BEING A 5 STAR CHRISTIAN
ARE YE HEARING & DOING THE WORD OF GOD
JAMES 1:19-27 James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
ACT THIS OUT:
3 Preachers talking at a break in Pastor’s school
#1 Preacher says, “It’s hard to get my people to do anything “
#2 Preacher says, “Yea, I know what you mean. Nothing like the old days when folks would serve God”
#1 Preacher says” The all want to grow but will do nothing about it”
#3 Preachers pulls up his pants, and says “I have 100% participation from my people.”
#1 Preacher says ”No way”
#2 Preacher says, ”Yea, if that is the case I can walk on water.”
#1 Preacher says “How is that”
#2 Preacher says ‘Yea tell us your secret”
#3 Preachers says “No secret, I have 5% that does all the work, & 95% that stand around & watch them do the work 100% participation.”
Yea we laugh but how true it is.
We have a bunch of Christians (church members). Who week after week will come hear the preaching of God’s word?
I mean give the Bible verses to back up what he says. Yet nothing moves them. Nothing stirs their heart.
Nothing motivates them to get up from Holy ground & put on their shoes. Then go do something for God.
God wants someone to really understand what the Christian life is all about!
God wants someone to really seek him. Someone to Love Him for whom He is, not for what he can do.
HE WANTS US (Bethel Baptist Church) TO COME TO LIFE.
I come to you with a very heavy heart
But God kept bring me back to this verse
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
SOME THOUGHTS AS WAY OF INTRODUCTION
We all want to stay in a 5 star Hotel. Why?
5 star that is the best we can get
The best appearance We get the best things to offer, & the best service We get the best furniture, & the best linen. I mean everything is the best
We all want to eat in a 5 star restaurant. Why?
They have the best looking food (Nothing on the plate but it looks good) It always a 5 coarse meal (They may be small but hey 5 of them) The food is prepared by the best chiefs (Which by the way most are fat & lazy) Oh yea the best tasting food.
WE ALWAYS WANT THE BEST
THINK ON THIS GOD GAVE HIS BEST JESUS GAVE HIS BEST THE SAD PART IS WE DON’T GIVE HIM OUR BEST
OH YEA TO HAVE THESE 5 STAR ACCOMDATIONS THEY COST A LOT OF MONEY.
BUT WHO CARES “I DESERVE IT, I WORK HARD”
SERVING GOD YEA IT COST: OUR TIME! US DYING TO SELF US LOVING GOD ENOUGH TO SAY I WANT TO SERVE GOD.
I WANT TO BE A 5 STAR CHRISTAIN
HEY GUESS WHAT THE FANCY HOTEL WE STAY AT IT’S OVER WITH WHEN WE LEAVE ALL THAT IS LEFT IS THE BILL WHEN IT COMES IN.
OH YEA THAT GREAT 5 STAR MEAL WE HAD NATURE HAS ITS WAY OF TAKING CARE OF THAT (IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN) IT’S OVER BUT FOR THE BILL
BUT YOU KNOW WITH GOD IT’S NEVER OVER IF WE WOULD BE A 5 STAR CHRISTAIN GOD HAS PROMISES FOR US EVEN REWARDS FOR YOU WAITING FOR US.
YOU ASK WHAT PROMISES.
ANSWERED PRAYER & A HAPPY LIFE WALKING WITH THE LORD A SPRING IN YOUR WALK! GO TO BED AT NIGHT KNOWING YOU PLEASE GOD A RESTFUL SLEEP
WHAT REWARDS?
CROWNS & JEWELS THAT THE LORD WILL GIVE YOU IN HEAVEN
THE DESIRED PRAISE FROM THE LORD
“WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT”
THIS WILL LAST A LIFE TIME & BEYOUND!
But folks there is a price to pay for us to grow.
I’m talking about all of us in one accord & in the same mind frame. Having the same goals, the same desire & the same doing our part.
If 120 people can get together in 1 accord & pray & see 2000 saved in one day. We can too
If 12 men can turn the world upside down. We can turn Floresville upside down
If Jack Hyles and other great men of God could build a great church We can build a great church called
(BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH)
I’m talking about a church that can be reckon with
I mean a church that will make THE DEVIL CRY
A church that will get the devil so mad he can’t see straight
A church that will make his eyes pop out
A church that will make the devil tuck his tail and run
If you think Elijah was a cry baby. When under the Jupiter tree running from a woman
Wait till you see the Devil cry
IF WE AT BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH WILL BECOME 5 STAR CHRISTIANS
Matthew Henry said this ”Hearing is in order to doing; the most attentive & the most frequent hearing of the word of God will not avail us, unless we be also doers of it”
“It is without doubt, & indispensably necessary that we practice what we hear.”
“There must be inward practice by meditation, & outward practice in true obedience.”
“ It is not enough to remember what we hear, & to be able to repeat it, & to give testimony to it, & commend it, & write it, & preserve it, that which all is in order to do, and which crowns the rest, is that we be doers of the word.
The world today is not reading the Bible! But they are reading you & me!
Think on this
The Gospel is written a chapter a day
By deeds that you & I do & by the words that you & I say
Men read what we say, whether faithless or true
Say, what is the Gospel according to us.
A great translation is this ‘BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD’
In order to be doers it requires attention!
It requires action! Not sitting at home, or some worldly function.
It’s easier to preach than to practice
It’s easier to say than to do
Most sermons are heard by the many
But taken to heart by the few
When God called me to preach. An old man by the name of Bro. Elliott told me when I surrendered to God to preach the Gospel
BRO. HAROLD LIVE WHAT YOU PREACH, YOU CAN NOT PREACH SOMETHING & NOT DO IT”
The Bible is not popular book today. It is the BEST SELLER but the worst read.
Why is that?
Because it shows who & what we are SINNERS
Because it demands action (Doers of the word, not just hearers)
I want to challenge you church to be doers of the word. To become a 5 star Christian for Christ.
GET OUT OF THE SECERT SERVICE ARMY. GET INTO THE REAL BATTLE
QUIT BEING A 007 AGENT FOR JESUS (KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT AGENT)
GET INTO THE BATTLE! COME OUT OF THE CLOSET. BE A REAL WARRIOR
LET THE WORLD SEE YOU & HEAR YOU
A great church is made up of strong Christians, & strong families.
Do you really want to grow?
Do you really want to build the church building?
Do really want this? Or do you just say it
If you want it we all have to become a 5 star Christians.
1. WE MUST READ GOD’S WORD:
The Bible says, ”Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”
Bible reading is vital to the Christian life.
In reading the word of God we need to
A. SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES Find out what God says
Psalms 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
B. Compare scripture with scripture Don’t take man’s word for it. See for your self what the Bible says about the Bible Jan always checks out the Word Even with me! She finds out is that what God said.
Psalms 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
C. Memorize scripture Put the word of God in our hearts & in our mind
Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
D. Meditate on the word of God How can I apply the word of God in my life?
How can I live the Bible?
Psalms 119:97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
NOTE: THE BIBLE IS HOW GOD TALKS US TODAY!
IN ORDER TO BE A 5 STAR CHRISTAIN WE MUST READ THE BIBLE EVERY DAY
2. WE MUST PRAY:
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
The Bible tells us we have not because we ask not
I believe that God hears & not only hears but wants to answer our prayers
Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
You see God wants to hear & he will hear
BUT God can not & will not hear because of
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
CONSIDER THIS
Psalms 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
WE NEED PRAYER IN OUR LIVES
Psalms 61:1 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
WE NEED PRAYER IN
Our personal life one on one with God Have your own prayer list
We need family prayer A family that prays together will stay together Have a family list
We need church family prayer Make our request known Prayer for each others requests If not then why bother
We need altar prayer All of us together down here, not in our seats We need to get a hold of God
For Our Pastor needs power, direction, wisdom, & protection
We need souls to be saved
Hearts to be changed
We need God to move in our service
If the bible says when there 2 or 3 gather in my name (Jesus) he promise to be there also
If we are told that if 2 agree here on earth it shall be done in heaven
Can you imagine what would happen if every member of Bethel Baptist Church Just would come forward at the altar call & pray?
If every teenager get rid of their pride & come down together
Can you imagine if every hard headed dad would come forward?
If every mom would make their way down here at altar call
Can you imagine if we as a family would hit the altar what God would do?
Let’s try & put God to the test. Then see if He will not hear & answer
PRAYER IS HOW WE TALK TO GOD. THE BIBLE IS HOW GOD TALKS TO US
TO BE A 5 STAR CHRISTAIN YOU MUST READ YOUR BIBLE DAILY
TO BE A 5 STAR CHRISTAIN WE MUST PRAY DAILY
3. WE MUST ATTEND CHURCH FAITHFULLY:
Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
HOW DO WE MAKE IT WITHOUT CHURCH?
ARE WE SO POWERFUL THAT YOU CAN FIGHT THE DEVIL WITHOUT THE CHURCH
ARE WE SO SPIRITUAL WE NEED NOT HEAR THE PRACHING OF GOD’S WORD.
(IT’S NOT ON THE RADIO, OR TV MOST OF THEM ARE OFF THER ROCKERS)
WHO WILL BE THERE FOR US IN TIME OF NEED. IT WILL BE THE PASTOR & OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Folks Jesus deserves our faithfulness to church.
We need to be in every church service
Every time the doors are open be in our place
A GREAT DEAL OF THE STRENGHT OF THIS CHURCH IS BASED ON THE FAITHFULNESS OF THE PEOPLE.
I know unless the Lord builds the house it won’t happen
But at the same time I believe God will work quicker. If we his people are in church believing that he can instead of at home, or at work (I know we have to work but we can limit it) Or somewhere else where we will just get in trouble.
DO WE BELIEVE
Psalms 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Psalms 92:13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
WHAT DO WE PRAY FOR
OUR FAMILY NEEDS
CHURCH MEMBERS NEEDS
PASTOR & THE LEADERS OF THE CHURCH NEEDS
CHURCH GROWTH
NEW BUILDING
NEW FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS
SOULS TO BE CHANGE
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BACK INTO THE WORLD
THE SICK, THE JOBLESS, OUR NATION, OUR FRIENDS OUR MISSIONARIES
HOW ABOUT OUR GOVERNMENT
HOW ABOUT EACH OTHER
HOW ABOUT THE LOST SOULS
WOW! THERE IS AT LEAST 1 TO 2 HOURS OF PRAYER RIGHT THERE
(WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NOTHING TO PRAY ABOUT)
TO BE A FIVE STAR CHRISTIAN WE MUST READ THE BIBLE DAILY
TO BE A 5 STAR CHRISTIAN WE MUST PRAY DAILY
TO BE A 5 STAR CHRISTIAN WE MUST BE FAITHFUL TO CHURCH
4. WE MUST GIVE: Malachi 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
HEY IF WE TAKE CARE OF GOD’S BUSINESS 1st. THEN HE WILL TAKE CARE OF OUR BUSINESS
Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Psalms 78:20 Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?
DID THE LORD NOT FEED THE 5000 PLUS
DOES HE NOT FEED THE BIRDS
THE LILLIES & THE FIELDS
ARE WE ANY LESS THEM! Turn to Matthew 6:25-26 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Matthew 6:28-33 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
You be faithful to giving to God he will take care of you
John R. Rice, Jack Hyles, Lester Rollif they lived by this principal.
The tithe is a command not a request
The blessings come when we give to the Missionaries, building fund. The beyond the tithe
Is this verse still not true & alive?
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
DOES NOT GOD SAY TO TRY HIM
TO BE A 5 STAR CHRISTIAN WE MUST READ THE WORD OF GOD DAILY
TO BE A 5 STAR CHRISTIAN WE MUST TALK TO GOD EVERYDAY
TO BE A 5 STAR CHRISTIAN WE NEED TO BE IN HIS HOUSE TO HEAR HIS WORD PREACHED
TO BE A FIVE STAR CHRISTIAN WE NEED TO GET OFF YOUR GOD GIVE THE HIGH & MIGHTY DOLLAR (TITHE) TO THE HOUSE OF GOD
5. WE MUST WIN THE LOST:
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
THE WHOLE PURPOSE HE CAME WAS TO DIE FOR THE LOST SINNER (US)
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. A CHRISTIAN IS TO PRODUCE ANOTHER CHRISTIAN
Psalms 126:5-6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
DO WE SHED TEARS FOR THE LOST MAYBE THAT’S WHY WE DON’T WIN MANY
Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
IF WE DON’T GO YOU CAN’T WIN
IF WE DON’T TRY WE CAN WIN THEM
Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
LOOK AROUND DOES THIS HOUSE OF GOD LOOK FULL TO YOU?
We are told to go out into the hiways & hedges. Everywhere, to the rich, the poor, & the lame. To the not so smart, the dirty little bus kid that writes on the wall. Yes even if they stuff up the toilet
We are told to compel them! Means to beg, brab them, pay them whatever it takes. Even sallow a gold fish, buy a candy bar, & feed them. JUST DO IT
WHY?
SO THE HOUSE OF GOD WILL BE FULL
FOLKS TO GET SAVED
DO WE WANT A FULL CHURCH THEN WE HAVE TO GO & GET THEM
ANOTHER THING GOD GIVES A PROMISE TO THE SOUL WINNER
“AND, LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY EVEN, TO THE END OF THE EARTH AMEN”
WHAT A PROMISE
LET’S WAKE UP LET’S COME TO LIFE (JESUS IS ALIVE WHY ARE WE DEAD)
GET BUSY DIE TO SELF & GO OUT & GET SOMEONE
CHURCH IN ORDER FOR US TO GO WE MUST
A. Get determine to go It is not easy to go out there.
But we must
B. Set a time to go Plan it or else you will not go (others things will take the place)
C. Pray for a burden for soul If we will ask God He will give
Look upon the harvest is it not ready for the harvest
TIME IS RUNNING OUT
From the pastor down to the wee little ones - we are to go
Sunday School Teacher- You need to go
Bus workers- Ye need to go
Nursery worker- you need to go
Moms- you need to go
Dads- you need to go
Teenagers- you need to go
Children’s church worker- you need to go Preacher- we need to go
Can’t tell someone to go or do something if we don’t put feet to our mouths.
THE PROBLEM WE HAVE TO DAY OUTSIDE A HEART PROBLEM
IS A SELF PROBLEM
WE HAVE CHURCHES THAT ARE FULL OF BAREFOOTED CHRISTAINS
SHAME ON US FOR NOT LOVING JESUS LIKE WE SHOULD
DID HE NOT RECEIVE THE CROWN OF THRONES
DID THEY NOT SPIT & SLAP HIM IN THE FACE
WAS NOT HIS BEARD PLUCK OUT BY THE HANDS FULL
DID HE NOT TAKE THE CAT OF 9 TAILS ACROSS HIS BACK WITH EACH HIT MORE & MORE OF HIS FLESH WAS RIPPED FROM HIS BACK TO THE POINT HIS BACK WAS LIKE RAW HAMBURGER
DID HE NOT TAKE THE FAKE WORSHIP, & THE ILLEGAL TRIALS
WAS HE NOT STIPPED NAKED IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE WORLD THEN HIS LOTS GAMBLED AWAY
DID HE NOT SEE THE PEOPLE WAGGING THEIR HEADS AT HIM IN DISQUST
DID NOT HIS OWN NOT BELIEVE THAT HE WOULD RETURN
DID HE NOT TAKE THE HUDGE NAILS (SPIKES) IN HIS HANDS & FEET
DID HE NOT HAVE HIS OWN FATHER TURN HIS BACK ON HIM
DID HE NOT DIE ALONE
DID HE NOT GET VINGEAR MIXED WITH GAUL TO DRINK
WAS NOT EVERY BONE IN HIS BODY OUT OF PLACE (NOT BROKEN)
DID HE NOT DIE FOR US?
DID HE NOT GO TO HELL FOR 3 DAYS & 3 NIGHTS FOR OUR PAYMENT
Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
DID HE NOT RISE AGAIN ON THE 3RD DAY 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: TO MAKE US ALIVE
(THEN WHY ARE WE DEAD)
DID HE NOT GO TO PRAEPARE FOR US A PLACE TO LIVE WITH HIM 4-EVER
DID HE NOT SAY HE WOULD RETURN FOR US
John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
THEN WHY DON’T WE LIVE LIKE IT
DID NOT SOMEONE TELL US HOW TO GET SAVED
THEN WE ARE A DEBTOR. Paul said he was one in Romans 1:14-15 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. WE OWE IT TO THE LORD & THE LOST TO GO
DETERMINE TO BE A 5 STAR CHRISTIAN
READ THE BIBLE
PRAY BE FAITHFUL TO THE HOUSE OF GOD
GIVE YOUR MONEY TO WORK OF GOD. INSTEAD OF HOLLYWOOD, & THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD
GO GET A LOST PERSON. INTRUDCE TO JESUS THE ONE WHO DIED FOR US & THEM
IN CLOSING WHAT WILL WE DO WITH THIS MESSAGE
EVERY ONE OF US SHOULD BE DOWN HERE AT THIS OLD FASHION ALTAR BEGGING GOD FOR FORGIVENESS. FOR OUR LACK OF BEING THE BEST FOR HIM
BEG FORGIVENESS FOR NOT MAKING HIM 1ST IN OUR LIVES
WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS CHRIST
ARE WE SERVING GOD WITH LIP SERVICE Isaiah 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: HE DOESN’T WANT THAT
HE WANTS HEART SERVICE
Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU! I REMEMBER WHERE & WHAT GOD SAVED ME FROM
NO MATTER HOW MANY OR HOW LITTLE OUR SINS ARE. ARE WE SAVED FROM A PLACE CALLED HELL
1 SIN WILL SEND YOU TO THAT PLACE CALLED HELL
WHERE THE WORM DOES NOT DIE, THE FLAME NEVER GOES OUT.
THE GANSHING & NASHING OF TEETH IN HATE FOR THE LORD. WHERE THE THIRST IS NOT QUENCHED
FOREVER SEPATERATED FROM GOD
HOW SAD CHURCH
WHAT WILL YOU DO!
YOU WANT GROWTH YOU WANT REVIVIAL IT HAS TO START WITH US ALL OF US TOGHTER
The altar is now open for business. As the music plays please come. Salvation, join, or just to spend time with the Lord. As the Bible says in Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. (To the child of God) And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. (To the lost one today) And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (A promise from the Lord to all of us) Please come now!
