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SERMON SEEDS
S34 – WEEK OF AUGUST 24, 2020
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GENSESIS 45:25-28 – HE SAW THE WAGONS or SEE THE WAGONS
Genesis 45:27 - And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived:
Jacob had a rough life in many ways.
- He thought his favorite son, Joseph, was dead.
- There was a tremendous famine and his had to send to Egypt for food.
- When his sons got back, it was minus Simeon, who was detained in Egypt. The Prime Minister (They didn’t know that it was Joseph.) demanded that they return home and bring back their youngest brother with them.
- After much hesitation Jacob consented to send Benjamin with the others back to Egypt.
Now in Genesis 45:25-28 all of Jacob’s sons return and announce that Joseph is alive and Prime Minister of Egypt. Jacob was evidently depressed by the events of his life, when he heard the words of Joseph sent to him …and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived:
Joseph saw the wagons as evidence that his son was alive and he revived.
When we feel depressed and out of sorts we need to look at the evidence that God has given us. We need to see the “W. A. G. O. N. S.” and be revived.
W – WONDERS (of Calvary) – John 3:16, 1 John 4:10, Romans 5:6-9
A – ASSURANCE – Romans 8:15-17
G – GRACE – Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Hebrews 13:25, 2 Peter 3:18
O – OMNIPOTENCE – Proverbs 18:10, Psalm 18:1-2, John 12:12-14
N – NEARNESS – Hebrews 13:5-6, Philippians 4:5b-6a - The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; (Because the Lord is close by we should not be anxious.)
S – SECURITY – John 10:27-30
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PSALM 128 – PERKS! Or GOD’S BENEFIT PACKAGE
Psalms 128:1 - Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
God promises blessings or benefits (perks) to those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways.
PROSPERITY – Vs. 2 - For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
PRODUCTIVITY – Vs. 3 – Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
PROVIDENCE – Vs. 5 - The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
PERPETUITY – Vs. 6a - Psalms 128:6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children…
PEACE – Vs. 6b - … and peace upon Israel.
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LUKE 7:1-20 – WHEN IT HURTS
Life is full of hurts. Nobody avoids them. There are times when despair can really get hold of us. We are affected by hurts in the family, hurts in church, hurts on the job or in school, and by hurts inside that others might never know. When it hurts we need to follow the example of the centurion in this passage.
TAKE YOUR BURDEN TO THE BURDEN BEARER Vss. 1-3
HUMBLE YOURSELF BEFORE THE HUMBLE ONE Vss. 4-7
Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus said that He was "meek and lowly of heart."
TRUST THE ONE WHO IS TRUSTWORTHY - Vss. 8-10
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JOHN 7:37-39 – IS IT REAL?
LIFE OF CHRIST #34
Christmas is widely celebrated. But is it real to everyone?
Does everyone understand and appreciate the real meaning of Christmas? Does everyone grasp with a believing heart that Christmas is the time that we celebrate the birth of the Son of God to earth, who not only came to teach us, model right living, and to show us God in the flesh, but also to give his life for the sins of everyone that ever lived?
Is Christmas real to everyone? The answer of course is “no”.
Not everyone who celebrates Christmas is a true believer in Christ.
We are continuing our study in the Life of Christ. The last time we studied we looked at the healing of a demon possessed epileptic.
Jesus returned to Galilee after that, and then it was time for a visit to Jerusalem. It was now in the fall of the year and time for one of the greatest celebrations in the Jewish religion, the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths. It was not only a celebration of the harvest, but it was also the time when Israel was called upon to remember their wilderness wanderings of 40 years between Egypt and The Promised Land.
- This was a seven or eight day festival held in Jerusalem.
- The place was mobbed with people.
- And during this festival people dwelt in temporary dwelling places, or booths. So, wherever you looked you could see these temporary structures. They even appeared on roof tops and in alleys.
- Sacrifices were offered every day in the temple.
- People wore their best clothes.
- Large candles were lit at night, reminding the people of the pillar of fire that had led them in the wilderness.
- One of the great features of the feast was a daily ritual that reminded people of times when in the wilderness, God gave water out of rock.
- Each morning multitudes would gather holding citrus fruit in their one hand. It was called an “ethrog”. This reminded them of the bounties of the land that God had blessed them with.
- “In their right hands they would carry a lulab, which was a combination of three trees – a palm tree, a willow, and a myrtle, emblematic of the stages of their ancestors’ journey through the wilderness.” R. Kent Hughes, Preaching The Word, John – That You May Believe, (Wheaton, Illinois, Crossway Books, 1999), p. 212
- The priest would lead the procession to the pool of Siloam, where he would fill a golden pitcher. The crowd would recite the words of Isaiah 12:3, Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
- Back at the temple and before the Altar, the water was poured out as an offering to God as the “Hallel”, Psalms 113-118, was sung.
- Not only was the past remembered, but it was also a prophetic look forward to the Millennial reign of Christ. Isaiah 35:6-7, Joel 3:18
Just like there are many who celebrate Christmas without Spiritual reality, there were many who celebrated the Feast of the Tabernacles without Spiritual reality.
Vss. 1-5 – The Jews, the religious leaders, sought to kill Jesus and his own half-brothers did not believe on Him. They lacked the Spiritual realities of the joy of God found in the Feast of Tabernacles.
Vss. 12-13 - There was much controversy over Jesus at the feast. This would have also robbed people of the joy of the festival. It would not have been real.
And think of the thousands of Jews, who outwardly showed joy but within they were clueless concerning forgiveness of sin and eternal life! Many were counting on their righteousness and obedience to the Law in order to get into Heaven.
It is in the last day of this great feast in which Jesus had been teaching that He made a wonderful statement.
Remember, that one of the great issues of the feast is water! Remember that the Jews not only suffered from physical thirst, but also from spiritual thirst. Jesus invited his listeners to experience something that is real! He offers to us today this same reality.
THERE IS A REAL INVITATION – Vs. 37
Vs. 37 – Jesus stood. Teachers usually sat.
I believe that He wanted to be seen, so people would know who was making the offer.
The people at this feast were thirsty for the same things that people are thirsty for in our day.
They were thirsty for:
- Freedom from guilt
- Forgiveness of sin
- Peace of mind and heart
- True happiness
- A meaningful life
Jesus said to them “Come and drink.”
Why could Jesus say that?
He, as God the Son, would die for their sins and be resurrected from the dead! 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:21
He, as God the Son, would provide for them a meaningful, peaceful life, represented by the “springs of living water” that would come from within.
The invitation was to come and drink, or believe.
My friend God has always wanted people to come to Him in faith. This invitation is valid for you today, along with other similar invitations including, Matthew 11:28-30 and Revelation 22:17
So how does one come to Christ by faith?
- RECOGNIZE your own sinfulness and guilt before a righteous God, and your own inability to please God through your own works. Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, Ezekiel 18:4
- REPENT of your sin by turning from it, and any way by which you thought you could make it to Heaven. 1 Thessalonians 1:9
- RELY on Christ alone to save you! Romans 5:1
- REALIZE by faith that God has changed you! Romans 10:9-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17
. This is a real invitation that you need to receive by faith!
THERE IS REAL INSPIRATION – Vs. 38-39
Vs. 38 - Think of a river that flows underground, and then suddenly gushes out for all to see. And with it comes life that blesses the vegetation and people that live around that river.
Rivers of living water do the same thing.
First they give us life from within and then they flow outward to bless others.
Vs. 39 – The reference to living water means that God, the Holy Spirit, is at home and at work in the life of the believer. The Holy Spirit has always been present, but now indwells true believers since Jesus has been glorified. 1 Corinthians 12:13, Romans 8:9
So, how will these living waters from the Holy Spirit affect first you and then others?
- THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL AFFECT YOUR WALK
There will be immediate changes followed by more gradual changes. Galatians 5:16, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Unsaved people will see your ways and wonder what happened to you. Some people will drop you like a hot potato when they see your changed life. Others will want what you have.
- THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL AFFECT YOUR WAYS
A Godly man brings forth fruit. Psalm 1:1-3
A Godly man is a person who is controlled by God’s Holy Spirit.
His walk is distinct.
Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
The fruit of the Spirit is:
- A love for God and man that is so strong that an unsaved person will not understand how you can so love.
- A joy that continues to abound even when circumstances are tough.
- A peace that passes all understanding because it is grounded in the Spirit of the God of peace.
- A long suffering that endures mistreatment and trying circumstances graciously.
- A gentleness of kindness that is remarkably considerate of others at one’s own expense.
- A goodness that shows itself in good behavior and good works.
- A faith or faithfulness that is loyal to God and man no matter what the cost.
- A meekness or humility that is submissive to God and man.
- A temperance or self-control that allows God to be in control of your attitudes, words, and habits.
These qualities will begin inside of you and then flow to others. Think of the wonderful benefits you show when you display love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, faithfulness and self-control to others!
- THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL AFFECT YOUR WORDS
When the Holy Spirit controls your words, you will practice Ephesians 4:29.
Most importantly, you will not be ashamed to witness for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Not only are your ways and works to flow as living waters outside of you, but so are your words of testimony.
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.
You should feel inspired to think of all that the Holy Spirit accomplishes in a person who is a true believer.
THERE IS A REAL IMPLICATION
I see a very real and scary implication here.
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to those who believe.
The Holy Spirit will affect our way, our walk and our witness.
What if you examine your way of living and have to admit that the way you live is not God’s way?
What if you examine your walk for the fruit of the Spirit and find none?
What if you examine your words and find that you have no witness for Jesus Christ going on in your life?
2 Corinthians 3:5 - Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…
The implication is this: If the Holy Spirit is not at work in at least some degree in your life the chances are that you are not saved.
If this is true it is time to make sure that you are saved. It is time for you to truly turn from you sin and to Jesus Christ for forgiveness and change!
RECOGNIZE
REPENT
RELY
REALIZE
My friend before it is too late, make sure that you are right with God.
There were Jews whose celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles was not real.
There are people whose celebration of Christmas is not real.
There are people who think they are Christians, but have not come to Christ. Their Christianity is not real.
IS IT REAL IN YOUR LIFE?
REAL INVITATION
REAL INSPIRATION
REAL IMPLICATION
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ACTS 23:12-21 – TIMING IS EVERYTHING
God has a perfect sense of timing. He always does the right thing at the right time.
We see God's perfect timing in this story of God's protection.
THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME - Vss. 12-16
Paul was in jail under Roman custody. There were certain Jews who planned to murder Paul.
God placed Paul's nephew in the right place at the right time. He heard of the plot.
THE RIGHT PERSON AT THE RIGHT TIME - Vss. 17-22
Paul's nephew wisely told Paul. Paul realized that this information needed to go to the chief captain, and made sure that it got there.
THE RIGHT PROTECTION AT THE RIGHT TIME - Vss. 23-31
Using the chief captain, God saw to it that Paul was protected.
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1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-32 –A COMMUNION MEDITATION
We must be careful that the celebration of Communion, or The Lord's Table does not become a routine addition to our church services without having any impact on those who participate. It is good to remind our flocks of the importance of The Lord's Table.
ELEMENTS AT THE LORD'S TABLE - Vss. 23-25
The bread represents the body of Christ that was broken.
The cup represents the blood of Christ that was shed for our sins.
EXPLANATIONS CONCERNING THE LORD'S TABLE - Vss. 26-27
First, Paul explains that we are showing or preaching or proclaiming the Lord's death till He comes back. Each one of us is preaching our faith in the sacrificial death of Christ for our sins when we take of the bread and the cup. It is the most important message that we will ever preach!
Second, Paul explains that we should not partake of the elements in an unworthy manner.
We are all unworthy because we are sinners.
An unworthy manner is when we partake of the communion without being saved.
An unworthy manner is when we partake of the communion with unconfessed sin in our lives.
An unworthy manner is when we partake of the communion with out paying attention to what we are doing.
An unworthy manner is taking the bread and the cup lightly.
EXAMINATION AT THE LORD'S TABLE - Vss. 28-32
Vs. 28 says that we should examine ourselves before we partake of the Lord's Table. This concept can be summed up with two words.
1. CONFESSION - Vs. 28 - Sin is to be named and confessed to God. Psalm 32:5, 1 John 1:9
2. CHASTENING - Vss. 29-32 - The person who partakes of the Table without confession of sin is inviting the judgment of God (The word damnation in vs. 29 means judgment.). God disciplined many who took of the table in an unworthy way with an early death (sleep). When we judge our own sins through confession, then God does not have to discipline us.
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VARIOUS TEXTS – OPEN
Here are some things mentioned in the Bible that are open or should be opened.
OPEN EYES
Psalm 119:18 - Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
OPEN EARS
Revelation 3:22 - He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
OPEN HEART
Revelation 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
OPEN LIPS
Psalm 51:15 - O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
OPEN MOUTH
Psalm 81:10 - I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
OPEN DOOR
1 Corinthians 16:9 - For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
OPEN CITY
Revelation 21:25 - And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
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