Proper Provocation
April 27, 2104 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: We must consider how we can encourage one another to do good.
Focus Passage: Hebrews 10:23-25
Supplemental Passage: "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Introduction: It’s been said that the average adult attention span is about 6 minutes. The entire world calls out for our attention. Slick TV ads sell sex instead of cars, popularity instead of soft drinks, and false hope instead of mortgages. In all this clamor, we forget where our attention should lay; at the feet of Jesus! We must endeavor to make Jesus the focus of our day, our lives, and our future! In order to do this, sometimes we need reminders.
Provoke: to cause the occurrence of (a feeling or action) : to make (something) happen (Merriam Webster Online)
I. Hold Fast
a. Keep believing!
b. Ignore the world; listen to the Word of God!
c. "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28)
d. Share your faith!
II. Provoke to Love
a. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)
b. Err on the side of love
c. If you are to be guilty of anything, be guilty of giving too much grace
d. Do something nice for someone you don’t like
e. Share Jesus!
III. Provoke to Good Deeds
a. Read your Bible
b. Go to church
c. Give to God’s work
d. Volunteer in the church
e. Be holy and righteous
f. Share the Gospel
Invitation:
