Coweta Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
- The ministry of light is to all that are in the house and who occupy the city. 2. The ministry of light dispels all darkness. 3. The ministry of Light brings us to good health and life. High Light, Low Light or No Light, v15. A Warning for the Church.
This is all of the known world, wherever the gospel is preached it results in fruit, real evidence of the power and effectual working of the Spirit of God in the hearts of God's elect. This fruit is not of a temporal nature, it keeps on bearing fruit. What gospel should be preached to the unbelieving? What gospel was presented to the woman at the well in John 4? Is it different than the gospel preached to the believing? Something we often forget is that those who are saved under our preaching or witnessing are only manifesting the work of regeneration already performed in their heart by the Holy Spirit.
There is no varying degrees of shinning. We don't shine and then dim and then shine brighter. We as the light shine because Christ is in our midst, it is a steady and brilliant light.
As in verse 1, it appears that this beast was by nature subtle. This cunning behavior or shrewdness is demonstrated by being skilled in deception. It appears that this beast is able to deceive its pray by some sort of deception, either in camouflage, stealth, or perhaps in appearing non-aggressive and benign for we see no dread or fear in the heart of Adam or Eve.
We should offer up thanksgiving and prayers for the Saints and churches who are in destress or facing some difficulty. Those threatened with false doctrine or are facing internal troubles because of unruly members. Some, because of some unscriptural prejudices, won't fellowship with other of the saints.
We must ask, what activities mark out a 'holy people' from others, even religious others? I think that the words 'and faithful brethren' stand out as indicating these as saints, holy brethren. Thee word "saint" is not an adjective that describes some attributes of a man, but rather a noun stating what the man is. These are saints!
That which Lord has as a distinctive title which appropriates to himself he applies to his church, a title expressly said to be unsuitable even to the highest and greatest of all the prophets, John the Baptist...
They became "the light" by Jesus Christ in the creation of his ecclesia/congregation made them "the Light." He did not say, ye shall be the light of the world, as if on some future date this would happen. But He called them the Light of the world in his very presences. We conclude three things, (1)that men are in complete and utter darkness, (2) that they are in such a condition because they are spiritually blind, loving their darkness and hating light, and lastly, (3) Christ is the Light. Unless Christ opens the blind man's eyes and the deaf man's ears he shall never see the light or hear the gospel.
- It was this heavenly man, the mediator between God and man, the Great High Priest, who stood in eternity, in His heavenly manhood, as our Surety, and Lamb before the throne of God; that appeared on the earth to Adam, to Abraham, to Jacob, to Moses, the fourth man in the fiery furnace, and throughout the O.T. where God appears to man. He was not created either in his heavenly form or in his earthly form. Even though he took on human flesh, that flesh was not created but fitted and formed by the Father, Heb 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
This morning I am speaking on 'Forgiving One Another.' As I read through the Gospel's the Lord put a great deal of emphasis the brethren loving one another, that being evidenced by their forgiving one another. Jesus, on the Sermon on the Mount, gave special attention to this problem in the form of judging others and in His example on prayer. Every N.T. book speaks of how we are to love and forgive one another. In fact, loving the brethren is a unique mark or trait that gives evidence that we are born from above, that we are even Christians. If we cannot forgive a brother his trespass, what makes us think we are Christians?
Why should we think our church is exempt from any condemnation? What makes us think that we are better, more spiritual, more obedient to the heavenly commands then these to whom John wrote? Our churches must be rebuked from time to time because of our failings to be obedient to the heavenly commands.
These young people will not listen to advice from their parents of others who have wisdom. They will do what their hearts desire, they think that know what is best. Even if they profess to be Christians they will violate every Biblical principle in pursuit for what they believe to be best or true. They are guided by their heart, thus their feelings and not by their head or reason. Many are the sins of the young
- When the Scripture expresses the Holy Trinity as the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, it presents them in them as Self-Existent and Self-Sufficient, and immutable in themselves, complete and in absolute equality. When the Heavenly Man, Christ Jesus, is presented as dependent upon the Father this is ONLY IN HIS SACRED AND HEAVENLY HUMANITY. He is not dependent upon the Father in His Deity any more than the Father is dependent on the LOGOS in His deity. The same is true of the Holy Spirit. Each Divine Being is Sufficient within Himself in His essential and eternal Divine essence.
a. Without the ministry of truth there is no love of the brethren and of God. b. Without the ministry of truth there is no true worship of God. c. Without the ministry of truth there is no holiness of life or assurance of salvation. d. Without the ministry of truth Christ does not manifest himself to us. e. Without the ministry of truth the educated man is ignorant. f. Without the ministry of truth the wise man is a fool.
Today we have ways of accurately predicting weather but in Biblical times one day may bring warmth but the very next extreme cold with no warning. What famers did was based on seasons not on weather forecast. Here we have the farmer that is observing the wind and the clouds.
Another privilege we have in baptism, is through the faith of the operation of God, have fellowship with Christ, in His death and resurrection and by that power the strength of the body of sin is more subdued, that is brought into subjection, and we are more enabled to walk in newness of life.
First as He is the Father, the Word (LOGOS), and the Holy Spirit. In the second as it relates to men and their redemption as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. I will be answering a number of questions that people often have concerning this Trinity of Beings such as, in what form was Jesus before his incarnation: was he spirit or did he have an actual spiritual body, a heavenly body? Is the LOGOS just another name for Jesus? When Jesus rose from the dead he appeared in a human body, but it was not the body he had before His resurrection.
Privilege Two: By baptism we enter in a Particular Gospel church and its privileges. 1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Believers have baptism as the only means to enter into the fellowship of His Body, which is His Church, with all the privileges and liberties. Baptism is that only orderly entrance which God has appointed for believers into the fellowship of the Church of Christ
There is no higher moral standard than the truth that is found in God and His Holy Word. Every opinion that you and I hold will be judged according to His word. This single confession leaves us with a sincere, soul searching question. If we regard the word of God so highly and believe it to be the revelation of God and all things written are to be believed and obeyed, how obedient are we to the heavenly commands? How much do we fear God? How much do we love God? How much of this beloved Book do you really believe to be true?
The Ordinance of Baptism is a high and holy thing. It is a solemn external ritual that is clothed in prayer, dedication, sanctification, a holy emblem and is an identifying mark as a follower of Jesus. Do we think that calling out the trinity of Holy Beings is some kind of a magical formula? Have we never really considered what is being said or whose name is being called upon when we are Baptized?
Such a king would make his palace a place of pleasure rather than a place of governance, he would be fickle, changeable, passionate and self-willed, unskillful in government and will not be advised and if advised it would be by those who would use his foolishness for their advantage and indulge his childishness
If our Bible, what we call the Holy Scripture is not inspired of God or, if it was inspired at the time or its writing but not preserved, then we are a most unhappy people and have placed our faith in fallacies and fanciful ideology. If it cannot be believed as inspired and preserved, we have no sure word of prophecy and no certainty that anything we believe or hold dear to us is true.
The word babbler is interesting in that it means 'master tongue;" master to be understood as the 'master of one's house.' So, this one is a master orator, one who has mastered a language. This babbler is not an obnoxious and foolish talker as our dictionary might define him, but rather one that is skilled in his talking.
At the time of the writing of Acts, there was only one kind of church and they were distinguished in their faith and practice, exactly matching the doctrine of Christ and the Apostles. In these days there are a multitude of religious organizations claiming the authority to baptize. I say nay! Only churches that have continued in Christ's and the Apostles doctrine are the true churches of Christ. They have existed in every century, in every age, through a succession of their preachers, carrying the authority of Christ to make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Lord and organizing churches, just like they did in the first century beginning at the shores of Galilee.
Observable folly in places of dignity. There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: The Preacher speaks of an evil, a calamity, a harmful thing that results from a ruler that makes an error in judgement. We might ask how does an error in judgement become the cause of some great calamity? In the case of a ruler, a bad decision, an error in judgement affects all that he rules over. It could lead to economic ruin; it might be the cause of war. A ruler must be clothed with wisdom and be surrounded by wise counsel or risk being a fool. Jeroboam forsook sound advice be wise men and took the advice of fools and split the kingdom of Israel...
Over the last four weeks we have seen that both Jew and Gentile are great sinners in need of redemption. We saw the work of Christ in one act redeem all his people. We saw that this great work of salvation was achieved in time by the grace of God in the creative act of the new birth and evidenced by faith and repentance. This morning I hope to show by the scriptures the nullification of the physical and religious distinctions in the bringing of these two flocks of believers into one-fold and under one Shepherd.
The question that came to my mind was, how does a little misdeed, a small sin cause such injury to a man? But from the text this is not just an ordinary man whereby you might expect a little or perhaps a lot of folly. This is a man of reputation, honorable and just, a little sin in his life is magnified beyond a little and one single act of sin, may injure the character of a wise and honorable man, and greatly expose him to shame and contempt, and cause him to stink in the nostrils of men. It may never again recover his dignity and place among men and if he is able to recover, it will not be without the scars of his injury. He will never regain the place and reputation he once had.
I want to speak on mercy and grace realized in time. Though Christ already obtained redemption for us (Heb. 9:12), our sins already paid for. Forgiveness granted and Christ's righteousness imputed and this long before we were born; yet in time we are to experience this wonderous grace.
Not a general mercy but an act of his will with a special mercy. It is directed at those whom he loves. If this kind of mercy was directed at the whole of mankind, then the whole of mankind would be saved. If God loved all men upon this earth as he does his sheep, the elect of God, then all men would receive this same mercy that would "quicken" them or "make them alive" in Jesus Christ, they also receiving grace, for by grace are ye saved! The ultimate motive for the work of regeneration is here given, and it is simply the Divine Mercy. No claim or obligation is in the question, nor right inherent in the alienated race of men, nor the "fitness of things" in the abstract; only the uncaused and supremely free choice of the God of mercy
Time and chance, the unknown events that can make or brake us. We often hear it said, in the right place at the right time, or the opposite, in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some might say that it was their lucky brake or things just went their way. Man has no reliance on anything because things can change instantly.
We finish this course this evening looking at the duty the members have one to another. Church is not a social club but a closed society of Christian men and women who have great responsibility laid upon them in serving on another.
The Preacher give us instructions on what man is to do so as to have a joy filled life before he dies. One of the things is that of labor. God's design is for men to labor as it was commanded of Adam while in the garden.
So far in our understanding the Christ's great work of Redemption we have seen: 1, The Christ is the Great Shepherd of the flock. 2, That the Great Shepherd is already in possession of these sheep. 3, That the Great Shepherd will never fail and cannot ever fail in redemption of his sheep. But this morning we will focus on the the condition of the flock before the experience of redemption.
"them also must I bring." Jesus never fails in anything that he does. Jesus said that he came to seek and to save that which was lost. It was sheep that were lost, not goats. I don't know how many people think about what they read. If you lost something, was it not yours before you lost it? "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."
There are two views concerning the salvation of men. One is called Calvinism, the other Arminianism. Both are complete opposites concerning the means of salvation. One is built upon the grace and merit of Jesus Christ and His atonement for the sins of His people, the other upon the works of men...
If I were to sum up these four verses it would be to enjoy life to the fullest because it is very short. We have a contrast of life with death, we are to enjoy life as fully as possible because it does end in death, where these earthly enjoyment cease. While we have temporal enjoyments listed they are not unchristian. God Himself, to whom we owe it, will have it so that we enjoy it, within the moral limits prescribed by Himself
This story of the Lamb that was slain is woven into the texture of every book in the Bible. The theme of the slain lamb runs like a silver thread, woven in and out of the Book of God, stitching Genesis to Revelation, the beginning and the end. We see it in Abel's offering (Gen. 4) where the lamb was typified; in the ram caught in the thicket (Gen. 22) where the Lamb is prophesied; in the Passover where the Lamb is specified; in Isaiah 53, where the Lamb I personified; In John where the Lamb is identified (Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world) and in the Revelation where the Lamb is glorified.
This phrase shows that man is both the subject and the object of either love or hatred. The activities of this life do not tells us if we are to receive the love of God or his hatred. What is before us does not tell us if we are the objects and subjects of his love or hatred. This too is the prerogative and providence of a sovereign God.
- What is the hearing? Notice as well that the word was heard of all and that it was sown in their heart. It was not sown in the mind alone but in the heart, the seat of emotion. It required a response by those who heard. In the first case, the way-side or the pathway, the hearing is in the genitive case which means they heard but not with understanding, they heard the sound but it was not discernable. In the second type, the stony place, the hearing is in the accusative indicating and stressing "the thing perceived" as something with some good to it. The third, the weed filled ground, the hearing is a predicate nominative , that is, he is a hearer of the word. It appears that this one has a more contemplative understanding of the word that is sown, but he still lacks the understanding of it or more, the doing of it.
The primary duty of the membership is to love one another; "Owe no man anything, but to love one another, Rom. 13:8, Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. ; Rom. 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. This is the great law of Christ, as King in his church, his royal commandment, Joh_13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another., Joh_15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. The relations that members of churches stand in to each other oblige to love; being fellow citizens of the same family, are brethren to each other, and make one fraternity, or "brotherhood," which they should "love,"
Simon begins to hear the words of rebuke from this one he disregarded as a prophet. This cornerstone set aside by the religious rulers of the Jews. This one who peers into the hearts of all men and knows their thoughts and motivations. When Jesus said, I entered into thine house, the tone of reproach was set, of which Simon was made conscience in this threefold comparison of his behavior to this sinning woman. His failure in these three customary acts demonstrated his lovelessness, arrogance, and covetousness.
What is the recommendation of the Preacher, mirth; the enjoyment of all that you have, to eat, and drink and be filled with joy. Since life seems to be so unfair or unjust, the wicked live their lives as if there is no accountability to God or man, then why not just eat, drink and be merry instead of fretting about this injustice.
We are guilty by association in Adam but God's remedy is union in Christ. Condemned by our criminality, God remedies in justification. When we were guilty of insurrection we were made friends with God by reconciliation. When we by volition hated God, God gave us a new disposition, a new heart, a new mind.
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, God's people need to learn patience in the realm of world and civil government. While wealthy men and government leaders are involved in great wickedness and are seeming to get aways with it, I am reminded in the scripture of the suddenness of God's judgement. 1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Preparing a sermon for your hearing does not come naturally. Your pastor must be a theologian, he must be practiced in hermeneutics, he must be a historian and learn the various cultures and historical events of ancient peoples over a period of 6000 years. He must be familiar with ancient languages and proficient in English grammar. He must be a teacher and researcher and have some oratory skills because he must teach all the people, spiritually young and old alike and he must do this, three times a week. And this is only ONE aspect of being a pastor.
This afternoon I will be answering questions from the Question Box as I promised that I would do. I hope in answering these questions that it will be a blessing to you and that we might learn something this afternoon.
Four Indictments to our Condemnation. 1. The indictment of Association 2. The indictment of Transgression 3. The indictment of Insurrection 4. The indictment of Volition
Government is appointed by God and we are commanded to be obedient to those in authority over us. We are also reminded that there is purpose to time and judgement. What government we have and how long it should exist or the leaders of that government, these are all under the providence of God. Even the King himself has no ability to extend his life and maintain his reign. God sets up kingdoms and He can tare them down.
The Pharisee's wanted to know if Jesus was the real Messiah, they demanded that they tell him plainly. The Scriptures plainly tell us that Jesus was the Messiah.
Introduction to Matt. 5:14, Understanding the history of the false teaching of the Universal Invisible Church.
Every church of our Lord Jesus is in danger of becoming insipid. We need to be aware of those signs that might indicate we are becoming insipid.
And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and here hands as bands...
We have before us a warning that the churches of the Lord Jesus can become insipid and ineffectual in the gospel ministry. Today we will explore how the church can become insipid and signs of insipidness.
We looked at today that we can be censored by not following in covenant with the church of Jesus Christ. We also looked at the type of sins that require the church to immediately thrust out one from its membership.
Even the wisest of men sins, but the wise man knows that he sins against God and that the one relief is for him to humble himself and seek God's grace and mercy
As the salt, the church is to its self to be preserved and to preserve. We have already seen that we are to preserved the Doctrine of Christ; The fellowship of the Saints. Today we will continue and see how, as a Church of Christ we are to preserve the Ordinances and Order instructed in the Holy Word
This book refers to wisdom over and over but what is not often explained is, what is wisdom. This morning we are going to look at wisdom and how we can grow wisdom
The church Covenant is a vital document in our church since by it we have formed or organized our assembly. If we are disorderly regarding our covenant relationship we are worthy of being censored by the assembly. Let us be faithful in the Lord's assembly.
Don't be overtly righteous or wise nor be overly wicked and foolish. Interesting advice from the Preacher. What could he possibly mean by it. Listen and find out.
What God has preserved in his churches. This morning we will see that the preservation of Doctrine and truth has been preserved in his churches. Second, we have seen that Christian fellowship is preserved in his churches.
...with reference to God's wise and unchangeable counsel and will, to which we must yield in order to learn true patience and tranquility. The defiant nature of man against God cannot and will not render a peaceful life.
I don't know how many times I have heard people tell me that their Pastor preaches right out of the Bible, verse by verse; and they have a very high regard for their Pastor. I believe that Pastor's ought to be highly regarded by those whom they serve, but I also know that many of these men by their good words and fair speeches have deceived the hearts of the simple ones. I also know that you can manipulate the people with the Scripture because of their ignorance of it.
Our perspective is one sided and we don't consider the whole of the thing. i.e. many of us would be dead if it were the good old days, simply because of the advances of modern medicine. We tend to view the simplicity as better and leave off the hardship associated with those "simpler" times. The foolishness of this kind of thinking is summed up in 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. There is no new thing under the sun and all the bad of this day is exactly the same bad of yesteryear and it is repeated throughout history. Things are not any worse in this day than before. We only have a way of putting it into our homes and the hands of our children in an easier fashion
Our being predestinated to be conformed to the image of Christ includes our glorification: If God has decreed salvation then he has decreed all things in connection to that salvation even our glorification.
Divorce, is it lawful? What if a man wants to remarry? Divorce is a terrible thing and has great consequences, both physical and spiritual. Marriage is the one thing you want to get right.
The rebuked false teachers claiming he had no knowledge of them or their work and considered them the workers of iniquity. It is not your religion or devotion or sincerity that makes you acceptable in the beloved but a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The object is 'a thing.' Whatever the thing is, whatever the event is or the course of the event, better is its ending than its beginning. We often react when something happens in our life rather than let the issue fully reveal itself.
Faith is not the cause of justification but rather the experience of justification. It is by faith that I experience the forgiveness of sins. I was justified from everlasting in the Divine Decrees of God the Father, the actual payment for my justification was completed at calvary by the death of the Son of God, the experience of that justification came by the means of faith in that justifying blood.
While we are warned about false teachers, and we know they are purposed in causing division in our churches; but it is also the internal scandals, the sour words, the unforgiving nature of members that destroy our churches from within. We would do well never to listen to or believe anything that is of a accusatory nature towards our brothers and sisters, but rather we should be engaged in their protection from such scandal and rumors unless it be proven otherwise in a godly and proper manner.
We are at that time of year that is filled with secular and religious myths and traditions; a time when sentimentalism fills the streets and work places and our pocketbooks are emptied. As much as it might surprise some men, Jesus was not born of Dec. 25th, nor was he visited by three kings and the many wise men that did come, did not come to the manager. The Angels did not sing at Jesus birth, in fact there is no scripture that I am aware of that tells us that the angels sing at all. It does appear the singing is reserved for the Saints and them alone. As the world would have it the baby Jesus is as much a part of the myth and tradition of 'Christmas' as Santa Clause. However, Santa Clause is purported as real and his sleigh is tracked by radar on Christmas Eve but Jesus is just a plastic baby in a mock manger scene. Men are encouraged to have the spirit of Christmas in their heart all the yearlong, but the Spirit of Christ which lays men low and brining us into the conformity of Christ by the new man, oh, no, we can't have that.
Division – The scripture says a "house divided against itself cannot stand" so a church divided over doctrine cannot stand. The word division means disunion, separation, detachment. These false teachers are set on separating the flock of God, creating factions. Like any predator they will spot the weak, young, or sickly from the rest of the flock and separate them for the kill. They become prey to the wolves unless the strong surround these weak ones and defend them from those who desire to devour them.
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. The word rebuke means to censure or reprove on the account of foolish or criminal behavior. Men who have gained wisdom by a serious contemplation of the brevity and purpose of life under the sun. These being strictly moral and religious individuals, who can sensibly give censures and reproofs to men. Did not Nineveh repent at the preaching of Jonah, who message was only, "forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown"? This heathen city repented at the rebuke of the Prophet. Moral and religious instruction is vital to an orderly society. It provides structure and accountability for wickedness and sin.
Sobriety of life is vital to a happy life and much is learned in the house of mourning, Trivial things are put away and the important, weighty, profitable things of life come to light.
The "Called" or called is never in the Epistles of the N.T. applied to those who have only the external invitation of the gospel. It always means an internal, effectual call upon the hearts and minds of them that receive the call. It always means 'internally, effectually, savingly called;' denoting the first great step in personal salvation, and answers to the term "conversion." Only, whereas the word conversion expresses the change of character which then takes place, this 'calling' expresses the divine authorship of the change and the sovereign power by which we are summoned.
Corrective discipline is necessary when a member of the Lord's church begins to walk out of gospel church order either by failing to walk charitably toward the brethren, or by not attending our church meetings, or being absent upon the Supper of the Lord without a lawful excuse, or by grievous public sin. Such behavior, as required and directed by the Scriptures, must be addressed and censures put in place, according to the Scripture, for the retention and saving of that soul which has sinned. This being done for the spiritual well-being of the sinner, and of the church, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
"For wicked men it had been best not to have been born, or being born, to die quickly; since by living long they heap up first sin, and then wrath against the day of wrath. As for good men, there is no doubt, but the day of death is best to them, because it is the daybreak of eternal righteousness; Hence the ancient fathers called those days wherein the martyrs suffered their birthdays, because then they began to live indeed..."
Why does Predestination make people afraid? It is a most glorious truth recorded in the Scripture in the giving of us "blessed assurance" or our salvation. What are we Predestinated to? How about to the image of Christ; how about to the adoption of children; what about an inheritance? This is what we are Predestinated to!
I will briefly lay out our position on non-elect elders and church officers. The main thrust of this message is about Discipline. The first aspect of discipline has to do with discipline of life, instruction in the Word and a decorum proper in the Churches of Jesus Christ
Here is man, created God like, that is in the likeness of God, the image of God, not as deity but capable of personal fellowship with Deity, possessing many transferable qualities and attributes and the very zenith of God's creation, now reduced to this vain creature, a worm, living in vanity and covetousness, for the beast of the field are more dignified then man in his corruption. The beast of the field and all of creation knows to worship God, Joh 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not, and Luk 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. Yet man turns the incorruptible God into the image of a beast. That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: The cause of all the misery of man is already named and known, it is man.
What is Biblical foreknowledge. You cannot go to the Websters dictionary and find a Biblical definition of the word "foreknowledge." We will be looking at the Greek grammar to help us understand what "foreknowledge" means. It will be a wonderful investigation.
To whom does the Bishop/Elder answer to? In this sermon we will discover that in some things the Bishop answers only to God for and the church has not say in it. However there are things to which the Bishop answers to the church for. Listen and learn.
There is a comparison in our text showing that a dead baby, one that is stillborn or a miscarriage, is a better death than that of the rich man.
This sermon is the introduction to verses 29, 30 and we will just touch on Foreknowledge today. Next week we will get hot and heavy into "foreknowledge" and what the Biblical meaning of the word is. In verse twenty-eight of our text we find that all these "things" that work together are for the Elect. Verses 29-30 now tell us who the elect are or rather how they came to be the elect. This is a doctrine that is hated by many and very much misunderstood by the rest. But the Greek language and the grammar dictate that we interpret these verses as something that God has done "past time." Completed action without regard to time but rather done in eternity.
The Bishop/Elder of the Lord's church has a duty assigned him by the Lord Jesus and recorded for us in the Holy Scripture. Those duties are spiritual duties and the governance or management of the Assembly. This being true it is also true that he is not the Boss of the church.
A fascinating work of God is that of giving men wealth, honor, and riches and then takes away the ability for these men to enjoy wealth, honor, and riches. This is not a isolated occurrence but the Scripture says this is "common to man."
This weeks sermon we look at the "Process involved, work together." Which speak not of a succession of things or each individual thing, but rather all these things work synergistically together for good. This synergy results in something greater that just the sum of all things experienced.
We have in our study of Rom 8:28 discovered the Positiveness Involved (and we know), the Particulars Involved (All things). We have noted that it includes all things in creation, all things concerning men. This week all things personal and all things spiritual. Conclusion, there is nothing in heaven or in the earth that is excluded from the working together for our good.
All things in this life, those things under the sun are given to man of God. They are to be enjoyed and are designed by God for our pleasure. The reason why this is not common for man to enjoy these things is because he fails to recognize that God has purposed these things for our enjoyment. Ah, such is the wretchedness of man.
In the first three sermons we looked at the Positiveness Involved, "and we know." The week and next we are examining the Particulars Involved, "all things." What are the "all things" that work together? As we will see in this sermon it includes the "all things of creation" and the all things concerning men. Next week we will pick up with the all things personal.
In our text this morning we are warned about making riches primary in our life, or as the Scripture teaches that we should not covet. Surely riches make themselves wings and fly away.
We are looking at those things that Holiness does not fellowship with and those things that should not "once be named among the saints."
This mornings message is the first of two that reflects on the Fellowship of Holiness and that from a negative point. What holiness does not fellowship
There is much talk today about the "church" replaces Israel and that all the blessings and promise to Israel and somehow transferred to the church. Bro. Hunt does a very good job in showing the fallacies of this form of Theology
Are we experiencing the glory of God like that of Moses? This morning we will review six questions that will help us to experience the glory of God.
God's people are forever safe because of the death and resurrection of our Lord. None will be lost, all his children are now and have forever been safe in electing Grace.
The transition from the Old Covenant to the New is accentuated in this text. Christ is the authority over all and reveals to some his grace and to others he hides his grace. Salvation is of the Lord
We are looking at the terms and a proper understanding of John 3 within the context. We in the modern times give meanings to words that at very much different than was meant at the time that Christ taught them. This is a review of some of those terms
Our culture has changed and it is harder for believers to navigate the cultural curves that challenge our Faith. Today I will give three ways from the Scripture to handle these cultural curves that we are going to face in this world.
Walking through the context of John 3 is necessary to get a proper understanding of what verse 16 means. It not what is commonly taught in most churches. We need to understand this teaching in the context of Jewish eyes and not modern globalism.
The Lord demonstrates great grace upon his people and in our salvation there is not question it must be Christ Sized Grace. *We do apologize for a word that is used in this message and we hope you are not greatly offended. Please remember our speaker is sometimes not familiar with some of the terms of our culture. He was corrected on the use of the word and has apologized for this error.
In the first two sermons on this subject we have looked at the application and definition of faith, but this morning the very practical and necessary use of faith in our daily lives.
We continue in examining the qualifications of a Bishop in the Lord's churches. A careful choice of a church in the selection of a Bishop is crucial to it continued health and existence in the service of Christ.
In verse 8 the "Preacher" introduces us to corruption and oppression in Civil Government. First on a local level which should be corrected by those of higher authority. If they don't do their job in correcting corruption then they are held accountable by that Great Judge who created all government
5th Saturday fellowship afternoon service features Brothers Israel Marin and Dr. Royce Smith
We continue to look and the seriousness of making vows, and consequences if we fail to keep those vows. The admonition is that it is better not to make a vow, which is no sin, than to make a vow and cause yourself to sin.
In this short series on "The Principle of Faith" we will explore such questions as, What does it mean "the Just shall live by faith"? What is faith? How does one get faith? Can someone get more faith? All these and more is explored in this sermon
We will be examining the high Office of the Bishop and the qualifications he is expected possess according to the Scripture. We must be very careful in selecting who will serve our assembly as the Bishop (Pastor)
We begin a short series on the Principle of Faith. What is faith, and where does it come from? Today I will be speaking on the Character of faith and the source of our faith.
Various gifted men are given to the church for the edification of the saints, the work of the ministry. Today, we will be examining what kinds of gifted men God has set in his church for this work
We are studying in chapter 5 today, and we will examine the question concerning vows and examine two vows that were made in the O.T. that are significant.
This we we finish up with the thought of the proof or evidence that God is holy and the manifestation of his holiness as seen in creation, the giving of his law, judgement to those who obey not the law of God and lastly how His holiness appears in the redemption and restoration of his people.
This morning we looked at two points concerning God's Holiness. 1. Because God is so holy, he cannot possibly approve of any evil done by any. 2. God is so holy, that he cannot but love holiness in others
The subject matter before us this morning is because holiness is the glory of The Godhead, it is the glory of every perfection in The Godhead. We will see that God is only absolutely holy and because God is absolute holiness, He universally, necessarily, and intensely hates sin.
We have a clear teaching of the necessity for personal networking, that is having a circle of friends which we can rely on and can help us when we are in need.
There is proper and Biblical way clearly marked out for in the Scripture on how a Baptist (N.T.) church is started. It is a shame that so many want to complicate the true gospel order and give over to some new tradition.
Holiness is required of God's people and that holiness is because God is Holy. We begin this series reflecting on what it means that God is HOLY.
There is a way, clearly taught in the Holy Scriptures for the organization of gospel churches. It is simple, of Divine origin, requiring nothing more than born again, Scripturally baptized saints covenanting together for gospel work.
The evils and good of a social life. It is the covetous man that finds himself alone, secluded from a good life because of his self-centered scrooge type attitude.
Blessed are ye when men shall persecute you. Persecution comes to all those who live godly, it is to be expected and anticipated. Even in this persecution there are great blessings, the greatest blessing is to suffer for Christ's sake and in the end we shall be rewarded by the Lord Jesus himself.
The impediments to earthly happiness. The personal misfortune of many men upon the earth.
What does it mean to be persecuted. Persecution is to be expected by those who live godly.
Man and beast die alike but the soul of the beast goes to into the earth, but the soul of man goes to God who judges them of their works.
Understanding baptism and why we rebaptize those who come to us from the Protestant churches
There are five things that man is to do while on the earth that would greatly benefit him in this life.
What is a Biblical peacemaker. It's not what is commonly thought of, in fact it has no resemblance to what the world would define as a peacemaker.
We have already considered who may be baptized, the mode of that baptism and the reason why one is baptized. Today we shall look at baptism as a Holy institution, in type, sign and seal. And the reason why we baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
This morning we are looking at the duty of mercy to our neighbor and to our enemies. These Beatitudes are not just simple and pithy sayings.
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.
Today we explore the duty of mercy. As Believers we have a duty to extend mercy. I will explore three area where this mercy is to be extended and the first is to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
In the Lord's church he established during his personal ministry and its continuance demonstrated that it was made-up of people who were born-again, regenerated. This practice it to continue so we, as a church, look to see if there is the evidences of regeneration before we consider adding anyone to our membership.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: There are three things to observe here, (1) that everything has its fore-determined time, in which there lies both a determined point of time when it happens, and a determined period of time during which it shall continue; and (2) that every matter has a time appointed for it, or a time appropriate, suitable for it. (3) That all these are determined by a Sovereign God in their proper order.
- Yea, I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
- And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.
From pre-creative eternity to the Resurrection God purposed the redemption of his people.
There are some things that keep us from hungering and thirsting after righteousness. How do we increase our desire to righteousness that we might please God?
What does the Bible say about church membership? This subject is explored in this sermon and why every believer ought to be a member of one of the Lord's churches.
We are instructed to hunger and thirst after righteousness. WE learn that we are to have a passion for righteousness. That it is not just something we wear on the outside but is the result of righteousness in the heart.
We will examine the N.T. meaning and usage of the word "church." What did Jesus mean when he said "I will build my church..." This Doctrine is one of those Baptist distinctives that marks out the true churches of Jesus Christ.
Over the next several months we will be examining the constitution, Institution, Practice and Doctrine concerning the LOrd's N.T. Baptist church. This evening we are examinig the continuity of the church through the entire N.T. making the New Testamant and church book.
We are introduced to the whole of the book in this prolog which helps us to understand the futility or vanity of life without Christ.
Our text tells us that God has revealed to us his mysteries and that we have given to us many things freely. Thihs morning we will examine some of those thing that are manifested to us in this life.
What is it that we are to hunger and thirst after, Righteousness. We are exploring how one becomes righteous so that he can do righteous works.
In this Beatitude we find that happiness comes from a hunger the thirst for righteousness. This morning we are looking at the object desired, righteousness. How does on obtain to such righteousness?
We come the the final sermon in this short series observing that a true servant is marked by a steadfast service. Servants are always busy doing the Lord's bidding. They are not lazy, sick or poorly fed but fit for His service.
Hungering and Thirsting after true righteousness is a mark, and evidence that one has been born from above. Today's sermon is mostly introductory remarks vital to understanding this Beatitude. I will also begin to speak on the object deisred.
Today we view the veracity of God as it relates to fulfilled prophecy. That what God has decreed will come to pass
What does it mean to be meek? This morning we will be looking a men, strong men who were meek. It is the meek that shall inherit the earth.
Do you believe God? Do you question His veracity? Some challenging thoughts concerning creation and the veracity of God.
The mark of true servant of Christ it a heart that is smitten by his one sin, the difficulties of others, and the truth of God's Holy Word.
In this beautiful sermon the Lord shows us that to be truly happy involves mourning. This paradox is so contrary to human thinking and experience yet without it there is no spiritual life. Only those in Christ can experience and even embrace a life of mourning for the comfort afforded us in this most blessed state.
What does it mean to be poor in spirit? To be poor or beggarly of spirit is the result of God's grace in brining us to Christ and into a gospel church order making them children of the Kingdom of Heaven
We are continuing our look at the Holy Scripture and its origin, inspiration, transmission, etc. These are important things to take notice of as they are a demonstration of God's manifestation of His will to His dear children.
After discovering that a true servant is of a humble mind we discover that a true servant is also of a submissive will.
The who, what, when, where, of this great sermon. The value of the context is immense for a proper interpretation.
Do we have the mind of Christ, has our minds been brought into the submission of Christ? A true servant of Christ yields his mind and brings it into concert with Christ.