John 3:3
Salvation
Introduction
A. Welcome – comments on Marty Haggard
B. People ask me what Missionary Baptists believe. What’s the difference?
C. Not my intention to point out differences, but to deal with what we believe.
D. Let me remind you these are not MB distinctives, but Bible distinctives.
E. I’ll only be dealing with a few of these – you should search the Scriptures.
F. What does the Bible teach concerning salvation? Today I want to give you four simple, but very important truths.
I. Salvation is Absolutely Necessary – Why?
A. Because without salvation we are dead in our sins
1. Ro. 3:23
2. Ro. 6:23
3. School picture – there’s teacher, she’s dead
B. Because without salvation we are condemned – John 3:14-19
C. Because without salvation we are under God’s wrath – John 3:36
D. Our own bodies testify against us. Daily reminders of death, decay.
II. Salvation is Universally Available
A. This is the great news of John 3:16
1. God so loved the world! Kevin H., bankers, plumbers, etcs.
2. “Whosoever Surely Meaneth Me”
B. John 3:14-15 – the serpent was for all – Jesus was too.
C. 1 Timothy 4:10 – Savior of all the world
D. No one too good, no one too bad
III. Salvation is Amazingly Simple
A. It is as simple as the ABCs
1. Accept – John 3:14-16
2. Believe – Romans 10:9-10
3. Confess
B. It is so simple most will stumble right over it, but there are no hoops
IV. Salvation is Eternally Secure
A. The Scriptures are plain – it is eternal, everlasting, already yours
B. Salvation doesn’t begin when we die, but when we trust Christ
C. Watchman Nee dog story
Conclusion
A. Albert Einstein story – I know who I am, but not where I’m going
B. Don’t be like Shalom Gelbman – cop impersonator
C. Do you know where you are going?
D. It’s not enough to believe all the right things. You must act.
Illustrations:
#1 The children had all been photographed, and the teacher was trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the group picture. “Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grown up and say, ‘There’s Jennifer, she’s a lawyer,’ or ‘That’s Michael, he’s a doctor.” A small voice at the back of the room rang out, “And there’s the teacher, she’s dead.”
#2 Watchman Nee tells about a new convert who came in deep distress to see him. “No matter how much I pray, no matter how hard I try, I simply cannot seem to be faithful to my Lord. I think I’m losing my salvation.” Nee said, “Do you see this dog here? He is my dog. He is house-trained; he never makes a mess; he is obedient; he is a pure delight to me. Out in the kitchen I have a son, a baby son. He makes a mess, he throws his food around, he fouls his clothes, he is a total mess. But who is going to inherit my kingdom? Not my dog; my son is my heir. You are Jesus Christ’s heir because it is for you He died.” We are Christ’s heirs, not through our perfection but by means of His grace.
#3 Billy Graham tells a story about Albert Einstein, who was going on a train to an out-of-town engagement. The conductor stopped to punch his ticket. The great scientist, preoccupied with his work, with embarrassment rummaged through his coat pockets and briefcase to no avail. He could not find his ticket. The conductor graciously declared, “We all know who you are, Dr. Einstein. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it. Everything is okay.” The conductor walked on down the aisle punching other tickets. Before he moved to the next car he looked back and saw Dr. Einstein down on his hands and knees looking under his seat trying to find his ticket. He came back and said, “Dr. Einstein, please don’t worry about it. I know who you are.” At which the great Einstein looked up and said, “I, too, know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going.”
#4 Don’t be like Shalom Gelbman – he made three mistakes. First, he was impersonating a police officer. Second, he was making traffic stops. Third, he pulled over an off-duty state trooper. Gelbman was charged with reckless endangerment, driving without insurance and without registration, but most importantly, criminal impersonation.
Cresant
