Remembering His Marvelous Works

Lesson as Given on May 26, 2013, Memorial Day Weekend, by Rusty Hilliard at Central Church of Christ in Haines City, Fl.

REMEMBERING HIS MARVELOUS WORKS

PSALM 105: 1-5

 

AUTHOR’S NOTE:

I would advise anyone reading this sermon to also listen to the audio link provided.  I sometimes will submit one outline, and then go in a slightly different direction in the actual presentation.  This written copy doesn’t contain the introduction, because I came up with the introduction on the fly.  May God bless you in the study of his word.

I.                    ISRAEL’S MEMORIAL

 

A.      Joshua 4: 7 “and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel forever.”   

B.      Joshua 3: 17 “And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan”

C.       Deuteronomy 34: 5 “So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.” 

 

II.                  THE CHRISTIANS MEMORIAL

A.      1Corinthians 11: 24 “this do in remembrance of me”

B.      1Corinthians 11: 28 “But let a man examine himself”

C.       1Corinthians 11: 26 “till he comes”

SPIRITUAL BIRTH SALVATION

By Gaylon West

To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:12).

Angels of God are very much interested in you and me. Angels in Heaven quietly observe and are happy when good is done on earth. At the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, suddenly "a multitude of the heavenly host praised God" (Luke 2:13b). When the church was established and multiplied on earth they beheld the “manifold wisdom of God” being unfolded and revealed (Ephesians 3:10). And, Jesus promised, "there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents" (Luke 15:10).

    Just as the angels were happy to witness the birth of Jesus who came to save us from our sins, they are happy to see anyone taking advantage of His offer. We can visualize a rejoicing that was among them this past week when one of our own, Michael Kennedy, was born into God's kingdom here at Haines City.

THE SEED. The Word of God is described as a seed (Luke 8:11). Jesus said, “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63b). Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21). The Word of God is a seed to be planted in us to save us.

    The inspired prophets were led by the power of the Holy Spirit to provide the Spirit's life-giving seed, the Word of God. Preachers are to be teachers of what the Spirit revealed in the Scriptures; the Seed (2 Timothy 3:16). Like the Levites of old (Nehemiah 8:9), they are to preach/teach only the Spirit's recorded Word.

THE BIRTH. The deliverance is in the baptism of water (John 3:5). “[Jesus] saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,” (Titus 3:5b). One is now a member of the Lord's church (kingdom), “He [Christ] made the church holy by the power of his word, and he made it pure by washing it with water” (Ephesians 5:26, CEV). “We were baptized, so that we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father” (Romans 6:4b, CEV). “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus pointed out to Nicodemus that the life we get from our human parents is physical, but His new birth is a spiritual life given by the Holy Spirit (John 3:6). This new life is from the Holy Spirit and is given to believers who are baptized (Acts 2:38). This is amazing and no wonder there is rejoicing in Heaven over it! -GW

05.29.13 Bill Lewis baptizes Michael Kennedy. Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

VBS June 17-21, 6pm to 8pm

Central Church of Christ is pleased to announce a Vacation Bible School, June 17th to the 21st, from 6pm to 8pm. Classes for children & adults. Clases para adultos.  Fun, Snacks, Crafts, Petting Zoo.  Special potluck/workday on Sunday, June 16th. Theme is County Fair, the Fruits of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

WATCHING OUT FOR JOE

“WATCHING OUT FOR JOE”

HEBREWS 5: 12-14

Intro:

Joe and Grace were introduced by a mutual friend.  After a while, they began dating.  In the beginning of the relationship, everything was amazing!  It almost seemed as though Joe was a mind-reader.  Anything Grace wanted, Joe was there to provide.  He wanted to spend his time with her, and seemingly no subject was too mundane for the two to discuss.

          However, soon things began to change.  Joe started being aggravated by the amount of time Grace wanted from him.  Other things became more important.  Gone were the days when they would set and talk, sharing all that had happened, as well as all that was to come in the future which stretched out before them.  Instead, Joe now begrudgingly gave her 15 to 20 minutes of strained conversation.

          Finally the day arrived when Grace could stand it no more!  “Help me out here a little Joe!”  “I’m not sure what it is that we are doing anymore!”  Joe then exploded out at her saying: “Oh now you want to redefine our relationship!”  “Can’t we just keep going like we’ve been going?”

          You see, Joe just wanted to keep the fun, the neglectful attitude, and the occasional relationship rolling the way it had been, while Grace wanted real and honest commitment.

          I wonder how many Joe’s we have here tonight?  How many people are here, just going through the motions?  How many of you began your relationship with God many years ago, and have just discovered that you are in the same place you started?  You, much like Joe, have been introduced to someone you find fascinating, but are still unwilling to commit TO long-term.

          This morning, I want to get rid of all the Joe’s in this building.  Let’s ask this question, would anyone here advise their children to stay in a relationship where they were being used, abused, messed with, and set aside?  The answer is no.  If we wouldn’t want that for our children, then why do we want it for our God?  Our mission here tonight is to open your eyes to those who are still making a half-hearted commitment, those who are partaking of the milk rather than the meat of the word. (Hebrews 5: 12-14)  I want you to see these folks, and help them.

          There are two things I want to accomplish here today.  First, I want to show you Joe’s profile.  I want to identify this guy for you so that you will know him, and be able to help him.  Secondly, I want to reveal to you why it is so important to make a commitment, and stop dating the Church.  I pray that this lesson will help to open your eyes.  I hope that you will take these things under consideration, and apply it to your own life, as well as reaching out to those around you.

I.                    JOE’S PROFILE

1.       There are three easily identifiable characteristics which make Joe really stand out from the crowd. 

A.      Matthew 20: 17-27 Joe’s primary focus is on himself, and what the Church can do for him.

B.      Jonah 4: 1-3 Joe wants all of the rewards, but none of the responsibility.

C.       Deuteronomy 15: 24 Joe is often quick to criticize, and slow to help.

2.       First, let’s consider the me-first attitude which Joe brings to his relationship with the Church.

A.      Joe’s primary concern is for what the church can do for him, and what benefit it can be in his life.

B.       Mt 20: 17-27 James and John at one time displayed this me-first characteristic.

C.       Mt 20: 17-19 Christ had just revealed the very important reason for his coming, as well as what was to come in the near future.

D.       Mt 20: 20-22 James and John were more concerned with what Christ could give them, rather than what they could and should do for him.

E.        Unfortunately we still have so many in the church today who only come for the benefit to themselves, and not for the benefit that they could be to the kingdom.

3.       Secondly, let’s also consider Joe’s way of avoiding responsibility.

A.      Joe loves the rewards of a relationship, but he doesn’t want to accept the responsibility which goes along with that relationship.

B.       Jonah 4: 1-3 we can see a lot of Joe in Jonah.

C.       Jonah 1: 1 it is obvious that Jonah enjoyed a relationship with God.

D.       Jonah 4: 1-3 it is so sad though to see the way in which Jonah ran from the call of the Lord, and appears to have wanted to remain independent from his responsibilities.

E.        Again, we can look around here today, or think about those whom we know, who love the rewards of being a Christian, but they don’t want the responsibility that comes along with that relationship.

4.       Finally, though Joe is slow to work, he is always quick to criticize.

A.       In this case, Joe likes to tell his mate of the many ways in which she has let him down, but very seldom will you hear him mention his own shortcomings.

B.       It brings to mind the nation of Israel as they made their way through the wilderness.

C.       Deut 15: 24 this is the first recorded complaint issued by the children.

D.       They did very little to help the situation in which they found themselves, but they were always quick to speak against Moses, Aaron, Miriam, and most of all God who had delivered them from bondage. 

E.        Think of all those in the church today who will hardly lift a finger to help, but seemingly have all the answers as to how someone else can make the church better.

II.                  WHY WE SHOULD COMMIT  

1.       First, we should commit to the Church because it was part of God’s awesome plan.

A.      Eph 3: 10-11 all along, God had intended to establish the Church.

B.       Matt 16: 16-18 in fact, the Church was of such importance to God, that his son placed both his name and ownership upon it.

C.       If the church is this important to God, then we should make sure that it is that important to us.

2.       Secondly, we should commit to the Church because of the way in which God still views the Church.

A.      There might be those who would say that God no longer feels that the Church is vital, but they would be wrong.

B.       Matt 5: 13 to God, the Church is the salt of the earth, and provides true flavor to life.

C.       Matt 5: 14 to God, the Church is a city on a hill, providing light for all to see.

D.       Matt 5: 15 to God, the Church is the light which shines for all who are in the house to see.  

E.        If we view the Church in this same way, we will commit in a heartbeat.

3.       Finally, we should commit to the church because of the way in which God has committed to us.

A.      Eph 5: 23 he has committed to lead us!

B.       Eph 5: 25 he has committed to love us, and give himself for us!

C.       Eph 5: 30 he has committed to making us part of him!

D.       Seeing this commitment, we can only conclude that it is indeed time to stop dating, and involve ourselves in a real relationship with God and his Church!

SO THAT'S HOW IT'S DONE

SO THAT’S HOW IT’S DONE

1Samuel 1:1-20

Intro:

            I want to begin with a basic statement which I feel is factual beyond debate.  My mother is one of the strongest people to ever walk the face of the earth.  She was kind-hearted, patient, loving, fun-loving, and inspirational.  My mom was my maid, teacher, watcher, occasional warden, and full-time best friend.  However, there was something else that mom did that I can never thank her enough for.  She provided me with a fantastic example of what a Christian should be. 

            Today, we take a day to honor our mothers in a public way.  From pulpits across this country ministers are taking the day to say “Thank you for all you do.”  One of the biblical characters which some will choose to examine will doubtless be Hannah, the mother of Samuel.  IN the account of Hannah, we are obviously given a look at an example of a Godly mother, but we are also offered a glimpse at a faithful child of God.  

            Today, I would invite you to join me as we consider the lessons provided us in the personage of Hannah.  I want us to see what lessons we can take from her life, and apply to our own modern day walk with God.  I want you to see how she went about her life, and the example she left for us to see.  She truly showed us how it was to be done. 

I PEOPLE OF FAITH ENDURE REAL PROBLEMS

1. Hannah, though faithful to both her husband and to god, suffered trials and persecution.

A. 1Sa 1: 1-5 we learn that her womb had been closed, which would have been a point of great shame.

B. 1Sa 1: 6 in addition to this, she also suffered the scorn of her rival.

2. The message that we need to hear is that regardless of how good you are as a mother, wife, or child of god: you will have troubles.

A. Job 1: 21, 2: 8 job was faithful unto death, but he still suffered.

B. John 19: 25 even the mother of Jesus endured great suffering as she stood at the foot of his cross.

3. The important thing to realize is that we shouldn't let anything or anyone deter our trust in the Lord!

A. Hannah could have simply given up, and concluded that serving God was too hard.

B. 1Samuel 1: 18 instead, we are told that she went along her way, and that her face was no longer sad.

C. Hannah no longer felt sadness because she had faith in her God to see her through the hard times.

D. Psalm 115: 10 we should do as David said, and trust in the Lord, for he is our help in times of need, and a shield in times of danger.

E. However, the real question is not, do people of faith suffer, but what do they do when they suffer?

II PEOPLE OF FAITH GO TO GOD IN PRAYER

1. It is interesting to notice the language used to describe the prayer of Hannah.

A. 1Sa 1: 10 with a bitterness of soul.

B. 1Sa 1: 10 with weeping and anguish.

C. 1Sa 1: 11 with a heart-felt vowel.

D. 1sa 1: 12 with persistence.

E. 1Sa 1: 13 with her heart.

F. 1Sa 1: 15-16 with all her soul.

G. 1Sa 1: 18 with faith in god.

2. As a good mother often does, Hannah gives us a wonderful example of how people of faith should pray in hard times.

A. Col 4: 2 we should pray fervently, and with our whole sol!

B. Col 4: 2 we should pray with vigilance!

C. 1Jn 5: 14-15 we should pray with faith in God!

D. There are some who might ask, yeah, but what did Hannah's prayers get her?  Further more, where do the prayers of the faithful get them?

III PEOPLE OF FAITH RECEIVE THE REWARDS OF GOD

1. When we examine the story of Hannah, we can't help but notice the blessings, which she received.

A. 1Sa 1: 19 notice that she remembered to ask for help and god gave it.

B. 1Sa 1: 20 notice that she asked for a son and it was a son, which she received.

2. There is a paradoxical lesson, which people of faith need to bear in mind.

A. First, God might give us what we WANT.

(a) 1Jn 5: 14 it must of course be according to his will.

(b) And, we must abide in his word if we are to receive it.

B. However, we need to also learn that sometimes God gives us what we NEED.

(a) This might not be what we want.

(b) Mt 6: 33 but you can bank on the fact that it will be what you need!

REACHING FOR THE WORD

REACHING FOR THE WORD

1John 2: 16, Matthew 4: 1-11

 

Intro:

            The following story is somewhat childish, yet it illustrates wonderfully the true power of temptation in our lives.  There was once a Toad named Toad.  On a certain sunny day, he baked some cookies. "These cookies smell very good," said Toad. He ate one. "And they taste even better," he said.  Toad ran to Frog's house. "Frog, Frog," cried Toad, "taste these cookies that I have made."

Frog ate one of the cookies, "These are the best cookies I have ever eaten!" said Frog.

Frog and Toad ate many cookies, one after another. "You know, Toad," said Frog, with his mouth full, "I think we should stop eating. We will soon be sick."

"You are right," said Toad. "Let us eat one last cookie, and then we will stop." Frog and Toad ate one last cookie.  There were many cookies left in the bowl.

"Frog," said Toad, "let us eat one very last cookie, and then we will stop." Frog and Toad ate one very last cookie.

"We must stop eating!" cried Toad as he ate another.

"Yes," said Frog, reaching for a cookie, "we need willpower."

"What is willpower?" asked Toad.

"Willpower is trying hard not to do something you really want to do," said Frog.

"You mean like trying hard not to eat all these cookies?" asked Toad.

"Right," said Frog.

Frog put the cookies in a box. "There," he said. "Now we will not eat any more cookies."

"But we can open the box," said Toad.

"That is true," said Grog.

Frog tied some string around the box. "There," he said. "Now we will not eat any more cookies."

"But we can cut the string and open the box." said Toad.

"That is true," said Frog. Frog got a ladder. He put the box up on a high shelf.

"There," said Frog. "Now we will not eat any more cookies."

"But we can climb the ladder and take the box down from the shelf and cut the string and open the box," said Toad.

"That is true," said Frog.

Frog climbed the ladder and took the box down from the shelf. He cut the string and opened the box. Frog took the box outside. He shouted in a loud voice. "Hey, birds, here are cookies!" Birds came from everywhere. They picked up all the cookies in their beaks and flew away.

"Now we have no more cookies to eat," said Toad sadly.

"Not even one."

"Yes," said Frog, "but we have lots and lots of willpower."

"You may keep it all, Frog," said Toad. "I am going home now to bake a cake.”

            In our lives today, we are often like the toad in the story.  Once we yield to temptation, we find it almost impossible to stop.  Then, when we do find enough will power, we find that it is so very easy to return to sin. 

            In the book of 1John 2: 16, we find John warning us of the dangers of the three forms of temptation.  He cautions us concerning the “Lust of the Flesh”, the “Lust of the Eye”, and the “Pride of Life.”   In hearing these three listed, we understand that it is into these traps which we often allow ourselves to fall victim over and over again.  Today, we want to change our ways, and go in a better direction.

            In Matthew 4, we read that Christ has been led by The Spirit into the wilderness for the express purpose of being tempted by Satan.  In the first ten verses of Matthew 4, we read of the devil using these three forms of temptation against Jesus, and Jesus actually prevailing.  This morning we want to examine the fact that in order to firm up our will power, resist temptation, and enjoy victory over Satan, we must “REACH FOR THE WORD.”  I pray that you will think on your own life along with your own temptations, and decide once and for all to use God’s word to combat the devil when he comes calling your name.    

 

 

PURPOSE: The purpose of this lesson is to examine the three areas mentioned by John, and then show how Jesus reached for the Word of God in order to defeat Satan in each of these areas.

 

I.                    COMBATING THE LUST OF THE FLESH

 

1.       Notice what Satan did here in order to tempt Jesus.

A.      Matthew 4: 2 Christ had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, and was hungry when the devil came calling.

B.       Matthew 4: 3 Satan then tempts the savior by attempting to sway him into using his God-given power to turn simple stones into bread.

C.       John 2: 1-10 Jesus obviously had the power and talent to turn the stones into bread, but instead he reaches for the Word of God to defeat the devil.

D.       Matthew 4: 4 Jesus states that even the needs, wants, and wishes of this mortal body must take a backseat to the Word of the Lord.

2.       The truth of life is that the devil continues to tempt and assault our flesh in the same way.

A.       As in the case of Jesus, Satan will come to us when he sees that we are weak and hungry.

B.       The devil doesn’t tempt us where we are strong, but instead he looks for the chink in our armor.

C.       Joshua 7: 20 certainly he waited for the perfect moment to come and tempt Achan.

D.         James 1: 13 the devil will also look for the “perfect” time to tempt you, when you are weak and hungry, make sure that you reach for the Word of God to combat his efforts.

 

II.                   COMBATING THE PRIDE OF LIFE

 

1.       IN order to understand this point, we must first understand this phrase.

A.      1John 2: 16 in all of scripture, this phrase appears only here in this single verse, yet the concept can be seen throughout the Bible.

B.       Matthew 4: 5-7 at its foundation, Satan here is attempting to tempt Jesus into using his God given ability and faith to set himself above others in an arrogant way.

C.       Genesis 3: 6 it is the same pitfall in which Eve found herself.

D.       Numbers 20: 10 it is the same pitfall in which Moses found himself.   

E.        2Samuel 11: 15 it is the same pitfall in which David found himself.

2.       The truth of the matter is that Satan continues to attempt to get to us through our own pride of life.

A.      As in our first point, we must recognize that the only hope we have of combating Satan’s efforts is by applying the Word of God.

B.       Numbers 12: 3 we must learn from scripture that humility in all that we do is valued by God.

C.       Proverbs 16: 18 we must learn from scripture that pride and arrogance can and will lead to destruction.

 

III.                COMBATING THE LUST OF THE EYE

 

1.       Here in this temptation, we see Satan offering the world for a little worship.

A.      Matthew 4: 8-9 the devil promises the world and all that it contains just as long as Jesus will worship him.

B.       Notice, he showed him what he was offering, and enticed him in a visual way.

C.       Essentially, Satan here is offering a short-term reward based upon an eternal decision.

2.       Today, given the state of our society, it would appear that the devil continues to make this same offer to us.

A.      1Timothy 6: 10 the love of money continues to be a weakness exploited by Satan.

B.       Matthew 19: 22 the love of possessions continues to be a weakness exploited by Satan.

C.       Deuteronomy 6: 13 yet the solution for you and I remains the same as it was in the time of Israel, and Jesus, which is to fear God and keep his commandments.

D.       James 1: 12 what we must do if we are to combat the lust of the eye is look not on the short-term rewards of the devil, but turn our hearts toward the eternal reward given by our God to them that love him and keep his commandments!