Friday, March 8, 2019

Proclaiming the Lord's Death


(To download an mp3 file of this sermon, click on the title above. To listen online, click on the play button of the audio player here.)

This is a sermon that was based on 1 Corinthians 11:26 where Paul declares that we proclaim the Lord's death every time we share the sacrament of communion. This message explores the idea of making a proclamation regarding the death of Jesus Christ by sharing the emblems of communion.

Written Excerpts:

1 Corinthians 11:26 (NKJV) For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. 
Introduction:
Proclamations are a very familiar activity of mayors, governors and presidents, as well as the leaders of innumerable organizations.
I found a website called the “National Day Calendar” where over 1500 national days/weeks/months and years are listed.
Here is a partial list of national days just for the month of March:
March National Days
March 1
National Dadgum That’s Good Day
National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
March 2
National Old Stuff Day
National Banana Cream Pie Day
March 3
National Anthem Day
National I Want You to be Happy Day
March 4
National Pound Cake Day
National Hug a G.I. Day
March 5
National Multiple Personality Day
National Cheese Doodle Day
March 6
National Dentist’s Day
National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day
March 7
National Be Heard  Day
National Cereal Day
March 8
National Peanut Cluster Day
National Tartar Sauce Day – Friday After Lent Begins
March 9
National Barbie Day
National Get Over it Day
March 10
National Blueberry Popover Day
National Pack Your Lunch Day
March 11
National Johnny Appleseed Day
National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day
March 12
National Girl Scout Day
National Plant a Flower Day
March 13
National Earmuff Day
National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day
March 14
National Potato Chip Day
National Pi Day
March 15
National Shoe the World Day
National Everything You Think is Wrong Day
March 16
National Everything You Do is Right Day
National Artichoke Hearts Day
March 17
National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day
St. Patrick’s Day
March 18
National Awkward Moments Day
National Sloppy Joe Day
March 19
National Poultry Day
National Chocolate Caramel Day
March 20
National Ravioli Day
National Proposal Day
March 21
National Common Courtesy Day
National Fragrance Day
March 22
National Goof Off Day
National Puppy Day 
March 23
National Chip and Dip Day
National Melba Toast Day
March 24
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
March 25
National Lobster Newburg Day
National Medal of Honor Day
March 26
National Spinach Day
Epilepsy Awareness Day – Purple Day
March 27
National Scribble Day
National Joe Day
March 28
National Weed Appreciation Day
National Something on a Stick Day
March 29
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
National Vietnam War Veterans Day
March 30
National Take a Walk in the Park Day
National I Am in Control Day
March 31
National Crayon Day
National Bunsen Burner Day
The interesting thing to think about is: Every one of these “national days” that have been designated probably got started by a proclamation of some sort. Can you imagine the proclamation that got some of these “national days” started? What about National Sloppy Joe Day (Mar. 18th)? The website states that in their research, they weren’t able to identify the founder of “National Sloppy Joe Day.” But, if there was a proclamation somewhere, maybe it would be something like this…

Whereas sloppy joe sandwiches are definitely sloppy; 
Whereas sloppy joe sandwiches have become just as common as the name “Joe”;
Whereas sloppy joe sandwiches deserve to be recognized for the role they fill in the diet of millions of Americans, 
Therefore, let it be proclaimed throughout these United States of America that March 18th shall henceforth be designated as “National Sloppy Joe Day.”
“If you think something is important, then it should have a proclamation making it universally important!” A proclamation lets the world know what we think is so important, and it attempts to recruit others to join the noble recognition.
Our Scripture reference for today, 1 Cor. 11:26 (NKJV) For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. 
The Apostle is declaring the truth that every time we observe the sacrament of communion, we are proclaiming the Lord’s death.
NKJV – “…you proclaim the Lord’s death…” 
KJV – “… ye do shew the Lord’s death…”
In the KJV, the English word “show” is only used 3 times to translate the particular Greek word that it represents. However, 10 times the same Greek word is translated “preach.”
(Thayer’s Gk.-Eng. Lexicon) …to announce, declare, promulgate, make known; to proclaim publicly, publish…; with the included idea of celebrating, commending, openly praising….
Paul is telling the Corinthian Christians that every time they partake of the communion emblems they are proclaiming, announcing and publicly declaring the death of Jesus. In light of the fact that this Greek word is translated as “preach” 10 different times in the NT, perhaps we could say that every believer who participates in communion is preaching about the death of the Savior.
Listen to these comments from 4 different sources about this phrase:
(Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) – [Quotes two other sources in writing,] The Eucharist is an acted sermon, an acted proclamation of the death which it commemorates’ (Robertson and Plummer).
(Lenski NT Commentary) – In v. 23 Paul introduces the account of the institution of the Sacrament with γάρ, "for," in order to substantiate his rebuke of the disorderly proceedings current among the Corinthians. Now he continues with a second γάρ and draws attention to the point in this account which especially calls attention to the gravity of the Corinthian disorders. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup you are proclaiming the death of the Lord till he shall come.
[In other words] "This is what you must consider when you assemble for the Sacrament."
Essentially, Paul is saying, “Because of the fact that you are preaching the death of Christ every time you partake of communion, you should never act like you’ve been acting when you come together to the Lord’s Table.
(Adam Clarke's Commentary) – As in the Passover they showed forth the bondage they had been in, and the redemption they had received from it; so in the Eucharist they showed forth the sacrificial death of Christ, and the redemption from sin derived from it.
Adam Clarke is drawing a parallel analogy between what the Passover proclaims and what the communion proclaims. One proclaims God’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt. The other proclaims God’s redemption from sin.
(Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised) – In other words, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is a visible means of telling the story of Jesus’ passion and death. 
So what do we proclaim when we partake of communion?
We proclaim the death of Jesus.
To proclaim the death of Jesus necessarily raises the following questions:
Why did He die?
For whom did He die?
What resulted from His death?
Every time we eat the bread and drink the juice we are preaching a message about what Jesus has done for us. We preach a message about how we have benefited from His death. And, we tell the world Jesus died for them too.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, I would like to offer a modern-day proclamation concerning the death of Jesus Christ.
Whereas Jesus Christ is the sinless, pure and holy Son of God, and;
Whereas every other human being stands condemned before God because of sin, and;
Whereas Jesus Christ willingly became the substitute for every person by accepting their punishment, and;
Whereas Jesus Christ freely submitted himself to the cruel death of crucifixion, and;
Whereas His death is credited against the guilt of everyone who places all their trust in Him;
Therefore, in obedience to His command, let every Christian believer henceforth proclaim these eternal facts by willingly, openly, and repeatedly partaking of the emblems of His suffering. AMEN
Before we share the sacrament of communion I invite you to join me in singing an old hymn about the blood of Jesus.
Covered By the Blood       
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The Divine Distinctive



(To download an mp3 file of this sermon, click on the title above. To listen online, click on the play button of the audio player here.)

This is a message based on Exodus 33:16 where Moses asks the Lord, "What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" He asks this question to support his request for God's special divine presence to accompany them as they travel toward Canaan. It is still the distinct presence of the blessed Holy Spirit that distinguishes God's people from all others.

Written Excerpts:

Exodus 33:15-16 (NKJV) Then he said to Him, "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth."
Exodus 33:15-16 (NIV) Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”
In the NKJV the last phrase in provided in the form of a statement, while the NIV provides the same thought in the form of a question.
(NKJV) “If Your presence goes with us, then Your people and I will be separate from all the [other] people on the face of the earth.”
(NIV) “If Your presence doesn’t go with us, then what will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people of the face of the earth?”
Introduction:
How does a company successfully market a product when the same kind of product is offered by the competition? In order to be successful, a business owner has to find a way to distinguish his product/company from the competitor. It might be the customer service following the sale; it might be the exceptionally courteous staff; it might be the durability of the product; etc. There has to be a way to convince the public that your product/service is far better than that which is offered by other companies.
I think that there is a similar kind of point being made by Moses in this conversation with God in Exodus 33. The descendants of Jacob are on their way back to the land that was promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They’ve been miraculously delivered from a 400-year bondage in Egypt and are now traveling through the wilderness/desert. They’ve already exhibited a stubbornness and resistance to the will of God that shows up in worship of the golden calf and in other ways.
God has, in a sense, “backed away” from leading this large group of people any further and He tells Moses that he can lead them from now on. Moses intercedes on behalf of the people and begs God to go with them. 
The verbal exchange between Moses and God was included in the Scripture reading a little earlier in the service. (See Ex. 33:1-17) In this exchange between Moses and God, Moses asks, “If you do not go with us, then how will we be distinguished from all the other people on the earth?”
With the help of the Holy Spirit, I want to speak to you about the divine presence that distinguishes God’s people from the general population.
I.      There already was a sense in which God was with them. (vv. 7-11)
God had been with them and brought them to the present location, but because of their rebellion had separated Himself from them. (see vv. 1-6)
God says in v. 1, “you and the people you have brought out of the land of Egypt.” He essentially says “These are your people, Moses.” Then in verse 13, Moses declares to God, “… this nation is Your people.”
God had ordered the people to remove their ornaments (jewelry). This was a sign of mourning.
In spite of all this, Moses was still in communication with God and experienced the presence of God.
In verse 15, Moses says to God, “If your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from this place.” We are told that there is no Hebrew word for “presence.” The word used here is the same word that is translated as “face” in other places. In this context, the “face of God” is His presence and nearness to His people and the assurance that He is with them.
But, v. 11 tells us that Moses was already talking face to face with God.
(Tyndale OT Commentaries) – [“face to face”] that is to say, not in dreams and visions, but clearly and directly. Moses had the gift of clarity of spiritual insight: he shared the very counsels of God.
 (Keil and Delitzsch Commentary) Out of this cloud Jehovah talked with Moses (vv. 7-10) "face to face, as a man talks with his friend" (v. 11); that is to say, not from the distance of heaven, through any kind of medium whatever, but "mouth to mouth," as it is called in Num. 12:8, as closely and directly as friends talk to one another. …. Although Jehovah showed Himself to Moses in some peculiar form of manifestation, He never appeared in His own essential glory, but only in such a mode as human weakness could bear.
Contrast this description with verse 20, where God tells Moses that no one can see His face and live. It is apparent that Moses had a level of communion and communication with God already, but it was not the same as what can be experienced at a different level.
II.    There apparently is a deeper level of God’s presence available for those who seek it.
There is evidence in the way Moses intercedes for God’s presence (face) that indicates Moses is not satisfied with the current level of intimacy or knowledge, but he wants more. See vv. 12-13
Moses essentially begs God to give more revelation to demonstrate that Moses has truly found grace in God’s sight.
(Keil and Delitzsch Commentary) – "Let me know Thy way (the way which Thou wilt take with me and with this people), that I may know Thee, in order that I may find grace in Thine eyes, and see that this people is Thy people." The meaning is this: If I have found grace in Thy sight, and Thou hast recognized me as Thy servant, and called me to be the leader of this people, do not leave me in uncertainty as to Thine intentions concerning the people, or as to the angel whom Thou wilt give as a guide to me and the nation, that I may know Thee, that is to say, that my finding grace in Thine eyes may become a reality….
Near the end of the chapter, Moses again begs God for a divine revelation of His glory. (See vv. 18-23)
(Tyndale OT Commentaries) – Show me thy glory. God has just granted the petition for his continued presence with Israel. Now Moses’ prayer is to see the kābôd, the manifested glory (literally ‘weight’) of YHWH. This is a prayer to see God as he is: but, in these terms, it is impossible. Mortal man cannot endure to see God (verse 20). In vivid pictorial language, the passage says that man may see only where God has passed by (verses 22, 23) and so know him by his past doings and acts. God as he is, in all his mystery, we cannot know or comprehend.
Moses can’t get enough of the presence of God.
(Dr. Oswalt) We human beings are so made that we can never get the same stimulation again from the same experience. This, of course, is what leads to addiction. 
Look at the contrast between the average people and their leader, Moses. When God first appears to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, there is lightening, smoke and thunder, and the people are fearful. They tell Moses to go talk to God for them and come back to report what God says, then we will do whatever God says.
Those who only have a casual relationship with God are the same ones who usually do not have any passionate desire to know Him better. But, those who have a much more intimate relationship with God, are characterized by their intense passion to know more; to be closer to God. 
This is the way with Moses. Moses already had a much more intimate connection and communication with God, but he’s not satisfied. He wants to know more. And, God’s response to his request to see God’s glory is, “I will cause my goodness to pass before you and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you.”
Rather than a fabulous display of glory, God wants Moses to see His character/nature more deeply than ever before.
III.   The intimate presence of God is the Divine Distinctive for the people of God.
vv. 15-16
Moses tells God, “If your presence isn’t going with us, then do not take us up from here.”
(John Oswalt, Cornerstone Biblical Commentary) – He realized that without Yahweh, the Promised Land was worthless. In fact, the Sinai desert with the face of Yahweh was infinitely more desirable than Canaan without his face (33:15-16)… Moses and Israel did not need what God could do for them nearly as much as they needed God Himself.
Then, he tells the Lord, “Your presence is the only thing that will distinguish us from all the other peoples of the earth.” Or, if we put it in the form of a question… “Lord, if your presence is not with us, what else will distinguish us as your people on the face of the earth?”
This is the verse that captured my attention when I read this passage a couple of weeks ago.
I believe that this truth is still valid today – God’s intimate presence is the only thing that will clearly distinguish between the people who truly belong to God and those who don’t. What is it that will distinguish us as God’s people from all other people (churches) in Grove City? IT IS ONLY THE MANIFEST PRESENCE OF GOD THROUGH HIS HOLY SPIRIT.
You’ve heard me say this numerous times: People who attend our services need to leave having experienced the presence of God. They need to know more than anything else that they have been in God’s presence.
What is it that will distinguish me individually as a person of God? It is only the manifest presence of God’s Spirit in my life.
Conclusion:
Have you ever been around a group of people that you could just feel the presence of the Lord in them? You knew just by being with them a short time that they were different, and you longed to be like them?
Have you ever known someone who made you hungry to know God better?
Have you ever known someone who made you think, “I want to be that kind of Christian?”
I have been in church services where the Spirit of the Lord was so real my soul and spirit ached to know God more; to have Him as real in my life as I could feel He was in the lives of the people in that service.
I am so thankful that I can say my own parents were individuals who often made me think as a child, “I want to know God like they do as I get older.” Hear Dad get blessed in the Spirit as he was praying in our time of family devotions.
What are we passing on to our kids and grandkids? There are a lot of things our kids need to learn and we need to teach them… how to work; how to think; how to have a good time and enjoy life; etc. etc. But above everything else we must teach them, we absolutely need to teach them to passionately desire God and insist on having His presence in their lives.
There’s only one way we can do that. We can’t teach what we do not have ourselves. And… we can’t have it ourselves if we do not take the time to seek the most intimate presence of the Holy Spirit in our own lives. Yes, it is possible to devote every aspect of life, family life, work, recreation, etc. to be all for the glory of God. We can do everything with the goal of exalting God. But, those activities will not provide the intimate presence of God that Moses is talking about. That can only be experienced in intimate times of devotion, worship and seeking Him in prayer. 
(Not prayers that are asking for God to solve my problems and provide my desires, but prayer for God to cleanse me from everything that hinders His true presence from being more real; and prayers for Him to fill me afresh.)
Closing Song: Fill Me Now 
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Oh Taste and See



(To download an mp3 file of this sermon, click on the title above. To listen online, click on the play button of the audio player here.)

This sermon is based on Psalm 34. It speaks about the praise that King David gives to the Lord in the times of dark trials and his review of the benefits God has provided. Then David issues an invitation for others to discover God's wonderful benefits like he has found.

Written excerpts:


Psalm 34:8 (NKJV) Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Introduction:

Kris’ “homemade” cinnamon buns.
Andy in 5th Grade – Mom’s Apple pie.
“Just wait until you taste it!”
We all have probably had those moments when we ate something that makes us think, “wow!” One of my favorites is, country style pork ribs cooked for hours in barbeque sauce. M-mmmm!
King David undoubtedly had some of those moments too; especially with him being the king of Israel. As king, he could have the best of anything. The food prepared for a king we might say, “Is to die for.” Therefore, it is quite interesting that the king uses this “culinary metaphor” as a way of encouraging others to “sample God’s wonderful blessings.”
There are three primary thoughts that I want to share with you today from Psalm 34. We won’t try to cover the entire psalm, just verses 1-10, which were read earlier in the service.
I.      Give Praise to the Lord. (vv. 1-3)
The inscription at the beginning of this Psalm attributes its time of writing to the time when King David was running from King Saul. He came to the king of the Philistines who was warned about accepting him lest he turn and fight against the Philistines in the heat of the battle. David then started acting insane so that the king sent him away. (He could have had him executed.) So, in the midst of all these circumstances (fleeing from Saul, and narrowly escaping from an “enemy” king), David breaks out in praise to the Lord.
Reminds me of something I mentioned a few weeks ago regarding Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail.
(Read verses 1-3)
I have been reminding you several times lately that God is deserving of all our praise, even when we find ourselves in the middle of trying circumstances and adversity.
God Wants to Hear You Sing by Greater Vision
Their chains were fastened tight
Down at the jail that night
Still Paul and Silas would not be dismayed
They said, "It's time to lift our voice,
Sing praises to the Lord
Let's prove that we will trust Him, come what may."

God wants to hear you sing
When the waves are crashing round you
When the fiery darts surround you
When despair is all you see
God wants to hear your voice
When the wisest man has spoken
And says your circumstance is as hopeless as can be
That's when God wants to hear you sing

He loves to hear our praise
On our cheerful days
When the pleasant times outweigh the bad, by far
But when suffering comes along
And we still sing Him song
That is when we bless the Father's heart

God wants to hear you sing
When the waves are crashing round you
When the fiery darts surround you
When despair is all you see
God wants to hear your voice
When the wisest man has spoken
And says you circumstance is as hopeless as can be
That's when God wants to hear you sing
II.    Review His blessings and benefits. (vv. 4-7)
“I sought the Lord, and he delivered me from all my fears.” In the precarious situation he finds himself in with the Philistines (he could have been executed if they had perceived he would be a threat to them), he discovers the reality of God’s divine protection.
“faces were not ashamed”
(Keil and Delitzsch Commentary) – It never comes to pass that their countenances must be covered with shame on account of disappointed hope: 
“This poor man cried…” (reinforce what was said in v. 4)
“The angel of the Lord…”
(Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) – The angel of the Lord sometimes stands for the Lord himself and at other times for his spiritual agent. In any case, the psalmist understands that God is the ultimate source of his rescue. The fact that the angel encamps around those who fear him points to God as the Divine Warrior who fights on behalf of his people (Josh. 5:14).
Compare Joshua 5:13-14 (NKJV) And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, "Are You for us or for our adversaries?" 14 So He said, "No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, "What does my Lord say to His servant?"
III.   Invitation to share the blessings. (vv. 8-10)

Some think it is significant that David says, “taste and see” rather than “look and see.”
(Keil and Delitzsch Commentary) Tasting (γεύσαστηαι, Hebr. 6:4f., 1 Peter 2:3) stands before seeing; for spiritual experience leads to spiritual perception or knowledge, and not vice versa. (Compare 1 Peter 2:1-3 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.)
 David is desirous that others also should experience what he has experienced in order that they may come to know what he has come to know, viz., the goodness of God.
 (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) – The psalmist uses a culinary metaphor to urge his listeners into a relationship with God (Taste and see that the Lord is good). Like a cook who urges a reluctant eater just to give it a taste, so the psalmist encourages them to sample God and his protection, confident that they will thus recognize his benefits.
He encourages them to fear God. In the previous stanza, he testified that he feared God and was thus rescued from his other fears. While the wicked (the lions; see Job 4:7-11) languish, those who fear God will lack nothing/no good thing. This is not a naïve belief that God’s people will prosper, but rather that those who fear God recognize fundamentally that their relationship with God will satisfy them completely.
The king, even though he is “running for his life,” invites others to come and discover the blessings of knowing God as he has found.
“Young lions lack and suffer hunger…”
Even though lions may hunger from lack of prey, those who trust in the Lord will find that He provides and He satisfies.
This is not a promise that God will rescue us and deliver us from everything that is unpleasant or distasteful. But God will watch over his children and deliver them from the enemy that has the potential to destroy them.
Conclusion:
As I was reading this Psalm several days ago in my daily Bible reading, I was stirred once again by these words of testimony and exhortation. Just like the king, I have discovered many times that God is faithful and that He can be counted on in troubling situations. It is especially true when it seems like the darkness of evil and the pressure of my spiritual enemy is so real, God is always there to rescue and bring peace in the midst of trouble.
My greatest desire, like King David, is to spread the word and let others know that God can be that near and precious to them too. It is up to us to spread the word and encourage others to find their hope in God. 
I’m glad that God can give us a song, even when our circumstances are painful and dark.
Let us stand to sing our closing hymn: In My Heart There Rings a Melody
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Monday, February 11, 2019

How Shall They Hear?



(To download an mp3 file of this sermon, click on the title above. To listen online, click on the play button of the audio player here.)

This is the fourth and final message in a short series of sermons regarding the three main purposes or priorities of the church. This sermon speaks about the "Outward Priority" to go out and spread the kingdom of God over all the earth. The sermon asks, "Why should we go?" "Who should go?" and "How should we go?"

Written Excerpts:


Romans 10:14 (NKJV) How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
Introduction:
First, I want you to look at the passage in Acts 8 that was read earlier. I want to share a few observations about this story.
1. (v.1) When persecution began to get intense, the believers were “scattered” EXCEPT the apostles. This is a key point in understanding another verse later.
2. (v.4) Those who “scattered” went everywhere preaching the word.
3. Taken together, these two verses give us a clear indication on how the apostles and early believers interpreted Jesus’ command when He said, “Go into all the world…” It wasn’t restricted just to the leaders, but was practiced by all believers.
4. (vv. 11, 13) One of the new converts had previously practiced sorcery (witchcraft) and had astonished the public with his power and “magic.” But when he saw the power of God working through the apostles, he was amazed. He hadn’t seen “anything” yet.
I guess I have been preaching a mini-series without actually announcing it as a series! It all began a few weeks ago as I was reading a book recommended by Dr. Sillings and Rev. Howard Russell. The book describes the three primary purposes of the church: 
·     Upward – Glorify God
·     Inward – Nurture, Edify, Care for other believers
·     Outward – Spread the Kingdom of God on earthOnce I decided to preach on the first one, I just kept following through with the others.
Therefore, today we are going to be talking about the third primary purpose of the church – the outward purpose. That is, to spread the kingdom of God through proclamation of the gospel and the demonstration of divine love.
Before we get started, however, I want to mention one more thing regarding the message last Sunday.
Near the end of the sermon last week, I mentioned the best way to nurture and care for one another would be to meet in small groups. (It’s not really possible to know the cares and burdens very well when we only meet in Sunday morning worship services. It’s not possible to encourage and build each other up at just the right time, if we don’t know what’s going on in each other’s lives.)
I do not really have the time to try to organize small groups. However, if God should lay it on someone’s heart to do it, I would be willing to provide guidance and direction. Or, perhaps there would be several individuals that feel God speaking to you about hosting a small group in your home, and you would be willing to invite several to join you.
Ok, let’s move on.
The Scripture text I want to begin with is found in Romans 10:14-15 – How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"
Here are the “links” in the chain of faith that Paul understands:
þ   Calling on Christ requires faith in Him.
þ   Faith in Christ requires hearing about Him and understanding what I’ve heard.
þ   Hearing about Christ requires a messenger to tell me about Him.
þ   Messengers who tell about Christ must be sent out with the commission to proclaim the message.
How will people hear about Christ? They won’t unless someone tells them.
The 3rd priority of the church is to bring the world to Christ. Or, “bring Christ to the world.” But they won’t know about Christ unless someone tells them. That is why the title I chose for today’s message is, “How Shall They Hear?” 
As we think about taking Christ to the world and spreading the kingdom of God over the earth, let me provide a few insights for our consideration.
I.    Why should we go?
·     God deserves the worship of every person.
A few weeks ago as we talked about giving glory to God as our 1st priority, I mentioned that God deserves the worship of every person in our township; county; state; nation; world.
Instructor in Perspectives Course shared how this concept changed his perception on evangelism and sharing the gospel. Rather than feeling bondage over warning people about hell, he began to feel privileged to tell them why God deserves their worship.
·     People are lost without Christ.
Having just stated that being in bondage to warn people about hell is not necessarily a good motive, yet we do need to always remember that EVERYONE is lost who does not know Christ in a personal saving relationship. Down & Outer; Up & Outer; “good person”; it doesn’t matter who they are. If they do not know Christ, they’re currently lost, and they are at risk of being eternally lost.
II.  Who Should Go?
Everyone. Refer back to Acts 8:1, 4.
I grew up in an era where the generally accepted method of bringing sinners to Christ was “invite them to church and let the preacher preach to them.” Many people have accepted the philosophy that the reason we hire a pastor is for him/her to save the lost and add to the church.
Remember:
·     We already mentioned at the beginning of this series, the “Upward Purpose.” We come together primarily to worship the Lord and give Him the glory and adoration He deserves.
There will be times when God lays it on the heart of the pastor to preach an evangelistic message, but if that was done nearly every Sunday, then the believers would never grow deeper in their understanding and obedience to the Word.
·     Also, Eph. 4:11 tells us that God gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints and the edifying of the body of Christ.
III.   How Should We Go?
·     With an understanding of the gospel message. Learn key verses that describe how to be saved.
·     With a personal experience of transforming grace in our own lives. We can't pass on what we don't have our selves. 
·     Bathed in prayer and in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are only instruments. The Holy Spirit does the work of convincing and convicting.
The model in Acts shows the apostles and believers starting out with special baptism of the Holy Spirit, then they lit the world on fire.
Conclusion:
Jesus Christ left His disciples with the mandate to impact the world. That mandate is still ours today.
Our closing song, O Zion, Haste, reminds everyone one of us that we have been given a task to accomplish. As we sing this hymn, let us ask the Lord to give us wisdom and the anointing of His Spirit to fulfill the task before us.
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Body Life - II



(To download an mp3 file of this message, click on the title above. To listen online, click on the play button of the audio player here.)

This sermon is the third message in a series of messages that speak about the three main purposes or priorities of the church. Today's message continues discussing the "Inward Priority" of edifying, nurturing and caring for other members in the body of Christ, by using verses in the New Testament that speak about believers' behavior toward one another.

Written Excerpts:

Colossians 3:12-13 (NKJV) Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Introduction:
For the past two sermons I have been reviewing the main purposes that God has given to the church. 
There are a number of things that churches do and ought to do, but all of them probably can be identified with one of the three main purposes of the church.
·     Bring praise and glory to God.
·     Nurture and edify other believers.
·     Spread His kingdom throughout the world.
In the first sermon I tried to emphasize the importance of giving praise and glory to God, and truly making that the very first priority of our lives and our actions. When the body of Christ gathers, we gather to corporately worship the Lord and celebrate His goodness and His awesome grace.
Last Sunday I spoke about the second purpose of nurturing and edifying fellow believers in the church. We talked about loving one another, and living in peace and unity with one another.
Today, we will be continuing to speak about our Christian responsibility to care for other Christians.
When we were talking about the responsibility we have for one another, I mentioned that I had looked up most of the passages in the NT which included the words “one another.” We are going to continue looking at more of these Scriptures today to discover what God has intended the church to do for its own members.
To live out the second purpose or priority God has given us we need to…
IV.   Edify One Another
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV) Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 
The word “edify” is a word that means to build up. There are a number of other NT passages that urge Christians to build each other up by various means.
Here are some other words that the NT uses in describing our responsibility towards one another and will work towards building each other up in our faith and build us up in the Lord.
A. Exhort – παρακαλεω; lit. to call to one’s side, console, comfort, etc. This is a word that is used in many different contexts.
Hebrews 3:13 (KJV) But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 
Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) 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. 
1 Thessalonians 4:18 (KJV) Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 
The word that is translated “comfort” here is the same word in the Greek that is also translated “exhort” in other verses. When Christians exhort and comfort one another, they are building each other up. They are helping that brother or sister keep faith and purpose. They are inspiring them to keep on going.
B. Admonish – νουθετεω; lit. to put in mind, to warn, rebuke, or counsel, etc.
Romans 15:14 (KJV) And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 
Colossians 3:16 (KJV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 
The body of Christ is supposed to be looking out for one another and warning one another about the traps of the devil, and the ways he works.
We are so independent today, we don’t want other people warning us and correcting us. We don’t want other Christians admonishing us about the ways we might be going astray. Because we generally are that independent as a whole, then those who are concerned are afraid to speak to us for fear of losing friendship or offending us. But the Bible tells us to submit to one another.
Ephesians 5:21 (KJV) Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Paul makes this general command right before he applies it to the marriage relationship between husbands and wives. Christians, who all love the Lord and love one another, should be able to admonish/warn each other and we should be able to accept admonition without getting angry and suspicious of each other, because we are submitting to each other in love and grace.
When Christians admonish, warn, counsel or rebuke each other in the right spirit, they build each other up in the faith and spur each other on to greater and better service to God.
C. Teach – to give instruction and impart knowledge with the design and intent to inspire faith and advise conduct.
Colossians 3:16 (KJV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 
Colossians 1:28 (KJV) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
When Christians teach one another the word of God and instruct one another regarding the will of God, then they are building each other up in the faith.
To live out the second purpose or priority God has given us we need to…
V.    Care for One Another
The New Testament also reminds us that part of our responsibility to each other in the body of Christ is simply “care for one another.”
1 Peter 4:9-10 (KJV) Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 
Peter urges believers to take care of each other; show hospitality to each other. And, as we receive the gift (hospitality) so we should minister (serve it) to each other. Every person in the church is different and made up differently. It is our responsibility and duty to one another to care for each other.
Romans 12:13 (NKJV) distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
This verse appears in a long list of instructions the Apostle is giving to the believers in Rome.
Hospitality pertains to the daily needs of life – food, clothing, shelter, etc.
Galatians 5:13 (KJV) For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 
1 Corinthians 12:25 (KJV) That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 
Galatians 6:10 (KJV) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 
All of these passages stress the importance of caring for the needs that others in the body of Christ struggle with daily.
To live out the second purpose or priority God has given us we need to…
VI.   Forgive One Another
Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. 
Colossians 3:13 (KJV) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 
Un-forgiveness may be the most damaging thing in Christian relationships. We are instructed to forgive because Christ forgave us. We are to forgive in the same manner as Christ forgave us. There is no way for me to know this for certain, but I imagine that true revival would break out in the church if every Christian that is harboring grudges and ill feelings toward another person would just forgive and restore each other to mutual love.
Conclusion:
We’ve been talking about more ways that Christian believers are to be engaged in nurturing and edifying each other in our faith and the way we live the Christian life.
We have discussed:
·     Love one another
·     Live in peace and unity with one another
·     Edify one another (Comfort, exhort, warn, instruct, etc.) 
·     Care for one another (hospitality)
·     Forgive one another
These things are all evident in some degree in our congregation, but there is always room for improvement.
One of the primary ways that these responsibilities to each other can be accomplished is through meetings in small groups. It’s not possible for everyone to feel loved, cared for, and edified just in the Sunday morning worship service. We need times of getting together in small groups where everyone can receive the kind of attention that we all need in order to stay focused and remain encouraged.
The closing hymn I have selected for today reminds us that we are God’s people and we have various responsibilities that will demonstrate His Spirit in us and working through us.
Let us sing together We Are Called to Be God’s People
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Body Life



(To download an mp3 file of this message, click on the title above. To listen online, click on the play button of the audio player here.)

This sermon is the second sermon in a series of messages about the main purposes or priorities of the church. This message discusses the "Inward Priority" of the church, which is to nurture, edify and care for other members of the body of Christ. It is based on several passages in the New Testament that speak of how believers are to respond to "one another."

Written Excerpts:

Ephesians 4:1-3 (NKJV) I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 
Introduction:
Have you ever used a table knife as a screwdriver? 
How about using a paper clip as a screwdriver?
Have you ever used a pocket knife to clean your fingernails?
There are any number of questions that could be posed to explore the ways people have used tools or items in ways they were never meant to be used. Sometimes (not always) when we use an item in a way that it was not intended, the outcome doesn’t work out so well! I know that I’ve had a few wounds over the years that were caused by trying to use the wrong object to accomplish a task it was not meant to do.
A couple of Sundays ago I preached a message that relates to the purpose God has for something He designed and created – the Church! I briefly outlined the three main purposes God has for the church as described in the Scriptures. And, just like so many other things we could talk about, the church works best when it fulfills the purpose for which it was made.
Those three purposes (or “three priorities”) of the church are as follows:
Upward Purpose/Priority – Glorify God
Inward Purpose/Priority – Nurture and Edify the Body
Outward Purpose/Priority – Evangelize and Serve the World
Two Sundays ago I spoke about the upward purpose and tried to remind all of us that our first and foremost priority in life is to bring glory to the Creator. We looked at several Scriptures which emphasize the expectation that believers should be primarily focused and interested in praising God with our mouths, and also living our lives in such a way to direct worship and praise to Him as well.
I can’t overemphasize the necessity for all of us who profess the name of Christ to regularly and faithfully worship the Lord and extol His majesty and greatness in all of His attributes.
A little over 8 years ago I preached a series of sermons on the attributes of God and I’m sure that a review of those could be beneficial. But just let me say that God is infinite and perfect in all His qualities and deserves to be exalted, honored and adored. He deserves for us to live our lives in such a way that people around us will direct praise to Him as well because of being inspired by what they see in us.
God deserves to be worshiped by every person in Mercer County! God deserves to be praised by every person in PA. God deserves to be honored and adored by every person in these United States. And God deserves to be worshiped and served by every last individual in the entire world. If every single person in the whole world would give praise to God it still wouldn’t adequately honor Him as He deserves to be honored.
As I stated before, giving praise and glory to God is the first priority of believers, meaning that it comes first in importance. When that is constantly our first concern, and our first action, then the other two purposes of the church will more smoothly fall into place.
Today, I want to begin talking to you about the second purpose/priority of the church – the inward purpose. That is, the responsibility that God has given to believers to admonish, nurture and edify one another. (I say, “I want to BEGIN talking about it” because I don’t think we will be able to adequately cover the topic in one sermon.)
God never intended for individual believers to serve Him in an isolated life, kind of like a “lone ranger” mentality. The Bible is very clear that all believers need the mutual support and assistance from other believers.
Quite a long time ago I heard someone say that a really interesting study in Scripture can be had by looking up all the references that use the phrase, “one another.” The NT is filled with passages where either Jesus or the Apostles give us admonitions about what we are to do for one another or how we are to treat one another.
For a little while today, I want to explore some of these references that admonish us regarding our care for “one another.”
What does the Bible have to say about the care we should show for “one another” in the body of Christ? There are a number of references we can look at for answers, so let’s begin.
To live out the second purpose or priority God has given us we need to…
I.    Love One Another
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. 
(God is basically saying the world has the right to judge us regarding our authenticity – it is love for each other.)
John 15:12, 17 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. 
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 
Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 
1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 
1 Thessalonians 4:9  But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 
1 Peter 1:22  Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 
1 Peter 3:8  Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 
1 John 3:11, 23  For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 23 And this is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 
1 John 4:7, 11-12  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 
Well, what does that mean, to “love one another?” You can find out by studying 1 Cor. 13.
Love will affect the way we speak to one another and the way we speak about one another. Love will motivate kindness and care for one another. This goes beyond mere words, and is manifested in action. “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Whatever you wish people would do to make you feel loved, do that.
To practice the “inward” purpose or priority God has given us we need to…
II.  Live In Unity with One Another
Romans 12:5, 16  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 
Passage that was read earlier (Eph. 4) says this,
Ephesians 4:3 (NKJV) endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
This verse immediately follows verse 2, “… forbearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” In other words, one of the natural consequences of having love for each other is “forbearing” in order to promote unity.
Unity in the body was a key ingredient in Jesus’ prayer in John 17. He prayed for His disciples and followers to be one just like He and the Father are one. The purpose for the unity is so the “world will know that you have sent me.”
Unity is not uniformity. Unity is not union. Unity is striving for a common goal and refusing to allow divisions to lead us astray.
To live out the second purpose or priority God has given us we need to…
III.   Live in Peace with (accept) One Another
The word for peace that is most often used in the NT means the absence of conflict.
Romans 14:19  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 
To “edify” one another gets into another theme we’ll come back to later, but this verse makes the point that peace between one another is a necessary part for edifying each other.
Romans 15:7  Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 
Receiving or accepting one another promotes peace between each other. 
Conclusion:
There is more that the Bible has to say about our interaction and relationships with “one another.” We will probably continue looking at those passages next Sunday. The Christian life doesn’t have to be complicated. It may NOT be easy, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
It is as simple as:
Love and worship God first and foremost.
Love and care for fellow believers.
Love and reach a lost world.
May God give us wisdom! May God give us courage!
Let’s end the service today by singing hymn: I Then Shall Live
As we sing, I trust that this will be more than singing a song, but we will be recommitting ourselves to a promise.
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