Sermon Notes for 01/17/21

Bible Study
The Heart of the Matter
Luke 18:15
15“But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.
A good and honest heart.
Ablimech had an good and honest heart (Genesis 20:4-6). Jesus knew Nathaniel had no deceit (John 1:47).

Proverbs 15:3
3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
God sees all I do, say, and think.
Proverbs 16:3
3Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.
Commit my way to Him.
Proverbs 18:13
18Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.
Accept my mistakes and learn from correction.

Paul thought he had a clean conscience (Acts 23:1). But he had to change. Awake to righteousness. Don’t sin (1 Corinthians 15:34). Daily self examination a must (2 Corinthians 13:5). What do I need to change? I should have a broken heart, contrite spirit over my sins (Psalm 51:17). And a penitent heart (Acts 2:37) that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). And a heart that obeys (Romans 6:17).

Lesson: Make sure I have that good, honest, peitent, obedient heart.

Communion
Philippians 2:5-8
5Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,6who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Christ left all, shed His glory, became a servant and then died a cruel death upon a cross learning obedience unto perfection (Hebrews 5:7-10).

Sermon
The Great Salvation
Hebrews 2:1-4
steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?
Don’t neglect salvation. Pay attention to the Scriptures. God gave us Jesus. That’s how much He loves us (John 3:16). Christ died for us, who are ungodly sinners (Romans 5:6-8). He purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). That’s you and I, not a physical building. He learned obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:8). Jesus is the Great High Priest. Tempted yet did not sin. Come to Him when tempted (Hebrews 4:14).
Jesus is the author of faith (Hebrews 12:2). Share salvation with others. Don’t keep it to myself (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16). Baptized into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). Salvation available for all. God wants all saved (2 Peter 3:9).

God is no respecter of anyone. He does not play favorites. He accepts those who fear Him and work righteousness (Acts 10:34-35). Christ in me, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

Lesson:
Don’t neglect this great salvation.

Hear Romans 10:17
Believe John 8:24
Repent Luke 13:3
Confess Matthew 10:32
Be baptized Mark 16:16
Remain faithful Revelation 2:10

Sermon Notes for 01/10/21

Bible Study
Unity
Ephesians 4:1-16
1I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,3endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.7But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8Therefore He says:“When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” 9(Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
It is good for brethren to dwell in unity (Psalm 133).
It is sweet and pleasant. No strife please! (Genesis 13:7-8). Unity attracts the world to Christ (John 17:20-23). Jesus made for peace by His death (Ephesians 2:14-15). No schisms but care instead (1 Corinthians 12:25).

Divisions condemned (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). All New Testament Christians one in Christ Jesus and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:28-29). Envy, strife, divisions=carnality and spiritual immaturity (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). Thr Lord hates those who sow discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16,19). Pretty strong words. Divisions will destroy the church (Galatians 5:15). Divisions are a work of thr flesh and no heaven for that (Galatians 5:19-21).

Communion
Jesus came to die to fulfill His Father’s will (Isaiah 53:10).

Sermon
Resolutions

Study the Bible
15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not needto be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Study the Word daily and keep that hunger and thirst for righteousness alive (Matthew 5:6). Faith comes by studying His Word (Romans 10:17). Desire His Word (1 Peter 2:2). Lack of Biblical knowledge will destroy me (Hosea 4:6).

Evangelize

To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2“I know your works, your labor, your patience, andthat you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3“and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and removeyour lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6“But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’
Hear what is being said. How can I say i love God if I have no concern for lost souls whatsoever? The Gospel was preached to countless souls on the day of Pentecost. 3,000 were saved (Acts chapter 2). 5,000 saved (Acts 4:4). Even in the midst of persecution thr Gospel spread (Acts 8:1-4). Gospel preached. Men and women baptized (Acts 8:12). A great number believed (Acts 11:21).
This is my responsibility: the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Wake up to righteousness and put on Christ (Romans 13;11-14).

Hear Romans 10:17
Believe John 8:24
Repent Luke 13:3
Confess Matthew 10:32
Be baptized Mark 16:16
Remain faithful Revelation 2:10

Went back to NKJV as I like that translation better.

Power of Love

Left His heavenly domain

Knowing He would receive no sympathy

And go through all the agony and pain

He had a heart of humility

That’s the power of love

He endured ridicule and shame

Did not even retaliate

For our sins took all the blame

Forgave those who were full of hate

That’s the power of love

Hung upon the cross

Watch His lifeblood drain away

To save us from endless loss

For vile sinners He prayed

That’s the power of love

“Father, forgive them

They know what they do”.

Now we’re let in

He makes us all new

That’s the power of love

Took His last breath

He did it all for you and me

Died a cruel death

Upon that bitter tree

That’s the power of love

The third day He arose from the grave

Ascended back to Heaven where He’s now King

It’s us He wants to save

To Him angels now sing

That’s the power of love

Sits on God’s right hand

For us He’s interceding

Obey His Gospel command

And follow His leading

That’s the power of love

Sermon Notes

My personal sermon notes

Bible Study
Best Example
1 Timothy 1:16
16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
Example
In perfection (Matthew 5:48
In forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32)
In overcoming temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13)
In doing God’s will (John 8:28-29)
In service to others (John 13:12-17)
In suffering (1 Peter 2:21-25)

Matthew 5:13-16
13“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
I influence anyone, anywhere at any time. Just make sure it’s a good influence of salt and light. After all don’t want to lead others astray or cause them to be lost through a bad example (Matthew 18:6). And hypocrites can’t be good examples (Matthew 6:2,5,16).

Hebrews 5:13-14
13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Be mature and do good. Take the eay of escape out of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Be holy. for God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Don’t lie or sin when angry. Don’t give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:25-27).

Titus 3:8
8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.
Devote myself to doing good. Be full of good works, charitable acts (Acts 9:36). Live and speak right (Titus 2:7-8). Never follow a crowd to do evil (Exodus 23:2). Stay away from darkness and walk in the light (Ephesians 5:6-14, 1 John 1:5-7).

Lord’s Supper
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[48]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
The Gospel in a nutshell: Christ died for our sins, was buried and arose the third day. Jesus came to die to bear the curse of sin for me (Galatians 3:10-14).

Sermon
Shining Light
1Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[5] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
Do not lose heart. Speak the truth of the Gospel. Let His light shine through in my life. And remember I’m not perplexed, in despair, abandoned or destroyed spiritually even as my body decays physically.
There is indeed trouble in this world. But my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has overcome this world and gives me peace (John 16:33).The only way to abide forever is to do God’s will (1 John 2:17). Jesus offers rest. Leave my burdens with Him and take up His yoke (Matthew 11:28-30).

Galatians 5:17-18
17For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[26] you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Let the Spirit lead me. not my flesh.

2 Peter 3:10-13
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.[10] 11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[11] That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
Live right. For the day of the Lord is coming like a thief in the night and this world will be destroyed. Be a shining light and look forward to heaven.

Hear Romans 10:13
Believe John 8:23
Repent Luke 13:3
Confess Matthew 10:32
Be baptized Mark 16:16
Remain faithful Revelation 2:10

The Wisdom from Above

The wisdom from above is altogether pure

Truthful and sure

This wisdom is peaceful to everyone it meets

With kindness everyone it treats

This wisdom has a peaceful soul

Love is its goal

This wisdom is intreated easily

Tends to the Gospel every ceaselessly

This wisdom has mercy in the heart

Compassion and pardon never far apart

This wisdom bears good fruit every day

Shows others the joyful, peaceful way

This wisdom has no partiality

Has a fairness toward all mentality

This wisdom is never a hypocrite

Filled to the full with His Spirit

This wisdom in perfect peace it sows

Treasures of grace from its heart flows

Reach for this wisdom from above

And tie it all together in perfect love

Based on James 3:17-18

Divine Direction

Sermon
Divine Direction

Exodus 13:20-22
20After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

God directed Israel. The cloud nor the fire never left them.

Jeremiah 10:23
23LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.
Only God can direct me spiritually, not myself.

Genesis 2:16
16And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden;
The Lord God commanded the man.

God provided direction for Israel (Exodus 21:1, 24:7). Even the king was to mediate upon and keep the law (Deuteronomy 17). No one above God’s law.

Psalm 1:1-2
1Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.
This brings blessing. Obeying God, not indulging in sin.

Israel rejected God (1 Samuel 8). Jeremiah counseled the nation of Judah to walk in God’s ways, but they would not (Jeremiah 6:16). Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the Gospel. The Jewish leaders rejected it (Acts 13).
Whew, this is sobering. When people reject the Gospel they’re not rejecting me, but God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit. Feel fear and sorrow for my denominational friends. They see no need to obey the Gospel. 😢

Dear readers please obey the Gospel and leave your denominations behind.
I leave you with this sobering thought
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.
Follow God’s directions and obey the Gospel today.

Hear Romans 10:17
Believe John 8:32
Repent Luke 13:3
Confess Matthew 10:32
Be baptized Mark 16:16
Remain faithful Revelation 2:10

Update I’m using the NIV for this blog post and will continue to use it in the future.

Woe Is Unto Me

Woe is unto me if I proclaim not His name

If, of Him, I am ashamed

Woe is unto me if I share not His Word

If the Gospel, from me, is unheard

Woe is unto me if I don’t value souls

If His truth I don’t sow

Woe is unto me if Him, I don’t obey

If any sin, to me, is ever okay

Woe is unto me if my cross I don’t bear

If I’m caught in Satan’s snare

Woe is unto me if I’m ever lukewarm

If of spiritual danger, I don’t warn

Woe is unto me if from Him I turn away

How then will I be ready for that great day?

Woe is unto me if I ever fall from grace

Don’t endure this faith race

Woe is unto me if Him I don’t serve

Don’t give Him the love He deserves

Don’t let it be woe is unto me

So share the Gospel as often as I can

And through faithfulness reach that Promised Land

Being Like the World

Sermon; Being Like the World

1 Samuel 8
1Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel. 2The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. 3But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice. 4Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, 5and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the LORD. 7And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 8“According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day—with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also. 9“Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them.” 10So Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who asked him for a king. 11And he said, “This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them for his own chariots and to be his horsemen, and some will run before his chariots. 12“He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties, will set some to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and some to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.
13“He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. 14“And he will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants. 15“He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants. 16“And he will take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men,a and your donkeys, and put them to his work. 17“He will take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants. 18“And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the LORD will not hear you in that day.” 19Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, “No, but we will have a king over us, 20“that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” 21And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he repeated them in the hearing of the LORD. 22So the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed their voice, and make them a king.” And Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Every man go to his city.”
Being like the world. How evil. It equals rejecting God and His reign over me.

12:12, 19-20
12“And when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites came against you, you said to me, ‘No, but a king shall reign over us,’ when the LORD your God was your king.
19And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the LORD your God, that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins the evil of asking a king for ourselves.” 20Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.
Wickedness to be like the world.

I am a chosen generation, a royal priest, a holy person, His own special person, called out of darkness into light, obtained mercy (1 Peter 2:9-10). Is this enough or do I insist on my own way? Remember love of the world is enmity with God (James 4:4).

Solution:
Romans 12:1-2
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Sacrifice my life to God. Don’t be conformed to this world but let Him transform me.

2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1
17Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”18“I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.”
1Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Be separate from the world, cleanse myself from all sin, and perfect holiness in the fear of God.

Hear Romans 10:17
Believe John 8:24
Repent Luke 13:3
Confess Matthew 10:32
Be baptized Mark 16:16
Remain faithful Revelation 2:10

The Value of God’s Kingdom

Some, after riches, chase

Utterly forsake Christ

With the world keeping pace

For their folly they pay a price

They’ve forgotten the value of God’s Kingdom

Some go after fame

Desire to be well known

Desperate for that famous name

Jesus they disown

They’ve forgotten the value of God’s Kingdom

Some are filled with envy

Covet all their neighbor has

In their hearts, they are stingy

Just want the latest fads

They’ve forgotten the value of God’s Kingdom

Some are full of rage

Refuse to let go and forgive

Count up wrongs until old age

A miserable life they live

They’ve forgotten the value of God’s Kingdom

Some seek God on a daily basis

Jesus is their treasure

They desire to see His face

Love Him without measure

They remember the value of God’s Kingdom

Some, the Gospel, they proclaim

Of salvation, they want all to know

They let the Lord, over their lives, reign

At His Command they always go

They remember the value of God’s Kingdom

Some are very content

Willing always to share

Of greed, in them, not even a hint

Of others, they have care

They remember the value of God’s Kingdom

Some, all of mercy, they bestow

They are ever ready to pardon

To anger they are slow

Their hearts they don’t harden

They remember the value of God’s Kingdom

The value of God’s Kingdom we must realize

For His Word commands us to seek it

Let’s have spiritual eyes

And keep our Gospel candles lit

The value of God’s Kingdom

Tragic Lives and Deaths

Sermon
Tragic Lives and Deaths

13 So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. 14But he did not inquire of the LORD; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14

1 Samuel 13:8-14 Saul acted foolishly. Offered a sacrifice ahead of Samuel.

1 Samuel 15: Saul was told to destroy all the Amalekites. But he spared King Agag and the best of the flocks.
Key Verse
22So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23
Partial obedience is not obedience at all. Rebellion is witchcraft, stubbornness is idolatry.

1 Samuel 28: Saul consulted a medium. Not God.
Key Verse
16Then Samuel said: “So why do you ask me, seeing the LORD has departed from you and has become your enemy? 1 Samuel 28:16
Samuel came up from the dead and told Saul God had departed from him, Saul was now God’s enemy.

Luke 12:16-21
The rich fool was spiritually bankrupt.
Key Verse
21“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21
Not rich toward God.

Luke 16:19-31
The rich man in eternal torment, Lazarus in eternal comfort.
Key Verse
26 ‘And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ Luke 16:26

A great gulf fixed.

Our lives and deaths are indeed tragic if we don’t obey the Gospel and remain faithful to the Lord.

Hear Romans 10:17
Believe John 8:24
Repent Luke 13:3
Confess Matthew 10:32
Be baptized Mark 16:16
Remain faithful Revelation 2:10