PLACE "CHILDREN’S CHAT CHAIR" DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF PULPIT
I have placed my "Children’s Chat Chair’ directly down in front today
- Because I know something about my message
- That I want to make sure everyone else knows
- I hope my sermon raises some challenging questions today
- I hope God uses this sermon to stir up some much needed conviction in our hearts
- But the chair is there to symbolize something I’ve said before = I AM NOT PREACHING "DOWN TO YOU"
- God has already used this message to challenge and convict me
- And since I’m getting exposed to this message more than once
- I believe God is going to confront my heart and soul with some issues again
- And I am reminded of... > [Heb. 12.4-11]
- And so if I am the only one who is Confronted / Challenged / Convicted
- I will still consider this message a success
- But I am trusting the Lord that I will not be the only one
PRAYER = Re-iterate desires above
When we last left Nehemiah we considered some of the hindrances he faced
- Along with the ways he over came those hindrances
- To draw out some principles for us to use in fulfilling our Spiritual calling
- There were a few hindrances we didn’t examine = And for the sake of time we won’t
- But you might like to study them = Briefly...
- Ch.5 = Selfish greed of the people = Firmly rebuked = Self-sacrificial example
- Ch.6 = As they near the completion of the work... = [6.1-2]
- But Nehemiah is too wise for such ruses = [6.3]
- Hope you will take time to read over Ch.5 - 6 = Prayerfully consider lessons for you
But I felt led to bring us right to the heart of the matter = [6.15]
- A couple of things interest me
- "25th day of Elul" = [geneva] Which was the sixth month and contained part of August, and part of September = Very currant
"So the wall was finished...in 52 days" = Amazing!
- Dedication... to the call of God on their lives
- Determination... to complete the work, regardless of the cost(s) or opposition(s)
- Dutiful... "WILLINGLY OBEDIENT out of a sense of duty and respect"
OBEDIENCE has been the most important point / idea / goal I’ve been trying to get across in this series
- Obedience to the Lord = His Word = His Will = His Way = His calling on your life
- "Willingly" obedient is the ONLY kind of obedience that God desires
And where the Lord your God is concerned = IF HE IS the Lord YOUR God >>> CON’T
And where the Lord your God is concerned = IF HE IS the Lord YOUR God
- Willing obedience leads to some amazing results = v.16
- AND IT CAME TO PASS, = After we have been willingly obedient
- THAT WHEN all our enemies heard thereof, = WHEN not IF
- that when ALL OUR ENEMIES heard thereof, = World / Flesh / Devil
- AND ALL THE HEATHEN THAT WERE ABOUT US = All the religious and irreligious doubters around you
- SAW THESE THINGS, = Especially God actively working in your life
- THEY WERE MUCH CAST DOWN IN THEIR OWN EYES: FOR THEY PERCEIVED THAT THIS WORK WAS WROUGHT OF OUR GOD. = Consider = [Ps. 37.23-40]
If I might be so bold as to suggest = For the "good man" as God defines him
- The righteous = Only one way to get righteousness with the Lord
- Like Abraham of old = Rom. 4, "imputed by faith"
> Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
- And then you consider here > Ps. 37 = All the blessings enumerated for the righteous man
- Sounds like the life of the righteous is one full of blessings and JOY
- And that was the ultimate motivation behind this series
- To be able to understand what Biblical joy is = How to enjoy it
- How to prevent it from being stolen
- And it all starts with our obedience to God and His Word
- And when we are successful in Christ then... = (paraphrase Neh. 6.16)
Do you know how skim milk is made?
- [aramark] Skim milk has almost no fat or cholesterol in it.
- To make skim milk, cream is allowed to float to the top of the milk, and is then "skimmed" off.
- The milk that is left contains very little fat ( the cream is what makes it "fat"), but still has the nutrients you need in it!
Can I be honest? = I personally don’t like the taste of skim milk
- Tastes like somethings missing! = It is! = The fat! / The cream!
- It’s that creamy fat that makes the milk taste good to me = Maybe to you too?
That’s sort of what we’ve been doing with this study in Nehemiah
- I sort of allowed the book to set a spell
- Skimmed off the really creamy Spiritual lessons
- I trust we’ve enjoyed them
- But I’m told if you have too much fat in your diet
- And don’t digest it / work it off properly... = Well, just look at me!
I really want to make sure we are going to benefit from what we have skimmed off the top
- Ingesting some fat doesn’t necessarily have to be bad for you
- Depends on what else you are doing = [1 Tim. 4.6-8]
- If you exercise properly you can enjoy and quite possibly benefit from the cream
The only way to get the benefit God intended for you from these creamy-rich Spiritual lessons we’ve skimmed off the top is if you are "exercising yourself unto godliness"
- And so today I simply want to review the lessons I believe we’ve been given so far
- And re-iterate the concomitant challenges
Do you recall that I briefly made the case that Nehemiah was a man who knew what it was to be "comforted by Jehovah" ? = In fact, that’s what his name means
- Bible declares God the Father and God the Son have sent forth God the Holy Ghost -- IN PART -- to be our Comforter
- He can only comfort those who belong to God = Do you?
We saw that Nehemiah was patriotic = Loved his country = Even if difficult
- By "love" = Desired God’s best for it = - Tried to make the case = Dual benefits
- [1 Tim. 2] = For us, [2.1-2] = For those around us, [2.3-4]
- God’s Word / Will / Way = "Good and acceptable...(v.4)
- What part are you playing to bring this to pass? = When did you last "play your part?"
We saw that Nehemiah was a man of prayer = Are you?
- He knew the value of fasting and prayer = Especially before under-taking any kind of Spiritual calling or work = Do you?
- We saw Nehemiah demonstrated his faith in his God by being a diligent worker to the calling God placed on his life
- Doing what was right = Inspiring others to do the same = Do you?
- He was willing to make a personal sacrifice for a greater good = Are you?
I’ve stated that I believe Nehemiah desired to make a difference for the Lord
- Demonstrated this in part by wanting to re-build the walls
- Around the city of God = Around the temple of God
- Leads to = Security = Separation = Serenity
- Any areas in your life still need to work on re-building the walls? = Remove the reproach?
And again = As we considered last week = There will be opposition
- World / Flesh / Devil = ENMITY with the Lord
- Define "opposition" or "hindrance" = Might include word "difficult"
- But "difficult" does not mean IMPOSSIBLE
- And even if that were true... > Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
> Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.
> Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
CONCLUSION
MAYBE THAT’S WHERE WE ARE AT >>> CON’T
MAYBE THAT’S WHERE WE ARE AT
- The people Nehemiah led caught his vision and responded well = [Neh. 2.18]
- Some were more zealous than others in their work = Some willing to do more
- Some were only workers from their family = But still determined
- No one was expected to be perfect = BUT willing
- Willingness to follow a God-appointed leader
- Willing to take God-given "ability" and turn it into "avail-ability" for the Lord
I think if we are honest = Everyone sitting here wants joy
- And we all want God-given success
- As God leads = Want to know His calling = Fulfill it for our life
- WE SHOULD = After all, AFTER Eph. 2.8-9 -- Salvation is by grace through faith
> Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
There are some things I think I as a pastor should be able to take for granted
> Great Commission = THAT EACH OF US has at the very least the "Moody mindset" = Desire to present the Gospel to at least one new soul every day
> 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. = THAT WE ARE PRAYING
> 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. = THAT WE ARE reading / studying God’s Word
> 1 Corinthians 16:2 Upon the first [day] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. = THAT THIS IS HOW we are giving to God’s Work = TREASURES, yes = ALSO time / talents
> Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: = THAT WE ALL UNDERSTAND our God-given roles
= The pastor is to mature the saints = Edify the body = Teaching, preaching, counsel, prayer
= The saints are to do the work of the ministry
Isn’t that the reason God has Spiritually gifted EACH of us? > 1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
= AND IN LARGE PART that is why you are here > 1 Corinthians 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
= SO THAT WE’RE ALL serving some how, some where = OR AT LEAST have that desire > Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all.
= AND WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE > Luke 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
But what saddens my heart
- Not every Christian I know is an active witness >>> CON’T
- Not every Christian I know is an active witness = With their life AND their lips
- The majority of Christians I know = Prayer life is in Heaven’s ICU = Neglected, if at all
- How many of us work to read through the Bible ONCE = Let alone once EACH year = Let alone spend extra time studying God’s Word
- And it’s not "How much can I invest in God’s Work?" in terms of TREASURES / TIME / TALENTS = But "How much do I HAVE TO give?"
- There’s a lot of jobs unfilled here = No one person can do them all = Even the pastor
- But some of them have to be done = My ability to witness, study, pray, teach, preach are impacted / impeded
- If a believer doesn’t feel they can meet one of these God-ordained, BIBLICAL expectations, why haven’t more of them asked for some help?
- If a believer isn’t sure what their Spiritual gift is, why not ask for guidance and prayer?
- How I wish every believer took 1 Cor. 12 seriously = Some might still leave = But far fewer would be leaving for all the wrong reasons
INVITATION
Messages mainly for believers = If you aren’t one, most of this can not benefit you
- Wonderful truth = You can become one right here, right now
- Start enjoying all the blessings of the Lord
Beloved friends = As I said at the outset = This message was as much directed by God for me
- I have been confronted with some deficits in my own life
- I have been challenged and convicted by God’s Word
- And as I go to the Lord in prayer I have the promise of His comforts
- Just like you do, if you have been Confronted / Challenged / Convicted today
- If you have, what will you do about it?
- Me? = I think it’s best to..."Trust and obey"
PRAYER
- For each one here = Help us to be honest
- Unsaved? = Salvation
- Confronted? = Challenged? = Convicted?
- Confess = Repent = Seek restoration
- Determine in our hearts to trust You and Your Word as implicitly as we can
- Yield our selves as fully as we can to You, Holy Spirit
- Demonstrate that to You, Ourselves, the World by seeking to know Your calling
- And then obeying Your Will, no matter what
HYMN OF INVITATION # 332, Trust and Obey
SOURCES: Online Bible + Modules > [geneva] = 1599 Geneva Bible Footnotes
[aramark] = http://sps.k12.mo.us/depts/food/Milk%20&%20Exercise%20-%20They%20Do%20a%20Body%20Good!p5.htm
CBC = 26 Sep.. 2004 = 6 P.M Page 3 of 3
What do you believe, and why? # 7 = (various, topical)
This is the 7th message in series, "What do you believe, and why?"
- Why is this important? = Because God has given us His Word
- In order to obey the Great Commission
- Because of the importannce of the church to the Lord
- To demonstrate we are STILL a "Gospel church" via our 1815 "Church Articles of Faith"
In examining those we’ve discussed
- Trinity, Inspiration and Authority of the Scriptures, Sinfulness of Humanity, Blood Atonement
- Only Born Again exhibit gifts / fruit of the Spirit, Sanctification (past, present, future -- progressive), Eternal Security of the Believer
- Last week = Resurrection of the Living and the Dead (ie: Heaven and Hell), Gospel ordinances given to the church (so only examined / ordained should administer), "Preaching of the Gospel is an appointment of God to be continued to the end of the world"
- Last week’s challenge = We truly believe those things, but do we believe those things?
Tonight going to try to deal with the next 3 points in our 1815 document = Pts#10-11-12
- 10. WE BELIEVE A GOSPEL CHURCH IS A BODY INCORPORATED AND HAS FULL POWER AND AUTHORITY TO GOVERN HERSELF BY THE WORD OF GOD AND, THEREFORE, SHE IS INDEPENDENT AND HAS A RIGHT TO JUDGE HER MEMBERS AND ELECT HER OWN OFFICERS, ELDERS OR PASTORS AND DEACONS.
Scriptural proof
- The vast majority of references to "church" or "churches" was to a local, visible assembly of born again, baptized believers
> Romans 16:5 Likewise [greet] the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
> 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
- /Ecclesia/ = Called out / called together ASSEMBLY
- Acts 19 [vv.32, 39, 41] = "assembly" = Silversmiths of Ephesus
- Major points = Local, called out, called together, visible
> 1 Cor. 12.12-14~ff
- Difference between "body" and "family"
- Therefore the thoughts and conclusions of PT#10 logically flow and follow from this
11. WE BELIEVE THAT BAPTISM IS A GOSPEL ORDINANCE AND IS TO BE PERFORMED BY BURYING THE BODY IN WATER IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST.
- Somewhat summed up last time
> Acts 8 = Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunich
> Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
- /baptize/ = Transliteration = /baptizo -- bap-tid’-zo/
- Immerse, submerge, overwhelm
> Also the picture in Rom. 6.1-7
12. WE BELIEVE THE LORD’S SUPPER IS AN INSTITUTION OF HIMSELF AND IT IS TO BE KEPT UNTIL HIS SECOND COMING.
- Again, somewhat summed up last time
> Luke 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake [it], and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
> 1 Cor. 11.23-26
AND TO RE-ITERATE
- Pt#11 = Salvation
- Pt#12 = Gospel
- Only two "ordinances" or commands
> John 12.1-4...12.12-17
- Example = Servant / Service = Humility
[barnes] Some have understood this literally as instituting a religious rite which we ought to observe
= No evidence that Jesus intended it as a religious observance, like the Lord’s Supper or the ordinance of baptism.
= Not observed by the apostles or the primitive Christians as a religious rite.
= A rite of hospitality among the Jews, a common, well-know thing, and performed by servants.
= The manifest design of humility; to teach them by his example that they ought to condescend to the most humble offices for the benefit of others. They ought not to be proud, and vain, but to regard themselves as the servants of each other in every way. And especially as they were to be founders of the church, and to be greatly honoured, he took this occasion of warning them against the dangers of ambitions, and of teaching them, by an example that they could not forget, the duty of humility.
CONCLUSION
10. WE BELIEVE A GOSPEL CHURCH IS A BODY INCORPORATED AND HAS FULL POWER AND AUTHORITY TO GOVERN HERSELF BY THE WORD OF GOD AND, THEREFORE, SHE IS INDEPENDENT AND HAS A RIGHT TO JUDGE HER MEMBERS AND ELECT HER OWN OFFICERS, ELDERS OR PASTORS AND DEACONS.
- Praise the Lord = Colosse has been an independent Gospel church since 1815
- No other kind of NT church!
- Oldest Baptist church in country = Baptist for our doctrine = Foundation of God’s Word
= Are you a healthy functioning member of this body?
= Why? = How? = Why not?
11. WE BELIEVE THAT BAPTISM IS A GOSPEL ORDINANCE AND IS TO BE PERFORMED BY BURYING THE BODY IN WATER IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST.
- Perhaps the most important aspect of baptism = Public testimony
> Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
- Are you?
- Why? = How? = When? = Where? = Why not?
12. WE BELIEVE THE LORD’S SUPPER IS AN INSTITUTION OF HIMSELF AND IT IS TO BE KEPT UNTIL HIS SECOND COMING.
- Consider this direct challenge from "yesterday"
> 1 Cor. 11.27-32
- admittedly, we now do "Lord’s Table" annually
- Approximate week of Easter
- So never tedious, ceremonial, "used to it"
- But we should always be prepared to approach it HONESTLY
- Examining our selves? = Or taking an "early retirement?"
- Appreciate God’s grace = Or chastened so we will not be judged wih the world
AS YOU HAE NEED, COME
PRAYER & INVIATION
