SERMON SEEDS
R14 – THE WEEK OF APRIL 22, 2019
Sermon Seeds is a generally weekly collection of Sermon and Bible Study Outlines and Full Lessons from the pen of Pastor Jack Peters. Pastor Jack has been pastoring for over 40 years and enjoys sharing what he gleans from God’s Word. He currently serves as Pastor of the First Baptist Church of New Holland, PA.
Feel free to use his material but make it your own by adding your insights, illustrations, and application.
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LUKE 24:13-45 – JESUS DREW NEAR
NOTE FROM PASTOR JACK: I AM REPEATING THIS OUTLINE FROM LAST WEEK BECAUSE I PREACHED THIS MESSAGE ON EASTER SUNDAY. YOU MAY LISTEN HERE: https://www.fbcnhremembers.com/jesus_draws_near
When Jesus rose from the dead He ministered to hurting people.
He appeared to Mary Magdalene who was hurting because of the loss of her
Master.
He appeared to Peter who was hurting because he had denied his Lord three
times.
He appeared to 10 of the disciples who were hurting because they ran when
Jesus was arrested.
He appeared to Thomas who was hurting because of his unbelief.
He appeared to as many as 500 disciples at one time. Many of these would
have been hurting for some reason.
As we see our text, Jesus also appeared to two of His followers on the Road
to Emmaus. They were also hurting. It says in Luke 24:15, "Jesus himself
drew near, and went with them."
Even today, when we are hurting, we find that Jesus draws near."
JESUS DRAWS NEAR DURING CONFUSION - Vss. 1-14
Jesus drew near to these disciples during confusing times. Just that week
they probably had been involved with Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Then there was the betrayal, arrest, trial, conviction and crucifixion of
their Lord.
Added to this were the events of Verses 1-14. These men were certainly
confused!
It is during our times of confusion that Jesus will draw near to help us.
When we hurt because of sickness, death, marital or family problems,
financial difficulties or employment or school problems, Jesus will draw
near to help us. Matthew 11:28-30, Romans 8:38-39, Hebrews 13:5
JESUS DRAWS NEAR WITH CONCERN - Vss. 15-17
He wanted to know why the disciples were sad.
He was desirous to help.
Even today, Jesus is present, always ready to listen and always concerned.
Hebrews 4:15-16, 1 Peter 5:7,
JESUS DRAWS NEAR WITH CORRECTION - Vss. 18-27
Notice that Jesus listened to their concerns and then corrected them!
He taught them about Himself so that they would better understand the events
that had just taken place.
As we pray and study our Bibles during times of trouble, Jesus will correct
us as well, and put us on the right path. 2 Timothy 3:16
JESUS DRAWS NEAR WITH COMFORT - Vss. 28-35
These disciples were comforted by Jesus' appearance. Vs. 31
Actually as Jesus taught the Scriptures to them their hearts "burned". This
was a good heartburn. Vs. 32
Notice how quickly they shared their comfort with others.
Jesus will comfort us. As we get into the Word of God and prayer, we will
see Him clearly and be comforted.
To Listen to a recording of this sermon, visit:
https://www.fbcnhremembers.com/jesus_draws_near
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NEHEMIAH – GOD’S MAN IN TIME OF CRISES
Lesson #7 of 10 – Complete Lesson
- What distracts you when you are trying to read the Bible or Pray?
- What distracts you when you are trying to pay attention in church or Bible Study?
- What distracts you when you are trying to accomplish something for God, such as witnessing?
After solving the morale problem caused by the oppression by the rich noblemen, progress on the wall went well. According to Nehemiah 6:1 there were no more gaps in the wall. The enemy must have realized that before long the project would be completed unless they did something to distract Nehemiah from completing the project. When we begin to make progress for the Lord, Satan will do what he can to distract us as well.
AM I DISTRACTED BY THE POLITICIANS? Vss. 1-4
- Vss. 1-2 – What would have happened if Nehemiah had accepted the invitation to a “summit meeting” at Ono?
- How will we be able to tell, as Nehemiah was able to tell, when something is a distraction to be avoided?
- Vs. 3 – Nehemiah said “Oh no!” to Ono. Why is Nehemiah’s answer a great answer?
- I suggest to you that the greatest work you are to accomplish is intimacy with God. Psalm 27:4, John 15:4-7, Philippians 3:7-14
- What “politicians” are in the life of the Christian that would distract us from intimacy with God?
- Vs. 4 – How was the behavior of Sanballat and Geshem much like the behavior of children?
- Why does Satan repeat temptations?
AM I DISTRACTED BY ACCUSATIONS? – Vss. 5-9
- Vss. 5-7 - How did the strategy of the enemy change in these verses?
- What was the enemy trying to accomplish with this change of strategy?
- How could this strategy have caused Nehemiah to go to Ono?
- Why must we be careful when our enemies make public accusations against us? Vs. 9
- These accusations, were of course, rumors. Rumors, of course, have hurt many a ministry.
- Vss. 8-9 – What was Nehemiah’s twofold response to the false accusations?
- We should use the same twofold response as Nehemiah did.
AM I DISTRACTED BY PERSONAL THREATS? – Vss. 10-14
- How do Christians sometimes follow the philosophy, “Look out for number 1”?
- Vs. 10 - Nehemiah had said “No” to Ono, knowing that the enemy wanted to do him personal harm. Satan then tried to get Nehemiah to hide in the temple to save his own life. How would this have discredited Nehemiah’s ministry?
- What unwise or sinful things have you seen pastors and missionaries do to “save their own skins”?
- Vs. 11 is a reflection of Nehemiah’s courage, a courage that only comes when we fully trust God. Psalm 27:1-3, Psalm 121
- Vs. 12 - Another God-given quality is perception. The Holy Spirit is the source of that perception. 1 John 2:26-27
- Vs. 13 – Shemaiah was a “hired gun”, who was used for an ulterior motive.
- Vs. 14 – There are “Christian” prophets who intimidate Godly people. It is a comfort to know that they will answer to God. Romans 14:12
AM I DISTRACTED BY PROPAGANDISTS? – Vss. 15-19
- Vs. 15 - In spite of great opposition, the walls were completed in 52 days. How does that encourage you? What Scripture verses come to mind?
- Why was the completing of the walls such a blow to Israel’s enemies?
- How can the victories that God gives be good for our enemies? Think of Rahab.
- Vs. 16 – The enemy was disheartened, but did not give up.
- Vs. 17-18 – There were wealthy Jews still aligned to Tobiah, probably by trade agreements. All of these people had lost their authority and probably some of their wealth. Also many were related to Tobiah by marriage. They were still providing an “undercurrent” against the new regime.
- Vs. 19 – These people tried to influence or lobby Nehemiah in Tobiah’s behalf. I believe that Tobiah was trying to get back into a position of influence.
AM I DISTRACTED BY INTIMIDATION? – Vss. 19
- The enemy will not quit. Sometimes our greatest let-downs come after our greatest victories. Remember the depression of Elisha.
- Tobiah was still “running off at the mouth”, trying to intimidate Nehemiah, even though Tobiah was a defeated enemy.
- Remember that Satan is a defeated enemy. Don’t let him depress or defeat you. Romans 6:1-4, 7, 10-14
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PSALM 64 – DEALING WITH WICKEDNESS
DEFENSE FROM THE WICKED (PRAYER) – Vss. 1-2
DESCRIPTION OF THE WICKED – Vss. 3-6
DEFEAT OF THE WICKED – Vss. 7-9
DELIGHT OF THE RIGHTEOUS – Vs. 10
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1 KINGS 18:41-46 – FAITH AT WORK
When I wrote this outline I was soaring in a jet plane about 30,000 feet in the air. To get from Suriname, South America to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Dottie and I took four flights. We placed our faith to work trusting four pilots and copilots, four flight crews, three airplanes and many air traffic controllers.
Daily we are to put our faith in God to work. We should be filled with the Spirit by faith. We should study God's Word by faith. We should witness and stand for righteousness by faith. One of our primary works of faith should be in prayer. Elijah put his faith to work by praying. We should do the same.
THE OUTLOOK OF FAITH - Vs. 41
Elijah saw the answer coming even before there was a single sign of rain. He was confident that God would hear and answer his prayers.
THE OBSTINACY OF FAITH - Vss. 42-44
Elijah stubbornly believed that God would answer his prayer. He stubbornly waited, looking for God's answer. He stubbornly prayed until God answered. James 5:16-18, Luke 11:5-13
THE OUTCOME OF FAITH - Vss. 45-46
God answered Elijah's prayer of faith. Mark 11:22-26
In we learn to work in prayer by faith we will see tremendous results and will become virtually unstoppable.
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ACTS 3 – GOD AT WORK
EXAMPLE OF HELPLESSNESS - Vss. 1-2
EXECUTION OF A MIRACLE - Vss. 3-8
EXCITEMENT OF THE PEOPLE - Vss. 9-11
EXPLANATION OF PETER - Vss. 12-26
Revelation - God had glorified His Son, the Lord Jesus. Vss.12-13
Rejection - Instead of being received, Jesus was rejected and crucified. Vss. 14-18
Repentance - The listeners were to turn from their sins and trust Christ. Vss. 19-26
Results - Many believed. Acts 4:4
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1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-11 – CHRISTIANS IN COURT?
Going to court may not always be avoidable because we live among unsaved people.
However, Christians should not be taking other Christians to court.
PAUL IS INCENSED – Vss, 1, 4-5
Christians were taking other to court.
Unsaved people were passing judgment.
There were saved people who could of acted as judges between believers.
PAUL IS INSTRUCTIVE – Vss. 2-3, 9-11
In the future we will serve as judges, we should be able to do so now among believers.
Unrighteous people will not inherit the Kingdom of God, therefore they should not be judging between believers. Some of the believers had been unrighteous also, but now they have been changed!
PAUL IS INSISTENT – Vss. 7-8
It is better to suffer wrong than to drag a fellow believer into court.
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2 PETER 1:5-7 – PATHWAY TO PIETY - GODLINESS
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER CLINIC #7 – A COMPLETE LESSON
2 Peter 1:5-6 - And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; [6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
- What does it mean to reverence God?
- How can you tell when someone is reverent towards God?
- What part does fear play in reverencing God?
Isaiah 8:13 - Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
1 Peter 2:17 - Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Hebrews 12:28-29 - Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: [29] For our God is a consuming fire.
- Why should we have a desire towards godliness?
Peter continues to show us areas of Christian Character that should flow one out of the other. Flowing out of patience is godliness. Godliness is a reverence for God or piety that leads to holy living.
A PRAYER FOR GODLINESS
1Timothy 2:1-4 - I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; [2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; [4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
THE PROTOTYPE OF GODLINESS
1 Timothy 3:16 - And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
THE PROFIT OF GODLINESS
1 Timothy 4:8 - For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 - But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
THE PERVERSION OF GODLINESS
2 Timothy 3:5 - Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 - If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 - But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
THE PRACTICE OF GODLINESS
Titus 1:1 - Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
1 Timothy 6:11-12 - But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. [12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
THE PROVISION OF GODLINESS
2 Peter 1:3 - According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
THE PERSPECTIVE OF GODLINESS
2 Peter 3:8-12 - But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. [9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. [11] Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, [12] Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
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EZEKIEL, ELIJAH, EPAPHRAS AND, ME!
These men were men of prayer! May I follow their example!
EZEKIEL - Ezekiel 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.
ELIJAH - 1 Kings 18:37 - Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.
EPAPHRAS - Colossians 4:12 - Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
AND ME! - MAY I FOLLOW IN THEIR SHOES! Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 6:6, John 14:13-14
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