WELCOME TO
SERMON SEEDS
S43 – WEEK OF OCTOBER 26, 2020
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JOHN 5:16-30 - MEET GOD’S EQUAL
MEETING JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN #10
INTRODUCTION – Vss. 16-18
Let me ask you a question? Is Jesus God?
Why don’t we let Jesus answer that question Himself?
Last week we met grace in action. Healed paralytic on Sabbath.
Vs. 16 – Jesus showed grace on the Sabbath and the Jews did not like it!
Vs. 17 – Jesus’ justification for this was, the Father works on the Sabbath and so do I.
Vs. 18 – That made the Jews angrier because now, Jesus was claiming equality with God, thus claiming to be God!
Jesus did not back down! Now, in verses 19-30 Jesus shows us 7 ways that prove that He is equal with God and thus, He is God, part of the Trinity or Tri-unity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. All three are God. 3 distinct personalities within the Godhead.
- HE DOES WHAT THE FATHER DOES – Vss. 19-20
John 1:1-4, Philippians 5:6-8, Colossians 1:15-19
- HE GIVES LIFE – Vs. 21
1 Kings 17:21-22, 2 Kings 4:32-35
Luke 7:11-15, Luke 8:51-56, John 11:43-44
- HE IS JUDGE – Vss. 22, Psalm 75:7. Mark 2:5-8 , Matthew 22:15-18, John 3:16-17
- HE IS WORSHIPED – Vs. 23
John 9:38 - Philippians 2:10-11, Revelation 5:13
- HE GIVES SALVATION (Eternal Life) – Vs. 24-26
Romans 8:1, Romans 10:9-10, 2 Corinthians 5:5-8
- HE PRONOUNCES FINAL JUDGMENT – Vss. 27, 30
2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:11-15
- HE RESURRECTS THE DEAD – Vs. 28-29
John 11:25-26
TO HEAR THIS SERMON AS PREACHED BY PASTOR JACK, LISTEN HERE:
https://www.fbcnhremembers.com/meet_gods_equal
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1 Samuel 12 – THE END OF AN ERA
A king (Saul) had been installed. Samuel, who was the last judge to rule over Israel before the monarchy began, is giving a farewell sermon to the Children of Israel.
MINISTRY REVIEWED – Vss. 1-5
Samuel establishes the integrity of his ministry.
MISTAKES REMEMBERED – Vss. 6-12
God had blessed Israel, but Israel rebelled, worshipping false Gods. Also Israel had asked for a king.
MONARCH RECEIVED – Vss. 13-15
They now had the king they desired. Obedience to the Lord under the new king was called for.
MOVEMENT REQUESTED – Vss. 16-19
It was the time of the wheat harvest, a time when it didn’t usually rain. Samuel requested in prayer that in rain to give credibility to his words that they were wrong in asking for a king. The request was answered and the people feared.
MERCY REASSURED – Vss. 20-25
Samuel assured the people that were not to fear but to faithfully follow the Lord.
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PSALM 34:1-10, 22 – INGREDIENTS FOR A GOOD ATTITUDE
A COMPLETE LESSON
- Tell us about someone you met recently who had a good attitude.
- What are some of the characteristics of people with good attitudes?
- Why is it important that Christians have good attitudes?
- What are some of the negative activities of others that adversely affect our attitudes?
Attitude for Christians is important. In Psalm 34 we find some ingredients that, if put into practice in our lives, will positively affect our attitude. We should want to please the Lord with the best possible attitude available.
PRAISE - Vss. 1-2
- Notice that part of having a good attitude is making a decision. We need to decide that we want to have a good attitude, that we will have a good attitude, and that we are going to praise the Lord continually as one of the ingredients of that good attitude.
- Why is praising the Lord at all times so difficult to do?
- How will praising the Lord put our problems into perspective?
- What are some of the things we normally “boast” about, good and bad?
- How does bragging on the Lord help our attitude and the attitude of believers?
PARTNERSHIP - Vs. 3
- How does corporate worship positively affect one’s attitude?
- How does fellowship with other believers positively affect one’s attitude?
- What ever happened to Christian fellowship?
PRAYER - Vss. 4-6
- Vs. 4 – The place we go to seek the Lord is the “Throne of Grace”.
Hebrews 4:14-16 - Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. [15] 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.
- Why is fear such a crippling thing?
- Philippians 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- Vs. 5 – What individuals have made you radiant when you’ve looked at them?
- Why should looking at the Lord make us both radiant and confident?
Hebrews 12:2 - Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- Vs. 6 – When we are saved out of troubles, do they always go away?
- 1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
PROTECTION - Vs. 7
- What does it mean to fear the Lord?
- Have you seen or heard of any times when the Lord’s protection was clearly evident?
- How should the Lord’s protection of His children affect our attitude?
- Colossians 3:3 - For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
PARTICIPATION – Vs. 8
- How do we “taste and see” that the Lord is good?
- What blessings come to the trusting man?
- Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
- Psalm 71:1 - In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
- Psalm 56:11 - In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
PREFERENCE – Vss. 9-10
- Why does the Lord require fear of those who would receive His blessings?
- What are some of the “good things” that we won’t lack when we seek the Lord?
- 1 Chronicles 16:11 - Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.
PARDON - Vs. 22
- How should our redemption affect our attitude?
- 2 Corinthians 5:8-9 - We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. [9] Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
Assignment – Please choose one of these specific ingredients to focus on this week.
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ISAIAH 26:3 ETC. – A SONG FOR ALL SEASONS
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
Words – Horatio Spafford
Music – P.P. Bliss
This hymn was written after two major traumas in Spafford’s life. The first was the great Chicago Fire of October 1871, which ruined him financially (he had been a wealthy businessman). Shortly after, while crossing the Atlantic, all four of Spafford’s daughters died in a collision with another ship. Spafford’s wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone.” Several weeks later, as Spafford’s own ship passed near the spot where his daughters died, the Holy Spirit inspired these words. They speak to the eternal hope that all believers have, no matter what pain and grief befall them on earth.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
{All of the above information came from the cyberhymnal.org. Can no long find this information, but that’s where I got it from.}
This is a great hymn. It is a hymn which, I feel is a hymn for all seasons. As you rely on the Scriptural truths behind this hymn, you will find this to be a hymn that will help you get through each part of your lives. This hymn will also assist each of us in this room, as we make the truths of this hymn real in our own lives.
As we consider this hymn for all seasons, we want to see,
THE PARTS OF LIFE
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When trials lie sea-billows role
The opening words of this song remind us that life is a mixed bag.
There will be various parts of life. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
THE PROBLEM WITH SIN
Thou Satan should buffet, tho trials should come...
You have an enemy!
Your enemy is the Spirit being who rebelled against God, Satan, and his forces of evil. 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 11:14
Satan is, however, not your biggest problem, or your biggest enemy. Neither are the trials that will come to your life.
The biggest problem is the result of Satan's temptations, and the cause of trouble in the world.
The problem is sin. Sin is failure to please God. Sin is going my own way, and doing my own thing, disregarding God. Sin is disobedience against God. We have all sinned! Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:10-18, 23
Ezekiel 18:4 says in part - The soul that sinneth it shall die; Death is separation. Because of sin we are separated from God now.
In the future there is eternal separation which is referred to as "hell"/.
Israel was told in Isaiah 59:2, But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear.
THE PROVISION OF CHRIST
Please notice what the hymn writer says in the second stanza:
Thoug Satan should buffet, tho trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed his own blood for my soul
Here we see the love of God at work.
Here we are reminded of the work of the Lord Jesus.
Here we are told of the forgiveness that is available in Christ. 1 John 4:10,
Isaiah 53:2-6
The price for your sin was paid in full on the cross.
What you couldn't do, atone for your own sins, Jesus did for you on the cross.
All that is required of you is faith in Christ!
My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought:
My sin not in part, but the whole is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, oh my soul.
If you already know the Lord as your Savior, you also know that you continue to sin.
God is not pleased with you sin.
But, it is paid for on the cross.
It is covered by the blood of Christ.
This does not mean that you should take sin lightly.
Any sin against God is a sin against the Savior who gave his all for you.
That indeed is serious!
But there is still forgiveness.
There is forgiveness that means you will be in Heaven in spite of any new sin.
There is forgiveness which restores communication with God.
We must remember that sin grieves God, and hinders the fellowship, peace, and answered prayer that come from him. 1 John 1:8-10, Psalm 32:5
Please keep short accounts with God.
Confess your sins. Remember, the price has been paid. They've been nailed to the cross. Apply the cleansing blood to your account through confession.
THE PEACE OF SOUL
The chorus is what speaks of peace for the soul.
It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
The only thing a person needs to do is to turn to Christ in faith and put trust in Him. Romans 5:1
To be justified is to be declared right with God.
When you turn to Christ and place your faith in Him at a specific moment in time, you become "born again" by the Spirit of God.
You become a member of God's family. John 1:12
As a member of God's family, you now have peace with God.
You are no longer God's enemy because of sin, but you are God's child!
So, indeed you can sing "It is well with my soul!"
Is it well with your soul? If not, turn to Christ in faith this morning.
But wait, there's more!
When Horatio Spafford wrote this song, It Is Well With My Soul, he was already a Christian. He already had peace with God.
But through the trials of financial reversals and dead children, Spafford was experiencing the peace of God.
Please turn to Isaiah 26:3 - Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.
My Christian friend. part of life is sorrow.
My Christian friend, part of life is great distress.
My Christian friend, part of life is going to hurt.
The problems do not go away.
Many facts, like death, incurable illness, family problems, lost wages, and lost jobs, and misunderstandings do not always change.
But God has promised peace for the Christian through the difficulties.
What is the secret to a Christian's peace?
Keep you mind "staid" or focused on the Lord.
Bring the trials to Him!
Trust Him! Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Peter 5:7
THE PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
There is hope beyond this life.
You and I who know Christ are looking forward to a glorious day, when He is coming again!
John 14:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
And if you are looking forward to the Lord's coming, please remember that we are to live a certain way. Titus 2:11-13
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MATTHEW 20:17-28 – IT MAKES SENSE!
LIFE OF CHRIST #43
People say lots of things, humorous and serious that make a lot of sense. We especially like it when people say sensible things when others are saying and doing things which are not sensible.
Nobody made more sense than the Lord Jesus Christ and that is because He is God.
This week Jesus is slowly headed towards Jerusalem for His last fateful visit. On his way He will pass through Jericho and this event probably took place on the way to or in Jericho.
Let’s watch Jesus make sense this morning. Let’s see:
SUBSTITUTION IS THE SENSE OVER SIN – Vss. 17-19
Vs. 17 – This is at least the third time that Jesus had warned the disciples. He took them apart, because telling the multitude would do no good and stir up all sorts of trouble.
The disciples were still expecting Jesus to establish His Messianic Kingdom then and now. They were looking for His reign to begin.
There will be a reign and the Apostles will have a key part in that reign. Jesus had just recently assured them of that after the interview with the Rich Young Ruler. Matthew 19:28
What Jesus wanted the disciples to understand was that before there was a crown there was a cross.
Vss. 18-19 – Jesus very explicitly spelled out for the disciples what was going to happen in Jerusalem.
- He would be betrayed – This was done by Judas
- The betrayer, Judas, would deliver Jesus over to the scribes, the translators and interpreters of the law, and the chief priests. He would actually be delivered to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court.
- The Sanhedrin would convict Jesus of blasphemy because He claimed to the Son of God.
- They would condemn Jesus to death and deliver Him over to the Gentiles, the Roman government. The Jews did not have the authority to kill Jesus, so they turned Him over to the Roman authorities.
- The Roman soldiers would mock and scourge Jesus and then crucify Him. Matthew 27:26-31
- The good news is that on the third day Jesus would rise from the dead.
At first thought the cross makes no sense at all. Here was a sinless righteous man, God in the flesh who would be falsely accused, persecuted and murdered.
But it does make sense when you consider why Jesus went to the cross. He went as a substitute.
He went to the cross to die to pay for the judgment a righteous God must place on sin. Jesus took the place of every sinner on the cross. He went to the cross to die for you. Ezekiel 18:4, Romans 6:23a, Matthew 20:28, Isaiah 53:3-6
The only way the cross makes sense is that Jesus as our substitute for our sins.
So what is our responsibility in light of what Christ did on the cross? Accept His payment for sin. Rely on Him for forgiveness. John 3:16-18
SACRIFICE IS THE SENSE OVER SELF-SEEKING – Vss. 20-23
We rightfully hold James and John in great regard. James was the first Apostle to be martyred. John was the Apostle of love, suffered for his faith on the Isle of Patmos and gave us five books of the New Testament: The Gospel of John, the Epistles of First, Second, and Third John, and the Book of Revelation
But neither James, nor John, nor their mother Salome, were perfect.
Vs. 20 - Shortly after Jesus told His disciples for the third time that he was going to die, these people come to Jesus looking for a favor.
Instead of being concerned about the predicted death of their Lord and Master, and the suffering that would mean for Him, they were jockeying for position in the coming Kingdom.
Vs. 21 – Their mother was the spokesperson, but these fellows wanted and desired what she was asking for. In fact in the Gospel of Mark it says it was James and John that desired this privilege. They wanted to be above everyone, even the other Apostles. They wanted their thrones above everybody else’s throne but Jesus!
Vs. 22 – Jesus tells them that they do not know what they are asking.
How did Jesus earn His position of uppermost importance the Kingdom? He did it through sacrifice and not self-seeking. If Jesus was self-seeking, He would have never left Heaven, let alone gone to the cross. Philippians 2:5-11
Jesus was asking them if they were willing to be baptized with the same baptism and drink the same cup of humiliation, suffering and death as he was. Those who will be rewarded by the King must suffer for the king.
The Christian life is not one of self-seeking, but sacrifice! Luke 14:26-27, Romans 12:1, 2 Timothy 3:12
Why should I be willing to live such a sacrificial life? Because of the sacrifice that Jesus made for me!
Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Vs. 23 - Jesus looks ahead and realizes that although these two disciples will sacrifice for Him, as every true believer in Christ will. But He tells them that rank in the Kingdom, at least as far as the highest positions has already been ordained by God.
These disciples were not be concerned with position, but with sacrifice for their Lord and Master.
SERVICE IS THE SENSE OVER SELFISHNESS – Vss. 24-28
Vs. 24 – The disciples were jealous. They probably thought that James and John were taking advantage over their family relationship. They wanted that sort of position for themselves.
Vs. 25 – In the governments of Jesus’ day there were many dictatorships. And many “great men” would “lord it over” those below them. They could be very tyrannical.
And we all know people who like to lord it over others today. They like to use their authority to take advantage of others.
Vs. 26 – But Jesus said, that it is not to be that away among His followers. Those who are in the greatest positions of authority are to be ministers, or servants of all. This word is the word we get the word “deacon”. In fact, each one of us when we are in church or involved with church people is to serve. Galatians 5:13
Vs. 27 – Jesus makes His command it even more intense.
The word servant here means slave.
If we are going to be leaders and if we are going to receive Christ’s greatest rewards, we are to be slaves. Philippians 2:3-4
Vs. 28 – Jesus did what He was telling His disciples to do.
Not only did He come to serve as a slave. But He paid the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
Should we as His followers do anything less?
What Jesus said here makes sense.
Instead of living a self-seeking selfish life, let us seek to live a sacrificial life of service.
- SUBSTITUTION IS THE SENSE OVER SIN
- SACRIFICE IS THE SENSE OVER SELF-SEEKING
- SERVICE IS THE SENSE OVER SELFISHNESS
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JAMES 3:13-18 – BE WISE
LET’S GET PRACTICAL # 9 – LESSONS IN THE BOOK OF JAMES
The right kind of wisdom is to be a key ingredient in the Christian life. The Christian who is truly walking by faith will be a wise Christian.
R. Kent Hughes – “Being wise does not mean we understand everything that is going on because of our superior knowledge, but that we do the right thing as life comes along.” R. Kent Hughes, James, Faith That Works, (Wheaton, Illinois, Crossway Books, 1991), p. 148
Wisdom is the key theme of the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 1:1-7, 4:7, 9:10
After his warning about the tongue (which no man can tame), James shows us how the tongue can be tamed with God’s help and with the right kind of wisdom.
A WORD TO THE WISE – Vs. 13
- By Good Conduct …
- How does good conduct involve control of the tongue? Proverbs 12:18, 15:1-4, Ephesians 4:25, 31-32
- …Show Your Works…
- Can you avoid showing your works?
- What is the difference between showing our works and flaunting them?
- Consider Matthew 5:14-16, Ephesians 2:10
- …In Meekness of Wisdom
- Meekness can also be translated “gentleness”.
- How is meekness “power under control”?
- Why is it wise to be gentle?
A WARNING FOR THE WISE – Vss. 14-16
- Vs. 14 – The wrong kind of wisdom involves “bitter jealousy” and “selfish ambition” in our hearts.
- What are these?
- How do they lead to boasting?
- How do they lie against the truth?
- Vs. 15 – This kind of wisdom is definitely not from above!
- How is it “earthy”?
- How is it “unspiritual”?
- How is it “demonic”?
- Vs. 16 – Sensual wisdom produces disorder or confusion and every vile or worthless deed.
THE WAY OF THE WISE - Vss. 17-18
- Heavenly wisdom is Spiritual. It is God’s wisdom.
- PURE – 1 John 3:2-3, Matthew 5:8, Galatians 5:16
- PEACEABLE – Hebrews 12:14, Isaiah 26:3-4
- GENTLE
- OPEN TO REASON – James 1:19-20
- FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUITS
- IMPARTIAL
- SINCERE
- Vs. 18 promises a bountiful harvest for this kind of wisdom.
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