Getting Real With Jesus and Other

Sermon Series by Darrel Streeter

Pastor Darrel Streeter Graduated to Glory

Pastor Darrel Streeter was born to Emmett Ervin and Frances Lavelle Hogan Streeter on February 2, 1945, in Bastrop, Louisiana. He went to be with his Heavenly Father on June 22, 2010, following a 7 year battle with cancer.

He married Ivorie June Glenn Streeter in Warren, Arkansas on June 7, 1966. He graduated from Hamburg High School, Hamburg, Arkansas; he attended the University of Arkansas and the Missionary Baptist Seminary and Institute in Little Rock, Arkansas. He pastored churches in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. At the time of his passing, he was pastor of Alvin Missionary Baptist Church for 38 years.

Bro. Darrel, as he was known to his congregation, was not only a pastor and shepherd of the congregation where he pastored, but was also a pastor's pastor. He embraced and lived by Jesus' words to "love one another" which he passed on to all those around him. In addition, throughout his battle with cancer he never lost his will and perseverance to serve the Lord and minister to his congregation in love. He shared with many during the last few days that they were on his heart and mind and in his prayers. Complimenting his loving style of ministry was a sincere humility grounded in the Lord and God's Word. Even the words of this short biography would cause him to blush. He never sought the attention to be lifted up, but rather sought to give God the glory. He often reminded people that it wasn't about him, but it was all about Jesus. Bro. Darrell's love and humility fostered a hope in Christ that lives on in all those he touched. Truly we were blessed to know him.

Finally, consider the words of his favorite passage, wait upon the Lord and keep your eyes on Jesus. Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Table of Contents "Oh! Get Real" p.3

"Getting Real with Jesus" Part 2 p.3

Getting Real with Jesus Part 3 p.6

Getting Real in the Area of Integrity p.9 of Testimony" I Peter 2:9-10

Unity of Fellowship p.10

Eph. 3:21 Getting Real with God in the Area of Giving p.12

II Corinthians 8:1-5 Giving Number 2 p.14

Getting Real with Jesus in the area of p.16 Personal Responsibility

Galatians 6:1-9, (V. 4&5) When Sin gets in the Family p.17

I Cor. 5, II Cor. 2, and Matt. 18 Holy Spirit Work in Our Lives is Real p.19

Romans 8:16 Getting Real with Jesus Produces p.20 Dependable Saints! Psalms 1:1-6

Getting Real with Jesus" Series. p.21 "Christ Crucified" Philippians 2:8

Getting Real with Jesus, Jesus Got Real with us! p.22

Matt. 7:13-27

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I'm Glad Jesus got real with us! p.22 Phil. 2:5-8

Jesus is the resurrection and the life! p.23

John 11:25-26 Jesus is Coming Again! Acts 1:11 p.24

"Kingdom Work" Matthew 28:18-20 p.27

"Christ, Head of the Church" p.30

"Let us Go into the House of the Lord." p.31

(Right attitude about the house of God) "The Light of the World." Matthew 5:14-16 p.34

The Church, One Body in Christ. p.37

"The Faithful Servant" Matthew 24:45-46. p.38

Jesus Meets Us Where We Are! p.40

"Growing Up in My Father's House" p.41 Proverbs 1:1-9

"Affirming our Importance" p.43

Proverbs 27:2

"Consequences!" p.44

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Oh! Get Real"

Webster's Dictionary list the term real as: Relating to things in law; Relating to fixed or immovable things (as land - property); Not Artificial; Genuine, not imaginary.

I would like to express it in the words, "taking it to a higher level." Going upward from where we are.

Peter expressed it this way, II Peter 3:18, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." Peter even tells us how, I Peter 2:2, "As newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby."

A. Do you have a genuine desire for the Word of God? B. Does it matter "What God thinks or wants?"

I. First, In our Love for God.

A. The Pharisee asked, "Master which is the great Commandment in the law?" (Matt. 22:36) To which Jesus responded, "Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. "

B. Other references to the same are Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27.

"Getting Real with Jesus" Part 2

Intro. Getting real with Jesus is simply taking our relationship we have with Jesus, wherever we are, to a higher level. 1. Peter described it as a growing process. I Peter 2:2,

"As newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby."

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2. He also expressed it in II Peter 3:18. "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."

3. Paul Pleaded in Romans 13:14 "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." Now that's growing! That's getting real with Jesus

4. Last week we considered Getting Real with Jesus in Our Love for Him.

A. Matt. 22:37, Jesus told the lawyer, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."

B. Then He told his young church, John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

C. I John 5:3, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."

D. There is a direct connection in loving God and keeping his commandments.

E. This week we will consider getting real with Jesus in our:

1. Fidelity of Doctrine. a. Fidelity, Faithful to; allegiance; loyalty; devotion. b. Doctrine - no more or no less than Jesus'

teachings. 2. Remember, He said, If you love me you will keep

my commandments! My Doctrine. My Teachings. 3. In 2 John 1:9-11, The Bible points out anyone who goes too

far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your

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house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.

4. Galatians 1:8-9. Paul told the Galatians, "but though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

5. 2 Peter and Jude warn of the dangers of false prophets and heretics. Jude, "certain men crept in unawares, ungodly men, turning the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ into lasciviousness and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ."

6. II Peter 2: 1, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."

II. Purity of Life:

A. Moral Purity. Christians are to live in obedience to the

Word of God and to be exemplary in their conduct and untarnished in their testimony.

B Immorality is a sure sign of rebellion before the Lord.

C. Paul told the Corinthian Church, I Cor. 5:1

D. I Cor. 6:9-11 E. I Cor. 6:13, "Now the body is not for fornication but for

the Lord." F. I Cor 6:15, Bodies - members of Christ G. I Cor. 6:18, Flee fornication.

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H. It takes the Love for God and the power of God to say no - "wait".

I. I Cor. 7:8-9, "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." (in their lusts).

J. I Cor. 7:2, to avoid fornication let every man have his own wife.

K. Even if you have to pay more taxes! Even if you get less retirement.

L. It's really a matter of our Love for Jesus! M. I John 1:3-10. confess sin - he will forgive.

Getting Real with Jesus

Part 3 Intro. In our "Getting Real With Jesus" series, we have

considered Getting Real With Jesus in our Love for Him and in our Fidelity of Doctrine (Faithful, having an allegiance or loyalty to His Word; His teachings). Today we will consider "Getting Real with Jesus in our Moral Purity"

1. Moral Purity.

A. Christians are to live in obedience to the Word of

God, to be exemplary in their conduct and untarnished in their testimony.

B. Paul testified to the church at Corinth I Cor. 15: 34 "Awake to righteousness and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame."

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C. Immorality is a sure sign of rebellion before the Lord. D. Paul rebukes the church at Corinth, I Cor. 5: 1, "It is

reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife."

E. Paul reminds the church that they have been saved, I Cor. 6:9-12, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but you are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."

F. The body is for the Lord - We are members of Christ: I Cor. 6: 13b, "Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord: and the Lord for the body." Verse 15, "Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of a harlot? God forbid." Verse 18. "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication, sinneth against his own body." Verses 19 and 20, What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not you own? For ye are bought

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with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. "

G. Unmarried Christians are to abstain or marry. I Cor. 7:8-9, "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." (in their lusts)

H. I Cor 7:2, "Nevertheless to avoid fornication, let every man have is own wife, and let every woman have her own husband."

I. It takes the Love for God and the Power of God To say no - "wait"

J. Even if one has to pay more taxes or get less retirement.

K. It is really a matter of our Love for Jesus.

II. Testimony to the world.

A. I Cor. 15:34,"Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame."

B. What kind of Testimony do we have? 1. Peter and John had this testimony, "that they had

been with Jesus." Acts 4: 13 2. Enoch had this testimony, Heb. 11:5,"That he

pleased God. " "And the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." Acts 11: 26.

3. What might we be called?

III. Story of the Fig Tree. Lu 13:6-9.

A. Finding ourselves in a new year, we should thank God that we have been spared another year.

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B. It may be that God through this message (His Word) is pruning and fertilizing some. That this is our year to produce fruit unto righteousness

C. John 15:1-5, "Bearing Fruit." D. Paul reminded the Romans, Ro. 6: 22, "But now

being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness and the end everlasting life."

E. Concerning the pruning, Heb. 12: II, "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."

F. I John 1:3-10, confess sin God will Forgive

"Getting Real in the Area of Integrity of Testimony" I Peter 2:9-10

Intro:

1. Proverbs 11: 3 "The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them."

2. "Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool." Prov. 19: 1

3. Prov. 20:7, "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him."

4. Integrity - adherence to a code of values; incorruptibility; Soundness.

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5. We are studying in the area of Purity of Life. Last Sunday we studied Moral Purity, today we are seeing Integrity In our Testimony.

6. Peter urged the church to keep their behavior excellent among the Gentiles. Testimony excellent. I Peter 2: 11-12. "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."

7. The Church is to see itself as an alien community in the midst of spiritual darkness. Ones who must abstain from the lusts and enticements of the word.

8. We are to be conspicuous in our purity of Testimony. (Integrity of testimony). We are not to descend (stoop) to the moral or immoral environment.

9. "Be Ye Holy for I am Holy." I Peter 1:16. 10. I Pet. 2:9-10, "We are to proclaim the

excellencies (virtues-praises) of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. "

Unity of Fellowship Eph. 3:21

Intro: We have thus studied Fidelity of Doctrine and Purity of

Life. Today we will consider Unity of Fellowship.

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A. Paul exhorts in Hebrews 10:25 1. Forsake not the assembling (the assembly) 2. No matter that some don't. 3. Exhorting - encouraging - Teaching loving 4. Be serious about encouraging. Do it often. Do it

as the time demands it. (the much the more) B. Personal relationships in the church.

1. Integrity if personal relationships. 2. Sermon on Mt. Matt. 5:22-24. (Be reconciled)

Leave your gift. C. Church community Togetherness

1. No divisions - Lord's Supper - I Cor. 11:26-29 2. Titus 3:9-11, reject of factious man. 3. Must be a unity of fellowship. 4. A breach in the unity of the church is a scandal in

the body of Christ. 5. Romans 16:17, "Now I beseech you, brethren,

mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

D. Love 1. Romans 12:10, "Be kindly affectioned one to

another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;"

2. Ro. 12:9, "Let love be without dissimulation." 3. Romans 12:9-21, Church life and ethics. "Read" 4. For the weak in faith, Ro. 14:1, receive ye. Ro.

15:1, "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

5. Like minded toward each other. Ro. 15:5-6, "Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one

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mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us, to the glory of God."

Getting Real with God in the Area of Giving

II Corinthians 8:1-5 Intro. When we speak of getting real with God we are

referring to Christians as being genuine, not two faced; practicing what we preach. In our message today, the churches found in the Roman Province of Macedonia, (all of northern Greece) had gone through circumstances revealing to others their genuineness. Three of the churches of the area were Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea. At one time the Macedonia Province had been known for its natural Resources, but through the centuries the area had been ravaged by war and Rome had stripped it of its wealth. The churches were very poor in material wealth. They were at the point of destitution, poverty. The kind of poverty that indicates a point which a man cannot dig himself out of his dilemma; having no visible resources available. The word trial, sometimes translated ordeal, in verse two could be translated test. It refers to a severe test which someone has passed, proving himself to be genuine. The churches of Macedonia had so proved themselves. They were real with God in their giving! It was in the midst of terrible times that the believers of Macedonia gave to the needs of others.

There are at least three main areas to Giving, The giving of our time, talents and treasure. In today's lesson we are considering the giving of our treasure. In the remarkable story four things stand out to me:

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1. The role of the Grace of God in Giving. 2. Giving beyond their own power. 3. Their willingness to Give. 4. Their persistence in Giving.

I. THE POWER of THEIR GIVING!

A. The Grace of God. V. 1.

1. Wit-Know B. Beyond their power - V. 3 C. Grace of God - Divine Help, Unmerited Favor. D. Gave themselves to the Lord, First. V.5

II. Their Willingness to Give. V. 3

A. It is found in verse two. B. How that in a great test of pressures, persecutions, anguish, the

surplus of their joy (cheerfulness, calm delight, gladness) (their joy exceeded the need) (Neh. 8:10, to Israel, "The joy of the Lord is your strength") (David, Psalm 43:4, "Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God") and their profoundly poor state of being (beggarly existence) overflowed unto the riches of their liberality.

C. "CALM DELIGHT!" D. The fruit of the Spirit is joy. Gal. 5:22 (same word of 2 Cor. 8: 2) E. I Peter 1:8

III. Persistence in their Giving. V. 4

A. Isaiah said, Here am I send me! B. II Cor. 9:7, Every man as he purposeth in his heart .. C. II Cor 8:12, first a willing mind ...

Conclusion:

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Giving is its own reward! Giving, in its perfect form expects nothing in return. Giving indicates our love for God and others. Jesus on the Cross. "he saved others, let him save himself." If he did he couldn't save others.

Giving Part 2

I. Their Willingness to Give.

A. Had a forwardness of mind. II Cor. 9:2. 1. Readiness, Predisposition, Willingness.

B. Had a Zeal to Give. Verse 2. C. Chapter 8, Verse 3, "Willing of themselves."

II. Their Supreme example in Giving.

A. Christ Jesus, 8:9, "For ye know the grace of our Lord

Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." B. C.

Phil. 2:5-11, Christ emptied himself! On the Cross His accusers jeered saying, Matt. 27:41-

42,

"Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him." 1. Would have been selfish. 2. Save Himself - couldn't have saved others.

a. Someone must die! b. He gave the ultimate gift, His life.

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D. Not Grudgingly, V. 7 of C. 9. 1. Christ did not grudgingly die. 2. Heb. 12:2, "Looking unto Jesus the author and

finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. "

III. Rules of Giving.

A. Not grudgingly B. Not of Necessity C. Soweth sparingly - reap sparingly D. Sow Bountifully reap Bountifully E. God wiII give Bread for food. F. Multiply seed sown G. Increase fruits of Righteousness.

IV. Summary of Giving. II Cor. 9:7

A. Every man - person - in the church. B. Purpose in His Heart.

1. Not what's in the billfold but what's in the heart. a. Greed b. Little Faith

1. That God will multiply seed sown, v. 10 2. Increase the fruits of your righteousness

c. Give. C. Abound mentioned at least 15 times in these two

chapters.

GIVING IS ITS OWN REWARD!

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Getting Real with Jesus in the area of Personal Responsibility

Galatians 6:1-9, (V. 4&5)

Introduction: Verses 4 & 5 share with us the fact that we are to realize our own duty and responsibility. We are personally responsible to the Lord for our own behavior. We are to Prove (Test) our own works - taking responsibility. V. 5, Every man shall bear his own burden. Be responsible for his own actions. Motives, etc. We all have our own burdens, own weight of faults and sin to bear.

I. BLAME.

A. Everyone wants to blame someone else. Kids are told to blame parents. Spouses blame spouses.

B. Adam - Gen. 3:12, "And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat."

1. Adam first blamed Eve 2. Then he blamed God. 3. Didn't want to take responsibility

II. ADMIT FAULTS !

A. Pharaohs' butler - Gen. 41:9. "I do remember my faults this day."

B. Prodigal Son - Luke 15:21, Father, I have sinned."

III. cognize Law of Harvest. A. Gal. 6:7, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he

also reap." B. Gal. 6:9, "Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due

season we shall reap if we faint not."

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IV. WE WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE! A. Romans. 14:12, Give account B. Romans. 14:10, Stand before the Judgment seat of Christ. C. II Cor. 5:10, Receive for the things done in our body. D. Matt. 12:36, Every Idle Word.

Conclusion: Choose Today!

1. Joshua told Israel, Joshua 24:15, Choose ye this day.

2. Make the right choice. 3. Joshua, "As for me and my house." 4. Without me ye can do nothing 5. I can through Christ 6. II Cor. 4:7, This treasure in earthen vessels.

When Sin gets in the Family I Cor. 5, II Cor. 2, and Matt. 18

Introduction:

There are two types of sin mentioned in the Bible, Public and Private. Each sin is to be dealt with in specific God given ways.

A. The first sin mentioned is concerning private sins. Instructions on how to deal with it is found in Matthew 18:15-17. 1. First, The person sinned against is to go to

the person who he feels has sinned privately.

2. Second, When private confrontation does not work the sinned against party is to take one or two others with him and confront the trespasser.

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3. Third, when both of the first two attempts fail the person who feels he has been sinned against is to tell it to the church.

4. Fourth, if he will not make it right before the church, he is to be to the church as a heathen man and a publican (the church excludes him/her from its membership).

B. The second sin mentioned is concerning public offences (sins). Instructions are found in I Cor. 5 and II Cor. 2. The sin in I Corinthians became public and the sinning person nor the church did anything to stop it. In fact, it seems to me that both were enjoying the continuation of it. The church was instructed to exercise discipline excluding the person from the membership of the church. Exclusion was done to show the gravity of the sin. In II Cor. 2:6-8, the church is admonished to forgive the person and comfort him, thus confirming their love toward him. Simply put, the church was admonished to receive him back into their fellowship in love without suspicions and doubting. I wish to make this point: When someone comes before the church and admits sin and asks the church to forgive them. We must! We also must react toward them as if it is forgiven and treat them as it never happened. We are not to continue to keep it alive by telling others of their sin.

I. Continued talk of the matter hinders the resolving of the matter.

A. The more knowledgeable the sin is, the harder it is for the person to do what is right. (II Cor. 2:7, preventing being swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.)

II. Scriptures to ponder. A. James 3:5, speaking of the tongue, "How great a matter a

little fire kindelth." B. Proverbs 26:20,"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth

out: where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth."

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C. Leviticus 19:16, This was part of the law, "Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people;"

D. Prov. 11:13, "A talebearer revealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter."

E. Prov. 18:8, "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the inner- most parts of the belly."

F. Prov. 16:28," A forward man sowest strife: and whisperer separateth chief friend."

G. Prov. 17:9a "He that covereth a transgression seeketh love: but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends."

H. Prov. 3:3, "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck, write them upon the table of thine heart."

I. Eph. 4:15, speak the truth in love. J. Eph. 4:25, "speak every man truth with his neighbor." K. Eph. 4:32, "And be ye kind one to another, tender-

hearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. "

"Holy Spirit Work in Our Lives is Real Romans 8:16

I. Holy Spirit indwells the believer. A. Rom. 8:9-11 B. We have the witness in us. I John 5:10-13

II. Reveals Bible Truth to us. A. I Cor. 2:9-14

1. Witnesses that Jesus' offering for sin is sufficient. Heb. 10:14-17

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2. Beareth witness that we are the children of God. Rom.8:15-16

III. Leads us through this life. 1. Rom. 8:14

IV. Intercedes in our prayers. 1. Rom. 8:26-27

Getting Real with Jesus Produces Dependable Saints! Psalms 1:1-6

Intro. Three things set apart the dependable saints:

1. They walk not in the counsel of the ungodly. 2. They do not stand in way of sinners. 3. Never found sitting in the seat of the scornful.

I. Blessed is the Man!

A. Psalms 1:1 B. He's on the receiving end. "Blessed". C. He has his reward.

II. His Delights. A. Psalms 1:2 B. His mind set C. His joy

III.His Produce. A. Psalms 1:3 B. Dependable C. Productive

IV. The ungodly are not so! A. Psalm 1:4-6 B. No blessing - no produce. C. Has wrong delights.

Conclusion:

The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous. V. 6.

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Getting Real with Jesus" Series. "Christ Crucified"

The Cross testifies of the realness of Jesus. No more real could one get than to die on the cross! Philippians 2:8

"AND BEING FOUND IN FASHION AS A MAN, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF, AND BECAME OBEDIENT UNTO DEATH, EVEN THE DEATH OF THE CROSS." Intro. Paul to Corinth: I Cor. 1:23, "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness." I 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."

Christ Crucified

1. The Gospel Record: Matt. 27:35, "And they crucified

Him." 2. Mark 15:24, "And when they had crucified Him." 3. Luke 23:33, "Cometh to Calvary, there they crucified

Him." 4. John 19:16, (of Pilate) "Then delivered he him therefore

unto them to be crucified." V. 18, "Where they crucified Him."

I. Our only message.

1. I Cor. 2:2, "For I determined not to know anything

among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 2. Paul testified in Gal. 6:14, "But God forbid that I

should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus

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Christ, by whom the world is crucified (dead) unto me, and I (am dead) unto the world."

II. Our Only Hope!

Getting Real with Jesus Jesus Got Real with us!

Matt. 7:13-27

1. V. 13-14, The straight and narrow gates. 2. V. 15, beware of false prophets 3. V. 16-20, Good tree verses corrupt tree. 4. V. 21-23, Entering the kingdom of heaven - he that

doeth the will of my father which is in heaven. 5. V. 24-27, The wise man which built his house on the

rock and the foolish man that built his house upon the sand.

I'm Glad Jesus got real with us! Phil. 2:5-8

1. Left Heaven - Phil. 2:5-6 2. Put on Form of Servant - mankind - v.7-8 3. Became obedient to death - v. 8 4. His life prophesied - Isa. 53:1-12

All this that we might know the righteousness which is of God by faith. Phil 3:9 "Hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ and His righteousness." You can Live on it (hope)! Bank on it! You can die on it!

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Jesus is the resurrection and the life! John 11:25-26

I. "He Grew the Tree!"

A. The Cross was no afterthought of God! B. Rev. 13:8, Jesus is the Lamb slain before the foundation

(Conception) of the World! C. In Genesis 22:13, He is the Ram caught in a thicket.

Abraham named the place" Jehovah-jireh, meaning The God who provides. He provided a sacrifice in Isaac's place.

D. In Exodus 12, He is the Israel's Passover Lamb. E. He is the suffering, saving message of Moses and all the

prophets of Old, Luke 24:27, "And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."

F. In John 3:16, He is the gift of God to all the world of all times.

II. "Love grew where the Blood Fell".

A. Romans 5:6-9, "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

B. I Peter 1:18-19, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from

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your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot."

III. "Then came the Morning"

A. Luke 24:1-8. Verse 6, "He is not Here" B. He appeared to Mary at the tomb, John 20: 17 C. He appeared to His disciples, John 20:19 D. He told Thomas in John 20:27, "Reach hither thy

finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing."

E. 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.

Jesus is Coming Again!

Acts 1:11

Introduction: I Thess. 4:13-18, "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive

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and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words."

I. Sure as to its occurrence!

A. John 14: 3. Jesus said, "I will come again." Verses 1-3, "Let

not your heart be troubled: Ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you. I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am there ye may be also."

B. Acts 1:11 (text), The Angel said, "this same Jesus shall so come." Verses 10 & 11, "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."

C. I Thess. 4:16a, "For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven."

II. Subject as to its individuals!

A. I Thess. 4:16-17, "For the Lord himself shall descend

from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to

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meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

III. Secret as to His coming!

"Not as method, as a thief but as to time. A. Luke 12:40, "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of

man cometh at an hour when ye think not." B. Mark 13:32, "But of that day and that hour knoweth no

man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. V. 33, Take ye heed, watch and pray for ye know not when the time is."

C. Matt. 24:36-42, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark. And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."

D. Verse 44, "Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

IV. Sudden in its operation

A. I Cor. 15:51-52, "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for

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the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

B. Rev. 22:7 and verse 12. "Behold, I come quickly; blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book." "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

V. Saving in its results!

"Redemption of the body!" A. I Cor. 15:51-54, "Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall

not all sleep but we shall all be changed, 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. For the corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 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."

Conclusion: "Are We Watching?"

Matt. 24:42, "Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."

"Kingdom Work" Matthew 28:18-20

Introduction:

1. In Matthew 28 we find the churches Marching Orders!

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A. There are four phases to these orders, Go, Make disciples, Baptize and Teach, which we will discuss in a little while.

2. These are very important! A. The eternal welfare of the world rest upon our

response. It's Heaven or Hell. It's Life or Death. B. The Spiritual health, the relationship to God, the

power of a Committed life, having the peace that passeth all under-standing in life and the overall salvation of life is dependent upon our response.

C. Jesus put it this way. Matt. 10:38 & 39, "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."

3. Vacation Bible School is a most important part of Kingdom work.

A. Matthew 19:13-15, "Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence."

B. Matthew 18:1- 6. C. Whole families through the children.

I. Go!

A. Mark 16:15, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

B. Romans 10: 13-15, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And

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how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!'

C. Can't be selfish! Must be willing to sacrifice. 1. The missionary who goes. 2. The churches who stay home and send

(support). D. Can't be lazy' Must be willing to work.

II. Teach all Nations

A. Matt. 28:19, Teach all nations. Comes from a word meaning to become a pupil, to disciple. to instruct, be a learner. (make disciples of all nations),

B. Acts 1:8, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses .

C. Always ready to give an answer. I Peter 3:15, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."

D. Phillip to the Eunuch. Acts 8:27-39, note verse 35, "Then Philip opened his mouth and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus."

E. Paul and King Agrippa, Acts 26: 27-29, "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds."

F. We must win them before it is too late

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III. Baptize A. Text B. Act of obedience- C. Identify with Jesus, His church D. Get hooked up

IV. Teach.

A. I Tim. 3:15 B. II Tim 2:15 C. We have responsibility

1. Time we should become teachers. Heb. 5:12, "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat." 2. I Tim. 3:15, Church is the pillar and ground of

truth. 3. We learn by teaching

"Christ, Head of the Church"

Ephesians 1: 22-23, "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all."

Ephesians 5:23, "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body."

Colossians 1:18, "And he is the head of the body, the church:"

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I. Head in Authority. A. Matthew 28:18, "And Jesus came and spake unto them,

saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."

B. Ephesians 1:20-21.

II. Head in Protection. A. Matt. 16:18, "And the gates of hell shall not prevail

against it " B. Ephesians 5: 23, "For the husband is the head of the wife,

even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body."

III. Head in Allegiance.

A. Ephesians 5:24, "Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything."

B. II Corinthians 11: 2, "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."

"Let us Go into the House of the Lord." (Right attitude about the house of God)

Psalm 122:1 "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord."

Psalm 84:1-4 "How amiable are thy tabernacles, 0 Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living

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God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, 0 Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah."

I. We come to Worship!

A. "We acknowledge Him." Psalm 134: 1-3, "Behold,

bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. The Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion."

B. Psalm 135:1-3, "Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the name of the Lord; praise him, 0 ye servants of the Lord. Ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God, Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant."

C. We draw near to Him. Psalm 73:28, "But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works."

II. We come to lift up Jesus.

A. By declaring the Gospel Message. I Corinthians 15:1-4,

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; And that he was buried,

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and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" 1. John 12:32, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me."

III. We Come to meet with God's people.

A. Psalm 133:1-3, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore."

B. Ephesians 4:1-3, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech

you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with long- suffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

C. 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."

Conclusion: Things directly attributed to attending the house of the Lord

found in Psalm 84: 1. The praising of God, V. 4. 2. Man who receives his strength from God, V. 5. 3. Walking uprightly, V. 11. 4. A trust in God, V. 12.

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"The Light of the World." Matthew 5:14-16

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Introduction:

1. The church is a called out local visible assembly (group) of saved, baptized, and covenanted together people.

2. The Church has been purchased by the blood of Christ. Acts 20:28.

3. The church is washed daily by the Word of God. Eph. 5:24-26.

4. The Church is being prepared to be presented as a chaste virgin to Christ. Eph. 5:27

5. We saw the church commissioned to do Kingdom Work on earth until Jesus comes again. Matthew 28:18 - 20.

6. The church has been commissioned to Go. Mark 16:15. 7. The scope is to all nations. We do this through the

power of Holy Spirit God. Acts 1:8. 8. We baptize the newly converted 9. We follow through with teaching these the Word

of God. II Tim. 3:16-17 & II Tim. 2:15. 10. Christ is the head of the Church.

He is head in authority He is head in protection He is head in allegiance.

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11. We found it is exciting to come to the House of the Lord.

We come to Worship God We come to lift up Jesus We come to meet with God's people.

The church is the light of the world and that it is most important! The American Commentary put it this way,

"Even thus is each church a column and base of the truth. It is God's chosen institution, by which His truth is upborne and made known through all ages. It is not the author of the truth, nor the authority on which the truth is published; but, receiving the truth as given in His Word, it's office is to conserve and publish it as God's message to men. Without the church, therefore, the truth unpreserved and unproclaimed, would perish from the earth."

I. The Light can be Hidden.

I. It could be placed like a city in a valley or a candle under a bushel. V. 14 & 15.

2. It can be Hidden by Carnality' a. I Corinthians 3:1-3. "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal; for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? b. I Corinthians 5:1, "It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

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c. I Corinthians 15:34, "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God; I speak this to your shame."

3. It can be hidden by disobedience! a. Failure to let God use us. Jonah 1:1-3, "Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord,"

II. Hidden From the lost!

1. II Corinthians 4:3, "But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:"

2. I Corinthians 15:34, "for some have not the knowledge of God;"

3. Lot hid it' Genesis 19:14, "And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons-in-law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons-in-law."

III. Let the Light Shine!

1. V. 16, Before men! 2. Peter and John, Acts 4: 13, "Now when they saw the

boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." You can't hide it.

3. Paul gave this testimony, II Timothy 1:8, "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of

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me his prisoner: but be thou partakers of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God."

4. Enoch, Hebrews 11:5, "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God."

5. Admonition to us. Colossians 4:6, "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." I Peter 3:15, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."

Conclusion: That men may Glorify our Father which is in

Heaven. V. 16.

The Church, One Body in Christ.

Romans 12:5 "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."

I Corinthians 12:12 & 14 "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. (14) For the body is not one member, but many."

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Introduction: The Church operates as a Body. As members of our physical body differ; so, we as members of the Church body differ. Every member is just as important as another.

I. The Church is the Body of Christ!

A. Text, Romans 12:5 B. Christ is the Head! Ephesians 1:22-23, "And hath put all

things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all."

C. Ephesians 5:23, "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church: and He is the Savior of the body."

D. Colossians 1:18, "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence,"

II. The Church, as a Body, Has Different Body Parts! A. I Corinthians 12:4-11 B. Note: I Corinthians 13:9-13 C. I Corinthians 12: 14-31

III. How Every Body Part is to Work

A. Romans 12:9-21

The Faithful Servant" Matthew 24:45-46.

"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing."

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Introduction: In His teaching our Lord Jesus reveals what He expects of us during these days of His absence. The lesson and central emphasis is on faithfulness and responsibility in service. In describing the faithful servant the Master commends:

I. THOUGHTFUL SERVICE.

A. Verse 45, "A faithful and wise servant." B. The idea behind the little word "Wise" is that of

thought and forethought, consideration and trustworthiness.

C. Solomon used the Ant as an example. Proverbs 6:6-8, "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: (7) Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, (8) Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."

II. THOROUGH SERVICE.

A. Verse 45, "Meat in due season." B. Service for the Master is not to be disorganized or

haphazard. C. The apostle Paul expresses this thought in the statement:

"Let all things be done decently and in order." I Corinthians 14:40.

III. TIRELESS SERVICE.

A. Verse 46, "Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing."

B. Jesus is our example, He said of himself, "I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." John 9:4

C. Paul puts it perfectly when he says, " Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16

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IV. REWARDED SERVICE. A. Verse 46, "Blessed is that servant." B. We shall surely want to hear, "Well done, thou good

and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the lord." Matthew 25:21.

Jesus Meets Us Where We Are!

Luke 19:10, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save

that which was lost."

Introduction: I received an invitation just this past week to a Grand Opening. The Main heading was "Dress Casual?" It seems to me the idea that is trying to be gotten across is, "Jesus will meet you just where you are." Our Text is what Jesus told Zaccheus. Surely no one would argue that Jesus did not meet Zaccheus "where he was". Luke 19:1-10, He went to the tree Zaccheus was in. Verse 5, " And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zaccheus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house."

I. Jesus meets us where we are. (Zaccheus) 1. Paul was on the Damascus Road. Acts 9:1-5 (V. I, "Yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter,") 2. Jailor about to commit suicide. Acts 16:22-33. (V. 27, "He drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.") 3. Man on the cross, dying. Luke 23:42 ("Remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.")

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II. Jesus doesn't leave us as He finds us. (Zaccheus) 1. Paul, great missionary. Acts 9:15, "Go thy way; for he is a

chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:"

2. Jailor, Keeper of the prison, Acts 16: 30, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" V.33, "And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway."

3. Man on the cross. Luke 23:43, "And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise."

III. Change is Coming!

1. We have been made Free! Galatians 5:1 2. We now love our neighbor as ourself. Gal.

5:13-14 3. We now can walk in the Spirit of God. Gal.

5:16-18 4. Fruit of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22-26

Conclusion: "Has Jesus made a difference in your life?"

"Growing Up in My Father's House" Proverbs 1:1-9

"The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: (2) To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; (3) To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; (4) To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. (5) A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall

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attain unto wise counsels; (6) To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. (7) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (8) My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: (9) For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. "

Introduction: Proverbs 1:1-9 I. Hear Instruction.

A. Text, Verse 8, "My son, hear the instruction of thy father,"

B. Text, Verse 8, "Forsake not the law of thy mother:" C. Proverbs 15:5, "A fool despiseth his father's

instruction; but he that regardeth reproof is prudent." D. Proverbs 15:20. "A wise son maketh a glad father; but

a foolish man despiseth his mother."

II. Fear the Lord. A. Text, Verse 7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of

knowledge;" B. Psalm 19:7-9, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting

the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. (8) The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. (9) The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."

III. Live Long in Peace.

A. Proverbs 3:2, "For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee."

B. Ephesians 6:1-3, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (2) Honor thy father and mother;

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which is the first commandment with promise; (3) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."

"Affirming our Importance" Proverbs 27:2

"Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a

stranger, and not thine own lips."

Introduction: 1. There is a great need for affirmation among our children

A. Never at the cost of truth B. Never by degrading others.

I. Truth of God's feeling and estimation of his child's

importance

II. God's action to confirm our importance

III. Revealing of parent's feeling and estimation of child's importance

IV. Parent's actions to confirm child's importance

Conclusion: Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way that he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

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"Consequences!"

Gal 6:7 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Gal 6:8 "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Gal 6:9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Introduction:

1. Actions have consequences! 2. Job Said, "Even as I have seen, they that plow

iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same." Job 4:8. 3. Consequences are not always fun and games.

"The Prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32, is our example, today."

I. His first mistake, he removed himself from the

protection of home; an action with a consequence. 1. Went into far country. V. 13) 2. Away from father's and mother's instruction and

advice. 3. Away from home's provisions: roof, food, clothing,

etc. 4. Thinking he was ready to be his own man. I Cor. 10:12,

"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."

II. His second mistake was, he lived to the flesh, an action

with a consequence. 1. Riotous Living: Lacking restraint, indulgence in

things, promiscuous sex, vices, and degrading aspects of human nature.

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2. I Timothy 5 :6, "But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth." "Her works are dead."

III. His third mistake was, he practiced no restraint, an action with

a consequence. 1. Wasted his substance. V. 13-14 2. No self-Control. 2 Peter 1 :5, "And beside this, giving all

diligence, add to your faith virtue (moral excellence), and to virtue, knowledge; And to knowledge, temperance (moderation-self-control); and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; And to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity (love).

3. Possible memory lapse. 2 Peter 1 :9, "But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins."

IV. His fourth mistake was that he hadn't considered the

consequences and that to was an action with consequences.

1. And he began to be in want. V.14 2. Jobs were scarce. 3. Pay was not enough to provide a living. 4. Alone in a strange land. 5. No friends and no help.

Conclusion:

1. The wise person will count the cost! Lu. 14:26-33, whether it be discipleship, building a tower, waging a war or anything else, there is a cost. A consequence to everything we do.

2. Young person obey parents (Keep self under their authority, their tutorage.) Ephesians 6:1& 4.

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Grace Missionary Baptist Church Sounding out the Word

P.O. Box 9649 Spring, Tx. 77387

WWW. Sotwtx.com