Sermon Central
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Some Cracked-Pots I Have Known
Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Nov 19, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: Satan oftentimes employs some very good things to keep the sinner’s eyes off of Jesus. This outline sets forth some of the "cracked-pots" that cannot yield the living water of eternal life.
SOME CRACKED-POTS I HAVE KNOWN
"For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns--broken cisterns that can hold no water." Jeremiah 2:13.
I. BROKEN CISTERNS THAT CAN HOLD NO WATER!
One of the most successful ploys of Satan is get us to focus on good things in order to keep us from focusing on the best things. Many put their faith in the following good things and thus miss the saving grace of God.
The broken cistern of sincerity:
“You search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life, and these are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39.
The broken cistern of water baptism:
Scriptural baptism follows the salvation experience and is an act of obedience to Christ. It is essential to obedience but not to salvation, e.g. the thief on the cross.
The broken cistern of church membership:
“Joining the church”…any church…is not tantamount to salvation but rather follows salvation. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47.
The broken cistern of good works:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of your- selves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10.
II. THE FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATERS!
“Jesus stood and cried out, saying: ‘If any thirsts let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” John 7:37-39.
III. THE EVIL OF FORSAKING GOD!
No one can forsake that with which they have had no previous contact.
"He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as did receive Him, to them He gave the power to become the sons of God. even to those who believe on His name." John 1:1-12.
"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10.
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men." Titus 2:11.
