Can I Really Count on Jesus?

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This is a message that is based on several different passages of Scripture that include statements by the Apostle Paul describing how the Lord stood by him and provided what he needed in times of crisis and difficulty.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

As I was thinking and praying about what message to bring today, I began thinking about all the students going back to school and to college. I thought about all the pressures of reading & research, taking exams, writing papers, extra curricular activities, etc., etc. In conjunction with these thoughts, I thought about all the times that we can feel totally overwhelmed with life and all the responsibilities we all have even after we’re out of school. As these things were going through my mind, this question came to my mind, “Can I really count on Jesus?” As you can see, that is the question I have used for the title of the message.

The verses that we read earlier in the service (Acts 18:9-10; 23:10-11; 27:20-25; and 2 Tim. 4:6-8, 16-18) were passages that all pertained to the life of the Apostle Paul in various kinds of circumstances that he was facing in his life.

I am very much aware that the kinds of trials described in these verses in Acts and 2 Timothy, are certainly much more serious and life threatening than the pressures of school life or the pressures that we often face in day-to-day activities. However, I believe that we can use these references from Paul’s life to take comfort and make application to the situations that we may be facing in our lives today or will face in the future.

I want to take some of these statements of Paul’s and simply apply them to our lives to seek some encouragement from the word of God.

I. Paul found Jesus to be reliable in the course of his daily work.

Acts 18 – Engaged in missionary efforts to spread the gospel. This context describes his physical labors to provide daily needs (tent-making). He has met up with opposition from the Jews. He may be wondering what lies ahead and whether there is going to be any profit from his labors in this area. The Lord assures him, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” (9b-10)

Paul learns that he can count on Jesus during the uncertainties of work and ministry.

II. Paul found Jesus to be reliable when defending himself against enemies.

Acts 23 – Paul had recently returned to Jerusalem from his third missionary trip to evangelize and teach the new converts. After arriving back in Jerusalem, some of the Jews stirred up a riot and accused Paul of teaching against the law of Moses. Paul had spoken to the crowd in his own defense until they began another uproar.

The civil / military rulers took him into custody and then brought him before the Jewish leaders the next day to defend his beliefs and his actions. In this meeting, Paul took advantage of the differences that existed among his listeners with regard to the resurrection (Pharisees / Sadducees). So he boldly proclaims that he is merely preaching and teaching about the resurrection of one named Jesus.

Again, there arose another uproar among those two factions to the point that the Scripture says the commander feared Paul would be pulled to pieces, so he is taken back into custody. It was during this confinement that we find the words, “…the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’”

The Lord assures him that He isn’t finished with Paul yet, and he will not only survive this ordeal, but he will get the opportunity to spread the message to even more important audiences.

Sometimes we may find ourselves in situations where we seemed to be overwhelmed with opposition from our enemies or enemies of Christ. But just as the Lord “stood by Paul” in those trying situations, He will also stand by us and give us the reassurance that He will not only bring us through but will give us even greater opportunities than we ever dreamed was possible.

III. Paul found Jesus to be reliable when faced with life-threatening dangers.

Acts 27 – Paul is a prisoner now and is on a ship bound for Rome to appear before Ceasar.

Severe storm at sea has threatened their very lives. (Read verses 20-25).

I can’t imagine how comforting and reassuring it must have been to experience the angel of the Lord standing by me in a time when it seems like there is no hope of survival. It appears that all possible hope for living through this storm has vanished, but in the midst of this fearful circumstance, the angel of the Lord appears and “stands by Paul.” What a comfort and what a feeling of peace must of overtaken his fears.

Most of us here today know what it is like to be swamped with storms of life. Some of the storms may have even been life-threatening. Jesus did not abandon Paul in these dire conditions, and He will not abandon you.

IV. Paul found Jesus to be reliable when reminiscing about his life and facing the end of his life.

2 Tim. 4 – Paul is nearing the end of his life. He testifies regarding his own work and faithfulness to the Lord, as well as his faith in God’s blessing and rewards awaiting him. He seems to be reminiscing about earlier trials (“my first defense”) and recalling the fact that everyone abandoned him. (v.16)

It is not real clear which “defense” he is speaking about. Perhaps when he first arrived in Rome. Or, some scholars think that there may have been another trial and imprisonment that occurred even between the first one and the present one from which he is writing to Timothy. In any case, he recalls that the “Lord stood with me and strengthened me.”

Then, in verse 18, he continues, “…the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”

He is remembering that Jesus had delivered him from every evil in the past and had stood by him through it all. So, he confidently believes that Jesus will deliver him now and get him safely to the heavenly kingdom.

Paul doesn’t expect to be delivered from prison or execution, but he does expect to be delivered from the evil world and safely arrive in the heavenly world.

Conclusion:

We have heard the testimony of a great Apostle and servant of Jesus speaking in all kinds of situations and circumstances. He has repeatedly affirmed that the Lord Jesus Christ has stood by him and faithfully delivered him.

He has affirmed that he could truly count on Jesus every day and in every circumstance.

My friends, I want to assure you today that you can count on Jesus too.

You may need Him in the pressures of school or work, or you may need Him in the suffering and pain of disease or illness, or you may need Him in any number of other situations. He will be with you every moment of every day, whether you can feel it or not.

Let us close the service by singing the song, “Moment by Moment” song on page 545.

Exam Time

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This is a sermon that was used for a communion service and is based on the text found in 1 Cor. 11:28.

Introduction:

Some of you are still in school and know what it is like to hear the words, “Take out a piece of paper and put your name at the top; we’re going to have a quiz.” Or, you know the anxiety associated with mid-term exams or semester exams or even final exams at the end of a course. To many others here, these descriptions are just memories from years gone by.

Exam time is not usually a favorite time for most people.

I found this humorous “parable” written somewhat like King James English about taking a semester exam.

And it came to pass,
Early in the morning toward the last day of the semester
There arose a great multitude smiting the books and wailing,
And there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth
For the day of judgment was at hand.
And they were sore afraid for they had left undone
Those things which they ought to have done.
And they had done those things which they ought not to have done
And there was no help for it.
And there were many abiding in the dorm
Who had kept watch over their books by night,
But it availed them naught.
But there were some who rose peacefully,
For they had prepared themselves the way
And made straight paths of knowledge.
And these were known as wise burners of the midnight oil.
And to others they were known as "curve-raisers."
And the multitude arose and ate a hearty breakfast.
And they came unto the appointed place
And their hearts were heavy within them.
And they had come to pass, but some to pass out.
And some of them repented of their riotous living
And bemoaned their fate.
But they had not a prayer.
And at the last hour there came among them
One known as the instructor;
And they feared exceedingly.
He passed papers among them and went his way.
And many and varied were the answers that were given,
For some of his teachings had fallen among fertile minds,
While other had fallen flat.
And some they were who wrote for one hour,
Others for two;
But some turned away sorrowfully, and many of these
Offered up a little [baloney] in hope of pacifying the instructor.

(Source Unknown.) 

Our Scripture text, found in 1 Corinthians 11, is talking about a specific kind of exam – a self-exam. The Apostle Paul urges his readers to examine themselves to see whether they are misusing the Lord’s Supper by eating and drinking in an unworthy manner.

I want to take just a few moments to look at these words of the Apostle and see what lessons there are for us to learn.

“Examine” – (Thayer) 1. “to test, examine, prove, scrutinize” (to see whether a thing be genuine or not), as metals: other things: and men…. 2. “to recognize as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy…

So, the Apostle is telling these Christians that they need to test themselves, scrutinize themselves, or prove themselves to make sure that they are not eating and drinking the emblems of the Lord’s Supper unworthily.

“Unworthily” – this word does not pertain to the idea of making sure that we are worthy enough to eat and drink or deserve to partake. It is not talking about making sure that we are good enough or perfect enough to join in the communion ceremony.

What does it mean?

Many of the recent translations of the Bible use this reading, “…in an unworthy manner.” So, what does that mean? I referenced several different scholars to get opinions and thoughts about this question. There were two or three basic answers offered to this question.

To eat and drink unworthily means:

1. To behave in such a way during the actual ritual so as to bring disgrace to the Lord, and shame to the body of Christ.

This is based on the context leading up to this verse where the Apostle has just condemned their behavior when they gather to eat the Lord’s Supper. (Which in those days usually included an actual common or shared meal. One writer stated that this practice was discontinued around 150 AD.) This behavior would demonstrate a lack of properly “discerning” the Lord’s body (either his physical suffering; or His body-the church, where there was supposed to be unity.)

2. To participate in the ritual and partake of the emblems while knowingly engaging in disunity with fellow Christian believers.

This point seems to be based on the larger context of the parts in the letter where the Apostle was reprimanding them for their factions and conflicts. See chapter 10:17.

3. The writer, Matthew Henry, adds the component of “keeping up one’s covenant with sin and death at the same time that they are professedly renewing their covenant with God.”

He is not talking about living a perfect life that is good enough to deserve the ritual. He’s talking about not coming to the Lord’s table to renew our covenant of faith while having no intention of separating myself from the sinful conduct that implies a covenant with the devil. You cannot be living this double life without dishonoring the sacrifice of Christ.

Conclusion:

The purpose of self-examination is not to pile on the feelings of guilt or to cause you to give up in despair and discouragement. The purpose is to help each of us to be diligent Christians. If you discover deficiencies in your behavior and motives, give thanks to the Lord for the faithfulness of His Spirit and go to prayer. Jesus is always waiting to forgive and to provide His grace and strength to live pleasing to Him.

Before we share the elements of the Lord’s Supper, let us sing two verses of the hymn named in your bulletin, What a Wonderful Savior (vv. 1 & 2)  p. 345

Our Salvation Is Nearer

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This is a message based on the text of Scripture found in Romans 13:11, "...for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

It might actually be appropriate to introduce this message with another passage of Scripture found in 2 Peter. 2 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV) ³  knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, ⁴  and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."

Peter reminds his readers that there will always be people who are skeptical about the coming of the Lord because they have heard about it so many times and nothing has happened yet, so it must not be true or real. I’m sure that I am talking to people here today that have grown so accustomed to hearing about the coming of the Lord that it really doesn’t register in your mind any more like it used to.

I read the verses in Romans 13 for my daily devotional reading one day this week, and I felt impressed by the Spirit at the reading of these familiar words, “our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” I couldn’t seem to get the words out of my mind, and finally concluded that the Lord was leading me to speak on the passage today.

I confess to you today that there are a number of questions about the coming of Christ that I cannot answer. However, there is one answer that I do have and I am absolutely certain it is correct… Our final salvation is definitely nearer than when we first believed.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING (Illustrations Unlimited.)The pastor was speaking about heaven, about eternal bliss and the joys that are awaiting each person on "the other side." He paused for effect and asked, "How many of you here want to go to heaven?" All hands were raised except for an eight-year-old boy sitting in the front pew. The minister asked, "Don't you want to go to heaven, too, Son?"

The boy replied, "Yes, but I thought you were making up a load to go right now."

Well, none of knows which load we will be on. Life is uncertain, death may come for us at any time, or Jesus may return. The most important matter of all is for every one of us to be ready at all times.

The passage of Scripture that we are concerned with today is included in a section of this letter by the Apostle Paul in which he urges the readers to live out the salvation that he has been explaining in the previous chapters. Earlier in this same chapter he speaks about the Christian’s duty to respect and respond appropriately to the civil authorities. Now, it appears that he is giving some general admonitions to believers regarding their conduct.

It seems to me that there are two main thoughts expressed in verses 11-14. Paul is urging the Christians in Rome to…I. Recognize what time it is. And to…II. Live appropriately.

With God’s help this morning I want to take a look at this passage of Scripture in Romans 13, to see what truth God would have for us to take to heart this morning.

I. We must recognize what time it is.

A. The time in respect to conditions of the world.

“It is time to awaken.” (11b)

“The night is spent, and the day is at hand.” (12)

Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 (NKJV) ¹  But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. ²  For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. ³  For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. ⁴  But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. ⁵  You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. ⁶  Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. ⁷  For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. ⁸  But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. ⁹  For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰  who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

Night and darkness represent evil and the wickedness that is present in the world. The day represents the reign of righteousness.

B. The time in respect to the coming of Christ.

“Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”

In using the word “salvation” here, the Apostle is not talking about confessing our sins and receiving forgiveness and redemption by faith. He is not referring to present salvation from sin and over the power of sin. He is using the word in the sense of complete and final salvation; the time when our redemption not only removes the moral corruption of sin and its power in our lives, but that aspect of redemption that finally and completely overcomes the curse of sin in our bodies and in our world.

 (Cf. The passage that was read for our Scripture Reading earlier in the service.)

Romans 8:18-23 (NRSV) ¹⁸  I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. ¹⁹  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; ²⁰  for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹  that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. ²²  We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; ²³  and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

So, the Apostle is saying that the urgency of his message is due to the fact that the Day of our final Redemption is nearer than it was when we first believed. I don’t know when Jesus is coming back, but I do know this for certain – it is nearer than it was when I first got saved. His coming is definitely nearer than it was when Paul wrote this.

(Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World) The primitive church thought more about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ than about death or about heaven. The early Christians were looking not for a cleft in the ground called a grave but for a cleavage in the sky called Glory. They were not watching for the undertaker but for the upper-taker. Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910)

His coming is nearer than it was yesterday!

II. We must live appropriately because of the shortness of time.

The admonitions that the Apostle Paul gives regarding our manner of living is both positive and negative.

A. Positive admonition

1. Love your neighbor. (8)

If there ever was a time when we need to practice love toward one another it is today. Love is not just some warm, fuzzy, emotional feeling. It has specific qualities, e.g. Commandments 6-10 (see vv. 8-10). This is no time to be embroiled in strife, bitterness, grudges, anger and hatred. Jesus is coming! We need to get rid of such attitudes.

2. Put on Christ (v. 14)

Lit. “clothe yourself”

Live our lives like Jesus in all His love and compassion and purity.

B. Negative admonition

1. Don’t live like the world; the deeds of darkness (v. 13)

Romans 13:13 (NLT) ¹³  Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.

One of the things that troubles me, dear friends, is the fact that it is getting harder and harder these days to distinguish between “saints” and “sinners” because of the way so-called Christians are living. God is clearly telling us Christians, here in verse 13, that our conduct must be clearly different from the conduct of the darkness around us.

2. Don’t make provision (plans, thinking and scheming) to satisfy the desires of the flesh. (v. 14)

This is the way I understand Paul’s emphasis here: How much different would our churches, homes and society be today if every person that names the name of Christ would spend as much energy planning and “scheming” to model the life of Christ as we do planning and thinking about satisfying our fleshly desires?

Conclusion:

Our final salvation, our completed redemption is getting nearer and nearer. I don’t know when Jesus is coming back, but His coming is closer than it was yesterday! I don’t know how much more time I have to live in this world, but I’m one day closer to my death than I was yesterday. I want to be ready.

(Corrie ten Boom, 1892-1983) “We are not a post-war generation; but a pre-peace generation. Jesus is coming.” (Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World)

I have chosen a song about going to heaven as our closing song today, because this message is all about getting ready for another world. It is all about being ready when Jesus comes, or when He calls us home. (My Savior First of All, p. 768)

Faith Cometh By Hearing

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This is a sermon based on the text found in Romans 10:14-17. It emphasizes the importance of hearing the Word of God in order to increase our faith. Specific examples are shared with the speaker's recent experiences relating to the death of his father.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Faith is a major theme throughout the entire Bible.

A few years ago I preached a short series of messages on Hebrews 11 which highlights many individuals from the OT because of their faith and what it did for them.

Jude 3 uses the phrase, “the faith” to refer to the content of Christian belief.

Acts 16:31 “Believe (put faith in) on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house.” This refers to what we often call “saving faith.”

Romans 4 & 5 speak about “justifying faith” which is another way of describing “saving faith.”

Gal. 2:20 includes this phrase, “the life I now live I live by faith in the Son of God…” This refers to the constant walk of faith that is required to maintain a vibrant and up-to-date relationship with God.

The same point seems to be emphasized in the phrase, “the just shall live by faith,” which appears in three different places in the NT (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11 & Heb. 10:38).

Proposition:

If faith is necessary in order to please God (Heb 11:6), to obtain salvation (Acts 16:31), and to live our everyday lives, and if faith comes by hearing the Word of God; then it is imperative for every Christian to hear the Word of God regularly and faithfully.

Transition:

Today I want to take a little while to speak about the importance of hearing the Word and make some applications to our individual lives.

I. Hearing is believing

No doubt we all have heard the phrase, “Seeing is believing.” Well, there is also some truth to the fact that “hearing is believing.”

Stanford Univ. – Hearing something 7 times forms an opinion, and need to hear it 7 more times to internalize it. You need to hear something at least 11 times to completely change a prior false conception.

Unknown source – The average American spends 65% of their time listening. (Someone once said that the reason God gave us two ears and one tongue is so we would do more listening than speaking!)

Rom. 10:14 …how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?...

Hearing the Word of God and planting that Word in our minds is absolutely essential for faith to grow in the heart of an individual. In the message of this verse there is an unstated, but implied process of reasoning that must take place for someone to hear the proclamation of truth and then embrace that truth and accept it. But, in order for truth to be embraced and accepted, it must be heard first.

Which brings me to my next point…

II. Hearing implies purpose and planning

I am sure that there are numerous times when I have accidentally heard something that I wasn’t purposely planning to hear. I am also sure that some of those times resulted in me learning and embracing some new truth or belief that I hadn’t held before. However, I am convinced that most of the time there must be deliberate planning in order to hear the Word of God and receive the truths that it teaches.

The Scriptures make repeated references to the idea of “hearing the Word of the Lord.” There are at least 67 times in which the sense of hearing is connected or tied with the Word of God in the same verse. For example, “Hear the Word of the Lord;” “hear the word;” “hear the word of God.”

The OT prophets especially repeated this phrase to emphasize the importance of the people and leaders of Israel listening to what God had to say to them. They were not speaking their own ideas or words, but they were speaking for God. As believers, we need to remember the importance of hearing God’s word in order to increase our faith and nurture our faith.

It alarms me to realize the number of people who claim to be people of faith and people who believe in Jesus Christ, but they do not take seriously the importance of regularly hearing the word of God proclaimed and explained. Many of those same people will lament their lack of faith in comparison to others they might know.

Many, many years ago a Gallup Poll revealed that 60% of Americans attend church at least once a month. Only 12% read their Bibles.

It is as simple as this: If you want your faith to grow and increase, you must regularly and purposely get yourself in a place where you can hear the word of God, because “faith comes by hearing.”

III. Hearing produces results
 
2 Chron. 34 – we read about the reforms in the nation of Israel under the leadership of King Josiah. He had the scrolls (God’s word) that had been found in the temple read aloud to the people, which resulted in a number of public changes to conform to God’s Word.

In one of our text verses, Rom 10:14, we read, “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” It goes on to connect the ability to call on God with having heard the Word of God. So, one of the results of hearing the Word is salvation.

In another one of our text verses it reads, “Faith cometh by hearing…” So, increased ability to believe God’s Word and God’s promises comes by hearing the Word.

The more we hear the word, the more we will have the ability to believe.

Conclusion

I want to conclude today by sharing some recent experiences relating to the death of my father.

Share details of spiritual attacks I felt prior to his death. Share details of Dad’s spiritual attacks.

Verses that the Lord gave to me for my own confidence and to share with dad.

2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-8 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ⁶ Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: ⁷ (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) ⁸ We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. ² 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. ³ 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.

If I hadn’t had heard and hidden the word of God in my own heart I would not have had the “ammunition” needed to fight off the devil when he attacked.

Song I heard played on the radio as I started the drive home after my dad passed away. This Is How It Feels to Be Free!

Believer or Disciple

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This is a sermon based on Luke 6:40 and it begins to explore the difference between being a believer in Jesus Christ and a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

I know that what I am about to say will not sound very “spiritual.” But, I felt impressed to develop this sermon after reading a comment from a friend of mine on “Facebook.” I didn’t copy his comment word-for-word, but it went something like this: We are not commanded by our Lord to go and make believers, but make disciples. The Devil is a believer, but he isn’t a disciple.

This comment grabbed my interest and I have thought about it a good bit for the last several days. I truly believe that there is a message of truth here that the Christian church needs to heed.

So, with the help of God’s Spirit, I want to explore this topic today. Are you a just a believer, or are you a disciple?

`It doesn't take much of a man to be a Christian, but it takes all there is of him,' said Thomas Huxley. (http://www.moreillustrations.com/Illustrations/discipleship.html)

Transition:

I want to begin by giving some brief background information regarding the term “disciple,” and then move on to some of the biblical descriptions of a disciple.

I. Background

Some scholars say that the philosopher Socrates was probably the one of the first to use the master/disciple concept that included more than just the idea of a teacher imparting knowledge and wisdom to a student, but also involving an “ideal fellowship between the master and the disciple.” (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged)

Even in the OT the relation is not quite the same. For example, Joshua is more like a servant to Moses and eventually receives his own divine call to leadership. The OT prophets do not have disciples but there are references to “schools” of prophets that are seeking and practicing the divine endowment of prophetic gifts.

As we move into the era leading into the NT, there is a strong practice of Rabbis that are engaged in teaching the law and interpretations of it to their students. But it still doesn’t quite promote the same relationship as the master/disciple concept.

(TDNT) A unique aspect of NT discipleship is that it is commitment to the person of Jesus. His teaching has force only when there is first this commitment to his person. Peter probably knows Jesus, and has heard him speak, prior to the incident in Luke 5:1gff.[Jesus getting into his boat and speaking to the crowds on the shore], but it is the impact of the person of Jesus that makes him a [disciple].

The word “disciple” is used most frequently in the Gospels and also in Acts. However, some scholars emphasize that the term loses its prominence perhaps because the word “tends to suggest that Christianity is simply a philosophical movement rather than personal fellowship with Christ as Lord.” (TDNT)

(The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) “In all cases [the word] implies that the person not only accepts the views of the teacher, but that he also [practices the teachings]. The word has several applications. In the widest sense it refers to those who accept the teachings of anyone, not only in belief but in life.”

Finally, we notice that the word “disciple” initially referred to those who were followers of Jesus and many times it specifically referred to the Twelve Apostles. However, later on in the book of Acts, the term is used by Luke to describe all Christians.

Acts 6:1 (NKJV) ¹  Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

II. Descriptions of a Disciple

A. Identical status

Luke 6:40 - "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher."

In his commentary, Matthew Henry states, “Christ's followers cannot expect better treatment in the world than their Master had, v. 40.”

 (C. D. Alexander) Conversion without discipleship is openly implied in much of our evangelical teaching. It has become strangely possible to be Christ's without taking up the cross.
(Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World.)

(Michael Jinkins) Clarence Jordan, author of the "Cotton Patch" New Testament translation and founder of the interracial Koinonia farm in Americus, Georgia, was getting a red-carpet tour of another minister's church. With pride the minister pointed to the rich, imported pews and luxurious decoration. As they stepped outside, darkness was falling, and a spotlight shone on a huge cross atop the steeple. "That cross alone cost us ten thousand dollars," the minister said with a satisfied smile. "You got cheated," said Jordan. "Times were when Christians could get them for free."    (online source: http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/d/discipleship.htm)

In the words of Jesus, it seems impossible for a disciple to think that he or she deserves any better life than what the Master lived. Jesus said that if the world hated Him, then it would hate His disciples. If He lived out the life of a servant, then His disciples should also follow His example.

The status of a disciple is to be identical to the Master.

B. Identical conduct

The second half of the verse reads, “everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.”

The word that is translated “perfectly trained” (NKJV); “perfect” (KJV), literally implies repaired, mended, prepared and equipped.

“The fundamental meaning is to put a thing in its appropriate condition….” (AMG's Complete Word Study Dictionaries)

After Jesus affirms that a disciple cannot expect any different standing or status than his Master, He goes on to say a disciple who has been properly conditioned and prepared will, in fact, turn out just like the Master.

It seems like it is just another way of saying that when people look at us, they should see a replica of our Master. When anyone examines our attitudes, our motivations, our passions, and our lifestyles, they ought to think that we are just like Jesus.

This emphasizes the description that I read earlier from the ISBE, “…the person not only accepts the views of the teacher, but that he also [practices them].”

III. The Cost of Discipleship

There are a number of additional descriptions that we could mention regarding a disciple. Perhaps I will continue this in some future messages. However, I want to talk briefly about the matter of the cost of discipleship before we close today.

I’ve already mentioned the fact that a disciple should expect to receive the same treatment that the Master received. If they crucified Him, then we can not expect that they will treat us any differently. In addition to that fact, I just want to point out that Jesus never tried to “recruit” disciples by enticing them and convincing them how easy or how good life was going to be if they followed Him.

Many Christian theologians and scholars down through the years have emphasized the fact that if you try to draw people to Christ with a “soft,” “palatable” and appealing message, then you will end up with believers that are half-hearted and uncommitted.

Jesus always told His prospective disciples that they must be willing to give up wealth, homes, family and all other comforts of the world in order to follow Him. But I think I must confess that I have often failed to convey that same challenge when trying to convince people to come to Christ.

For our closing hymn today we are going to sing a song that expresses the same kind of principles that we have been talking about this morning.

We Are Called to Be God’s People                         # 415

Messengers of Liberty

(To download this message, click on the title above. To listen online now, click on the play button of the audio player shown above.)

This is a sermon given on the Sunday prior to July 4th Independence Day 2013. It emphasizes the fact that the concepts of liberty and freedom, politically, socially and spiritually are founded in the message of the Bible. It also makes reference to the influence upon the American Revolution by the clergy in the 18th Century. The Scripture text for the message was Luke 4:18.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Before this week is over we will celebrate Independence Day again. We all remember that this is the day we celebrate and commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation; free from the tyranny of an oppressive government.

Today we have sung patriotic songs and we have listened to the recitation of a speech originally given by one of our nation’s patriots. (Thanks to Dick Grim for his rendition of Patrick Henry’s speech.) For my message today, I wanted to emphasize a message that relates to the theme of liberty.

A couple of years ago I preached a message with the title, “Liberty Is God’s Idea.” In that sermon I tried to show that freedom and liberty for all people is founded in the biblical themes such as: the free will of man; deliverance of the oppressed; etc.

For just a few moments today I want to add to that emphasis by stressing the message of liberty that was proclaimed by biblical authors as well as men of God in the early days of our nation’s history.

I. Proclaiming Liberty in Christ

Let’s look down through the verses that we read earlier during our Scripture Reading….

All of these verses primarily refer to the spiritual freedom that God offers to every person through the salvation provided by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. There is no question about the fact that the primary message of the Bible is the salvation and spiritual freedom that is provided by Jesus Christ for every person in the world. God’s ultimate goal and desire is for everyone to be saved eternally; for no one to “perish, but have everlasting life.”

God’s messengers from Genesis to Revelation proclaimed the truth of salvation and spiritual freedom from sin. Down through the ages of history men and women have used the revelation of God and proclaimed the same message of liberty from sin to a world that has been in bondage to sin ever since Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden.

II. Proclaiming Liberty throughout the Land

I have been doing a little reading lately (and I plan to do more) regarding the role of the clergy in the American Revolution. It is somewhat surprising to me to read of the significant influence that the clergy had in promoting the message of freedom and liberty and the “just cause of the revolution.”

I discovered, for example, that there were two Sundays each year in which “Election Sermons” were provided. These were given on “general election day, the last Wednesday of May, when the new general court has been used to meet… and elect counsellors for the ensuing year; the other, some little while after, on the artillery election day, when the officers are re-elected, or new officers chosen. On these occasions political subjects are deemed very proper; but it is expected that they be treated in a decent serious, and instructive manner…”(They Preached Liberty, p. 17f)

Listen to just a few quotes from the so-called “election sermons.”

·        The Scriptures cannot be rightfully expounded without explaining them in a manner friendly to the cause of freedom. – Rev. Charles Turner of Duxbury; Mass. Elect. Sermon, 1773

·        Unlimited submission and obedience is due to none but God alone. He has an absolute right to command; he alone has an uncontrollable sovereignty over us, because he alone is unchangeably good. He never will nor can require of us, consistent with his nature and attributes, anything which is not fit and reasonable. His commands are all just and good. And to suppose that he has given to any particular set of men a power to require obedience to that which is unreasonable, cruel, and unjust, is robbing the Deity of his justice and goodness.” – Rev. Samuel West, of Dartmouth; Mass. Election Sermon 1776

·        God never gives men up to be slaves till they lose their national virtue, and abandon themselves to slavery. – Rev. Richard Salter of Mansfield; Conn. Election Sermon, 1768

The Black Robed Regiment was the name that the British placed on the courageous and patriotic American clergy during the Founding Era (a backhanded reference to the black robes they wore). Significantly, the British blamed the Black Regiment for American Independence, and rightfully so, for modern historians have documented that: There is not a right asserted in the Declaration of Independence which had not been discussed by the New England clergy before 1763. (http://blackroberegiment.wallbuilders.com/the-original-brr/what-is-the-black-robed-regiment.aspx)

Conclusion:

Dear friends, on this Sunday prior to Independence Day 2013, I must say that it is high time for the preachers of the Word of God to once again take the lead in proclaiming liberty and freedom as rightly proclaimed in the Word. We are rapidly losing our freedoms. We are not only losing our liberties to live our lives as we see fit in the sight of God, but we are under an increasing pressure and coercion to endorse and finance the practice of evils that are condemned in God’s holy Word.

I received numerous emails from various organizations this week regarding the Supreme Court rulings regarding “Gay Marriage.”

One of the emails I received related the following information: A few weeks ago managers inside the United States Justice Department received a memo titled: "LGBT Inclusion at Work: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Managers." It was sent in advance of "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month." One of the instructions to the managers cited the need to verbally affirm the lifestyle of these individuals. It read: "Don't judge or remain silent. Silence will be interpreted as disapproval." (Email from American Family Association)

Many religious leaders are saying that it will not be long before churches and ministers will be required to perform same-sex marriages or lose tax-exempt status. Also, churches and religious organizations are being pressured to fund abortions through their health insurance policies even though it violates their conscience. I truly believe that we will soon find our churches will no longer allowed to enjoy tax exempt status if we insist on condemning the evil practices in our society, or if we refuse to publicly endorse the conduct and behavior that God condemns.

It is time for churches and Christians to stand up and be counted regardless of the cost. If we don’t, we will slip farther and farther into the bondage of tyranny and moral darkness. For God’s Word declares that when we reject the light of truth, it becomes darkness and great is that darkness.

As we close this service today, I trust that each of will have a renewed commitment to the spiritual liberty that is provided for each and every one of us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

I also trust that we will have a renewed commitment to the liberty and freedom that our country was founded upon. Our nation has always been a beacon of hope and liberty to the rest of the world, but that will not last much longer if we keep going the way that we are going.

The true secret to a national revival of freedom and liberty is a national revival of spiritual life and commitment to God.

Let us sing our closing song from the bottom of our hearts.

p. 805 If My People’s Hearts Are Humbled

What's God Up to Now?

(To download this message, click on the title above. To listen online now, click on the play button of the audio player shown above.)

This is a sermon based on Acts 9 which relates the conversion of Saul of Tarsus.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

In the Scripture reading that we heard a few moments ago, we are reminded of the miraculous conversion of Saul, who later became known as Paul. One of the observations that I made some weeks ago regarding this passage of Scripture includes the idea that God is always at work in our world, whether we realize it or not. Our perspective on things really does affect our outlook and hopes for the future.

I recently came across this little story regarding “perspective” that I thought was worth sharing.

Former Undersecretary of the Interior John C. Whitaker [tells the story] of an eighty-five-year-old woman who has lived her life in one spot in Nova Scotia. The population there swells to nine in summer and stays steady at two during the winter.

Whitaker, who has been fishing there every year since he was twelve, flew [up from Washington] one day. Miss Mildred welcomed him into her kitchen and said, "Johnny, I hate to admit I don't know, but where is Washington?" When Whitaker realized that she wasn't kidding, he explained: "That's where the president is. That's like where you have the prime minister in Ottawa."

Then she asked how many people lived there, and Whitaker said there were about 2 million. She said, "Think of that, 2 million people living so far away from everything." (Illustrations Unlimited.)

This lady felt as though she had everything a person could want or need, so it was cause for sadness to think of 2 million people who didn’t have what she had. Of course, their perspective would be entirely different from hers.

In this Scripture lesson today we see an example of things that are going on in different parts of the world and we learn that our little perspective is only a fraction of God’s activity in the world.

Let us take the next several minutes to consider some observations about this account that hopefully will teach us some important life lessons.

1. I believe that God intends for us to understand Paul’s conversion story in light of the events recorded in the previous chapter. This is based on the fact that the first verse in chapter 9 starts with a conjunction.

“And” (KJV); “then” (NKJV); “Now” (NASB); “meanwhile” (NIV, NLT & NRSV)

Grammatically, conjunctions make a connection or tie between two separate thoughts or texts.

It seems as though the author (Dr. Luke), purposely wanted his readers to see the events of chapter 9 in light of chapter 8.

There are a couple of points that seem to come to mind as a result of this fact.

A. It means that no matter what circumstances and events are going on in “my world,” there is always something completely different happening in other places.

Notice the stories covered in chapter 8:

·       Final details of Stephen’s martyrdom (vv. 1-2)

·       Great persecution breaks out against the church (vv. 1, 3)

·       “Revival” breaks out in Samaria (vv. 5ff)

·       Conflict with Sorcerer (vv. 9-24)

·       Conversion of Ethiopian (vv. 26-39)

Immediately after describing all these events taking place in Samaria, Luke continues by saying, “Meanwhile, Saul is still breathing threats and murder against the disciples…” (cf. 8:3; 22:4; 26:10-11) While God is doing wondrous conversions in Samaria, Saul (and the enemies of God) are carrying out persecution against believers. And, vice versa.

The lesson I take from this is just a reminder that whatever is happening in “my world” or the circumstances that I am familiar with, is only a very narrow view of what is really going on in the world.

When things are going great, I tend to forget that others may be experiencing tremendous suffering and attacks from Satan. (Which means that I need to be alert to his devices and the possibility that circumstances will change soon. I also need to be sensitive to the plight of other Christians and remembering them in prayer, etc.)

When things are going badly, I tend to forget that God is still working great wonders and miracles in other places. (Which means that I need to remain optimistic and remember that God can “step in” at any time and drastically change the situation through miraculous conversions, etc.)

I’m sure that my perspective and assessment is very limited, but let me share an example of what I’m talking about:

State of the American church vs. the state of the African church.

“In the twentieth century, the Christian population in Africa exploded from an estimated eight or nine million in 1900 (8 to 9%) to some 335 million in 2000 (45%), marking a shift in the “center of gravity of Christianity” from the West to Latin America, parts of Asia and Africa.” (http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/2001-now/the-explosion-of-christianity-in-africa-11630859.html)

My point is: I need to guard against allowing my mind to become focused only on what is happening around me (either good or bad) and realize that God is still on the throne and actively working out His divine purposes.

B. The connection between ch. 8 & 9 also seems to purposely highlight the conversion of Saul as just another example of God’s work in changing lives. In ch. 8, we have the account of Samaritans being converted, (these people that were always considered outcasts by the Jews). Then we have the account of a sorcerer being converted (including some interesting twists in the story). We have the account of an Ethiopian eunuch being converted.

Now, along with all these “foreigners” coming to Christ, here is a zealous Jew that is arrested by the Lord and literally “brought to his knees.”

I recently shared a report in prayer meeting of some recent crusades in predominantly Muslim countries where thousands of Muslims were converted and baptized. Several Imams reported seeing “visions” of Jesus that prompted them attend the crusade and be converted.

2. In reading the account of Saul’s conversion, I observed that Jesus identifies with the martyrs.

(v.5) “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” (Cf. this with Jesus comment in Matt. 25:35f “I was hungry… naked… in prison….”)

If Jesus is persecuted when His people are persecuted, this must mean that He is always with His people. “Lo, I am with you always…”

3. I observe that when Saul asks for instructions about what he was to do, the Lord only tells him one simple detail. (v. 6)

The Lord does not give Saul a long list of things to do; just one.

God will lead us one step at a time. Our job is just respond and move ahead as He leads us. Our responsibility is simple obedience to each step or command and then He will follow up with further instructions.

Generally speaking, God will not give a person further instructions or “new light” until he / she has obeyed what God has already told them.

Conclusion:  What is God up to now? The same things He always has been:

·       miraculously changing lives and “invading” our world in order to bring people to Himself and redeem lost humanity;

·       constantly walking with His people in times of blessing and in times of severe suffering; &

·       faithfully instructing His children step by step in accordance to His divine will.

Knowing these facts about God’s activity should give each of us a “Blessed Assurance.”  [p. 572] The song’s talking about personal assurance of salvation, but I think we can also have His assurance regarding other issues like we’ve been talking about today.