SERMON SEEDS
BIBLE OUTLINES FOR PASTORS, TEACHERS, AND STUDENTS
U15 – FOR WEEK OF 5/23/22
First Baptist Church of New Holland PA - SERMON SEEDS (fbcnhremembers.com)
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MARK 4:13-20 - PAGE 1
WHEN THE WORD IS HEARD!
Scripture reading – Mark 4:1-9
· Jesus told the parable of the Sower and the Soils in Mark 4:1-9.
· Jesus began by saying “Listen!” or “Pay attention!” in Verse 3.
· He ended with “He who has hear, let him hear!” in verse 9. Jesus was saying “Get the point!”
· Vs. 10 – The twelve and other believers, or “insiders” didn’t get the point. In Luke 8:9 we are told that they also asked “What does this parable mean?”
· I think of a parable as an earthly story or illustration with a heavenly application or meaning.
· Vss. 11-12 – The outsiders who had rejected the Lord Jesus would hear parables and not understand them. The insiders would hear the parables and would get them or have them explained.
· Vs. 13 – Jesus is saying this “If you don’t understand this parable, which is basic, you won’t understand the rest of them either.
· In verse 14 Jesus tells us that the seed is representative of the Word of God. It’s being sown or spread on a field.
· Jesus sowed the Word as He proclaimed and taught it.
· The disciples sowed the Word as they proclaimed and taught it. Any preacher or Bible teacher does the same today.
· You do as well if you ever witness to others or explain thing that the Bible says.
· Right now, the Word of God is being sown or taught to you, that’s important. Isaiah 55:11-12, Romans 10:17,
1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Timothy 4:2
· In this parable, Jesus is telling us that you, the listener, will have one of four basic responses. How you respond indicates whether you are an “insider” or an “outsider”. It indicates whether you are a true believer in Christ or not.
- I challenge you to ask yourself honestly, how do I respond to the preaching, teaching, and/or reading of God’s Word?
AM I HARD SOIL? – IS THE WORD REMOVED? - Vs. 15
Fields were generally long and narrow with well-traveled paths on the edges. Seed could not penetrate the paths, and birds would snatch the seed and eat it.When a person has no interest in the Word or is resistant to it, Satan snatches the Word away before it germinates.
AM I SHALLOW SOIL? – IS THE WORD RESISTED? - Vss. 16-17
Rocky soil here is a rocky ledge underneath the surface. Seed cannot put its roots down deep into the soil. This type of soil produces results that sprout quickly but whither at the first sign of hardship.
Some people respond quickly to the message of salvation and appear that they headed for Christian “stardom”. But if hard times or persecution arises, they are “out of here!”
AM I THORNY SOIL – IS THE WORD RESTRICTED? - Vss. 18-19
Thorny soil means that it is infested with thorns and weeds, and the good seed is choked and not fruitful. When the Word is preached it is choked off with cares, love of riches, and other things that hinder a productive Christian life.
Matthew 6:19-21, 24, 1 John 2:15-17
AM I GOOD SOIL? – IS THE WORD RECEIVED? - Vs. 20
Good soil produces good fruit. The Word sown in a good heart produces fruit because it is believed and acted upon.
Luke 8:15
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TO HEAR THIS MESSAGE PREACHED BY PASTOR JACK CLICK HERE:
First Baptist Church of New Holland PA - Sermons (fbcnhremembers.com)
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MARK 5:1-20 – JESUS SHOWED UP!
- A man hadn’t walked for 38 years. Jesus showed up, and the man walked!
- A man born blind had never seen. Jesus showed up and the man saw!
- 5,000 men plus women and children needed to be fed. Jesus showed up and fed them using five loaves and two fishes.
- There was a storm on the Sea of the Galilee and the disciples were in jeopardy. Jesus showed up and there was complete calm.
- On more than one occasion the Peters family had a financial need. Jesus showed up and met the need.
- Many of us have been sick or had loved ones sick. Jesus showed up, and they were healed.
- Many of you can say with me, I was a lost sinner, needing a Savior. Jesus showed up and saved me.
- There was a man who was demon-possessed by hundreds of demons. Jesus showed up! Let’s see what happens.
I see this story of the demon possessed man as a picture of salvation. When we were desperate, Jesus showed up!
THE PROBLEM OF SIN - Vss. 1-7
- Sin is associated with death – Vs. 3, Ephesians 2:1-3, Romans 6:23
- Sin cannot be controlled. – Vss. 4-5 - Man cannot control his sin or atone for it! (Romans 3:1-23)
- Sin separates between man and God. - Vss. 6-7 - Just as this demon had nothing to do with God, our sin has separated us from our holy God. Isaiah 59:2
THE POWER OF THE SAVIOR - Vss. 8- 15
- Jesus used His power to cast out the demon. - Vss. 8-13 - Jesus also used His power to pay for our sins. 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:6-9
- The man was changed because of Jesus' Power. - Vss. 13-15 - We are changed when we place our faith in Christ and become born again (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Sitting (calm), Ephesians 2:6, Phil. 3:20, John 15:1-7
- Clothed (cool), Philippians 3:8-9, Ephesians 6:10-17
- Right Mind (collected), 1 Corinthians 2:16, Phil. 4:8
THE PROCLAMATION OF SALVATION – Vss. 16-20
- This man was sent home to tell his friends what God had done for him.
- We are sent to a dying world to tell all what Christ has done for us. Psalm 107:2, Mark 16:15, 1 Peter 3:15
TO HEAR THIS MESSAGE PREACHED BY PASTOR JACK CLICK HERE:
First Baptist Church of New Holland PA - Sermons (fbcnhremembers.com)
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PREPARED TO SERVE
#1 – MOVING FORWARD – THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
- How were you prepared for your career?
- How were you prepared to be a parent?
- How have you been prepared to live the Christian Life? Are you still learning?
The Book of Joshua talks of the entrance and the taking control of the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. In it we find lessons for Christians that teach us how to move forward in the Christian Life here on earth. The “Promised Land” is the victorious Christian Life, not Heaven. Joshua did not have the task of leading God’s People into the Promised Land thrust into his lap. He had about eighty years of training!
SLAVE
- What was life as a slave in Egypt like for Joshua? How was this good training for leadership?
- In what sense is every Christian a slave? Romans 6:16-22, Luke 9:23-24
- How does this train us to be good leaders? Luke 22:24-27
SOLDIER WITH SUPERVISION – Exodus 17:8-14
- Under Moses, Joshua was the general in battles that were fought before entering the Promised Land but was still under Moses’ supervision. Who was “Commander-in-Chief”?
- As Joshua fought, what significant part did Moses have? How does that apply to us?
SERVANT – Exodus 24:12-18, 33:11
- How was Joshua’s time on the mountain and tent more humbling than being an army general?
- What advantages did Joshua have in his position as “Moses’ servant”?
- For us, what equivalent is there to Joshua’s time in the tabernacle?
- How does God set us aside for training today? How should we set ourselves aside?
STALWART – Numbers 13-14
- In what ways was Joshua tested? And proven? Numbers 14:6-10,30,36-38
- Why is it important to stand for what God wants?
SUCCESSOR – Numbers 27:18-23, Deuteronomy 1:38
- Moses asked God for his successor, and Joshua had already been trained for the job. Numbers 27:18-23
- Why is Deuteronomy 1:38 a significant piece of instruction for any church getting a new leader?
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Joshua 1:1-9 – RESPONSIBLE!
#2 – MOVING FORWARD – THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
- What are some responsibilities that all Christians have?
- What are some responsibilities that God has given you, but not everyone else.
- In this passage we learn about being responsible from God’s words to Joshua.
REALITY - THE JOB IS MINE – Vss. 1-2
Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 6:10-13
REASSURANCE - GOD IS WITH ME – Vss. 3-5
Vs. 5 - There are great promises here:
- Strength – Acts 1:8, Philippians 4:13
- Standing – John 1:12
- Security – Hebrews 13:5
RESPONSIBILITY - BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS
- To Win or Inherit – Vs. 6 – 2 Peter 1:2-4
- To Obey – Vs. 7
- To be Fearless – Vs. 9 – Isaiah 41:10
REASONS TO BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS
- BECAUSE OF GOD'S PROMISES. – Vs. 6
- BECAUSE OF GOD'S PRECEPTS. – Vs. 7
- BECAUSE OF GOD’S PRESENCE – Vs. 9
RESOURCE FOR BEING STRONG AND COURAGEOUS – Vs. 8
Romans 1:17
“It is only as the Word of God gets into our minds and begins to become part of our normal, day-to-day reasoning and thinking that we begin to act differently and thereby make a difference.” James Montgomery Boice
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Joshua 1:10-18 – leaders and followers
#3 – MOVING FORWARD – THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
- What are the qualities of a good leader? What are the qualities of a good follower?
- Name some great leaders you have known. Name some great followers you have known.
This passage shows us the qualities of a good leader in Joshua and the qualities of good followers in the two and a half tribes who settled on the other side of the river Jordon.
CHALLENGES FROM A GOOD LEADER Vss. 12-15
- Get Ready - Vss. 10-11 - Acts 6:4, 1 Timothy 4:12-13, 2 Timothy 4:2
- Remember - Vs. 12-13
- Numbers 32:1-7, 16-18 - The tribes mentioned in verse 12 had settled on the other side of the Jordan River, promised to help with the conquering of the new land. Joshua reminds them.
- God is constantly giving us reminders. What are some of God’s Biblical reminders?
- Good leaders remind their followers. 2 Peter 1:12-15
- Respond - Vs. 14
- It was time for these people to keep their promises. They were to lead the procession into the promise land. Deuteronomy 23:21-23, Psalms 15:4
- Reward - Vs. 15
- Joshua encouraged these tribes that they would return and enjoy the land which they had possessed.
- A good leader encourages his followers that there is reward for faithful obedience. 1 Corinthians 4:5
COOPERATION FROM GOOD FOLLOWERS Vss. 16-18
- They Expressed Obedience - Vss. 16-17, Hebrews 13:17
- They Enforced the Rules - Vs. 18a, Matthew 18:15-18, Galatians 6:1
- They Expected Something of their Leader - Vss. 17b, 18b
- Stay close to God. Vs. 17b, Titus 1:5-9
- Be strong and courageous. Vs. 18b, 2 Timothy 2:1-4
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NEHEMIAH 1:1-11 – NEHEMIAH, PATRIOT
We as Christians need to be strong patriots if this country is going to survive. It does not mean we agree with everything our country stands for, or with everything our leaders do, but we need to be committed to our country as patriots in a God- honoring way.
There are patriots mentioned in the Bible. Samson and David were loyal to Israel. After Israel split in two, Jeremiah was loyal to his country, Judah. However, each one of these men was more loyal to God than they were to their countries. It should be the same for us today. Loyalty to country should be secondary to loyalty to God through our loyalty to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Nehemiah was zealous for his nation, even while living in a foreign country. We can learn to be good patriots if we learn from Nehemiah.
BACKGROUND
Because of sin, Israel (The Northern Kingdom) and Judah (The Southern Kingdom) were carried into captivity. After 70 years of captivity for Judah, permission was given by Cyrus, King of Persia, for some to go back to the land and rebuild the temple. As we enter into the story of Nehemiah, the people had gone back, and after a number of years rebuilt the temple. But, as we will learn, the walls of Jerusalem were down, making them susceptible to the enemies of Israel.
NEHEMIAH WAS CONCERNED ABOUT HIS NATION - Vss. 1-4
Vss. 1-3 - Nehemiah's brother returned from a trip to Jerusalem.
Patriot that he was, Nehemiah asked about the conditions of the hometown. This was not a casual question, like some of us would ask concerning the well -being of another and not really care. For Nehemiah this was an important, significant question, because he did care!
The answer he got to his question was not a pretty one, nor was it the one he wanted to hear. The city was in great reproach. The walls were down. To us that doesn't mean much, but please remember that cities in those days had to have walls for protection.
Also note that the gates were down because they had been burned with fire. Without gates, the walls would not be of much use.
Vs. 4 - We see Nehemiah's true concern
He sat down.
He wept.
He mourned.
He fasted.
He prayed.
We see that America is going downhill morally, but do we care?
Do we care enough to pray?
Do we care enough to weep?
Do we care enough to fast?
Do we care enough to mourn?
NEHEMIAH CRIED TO GOD
Where did Nehemiah go with his burden for his nation? He went right to God of course!
Vs. 5 - Notice Nehemiah's approach to God.
He was distressed. He was concerned. He was burdened.
But he did not forget to whom he was talking.
He worshiped God, pointing out God's covenant keeping and mercy.
Worship should be an important part of our prayer lives!
So often we rush into God's presence without adoring Him,
and without considering to whom we are talking. Psalm 113:3-5, Hebrews 13:14
Vs. 6 - Nehemiah asked God to hear his prayer.
Vss. 8-9 - Please notice that Nehemiah's prayer was based on the promises of God. There are many, many, promises in God's Word that we can claim in prayer. And there are many things that are God's will mentioned in Scripture. We can ask God to keep His promises. We can ask God for His will to be done. 1 John 5:14-15
Vs. 10 - Here is an important point.
Nehemiah was praying for the people of God.
We are to pray for the unsaved.
We are to pray for our nation.
But we must pray for God's people, our brothers and sisters in Christ.
When God's people are living as they should, the nation will become more righteous.
Ephesians 6:18 - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
NEHEMIAH CONFESSED SIN
I imagine that Nehemiah was familiar with Psalm 66:18 - If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
Vss. 6-7 - Nehemiah confessed sin.
Nehemiah confessed his own sin.
Nehemiah confessed the sin of his fathers, of his nation.
It is important that we as individuals confess our sins, naming them, seeking God's forgiveness. 1 John 1:9
When we confess the sins of our nation and family we are owning up to the fact that we have no right or merit that justifies us having our prayers answered. We are acknowledging our total failure. We are also acknowledging our need for God's mercy and grace.
Imagine what would happen if Christians around the country started confessing to God family sin and the nation's sin, as well their own sin. 2 Chronicles 7:14
NEHEMIAH CHOSE TO GET INVOLVED
Vs. 11 - He was ready to go before the king to see what he could do. He realized he needed God's help, but he also realized that there was personal responsibility.
As a result of his going before the king, Nehemiah ended up going back to Jerusalem and leading in the rebuilding of the walls. He served as governor of the area.
Nehemiah had a comfortable and responsible position, but set it aside to be used of God to solve the very problem about which he was concerned.
The result is summed up in Nehemiah 6:15 - So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.
For Nehemiah, being concerned, crying to God, and confessing sin led to direct involvement.
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GALATIANS 1:1-9 – LETTER OF CONCERN
TRULY FREE – STUDIES IN GALATIANS #1
- When would we want to express concern to a person about their personal well-being?
- Should fellow Christians express concern to other Christians about their Spiritual well-being? Galatians 6:1
- Galatians 1:1-9 are the introduction to the Book of Galatians, which teaches us how to be truly free in Christ. The Galatians were headed back into Spiritual bondage by adding legalism to their faith in Christ.
- The introduction to this letter is unique because Paul wastes no time in expressing his concern for the Spiritual health of his friends.
PASTOR – Galatians 1:1-2a
- Vs. 1 – What do you know about Paul that tells you he had a pastor’s heart? Do pastors ever have to be firm?
- “Apostle” – The word carries the idea of one sent. The original Apostles were those who had seen the risen Lord.
- Paul also points out that his Apostleship came from God the Father and not men (Acts 9:10-16, Acts 26:12-19). Why did Paul stress his authority?
PEOPLE – Galatians 1:2b
- The Galatians were Gauls who settled in an area that is now part of Turkey.
- When the Romans annexed the Galatians, they added territory and named it Galatia. It included some of the cities that Paul evangelized on his first Missionary Journey (Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe). It is probably to these churches that Paul is writing.
PRONOUNCEMENT – Galatians 1:3-5
- Vs. 3 – We received “grace” and “peace” when we trusted Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:1). Why would we need more? (2 Peter 3:18, John 14:27, Philippians 4:6-7)
- Vss. 4-5 – Paul brings in the true Gospel, even before he addresses the problem.
PROBLEM – Galatians 1:6-9
- Normally Paul says nice, encouraging things about the ones to whom he is writing (e.g., Ephesians 1:13-16, Philippians 1:3-7), but not here. Why?
- Vs. 6 – Paul was incredulous that these believers were so quickly being drawn away to a gospel that would draw them away from their freedom in Christ. (John 8:31-36)
- Vs. 7 – What cults in our day pervert the Gospel of Christ?
- Vss. 8-9 – The word “accursed” translates anathema, “devoted to destruction”.
- How do verses 6-9 graphically show Paul’s pastoral concern?
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GALATIANS 1:10-24 – PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
TRULY FREE – STUDIES IN GALATIANS #2
- “Francis Asbury, first bishop of the Methodist Church in the United States, once prayed at a deacon ordination, ‘O Lord, grant that these brethren may never want to be like other people.’” (Quoted by Warren Wiersbe in Be Free)
- When is individualism good? When is it bad? How was Paul unique as an Apostle?
- Paul was writing his letter to the Galatians because false teachers were undermining the true Gospel. This prompted Paul’s firm response in Galatians 1:6-9.
- In this passage Paul shares how he became an Apostle and how he was taught the Gospel.
REBUTTAL – Vs. 10
- The accusation against Paul was that he softened the Gospel (not requiring circumcision) to please the Gentiles. How do the previous verses disprove this?
- Paul realized that he could not serve two masters (Matthew 7:24). Although he changed his approach to different groups, he never changed the Gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:19-22
RESOURCE – Vss. 11-12
- Vs. 11 – The Gospel is not what mankind wants to hear. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
- Vs. 12 – The Gospel Paul received came by revelation. Had he heard the Gospel before?
REMINDER – Vss. 13-14
- Why was Paul reminding them of his past?
- Paul was a rising star in the Jewish religion. His was zeal on steroids. Philippians 3:3-9
REVELATION AND RETREAT – Vss. 15-17
- When did the events in Vss. 15-16a take place? Acts 9:3-9, Acts 26:12-18
- Vss. 16b-17 – Paul got His doctrinal training from the Lord Jesus Himself in seclusion in Arabia (probably wilderness just outside of Damascus). Evidently, this seclusion took place after Paul’s initial Gospel presentation and before the Jews wanted to kill him. Acts 9:20-25
REPORT – Vss. 18-20
- Paul went to Jerusalem to meet Peter after three years. The only other Apostle he met was James, the Lord’s brother. Acts 9:26-30
- The 12 Apostles had been taught directly by the Lord. Paul is showing that he was too, thus qualifying himself as an Apostle.
REJOICING – Vss. 21-24
- Paul was forced to leave Jerusalem and spent the next several years in his home area around Tarsus. Meanwhile, the churches which had never met Paul rejoiced at what they were hearing about his ministry.
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