Excuses
Luke 14:15-24, Isaiah 55:1-3 Context: This parable was spoken in the house of a wealthy man. It was an occasion of hospitality but they were watching him. I: Jesus watched and observed them. 1. He saw the man with dropsy. He knew why the man was there. 2. He was how pride made them seek the best seats. 3. He saw that the host had invited a choice crowd. 4. Then he healed the sick man, shamed the guest and criticized the host. 5. Some one saw in the words he spoke a picture of the Kingdom of God. II: Then Jesus told of a great supper. 1. Many were invited. 2. All the guests declined. 3. None said no, but all gave excuses. 4. What was the real reason? a. They didn’t like the host. b. They didn’t like the guest he might have. c. They were contented to go...
Demas has Forsaken Me
Timothy 2 4:10 I: Demas a fellow laborer. Philemon 24 1. A new convert happy in the work of the Lord. 2. Gladly sharing the burdens of the Lords work. 3. He was so busy following the lamb that he forgot to follow the goat. II: Demas is with me. Col. 4:14 1. Idleness is one step between service and forsaking. 2. “They lean to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.” Tim. 1 5:13. 3. “The idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” III: Demas has forshaken me. Tim. 2 4:10 1. The devil has been successful. 2. The devil worked on him while he was idle. 3. The majority of Church trouble comes from idle members. 4. His love for Christian labor gave...
Covenant for A New Year
Hebrews 8:1- The word Covenant is used over 260 times in the Bible. I: What is Covenant and How is it Made? 1. “Covenant is a contrast between Man and God or between Men and Men.” A Covenant is a promise made and received. 2. A Covenant is made by: a. Joining of hands. Ezekiel 17:18 (Abraham by an Oath). Genesis 21:31 (Abimaleck) b. A heap of stones. Genesis 31:46 (Jacob and Laban) c. A feast. Genesis 26:30 (Issac). d. Eating of salt. Numbers 18:19 3. Gods covenant with men: a. Ratified by signs, smoking furnace, or a burning lamp. b. By the shedding of blood. c. By the crucifixion of Christ. II: Gods covenant with Abraham. Gen. 12:1-3 1. “I will make of thee a great nation.” 2. “I will bless thee and make thy name great.” 3....
Counting the Cost
Luke 14:25-35 I: The Spirit of Seperation: 1. Ready to sacrifice all. 2. Not to hate our relatives, but to love Christ more. 3. When the Claims of Relatives, and the Claims of Christ are in conflict. 4. We must choose rather to displease relatives than our Lord. 5. Experience shows that often the greatest hinderance to a Disciple serving Christ comes from Relatives. 6. The Line of Duty ought to be clear. 7. It can never be true love to Relatives to do wrong in order to please them. (Thousands will be thankful for those that refused to compromise). II: Count the Cost! 1. It does cost something to be a Christian To be a nominal Church going Christian is cheap and easy work. 2. Jesus had no desire to enlarge his followers witn potential backsliders, (A backslider is...
Confessions of Sin
Prov. 28:13 I: Covered and unconfessed sin: 1. Covered sin keeps us rid of God. 2. Unconfessed sin keeps us from mercy. 3. There is no promise of who is the one that covers sin. II: Confessing but not worshiping. 1. Pharoah the hardened sinner: “I have sinned.” Exodus 9:27 2. Balaam the double minded: “I have sinned.” Numbers 22:34 3. Doubtful confession of Achan: “I have sinned.” Josh 7:20 4. Confession of dispair: Judas. Matthew 27:4 III: Confessions and forsaking. 1. The prodical son. “I have sinned.” Luke 15:18 2. The Samaritan woman. 3. Saul or Paul. The soul that refuses to confess and turn from his sin will not find mercy at the judgment seat of...