Faith Free Will Baptist Church

Posts Tagged ‘His Gospel’

*HOW TO BECOME BETTER STEWARDS OF THE GOSPEL*

(Matt 28:16-20)

*Jesus not only has given the church power, but also a great responsibility.

*The word “steward” carries a great meaning: One who watches over the affairs of another.

(I Cor 4:1,2  Read)

*The Apostle Paul was clear in these verses that the saints have a great responsibility, that is to be faithful in the handling of the things of God.

*In (Luke 12) Jesus gives a parable concerning a wise and faithful steward and their reward (vs 48). Some of you have talents and are not using them.

*Unknown writer once wrote “A Christian is a mind thru which Christ thinks, a heart thru which Christ loves, a voice thru which Christ speaks, and a hand thru which Christ helps”.

With this said, “How can we become better steward of the gospel?”:

(1)    Know the gospel

(II Tim 2:15  Read)

*In these last days that are filled with false doctrines, I believe it is of utmost importance for Christians to know why they believe as they do.

* I cannot stress enough the need for us to read and study the bible daily.

*There are two main cults with false doctrines in the US.  In a survey taken from these two, they admitted that most of their growth comes from people in mainstream churches.  Who are they: Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses.

Question:

1)      What do you know about Jesus’ life?

2)      What do you know about why He came?

3)      What do you know about His death, His burial, His resurrection?

(Acts 17:10,11 Read)

(2)    Live the gospel

(Matt 5:13-16  Read)

*What good is it to say we believe the gospel if it does not bring a change in our lives, how we live, why we do or don’t do certain things?

(I Cor  4:9   & Col2:6   Read)

*People, families are watching how we live, how we handle things: some will mock us, but some will take notice we are true to living for Christ.  (I Pet 3:16  Read)

(3) Love the gospel

(Psalms 119:97,103,105  Read)

*I know I’ve talked about reading the bible, but do we love God’s word, do we see its work in our lives, do we see the necessity of it?

*Job who experienced such troubles as losing his children, his possessions said this : (Job 23:12 Read) .

1) Do we love it enough to think on it daily? (Psl 119:11 Read)

2) Do we love it enough to let it direct our life’s decisions?  (Psl 37) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.

3) Do we love it enough to attend preaching?  (Rom 10:17  Read)

(4) Give the gospel

(Matt 28:20  Read)

(Psl 107:2  Read)

*Isn’t it amazing the many things we tell people about that comes into our lives?

1) Announce our engagements in getting married

2) Announce the birth of a baby

3) Buying a new car or house

*But yet we struggle with telling others of Christ.  (I Pet 3:15  Read)

Have you asked God to help you be a good steward of the gospel?

*WONDERFUL AND HORRIBLE*

(Jer 5:30,31)

Brief history:

1)      Jeremiah was a young teen man and preached 40 years in Israel

2)      He prophesied the captivity of Judah

3)      For the most part his message to call the people to repent was largely rejected

4)      The word “repent” appears eleven times

5)      He is called the weeping prophet because of his brokenness for God’s backslidden people

6)      He is considered one of the most hated OT prophets because of his rebuke to the false prophets priests and kings.

*Every preacher of this generation would do well to live near the Book of Jeremiah in keeping their focus on truth.

(vs 30  Read)

*I think we all understand the word “horrible” but “wonderful” needs explaining: It actually can mean something good or bad.

*Meaning: That which causes surprise, amazement, appalling or astonishment.

This morning I want us to see both meanings of this word in (vs 30,31).

(1)    The bad of wonderful and horrible

(vs 30,31  Read)

Notice three statements:

1)      “The prophets prophesy falsely.”

*Matthew Henry states “Religion is never more dangerously attacked than under the color and pretence of divine revelation”.

*Jeremiah called them false prophets,  said God was giving them the words but they were not from God: (Jer 14:13-15  Read)

*Charles Lindbergh said “We must understand spiritual truths and apply them to our modern life”.

*Today the spiritual truth is we are flooded with false prophets: (II Pet 2:1,2  Read)

*It is not the big names of false prophets like Jim Jones, David Karesh or Sun Moon that trouble my heart the most; it is those in the pulpits this morning who:

1) Deny that the Word of God is without error

2) Deny that Jesus Christ is the Son of God

3) Deny His blood shed for our sins

4) Deny His resurrection

5) Deny His coming again

(2)  “The priests bear rule by their means”

*Simply put this means: the priest who should hold up the cardinal truths of God’s Word and doctrine defile it by compromising.

(Jer 6:10) “The word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

*How sad that today there are those who call themselves “Men of God” and in their pulpits reject the Word of God and compromise and accept wickedness:

1) Preach homosexuality as normal

2) Who do not cry out over the murder of 1 ½ million innocent babies a year

3) Who would accept a skunk as a member as long as they get money

(Jer 6:14,15  Read)

*God help those in leadership who are not broken over sin.

(3) “And My people love to have it so”

Notice the charge God brings against His so called people

(Jer 6:16,17  Read)

*Listen: We have people today who don’t mind preaching on sins as long as you don’t preach on their sins.

*How sad that there are those in churches today who are living in open sin and rebellion that are not broken over it.

*If it were possible they would do as King Jechakim did in (Jer 36) and take a knife and cut out the parts of the Word of God they don’t like.

*Must we compromise the have large churches?

(2) The Good of wonderful

*Jeremiah though hated of men, priests and kings stood faithful, though mocked and imprisoned with only water to drink and bread to eat stood faithful.

*The Apostle Paul gathered together the ministers of Ephesus and made this statement : (Act 20:26,27  Read)

*Living for Christ may not win you a popularity contest but it will bring God’s approval and blessings in your life.

*To the preachers, ss teacher and deacons:

1) Declare salvation thru Jesus Christ alone because you’ve experienced it

2) Teach tithing because you do it

3) Proclaim church attendance because you’re there when the doors are open

4) Tell others to pray because you spend time doing it

5) Uphold the Bible because you believe it is the True Word of God

*Let your life reveal what Apostle Paul said (Act 20:27  Read)

*Make the Good News Wonderful

Thanks to Calvary

Luke 23:33

Where would we be without Calvary?

John 3:16

It is at Calvary we see the greatest example of Love, the greatest sacrifice made.

Romans 5:8

The Apostle Paul makes a very strong statement: I Corinthians 1:18

Our world consists of seasons. By these times, farmers do their work. In the Spring, they plant and in the late Summer, they bring in their harvest. When harvest begins, there is but a small window of opportunity top accomplish this task.

There is a spiritual truth in this; some say “I can get saved anytime.”

Genesis 6:3

Sadly, some will wait until it is too late.

Jeremiah 8:20

The reality is that there are only a few windows of opportunity for people to accept Christ Jesus as their Savior:1.            The Window of Youth

Ecclesiastes 12:1

Paul exhorts a young preacher named Timothy.

II Timothy 3:14,15

2.            The Window of Concern

II Corinthians 5:11

Two thoughts should be noticed:

(1) To the sinner: Are you concerned about facing God?

(Hebrews 9:27) – (John 3:36)

(2) To the Saints: Are you concerned about the Lost? If not, when will you be?

John 4:35

3.            The Window of Conviction

Genesis 6:3

Romans 3:23

Proverbs 29:1

Right now, the Holy Spirit is convicting.

John 16:8

4.            The Window of Catastrophe

Job 14:1

Catastrophe means: A thing that happens suddenly and causes great loss or suffering.

(1) Hurricane Katrina: Lost all

(2) Pakistan Earthquake: 1,000’s killed

(3) September 11, 2001: Over 3,000 deaths

People are dying every day of disease, violence, auto wrecks.

What will it take to wake you up?

I John 5:12

Thanks to Calvary, you can have peace,  joy and forgiveness.

Why I am a Fundamentalist

(Romans 1:16)

Liberal: Open to new ideas, broadminded, tolerant, in favor of change and reform.

Conservative: Wanting to keep things as they are. Cautious, safe, but will change if evidence proves so.

Fundamentalist: One who determines what is essential, indispensable and necessary in forming a Sure Foundation.

(1) I was a fundamentalist when I got saved.

(2) I was a fundamentalist when called to Preach.

(3) I was a fundamentalist when preached my 1st sermon.

I have settled some things in my heart and no devil, no

atheist, no theologist, no liberal, will ever change me.

Some things I have emphasized over 29 years of Preaching:

(1) The Infallibility of the Word of God

(II Timothy 3:16,17)

(2) Salvation by Grace

(Ephesians 2:8,9)

(3) Importance of Local Church

(Hebrews 10:25)

(4) Our Victorious Life

(Psalm 23:1   I Cor 15:57,58)

(5)  2nd  Coming of Our Lord

(I Thess 4:16)

(6) Reality of Heaven, Hell and personal soul winning.

(John 14)

(Luke 16)

(John 1:37-51)

PART 5: MIRRORS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – TONGUE-TIED

PART 5   MIRRORS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

*TONGUE-TIED*

(Joshua 1:9)

Have you ever heard the phrase “has the cat got your tongue”?

*We all have probably had times when we could say something for Christ but had difficultly speaking.

*Sometimes we feel guilt because of our difficutly in talking to a family member or real close friend about the Lord Jesus Christ.

*Dr. Wilbur Smith, a christian book writer who trained many christian workers, made a very heartbreaking statement in his book titled “Before I Forget” that all of us could probably make.” I should through the years have been more faithful in witnessing for Christ to many of those whose friendship I have enjoyed.  I was told a few years ago, a dinner was given in Tokyo in honor of Billy Graham.  He found himself seated beside the crown prince of Japan.  Mr. Graham turned to him and asked “What do you thing of Jesus Christ?”  Dr. Smith continued to say “I am afraid that for myself; I have let many conversations continue without my asking that greatest of all questions”.

*Beloved: I’m afraid alot of us feel that same regret.

*Why does the cat get our tongue when it comes to speaking up for Jesus?

(II Kings 7:9)  “We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings and we hold our peace.”

Notice some ways that will help us find our voice to speak up for the Savior:

(1)  Ask God specifically to fill you with His Spirit.

*Do you remember how tongue-tied Peter was on the night Jesus was betrayed?  He had several opportunities to speak up for Christ that night but instead his voice failed him except for curses and denials.

*Yet in great contrast when he was filled with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost “he spoke the word with boldness”.  When he was threatened with punishment “he declared that he could not help but speak the things he had seen and heard”.  (Acts 4)

*If you are a christian the Holy Spirit lives in you.  Ask God to fill you to overflowing.

(Eph 5:18,19  Read)  (I Pet 3:15)

*Remember the words God spoke to Joshua:  (1:5) “As I was with Moses so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee”.

*Remember the words of Jesus.

(Matt 28:20)  “Lo, I am with you alway even unto the end of the world.”

(2)  Develop a burden

(Prov 14:25)  “A true witness delivereth souls.”

*Perhaps we would be bolder if we could imagine a lable across the foreheads of the lost which reads “For whom Christ died”.

*Maybe it would make them easier to love and share the gospel with.

(Ps 126:5,6  Read)

*The Lord can use a stammering tongue better than a silent one.

(3) Memorize some bible verses

(Prov 7:1-3   &   Joshua 1:8   Read)

*Start with (John 3:16)

(Rom 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9,10)

(Eph 2:8,9)

*The Word of God is alive, quick and powerful.

*We spend alot of money in a year on junk.  What if we purchased inexpensive NT Bibles to give to those we witness to or those God would lay on our hearts?

(4) Commit to faithfulness

(Prov 25:25)  “As cold water to a thristy soul, so is good news from a far country.”

*Put church attendance in the proper place of your life.  Why?

1) You will hear messages that will help us personally and others we share it with.

2) Let’s stop complaining about those who only attend in the AM and pray for God to burden them to attend in the PM.

Pray not to be tongue-tied.

PART 10: MIRRORS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – GREATER WORKS THAN THESE

PART 10      MIRRORS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

*GREATER WORKS THAN THESE*

(John 14:12-14)

*After World War II, Berlin, the capitol of Germany and headquarters of Adolf Hitler’s 3rd Reich, was overseen by the four nations that had united to defeat Hitler: America, Britain, France and the former Soviet Union.  Sadly the history of Germany has not been good.  Two sections were created: East Berlin and West Berlin.

*Because of the opposition of the people in East Berlin, many began leaving and going to West Berlin.  To stop it, the Soviet Government in August 1961 built the Berlin Wall dividing the city.  The East Germany city of Leopzig became the site of violent protests, but accomplished nothing.

*In 1989 people in Leipzig tried a different approach.  What was once called the “Monday Demonstrations” began meeting with prayers of peace.  They met at the Nikolai Church, first a few 100’s, then 1000’s, then 10,000’s until there were approximately one million.  The results: In November 1989 the Berlin Wall was torn down.

*The French novelist Victor Hugo wrote “There are moments when, whatever the attitude of the body, the soul is on it’s knees.

*Those who prayed down the Berlin Wall must have believed Jesus’ words in (14:12-14  Read).

*What did Jesus mean by saying that His disciples/followers would do greater works than He had done?

*What could possibly be greater than healing the sick, raising the dead, stilling the storms on the sea, defeating demons, and turning water into wine?  Should we expect miracles beyond these?

*Yes: Our ministry will be greater for two reasons:  (1) greater reach   (2) greater results.

(1) The Reach of our Ministry is Greater

(Acts 1:8  Read)

*The Lord of Israel today covers about 8,000 square miles, roughly the equivalent to the land of Palestine in Jesus’ day.  During Jesus’ 3 1/2 years of ministry He traveled no more than 200 miles and primarily confined Himself to Judea and regions of Galilee.  He touched many people but the total’s probably in the 1,000’s.

*Do not misunderstand me.  I am not making light of Christ’s ministry during his 3 1/2 years.  I want us to grasp His glorious ministry today.

*The planet Earth is approoximately 57 1/2 million square miles.  The followers of Christ after His ascension reached 1000,s of miles by foot and ship.  The apostle Paul in (Acts) preached to all of Asia in 3 1/2 years. But understand because of their efforts others became followers of Christ and today 2,000 years after it began, millions are now disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

*Today God has taken the ministry of Faith Freewill Baptist Church beyond our neighborhood, our city, our state.  The message of Jesus Christ, the Gospel, is reaching: Canada, Phillipines, India, Romania, Germany, South Korea, over 35 countries, numbering 150,000 people monthly.  Our state promotions director is telling other Free Will Baptist churches and pastors are asking: How is this happening?

*We pray, we believe, we receive and Jesus is showing Himself alive and well and His Gospel is changing the world.

*We are reaching not only large cities but small townships and villages.

(2) The Results of our Ministry is Greater

(Matt 28:18-20)

*It is not just the reach of the Gospel that will be greater thru the church.  The results of preaching the Gospel will be greater also.  (Acts 2) Peter’s first sermon reached 3,000, todays 100’s of 1000,s are hearing it.

*Our primary ministry in the world is not to simply perform physical miracles but to be a conduit, the person Christ can continue to perform His spiritual miracles thru:

1) It is wonderful for a man’s eyes to be opened physically but it is even more wonderful for him to see and understand the Gospel.

2) It is wonderful for a leper to be made pure and clean but it is more wonderful for his soul to be washed pure from the stain of sin.

3) It is wonderful for a deaf man to hear words and music but it is more wonderful for him to hear the Gospel and respond to it.

How far can the Greater Works of Jesus go?  As far as you and I believe.

How much of yourself are you willing to give and believe to see greater works?