Stewards of the Mysteries of God
Cor. 1 4:1-2, Cor. 2 4:1-7, and 5:17-20 Blind trumpeter of Pasadenia, (1741 Beya Reconsile). The greatest mystery of the Ages is the mystery of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I: The Mysteries of the Ancient Past: 1. It seems that we live in a day when everyone likes a mystery. 2. We have the mysteries of the past told by Archeology. 3. We have the mysteries of Science, that are guarded with great care. 4. There is the mystery of the A and H bombs. 5. There is the mystery of Biological Warfare. 6. There is the mystery of inhuman machines. II: The greatest mystery of the Ages and Eternity is how a soul can be born again. 1. The Israelites were keepers of that mystery for hundreds of years. a. They had the formula by which men could come to God. b. They became...
The Doom of a Fruitless Vine
Isaiah 5:, John 15:, and Matthew 21:18-21 I: The Opportunities of this Vineyard: 1. “A very fruitful hill.” 2. “He fences it.” (Protection). 3. “And gathered out the stones.” 4. “Planted it with the choicest vine.” 5. “Built a tower in the midst of it.” 6. “Made a vine press therein.” 7. What more could He have done? How near does our life compare with this Vineyard? II: “He looked that it should bring forth grapes.” 1. He had every right to accept fruit. (Expectations) 2. He expected good fruit and not wild bitter grapes. 3. Where grace doesn’t work, corruption will. 4. How much like the vineyard when we produce grapes of malice, envy, unfairness, contencious, cursings,...
Lord of Talent and Time
Matthew 25:24-30 Each gave us about as lazy as circumstances will permit. I: Three Parables: 1. Lord of the Household: Servants responsible for harmony while He is away. 2. Lord of the Personal Life: Servants responsible for their personal lamps burning. 3. Lord of the Merchandise of Life: Servant a steward of the Masters goods. II: “The Kingdom of Heaven is as a man…” 1. In truth a King takes a journey. 2. His good must be cared for. 3. Teh logical ones are his own servants. 4. He gave them goods according to their ability. 5. Goods – Material to build His kingdom. III: A long time passed. 1. The Servant of 5 talents began to trade and make gain. 2. The Servant with 2 talents did likewise. 3. The Servant with 1 talent burried it and...
But Not Without God
Isaiah 40:28-31, Mark 6:31, and Matthew 5:13-16 I: Liberty has its restrictions. 1. A vacation is liberty from the same old coutine. 2. Definite Prohibitions: a. “Flee from idolotry.” vs. 14. Placing anything before God. b. “I wouldn’t that ye should have fellowship with devils.” No sacrifice to Pagan Gods. c. The buying of meat that was a sacrifice to Heathen Gods. d. All this that others might not stumble at our way of life. II: A Vacation that will Glorify God: 1. Means to make Spiritual Preparations. a. A family prayer and discussion. b. Bibles and periodicals. c. Don’t use Sunday completely for travel. d. Have a daily time of prayer and Bible reading. 2. Don’t rob God’s Financial Plans! a. A vacation with money...
Dedicated Hands
Psalms 18:20-24, Romans 6:12 I: The Hands and their Language: 1. The crossed fingers. 2. The extended hand of friendship. 3. The accusing finger. 4. The helpless turning of the palm. 5. The folded hands of prayer. 6. The thumbs down hands. 7. The hands raised to invoke the blessing of God. 8. The clinched fist or the spread fingers of greed. II: Hands that Curse: 1. Like the hands of the sons of Eli. 2. Hands of those that shed innocent blood. 3. Bloody hands of Pilot. 4. Greedy hands of Judas. 5. Lying hands of Ananias and Sapphira. 6. The hands that withold to their own hurt. 7. Hands that lay idle while there is work to do. 8. Hands that hold the brake while others pull. III: Hands that Bless: 1. Like the hands of Abraham. 2. The hands of Moses. 3. The hands...