Discipleship Series

By

Dr. Gary D. Hall - Pastor

New Life Baptist Church

2676 N. FM 2980

Yorktown, TX 78164

(361) 564-3845



TABLE OF CONTENTS





Title: " Berean Christianity "

Text: Acts 17:1-12

INTRO:

When I first became a Christian I began to Read My Bible and came across this story about the people in the Town of Berea. These 1st century converts were described in such a way that I made a decision in my life that I would follow their example and be a "Berean" type of Christian.

Later, when the Lord called me into the ministry I decided that if I ever started a Church I would use the name of the Bereans in it in some way.

I further determined that no matter what type of specific ministry that the Lord might have for me I would always seek to lead others into the same commitment to "Berean Christianity "as well.

*** With these things in mind I'd like you to notice with me FOUR THINGS about the Berean Christians which I believe should be true of every single believer!!!

I. CHARACTER of these people V-11 NOBLE

A. Definition of character

1. What you are on the inside

2. What you are when no one is looking

B. Character as a Descriptive Label is a forgotten word. (That person has a lot of character.)

C. These people were of NOBLE character.

1. These Christians were of lofty character in the eyes of God.

2. They are lifted up in the Bible to give us an example to aspire to and reach up toward in our life.

II. ATTITUDE of these peopleV-11

A. They were READY and OPEN to RECEIVE the Word of God.

1. Many people today are not ready to RECEIVE the Word of God. (Parable of the Sower and the Seed - Matt. 13)

2. Many people are not OPEN to Receive CERTAIN THINGS that God has to say. (Don't confuse me with the facts; my mind is already made up.)

a. Doctrinal prejudices get in the way.

b. Pet sins they don't want light shed on

B. The Bereans decided to Let the Scriptures be the FINAL AUTHORITY on TRUTH. Romans 3:4 - Let God be true and every man a liar.

III. DILIGENCE of these people V-11 They SEARCHED the SCRIPTURES DAILY....

A. Diligence is a forgotten word today also. Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.

B. The Bereans MADE TIME for a DAILY TIME in the Bible.

C. Their Time in the Word was Not merely a Going through the Motions type of thing; --- they made the EFFORT to STUDY it.

They SEARCHED...

1. They had No Complete Canon in One Book like We Do.

2. They had No Exhaustive Concordances like We Do.

IV. The Resulting REWARD of Berean ChristianityV-12 Many Believed -- Faith

Romans 10:17 -- ... Faith cometh by Hearing and Hearing by the Word.

A. You Need Faith to be Saved. - A person will Never be saved unless he demonstrates the same spirit as these Bereans.

Ephesians 2:8-9 -- For ... saved through Faith...

B. You Need Faith to Live Victoriously in Christ.

I John 5:4 -- This is the Victory...our Faith

C. You Need Faith to Get your Prayers Answered.

Matthew 9:29 -- ... According to your Faith be it unto you.

James 1:5-7 -- If any of you lack wisdom ... but let him ask in Faith

Matthew 8:13 -- ... As thou hast Believed...



Title: " The Necessary Ingredient "

Text: Luke 10:38-42



INTRODUCTION:

1. Most Important Ingredient

2. Reader's Digest --- Least Read Best Seller

3. Penny's Catalogue

I. Time with Jesus in the Word is the One NECESSARY Ingredient in the Christian Life -- Not Optional Equipment. Luke 10:38 & 42

A. For Salvation --- James 1:21

B. For Growth --- I Peter 2:2

C. For Cleansing --- Ephesians 5:26

D. For Direction and Enlightenment --- Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:130 & 133 c/f Psalm 37:23

E. For Overcoming Temptation --- Matthew 4, Ephesians 6, Psalm 119:9 & 11

F. For Renewing the Mind --- Romans 12:1-2 & Psalm 19:7

G. For Satisfying our Spiritual Hunger and Thirst -- John 6:35 & 7:37-39

H. For Thoroughly Furnishing us with the Spiritual Equipment we Need in order to live a Victorious and Fruitful Christian life -- II Timothy 3:16-17

I. For True Success and Prosperity in our Personal lives -- Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-3, & James 1:21-25

II. Reasons Why People Don't READ their Bibles

A. Ignorance concerning the Resources Available in the Book Hosea 4:6 " My people perish for lack ..."

B. Busy with Other things -- Like Martha

C. They Don't Plan to. --- Proverbs 29:18 " No VISION "

D. Laziness --- Proverbs 13:4

E. The Many Hindrances

1. Television

2. Newspaper

3. Christian Literature

4. Fast Paced Lifestyle and Over Loaded Schedule Demands

III. EXCUSES People Give for Not Reading their Bibles

A. I Don't Have Time.

B. I Don't Get anything Out of it.

C. I Don't Understand it when I Read it.

D. I Don't Like all of the Thee's and Thou's.

IV. Reasons Why You Ought to Read your Bible Every Day

A. You are Commanded to.

Joshua 1:8 I Peter 2:2 James 1:21

B. You'll be Judged one day in accordance with what is written in the Book. John 12:48

C. To Avoid the Shame of having to face the countless numbers of people who have suffered and died before you for the sake of the Book that you did not esteem enough to read through even one time. Revelation 1:9, Revelation 6:9



Title: " Be Ye DOERS of the Word "

Text: James 1:21-25 & Joshua 1:8

INTRODUCTION: II Timothy 3:16-17

1. The Word of God is the Supreme and Final Authority in all matters of Faith and Practice!!!

2. Settle it therefore in your hearts to Seek out God's Will through His Word and Submit to it Totally and Cheerfully as God's Instruction for Your Highest Good !!!

I. Divine Command James 1:21-24 & Joshua 1:8

A. Receive the Word.

B. Meditate on the Word. - That thou Mayest Observe to Do

C. Do the Word. -- (Obey it.) --- All of it

*** Meditation is the Key -- Day & Night -- All the time.

II. Divine Warning Vs 22-24

A. We Deceive Ourselves when we are Only Hearers and Not DOERS of the Word.

1. Our Own Heart will Deceive Us if we are Not DOERS of the Word. Jeremiah 17:9

2. Sin Itself has the Power to Deceive Us if we are Not DOERS of the Word. Hebrews 3:13

B. Being a Hearer of the Word and Not a Doer will Result in Spiritual Amnesia. Straightway Forgetteth what manner of man.

C. Because of self-deception and Spiritual Amnesia We'll become Blinded to our own Spiritual Condition and Easily Offended and Angry if anyone were to tell us or even imply that our life is not in Line with the Word of God.

III. Divine Promise V-25 & Joshua 1:8

A. We will be Blessed in our Deeds.

B. We will Make our Way Prosperous.

C. We will Have Good Success.





Title: " The House of God - the Church "

Text: I Timothy 3:14-15

INTRODUCTION:

I. Definition of a Church

A. Negatively -- Not a Building

B. Positively -- a Called out Assembly

II. Understanding some Terms

A. Universal Church -- Hebrews 12:23

B. Local Church -- II Corinthians 1:1, Galatians 1:2

III. Descriptive Labels given to the Church in the Bible

A. Body of Christ -- I Corinthians 12:27

B. Pillar and Ground of the Truth -- I Timothy 3:15

C. House of God -- I Timothy 3:15

D. Bride of Christ -- John 3:28-29

IV. What IS a Church???

** The Church is Not Merely a Spiritual Country Club, but rather it is a Mash Unit to care for the Spiritually Wounded Casualties of War, ---

--- And ---

It is a Boot Camp to train, men and women to be Victorious Soldiers on the Battlefield of life.

V. Ordinances of the Church

A. Baptism -- Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:38-41, & Romans 6:4

B. Lord's Table -- I Corinthians 11:23-34

VI. Autonomy of the Church

Revelation 2:6, II Corinthians 1:23-24, I Peter 5:1-2

VII. Church's Supreme Standard -- the Bible

II Timothy 3:16-17

VIII. Leadership in the Church

I Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9, II Timothy 2:2

IX. The Church in Relationship to Human Government

Romans 13:1-7, I Timothy 2:1-4, Acts 4:18-20

X. The Church in Relationship to Worldly Benevolent Organizations --- II Corinthians 6:14-18

XI. The Church in Relationship to Other Churches and Organizations --- Religious or Otherwise -- II Corinthians 6:14-18, I Corinthians 10:31 & Colossians 3:17 & 23

XII. The Church's Ministry

A. Outward to the World

Matthew 28:18-20 Matthew 5:13-16

B. Inward to the Membership

II Timothy 3:16-17 ; Hebrews 10:19-31 ; Ephesians 4:11-16

XIII. The Church's Vital Link with Missions

III John Vs 1-8 Philippians 4:10-19

XIV. Choosing a Church

A. A Church of God's Choice -- Divinely Approved -- One which Rightly Divides the Word of Truth -- II Tim. 2:15

B. Stands on the Word and will Not Compromise

C. Preaches on Daily Bible Reading and Prayer

D. Preaches that men should be Doers of the Word and Not Hearers Only

E. Preaches Separation and Holy Living

F. Preaches on Soul Winning

G. Preaches on Serving the Lord and One Another IN Love

******************************************************

Note: Not all Churches are Alike.

-- Choose a Church of God's Choice. --

-- A Church which God Approves of --

II Timothy 2:15

**********************************************************



Title: " The Church's Ministry "

Text: Hebrews 10:19-31 & Ephesians 4:11-16

INTRODUCTION: II Timothy 3:16-17

***** Note: This message is an expanded version of the outline from the message entitled " House of God - the Church. "

*** This message takes up with XII. B. Inward to the Membership.

XII. The Church's Ministry

B. Inward to the Membership

1. Hebrews 10:19-31

a. Understand the Context of Chapter 9:1-12 & 10:1-14

1.) Ordinances of Divine Service & a Worldly Sanctuary the Tabernacle 9:1-12

2.) The Law Foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ but could

Not Perfect the Conscience of Sinners through the Old Testament Sacrifices, but Jesus Christ by ONE Offering PERFECTS FOREVER them that have Trusted in His Eternal Sacrifice. Hebrews 10:1-14

3.) Men came to the Old Testament House of God but could Not Get Any Closer to the Presence of God than the Brazen Altar in the Outer Court.

* Priests were appointed by God to come into the tabernacle to represent man to God in the Holy Place.

* Only One time a year was the High Priest Alone allowed to enter the Most Holy Place of the House of God -- the Holy of Holies, -- and then Not Without Blood.

4.) Through the Remission of Sins provided for in the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ TWO THINGS HAPPEN:

a.) The Old Testament Sacrificial System and the Old Testament House of God Is No More; - it is No Longer Operation-

al. --- Hebrews 10:18

b.) We Now Have the Hitherto Undreamed of Privilege of Entering Boldly Into the Holy of Holies into the Very Presence of the Most High God Through the Offering of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:19-20



5.) There is a New High Priest who Presides Over the New House of God -- the Church. Hebrews10:21

b. Because of this Great New Privilege & Boldness we are Exhorted and Commanded to DO SIX THINGS.

(1.) Draw Near -- 10:22

(2.) Hold Fast our Profession -- 10:23

(3.) Consider One Another -- 10:24

(4.) Provoke One Another -- 10:24

a.) Unto Love

b.) Unto Good Works

(5.) Not Forsake the Church Assembly -- 10:25

(6.) Exhort One Another -- 10:25

***** House of God --- Church's Ministry continued *****

XII. The Church's Ministry

B. Inward to the Membership

2. Epesians 4:11-16

*** It is God's Express Will that we Grow Up in Jesus.

a. God's Provision for the Individual Christian's Growth through the Church Ephesians 4:11-12

b. God's Goal for our Growth 4:13

c. God's Exhortation concerning our Growth 4:14-15

d. God's Provision for the Church's Growth as a Body Eph. 4:16, c/f Acts 2:47, & Psalm 127:1

*** Ultimately, the Growth of the Church Comes From God, but the members themselves are the Instruments which he uses.

1.) The Basic Sentence -- 4:16 Subject -

* Christ -- from whom the whole body / verb - direct object - prepositional phrase

* Maketh / the increase / of the body

2.) Descriptive Clauses

a.) Fitly Joined and Compacted Together-- Tells What Kind of body

b.) By that which Every Joint Supplieth -- Tells What is Doing the Work in the Body

c.) According to the Effectual Working in the Measure of Every Part --- Tells the Extent to which the Supply will be Provided or Limited IN TWO WAYS, based on:

(1.) The Participation of Every Part

(2.) The Measure of Every Part

d.) Unto the Edifying of Itself --- Tells the End Result of all the Labor of the whole body to produce an increase within the body

3.) In Love ---- Tells the Cohesive Force which Provides the Bond to Build the Body and Make it a Tightly Knit Family



Title: " Faithful Church Attendance "

Text: Hebrews 10:25, Acts 5:42, & 2:41-47

INTRODUCTION: Ephesians 4:11-16

I. Definition of Faithfulness

A. Allegiance or Loyalty to Duty or a Person

B. Always Doing One's Duty

II. Illustrations of Faithfulness

A. Marriage Relationship

B. Soldier

C. Dog

III. What is Faithful Church Attendance??? -- Acts 5:42 -- Acts 2:41-47

*Always at Every Service of the Church Unless Providentially Hindered by Serious Sickness, Accident, or Unavoidable Work Schedule

A. Always at Every Service of the Church

B. Providential Hindrance -- Something Beyond our Control

*** Things that are In our Control that we Allow to Hinder Us:

1. Stay Out Late Saturday Night so we're Tired Sunday Morning

2. Ball Game on TV so we miss the Sunday Evening or Wednesday Evening Services

3. Hard Day at Work so we're Tired

4. Going to Grandmas Sunday Afternoon and Not Getting Back Soon Enough for the Evening Services

5. Relatives or Friends Drop By Unexpectedly. -- Joshua 24:15

IV. Importance of Faithful Church Attendance

A. Its Importance to the Church

1. The Church is a Body. -- I Corinthians 12:12-27

2. Team - Definition of a Church: A Called Out ASSEMBLY of Baptized Believers Going With Christ After the Lost

3. Spirit of Unity

4. Testimony to the Community

5. Financially

B. Its Importance to the Individual Christian

1. Receive Beneficial Instruction in Victorious Christian Living

2. Increase Faith -- Romans 10:17

3. Blessings are Involved which are Not Available Anywhere Else. -- Matthew 18:20, John 20:19-25

4. Promotes Development of Close Christian Relationships

5. Opens the Door to Christian Service

C. God Commands it. Hebrews 10:25

D. It is Proof of your Love for Jesus Christ. John 14:15

*Foot Note: If Obedience to His Commandments is Proof of our Love for Jesus, and His Command is to Not Forsake the Church Assembly, what would your attendance record prove about your love for Jesus???



Title: " Shameless Disciples "

Text: Romans 1:16

INTRODUCTION:

1. Definition of a Disciple - a Follower

2. Many people today should be classified as Shameful Disciples.

a. Followers of the KKK

b. Followers of Witchcraft & Satanism

c. American born citizens who are members of the Communist Party

3. The Christian should be classified as a Shameless Disciple.

a. We have a Shameless Master. -- John 8:46

b. A Shameless Message -- Romans 1:16

c. A Shameless Method -- Ephesians 4:15

4. The only time when a Christian should be Ashamed is When we Fail to Prepare ourselves for the Work our Master has Called us to Do. -- II Timothy 2:15; Ephesians 2:8-10; John 15:16

5. The Problem is that many times we are Unashamed when we Should be & Ashamed when we Shouldn't be.

6. THREE AREAS in which a True Christian should demonstrate himself to be a Shameless Disciple:

a. In Making a Public Profession of Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

b. In Publicly Submitting to Scriptural Believer's Baptism

c. In Publicly Taking a Stand to Unite with the Cause of Jesus Christ by Joining a Local Bible Preaching Church which is Faithful to the Scriptures

I. Making a Public Profession of Faith Matthew 10:32-33 & Romans 10:1-11

A. A Public Profession is a Natural Outgrowth of Saving Faith.

Romans 10:4-6a, & vs 8-10

B. It is the Natural Expression of a Shameless Faith. -- Romans 10:9-11

C. It is the Unconscious Overflow of a Heart that is Filled with Faith In and Love Toward the Lord Jesus Christ. -- Matthew 12:33-35

1. If we Really Believe the Gospel message with All of our heart, it will come out unconsciously.

2. If we really love Jesus Christ with all of our heart, it will come out of us unconsciously.

a. When we first fall in love with a person we can hardly stop talking about that person or thinking about that person.

b. If we find that conversation about Jesus does not just naturally flow from our lips then Something is Very Wrong.

1.) Either we're Not Saved, -- or

2.) We've Left our First Love.

Revelation 2:4-5 ***** Why do Christian's leave their first love?****

a.) They Forget the Pit from whence they were lifted up. Psalm 40:2-3

b.) They Forget the Spirit part of worship & focus only on mental stimulation by the truth. John 4:24

c.) They Try to Serve Two Masters & get choked with cares and riches and pleasures they find in the world. Matthew 6:24 & Mark 4:16-19

3. Even Fear is Not an Obstacle in taking a public stand for Jesus when you're Filled with Love For Him, because perfect love casteth out fear, and we don't even think fearfully about testifying for Jesus. -- I John 4:18

II. Submitting to Scriptural Believer's Baptism -- Matthew 28:18-20 , Acts 2:38 , & Romans 6:4

A. Baptism is Not Optional. --- Acts 2:38 -- Every One...

B. It is the Obedient Response of a Repentant Heart Made Glad by the Message of Salvation After Being Pained by the Holy Spirit's Conviction. - - Acts 2:36-42

1. Many people today Profess to be Christians but Refuse to be Scripturally Baptized.

2. Many Churches boast large numbers of people being saved, but they only have a 30% baptism rate.

3. This does not add up at all according to the Bible.

****** Why is this happening? ********

a. Churches are Failing in the Largest Portion of the Great Commission -- teaching them to Observe All things whatsoever He has Commanded us to do. -- Matthew 28:18-20

b. Churches are Failing to Speak out Against Sin & Preach Repentance. Therefore, people are Making Professions with out Holy Spirit Conviction or God Given Repentance, and they have a head knowledge of Jesus Christ but are not Partakers of the Divine Grace of Saving Faith.

Acts 17:30-31; Acts 2:37-42; II Timothy 2:24-26;

Titus 2:11-15; Ephesians 2:8-10; & Romans 10:17

c. Since many people are making Professions of Faith Apart from the Work of God to bring Conviction, Repentance, and Saving Faith these people - many of them - Don't Realize How Glad they should Be to Obey God's Simple Command.

*** And Without Repentance they've never Changed their Mind about Sin and Rebellion Against the Will of God, so they think that" it really doesn't matter whether I Obey God & Get Baptized or Not. "

C. Baptism is an Outward Expression of an Inward Fact. - --Romans 6:4

D. It is a Putting On of the Christian Uniform and Identifying with the Work and Program of God in a Public way. -- Matthew 3:13-15

**** Even Jesus Christ Got Baptized to Identify Himself with the Ministry of John the Baptist and the Work of God.

E. It is a Wedding Band Type of Symbol. -- John 3:29

F. It is Always a Post Salvation Experience. -- Acts 8:12 & 35-37

G. It is By Immersion in Water. -- Romans 6:4; John 3:23; & Acts 8:36-39

H. It Must be Administered In Accordance with a Proper Doctrinal Perspective. -- Acts 2:38; Romans 1:16; & I Corinthians 1:14-17

I. Baptism should take place as Soon After Salvation as Possible. Acts 2:41

III. Publicly Taking a Stand to Unite with the Cause of Jesus Christ by Joining a Local Bible Preaching Church that is Faithful to the Scriptures. -- Acts 2:41-47

A. Joining Hands with a Local Bible Preaching Church that is Faithful to the Scriptures is a Necessity if we are to be Obedient in Our Submission to the Discipling Process as Commanded. Matthew 28:18-20 ; Ephesians 4:11-16 ; & Acts 2:41-47

B. Publicly taking a stand for Jesus by joining a Church is similar to the question and command of Moses to Israel. -- Exodus 32:26

C. Joining a Church should not be a thing of convenience or personal preference necessarily, but an obedient response to the Will of God.

1. We should not join a Church just because it is Close by or convenient to attend.

2. We should not seek out the Church of Our Choice but the Church of God's Choice for us.

a. It will be a Church Divinely Approved: Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth. II Timothy 2:15

b. It will be a Church that Believes in the Inspiration of the Scriptures.

II Timothy 3:16-17

c. It will be a Church that Believes in Soul Winning and Follow up Discipling of Converts to see them grow to maturity & obedience. -- Matthew 28:18-20

d. It will Believe in Separation from Worldly People, Practices, and Institutions. II Corinthians 6:14-18

e. It will Believe in Confronting People in Love to Turn them Away from Sins that will Ultimately Bring them Suffering & Grief -- Yet NOT in a Spirit of Self Righteous Judgmentalism but in Meekness and Gentleness. -- Ephesians 4:15 ; Galatians 6:1 ; & II Timothy 2:24-26

f. It will Believe in Bible Salvation by Grace through Faith Alone and NOT by Man's Good Works and Personal Merit. -- Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5

g. It will Believe in Practicing Personal Holiness in a Believer's Life. -- I Peter 1:14-16

h. It will Believe that Christians are Saved to Serve, NOT Themselves and their Own Preferences, but to Present themselves to God to Serve Him In Accordance with His Good Pleasure. -- Romans 12:1-2



Title: " Saved to Serve "

Text: Ephesians 2:8-10, Matthew 5:16, & I Corinthians 6:19-20

INTRODUCTION: We are NOT SAVED FOR OURSELVES!!!

I. It is Reasonable for God to Expect us to Serve Him. Romans 12:1

A. The Mercy that God Demonstrated by sending His Son Entitles Him to our Highest Devotion & Service.

B. It is Unreasonable to Expect to Receive the Gift Purchased for us on that Bloody Cross Without Any Reciprocal Commitment On Our Part.

C. Since Jesus Denied Himself to Die for us the Least we can do is Deny Ourselves and Live to Serve Him.

II. The Lord has Need of Us. Mark 11:1-3; Romans 10:13-14

A. It is an amazing thing to think that God could ever need us.

B. God has Made Himself Dependent Upon Us to carry out His plan. --- Romans 10:13-14

C. We should Rejoice at the chance to Give Ourselves to Meet a Need of the One that Gave Himself to Meet Our Greatest Need.

III. We Should be Willing to Do Whatever we can for God According to Whatever Assets & Abilities we have. -- Mark 14:8

A. God doesn't expect what we can't do.

B. Most people Limit Themselves in what they are Willing to do.

C. Many people Limit God in what He can do in and through their lives because of fear.

IV. We Should Serve Jesus with All of our Might Wherever we can. -- Ecclesiastes 9:10

A. Anything Less than our Very Best for Jesus is a Sin.

B. One day our Opportunity to Serve Him will be Over.

C. Only one Life twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last.



Title: " Why Should We Go? "

Text: Matthew 4:18-19 & Mark 1:17

INTRODUCTION:

1. Many people today Profess to be Following Jesus, but they have no inner compulsion to reach lost souls.

2. This is not consistent with the Words of our Lord.

3. Notice the Bible Teaching in our Text:

a. Followers of Jesus Will Be Fishers of Men.

b. Jesus is the One Who Produces this Work in our lives When we Follow Him.

4. Application of this Truth:

*** God will make us Soul Conscious People in Direct Proportion to the Degree to which we Follow Jesus.

a. John 3 - Nicodemus came late at night, and certainly Jesus was tired.

b. John 4 - The Woman at the Well came when Jesus was tired, hungry, and thirsty.

c. Mark 6 - Jesus & His Disciples were tired & hungry, & they departed in a ship for a desert place to rest, but the people outran the ship and met Him on the other side.

*** In each of these cases, Jesus Put Aside His Own Personal Needs and ministered to the Needs of the Hungry Souls Around Him First.

5. With these things in mind by way of introduction, I would like you to consider with me the question:



****** " Why Should We Go? " ********

I. The Lord Commands us to Go.

Mark 16:15

II. The Sinner's Great Need

I John 5:12; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:13-14; Acts 8:30-31

III. Our Exclusive Remedy

Acts 4:12 & John 14:6

IV. Our Special Birth and Ordination

John 15:16

V. The Exclusive Personal Satisfaction and Fulfillment that we derive from sharing the message of the Gospel

Psalm 126:5-6

VI. The Worthy Eternal Rewards

Daniel 12:3

VII. It enables our Life to make its Most Noble & Lasting Impact on our Society.

Acts 17:6

VIII. It brings the Most Glory to God.

John 15:8 Matthew 5:16

IX. We Are Debtors.

Romans 1:14-15

X. It Guarantees in a Special Sense the Presence & Power of God in our Lives.

Matthew 28:18-20

XI. It Helps Get our Prayers Answered.

John 15:16 & John 15:1-8 (esp. v-7)

XII. The Field is White Already to Harvest.

John 4:35-36

XIII. The Laborers are Few.

Matthew 9:35-38

XIV. Our Accountability for their Blood

Ezekiel 3:17-21

XV. The Time is Short, the day is at hand, the night cometh when no man can work.

John 9:4





Title: " But Grow in Grace "

Text: II Peter 3:17-18

INTRODUCTION:

1. Explain the " these things " in V-17.

2. Notice the Solemn Warning: " Beware. "

3. The thing we are warned to beware of: "Lest ye also Fall from your own Steadfastness."

4. The Instrument which could cause our fall -- Error. "Being led away with the error of the wicked" Matthew 24:42-51

5. The contrasting conjunction But and how it ties together Vs 17 & 18

a. Peter is saying: Beware, Don't do this But Do This.

b. The verses certainly Imply that there is No Middle Ground Between Falling and Growing.

c. Unless we are Actively Going Forward for Jesus Christ we are Being Led Astray by the Error of the Wicked to a Place of Falling from a Steadfast Relationship with Him.

I. The Command -- Grow in Grace -- V-18

A. Growth Always Involves Struggle & Great Effort.

B. Growth Always Takes Time.

C. Growth Requires Proper Nourishment & Sustenance.

D. Growth Requires a Constant Looking Forward to the Goal.

E. Growth Usually Requires Courage & a Certain Amount of Risk.

F. Growth is Always Worth the Necessary Effort.

G. Growth for the Christian is a Never Ending Process.

Philippians 3:13-14

II. The Areas of Growth that God Demands of Us -- V-18

A. Grow in the Knowledge of our Lord and Savior.

1. We've covered the importance of this in other messages, so we don't need to spend too much time on it here.

2. I do want to point out though that there are Multitudes of People Today that want to Grow, Grow, Grow in their Intellectual Pursuit of Knowledge About Jesus Christ the Savior. But they Willfully and Emphatically Turn Away from any Experiential Pursuit of Knowledge about Jesus Christ as Lord. -- Matthew 11:28-30

B. Grow in Grace

Ephesians 1:3-7; Colossians 2:6; Ephesians 2:8-10

II Corinthians 12:7-10

1. We are Saved for the Purpose of Bringing Praise to God for the Glory of his Grace. Eph. 1:6

a. This Grace is Manifested in our Salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9

b. God's Grace is Manifested Throughout our Lives in Times of Weakness & Impotence to Make us Strong & Enable us to Do the Will of God in the Midst of a Tidal Wave of Opposition from the World, the Flesh, & the Devil. II Corinthians 12:9

c. God's Grace will Also be Manifested Both Now and Throughout All the Ages to Come by the Acts of Loving kindness which He Shows Toward Us as an Undeniable Testimony to the World Around Us. Ephesians 2:7; Psalm 107:1-43; & Isaiah 41:17-20

2. We Must Grow in our Experience of God's Grace in our Lives as we Choose to Obey Him and Trust Him to Work in Our Behalf Whatever is Pleasing in His Sight. Whether it be to Strengthen us, and Enable us to Endure Through the Trials or to Deliver us Out Of the Trials By His Own Mighty Power. Which is At Work In us and For us and Through us in our Lives. II Peter 3:18

*** Note: Not Only do we Begin our New Lives as Christians:

BY TRUSTING IN HIS GRACE, But we MUST LEARN THE TRUTH that IT IS GOD'S PLAN FOR US TO CONTINUE OUR NEW LIVES BY THE SAME MEANS OF TRUSTING IN HIS GRACE.

3. In Order to Grow in the Grace of God that Saved us we Need the Same Divine Provision to Sustain & Nourish our Growth in Grace that God Gave us in the Beginning to Save us: --- FAITH!!!!!

4. Faith is Provided For us by a Specific " Word " From God as the Holy Spirit takes the " Logos " of the Bible and Makes it a Personal " Rhema " From the Lord. Romans 10:17; & Matthew 4:4



a. This Faith From the Holy Spirit By the Word of God will Give us the Grace to Endure when God's Purpose is to Take us Through a Time of Trial.

b. This Faith will also Give us Grace to Believe God For His Deliverance and Abundant Blessings When it is His Good Pleasure to Do so as well.

5. In Light of God's Way of Provision & Our Christian Life of Constant Growth Demanding Challenges it Certainly Makes Sense that we should Give God Every Opportunity to Speak Faith Producing Words To Us Through Faithful Attendance to a Bible Preaching Church, Daily Devotions, & Meditation In His Word.



Title: " All Things Work for Good "

Text: Romans 8:28-39

INTRO:

1. Jesus said in John 16:33 - "In the world ye Shall Have Tribulation..."

2. Paul said in II Timothy 3:12 "Yea and all they that will live Godly in Christ Jesus Shall suffer..."

3. Peter said in I Peter 4:12 " Beloved, think it not strange concerning the Fiery Trial Which Is To Try You..."

4. Paul said in Romans 8:36 - "For Thy sake We Are Killed All the Day Long; we are Accounted as Sheep for the Slaughter."

*** And you thought that becoming a Christian and Serving Jesus would somehow just magically change Everything and Make Everything Easier, so you'd live Happily Ever After.

** But Oh what a surprise you were in for!!!

*** God Didn't Say just get saved and all things will be good that happen to you, ---

** But He Did Say that All Things will Work Together For Good to them that Love Him.

5. Consider Joseph.

Genesis 37-50 c/f Chapter 45:5 & 50:15-21 (esp. v-20)

6. Consider Jacob with regard to his Many Years of Suffering & Grief Believing that Joseph was Dead and the Physical Salvation that came to his Entire Household of 70 People.

I. Our Assurance of Blessing in the End of Every Trial

Romans 8:28 --- " We know ... "

II. The Unlimited Scope of God's Providential Control

Romans 8:28 --- " ... All things ... "

III. The Recipe By Which God Produces Good From All Our Circumstances " ... Work Together For Good ... "

Romans 8:28 ---

IV. The End Product of God's Providential Hand In our Life

Romans 8:28 --- " ... Good ... "

V. The Stipulated Requirement For our Appropriation of this Wonderful Blessing by Faith

Romans 8:28 --- We Must: "... Love God... "



Title: " Separation "

Text: II Corinthians 6:14 - 7:1; John 17:15-18; Titus 2:11-14

INTRO: Romans 12:1-2

1. Unless we Become Separate we Will Be Conformed.

2. If we Do Not Conform we Will Become Separate.

3. The World is Constantly Trying to Press us Into Its Mold.

I. What is Bible Separation???

A. Negatively

1. It is Not Isolationism -- Not a Monastery Mentality. John 17:15

2. It is Not Phariseeism -- Self-righteous - Holier than thou.

Luke 18:9-14 John 9:1-34 (esp. vs - 13 & 34)

B. Positively

1. It is Separation Personally (the Individual Christian) & Corporately (Church as a Body)

FROM:

a. Evil Practices - John 17:15, II Cor. 6:17-7:1

1.) Unquestionably Sinful Activities and the Process of Sin James 1:12-15

2.) Questionable Practices -- I Cor. 10:31

3.) Things that Appear Evil -- I Thess. 5:22

b. Evil Associations -- II Corinthians 6:14-17

1.) Persons

2.) Places -- Bars, Discos, etc...

3.) Things -- i.e. Organizations - Religious And Otherwise.

2. It is Separation UNTO SOMEONE -- JESUS. Titus 2:11-14 "... Purify unto Himself..." Ephesians 5:25-27

II. The Purity of Jesus Requires that we be Separated FROM the World and Set Apart UNTO Him In Order That We Might Have Fellowship With Him.

Hebrews 7:26 I John 1:6





Title: " Stewardship "

Text: Matthew 25:14-30

INTRODUCTION:

1. This Message will cover the Basic Principles of Stewardship from the Word of God.

2. A Steward is one who is Given Responsibility Over the Possessions of Another.

3. The Lord Teaches us that we as His Children Have Been Made Stewards Over Certain Possessions and Talents which God has Given us the Ability to Get or has Endowed us with.

4. All These Things or Abilities Belong to God, and We Are Expected to Use Them For the Increase of the Lord's Work.

5. In Return for our Faithful Use of These Things God Blesses us forthrightly with Far More than we could obtain if they were our Very Own.

I. God Owns Everything.

Psalm 24:1 " The Earth is the Lord's... "

A. By Right of Creation

Genesis 1:1

B. By Right of Purchase and Redemption

Acts 20:28; I Corinthians 6:19-20; I Corinthians 7:23

I Peter 1:17-19

II. We Have Been Made Stewards Over Certain Parts of God's Property and we Have Been Given Certain Gifts (Talents) To Use For His Profit.

A. Our Very Body --- I Corinthians 6:19-20

B. Our Abilities --- I Peter 4:10

C. Our Money and Other Valuables -- Matthew 25:14-30

D. Our Time --- Probably our Most Precious Commodity

III. We Will Give an Account of our Stewardship (How we have Used God's Property and Blessings).

Luke 16:1-2 & Matthew 25

IV. We Will Be Judged On the Basis of What He has Committed To us.

Matthew 25

V. The Principle By Which we will be Judged is Faithfulness.

I Corinthians 4:2

VI. A Christian will lose the Assets and Abilities that he does Not Use Properly for God.

A. In This Life --- Luke 16:1-2

B. In The Life to Come --- I Corinthians 3:10-15

VII. We Shall Reap What we Sow.

Galatians 6:5-9

A. Words of Comfort -- God will Not Fail to Bless us with a Pleasant Crop If we Sow the Right Thing.

B. Words of Warning -- God will Certainly Allow us to Reap Untold Misery If we Sow the Wrong Things.

VIII. We will Reap in the Same Proportion As we Sow.

Luke 6:38 & II Corinthians 9:6

IX. Recognize God's Principle of Priority Distribution.

Galatians 6:9-10 -- To Whom you Give

X. Giving is a Proof of our Love; -- You can Give Without Loving, But you Can Not Love Without Giving.

II Corinthians 8:8

XI. The Principle of Worship is Involved in Stewardship.

Deuteronomy 26:10

XII. God has Always had a Place For His People to Give.

Malachi 3:10 & I Corinthians 16:2

XIII. Giving is a Gift of Grace.

Romans 12:6-8 & II Corinthians 8:1-7

XIV. Stewardship is a Necessity to the Carrying Out of the Great Commission.

Philippians 4:10-19 & Romans 10:13-15

XV. Stewardship is a Way that we can Sacrifice Acceptably.

Philippians 4:18 & Hebrews 13:16

XVI. Stewardship Begins with our Giving Ourselves To God.

II Corinthians 8:5





Title: " A Message on Tithing "

Text: Malachi 3:8-12

INTRODUCTION:

Rules, Reasons, Rights, Responsibilities, & Rewards of Biblical Stewardship as it Relates to Tithing

I. What IS a Tithe???

A. Negatively -- A Tithe is Not Just Any Offering we May Decide to

Give to God.

B. Positively -- It is an Offering of Definite Proportion to our Posses-

sions & Increase.

1. It is One Tenth of All our Posessions and Increase.

Genesis 14:18-20 & Hebrews 7:1-4

2. It is Called the First Fruits & would be in Accordance with

what we know as our Gross Wage.

Nehemiah 10:35-39 ; II Chronicles 31:4-6 ; Numbers 18:8,12,20-21, & 24

II. To Whom does the Tithe Belong ??? -- Whose IS it ???

Leviticus 27:30-34 --- " The Tithe is the Lord's. "

*** If ONE TENTH OF ALL WE POSSESS AND ALL OUR INCREASE

IS THE LORD'S and NOT OURS, then we Ought to Without

Reservation Freely Give it to the Lord.

A. The Tithe of our Increase is a Bill Just Like Any Other Bill, & If we Do Not Pay it we are Stealing From God.

Malachi 3:8

B. Stealing From God Brings a Curse Upon us.

Malachi 3:9

C. The Instrument Through Which the Curse is Carried Out

Malachi 3:11 --- The Devourer !!!

*** God says to His People: Listen, I've Redeemed you, I Preserve you, and I've Blessed you Materially.

* One Tenth of All I have Blessed you With Is Mine !

* Because you have Refused to Give it Back to Me On Your Own I have Put a Curse Upon you.





* I have Sent a Devourer to Your House to Gobble Up or Destroy Some of the Blessings that I have Already Given you.

--- A Tithectomy !!! ***

1. Car Problems

2. Lose your Wallet Right After you Cash your Paycheck

3. Livestock gets Sick and Dies

4. Spontaneous Combustion results in Silo Fire which Wipes Out the Harvest

5. An Illness puts us in the Hospital and All our Life's Savings are Wiped Out

6. A Freak Mid Summer Frost Completely Wipes Out the Garden from which we had hoped to Raise Enough Vegetables to Get us Through the Winter

*** Note: Sometimes we've been Paying our Tithe All Along and we Still have Financial Difficulties.

* However, If we've been Faithful to Tithe God is Always Faithful to Take Care Of us.

*** Also: Sometimes He wants to Teach Tithers to Trust Him More and Tries our Faith Through Trials to Strengthen us. Example: Our Hitting a Deer on the Way to New York

III. It is Always Better to Obey Him by Tithing and Trust In His Grace than it is to Disobey Him by Not Tithing and be Expecting Mercy from Him whom we have Willfully

Disobeyed and Robbed.

*** Illustration: If I go down to the 7-11 store and steal $100 from them do you think that after they have sent the police to pick me up that they'll pay my bail money & attorney's fees to get me out of trouble ? ----- Of course not !!!!

*** And Neither will God After we've Stolen from Him & He's Sent the Devourer to Destroy the Blessings He's Given us Turn Around and Help us to Get Out of the Mess we find ourselves in unless we Truly Repent.

IV. What if I've Not Been Tithing and I've Gotten Into a Financial Mess Already, and I REPENT and Start Tithing on my Next Paycheck: Will God Help me Then ???

Malachi 3:10-12

A. God May Not decide to bring you Immediately Out of All of your Financial Dilema.

B. It took you a while to get into it, & it may take you a while to get Out of it. -- Galatians 6:7 -- You Reap What you Sow.

Illust.: Kevin - Paying on huge debts incurred before being saved

1. God Humbled him through the Reaping process and Blessed him Abundantly.

2. Always had Groceries, Clothes, Cars etc..., & Through his Obedience the Devourer was Not Allowed to Hurt him Anymore.

3. God Blessed and Rebuked the Devourer, and now he is Completely Out of Debt.

C. One thing is Certain God Will Remove His Curse & Bestow His Blessing on Anyone who will Get Out of the Boat & Trust Him & Prove Him by Bringing their Tithes Into the Storehouse.

V. Some Think that the Tithe was Only Intended For the Jews During the Period of the Mosaic Law Until Christ , but This is Not True !!!!!!

A. Abraham Gave Tithes 550 years Before the Law.

Genesis 14:18-20

B. Jacob Gave Tithes about 400 years Before the Law.

Genesis 28:20-22

C. From Moses to Jesus Christ there is No Question.

Leviticus 27:30 & Malachi 3:10

D. Jesus Himself Speaks of the Tithe.

Matthew 23:23 & Luke 11:42

E. Paul Speaks about a Plan of Proportionate Giving In the New Testament. --- I Corinthians 16:2

1. The Tithe is Certainly a Set Proportion.

2. The Old Testament Only had One Plan of Proportionate Giving

which was to be Brought Into the Storehouse For the Work

of God : --- The Tithe.

3. It Certainly Seems Logical that the Same Standard of Giving that

was God's Plan for the Old Testament Store House Would Also

Be Used In His Plan For The New Testament Store House.

I Corinthians 16:2 & Malachi 3:10



F. If the Tithe was Proclaimed to BE THE LORD'S in Leviticus 27:30 3,400 years ago, Would Not the Tithe STILL BE THE LORD'S Today ?

G. Jesus said " Render ... unto God the Things That Are God's. "

Matthew 22:21

H. Is it Logical that Jesus In All His Wisdom would Set Up His Church on Earth and then Not Provide a Set Means By Which It Should Be Supported ?

I. In Conclusion : If Abraham and Jacob Gave Tithes Many Years Before the Law and Jesus Himself said that the Tithing Should Not Be Left Undone,,, If the Tithe IS THE INHERENT POSSESSION OF GOD and Jesus said to Render Unto God the Things that are God's , If God Used the Tithes of His People In the Old Testament to Provide for the Needs of the Temple and His Work Then and There is it Not Logical to Conclude that He will Use the Tithe, His Portion, to Provide for the Needs of the Church and His Work Here And Now ???

*********** The Facts Say Yes !!!! ************

VI. There are Basically Three Reasons Why Christians Don't Tithe.

A. Ignorance

B. Rebellion

C. Fear -- Lack of Faith

VII. Where Should I Give the Lord's Tithe ? - Local Church

Malachi 3:10 - Into the Storehouse - Bring - Not Send

I Corinthians 16:2 - In Store - Lay By Him - Not Send

A. What About a Radio or TV Ministry or Other Worthy Cause ?

1. When you're Sick & In the Hospital These Others will Not Come to Visit you.

2. When you have Lost Loved Ones These Others will Not Come to your House to Lead them to the Lord.

3. God has a Special Plan for His Church to be the Local Instrument of His Ministry to His People, and His Plan for Supporting it is that His People BEGIN their Giving to His Work by BRINGING their Tithe into His Storehouse.



4. After the Local Church has been Provided for and it's Own Ministries Supported with the Tithes & Offerings of His People, if a Christian Has the Financial Ability, there is Nothing Wrong with SENDING Support Money to Other Biblically Sound Ministries which are Doing the Work of God.

B. Notice a Very Important Principle -- God WANTS YOU MORE THAN HE WANTS YOUR MONEY. --- Bring Ye ...

VIII. When Should I Give the Lord's Tithe ??? --- Sunday

I Corinthians 16:2 " ... The First Day of the Week "

IX. How Should I Give the Lord's Tithe ???

II Corinthians 9:7 -- Not Grudgingly but Cheerfully

* Comes from the Greek Word: Hilaros - From which we get our English Word Hilarious

X. Why Should I Give the Lord His Tithe ???

A. Because to With-hold it from God is to Rob God.

B. To Obey God's Command to "Bring ye All the Tithes ..." .

C. To Get the Windows of Heaven's Blessings Opened Up To Us.

*** Note: Blessings are Not Just Financial in Make-up, and Everyone Needs the Blessings of God.

1. Health

2. Salvation of Loved Ones

3. Kids Rising Up and Calling you Blessed Instead of the Old Man or the Old Lady

D. To Get the Devourer Rebuked From our Substance so that Things Don't Wear Out Prematurely etc...

XI. A Word to Ladies whose Husbands are the Breadwinners in the Home, yet they are Either Definitely Not Saved or they Profess to be Saved But are Not Walking With God.

A. Ladies in this Position have Asked me if God Expected them to Tithe from their Husbands Paycheck.

B. The Bible does Not Directly Address this Problem, But the Basic Principles that Cover this Type of Problem would Indicate that God does Not Hold you Responsible for this Type of Thing.

C. Therefore, if you feel like it might pose a problem, it would be my judgment that you should Humbly and Prayerfully Ask your Husband What He Would Have you to Give to the Lord.



Title: " Why Do Christians Suffer? "

Text: I Peter 4:12-16, Luke 22:31-32, & I Peter 5:8



INTRODUCTION: Aside from Chastisement - Hebrews 12:5-11 Why do Christians Suffer ???

I. The Inevitability of Suffering

John 16:33

II. Our Call to Suffering

I Peter 2:18-25 ( esp. v-21 ) & I Peter 5:5-10

III. God's Purpose for Allowing Suffering

Job 1:8 *** To make a Spectacle of us to the Devil,

I Corinthians 4:9-13 -- the World, and to Men

IV. The Devil's Purpose for Bringing Suffering

Job 1:8-12 -- *** To Get Us to Turn our Backs on God

V. The Fruit of Suffering

A. Produces Patience

James 1:2-4 & Romans 5:3

B. Purifies Faith

I Peter 1:3-7

C. Brings us Praise, Honor, and Glory at the Appearing of Jesus Christ

I Peter 1:7

D. Teaches us Obedience

Hebrews 5:8

E. Conforms us to the Image of Jesus Christ

Hebrews 5:8, & Romans 8:29

F. Enables us to Minister Comfort to Others in Need

II Corinthians 1:3-4

G. Teaches Powerfully the Vanity of This Life Without Jesus Christ

II Corinthians 1:8

H. Teaches us to Quit Trusting Ourselves and Our Own Strength and to Start Depending More Completely on God

II Corinthians 1:9

I. Produces Death to Self Will in our Lives

II Corinthians 1:9

J. Paves the Way for Jesus Christ to Live His Life Through us

II Corinthians 4:6-11

K. Teaches us that we Truly Are More than Conquerors Through the Lord Jesus Christ

II Corinthians 4:8-10 & Romans 8:35-39

L. Teaches us Experimentally the Impotence Of and Temporary Nature Of Trials

II Corinthians 4:8-9 & II Corinthians 1:10

M. Produces a Greater Revelation of God

Job 42:1-5

N. Gives a Better Vision of Self

Job 42:5-6

O. Produces an Eternal Mindset From an Otherwise Temporal one

II Corinthians 4:16-18

P. Leads to Salvation in the Lives of Others

II Corinthians 4:11,12,& 15a - II Corinthians 1:5-6

VI. Our Confidence In Suffering

Romans 8:28

VII. The Surpassing Reward of Suffering

Romans 8:18



Title: " God's Servant "

Text: II Timothy 2:24-26



INTRODUCTION:

I. The Spirit in which a Servant of the Lord is Commanded to Give Instruction is One of Meekness. -- V-25

A. What Meekness is Not -- Weakness. Numbers 12:3

1. Moses was Not Weak Before Pharaoh. Exodus - chapters 5-12

2. Moses was Not Weak in Standing Against the Sins of the People. Exodus - Deuteronomy 3. Moses was Not Weak in his Leadership of Israel. Exodus - Deuteronomy

B. What Meekness IS in Both the Old Testament & New Testament

1. aw-nawv' -- OT -- Depressed ( Figuratively ) in Mind ( in a Strong Gentle Way ) or Depressed in Circumstances 6035 & ( Needy in the Area of Saintliness) Humble, 6031 Lowly, Meek, Poor, Looking Down on One's Self or Brow-beating One's Self to Abase Self, Afflict Self, Chasten Self, Deal Hardly with Self, Force, Gentleness, Self Hurt, Submit Self, Weaken

***************************************************

2. pra-ot'-ace - NT - GENTLENESS, MILDNESS, HUMILITY, Strongs 4236 MEEKNESS

3. Carries the Idea of a Wild Stallion which has been Humbled and Brought Under Control

4. Power Under Control

5. It is the Attitude of Heart and Mind by which Paul said in

Romans 7:18 -- " In Me that is in My Flesh Dwelleth No Good Thing " , ------

** Yet in Phillippians 4:13 he states -- " I Can Do All Things Through Christ ... " .



6. It is the Attitude by which we Look Down on No Man for All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rages.

7. It is the Attitude by which we Look Up to No Man to the place that we Exalt Him Above Measure, Because We Are The Sons and Heirs of God & Joint Heirs with the King of All Kings & the Lord

of All Lords.

8. It is the Attitude by which we Recognize our Nature and Hide it Not, But Trust in our Sufficiency and Forget HIM Not.

II. The Necessity of Meekness

A. The Nature of a Christian Servant Necessitates Meekness.

Matthew 5:13-16

1. We ARE Salt. -- Salt Bites and Stings when it Comes into Contact with a Wound.

Acts 7:51-60

2. We ARE Light. - Men in Darkness Hate the Light, Because it Exposes them as Evil and their Deeds as Evil.

John 3:18-21

B. The Weapons of the Christian Servant Necessitate Meekness.

II Corinthians 10:1-5

1. The Word of God

Hebrews 4:12-13 ; Jeremiah 23:29 ; & Romans 1:16

2. The Holy Spirit of God

Acts 1:8 & Acts 4:33

C. People are Turned Off by and Turned Away from a Person with a Holier Than Thou Attitude.

III. The Desired End of Meekness

II Timothy 2:24-26

A. That God Might Be Enabled to Give the Person a Change of Mind, so They Might Be Able to Acknowledge the Truth

--- " Grant them Repentance "

B. That the Person Through a Change in their Thinking Might Be Enabled to Change their Sinful Actions. ---

"...That They May Recover Themselves Out of the Snare of the Devil ..."



Title: " Staying On Course as You Run Your Race "

Text: Hebrews 12:1, II Timothy 4:6-8, & I Cor. 9:24-27



INTRO:

1. Opening Illustration: A Story of a Man who Ran a Race and Seemed to Win But was Disqualified

2. Read the Scriptures in our Text.

3. We All have a Race to Run as Christians.

Hebrews 12:1

4. It is a Marathon Race - Not a 100 Yard Dash.

Hebrews 12:1 - Patience

5. We All have a Personal Course (An Obstacle Course) to Follow and Finish.

II Timothy 4:7

6. We can Run the Race and Finish the Course and Yet Be Disqualified for Failure to Keep Ourselves Under Control and Stay On Track and Strive Lawfully.

I Corinthians 9:27

7. Many Things Can and Will Happen in the Christian's Life which can Lead to Confusion, Discouragement, and Distraction.

** These things have the Potential of Drawing us Away from our Proper Course, and can Result in our Losing our Stability and Lasting Peace In This Life and Many Rewards we Could Have

Had In The Life To Come.

8. In Light of These Things, I Want to Give you today Some Things which will Act Like Sign Posts in your Life - and Help you to Stay On Course As You Run Your Race.

*** The Message will Consist of THREE POINTS -- Three C's to keep in mind.

I. Calling

II. Communion

III. Concentration ( or Concentrate )

I. We Need to Keep in Mind the Word CALLING.

I Peter 2: 9 - Ye are a Chosen Generation ...

A. We are Called ( or Chosen ) Unto Purity.

*** Holy Nation

B. We are Called Unto Peculiarity.

*** A Peculiar People c/f Titus 2:14 -- Tells WHY We are Peculiar

*** Because we are Zealous of Good Works ( or Performance ), so Let's Say We are Called Unto Peculiar Performance.

C. We are Called Unto Praise.

*** That ye should Show Forth the Praises of Him ...

II. Keep in Mind the Word Communion.

II Corinthians 13:14 -- The Communion of the Holy Ghost

*** The Communion of the Holy Ghost Includes Communion with the Father and the Son as well.

A. Communion Through the Word

B. Communion Through Prayer

C. Communion Through a Quiet Seeking and Waiting on God Within our Spirit

III. Keep in Mind the Word Concentration ( or Concentrate ).

*** We have Shown in Great Detail in Other Messages that our Actions are the Direct Product of our Thought Life.

Matthew 12:34 -- Out of the Abundance of the Heart ...

Proverbs 23:7 -- As he Thinketh in his Heart So Is He.

*** So if we would Keep our Actions On Course, we Must Keep our Minds On Course.

A. Concentrate on our Priority -- Matt. 6:33.

B. Concentrate on our Father's Promises -- Ps. 37:4.

C. Concentrate on our Provisions -- Philip. 4:19.

D. Concentrate on our Savior's Presence -- Heb. 13:5.

E. Concentrate on our Savior's Peace -- John 14:27.

F. Concentrate on our Savior's Plan -- John 15:16 & Matt. 28:18-20.

G. Concentrate on Patience -- Heb. 12:1.

H. Concentrate on Perseverance -- Heb. 12:1-3; & II Tim. 4:6-8.