Faith Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
Faith Baptist Church
Over the years there have been many different models and methods for church growth. In America we have experience the Mega Church movement. Or the seek-friendly movement. Out of these man-made movements different models have been developed for how to grow your church. These movements purposefully research…
The blessed man is the one who fully trusts in the providence of God for success in life. Psalm 127 is a pilgrim song about divine providence in domestic activities. The passage focuses on the hidden activity of the LORD in building a house, protecting a city, prospering one’s labor, and providing children…
The right tool for the job : Digging a hole. Church growth can be a lot like me digging a hole with a plastic bucket. If you don’t have and utilize the right tools for the job it can be nigh impossible. What are the tools and resources that we need in order to be a healthy growing church? Paul’s aim…
Setting : This is a most likely a post-exilic pilgrim psalm. This Psalm is set sometime after the first return in 536 B.C. To capture the intensity of this passage one must imagine what it would have been like to have lived in the Babylonian captivity and not have been free or able to worship in the…
The right tool for the job : Several summers ago I decided to buy an in-ground basketball hoop for my boys. We had one of the portable kind before, but the kids broke that is short order, so we needed something durable. So I researched it on YouTube and figured out the best solution was an in-ground…
Psalm of Ascent- Psalm 120 - The prod that gets us going Psalm 121 - A song for the road Psalm 122 - A song of worship Psalm 123 - A song of reality Psalm 124 - A song of help Psalm 125 - A song of security Psalm 126 - A song of joy What happens to our worship when we confess the truth of this Psalm?…
This morning we are continuing our series on the “one another” requirements found in the letters to the New Testament churches. The first “one another” requirement we looked at last week was from Ephesians 4:2 . And that was the idea of… Ephesians 4:2 (ESV) 2 bearing with one another in love , Remember,…
Psalm of Ascent- What happens to our worship when we confess the truth of this Psalm? Setting : This psalm of trust seems to have been written when the nation was under a wicked government, either corrupt Israelite leaders or Gentile dominion. Psalm 125:3 (ESV) 3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not…
This morning I want to begin a series on the “one another” requirements found in the letters to the New Testament churches. And I have three introductions for you this morning! Introduction #1 : New Series Why a series on the “one another” passages? My goal in this series is to come to a deeper understanding…
What is the end goal of the prayer of lament? This is a very important questions because this is the question that brings true hope and grace to our grief and pain. This is the question that makes prayers of lament Christian. Every lament prayer is a prayer of faith. It is a prayer only the Christian…
What is the purpose of the Psalms of Ascent? So what question should we always ask as we read these songs? How does this song help prepare my heart for worship? 1 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side— let Israel now say— 2 if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up…
How do we deal biblically with our pain and our grief? We asked this question several weeks ago as we began this short series on the biblical idea of lament. Is there a way to rightly give voice to your pain? Is there a path that gives you permission to wrestle with sorrow instead of rushing to its end?…
How do we deal biblically with our pain and our grief? We asked this question several weeks ago as we began this short series on the biblical idea of lament. Is there a way to rightly give voice to your pain? Is there a path that gives you permission to wrestle with sorrow instead of rushing to its end?…
One of the jobs of pastors is to preach the word. 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. Sometimes that preaching is meant to encourage, or to exhort. Sometimes that preaching is meant to reprove and rebuke. To reprove…
What are the Songs of Ascents? Psalm 120 -134 , 15 psalms all labeled with the title “ascents” Likely sung, possibly in sequence, by Hebrew pilgrims as they went up to Jerusalem to worship at the festivals. Why did they ascend to Jerusalem? Highest city in Palestine. Is this only speaking of a literal…
For the past three years I have coached boys basketball at our local YMCA. The Y league is a developmental league. That means sometimes you get kids that have never played basketball, at least on a team, before in their lives. And some kids love to play and can’t get enough of the sport. Some kids are…
Remember to ask questions, give people time to think about each question, and do not give them answers. Let the text speak for itself. Don’t worry if you don’t know the answers to all the questions I have mentioned; just use them to get others thinking and talking. It doesn’t matter, at first, what everyone…
PRINCIPLE #1: Become a friend before you become a preacher . PRINCIPLE #2: Do not condemn your friend. PRINCIPLE #3: Take time to get to know them and use their felt needs as conversation starters. PRINCIPLE #4: Make others curious . PRINCIPLE #5: Ask questions ! PRINCIPLE #6: Do not defend yourself.…
What is your goal for living the Christian life? What is your DEEP motivation? What is your why? One pastor friend of mine says it this way, “What is your eternal why?” Having the correct Biblical goal is essential to actually growing in Christlikeness. If your motivation is fuzzy, your Christian life…
Amos 9 is a message of judgement, of preservation, and of promise. This is the Prophets final recorded message to the people of Israel. For one final time Amos is calling the people to a response. And in chapter 9 Amos, by means of a final vision from the Lord, draws our attention to who the Lord is.…
“How do I make my friends curious enough to want to read the Bible with me?” This is the question we need to answer. This lesson is a bit unconventional because it is simply Floyd sharing with us how he has made his own friends curious enough to read the Bible. Everything that I will share comes from…
Amos 9 is a message of judgement, of preservation, and of promise. The Prophet Amos wants to fix our eyes upon the Lord. He is mighty lion that roars in judgement over sin. He is the Sovereign Lord that has undisputed authority and rule over every aspect of His creation. He is the One who guides and…
There are many times in our lives when we underestimate the seriousness of a situation. We don’t take sin as seriously as God does! That is our problem. How do we know we don’t take sin seriously enough? Unbelievers : How could a loving God send people to hell? Believers : We betray our casual attitude…
Moving a conversation around to spiritual things can be the most difficult part of witnessing. For some of us it is easy to talk to our friends about everyday subjects, weather, weekends, family, sports, but we are at a loss when we want to bridge the gap between everyday life and the Lord. Do you remember…
There are many times in our lives when we underestimate the seriousness of a situation. Illustration : There is a YouTube channel I like to watch called “Just Rolled In.” It is a series of short clips that auto mechanics send in about the dumb stuff they find when doing repairs on people’s vehicles.…
We have been studying the method of relational or friendship evangelism. Last time we looked at the Master Evangelist, Jesus, and developed some principles that we can implement into our own lives. The principles of evangelism: 1. curiosity aroused; 2. problem pointed out; and then (maybe), 3. the answer…
Why is the Jesus’ resurrection from the dead so important? In order to understand the importance of the resurrection, you must also understand the doctrine of our union with Christ. Scripture teaches that when a person is born again, when they place their faith in Christ alone to receive God’s free gift…
Ministry is hard. Ministry involves sacrifice. Real Christlike ministry is possible only by means of God’s grace. This kind of ministry involves transformation. Our old sinful, corrupt, selfish hearts must be transformed into new grace-filled, loving, and humble hearts. This kind of transformation is…
In Amos 6 we find out one thing that God hates. Amos 6:8 (ESV) The Lord God has sworn by himself, declares the Lord , the God of hosts: “I abhor the pride of Jacob …” Why is pride so serious to God? Why is this sin such a big deal to God? We have been looking at three consequences of having a proud heart:…
In Amos 6 we find out one thing that God hates. Amos 6:8 (ESV) The Lord God has sworn by himself, declares the Lord , the God of hosts: “I abhor the pride of Jacob …” This verb has the idea of finding something repugnant, repulsive, or that which one loathes. This particular verb is a Piel participle…
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Rejoice - to be in a state of happiness and well-being, rejoice, be glad Without Ceasing - with unflagging resolve, used 4x’s in the NT all in relation to prayer. Give Thanks -…
What do you hate? What you hate says a lot about you. Do you hate being cut off on the freeway? Do you hate filling and paying taxes? Do you hate family gatherings? Do you hate election years? What is it that you hate? In Amos 6 we find out one thing that God hates. Amos 6:8 (ESV) The Lord God has sworn…
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord , and he ponders all his paths. O Lord , you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out…
In our text this morning we are continuing to look at the Woe oracles of the prophet Amos. Amos’ uses of the word “Woe” is very significant and it has set the tone for this series of messages. “Woe”- a grievous an threatening cry by the prophets. A warning of danger and death. This is what Amos is doing…
In our text this morning we are continuing to look at the Woe oracles of the prophet Amos. Amos’ uses of the word “Woe” is very significant and it has set the tone for this series of messages. “Woe”- a grievous an threatening cry by the prophets. A warning of danger and death. This is what Amos is doing…
In our text this morning Amos begins a series of Woe oracles or woe speech. Amos uses this important word, “WOE” once here at the end of chapter 5 and two more times in chapter 6. The word WOE is a very important word. It sets the entire tone for our passage. “Woe”- a grievous an threatening cry by the…
In our text this morning Amos begins a series of Woe oracles or woe speech. Amos uses this important word, “WOE” once here at the end of chapter 5 and two more times in chapter 6. The word WOE is a very important word. It sets the entire tone for our passage. “Woe”- a grievous an threatening cry by the…
Amos 5 is the Lord’s attempt to cause a stiff necked and hard hearted people to turn from their sin and seek Him. How do you get a hard hearted person to seek the Lord How does the Lord motivate hard hearted people to seek Him? All of us need to seek the Lord more than we currently are seeking. All of…
Amos 5 is the Lord’s attempt to cause a stiff necked and hard hearted people to turn from their sin and seek Him. How do you get a hard hearted person to seek the Lord How does the Lord motivate hard hearted people to seek Him? Seeking the Lord is not a once and done decision. Seeking the Lord is a lot…
Why does God summon some people to face His judgement? Amos gives us four reasons why you might soon face the judgement of God for your sin. I. Fat Cows (vv. 1-3) Amos is preaching a sermon of judgment. He is summoning the sinful people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel to judgement. And in this sermon…
November is historically the month we emphasize our church giving plan for missions. We have called this program “Grace Giving.” I want to take a Sunday and teach on the important Scriptural concept of NT giving and how it relates to missions. Many of you are new and have never heard this before. For…
Why does God summon some people to face His judgement? Amos gives us four reasons why you might soon face the judgement of God for your sin. I. Fat Cows (vv. 1-3) Amos is preaching a sermon of judgment. He is summoning the sinful people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel to judgement. And in this sermon…
We don’t really fear God’s word, because we don’t vividly comprehend God as He is! We don’t see a mighty roaring lion! Amos preached to the Northern Kingdom of Israel so that they might see clearly who God really was. Friends, how can we fear God’s roar? We must see Him as He is! What about God do we…
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, Read opening paragraph (225) The Gospels Restricting our overview to just the gospel of Matthew Matthew 1:1 (ESV) The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David , the son of Abraham. Matthew…
In his famous book- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe- C.S. Lewis depicts Jesus as Aslan the mighty lion. One of the famous quotes from that book is from a conversation between Susan and Mr. Beaver when the children first learn about the mysterious King. Mr. Beaver begins the subject: “Aslan is a…
In his famous book- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe- C.S. Lewis depicts Jesus as Aslan the mighty lion. One of the famous quotes from that book is from a conversation between Susan and Mr. Beaver when the children first learn about the mysterious King. Mr. Beaver begins the subject: “Aslan is a…
The broad message of Amos centers on the idea that God roars like a mighty lion in judgement because of sin. How do we take sin as seriously as God does? We must feel the powerful roaring of God’s voice because of sin! After a brief introduction to the prophet Amos in v. 1, right away in v. 2 God intends…
John 18:38 (ESV) Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. This morning we are going to talk about worldviews. We will get to the definition of a worldview in just a moment, but first it might be helpful if we talk about a practical example. Let’s talk about…
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you…
The careful reader of the book of Amos can “feel” the voice of God piercing through their soul like the roar of a mighty lion! 2 And he said: “The Lord roars from Zion and utters his voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the top of Carmel withers.” Amos not only delivers a powerful…
2 Kings 10:10 (ESV) 10 Know then that there shall fall to the earth nothing of the word of the Lord.. .” The phrase ‘the word of the LORD’ occurs 51 x’s in Kings and the phrase ‘thus says the LORD’ 33 x’s. In contrast the same phrases in Chronicles, which is 14% longer and yet covers the same history,…
Illustration : 2023 European Disc Golf Championship, one the final round of the tournament, tied for 2nd place, Jakub Semerad shot an 11 on a par four. He went +7 one one hole after a weekend of good play. After a hole like that, if you have ever played golf or Frisbee golf, you know the feeling. I’m…
We come to the end of our series on Romans 5-8 . Here in vv. 31-39 Paul sums up and concludes everything he has been teaching since chapter 5. 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul has been, in a sense, arguing for the assurance…
Illustration : Why did this have to happen to me? The theme of Romans 8 is summed up in one word. Do you remember what that word is? Assurance. This spiritual blessing of assurance is primarily attributed to the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Romans 8 . In vv. 2-13 Paul describe the Holy Spirit as the…
The overarching theme of our text this morning is that what is coming in the future, the glory that God has in store for us, is unimaginable and beyond compare! The theme of Romans 8 is summed up in one word. Do you remember what that word is? Assurance. This spiritual blessing of assurance is primarily…
Hebrews 11 is all about trusting God’s words in action. Learning from the Reformers We can learn a thing or two from the Reformers when it comes to thinking rightly about faith or trust. The Reformers understood that all believing is not the same. This is a very biblical idea. They taught that there…
Several years ago one of the long-time members of this church passed away. Her name was Mrs. Pett. Pastor Steven’s preached her funeral. One of the unique last requests that Mrs. Pett had was when her body was put on display for the funeral that she would be holding a fork in her hands. Why on earth…
Psalm 19:7 (ESV) 7 The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; Testimony- עֵדוּת It is one of the synonyms used for God’s Word in Psalm 19 . Law- instructions Precepts- stipulations Statutes- boundaries Commandments- requirements judgments- decisions Especially in Ps 19 and 119 we tend…
If you had to sum up the theme of Romans 8 in one word perhaps the best word you could choose would be the word ASSURANCE. 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Paul’s main aim is to prove to us why there is no possibility of condemnation for the believer. If we…
Jesus’ exemplary attitude toward Scripture should encourage believers to lean all their confidence on the trustworthiness of God’s words in every circumstance, just like Jesus did. Jesus’ Assumptions About God’s Old Testament Words Jesus held a high view of God’s words in the OT. People who are not willing…
What is our job? 1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and…
One of the favorite buzz words used in our culture today is the phrase, “toxic masculinity.” This is the idea that to be a man is to be toxic. It is the idea that we must, in our understanding and according to our own pleasures and lusts, redefine what it means to be a man. In fact, that line of reasoning,…
Last week I gave an invitation for you to find joy and rest in your salvation, in your position of being united to Christ. What truths do we need to understand about grace in order to find joy and have rest for our souls? I. For those who are in Christ there is a binding authority or power at work which…
2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. What do the expressions, “You have my word” or “He is as good as his word” mean? Do they mean much in our current culture? “People…
Last week we used these words of Jesus as a springboard for our message: Luke 10:20 (ESV) 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven .” Matthew 11:28–29 (ESV) 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will…
Last week we used these words of Jesus as a springboard for our message: Luke 10:20 (ESV) 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven .” This was the theme of our text- what is it about our salvation that ought to thrill…
Ezekiel 36:36 (ESV) 36 Then the nations that are left all around you shall know that I am the Lord ; I have rebuilt the ruined places and replanted that which was desolate. I am the Lord ; I have spoken , and I will do it . What would happen to our understanding of God if He was not a God of truth? If…
This week Dr. and Pastor Tim Keller passed away from cancer. He was a man used by God to reach many many people with the gospel. He was good friends with John Piper. And John Piper made a video describing the last email correspondence he had with his friend Tim Keller before he passed away. In his last…
Right now in our culture, perhaps unlike anytime in the history of civilization, women are under attack. You are under attack in the realm of sports. You are under attack in your restrooms and locker rooms. You are under attack in the very definition of what it means to be a woman. Satan is a master…
Paul began his discussion concerning the law back in 6:15- Question : If we are no longer under law but under grace does that mean we can sin? 15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Answer : You are slaves to whatever you obey. Christians have been set…
Kids: “I didn’t mean to.” Will never hold up in a court of law. Neither will good intentions hold up in God’s court room proceedings. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. Those who have good intentions only of doing the…
This is not a study about the inspiration of the Bible or a defense of the books of the canon. This is a study “about God’s jealousy for His integrity, His passion to be believed on the basis of His Words alone.” The purpose of this study is “to persuade believers not only to believe the logos (the revelation…
I want to try an experiment this morning. I am going to give you a rule that you all must obey for 10 seconds. Here is the rule: starting right now do not look behind you. Do not look at the person sitting behind you. Do not look at the nursery window. Do not look at the book table or the welcome board.…
Is there a call to ministry? What is a biblical calling? One thing that is NOT a calling to vocational ministry Spiritual need- the perception of need does not constitute a call. 6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.…
Recent Barna data shows that nearly three in five U.S. adults (58%) report that they pray at least once a week or more. Of those 58%, I heard a statistic this past week that 90% of those who pray at least once a week or more, spend less than one minute a day in prayer. Why is that? Recently in our book…
So You’ve Made a Bad Decision What do you do when you have made not only a bad decision, but a sinful one? One of the worst parts about being out of God’s will is that the way back seems so doubtful. Are you a Christian who is staggering under the burden of sinful choices? Christ offers hope! Clarisse…
Saturdays are game days for our kids. But, before they can play games that have to get the house chores done (something you figure out after you parents six children). The list of chores is quite extensive, and many times my boys will come to be right away in the morning and tell me, “Dad, more chores…
What does it look like to trust God in real life? It is one thing to talk about trusting the Lord in the chairs of your church on Sunday morning. What about tomorrow morning when you have to wake up and start another week of real life? How will genuine trust in a sovereign God change our daily behavior?…
The other day I finally broke down and bought a new pair of shoes. My last pair of sneakers I purchased in 2019 and they lasted until 2023. Not bad. I hate shoe shopping. One thing you always do is try the sneakers on before you buy them. Obviously you want to make sure they fit. But then you do the…
On February 26 the Portland Trail Blazers played and defeated the Houston Rockets by a score of 131-114. The remarkable part of this game was the all-star player for the Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard, scored 71 points in a single game without overtime. This is an impressive feat that you could boast…
Paul wanted his opponents in Rome to understand that it is impossible for those who are under grace to continue in habitual sin. Friend, if you are positionally under grace it will be impossible for you continue in habitual sin. You will still struggle with sin as long as your person is corrupted by…
Theme: How do we live for God as exiles in this present evil age? 1 Peter 1:1 (ESV) 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1 Peter 1:17 (ESV) 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according…
Paul wanted his opponents in Rome to understand that it is impossible for those who are under grace to continue in habitual sin. Friend, if you are positionally under grace it will be impossible for you continue in habitual sin. You will still struggle with sin as long as your person is corrupted by…
Several weeks ago most of my family flew to Florida. One of the things my kids really enjoyed was flying in an airplane. Our flights on the way down to Florida (other than delays at the airport) were wonderful—smooth flying. The kids had so much fun that on our return flight they were all excitedly talking…
It is a common thing for churches to do some kind of vision Sunday during the month of January to set the spiritual tone for the year. I sometimes do this, and sometimes I don’t. This year, God impressed it upon my heart to set a vision and a focus for 2023. Why? 4 But I have this against you, that you…
Imagine you are walking a narrow path between two pitfalls. One the one side is steep ravine with a raging river at the bottom, and on the other side a steep drop filled with jagged rocks. Your task is to safely navigate between the two dangers. There are two dangerous paths that God wants believers…
The Peace of God If God has an individual direction for His children, then they ought to be able to discern what that direction is. One major issue we have to think through however, is how do we find God’s leading without necessitating some form of continuing, special revelation? How can we claim to…
New Year’s Resolution: Draw closer to God than every before! How? Read Bible more, pray more, go to church more, all good ideas. Any motion toward God must first begin with repentance. We don’t like to talk about repentance much let alone put it into action. This same problem was facing the Jews in Ezekiel’s…
This Christmas season we have much to adore our Savior for. I want to that love and adoration to intensify and increase this morning as we dwell on the incarnation! 1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son…
This morning we are going to observe the Lord’s supper. The Lord’s supper is a time for us to remember what Jesus has gracious done for us in providing our salvation. When observe the elements of communion, when we eat the bread and drink the cup, we do it, in remembrance of Jesus Christ. Each element…
Account For Your Inclinations Some Christians think that ignoring circumstances is a mark of spirituality. The Bible, however, never rebukes us for taking circumstances into account. When is the only time Christians ought to turn their backs upon circumstances? When we possess direct, divine revelation.…
Christians are under grace as a rule of life Obedience that is primarily motivated by love 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. Love has been perfected with us- Lit. “love has reached its goal” with…
Consider Your Circumstances Wrong ways of knowing God’s will: Inner voices Dreams “Fleeces” Misuse of Scripture Biblical principles for knowing God’s will: Begin by obeying God’s will as revealed in Scripture Prioritize faithfulness to duties Bathe decisions in prayer Gather all the information you can…
Two dangerous paths that God wants believers to avoid. Paul helps us carefully steer a safe course between the errors of legalism on the one side and licentiousness on the other. Legalism - earn or maintain God’s favor by means of my ability to keep his law (vv. 14-15). These kinds of people like to…
Seek Godly Counsel Does God know exactly the choices that will bring the greatest good into your life? Does it always seem that way? “Sometimes the choices God has for us do not result in the greatest apparent good, especially in the short run.” Explain? God knows who He wants you to be, and He knows…
Picture this, it is the middle of the night. You are startled awake by a sudden noise. You open your eyes and you make out the shapes of the furniture in your bedroom because your eyes have fully adjusted to the dark. Then suddenly, without a hint of warning someone turns on all of the lights in your…
Waiting for the latest movie / or book. Always part of a series. What happens the moment you finish movie 2 or book 1. The ending credits roll or you turn the last page, what is your instant desire? When the next one going to come out? The heart problem behind any sin the a greedy heart, we always want…
What is the purpose of the book of Revelation? Why was it written? 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. Who was the book of Revelation written to? 4 John to the seven churches that are…
Common attitude of Christians: I can’t stop sinning or God’s grace is grater than my sin so I’ll keep on sinning. 1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? In vv. 3-5 Paul teaches that our water baptism identified…
Inform Yourself In order to discern God’s leading we should seek to gain as much information as possible about the situation. The Bible is full of examples and principles that merge God’s will with adequately-informed judgment. Examples? A person who makes a pronouncement without listening to the facts…
“Can’t never did anything!” Common attitude of Christians: I can’t stop sinning. 1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Then Paul pointed out the absurdity of a true believer even asking the question, “are…
Criteria For Finding God’s Will God has an individual will for each Christian and that His direction can be discerned. God’s leading never contradicts Scripture rightly understood The person who wishes to know God’s will must be willing to do God’s will (obedience to God’s will already known) God’s will…
One of the sayings I hated the most when I was in school, was when my high school teacher would ask me to do some school assignment and I would answer “I can’t,” to which she would reply, “Can’t never did anything.” I did not fully understand that response until I had kids of my own. Until I was in the…
Three False Methods, and a True One Three wrong ways: Seeking God’s will through signs and “ fleeces ” Where do we get the idea of “fleeces” from? Gideon We say that people are “setting out a fleece” when they challenge God to reveal His will through some uncommon event or through some apparently chance…
Are you guilty of abusing God’s grace, of using God’s abounding grace as an excuse to sin? This is what the Apostle Paul wants to get across to the Romans. Because we are united to Christ, this new position that we have enables God to cause his grace to abound to us! Now as Paul ends chapter 5 and begins…
God’s Providential Will Does God have an individual will for each believer? Suppose you say no: How does that view interact with Scripture? 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! If God does not have an individual…
“I like committing crimes. God likes forgiving them. Really the world is admirably arranged.” —W.H. Auden “Christians are by no means immune from the temptation to slip from a celebration of grace to an abuse of grace.” —Douglas Moo Are you guilty of abusing God’s grace, of using God’s abounding grace…
The Problem of God’s Will Bill and John both going to same bible college, almost same identical circumstances. Both facing financial hardships. Bill: “I’m beginning to think that Bible college isn’t God’s will for me.” John: “When you came here, were you convinced it was God’s will?” Bill: “Sure, If…
“God will forgive; that is his ‘business.’” —Voltaire “I like committing crimes. God likes forgiving them. Really the world is admirably arranged.” —W.H. Auden “Christians are by no means immune from the temptation to slip from a celebration of grace to an abuse of grace.” —Douglas Moo Refutation: I…
Proposition: Through the message of the Messiah God offers His people hope for the future. Question: How does God’s message of the Messiah in the minor prophets offer us hope? Jesus offers us hope through: 1). Reversal (Hosea) 5 Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord their God,…
Faith in God’s providence, instead of repressing our energies, excites us to diligence. We labor as if all depended upon us, and then fall back upon the Lord with the calm faith that depends upon him. —C.H. Spurgeon Much of our study of providence has been examining God’s working in the lives of OT saints.…
Through the message of the Messiah God offers His people hope for the future. How does God’s message of the Messiah in the minor prophets offer us hope? I. The message of the Messiah in Hosea offers hope through reversal II. The message of the Messiah in Amos offers hope through restoration III. The…
Through the message of the Messiah God offers His people hope for the future. How does God’s message of the Messiah in the minor prophets offer us hope? I. The message of the Messiah in Hosea offers hope through reversal II. The message of the Messiah in Amos offers hope through restoration Introduction…
The theme of our message this morning is on the idea of honor or reverence. This past week I was accosted with two ungodly examples of honor and reverence. 1). An add popped upon on my screen this week that told me it was pride month, and that I needed to “honor” pride month. What a contradiction of…
History, when rightly written, is but a record of providence; and he who would read history rightly must read it with his eye constantly fixed on the hand of God. —Hollis Read When the fulness of time was come, God sent for his Son. —Paul the Apostle ( Galatians 4:4 ) If we think of the doctrine of providence…
God’s providence is supreme, and therefore sovereign … He is the sole arbiter of events and destines … So that it is as clear that God rules alone as that he rules at all, that he rules everywhere as that he rules anywhere; that he governs all agents, all causes, all events, as that he governs any of…
This passage forces us to ask one critical question- what is the nature of your relationship with Christ? Your answer to this question makes all the difference in the world. Being in a relationship with someone can bring with that union several key advantages. Illustration: Being someone’s pastor during…
God’s providence is supreme, and therefore sovereign … He is the sole arbiter of events and destines … So that it is as clear that God rules alone as that he rules at all, that he rules everywhere as that eh rules anywhere; that he governs all agents, all causes, all events, as that he governs any of…
This morning I want us to think about the important biblical idea of fellowship. What is biblical fellowship? Whatever it is, it has something to do with potlucks right? Baptist buffet is probably part of the etomology of the Greek word of koinonia right? What really is biblical fellowship? 1 Behold,…
This morning we begin a new sermon series on Romans 5-8 called United with Christ. One of the main purposes of this series will be to explore the wonders of our salvation. I invite you to go on a journey of exploration and discovery. It will be like an treasure hunt in a far away land. At times our study…
This morning I want to set aside a time to speak to mothers. But, I think this message will be relevant for not just mothers and wives, but it will be relevant for all women. My aim this morning is threefold: 1. to challenge you ladies to be godly 2. to encourage you to continue walking in godliness…
This morning I want us to think about the idea of blessedness or happiness? Three time in just eight verses Paul draws our attention to the idea of blessing or the one who is blessed. V. 6- just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works V. 7- Blessed…
Does anyone know what this picture represents? This might be the most amazing data picture you see in a lifetime! It shows the 63,779 cross-references in the Bible. The white bars along the bottom represent each Bible chapter, Gen. 1 - Rev. 22 . The line’s color shows the reference’s distance from the…
Today is Psalm Sunday. It is the day historically, that the church remembers and celebrates what we call the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ. In the triumphal entry account, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a colt. Large crowds of Jews followed his entry and spread their cloaks before Jesus or cut palm…
This morning we observed the Lord’s Supper. We remember the what Jesus did for us in securing our salvation. This ordinance was instituted by Jesus Himself, and it is something that we do on a regular basis. Why? Why did Jesus command us to remember the Lord’s Supper? Why do we do it so often? Why does…
How many times have you heard or been told something to this effect, “you just need to trust the Lord”? How many times does God tell us to do this very thing in the Scriptures? It is one of the great themes of Scripture! 5 Commit your way to the Lord ; trust in him, and he will act. 5 Trust in the Lord…
How many times have you heard or been told something to this effect, “you just need to trust the Lord”? How many times does God tell us to do this very thing in the Scriptures? It is one of the great themes of Scripture! 5 Commit your way to the Lord ; trust in him, and he will act. 5 Trust in the Lord…
God’s providence is powerful . . . It is so powerful that it even brings good out of evil; making bad men and fallen angels to serve God’s designs, while they intend no such thing: giving the greatest efficiency to causes apparently the most contemptible; and infallibly securing the very best ends .…
What is a disciple? a follower of Jesus that you have spiritual reproduced yourself in their life. One life-to a life-for life. Teaching them to observe all things that Jesus has commanded us. Disciples who make disciples who make disciples. How do you make a disciple? Follow One, Win One, Lead One.…
Governing Providence - God guides and governs all events, including the free acts of men and their external circumstances, and directs all things to their appointed ends for His glory. What Does the Bible Say? Genesis 39 God in His providence, may allow us to be falsely accused and unjustly maligned…
What is a disciple? a follower of Jesus that you have spiritual reproduced yourself in their life. One life-to a life-for life. Teaching them to observe all things that Jesus has commanded us. Disciples who make disciples who make disciples. How do you make a disciple? Follow One, Win One, Lead One.…
Governing Providence - God guides and governs all events, including the free acts of men and their external circumstances, and directs all things to their appointed ends for His glory. What Does the Bible Say? Genesis 39 2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house…
The Ark Captured ( I Samuel 4:1-11 ) 1 And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines. They encamped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines encamped at Aphek. 2 The Philistines drew up in line against Israel, and when the battle spread, Israel was defeated…
Last week we asked the question what is a disciple? What we tend to think: What the NT reality actually looks like: 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” How long does it take to teach someone all the commands of Jesus? How…
Governing Providence - God guides and governs all events, including the free acts of men and their external circumstances, and directs all things to their appointed ends for His glory. What Does the Bible Say? If you had to break up the Bible into percentages, how much of the Bible is straightforward…
No thought can enter into the mind of man better adapted to promote its piety and peace than this—that the world is under the government of God, and all the events of our lives under the direction of His providence. — Orton Preserving Providence - God continually preserves and maintains the existence…
One of the most spiritually healthy things we have done in a church since I took over as the head pastor is to begin to cultivate a disciple-making culture in our church. That process began about 2 1/2 years ago. We have come a long way, praise the Lord, but we still have a long way to grow- don’t we?…
What is your greatest need this morning? Think of the one need in your life, that if that need was met, your life would be impacted the most! What is is? Financial debt- What if, this morning, I could write a check for every one of you and totally erase all of your financial debt? Would meeting that…
The providence of God is His almighty and everywhere present power, whereby as it were by hand, He upholds and governs heaven, earth and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come,…
The providence of God is His almighty and everywhere present power, whereby as it were by hand, He upholds and governs heaven, earth and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come,…
This morning I want to preach a timely and I think providential message on the subject of giving. I don’t go out of my way to preach about giving. In fact I normally only talk about it as I am naturally preaching expository through a book. This year God worked so that we could address this subject right…
This morning I want to preach a timely and I think providential message on the subject of giving. I don’t go out of my way to preach about giving. In fact I normally only talk about it as I am naturally preaching expository through a book. This year God worked so that we could address this subject right…
This morning I want us to focus our minds on our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. In one of the most wonderful and glorious moments in history, and yet one of the most incomprehensible and mysterious moments in history, Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son, very God of very God, entered the world and became like…
The doctrine of Providence is that all things are sustained, directed and controlled by God. — Leonard Woods The Word “Providence” in the Bible 2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him , saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto…
What do you find satisfaction from in life? New car? Scratching the Vibe Hobbies? Deer mount (but that was two years ago) Eating at your favorite restaurant? (but I am hungry for breakfast just hours later) What does really satisfaction look like? What does it mean to be truly content? Contentment means…
Who Is In Charge? What is Sovereignty? “The doctrine of God’s providence is rooted in the doctrine of God’s sovereignty” sove REIGN ty- God’s undisputed authority and rule over every aspect of His creation. 1. God Can do Anything ( Gen. 18:14 ) 2. God Makes Everyone ( Ex. 4:11 ) 3. God Can Do Everything…
Do you have peace in your life? So many people in our culture today live with a complete lack of peace in their lives. They have to manufacture a pretense of peace, through busyness, through drugs, through alcohol, through medication, etc. but they do not have true peace. This can be true of believers…
Who Is In Charge? What answers might people give to the question, “Who is in charge?” Pure chance (Karma) Cosmic Contest Divine Control What does the Bible say? What is Sovereignty? “The doctrine of God’s providence is rooted in the doctrine of God’s sovereignty” sove REIGN ty- God’s undisputed authority…
One of the great themes of the NT is the position of the Christian. So much of our daily living, our daily growth in holiness is an expression of our understanding and application of our position in Christ. That is something entirely unique about Christianity. The Bible does not simply tell you to be…
Who Is In Charge? Deliverance from death story (pg. 2) What answers might people give to the question, “Who is in charge?” Pure chance (Karma) Cosmic Contest Divine Control What does the Bible say? What is Providence? What is Sovereignty? “The doctrine of God’s providence is rooted in the doctrine of…
One of the great themes of the NT is the position of the Christian. So much of our daily living, our daily growth in holiness is an expression of our understanding and application of our position in Christ. That is something entirely unique about Christianity. The Bible does not simply tell you to be…
The Promise to the Overcomer 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. The genuine Christian, the one who overcomes by faith and is victorious over the world (cf. 1 John 5:4–5) (Walvoord), will join Christ not…
What kind of goals do you have in your life? There are all kinds of goals- financial goals (freedom from debt), physical goals (finally get into shape), family goals (take a vacation, be a better father / mother, spend more time together). Then there are spiritual goals. What kind of spiritual goals…
Attributes of Jesus 14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. Knowledge of Jesus 15 “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! Spiritual Condition of the…