Category: Preaching
Subject: Preaching
What Christ Gave the Church
We know that the church belongs to Christ, created for us that we might serve Him as He desires. He established His church, accomplishing it by dying on the cross for those who He chose through the gospel. Jesus gifted to us our salvation, as He Himself paved the way to heaven through His own resurrection from the dead. Consider Paul’s words, “‘When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. (Now this, ‘He ascended’ – what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)’” (Ephesians 4:9-10).
The Holy Spirit used the word church (ekklesia), referencing God’s people, in two basic ways in scripture. The first is referred to as the universal use of the word church. It is that to which Jesus refers when He promised in Matthew 16:18, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” In this sense it refers to the relationship that each saved person has with Christ when He comes to Him in faith. “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them … And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:41,47). Simply put: every person who has been saved in the past, is saved now in the present, or will be saved before the Lord comes again, — he or she is added to His church. This references our relationship with its privileges. There is no passage of scripture than activates this universal church in any way. Continue reading “What Christ Gave the Church”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Paul here (and in chapter 3) seeks to downplay his personal abilities and proclamations, instead showing the Corinthians that the true power for salvation was in God’s word. He said in 3:7 that he was not “anything.” He stated in Romans 1:16 that the power of God to salvation was in the message of the gospel, not in the messenger.
So, here in chapter two he affirmed it wasn’t in his abilities of wisdom that salvation came. Only that in weakness, fear and much trembling he preached only Christ and Him crucified.
This demonstrates and important truth that Paul emphasized in all of his epistles. The power that brings redemption does not come from men, but from God. Not in human wisdom, but “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”
His conclusion here is an important one. We should not consider any success we have in Christ to be because of us! It is because of the power of God!
Earthen Vessels
In 2 Corinthians 4 we have an interesting comparison between the precious gospel of Christ, and the men and women who possess that gospel. In verse 4 Paul describes the good news in the following way, “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
In contrast, in verse 7 he simply states, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels.” Such a great dichotomy. The treasure is ultimate, of inestimable value. The vessel in which it is housed is not significant in comparison to the contents.
The value of the gospel is clearly indicated in scripture. In Romans 1:16, Paul writes that it is “the power of God to salvation.” In another place he wrote, “it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). In fact, the Lord Himself weighed in on the subject, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Continue reading “Earthen Vessels”
Sermon: Gospel Preaching
A treatment of the proper attitude and actions we should take as Christians in seeking to share the gospel message with others. We must be tactful and show love for others, but never compromise our defense of truth!
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Sermon: Do Not Be Ashamed
Paul was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. His conviction made him always to be willing to proclaim boldly God’s message. His example is one we seek to emulate (2 Timothy 1:8-12).
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Mining the Scriptures: James 2:1-4
Here we have a general command of James, which is produced by the characteristic of love. If indeed we want to heed Christ’s imperative: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12), James’ admonition must be obeyed. “…Do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.”
Although the context gives the example of material wealth (not preferring the rich man over the poor), there is nothing in the admonition which would limit it to this case. An understanding of Galatians 3:28, which affirms the value of every soul, shows that any partiality shown, whether it be wealth, gender, race or culture is in fact becoming “judges with evil thoughts.”
The gospel of Christ is for every man. All have the same value to Him, and so should have the same value to us. Those who are vulnerable, disenfranchised, poor, desolate — whatever their state — as we consider their souls, should be cherished by us.
An Open Door
There are a number of occasions where the apostle Paul used the metaphor of a door to refer to an opportunity. For example, when Paul and Barnabas gave a report to the church in Antioch, Luke records, “Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27). Paul himself wrote to the Corinthian church, saying in 1 Corinthians 16:8-9, “But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” He wrote again in 2 Corinthians 2:12, “Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed to Macedonia.” Continue reading “An Open Door”
The Passion of Gospel Preaching
In 1 Corinthians 4:13, the apostle Paul referred to the constant criticism of the apostles, and their response. “Being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.”
The Greek word translated entreat in the passage is parakaleo?. It is define as a strong invitation or invocation, and is also translated beseech in various places in scripture. Literally, “to call near”. It is a word of passion, that can rightly bring the image of begging. Notice the use of the term in Romans 12:1-2:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Two major points are to be taken from our place in the text. The first is God’s providential care in supplying opportunities to share the gospel of Christ. Paul had a “door” opened by the Lord, indicating an opportunity to preach in Troas that was divinely supplied. God helps in the efforts to share the gospel message (cf. Acts 14:27; 1 Corinthians 16:9; Colossians 4:3; Revelation 3:8). This is not to belittle Paul’s efforts, but he made clear at every opportunity being blessed and furthered in his efforts by the Lord.
The second is that the gospel is perceived in two different ways, depending upon the heart of the one who receives it. It is referred to as the fragrance of Christ both to those who accept it and those who reject it (15). However, to those who reject it, it is “the aroma of death leading to death.” For those who are willing to open their hearts to it, it is “the aroma of life leading to life.” (16). The lesson? The gospel is sufficient to save souls! If it does not, the gospel or the preacher are not at fault, it is the hearer instead!
Sermon: Live from the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14)
In 1 Corinthians 9:14 the apostle indicated God’s intent that the preacher of the gospel should be materially supported while doing his work. The principle is examined here.
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Sermon: The Great Commission
A study of Matthew 28, detailing Jesus’ instructions to his disciples to go into the world and MAKE disciples.
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Not Tedious, But Safe
How do you feel about gospel preaching? Admonition? Chastisement? The Bible is replete with passages condemning sin, warning about sin, detailing what sin is, and discussing ad naseum the consequences of sin. Do you get tired of it? Do you wish the emphasis was different than it seems to be? Continue reading “Not Tedious, But Safe”
Sermon: Hearing the Word
A description given by James in James 1:21-22 as to the correct way to approach the preaching of the gospel.
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Sermon: How to Handle the Gospel
Neither the religious world, not our secular society have any real idea how to correctly handle the word of God. This lesson establishes 7 truths on the matter.
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Mining the Scriptures: Colossians 1:24-29
Our text here refers to Paul’s ministry as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Said ministry impacted the Colossians, but was for all of the body of Christ, which is the church.
He was happy to do this, as this was a privilege (and duty) granted to him by God. He was a steward (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:2), to preach the mystery of Christ, and such fulfill the word of God.
The saints, the chosen of God, are called by the gospel of Christ (cf. Romans 1:16). It was at this time in history (the last days) that God “willed to make known” the benefits of believing and accepting Jesus Christ, “the hope of Glory.”
And so, Paul preached. His message consisted of warning those who were not obedient to God, and to teach Christians, that “we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
He was fully devoted (cf. Romans 1:15). It was “to this end I also labor.” He did not consider himself to do anything of his own accord (cf. Galatians 2:20). What Paul did as an apostle were works God had given him to do! (cf. Ephesians 2:10).
