SERMON SEEDS
BIBLE OUTLINES FOR PASTORS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
T46 – FOR WEEK OF 11/22/21
First Baptist Church of New Holland PA - SERMON SEEDS (fbcnhremembers.com)
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ACTS 13:26-39 – FAMILY COMMITMENT – Part 1
TALKING CHURCH AS A FAMILY #3
You’ve probably never heard of Kevin Roose. He spent a semester at Liberty University, pretending to be a Christian. He went under cover to write the book, The Unlikely Disciple. He found it relatively easy to fit into the culture there. As long as he went to Bible Study, said grace at meals, and was on time for church, no one questioned him about His faith after the first few weeks. Everyone assumed that he was a Christian.
Our theme in all our services through mid-December is “Family Talk”. In the morning service we are talking faith as a family. We’ve already seen that we are family:
We are born and adopted.
We are established and commanded.
We are responsible and responsive.
Last week we examined the Lord’s Table as the Family Memorial. This week we are thinking of the commitment each of us must make in order to live out the Christian life as a member of the Family of God in the local family, the local church.
It won’t surprise you that the first part of the commitment is to Believe. What may surprise you is that I’m taking a whole sermon to talk about it. After all, I preach the Gospel every week.
The reason I’m doing this is because it’s easy look like you believe and act like you believe, when for whatever reason, you have not believed. You may be assuming your own salvation, or you may be pretending on purpose. I am not your judge, but I am your pastor, and I care about your Spiritual well-being.
The first step of Commitment to the Family of God is to BELIEVE!
SEE THE BEAUTY OF GOD’S CREATION. Genesis 2:24-27
SEE THE HOPELESSNESS OF YOUR CONDITION.
Mark 7:20-23, Romans 3:10-23, 6:23
SEE THE SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST’S CRUCIFIXION.
Acts 13:26-30, 1 John 2:2, 1 Peter 2:22-24
TAKE THE STEPS TO TRUE CONVERSION – J. Mack Stiles
“Conversion itself is required.” John 3:3-7
“Conversion requires a clear understanding of the Gospel.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“Conversion requires genuine faith.” – Repent in sorrow and turn to Christ alone. Acts 13:38-40, Ephesians 2:8-9
“Conversion is followed by a changed life.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Conversion results from God’s action.” Ephesians 1:3-6
J. Mack Stiles, Marks of the Messenger (Downers Grove, IL, IVP Books, 2010) pp 79-80 Scriptures added by me.
ACCEPT THE PATH OF CONSECRATION – Acts 13:43, 52, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 1:21-23, Hebrews 3:14
TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE CLICK "SERMONS" AND THE APPROPRIATE TITLE
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JOHN 13:34-35 – A FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY
TALKING CHURCH AS A FAMILY #4, AM 11/21/21
From a national survey of strong families conducted by the Human Development and Family Department at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, a profile of a strong family:
Appreciation. "Family members gave one another compliments and sincere demonstrations of approval. They tried to make the others feel appreciated and good about themselves."
Ability to Deal with Crises in a Positive Manner. "They were willing to take a bad situation, see something positive in it and focus on that."
Time Together. "In all areas of their lives--meals, work, recreation--they structured their schedules to spend time together."
High Degree of Commitment. "Families promoted each person's happiness and welfare, invested time and energy in each other and made family their number one priority."
Good Communication Patterns. "These families spent time talking with each other. They also listened well, which shows respect."
High Degree of Religious Orientation. "Not all belonged to an organized church, but they considered themselves highly religious." (1983) Human Development and Family Department at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln.
The best of families take responsibility to their families seriously!
If you are a born-again Christian, you are a member of the best family ever, The Family of God! Our local church is a local representation of that family! In our morning services we’ve been “Talking Church as a Family”. This morning let’s talk about a Family Responsibility which our Lord Jesus Christ has assigned to us.
Read John 13:34-35
IT’S A COMMAND! - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;
This commandment was old (Leviticus 19:18) yet new!
- New Savior – Romans 5:6-9
- New Sovereign – Romans 10:9-10
- New Standard (See below.)
- New Strength – Romans 5:5, Galatians 5:22
IT’S A COMBINED EFFORT - …that you love one another;
- We must give love to our brothers and sisters.
- We must receive love from our brothers and sisters.
- This love is Agape love and therefore will cost us.
IT’S A CHALLENGE - …as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
- Accepting others as He accepts us. (Includes forgiveness.) Ephesians 4:30-32
- Available to Others as He is available to Us.
Matthew 11:28-30, Romans 12:10-15
- Acting on behalf of others as He acted and acts on behalf of us. Galatians 6:9-10
IT’S A COMMERCIAL - … By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
- Watch our works. 1 John 3:16-17, Matthew 5:16
- Watch our words. Romans 14:4, James 4:11-12, Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 4:6
TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE CLICK "SERMONS" AND THE APPROPRIATE TITLE
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NUMBERS 6:22-27 – BLESSING THE FAMILY
FAMILY PRAYERS FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH #3
- Many of the email messages we receive or sometimes send are “forwards”. Someone passes on to someone else what he has received. This is sometimes good and sometimes annoying.
- Other than emails, what are some of the good things that we like to “pass on” to others?
- The message of salvation is the most important thing to pass on. 1 Peter 3:15
- As we learn God’s Word and enjoy its blessings, we should pass them on to others. Hebrews 10:24-25, Colossians 3:16
- There is still another way you can pass on the good things that God has done for you. It is by praying a blessing on others, especially those who know Jesus as Savior.
It is in Numbers 6:22-27 that Aaron and his family of priests are commanded to give a blessing upon the children of Israel. I feel that this blessing should be used by us today and that we have every right and responsibility to do so. God has blessed us. Let us pass on the blessing.
THE PRIVILEGE OF PRIESTHOOD – Vss. 22-23
- Vss. 22-23 – It was a privilege of priesthood for Aaron and his sons, the priests, to bless the Children of Israel.
- The priests had many privileges that the common people did not. They were the ones who could offer the sacrifices. They were the ones who could enter the holy place in the tabernacle or temple, and the high priest alone could enter the “Holy of Holies” to sprinkle blood on the “Mercy Seat” once a year.
- We no longer need the Aaronic Priesthood, but we have our Great High Priest. Hebrews 4:16-17, 7:24-25
- 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9 – We are a royal priesthood who are to offer spiritual sacrifices to God.
- We are to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1-2
- We are to offer the sacrifice of praise to God. Hebrews 13:15
- We are to offer the sacrifice of good works. Ephesians 2:10
- We are to offer the sacrifice of sharing in the financial needs of the church, missionaries, and Christians in need. Hebrews 13:16
- We are to offer the sacrifice of prayer. Romans 8:3-4, Matthew 6:6, Ephesians 6:18, James 5:16
THE PRAYERFUL PRONOUNCEMENT OF PRIESTHOOD – Vss. 24-26
- The pronouns in this passage are singular. The whole group of believers is blessed as the individual is blessed. This blessing should be our desire and prayer upon each and every believer in our church.
- The Lord bless thee,
- Notice our prayer needs to be to the Lord. It is only He who truly blesses.
- Each Christian has received many blessings. Ephesians 1:3
- If we as Christians already have these blessings, why should we pray for them to be blessed?
- The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
- “The basic meaning of the common verb samar (keep) is ‘to exercise great care over,’ ‘to perform carefully,’ ‘to give great attention to,’ ‘to guard.’ If Israel is under God’s watchful care, she will be kept safe from her adversaries and will pursue her life under the direct management of God.” (R.K. Harrison, Numbers, An Exegetical Commentary, (Grand Rapids Michigan, Baker Books, 1992), p.133) Psalm 121
- The Lord make his face shine upon thee…
- If the Lord makes his face shine upon us, that would indicate approval. It would indicate that God is smiling on us.
- You should want God to smile on each one of your fellow members of this congregation.
- You should want God to work in the life of each member of the congregation, so that if He can’t smile right now, God will do what is necessary to smile on them again.
- The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
- The New Testament blessings recorded in Scripture included a wish for grace, for God’s unmerited favor. We received that the moment we trusted Christ as Savior. However we never outgrow our need for more grace for daily situations and for God’s richest blessings in our lives. 2 Peter 3:18
- The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee…
- We should prayerfully desire that God would give us full attention, turn his face towards, “lift up his countenance upon” each and every believer. This means the believer is in good communication with God.
- When God gives us His full attention, it means that individual sin has been dealt with on the part of each believer and God is fully attuned to their prayers. Psalm 32:1-5
- The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
- It should be our prayer that the peace of God will rule inside of each believer’s heart.
- This was the desire of our Lord Jesus. It should be our desire for others. John 14:27, John 16:33
THE POWER OF PRIESTHOOD – Vs. 27
- God is saying, “As the priests put My name in blessing upon the children of Israel, I will bless them.” The power of the priesthood is the power of answered prayer!
- Why do our people not have a fuller grasp of the blessings of God in their lives? It is because we do not have the love or faith to ask God to give them those blessings! Mark 11:22-24
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1 KINGS 17 – TESTED!
One thing we can count on as Christians is tests and trials. Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, 1 Corinthians 10:13
All of God's saints have been tested, including the great Prophet Elijah. Consider the tests that he faced in just one chapter of the Bible!
TESTED BY A DECLARATION TO A HOSTILE CROWD - Vs. 1
Ahab and Jezebel were wicked people (See 1 Kings 16:29-33).
They were not true followers of the God of Israel.
For Elijah to walk up to them and make a declaration that it wasn't going to rain until he said so, was quite a test of bravery and trust in God.
TESTED BY A DEPARTURE TO A DESOLATE PLACE - Vss. 2-7
Because of the wickedness of Ahab and Jezebel, Elijah had to hide. God sent him to a solitary place where a brook provided his drink and his food was delivered by the Ravens. This was a test of Elijah's willingness to accept what God would provide in the way of food without complaint.
TESTED BY DEPENDENCE ON A POOR WIDOW - Vss. 8-16
Elijah had to trust in the provision of God through a woman who was almost as poor as he was.
The woman had nothing but a little flour and a little oil, yet because she and Elijah were both obedient they had food during the whole draught.
TESTED BY DEATH OF THE WIDOW'S SON - Vss. 17-24
This was the biggest test of all, but Elijah passed the test! Through faith and prayer the dead boy was restored to life.
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Matthew 9:35-38
MULTIPLYING YOUR MINISTRY
Many of us would like to be able to do more than we are doing to serve the
Lord.
As Jesus ministered, He gave us a principle that will help us see the Gospel
spread to other places.
JESUS' CONDUCT - Vs. 35
Jesus set the example. He did all that He could. He traveled. He taught. He
preached. He healed.
It is important that we do all that we can to spread the good news of the
Lord Jesus.
Not all of us can do all of these things, but we are responsible to do what
we can.
JESUS' COMPASSION - Vs. 36
Jesus cared about the Spiritual condition of those he saw.
They were as sheep having no shepherd.
He wanted to see them come to Himself.
We will not be effective unless we have compassion on those around us who do
not know the Savior.
We must be concerned that people are dying without knowing the Savior!
JESUS' COMMENT - Vs. 37
There is a great harvest of souls who need the Savior!
There are many that could come to Christ, but there are so few laborers.
What a tragedy!
JESUS' COMMAND - Vs. 38
Because the harvest is great and the laborers are few, we can pray that the
Lord of the Harvest would call laborers into His harvest. When we do this,
we are multiplying our ministry, and working to increase the number of
laborers.
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ACTS 13:1-4 – WHEN THE CHURCH SENDS MISSIONARIES
When a local church sends missionaries in the will of God there will be certain things that are true.
GIFTED PEOPLE WILL BE USING THEIR SPIRITUAL GIFTS - Vs. 1, Ephesians 4:11-12 1 Peter 4:10-11
GREAT DEDICATION WILL BE SHOWN
Vs. 2 "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, "
GRACIOUS CALLING WILL COME FROM GOD
Vs. 2 - "...the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."
GENERAL AGREEMENT WILL BE PRESENT
Vs. 3 - "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."
GOD'S APPROVAL WILL BE SENSED
Vs. 4 - "So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost..."
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2 TIMOTHY 4:6-13, 21 – THE TWILIGHT (END) OF A CAREER
Paul was at the end of a long life of service. He was in jail and would soon be martyred.
PAUL’S LEGITIMATE ASSESSMENT – Vss. 6-7
Vs. 6 – Paul knew that “the time of his departure” was at hand.
Vs. 7 – Paul knew that he had been faithful to the Lord.
PAUL’S LASTING REWARDS – Vs. 8
He would receive the “crown of righteousness” because he loved the Lord’s appearing. We can’t earn salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9, but we can earn rewards.
PAUL'S LONELY REPORT - Vss. 10, 12
Some associates had left Paul. Paul had dispatched at least for ministry.
PAUL'S LOYAL FRIEND - Vs. 11a
Luke, the beloved physician was still with Paul
PAUL'S LOVING FORGIVENESS - Vs. 11b
Mark had deserted Paul on a missionary journey a long time before. Acts 13:13, 16:36-41
However, Paul had forgiven him, and Mark had proved himself faithful.
PAUL'S LONGING FOR ENCOURAGEMENT - Vss. 9, 13, 21
Even faithful servants in Christ can use the support of brothers and sisters in Christ as they approach the end of their days.
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PROUD TO BE A CHRISTIAN!
I’m proud to be an American. I’m proud to have served in military service. I’m proud of the freedom that Americans enjoy. However, being an American is not priority. Being a Christian is! A Christian is a believer in and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. We carry His name. I am far prouder of being a Christian than I am of being an American.
I’M PROUD TO BE A CHRISTIAN
BECAUSE OF WHO JESUS IS
- JESUS IS THE BREAD OF LIFE
John 6:47-48 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. [48] I am that bread of life.
- JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
John 8:12 - …I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
- JESUS IS THE DOOR
John 10:9 - I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
- JESUS IS THE SHEPHERD
John 10:11 - I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 10:14 - I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
- JESUS IS THE RESURRECTION
John 11:25-26 - Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
- JESUS IS THE WAY, TRUTH AND LIFE
John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
- JESUS IS THE VINE
John 15:4-5 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:7 - If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
I’M PROUD TO BE A CHRISTIAN
BECAUSE OF WHAT JESUS HAS DONE!
Isaiah 53:3-6 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. [4] Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. [5] But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
I’M PROUD TO BE A CHRISTIAN
BECAUSE OF WHO I AM
- I AM A CHILD OF GOD
John 1:12-13 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Galatians 4:6-7 - And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. [7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
- I AM A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN
Philippians 3:20 - For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
- I AM A CONQUEROR
Romans 6:14 - For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 8:37-39 - Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I’M PROUD TO BE A CHRISTIAN
BECAUSE OF WHAT JESUS IS DOING
- HE IS KEEPING ME
John 10:27-30 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: [28] And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. [29] My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. [30] I and my Father are one.
- HE IS INDWELLING ME
John 14:16-18 - And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [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. [18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
- HE IS EMPOWERING ME
Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Ephesians 1:19-20 - And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, [20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
- HE IS INTERCEDING FOR ME
Hebrews 4:15-16 - For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 7:24-25 - But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. [25] Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
I’M PROUD TO BE A CHRISTIAN
BECAUSE OF WHERE I AM GOING
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 - For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
I’M PROUD TO BE A CHRISTIAN
BECAUSE OF WHO JESUS IS!
BECAUSE OF WHAT JESUS HAS DONE!
BECAUSE OF WHO I AM
BECAUSE OF WHAT JESUS IS DOING
BECAUSE OF WHERE I AM GOING
Are you proud to be a Christian? THEN ACT LIKE IT!
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