TRUE RELIGION
#417 TRUE RELIGION
Scripture: James 1:22-27 NIV Orig. 6/24/1962
Rewr. 2/5/1987
Passage: 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. 26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Purpose: Preaching in conjunction with a beginning Bible study a message signifying true religion.
Keywords: Character Love Religion
Introduction
Those who have studied history closely tell us many things. They tell us of the progress made in discovery. They tell us of journeys that, over the process of time, brought continual discovery. They tell us of the discovery of tribes of people even under the most inscrutable of circumstances.
When explorers went to the far north country, they found a people called Lapps. People who had lived for centuries beyond the Arctic Circle. It did not surprise anyone years later to discover that there were people called Eskimos who lived out much of their lives in a land of darkness and ice.
When other explorers were directed to the south and more humid conditions, tribes were found still. In the jungles, in the deserts, in the mountains, on the flood plains.
Even the most rabid scientist says that these people came from a common source, in fact, beyond that from amoeba, protoplasm, or primitive life form. There are all kinds, shades, cultures, with a common benefactor in Adam. Black, white, red, yellow meet in him, created that way by God. All the families of the earth from common blood lines. We are of one blood.
Acts 17:26 “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.”
Even so, there are many religions. All of them contain truth. One is truth. All have polemists who particularize their truth. But only one is the epitome of truth as God revealed it conditionally to especially chosen messengers, Jesus, Himself, being chiefest of all. It should not be any more surprising to us that there are no more ways out of this world than into it. It is erroneously claimed that “there are many ways out of the world, and but one coming into it.”
I. True Religion Reaches First Inward. V23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass . . . and . . . forgetteth what manner of man he was.
There is the mentality of faith: Emotions have their place. But one whose faith is expressed only through his emotions is only half a believer. No doubt the emotions are important:
· I Corinthians 14:15 “I will pray with the spirit, . . . I will pray with understanding also.”
· Romans 12:2 “Be ye transformed by the renewing of mind.”
· Acts 17:11 From Thessalonica to Berea “These [Berean Jews] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily.”
But faith is an inducement of the heart as well. Deuteronomy 6:5 “Thou . . . love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.” Old Testament example: When Solomon came to throne, he asked for wisdom. I Kings 3:12 “. . . I have given thee a wise, and an understanding heart.” New Testament example: Paul had a pretty good case of religion before his Damascus experience. But it only set him to the task of getting in the way of what God was doing in the lives of people around him.
I Kings 4:29 “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding, exceeding much, and largeness of heart.” When one begins to practice hearing without doing, then self-deception is practiced. “Be ye doers of the word.” How can mind and heart both be involved when one fails to perceive himself in mirror?
V21 Paul uses “engrafted word.” Who has heard of one using a dead branch? Bro. Morgan’s living Christmas tree. Lady in Ruston with a peach tree with 7 different __?___. Dogwood with both pink and white blossoms. Taken into the mind with understanding. Dedicated with the heart to committed use.
Thus, the entire personality becomes emblazoned by what our faith means.
· Christians ought to look better--not better than anyone else, [but] look the very best that we can look.
· Christians ought to act differently. We know what keeps us fixed on the Lord, [and are] to be constant in these things.
· We ought to feel better. What is happening when we are doing something that is not in our best interest? We know that the Lord doesn’t intend it, so we are out of His will. We are running the risk of taking something precious away from those who love us.
II. True Religion Reaches Upward. V25 “. . . whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, . . . this (one) shall be blessed in his deed.”
Religion can be a self-made ideal. Many people are living by such a standard. It does not necessarily mean their lives are better, just on a margin of acceptance. Do they give even a passing thought to the sovereignty of God?
Our lives could be better without God’s intervention.
· Psalm 23:5 “Thou preparest a table before me.”
· Psalm 78:20 “He shall give His angels charge.”
· Psalm 94:19 “. . . Thy comforts delight my soul.”
· Lamentations 3:22 “His compassions fail not.”
· Romans 5:10 “If, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”
True religion must be acknowledged to have come from above. Not a prepared philosophy. The world has its fill of philosophers, some sincere in helping others, but at best their schemes seldom outlast their own lives, except in the classroom: René Descartes / Immanuel Kant / Voltaire / Thomas Paine / John Dewey. But a higher goal of truth. The prophets left three great marks. Knowledge of a word from God. Knowledge of existing conditions. Will to obedience to higher voice.
Thus we remember that such truth transcends the times. Lady Jane Grey—put to death in 1554 at 27 for her part in intervention against crown by “bloody” Queen Mary. “I ground my faith on God’s word and not upon the church; for, if the church be a good church, the faith of the church must be tried by God’s Word, and not God’s Word by the church, or yet my faith.”
III. True Religion Reaches Outward. V27 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
True, or pure, is a medical term kathara: Cathartic—purgative, used by psychiatrists for cleansing of the turmoil of emotions; use it here for a religion that keeps the spirit clean.
The word visit episkeptomai, means to see with purpose: An act in another’s behalf; the word used by Jesus in Matthew 25:36,43, (35f—“For I was hungered and . . . .” Acts 6:3 “Look ye out” (deacons). True religion looks for ways to help others. It cannot do all things well. Some things are beyond reach. But people-help is the magnet of truth.
And to remain “unspotted” without defilement: Paul and Jude both use it for moral defilement. Paul to I Timothy 6:14, “That thou keep this commandment without spot.” No better use can we put to the word than to see it as an enjoinment to live by the Word. No clearer word comes to us than that of Christ as Lord to whom we are responsible.
Conclusion
According to a minister who talked with him just before his execution, the German war minister, Adolf Eichmann, had a religion. He claimed to believe in a “personal God” who “did not judge sin,” and “would not condemn” anyone.
Ah, but he, himself, judged it a crime to be a Jew, and condemned six million men, women, and children to brutal deaths. We rightly raise legitimate questions about such a religion as this. It is a form, without substance. What he believed might have even contained some truth, but it was not the truth. It sought not the betterment of others, and drew no strength from the unadulterated Word of God. How secure are we in what we call our religion?
Lady Jane Grey: https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/grey_lady_jane.shtml
THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
#542 THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
Scripture James 1:15; Daniel 12:1-13; II Thessalonians 1:6-9, NIV Orig. 1/19/1969
Rewr. 8/15/1985
Passage:
James 1:15
15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Daniel 12:1-13
12 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise[a] will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”
5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and there before me stood two others, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank. 6 One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?” 7 The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, “It will be for a time, times and half a time.[b] When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.”
8 I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?” 9 He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand. 11 “From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12 Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days. 13 “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.”
II Thessalonians 1:6-9
6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might[.]
Purpose: To share with my people for a deeper understanding that there are grievous consequences to sins.
Keywords: Death Hell Judgment Sin
Timeline/Series: Deeper Life
Introduction
Someone has said that “Death is the most democratic institution on earth. It comes to all men, regardless of color, education, wealth, or rank. It allows no discrimination, tolerates no exceptions. The mortality rate for mankind is the same the world over: one death per person.”
There are two questions for which answers are needed. The first is rhetorical. It asks: “Why do we die?” The second, for the believer, is redemptive. It asks: “What happens after death?”
All literature is full of pithy statements of death. From Shakespeare’s “The weariest and most loathed worldly life that age, ache, penury, and imprisonment can lay on nature is a paradise To what we fear of death.” Measure for Measure, III 1 127. to John Donne’s “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved with mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” (Devotions XVII)
But these two questions continue to haunt us: “Why do we die?” and “What happens after death?” Searching for answers, we discover that both questions are related to our topic for this morning, “The Consequences of Sin.” Why do we die? Because death is a consequence of sin. What happens after death? Judgment, and heaven and hell are the result of death.
I. First, We Must Appraise Death. James 1:15 “Then, when desire has conceived it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death.” (RSV).
Judge rightly that sin and death go hand in hand. Paul gave a strong reminder to the Roman Christians. Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death.” Used in plan of salvation; Explain “wages”—pay, or substitute for pay, [or] the fruit of our labor.
Thus the discovery that before Adam and Eve’s sin, no knowledge of death. In the garden were two trees. Tree of knowledge; tree of life; invited to tree of life, denied tree of knowledge; warning: “Lest you die,” which Satan challenged, “You shall not die.” Their disobedience was their sin.
After their sin a moral directive was given. Genesis 3:22 “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever—therefore the Lord God sent him out of the Garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken.”
Let it be clear, the first consequence of sin is death. Story of unnamed. ____ requested a visit. Her brother was involved. Took 6 to 8 weeks to get courage. Talked for over an hour. Open, seemed interested and concerned. That night she died in a drunken stupor with the man. She was dead before the fire.
The scripture so warns us. Ezekiel 18:2 “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” James 1:15 “Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
II. We Must Then Be Warned about Judgment. II Thessalonians 1:7f “To give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those . . . who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
It is a universal judgment. No distinction of religious culture; the wealthy hold no favoritism with God; education will not be considered as positive or negative factor; time of life, or length of life, will gain no advantage.
Too many of us have a distorted view of such judgment. When Amos was sent to prophesy, Amaziah (Amos 7:10) “priest of Bethel” confronted him because he had spoken against the royal family. Amaziah justified their actions by who they were. It still happens. We loathe the pervert who molests children, but put him in a $400 suit and a $30 tie, let him drive up in a BMW—he becomes something else, an unfortunate man needing help.
It is a judgment on deeds done in flesh. A judgment on opportunities—Matthew 7:19 “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.” What are we doing with our opportunities?
A judgment on our activities—II Corinthians 5:10 “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in the body.” We think of Dante’s Inferno and his Divine Comedy, and John Milton’s Paradise Lost. This awful picture of death and hell is only literature. To the person in hell, they haven’t half pictured it.
It is a judgment concerning Christ. II Thessalonians 1:8 “In flaming fire taking [vengeance on them that know not God].” Imagine chaos of social order without law. Consider a mechanical world without predictable guidelines. Mull over where the farmer would be without defined limits on seed, chemicals, and fertilizer. How can we even tolerate a world without moral and spiritual limits.
Revelation 20:12f “I saw vengeance on them that know not God the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened . . . . Whoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
III. Judgment Must Remind Us that There is a Hell as There is a Heaven. See Revelation 20:12 above.
Reason bears witness that there is a judgment, and if judgment then hell also. What is a court of law without a jail cell for the guilty? What good comes to the child in the remonstrance of wrong without a rod of correction?
Even more important than reason is what the Bible says. Psalm 9:17 “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Isaiah 5:14 “Hell hath enlarged herself and opened her mouth without measure.” Revelation 21:18 “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.”
Closing
The two questions remain. “Why do we die?” Because death is the fertile ground through which we pass to that for which we have labored. “What happens after death?” Through Christ we pass to eternal life. Life forever spent in the joy of oneness with God. Without Christ, we pass to eternal death. Imagine a forever spent with the pains and hurts of death and dying.
He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought
The United Methodist Hymnal Number 128
Text: Joseph H. Gilmore, 1834-1918
Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868
Tune: HE LEADETH ME, Meter: LM with Refrain
1. He leadeth me: O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where'er I be, still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.
Refrain:
He leadeth me, he leadeth me, by his own hand he leadeth me;
his faithful follower I would be, for by his hand he leadeth me.
2. Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom, sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom,
by waters still, o'er troubled sea, still 'tis his hand that leadeth me.
(Refrain)
3. Lord, I would place my hand in thine, nor ever murmur nor repine;
content, whatever lot I see, since 'tis my God that leadeth me.
(Refrain)
4. And when my task on earth is done, when by thy grace the victory's won,
e'en death's cold wave I will not flee, since God through Jordan leadeth me.
(Refrain)
Shakespeare: https://shakespeare.mit.edu/measure/measure.3.1.html
Donne: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/23772/23772-h/23772-h.htm
Gilmore/Bradbury: http://www.HymnSite.com
THROUGH TRIAL TO TRUTH
#079 THROUGH TRIAL TO TRUTH
Scripture James 1:1-27 NIV Orig. 2/9/1987
Passage:
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. 9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Listening and Doing
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. 26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Purpose: To lead my people in an in-depth study of The Book of James.
Introduction
We have concluded that the letter was written by James, the brother of the Lord. He was a witness of the resurrection. Although he was not a follower of Jesus during the years of Jesus’ life, he became a follower in tandem with Christ’s death. He was a known leader of the church in Jerusalem, and had great influence to the churches as far away as Syria.
We conclude that the date of writing was early, 48-54 AD. There is no mention of the Jerusalem council (AD 49), the term “synagogue” is used for church (James 2:2), there is strong expectation of the Lord’s return (James 5:7-9), and the strong accent on poverty.
The book was written to Christian Jews, primarily, but the message was direct enough to be of benefit to other Jews as well. Perhaps, those who were entrenched in other parts of the Roman Empire, especially around the eastern end of the Mediterranean.
James is a significant voice, not because he is the Lord’s brother, but because of the nature of his struggle to believe, and his steady voice as a chosen leader in the church in Jerusalem.
The epistle reflects some of the economic and social struggles in the church such as treatment of oppressed, and appropriate use of wealth. Dealing with some of the behavioral problems helps us to understand how Martin Luther could come to see James as “an epistle of straw.”
James’ intent was an appeal to unity. There are different levels of social activity. All are to be treated equally. Materialism could be a problem. The wealthy were to heed the dangers. Likewise, the poor were to be careful not to let their poverty be the source of bitterness, disruption and disunity. It is an appeal to social justice. It is an institution of prayer as the means of expressing compassion. It concludes with a call for understanding for the backslider.
1-James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the 12 tribes which are scattered abroad, greetings.
Greeting: James (Jacob)
Servant—bond slave
(grace/obedience, not two masters)
Twelve tribes—Matthew 19:28
2-My brethren, count it all joy when you fill into diverse temptations;
Joy in trial—Psalms 119:67
Greeting/joy (all)—count is imperative
Temptations working to our good.
Matthew 16:24-28 suffering
Romans 5:3-5
See verse 12 (endurance)
3-Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
Strength from God through prayer.
1)Doesn’t suggest enough
2)For the Jew, from Torah
3)Contrast Hebrew/Greek/Roman
4)For Christian—through prayer
5)See James 3:13-18
6)God gave generously and without reproaching, when last reproached children
7)We must pray, and without doubt
4-But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Doubting is indecision about trusting God or ourselves. (1)Not without questions; (2)Not without uncertainty. Returns to prayer in James 5:13-18. Two-souled (dipsuchos)—Jews repeated shema Deuteronomy 6:4f. See Psalm 12:1-2—ex, JCPenney’s suit.
5-But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Consistency of spirit is key. The two supreme tests—plenty/want, affluence/poverty. (1)Test of poverty—rejoice in richness in Christ: Mary’s Magnificat Luke 1:46f, physically poor/spiritually rich. (2)Test of affluence—question his being ______; boast in humiliation—funeral coach no trailer hitch; watching soybeans in a.m. Life conditioned for physical will vanish away. It is much easier for the lowly to boast in exaltation than for the proud to boast of humiliation.
6-But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering: for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.
Trial and Temptation
1)Trial endured
2)Temptation resisted
Only one Greek word—peirasmos. Remember the Beatitudes—Matthew 5:2-12 (Revelation 2:10) (II Timothy 4:8). “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord . . . will award to me on that day—and not only to me. . . .” (1)Given in response to trial; (2)Received by the one who victoriously endures (stands the test); (3)Such endurance is the mark of love.
7-For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.
8-A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
9-Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
10-But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
11-For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
12-Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13-Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted by evil, neither tempteth he any man;
14-But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Is this a contradiction? God can not be tempted/neither tempteth He. Hebrews 11:17 “Abraham, when put to the test”—same word. I Corinthians 10:9 “Neither let us tempt Christ as some of them tempted”—same word. (1)James prior to this refers to “trial” from without. (2)Here however, doubtless, he speaks of trial of uncontrolled passions and evil. (3)Though does not proceed from God are all-the-while under His grace, and He can manifest Himself within. (4)God permits, tests, that we might gain confidence in faith. Tempting to evil comes from the source of all wickedness.
Enticed—bait—deleazo
Drawn away—lured--exelkomenos
15-Then, when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
The link between sin and death:
Contemplation
Consent
Consummation
16-Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17-Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, in whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
18-Of his own will begat he us the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
All Good v 16/18—God sends inducement to good, not enticement to evil. There is contrast between good and supposed evil.
V17b A comparison between God and the variables of light and shadow, and waxing and waning of sun and moon. The Milky Way contains 1 million suns brighter than our sun. One galaxy among millions.
Lessons:
1)Every believer prepared for trial.
2)Affluent Christians controlling, not controlled.
3)Avoid blaming God for social fall.
4)All good from God who doesn’t change.
19-Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20-For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21-Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls
22-But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23-For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24-For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25-But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
26-If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
27-Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Doing the Word, James 1:19-27
1)The point—to receive the word (v21). Therefore “quick” to hear tachometer, “slow” to speak, “slow” to anger (Moses). How much is available to us! Multiplicity of video tapes in 5 years. Don’t learn anything while talking. Proverbs 29:20, Psalm 46:10.
2)Is a sermon a thing unto itself, or is [it an] end to lead to action? Do we read Bible to check ___ or to learn to do?
IN THE DINING ROOM
Evening Worship
COMMUNION
April 2, 1978 Seven-thirty p.m.
PRELUDE OF SILENCE
Organ Prelude
“Bring Back the Springtime” Kurt Kaiser
Call to Praise
Hymn 166
“At Calvary” CALVARY
Prayer Pastor
Greeting our Guests/Opportunities for Service Pastor
Hymn 252
“Let Us Break Bread Together” BREAK BREAD
Offertory Hymn
“Jesus Paid It All” ALL TO CHRIST
Offertory Prayer
The Presentation of our Offerings
Offertory
“Unworthy” STANPHILL
Scripture LUKE 22:7-13
7. Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the Passover lamb must be killed. 8. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat. 9. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? 10. And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entering into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. 11. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the Passover with my disciples? 12. And he shall show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. 13. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the Passover.
Journey to Dining Room for Observance of Lord’s Supper
#704 IN THE DINING ROOM
Communion
Orig. Date 4/2/1978
Series: Communion Lord’s Supper
Let Us Break Bread Together 252
Solo and Congregation: “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know”
There have been names that I have loved to hear.
But never has there been a name so dear
To this heart of mine, as the name divine.
The precious, precious name of Jesus.
Chorus:
Jesus is the sweetest name I know,
And He’s just the same as His lovely name.
And that’s the reason why I love Him so;
Oh, Jesus is the sweetest name I know.
And some day I shall see Him face to face
To thank and praise Him for His wondrous grace,
Which He gave to me, when He made me free,
The blessed Son of God called Jesus.
Hymn: “Amazing Grace” 165
Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Scripture: I John 4:7-11
7. Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8. He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love. 9. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
Sharing of Testimonies
Chorus: “God is So Good.”
God is so good, God is so good,
God is so good, He’s so good to me.
Scripture: I Corinthians 10:16-17, 21; 11:27-29
10:16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17. For we being many are one bread, and one body; for we are all partakers of that one bread. 21. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 11:27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
Hymn: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” 111
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it Lord that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God.
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Scripture I Corinthians 11:23-24
23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread; 24. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: This do in remembrance of me.
Prayer of Blessing
Sharing of Bread
Hymn: “Break Thou the Bread of Life” 178
Break thou the bread of life, Dear Lord, to me,
As thou didst break the loaves beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word.
Thou art the bread of life, O Lord, to me,
Thy holy Word the truth That saveth me;
Give me to eat and live With Thee above;
Teach me to love Thy Truth, For thou art love.
Scripture: Mark 14:22
And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat; this is my body,
Eating of the Bread
Scripture: I Corinthians 11:25-26
25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.
Prayer of Blessing
Sharing of the Cup
Hymn: “At the Cross” 157
Alas, and did my Saviour bleed, And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head For sinners such as I?
At the cross, at the cross Where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day.
Scripture: Matthew 26:27-28
27. And he took the up, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it. 28. For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Drinking of the Cup
Scripture: John 13:34-35
34. A new commandment I give unto ye, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Hymn: “I Love Thee” 75
I love Thee, I love Thee, I love Thee my Lord:
I love Thee, my Saviour, I love Thee my God:
I love Thee, I love Thee, and that Thou dost know;
But how much I love Thee my actions will show.
Our Master hath told us to follow His steps
To love one another, forgive and forget,
To reach out, to follow, are His chief commands,
If we’ll only let Him, He’ll touch through our hands.
Now let us as Christians show others our love
And follow the sample of our Lord above.
As His Holy Spirit works through us each day
We’ll praise Him, We’ll praise Him both now and for aye.
Scripture: Matthew 26:30
30. And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Hymn: “Blest Be the Tie” 256
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
. . . Amen
PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE GUIDANCE
#865 (w 781d) PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE GUIDANCE
Scripture I John 5:15, NIV Orig. Date 5-21-1980
Rewr. Dates 1-6-1991
Passage: 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Purpose: Share a Sunday night with my people to encourage them in understanding some of the ways by which God leads His children.
Keywords: Will of God Guidance Series: Prayer
Cross reference: #781d
Introduction
Charles Hadden Spurgeon was a man of rare gift in relation to following the guidance of God in his life. Not only was he the outstanding evangelist preacher of his day, several other notable ministries were performed through the church he served.
After touring a series of Baptist churches, preaching in most of them, he collected funds from many of these churches to use in an orphanage run by his own church. On the way back to London, he perceived the Lord had spoken to him about these very funds. Instead of using them in London, he was to give them to his friend, George Muller who ran an orphanage in Bristol. He said that he resisted these instructions, but finally, relented and did what he thought he was to do.
When he delivered the funds to Muller, his friend explained to him a pressing need of the very amount now in his possession. Even though he was surrendering needed capital, Spurgeon1 rejoiced with his friend over this met need. Arrived back in London, he found an envelope on his desk containing a sum greater than he had given away that was to be used in his own work. Spurgeon felt that God had honored his obedience. Had he not been faithful in what he had been called upon to do, these larger funds would not have come to him at all.
How do we develop the attributes in our own lives that enable us to know what God expects of us?
I. First, a Word about Seeking Guidance. I John 5:15, “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us.”
The appropriate beginning place is prayer, E.W. Kenyon: “Prayer is simply talking it over with Him, getting His views, His will, His plan, and our carrying out these plans, with His grace, ability, and wisdom.”
Prayer is not intended to be a one-sided conversation. Call someone on the telephone, the receiver is lifted, yet no one talks. Attempt to talk with someone who has lost their voice box. Dad struggled with that time when the doctor wanted to remove voice box.
God is not interested in being a voiceless co-respondent. He intends to hear us. It is His will for us to hear Him.
We are to pursue the will of God through the following means. The will of God is made known in the Word of God. Deuteronomy 7:11, “Thou shalt keep the commandments which I command thee this day.” They were given
***THE REMAINDER OF THIS SERMON HAS BEEN LOST***
1Spurgeon, C.H. (1889) The Lamb in Glory, from Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Volume 35.
KNOWING GOD’S WILL
#781d (w 865) KNOWING GOD’S WILL
Scripture I John 5:14, KJV Orig. Date 5-21-1980
Passage: 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.
Prayer—E.W. Kenyon—“Prayer is simply talking it over with Him, getting His views, His will, His plan, and our carrying out these plans, with His grace, ability, and wisdom.” In His Presence.
Cross reference #865
I. Seeking Guidance.
1-The will of God is made known in God’s Word. Deuteronomy 7:11 Thou shalt keep the commandments, which I command thee this day. The Ten Commandments—Exodus 20. 2 Peter 1:21 “. . . Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
2-The will of God is made known by circumstance—An open door, or a closed one; confirmation by another person; fleece—Judges 6.
3-The will of God is made known by the Holy Spirit. John 14:17, “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 16:13, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” I Corinthians 12:7, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit with.”
II. Principles of Divine Guidance.
1-It is possible to hear God’s voice. (It is basic to any understanding of guidance that we can know God’s will.) Colossians 1:9,”. . . that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will.” They are to live differently. Ephesians 4:20, “Ye have not so learned Christ.” Ephesians 5:9, 10, 9 “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” I Peter 2:15 “For so is the will of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.”
Illustration of the blind woman from LaMancha in Madrid, looking for evangelical church. In prayer she is directed to a bus. A woman sits beside her who is going to that church. Gutenberg illustration: “To work then! God has revealed to me the secret that I demanded of Him.”
2-The purpose of all guidance is to become more intimate with Christ as Lord. Rosalind Rinker—We need to learn to pray in His presence and let Him speak with us, to be in tune with Him until we are willing to hear what He has to say to us. So close to Jesus when He calls my name. Every day with Him in heaven will be the ___. Philippians 3:10, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” No further in Christian life, and in relationship to God, than we go in prayer.”
3-The place from which God speaks is the place where He dwells. He speaks from dark curtain of anonymity, He speaks in judgment from lofty throne. He speaks in companionship from within. Luke 17:21, “The kingdom of God is within.” I Corinthians 6:19, “Ye are the temple of God.”
4-The Holy Spirit is the voice of all true guidance, John 16:13, “When he, the spirit of truth is come, he will guide you to all truth.”
5-God’s Word is the final judge in all guidance. Satan does not want you to do God’s will. 2 Peter 1:17, “there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory.” V 19, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy.” 2 Peter 1:17 and Matthew 17:5, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Spurgeon’s2 illustration of the angel’s announcement that his name is in the Lamb’s book of life.
In the instance before us, the strong angel had proclaimed with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” And there was no response from heaven, or earth, or hell. No man was able to open the book, neither to look therein. The divine decrees must remain for ever sealed in mystery unless the once slain Mediator shall take them from the hand of God, and open them to the sons of men. When no one could do this, John wept much. At that grave moment the Lamb appeared. Old Master Trapp says, “Christ is good at a dead lift”; and it is so. When there is utter failure everywhere else, then in him is our help found. If there could have been found another bearer of sin, would the Father have given his Only-Begotten to die? Had any other been able to unfold the secret designs of God, would he not have appeared at the angel’s challenge? But he that [he who] came to take away the sin of the world now appears to take away the seals which bind up the eternal purposes. O Lamb of God, thou art able to do what none beside may venture to attempt! Thou comest forth when no one else is to be found. Remember, next time you are in trouble, that when no man can comfort and no man can save, you may expect the Lord, the ever-sympathetic Lamb of God, to appear on your behalf. –Charles H. Spurgeon, “The Lamb in Glory”, July 14, 1889, Revelation 5:6-7
6-Guidance, from God, is always accompanied by God’s peace. James 3:17 LB, “But the wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness.” Matthew 18:19, “If two of you on earth agree (symphōneo) about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”
7-God speaks through various means. Cloud. Still, small voice. “Heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”
8-Most guidance from God comes unawares but not unsought. Psalm 25:9 KJV “The meek will He guide in judgment.” Isaiah 45:2-5, 2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: 3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. 4 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. 5 I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me…
9-There are various sources for guidance, but only one is dependable. God/flesh/Satan. James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God; resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
10-Hearing God speak must prompt to action. Isaiah 6:8, “Here am I: Send me.”
11-Divine Guidance Comes from Meeting God’s Conditions. George Muller (“How George Muller Started His Day”): i-Begin by getting heart [to a] state where I have no will. ii-Refuse to leave the result to feeling. iii-Seek the will of the Spirit through the Word of God. iv-Consider providential circumstances. v-Ask God in prayer to reveal His will alright. vi-Through prayer, the study of the word, and reflection, judge accordingly.
12-Divine guidance does not mean that we will know the future. Mumford, “Take another look at guidance.” Little boy watching parade of circus through a knothole in the fence. Clown happiness/lion fear—friend calls to him from a rooftop. But we are not spectators in life, we are participants. God has willed that we will know His will as seeing it in brief.
13-Guidance is not always pleasant. Isaiah 55:8,9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.
14-Guidance is a skill to be learned.
***THE REMAINDER OF THIS SERMON IS PERSONAL COMMENTS
FILED AT “RANDOM FINDINGS”***
________________________________
1-Kenyon, E.W. (1969) In His Presence. Lynnwood, WA: Kenyon's Gospel Publishing Society.
2-Spurgeon, C.H. (1889) The Lamb in Glory, from Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Volume 35.
SALVATION: WORD OR WONDER
#348 SALVATION: WORD OR WONDER
Scripture I John 4:7-21, NIV Orig. Date 11-19-1961
Rewr. Dates 3-1978, 4-25-1988
Passage: 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
Purpose: To call attention to the message of scripture as it relates to God’s purpose in the salvation experience.
Keywords: Christ, Saviour Grace Revival Series, Baptist Beliefs Salvation
Introduction
The concept of salvation generally understood today is woefully inadequate. It is assumed to be: goodness, lack of badness, church membership, a particular church membership, baptism, baptism of the Holy Spirit, and, there are those ardent enthusiasts that it is just so much hokem.
Confusing there is. And understandable so. A major car manufacturer advertises the latest model of one of their lines as having been “Born. Again.” The witness of so-called Christians does not always keep the air-waves of communication open and clear.
Larry Flynt was for years a moral demi-god, and the word suddenly surfaced that Flynt had been converted. You may remember that he was born into the kingdom(?) on the wings of Ruth Carter Stapleton. Evidently, it was not the Holy Spirit’s doings, because Larry Flynt clearly gives evidence today that he is still a moral demi-god.
Eldridge Cleaver was another. He had a flair for drawing the attention of the media. His conversion was short-lived. After a couple of bounces in the world of the born-again, he was off on another tangent.
Thank God, there are legitimate happenings of people being saved. Salvation still works; and it is still a wonder. Charles Colson came out of Watergate, out of prison, and into the kingdom. The only splash we hear about him, is of some effort to reach back into some prison somewhere with the good news that “Jesus saves.” The salvation that is genuine is the salvation that sends people back to where they have been, and along, where they are going, giving evidence of God’s love along the way.
I. The Wonder of Salvation Begins with God. V10 “This is love: not that we love God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” NIV.
You see, Salvation begins, as all things that are of God must, with an uncomplicated offer.
An offer based on the integrity of God. Romans 8:32 “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give all?” My wife, and two young teenage daughters, went with me from New Iberia to Brookhaven, in response to an entrepreneurial advertisement. They were going to pay for our gas, give us a set of dishes, other things, but it all hinged on a name on a contract.
And though God can not compromise that offer of salvation, we may. It is compromised exceedingly through the irrational of unbelief. Its power is quelled when we renounce its moral uniqueness. Daniel Weiss spoke a word not to be forgotten (Christianity Today 3/10/78, p.69). “If God had meant for us to live in a world of moral uncertainty He would have given us ten suggestions rather than ten commandments.”
This uncomplicated offer addresses man’s most basic need. Erma Bombeck is cute and clever saying, “Man shall not live by bread alone; every once in awhile he needs a little gravy.” If we gave consideration to God that we give to “gravy” we would all be better off.
This salvation is the personification of grace. Our need is first of all spiritual. I Corinthians 2:4,5 “My teaching and message were not delivered with skillful words . . . but with the power of God’s spirit.” It is God initiating care undeserved. Not what we are owed, but offered. Not man’s worthwhileness, but God’s willingness. Man’s crown originates in Christ’s cross.
II. This Salvation Rests upon the Accomplishment of Jesus Christ. V14 “And we have seen and testify that the Father hath sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.”
The Old Testament concept of salvation was sometimes confused, but it was not without hope. Even Job addressed the subject. “For I know that my redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth, and even after worms destroy this body, . . . I shall see God.” Job 19:25. David knew the subject well. “The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell therein forever.” (Psalm 37:29)
Must I remind you that salvation is not moping around, waiting to die, so we can be happy. It is intended to grace this life also. TS host interviewed Madalyn Murray O'Hair (New Orleans). She remarked strongly against the church’s running gambling operations for profit. Woman called to respond. Seemed to offer witness of faith, then said, “My life would be zilch without my bingo.”
God grants enrichment of joy. Isaiah 12:3 “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”
And we should not need reminding that it is an eternally lasting experience. Once we have faithed our way into the Kingdom, there is no unfaith that drags us out.
We have already concluded that God is the author of this salvation. He is likewise the sustainer/keeper. We have control at the outset. We do not have any option in the intermediary stages to renounce. We can misuse and abuse the gift. As material gifts can be rejected, others can be received but used in ways not intended.
We do need reminding that God responds to our carelessness in ways that amplify His sovereignty. 2 Timothy 1:14 “That good thing which was committed unto thee, keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.”
III. The Wonder of This Salvation is that it is the Answer to the World’s Distresses. V11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”
Surely, we can comprehend the variances of love. We have different capacities to love. There are people, things in our lives of greater importance than others.
Evidently, then, God’s love is supreme. I John 3:16 “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us.” With such verses, I don’t need to try to explain the Trinity. It was God in Christ on the cross. At Golgotha I can get the clearest view of love. Any unanswered dilemma of scripture needs no answer when we see the blood.
There we see love. Thus, from God’s love for us, there is the well-spring of our love for God, and concurrently, our love for others.
Take charge of your relationship: know who God is—Goal #1. Strangers do not become our best friends, but those whom we choose to get to know better do.
Goal #2—Love Him. Mark 12:30 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
Any goal beyond these two (#3) is to make Him Lord. Not some teaching about Him. Not some surrender on my part. Open yourself to His lordliness.
Finally, because He loved, so must we. Our own. Our extended family. Others. (He decides.)
KNOWING I AM A CHRISTIAN
#591 KNOWING I AM A CHRISTIAN
Scripture I John 5:1-15 NIV Orig. 10-29-72
Rewr. 11-4-86
Passage: Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God has overcome the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and the three are in agreement. We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. We have the assurance in approaching God, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Purpose: To help my people examine their relationship with God to the point of having assurance of faith.
Keywords: Doubt Revival Faith Word of God
Introduction
Having a guest in our home last week was a happy privilege. I have had occasion to think of such times when I was guest in pastor/family homes. One always stands out from all the rest. I arrived at my appointment at the prescribed time. The pastor took me to his home to settle in before the service that night. Entering the house, my friend explained that the teenage daughter had consented to relinquish her room for the week. She would be elsewhere in the house. I don’t know what negotiations went on before my arrival, but there I was, settling into a room that was decidedly not my style. It was sufficiently comfortable, but the decorations were nauseating. I spent the week under the watchful gaze of Bobby Sherman and Mickey Something-or-Other. And having to enter the room through a curtain made from aluminum can pop-tops left me a little fractious. There were two people praying for that revival that week. Both praying that it would pass quickly: her and me.
I am not the pin-up type. I wouldn’t even make room for Arnold Palmer or Jack Nicklaus. Sam Sneed maybe! Jan Stevenson certainly!
I do hold on to certain pictures occasionally. A brochure came in the mail awhile back. From an evangelist. It was so different I tucked it away for possible future consideration. The front contained a double picture of said evangelist. On the left side under a seedy looking individual was the following: Police Department, Houston, TX 71770. “Just as I am without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me.”
Opposite was a current picture of the same individual, shaven, hair combed, neatly dressed. Beneath this picture, Evangelist—“The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen could ever tell.”
A question emerges, Does Christ make a difference in a person’s life? If so, how can I know that I am a Christian?
I. First, We Must Certify How One Becomes a Christian. V13 “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” One becomes a Christian by casting doubt aside, and believing. V11 “This is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.”
So there must be some analysis of doubt. Is it the doubt of ignorance? How often do we hear someone respond to questions of faith? John says in V13 “These things (are) written, that you may know fully.” Paul expressed his belief clearly that he knew which he had believed. He likewise instructed Timothy to “study to show himself approved unto God.” If doubt exists, and it is the doubt of ignorance, heed God’s word. Take seriously the witness of Christian friends who certify faith.
Perhaps your doubt is only the doubt of inexperience. Akin to that causing Abraham distress when he was directed from Ur to some unnamed land afar off. Dealing with doubt was in the going. Or that bothering the spies. Two exceptions were Joshua and Caleb. The spies saw the land and the enemy. They saw a land worth keeping, and men worthy of such keeping, and they were afraid. Victory, and disposal of doubt awaited going forth in battle. Jesus stood one day at the door of your life and knocked, waiting to be invited in. He has been there before, as He is now, and faith awaits disposal of doubt and asking.
It may also be that the doubt is the doubt of strangeness. Let the story of Balaam alone be a sufficient warning. In Numbers 22 Balaam, who had a kind of faith in God, was tempted to curse Israel. His stubbornness before God brought him to the brink of death. An angel of God blocked his path, and his donkey sensed the danger before he did. Faith in the face of stubborn doubt may not be easy, but surrender to God is required.
II. One Has Assurance that He is a Christian by Taking Hold of the Word of God. V10b “He who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given.” There are parallel verses from the pen of John. 1 John 5:13 “These things were written to those who believe that you may know that you have eternal life.” John 20:31 “…Written that you might come to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that believing you might have life.”
So the Word is there, available to us all. We must grasp the rightness of its message for us. Listen in as Elizabeth speaks to Mary. Luke 1:45 “…You believed that God would do what He said. That is why He has given you this wonderful blessing.” (LB) Hear what God said in the parable of the seed, Luke 8:15. “The good soil represents honest good-hearted people. They listen to God’s words, and cling to them and steadily spread them to others who also believe.” Do not be so quick to ignore a text of the early church, comparing Berea to Thessalonica. Acts 17:11 “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, or they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Jews as well as Gentiles.)
We are able to hold onto the Word of God because we trust the character of God. Luke 12:32 “Fear not little flock, for it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” What kind of father uses gifts to control his children? Not a good one. Not for long. The Heavenly Father does not give to get or to goad or to gauge. He gives because he is genuine and generous and good. He invites us to be of one stock, with Him.
III. Before We Conclude, a Brief Word of Counsel. Don’t let the circumstance of your daily life nurture doubt. Psalm 63:1 “My soul thirsteth for thee. My flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.” In poetry and song we equate sunshine with good fortune.
“O they tell me of a home far beyond the skies,
O they tell me of a home far away.
O they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise,
O they tell me of an unclouded day.”
But we have seen those places marked by unending sunshine, where no clouds ever appear. It is a land through which course no streams, where no springs gurgle, and without tree or flower.
Assurance of faith is not determined by trouble-free life. It is determined by our desire to know and do the will of God. John 7:17 (Phillips) “If anyone wants to do God’s will, he will know whether my teaching is from God, or whether I merely speak on my own authority.”
Conclusion
We mentioned pin-ups earlier. What do you see in the picture gallery of your own life? Can you visualize a before and an after in relationship to God? Can you identify a time when the picture changes? What do you see that is different now? How was it before Christ came? If He has not, why do you detain Him? Why do you leave the door closed on such a One?
V12 “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
GOD’S ROAD TO REDEMPTION
#089 GOD’S ROAD TO REDEMPTION
Scripture II Peter 2:4-9 NIV Orig. 12-16-62
Rewr. 8-3-77
Passage: 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell,[a] putting them in chains of darkness[b] to be held for judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.
Purpose: To remind men that God’s Word establishes the reality of His judgment, but that out of that judgment are the first rays of hope and salvation.
Keywords: Salvation Judgment
Introduction
Most of us who have spent any time at all singing in Baptist churches are familiar with the music of John Newton. We have enjoyed such favorites as “How Tedious and Tasteless the Hours” and “Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken.” We may know very little, however, about his own Christian experience.
When he was still only a boy, he left his native England to go to sea. The day he left home, his mother hold him that she would pray every day that he would become a Christian. (Has it ever occurred to you what might happen in the lives of your children if they knew your spiritual concern for them?) Many years passed, and that prayer went unanswered. As if to aggravate the sorrow that his mother knew, the life of John Newton turned to depravity and decay. He became, eventually, a slave trader, plying the waters between West Africa and the American South. He had come finally to moral and spiritual ruin.
It was in that depravity, however, that God convicted him of his sin. After his experience of repentance, at which time he turned to Christ in faith to save him, John Newton wrote, as an expression of his own life and transformation, a song that became one of the best-loved songs in Christendom, “Amazing Grace.”
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come,
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.
I. The Condemnation. V9 “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and . . . to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.”
CONDEMNATION IS DESERVED. The examples of our text show that the angels were not spared, but were cast into mystical “Tartarus,” a holding area awaiting judgment: not gehenna (hell), mentioned at least 11 times by Jesus; not sheol (Old Testament), a region of departed spirits. Revelation 6:8 “. . . a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him.”
There was a prior world judgment by flood upon the ungodly. Deliverance was through the preaching of righteousness.
There was a judgment of limited scope upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. It was to serve as a warning to others. As the judgment was limited, even so there would be the righteous “living among them” who would be delivered.
There is also the evident displeasure of God with contemporary humanity. Our age is an age of indulgence. Judges 17:6 “In those days . . . every man did what was right in his own eyes.” Did you catch the article in the paper this week? A St. Bernard parish political figure reminded a reporter that questionable funds were not a kick-back, but a campaign contribution.
Paul found it necessary to remind believers in Ephesians 5:18 “Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be ye filled with the spirit.” Proverbs 14:9 “Fools make a mock at sin.” Luke 18:11 “I thank Thee, that I am not as other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers.”
God’s truth concerning condemnation covers all the ages of man. Genesis 3:17 “cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow thou shalt eat of it all the days of the life.” I Kings 21:21, Elijah said to Ahab “I have found thee because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the Lord.”
I looked with dismay at a Times Picayune article, June 7, 1977, about a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old facing indictment on 4 counts of murder. One said, “I’d rather be sailing.” Those two boys lived in somebody’s community with the gospel. Are there any like them in our community? What to do? As a member of Riverside Baptist Church, what do you do? Leave it to the staff! As a Christian, a Baptist, live in indifference? It’s just temporary.
II. The Judge. V4 “For if God spared not the angels that sinned . . . , to be reserved unto judgment.”
He is the judge who cannot be mocked. Have you ever thought to consider what you taught your small children about Santa Claus, and later about God?
You’d better not pout, you’d better not cry
You’d better be good I’m telling you why…
You used a fairy tale to bargain your child into better behavior, getting them committed to a myth. That is not wrong in itself, but when you fail to teach them the true meaning of Christmas and their ultimate responsibility to God, then you are mocking God.
To live in atheistic disbelief is not to mock God. Martin Luther tells of the time when “I hated God and was angry with him.” But by his own reckoning that state of mind and heart spoke badly for himself and not of God.
Even Madeleine Murray O’Hare claims to believe in a god of nature. But, you see, she wants a quiet god who makes no claims or demands. One who sits around like the three monkeys with eyes, ears, and mouth covered.
Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived. God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
He is the judge who cannot be other than just. He will not turn his back to ignore sin. Psalm 90:8 “Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of the count.” Jeremiah 32:19 “. . . Thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.”
In the Orleans Parish Criminal Court record of one Richard Norman Glover, self-accused rapist and murderer of 17-year-old Cynthia LeBoeuf, confessed in June 1972. In October 1972 he was ruled insane and unable to stand trial. He was committed to East Louisiana State Hospital. In March 1975 he was ruled synthetically sane, and able to stand trial. In February 1976 his admission of guilt was allowed (5 to 2) by State Superior Court. Eleven months later they reversed themselves and Glover was free.
III. The Promise. V9 “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation.”
It is a promise which cannot be earned. Romans 3:24 “Being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ.” Understand, please, that we may stand convicted of sin, and sincerely want to change our ways. But the power for justification is not in ourselves, but in Christ. Satan’s last foothold occurs when God convicts us of sin and he, Satan, tries to make us think that we can change ourselves.
It is a promise which can only be believed and received. It is more than a mere fresh veneer. Matthew 23:27 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you are like unto whited sepulchres, which appear beautiful outwardly, but within are full of dead men’s bones.”
It is the new birth, an inner change, wrought by God alone. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
NOTE by Rev. Skinner: Verse 4 contains a reference to God in judgment. Verse 9 completes this in reference to the Lord in that through Him there is the promise of deliverance.
***THE CONCLUSION OF THIS SERMON HAS BEEN LOST***
FAITH MADE PERFECT
#036 FAITH MADE PERFECT
Scripture James 2:19-26 NIV Orig. 10-14-62
Rewr. 10-8-87
Passage: 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[a]? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[b] and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Purpose: Beginning the new church year with an emphasis on faith and church organization in conjunction with the Lord’s Supper
Keywords: Church Activity Faith Ordinance Lord’s Supper
Introduction
Tomorrow is a special milestone in our great Baptist Heritage. It represents a very special anniversary for Louisiana Baptists.
On October 12th, in 1812, the first Baptist work was begun in our state. That was the date, in Washington Parish, on the Bogue Chitto River, that the Half Moon Bluff Church was organized.
For 175 years, the gospel has been proudly proclaimed by Baptists of Louisiana. Those earliest believers, because of their location in extreme southeastern Louisiana, were for some years affiliated with Mississippi Baptists, but they were, nonetheless, the forebears of Louisiana work.
It was the same year, by the way, that Adoniram Judson left to go to Burma as a missionary. If you recall the story, you recall that he changed to his life-long Baptist faith on the ship that took him to a land that knew nothing of Christianity. He went, then, without support. His former denomination withdrew support. And it was before we Baptists were known for our missionary vision. These struggling churches, not unlike Half Moon Bluff, in the early Nineteenth Century, supported what missionaries that there were, on butter and egg money, by the women of the Ladies Aid Society, the forerunner of our Women’s Missionary Union.
It has been people of vision, working together organizationally, who have reared up this great Baptist heritage. It seems that some of us are satisfied to let some parts of it die. In the name of our Lord, and in His covenant with us in his own blood, I challenge you to be a strong arm of influence in our town and Parish, for our Lord, and for His church.
I. Faith Demands an Effort Put Forth. V22 “…by works was faith made perfect.” Make no mistake, they were not saved by works. Abraham faithed God. God imputed (deposited to his account). Those with children away at school have to impute solvency so that these young people will appear secure. That depositing of worth expects a response of concern. In other words, the works don’t save, but they prove the faith.
Our faith calls us to organize our concern. We organize a Bible teaching program called Sunday School for the teaching of the Word of God. A Church Training emphasis was organized years ago to personalize youth involvement and growth. Today it provides opportunity for growth in Christ, in Bible study, in ability, for all. Missions organization is just that, a means to share with all the prospect of service to the needs of humankind.
The 2nd Sunday in October represents World Hunger Day. Are you aware that 730 million people remain hungry every day? The wafer and juice we consume is more than many will have all day. In Ethiopia, 5-10 million may starve this year. In America, there may be as many as 3 million homeless. People working full-time at minimum wage are $1800 below the poverty line for a family of three.
Thus, faith is an instrument in our lives for good. Faith is belief. But it is belief to train, to work, to serve. And we begin where we are. Too many Christians assume that they are excused from such service. No person in this room is little qualified to serve Christ, none too old, or too feeble.
Rahab (v25) served, simply by becoming a relocation agent for God’s people passing through.
II. Faith Made Perfect is a Process Through Which We Grow in Our Understanding of God’s Will and Way. V26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” As a believer, I have a responsibility: To stay as close to the Lord as I can through Bible study, service activities, and mission involvement (Camp Harris), and to walk by faith—to live by faith—to work by faith.
As a believer, I have a responsibility to share. We share readily with those we love. When will our hearts be open to love those less fortunates for whom Christ died? We have been successful in the Georgia Barnette State Mission Offering. We will soon endeavor to opportunize the Lottie Moon Foreign Missions Offering. What can we do for hungry people?
Conclusion
Let me remind you as we turn our attention to the Lord’s Supper, that stewardship is a faith venture also. In the great text of II Samuel 24:24 about David and Araunah the Jebusite, Araunah was prepared to give whatever it might take in the King’s name. David’s reply is a classic. “Nay, but I will surely buy it of thee at a price; neither will I offer . . . offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.”
What better time, than now, can we offer to our Lord, that which comes of dedication and even sacrifice?