Tag: salvation

Genesis, Preaching

Calling on the Lord (Genesis #16)

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Calling on the Lord

Text: Genesis 4:19-26

Success by any worldly standard, but without salvation

  • At the beginning here in Genesis you’re covering a lot of ground, thousands of years in just a few chapters. This means that whatever is included is VERY important to note. The last phrase in Genesis 4:26 – call upon the name of the Lord – will show up a few more times in the Bible. Each time it is the means of salvation of souls.
  • Lamech is the one the Lord picks out to define the state of things for a thousand years.
    • Lamech dishonors marriage
    • Lamech kills a man and boasts about it
    • Lamech says his sin is more noble than his great great great great grandfather Cain’s sin
    • Cultural advancements in the line of Cain and progress without God
  • The contrast will be that everything Cain’s lineage produces, all the culture and technology without God, will be wiped out in the flood. Noah will come from Seth’s line.
  • And that also means that everyone in Seth’s lineage dies too except Noah and his family.

God’s requirement for salvation of a soul

  • By the time of Seth’s birth Adam and Eve are probably broken but have come to accept sin having witnessed human history without sin and then living in sin.
  • David on his deathbed says in Psalms 116:1-4, 13, 17 that he’s called on the Lord and the Lord has heard him.
  • Zephaniah 3:8-13 and applied by Paul in Romans 10:13

A preacher of salvation

  • Enos apparently means weak, incurable, frail, and sickly. It certainly describes how a soul must see itself before it calls on the name of the Lord.
  • Peter preaches it in Acts 2:21 applying Joel 2:28-32
  • Jesus said in John 5:38-40
  • The point is there is a man associated with people calling on the name of the Lord!
1 Thessalonians, Preaching

Salvation as an Helmet

This helmet is not physical just as nothing else in this armor is physical.  If you trust Jesus Christ you can still suffer head injuries. God said we wrestle not against flesh and after describing spiritual warfare and the spiritual armor at our disposal, we now move to the head.  Not your physical head, but your mind.

The mind is a battlefield that the devil will occupy if he can.

Salvation, the promise of the redemption of the body, a certain future in new heaven and new earth without sin, without trouble, or any curse has an affect on the mind. Salvation is a protection against all kinds of thoughts.

Guard your mind discouragement

  • Hope of salvation is a helmet that guards against overwhelming sorrow.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:30-32, 54-58
    • Paul asked some reasonable questions like why is he putting his life in jeopardy if there wasn’t anything beyond the grave.
    • He makes the point about the resurrection being illustrated in nature.  Then says we haven’t seen yet the full extent of obedience, so don’t quit, be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
    • The investment is well worth it.
  • 2 Timothy 1:8-12 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
  • So the helmet of salvation meets sorrow with the absolute assurance of a future hope and sorrow doesn’t stand a chance.

Guard your mind from temptation

  • Hope of salvation is a helmet that guards against thoughts of this world becoming too attractive.
  • See temptation for what it is
  • Philosophy of eat, drink, fornicate, play for tomorrow we die.
  • Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
  • 1 Peter 1:13-16 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And this is another time the Holy Spirit has called the worldly perspective on life “ignorant”
    • Attraction to the world will make you dirty.
    • 1 John 3:1-3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Guard your mind from doubt

  • Hope of salvation is a helmet that gives clarity to your purpose here and guards against double mindedness.
  • Philippians 1:20-24 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. Notice the total victory in Christ.
  • 2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Guard your mind from fears

  • Hope of salvation is a helmet that alleviates certain unreasonable fears.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

Guard your mind from becoming cold toward others

  • Salvation testimony of drunk whose wife was always nice and compassionate to him.  Knowing if he never gets saved, this is the best it will ever get for him.
  • Matthew 5:43-48 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Preaching, Romans

Reason for the Season

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Sinful condition

  • Romans 1:28-32
  • Not only do these things, but take pleasure in them that do them.
  • Entertained by them.  Celebrate them: “celebrities” are those who portray this list on screens enjoyed by other reprobates rejected by God.

Personal guilt before God

  • Romans 2:1-5
  • Personal hypocrisy before God
    • You criticize people for being liars, and you lie.
    • You criticize people for adultery, yet you watch it on TV and are entertained by it.
    • You would gasp if anyone you knew was involved in a murder, but you’ve been entertained by hundreds of murders on your video games or your TV shows in the past week.
  • Storing up wrath for judgment day
    • Judgment is not meted out piece by piece.
    • Consequences are not the same thing as judgment.  Judgment is a day.
    • Thief breaks into a home.  He’s caught. He is shot in the leg.  (That’s not the judgment of God, that’s a consequence of a decision.)  The police come, arrest the thief. Take him to the hospital where he regrets what he’s done.  (That’s still not judgment and his sorrow is not a substitute for judgment.). He is charged with theft and thrown in county jail and given a court date. (Being is jail is still not judgment.)  The judgment will come at the appointed time.
    • Don’t confuse consequences with judgment.  
  • Revelation 20:11-13 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.
  • Romans 2:5 after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.
  • It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment.  No more chances.  No purgatory. No reincarnation.  No opportunities after death.
  • You say you’re pretty good which everyone says about themselves.  There is not a person that doesn’t think they’re good. But goodness is determined by the law and the Judge, not you or me.
    • Romans 3:20 By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
    • When law enforcement raided a home near us and apprehended a guy for his part in a murder, what if he just said, “But I’m a good guy.  I’ve never stolen anything.” Or what if he said, “But I’m a good guy, I take care of my family.”
    • The charges against you aren’t about what you’ve done right.  The law is only looking at what’s been done against the law. God’s law is the same way.  Whatever good you believe you’ve done does not justify the laws you’ve broken. That’s not a defense here and it’s not a defense before God.
    • The charges against you are called sin.  Not only did the law point out your sin, it also awakened sin in you.  The law showed you that your very nature was to be against God.

Reason for the season

  • The reason for the season is here.  God would become a man named Jesus Christ in order to be a substitute for sinful man.
    • His sacrifice was substitutionary – the just for the unjust
    • 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
    • His sacrifice was sufficient – once suffered for sins
      • Self righteousness making Christ’s suffering pointless
      • If you can earn it, why is he hanging on a cross there?
      • Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
    • His sacrifice was reconciling – that he might bring us to God
      • Helpless condition of you and I – Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear
    • His sacrifice was complete and successful
      • being put to death in the flesh – crucified
      • John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
      • His sacrifice was successful – quickened by the spirit
      • The work of Jesus Christ as savior is vindicated and completed in his resurrection – declared to be the Son of God with power…by the resurrection from the dead
    • Opportunity to settle out of court
      • God Almighty is SO against having to judge you and send you to an eternal lake of fire that He made the best way possible for you to settle out of court.
      • Acts 4:12 neither is there salvation in any other
      • Hebrews 10:10-13 one sacrifice for all
      • John 1:28 the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world
      • Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
    • In order to get to Hell and ultimately the Lake of Fire, you’re going to have to ignore the goodness of God and every attempt God is going to make to get you to turn around.
      • Tract
      • Preaching here
      • Friend at work trying to talk to you
      • Relative trying to talk to you about salvation
      • Churches open all week with multiple services preaching the gospel, but you were too busy watching the game, the races, fishing, hunting, whatever.
      • Every attempt God made to get you to avoid judgment was ignored.
    • Paul said, despisest thou the goodness of God?
  • Romans 2:12, 16 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; … 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Accepting the reason for the season

  • Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Settling out of court will require repentance toward God.
    • That means I’m going to stop justifying myself my way, and now look to God’s way.
    • You’re not going to be able to add religion to your sin and pay for your sin.
    • Calling upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is how you get justified before God.  But in order to call on Jesus Christ, you’re going to have to stop looking in other places for justification before God.
  • And faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ
    • What is God’s way?
    • That means you understand not only are not saved by works, but you are condemned because of your works.  It is your sin, the things you’ve done, the things you’ve thought, the things you’ve said, the things your heart has gone after that has separated between you and God.
    • Stop justifying yourself before God and accept God’s justification in Jesus Christ –
  • Romans 3:21-26 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
  • Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Philippians, Preaching

Work Out Your Own Salvation (Philippians #9)

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Text: Philippians 2:12-13

Paul’s encouragement to the Philippians is work out your own salvation in the fear of the Lord.  It ought to scare you and me to go after a member or members of the body of Christ.  Notice the next verses (2:14-16), do all things without murmurings and disputings because you’re the light.  And if the light takes on characteristics of the crooked and perverse nation then Paul said I’ve wasted my time.  But if you’ll be obedient and act like sons of God then all the labor is worth it and there will be rejoicing in the day of Christ.

Unconditional obedience (vs 12)

  • …not as in my presence only…
  • God’s contention is that people will obey their loving Creator and trust Him.  The devil’s contention is that all men have a price. When that price is met, that man or woman will consider God’s words a curse and return to business as usual in this dark world.
  • For some the cost may be high.  For others it is as simple as obeying while Paul is around, then going back to normal life when Paul leaves.
  • The best results to any troubling situation will come from you and I being obedient to God.  
  • What is it in us that we think disobedience to God will yield a better outcome?  I ask myself that. What kind of foolish thought is it that I think disobeying God in this situation is going to make for a better outcome.
    • Husband and wife have trouble.  Husband says if she’s going to act like that then I’m going to do this.  Wife says if he’s going to act like that then I’m just going to do this. Then you’re stuck with no one in the house in God’s will.  The Holy Spirit is no longer welcome in the house, but that’s somehow going to make things better?
    • Or we Moms and Dads know what our child is doing is wrong, but we don’t want to hurt their feelings.  As our kids become teenagers this gets more difficult because they just have more feelings.
  • …but now much more in my absence…
    • The verse could’ve said not as in my presence only, but also in my absence.  But it doesn’t say that, it says MUCH MORE in my absence.
    • So Paul goes even further to say that in the times you think you’ll be justified in being disobedient, that your conditions have been met for disobedience, it’s those times you need to double down on obedience.  

Personal accountability (vs 12)

  • …work out your own salvation…
    • Work it out among yourselves.
    • See 2:3, 2:14 and all about the humility of mind in Jesus Christ.  See also 4:2.
  • Wouldn’t it be great if we had as much concern for our sin as we do for the sins of others?!
    • How about being more concerned about what God thinks than getting our way?  You know something doesn’t go my way instead of getting on the phone and gossipping and murmuring, I consider that it may be a good thing that this isn’t going my way.
    • Then I consider that even if I’m right, gossipping and murmuring isn’t the solution to any problem.
    • Before I build a case against a brother or sister I have to consider the body of Christ.  And it ought to scare you and me to go after a member or members of the body of Christ.
  • Fear of the Lord …fear and trembling… is what will help me work out my own salvation
    • Fear of the Lord is essential if I’m going to allow the Lord to work through me.
      • 2 Corinthians 7:15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.  When Titus was sent to help the Corinthians straighten out their problems they received him with the right spirit.
      • They could’ve received him looking for fault.
      • They could’ve received him in pride with the “who does he think he is” attitude.
    • Fear of the Lord is effective in allowing the Lord to work through me
      • Proverbs 14:26-27 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
      • Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
    • Fear of the Lord is the basis for understanding the next steps
      • Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…
      • Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…
      • Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
      • Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
    • Fear of the Lord is inevitable
      • Remember what was just said in 2:10-11?
      • 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

God’s inside work (vs 13)

  • For it is God which worketh in you…
  • You work out what God works in
  • He’s working in you to WILL his good pleasure and TO DO his good pleasure.
  • Ephesians 1:5, 9 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, … 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
Preaching, Romans

The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ

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Reprobate – rejected – by God

  • Romans 1:28-32
  • Not only do these things, but take pleasure in them that do them.
  • Entertained by them.  Celebrate them: “celebrities” are those who portray this list on screens enjoyed by other reprobates rejected by God.

Personal guilt before God

  • Romans 2:1-5
  • Personal hypocrisy before God
    • You criticize people for being liars, and you lie.
    • You criticize people for adultery, yet you watch it on TV and are entertained by it.
    • You would gasp if anyone you knew was involved in a murder, but you’ve been entertained by hundreds of murders on your video games or your TV shows in the past week.
  • Storing up wrath for judgment day
    • Judgment is not meted out piece by piece.
    • Consequences are not the same thing as judgment.  Judgment is a day.
    • Thief breaks into a home.  He’s caught. He is shot in the leg.  (That’s not the judgment of God, that’s a consequence of a decision.)  The police come, arrest the thief. Take him to the hospital where he regrets what he’s done.  (That’s still not judgment and his sorrow is not a substitute for judgment.). He is charged with theft and thrown in county jail and given a court date. (Being is jail is still not judgment.)  The judgment will come at the appointed time.
    • Don’t confuse consequences with judgment.  
    • Revelation 20:11-13 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.
    • Romans 2:5 after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.
    • It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment.  No more chances.  No purgatory. No reincarnation.  No opportunities after death.
    • You say you’re pretty good which everyone says about themselves.  There is not a person that doesn’t think they’re good. But goodness is determined by the law and the Judge, not you or me.
      • Romans 3:20 By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
      • When law enforcement raided a home near us and apprehended a guy for his part in a murder, what if he just said, “But I’m a good guy.  I’ve never stolen anything.” Or what if he said, “But I’m a good guy, I take care of my family.”
      • The charges against you aren’t about what you’ve done right.  The law is only looking at what’s been done against the law. God’s law is the same way.  Whatever good you believe you’ve done does not justify the laws you’ve broken. That’s not a defense here and it’s not a defense before God.
      • The charges against you are called sin.  Not only did the law point out your sin, it also awakened sin in you.  The law showed you that your very nature was to be against God.

Opportunity to settle out of court

  • God Almighty is SO against having to judge you and send you to an eternal lake of fire that He made the best way possible for you to settle out of court.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:21 made him to be sin for you
  • 1 Peter 3:18 the just for the unjust
  • Acts 4:12 neither is there salvation in any other
  • Hebrews 10:10-13 one sacrifice for all
  • John 1:28 the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world
  • Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
  • In order to get to Hell and ultimately the Lake of Fire, you’re going to have to ignore the goodness of God and every attempt God is going to make to get you to turn around.
    • Tract
    • Preaching here
    • Friend at work trying to talk to you
    • Relative trying to talk to you about salvation
    • Churches open all week with multiple services preaching the gospel, but you were too busy watching the game, the races, fishing, hunting, whatever.
    • Every attempt God made to get you to avoid judgment was ignored.
    • Paul said, despisest thou the goodness of God?
    • Romans 2:12, 16 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; … 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

How do I settle out of court?

  • Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Settling out of court will require repentance toward God.
    • You’re not going to be able to add religion to your sin and pay for your sin.
    • Calling upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is how you get justified before God, but it is calling upon him as defined by God, not defined by you.
    • That means you understand not only are not saved by works, but you are condemned because of your works.  It is your sin, the things you’ve done, the things you’ve thought, the things you’ve said, the things your heart has gone after that has separated between you and God.
    • Turn to God away from your sin and take hold on Jesus Christ.  He is God’s offer of salvation to any sinner that will accept him.
Ephesians, Preaching

Christ in You (Ephesians #2)

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Text: Ephesians 1:13-23

Sealed with the holy Spirit (vs 13)

  • Process by which the gospel works to save is found in verse 1:13: 1) heard the word of truth → 2) trusted → 3) sealed with the Holy Spirit
  • Something sealed is airtight, closed, but also assured and guaranteed
  • 2 Corinthians 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Down payment until the body is changed (vs 14)

  • Earnest is the down payment as in earnest money.
  • The holy Spirit is the earnest down payment of what God intends to do in the future.
  • Redemption of the purchased possession
    • Romans 8:23
    • Galatians 4:5

Encouragement to other saints (vss 15-16)

  • Spirit is how the work of the Lord is multiplied.
  • Seeing the Lord Jesus Christ work in others should be a blessing.  When it’s someone you love, it is surely a blessing.

Knowledge of Jesus Christ (vs 17)

  • Spirit of wisdom through knowing Jesus Christ
  • Spirit of revelation through knowing Jesus Christ

Enlightened by understanding (vs 18)

  • Know the hope of his calling
  • Riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints
  • Greatness of his power
    • First wrought in Jesus Christ (vss 20-23)
Preaching, Romans

Death Sentence

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We want to look at the substitutionary death of the Lord Jesus Christ and what that means to you and I.

Christ’s Substitution means there is a death sentence on you

  • If Jesus Christ took your place, that means there is a death sentence on you.
  • The wages of sin is death.
  • It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment.
  • John 3:36 …and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
    • Where did the death sentence come from?  Sin.  Breaking God’s law.
      • Have you ever told a lie?  
      • Yes.  And if someone told you a lie what would you call that person?  A liar.
      • Exodus 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
      • Have you ever stolen something, even very small?
      • And if someone stole from you, what would call them? A thief.
      • Exodus 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
      • Have you ever used the Lord’s name in vain?
      • What do you call someone who takes God’s name in vain? A blasphemer.
  • Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
  • Have you ever disobeyed your parents?
  • The law also awakens sin – sin, taking occasion by the law
    • I’ll tell you something else about your sin.  Not only have you directly violated God’s law, but when you hear God’s law it stirs up the sin in you.
  • sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
    • If you’ve never come to the realization that there is a death sentence on you because of your sin, you are under a curse because of your sin, you’ve never been truly saved.
    • Before you get mad about that, you need to think about that.
    • Being saved means you were rescued from death.
    • Look, if you were having a nice day on your boat and suddenly the Coast Guard showed up and picked you up for no reason.  You wouldn’t say the Coast Guard saved you or rescued you.  Why?  There was no danger, nothing life threatening to be saved from.
  • Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Christ’s Substitution means there is nothing you can do about your death sentence

  • No good work to buy it off.
    • If you could just buy off your guilt with a few good things, why didn’t the Lord Jesus Christ just say, Do good.  Why did he die?
    • Galatians 3:21 …for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
  • No baptism to take it away.
  • If you could buy off your guilt with a baptism, why didn’t the Lord Jesus Christ just say, Go get baptized.  Why did he die?
  • 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to
  • preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
  • No church joining or organization will bring salvation

Christ’s Substitution means He was a willing offering for you

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin:
  • Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,
  • 1 Timothy 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
  • Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world,
  • Galatians 2:20 …I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
  • 1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
  • 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust,
  • Hebrews 2:9 …that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
  • Romans 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. … 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
  • Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences,

Paper illustration

 

1 John, Preaching, Teaching

The New Birth

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It’s important to know the new birth is not a reformation, turning over a new leaf, making a promise or giving your heart to God.  It is a new birth among other things.

How many here commit sin?  So according to the text, it looks like you’re not a child of God. Or maybe he means there is a part of you that is not born of God and a part of you now that is.   Let’s look at the Bible as a whole to see what this means.

Birth of the children

  • The term born again means another birth; a spiritual birth
    • For a baby it is generally nine months after conception.  For a newborn child of God it is when the seed of the word of God has been planted, watered, takes root (parable of the sower and the seed in) – Luke 8:15
    • The expression of it is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ – Galatians 3:26
  • John 1:12 – son of God, referring to the new Spirit that you’ve received
  • the child is a son of God – 1 John 3:1-2
  • Also a new creature – 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15
  • the son of God puts on the new man – Ephesians 2:15, 4:24, Colossians 3:10
    • That’s important because we are currently robed in flesh that is the old man
    • Body didn’t change at salvation, but it does not change later – Romans 8:23
    • Redemption of the body comes at the Rapture/Resurrection of the church, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 and Ephesians 4:30

Traits that are passed on

  • John 8:44 – lies and corruption
  • John 8:51 – eternal life
  • Conception/Birth determines what we are
  • First physical birth – Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
  • New birth – 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
  • This new seed or generation is holy, sinless and incorruptible.  1 John 3:9 – remember this is only the spirit that has been born again so far. We still live in bodies of flesh that are full of sin.
  • Conception/Birth determines these things
    • appetite/diet – 1 Peter 2:2 desire the sincere milk of the word
    • social setting/fellowship
    • reproduction/after their kind
    • What your end will be – This is the predestination of Romans 8:29-30.  The end is the restored image of God.
  • If you’re saved, you are a new creature that calls God, Father.

Benefits of the Father

  • access, acceptance, fellowship
  • heirs of God
    • 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
    • 1 Corinthians 15:50-53
    • Galatians 5:19-21
  • Take the death and destruction of the devil.  In God’s wisdom he takes that and uses it for his good.
  • the Lord Jesus Christ suffered and was glorified and will be glorified.  We have the same opportunity
  • Where Satan’s power ends, the Lord Jesus Christ’s power begins.
  • joint heirs with Christ
  • John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Preaching

Baptism

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  • Baptism unto Moses in a cloud (1 Corinthians 10:1-2)
  • Water Baptism of John the Baptist to manifest Christ to Israel (John 1:31)
  • Baptism extended to Israel after the resurrection for them crucifying Christ.  (Acts 2:38)
    • Luke 23:34, Jesus asked for those who crucified him to be forgiven
    • FOR, because you have remission of sins.  I’m going to Austin FOR (because of) the game.
    • the question in context Acts 2:36-37, what shall we do?
      • (They’d heard Peter’s sermon and were convicted about crucifying the Lord Jesus)
      • the answer is Acts 2:38
    • only by accepting Peter’s message and being baptized can they be identified with Jesus Christ and receive the Holy Ghost
  • Baptism of suffering as though drowning in the wrath of God. (Matthew 20:23, Psalm 69:1)
  • Baptism of fire for the lost in Hell. (Matthew 3:11, Revelation 20:14)
  • Baptism by the Holy Spirit in this age whereby the believer is placed into the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:1-5, 1 Cor. 12:13)
  • Believer’s Baptism as a figure of salvation. (Matthew 28:19)
    • What is a believer’s baptism?
      • It is the believer’s identification with Jesus Christ – a public testimony that one has accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. Matthew 10:32,33; Acts 2:41
      • It symbolizes what happened when I was saved. Water baptism is a physical representation of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. You were alive (standing upright in the water), you die (immersed into the water) and you are resurrected unto life (raised out of the water). I died to sin (its guilt, power, and its penalty) and was raised to a new life in Christ.  If you destroy the mode of baptism, you destroy the picture and the type, therefore the mode is no good.
      • Physical baptism is a picture of spiritual baptism, that places or immerses the believer into the “body of Christ” at the time you called upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to save you according to Romans 6:1-7, I Corinthians 12:13 and Ephesians 4:5.
      • When we are plunged beneath the water in baptism, this does NOT wash away our sins. – Ephesians 2:8,9; Galatians 2:16.
      • When we were saved (born again) the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ was applied to our sins. It is the blood of Christ alone that cleansed us from sin.  Hebrews 9:22; Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:7; Colossians 1:20
      • Why not accept other denominational baptisms like Church of Christ?  Because their baptism is not Biblical, it is for the purpose in their mind of being regenerated.  But baptism does not regenerate a soul.
    • Why is baptism Important?
      • Before anyone can be taught to follow Jesus Christ, they must be willing to submit to the first act of obedience. If a person refuses to obey the Lord in the first point, he will most likely not obey in future points.
      • Because it was the normal practice of the churches in the New Testament. Acts 2:41; See also Acts 8:38; 9:17; 10:48; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:4,5
      • Because it is an open public testimony of an inward salvation.
      • Because it testifies to the world that you are different now, and that you are aligning your life with what the Bible says, and not with what the world says.
    • Who should be baptized?
      • Those that want to be obedient – Acts 2:41
      • Only those that are saved can be baptized. – Acts 8:36,37 (This excludes all baby baptisms, because they cannot believe. There is not one record of the baptism of a baby in the Bible)
    • How should a person be baptized?
      • Again, Acts 8:26-39 gives the clearest example. In verses 38-39, both Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch went down into the water and came up out of the water.
      • As seen previously, baptism is a picture of death, burial, and resurrection. The only way to bury someone is to put them completely underground. The biblical method of baptism is complete immersion. No one in the Bible was ever sprinkled, because no one can be buried by sprinkling dirt on them.
    • When should a person be baptized?
      • As soon as possible after salvation
      • The Ethiopian eunuch – Acts 8:26-39 B. The apostle Paul – Acts 9:18 C. The Philippians jailer and his house -Acts 16:25-33
John, Preaching

The Door (John #29)

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Text: John 10:7-10

The Only Door

  • Exclusive
    • I am the door – not A door, THE door.
      • The door is the point of entry.  Since when did you get mad at a door for being a door?
      • God did not have to put in a door to abundant life, he could’ve kept it walled in.  Before you get mad at the door, rejoice that there is a door to abundant life.
    • Verse 8 is what makes people mad
      • So long as Jesus is one trinket among many, he is sterile, powerless.
      • Scoffers believe their way is right, so bigotry is just an hypocritical accusation.
      • Indiana cake drama – the world will force you to see things its way
      • It’s reasonable to say that one is the road to abundant life and the others are not.  They can’t all be the same.
  • Inclusive
    • Invitation to enter – if ANY man enter in…
    • Come, let us reason together
    • Come unto me all ye that labor
    • the spirit and the bride say Come
    • If any man thirst let him Come unto me
    • Luke 14:15-23
    • What do you do with a Christ that says come?
      • Door can be closed as well as open.
    • Christian, you carry the door with you.
      • You are an ambassador for a God that says Come ye.  Come unto me.  Come, let us reason.

 The Door of Salvation – he shall be saved (vs 9)

  • whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved
  • Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved
  • Only one that offers remission of sins
  • Only one that offers justification before God – Romans 5:1
  • Only one that offers peace with God – Romans 5:1
  • Philippians 2:12, – work out your salvation is like saying you’ve got muscles, so work them out.  You’re saved through Jesus Christ, now work out your salvation.
  • Ephesians 1:13-14 & 4:30 earnest of the Spirit
  • John 1:12 power to become the sons of God – to become is a future reference.  We are sons of God, but Romans 8:18-23 gives some more details about the future.

 The Door of Liberation – and shall go in and out (vs 9)

  • Access
    • For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
    • In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
    • We have the opportunity to enter the throne room – Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
    • In Jesus’ name – He is access
  •  Opportunity
    • By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
      • Freedom from sin means the soul is no longer under sin
      • But sometimes we think of Jesus Christ not as the the cage of the sheep.  That’s what the flesh thinks of God’s words.
      • Kennedy and all the ability to possess himself in affairs of state, travelling, enduring back pain, sleeplessness.  Composed in some of the most stressful situations.  But when it came to his personal life, there was no ability to stop sinning.  No liberation from sin.
    • I’ve found the most refreshing times in my life have come when the flesh was put down, crucified, and I said yes to the Holy Spirit of God even though I may not want to.
    • New creature
    • Regret is just an opportunity walking away.
  • Privilege

The Door of Provision – and find pasture (vs 9)

  • Provision in need – supply
  • Provision in trouble – hope, joy, peace, comfort
  • Provision in temptation – way of escape
  • Provision for the future
  • Provision for the present
  • Provision for others
2 Corinthians, Acts, Preaching, Revelation, Romans

Easter’s Salvation Message

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The difference between Christianity and all other religions is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  That resurrection proves Jesus Christ’s power over sin and death.  If you follow a man who didn’t rise from the dead, you are still in your sins and will die powerless to do anything about it.

What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ mean to you?

Maybe you say you don’t need the resurrection because you’re good enough without Jesus Christ.  Well, consider a few things.

God’s Law is Good

  • Do you consider yourself a good person?  If you’re like everyone else you say, Sure, I’m a good person (Proverbs 20:6).
  • Let’s take the good person test this morning.  God actually has a test to see if you are a good person.
    • Question #1: Have you ever told a lie?
    • Question #2: Have you ever stolen something, even very small?
    • Question #3: Have you ever used the Lord’s name in vain or cursed with God’s name?
    • Question #4: Have you ever been angry with someone because you envied them or angry with someone just because?
    • Now you may say but I’m not as bad as_______.  That may be true, but ______ has his own sin to deal with and ______ is not the standard.  God’s law is the standard, so get ______ out of your mind.  This is between you and God.
    • Question #5: Have you ever disobeyed your parents?
  • We could go through some more, but at this point there is no reason.  Those are just five commandments.
  • James 2:10, guilty of one, guilty of all.
  • Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind.  That’s the first and greatest commandment.  Have you ever done that in your entire life?  So your life has been lived out in disobedience of the first and greatest commandment.
  • God’s law is good.  If you want to know if you are good, then you measure yourself against God’s law.

God’s Law Only Points Out Sin

  • Let me tell you a little secret about God’s law.  It is only used to point out your sin.  And that is the end of the law.  Romans 3:19-20.
  • The law expressly exposes sin – I had not known sin, but by the law (Romans 7:7)
    • Craftiness
    • Scoffing
    • The problem with sin is that when it is found out, there is no white flag.  Sin is the most arrogant, prideful, insatiable, hateful, selfish, crafty, insidious, deceitful creature.  So when the light of God’s law floods the area of sin, sin gets irate and will react in one of a few ways:
  • The law is never used to justify
    • Have you ever been written a ticket for good driving?
    • Have you ever heard of a court case trying to determine the goodness of someone?  This case is to determine how good Mr. Johnson is.  That’d be ridiculous.  But that is how some people view the court of heaven.
  • The law cannot be used to justify anyone.  Imagine a man brought up on the charge of murder.  His guilt is unquestionable. He doesn’t even dispute the fact that he committed murder.  But his defense is unimaginable.  He says, Judge, I committed this murder, but I’m such a good person.  For the other 364 days that year I was a great employee, faithful to my wife and children, went to church regularly, gave to charity often, and for the other 364 days I didn’t commit murder.
  • Now that is what a sinner would say before God.
  • Do you understand that guilt is not washed away with good works yet?

Convicted of Sin

  • Now that you stand convicted of sin by God’s law he says you will have your day in court.  The problem is, you’re already guilty.  So this is not a trial to render a verdict, this is day in court is a sentencing.
  • Hebrews 9:27.  And there you will stand as guilty as God already told you that you were.  With nothing to do but listen to God’s sentence against you.
  • Romans 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
  • Revelation 21:8 – fiery judgment of God on sin
  • Luke 16 – wealthy family man.  Focused on the things of this world and never taken the time to address his sin that will one day come before God and God will judge.

If you were to die right now knowing what you know now, is your sin still on you?  If it is and you were to die right now, what would happen to you?

People say, no one can know that answer.  Just because you don’t know the answer doesn’t mean no one can know.  If you’d listen to God’s words you already know the answer.

Jesus Christ Pays for Sin

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21 made him to be sin for you
  • 1 Peter 3:18 the just for the unjust
  • Acts 4:12 neither is there salvation in any other
  • Hebrews 10:10-13 one sacrifice for all
  • John 1:28 the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world

Jesus Christ death, burial, and resurrection.  Being a sacrifice is one thing, but if there is no resurrection, there is no power over sin.

What does the resurrection mean to you?  If you’re in your sins, the resurrection means you don’t have to die in your sin.

To know that doesn’t make any difference just as knowing a life preserver has been thrown in the water doesn’t do anything to save you.  You’re going to have to do something with what you know now.

Call on the Lord

  • Romans 10:13
  • 1 John 5:13
  • Acts 16:30-31
Preaching
Preaching, Romans

Justified (Romans #6)

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The results of a soul being justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are many.  Paul outlines some of the most foundational things in Romans 5 here.

Peace with God

  • The first time the word peace shows up in your Bible it has to do with death.  Genesis 15:15
  • People these days pay millions of dollars in order to get peace.  A good night’s rest.  An end to the chaos in the imagination.  There is an entire industry of medicine, biochemistry, and pharmaceuticals dedicated to numbing the heart and mind because of the lack of peace.
  • Peace is unity – Ephesians 2:14-17, 4:3
  • Peace is agreement with God and gratitude toward God
    • Leviticus 7:11-12, for a thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7)
    • Doctrinal at peace with God, but we aren’t always at peace with God spiritually.  The difference is in Colossians 3:15.

Access into Grace

  • Grace is a part of every aspect of the Christian life.
  • Grace has to do with how God looks at you.
  • grace in the eyes of the Lord, in his sight, in his eyes, in the sight of the Lord, in his sight, etc…
    • What makes you want to have grace toward someone?  When they humbly approach you.
    • Abraham access into grace
    • We come to pray for folks on Wednesday night because we have access into this grace.
      • Hebrews 4:14-16 – throne of grace
      • When you and I have a need it means grace becomes necessary.
    • Sometimes we need to remember we stand in this grace.  Amazing Grace
  • 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
  • If you’ve been saved a while think about how much you’ve learned over the years.  How much you are learning now.  Now realize that God already knew all of the things you know now from day one and He has patiently watched you, and directed you, and been gracious with you to get you to this point.

Rejoice in Hope

  • Hope is a powerful word.
    • Hope deferred maketh the heart sick says the Proverb.
    • The lack of hope can crush a soul.  Suicide is lost hope.
    • The presence of hope can sustain a soul even if there is no real salvation in sight.  Story of “Unbroken” Louie Zamperini
  • 5:3-5  Think about something.  Every valley you’ve had as a Christian has made you a better Christian – If you’ll let it.  Being justified means God is redeeming the valleys in your life to your benefit.
  • Growth occurs in the valley.  I use to drive through Colorado to a rig up on top of a mountain in the Rockies.  The higher you get the more sparse it got.  But driving down that mountain getting into the valley on County Road 5 you could see lush grass, cattle grazing, flowers blooming.  All in the valley.
  • Don’t hate the valleys, harvest them.  I’m not saying ask for them.  I don’t.  But when they come, have the expectation that this is here for my benefit.

Saved from wrath

  • Removed from danger to a place of safety
  • Saved is a term we generally apply to a soul being saved from Hell.  Salvation means deliverance from destruction.
    • 2 Chronicles 20:17 – see the salvation of God – Moab and Ammon come against Jerusalem and Jehoshaphat.  Has to do with defeat of enemies.
    • David said save me from mine enemies.
    • All Israel shall be saved – Delivered from destruction
  • Noah is a great picture of that.  Here is a man that found grace in the sight of God in the midst of a completely reprobate society.  And God says I will save you from my wrath, but you’ve got to do what I say.
  • For a Christian here and now that has a double meaning.  You and I are saved from future wrath of God.  1 Thessalonians 1:10

Reconciled to God

  • Eliminate enmity, bring about friendship
  • Colossians 1:20
  • In 8 words the entire Bible and scope of God’s redemptive work is summed up, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.
  • Body – The Bible says that one day, those that are saved will have their corruptible bodies changed into incorruptible bodies and fashioned like unto his glorious body (Philippians 3:21).  So the body one day must be reconciled to Jesus Christ.
  • Mind – How about your mind?  There are lots of things about our minds that God hasn’t been given control of.  Things like depression can be a result of an area of the mind that we haven’t reconciled to God and have kept for ourselves.
  • Let this mind be in your which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5) and goes on to name 7 things that were in the mind of Jesus Christ and should be in our minds.  So the mind of a sinner needs to be reconciled to God.
  • Heart – How about affections?  We all love things that come between the Lord and us.  God wants our affections reconciled to Jesus Christ.  Colossians 3:1-2.
  • Ministry – 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.  Another application here is our service for God.  The simple fact of the matter is if you can point someone in the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ and help them identify the obstacles that stand between them and him, you have done the work God has called you to do.

Atonement

  • Atonement is the transfer of guilt
    • Leviticus 4:20, 26, 31, 35
    • Notice the forgiveness
  • This is the only time in the New Testament this word occurs.
  • Unlimited atonement: died for all
John, Preaching

Savior (John #9)

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This morning we will look at Jesus Christ as the savior of man from his sin.

Reason for the Savior vs 17

  • His purpose is not to come into the world to be able to point the finger at you.
  • Jesus Christ said of himself in Matthew 18:11, I came to seek and to save that which was lost.
  • Lost is a word God uses.
  • The Lord Jesus Christ is the lifeline.
  • When firemen are called it is for the purpose of putting out fires.  When policemen are called it is for the purpose of addressing crime.  When a savior is called, it is for the purpose of salvation.

Redemption in the Savior vs 18

  • Sin is your curse and here it is in all its glory on the cross.  Jesus cries out, My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?
  • Condemnation isn’t based on what you do, it’s based on what you neglect to do
  • Condemnation isn’t waiting to happen; you are spiritually on death row.
  • You can’t justify yourself by the deeds of the law.
  • Guilt is not waiting to be determined, the trial is here, the law has been written down and the judgment is already made.  There is no going before God to see how things turn out.  Things have already “turned out” and you know they have because I don’t have to tell you the sin, the lies, the filthy conversation, the malice, the unbelief that you’re guilty of.
  • You are calling God a liar if you don’t believe on Jesus Christ.  1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
  • Have you ever spent a lot of money on something?  The cost represented much time at work and so when you bought that thing you took care of it.  A car that you kept clean, that you made sure the maintenance was right.  You put it in a place you could always find it.  Now, when a sinner receives the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, the price that’s been paid there could not be higher.  Now, do you think that soul is important to God Almighty?  If you’re saved here today, you probably don’t understand just how much God is taking care of you.  He is doing everything He can to keep you clean.  To make sure you’re getting fed the way you need to get fed.

Rejection of the Savior vss 19-20

  • This is the thing that keeps man from believing in Jesus Christ the right way.  So there is no way to fool God by saying, Sure I believe in Jesus, just don’t tell me what to do; just don’t judge me.  Just don’t reprove me.
  • This isn’t about ignorance and there is no excuse.  People are not condemned because of lack of knowledge.  People are condemned because their hearts are far from God.
  • If it was a lack of knowledge, then when the Light showed up, people would have flocked to Him.  But they didn’t.
  • Jesus said the world hated him.  This is why.  He is Light.  He is exposure.  For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light.
  • Reject the light because you want to hide their sin.  Neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
  • Now focus on the positive part of this verse, light is come into the world.  The world says exactly the opposite.  That’s not light, that archaic, puritanical, prudishness.
  • I heard somebody say the other day, We don’t live in the 1800s anymore.  We do things different now.  Meaning rules don’t apply to me.  Just be honest about it, You love being in darkness so you can’t be seen.  You don’t want your deeds to be reproved.

Reception of the Savior

  • Doeth the truth, not do good
  • It means you are willing to be put under God’s microscope and let Him tell you what He wants.
  • We get so caught up in this life and forget this life is so brief, and there is an eternity waiting.  We will spend 99.99% of our lives eternally.
  • Belief is defined for you in verse 21.  Cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John, Preaching

Mediator (John #4)

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Text: John 1:43-51

John 20:31 But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.  When we reach the end of John 1, the Lord Jesus Christ has been given 12 titles.  Taken as a whole they point to the Lord as the one man in which two kingdoms collided the great Mediator.

Six times identified by God in heaven as:

  • Word
  • God
  • Light
  • Only Begotten Son of God
  • Lord
  • Lamb of God

And six times identified by man on earth as:

  • Rabbi (Master)
  • Jesus of Nazareth
  • Christ (Messias)
  • Son of God
  • King of Israel
  • Son of Man

When these titles are taken as a whole they point to the Lord Jesus Christ as the one man in whom two kingdoms collide.  Where this present evil world meets the one true holy and gracious God.

Paul said 1 Timothy 2:5-7 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.  Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.  Paul said it is this role of Jesus Christ as the Mediator between two conflicting parties that I have been ordained to preach.

Job had a legitimate complaint.  He said there was no way for him to plead his case before God.  There was no mediator he could go to that had mutual interests.  Job 9:32-33 For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment.  Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.

Mediator’s Intervention

  • Not a bridge, but an intervention –
  • Have you ever heard of an “intervention” where someone is put in a position where they must come face to face with their own destructive decisions.
  • dead in trespasses and sin
    • The purpose is restoration, redemption, reconciliation of all parties
    • We have the idea that we’re trying to be better and do better and that all we need is a bridge to get to God and we’ll gladly take it.  But the reality of our sin is so much more grotesque than that.  So much more filthy.
    • Our desires are not for God.  Our ambitions are not God’s.  Our feelings don’t match God’s feelings.
  • While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us
  • None that doeth good, no not one
  • none that seeketh after God
  • the carnal mind is enmity against God
  • These bodies are vile and insatiable.  And the truth is that if Jesus Christ never intervenes as the Mediator we just continue wandering aimless in the dark, fulfilling the lust of the flesh until we die and pay for our sins that we said were a light thing in this life. Intervention of Life where the world, the devil and sin had left death and destruction
  • Enter into grief.  Because it is enmity and conflict that create the need for a mediator.  If both parties are agreeable and happy then there is no need for mediation.  Enmity and conflict create the need for a mediator, so a mediator must be acquainted with grief.
  • People brought their sorrow, their diseases, their misery, their grief.
  • Intervention of Love what the world and the devil and sin had thrown away and left for dead
  • we love him BECAUSE he first loved us
  • Notice in our text Jesus Christ’s Intervening Help
    • Medical field, first responders, firemen, these are folks who stand as mediators between life and death
    • vs 43 Jesus would GO FORTH… and FINDETH…. and saith, FOLLOW ME
    • A mediator must be willing and must also have the means to facilitate a reconciliation
    • Go, Find, now follow me
    • Jesus Christ said I came to seek and to save that which was lost.

Mediator’s Intercession

  • Mediator must be the friend of both parties
  • Mutual understanding of the desires of both parties
  • Romans 8:27 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.
    • Present work of Jesus Christ for you, if you are saved, is that he is interceding on your behalf with the Father
    • You have and Adversary who lives to accuse you, but in Jesus Christ you have an Advocate who seeks out pardon and reconciliation
  • Romans 8:34 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.
  • Notice in our text Jesus Christ’s personal understanding
    • vs 47-48 …Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is not guile!…Whence knowest thou me?
    • Personal, approachable, compassionate, all these are things that endear the Lord Jesus Christ to our hearts.  A mediator is no good if one party cannot approach him.
  • James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
  • Hebrews 7:25-27 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
  • Isaiah 53 is one of the chapters in the Bible that religious Israel has taken out of their Old Testament.  In that chapter one of the things we read of the Lord Jesus Christ is, Isaiah 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
  • He knows you.  Psalm 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.  
  • He KNOWS you – The amazing thing is that He knows you, but that doesn’t stop Him from wanting to use you. That doesn’t stop Him from wanting to save you.  That doesn’t stop Him from loving you.  And He KNOWS you.

Mediator’s Inauguration

  • regarding Jesus Christ’s future work as Mediator when, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
  • There is a past work that culminated on Calvary and resurrection from the dead
  • There is his present work as Intercessor
  • Then there will be a future work as King
  • Notice in our text his Sovereignty
    • vs 49-51 …thou art the King of Israel…thou shalt see greater things than these… heaven open
    • There was a partial fulfillment of verse 51 in Acts 1:9-11, Nathanael also known as Bartholomew
    • he will literally bring in the Kingdom as it collides with this earth, Revelation 19:11-16
    • Revelation 1:5-6… he makes kings

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