This is the first sermon in the Be Happy series. I preached this sermon July 5, 2009.
Text: Psalm 1
Introduction: In thinking about the death of self proclaimed King of Pop, Michael Jackson this week I’m sure we all have heard more than we wanted. But here was a person who was wealthy, one of the most famous people of our time. He had money, things, he had high profile friends, family, he had talent, notoriety. He was preparing to make his comeback tour. What else could he have wanted? But I can’t help but wonder if he was happy? In my opinion the Michael Jackson’s life was a tragedy. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to defend or accuse this man of anything. But I can’t help but think of Elvis Presley, a man of similar wealth and fame 6 weeks before he died, a reporter asked Elvis Presley, "Elvis, when you first started playing music, you said you wanted to be rich, famous and happy. Are you happy?" “I’m lonely as hell” He replied. Elvis was obviously not a happy man.
If somebody like Elvis was not happy, and likely Michael Jackson was not happy. Is there any hope for anybody to be happy?
Elvis, Michael Jackson, and perhaps most people, even Christian people make the same mistake. They continue to pursue happiness yet it remains just out of reach. One more dollar, one more album, one more movie, one more term, one more beer, one more hit, one more….you fill in the blank. Or maybe, I need a change, a different job, a different car, a different house, a different spouse, a different….But we all end up disappointed and keep pursuing the ever elusive happiness. Psalm 1 gives us the source of true happiness. We realize with this that God created us with a desire for happiness.Psalm 1 presents two paths to take, one leads to happiness, the other to despair. We will learn that you have a choice to make, in what is your delight? In what are you seeking happiness? You must make the right choice.
Dwell
To be happy, you must dwell closely with the Lord
1. There is digression away from God pictured in these verses, a digression that leads to sin and sorrow. First is to walk – it means refusing the values of the godless (today’s secular values). To walk indicates a series of steps that the ungodly person takes in life, decisions he makes.
2. Stand – stop walking and stand. The lure of the crowd to sinfulness. To stand pictures the commitments a person makes.
3. Sit – walked, stopped and stood, and now you sit, sitting in fellowship with those that are enemies of God. (1 Cor 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. – Bad company corrupts good character). To sit represents the attitudes of the heart.
4. Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk away from God, who doesn’t go further and further into the strongholds of sin. The beginning of this verse “Blessed” Hebrew meaning happy – and it is doubled to emphasize happiness. Happy, Happy is the man who life is centered on God. IE – you can’t describe the intensity of the happiness.
Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Ps 84:4-5 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee, Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
Ps 89:15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.
Ps 119:1-2 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2: Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
Delight
To be happy, you must delight in the Lord
1. Delight in God
-Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Psalm 119:16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
Psalm 119:24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
Psalm 119:35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
Psalm 119:47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
2. Meditate on His Word – the joy of reading and thinking on the word of God.
-2 Tim 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
3. Like a tree – drawing nourishment from God’s word. Stability and fruitfulness produced (fruit of joy).
-leaf not whither – lasting, eternal results.
4. Prosper – happiness, a spiritually rich life.
Josh 1:8-9 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Devote
To be happy, you must devote yourself to God’s way
1. Vs 4 – contrasts the ungodly with those who are devoted to the ways of the Lord. Are the ungodly blessed? No, are the ungodly happy? No, are the ungodly successful? No, and the ungodly fruitful? No. While the righteous are like the tree that does not whither, the ungodly are like the chaff when that the wind blows away – grain crushed and tossed in the air, the wind blows away the chaff, the chaff gathered and burned. (The wind of circumstances). Chaff is of no value, the wicked are empty, shallow and all they do is futile.
2. Vs 5 – A judgment is coming for the godless Rev 20:11-15 11: And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12: And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13: And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14: And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15: And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
-Those without Christ will be justly condemned for their sin, and eternally punished in hell.
-will have no fellowship with the saints of God.
3. Vs 6 – Knows the way of the righteous – indicates a personal relationship.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Stone Tablets
This is the final sermon in the What Mean These Stones? series. I preached this sermon June 28, 2009.
Text: 2 Corinthians 3:3
Introduction: One of the greatest monuments in our nation is the Washington Monument standing in the District of Columbia. Standing at just over 555 feet tall, it is an impressive structure and the tallest stone monument in the world, and when it was built was the tallest building in the world. Graffiti from the 1800s discovered by workers renovating the Washington Monument has quite a different tone from that usually found today on the sides of buildings and subway cars."Whoever is the human instrument under God in the conversion of one soul, erects a monument to his own memory more lofty and enduing (sic) than this," reads the inscription which can now be viewed by visitors to the monument.It is signed BFB. No one knows who that is, or who left the small drawings and 19th century dates on other walls.The markings in the lobby of the monument were covered over when it was decorated at the turn of the century. They were found when workers removed marble wainscoting as part of a year-long $500,000 renovation which was just completed. As we consider the memorial we are now erecting. We realize that no one may ever build a memorial to any of us, but our memorial will stand just the same. What will our memorial say of us? Paul speaks of something written on our hearts, and there is actually a dual meaning here that we will see more in a minute. But he contrasts something written on tables of stone verses tables of the heart.The reference of tables of stone that comes to mind is that of the 10 commandments. We remember how that Moses ascended the mountain of Sinai and there received the commandments of God written on tables of stone. We remember how that when Moses confronted the Israelites when they sinned by worshiping the golden calf and he threw down the tablets and they shattered. He later rewrote the commandments on stone tablets. Why stone? Papyrus and parchment were available. But to write in stone tells us several things. To write the commandments on stone tells us that what is written is important, it tells us that what is written is lasting, or permanent. And it tells us that what is written in stone is unchangeable. You didn’t write just anything on stone. But Paul says that what is written is on the heart, not on stone. Why, even with stone, time and elements will wear it away. Eventually this world will be destroyed along with stone. But what is written on the heart is eternal. And what is written on the heart is eternal. So what is written on the heart is important, it is lasting and it is unchangeable. While the law was written on stone, the gospel is written on the heart.There are three types of stones, if you will, that we must write on. Three things that are written on the heart that are important, everlasting and unchangeable.
The Keystone of Your Testimony
A keystone is the stone at the top of a stone arch and it is the stone that keeps the whole arch from falling. It is something on which everything else depends.
1. The gospel is written on the heart, a testimony of salvation. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17: For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
2. Testimony of obedience 1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
3. Testimony of faithfulness – 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
When the cornerstone was laid some said this "No more Washingtons shall come in our time ... But his virtues are stamped on the heart of mankind. He who is great in the battlefield looks upward to the generalship of Washington. He who grows wise in counsel feels that he is imitating Washington. He who can resign power against the wishes of a people, has in his eye the bright example of Washington." While this monument was built in memorial to George Washington our first president, Washington built his own memorial as is evident in these words. And if that 555 tall obelisk were not standing, a monument of George Washington exists in the hearts and minds of Americans.
Do you have a testimony? Can you tell your testimony? Does your life demonstrate a testimony?
Milestones of a Walk of Faith
Events in life indicating significant progress
1. Time of trial and testing Ps 23 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
2. Times of victory 1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5: Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
3. Times of growth – 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
-1 Peter 2:2-3 2: As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
Capstone of a legacy of faith
-finishing stone of a structure, it is the crowning achievement,
On the western face of the capstone is inscribed the message Laus Deo – latin for Praise be to God.
-Paul is speaking of the Corinthian Christians themselves being a letter written on his heart. (the problem of letters of commendation). This is his praise to God!
1. Legacy of spiritual children – Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
A true heart of compassion will let those on the way to destruction know they can escape, but the only escape is through Jesus Christ. We need to tell people they're in trouble with God and that God alone has provided a way to escape. But How? Do we all have to share the same way? No, the unbelieving world is made up of a variety of people: young, old, rich, poor, educated, uneducated, urban, rural, with different race, personalities, values, politics, and religious backgrounds. It's going to take more than one style of evangelism to reach such a diverse population!
So what is your style?
Confrontational? (Acts 2)When Peter preached – and he pointed out they were responsible for crucifying Jesus. Repent and be baptized, save yourselves from this corrupt generation. (one style of confronting with 10 commandments)
Intellectual? (Acts 17) Paul debated with the philosophers on Mars Hill to convince them.
Testimonial? (John 9) One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!
Relational? (Mark 5) –the man at the tombs possessed by demons. Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.
Invitational? (John 4) The Samaritan woman at the well begged the people of the city to come and hear Jesus for themselves.
Serving? (Acts 9) Dorcas impacted her city by doing deeds of kindness.
Don't ever think you're a second class Christian because you don't proclaim Christ like Peter or Paul. Discover your own method. Then get out of your chair and use it, for the Glory of God. Live by faith, not fear!!!
Text: 2 Corinthians 3:3
Introduction: One of the greatest monuments in our nation is the Washington Monument standing in the District of Columbia. Standing at just over 555 feet tall, it is an impressive structure and the tallest stone monument in the world, and when it was built was the tallest building in the world. Graffiti from the 1800s discovered by workers renovating the Washington Monument has quite a different tone from that usually found today on the sides of buildings and subway cars."Whoever is the human instrument under God in the conversion of one soul, erects a monument to his own memory more lofty and enduing (sic) than this," reads the inscription which can now be viewed by visitors to the monument.It is signed BFB. No one knows who that is, or who left the small drawings and 19th century dates on other walls.The markings in the lobby of the monument were covered over when it was decorated at the turn of the century. They were found when workers removed marble wainscoting as part of a year-long $500,000 renovation which was just completed. As we consider the memorial we are now erecting. We realize that no one may ever build a memorial to any of us, but our memorial will stand just the same. What will our memorial say of us? Paul speaks of something written on our hearts, and there is actually a dual meaning here that we will see more in a minute. But he contrasts something written on tables of stone verses tables of the heart.The reference of tables of stone that comes to mind is that of the 10 commandments. We remember how that Moses ascended the mountain of Sinai and there received the commandments of God written on tables of stone. We remember how that when Moses confronted the Israelites when they sinned by worshiping the golden calf and he threw down the tablets and they shattered. He later rewrote the commandments on stone tablets. Why stone? Papyrus and parchment were available. But to write in stone tells us several things. To write the commandments on stone tells us that what is written is important, it tells us that what is written is lasting, or permanent. And it tells us that what is written in stone is unchangeable. You didn’t write just anything on stone. But Paul says that what is written is on the heart, not on stone. Why, even with stone, time and elements will wear it away. Eventually this world will be destroyed along with stone. But what is written on the heart is eternal. And what is written on the heart is eternal. So what is written on the heart is important, it is lasting and it is unchangeable. While the law was written on stone, the gospel is written on the heart.There are three types of stones, if you will, that we must write on. Three things that are written on the heart that are important, everlasting and unchangeable.
The Keystone of Your Testimony
A keystone is the stone at the top of a stone arch and it is the stone that keeps the whole arch from falling. It is something on which everything else depends.
1. The gospel is written on the heart, a testimony of salvation. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17: For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
2. Testimony of obedience 1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
3. Testimony of faithfulness – 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
When the cornerstone was laid some said this "No more Washingtons shall come in our time ... But his virtues are stamped on the heart of mankind. He who is great in the battlefield looks upward to the generalship of Washington. He who grows wise in counsel feels that he is imitating Washington. He who can resign power against the wishes of a people, has in his eye the bright example of Washington." While this monument was built in memorial to George Washington our first president, Washington built his own memorial as is evident in these words. And if that 555 tall obelisk were not standing, a monument of George Washington exists in the hearts and minds of Americans.
Do you have a testimony? Can you tell your testimony? Does your life demonstrate a testimony?
Milestones of a Walk of Faith
Events in life indicating significant progress
1. Time of trial and testing Ps 23 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
2. Times of victory 1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5: Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
3. Times of growth – 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
-1 Peter 2:2-3 2: As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
Capstone of a legacy of faith
-finishing stone of a structure, it is the crowning achievement,
On the western face of the capstone is inscribed the message Laus Deo – latin for Praise be to God.
-Paul is speaking of the Corinthian Christians themselves being a letter written on his heart. (the problem of letters of commendation). This is his praise to God!
1. Legacy of spiritual children – Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
A true heart of compassion will let those on the way to destruction know they can escape, but the only escape is through Jesus Christ. We need to tell people they're in trouble with God and that God alone has provided a way to escape. But How? Do we all have to share the same way? No, the unbelieving world is made up of a variety of people: young, old, rich, poor, educated, uneducated, urban, rural, with different race, personalities, values, politics, and religious backgrounds. It's going to take more than one style of evangelism to reach such a diverse population!
So what is your style?
Confrontational? (Acts 2)When Peter preached – and he pointed out they were responsible for crucifying Jesus. Repent and be baptized, save yourselves from this corrupt generation. (one style of confronting with 10 commandments)
Intellectual? (Acts 17) Paul debated with the philosophers on Mars Hill to convince them.
Testimonial? (John 9) One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!
Relational? (Mark 5) –the man at the tombs possessed by demons. Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.
Invitational? (John 4) The Samaritan woman at the well begged the people of the city to come and hear Jesus for themselves.
Serving? (Acts 9) Dorcas impacted her city by doing deeds of kindness.
Don't ever think you're a second class Christian because you don't proclaim Christ like Peter or Paul. Discover your own method. Then get out of your chair and use it, for the Glory of God. Live by faith, not fear!!!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Smooth Stones
This is the fourth sermon in the What Mean These Stones? series. I preached this sermon June 21, 2009.
Text: 1 Samuel 17:39-40
Introduction: Being a typical boy growing up, I had my fair share of scraps and scrapes. Now I never was fond of fighting and never much good at it, but I did get into a few brawls. While I have no brothers or sisters that I grew up with, I had 3 cousins about the same age and we played together, grew up together and yes we fought each other many times. But thankfully we never really hurt each other badly.
One particular time 3 of us got into a fight. Brian, Scott and I had a heated exchange, a few pushes and threats. Scott hopped on his bicycle and was riding around the driveway taunting me and knew I couldn’t do anything about it. If I approached him he would ride off. So I picked up a football and threatened to throw it and knock him off his bike. Now you must understand, I am not an athlete and it was more or less an empty threat. He called my bluff cause he knew I couldn’t hit him with that football. I cocked my arm and he started riding off toward the road. I threw that ball as hard as I could, not really expecting to hit him. He was about 25 yards out and that football came down and hit him square on the head. Causing him to wipeout on his bike. Thankfully, he was more mad than hurt. I’m sure I got a spanking from dad, but I was overjoyed because I hit a moving target at that distance. Once in a lifetime.
Funny thing about kids when they fight each other is that often they fight those that are closest to them (their best friend), not their enemy. Kids usually fight over the silliest things, and fight, well, like children. Unfortunately Christians are a lot like children. Probably evidence of spiritual immaturity. We fight the wrong enemy, usually fellow Christians, those close to us. We fight over silly things that have no real significance and Christians fight like children.
Unfortunately, many of sitting here today are defeated because we are fighting like children in the midst of real spiritual warfare. We pick fights, we play church games, and yet there is a real spiritual warfare going around us and it is beating us down.
David was a young man, not old enough to be in the military, yet David had a remarkable maturity when it comes to the battles he fights. He was accused of childish immaturity and yet proved to be a mature warrior on the battlefield. He killed the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone, almost a child’s toy. We see that for his weapon, he chose five smooth stones. It only took one. People have often talked and questioned what about the other four. Some have suggested he saved them for Goliath’s four giant brothers. But I don’t see any evidence in the scripture that he killed Goliath’s brothers with the remaining four. We don’t know, but it could be that he kept them as a reminder of what God did.
As we consider the monument we are building in this life we realize the very reality of the spiritual warfare we face. And in this warfare we look behind us and see there are many battles that have been won and many lost. It is the victories won in faith that make the difference. We are building our monument, we need the chief cornerstone, and God can use the broken stones of our lives, but we also need to leave behind some smooth stones. Stones that represent the victories won by faith in our Lord. So instead of fighting in childish scuffles, lets wage in the spiritual warfare. Lets use this account of David and Goliath to give us some guidance.
Clear Identification of the Enemy
It was clear in this instance that Goliath was the enemy, an intimidating enemy at that!
We have chosen the wrong battles and often misidentified the enemy.
Ephesians 6:10-12 10: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Peter said in 1 Peter 5: 8: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
-we do not face a physical enemy, but a spiritual enemy, that is why we must have the spiritual weapons at hand.
The devil (accuser), Satan (adversary), tempter, murderer, liar and father of lies, thief, a serpent and god of this age.
Lucifer son of the morning Is 14:12-15 12: How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13: For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15: Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Careful Preparation for Battle
Preparation for spiritual warfare must begin before we even face the enemy – vs 32-37
Rejection of Saul’s armor (David will not face the giant the way the world says it should be done) vs 38-39
Choice of weapons (reflect trust in God, God will use the weapons at hand). Vs 40 - 43
Put on the whole armor of God
Ephesians 6: 13: Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14: Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Confident Expectation of Victory
You may lose if you fight, but you will most assuredly lose if you don’t
Choose battles worth fighting for – a hill on which you are willing to die
-God’s honor was at stake vs 45-47
Enter the battlefield and engage the enemy
Vs 48-51
Stand firm, resis the devil and he will flee from you James 4:7, Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world 1 John 4:4
There are things worth fighting for: life, morality, souls…
You have prepared, you have identified the enemy and you have chosen that this is a battle worth fighting. The confidence you have lies in the prayers you have prayed and others are praying for you, without prayer you are in danger.
Prayer is the energy to fight the battle – Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19: And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Text: 1 Samuel 17:39-40
Introduction: Being a typical boy growing up, I had my fair share of scraps and scrapes. Now I never was fond of fighting and never much good at it, but I did get into a few brawls. While I have no brothers or sisters that I grew up with, I had 3 cousins about the same age and we played together, grew up together and yes we fought each other many times. But thankfully we never really hurt each other badly.
One particular time 3 of us got into a fight. Brian, Scott and I had a heated exchange, a few pushes and threats. Scott hopped on his bicycle and was riding around the driveway taunting me and knew I couldn’t do anything about it. If I approached him he would ride off. So I picked up a football and threatened to throw it and knock him off his bike. Now you must understand, I am not an athlete and it was more or less an empty threat. He called my bluff cause he knew I couldn’t hit him with that football. I cocked my arm and he started riding off toward the road. I threw that ball as hard as I could, not really expecting to hit him. He was about 25 yards out and that football came down and hit him square on the head. Causing him to wipeout on his bike. Thankfully, he was more mad than hurt. I’m sure I got a spanking from dad, but I was overjoyed because I hit a moving target at that distance. Once in a lifetime.
Funny thing about kids when they fight each other is that often they fight those that are closest to them (their best friend), not their enemy. Kids usually fight over the silliest things, and fight, well, like children. Unfortunately Christians are a lot like children. Probably evidence of spiritual immaturity. We fight the wrong enemy, usually fellow Christians, those close to us. We fight over silly things that have no real significance and Christians fight like children.
Unfortunately, many of sitting here today are defeated because we are fighting like children in the midst of real spiritual warfare. We pick fights, we play church games, and yet there is a real spiritual warfare going around us and it is beating us down.
David was a young man, not old enough to be in the military, yet David had a remarkable maturity when it comes to the battles he fights. He was accused of childish immaturity and yet proved to be a mature warrior on the battlefield. He killed the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone, almost a child’s toy. We see that for his weapon, he chose five smooth stones. It only took one. People have often talked and questioned what about the other four. Some have suggested he saved them for Goliath’s four giant brothers. But I don’t see any evidence in the scripture that he killed Goliath’s brothers with the remaining four. We don’t know, but it could be that he kept them as a reminder of what God did.
As we consider the monument we are building in this life we realize the very reality of the spiritual warfare we face. And in this warfare we look behind us and see there are many battles that have been won and many lost. It is the victories won in faith that make the difference. We are building our monument, we need the chief cornerstone, and God can use the broken stones of our lives, but we also need to leave behind some smooth stones. Stones that represent the victories won by faith in our Lord. So instead of fighting in childish scuffles, lets wage in the spiritual warfare. Lets use this account of David and Goliath to give us some guidance.
Clear Identification of the Enemy
It was clear in this instance that Goliath was the enemy, an intimidating enemy at that!
We have chosen the wrong battles and often misidentified the enemy.
Ephesians 6:10-12 10: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Peter said in 1 Peter 5: 8: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
-we do not face a physical enemy, but a spiritual enemy, that is why we must have the spiritual weapons at hand.
The devil (accuser), Satan (adversary), tempter, murderer, liar and father of lies, thief, a serpent and god of this age.
Lucifer son of the morning Is 14:12-15 12: How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13: For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15: Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Careful Preparation for Battle
Preparation for spiritual warfare must begin before we even face the enemy – vs 32-37
Rejection of Saul’s armor (David will not face the giant the way the world says it should be done) vs 38-39
Choice of weapons (reflect trust in God, God will use the weapons at hand). Vs 40 - 43
Put on the whole armor of God
Ephesians 6: 13: Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14: Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Confident Expectation of Victory
You may lose if you fight, but you will most assuredly lose if you don’t
Choose battles worth fighting for – a hill on which you are willing to die
-God’s honor was at stake vs 45-47
Enter the battlefield and engage the enemy
Vs 48-51
Stand firm, resis the devil and he will flee from you James 4:7, Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world 1 John 4:4
There are things worth fighting for: life, morality, souls…
You have prepared, you have identified the enemy and you have chosen that this is a battle worth fighting. The confidence you have lies in the prayers you have prayed and others are praying for you, without prayer you are in danger.
Prayer is the energy to fight the battle – Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19: And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Monday, June 8, 2009
Broken Stones
This is the third sermon in the What Mean These Stones? series. I preached this sermon June 7, 2009.
Text: Nehemiah 4:1-3
Introduction: When I was a small child, probably not even in school yet I remember a flower vase that my mom had. It was a small glass bowl really, with a glass lid. Inside the vase, or bowl, was some small flowers. They were not real flowers. But they had a wonderful scent. When you opened the lid to the bowl and fragrant aroma would fill the air. I can’t really remember why, but this little vase of artificial flowers was very special to mom, it was precious to her. As a little child I enjoyed lifting the lid to the bowl and smelling the flowers. I would ask mom every chance I got to smell those flowers. I recall she used to set them on the console television we had. Where we could all enjoy their beauty and aroma when we wanted. I can remember the last time I smelled the flowers, when I picked up the bowl and dropped it on the floor and it shattered. I was so sad, I may have even cried and I remember mom was very sad too. I wanted to do everything possible to keep the flowers but there were too many pieces. It was broken and couldn’t be fixed, and sadly was never replaced.
There are times when life makes us feel like we are broken in pieces. Perhaps too shattered to believe there is any hope that someone could put the pieces back together.
Nehemiah is the account of jews returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. The Babylonians had conquered Jerusalem, breached the walls and destroyed the temple leaving the city and the land desolate. Many of those that survived the Babylonian conquest were taken into captivity and deported out of Jerusalem. Nehemiah is the account of the man Nehemiah who was cupbearer to the king and felt the burden from God to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the city walls. In our text we see where Nehemiah has led the people to begin the work of rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem. We see how they were opposed by Sanballat and Tobiah and Sanballat asks the question in verse 2 “Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish which are burned?” In other words, can they really rebuild the walls from these old broken and burned stone? The answer he expects is no. The wall is too broken, nobody can pick up the pieces and put it back together.
But Nehemiah believed there is a God who could do the impossible.
The wall was so precious to Nehemiah that he wept and risked his very life to go to Jerusalem to rebuild. Maybe your life is in pieces, maybe your hopes are shattered and those things that were precious to you are like broken stones and you wonder is there any hope.
The God of Nehemiah is the same God that can put the broken pieces together again.
Broken Stones
the stones that are precious that have been broken
1. Broken past – those things behind us are often a hindrance to our service to the Lord. We let past failures, past mistakes, past sins keep us from being all that we can be in the Lord. The past is haunting, it often keeps people from salvation thinking God will never forgive. Or sometimes keeps us paralyzed because we can’t forgive ourselves.
-Paul’s advice – Phil 3:14 13: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
2. Broken dreams – not only may we have a broken past, but there are some that have a broken future. Dreams not realized, hopes unfulfilled, disappointments abound.
-Joseph was a dreamer –quite literally he dreamed of when he would lead his family. His jealous brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt where he ended up in the house of Potipher, then in prison. For years he was the lowest of low. Surely this is not what he expected, his dreams were broken. But then in his own time God raised Joseph second only to Pharaoh. Joseph had this to say about it to his brothers “20: But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20
3. Broken hearts – David had a broken heart Psalm 69: 20: Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. (Go back and read the first 19 verses)
-Psalm 147:3 : He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
4. Broken commitments and promises – whether it be promises and commitments we have broken – God is a God who gives us a second chance. Or whether it be promises and commitments broken to us. God alone is always faithful, he never breaks his promise.
5. Broken relationships – friends or family you thought you could count on, but the relationship is broken. But God will never leave you nor forsake you
6. Broken homes – the ones closest to us may fail, but God is the one to whom we may cry Abba Father.
Break In Stones
-those things that try to break into your life - interruptions and oppositions in life
1. Anger of the enemy Vs 1 – they were angry that the jews were trying to put their city back together. It amazes me how that when you try to put the broken pieces of your life back together how people get angry about it and will ridicule you. But they will.
2. Taunting of the enemy Vs 2 – will they sacrifice implies that it will take more than prayer and worship to rebuild the wall –implies God is impotent. They would say your life is too much of a mess even for God to put back together.
-will they make an end in a day - means they will realize how impossible it is and give it up
(those who will taunt you when you become a Christian – it won’t last, He can’t do it, Look at what he has done in his past).
3. Discouragement of the enemy Vs 3 – if a fox crawls up on the wall it will all come down.
Breakthrough Stones
1. Not distracted by the enemy - they didn’t let the enemy’s lies keep them from their work.
-Peter was distracted by the enemy 21: From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22: Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23: But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
2. Prayer is the tool to put together the broken pieces Nehemiah 4:4-5
3. Kept on working on it – did not get discouraged, didn’t quit
-Nehemiah 4:6
4. The walls were completed
-Nehemiah 6:15 – wall completed in only 52 days!
Vs 16 – God gets the credit – they couldn’t stop the breakthrough because the breakthrough came from God.
-You can’t stop the Lord!
Text: Nehemiah 4:1-3
Introduction: When I was a small child, probably not even in school yet I remember a flower vase that my mom had. It was a small glass bowl really, with a glass lid. Inside the vase, or bowl, was some small flowers. They were not real flowers. But they had a wonderful scent. When you opened the lid to the bowl and fragrant aroma would fill the air. I can’t really remember why, but this little vase of artificial flowers was very special to mom, it was precious to her. As a little child I enjoyed lifting the lid to the bowl and smelling the flowers. I would ask mom every chance I got to smell those flowers. I recall she used to set them on the console television we had. Where we could all enjoy their beauty and aroma when we wanted. I can remember the last time I smelled the flowers, when I picked up the bowl and dropped it on the floor and it shattered. I was so sad, I may have even cried and I remember mom was very sad too. I wanted to do everything possible to keep the flowers but there were too many pieces. It was broken and couldn’t be fixed, and sadly was never replaced.
There are times when life makes us feel like we are broken in pieces. Perhaps too shattered to believe there is any hope that someone could put the pieces back together.
Nehemiah is the account of jews returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. The Babylonians had conquered Jerusalem, breached the walls and destroyed the temple leaving the city and the land desolate. Many of those that survived the Babylonian conquest were taken into captivity and deported out of Jerusalem. Nehemiah is the account of the man Nehemiah who was cupbearer to the king and felt the burden from God to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the city walls. In our text we see where Nehemiah has led the people to begin the work of rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem. We see how they were opposed by Sanballat and Tobiah and Sanballat asks the question in verse 2 “Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish which are burned?” In other words, can they really rebuild the walls from these old broken and burned stone? The answer he expects is no. The wall is too broken, nobody can pick up the pieces and put it back together.
But Nehemiah believed there is a God who could do the impossible.
The wall was so precious to Nehemiah that he wept and risked his very life to go to Jerusalem to rebuild. Maybe your life is in pieces, maybe your hopes are shattered and those things that were precious to you are like broken stones and you wonder is there any hope.
The God of Nehemiah is the same God that can put the broken pieces together again.
Broken Stones
the stones that are precious that have been broken
1. Broken past – those things behind us are often a hindrance to our service to the Lord. We let past failures, past mistakes, past sins keep us from being all that we can be in the Lord. The past is haunting, it often keeps people from salvation thinking God will never forgive. Or sometimes keeps us paralyzed because we can’t forgive ourselves.
-Paul’s advice – Phil 3:14 13: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
2. Broken dreams – not only may we have a broken past, but there are some that have a broken future. Dreams not realized, hopes unfulfilled, disappointments abound.
-Joseph was a dreamer –quite literally he dreamed of when he would lead his family. His jealous brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt where he ended up in the house of Potipher, then in prison. For years he was the lowest of low. Surely this is not what he expected, his dreams were broken. But then in his own time God raised Joseph second only to Pharaoh. Joseph had this to say about it to his brothers “20: But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20
3. Broken hearts – David had a broken heart Psalm 69: 20: Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. (Go back and read the first 19 verses)
-Psalm 147:3 : He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
4. Broken commitments and promises – whether it be promises and commitments we have broken – God is a God who gives us a second chance. Or whether it be promises and commitments broken to us. God alone is always faithful, he never breaks his promise.
5. Broken relationships – friends or family you thought you could count on, but the relationship is broken. But God will never leave you nor forsake you
6. Broken homes – the ones closest to us may fail, but God is the one to whom we may cry Abba Father.
Break In Stones
-those things that try to break into your life - interruptions and oppositions in life
1. Anger of the enemy Vs 1 – they were angry that the jews were trying to put their city back together. It amazes me how that when you try to put the broken pieces of your life back together how people get angry about it and will ridicule you. But they will.
2. Taunting of the enemy Vs 2 – will they sacrifice implies that it will take more than prayer and worship to rebuild the wall –implies God is impotent. They would say your life is too much of a mess even for God to put back together.
-will they make an end in a day - means they will realize how impossible it is and give it up
(those who will taunt you when you become a Christian – it won’t last, He can’t do it, Look at what he has done in his past).
3. Discouragement of the enemy Vs 3 – if a fox crawls up on the wall it will all come down.
Breakthrough Stones
1. Not distracted by the enemy - they didn’t let the enemy’s lies keep them from their work.
-Peter was distracted by the enemy 21: From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22: Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23: But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
2. Prayer is the tool to put together the broken pieces Nehemiah 4:4-5
3. Kept on working on it – did not get discouraged, didn’t quit
-Nehemiah 4:6
4. The walls were completed
-Nehemiah 6:15 – wall completed in only 52 days!
Vs 16 – God gets the credit – they couldn’t stop the breakthrough because the breakthrough came from God.
-You can’t stop the Lord!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
The Cornerstone
This is the second sermon in the What Mean These Stones? series. I preached this sermon May 31, 2009.
Text: 1 Peter 2:4-10
Introduction: The dictionary defines the cornerstone as the foundation on which something is constructed, or the starting place. Today we lay the foundation of our memorial.
Remember, last week I shared that whether we intend to or not we are building a memorial we are all leaving behind something that will define who we were that may serve as an example to others. What we leave behind is important and you are now working on it. So I asked two questions about the memorial you are building. Does it indicate God’s powerful work in your life and does it indicate you have an intimate relationship with God? In order for the memorial you are building to indicate these things you must start with the right foundation. That foundation is Christ. If you are building on any other foundation the memorial you leave behind will be trivialized and will have no lasting impact.
Peter describes the foundation, the corner stone. It is this cornerstone that I urge you to begin with today! How does Peter describe it?
A Living Stone
Vs 4 –the living stone is Christ.
-disallowed or rejected of men – meaning they examined the stone but rejected it for lack of value.
-the obvious meaning of which is those that reject Christ.
Vs 5 – you are a living stone! this spiritual building is Christ’s church
-priesthood – all believers are priests – we have direct access to God.
What are the spiritual sacrifices? Prayer, thanksgiving, praise, repentance, offering our bodies to God as a living sacrifice for his service, financial giving, practical and loving service to others.
The living stone makes you a living stone as well in God’s temple that He is constructing.
Ephesians 2:2020: And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21: In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. -you’re body is the temple of Christ
A Precious Stone
Vs 6 – cornerstone
-Is 28:16 16: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Psalm 118:22 22: The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. 23: This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
-the church is built on Jesus Christ. Your life dear Christian must be built on Christ!
-Matthew 7: 24: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26: And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Vs 7 (Back in verse 4 he is called precious)
-the builders rejected this stone – people trying to build their own lives and seeing this stone of no value
-Yet God takes this stone that is rejected by many and makes it the chief foundation stone.
Is Jesus a precious stone to you? 1 Peter 1:19 tells us we have been redeemed by the precious blood of the lamb.
-The Kingdom of heaven is like a pearl
-Matthew 13:45 45: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
A Stumbling Stone
Vs 8 for some it is a stumbling stone
1 Cor 1 18: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19: For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20: Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21: For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24: But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Vs 9 – chosen – identifies how valuable you are to God – he came seeking you – to seek and to save that which was lost.
-royal priesthood – the priests of God’s kingdom – we serve royalty in a royal position
-holy nations – set apart as God’s people
-declare his wonderful attributes
Vs 10-God’s own possession
You are bought with a price.- you and I are ordinary people of extraordinary value!
Text: 1 Peter 2:4-10
Introduction: The dictionary defines the cornerstone as the foundation on which something is constructed, or the starting place. Today we lay the foundation of our memorial.
Remember, last week I shared that whether we intend to or not we are building a memorial we are all leaving behind something that will define who we were that may serve as an example to others. What we leave behind is important and you are now working on it. So I asked two questions about the memorial you are building. Does it indicate God’s powerful work in your life and does it indicate you have an intimate relationship with God? In order for the memorial you are building to indicate these things you must start with the right foundation. That foundation is Christ. If you are building on any other foundation the memorial you leave behind will be trivialized and will have no lasting impact.
Peter describes the foundation, the corner stone. It is this cornerstone that I urge you to begin with today! How does Peter describe it?
A Living Stone
Vs 4 –the living stone is Christ.
-disallowed or rejected of men – meaning they examined the stone but rejected it for lack of value.
-the obvious meaning of which is those that reject Christ.
Vs 5 – you are a living stone! this spiritual building is Christ’s church
-priesthood – all believers are priests – we have direct access to God.
What are the spiritual sacrifices? Prayer, thanksgiving, praise, repentance, offering our bodies to God as a living sacrifice for his service, financial giving, practical and loving service to others.
The living stone makes you a living stone as well in God’s temple that He is constructing.
Ephesians 2:2020: And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21: In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. -you’re body is the temple of Christ
A Precious Stone
Vs 6 – cornerstone
-Is 28:16 16: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Psalm 118:22 22: The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. 23: This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
-the church is built on Jesus Christ. Your life dear Christian must be built on Christ!
-Matthew 7: 24: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26: And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Vs 7 (Back in verse 4 he is called precious)
-the builders rejected this stone – people trying to build their own lives and seeing this stone of no value
-Yet God takes this stone that is rejected by many and makes it the chief foundation stone.
Is Jesus a precious stone to you? 1 Peter 1:19 tells us we have been redeemed by the precious blood of the lamb.
-The Kingdom of heaven is like a pearl
-Matthew 13:45 45: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
A Stumbling Stone
Vs 8 for some it is a stumbling stone
1 Cor 1 18: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19: For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20: Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21: For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24: But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Vs 9 – chosen – identifies how valuable you are to God – he came seeking you – to seek and to save that which was lost.
-royal priesthood – the priests of God’s kingdom – we serve royalty in a royal position
-holy nations – set apart as God’s people
-declare his wonderful attributes
Vs 10-God’s own possession
You are bought with a price.- you and I are ordinary people of extraordinary value!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
What mean these stones?
Joshua leads the Israelites into the promised land of Canaan after a 40 year stint in the desert. The priest took the ark of the covenant into the Jordan river and the waters parted, just as with the Red Sea, and the Israelites crossed on dry ground. God commands Joshua to have one man from each of the 12 tribes to remove a stone from the river bed and they used these 12 stones to construct a monument, a memorial of what happened that day. So that one day when someone asks “What mean these stones?” they would learn of the power of God that brought the Israelites to their land. There were many piles of stones in Canaan, but these stones were significant.
One day each of us will cross over the Jordan river into the promised land, and whether you realize it or not you are right now building a memorial that will be left behind. A memorial much like that o that someone may ask the question “What mean these stones?” And the memorial that you are constructing now will be all that is left and people will either benefit from what they learn of the memorial you leave behind, or much like the man in prison with the Bible, what you leave behind will be seen as trivial as a life wasted. None of us want a life that is trivial, none of us want to leave behind just any old pile of stones. We can’t take anything from this world with us to Heaven, but what we leave behind can be make a difference. What kind of memorial are you building? What stones will you leave behind for your children, grandchildren, church family?
What I want to do in this sermon series in the coming weeks is give you the stones to build a memorial that will demonstrate the power of God in your life. But today I want to ask a couple of questions.
What does the memorial you are now building indicate about God's work in your life?
1. Spoke of God’s grace and mercy – (When they rebelled against God by worshiping the golden calf – God would have destroyed them because of their sin, but showed grace and mercy)
-Ex 32:19 and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
-Psalm 145:7-9 7: They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. 8: The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. 9: The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
-Psalm 103:8-12 8: The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9: He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10: He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11: For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12: As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
2. Spoke of God’s faithfulness – God was faithful to keep his promise that he made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob Genesis 13:14-17 14: And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: 15: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. 16: And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. 17: Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
-Psalm 119:90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
-2 Tim 2:13 13: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
3. Spoke of God’s power and might
-Deuteronomy 9:29 29: Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.
-Ephesians 1:19 19: And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20: Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21: Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
What is the evidence of God’s power in your life?
God’s power to save, God’s power to heal, God’s power to deliver, God’s power to provide, God’s power to sustain, God’s power to transform
What does the memorial you are now building indicate about your relationship with God?
1. Spoke of their faith in God (in contrast to their parents who were called stiffnecked, stubborn, rebellious, wicked,)
Hebrews 11:1-2 1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2: For by it the elders obtained a good report.
11:6 6: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
2. Spoke of their obedience to God
-1 Samuel 15:22 to obey is better than sacrifice
-Deuteronomy 11:26 26: Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; 27: A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: 28: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
One day each of us will cross over the Jordan river into the promised land, and whether you realize it or not you are right now building a memorial that will be left behind. A memorial much like that o that someone may ask the question “What mean these stones?” And the memorial that you are constructing now will be all that is left and people will either benefit from what they learn of the memorial you leave behind, or much like the man in prison with the Bible, what you leave behind will be seen as trivial as a life wasted. None of us want a life that is trivial, none of us want to leave behind just any old pile of stones. We can’t take anything from this world with us to Heaven, but what we leave behind can be make a difference. What kind of memorial are you building? What stones will you leave behind for your children, grandchildren, church family?
What I want to do in this sermon series in the coming weeks is give you the stones to build a memorial that will demonstrate the power of God in your life. But today I want to ask a couple of questions.
What does the memorial you are now building indicate about God's work in your life?
1. Spoke of God’s grace and mercy – (When they rebelled against God by worshiping the golden calf – God would have destroyed them because of their sin, but showed grace and mercy)
-Ex 32:19 and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
-Psalm 145:7-9 7: They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. 8: The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. 9: The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
-Psalm 103:8-12 8: The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9: He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10: He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11: For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12: As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
2. Spoke of God’s faithfulness – God was faithful to keep his promise that he made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob Genesis 13:14-17 14: And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: 15: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. 16: And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. 17: Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
-Psalm 119:90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
-2 Tim 2:13 13: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
3. Spoke of God’s power and might
-Deuteronomy 9:29 29: Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.
-Ephesians 1:19 19: And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20: Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21: Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
What is the evidence of God’s power in your life?
God’s power to save, God’s power to heal, God’s power to deliver, God’s power to provide, God’s power to sustain, God’s power to transform
What does the memorial you are now building indicate about your relationship with God?
1. Spoke of their faith in God (in contrast to their parents who were called stiffnecked, stubborn, rebellious, wicked,)
Hebrews 11:1-2 1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2: For by it the elders obtained a good report.
11:6 6: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
2. Spoke of their obedience to God
-1 Samuel 15:22 to obey is better than sacrifice
-Deuteronomy 11:26 26: Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; 27: A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: 28: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
When Deep Calls to Deep Part 3
This is the third part of the sermon When Deep Calls to Deep I preached on May 10, 2009.
Allow God Almight to Lead you through the Depths
Vs 1 - prayer to judge means not to make a pronouncement but a prayer to undertake my cause. A prayer of vindication.
-ungodly nation – we don’t know what nation this is. In today’s terms that could be a prayer for our nation. (The president proclaimed the US is not a Christian nation).
Jeremiah 7:28 28: But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.
Vs 2 - similar to vs 42:9 – is there something in my character that needs correction?
Vs 3 – light and truth must lead him through the depths.
The word of God is our light and truth that must lead us through the depths
Psalm 119:105 “thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”
-We must look to God’s word when we are in over our head
2 Timothy 3:16-17 16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Proverbs 30:5 5: Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Hebrews 4:12 12: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Vs 4 – bring a sacrifice to the Lord
Hebrews 13:15-16 15: By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 16: But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Romans 12:1 1: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Vs 5 – God is living, God is sovereign, God almighty – Why is my soul downcast, Why am I in despair when I am in over my head? I must put my confidence in the Lord
Allow God Almight to Lead you through the Depths
Vs 1 - prayer to judge means not to make a pronouncement but a prayer to undertake my cause. A prayer of vindication.
-ungodly nation – we don’t know what nation this is. In today’s terms that could be a prayer for our nation. (The president proclaimed the US is not a Christian nation).
Jeremiah 7:28 28: But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.
Vs 2 - similar to vs 42:9 – is there something in my character that needs correction?
Vs 3 – light and truth must lead him through the depths.
The word of God is our light and truth that must lead us through the depths
Psalm 119:105 “thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”
-We must look to God’s word when we are in over our head
2 Timothy 3:16-17 16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Proverbs 30:5 5: Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Hebrews 4:12 12: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Vs 4 – bring a sacrifice to the Lord
Hebrews 13:15-16 15: By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 16: But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Romans 12:1 1: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Vs 5 – God is living, God is sovereign, God almighty – Why is my soul downcast, Why am I in despair when I am in over my head? I must put my confidence in the Lord
Monday, May 4, 2009
When Deep Calls to Deep Part 2
This is part 2 of the sermon, I preached this May 3, 2009
Text: Psalm 42,43
Know the Sovereign God of the Depths
When you are in over your head you must seek the living God in the depths, you must also know the Sovereign God of the depths.
Vs 6 – The psalmist, understanding the temple was in Jerusalem where the presence of God is expressed his sorrow that he was distant from God. Notice he did not blame God for being distant, he recognized that God did not move, it was he the psalmist who distanced himself from God. He longed to be back. (If you are far from God don’t you long for that relationship you once had?)
Vs 7 – picture of one wave of the deep sea calling to another to coordinate a plan to drown the psalmist. Waterspout – like a tornado at sea. The picture of being lost at sea during a storm, tossed by the waves, taking on water and sinking fast, with no hope of rescue. He is in over his head. Notice he recognizes God’s sovereignty over it all. The Lord is directing it (like the lifeguard who pulled the rope causing me to be in the deep water).
-Like Jonah 2:3-6 3: For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. 4: Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. 5: The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. 6: I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.
Vs 8 – Although the psalmist was overwhelmed, in over his head, he recognized the sovereignty of God that God allowed this to happen and he did so because God loved him and that God is with him. God’s love never fails!
-Like Job who lost his wealth, his family, his health and he said “The Lord gave and the Lord that taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Vs 9 – Recognizing that God is sovereign, and that God is his rock in this storm he asks the obvious question “Why have you forgotten me?” IE Why has God not come to his immediate aid? It seems his prayers are unheard and unanswered.
-mourning – literally means to be dark or black. Such was his despair.
-the enemy – Satan – will oppress you and I. Ephesians 6:10-12 10: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Vs 10 – Mocking his faith in God was like a sword in his bones.
Vs 11 – Here he must talk to himself again – repeating what he knows is true. Notice the difference from vs 5 – the health of my countenance – a change of face. When you get your mind in the right state your feelings and emotions will follow. The despair so evident has now changed in his countenance.
Do you really believe God knows what is best? Do you really believe that God will do what is best?
Romans 8:28 26: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27: And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30: Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32: He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33: Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34: Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36: As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39: Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Do you believe that?
Text: Psalm 42,43
Know the Sovereign God of the Depths
When you are in over your head you must seek the living God in the depths, you must also know the Sovereign God of the depths.
Vs 6 – The psalmist, understanding the temple was in Jerusalem where the presence of God is expressed his sorrow that he was distant from God. Notice he did not blame God for being distant, he recognized that God did not move, it was he the psalmist who distanced himself from God. He longed to be back. (If you are far from God don’t you long for that relationship you once had?)
Vs 7 – picture of one wave of the deep sea calling to another to coordinate a plan to drown the psalmist. Waterspout – like a tornado at sea. The picture of being lost at sea during a storm, tossed by the waves, taking on water and sinking fast, with no hope of rescue. He is in over his head. Notice he recognizes God’s sovereignty over it all. The Lord is directing it (like the lifeguard who pulled the rope causing me to be in the deep water).
-Like Jonah 2:3-6 3: For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. 4: Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. 5: The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. 6: I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.
Vs 8 – Although the psalmist was overwhelmed, in over his head, he recognized the sovereignty of God that God allowed this to happen and he did so because God loved him and that God is with him. God’s love never fails!
-Like Job who lost his wealth, his family, his health and he said “The Lord gave and the Lord that taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Vs 9 – Recognizing that God is sovereign, and that God is his rock in this storm he asks the obvious question “Why have you forgotten me?” IE Why has God not come to his immediate aid? It seems his prayers are unheard and unanswered.
-mourning – literally means to be dark or black. Such was his despair.
-the enemy – Satan – will oppress you and I. Ephesians 6:10-12 10: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Vs 10 – Mocking his faith in God was like a sword in his bones.
Vs 11 – Here he must talk to himself again – repeating what he knows is true. Notice the difference from vs 5 – the health of my countenance – a change of face. When you get your mind in the right state your feelings and emotions will follow. The despair so evident has now changed in his countenance.
Do you really believe God knows what is best? Do you really believe that God will do what is best?
Romans 8:28 26: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27: And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30: Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32: He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33: Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34: Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36: As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39: Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Do you believe that?
Monday, April 20, 2009
When Deep Calls to Deep Part 1
I preached this sermon April 19 at First Baptist Church. I did not finish it so I will break it up in parts.
Text: Psalm 42:1-5
Introduction: When I was a child my mom enrolled me in swimming lessons during the summer. I loved swimming pools and playing in the water, but I couldn’t swim. And you could say I had a healthy respect for water, actually I was terrified of deep water. If water got over my head, I panicked.
I learned to float, then I learned some basic swimming strokes. I felt like I became a pretty good swimmer. That is, as long as I knew my feet were near bottom.
I remember when the big day came for us to go to the deep end, what is it at Coeburn? 10 or 12 feet? I wasn’t about to get in that water, I didn’t want to get in over my head.
The lifeguard wanted us all to jump of the diving board. And even though I knew how to float and to swim fairly well, I couldn’t cope with the thought of jumping off that dive and sinking 12 feet to the bottom. I was terrified!
The lifeguard said I was ready to jump, in fact this was the next step in my training in order to become a good swimmer. He told me that once I did it would always want to do it again. He promised me he would not let me drown. He even tied a rope around my waist promising to pull me out if I had any trouble. I climbed on the diving board, with the rope around my waist, the lifeguard holding the other end of the rope.
I stood there looking at the deep water frozen with fear. The lifeguards and the other students all counted, 1…2…3…jump. I didn’t budge, but just stared at the water. Once again they all counted 1….2…3…jump…nothing. The lifeguard came over to me and tried to reassure me that everything would be OK, just to jump, I wasn’t so sure. I was perfectly happy on dry land and happy swimming in the shallow end. He walked back over picked up the end of the rope and began the count 1….2….3…jump and then the lifeguard did the unthinkable! He jerked his end of the rope, pulling me off the diving board into the water! This guy was supposed to be my lifeguard, not a murderer. I held my breath, went under what seemed like about 20 minutes, got oriented to which way was up and floated to the top. When I came up the lifeguard and the other students were cheering.
I did it, I conquered a big fear of the deep water. Well actually, I was kind of forced to conquer it by the lifeguard, but nevertheless, he was right. After that you couldn’t keep me off the dive or out of the deep. No longer was afraid of getting in the water over my head.
We often have a way of ending up over our head in life. Sometimes we get in over our head and it is our own doing. Sometimes we wind up over our head and it was if we were unwillingly put into that position. Sometimes we wind up over our head even with the best intentions. We wind up in too deep and it seems we can never get out.
Some are in over their head with finances, some are in over their head with health problems, some are in over their head with a troubled relationship, some are in over their head at work, some are in over their head with too many commitments. Some of you in the depths of affliction, the depths of trials or the very depths of despair. Whatever it may be, when you are in too deep, when you are in over your head, you feel like you are drowning and sinking and you don’t even know which way is up anymore.
But even more troubling, there are times we are in over our head and it would seem that God is the one who like the lifeguard did me, pulled the rope and you fell into the deep. And you have to ask “Why did you do that God?” At the very least, you may ask “God why did you let me get in over my head? Why didn’t you stop me?” I have heard people trying to make decisions and will pray “God, if this is not your will then stop me” and God doesn’t stop them and they end up in too deep and then question why God didn’t stop them.
Now as hard as this may be to swallow, it may be that God knows you are ready to swim in a little deeper water! My lifeguard knew I needed to take this next step in my growth as a swimmer and kind of forced the situation. God will allow you to get in over your head because it is the next step you need to take in your Christian growth. It is a step you need to take to stretch and strengthen your faith.
That is exactly what the Psalmist was expressing. He was in over his head, and he had to remind himself to trust in God when deep calls to deep.
Some of you today are in over your head, some are standing on the diving board about ready to get in over your head. How will you cope in the depths?
Seek the Living God in the Depths
Vs 1 – thirsts for God – times of trial and adversity will either make us or break us, they will either drive us closer to God or further away. His trial was a time of spiritual drought and dryness, and his soul pants for God (means to have a consuming desire for God). His driving passion was not for people, possessions, prosperity or even deliverance from his trial, his passion was for intimacy with the living God!
Vs 2 – when shall I come and appear before God? – when shall I meet with God? Indicates a longing for a deeper awareness of God and His presence.
Vs 3 – You can see the depths of his sorrow.
Now we get to the heart of part of this problem. Some were questioning the Psalmist asking “Where is your God?” This was a question attacking God’s character or even God’s existence that could cause the Psalmist to doubt. As if God had abandoned him and treating him as if he was none of His. They were essentially asking “So, where is your God now that you need him?” “If God loved you he would not allow this to happen.” Or “your suffering is evidence that God does not even exist” (Remember, he is the lifeguard and he is holding the other end of the line, even if you can’t see him, hear him, feel him, or even feel him tugging on the life line. He is there and will not let go).
-But this is the real question, “Where is your God?” the question of the unbelievers, and perhaps the unspoken question of the psalmist’s heart, and that is why he is thirsting for God’s felt presence. You see, it could be the pagans who worshiped idols asking the question “Where is your God?” “You can see my god, you can touch my god, you need a god more tangible.” In today’s terms, you need to trust your finances, your government, another person, etc… As for this God you can’t see, or touch with your hands, what if He doesn’t care, of what if He doesn’t exist?
-Here is part of his problem, these people are influencing him causing doubt.
Vs 4 – this question gets the psalmist to thinking? He remembers the joy of being in the presence of God, of seeing God at work.
-He pours out his soul – earnest prayer
Vs 5 – The psalmist is in such distress that he is talking to himself! He spoke to his own soul! Why do I feel this way? I should know better.
Here is a good quote “Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?” In other words, he was letting his mind wander into the depths of despair. Listened to the devils lies long enough and now he is taking command and saying “Soul, I’ve got a thing or two to tell you now! Put your hope in God!” He just remembered the acts of God in the past and that God had never failed him. And although he may not feel the presence of God, he can be sure God is there. He had to override his emotions and feelings and make a decision to trust in God.
the decline and fall of Christian America – could it be that the American church has offered a brand of Christianity without depth of personal faith? In other words, could the decline of the church in the US be because we have sold out our faith to a feeling or to a sensual church. And that pop faith will not help you when you are in over your head. In other words, the problem is not the culture, but the problem is a superficial church.
Are we really seeking God as a deer that is panting for water? Isaiah 55:6-7 6: Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
We need to preach that sin is wrong and a trespass against a holy God, and that there is a judgment for sin. We need to preach that Christ alone is the way the truth and the life and that no man cometh to the father but by him, that he died on the cross, and that he rose from the grave on the third day in a body, not a spirit or an idea. We need to preach there is a literal heaven and a literal hell. We need to preach that Jesus is coming again to judge the quick and the dead. We need to preach that God is more interested in your character than your pocketbook, more interested in your worship than your entertainment, more deserving of your service and faithfulness than your excuses. God is loving but he is also holy and just, God is forgiving with abundant mercy but He will not be mocked.
Text: Psalm 42:1-5
Introduction: When I was a child my mom enrolled me in swimming lessons during the summer. I loved swimming pools and playing in the water, but I couldn’t swim. And you could say I had a healthy respect for water, actually I was terrified of deep water. If water got over my head, I panicked.
I learned to float, then I learned some basic swimming strokes. I felt like I became a pretty good swimmer. That is, as long as I knew my feet were near bottom.
I remember when the big day came for us to go to the deep end, what is it at Coeburn? 10 or 12 feet? I wasn’t about to get in that water, I didn’t want to get in over my head.
The lifeguard wanted us all to jump of the diving board. And even though I knew how to float and to swim fairly well, I couldn’t cope with the thought of jumping off that dive and sinking 12 feet to the bottom. I was terrified!
The lifeguard said I was ready to jump, in fact this was the next step in my training in order to become a good swimmer. He told me that once I did it would always want to do it again. He promised me he would not let me drown. He even tied a rope around my waist promising to pull me out if I had any trouble. I climbed on the diving board, with the rope around my waist, the lifeguard holding the other end of the rope.
I stood there looking at the deep water frozen with fear. The lifeguards and the other students all counted, 1…2…3…jump. I didn’t budge, but just stared at the water. Once again they all counted 1….2…3…jump…nothing. The lifeguard came over to me and tried to reassure me that everything would be OK, just to jump, I wasn’t so sure. I was perfectly happy on dry land and happy swimming in the shallow end. He walked back over picked up the end of the rope and began the count 1….2….3…jump and then the lifeguard did the unthinkable! He jerked his end of the rope, pulling me off the diving board into the water! This guy was supposed to be my lifeguard, not a murderer. I held my breath, went under what seemed like about 20 minutes, got oriented to which way was up and floated to the top. When I came up the lifeguard and the other students were cheering.
I did it, I conquered a big fear of the deep water. Well actually, I was kind of forced to conquer it by the lifeguard, but nevertheless, he was right. After that you couldn’t keep me off the dive or out of the deep. No longer was afraid of getting in the water over my head.
We often have a way of ending up over our head in life. Sometimes we get in over our head and it is our own doing. Sometimes we wind up over our head and it was if we were unwillingly put into that position. Sometimes we wind up over our head even with the best intentions. We wind up in too deep and it seems we can never get out.
Some are in over their head with finances, some are in over their head with health problems, some are in over their head with a troubled relationship, some are in over their head at work, some are in over their head with too many commitments. Some of you in the depths of affliction, the depths of trials or the very depths of despair. Whatever it may be, when you are in too deep, when you are in over your head, you feel like you are drowning and sinking and you don’t even know which way is up anymore.
But even more troubling, there are times we are in over our head and it would seem that God is the one who like the lifeguard did me, pulled the rope and you fell into the deep. And you have to ask “Why did you do that God?” At the very least, you may ask “God why did you let me get in over my head? Why didn’t you stop me?” I have heard people trying to make decisions and will pray “God, if this is not your will then stop me” and God doesn’t stop them and they end up in too deep and then question why God didn’t stop them.
Now as hard as this may be to swallow, it may be that God knows you are ready to swim in a little deeper water! My lifeguard knew I needed to take this next step in my growth as a swimmer and kind of forced the situation. God will allow you to get in over your head because it is the next step you need to take in your Christian growth. It is a step you need to take to stretch and strengthen your faith.
That is exactly what the Psalmist was expressing. He was in over his head, and he had to remind himself to trust in God when deep calls to deep.
Some of you today are in over your head, some are standing on the diving board about ready to get in over your head. How will you cope in the depths?
Seek the Living God in the Depths
Vs 1 – thirsts for God – times of trial and adversity will either make us or break us, they will either drive us closer to God or further away. His trial was a time of spiritual drought and dryness, and his soul pants for God (means to have a consuming desire for God). His driving passion was not for people, possessions, prosperity or even deliverance from his trial, his passion was for intimacy with the living God!
Vs 2 – when shall I come and appear before God? – when shall I meet with God? Indicates a longing for a deeper awareness of God and His presence.
Vs 3 – You can see the depths of his sorrow.
Now we get to the heart of part of this problem. Some were questioning the Psalmist asking “Where is your God?” This was a question attacking God’s character or even God’s existence that could cause the Psalmist to doubt. As if God had abandoned him and treating him as if he was none of His. They were essentially asking “So, where is your God now that you need him?” “If God loved you he would not allow this to happen.” Or “your suffering is evidence that God does not even exist” (Remember, he is the lifeguard and he is holding the other end of the line, even if you can’t see him, hear him, feel him, or even feel him tugging on the life line. He is there and will not let go).
-But this is the real question, “Where is your God?” the question of the unbelievers, and perhaps the unspoken question of the psalmist’s heart, and that is why he is thirsting for God’s felt presence. You see, it could be the pagans who worshiped idols asking the question “Where is your God?” “You can see my god, you can touch my god, you need a god more tangible.” In today’s terms, you need to trust your finances, your government, another person, etc… As for this God you can’t see, or touch with your hands, what if He doesn’t care, of what if He doesn’t exist?
-Here is part of his problem, these people are influencing him causing doubt.
Vs 4 – this question gets the psalmist to thinking? He remembers the joy of being in the presence of God, of seeing God at work.
-He pours out his soul – earnest prayer
Vs 5 – The psalmist is in such distress that he is talking to himself! He spoke to his own soul! Why do I feel this way? I should know better.
Here is a good quote “Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?” In other words, he was letting his mind wander into the depths of despair. Listened to the devils lies long enough and now he is taking command and saying “Soul, I’ve got a thing or two to tell you now! Put your hope in God!” He just remembered the acts of God in the past and that God had never failed him. And although he may not feel the presence of God, he can be sure God is there. He had to override his emotions and feelings and make a decision to trust in God.
the decline and fall of Christian America – could it be that the American church has offered a brand of Christianity without depth of personal faith? In other words, could the decline of the church in the US be because we have sold out our faith to a feeling or to a sensual church. And that pop faith will not help you when you are in over your head. In other words, the problem is not the culture, but the problem is a superficial church.
Are we really seeking God as a deer that is panting for water? Isaiah 55:6-7 6: Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
We need to preach that sin is wrong and a trespass against a holy God, and that there is a judgment for sin. We need to preach that Christ alone is the way the truth and the life and that no man cometh to the father but by him, that he died on the cross, and that he rose from the grave on the third day in a body, not a spirit or an idea. We need to preach there is a literal heaven and a literal hell. We need to preach that Jesus is coming again to judge the quick and the dead. We need to preach that God is more interested in your character than your pocketbook, more interested in your worship than your entertainment, more deserving of your service and faithfulness than your excuses. God is loving but he is also holy and just, God is forgiving with abundant mercy but He will not be mocked.
Monday, April 13, 2009
All Things New
I preached this sermon Easter Sunday 2009
Text: Revelation 21:5
Introduction:In a conversation I had the other day I was reminded of the surgery I had to repair the damage I sustained from the accident that caused my skull fracture. I recall just about 2 or 3 days after my accident going to see a plastic surgeon. My face was black and blue, my eye drooped and my cheek bone was concave under my eye. He came in and looked at me and said something like “I see we have some work to do here.” Trying to lighten the mood a little, I said “You don’t know the half of it, before this accident I was handsome, lean, trim and muscular and had a full head of hair. Can you do anything about that?” He chuckled but said “I can do whatever you want me to.”
Now I must admit, the prospect of a hair transplant, plastic surgery, liposuction and whatever else he could do to make me “movie star” quality was tempting if not costly. The thought of walking out of there with a new face, a new body sounded pretty good. But as someone once said “It is what is on the inside that counts.” So, I want you to know on the inside I have a full head of hair, I am lean and muscular.” If that is really what counts. I could make myself look brand new on the outside, but I would still be the same old person on the inside.
There is in most people a longing for something new. It is almost as much of a need as air, water and food. People are always on the lookout for something new. “new” is the answer to our problems.
King Solomon longed for something new, and he concluded in Ecclesiastes 1:9 that there was no new thing under the sun. The same old same old didn’t cut it, it was tired of the same old thing. And he earnestly looked for something new, and perhaps that something new would bring a lasting significance to his life. But when it came right down to it there is nothing new under the sun.
We see this longing for something new demonstrated again in Acts 17:21 when Paul was in Athens witnessing on Mars Hill to the top philosophers of the city 21: (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) They too were longing for something new.
Each of us try to satisfy our longing for something new in any number of ways. Some look for a new year (a fresh start), new clothes, a new house, a new car, a new job, a new president or leader, a new spouse. But the problem is the new wears off and we discover things are not any different. The new year becomes last year in just 365 days, new clothes go out of style, a new house becomes “lived in”, a new car becomes a used car as soon as you drive it off the lot, a new job becomes the daily grind, a new president creates the same old problems, a new spouse becomes the old ball and chain.
Solomon’s conclusion that there is nothing new really hits home when realize that somehow the new didn’t cut it. Our longing for the new can only find fulfillment in God. Isaiah 43:19 God says Behold, I will do a new thing; That is what Easter is about, that is what the resurrection of Jesus is about, it is about God doing something new. It is about God making all things new. What does it mean to make all things new?
New Life
New heart and a new spirit Ezekiel 36:26: A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
New creature 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
New man – Ephesians 4:22-24-22: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23: And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24: And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Give you a new purpose Romans 8:28-29 28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Give you a New direction in life Jermiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Give you a new family Romans 12:5 5: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Give you A new mission Acts 1:8 8: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
If you want a new life you must enter into a new relationship, please forgive me fans of that old time religion old religion will not do it, you need a new relationship.
Luke 22:20 20: Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
New Day
New heaven and a new earth Isaiah 65:17 17: For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away;
New Jerusalem Rev 21:2 : And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
New body 1 Cor 15: 42: So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 51: Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52: In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53: For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54: So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55: O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56: The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57: But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
New day Isaiah 65:16 because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.
Rev 23:3-4 3: And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Rev 22 3: And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
Text: Revelation 21:5
Introduction:In a conversation I had the other day I was reminded of the surgery I had to repair the damage I sustained from the accident that caused my skull fracture. I recall just about 2 or 3 days after my accident going to see a plastic surgeon. My face was black and blue, my eye drooped and my cheek bone was concave under my eye. He came in and looked at me and said something like “I see we have some work to do here.” Trying to lighten the mood a little, I said “You don’t know the half of it, before this accident I was handsome, lean, trim and muscular and had a full head of hair. Can you do anything about that?” He chuckled but said “I can do whatever you want me to.”
Now I must admit, the prospect of a hair transplant, plastic surgery, liposuction and whatever else he could do to make me “movie star” quality was tempting if not costly. The thought of walking out of there with a new face, a new body sounded pretty good. But as someone once said “It is what is on the inside that counts.” So, I want you to know on the inside I have a full head of hair, I am lean and muscular.” If that is really what counts. I could make myself look brand new on the outside, but I would still be the same old person on the inside.
There is in most people a longing for something new. It is almost as much of a need as air, water and food. People are always on the lookout for something new. “new” is the answer to our problems.
King Solomon longed for something new, and he concluded in Ecclesiastes 1:9 that there was no new thing under the sun. The same old same old didn’t cut it, it was tired of the same old thing. And he earnestly looked for something new, and perhaps that something new would bring a lasting significance to his life. But when it came right down to it there is nothing new under the sun.
We see this longing for something new demonstrated again in Acts 17:21 when Paul was in Athens witnessing on Mars Hill to the top philosophers of the city 21: (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) They too were longing for something new.
Each of us try to satisfy our longing for something new in any number of ways. Some look for a new year (a fresh start), new clothes, a new house, a new car, a new job, a new president or leader, a new spouse. But the problem is the new wears off and we discover things are not any different. The new year becomes last year in just 365 days, new clothes go out of style, a new house becomes “lived in”, a new car becomes a used car as soon as you drive it off the lot, a new job becomes the daily grind, a new president creates the same old problems, a new spouse becomes the old ball and chain.
Solomon’s conclusion that there is nothing new really hits home when realize that somehow the new didn’t cut it. Our longing for the new can only find fulfillment in God. Isaiah 43:19 God says Behold, I will do a new thing; That is what Easter is about, that is what the resurrection of Jesus is about, it is about God doing something new. It is about God making all things new. What does it mean to make all things new?
New Life
New heart and a new spirit Ezekiel 36:26: A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
New creature 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
New man – Ephesians 4:22-24-22: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23: And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24: And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Give you a new purpose Romans 8:28-29 28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Give you a New direction in life Jermiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Give you a new family Romans 12:5 5: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Give you A new mission Acts 1:8 8: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
If you want a new life you must enter into a new relationship, please forgive me fans of that old time religion old religion will not do it, you need a new relationship.
Luke 22:20 20: Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
New Day
New heaven and a new earth Isaiah 65:17 17: For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away;
New Jerusalem Rev 21:2 : And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
New body 1 Cor 15: 42: So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 51: Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52: In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53: For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54: So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55: O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56: The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57: But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
New day Isaiah 65:16 because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.
Rev 23:3-4 3: And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Rev 22 3: And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
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