy Spirit who unifies us in Christ. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us power to witness. (Acts 1:8) We can’t face the opposition on our own. Thankfully we don’t have to! B) Work together as a team for the gospel In order for a team to be successful they need to work together. The team must work as one man to achieve the goal. Paul says our purpose in the church is the faith of the gospel. We must contend as one man for the spread of the gospel message of Jesus Christ. III) A Courageous Church Suffers Together for the Sake of Christ (28-30) Living a life worthy of the gospel brings persecution. Jesus is up front with us about that. (2 Timothy 3:12) A) Don’t live in fear of those who oppose you Paul is saying: Don’t be intimidated. Don’t panic. No fear! Stand strong in the face of opposition and here is why: 1) You are on the winning team Do you know why you can take this no fear attitude as a Christian in the face of opposition? Because you are on the winning team! You have God on your side! 2) Your fearlessness is a sign to them You do not have to fear those who oppose you. You are on the winning team, and your fearlessness is God’s sign to them of your salvation and their destruction. B) Don’t live in fear of suffering for Christ Paul gives us a couple good reasons: 1) Suffering for Christ is a gift of God’s grace Part of living worthy of the gospel is that God counts you worthy to suffer for Christ. Jesus described discipleship as following him and taking up the cross daily. Taking up the cross means suffering for Christ. 2) You’re not alone in suffering for Christ Paul had suffered persecution when he was in Philippi. Now the Philippians are going through the same struggle they saw him have when he was there. Others are suffering for Christ, why should you be exempt? In Closing: l will leave you with several application points today. 1) We must make the gospel our number one priority as individuals and as a church. 2) We must work hard to maintain unity in the body of Christ. 3) Let us be bold in our Christian faith and witness.

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Text: 1 John 1 : 5 - 10

Pt. I – The Holiness of God – Vs. 5

Pt. II – The Lie and the Blood – vs. 6-7

Pt. III – The Sinfulness of Sin and the righteousness of Christ – Vs. 8-10

In Closing: I don’t know where you are today. If you are a Christian John wants you to conduct an honest self-examination of your life, your conduct, your thinking and beliefs. Ask yourself do I walk in the light as He is in the light? Do I practice the truth? Do I confess my sins to a holy and pure God? If you answer yes to these questions without self-deception, great!! Continue to examine yourself daily to ensure you are in the light, practice the truth in every facet of life, and confess you sins to God. If you are unable to answer yes to these questions I want you to think about your very real court date that will be here one day wherein you will stand before the highest and holiest judge you will ever meet. Once He slams the gavel down, there will be no other chances for you. Don’t be lead astray by the deceit of this world and the lust of power, fame, fortune, success, all that stuff will burn up in His fire and will not save you. Go into that courtroom on the final day and stand assured that you are covered in the blood of Jesus that is your only hope.

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Text: Philippians 1:18b-26 Opening Statement: Do you have a life goal? An overall purpose for living that drives your motivations, determines your plans, and measures your decisions in life? Everyone is living for something. What do you hope to accomplish in life that if left undone you would feel as though your very life were incomplete? The Apostle Paul had discovered a life goal that no one could take away from him. As he wrote these words to the Philippians Paul was in prison, but it did not affect his goal. You might be wondering what kind of a goal could this possibly be? Our Scripture text this morning reveals to us Paul’s goals. I) Paul’s Goal to Honor Christ (18b-20) In verses 18-20 we find Paul’s goal to honor Christ. Paul is confident that he will stand the test, but his confidence is not based on his own character, his own determination or his own will power. No, he draws his confidence from two sources, both separate from his own person. 1) The prayers of God’s people 2) The help of the Holy Spirit. The two are vitally connected. As the Philippians pray for him, the Holy Spirit will answer those prayers by giving Paul the help that he needs to stand firm. Paul was relying on the prayers of God’s people to furnish the supply of the Holy Spirit that he needed in order to stand strong under persecution. Paul’s confidence rested in the prayers of God’s people. Earlier he shared that he was praying for the Philippians. Now he asks them for their payers. And through their prayers and the help of the Holy Spirit, Paul knows that this will turn out for his deliverance. Paul will continue to testify for Christ even in the face of death. II) Paul’s Goal for Living (21) Paul states his purpose for living. It is a powerful statement, succinct in expression, sweeping in its scope: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) This was Paul’s life goal that Not only that, but Paul also says, “And to die is gain.” Because Paul’s entire life goal was wrapped up in the person of Christ — loving Christ, serving Christ, knowing Christ, honoring Christ — neither death nor prison could interfere with his goal. Life meant Christ, and therefore death was gain, for death simply meant more of Christ. (2 Cor. 5:8) Paul’s faithful confession unto death, or through his release and subsequent service to the Lord. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” You will not find a finer or truer life goal or purpose anywhere. III) Paul’s Goal in the Face of Death (22-26) This phrase “in a strait betwixt two” literally means to be pressed in on both sides. Paul longs to be with Christ. He can’t think of anything he would rather do than simply know Christ in the fullness of his presence and to be with him. Paul’s whole life since conversion has focused on faithful service to Christ and intimate relationship with Christ, but as close as we may grow to Christ in this life, it’s nothing compared to what awaits us in heaven. In fact, the closer we grow to Christ now, the more we desire to be with Christ then. And yet he is hard-pressed from the other side too. The Philippians need him. If he goes on living, this will mean fruitful labor for him. Paul firmly believes he will be restored to the Philippians and together they will rejoice in God’s gracious answer to prayers on his behalf. They will be filled with joy that Paul is back with them in answer to their prayers. In Closing: Where do you want to get to?

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Text: Philippians 1:12-18a Opening Statement: It is easy to say that advancing the Gospel is the most important thing but, how does your life back that up? When you examine your own life, do you look like someone who truly believes that advancing the gospel is the most important thing in the world? Where do you invest your time? Where do you invest your energy? Where do you invest your finances? That’s what makes this an especially challenging passage. I) The Gospel Advances in Spite of Difficult Circumstances and People (1:12–18) So, let us begin by first looking at Paul’s circumstances: A) Advancing the gospel was more important than freedom (12-14) You would think prison would slow things down, but Paul has a gospel perspective, and he shares with us two ways that prison has really served to advance the gospel. 1) Paul gets to share the gospel with the whole palace guard (13) Paul speaks of his chains in this verse, and that’s because he was literally chained to a Roman guard during the whole time of his imprisonment. Do you know what that meant? Paul had a captive audience! Paul didn’t think, “Rats, I’m chained to a Roman Guard.” He thought, “All right! The Roman Guard is chained to me!” Paul’s imprisonment allowed him to share the gospel with the whole palace guard. 2) Paul encouraged others to share the gospel more boldly (14) You would think that Paul being locked up would have created a greater fear of sharing the gospel for the other believers in Rome. Instead, it had just the opposite effect. They were encouraged to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly. Paul’s imprisonment had a ripple effect on his fellow believers in Rome. Paul was sharing the gospel in prison, and the church was sharing the gospel outside of prison. B) Advancing the gospel was more important than comfort (15-18) 1) Some shared Christ out of wrong motives (15) Not everyone shared Christ from pure motives. Some actually preached Christ out of envy and rivalry. They were teaching the true gospel, they were preaching Christ, but their motives for doing it were wrong. 2) Some tried to stir up trouble (16-17) Paul says they are driven by selfish ambition and that they lack sincerity in their gospel preaching. It’s hard enough when you’re in prison for preaching the gospel, but what do you do when your fellow believers in Christ are trying to make things even more difficult for you? 3) Paul rejoiced that Christ was preached! (18) What do you do? I will tell you what Paul did. He rejoiced! He didn’t rejoice because they might make things more difficult for him; rather he rejoiced that Christ was preached. Advancing the gospel was more important to Paul than his own freedom. Advancing the gospel was more important to Paul than his own comfort. II) The Gospel Advances in Spite of Our Circumstances or Position A) God wants to use your present circumstances to advance the gospel Now, listen carefully to what I say next. This is so important. God wants to use your present life circumstances as a platform to advance the gospel. God is in control, and whatever your lot in life may be, God wants to use your present life circumstances as a platform to advance the gospel. B) The gospel is the power of God for the salvation of those who believes When you share Christ with someone, you never know how God is going to use that. They may come to Christ that very day, or maybe you are planting a seed that will grow into faith. The gospel is the power of God for the salvation to those who believe. In Closing: Do you understand what this means? We don’t need to change our circumstances to “advance the Gospel”. And we will never be free from difficult people. But God will continue to advance His kingdom.

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What should we pray for those we love? Prayers can take many forms, but Paul shows us what HE prayed for the Philippians; and it can teach us something about what WE should pray for OUR loved ones — as well as what God is trying to work into our lives spiritually. I) Pray For A Love That Overflows (Phil. 1:7-8) A) Love overflows as partners in the gospel (7) The motivation for prayer is love for each other, and that love is first of all a love for each other as partners in the grace that God has given them together through Jesus Christ. Paul can’t wait to get out of prison so he can start sharing the gospel again! That is awesome and should be an encouragement to us to make sharing the gospel more central in our lives. B) Love overflows with the affection of Christ Jesus (8) Paul uses strong language here. He calls God as his witness to testify to the truth of what he is saying. Paul “longs” for the Philippians – the word speaks of an aching desire – he longs to see them again and to be with them again, and he longs for them with the affection of Christ Jesus. II) Pray For A Knowledge That Discerns (Phil. 1:9-10) Paul doesn’t simply tell the Philippians that he is praying for them. He tells them what he is praying for them. Do you want to encourage someone? Let them know you are praying for them. Do you want to really encourage someone? Tell them what you are praying. How do you pray for someone to grow in Christ? Paul gives us four things to pray for in these verses. Let’s take a brief look at each of these. A) Prayer for growth in love (9a) The first prayer we should pray for each other is to grow in love. Our motivation for prayer must be out of an overflow of love for each other, and our Christian growth must first of all be growth in love. But notice that Paul’s prayer is not just for love, but to grow in love, “that your love may abound more and more.” That word abound means “to exceed, to surpass the goal with some left over.” Pray that each other’s love would exceed, would abound, and then pray that it would continue to do so more and more. B) Prayer for growth in knowledge (9b) Christian love is not just a warm fuzzy feeling without any basis or support. Christian love is firmly grounded in knowledge of God and his ways. Not just knowledge about Christ, but personal knowledge of Christ. C) Prayer for growth in discernment (9b-10a) Knowledge is important but knowing how to apply that knowledge is equally important. And so, we not only pray for love and knowledge, but we also pray for depth of insight. Christian love is not just based on feelings. It is based on knowledge and discernment: knowing the truth of God’s Word, and then acting on that to choose those things in life which are best so that your life will be a shining example to others. D) Prayer for growth in holiness (10b) Paul is saying that we should pray for each other to grow in holiness, that our lives should be pure and transparent, that there should be nothing in our life that would cause another to stumble, that our life will stand up to examination by God at the last day who knows all and sees all. III) Pray For Fruit That Is Genuine (Phil. 1:11) As a result of this kind of prayer we see changed lives resulting in praise and glory to God. A) The fruit that comes through Jesus (11a) B) The fruit that brings glory and praise to God (11b) In Closing: This is a real prayer that Paul really prayed for the Philippians. Parents, can you imagine if you prayed this prayer for your children on a regular basis? Husbands, what if you prayed this for your wives, and wives for your husbands? Grandparents, what if you prayed this for your grandchildren? Church, what if we prayed this for our church? Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Opening Statement: The book of Philippians is a positive book, it is a practical book, and it is a joyful book. In fact, joy is one of the predominant themes throughout its pages. However, I would not say it is the major theme. I would say the major theme is that of being “Partners in the Gospel.” Yes, Paul is full of joy, but his joy is based on the gospel and the fact that he and the Philippians are partners in the gospel together.

I) We are all Partners in the Gospel (Phil. 1:1-2)

A) The gospel brings people from different backgrounds together (Acts 16) So, who were the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi? Well according to Acts 16 you had people like Lydia, a wealthy, high status woman who dealt in purple cloth. You had the Philippian jailer and his family, who would have been much lower status. And you had people from the very lowest ranks of society like the slave girl out of whom Paul cast a demon.

B) We are all saints in Christ Jesus The second thing I want us to see from Paul’s greeting is that we are all saints in Christ Jesus. The Bible says that we are all saints; all believers are saints; we have all been set apart for Christ and his gospel. There are not super-Christians and normal Christians. We are all saints in Christ Jesus.

C) Leaders and lay people are partners together Paul doesn’t just address the leadership, and he doesn’t just address the people in the church. He addresses them together. This letter is addressed to all of them. Why? Because leaders and lay people in the church are partners together. So, what do we see from Paul’s greeting in verses 1-2? We are all partners in the gospel together.

II) We are all a Work in Progress (Phil 1:3-5)

A) Paul is thankful for them (1:3) Paul says he thanks God for the Philippians every time he remembers them. Why? Paul thanks God, because it is God who began this good work in them. It is God who brought them to salvation, and so Paul is supremely thankful. Does the mere mention of another believer’s name spur a spontaneous prayer of thanksgiving to God? Paul thanks God for the Philippians every time he remembers them.

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In our text today, a sin-hardened, pagan jailer asks the most important question that has ever been uttered in the history of the world. He asks, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Today, I would like for us to examine that question for a few minutes. As we do, I am going to ask each of you to ask not only that question but to ask the second most important question every believer must ask. “What must I do to help others find the answer?” This passage not only poses the questions, it, also provides the answers. I) THE MOTIVATION BEHIND THIS QUESTION A) He Was Moved By Fear It was the fear of his own punishment and death that drove him to the feet of the Apostle Paul that night in Philippi. Every person who gets saved comes to Jesus by faith. However, the road that leads them to Him may be different for all! The question the jailer asked was important, but the answer he received was just as important. If you hear the wrong answers about how to be saved, you will never get to know God. 1) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SAVED? a) Definition of Saved - To rescue from harm and from danger. b) The Danger we all live with - Until we are saved, everyone in this room is in terrible danger. Why? 1. We are all sinners (Rom. 3:23) You may not think you are a sinner, but anything that we do which violates the Law of God is a sin. In truth, we are born into this world as sinners. We are guilty before God when we are born, Psa. 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies. 2. We are all headed to Hell (Rom. 6:23) This verse tells us that there is a price on sin. If we do not come to Jesus for salvation, then God has no choice but to send us to Hell. B) He Was Moved By Faith It is interesting to note that this jailer did not take the time to secure the prison or the prisoners. His first thought was for his own salvation. Many have read this and thought that he is just trying to save his skin. I think he was interested in saving his soul. What is or has God used in your life to awaken you spiritually? II) THE MESSAGE THAT LED TO THIS QUESTION A) It Spoke Of A Person B) It Spoke Of A Plan C) It Spoke Of A Promise III) THE LASTING EFFECTS OF THIS QUESTION A) It Showed Him A Life Of Salvation By The Lord Verse 34 tells us that after he heard the Gospel, he believed and was saved. Remember, that's how it works! Being saved is nothing more than placing your faith in Jesus Christ for your salvation. It is choosing to trust Him and nothing else to save you and to take you to Heaven B) It Showed Him A Life Of Service To The Lord As soon as this man gets saved, a change becomes evident in his life. In verses 33-34, he is seen washing their stripes, and feeding them from his own table. He is a new creature, and He demonstrates it. If you have been saved by His grace than you should be willing to step into a life of service for the Master. The church needs your help in many areas so please consider where you can service now. In Closing: What is the main question that has your attention today? Let me encourage you to ask yourself the most important question of all, "What must I do to be saved?" As Christians we should be asking the second most important question. “What must I do to help others find the answer to the most important question?” Their Eternity may hinge on your answer!

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What is Sanctity of Human life anyways? Sanctity means the quality of being holy, sacred, or set apart. Believing in the sanctity of life means believing that human life is somehow holy, set apart, or different from other life forms. “Sanctity of Human Life Day” actually affirms human life in many areas, not just in the area of abortion. It is a day to reflect on the sacredness of human life not only in relation to the child in the womb, but also as regards to the elderly, the weak and sickly, the mentally challenged, and those with physical limitations. All of human life is sacred, and all human life should be equally valued and protected under the law of man as it is under the law of God. The question is "Why do Christians believe that human life is set apart?" I) All Human Life is Formed by God A) Made in His Image The phrase "made in the image of God" refers not to the physical, but to the immaterial part of man. In the likeness of God, man has a soul/spirit that sets us apart from animals and makes us just a little lower than God's other glorious creation, the angels. B) Filled with His Breath We are also told that God literally breathed life into man, something He did not do with other life forms. God breathed His own breath of life into man. Something in the way God created humans reflects His attributes. In other words, we bear God's image. So, anything that harms or mars a human life also therefore mars that reflection of God Himself. II) All Human Life is Owned by God A) All Life belongs to God Another reason Christians should have reverence for human life is because we believe all human life is owned by God. Psalm 139:16 shows that the days of each person's life were written in God's book before any of them came to be. B) All Life is Sacred to God It seems possible that because God is the holy, eternal creator and human life is only temporary and marred by a sinful nature, that God may not place a very high value on human life. However, the Bible teaches the opposite. In Leviticus 24:21 God instructed the nation of Israel that "Whoever kills an animal shall make it good, and whoever kills a person shall be put to death." It's also interesting to note that this value in human life is not just to be a rule for the Jews, but that "you shall have the same rule for the sojourner and for the native." Every human life is valued by God. III) All Human Life is Started by God The next question becomes, "When does human life begin?" In Jeremiah 1:5, Here we see God forming Jeremiah in his mother's womb. The Psalmist echoes this sentiment in Psalm 139:13. An unborn child is the blueprint for a fully-formed human being. The 20th Day after conception - By the 20th day the foundations of the brain, spinal cord, and entire nervous system have been established. The heart begins to beat in irregular patterns by 21 days and in smooth rhythmic contractions a week later. The end of the first month – through the 8th week - Lines in the hands and fingerprints begin to be etched by the 8th week, and these will remain a distinctive feature of the individual throughout his or her life. After eight weeks, the child bears all the external features and internal organs of a full-term baby. In the third month - The child becomes very active. If the womb had windows, we would see graceful and fluid motions as the child sleeps and wakes, makes fists, sucks his thumb, fans her toes, and seeks positions of comfort. These truths point to the fact that people matter to God from the womb to old age. He commands mankind to value people the same way He does. In Closing: Don’t let this sermon just be a lesson in theology but motivation to go out and serve the unborn, the poor, the widow, the sick, and the orphan in the world to make a difference for God our Savior.

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Text: Deuteronomy 11:10-25 Opening Statement: As we stand at the brink of a new year our hearts are filled with anticipation and challenge. Only God knows what the future holds but the possibilities are limitless. As we cross over into this new year, we do so with the same challenges Moses gave his people so long ago. As we journey into a new year we’re reminded:

I) To Remember God’s Provision (Deut. 11:11) What is Moses saying to Israel here? Better yet, what is God saying to us through their experience? He will meet our needs! He is our source. Look closely at Deut. 11:11. Note that we take with us into a new year the promise of God’s provision. “It is a land that drinks rain from heaven.” That is, He provides for us supernaturally. As we journey into this New Year, we’re dependent on the supernatural provision of God. God is our source, and he has a way of using us to accomplish his purpose. As we journey, we are:

II) To Remember God’s Presence (Deut. 11:12) There were some who said to Moses that they doubted they could accomplish the task of taking the Promised Land. After all, the land was filled with giants and walled cities. But they had forgotten that they crossed over with God’s provision and God’s presence. New Year’s brings a fresh vision of new opportunities. What a blessing to journey into a new year with the very presence of God Himself. The eyes of the Lord are upon us! Like the children of Israel, He did not bring us out except to take us in. We go into a new year with God’s provision and God’s presence. We also are:

III) To Remember God’s Promise (Deut. 11:13-15) Note that this promise is conditional. Verse 13 begins with “if” and verse 14 begins with “then.” Thus, this promise is not for everyone. It is for whom? Those who love the Lord their God and serve Him with all their heart and soul. Moses reminded the children of Israel, and us, what is of utmost importance — loving God. As we enter a new year we do so with God’s promise. Finally, as we journey into a new year we are:

IV) To Remember God’s Protection (Deut. 11:16-25) Moses is reminding us that the Lord will go before us and drive out our enemies. His protection carries with it a warning. (Deut. 11:16-17). Again, note the repetition of the importance of loving our God. (Deut. 11:22). Moses knew the only way his people could love the Lord with all their heart was to saturate themselves with a conscious awareness of His word. As we journey into a new year we do so with God’s protection. Moses goes on to tell them that “Then the Lord will drive out all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess greater and mightier nations than yourselves. Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the River Euphrates, even to the Western Sea, shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand against you” (Deut. 11:23-25).

In Closing: As we journey into this new year Moses stands to remind us that as we go, we too will need God’s provision. To depend on human effort is sheer folly. We will need God’s presence. There will be times when we, like the children of Israel, wonder where God is. But His eyes are upon us. We cross over with God’s promise. There may be times that this is all we have to hold onto. And we go with His protection.

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Today's Text: Luke 19:1-10 Someone is following close behind you. He's shadowing your every move, watching your every step. You can try your best to shake Him, but you never will. Until your dying day, He will be right there - unswerving, unstoppable, and inescapable.

The Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost. Only pride and lack of faith and/or repentance stand in the way.

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Introduction: John was writing to churches in the region of Ephesus. There were three main false teachings or heresies that they were facing. Gnosticism, Docetism, and Cerinthianism. Gnosticism Gnosticism nullified that is cancelled the need for divine grace from God. Yet Paul reminded us that we are saved by grace, the unmerited favor coming down from the Father of lights. Docetism Docetism is derived from the Greek word δοκέω, meaning to seem or to appear. This heresy taught that Jesus did not actually live in a physical human body. It just seemed that way. Jesus appeared to have taken on a human body during His earthly life. Docetists believed that spiritual matter was far superior to physical matter. Cerinthianism Taught a rejection of the virgin birth, Jesus was the genetic offspring of Mary & Joseph and many other heretical things. Undeniable, Unequivocal Eternal Life – 1 John 1:1-2 Many will say now days that this Jesus was simply a good man. They will say that He was not really sinless and that He did not die on that Cross, nor was He the Son of God. But I am here to tell you that there is no hope for life, no hope for salvation or forgiveness if Jesus was just a man. If Jesus was just a man, you might as well become a member at the church of the flying spaghetti monster. But let me remind you of John’s words. “We heard Him, we saw Him, we touched Him and He, God lived in the flesh with us for 3 years while we beheld His glory. Perhaps this will be the first Christmas without a loved one, or perhaps your stuck in a hospital battling fierce diseases, maybe you are just broken, and your relationships are damaged seemingly beyond repair. Maybe you can’t get away from that one besetting sin. Maybe the hopeless you feel is mounting and the pressure is getting worse. I don’t know what your struggle is, but I know that there is Hope and that Hope has a name and His name is Jesus! Undeniable, Unequivocal Fellowship – 1 John 1:3 true Biblical Christian fellowship (κοινωνία in the Greek) is a meeting of 2 or more people who seek to engage in community, conversation, and exhortation centered around Jesus Christ. The word means quite literally to commune together, to form a partnership. John is telling these churches. “Listen, all these things the false teachers are telling you is wrong. We tell you these things with truth because of our very real experience with the person of Jesus. He invaded all 5 of our senses and we proclaim these truths to you so that you also may have fellowship with us, that is other Christians who hold to a true Biblical Christology.” If you don’t hold to this teaching about Christ, you are not in the fellowship of Christ and therefore are not in fellowship with other believers. Because the fellowship we have is only possible, John says, as it is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The purpose of κοινωνία, Christian fellowship is to encourage, equip, exhort, and build up. The reason we come to church are a not to forsake the assembling together of ourselves—as is the custom of some—the reason we discipleship and are discipled is to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. It is to help one another, to serve alongside one another. To reach out a helping hand, to teach a Sunday school class, to humbly admonish each other when we see a brother or sister in sin. Undeniable, Unequivocal Christian Joy – 1 John 1:4 John is speaking on behalf of what he himself and the other apostles have written and taught. He wants those in the churches across the land that love Jesus, hold the truths of scripture close to their hearts, and have fellowship with the Father and the Son to know that there is no greater joy than to see another come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Text: Matthew 1:20-21; Luke 1:29-37; Luke 2:9-14 Opening Statement: The Fear Not of Christmas

1) Fear not the Birth of Christ shows us God's purpose Matt 1:20-21 A) What fear not means to Joseph B) What fear not means to us

2) Fear not the birth of Christ shows us God's promise Luke 1:29-37 A) God's promise to Mary 1. You shall conceive and bear a Son, His name shall be Jesus 2. He shall be great and called the son of the most high 3. He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever

B) God's promise to us

3) Fear not the birth of Christ shows us God's presence

Closing: This Christmas are you aware of God's purpose? Do you know God's promise? Is God present in your life?

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Text: Philippians 4:10-20 Opening Statement: The Philippian Christians had learned the secret of joyful, liberal financial giving. The church in Philippi had taken up an offering to give to Paul, while he was in prison because of his faith. Paul wrote back to the church and expressed his joy. Joy, or its result, occurs almost 20 times in this letter. Have you discovered the joy of giving?

I) Giving revives our concern (v. 10) The Philippian Christians had been barren in expressing their concern for Paul, but now, with the gift of money they sent him, they were blossoming anew with concern for Paul's welfare and the furtherance of the Gospel. Giving takes the focus off ourselves and puts it onto someone or something else. Giving becomes a tangible way we can express concern and love to other people. As we focus on the needs of others, and give to help meet those needs, we experience joy. Giving revives our concern for people.

II) Giving teaches us contentment (v. 11) Paul did not want this church to think that his joy rested on whether he had money. Paul had schooled himself to be satisfied with whatever he had. He had joy in his life, not because his purse was full, but because he had learned contentment. How do you define contentment? Contentment is not trimming down your desires. Contentment means living with a sense of God's adequacy, a conviction that God is adequate for any need we face. Therefore, we can give joyfully, knowing God will supply our needs.

III) Giving makes us partners in ministry (v. 14) Paul said this about this gift of money sent by the church at Philippi. Each time we give to the Lord's work, we partner with other Christians to help advance the kingdom. That exciting thought should put joy in our hearts. Southern Baptists recognize the importance of partnering with one another. We do this through the Cooperative Program, Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong offering these are a partnership missions support plan that allows us to do far more together than we could individually.

IV) Giving pays spiritual dividends (vs. 17-18) Paul made it clear he was not looking for monetary gifts for his own benefit. Giving blesses the one who gives more than the one who receives the gift. The phrase "credited to your account" implies that giving to the Lord is like investing in kingdom matters. Kingdom work pays spiritual dividends.

V) Giving grows our faith in God (v. 19) Perhaps some of the members of the church at Philippi had given to Paul's ministry but were worried they might not have enough money left to meet their own needs. Paul gave them a great promise to stand upon. Verse 19 encourages us to take the step of faith and to give, trusting God to meet our needs. • God meets our needs personally ("my God"). • He meets our needs liberally ("all your needs"). • He meets our needs gloriously ("according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus").

In Closing: Paul paints a picture of joy in stewardship that is still true today. Does your life express joyful stewardship?

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TEXT: 1 Corinthians 11 : 23 - 32

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

The Lord's Supper is More Than a Meal I The Precious Body of Christ A) 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Breaking the Bread B) Isaiah 53:5 Breaking the Body 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

II The precious Blood of Christ I Cor 11:23-24 A) Taking Passover Unworthily In a manner the causes division In a manner that is self-indulgent In a manner which is not in remembrance of Him In a manner that does not proclaim His death In a manner that does not discern (honor) the body and blood of Christ

B) Taking Our Sin Lightly

Closing

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Text: Psalm 100 Opening Statement: Psalm 100 is a psalm of thanksgiving; it is a psalm in which the psalmist gives us reasons to be thankful. And let us notice immediately that the psalmist calls us to be thankful -- it is a command from God that we be thankful. I) “Shout for joy to Yahweh, all you lands.” (Psalm 100:1) Make a joyful noise, the psalmist says. Don’t just whisper or mumble or stir around, afraid you’re going to disturb the person next to you – shout with all your might! Let the whole world know that the sovereign God of all creation is with us, he loves us, he’s on our side. “Shout for joy to Yahweh.” That’s the first action. II) Serve Yahweh with gladness. (Psalm 100:2) So, what does it mean to serve God? First, it means to give what you have as a symbol of your gratitude and devotion. To serve God is to give what you have – your time, talent, gifts and service – with a joyful heart. It’s also to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. To serve the Lord with gladness is to be a cheerful giver, lending a helping hand to those in need, showing mercy to those who are struggling, practicing random acts of kindness wherever you go – not out of obligation or duty – but out of gratitude for what God has done for you. Serve Yahweh with gladness. That’s the second action. III) “Know that Yahweh is God …” (Psalm 100:3) You may not be aware of this, but there are many different names for God in the Hebrew Bible. This verse uses two of them: Yahweh and Elohim. What the psalmist wants us to know is that the same God who watches over us and cares for us as a loving father or mother would – Yahweh – is none other than the all-powerful God who brought all creation into existence – Elohim. The Lord is God … Yahweh is Elohim. “God is God, and you’re not.” That’s what the psalmist is reminding us, when he says: “Know that Yahweh, he is God. It is he who has made us, and we are his. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100:3). Know that Yahweh is God. That’s the third action.

(Psalm 100:3)What are you most thankful for? Reasons to be thankful come in every shape, form and fashion. There are the biggies, of course – a new job, a big promotion at work, the birth of a baby, the celebration of a marriage. Plus, there are countless other reasons to be thankful we often take for granted, such as good health, the love and support of friends and family, a safe community in which to live, the freedom to work and worship as we please. The psalmist encourages us to be mindful of all God’s gifts, great and small, and be thankful. Remember that song Count your blessings, it tells us that when we do God comes into focus and the world loses focus in our lives. Take a moment to make a list of all the things you can think of to be thankful for, then offer them up to the Lord in praise and thanksgiving. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving. That’s the fourth action. In Closing: As you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, take a moment to marvel at the beauty of God’s creation and bask in the warmth of God’s love, and be grateful. Never forget: Christ died for you in order to bring you from death to life. Don’t forget to say thank you!

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Text: Psalm 103 Opening Statement: Through the death of Christ, the barrier between us and relationship with God was torn in two. The wrath of God was satisfied with Jesus’ death, and now we can experience the full depth of his love. I) The Descriptive Power of God's Love (vv. 8, 11, 13, 17) The Psalmist reminds us that God loves you simply because he loves you. You don’t have to work for his affection. You don’t have to set yourself straight before God can pour out his love over you. He longs to love you right where you are, as you are. He longs to fill you with love to overflowing. II) The Definition of God's Love (v. 2) Love is one of God’s attributes. An attribute is a characteristic of God’s nature that has always been and always will be. For instance: A) God is holy, just, righteous, and pure These are what might be called God’s ‘Moral Attributes.’ B) God is eternal, unchanging, self-sufficient The Bible says that no one made God. God always has been, and God always will be. C) God is merciful, kind, gracious and loving Love flows from God because God is love. God not only loves, God is love. Everything that God does flows from His love. III) The Benefits of God's Love (v. 2) The Psalmist uncovers all the phases of life that God's love has touched and in turn benefited and blessed the recipient. A) Spiritually (v. 3, 12) B) Emotionally (v. 3) C) Eternally (v. 4) D) Physically (v. 5) E) Judicially (v. 6) IV) Knowing the Blessings of God's Love A) God's love is all consuming God's love touches every part of our life. Nothing - no calling or circumstance, no adversity or advancement, no pain or promotion, no status or station - escapes the brush strokes of God's love. God's love bleeds into every fabric and fiber of our lives. B) God's love is personal The Bible cuts through all the philosophical abstractions and declares that God is a Person. As a personal being God is capable of loving and being loved. And as a personal being he loves each one of us intensely personally. When God says I love you, he is saying that you matter to him. You are a person of worth. You are valuable to him. C) God's love is beyond human comprehension (vv. 13-14) Like a father's love for a wayward and rebellious son that waits anxiously for him to return home so he can grant him a new start, is God's love for us. It is beyond comprehension. In Closing: If you ever wonder if God loves you look to the cross. The cross is God's way of saying, "I love you this much," with his arms outstretched. God's final words to us are etched on a Roman cross. They are blood red. They scream to be heard. They say, "I love you." Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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God’s Greatest Miracle Text: John 3:1-15 Opening Statement: The Gospel of John is arranged around seven miracles that John calls signs of Christ's glory. The encounter with Nicodemus is not listed as one of the miracles because as far as we can tell he does not accept Christ's offer of eternal life in the context of chapter three, but the majestic promise to be born again qualifies as God’s greatest miracle. It is great because of the magnitude of the gift and the fact that this miracle is still being performed today for those who receive Christ's offer of eternal life.

I) Inquiring Minds Need to Know (John 3:1-2) Nicodemus had everything the world had to offer. But he was lost. He was unsaved. He possessed a sin-sick soul that needed God's amazing grace to deliver him from sin.

A) Nicodemus the Seeker Twice, the Gospel of John tells us that he came to Jesus at night (3:2; 19:39). Why the nocturnal visit? There are several possibilities: 1. Fear. 2. Caution. 3. Accessibility.

B) We the Seeker The Bible says that God has set eternity in our hearts (Ecc. 3:11). The world and the experiences it offers testify of God's glory, but the world can never satisfy the deepest desires of the soul. So, if you are an inquiring soul today wondering about a relationship with the Heavenly Father, don’t put it off, come to God who is longing to have a relationship with you through Jesus His son.

II) Intriguing Mystery Revealed (John 3:3-8) A) Heavenly Journey We're often so eager to understand what it means to be "born again" that we miss what Jesus is saying about the Kingdom. Jesus tells us two things about the Kingdom: 1. The Kingdom is spiritually discerned

The Kingdom is spiritually entered

Therefore, Jesus responds to the inquiry of Nicodemus with an intriguing mystery of being born again.

B) Heavenly Birth

There are two parts to this heavenly birth. 1) God’s Part The concept of being born again reveals the spiritual principle of Unseen Reality. Jesus proclaims that a man needs to be born twice-once by water referring to a physical birth and a second birth by the Spirit of God. Consider these places where this concept of being born again is used elsewhere in the New Testament. (John 1:12-13) (1 John 3:9) (1 John 5:1) (1 Peter 1:23)

2) Our Part So, in this context, I believe Jesus is saying to Nicodemus and to us: You must be born anew by your own repentance and humbling yourself before God and the Holy Spirit's divine regenerative work within you. You can't enter the Kingdom of God by your own effort. You must surrender yourself to God!

III) Inspiring Message to All (John 3:14-15) Jesus is sharing an inspiring message to Nicodemus about the relationship of faith and life. Jesus' teaching on the exclusive entrance into the kingdom is not an arrogant claim; it is a bold and inspiring message. His invitation to be born again is Available to All. Jesus would explain a few verses later in the text by saying eternal life is available to "whosoever believes in Him." Not only is being born again available to All, but it is also Accomplished by God. God accomplishes our salvation. He performs a creative work to give us a new spiritual life, a one-time, good for eternity, entrance into the kingdom of God. I don’t know about you but that sounds good to me.

In Closing: How would you describe your spiritual condition? Are you interested in spiritual things? The Bible says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The world will never meet the deepest hunger of your soul. Will you accept God's offer to be born again today? Will you receive God’s greatest miracle?

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Text: Mark 16:15-16

Opening Statement: The questions I want us to think about today is this, “Do I have a Passion for the Lost or have I Lost my Passion for the Lost?” However, the truth is that there is another question some of us must ask instead and that is; “Have I ever had a Passion for the Lost?” I pray that the Holy Spirit will help you to answer those questions today.

I) Remember You’ve Been Commissioned to Go (Mark 16:15) There is something encouraging to me in remembering that God has specifically commissioned me with His gospel. I am His ambassador. Once you are saved you are transformed into a “new creature” and are given a new mission. You become Christ’s “ambassador.” When we remember that we’ve been commissioned to deliver a message with this urgency and importance, it adds weight to our responsibility.

II) Remember You Need Compassion as You Go (Matthew 9:35-38) Compassion is a big deal for the church. Compassion has to be part of a witness of the church. When we look at the life of Jesus, we see Jesus involved in ministries of compassion. The ministry of Jesus was characterized with compassion. He didn’t see people as numbers but as souls. Even as Christ gave His disciples the Great Commission, He reminded them of the eternal needs attached to fulfilling it. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. — Mark 16:16 Remembering this verse makes it clear that, “The reality of Hell is a huge motivation.”

III) Remember You Need to Connect with People (1 Cor. 9:22-23) Paul recognized that the Christian ministry was all about adaption. We will want to adapt. But that begs the question here in 21st Century America, how do we become all things to all people? He didn’t change God’s Word; he didn’t change God’s definition of right and wrong; he didn’t change that core, unshakable truth of the complete forgiveness in Jesus. But he adapted his methods to communicate that rock-solid message to different people. Connection takes place in two ways. First, it happens when common ground is shared. Take a moment to establish a sense of common ground with those with whom you speak. Second, connection takes place when people sense your love. Although they may not put it into words, people can sense if our motives in reaching them are rooted in compassion and genuine love.

IV) Remember You Need the Holy Spirit to Bring Conviction Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit who is the true Soulwinner. Only He can convict people of their need for Christ and convince them to place their faith in Him. 1Corinthians 3:6-8 It is encouraging to me to remember that this delicate work of conviction is not my job—only the Holy Spirit can work on the heart. John 16:7–9 In the light of the role of the Holy Spirit when it comes down to driving people to Christ, it all can be summed up in these three major functions: convicting the world of its sin, of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.

In Closing:

The questions I want us to think about today is this, “Do I have a Passion for the Lost or have I Lost my Passion for the Lost?” However, the truth is that there is another question some of us must ask instead and that is; “Have I ever had a Passion for the Lost?”

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Text: Luke 14:16-24 Opening Statement: It’s Go Time! Some of you may be thinking, “where does he want us to go?” I hope you'll go: across the street, down the street and up the street to every house in our area. I want you to be a part of Saturate USA/Ashe by giving a DVD and tract to every household in Ashe County. Have you ever wondered why did God leave us here instead of whisking us away at salvation? The answer is so we can take as many with us as possible! It’s go time! It’s time to stop sitting still and go to work!

I) Let’s Go and Initiate Contact with Them. (Luke 14:16) Nowhere does the Bible command the lost to come to church. We are to go and initiate contact with them. Where should we go? Jesus said, "Into all the world.'' He also said, "Into the streets and lanes'' (Luke 14:21), and "into the highways and hedges'' (Luke 14:23). God is leading us to the thirsty, the seeking, and the interested, and there are many…the fields are white unto harvest!

II) Let’s Go and Inform Them (Luke 14:16-17) Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. We need to be like the servant and go out and inform the folks that God has set the table and they are invited to eat with Him.

III) Let’s Go and Inspire Them There is a need for Christians to be alive, alert and awake, because the world is watching for something real. There is a tremendous need for zeal and inspiration. The message of the Gospel is exciting and so should the Christians who have experienced it. The gospel is life changing and eternity altering! We have been called into the greatest business in the entire world…God’s business! So, let’s go do God’s business once again.

IV) Let’s Go and Involve Them (Luke 14:23, Matthew 28:20) Once people are invited to come to Christ, informed of the goodness of the Lord, and inspired by the family of God, it is time to involve them in the teaching of the Lord. We are not just commanded to go, but also to teaching. We desire to be faithful to our Lord’s Commission and make disciples of all nations (all people). We must teach and we cannot rest until those who are reached are taught. Our desire of reaching and teaching should be that it would result in God changing lives as a result of receiving “a new heart and a new spirit” (Ezekiel 36:26).

In Closing: It’s Go Time! Will you Go?

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Text: John 3:14:21 Opening Statement: Martin Luther, the reformer, wrote, "The most damnable and pernicious heresy that has every plagued the mind of man is the idea that somehow he could make himself good enough to deserve to live with an all-holy God." Let's examine what the Bible has to say about being good enough. I) God's Admission to Enter Heaven (John 3:15-16) In one sense, one can be good enough to get to heaven, but they would have to be perfect. God's standard for entrance into heaven is perfection. However, we’re not good enough. Now don't get me wrong, for the most part we are all pretty good. If we were grading ourselves on goodness, we would all rank right up there pretty high on the scale. So, let me ask you, is there any sin in your life? If so, you are not perfect. Paul reminds us of this fact in Romans 3:23. Therefore none of us have met God's standard of perfection that gives us admission into Heaven. II) God's Resolution to Our Sin is a Pardon (John 3:16-20) Fortunately, there is good news. There is a solution, a remedy to our imperfection. God's resolution is a pardon found in Jesus Christ. Here's how it works: "Christ made a single sacrifice for sins, and that was it! . . . It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some imperfect people. . . . Our sins are taken care of for good". The apostle Paul described it this way in (2 Cor. 5:21). When Jesus Christ, God's Son, went to the cross he took our sins, our mistakes, our evil, and our unrighteousness. He was the ultimate sacrifice. So how could a loving God send people to hell? He doesn't. He simply honors the choice of sinners. III) God Provides Salvation Through Personal Faith (John 3:21) So, what must one do? We must, by faith, accept Jesus' finished work on the cross as God's only accepted way to enter heaven. God provides salvation through personal faith in Jesus Christ. We must trust in what he has done for us not on what we have done. (Eph. 2:8-9). We are saved by grace and through faith. Salvation is a grace gift which must be received ‘through faith’. Salvation is a gift - we don't work for it, we don't deserve it, we don't earn it. We simply trust God for what he has done through his son, Jesus Christ. It is like a medicine. You can believe a certain medicine will help you, but until you trust it enough to take it, it won't do anything for you. Faith is more than believing in God. It is trusting in him to the point of receiving Christ into your life. In Closing: Consider these questions that are a matter of life or death. Was there a time when you honestly realized that you were a sinner and admitted that to God? Do you truly understand that Christ took your place on the cross? Do you understand that the real issue is not your sin, but what you will do with Jesus Christ? Let me remind you of the words of Jesus in John 3:18 “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” Have you received Christ alone for your salvation? If not, why not; do you not see it is a matter of life or death? Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Philippians 4:10-20 Opening Statement: I am going to let you in on a secret that many of us have yet to learn. It is just one word. It is the word contentment. Not prosperity. Contentment is realizing how much you already have, how much God has already given you, how rich you already are. The problem with many of us is we approach contentment focused on the circumstances of life. Far too many of us take our happiness and our joy and contentment by how things are going on the outside. I) What Do I Have to Be Content About? (Phil. 4:11) Paul knew that contentment lies not in what he has, but in whose he is. When I come into a relationship with God through his Son, Jesus Christ, I understand whose I am and what I have. A lack of contentment causes me to look horizontally - at what others have so I am never satisfied. Contentment invites me to look vertically - at God. When I look in his direction, regardless of my possessions or lack of or status or lack of, I know that he is enough. II) How Can I Move from Discontentment to Contentment? Contentment comes when we can honestly say with the apostle Paul, (Phil. 4:12-13). Contentment is learned. May I ask you a question? What is the one thing separating you from joy? How do you fill in the blank: "I will be happy when ____________?" When I am healed. When I am promoted. When I am married. When I am single. When I am rich. How would you finish the statement? Now, with your answer firmly in mind, answer this. If your ship never comes in, if your dream never comes true, if the situation never changes, could you be happy? If not, then you are living in land of discontentment. III) Where Does Ones Contentment Reside? A) Contentment Resides in the Heart. Most people thirst for what the apostle Paul had: enduring contentment, a deep-down, soul-satisfying contentment. That kind of contentment can only come from within. Contentment is always an inside job. It has everything to do with what is going on inside you (the heart), not what is going on outside. B) Contentment Resides with the Will Contentment is a matter of accepting from God's hand what he sends because we know that he is a good God and wants to give good gifts to his children. We accept, therefore, from God's hand that which he gives. All that is needful he will supply. IV) What is the Secret to My Contentment? The secret of contentment is hidden from the casual observer. What is that secret? A) Remember the Work of the Cross (Phil. 1:21) The cornerstone of contentment is the cross. Remember what Jesus has done for us on the cross. Because of the work of the cross, our future in heaven is guaranteed. Isn't that enough? What else really matters? B) Let Go of the Things of the Past (Phil. 3:13) We cannot hope to ever gain contentment while holding on to past failures and mistakes - others or ours. We need to let go of such statements that begin with "I should have," "If only," and "If they hadn't." True forgiveness requires that we see the wrongs clearly, articulate them, release them to God, and then walk away from them. C) Accept Each Day as a Gift from God (Phil. 4:19) If we focus on things and others, we will be discontent. But, if we focus on God, living each day in the light of his glory, the things of this earth will pale in comparison D) Find your Sufficiency in Jesus Christ Alone (Phil. 4:13). The term content suggests "self-sufficiency." But in the context of this text, it means being at peace with Christ's sufficiency. When his powerful presence is consuming us, we can do all things. In Closing: That is what Contentment looks like! Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Text: James 1:12-18 Pt. I - The Crown of Life Pt. II - The Enticement of Sin Pt. III - The Gift of Christ

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Pt. I - Glory in Humility Explanation: This brother is to glory in his high position. What does James mean here? Is he talking about people with very little wealth materially and financially? Is he talking about people who are humble in spirit? I believe James is referring here to a person who is broken, poor, and downcast in spirit. He was preaching the Gospel, (A LIFE ALTERING, SOUL WINNING, GOD GLORIFYING, CHRIST EXALTING, SIN ERADICATING MESSAGE) to a people poor in spirit. GOD IF I DIE LIKE THIS, I’LL SINK LOWER THAN THE GRAVE, WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED!! Then at that moment God in Christ Jesus, through His bloody sacrifice on the cross takes your sins and casts them as far as the east is from the west and exalts you from death to eternal life into His glorious kingdom. Application: You are not dealing with your circumstances accidentally, you are not battling depression accidentally, you are not suffering what you are suffering accidentally, you are not dealing with the loss of loved ones, alienation from friends and family because of your faith, you are not facing the threats of cancer, our country is not faltering and falling apart accidentally, and we are not dealing with a distraught past, a desperate present, and uncertain future accidentally. Pt. II - Glory in Humiliation Explanation: Basically, what James wants us to see here is that there is a specific reason the rich man is to glory in his humiliation. What is this humiliation? The issue that James saw, and we see much in our own day is that the difference is where each of these two men place their trust. The brother, humble in spirit, sets his hope on his lofty exaltation into God’s glorious kingdom but this man sets his hope on his wealth. He is putting his trust in his position of authority perhaps, his breezy and easy circumstances maybe, and most certainly his material wealth. Application: If you are a saint piercing yourself with great pains for material gain you are playing a dangerous game with eternity. Forsake the love of material wealth because it will obstruct your spiritual eyesight. If you are sinner yet to turn saint that is you have not acknowledged Jesus as Lord over your life, placed your faith in Him, repented of your sin, here me now… today is the day of salvation. Pt. III - Glory in God Explanation: James is telling us that in all the beauty, wonder, and grandeur of the man who puts his hope in what he has rather than a humble heart in solidarity with Christ, will be burned up by the scorching wind. The seriousness about this is that it could occur at any time. The breath of the Lord blows and the people as grass wither and the beauty of all their lofty accomplishments fade away just as the falling flower. Application: The purpose of all of that, was to reach down into the nasty, filthy, dirty, grungy, sin-filled muck you and I willingly put ourselves in and pull us out to set us on solid theological ground. Why may you ask? He did that so that you would be forever changed into a faithful vessel that would BRING HIM GLORY!!! This is not emotional feel good easy believe-ism. It is not therapeutic, moralistic, deism. God created the cosmos for His glory, He created you for His glory, He exalts the humble for His Glory, He humiliates or brings low the man trusting in worldliness for His glory, He slaughtered His Son for His glory and He redeemed you for His glory so that you could bring your King glory. If you are trusting in anything today but Jesus, if you are worshipping anything today except Jesus, if you are living your life in every way but the way of Jesus, please before it’s too late, turn to the One who created you, died for you, and calls you back to Himself. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Text: Proverbs 19:9, Hebrews 13:18 Opening Statement: Virtue is morally good behavior or character. It is the thinking and the doing of what is good, and avoidance of what is not good. In other words, it is moral excellence. The virtue we are zeroing in on today is honesty, which signifies conveying the truth both in word and in deed. This quality is an essential aspect of God’s own nature and purposes and is expected of those whom He calls His people. A person of integrity is one who follows his or her moral or ethical convictions, and does the right thing in all circumstances, especially when it is not convenient; even when no one is watching. Does anyone tell the truth anymore? What does Honesty really Look Like? I) The Importance of Our Honesty Honesty is of utmost importance in human relations. The honesty that I am talking about is not just informing an umpire that you did or did not tag a base runner out; it is not just truth-telling; it is truth-living. It is the honesty that the prophet Jeremiah sought, (Jer. 5:1 NIV). We live in a world that values tolerance over truth. The age of relativism teaches people to not value truth as a top priority. Isn't it about time that we who call ourselves followers of Christ, the one who called himself "The Truth," become known for our honesty? II) A Biblical Example of Honesty (2 Kings 12) Joash was King of Judah. He noticed that the temple was in need of repair. He places a chest at the entrance door of the temple with an opening in the top so people could drop in their offerings for the temple repairs. How did Joash's building superintendents handle the money? Look at verse 2 Kings 12:15. The NIV states, ". . they acted with complete honesty." That's the kind of people I want if I am building a house or a church. In fact, that is the kind of people I want around me in all of my dealings. Don't you? III) Some Important Observations About Honesty A) Honesty Is Always The Best Policy Four students arrived late to take a test. "And what is your excuse?" inquired the teacher. "We had a flat tire," they all said in unison. Without getting upset, the teacher asked the students to take their seats. "The test is but one question," said the teacher. "Which tire went flat?" Honesty is still, and will always be, the best policy. That is why the writer of Proverbs wrote, "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue, only a moment" (Proverbs 12:19). B) Honesty Makes You Complete To be honest is to be real, genuine, authentic, and bona fide. To be dishonest is to be partly feigned, forged, fake, or fictitious. Notice again what the text says of these building superintendents, "They worked with integrity" (2 Kings 12:15). The building superintendents of Joash were completely honest and that made them complete. C) Honesty Pleases God. Yes, we should practice honesty because of the social ramifications. But we should also, and more importantly, practice honesty because it pleases God. As children of the light, we should walk in the light of truthfulness and faithfulness. The Proverb says, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but faithful people are His delight". D) Honesty Is Best Developed When Taken Seriously Honesty is best cultivated, like most virtues, when exercised and developed in harmony with the other virtues. The more honesty is exercised, the more it becomes a settled disposition. In three words: take it seriously. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Text: Luke 5:1-11 Opening Statement: Everyone wants to be useful - to be helpful, to make a difference, to make an impact, to leave the world better than we find it. No one wants to squander their life. To waste it in foolish and trivial pursuits. We want to make that investment that will make an eternal difference. To champion a cause. To bring a little kindness. To promote a needed change. Even if it is only one person at a time, we want to make a difference.

I) A Journey to Usefulness Begin with an Act of Obedience (5:5) As Simon sat there spell bound, Jesus quickly brought his lesson to a stirring conclusion and said to Simon, "Let's go fishing. Launch out into the deep and let down the nets." Notice that Jesus is not suggesting obedience; he is demanding it. "Jesus," Simon hesitated, "we've been fishing all night. But, because you say so, I will do it." Now before you say in your head that was great for Peter but what does that have to do with me? I say, everything, God wants all of us to be useful right where we are. The question to ask is do I want to be useful and what does it look like for my life?

II) Moving Yourself Beyond Wastefulness to Usefulness (5:11) Found in this story are some truths and insights that will help us to move beyond wastefulness (everyday living) to usefulness (life more abundant), to make a difference in our world. The key is obedience.

A) Obedience leads to true freedom For the Christian, freedom comes through yielding our will to God and obeying a set of rules. Jesus stated it clearly, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).

B) Obedience demands that we take action We must always remember that hearing is not the same as action. Peter had heard the message of Jesus. He was a captive audience. But Jesus as with all of his listeners desired for him to do more than simply listen. He wanted him to act. Someone has well said, "What I believe I do, and the rest is just religious talk."

C) Obedience causes us to move out of our comfort zone (5:8) God's call to obedience always involves risks, to leave our comfort zone, to step out into the deep. Only those people who are willing to follow their Lord's lead into the deep where the waters are over their heads ever really make a difference. Only then will we see God for who He is and what He can do with us if we only let Him.

D) Obedience means trusting, even when it doesn't make sense There was nothing logical about returning to the open sea and fishing again for Peter. It was absurd. But Jesus says go and Peter said, which I think is the key phrase in this narrative, ". . . because you say so, I will let down the nets" (Luke 5:5). The most powerful test of obedience is do those things that don't make sense simply because Jesus says so.

E) Obedience in a little always leads to bigger opportunity The fact is Simon obeyed Jesus. Many people want to do something really big for God but are unfortunately not obeying God where they are. Until we are obedient in the little things God can't use us in the big things of life.

III) What is Keeping You from a Life of Obedience? I don't know if you noticed, but in the story of Simon there was one physical feature that was present in every scene. Did you see it? It was the boat. Why? Because the boat represents Simon's livelihood, his business, his security, his peace of mind, his future. Simon's boat was what was keeping him from a life of total and complete obedience. His boat and what it represents was preventing him from living a fully devoted life of obedience.

In Closing: What about you? What's keeping you from a life of usefulness? When it comes to obedience there is no middle ground. We either obey or we disobey. What will you do?

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Opening Statement: The baptism of believers in Jesus Christ by immersion is one of the distinctions of the Baptist Church. While other Churches may teach & practice baptism, very few require it for church membership. Why should we be so specific about what we believe about Baptism? The simple answer is: Because the New Testament teaches believers baptism by immersion, and the early Church in obedience to Christ’s command, practiced it. I) The Authority Behind Believer’s Baptism (Matthew 28:18-20) The authority for baptism comes directly from our Lord Jesus Christ. The command to baptize is associated with the authority given Him by the Father. One of our Lord’s last commands to the Apostles was to baptize. The point is that we do not receive authority from any human source to baptize, not even the Church. The Church did not invent baptism, Our Lord did. The Church is to administer Baptism. II) Who Should be Baptized? (Acts 8:36-38) 1) All who hear the Word and come to faith in Jesus Christ. Those who have come to trust Him alone as their Savior and Lord. Rom 10:8-9 On the day of Pentecost, the First day of the Church, the day of birth for the Church; After Peter preached that first Sermon we read; Acts 2:41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. The order in Preparation for baptism is hearing the Word of God, trusting in or receiving Christ as Savior and then Baptism follows. III) The Method of Believer’s Baptism (Rom 6:3-4) How should a believer be baptized? Since baptism is a symbol, it is vitally important what method is used, since the reality of the event pictured must agree with the symbol. What is the real event that is pictured by baptism? It is the believer’s participation in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Rom 6:3-4 Crucial to our belief that immersion is the proper and only New Testament method of baptism is: 1) The meaning of the word. Baptizo which meant at the time the New Testament was written, “To dip” or “to immerse”, “to put or go under water”. IV) The Symbolism of Baptism (Romans 6:3-5) Believer’s Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward condition. It is a picture of what the Holy Spirit has done within the believer; He identifies the believer in Jesus Christ with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Baptism is like a wedding ring: they both symbolize transactions. In Closing: Why should a believer be baptized? Christ commanded it in Matthew 28:18-20. Obedience to Christ requires it in John 14:15-24. The Scriptures clearly state that the early Church practiced it in Acts 2. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Text: Ephesians 4:1-6 Opening Statement: Over the last 18 or so months I have spent considerable time trying to get clarity on how Christ’ church would ever survive or move forward in a way that glorifies God, exalts Christ, and sees His bride sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Church, in this moment of time, in this very place, I am concerned that we have allowed the past to keep us trapped, we have allowed the present to replace our spirit of faith with a spirit of fear, and we have all but lost hope for the future.

ARE YOU A FELLOW PRISONER OR A BAIL BONDS MAN Are you a fellow prisoner taking all these pains for the sake of those that are lost and doomed to eternal punishment in hell, Are you a fellow prisoner giving it your all, pouring yourself out to spread the message of Hope, or are you by your life, words, actions, and dark whispers into the ears of others the bail bonds man trying to “free your fellow prisoner” and render them ineffective in the kingdom of God? I. Walk Worthy According to Your Call A. What are we called to? i. In short, each one of us—that is if you consider yourself a Christian—have been called to the Gospel. But the immediate effect the Gospel has is not the expected result nor is that immediate result the actual thing we are called to. B. How to walk worthy i. Walking worthy is not being a busybody, a gossip, a slanderer, one that complains all the time or one that argues. If you come to church whether you part of the worship team or a teacher, or just a pew warmer, if you constantly argue and fuss at others you are not walking worthy of the thing to which you have been called. C. Humility & Gentleness i. Based on the entirety of scripture I much prefer to define humility as ‘acknowledging our lack of anything good in ourselves and embracing complete dependence on God for everything.’ D. Patience, Tolerance, & Love i. This means to forgive one another as Christ has also forgiven you! You were called to the Gospel and to walk worthy which means stop living in the past and give it God. Stop running your mouth about people. Has someone wronged you? Not to discount the severity of the issue—please don’t misunderstand, it hurts—but welcome to life living as a sinner with a bunch of other sinners. Bear with one another in love. II. Walk in Unity According to Your Call A. Diligent Labor i. Being diligent here means to laboriously labor or strive after unity. How do we do that? We persevere in our diligent labor. Persevere means to keep our eye on the prize of unity and to guard it like the life of the church depended on it. It means when Jesus tells us to remain alert, DON’T FALL ASLEEP at your post. Paul says do this and the reason we should do this is summed up in verses 4-6. B. Only One i. You all probably know this but there are a 150 churches in this county alone. Why? Because we have not been diligent to preserve the unity in one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father. We have been more concerned about exterior factors, gossiping, slandering, complaining, back-biting, and making sure we feed the ME MONSTERS. Don’t misunderstand me! There are legitimate reasons to leave a church. There are. But the majority of time most people do not have a legitimate Biblical reason. They have a ME MONSTER reason. Closing Application You ask yourself these questions: 1. When was the last time I maintained a consistent, ongoing, deep relational reading of God’s word? 2. When is the last time I shared the Gospel with another human? 3. When was the last time I wholeheartedly and with infectious joy served in the church? 4. When was the last time I, in love redirected someones unholy gossip, slander, complaining, or unrighteous living instead of joining in? 5. When was the last time I fought laboriously to maintain the unity of the church?

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Text: 1 Corinthians 10:1-15 Opening Statement: No greater compliment can be paid a Christian than to refer to him or her as a godly person. What does it mean to be godly? What does it look like to be godly? Do we have to live in a monastery to be godly?

I) What does godliness mean? (1 Cor. 10:5-7) Godliness is taking God seriously. The heartbeat of the godly person is the desire to respect and reverence the things of God. This does not mean they are always serious minded without a lighter side. They enjoy life because they enjoy the Creator of life. Our churches should be overflowing with godly men and women. But are they? All too often, we walk down the same paths of carnality as these ancient Hebrews. We make light of what we should honor. We wink at what we should weep about. We play with what we should take quite seriously. Do you take God seriously? If you do, you are well on your way to godliness.

II) How does one know if they are godly? How do you know if you are taking God seriously? How do you know if you are radiating the glow of godliness? People who take God seriously exhibit certain traits:

A) Thirst for God If we want to be godly, we must long for God. David was such a man. (Psalm 42:1-2). Intensity for God is the heartbeat of a godly person. Godliness doesn't come by sitting passively by doing nothing or by waiting for it to drop in your lap. It requires hard work, enduring perseverance, and a continued effort. The godly person is content in their relationship with God, but never satisfied with the present position. They always yearn for more. Are you pursuing God?

B) Focus on God The pursuer of godliness focuses attention on God in all things. The trouble and tragedy of modern man is that we tend to divert our focus away from God. It is quite possible to become an idolater. An idol is anything that draws our attention and adoration away from God. (1 Tim. 4:7-8 & 1 Tim. 6:6, 10-11). Paul correctly addresses the problem of most 21st century Americans. The age of physical fitness and monetary gain are upon us. True, nothing is sinful in these pursuits. Until they come between God and us. What are you doing to focus on God? Have you allowed the cares and worries of the world to blur your vision of God? What activities are you performing to keep yourself spiritually fit?

C) Worship God Worship enables us to properly acknowledge God. We see him as he is Majestic and Sovereign, and we see ourselves, as we are finite and helpless. The godly person removes himself from the center of his world and puts God in his proper place. John Murray says, "What or whom we worship determines our behavior." If a person worships basketball their conduct and behavior is consumed with the sport. If a person worships money, they are driven to accumulate as much as possible. If a person worships God, they seek to know him and live obediently to his principles. Who or what are you worshipping?

D) Serve other people The godly individual not only gives God his due; he also serves his fellow man and gives him his due. As we invest time with God, he will guide us to serve others. Godly people know that service is an outgrowth of worship. The best evidence of godliness is not the monk who lives in the monastery secluded from people. It is the person who lives a godly life in the midst of crying children, busy schedules, foul-mouthed workers, and rain-soaked days by serving other people. Who are you serving?

In Closing: Do you mean business with God, or will you be content to just play church? Is your religion of the heart or is it superficial, skin deep? Do you speak the Christian lingo, but fail to live the life of godliness?

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When You Can't Explain God Text: Habakkuk 3:17-19 Opening Statement: Tragedy is hard to understand, hard to explain, and hard on faith. Some people lay the blame at the feet of God and become bitter and cynical toward Him. They ask for explanation but get silence. They ask for understanding and are baffled. We need to understand one fundamental truth that is spoken throughout all Scripture: God never explains himself. He rarely gives reasons. The events that unfold in our world seldom make sense. We, therefore, are confronted with the basic tenant of Christianity: The righteous live by faith.

I) The Manifestation of Faith

II) The Value of Having Faith in Your Life

Things that are promised for the future,
Things that are present that are invisible.

III) What Our Faith Causes Us to Believe A) Faith believes that God is too wise to make a mistake.

B) Faith believes that God is too kind to be cruel.

C) Faith believes that God always knows best and acts in His time.

D) Faith believes that God is in control, and therefore we can rest.

E) Faith believes that when we cannot trace the hand of God, we must trust the heart of God.

In Closing: God is here for you, too. He will never leave you. He cares too much for you. Even if the night is dark and the storm is raging, know that God is here. Even when you can't see the hand of God, you can trust the heart of God.

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Scriptures: John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:11-18

Opening Statement: Loving Beyond the Surface requires continual effort and hard work, because at the heart of loving others is putting the other person ahead of you, and that is always a huge battle. Jesus and the New Testament as a whole and the apostle John never tired of exhorting us to love one another which by the way means your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Let's look first at what love means.

I) Biblical Love Goes Deeper Than the Surface. The expanded version of the definition of love reads: Biblical love is a self-sacrificing, caring commitment that shows itself in seeking the highest good of the one loved. At its heart, biblical love is a commitment that is not without feeling; it is a caring commitment. Since biblical love is a commitment, therefore, it may be commanded. In fact,

II) Jesus Commands Christian to love One Another. (1 John 3:11) The command to love one another comes from the lips of Jesus, (John 13:34-35). Jesus instructed his followers to love one another. It is basic and fundamental to a believers' walk with Christ. Then, Jesus gives the world permission to judge whether one is a follower of Jesus simply on the basis of their love for each other. The absence of love in the life of a believer is inconsistent with the message of love that has been commanded by Jesus. Christian love is foundational to being a child of God. In fact,

III) Loving One Another is Evidence of salvation. (1 John 3:14-15) With John there are only two classifications the spiritually alive or the spiritually dead, the child of God or the child of the devil, the believer or the unbeliever. Everyone belongs to one or the other. One of the evidences that someone is a believer is their love for one another. But how do I know what love is?

IV) Jesus Illustrated His Love Through His Sacrifice. (1 John 3:16) If you want a portrait of love, look to the life of Jesus. He illustrated love by the life he lived. It's as though Jesus was asked how much do you love humans? And He stretched out his arms and said, "This much." Does that mean that I must make the ultimate sacrifice to show my love for someone else? Maybe, but most often,

V) Real Love Is Expressed Though Actions. (1 John 3:16-18) Let's face it, most of us will not be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice, but we can make small sacrifices of love each day.

A) Christian Love Is Personal. John speaks of brothers, plural, in verse 16, but makes a deliberate and significant change in verse 17 when he speaks of brother, singular. He knew then what we often say today: It is easier to love the church than to love the person sitting across the aisle.

B) Christian Love is Practical. John says love always expresses itself in action. To love in word means simply to talk about a need, but to love in action means to do something about meeting that need.

In Closing: If people are judging our Christian faith on the basis of our love for one another, are we passing the test? Do we show the sign, the mark of a Christian, of loving one another? What would people say about our church? Will they say: They love one another?

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Scriptures: 1 John 2:3-6 Opening Statement: Obedience is a central theme throughout Scripture. Remember, Jesus not only said, "Believe me," he also said, "Follow me." God places a high premium on our obedience. I have a question I want you to think about as I preach this morning, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would they find enough evidence to convict you?” John gives us four reasons for obeying God’s commands in these verses.

I) Obedience Provides Evidence of Our Salvation. (1 John 2:3) Let me be very clear, John is not answering the question, "How does one become a Christian?" He is not saying that if you want to be saved or receive God's grace or know God, then you have to obey. He is saying, "Here's how you know that you know God: it's manifested in the way you live. It's manifested in your obedience." In other words, we know that we know God because we keep his commandments. John is not teaching that salvation is conditional on obedience. John is teaching that salvation is evidenced by obedience John 14:15.

II) Obedience Proves Our Lives are Transformed. (1 John 2:4) John restated verse three with a warning. His point is: If you claim to know God but your life is not changed by knowing him, then that is a certain sign that you don't know God. He is not saying that the truth is in one's head and has not made it to their hearts, but maybe someday it will. He is saying that once you know the truth it changes us. It transforms us. God's truth always leads to love; it always leads to obedience; it always leads to a transformed life. So, when that transformed life is not present, you can be certain that the person has never had the truth; he or she has never known God.

III) Obedience Grows Out of Love from Him and for Him. (1 John 2:5) In this verse John broadens the scope from "obey his commands" to "obeys his word." But it is the second half of the verse that gets my attention, "God's love is truly made complete in him." John seems to be saying that our love for God is a reflection of God's love for us and a response to it, so that our keeping of God's word could be a sign that God's love had done its full work in us. If we love God, we will keep his commands and that obedience will in turn be evidence of our love for God.

IV) Obedience Can be Seen Through Our Walk. (1 John 2:5-6) John employs another expression of being a Christian: in him. The phrase is synonymous with "live [abide] in him." It implies a living relationship of the deepest and closest sorts with God through Jesus Christ. This relationship issues forth, not in passivity and indifference and inattention to duty, but in activity and commitment and love for God's will, imitating Christ's way of living. Are you living in Christ? You are if you're resting in Jesus Christ, if you've found him to be the source of every spiritual blessing, you're trusting in him for salvation; you're fellowshipping with him in grace; then your whole life will have been changed.

In Closing: This message is important for at least two reasons. It's important because some people profess to be Christians but are not living in accordance with God's word and really have no deep desire to do so. This message is important because some people wrestle with a lack of assurance because of imperfections in their lives. And John would say, "I'm not asking for perfect obedience to God's word; I'm asking you to look at your heart and answer this question: Are you keeping God's commandments?"

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Making a Difference Where You Are

Text: Matthew 5:13-16 Opening Statement: When we serve as Jesus commanded, using our gifts and talents to meet the needs of people around us, we become as salt and light to people, pointing them to God. Understanding why Jesus used these terms reveals the substance of our influence.

I) What Are the Purposes of Salt and Light? I think the reason Jesus chose these two metaphors - salt and light - is because of their unique qualities. Both carry enormous influence.

A) A Closer Look at Salt What did they use it for? 1) Salt is a preservative. As we bring Christ's word and the Kingdom's influence into our society, we help protect society from the full sway of evil that would otherwise be present.

2) Salt is a flavoring. Christianity brings spice and zest to life it brings out a side of us that has been hidden to the world.

3) Salt is an antiseptic. Christians have a responsibility of not only pointing out sin, but practically offering healing and help.

4) Salt Creates a thirst. As Jesus made people thirsty for God the Father, so should Christians make people thirsty for the real life found only in Christianity.

B) A Closer Look at Light The dictionary defines light as a "source of illumination." What does light luminate?

1) Light Dispels the darkness. Christians, reflecting the light of Christ, bearing his light dispel spiritual darkness.

2) Light Reveals that which was Unseen. As Christ's presence in our world, we become his instruments to reveal his truth to a world in darkness.

3) Light Awakens People. As Christians we are to be the light of the world, awakening men and women to the truth of the Kingdom's arrival, awakening society to the presence of God.

4) Light Gives us a Warning. Christians warn of impending danger to a careless world.

II) How Can We Make a Difference? "How do I do that?" you ask. Glad you asked.

A) Recognize that Your Uniqueness Makes a Difference. Just as salt is different than pepper, and light is distinct from darkness, so are Christians distinct from the world. (John 17:15-18)

B) Walk close to Christ Daily. The point Jesus is making that it is dangerously easy for Christians to become diluted and lose their salty, preserving influence in the world. If we are not affecting our world, the world is affecting us. If we are not salting the world, the world is rotting us.

C) Make Your Works Visible to Those Around You. Our Christianity should be vibrant and visible. Salt in a saltshaker and light under a bushel basket makes no impact. Christian’s void of visible deeds of compassion influences no one.

III) Understand the Sphere of Our Impact. We are salt to the earth. We are light to the world. To reduce it to anything less would be equivalent to restricting the power, authority, and grace of our Lord. He has informed us that the whole world is the sphere in which our influencing activities are to be lived out. The entire world is to feel the seasoning influence and see the lights impact.

In Closing: We aren't called to save the world. But we are called to make a difference. We can't do everything. But we can do something. That's what being salt, and light is all about.

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Text: Matthew 9:35-38 Opening Statement: If we are to see lives saved and won to Christ, we need to see the harvest as Jesus saw the harvest of spiritually lost people dying and facing a Christ-less eternity. How did Jesus see the harvest?

I) He Saw the Harvest as Plentiful. (Matt. 9:37) "Then saith he [Jesus] unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous". The world is big. The crowds are huge. The number of spiritually lost and dying people is overwhelming. Let me bring it home, we have around 27,000 people in Ashe County and of that amount only about 40% of them attend church. I know that 60% of the population means we have a lot to work with.

II) He Saw the Harvest as Precious. (Matt. 9:36) Not only was the harvest of people vast as Jesus looked upon it, but those people brought tears to his eyes. All those people, then and now, matter to him. Make no mistake about it: Jesus loves people. Jesus' heart grieves over every soul. God grieves because those who die without Christ never know how much he loves them.

III) He Saw the Harvest as Being Perplexed. (Matt. 9:36) Those three thoughts, harassed, helpless, and sheep without a shepherd, are a fitting description of our society. Ralph Waldo Emerson was right when he said, "People are living lives of quiet desperation." They are desperate for meaning and purpose distraught by the world's lies and heading for destruction.

IV) He Saw the Harvest as Perishing. (John 4:35) To speak of the fields "white" unto harvest is to stress the imperative of getting into the fields before it is too late. There must always be a sense of urgency to bringing in the harvest. Of the 7 billion people in the world, it is estimated that over thirty million people worldwide will die without Christ this year. There must always be a sense of urgency to bringing in the harvest. The old preacher Vance Havner used to say, "The tragedy of our time is that the situation is desperate, but the saints are not."

V) He Saw the Harvest as a Priority. (Matt. 9:37-38) We need to feel what Jesus feels. The Pharisees in their pride looked for the destruction of sinners; Jesus in love died for the salvation of sinners. Herein lies one of the great truths of the Christian faith: The harvest will never be reaped unless there are reapers to reap it. What can we do? A) We can take responsibility for our field. Think of all the people we contact everyday: family, friends, neighbors, work associates, our peers. That is our field.

B) We can pray. When we begin to see people as Jesus saw them then we will pray for the harvest. But we must do more than pray.

C) We can go. When we see people as Jesus saw them, we will go into the harvest. The gospel begins with go. Without going there is no knowing. If we don't go, who will?

D) We can share our story. The great sin of the church is the sin of silence. People often say, "I'll let my life be my witness." We all have a God story that we are the expert on so tell it like their life depends on it.

In Closing: But, you say, there are so many people. The harvest is so vast. The needs are so overwhelming. What can I do? Oscar Schindler said, "I could have done more." Can we do more when it comes to bringing in the harvest of souls?

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I) Jesus Offers the Possibility of Freedom (31-32) Jesus makes one of the most amazing Inspirational claims in history. Consider for a moment the incredible hope expressed in the promise that Jesus can set people free. To those living in bondage, Jesus offers freedom! A) The freedom offered by Jesus is spiritual. True Spiritual Freedom is not dependent upon physical circumstances that may have led or contributed to your bondage. One of the main truths of divine freedom is Jesus is more concerned about setting your soul free than defeating the Roman Empire or some other external force in your life. B) Jesus' freedom is also purposeful. Freedom is not a lack of restraint that allows one to fulfill any selfish desire, but genuine freedom takes place in the arena or stadium of divine truth. As we abide in Christ we are released from the chains of the world and released to be all that God created us to be. (Romans 6:1-2) Christ is the only one who can set us free to enjoy the life as a child of God instead of living as a slave of the world. II) The Obvious Perils of Freedom (33) Even though Jesus clearly declared that freedom was possible, the sad reality is that very few experience it. (Matthew 7:13-14) The following is not an exhaustive list, but several perils or roadblocks hindering freedom are identified in the text. A) The first peril is Ignorance. Jesus is declaring a new truth to some who did not know that freedom was available. (Romans 10:3) The Bible describes those who lacked knowledge of Christ's ministry as "living in darkness". B) A second peril is arrogance. The Pharisees' statement that they had never lived as slaves is not just inaccurate; it is arrogant. (Romans 3:23) They were unwilling to admit that they had failed to meet God's holy standard. C) Reluctance to change. This group was not ignorant. They were not arrogant because they recognized a need for Christ, but they were unwilling to surrender to the lordship of Christ D) Complacency in life. Contained in the text is the exhortation to be free indeed or complete freedom. This exhortation seems to stand in contrast to those who would accept marginal freedom. I am convinced far too many individuals who call themselves "Christians" live complacent lives choosing blessings from the bottom shelf when abundant freedom is available. (John 10:10b) Are you living "fee indeed?" III) Understanding the Process of Experiencing Freedom Jesus identifies a process for experiencing true freedom with the words, "If.. then." The little word "if" is a big concept in the kingdom of God. The word represents an invitation. True freedom will not attack you; rather you must respond to God's invitation to accept His complete freedom. Jesus declares that true freedom is found in, "MY word." Two concepts emerge from the text related to abiding in truth. 1) Abiding refers to perseverance. True freedom is not found through a casual glance at the claims of Christ, but one must be willing to "dwell" in the Word of God (v.31). 2) Abiding in a place or location. Abide comes from the root word abode meaning home or dwelling place. The word picture communicated is one of moving to a new home. In Closing: Just as the 4th of July represents our freedoms as Americans. We know that you don’t have them if you are not a citizen living in the USA. The same applies to God’s freedom, we must abide in His Word to experience it. Watch us on our YouTube channel, our website or our Facebook page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7C66QudDzbTDtA-DaSQBw/ https://midwaybaptistnc.org https://facebook.com/midwaybaptistnc

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Text: Joshua 1:1-9 Opening Statement: Why do we do we believe it is important to build the church tomorrow today? Because it’s all about the next generation! Why is VBS Mission Critical to the church that has an evangelism crisis because one of the best methods of spreading the gospel is through “VBS”.

I) Building the Church of Tomorrow Today Here is the background that points us to the importance of building the church of tomorrow today and how that VBS is Mission Critical to the Church. We know that the Word of God is the key to success in every aspect critical to life.

A) Their Futures The future of every child begins with a strong foundation.

1) Their Salvation (Romans 10:17)

2) Their Strength (Psalm 119:9)

3) Their Success (Joshua 1:8)

B) Our Futures But, not only their futures, but our futures are tied to the keeping of the Word of God. This was not just a word for Joshua; this was a word for the entire nation.

Principles for Success 1. Talk about Word Continually. 2. Think about Word Meditatively. 3. Take the Word Seriously. 4. Trust the Word Completely.

II) Why VBS is Mission Critical VBS encompasses all three of our mission goals, Family ministry, Evangelism and Discipleship. Here are four reasons VBS is critical to the mission of our church.

1) VBS is about Jesus! VBS provides the dual purpose of introducing participant to Jesus Christ and providing valuable spiritual growth of more kids than ever. Remember it’s the message of Jesus Christ that makes the difference.

2) VBS attracts People. The reason VBS remains attractional and so important is because it gives churches the opportunity to impact lives for eternity as kids, teens, and adults come to know the saving power of Jesus Christ.

3) VBS energizes the Church. We know VBS attracts people from the community, but what is it about VBS that gets an army of church members out of their seats and to hot-glue googly eyes on projects or to help in leading wacky games? VBS creates energy in the local church because at the center of all the fun and craziness is the truth of God’s Word.

4) VBS mobilizes Christians. Not only does VBS energize a congregation, it mobilizes Christians to reach it’s community with the gospel. In order for VBS to be a true mobilizer, we must accept the responsibility that VBS is a total church endeavor.

In Closing: These are the reasons why VBS is Mission Critical to Midway’s vision of building the church of tomorrow today! We are calling for all hands, on deck as we set sail for Mystery Island on July 18-22. Let me just say VBS works! Will you?

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It is difficult to know where to begin with a sermon when 1) I do not preach much, 2) I typically ride the wave of one book before moving somewhere else, and 3) it’s Father’s Day. There is so much to say, and so little time. I want to read you an article I came across a long time ago, probably 3-5 years. I honestly don’t remember when I first read it but I bookmarked it so I could come back to it. It is titled, The Dying Breed of Real Men and I like it. In fact, I titled my sermon in similar fashion. THE DYING BREED OF REAL BIBLICAL MEN.

If we do not focus on, and fix the man problem we watch the family, the church, and society die a slow agonizing and painful death. Don’t believe its true, listen again to these stats. There are 19.7 million children, more than 1 in 4, who live without a father in the home. As a result, it has been shown to have a devastating effect on all the societal ills we face. All of them! Including a sleepy apathetic church unwilling to serve where needed that continues to slowly bleed out.

Children who live without a father in the home:

4x greater risk of poverty More likely to have behavioral problems | 85% of children with behavior disorders

7x more likely to become pregnant as a teen — 71% of teenage pregnancies | More likely to face child abuse

2x greater risk of infant mortality | More likely to abuse drugs and alcohol | More likely to go to prison — 85% of prisoners come from fatherless homes | 2x more likely to suffer obesity | More likely to commit crime

2x more likely to drop out of high school — 71% actually | 90% of homeless and runaways come from fatherless homes and 63% of suicides

REAL BIBLICAL MEN LOOK TO GOD FOR DIRECTION

REAL BIBLICAL MEN HAVE FAITH IN GOD

REAL BIBLICAL MEN LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF GOD

REAL BIBLICAL MEN FEAR GOD

REAL BIBLICAL MEN TEACH THEIR CHILDREN BIBLE

REAL BIBLICAL MEN HUMBLY SERVE OTHERS

REAL BIBLICAL MEN RELY UPON THE LORD

REAL BIBLICAL MEN GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

REAL BIBLICAL MEN EXERCISE SELF-RESTRAINT & REPENTANCE

REAL BIBLICAL MEN ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY & CONSEQUENCES FOR OF THEIR SIN

The only way we will see REAL BIBLICAL MEN make a come back and not die off is through Jesus.

Jesus said, "I do only those things that please the Father. — REAL BIBLICAL MEN LOOK TO GOD FOR DIRECTION

Jesus said, "Do not let your heart be troubled, believe in God, believe also in Me. — REAL BIBLICAL MEN HAVE FAITH IN GOD

Jesus said many times, "he who has an ear let him hear." — REAL BIBLICAL MEN LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF GOD

Jesus taught the fear of God when He said, "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

REAL BIBLICAL MEN FEAR GOD AND WORSHIP HIM ONLY

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” How can children come to jesus is they are not brought up through the tutelage (or teaching of their parents)? — REAL BIBLICAL MEN TEACH THEIR CHILDREN BIBLE

Jesus said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — REAL BIBLICAL MEN SERVE HUMBLY, RELY UPON THE LORD, AND GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

REAL BIBLICAL MEN EXERCISE SELF-RESTRAINT AND REPENTANCE and last

REAL BIBLICAL MEN ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY AND CONSEQUENCES FOR THEIR SIN and the only way this can be done in summed up in

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Acts 6:3 "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."

Appreciation of Law Enforcement

Deacon Ordination

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HAVING THE RIGHT FOUNDATION

Text: Matthew 7:24-27 Opening Statement: The passage we have read today is about two builders who built two houses on two different types of foundations with two different results. I want to point to some truth found in this parable that show us why the foundation of your life matters.

I) A LOOK AT THE COMPARISONS This short parable appears to speak of two very different types of people. The two people Jesus pictures here have several important characteristics in common. Let me point them out.

A) Both Heard The Words Of Christ The two people in this parable both heard Jesus share His message of faith and repentance, vv. 24, 26. They both heard the Gospel and each one had a reaction to it.

B) Both Built Houses Each of these people built a house based on their understanding of what Jesus said. The house in this parable is a picture of a life.

C) Both Built In The Same Location Verse 27 describes a very severe storm. This storm affected both houses, so they must have been built in close proximity to one another.

D) Both Built Similar Houses The picture is of people and how they respond differently to the Gospel message. Both seem to believe the same things and live the same kind of lives. They have a lot in common, at least on the outside.

II) A LOOK AT THE CONTRASTS While there are several similarities, there are some very major differences between these two types of people.

A) One Man Built His House On The Sand Sand is unstable, ever changing and moving. Sand offers no stability. Sand is not a good place to build a house. Sand can never provide a firm foundation.

B) One Man Built His House On The Rock The word “rock” refers to “a large outcropping of rock; the bedrock.” While one man built his house on the sand, the other dug deep. He dug until he reached the bedrock and built his house on the solid rock. This rock does not move. It is unchanging and stable. Rock offers a good foundation for a house. Are you building your life on the solid rock of the Gospel? Or are you building your life on shifting sand?

III) A LOOK AT THE CONSEQUENCES The parable tells us that the rains came, the floods followed, and the winds of destruction blew. This image is not just about some storm in life. This is the image of judgment.

A) Shifting Sand The house that was built on the sand could not face the Holy judgment of God, and it collapsed. Jesus said, “and great was the fall of it.” This means that the house was utterly destroyed. There was nothing left to show for the life lived within it. Mark 8:36

B) The Solid Rock The house that was built on the rock experienced the same storm.This house might have been shaken, but it did not fall. It stood on a firm foundation, and it weathered the storm. Paul says it like this, 1 Cor. 3:10-15

In Closing:

If you have realized today that you are building on the wrong foundation, you can change today. You can come to Jesus. He will save you and get you started building on the right foundation. Please don’t ignore what I am saying today. There is a storm coming, and your house is right in its path. When that storm comes, the only houses that will stand are those houses built on the solid foundation of the Word of God.

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Text: 2 Tim. 2:3-4; 4:7-8 Opening Statement: Memorials and special days are known throughout Biblical history. And such is true throughout American history as well. Tomorrow we celebrate our national holiday known as Memorial Day. On Memorial Day, we honor the memories of all those who have died in the military in the service of the United States of America and in our own families. We would all do well to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom this morning.

I) HE IS A FOLLOWER (2:3) A) This Implies Relationship No one can be a soldier for the Lord until they first get into the army. This is accomplished only through receiving Jesus as one's Savior. John 3:3

B) This Implies Rank Every child of God is under and out ranked by Jesus and is responsible for following Him and His will for their lives, 1 Cor. 6:19-20.

C) This Implies Rule When we are in the Lord's Army, we have the obligation of obeying His orders even unto the death! Matt. 16:24. When we refuse to live as the Lord desires, then we have crossed the line from follower to traitor - James 4:17

II) HE IS FAITHFUL (2:3-4; 4:7b) Faithfulness can be seen in: A) His Patience (2:3) Endures hardship and does not quit. The good soldier realizes that there will be troubles along the way and is not detoured by them. John 16:33.

B) His Priorities (2:4) Notice that the good soldier has no higher goal in life than pleasing His Superior. The good soldier wants to please his Superior and does whatever he has to do to get that job done!

C) His Practice (4:7b) A good soldier takes care of the things delivered unto him. He is determined to do a good job, and he refuses to do anything to bring disgrace and dishonor upon his Superior. The Christian solider wants to live his life in a manner that brings honor to the Lord and not dishonor.

III) HE IS FAMILIAR A) He Is Familiar With The Sound Of The Commander’s Voice John 10:3-5 says that the sheep know his voice. The way to get more familiar with the Lord's voice is to spend more time listening to it.

B) He Is Familiar With The Skill Of Using His Weapons The good soldier knows that he is engaged in mortal warfare and he knows that the only way to succeed in the fight is to be proficient in the use of his weaponry. For the Christian we are given the Armor of God. (Eph. 6:10-18)

C) He Is Familiar With The Strategy Of The Enemy 1 Pet. 5:8 reminds us that our enemy is ever active and never rests. That the enemy is shrewd and ever attacking. He knows that regardless of the trap, God will make a way of escape for him, 1 Cor. 10:13.

IV) HE IS A FIGHTER (4:7) A) He Is Determined The good soldier does not retreat in the face of the enemy, he does not run from a fight. Instead, he stands his ground and fights the battle until the battle is over!

B) He Is Driven He knows that another is in charge of the duration of the battle, but the good soldier is driven to finish. The good soldier is in the battle to the finish. Are you?

C) He Is Dedicated The good soldier dedicates himself to keeping his oath. He is determined to live for the Lord regardless of the personal cost. The good soldier keeps the faith, do you?

V) HE IS A FINISHER (4:7-8) A) He Has Resolve The good soldier is in it for the long haul. He does not quit at the first hint of trouble. He is a finisher.

B) He Has A Reason The good soldier knows the great price that was paid by his Superior to make a place for him in the army.

C) He Has His Reward For those who stay in the battle, there will come a glad day of blessing. They will hear the Lord say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant...", Matt. 25:21, 23. What will be waiting you when you meet Jesus?

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Text: Acts 2:1-4 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Opening Statement: Today we celebrate Pentecost, which is celebrate on the 50th day after Easter which was when the Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples. Today we are going to look at what the Holy Spirit has come to do in your life and mine.

I) The Holy Spirit Is Our Guide (John 16:13) One of the greatest conundrums of the Christian life is being faced with something you know is wrong and choosing whether or not to do it.

II) The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper (John 15:26) The Holy Spirit is not only your Guide, He, is also your Helper. Jesus fully intended for the Holy Spirit to bear witness to the things of God Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to be your Helper. Seek Him in all things and in all ways. In every decision you make, thought you think, and word you say, trust the Holy Spirit to help show you the way.

III) The Holy Spirit Is Our Power (Acts 1:8) Pray, asking God to give you opportunities to be a part of His story and display Holy Spirit power and love to a world who so desperately needs it.

IV) The Holy Spirit Is Our Teacher (Hebrews 11:1) As a Christian, one of the best ways to learn the character of God is by reading Scripture.

V) The Holy Spirit Is Our Friend (John 14:26) The Holy Spirit is also your Friend. Like a good friend, you can call on the Holy Spirit at any time for any reason.

In Closing: Just like the unending love of the Father and the saving grace of the Son, the awakening presence of the Holy Spirit is a lifeline to a relationship with the triune God. Stop and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you every day. Right now, pause and invite the Holy Spirit to reveal more of Himself to you in this moment

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The Time of Planting is Now!

Matthew 13:1-9,18-23 1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

I) THE PLAN TO SOW THE FIELD A) The Sowers Identity B) The Sower’s Intentions

II) THE POTENTIAL OF JUST ONE SEED A) It Holds Great Promise – More B) It Holds Great Power – Life

III) THE PROBLEM IS IN THE SOIL 1) The Hard Soil - v. 4, 19 2) The Stony Soil - v. 5-6; 20-21 3) The Thorny Soil - v. 7; 22 4) The Good Soil - v. 8; 23

While these kinds of soils are used to speak about the matter of salvation, there is another application that we can draw from them as well. Ask yourself the following questions: • What kind of soil is my heart? • Have I become hardened to the things of God? • Am I shallow in my commitment to Him and His work? • Am I constantly distracted, burdened and defeated by sin and the cares of the world? • Am I bearing the kind of fruit I should be bearing? I am simply asking you to be honest with yourself and with Him about the condition of your heart.

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2021.05.09 - MOTHER'S DAY AT MIDWAY BAPTIST by Midway Baptist Church

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The Wonderful Work of Sharing the Gospel John 4:27-38 27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? 28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. 31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. 32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. 33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? 34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

I) It is Relational and Fulfilling Work II) It is a Great Task and an Urgent Work III) It is by Design a shared work IV) It is Rewarding and a Joyous Work

In Closing: Nothing should thrill a Christian more than seeing a lost person come to Christ unless it is actually being used of God to help that person into the kingdom.

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2 Corinthians 5:11-21 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. 13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 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.

It is the responsibility of every Christian to share his or her faith with other people.

Some reasons why people don't share their faith 1) It is politically incorrect to do so 2) The philosophy of the day, which of course is postmodernism 3) Fear of what they might lose

I) We share Jesus with others because we live in the presence of God. "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God." (v.11)

II) We share Jesus because we are controlled by the Love of Christ. "For the love of Christ constraineth us." (v.14)

III) We share Jesus because we are no longer living for ourselves. "... because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again." (14-15 & 17)

IV) We share Jesus because God wants us to help others make peace with Him. (Vs.18-20)

In Closing: The question remains, why don't we do it? Sharing our faith is not optional, so each of us must cultivate this discipline if we are going to continue to grow in our walk with Christ. And like all other disciplines it gets easier the more we practice it. God has not called us to be successful, only to be faithful.

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Matthew 10:26-33

26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

I) The Light of Christ Conquers the Darkness of the World II) The Life of Christ Conquers the Sting of Death III) The Love of Christ for the Lost Conquers All

Fear not my friends! Fear not, for the light of Jesus Christ has conquered the darkness of this lost, sin-stained world. So, go now. Do not be afraid of evangelism. Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus. Give someone a tract. Initiate the conversations you know you should have initiated long ago. Go, stand, and speak on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Psalm 100 King James Version 1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

God is willing to meet us anywhere, anyplace, and anytime, but we need to come into his presence with heart and mind, body and soul that acknowledges the presence of the King

I) Let it be known that you are in the House of the Lord A) Make some noise before the Lord. "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands." (Psa. 100:1)

B) Render some Honor before the Lord. "Serve the Lord with gladness" (Psa. 100:2)

C) Sing Songs of Praise before the Lord. "Come before his presence with singing" (Psa. 100:2)

II) Let it be known that God is in the House (Ps. 100:3-4) A) Opening our minds to God "Know ye that the LORD he is God" (Psa. 100:3)

B) Opening our heart to God "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise" (Psa. 100:4)

III) Let it be Known we Meet the Lord in His House (Ps. 100:5) "The Lord is good" "His love (or mercy) is eternal" "His faithfulness endures through all generations"

Worship is encountering the person of God as revealed by his name.

What a privilege we have been afforded to have an audience with the King. Let us do what is needed, following the protocol, to meet with him.

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Text: Luke 23:50-24:11 Opening Statement: Thank God Easter is about an empty tomb. The people who went to the tomb on that first Easter morning testify to the power of the resurrection. They were in awe and wonder. I want this sermon reminds us to revisit the empty tomb each Sunday and remember the wonder of it all.

I) The Empty Tomb Proclaims Pardon for Our Sins II) The Empty Tomb Proclaims Power for Our Struggles III) The Empty Tomb Proclaims Peace for Our Sorrows In Closing: Will you not receive this message of the empty tomb? If you embrace this Message, you will find eternal life, victory over sin and death. What a Savior!

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Opening Statement: The destination of worship is to meet God. As with any journey we need to make the proper preparations so that we experience God rather than endure worship. We want a memorable not mundane trip. What does our flight check require? Travel demands preparation.

Luke 19:29-40 29 And it came to pass, when He drew near to [a]Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. 31 And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’ ” 32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of him.” 35 Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. 36 And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. 37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying:

“ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” 40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

5 Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. 2 Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes through much activity,And a fool’s voice is known by his many words. 4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed— 5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay. 6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your [a]excuse and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God. I) One must get ready to meet God. (Eccl. 5:1; Luke 19:29)

II) One must Listen to God. (Luke19:29-31; Eccl. 5:1-2)

III) One must humble yourself before God. (Eccl. 5:2; Luke 19:32-36)

IV) One must mean what you say to God. (Eccl. 5:4-5; Luke 19:37-38)

V) One must take God seriously. (Eccl. 5:7; Luke 19:39-40)

In Closing: Worship is not an endurance contest, but a marvelous adventure into the presence of the God of the universe. It is not business as usual, but a wonder-filled ride into Destination Worship.

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Exodus 33:12-33 It is the presence of God that we long for in worship

I) What is worship? We come with only one agenda: to meet with God

II) What are the realities of God's presence?

A) The reality of God's omnipresence

Of course, God is always with us. (Psalms 139:8). This is the reality of God's omnipresence. God's universal presence is a marvelous fact of life. We cannot escape the presence of God. (Exodus 33:14)

B) The reality of God's revealed presence.

This type of presence is often referred to as "the revealed presence of God . . . an unusual revelation of God's essence in a certain location." One Old Testament scholar calls it God's "tabernacling presence." Some refer to it as God's "manifest presence." We find this kind of presence in Exodus 40:34-35

Luke 5:17-26 records an example of both God's omnipresence and God's revealed presence

III) What is needed to Experience worship? If you could ask God for anything, what would it be? Moses had two requests

A) To have a hunger for God (Ex. 33:13)

Moses hungered for God. Moses longed for God. Moses realized that nothing else in the world could compare to the experience of being with God. Moses had a passion for his presence

B) To have an encounter with God. (Ex. 33:18)

Moses wanted to behold God face to face. He wanted a visible encounter with the living God. He was not content with business as usual. He wanted God to show up in his life

This encounter, this sense of God's supernatural presence, transforms worship from a duty to devotion, from a ritual to relationship, from just another meeting to a holy gathering

IV) What do we need to do to experience worship? Five Actions 1. Anticipate God's revealed presence in worship. Expect him. Long for him 2. Look for God's hand at work in worship 3. Listen for God's voice 4. Open yourself up to new manifestations of God's presence 5. Be sensitive to the leadership of God's Spirit

We can come Sunday after Sunday doing the same thing, yet, expecting a different result or we can come with a hunger and expectation to have an encounter with God. It is up to you rather or not you want to experience worship. God is always ready to meet with us if we are ready to meet with Him

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Life’s Lessons through Giving Philippians 4:10 - 20 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

I) Giving revives our concern Giving takes the focus off ourselves and puts it onto someone or something else. Giving becomes a tangible way we can express concern and love to other people. As we focus on the needs of others, and give to help meet those needs, we experience joy. Giving revives our concern for people. II) Giving teaches us contentment Paul did not want this church to think that his joy rested on whether he had money. How do you define contentment? Contentment is not trimming down your desires. Contentment means living with a sense of God's adequacy, a conviction that God is adequate for any need we face. Therefore, we can give joyfully, knowing God will supply our needs. III) Giving makes us partners in ministry The word communicate is the same word often translated as "fellowship." The word denotes partnership. Each time we give to the Lord's work, we partner with other Christians to help advance the kingdom. Southern Baptists recognize the importance of partnering with one another. We do this through the Cooperative Program, an ingenious missions support plan that allows us to do far more together than we could individually.

IV) Giving pays spiritual dividends The phrase "credited to your account" implies that giving to the Lord is like investing in kingdom matters. Kingdom work pays spiritual dividends. Giving from the right motives and for the right reasons leads to an act of worship. V) Giving grows our faith in God Perhaps some of the members of the church at Philippi had given to Paul's ministry but were worried they might not have enough money left to meet their own needs. Paul gave them a great promise to stand upon. • God meets our needs personally ("my God"). • He meets our needs liberally ("all your needs"). • He meets our needs gloriously ("according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus").

In Closing: As we give financially to the Lord's work, we help spread the gospel message. We meet people's needs. We assist people in growing spiritually. We enable our churches to shine as God's lights in the world. Such privileges fill our hearts with joy and God’s heart with delight.

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Working with What I Have Been Given Luke 19:11-27

11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. 22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? 24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. 25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) 26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. 27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

Jesus tells us a parable about how we should respond to the news of His return. We have a job and responsibility while we await our Lord’s return. The question for us is “what are we to do?” He has called us to watch, wait and work. How will Jesus find us if He returned today, faithful, or unfaithful?

I) We Have Been Entrusted with the King’s Goods While He is Away

A) What are the Gifts that we have Been Given? 1) Time:

2) Talent: 1 Corinthians 12:7&11 3) Temple: 1Corinthians 6:19-20 4) Testimony: 5) Treasure: We should give God His money. Malachi 3:8-10

B) How do we Use the Gifts that Have Been Given 1) We are to Use the Gifts God has Given us to SERVE One Another. 1 Peter 4:10, 1 Timothy 6:17-19 says,

2) We are to be a CHANNEL of His Blessings, not a Reservoir. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

3) We are to be CAREFUL that Gifts are our Servant, Not our Master. The warning is this: Matthew 6:24. Jesus also warns us: Luke 16:11

4) We are to Use What We Have to Honor the One Who Gave It to Us. Proverbs 3:9

II) We Will Give an Account to the King When He Returns A) The Giving of Account to the Nobleman. B) The giving of Account to Jesus

So, what can we do if we haven’t done well thus far with what God has given us:

Acknowledge the areas that we have been bad stewards in. Once I have acknowledged my sins and confessed my sins, then I need to
REPENT! This means not only do I recognize I have been going in the wrong direction, but now I change directions and begin walking a new path.
DO NOT LIVE IN THE PAST! You can’t change past mistakes and failures. Learn from them, get forgiveness for them and move FORWARD. Remember, God is the God of second chances.

Take what God gave you and turn it into something “bigger and better.” That’s a good steward.

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Matthew 6 : 6-15 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

I) An Honest Look at Your Prayer Life. II) An Open Look at the Prayer Life of Jesus III) How to Use this Practical Method of Prayer A) Guidelines for Praying Scripture. 1) Recognize the Context. 2) Select Applicable Passages 3) Pray from Your Perspective. 4) Personalize Your Praise. B) Practical Ways to Select Scriptures for Prayer C) How to Pray Through Scripture Practically. 1) Choose a Psalm. 2) Read the psalm or verses and pray about whatever comes to mind. 3) Continue Until You Run Out of Time. Rejoice, Repent, Request.

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Colossians 4:2-4 2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

I) A Christian’s Responsibility to Intercessory Prayer (vs 2) James 5:17 | "pray for one another" 1 Thess 5:25; 2Thess | "brothers, pray for us"

II) The Effects of Intercessory Prayer (VS 3-4) A) Intercessory prayers characterized the prayer life of Jesus. Isaiah 53:12, Luke 22:32, Luke 23:34, John 14:16, John 17:9, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25

B) Intercessory prayer changes things

C) Intercessory prayer changes us 1) Prayer internalizes the burden 2) Prayer forces us to wait 3) Prayer opens our spiritual eyes 4) Prayer aligns our heart with God's heart 5) Prayer enables us to move forward

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Matthew 14:30 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

Colossians 4:2 2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

As we continue this morning with our series in the spiritual disciplines, we come to the topic of prayer.

Colossians 4:2

I) We Should Pray Persistently

II) We Should Pray Passionately

III) We Should Pray Gratefully 1) Gratitude Articulates Dependence 2) Gratitude Generates Humility 3) Gratitude Demonstrates Relationship

Do three things in your prayer life 1) Examine your Heart Attitude 2) Measure your Words 3) Release your Life

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Psalm 19:10-14 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

In order to receive the benefits of God's Word we must:

I) Have a desire for God’s Word (19:10) A) There is nothing more valuable than God’s Word B) There is nothing sweeter than God’s Word

II) Have a discernment of God’s Word (19:11-13) A) God’s Word Warns Us B) God’s Word Reveals to Us

III) Have a Devotion to Please God (19:14)

Five Rs of receiving the benefits of God's Word: 1) Read it 2) Reflect upon it 3) Remember it 4) Recount it 5) Respond to it

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Psalms 19 1The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. 6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. The Nutritional Value of the Word of God (7-9) "The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." 1 : Perfect! 2 : Sure! "The Testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." 3 : Right! "The statues of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart." 4 : Pure! "The Commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes." 5 : Clean! "The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever." 6 : True! "The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether."

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2021.01.17 - Destruction Of The Sanctity Of Life & Desecration Of Women & Children by Midway Baptist Church

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Where Is Your Investment? Matthew 6:19-24

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

I) Investments In The World Are Perishable (6:19) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal

II) Investments In Heaven Are Eternal (6:20) A) The Where of Our Investment 1) We can give to our local church 2) We can give to support Missions 3) We can give to help the poor B) The How of Our Investment 1) DO YOU HAVE THAT KIND OF FAITH? 2) ARE YOU LIVING LIKE YOU HAVE THAT KIND OF FAITH?

III) Investments You Make Reveal Your Heart (6:21-24)

Remember where you make your investment determines if it is lasting or not. Don’t leave this life and go to heaven empty-handed. Invest your life; invest your money; invest your time — in saving up treasures in heaven that can never be taken away.

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1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

I) There are Some things that must be Retained (Colossians 3:1-2a) • Hang on to an awareness of our Foundation (Colossians 3:1a) • Hang on to our Focus (Colossians 3:1b-2a)

A. A deeper knowledge of Jesus, (Colossians 3:10) B. A clean, holy life, (Colossians 3:5-9) C. Godly virtues, (Colossians 3:12-17) D. Holiness in our domestic life, (Colossians 3:18-21) E. Holiness in our social life, (Colossians 3:22-4:1) F. An effective prayer life – (Colossians 4:2) G. A fruitful witness – (Colossians 4:3-6)

III) There are Some things must be Remembered (Colossians 3:3-4) • There has been a death that changes everything (Colossians 3:3a)

• There are False Doctrines • There are Foolish Demands

II) There are Some things that must be Released (Colossians 3:2b) • There has been a deposit made into our lives (Colossians 3:3b) • There is a dream worth holding onto (Colossians 3:4)

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Luke 2:23-35 King James Version 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Simeon tells us three important things about who Jesus is I) He is the Glory of Israel

“I will make your name great, and make of you a great nation, and through you all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.”

II) He is the Savior of the World - “a light of revelation for the Gentiles.”

III) He is the Divider of the Human Race A) He Was Born To Die B) There Can Be No Neutrality

What is Jesus to you? Not who is he, but what is he to you? Is he life or is he death to you this morning?

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Following the Christmas Star to Jesus

Text: Matthew 2:1-12 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

I) Look at the Heavens for Answers

II) Look at the Scriptures for Answers

III) Look at the miracle for Answers • The timing was miraculous. • The movement of the star was miraculous.

What was the Star of Bethlehem • A comet • A conjunction of planets • A supernova • A manifestation of God’s glory

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Knowing The Love Of Jesus This Christmas!

Text: 1John 3:1-2 3 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

I) We Must See It Jesus tells us to "look at how great a love that the Father has given" A) See Him in His Cradle B) See Him On His Cross C) See Him Wearing His Crown

II) We Must Experience It A) Consider Our Title B) Consider Our Testimony C) Consider Our Triumph

III) We Must Know It A) We Can Know He is Coming Again B) We Can Know We will be Like Him C) We Can Know what He is really Like

IV) We Must Not Miss It

For those who do not know Him, this is the greatest gift ever offered to you. He extends the gift of eternal life to you right now. Behold His love. Accept His gift. Turn from your old life and receive the new, eternal, abundant life available in Christ today!

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John 4:27-38 King James Version 27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? 28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. 31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. 32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. 33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? 34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

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Evangelism and Missions | The Difference Evangelism is when we are reaching people who can, will and should come to our church Missions is when we are reaching people who cannot, will not and should not come to our church

I) It is sustaining and fulfilling work | Vs 32-34

Deuteronomy 8:3 which says, "Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord."

II) It is an urgent work | Vs 35

The world is filled with people just waiting for someone to tell them that God loves them, has a plan for their lives and will give them eternal life.

III) It is a shared work | Vs 36-38

Missions is not a work one can do alone.

IV) It is a joyous work | Vs 36 Jesus said: "So that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together"

Nothing should thrill a Christian more than seeing a lost person come to Christ unless it is actually you being used of God to help that person into the kingdom. Let’s be sure we continue in His work until Jesus comes. Please pray about what you will give to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering this year.

Lottie Moon Offering: Send to Midway Baptist Church (make a note that it is for Lottie Moon) or give here on line:

https://www.imb.org/give-now/?project...

https://www.imb.org/other-ways-to-give/

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Finding Christ This Christmas

Text: Luke 2:41-50 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

I) In what sense might we lose Jesus? John 10:27-28 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.

II) Who might lose Jesus, who might lose Christ?

III) Where did they lose the Lord Jesus?

IV) How may we lose Jesus? How did they do it? Verse 44 tells us. “But they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey.”

V) How can we find Jesus this Christmas?

45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

I believe if you open your heart to the Lord, He’ll show you where it was. If you pray the prayer we’ve been given in Psalms 139:23-24, “Search me, oh God, and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me,”

In order for anyone to find Jesus we must first admit we have lost him or don’t know how to find him.

It is my prayer that we all find Jesus this Christmas. Remember the way to finding anything is go back to the last place you knew where it was.

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How To Be Thankful Through All Of This

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

I) ENDURING JOY First, God requires all of us to be joyful. Joy is not an emotional option for certain personality types

Second, the joy he requires is consistently God-centered

Third, the joy God requires is an act of the will. It may feel spontaneous, but it is not passive

A) The presence of joy does not entail the absence of sorrow B) While we cannot make ourselves feel joyful, we can choose where we will look to find joy

II) PERSISTENT PRAYER Verse 17, “Pray without ceasing.” • Being a Christian requires a lifestyle of prayer. • To “pray without ceasing” means we persist in prayer

Jesus enables this kind of prayer in at least two ways: • The Father hears our prayers because of Jesus • The Father answers our prayers through Jesus

III) ABIDING GRATITUDE Verse 18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Ultimately this is not our home. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28, NIV)

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Text: Revelation 8:1-5 1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. 5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

I) The seven-sealed scroll

II) The silence in Heaven

III) The supplication of the saints

In Closing: The prayers of the saints are the instrument God uses to usher in the end of the world. Our prayers change history in more ways perhaps than we recognized.

The bottom line for us about prayer: 1) We cannot pray enough. Our prayers are stored up on the altar of God and made the power for great divine interventions in history. Who knows what has been wrought by prayer! Jesus makes it plain in Luke 18:1, "We ought to always pray and not to lose heart."

2) Concerted prayer is uniquely appointed by God in the accomplishing of His mighty works. What I hope you see is that God has sovereignly ordained the corporate praying of a church, such that His mighty workings increase exponentially, and His purposes are accelerated when we pray together.

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The Effects of Corporate Gatherings

Text: Hebrews 10:15-25

Participating together with your church is incredibly important. We know that from the beginning and beyond, churches have gathered together on the first day of the week (affectionately called “the Lord’s Day” by the Apostle John). We also know that churches have gathered together on other days and for other occasions in addition to worship on the Lord’s Day (Acts 2:46). I am going to give you three points that hopefully will give us a framework for the Effects of the Corporate Gathering in light our commitment to glorify God and to love one another.

I) When the church gathers corporately, it illustrates the gospel (15-25) A) How the Early Believers Showed the Gospel through Gathering B) How we Show the Gospel through Gathering

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The Effects of Corporate Gatherings

Text: Hebrews 10:15-25

I) When the church gathers corporately, it illustrates the gospel (15-25) A) How the Early Believers Showed the Gospel through Gathering B) How we Show the Gospel through Gathering

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God’s Instructions on Corporate Gathering

Text: Hebrews 10:24-25

I) The Importance of Corporate Gathering •Is it important to be a part of the church? •Is there a need to go to church? We see it in the beginning of the Bible in Genesis 4:26 and at the end in Revelation 7:9-12.

II) The History of Corporate Gathering

1) Going back to Genesis 4:26

2) Then in Exodus 24:3

3) In 1st Samuel 11

4) In 2nd Samuel 6:15

5) In 1 Kings 8:62-63

6) When Israel renews the covenant during the reign of Josiah, 2Kings 23:1-2

7) The same thing happens when the covenant is renewed in Nehemiah 8:1

8) After the Spirit is poured out at Pentecost, Luke says this of the church, Acts 2:46-47

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A Desire for Revival

Text: 2Chronicles 29-30

I) Revival happens when God’s people clean up their lives (2 Chr 29:3-5). A) The Problems that Prevent Revival B) The Prescription for Revival

II) Revival happens when God’s people reconnect with Scripture (2 Chr 29:25-30)

III) Revival happens when God’s people recommit themselves to the gospel (2 Chr 30)

IV) Revival happens when God’s people devote themselves to intercessory prayer (2 Chr 30:18-22) A) Recognize God’s sovereignty (Isaiah 64:8) B) Remember God’s mercy (Isaiah 64:9) C) Respects God’s glory (Isaiah 64:10-12)

God isn’t waiting for the world to clean up its act. He’s waiting for those of us in the church to stand in the gap and Desire Revival by courageously confessing our sins and to stand on the gospel once again.

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Romans 1:18-32 & Joel 2:1-2,15-26

Throughout biblical history, God has called for solemn assemblies for prayer marked extraordinary spiritual breakthroughs for God's people.

I) Dynamics of the coming wrath of God • God has established a limit to the amount of sin He will tolerate • Only those who are right with God are prepared for God's judgment • As God's people, we have a choice to make before it is too late

A) Before judgement strikes

B) After judgement strikes

Joel 1:14-15 & Joel 2:12-13 calls for personal repentance

If you sense, as I do, that God's people must cry out to the Lord at a time such as this and seek His mercies, and repent of both our personal and national sin please join me as we stand in corporate prayer together. Then make a commitment to the Lord to make this a priority for you and your family to pray about. Remember this; the spiritual healing of the United States is waiting on the repentance of God's people. We will see very little repentance in the world until the world sees repentance in the church

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I) Cry out to God vv. 1-3, 7-9

Don't be ashamed to admit your inner turmoil!

II) Consider ways to redirect your thoughts vv. 4-6, 10-12

Remember the past blessings are a biblical prescription

III) Magnify the size of God to diminish the size of your problems v. 13-20

There is something about worship that recalibrates the soul

In Closing: If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or hopelessness, let me offer you some advice:

1.Talk about it to God. I promise that God can handle it. He knows what you’re thinking anyway and wants to hear from you!

2.Ask God’s forgiveness when you’ve gotten your focus out of whack and made your problems bigger than your God.

3.Ask for the ability to let go of all the anger and self-pity. You can’t get rid of it in your own strength.

4.Take it day by day. God doesn’t promise to give us strength for tomorrow, today. He gives us strength for today, today.

5.Don’t quit. No matter how afraid you are, no matter how anxious you are about tomorrow, no matter how depressed and hopeless you feel, don’t quit! I promise that God will never, ever give up on you. The lie of depression is that it will never end. DON’T BELIEVE IT. Depression may last a long time, but it is almost always temporal.

Depression is a huge problem these days. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, don’t battle it alone. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member. Talk to a professional counselor or call a suicide prevention line. It’s never too late to ask for help.

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Genesis 1:26-31 What does it mean to be made in the image of God? There are a few things we can see from this text that can help us understand the answer to that question. In reality there are so many things here that we could talk about, we could be working through this short passage for days. When we kill the image of God we kill the family, we burn down the church and we destroy society.

1 How to Kill the Family The family is the very representation of the trinity. You say what do you mean pastor? Well just in these few verses we see the God of glory, of majesty, of power, and perfection create human beings in His image. In the image of a triune (that is 3 persons in 1 God), He created us. In the image of this eternal being who has always existed He created us.

2 How to Burn Down the Church When we kill the image of God we burn down the church. Each one of us is made in the image of God. We commune together at a central location to worship and adore our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Church was redeemed by God through the blood sacrifice of His Son Jesus because God is zealous for His image, His glory and is a just God. The church is the body of Christ,

3 How to Destroy Society Because we have multiple generations raised in a world that has killed the image of God they worship only that which appeals to their flesh. Don’t like someone, yell at them, call them names, shut them down forcibly. Don’t like the system, kill, steal, and destroy. Literally bite the hand that feeds you and then blame the hand for getting in your way. No accountability, no responsibility! Pure and utter madness is the result.

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Hebrews 12:1 12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us

The Christian life is not a stroll through the park. Nor is it a 100-yard dash. It is a long-distance marathon, and we are called to run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

I) As a Christian God does not promise you an easy life

A) We live in a fallen world.

Romans 8:18-21 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

B) We should expect trials John 16:33; Acts 14:21-22

“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:21-22)

II) As a Christian God does promise to be with you "God never promise a smooth flight just a safe landing". (Howard Jones)

A) Jesus gives you his peace.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your earts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

B) Jesus gives you His presence

"lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)

III) For the Christian God promises great benefits to those who persevere

A) Sticking with it shows our faith to be genuine

1 Peter 1:6-7: 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: “7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

B) Sticking with it develops character

James 1: 2-4 says this: “2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

C) He who stick with it to the end will be saved

“12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:12-13)

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:12)

Daniel 3:16-18: 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up

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John 2:1-11 | When You Run Out

It has been a very long time.
Silence is golden, but when we are silent we say less.
Incomplete obedience is complete disobedience.
Beginning vs the end or is there one?
Just bring me what you have.
What does water make possible?
You can live without wine, but you gotta have water.

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Acts 17:21-32 I) Paul's Cultural Environment I.1) It was a city given over to the pursuit of physical and sensual pleasure I.2) It was a city associated with learning and culture II) Paul's Conviction that Motivated Him II.1) He knew God's truth II.2) He was indwelt by God's spirit II.3) He was constrained by God's love III) Paul's Christ-centered message III.1) General observations III.2) Gospel presentation III.3) Personal Invitation

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Don’t Check Your Brain at the Door! The Evidence of Holy Scripture

Opening Statement:

I've got a question for you this morning. Do you trust the Bible? If so, why?

I. Jesus’ View of Scripture

A. Jesus Taught that Scripture Was About Him (Luke 24:25)

Everything before the cross and the resurrection is leading up to the cross, and everything after it is in light of it

B. Jesus Taught that Scripture Is the Word of God

“All Scripture is inspired by God.” 2 Timothy 3:16

C. Jesus Taught that Scripture Contains True History

II. 5 Types of Evidences for the Holy Scriptures

A. Early Evidence

5,800+ full and partial copies of the Greek New Testament Date to AD 50 to AD 70, within 20 to 40 years of Jesus' life

B. Eyewitness Evidence

Luke says, Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word (Luke 1:1-2)

C. Extra-Biblical Evidence

Flavius Josephus, Jewish historian Lived ~AD 37 to 100, Wrote several works chronicling he history of the Jews.

D. Embarrassing Evidence

E. Excruciating Evidence

Many people will die for something they believe to be the truth, but no one dies for something they know is a lie

2 Timothy 3:14-17 | KJV

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.

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Don’t Check Your Brain at the Door! The Importance of the Holy Scriptures

Colossians 3:16 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

I. What the Word of God Is

A. God’s View of His Word Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly....

B. Man’s View of the Word

God’s Word to us Our word about God

II. Why the Word of God Matters

…in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing…

A. If God has not spoken, His promises are replaced by our wishes

You weaken the Word of God from the will of God to the wish of man

B. If God has not spoken, His truth is replaced by our opinion

C. If God has not spoken, His welcome is replaced by our journey

The Bible is full of invitations: (Isa. 55:3) (Jas. 4:8) (Isa. 1:18)

Do you see how much is at stake here? The basis of faith, hope, and love all rest on God having spoken—giving us promises, telling us who he is, inviting us into a relationship with himself, and telling us how that is possible through his Son Jesus Christ.

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Don’t Check Your Brain at the Door!

A Call to Think | Philippians 4:8-9

I. A Call to Think “If anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

A. All Truth is God's Truth

B. Faith is Not Stupid A healthy faith is not satisfied to be ignorant, to be naïve, to remain in the dark, or to pass on misinformation.

C. Ideas Are Powerful

II. A Call to Action | Phil 4:9 Those things....do

Verse Text | Philippians 4:8-9 KJV 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

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Psalm 2

I. Human Rebellion Vs 1-3 II. Divine Response Vs 4-6 III. Divine Rule Vs 7-9 IV. Human Responsibility Vs 10-12

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Opening Statement: If you're a follower of Jesus, you have received the Great Commission. Jesus's instructions to go into all the earth and create disciples weren't just for the disciples or professional ministers; it applies to all of us. Today I want to share with you why we might be fearful about sharing the Gospel with people and then share why you shouldn’t be.

I) Why We Might Be Afraid To Share The Gospel 1) "I'm afraid they'll ask questions I can't answer" 2) "I struggle with my own faith" 3) "I don’t know how to start a conversation" II) Why We Shouldn’t Be Afraid To Share The Gospel 1) Love is greater than fear 2) Trust the Holy Spirit 3) Feel the fear and do it anyway

In Closing: Be like a good neighbor and share the most important thing you can with those around you. Which is, how they can be forgiven, how they can have a relationship with a Savior that loves them, and how that will insure they have a home in heaven.

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Text: Psalm 126:1-6 Opening Statement: Over the last couple weeks, I have challenged you to reach out to your neighbors with the good news of the gospel. Today, I want to speak to the blessing that can come out of following the great Commandment and the great Commission. This psalm is a reminder that the grandest thing is to rally people to the cross of Christ.

I) If we do the Sowing, we may be a part of the Reaping (Psalm 126:5)

II) The Joy that Comes from Sowing the Seed in Hard Soil (Psalm 126:6)

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Matthew 22:34-40 - Luke 10:25-37

The biggest obstacle for many of us in taking the Great Commandment seriously is TIME.

I) Slow Down and Take Time for Ministry in your Community

Matthew 20:32 says, "Jesus stopped".

II) See the big picture of Ministry in your Community

"Consider others as more important than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3)

III) Serve out of Compassion in Ministry in your Community

We are all called to have compassion towards the perishing world and become passionate about the great commission to winning lost people back to Christ.

Today you need to allow the hand of God to slow you down, open your eyes, and touch your heart that you might serve like Christ.

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Matthew 22:34-40 - Luke 10:25-37

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2020.06.28 - How To Make A Real Difference(Matthew 5:13-16) by Midway Baptist Church

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2020.06.21 - How To Be A Model Father (Luke 15:11-32) by Midway Baptist Church

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2020.06.14 - A Challenge To The Church (Ephesians 4:1) by Midway Baptist Church

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What Can the Righteous Do?

I. Refuse to Panic Over the Situation Around You II Refuse to Give up on Prayer III Practice Righteousness Before Others

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2020.05.31 - Where Do We Go From Here Acts 1:3-14 by Midway Baptist Church

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2020.05.24 - The Importance of Remembering (Ephesians 2:11-13) by Midway Baptist Church

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2020.05.17-How To Be Renewed Day By Day (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) by Midway Baptist Church

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Every Family Needs A Godly Mother

Text: 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-17 Opening Statement: It has been said, “Behind every great man is a greater woman.” I think it can be said as well, “Behind every godly child is a godly mother.” Mothers do influence their sons and daughters! One of life’s greatest blessings is to have a godly mother. And, thus, one of the greatest gifts you can give your children is to be a godly mother. Through faith in God and by honoring His Word, godly mothers have great influence as they train their children.

I) Godly Mothers are Women of Sincere Faith (1:5) As Paul thought fondly of Timothy and his sincere faith, he was reminded that such faith also dwelt first in Timothy’s grandmother, Lois, and in his mother, Eunice. Not only are godly mothers’ women of sincere faith, but they also seek to hand off that faith to their children. Timothy’s faith could be traced back through his mother to his grandmother. He could see the Lord in them, and it attracted him to the Lord.

II) Godly Mothers Train their Children in God’s Word (3:14-17) The phrase, “knowing from whom you have learned them” points to the reality of God’s Word in these people who had influenced Timothy. The best thing you can do for your kids is to instill in them from an early age the importance of reading, studying, memorizing, and obeying God’s Word. How do you do that?

A) A mother must have her own love for God’s Word. You cannot impart what you do not possess. If your kids seldom see you seeking God through His Word, they won’t catch it for themselves.

B) A godly mother will use God’s Word to share the story of salvation. Salvation is built on the knowledge of the truth revealed in Scripture. They need to know what saving faith is, as opposed to empty profession that does not result in salvation. So, a crucial task for godly mothers is to pray for and use the Scriptures to lead each of her children to faith in Christ.

C) A godly mother will train her children to live by God’s Word. God’s Word is mighty to save, but also is sufficient for all of life and godliness. 2 Tim. 3:16. Your kids should see you applying Scripture and you should teach them how to apply it to the things they face as they grow to maturity.

III) Godly Mothers have Great Influence on their Children Throughout their Lives. Only God knows what depth of influence Lois and Eunice had on young Timothy life. Sure, he was strengthened greatly through his relationship with Paul. But the foundation was laid by his godly mother and grandmother. It is not too much to argue that world history is shaped in the home through godly mothers. That is not to disparage the crucial role godly fathers must play. But it is to encourage you in the crucial role godly mothers play.

In Closing: God can use you as He used Lois, a grandmother and Eunice, a mother, in Timothy’s life. As parents we need to walk with God in sincere faith. Use His Word to lead your children and grandchildren to the same sincere faith and to train them in God’s ways. We should never underestimate the importance God has placed on the family and how we are to raise them.

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Text: Isaiah 63:18-65:8

Opening Statement:

We might say here is Isaiah’s hope and prayer for his nation. The portion we have read is a prayer. It guides us in our attempt to pray for our nation which stands in need of revival. Here is our only hope and prayer for our nation today. I want you to see four principles to guide us in praying for revival.

Recognize the Desperation of our Situation (Isaiah 63:18-19)

Isaiah’s tone is reminiscent of the Psalmist’s tone as revealed in Psalm 42:1-3

The reason for the Psalmist’s desperation is the apparent “absence of God.” “While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” This must indicate the mockery of the watching world. Doesn’t our world do that today? The watching world continues to ask, “Where is your God?” 

My fear is that we will not desire revival until we become desperate about our situation. This virus has caused us inconvenient, difficulties and even painful moments but what it has not caused is for us to be desperate for God.

We must come to that place where we say, “God, unless you show up, there is no hope.” Now, that’s desperation. Jonah 3:5-10.

Recognize the Definition of Revival(Isaiah 64:1-4)

We might conclude this simple definition of revival: Revival is God coming down!

In a figurative sense, we need the Heavens to open and God come down. Here’s what God says in 1 John 4:1

Revival is Isaiah hearing from heaven Isaiah 6:3. Revival is Isaiah then saying 6:5. Revival is Isaiah then hearing the Lord say, 6:8

Recognize the Demand for Repentance(Isaiah 64:5-8)

Here is the hard truth: We will never experience revival until there is repentance.

A.W. Tozer hit the nail on the head when he wrote this over 60 years ago “Have you noticed how much praying for revival has been going on of late–and how little revival has resulted? I believe the problem is that we have been trying to substitute praying for obeying, and it simply will not work.”

Our first task is to search our hearts and repent of sin. Joel 2:12-13 & Psalm 51:17. This must be our prayer for revival. It is not fun, but we must.

Reevaluate the Desire for Revival(Isaiah 65:1)

The Lord answered Isaiah as revealed in Isaiah 65. Look at verse 1. The Lord is simply saying, “Here I am; where are you?”

Leonard Ravenhill, author of Why Revival Tarries, said, “The only reason that we don’t experience revival is because we are willing to live without it.”

In Closing:

God has revealed that we are a nation in need of revival and is calling His people to a time of concerted prayer for Spiritual Awaking in our nation.

Burdened so by the need, Jeremiah Lanphier decided to invite others to join him in a noonday prayer-meeting, to be held on Wednesdays once a week. He therefore distributed a handbill: 

HOW OFTEN SHALL I PRAY?

As often as the language of prayer is in my heart; as often as I see my need of help; as often as I feel the power of temptation; as often as I am made sensible of any spiritual declension or feel the aggression of a worldly spirit.

In prayer we leave the business of time for that of eternity, and intercourse with men for intercourse with God.

A day Prayer Meeting is held every Wednesday, from 12 to 1 o'clock, in the Consistory building in the rear of the North Dutch Church, corner of Fulton and William Streets (entrance from Fulton and Ann Streets).

This meeting is intended to give merchants, mechanics, clerks, strangers, and business men generally an opportunity to stop and call upon God amid the perplexities incident to their respective avocations. It will continue for one hour; but it is also designed for those who may find it inconvenient to remain more than five or ten minutes, as well as for those who can spare the whole hour.

Will you join us in prayer?

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WHAT DO I HAVE TO REJOICE ABOUT?

Text: Luke 10:17-20

Opening Statement:

The only item necessary for there to be rejoicing in your life is just the fact that you name is written in Heaven. If we could ever get a hold of that truth, we would shout it from the roof tops! I am here to tell you that if you are saved, then you have reason for rejoicing. You have cause for shouting. You have all that is needed to praise the name of the Lord as long and as loud as you wish.

Allow me to give you three reasons “What You have to Rejoice About.”

REJOICE BECAUSE YOU HAVE ETERNAL SALVATION

Salvation is more than a "get out of Hell free card." Salvation brings with it many wonderful gifts that the believer tends to forget about as he fights the battles of life.

Notice what some of them are.

Relationship

At the very instant of conversion, a new relationship is formed. I want to touch on 2 aspects of that relationship.

Adoption

Gal. 4:4-6; 2 Cor. 6:17-18 When we are saved, we are adopted into the family of God. He takes us as His children with all the rights and privileges thereof.

Access

As children, we have unlimited and unhindered access to the Father in Heaven, Heb. 4:14-16. Because we are the children of God, we can and should go to the Father and allow Him to minister to our needs.

Renewal

When a person comes to Jesus for salvation, somethings are made new. Sometimes are done away with and that is a reason for rejoicing!

We Are Cleansed By Him

1 John 1:9

We Are Changed By Him

2 Cor. 5:17

Reward

As hard as it may be to imagine, the Lord is going to reward His children, both now and when they get home. Titus 3:7

Rescue

Daniel 12:1 tells of a time when those whose names are written in the book of life will be taken out of this world. We believers know that event by the name of the rapture, 1 Thes. 4:16-17.

REJOICE BECAUSE YOU HAVE ETERNAL SECURITY

Notice the words "are written". The literal sense of this verb is this, "your name is written and shall be written." Simply stated, Jesus said this, "your names stands written in heaven."

If you and I ever catch on that we have been saved by grace and are kept by that same grace, we might come unglued but praise the Lord we will not come unsaved!

REJOICE BECAUSE YOU HAVE ETERNAL SATISFACTION

The word "written" means to "enroll as a citizen." When you received Christ as your Savior, and your name was written in Heaven, you were enrolled as a citizen of that country - Phil. 3:20. Just think of what that means! It means that Heaven is ours and that one day, we will enjoy all the glories of that Heavenly city!

In Closing:

Even though things have changed and maybe even gotten downright uncomfortable, I hope you can see that we who are saved have many reasons for rejoicing. Don’t let feeling, circumstances or getting or not getting your way keep you from rejoicing in the one thing none of us deserves (salvation) but God has given us (Eph.2:8-9).

Let me speak to those who may not have experienced the gift of salvation yet by asking the simple question; Why not today? Simply pray, “Lord, I am a sinner in need of forgiveness, and I repent of my sin and ask you to forgive me and to come into my life and take control of my life. In the name of Jesus. Amen!”

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What do I do with my Doubts? | Text: John 20:24-30

I want to talk today about a topic that is relevant for every single person whether you’re a Christian or not. It is a topic that will affect us at some time in our life. We will all wrestle with it to some degree.

HOW DOES THE DOUBT VIRUS PRESENT ITSELF?

There’s a lot of misconceptions about doubt.

Many people think doubt is the opposite of faith, but it isn’t. Unbelief is the opposite of faith.

Many people think doubt is unforgivable, but it isn’t.

Many people think struggling with God means we lack faith, but that’s not true.

HOW DOES THE DOUBT VIRUS INFECT US?

Basically, in three ways.

Doubt Infects Our Mind.

Often intellectual doubts come in through our mind. We read the Bible, put it down, then comes the question: “Am I to believe there are really things like angels and demons and Satan and heaven and hell and that Jesus is really coming back? Are these things credible?”

Doubts can come into our mind if we don’t know why we believe what we believe.

Doubt Infects Our Emotions.

This can happen in several ways. Some people have a faith that is fundamentally built on feelings.

Faith is fundamentally a decision of the will to follow Jesus Christ. Our faith doesn’t fade and surge according to how emotionally charged up we are.

Doubt Infects Our Will.

Doubt can come in through our point of decision.

If as followers of Jesus we willfully decide to pursue a pattern of sinful and immoral behavior in our life, we’ve got this one little pocket where we don’t want God in there, if we’re going to continue to pursue this sin because we enjoy it and we’re going to continue to practice what we know that God doesn’t want us to do, that kind of choice can introduce doubt and uncertainty into your faith.

HOW CAN WE GET THE DOUBT VIRUS UNDER CONTROL?

Here are five steps to healing doubt. The first letter of the first word in each of these points spell out the word FAITH. 

F-ind the root of your doubt.

You’ve got to diagnosis the source of how doubt has entered into your life before you can know how you to deal with it.

A-sk God and others for help.

Be honest with God.

Also, ask other Christians for help too. (James 5:16)

I-mplement a course of treatment.

Figure out what course of treatment you’re going to follow to fight the virus of doubt.

T-ake care of your spiritual health.

When we exercise our faith, when we feed our faith with appropriate material, our faith grows deeper and when doubts come in, they don’t take a foothold and they don’t grow and destroy our faith.

H-old on to your remaining questions

What does that mean? Basically, suspend judgment for a while on some questions you might have. Let me put this into context. Because you and I are finite individuals with finite minds and finite understanding and finite imagination we can’t fully understand an infinite God. Deuteronomy 29:29

In Closing:

Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith is filled with people who at one time or another doubted. Their lives are not defined by their doubt. Their lives are defined by the faith that God grew as they journeyed through doubt to trust God for who He is and what He is doing.

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Today Easter is more about bunny rabbits who lay decorative eggs. And what has always bothered me, how did they ever get a bunny to lay an egg. Whatever happened to the day where we celebrated Jesus’ resurrection, you know, the whole coming back from the dead thing, the whole, Jesus died upon the cross, buried, and on the third day rose from the dead. Look at what the angel said on this very morning almost two thousand years ago. “He’s not here, He’s alive.” On this Sunday the early church would greet one another with “Christ is Risen,” and the response would be, “He is risen indeed.” This was the message of the early church, and it is the same message that needs to be preached today. The Apostle Paul sums up this message in his letter to the Roman church. “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4) What does the empty tomb mean?

What does the Empty Tomb mean for you? Either Nothing or Everything! What will it be for you today, will you accept the evidence of the resurrection and in doing so receive the promise of ever lasting life with the Savior? If you already have then you have so much to give God praise for, so let your praise be heard. May the world hear us proclaim “Christ is Risen,” “He is risen indeed.”

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2020.04.05 - The Road To The Cross (Luke 19:28-39) by Midway Baptist Church

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2020.03.29 - God Is Speaking Are You Listening (1 Samuel 3:1-21 by Midway Baptist Church

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In Closing: I know that the Coronavirus is all over the news and has many anxious and distressed. However, I know that for many of you it is the least of your problems. Whatever, you are struggling with I want you to know, “You don’t have to go though it along.” Jesus is just a prayer away!

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In this service Pastor Steve had the congregation pin their cards to the cross. Who are you going to evangelize in obedience to the Lord? Who is your one?

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Who’s Your One?

Becoming a Fisher of Men

Text: Mark 1:14-20

Opening Statement:

This morning I want to present our 2020 Theme, “Who’s Your One?” Let's examine Christ's calling of these fishermen, it helps us see the question “Who’s Your One?”.

The Pattern of Jesus’ Calling

Jesus was totally sensitive to the needs of those around Him. Jesus always recognized an open heart, a repentant sinner. Jesus never was out of touch, when the crowd pressed around Him, He felt the faith of the woman who touched the hem of His garment. Christ’s Spirit filling us gives us the same Christlike empathy to make us sensitive to others, and to lead us to them or them to us. The question I want to ask you to prayerfully consider is who is someone you will commit to pray for and share the gospel with this year?

The Power of Jesus’ Calling

A fisherman needs to be patient, because he knows that it often takes time to find a school of fish. Fishermen learn to wait. It certainly takes patience to win others to Christ.

A fisherman must have good instinct for going to the right place and dropping the net at the right moment. Soul-winning demands skill too which we want to teach you this year.

A fisherman must have perseverance. It is not simply a matter of waiting patiently in one place, hoping some fish will eventually show up. It is a matter of going from place to place, and sometimes back again, over and over-until the fish are found.

But most of all, fishing demands faith: fishermen cannot see the fish and are not sure their nets will enclose them. Soul-winning requires faith and alertness too, or we will come up empty.

It’s not us its him, and that means we have no excuse!!! no reason to not follow him!!! not to comply! Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Cor. 3:6-8

With that kind of power behind your calling; Who will be your One?

The Presupposition of Jesus’ Calling

The Lord said, “Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.” I am going to be blunt here and say the Church is largely sleeping in this area, which is sad to say the least.

Jesus has called us to be fishers of men – we have no business sitting on the shore when men and women are being lost on the sea.

In Closing:

Well what about you? Are you a fisher of men? Who are you trying to catch for Jesus? Are you praying for the souls of men?

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James 1:5-8

James continues his address to his original audience (the 12 tribes dispersed Jam. 1:1) and speaks to them and us about wisdom. It is what we lack. We lack wisdom because we do not ask of God who gives to all generously and without reproach. True wisdom can only come from God. Therefore James asks us a very important question about wisdom:

Why Don't You Ask?

When we seek wisdom for the difficult things in life we tend to search anywhere and everywhere but from above. James says we should ask of God who will give to us and with generosity. He will not chide us for asking.

He goes on to remind us that when we do ask it must be in faith without doubting. Why would we ask God if we doubted He was able? So James asks us another important question.

Why Do You Doubt?

When we doubt that God is able we are not fully embracing and acknowledging God as God. This causes problems in that we ask without faith and because we doubt we are tossed about like the waves of the sea. We have no stability nor are we firmly grounded in the knowledge of God that He is able. Furthermore, James tells us that if you doubt not only will you be tossed about like the waves of the sea but you also ought not to expect to receive anything from the Lord because you are double minded. The last question James asks us is:

Why Are You Double-minded?

Being double-minded sounds a lot like this. "I love God ... but..., I will serve God ... but..., I will obey God ... but..." You cannot love God, serve God, and obey God when you are double-minded because to be double-minded is to be two-souled and in constant disagreement with yourself.

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Text: 1 Chronicles 29:14 & 2 Corinthians 9:7

Opening Statement:

Stewardship is not fund-raising; it’s basic discipleship. But in a similar sense, each believer must come to understand that giving is not just about “doing their duty.” Giving is actually a deeply personal indicator of our spiritual maturity as well as our love for God.

Step #1 Learning to Trust God through Giving

The ultimate outcome is that those who give as stewards experience a sense of intimacy with God that all followers of Christ long for. Giving becomes worship. Giving becomes a way of saying thanks to God for His grace and promised provision. Giving becomes a deep part of our personal connection to God.

Consider these Three Widows who grew in knowledge of God through giving

The Widow of Zarephath – 860 BC (1 Kings 17:7-14)

It should be no surprise to us that God uses the area of financial giving to test our heart and then to draw us close as we trust and obey Him.

Let’s just make a few observations about this widow that might fit our situation:

She was a believer in the true God.

She had serious financial needs herself.

She was asked to give away a big part of the little she had.

She heard God’s promise to provide for her if she gave.

She believed God’s promise and first gave obediently to God.

God show His care by providing for her needs miraculously!

The Widow and Jesus at the temple – 30 AD (Mark 12:41-44)

This is how God views giving today. God always sees the sacrifice of giving. That’s where the worship of giving really happens. It costs. King David once said, I will not sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing (1 Chronicles 21:24).

Again, let’s learn some basic lessons from this incident:

We are never too poor to give.

Giving generously means trusting God for the future.

God is honored by our degree of sacrifice, not the amount.

Giving is worship that expresses our relationship to God.

The Widow and God’s business (1990’s)

This story took place in modern times. It’s told in Ron Blue’s book, Generous Living (published in 1997). It’s the story of Christian woman named Ruby.

Step #2 How Giving connects us with God personally

These stories are not just about God’s reward for giving. They pull back the curtain on God’s desire to connect relationally with us.

Giving was the crucial element that connected each of them to God as they stepped closer to Him in personal trust.

Giving connects us to God relationally in a several significant ways.

Giving establishes our humility before God.

Giving is about me expressing to God that He is my superior. Giving is about me putting myself into a rightful humble relationship with God because He is the Owner and I am the steward. I am simply giving something to Him to express that I understand His ownership.

Giving establishes our worship before God.

Giving is literally worship. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops." The Hebrew word “honor” means to “glorify” or to acknowledge the importance of something. When applied to God, honoring Him means that we ascribe to Him the significance that He deserves as God.

Giving expresses our trust in God.

Giving is a test. (Malachi 3:10) “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

Giving really is about trusting God. Trust is always based on a relationship. Do we know and trust God?

Step #3 Personal Story of God’s Faithfulness

Share your story with others and if you don’t have one yet; Start writing it today!

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Opening Statement:

Discipleship is not a class; discipleship is a relationship.

To all that are listening to Jesus that day He is offering them a choice. He is asking them to choose to deny themselves and follow after Him or not deny themselves and follow the things of this world. This is an important matter in understanding what discipleship is all about.

Individual Invitation

“Then He said to them all. If anyone…” Jesus offers a universal invitation. Anyone is invited, but everyone who chooses must accept the terms of discipleship which is to follow.

Jesus gives an individual invitation saying, “you come follow me!” Jesus seeks us. He is inviting us to be His disciples—His followers. You and I are receiving an individual invitation to deny self and follow Jesus.

Drastic Devotion

Remember this is not some form of radical Christianity this is just how regular Christianity that should be lived out every day. In this text Jesus doesn’t give three distinct commands about following Him when He said, deny self, take up your cross, and follow me but instead this three-fold command to be synonymous with the radical idea to follow Jesus. Jesus set the example of drastic devotion when Jesus denied Himself by leaving Heaven and come as one of us. Jesus told the disciples, “I have not come to be served, but to serve.”

We also know that Jesus took up His cross. These are commands that leave us with the basic notion of what it means to be His disciple—to follow Him with a drastic devotion.

Paul said, as is recorded in Romans 8:29, that we are “to be conformed to the image of Jesus.” So that is the root of all that Jesus is saying here as is recorded here in Luke 9:23.

Definitive Direction

“Come follow me” is the command. There is a definitive direction. We follow Him. We are following a person not a philosophy. And where did He ultimately lead us to? To the cross.

Daily Decision

Jesus tells them this is not a one-time action but something that must be done every day. I have to deny myself every day. I have to take up my cross and be willing to sacrifice every day. I have to follow Him every day and I have to decide to that every day.

Competing Conclusion

Notice the competing conclusion we read in these two verses. When you serve self, you end up losing. When you submit to God, you end up gaining what you thought you were giving up. When you deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus, you gain more than you lose.

Crucial Question

Jesus ask a rhetorical question in verse 25. Does it make sense to follow the world for the time that appears like vapor in this life and reject Christ for eternity? Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14 This is the crucial question for all of us.

Remember what’s in our two hands? In one hand all that we can have in this world but ultimately lose in the end. In the other hand all that we get from having a relationship with Christ as we follow Him all the way into eternity.

We all must answer this critical question.

So, what about you, which hand is more important to you?

In Closing:

“Discipleship is not a class; discipleship is a relationship.” It is a call to follow Jesus to become a disciple, to become like Him.

What about you? Would you call yourself a Disciple? Will you take Christ, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him? Or will you continue to hang on to the things that you are going to lose one day anyways?

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2020.02.02 - Is Hell Real (Luke 16:19-31) by Midway Baptist Church

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Midway Baptist Church seeks to glorify God by building the church of tomorrow today, through fervent prayer, evangelism, discipleship, and family ministry. In order to do this, Midway is prayerfully focused on three main components as detailed and commanded in Scripture: Family Ministry Evangelism Discipleship

On Family Ministry: Midway Baptist Church seeks to grow the family unit as originally ordained by God in His providence and wisdom by teaching, equipping, and providing resources that encourage family discipleship in the home.

FM Objective: to train, equip, and encourage parents/guardians/grandparents/spiritual parents to be the intentional primary influence over their child's spiritual growth. FM Goal: to see the church of tomorrow raised in the fear and admonition of the LORD, today!

On Evangelism: Midway Baptist Church seeks to obey the "Great Commission" as given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:18-20 through teaching & equipping God's people to evangelize the lost and dying world.

EV Objective: to train, equip, and encourage the body of Christ to execute the will of God by sharing the Gospel with unbelievers EV Goal: to see disciples made of every nation, tribe, and tongue

On Discipleship: Midway Baptist Church seeks to help both the new and seasoned believer alike grow in a more robust, deeper, and sanctifying truth, namely God's word. This is in obedience to the Father, to look more like the son by the power of the Holy Spirit.

DS Objective: to train, equip, and encourage the body of Christ; to train, equip, and encourage the body of Christ (Disciples making Disciples) in faithful obedience to God and growth in sanctification DS Goal: to see the body of Christ look more like their precious savior each day until He returns or calls us home.

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Opening Statement:

Paul appeals for us to live with godly wisdom and to make the most of every opportunity.

Wake up!

‘Wake up!’ Paul says.

There are a lot of sleepy churches and sleepy Christians. Paul gives us some reasons for waking up and walking in the light.

Because ‘The Days Are Evil’

Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

The Bible teaches us that Satan is the ‘god of this world’ and the ‘prince of the power of the air.’ John also says that the whole world lieth in the wicked one. In addition, we learn from scripture that we are currently engaged in spiritual warfare with the power of darkness. Ephesians 6:12.

Because ‘The time is short’

Paul says in Ephesians 5:16 “Redeeming the time …”

I don’t know what your plans or dreams are, I can only tell you this – “You’ve only got a limited amount of time to get it done.” Life is short and it takes hard work and intentional effort to turn dreams into reality. There are only a certain number of opportunities in life and that is especially true when it comes to leading others to Christ. Today there is an open window of opportunity; yet tomorrow it may be closed.

Live Wisely

Ephesians 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Paul tells us to live wisely we must do two things:

Walk Circumspectly

To walk circumspectly means to live carefully. In other words, live with purposeful intention. The Psalmist said – So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

The thought is not so much – ‘count your days’, as ‘make your days count.’ Know what needs to be done and make plans to do it. Make the most of this life God has given you. Don’t waste it with foolishness.

There are at least three ways to live foolishly:

In defiance to God’s will

Independent of God’s will

Indifferent to God’s will

“Redeeming the time”

To redeem something is to recover it from the power of another. We live in a world where many are addicted to painkillers. Unfortunately, many are also addicted to ‘time-killers’; things that rob them of their most precious time and life.

In Closing:

The state of the church is the need of the church. Listen again to the warning that God gave to His people over two thousand years ago and consider how it speaks to the need of the church in 2020.

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:14-17

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Text: James 1:2-4

Title: The Joy of the Christian

Introduction: You know from last time we were together, we met and became very familiar with James (the Lord’s earthly brother. We talked about how he was not a believer when Christ was still walking this earth but after His crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection Jesus appeared to James and James by the grace of God became a believer, a follower, disciple, whatever you want to call it, he put his faith into Jesus Christ the Messiah. James the Lord’s brother was humbled by this Christ who at one time he mocked and showed jealous contempt to, James now recognizes how important this Jesus really is. In fact, we talked about how James referred to himself as a bond-servant to God and the Lord Jesus Christ. James was fully submitted to the masters will, James was willing to draw his very life from Christ, and finally James humbled himself below the almighty. These things James did and he made it the focus of the very first verse he writes to us. Now we come to the next few verses as James continues his letter to the 12 tribes dispersed, the modern church (that’s us), and all those facing persecution for their faith in Christ. By the way, let me just say this because I think it needs to be said. You and I, we do not experience persecution in this country for being Christians, not like most people do in other parts of the world. You all have probably seen those shirts, posters, and bags with the decals on them that say, “This book or this message is illegal in 52 countries, Restricted areas 38, and hostile in 14 areas.” There are people in various places that are beaten, raped, murdered, and abused for professing the name of Christ. There are people who are tortured just for praying in Jesus name. We do not experience persecution in this country. At least not yet. If you have been following the culture, you will see that we are fast approaching a time in which God will separate the sheep from the goats. Anyway, moving on.

The Joy of Trials The Joy of Tests The Joy of Sanctification

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Advent Fulfilled

Text: John 1:1-14

Opening Statement:

The message of Advent (Emmanuel) is relevant, revolutionary and reassuring to us today. I believe it can be summed up in three phases: a cradle, a cross and a crown.

The Cradle

On that first Christmas night, the Bible tells us about the angel coming to those fearful shepherds and saying, “Fear not, I bring you good news” (Luke 2:10). What is the real meaning of that Good News?

For centuries men had looked into the heavens longing for God to step out of the frame, and at Bethlehem that’s exactly what God did.

He was God Incarnate. John wrote, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14).

The Cross

If Advent, is to have meaning, it cannot be separated from the cross. The angel said at the birth of Jesus, “He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Jesus Himself said, speaking just before His death, “For this cause was I born” (John 18:37). He was the only person in history who was born with the purpose of dying. The Apostle Paul years later said, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).

The cross and the resurrection stands today as man’s only hope. It was on cross and Easter that God did for man what man could not do for himself.

Our greatest need is a change in the hearts of people. That’s why He said, “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).

Who should repent? Everybody. This is what the cross calls for. The heart of its message is simple: Repent or perish.

The Crown

The Bible teaches that there will be an end to history as we know it. Man will have his last Armageddon. But when it seems that man is about to destroy himself, God will intervene. Christ will return.

At the cradle, He was in the stall of an animal. At the cross, He wore a crown of thorns.

But when He comes again, it will be as Commander in Chief of the armies of Heaven. He will take control of this war-weary world and bring the peace that we strive for and long for. A new world will be formed, a new social order will emerge. Sin will be eliminated. Tears will be wiped from every eye. Disease shall be no more, and even death will be eliminated from the human scene. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, and war shall be no more.

In Closing:

Advent is about waiting for someone not something. The light of the world has come; would you let Him light up your life with His gift of salvation? You don’t have to wait, as a matter of fact you had better not wait because when He comes again it will be too late.

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Scriptures: Matthew 2:1-15

Opening Statement: Disillusionment at Christmas is not an unusual thing. We get so hyped up with expectations about what Christmas is supposed to be that often the real thing doesn't measure up, and we are disappointed. What can you do this Christmas to avoid disillusionment? How can you improve your level of joy this Christmas? The answer is found in the story of the magi in Matthew 2.

What do you seek at Christmas? Ask the question: What is it I want to get out of Christmas? What is it that would make your Christmas wonderful and satisfying? The magi show us how to increase our level of joy at Christmas by looking for the right thing. What was it they were looking for? They were looking for Jesus. Christmas for them was an opportunity to worship Jesus. That is what we need to be looking for and expecting this Christmas - an experience of worship, a fresh glimpse of He who was born King of the Jews.

Where do you look at Christmas? We learn from the magi that there are wrong and right places to look for Christmas. They started by looking in the wrong place. They looked where their own human reasoning said they should look. We, too, are tempted to look for joy at Christmas in the wrong places. We think by getting or giving the right gift we will be satisfied. If you are looking to these things for joy, you may be left with a feeling of disillusionment and discouragement. The magi looked in the right place when they looked to God. The trip to Jerusalem was not a total loss. (Micah 5:2) With this new information, they looked again at the star and followed it to Bethlehem until it stood over the house where the child Jesus lived. Where are you looking for Christmas? If we look for Christmas where it all started, we will find that it started with an innocent baby in a manger that ends with an innocent man on a cross.

What do you give at Christmas? The magi came to Jesus' house bearing gifts. The gifts they gave were entirely appropriate. They gave gold, gift for a king. They gave frankincense, a gift for a priest. They gave myrrh, gift for the dead. We ought to give appropriate gifts this Christmas as well. We ought to give the gift of our love and kindness to our friends and family. We ought to give the gift of our help to those who are hurting. We ought to give the gift of forgiveness to those who have hurt us.

Joy is best found this way Jesus, Others, yourself.

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Luke 2:9-14

Jesus Brings Peace with God Jesus Brings Peace with self Jesus Brings Peace with others Jesus Brings Peace on Earth

Do you have peace with God?

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The Advent of Christ | Text: Malachi 3:2 |

Opening Statement:

Advent is a celebration of hope of the arrival of salvation from our sins found in Jesus Christ. As I said, Advent is a celebration of hope concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus, and we are going to begin our celebration of Advent this morning by reviewing some of the prophecies about the Messiah as we relate these prophecies through the symbols of advent – which are the wreath and candles.

The Meaning of Advent

In Malachi chapter 3, verse 2a we read, “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears?” Today begins the season of Advent. The word “advent” means, “coming” or “arrival.” It is a countdown of anticipation in which we celebrate Christ’s first coming, in which he was born into this world as our Lord and Savior just over two thousand years ago. Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, anticipation, and longing.

The Meaning of the Wreath

Advent is celebrated through the use of symbols, and the first symbol of advent is a wreath that cradles the candles. Notice that the circle of the Advent wreath has no beginning and no end.

The wreath is green in color. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, for green symbolizes the newness of spring, and the hope of renewal.

The Meaning of the Candles

Next, we come to the symbolism of the candles. The four outer candles represent Hope, Peace, Joy and love.

The first candle is traditionally the candle of Expectation or Hope, or in some traditions Prophecy, and it draws our attention to the anticipation or the hope of the coming of a Messiah.

The second candle represents Peace, and the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was foretold as the coming Prince of Peace.

The third candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy. It reminds us of the joy that Mary felt when the angel Gabriel told her that a special child would be born to her – a child who would save and deliver His people.

The fourth candle of Advent, the pink candle, is the Candle of Love. The light of this pink candle is meant to remind us of the love that God has for each one of us.

We then come to the fifth candle, or the center candle, which is called the Christ candle. The central location of the Christ Candle reminds us that the incarnation is the heart of the season, giving light to the world.

Time of Reflection

What we have just heard are the Scriptures pertaining to the “First Advent of Christ,” but did you know that there is to be a “Second Advent of Christ?” In the First Advent we are told about the coming of a Messiah and Savior who would rescue people from their sins.

The Second Advent of Christ is when the Lord Jesus returns to earth to rapture all of those who believe in him as He takes them to heaven to live with him for all eternity.

In Closing:

I want you to know that God is still offering the greatest Christmas gift anyone can every receive, the salvation of his Son. You can experience Christmas like never before if you will accept Jesus’ free gift of salvation.

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How to Influence the Culture Without The Culture Influencing You by Midway Baptist Church

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8.18.19-Baptism Service by Midway Baptist Church

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7.28.19-Why We Are In Business by Midway Baptist Church

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7.21.19-How to Handle What's Handling You by Midway Baptist Church

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