This is not a resolution, but it is an attempt to faithfully add something each week to our blog: sermon outlines. Some of them will be a blessing and some of them might not. I am praying that they will help people who are in need spiritually. . .or maybe a preacher could use one or two of them in a pinch.
What To Do In Troubled Times
Genesis 32
1. Jacob's Problem - He had one when he left home and he had that one multiplied when he comes back.
Family problems?
Money problems?
Personal trouble?
Trouble at work? Needing work?
The real question is what shall we do when the troubles come? Job says that man is of few days and full of trouble. We grow up getting into and out of troubles.
The problem Jacob had is one that was bigger than he was. It was life and death. Did you realize that the spiritual problem faced by every person - SIN - is a life and death problem? "For the wages of sin is death. . ." This is the biggest problem that people face. It is the biggest problem that you face. Other problems might be symptoms of the real problem. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
What shall be done with the problems that are simply out of our reach. We have gone to the well of strength and found it dry. We have gone to the well of knowledge or experience and found them lacking. What shall be done?
2. Jacob's plan. His was an elaborate plan. Wave after wave of a "gift" were sent to Esau. Then the company was divided in hopes that at least one group would survive. Making plans is not wrong. Organization is not wrong, unless we trust in the plan or program instead of the Lord. Then it is wrong. Daniel prayed three times a day. He was organized. It would do us well in the new year to pray three times a day on purpose. David prayed three times a day and praised seven times a day. Maybe our own personal time with God could use some organization. Just beware of trusting in the planning more than the Lord. Even the best of plans can be brought to nothing.
3. Jacob's prayer. Now Jacob is getting on the right track. Notice that his prayer is based upon the covenant of God. His prayer is humbly asked. He speaks to the One he knows has spoken to him. How our praying benefits when we are immersed in the Word of God. Our faith is strengthened and proper boldness enters our praying as we receive the precious and powerful promises God gives in His Word. Prayer must be more than flowery words. Jacob's prayer is directly to the point asking for something specific. Sometimes we suffer because we do not pray. We do not ask. Sometimes we suffer because we ask selfishly.
4. God takes Jacob another step. Notice: Jacob's persistence. Everyone else has passed over the brook except him, and the angel of the Lord meets him and there is a great struggle. Simple praying opens the door to serious struggle with God. God wants to work on the inside of us. He wants to bring about the transformation of our character. So we enter the wrestling arena. All night long, Jacob wrestles with God. He seeks God's blessing. He had stolen Isaac's blessing years before, but he will not steal this blessing. He will pay for it in struggle and in pain. "I will not let thee go!" Where is the perseverance among God's people today. We live in the "instant" society. We want everything fast and easy. Christian, you must be willing to hang on to God. George Mueller prayed for some people for over fifty years before they came to Christ. Will you hang on like that? God doesn't make it any easier when He reaches out and touches Jacob's thigh. Sometimes we have trials to test our resolve. At what level is our faith? With his hip out of joint, Jacob keeps holding on to the One Who is able to truly bless. Never forget the character of the One with whom you wrestle. It will help you while you are holding on to remember that the Lord is good and a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Never forget the patience of God and how He does not reward us according to out iniquities, but accoring to His mercy. Though He touches your hip now, He is the One who will grant your request and then some. Keep holding on!
5. Jacob's prevailing. As the day breaks, the angel of the Lord asks Jacob a strange thing, "What is thy name?" In his relenting to give the blessing, God still requires that we come before Him in transparency. Who are you? All Jacob could do is be honest. All he could do is admit that he was the deceiver, the supplanter, the trickster. What we often miss when we maintain our own righteousness. God knows our hearts. He knows our wickedness! He sees the real us. Yet, He wants us to admit it, too. We live in the Bible belt, where folks could be saved if they would admit they needed saving. We live in the Bible belt were folks could have revival if they would admit that they needed it. Instead churches become social clubs, women's groups run off preachers, and the only church growth you can find are in the places where there is entertainment and no preaching against sin. Will we not hear the voice of God? "What is thy name?" What is it? Hypocrite, Rebel, Liar, Whisperer? Jacob, the deceiver, that is my name. We admit our lowliness, and God begins to act. He changes Jacob's name to Israel - God's Prince. This is grace. Undeserved kindness.
Still however the blessing has not been given. Another aspect must be noted before the blessing is given. Jacob turns the question God has asked him around, "Tell me, I pray thee, thy name." Here is the last doorway to receiving the blessing of God. . .seeking after Him alone. If you want to be saved, you must trust Christ alone. He alone is the way to the Father according to John 14:6 and Acts 4:12. If you want God's blessing in your life, you must seek Him alone. It's nice to have His gifts and such, but He is better than they are. It is nice to enjoy His prospering, but He is better than His good blessings. "Seek my face," He calls to us. Jacob's question concerning the name of his Heavenly Adversary says that Jacob is now, finally interested in the right thing: God's own character. . .Who He is. This is where the victory can be found for every trial. Get up close to Him and find out Who He is. Have you ever wondered why the Lord has the name, "Lily of the valley"?
How can we be blessed in the new year? Colossians 3:1-2 "If ye then be risen with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Matthew 6:33 "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."
Seek Him for salvation, and you will have it.
Seek Him for sanctification and you will grow.
Seek Him in service.
Seek Him is separation. . .two ways, from the world, from sin, and unto the Lord.
May God bless you as you enter this new year with your problems that you might wrestle with the Lord until you receive all He has for you. Do not stop short of His blessing. If you need spiritual help or prayer, please feel free to send me and e-mail at mike@wildwoodbaptistonline.com. Looking forward to hearing from you. God bless you.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Happy New Year!!
Where did the lat year go? Talk about time flying. Well, God has given us another day to serve Him. Let's use it to the best of our ability and talent. There are souls to win, lives to touch, people to encourage, songs to be sung, books to be written, and smiles to be distributed.
I don't know what all will happen in this new year. There will be some blessings, some heartaches, some troubles, trials, and tribulation. Whatever comes our way, we have a God Who holds us in the palm of His hand. . .safely. Can you trust Him? Will you?
The challenges for me in 2009 will be different than what you face, but let's trust the Lord and take the challenges. Resolutions are not evil. Paul pressed toward the mark and so should we. So set some goals, work them out down to the daily bite-sized achievable kind, and start today. "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Are they evil? Read the paper and then answer. Let's do our part in redeeming the time God gives us.
Bless you in the New Year!!
I don't know what all will happen in this new year. There will be some blessings, some heartaches, some troubles, trials, and tribulation. Whatever comes our way, we have a God Who holds us in the palm of His hand. . .safely. Can you trust Him? Will you?
The challenges for me in 2009 will be different than what you face, but let's trust the Lord and take the challenges. Resolutions are not evil. Paul pressed toward the mark and so should we. So set some goals, work them out down to the daily bite-sized achievable kind, and start today. "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Are they evil? Read the paper and then answer. Let's do our part in redeeming the time God gives us.
Bless you in the New Year!!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Can You Serve God on Your Own Terms?
Several years ago, a wise pastor and missionary set me straight on something. He was asking me where I was and what church I served in as pastor, and I answered that the church was an Independent Baptist Church. . .and I believe that all truly Biblical Baptist churches must maintain their local autonomy as a congregation. Yet, this dear brother's answer gripped me. He said, now remember he had been pastoring for longer than I had been living, that his church was "DEPENDENT".
We are living in a day when people want to be religious, want to "serve God", but they want to do it on their own terms. I cannot find that anywhere in the Bible! I mean folks will come, smile, give, and all of these things while they are the ones who hold the reigns. Woe to the pastor who truly pastors! Woe to the preacher who preaches the truth of the Word of God without favoritism! Woe to the church membership that simply follows and seeks to serve the Lord on His terms! A confrontation is coming. Dr. W.A. Criswell confessed that he believed that from 70 percent to as many as 90 percent of his congregation was not even born again. He admitted to pastoring a group of folks who wanted to serve God, but on their own terms. This is where most church problems come from. May the Lord help us to return to the concept of unconditional surrender, and of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
What are His terms? John the Baptist may have summarized it best when he said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." Those who would grow closer to the Lord and be used of Him must experience the Gethsemane Factor: "Nevertheless, not my will, but Thine. . .". Let us come willingly and not kickin' and screaming. God's blessings begin where our will ends.
We are living in a day when people want to be religious, want to "serve God", but they want to do it on their own terms. I cannot find that anywhere in the Bible! I mean folks will come, smile, give, and all of these things while they are the ones who hold the reigns. Woe to the pastor who truly pastors! Woe to the preacher who preaches the truth of the Word of God without favoritism! Woe to the church membership that simply follows and seeks to serve the Lord on His terms! A confrontation is coming. Dr. W.A. Criswell confessed that he believed that from 70 percent to as many as 90 percent of his congregation was not even born again. He admitted to pastoring a group of folks who wanted to serve God, but on their own terms. This is where most church problems come from. May the Lord help us to return to the concept of unconditional surrender, and of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
What are His terms? John the Baptist may have summarized it best when he said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." Those who would grow closer to the Lord and be used of Him must experience the Gethsemane Factor: "Nevertheless, not my will, but Thine. . .". Let us come willingly and not kickin' and screaming. God's blessings begin where our will ends.
Monday, December 1, 2008
We Serve a Great Master
As a Christian, it is our privilege to serve the greatest Master. Everybody serves either the Lord Jesus Christ or the enemy of our souls, Satan. Some serve money, things, power, or self, but these are simply other names for serving the devil. As a believer we can serve the King of kings.
Jesus said to call no man Master, or Father since there is only One Lord, Father, and Master. . .God Himself.
We are instructed to simply be LIKE OUR MASTER. The old hymn says, "O to be like Thee, Blessed Redeemer; this is my constant longing and prayer. . ." A modern chorus breathes this prayer, "Make me more like You, make me more like You, I want Your image to be seen in me. Make me more like You." If Christians lived like the Master, what a difference we would see! Attitudes would be different. Activities would change. Bars would lose some customers. Cigarette companies would lose sales. Families would function as families. . .maybe for the very first time. What a difference, if Christians behaved like the Master. Churches would certainly be different. No more pageantry, pomp, and false piety would be found. No more favoritism towards those who have money or powerful influence would be shown. Maybe the world could be turned right-side-up if Christians once again began to act like the Master.
Our Master knows the estate of His flocks and herds. He knows His sheep and cares for every need. He leads beside still waters and into green pastures. He protects and delivers from danger and from evil. He goes before the flock and fights the battles providing security and safety. All this and Heaven, too! What a wonderful Master! His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Do you know Him? Will you tell someone about Him today?
Jesus said to call no man Master, or Father since there is only One Lord, Father, and Master. . .God Himself.
We are instructed to simply be LIKE OUR MASTER. The old hymn says, "O to be like Thee, Blessed Redeemer; this is my constant longing and prayer. . ." A modern chorus breathes this prayer, "Make me more like You, make me more like You, I want Your image to be seen in me. Make me more like You." If Christians lived like the Master, what a difference we would see! Attitudes would be different. Activities would change. Bars would lose some customers. Cigarette companies would lose sales. Families would function as families. . .maybe for the very first time. What a difference, if Christians behaved like the Master. Churches would certainly be different. No more pageantry, pomp, and false piety would be found. No more favoritism towards those who have money or powerful influence would be shown. Maybe the world could be turned right-side-up if Christians once again began to act like the Master.
Our Master knows the estate of His flocks and herds. He knows His sheep and cares for every need. He leads beside still waters and into green pastures. He protects and delivers from danger and from evil. He goes before the flock and fights the battles providing security and safety. All this and Heaven, too! What a wonderful Master! His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Do you know Him? Will you tell someone about Him today?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Exceeding Great and Precious Promises
How is it that we partake of the likeness of Jesus Christ? How do we grow more and more into His character and take on more of His attitudes? Peter gives us the answer: through His exceeding great and precious promises.
Let us look at a scenario. A person simply lives his life without a thought of eternity, judgment, or sin (except for the occasional conscience twinge), but then she picks up a tract left on her door. The convicting power of the Holy Spirit moves upon her heart and she is miserable. It gets worse! When it seems like there is no hope for her, a shaft of light comes! "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." Quietly, she simply trusts what Jesus has done on the cross for her. She is changed instantly! Peace fills her heart. Joy floods her soul! All through the power of a promise from God.
Those who are believers will identify with this lady, but do you realize that the same process goes on in our lives day by day in the formation of the image of Christ in us? We are living our Christian lives, and doing what we know is right, and then the Lord allows a test to come. Problems arise. People do us wrongly. Financial hard times engulf us. It could be a lot of different things. Our prayers get more earnest as the test intensifies until we come across a verse of Scripture with a precious promise. Our heart's feel the warmth of God's embrace and our joy comes again even though the trial still surrounds us. Praise bursts from our lips! Others now see Jesus more in our lives than they ever have before, and the truth that Peter speaks of is confirmed. "That by these. . .," precious promises, we are made partakers of the divine nature.
If you find yourself in the testing time, or perhaps under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, look to the Word of God for one powerful, precious promise.
Let us look at a scenario. A person simply lives his life without a thought of eternity, judgment, or sin (except for the occasional conscience twinge), but then she picks up a tract left on her door. The convicting power of the Holy Spirit moves upon her heart and she is miserable. It gets worse! When it seems like there is no hope for her, a shaft of light comes! "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." Quietly, she simply trusts what Jesus has done on the cross for her. She is changed instantly! Peace fills her heart. Joy floods her soul! All through the power of a promise from God.
Those who are believers will identify with this lady, but do you realize that the same process goes on in our lives day by day in the formation of the image of Christ in us? We are living our Christian lives, and doing what we know is right, and then the Lord allows a test to come. Problems arise. People do us wrongly. Financial hard times engulf us. It could be a lot of different things. Our prayers get more earnest as the test intensifies until we come across a verse of Scripture with a precious promise. Our heart's feel the warmth of God's embrace and our joy comes again even though the trial still surrounds us. Praise bursts from our lips! Others now see Jesus more in our lives than they ever have before, and the truth that Peter speaks of is confirmed. "That by these. . .," precious promises, we are made partakers of the divine nature.
If you find yourself in the testing time, or perhaps under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, look to the Word of God for one powerful, precious promise.
Monday, November 10, 2008
What to do in Transitional Times
There is no doubt we are living in times of transition. Change - perhaps more than we would like to consider - is upon us. What will happen? How will our freedoms be affected? Uncertainty seems the certainly. Friends are losing their jobs. The economy reals and old "fixes" don't help. What can help us?
Take a fresh look at the Lord. Isaiah did in Isaiah chapter six. What he saw provided strength to go forward into the times of change. He saw One Who is unaffected by changes on earth. He saw the One Who rules and overrules in the affairs of mankind. He saw ultimate holiness incarnate. The angels chorused around His throne, and the temple shook and filled with smoke. It is still an awesome sight. Ask God for a fresh vision of who He is. Read again the passages in the Bible that describe the glory of God. Read Moses' meeting with God in the desert in Exodus. Review Ezekiel's visions in Ezekiel chapter one. Walk the dusty paths with the disciples through the Gospel accounts of the life of the Lamb Who appears again in Revelation chapters 1, 4, 5, and 19. You will experience several things.
First, as you look again at the Lord, you will be convicted. Peter recognized that Jesus was more than a human teacher and cried, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man O Lord!" Isaiah said, "Woe is me!" When the glory of God overwhlems you, and you again see the sin in your heart in stark relief to His holiness, He can cleanse you. He will when you ask Him to.
Next, you cannot help but be encouraged. God, Whose throne is above all thrones, wins. The old king had died, the new king was a question mark, but God changes not. There is a deep settling effect from this truth. Strength, peace, and hope cannot fail in this revelation.
When the cleansing is accomplished and the encouragement floods our hearts, we can also hear something else. A voice is calling to us right now at the time of transition. This voice can only be heard by those who have come clean before God and taken strength from His appearance. "Whom shall I send and who will go for us?" Do you hear this calling? Jesus told His disciples to lift up their eyes and look for the fields were ready to harvest. It remains true today. Hear the call and say, "Here am I!" Next door and around the world people are dying without having heard of the love of God and Christ's atoning sacrifice. Who will go but those who have once again seen the King of kings? Will you look into the pages of the Scriptures, meditate on the Person of the Savior, hear the call, and respond?
Take a fresh look at the Lord. Isaiah did in Isaiah chapter six. What he saw provided strength to go forward into the times of change. He saw One Who is unaffected by changes on earth. He saw the One Who rules and overrules in the affairs of mankind. He saw ultimate holiness incarnate. The angels chorused around His throne, and the temple shook and filled with smoke. It is still an awesome sight. Ask God for a fresh vision of who He is. Read again the passages in the Bible that describe the glory of God. Read Moses' meeting with God in the desert in Exodus. Review Ezekiel's visions in Ezekiel chapter one. Walk the dusty paths with the disciples through the Gospel accounts of the life of the Lamb Who appears again in Revelation chapters 1, 4, 5, and 19. You will experience several things.
First, as you look again at the Lord, you will be convicted. Peter recognized that Jesus was more than a human teacher and cried, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man O Lord!" Isaiah said, "Woe is me!" When the glory of God overwhlems you, and you again see the sin in your heart in stark relief to His holiness, He can cleanse you. He will when you ask Him to.
Next, you cannot help but be encouraged. God, Whose throne is above all thrones, wins. The old king had died, the new king was a question mark, but God changes not. There is a deep settling effect from this truth. Strength, peace, and hope cannot fail in this revelation.
When the cleansing is accomplished and the encouragement floods our hearts, we can also hear something else. A voice is calling to us right now at the time of transition. This voice can only be heard by those who have come clean before God and taken strength from His appearance. "Whom shall I send and who will go for us?" Do you hear this calling? Jesus told His disciples to lift up their eyes and look for the fields were ready to harvest. It remains true today. Hear the call and say, "Here am I!" Next door and around the world people are dying without having heard of the love of God and Christ's atoning sacrifice. Who will go but those who have once again seen the King of kings? Will you look into the pages of the Scriptures, meditate on the Person of the Savior, hear the call, and respond?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Covering Your Tracks
King David loved the Lord, but fell into sin and then tried to cover his tracks. Achan loved stuff, took things that belonged to the Lord, and then tried to cover his tracks. Ananias and his cooperative wife kept back part of the money received from the sale of their property. Then they tried to cover their tracks and continue to appear spiritual before other church folk. "Be sure your sin will find you out," cannot be avoided no matter how hard we work to "cover our tracks".
I am just glad that the opposite is also true. When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. He has made a covering for sin. The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from ALL sin. So instead of covering up, take your sin to the Lord, tell Him all about it. Repent. He will forgive. Jesus has already made the payment for all of our sins. He will cover you, if you will ask Him.
I am just glad that the opposite is also true. When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. He has made a covering for sin. The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from ALL sin. So instead of covering up, take your sin to the Lord, tell Him all about it. Repent. He will forgive. Jesus has already made the payment for all of our sins. He will cover you, if you will ask Him.
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