Bible Study helps

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Exodus 20:1-11
GOD FIRST!
TEN COMMANDMENTS – PART 1
COMMITMENT TO GOD – Vss. 1-3
COMMITMENT TO GOD’S WORSHIP – Vss. 4-6
COMMITMENT TO GOD’S NAME – Vs. 7
COMMITMENT TO GOD’S DAY – Vs. 8
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EXODUS 20:12-17
OTHERS!
COMMITMENT TO THE RESPECT OF MY PARENTS – Vs. 12
COMMITMENT TO THE LIFE OF MY NEIGHBOR – Vs. 13
COMMITMENT TO THE PURITY OF MY NEIGHBOR – Vs. 14
COMMITMENT TO THE PROPERTY OF MY NEIGHBOR – Vss. 15, 17
COMMITMENT TO THE REPUTATION OF MY NEIGHBOR – Vs. 16
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Psalm 119:59-63
RECIPE FOR JOY
REFLECT – Vs. 59a – I thought on my ways,
Self-examination is key to being right with God. We must be honest about the condition of our hearts.
REPENT – Vss. 59b-60 – … and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
When we turn away from sin, we will confess it and receive forgiveness. 1 John 1:9
We will strive to be obedient to God’s word.
REMEMBER -Vs. 61 – The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
In spite of the hardships that we face as we walk with God (Psalm 34:19, 1I Timothy 3:12).
REJOICE – Vs. 62 – At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
See Philippians 4:4 and Psalm 100.
RECRUIT – Vs. 63 – I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
Recruit friends who are of like faith.
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Mark 12:1-12
THE PLAN OF GOD
ISRAEL PLANTED AS GOD’S VINE – Vs. 1
THE PROPHETS PREACHED AS GOD’S REPRESENTATIVES – Vss. 2-5
THE SON PERSECUTED AS GOD’S HEIR – Vss. 6-8
THE CHURCH PROVIDED AS GOD’S ALTERNATIVE – Vss. 9-12
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Luke 8:4-15
WHERE HAVE ALL THE CONVERTS GONE?
I imagine that many of us have been suspicious when someone raises his or her hand, or comes forward, professing salvation. Although we rejoice, we secretly wonder it the person making a decision is going to “stick with it”.
Why do we feel this way? I think it’s because we’ve seen many people make professions of faith, and then disappear. Many have walked the aisles at evangelistic meetings and in church services, not to be seen ever again. Some start off real well, but after a time, they either slow down to nominal involvement, or no involvement at all.
We often wonder where the converts have gone. To be sure, there are times when we fail to follow converts up correctly. More often than not, however, I think the problem has to do with the Spiritual condition of the person who professes salvation. In our text Jesus gives us an idea why some converts act the way they do.
THE STORY PRESENTED – Vss. 4-8
Jesus tells the familiar story of the Sower sowing the seed into four different kinds of soil with various results.
THE STORY QUESTIONED – Vss. 9-10
The disciples do not understand the parable, and ask Jesus for an explanation of the meaning.
THE STORY EXPLAINED – Vss. 11-15
Jesus explains that the seed is the Word of God.
Each soil into which the seed falls indicates a different type of heart, responding to God’s Word.
1. The HARD Heart – Vs. 12 – The hard soil on which the seed fell was actually the foot path between fields. This hard soil does not receive the seed, but it lays out where birds can come and eat it. A person with a hard heart, may make a profession of faith, but in reality, is not interested in the Gospel. Satan comes along and snatches up the seed.
2. The HEAVY Heart – Vs. 13 – The seed which fell on stony soil, actually feel on a ledge, covered with a little soil. The seed would spring up quickly, but shrivel up quickly too. There was no way of putting down roots. Such is the person who has a heavy heart because of temptation. He starts well, but finishes his Christian walk quickly.
3. The HEATHEN Heart – Vs. 14 – This soil is choked with thorns. A person who makes a profession of faith, and then is distracted with the cares of this world, has the heart of a heathen, who cares only about his own pleasure.
4. The HEALTHY Heart – Here is the person whose heart truly receives the Word of God, and ends up producing fruit. This is the person who is truly saved.
Many of the “converts” do not have the right kind of heart, so they end up disappearing.
Sermon Seeds B16
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2 Corinthians 9:6-8 etc.
WALLET WORSHIP
We are in a worship service.We have worshiped through singing.We have worshiped through praying.We have worshiped by reading the Scriptures.We have worshiped by listening to special music.
We are worshiping by listening and responding to the preaching of God’s Word.
There was another act of worship in our service.
This act of worship is probably the most unpopular.
This act of worship is one that most do not want the pastor to talk about.
This act of worship is done with your wallet.
That’s why I have entitled the sermon, “Wallet Worship”.
I would like us to consider 3 things about worshiping God by Giving to His work.
THE REASONS FOR WALLET WORSHIP
Why should I part with my hard-earned money? Why should I put more than a token gift in the offering plate? There are, of course, many reasons. Here are 3:
1. Gratitude
When you give, to whom are you giving? Are you giving to the church, the pastor, the missionary, the Sunday School, or the building fund? No! When you give in worship, you are giving to the Lord! The church, the pastor, the missionary, the Sunday School and/or the building fund will benefit, but your giving should be to God.
If you know Christ as Savior, you’re giving is out of gratitude for what He has done for you. See Ephesians 2:4-10 to see what He’s done for us.
2. Ownership
Psalm 24:1-2 – Because of creation God owns everything. Because of creation God owns your possessions. Because of creation God owns you.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 shows us that God has an even greater hold on us as Christians. Because of what God has done for us, he owns us. He should be allowed to use those things he has entrusted into my care.
3. Dedication
Romans 12:1 – If my body is a living sacrifice, that means that all I have and all I am His. If what I have is that with he has entrusted to my keeping, I am responsible to properly use it.
THE WRONG KINDS OF WALLET WORSHIP
Wallet worship is wrong when we worship our wallets, instead of worshiping with our wallets. 1 Timothy 6:10
The wrong kinds of Wallet Worship include:
1. Being Selfish
Another word for it is “stingy”. You want to be “comfortable”, without regard to helping others. Luke 12:16-21
2. Being Scared
Many of you never started giving generously to God when you were young. Now you are afraid that you cannot afford to tithe or to give above the tithe to missions. You are afraid that ends will not meet. Our Lord answers this concern in Matthew 6:19-21, 31-33.
3. Being Sneaky
Some folks who talk the most about giving end up giving the least. Some will even try to deceive others about the amount of their contribution to the Lord’s work. Acts 5:1-11
THE RIGHT PRINCIPLES OF WALLET WORSHIP
Here are four different principles to apply for the right kind of worship with the wallet.
1. THE ABRAHAM PRINCIPLE – Genesis 14:18-20
Abraham demonstrates the giving of the tithe.
There was no law as yet about giving when Abraham did this.
But Abraham gave willingly, gratefully, systematically, and generously to the Lord’s work.
If Abraham considered the tithe as fitting, shouldn’t we at least make that our minimum gift?
2. THE MALACHI PRINCIPLE – Malachi 3:8
The principle is to simply not to rob God! I think of the tithe as those, that we would give to the local church and the offerings are those gifts that are over and above the tithe. Often these gifts go to support missionaries. God promises blessing when we give properly. Malachi 3:10-11
3. THE WIDOW PRINCIPLE – Mark 12:41-44
Jesus is more impressed with the percentage of the gift (In this case it was 100%!), that he is the amount of the gift.
4. THE PAUL PRINCIPLE – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Paul reminds us that we will reap in proportion to how much we sow. Vs. 6
We are to give purposefully, willingly, and cheerfully. Vs. 7
When that is done, there will be no lack. Vs. 8
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Revelation 5
A GREAT DAY IN HEAVEN
SEALED BOOK – Vs. 1
STRONG ANGEL – Vs. 2
SAD STATE – Vss. 3-4
SAVING KING – Vss. 5-7
STUPENDOUS WORSHIP – Vss. 8-14
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Ezra 3
REVIVAL
For about seventy years the temple in Jerusalem laid in ruins.
A group of people came out of exile back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1-2).
In Chapter 3, the rebuilding of the temple is started.
I believe that this chapter shows us a procedure for revival.
REESTABLISH WORSHIP – Vss. 1-6
Before an effort was made to rebuild the temple, worship was reestablished.
A good way to start revival is through sincere worship of God. Psalm 89:7
Sincere worship will lead to true repentance.
REBUILD THE FOUNDATION – Vss. 7-10a
The foundation needed to be rebuilt.
When we are revived we reaffirm that our life is built on Christ alone. 1 Corinthians 3:11
We repent and return to our “first love”. Revelation 2:4-5
RESPOND APPROPRIATELY – Vss. 10b-13
1. The Response of Sorrow – Vss. 12-13
Some people were sorrowful because of the smaller size of the rebuilt temple.
We should sorrow over sin when God is reviving us. 2 Corinthians 7:10
2. The Response of Joy – Vss. 10b-11
There was joy when the foundation for the temple was relayed.
God was in the center of the praise and joy.
When we experience revival in our lives, we too will praise God and experience His joy. Psalm 85:6
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Psalm 119:49-56
GOD’S WORD
ENCOURAGED BY GOD’S WORD – Vss. 49-50
ENTRENCHED IN GOD’S WORD – Vss. 51-52
ENRAGED WHEN GOD’S WORD IS VIOLATED – Vs. 53
ESTABLISHED BY OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORD – Vss. 54-56
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Daniel 1
STARTING OVER
CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE – Vss. 1-4
Daniel and his friends had lived in Judah, but were now in a new situation. They had been taken captive, and chosen to become government officials in service to the King of Babylon.
We can be well assured that there will be changing circumstances in our lives as well.
CHALLENGES ABOUND – Vss. 4-7
When circumstances change, we discover new challenges. Daniel and his friends faced the following challenges.
1. A new language – Vs. 4 (end of verse)
2. New education – Vs. 4 (end of verse)
3. New diet – Vs. 5
4. New names – Vss. 6-7 – Instead of being named after the God of Israel, the new names reflected the Babylonian gods.
It seems that the Babylonians were doing everything they could to make these young men forget their old ways and their own religion.
CONVICTIONS DICTATE – Vss. 8-14
There is a difference between conviction and preference.
For instance, I have met parents who had a preference of Christian School for their children. They would prefer that their children receive a Christian education. Most people, who simply prefer Christian School, will find it relatively easy to place their children in a public school. Parents who are convicted that Christian Education is the will of God for their child will settle for nothing less if at all possible.
If Daniel and his friends only had a preference for the right kind of food, they would not have made the stand that they made. Their conviction dictated their behavior. It says in verse 8 that Daniel purposed in his heart. That’s conviction!
Daniel and his friends did not want to defile themselves with the king’s food, that was obviously not a kosher diet. Daniel made a quiet request and then proposed a test of ten days of eating just vegetables.
Our convictions will dictate our behavior, especially when we find ourselves in new circumstances.
CONSEQUENCES BLESS – Vss. 15-21
We often think of the bad consequences that come from going what is wrong. But remember that there are good consequences for doing what is right (Galatians 6:7-8).
In this case, the obedience of Daniel and his friends resulted in:
1. Fairer and fuller countenance – Vs. 15
2. Removal of the objectionable food – Vs. 16
3. Superior knowledge and skill – Vss. 17-20
4. Long life (Daniel) – Vs. 21
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Matthew 9:18-26
THE GREAT PHYSICIAN
A DISPARAGED FATHER – Vss. 18-19 – JESUS COMES
A DESPERATE WOMAN – Vss. 20-22 – JESUS COMFORTS
A DEAD GIRL – Vss. 23-26 – JESUS COMMUNICATES (LIFE)
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Luke 9:57-62
TRUE DISCIPLESHIP
A TRUE DISCIPLE HAS NO (PERMANENT) HOME – Vss. 57-58
By this we mean that a true disciple of Christ will consider his true home to be in Heaven. Earthly accommodations mean nothing compared to the importance of following Christ wherever. See 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Hebrews 13:14 and Luke 9:23-24.
A TRUE DISCIPLE HAS NO HINDRANCE – Vss. 59-60
When this man requested a delay in following, the father was probably not even dead yet.
He was using family as an excuse, a hindrance for not doing what he was told.
A TRUE DISCIPLE HAS NO HESITATION – Vss. 61-62
There is no unnecessary delay on our part when we are truly following the Lord.
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Romans 15:1-7
UNSELFISH LIVING
You can begin the message with your favorite illustrations or quotes on selfishness.
Each one of us has a selfish streak inside of us. We can all have a “me first” attitude if we are not careful.
When it comes to getting along with other people in the church, especially those who might be considered “weaker brothers” we need to learn to live in an unselfish manner.
To begin with, because of the cross we need to make a decision to strive to live in an unselfish manner. Romans 6:6 reminds us that we died with Christ on the cross. Romans 6:11-13 admonishes to count ourselves as dead to but alive to God. If we died to sin, we died to selfishness!
Romans 12:1 reminds us that we are to present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God.
Romans 15:1-7 enhances the Scriptures we just mentioned by providing 4 suggestions for enhancing the defeat of selfishness in our lives.
BACKGROUND
This section is actually the concluding argument from Romans 14. Romans 14 is the contrast between the weak brother and the strong brother. The weak brother is more legalistic, more tending towards rules and regulations about diet, observance of days, where to go, and what to do. The strong brother realizes that he is free of the rules and regulations of the Old Testament that deal with diet and holy days.
Romans 14:3 – The strong brother is not to despise or think little of the person who is not as free as he is. The weaker brother is to be respected for his convictions. The weaker brother is not to judge the stronger brother. He is not pronounce judgment on the stronger brother. God has accepted both of them.
Romans 14:10 – Each of us will stand before Christ and give account. We need not prejudge. The Lord Jesus will do a much better job.
Romans 14:13 – The stronger brother is not to be a stumbling block, a snare, or a trap to the weaker brother. If the weaker brother is legitimately bothered by what the stronger brother does, he is not to be harassed or encouraged to damage his own conscience.
Romans 14:15 – We are warned not to destroy our brother with our own Christian liberty. That is not love.
Romans 14:21-23 – We are to honor the conscience of the weaker brother. If he can’t do something by faith it becomes sin to him if he violates his own conscience.
With all this in mind, the stronger brother is given some tips for not being selfish. Instead, the weaker brother will be helped. Actually all of us are helpful if we follow these directions.
SET SOME GOALS – Vss. 1-2
There will always be weaker brethren in a thriving Christian church.
There will be those weak because they are new Christians.
There will be those weak because of sin habits.
There will be those weak because of poverty.
There will be those weak due to personal sickness, sickness of a loved one, or loss of a loved one.
There will be those weak due to immaturity.
There will be those weak due to weak conscience.
There will be those who are emotionally weak.
With this in mind there are two goals we should have for our behavior towards weaker brethren.
1. We are to bear the infirmities of the weak. (Vs. 1) When we do we will not please ourselves. Galatians 6:2
When we bear the burdens of others we will pray for them, listen to them, spend time with them, help them financially, and support them during tragedies.
2. We are to please our neighbors. (Vs. 2) This means I am to work at edifying or building up that Christian brother or sister for his or her own good.
I can build up that person by not offending him with my own strength and by sharing with him what God is teaching me. I can also build up that neighbor by being a model of Christ centered living.
SEE THE SCRIPTURES – Vss. 3-4
1. I can look to Scripture for the model of Christ. This verse refers to the sacrifice of Christ for my sin. He took the reproach for sin that should have been mine. Christ did not please himself on the cross, but was concerned with the good of the world. I can follow this example of unselfish living, and the other examples that Christ set.
2. We can also learn from all the examples found in Scripture. This verse, I believe, specifically refers to the Old Testament, but is applicable to the New Testament as well. In the Old Testament we learn of:
The example of Abraham willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac
The example of Hosea who accepted being married to a harlot so God could make a point
The example of Moses who continually interceded for the rebellious Israelites
And there are many more examples for us to follow from the Scriptures that will teach us how to deal with weaker people.
SHOOT (AIM) FOR UNITY – Vss. 5-6
Vs. 5 – The God of patience can and will make you patient, if you let Him.
The God of consolation will help you to console others, if you let Him.
The word likeminded here means to think the same thing.
We will think the same thing when we seek to be patient instead of getting our own way.
We will think the same thing when we seek to console others instead of criticizing them.
Vs. 6 – Notice here what brings glory.
When we have one mind and one mouth within a congregation, we are bringing glory to God. Psalm 133:3
The church is a single unit. It is a team. It is individuals working together.
Therefore, shoot for unity!
SEEK TO ACCEPT – Vs. 7
The key word here is “receive”. The word means “take to one’s self”. It means to take a special interest on the part of the receiver. It suggests a welcome.
We are to receive others as Christ has received us. Christ accepted us with no strings attached. It is about time that you and I started to seek to accept others this same way.
We may not agree on every point of doctrine.
We may not agree on every point of separation.
We may not agree about who our closest friends are.
We may not even care particularly for the person’s personality.
But when a person is sincerely born again, we need to accept them as Christ accepted us.
Sermon Seeds D16
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1 John 1:5-10
GOD’S BEST
Some people may think that Christianity is negative. However to have God’s best for our lives we must deal with the negativity of sin.
God’s best:
NO DARKNESS – Vss. 5-7 – walking in the light
NO DECEIT – Vss. 8, 10 – we should not try to fool God or ourselves
NO DIRT – Vs. 9 – confession brings about cleansing
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Deuteronomy 10:12-21
REMINDERS
Some people tie a string around their finger. Others write themselves a note. Others say to someone else “Remind me to…” God gives us reminders in His Word. Our text contains three such reminders.
We are to remember:
THE GRACE OF GOD – Vss. 14-15
God chose Israel above all nations. God has chosen you and I above all people, if we are born again Christians. It is us who are the children of God (John 1:12). We did nothing to deserve this. It is all God’s grace, unmerited favor.
GOODNESS FOR GOD – Vss. 12-13, 16
Because Israel belonged to God, she, as a nation was to act accordingly. As Christians we are to act as the children of God.
We should live out these verses in our lives today.
THE GREATNESS OF GOD – Vss. 17-21
Israel had experienced God’s greatness. As a result, Israel was to be motivated to behave as God would have her to behave. Because of God’s greatness to us, we too, should motivated to behave like His children..
Sermon Seeds B11
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Judges 6-8
FROM BLUES TO BLESSING
It is very easy to start “singing the blues”, that is, to be depressed or discouraged.
Look at the state of the economy and you can become discouraged.
Look at the state of your own finances and you can become discouraged.
Look at world events, especially in the Middle East, and you can become discouraged.
Look at the behavior of most unbelievers and you will become discouraged.
Look at the behavior of many believers and you can become discouraged.
Look at the sickness, pain and suffering experienced by you, your family, and friends and you can become discouraged.
Are you “singing the blues”? Are you discouraged? Learn a lesson from Gideon and the Children of Israel.
6:1-6 – The Midianites were nomads who dwelled in the dessert. At the time of Harvest, they would show up and steal what was in the land.
6:11-13 – In the midst of this problem, an Angel of the Lord appears to Gideon.
Gideon is called a “man of valor” by the Angel of the Lord and told him that the Lord was with him. Gideon asked two questions that showed his discouragement.
“Why us?”
“Where’s God?”
We often ask the same two questions.
In the case of Gideon, God took him from being defeated to being victorious.
He took him from blues to blessing!
In this story about Gideon we can find some guidelines for handling discouragement.
1. ACKNOWLEDGE THE REASONS FOR DISCOURAGEMENT
There are reasons for discouragement. It behooves us to analyze and ask, “What exactly has me discouraged?” We can’t look at just surface reasons, but need to dig deep. There are many reasons for discouragement. Allow me to share just four:
A. An Unpleasant Condition
This is the most obvious. Gideon and the children of Israel were discouraged by the unpleasant conditions that they needed to face.
Life is full of unpleasant conditions. (You can share your own list.)
B. An Uncommitted Burden
If you are a Christian, there is a procedure we need to follow when we start to feel overwhelmed and discouraged.
We need to commit our burdens to the Lord in prayer. All too often we try to handle our own problems instead of giving them to the Lord. 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 37:5, Psalm 81:10, Philippians 4:6-7
C. An Unconfessed/ Unforsaken Sin
Many times we will blame other things or people for our discouragement, when in reality, the problem is ourselves! It is very easy to say, “I’m discouraged by the sins of other Christians” when in reality we are discouraged by our own sins. This was Israel’s problem in Judges 6. They had failed God. They were worshipping false Gods. Therefore they were under God’s hand of discipline so that they would confess and forsake their sins and return to Him. Proverbs 3:12-13, Isaiah 55:6-7
D. An Unchecked Physical Problem
Sometimes folks are discouraged or depressed simply because there is something physically wrong. When a person can say, “It’s not circumstances that has me discouraged. It’s not an uncommitted burden or a sin that has me discouraged” perhaps it’s time to see the doctor.
II. ADJUST YOUR VISION
All too often people are looking in the wrong places for solutions to their problems.
Some look to circumstances and wish for them to get better.
Some look to others and depend on them to solve the problems.
Some look to themselves as the solution to their problems.
Our vision needs to be adjusted so that we look to God as the solution of our problems.
In Judges 6:6, the Children of Israel did the right thing when they cried to God for help.
When Gideon started looking to the Lord there was victory.
Two interesting things about the call of Gideon:
1. God says “I have sent thee” in verse 14. Problems are solved and there is peace in the soul when we are following God’s leading.
2. There is peace in the soul when God goes with us.
Let’s get our vision adjusted so that we look to God for the solution to our problems.
III. ALIGN YOURSELF PUBLICLY WITH GOD
6:33-35 – Notice that God’s Spirit came upon Gideon and he was not the same. He rallied the people around God. He publicly took his stand for the Lord. That is exactly what we should do. Especially when there is a problem, people should know that you are aligning yourself with God! Psalm 34:1-4
IV. ALLOW GOD TO WORK THROUGH A REMNANT (YOU!)
You will lose your discouragement, when you realize that usually God works through individuals and small groups instead of large crowds. 1 Samuel 14:6
Notice Judges 6:12. God calls Gideon “a mighty man of valor”. Gideon was anything but!
God saw the potential Gideon had and He sees our potential. All we have to do is allow God to work through us.
God reduced Gideon’s initial fighting force to 300 in Judges 7.
God is only hindered by numbers when we fail to let Him work through us.
V. ASCRIBE ALL GLORY TO GOD
When God delivers you give Him the credit. Psalm 98:1, Psalm 29:2
When God gives the victory make sure that He is praised and thanked!
A sad aftermath to Gideon’s victory was the failure of Israel to remember that God gave them the victory and to thank Him. Judges 8:34
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Psalm 9:10
AN ENCOURAGING WORD
Psalm 9:10 – And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
WE ARE FAMILY – And they that know thy name (His name is “Father”. John 1:12, Romans 8:15-18)
WE MUST HAVE FAITH – will put their trust in thee: (Proverbs 3:5-6)
GOD IS FAITHFUL – for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
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Mark 6:32-56
SEE JESUS
SEE HIS MINISTRY – Vss. 32-34, 53-56
He had compassion.
He taught.
He healed.
SEE HIS MULTIPLICATION – Vss. 35-44
Jesus took five loaves and two fishes and multiplied them.
Jesus takes the abilities we have and multiplies them as we use them. Romans 12:3-8
SEE HIS MAJESTY – Vss. 45-52
Jesus was able to walk on the water and calm the raging sea.
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John 1:10-14
WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH JESUS?
Everyone who has heard the Gospel will do something with Jesus.
Here are three possibilities.
THERE ARE REJECTERS – Vss. 10-11
Some will refuse to believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior.
A person who makes no decision concerning Christ has actually decided not to believe in Christ.
THERE ARE RECEIVERS – Vss. 12-13
Every person who believes in Christ becomes a child of God and has been born of God. See John 3:1-8
THERE ARE REFLECTORS – Vs. 14
John saw Christ’s glory and believed on Him. After that he reflected that glory through His words and his actions. We who have seen Christ’s glory through salvation are to do the same. Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Peter 3:15
Are you a rejecter, or are you and a receiver and a reflector?
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2 Corinthians 12:7-10
GOT TROUBLES?
Like us, Paul had troubles. Here’s how he handled them:
PAUL’S GROANING – Vss. 7-8
GOD’S GRACE – Vs. 9a
It was sufficient
CHRIST’S GLORY – Vss. 9b-10
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1 Peter 1:1-2
INTRODUCING 1 PETER
THE WRITING PROPHET – Peter
THE RECEIVING PEOPLE – Strangers, Elect
THE ENCOURAGING PROCLAMATION – Grace and Peace
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Deuteronomy 6:10-19
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PROMISED LAND
Israel was about to enter the Promised Land. Here are some instructions from God:
A DELIGHTFUL PLACE – Vss. 10-11
The Promised Land would be a terrific place to live.
A DANGEROUS POSSIBILITY – Vs. 12, 14-15
The dangerous possibility was forgetting and/or forsaking the Lord and receiving His Judgment.
A DEVOTED PEOPLE – Vss. 13, 16-18
They were to fear the Lord. Vs. 13
They were not to tempt the Lord. Vs. 16
They were not to obey. Vs. 17
They were to do what was right and good.
A DELIGHTED PEOPLE – Vss. 18b-19
It would go well with them.
They would possess the Land.
They would cast out the enemies.
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Psalm 93
THE LORD REIGNS
THE MAJESTY OF THAT REIGN – Vs. 1
THE MIGHT OF THAT REIGN – Vss. 2-4
THE MEANING OF THAT REIGN – Vs. 5
Sure Testimonies
Holiness
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Proverbs 25:11-13, 25
GOOD WORDS
There are all kinds of words, but the best kind of words are good words.
A FIT WORD Vs. 11
A right word at the right time is always appropriate.
A FORTUNATE WORD Vs. 12
A man is fortunate when he has a friend who will rebuke him in love.
A man is wise when he heeds the rebuke.
A FAITHFUL WORD Vs. 13, 25
A faithful servant delivers the message of his master.
The master is refreshed.
When we faithfully deliver the message of salvation to those who need it, we are delivering the faithful word.
As we deliver the “good news” (The Gospel) from a far country (Heaven), many souls will be refreshed (Vs. 25).
Sermon Seeds B30
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Matthew 16:1-12
DISCUSSIONS
In these verse our Lord has two discussions, one with the Pharisees and Sadducees, the other with his disciples.
LOOKING FOR A SIGN – Vss. 1-4
The Jews were always looking for a sign. Jesus told them that the sign they would be was the “sign of Jonah”. Jonah, came out of the belly of the whale. Jesus would come out of the grave.
LEANING ON LOGIC – Vss. 5-7
The disciples forgot bread.
Jesus said to beware of the “Leaven of the Pharisees”.
The logic of the disciples was that Jesus made this statement because they forgot bread.
Instead of asking Jesus what he meant, they used their own logic. That was a mistake. Proverbs 3:5-7
LEARNING THE TRUTH – Vss. 8-12
Jesus rebuked the disciples, reminded him of his power to feed, and explained what he really meant. He was warning against the false teaching of the Pharisees and Saducees.
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Luke 9:27-36
THE TRANSFIGURATION
THE COUNTENANCE OF THE SAVIOR – Vss.29
THE CONVERSATION WITH MOSES AND ELIJAH – Vss. 30-31
THE CONFUSION OF THE DISCIPLES – Vss.32-33
THE COMMAND OF THE FATHER – Vss. 34-36
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Romans 1:13-17
MINDSET FOR MISSIONS

If we as a church are going to be the best possible help to our missionaries, and if we are going to reach our own community for Christ, we need a mindset for missions. We need to have the right Biblical perspective for reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am not saying that anyone of us will be a full time missionary, although that is possible. I am saying that if we have a missions mindset we will be more effective in our service for Christ and our missionaries.
In Romans 1:13-17, I believe that the Apostle Paul reveals to us his own personal mindset for missions. Paul, a missionary himself, shows what it is like to have a heart for missions.
In looking at this passage I found five questions that we can ask that will help us determine if we too have a mindset for missions.
WHAT IS MY DESIRE? – Vs. 13
Have you noticed that we don’t always get what we want? Even when what we want is good, God doesn’t always give it to us, or he makes us wait until His timing is perfect.
Paul wanted to go to Rome. However, God did not allow Paul to go to Rome at that point in his ministry. He would later arrive in Rome as a prisoner. As a prisoner, he would win many to Christ, especially soldiers.
Paul was hindered from going to Rome, but that did not stop him from serving God as a missionary where he was. And that did not stop Paul’s desire to bear fruit in Rome as he did among other Gentiles. I believe the fruit being referred to here is people coming to know Christ as Savior.
We might want to go on a short-term missions trip.
We might want to share Christ with a specific person or a specific people group. And God may seem to say, “no”.
However, the most important thing is to serve Christ and share Christ with others right where we live.
Paul not only wanted to bear fruit in Rome, but wherever he was.
Wherever Paul went he tried to communicate the Gospel of Christ to Jew and Gentile alike. He desired to see people saved.
My friend, you and I will not be fruitful in the area of witnessing for Christ unless we want to be.
I believe that every Christian is called to be a missionary. Some are called to be missionaries on foreign soil or another part of their country. Others, like us, are called to be missionaries right where they are. Consider the pattern that Jesus gave for missions.
Acts 1:8
Many of us need to stay in Jerusalem to reach the people on our home turf, as well as to work and support those who are going on the road with the Gospel.
• You will not be a good ambassador for Jesus Christ unless you have a desire for people to be saved.
• You will not be a good ambassador for Jesus Christ unless you desire to be used of God in bringing people to Christ.
Why should you have a desire to be fruitful in witnessing for Christ? John 3:17-18
So, what is your desire?
Is it to be usable as a missionary for Christ right where you are?
If it isn’t your desire, why isn’t it?
DO I SEE MYSELF AS A DEBTOR? – Vs. 14
A debtor is someone who has an obligation. He owes someone something.
Paul considered himself a debtor. He had an obligation to non-Jews.
There was good reason for Paul to feel this way. Before Paul was saved, he was antagonistic to the Gospel. When God saved Paul, he saved him so that he would be a missionary to the Gentile. This is what Jesus told Paul when he appeared to him on the Road to Damascus. Acts 26:16-18
And Paul, never got over the fact that Jesus saved him and gave him a ministry.
1 Timothy 1:12-13
So we understand why Paul felt indebted to do missionary work.
But, why should we feel indebted?
If you are a Christian, God has saved you from an eternity in hell. Out of appreciation, you should love Christ, and want others to know Him personally. Christ loved you enough to save you. You should love Him enough to tell others what He has done for you.
If you are a Christian, you know something that other people don’t know. It is your obligation to tell them what you know. Psalm 107:2
We know that a person without Christ is in trouble.
Because of what we know, we are obligated to share that information with others.
1 Peter 3:15
My friend, do you feel any obligation, any debt because of what Christ has done for you and because of what you know that can help others?
AM I DEDICATED? – Vss. 15-16a
There a lot of dedicated people around here.
• There are people dedicated to hunting.
• There are people dedicated to yard sales.
• There are people dedicated to eating.
• There are people dedicated to learning.
• There are people dedicated to taking care of their children.
• There are people dedicated to the internet.
• There are people dedicated to their husbands and wives.
• There are people dedicated to their friends.
Usually, a dedicated person:
• Likes what he or she is dedicated to
• Believes in what he or she is dedicated to
• Persists at doing what he or she is dedicated to
• Spends time doing what he or she is dedicated to
• Talks about what he or she is dedicated to
Paul was dedicated to sharing Christ with others.
It showed in two ways.
First of all, Paul was eager to share.
That word “ready” in verse 15 means “eager”.
Paul was eager to share what had made him free.
He wanted people to know about Christ, and because he was eager to share, he did it often.
Because Paul was eager to share Christ, he was dedicated, as the following verses show.
Acts 20:16-21
Paul was not only dedicated because he was eager, but because he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.
If you are truly dedicated to Christ, you will not be ashamed of his Gospel.
Many times we fail to communicate the Gospel to our own family members, because we don’t want them to get angry with us.
Many times we fail to communicate the Gospel to our friends because we don’t want to lose their friendship.
Many times we fail to communicate the Gospel of Christ because we do not want to open ourselves up to ridicule.
What do you do when Christ is ridiculed in your presence?
What do you do when God gives you the opportunity to speak in his behalf?
Are you dedicated enough to be eager to share?
Are you dedicated enough to not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ?
WHAT IS MY DYNAMIC? – Vs. 16b
In other words, what is the source of my power? On what am I relying for strength as I share the Gospel?
The Gospel of Christ is the power of God.
When you share the Gospel of Christ, you can expect God to work in his power.
That doesn’t mean that everyone who hears the Gospel will be saved. But it does mean that when you present the Gospel some will be saved. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
My friend, when we share the Gospel of Christ, we have the power of God working on our side? Are you using it as your dynamic?
ON WHOM DO I DEPEND? – Vs. 17
Only righteous people go to Heaven.
There’s only one problem. Nobody’s righteous. Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23 So how can anybody get into Heaven if none of us our righteous?
The key word is “faith” in verse 17.
Jesus was righteous. Jesus did no sin.
Jesus died in your place on the cross of Calvary.
The gospel is summed up in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.
To believe the Gospel to depend on the fact that a righteous God died in your place. And because God the Son died in your place, God the Father, will make declare you righteous when you place your faith in Christ.
Romans 5:1, Romans 1:17 -
Are you depending on Christ for your salvation?
And Christian are you depending on Christ for daily strength?
You must continue to live by faith after being saved!
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Ezra 9
DEALING WITH SIN
BE SHOCKED AT SIN – Vss. 1-4
When Ezra was told of the sins of the people he was shocked.
BE SHAMED BEFORE GOD – Vss. 5-7
Not only was Ezra shocked, but he was ashamed.
SEE GOD’S GRACE – Vss. 8-9
He recognized how gracious God had been.
STATE YOUR TRANSGRESSIONS – Vss. 10-15
Ezra was specific about the sins of the people.
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Psalm 13
TROUBLE!
CONCERN OF DAVID – Vss. 1-2
CALL FOR HELP – Vss. 3-4
CONFIDENCE IN GOD – Vss. 5-6
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Lamentations 3:22-23 etc.
FAITHFUL GOD, FAITHFUL PEOPLE
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
WE HAVE A FAITHFUL GOD
His Mercies
His Compassions
His Faithfulness
WE ARE TO BE A FAITHFUL PEOPLE
Faithfulness Required – 1 Corinthians 4:2
Faithfulness Reviewed – 2 Timothy 4:7
Like Paul we should fight the good fight, finish the course and keep the
faith.
Faithfulness Rewarded – 2 Timothy 4:8, Revelation 2:10
Sermon Seeds B31
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Matthew 16:13-27
LEARNING FROM JESUS
Jesus is doing some very definite teaching of his disciples in the passage.
A STARTLING QUESTION – Vs. 13-15
The disciples may have been startled that Jesus was asking who people said he was.
They were probably more startled when Jesus turned the question around to ask who they thought he was. That’s really the key issue. Who do you say Jesus is?
A STRONG CONFESSION – Vs. 16
Peter delivers a very strong, definite response. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
A SURE PROMISE – Vss. 17-20
Jesus would build His church upon Himself. He is the rock.
A STRANGE REBUKE – Vss. 21-22
Jesus told of his death and resurrection.
Peter rebuked Him! This is strange, when you consider that Peter just confessed that Jesus is the Son of God.
A STAGGERING CORRECTION – Vss. 23-27
Peter was put in his place. His rebuke of Jesus came from the devil, not God.
At that moment, Peter was not seeking the things of God.
Jesus continues by showing just how high a cost must be paid to be a disciple of Christ.
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JOHN 6:47-48
A GOOD OUTLOOK
If we approach life with a positive outlook, we are far more likely to be happy than if we have a bad outlook. Unfortunately, there are enough bad things that happen in our lives and in the lives of our friends and loved ones, that can often dampen our spirits, and cause us to develop a bad outlook.
The Lord Jesus, however, gives us good reasons to have a good outlook on life. We find three of these reasons for this good outlook as we look at our text.

WE HAVE THE SOURCE OF AUTHORITY
Verily, verily, I say unto you…
The words “Verily, verily” are literally the words “Amen, Amen” in the original language. I think of Jesus saying, “surely, surely”. Jesus is serious when he uses these words and He is pointing out to his listeners that whatever He is saying is absolute truth.
Jesus’ teaching style was different from those of his day. At the end of His famous Sermon on The Mount. Matthew 7:28-29
Indeed, during the Sermon on the Mount Jesus would quote teachings of the past and then say, “but I say unto you”, and then give a clarification to the teaching.
An example of this is found in Matthew 5:27-28
Why could Jesus speak with such authority?
Jesus can speak with such authority because of who He is.
Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
• Jesus is wonderful! -
By nature, He is God.
His miracles were wonderful.
His teachings were wonderful.
His death on the cross for our sins was wonderful.
His resurrection was wonderful.
The work He does now as our intercessor before God is wonderful.
• Jesus is counselor!
Jesus is the counselor in that He comes to us as the revealer of the Father’s will.
A counselor is one who gives advice and direction.
A counselor is one who gives help when needed.
More than once a counselor has gotten someone out of trouble.
As God, there is none that can give better counsel than the Lord Jesus. No wonder He tells us to abide in Him in John 15:4-5.
• Jesus is mighty God!
He created everything. Colossians 1:16
Jesus is mighty God! He knows everything.
Jesus is mighty God! He is all-powerful. There isn’t anything that Jesus can’t do. Just think of His mighty miracles, including the calming of storms and the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead.
• Jesus is everlasting father or “father of eternity”.
Jesus is eternal.
He said in John 8:58 …Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Jesus is alive now and will be forevermore.
Because He is eternal, every promise He makes He is capable of keeping.
• JESUS IS PRINCE OF PEACE
Jesus is prince of peace because He secured peace with God for us. Romans 5:1
Jesus is Prince of Peace because He promises His followers peace. John 14:27
So there you have it. Jesus is … Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
You have no greater authority than the Lord Jesus!
So when He says something here in John 6:47-48, you can believe it.
When He says something in the Sermon on the Mount, you can believe it.
Anywhere you see the red letters in you Bible you can believe the words, because they are the Words of Jesus.
Actually you can believe and accept, and trust in the whole Bible, because the whole Bible is God’s Word. It is authority! 2 Timothy 3:16-17
WE HAVE THE SIMPLICITY OF SALVATION
I have a computer sitting on my desk and it amazes me. It can do two our three things at once, allow me to do word processing, store everything in files and connect me to the internet. It can find just about anything it has in store. It can play music and even video clips. I would say the computer is complex. And I only know how to use a computer, not what makes it work or how to fix it.
We have just passed the deadline of April 15th for filing our taxes. The tax code is complex. I don’t understand the tax code, and as I result I rely on somebody who does to do my taxes.
Many people have made salvation leading to eternal life complex.
They think that they have to do good deeds to get into Heaven.
They think that they have to light candles, be baptized, do penance, go to purgatory, pay money, take communion, keep the ten commandments, and/or be a totally nice person in order to get into Heaven.
Jesus, our authority makes it much simpler.
John 6:47 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
Have you ever stopped to think how simple salvation is?
The trouble is, too many people think that the message of salvation is too simple. They think they must do something to earn forgiveness and eternal life.
My friend, God simply didn’t make it that hard. Ephesians 2:8-9
• You are a sinner, who isn’t good enough to go to Heaven.
• God is a righteous God who demands payment for your sin.
• God in his love sent the Lord Jesus to die for your sins.
• Jesus paid for your sins on the cross and rose from the dead.
• Whoever believes, that is, trusts Jesus for forgiveness and eternal life becomes saved.
• At the point of true belief, the Holy Spirit comes into your life and makes you a “new creature” in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
If you have not availed yourself of God’s simple plan of salvation, I invite you to do so this morning. It will change your life.
If you have believed on Christ, may I encourage you that this simple message of salvation that changed your life can change the lives of your friends and loved ones? You actually need to know very little in order to share your faith with someone else.
Coupled along with telling someone how Christ changed your life you can simply explain what I’ve just explained to you.
WE HAVE THE STAPLE OF LIFE
John 6:48 – I am that bread of life.
Staples are the basic groceries you need. You know, bread, milk, flour, butter or margarine, salt, pepper, ice cream. 
Probably the most common staple throughout the world is bread. In many places, even around here, bread is very much a part of the diet. I have heard a lot more people say “I don’t eat meat, or much meat.” I can’t recall anybody saying, “I don’t eat bread.”
Bread helps to keep alive.
Jesus tells us in our text that he is “that bread of life.”
He’s the staple. He’s the basic. He’s needed. John 3:36, 1 John 5:12
Without the staple of Jesus Christ as Savior, you don’t have life.
And let me tell you something else, Christian, unless you make Jesus a staple in your life daily, you’re not going to have much of a life right now.
Jesus didn’t just come to give you eternal life, but He came to give you abundant life, now!
John 10:10
Do you want to know what kind of an abundant life you can have right now with the Lord Jesus? As James Montgomery Boice pointed out in his commentary on The Gospel of John, the 23rd Psalm is a beautiful picture of abundant life in Christ.
Boice, James Montgomery, The Gospel of John Volume 3, ©1985, 1999 by James Montgomery Boice, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Pages 749-752
READ AND COMMENT ON THE 23RD Psalm. Show the abundant life we have when Jesus is our shepherd.
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Galatians 2:1-10
MEETING IN JERUSALEM
COMMUNICATION OF BELIEF – Vss. 1-2, 6
Paul reported what he was preaching to the church at Jerusalem.
There was no problem with his teaching. It was approved for its accuracy.
CONTROVERSY OVER CIRCUMCISION – Vss. 3-5
Titus, a partner in ministry with Paul, was a Greek. Some would have circumcised him, but Paul refused. Circumcision is not needed for salvation.
COMMISSION TO GENTILE MINISTRY – Vss. 7-10
Ministries and methods vary. Paul was commissioned to go to the Gentiles.
As Peter was mighty as an Apostle to the Jews, Paul was mighty as an Apostle to the Gentiles.
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Revelation 19:11-20:3
THE KING ESTABLISHES HIS RULE
At the end of the “Great Tribulation” the Lord Jesus will come to earth and establish His rule. Here is what will happen.
ARRIVAL OF THE KING – 19:11-16
ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE KING – 19:17-18
ATTACK BY THE KING 19:19-20:3
Sermon Seeds B31
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1 Samuel 17
PERSPECTIVE
(IF YOU WOULD LIKE A COPY OF THE FULL TEXT OF THIS SERMON, ASK ME FOR IT BY NAME. I WILL SEND AN ATTACHMENT IN WORD FORMAT. jpeters@alltel.net )
Perspective or how we look at things is important. If we have the right perspective about something we will do well. If we have the wrong perspective, we are in trouble.
1 Kings 17 tells the well-known story of David and Goliath. In this particular story we see that the rest of the Israelites and David looked at the problem Goliath caused with different perspectives. In fact in this passage I see three different factors that affected the perspective of those involved.
BACKGROUND:
Vss. 1-10 – Goliath was a giant threatening the well being of Israel
Let me remind you that we all face “giants” in our lives.
Sometimes our “giants” are influential people who oppose us such as family members, bosses, teachers or fellow workers.
Sometimes our “giants” are habitual sins that we have trouble standing up to.
Sometimes our “giants” are the opinions of others. We don’t want to go against popular opinion.
Sometimes our “giants” are difficult circumstances that threaten to overwhelm us.
Sometimes our “giants” are illnesses in ourselves or in those we love.
Sometimes our “giants” are huge financial problems.
Just as the giant, Goliath, was real, your giants will be real too and will pose real threats to your well being.
THE FEAR FACTOR
Vs. 11 – Saul and the rest of the Israeli army were terrified. They were filled with fear. Nobody wanted to face this giant. And that’s part of our problem with our giants as well. We live in fear of these giants. We allow them to intimidate us, and even run from them instead of facing them. In fact, according to verse 24, running is exactly what Israel did when Goliath came out to challenge them.
Fear is one of the most paralyzing forces known to men.
People are often gripped with fear that renders them totally ineffective.
THE FOCUS FACTOR
Vss. 12-22 – Our hero, David, now enters the story. He has been at home looking at his father’s sheep. He is now sent to the battlefield to bring provisions to his brother and to get a report on the war. As David arrives the battle for the day was about to start.
Vss. 23-24 – David witnessed Goliath’s daily taunt that had now been going on for weeks. He also witnessed the fear on the part of the Israelites.
Vs. 25 – Evidently the king had made offers of reward for anyone who would defeat the giant.
Saul’s focus, and the focus of the Israeli army was not on defeating the giant. Their focus was on self-preservation. Saul and the rest of the army would not face the giant personally because they were afraid of losing their own lives. They wanted to preserve their own lives.
Vs. 26 – David’s focus was different.
David didn’t focus on self-preservation.
David focused on the glory of God.
David was asking, “Who is this unbeliever, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” What right did this guy have to intimidate God’s people?
David’s focus included the thought that God’s armies were far more powerful than Goliath.
David saw the issue as God’s issue. God’s glory suffers when unsaved people are allowed to have the upper hand.
Christian, what right does any giant have to rule your life?
When you give in to the giants in your life, you are not allowing God to have the glory.
When you stand up the giants, you are giving the God glory. 1 John 4:4
Now, here’s a word of warning. When you start to focus on the real issue in facing giants, the glory of God, there will be people who will oppose you, or think you are nuts.
Vss. 28-29 – David’s brother accused him of meddling.
Vss. 31-33 – Saul told David that he was incapable.
Because Saul and the Israeli army were focused on self-preservation any suggestion of a victory over the giant seemed to be folly. They saw this as impossible.
One of the great reasons we fail to see more victories over giants is because we deem things to impossible.
We forget the Scriptures. Jeremiah 32:17, Luke 1:37, Luke 18:27
THE FAITH FACTOR
Because David focused on the issue of God’s glory being at stake, he had the faith that God would give him the victory.
Vss. 34 -37 – David remembered past victories that the Lord had given him. He trusted by faith that God would continue to deliver by giving victory over Goliath. Goliath had no right to intimidate Israel. He could and would be stopped!
Vss. 38-39 – Saul meant well. He gave David his armor for protection, but it was too big and too bulky for David. Sometimes people try to help in our fight with our giants, but their help relies on human wisdom and not on God.
Vss. 40-44 – David took with him what he knew how to use.
He took his sling, and probably his shepherd’s staff.
Goliath was unimpressed and even insulted, and gave David a good cursing out.
Vss. 44-48 – David confronted Goliath in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel.
David was confident that God would get the glory – Vs. 46.
David was also confident that the Israeli army would also discover that the Lord “saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s…”
Vss. 48-54 – David won the battle using what seemed to be an insufficient weapon, a slingshot. But David won the battle because His confidence was in the Lord!
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Ezra 10:1-8
SIN CONFRONTED – Part 1
GODLY SORROW – Vss. 1a, 6
Ezra sincerely grieved over the sins of his people. 2 Corinthians 7:10
GODLY SUGGESTION – Vss. 2-3
Schechaniah suggested that a covenant be made with God to deal with the sin and correct it.
GODLY SUPPORTERS – Vss. 1b, 4-5
There were those who stood with Ezra in his grief over the sin. They also were willing to support Ezra as he dealt with the sin.
GODLY SUMMONS – Vss. 7-8
Everyone was called together to deal with the sin. It was a public sin. It needed public attention.
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Ezra 10:9-19
SIN CONFRONTED – Part 2
ASSEMBLY GATHERED – Vs. 9
ACCUSATION LEVELED – Vss. 10-11
AGREEMENT REACHED – Vss. 12-15
ACTION TAKEN – Vss. 16-19
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Job 1
TESTED!
JOB’S CHARACTER – Vss. 1-5
Job was a godly man whom God had richly blessed.
SATAN’S CONTENTION – Vss. 6-11
Satan contended that if God removed His hedge of protection around Job that Job would curse God.
GOD’S CONSENT – Vs. 12
God gave permission for Job to be tested, only Job himself could not be touched.
SATAN’S CRUSH – Vss. 13-19
Satan crushed and removed just about everything that Job had, with the exception of his wife.
JOB’S CONDUCT – Vss. 20–22
Job blessed God and did not sin, nor did he accuse God.
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Mark 2:13-17
JESUS – EVANGELIST!
The greatest evangelist who ever lived was not Dwight L. Moody, Billy Sunday, or even Billy Graham. It was the Lord himself. Although we might not be full time evangelists, if we follow these principles, we will see souls come to Christ.
HE TAUGHT Vs. 13
For people to make a decision for Christ, they must be taught the truths
of the Gospel.
HE CALLED Vs. 14
Just as Jesus called Levi (Matthew), we should call on people to put their
faith and trust in Christ. Invitations should be given for people to trust
Him.
HE SOCIALIZED Vss. 15-17
Jesus went where the sinners were in order to bring folks to Himself.
He was not afraid to have a meal with an unbeliever.
Are we?
Sermon Seeds A24
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John 5:44 etc.
THE AUDIENCE
(IF YOU WOULD LIKE A COPY OF THE FULL TEXT OF THIS SERMON, ASK ME FOR IT BY NAME. I WILL SEND AN ATTACHMENT IN WORD FORMAT. jpeters@alltel.net )
When I was a senior at Glassboro State College, now Rowan University, I did my student teaching in a sixth grade classroom in Camden, New Jersey. One of the fun things I did was car pool to Camden with 3 other people.
One morning Bob Holt was driving his Mustang and I was sitting on the passenger’s side in the back seat. Bob stopped to mail a letter at a post office. At the suggestion of someone else in the car, I climbed across the seat and got in the driver’s seat, and as Bob was returning I started to pull away, as a joke. What did Bob do? He jumped on the hood of car as a passenger. Well, I stopped, got back to my regular seat, and the game was over. Except for one problem, we discovered that one of our professors for student teaching was in the car behind us. We had an audience and didn’t realize it.
When Dottie and I were missionaries with Child Evangelism Fellowship we lived near her parents. Her Dad was a retired groundskeeper for my alma-mater, Glassboro State. He had worked on the football field and was given passes for all the home games. One Saturday we went to a game. During the course of the game, I made a good natured but unkind comment about the other team. This little boy (whom I didn’t know) in front of me looked at me with big eyes in disbelief. I said something to him like, “It’s okay son, I’m just kidding.” And his father said something like “We know who you are. You’re Jack Peters from Child Evangelism Fellowship!” Talk about embarrassed! I had another audience that knew who I was and what I was standing for.
I’m sure that all of us have been in situations when we didn’t know we had an audience and said or did things we were sorry for later. We’ve also probably have been in situations when we didn’t understand who our audience really was. In those situations, it’s very easy to put our foots in our mouths.
We need to remember, that whatever we do, God is our audience. We need to consider Him above all others.
THE PRESENCE OF THE AUDIENCE – Psalm 139:7-10
God is always with us.
THE PERCEPTION OF THE AUDIENCE – Proverbs 5:21, Proverbs 15:3
God understands or perceives everything we say do. This is one audience who is never fooled!
THE POWER OF THE AUDIENCE – Luke 12:1-5
God is to be feared because He has the power to cast into hell. He is also to be feared because He is the judge.
THE PARTICIPATION OF THE AUDIENCE – 2 Corinthians 5:21, John 3:16, John 14:16-17, Matthew 7:7-8
God, the audience, has chose to participate in our lives. First, He sent His Son to save us, now He involves himself through the work of the Holy Spirit and by answering prayer.
THE PLEASING OF THE RIGHT AUDIENCE – John 5:44, John 3:36, Proverbs 3:5-6, Colossians 3:17
We fail to have faith because we are trying to please others instead of trying to please God. – John 5:44
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Revelation 21:1-8
ETERNALLY HIS!
Most Christians look forward to Heaven! For all eternity we will be in the place described in these verses. We will be eternally God’s possession in Christ! We can look forward to:
NEW ADDRESS (New Jerusalem) Vss. 1-2
NEW ASSOCIATION (With God) Vss. 3-4
NEW ASSURANCES (From God) Vss. 5-8
Sermon Seeds A24
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2 Kings 4:8-37
FOUND – A VIRTUOUS WOMAN!
Proverbs 31:10 – Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Here is the story of a virtuous woman (Perhaps this is a good Sunday School lesson!)
HER PERCEPTION OF CHARACTER – Vss. 8-9
HER PROVISION FOR GOD’S PROPHET – Vs. 10
HER PROMISE OF BLESSING – Vss. 11-17
HER PROBLEM WITH HER SON – Vss. 18-20
HER PROCLAMATION OF FAITH – Vss. 21-30
To Her Husband – Vss. 21-23
To Gehazzi – Vss. 24-26
To Elijah – Vss. 27-30
HER PRACTICE (OF FAITH) REWARDED – Vss. 31-38
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Proverbs 15:1 etc.
WORDS
Words are used every day by just about everyone. There are all kinds of words.
• There are generous words. There are stingy words.
• There are loving words. There are hateful words.
• There are kind words. There are unkind words.
• There are words spoken in anger. There are words spoken in peace.
• There are loud words. There are quiet words.
And on we could go.
The words that Christians use are very important. Our words will either draw people to faith in Christ and a deep walk with God, or our words will drive people away.
I have heard Christians say some wonderful things that have had a positive effect on unbelievers. And I have heard Christians say some nasty things that have had a negative effect on unbelievers.
I have heard Christians say some nasty things to believers that have hurt Christ’s church. I have heard Christians say some wonderful things that have strengthened Christ’s church.
Consider some of the types of words Christians should use.
CALM WORDS – Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
You have heard men or women explode in anger.
You have probably been the victim of a tirade of words that have left you reeling.
You have probably been incensed when someone has lashed out verbally at you, and might have responded with your own heavy artillery of harsh, angry words.
We can not control the temperature, harshness, or volume of the words of another. We can, however, try to control the temperature, harshness and volume of our own words.
Often, a soft answer will cause the person who is “hot under the collar” to cool down. A person who is yelling, just might realize how ridiculous he must sound in comparison to the one who is talking softly.
A soft answer, in dealing with people who have done wrong or offended us, will also help keep us from a lot of angry, violent reactions. People are less likely to become angry if they are talked to in a quiet way.
One of the secrets to giving a soft answer involves controlling our own anger. Proverbs gives us some good advice on that as well.
Proverbs 3:30 – Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
Proverbs 19:11 – The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
We must learn to ask God to control us through His Holy Spirit.
As the Holy Spirit controls us, our words will be under control as well as our anger. Galatians 5:22-23
CAUTIOUS WORDS – Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 11:13
Proverbs 10:19 – In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
Have you ever said something you were sorry for later?
We say things especially in anger, that we don’t really mean, and yet the damage is done!
Have you noticed that the more a person talks, the more likely he or she is to say something they shouldn’t say?
When we put no damper on our words, we are likely to say things that are either sinful or disturbing to someone else.
Psalm 141:3 is a good prayer for us to memorize and say every day. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Not only should we cautious about the amount of our words, but we need to be cautious about the quality of our words.
Proverbs 11:13 – A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
We should be cautious not to repeat things we know are not true.
We should be cautious not to repeat things we are not sure are true.
We should be cautious not repeat things that are true, but are not worth repeating.
We do more to hurt the credibility of other Christians, often when we don’t mean to, just by repeating things that need not be repeated.
Gossip is a terrible thing.
CORRECTIVE WORDS – Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 25:12
Proverbs 11:14 – Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
Every Christian should have a mentor.
A mentor is a person that will help us grow in our Christian faith, and one we trust for good, solid counsel. A mentor is also a person not afraid to correct us when we need it.
You are probably familiar with two friends in the Bible. The older man was named Jonathan. He was the king’s son. The younger man was David. They were fast friends, I’m sure David was able to learn and be encouraged by the words and actions of Jonathan. One time David was on the run, fleeing for his life from King Saul.
1 Samuel 23:16 – And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
Who is your David? Who can you encourage this week? Who are you mentoring?
Proverbs 25:12 – As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
My friends there are times when we all need to be corrected.
And when we are let us be thankful when people do it in a kind, constructive way.
I don’t think any of us want to be known as people who can’t be corrected. Such people do exist.
Proverbs 9:8 – Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
There will also be times when we need to do the correcting. Just as a piece of gold jewelry is beautiful, so is the correction of a friend by a friend. It is beautiful when the one doing the correcting is wise and the one receiving the correction is open to constructive criticism.
Galatians 6:1 – Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
We all need corrective words.
We all need to learn to share corrective words tactfully.
COMMENDABLE WORDS – Proverbs 25:11
Proverbs 25:11 – A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Nobody is certain what “apples of gold in pictures of silver” refer to. Perhaps it refers to golden fruit on a silver serving tray. Or it might refer to ornamental golden jewelry in a silver setting. Whatever it refers to, we are being told that the right word spoken at the right time by the right person is a beautiful thing.
It is commendable.
There have been times when you’ve needed a word of encouragement and someone gave it. That was a word fitly spoken.
There have been times when you’ve need to know some information so your thinking wouldn’t be clouded. Someone gave that. That was a word fitly spoken.
There have been times when you’ve need correction and someone quietly and tactfully did that. That was a word fitly spoken.
There have been times when a preacher has given just the message you needed to hear. That was a word fitly spoken.
There was probably a time when you needed to hear the Gospel of Christ, and someone shared the Gospel with you. That was a word fitly spoken.
Thank God for the people who have fitly spoken in your life. These were commendable words.
Ask God to help you speak to commendable words to others.
Ask God to give you a chance this week to share the right words with the right people at the right time.
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THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN
Proverbs 31:10-28
HER VALUE Vss. 10-12
HER VOCATION Vss. 13-24
(Could these activities be the summary of a life-time, not just one day?)
HER VOICE Vss. 25-26
HER VICTORY Vss. 27-28
(If you normally use 3-point messages, you can tell your ladies that you added an unusual 4th point in their honor!)
Sermon Seeds A9
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Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43
DOWN ON THE FARM
This parable by Jesus tells us why things are so bad in the world today, and why we shouldn’t worry about the future.
GOOD SEED – Vss. 24, 37-38
Jesus is the sower of the good seed in the world.
GREAT EVIL – Vss. 25-26, 38-39
Satan is responsible for planting the weeds.
The good seed are born again Christians.
The evil seed are those without Christ. They are children of the Devil.
GRAVE REPORT – Vss. 27-28
The weeds are springing up with the good seed.
GENEROUS HARVEST – Vss. 29-30, 40-43
• For the Fire (Hell) – Vss. 40-42
• For the Barn (Heaven) – Vs. 43
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Luke 2:18-19 etc.
NEW TESTAMENT MOMS
THE ATTENTIVE MOM – Luke 2:18-19, 2:51, John 2:1-10
Mary observed her child and knew Him as well as anyone on this earth. She also remembered those things that he said and did.
An attentive Mom will be able to attend to the physical and spiritual needs of her children.
THE AMBITIOUS MOM – Matthew 20:20 -23
The mother of James and John was certainly ambitious for her children.
Many a child has been pushed too far by parents who wanted them to achieve more than the child was capable of or more than he desired to do.
THE ARTICULATE MOM (AND GRANDMOM) – 2 Timothy 1:5, 3:15
His Mother and Grandmother communicated faith and the scriptures to Timothy when Timothy was very young. We need to articulate the Scriptures to our children as well.
THE ADOPTED MOM – Romans 16:13
The mother of Rufus was not Paul’s literal mom. She had acted towards him in a motherly way. Praise God for those Godly older women who have “mothered” us when we needed it. Praise God when God allows you to nurture younger Christians as kind of an adopted mother.
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Luke 2:36-38
ANNA – TOO YOUNG TO RETIRE
An older congregation might appreciate this mother in the faith. Although she had no children, she is a godly example to those who wish to “retire” from Christian service prematurely.
HER AGE – Vs. 36-37
She lived with a husband for seven years and had been a widow for 80 years!
Assuming that she married as a young teen, she had to be around a hundred!
HER ACTIVITY – Vs. 37
She did what she could to serve God. She fasted and prayed!
Most older people can’t do what they once could. But every Christian can do something.
One of the ladies in our church is 93 years old and still showed up for the Ladies Missions
Society work day on Tuesday mornings. She and a younger lady (only 80) paste pictures on blank place mats so they can be used in nursing homes for special occasions. She’s currently sidelined with a broken leg.
HER ASSOCIATIONS – Vs. 38
She spoke of Jesus to those who were looking for His coming. In our old age, may our associations be with those who are looking for Jesus’ Second Coming!
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Ephesians 2:8-10
IN CHRIST!
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man
should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should
walk in them.
When we are “in Christ”:
1. WE ARE SAVED – By grace through faith. Vs. 8
2. We ARE SILENCED – “Not of works lest any man should boast.” Vs. 9
3. WE ARE SANCTIFIED – Christ has set us apart for good works. Vs. 10
Sermon Seeds B37
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