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Showing posts with label Fall 2007. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fall 2007. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Joshua 2:9-21
Monday, December 3, 2007
Mark 6:14-29
Joshua 2:9-21
Thursday, November 29, 2007
1 Kings 13:20
Monday, November 26, 2007
In the path of those who have gone before
I Thessalonians 2: 13-20
INTRODUCTION:
Paul was grateful for those in Thessalonica who had received the gospel message. He was grateful because these believers understood that the Bible was different from others books or magazines. They understood that the Bible is the Word of God. Now, it is true that God used man to bring His word to us. II Peter 1: 21 says that, "holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." Notice that these men spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. As they were moved by the Holy Spirit carries the idea of inspiration. As they were moved by the Holy Spirit, they spoke God's Word. They spoke what God wanted them to speak. The result is a trustworthy Book that is in effect, the Word of God.
Also notice, that as Paul shared with the Thessalonians the gospel message, they received it. When we receive His Word, it will effectually work in our life. God's Word, hidden in our heart, will keep us from sin. God's Word will also bring about spiritual growth and maturity. It will also produce fruit in us and through us. What a believer's attitude is toward the Word will determine how he or she grows spiritually.
Having received the Word, the Thessalonians became imitators of the churches of Judea. The church of Judea, through it's missionaries, had passed on the faith to Thessalonica. Our faith today has been passed down to us by generations of Godly believers. And, if Christianity is to survive, it must be passed from us to a new generation of believers who will then pass it on to their kids. In this passage, we also note that the churches of Judea and the church in Thessalonica not only had a common faith, but they also faced a common trial-- persecution.
DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS, CHRISTIANITY HAS BEEN A PERSECUTED FAITH
We see such persecution in the life of Jesus Himself. John tells us that Jesus, "came unto His own and His own received Him not." Notice how Jesus was persecuted. For one things, Jesus was lied about. Jesus' detractors said that He refused to pay taxes. They also said that Jesus was going to physically destroy the temple. They also tried to discredit Jesus by saying that He was a winebibber and a glutton. Jesus often had to deal with the lies that others said about Him. As a matter of fact, Jesus eventually faced a trial before Pilate on trumpted up charges and lies. Jesus was also threatened with death. And, these threats were real. His critics did want to kill Him and they eventually succeeded. But, before Jesus was crucified, He was beaten and flogged. As Isaiah relates, that beaten left Him disfigured to the point that one couldn't tell that He was Jesus. Jesus was then nailed to a cross to die a painful and horrifying death. Jesus was persecuted because of Who He was, the perfect, holy and righteous Son of God. With that in mind, it is interesting to notice what Jesus told His disciples at the Last Supper. John 15: 20 says, "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you."
Persecution has taken place in the church since Jesus. That was a fact in Thessalonica as Paul shares in v. 14: "For you have suffered the same things from your countrymen." Down through the centuries, believers have been intimidated with threats of violence. Notice what happened in Acts 3: 17. Notice the strategy of the enemies of the church. "But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in His name." Even though we may not see threats of violence today, we do often see verbal abuse and ridicule for standing up for Christ. Down through the centuries, believers have also faced physical abuse for their faith. Believers were commonly beaten in Biblical times. Believers were also put to death for standing up for Christ. Even today, believers are being physically abused and put to death in some ares of the world. This is seen in Muslim countries and in places like North Korea.
That brings us to the question, why would believers die for their faith? Believers are willing to die for their faith because they know that death is a conquered enemy. We see how that Jesus endured death only to rise again. We know that if we share Jesus' persecutions, we shall all share in Jesus' triumphs. And that means we shall also experience a resurrection from the dead. Why fear death when we shall overcome it. Believers are willing to die for their faith because we know that death is simply a portal that leads to heaven. As Stephen was being stoned to death, he saw heaven opened and Jesus standing to receive Him home. Why fear something that leads to home? Believers are also willing to die for their faith because martyrs are promised special reward. Notice Matthew 5: 12: "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Notice what Jesus says. Great is the reward for those who endure persecution. And be prepare to endure because the Christian faith is a persecuted faith.
NOTICE THE PERSECUTORS
The goal of the persecutor is to keep others from coming to Christ v. 16. Satan know that as long as the gospel is being presented to the lost, people will be saved. Satan know the power of the gospel, whether we do or not. He knows that if we sow, we will reap. So, to keep people from hearing about Jesus, he will use all means at his disposal to silence the messengers of God. Satan will use religion to silence the messengers of Christ. The people who brought Jesus to Pilate and demanded that Pilate crucify Jesus were religious people. The early persecution of the church came from people who claimed to be doing God a favor by persecuting the church. Even today, much of the persecution that the church sees is from other religious bodies, such as those of the Islamic faith. Satan will also use government to persecute the church and silence it's witness. The Roman government was a source of such persecution for over three centuries. It was state persecution that caused the Pilgrims to leave England and come to America seeking religious liberty. Satan can even put his people in a Godly church to get the church sidetracked from her main mission. Satan doesn't want people hearing the gospel and being saved and he will use whatever means he can to stop those who are witnessing for Jesus.
That is why Paul gives us the description of the persecutors that he does in n this passage. One, Paul says that those who persecute God's people do not please God. Here is Satanic deceit at it's very best. Many people who persecute God's people think they are doing God a favor. When God spoke to Paul on the Damascus Road, God made it very clear to Paul that to persecute God's people is to attack God Himself. God wants us to deal with the enemies of the gospel but not with physical force. God's method of winning our enemies is through prayer, love and presenting them to a Savior who will love and forgive them. The persecution of God's people is not pleasing to God. The persecutors of God's people are also hostile to all men. By keeping people from hearing about Jesus, these men were hostile to all. By keeping them from hearing about Jesus, they are helping them to go to hell. There can be no one more hostile to another than the one who causes us to go to hell. The persecutors of the gospel are also recipients of God's wrath. One who keeps another from being saved will face a greater wrath than the one who just commits a sin of the flesh. That wrath will one day fall.
CONCLUSION:
God's people have been persecuted down through the ages. But, that persecution has strengthened, rather than weakened, His church. Just remember, Jesus has promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church.
INTRODUCTION:
Paul was grateful for those in Thessalonica who had received the gospel message. He was grateful because these believers understood that the Bible was different from others books or magazines. They understood that the Bible is the Word of God. Now, it is true that God used man to bring His word to us. II Peter 1: 21 says that, "holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." Notice that these men spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. As they were moved by the Holy Spirit carries the idea of inspiration. As they were moved by the Holy Spirit, they spoke God's Word. They spoke what God wanted them to speak. The result is a trustworthy Book that is in effect, the Word of God.
Also notice, that as Paul shared with the Thessalonians the gospel message, they received it. When we receive His Word, it will effectually work in our life. God's Word, hidden in our heart, will keep us from sin. God's Word will also bring about spiritual growth and maturity. It will also produce fruit in us and through us. What a believer's attitude is toward the Word will determine how he or she grows spiritually.
Having received the Word, the Thessalonians became imitators of the churches of Judea. The church of Judea, through it's missionaries, had passed on the faith to Thessalonica. Our faith today has been passed down to us by generations of Godly believers. And, if Christianity is to survive, it must be passed from us to a new generation of believers who will then pass it on to their kids. In this passage, we also note that the churches of Judea and the church in Thessalonica not only had a common faith, but they also faced a common trial-- persecution.
DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS, CHRISTIANITY HAS BEEN A PERSECUTED FAITH
We see such persecution in the life of Jesus Himself. John tells us that Jesus, "came unto His own and His own received Him not." Notice how Jesus was persecuted. For one things, Jesus was lied about. Jesus' detractors said that He refused to pay taxes. They also said that Jesus was going to physically destroy the temple. They also tried to discredit Jesus by saying that He was a winebibber and a glutton. Jesus often had to deal with the lies that others said about Him. As a matter of fact, Jesus eventually faced a trial before Pilate on trumpted up charges and lies. Jesus was also threatened with death. And, these threats were real. His critics did want to kill Him and they eventually succeeded. But, before Jesus was crucified, He was beaten and flogged. As Isaiah relates, that beaten left Him disfigured to the point that one couldn't tell that He was Jesus. Jesus was then nailed to a cross to die a painful and horrifying death. Jesus was persecuted because of Who He was, the perfect, holy and righteous Son of God. With that in mind, it is interesting to notice what Jesus told His disciples at the Last Supper. John 15: 20 says, "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you."
Persecution has taken place in the church since Jesus. That was a fact in Thessalonica as Paul shares in v. 14: "For you have suffered the same things from your countrymen." Down through the centuries, believers have been intimidated with threats of violence. Notice what happened in Acts 3: 17. Notice the strategy of the enemies of the church. "But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in His name." Even though we may not see threats of violence today, we do often see verbal abuse and ridicule for standing up for Christ. Down through the centuries, believers have also faced physical abuse for their faith. Believers were commonly beaten in Biblical times. Believers were also put to death for standing up for Christ. Even today, believers are being physically abused and put to death in some ares of the world. This is seen in Muslim countries and in places like North Korea.
That brings us to the question, why would believers die for their faith? Believers are willing to die for their faith because they know that death is a conquered enemy. We see how that Jesus endured death only to rise again. We know that if we share Jesus' persecutions, we shall all share in Jesus' triumphs. And that means we shall also experience a resurrection from the dead. Why fear death when we shall overcome it. Believers are willing to die for their faith because we know that death is simply a portal that leads to heaven. As Stephen was being stoned to death, he saw heaven opened and Jesus standing to receive Him home. Why fear something that leads to home? Believers are also willing to die for their faith because martyrs are promised special reward. Notice Matthew 5: 12: "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Notice what Jesus says. Great is the reward for those who endure persecution. And be prepare to endure because the Christian faith is a persecuted faith.
NOTICE THE PERSECUTORS
The goal of the persecutor is to keep others from coming to Christ v. 16. Satan know that as long as the gospel is being presented to the lost, people will be saved. Satan know the power of the gospel, whether we do or not. He knows that if we sow, we will reap. So, to keep people from hearing about Jesus, he will use all means at his disposal to silence the messengers of God. Satan will use religion to silence the messengers of Christ. The people who brought Jesus to Pilate and demanded that Pilate crucify Jesus were religious people. The early persecution of the church came from people who claimed to be doing God a favor by persecuting the church. Even today, much of the persecution that the church sees is from other religious bodies, such as those of the Islamic faith. Satan will also use government to persecute the church and silence it's witness. The Roman government was a source of such persecution for over three centuries. It was state persecution that caused the Pilgrims to leave England and come to America seeking religious liberty. Satan can even put his people in a Godly church to get the church sidetracked from her main mission. Satan doesn't want people hearing the gospel and being saved and he will use whatever means he can to stop those who are witnessing for Jesus.
That is why Paul gives us the description of the persecutors that he does in n this passage. One, Paul says that those who persecute God's people do not please God. Here is Satanic deceit at it's very best. Many people who persecute God's people think they are doing God a favor. When God spoke to Paul on the Damascus Road, God made it very clear to Paul that to persecute God's people is to attack God Himself. God wants us to deal with the enemies of the gospel but not with physical force. God's method of winning our enemies is through prayer, love and presenting them to a Savior who will love and forgive them. The persecution of God's people is not pleasing to God. The persecutors of God's people are also hostile to all men. By keeping people from hearing about Jesus, these men were hostile to all. By keeping them from hearing about Jesus, they are helping them to go to hell. There can be no one more hostile to another than the one who causes us to go to hell. The persecutors of the gospel are also recipients of God's wrath. One who keeps another from being saved will face a greater wrath than the one who just commits a sin of the flesh. That wrath will one day fall.
CONCLUSION:
God's people have been persecuted down through the ages. But, that persecution has strengthened, rather than weakened, His church. Just remember, Jesus has promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church.
MIKE HONZELL, PASTOR
COLLEGE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
LEVELLAND, TEXAS
COLLEGE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
LEVELLAND, TEXAS
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Luke 23:33
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Mark 6:1-6
Isaiah 66:1-4
What Made Paul Effective
I Thessalonians 2: 2-7
INTRODUCTION:
Paul was a very effective missionary and pastor. Just look at what he did in Thessalonica. In just a few weeks, Paul had won enough people to Christ that a church was established. Paul established this church without the benefit of our modern church planting methods. For instance, Paul planted this church without the benefit of modern media. He didn't have radio or television to advertise on. Paul also did not have a prime piece of property or a building that would impress people. Also, keep in mind that Paul was preaching in a city that had never heard the gospel. We have all the benefits that Paul did not have and yet it takes us years to establish a church. Paul did it in just a few weeks. Paul also had this church established doctrinally before he left. In just a few weeks, he had taught them the major doctrines of the faith and had them established. This is amazing when you consider that many people today go to church for years and are still Biblically illiterate. Paul was an effective missionary, preacher and pastor.
This points out the need today for effective teachers and personal workers. Leadership is still the key to any effective organization, including the church. No church will ever be any stronger than those who lead it. So, let us notice what made Paul so effective and then see if we can put these principles into action in our lives.
PAUL WAS EFFECTIVE BECAUSE HE REFUSED TO GIVE UP V. 2
Paul had some moments that would have caused most people to quit serving Christ. In verse 2, Paul reminded the Thessalonians about one of those moments. Paul suffered and was spitefully treated at Philippi. I know that Paul saw some good things take place at Philippi. Lydia and her household was saved and a demon possessed girl was delivered. But those successes were greeted by Paul's being beaten and then put in prison. Even when Paul was later released, there was no apology. That would have been enough for most of us to quit and go home. As a matter of fact, it doesn't take much to cause most of us to give up. Many quit the church when they get their feelings hurt over not getting their way over some petty issue. Some quit the church because they were not recognized for what they were doing. Paul would have marveled over such pettiness.
Notice why Paul didn't quit in the face of such abuse. Paul didn't quit because he knew what the consequences were if he did. If Paul quit, there would be no one to share the gospel with the lost. They would die without Christ and their blood would be on his hands. This reveals a lesson to us. God has put us on this earth at this time and in this place to reach people that only we can reach. If we are not faithful to that calling, the people God put us on this earth to reach will suffer. Don't quit. People are depending on us. Paul didn't quit because Jesus didn't quit. Jesus suffered far more abuse and injustice than we will ever suffer. Yet, He endured it all and gave us an example to follow. The victory goes to the one who remains faithful, even though at times, we may want to give up. To be effective, we must refuse to quit.
PAUL WAS EFFECTIVE BECAUSE OF THE WAY HE DEALT WITH PEOPLE
Paul was honest and open with people in how he shared the Word v. 3-6. Paul never tried to trick people or use flattery to move people. Paul also never used his position to advance himself materially-- cloak of covetousness. Paul spoke with a desire to please God, who tries the heart. God knows our motive and pleasing Him is all that matters. Whether a personal worker who shares the gospel or a preacher who stands before a congregation, our job is to just faithfully share what God has given us in His Word. We don't get to invent the message. Our message is found in the Bible. hat is why Paul tells us to study the Word in II Timothy 2: 15. As we share, our job is to trust the Holy Spirit for any results we might see. And if, because of our sharing Christ, we suffer, we are called upon to do that joyfully. Christian work is not about us-- it is about Him.
Paul was also gentle in his dealings with people v. 7. A mean spirited believer is a contradiction in terms. Paul said in Philippians 4: 5, "Let your gentleness be known unto all men." One of the fruits of the spirit is gentleness or meekness. God expects His people to be kind and gentle. I know that we often have to oppose and even rebuke people. But, we don't have to be harsh or brutal when doing so. We don't have to make personal issues out of what we do. We should also hurt when we have to reprove another believer. People will listen and even accept what you tell them if they know you love them. The disciples listen when Jesus rebuked them and even accepted it, all because they knew He loved them. Effective Christian workers are gentle people. They are gentle with people because they know spiritual growth takes time. Many people in our churches are not yet spiritually mature people. For them to become that, they need a teacher or pastor who will be patient and gentle with them while they grow.
CONCLUSION:
As we are patient, refuse to quit and then deal with people openly and honestly, God will bless. Paul was an effective worker for Christ and we can be too.
INTRODUCTION:
Paul was a very effective missionary and pastor. Just look at what he did in Thessalonica. In just a few weeks, Paul had won enough people to Christ that a church was established. Paul established this church without the benefit of our modern church planting methods. For instance, Paul planted this church without the benefit of modern media. He didn't have radio or television to advertise on. Paul also did not have a prime piece of property or a building that would impress people. Also, keep in mind that Paul was preaching in a city that had never heard the gospel. We have all the benefits that Paul did not have and yet it takes us years to establish a church. Paul did it in just a few weeks. Paul also had this church established doctrinally before he left. In just a few weeks, he had taught them the major doctrines of the faith and had them established. This is amazing when you consider that many people today go to church for years and are still Biblically illiterate. Paul was an effective missionary, preacher and pastor.
This points out the need today for effective teachers and personal workers. Leadership is still the key to any effective organization, including the church. No church will ever be any stronger than those who lead it. So, let us notice what made Paul so effective and then see if we can put these principles into action in our lives.
PAUL WAS EFFECTIVE BECAUSE HE REFUSED TO GIVE UP V. 2
Paul had some moments that would have caused most people to quit serving Christ. In verse 2, Paul reminded the Thessalonians about one of those moments. Paul suffered and was spitefully treated at Philippi. I know that Paul saw some good things take place at Philippi. Lydia and her household was saved and a demon possessed girl was delivered. But those successes were greeted by Paul's being beaten and then put in prison. Even when Paul was later released, there was no apology. That would have been enough for most of us to quit and go home. As a matter of fact, it doesn't take much to cause most of us to give up. Many quit the church when they get their feelings hurt over not getting their way over some petty issue. Some quit the church because they were not recognized for what they were doing. Paul would have marveled over such pettiness.
Notice why Paul didn't quit in the face of such abuse. Paul didn't quit because he knew what the consequences were if he did. If Paul quit, there would be no one to share the gospel with the lost. They would die without Christ and their blood would be on his hands. This reveals a lesson to us. God has put us on this earth at this time and in this place to reach people that only we can reach. If we are not faithful to that calling, the people God put us on this earth to reach will suffer. Don't quit. People are depending on us. Paul didn't quit because Jesus didn't quit. Jesus suffered far more abuse and injustice than we will ever suffer. Yet, He endured it all and gave us an example to follow. The victory goes to the one who remains faithful, even though at times, we may want to give up. To be effective, we must refuse to quit.
PAUL WAS EFFECTIVE BECAUSE OF THE WAY HE DEALT WITH PEOPLE
Paul was honest and open with people in how he shared the Word v. 3-6. Paul never tried to trick people or use flattery to move people. Paul also never used his position to advance himself materially-- cloak of covetousness. Paul spoke with a desire to please God, who tries the heart. God knows our motive and pleasing Him is all that matters. Whether a personal worker who shares the gospel or a preacher who stands before a congregation, our job is to just faithfully share what God has given us in His Word. We don't get to invent the message. Our message is found in the Bible. hat is why Paul tells us to study the Word in II Timothy 2: 15. As we share, our job is to trust the Holy Spirit for any results we might see. And if, because of our sharing Christ, we suffer, we are called upon to do that joyfully. Christian work is not about us-- it is about Him.
Paul was also gentle in his dealings with people v. 7. A mean spirited believer is a contradiction in terms. Paul said in Philippians 4: 5, "Let your gentleness be known unto all men." One of the fruits of the spirit is gentleness or meekness. God expects His people to be kind and gentle. I know that we often have to oppose and even rebuke people. But, we don't have to be harsh or brutal when doing so. We don't have to make personal issues out of what we do. We should also hurt when we have to reprove another believer. People will listen and even accept what you tell them if they know you love them. The disciples listen when Jesus rebuked them and even accepted it, all because they knew He loved them. Effective Christian workers are gentle people. They are gentle with people because they know spiritual growth takes time. Many people in our churches are not yet spiritually mature people. For them to become that, they need a teacher or pastor who will be patient and gentle with them while they grow.
CONCLUSION:
As we are patient, refuse to quit and then deal with people openly and honestly, God will bless. Paul was an effective worker for Christ and we can be too.
MIKE HONZELL, PASTOR
COLLEGE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
LEVELLAND, TEXAS
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Not in vain
I Thessalonians 2: 1
INTRODUCTION:
Paul didn't have an easy time in Thessalonica. I realize that when we say this that Paul did see a goodly number of people saved there. Acts 17: 12 says, "Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few." It was from this group of converts that Paul established the church at Thessalonica. Today, when we see someone receive Jesus as Savior, we ought to rejoice. Some people faithfully serve God and never see great numbers of people saved. Noah preached for 120 years and didn't see anyone saved except for his immediate family. Jeremiah preached for over 50 years and faced rejection. The nation didn't turn to Christ but instead experienced judgment. Even though Paul saw people saved and a church constituted as a result, he still saw hardship at Thessalonica. For one thing, his ministry caused a public riot which led to his being run out of town. And, Paul was not in Thessalonica long before this happened. Today, we are not hurting the devil and his work enough to get him disturbed.
In spite of the hardships, Paul says here that his ministry was not in vain-- Paul hadn't wasted his time. None of us, no matter what field we are in, want to feel like we are wasting our time or our effort. Time is to valuable to waste it on a non-productive project that could be more useful doing something else. Even when we fail, and we do fail, we want to think that that failure was not a wasted effort. We like to think that we can learn from that failure to the point we can be productive in the future. Since we don't like to think that we are wasting time or effort in serving God, let us notice:
LET US NOTICE WHY TIME SPENT SERVING GOD IS NEVER WASTED TIME
Time spent serving God is never wasted time because God takes notice of what we are doing. So many times what we do may not be appreciated or even noticed by others. The attitude that others take towards what we do may make us feel like that what we are doing is unimportant. Many may develop the attitude that since no one cares or even notices what I am doing, then I am just wasting my time. In such a time, we meed to remember, God knows what we are doing. One of the principles of Christian service is that what is done in secret will be rewarded openly. This is plainly stated in Matthew 6 when it comes to our charitable giving, prayer and fasting. Hebrews 6: 10 also states: "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name. Our time spent serving God is never wasted because God notices what we are doing.
Time spent serving God is never wasted because God has a way of using that service even if we never see what He does. Sometimes what we do is the foundation others build on with the result that they see the results we wanted to see. Paul said that he planted and Apollos watered and then God gave the increase. Even though Paul didn't see the immediate results from his work, Apollos would have seen results if Paul hadn't planted. Even though others may be the ones who see the results from a work we started, our labor was not in vain. God did give an increase.
God may also use someone we influenced in a way that multiplies what we have done. Andrew led Peter to Jesus, but it was Peter who was greatly used. Andrew's service was not wasted, it was multiplied through Peter. Many a person who has been greatly used of God was won or influenced by someone we have never heard of. Yet, the one we never heard of didn't waste his time. God multiplied the results of his labor through the one we have heard of. I know we may never know the number of people we have influenced to serve God. This is why we can never afford to give up. God can be using us even when we don't realize it.
Time spent serving God is never wasted because of God's definition of success. We sometimes get to the point of thinking we are wasting our time because we have adopted the world's definition of success. In church work, the world measures success in terms of how many people are coming to Sunday School and Church. In church work, we measure success by how much money we are taking in. Success is also measured by what our buildings look like. Although it is good to have people coming to church to meet in a nice building, and although it is good for a church to be financially sound, these are not necessarily the criteria for what God would call success. God's criteria for success is in how faithful we have been. This is why Noah can be included in Hebrews 11 as a success for God even though he only saw 7 people saved in 120 years. This is why Jeremiah is a great man of God even though he was rejected by his people. I Corinthians 4: 2 gives us the standard for success, "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." If we are faithful in what God has called us to do, then we are successful. And that means we are not wasting our time.
HOW TO SERVE GOD ENTHUSIASTICALLY
We are to serve God enthusiastically by just serving God. We are to do what we do to please Him and not be shackled by what others think. Our service to Him should be motivated by (1) gratitude for what He has done for us, (2) The promise of reward (3) Knowing that He sees what we do and is well pleased. Knowing that our service to Him is not in vain should cause us to serve enthusiastically.
We are to serve God enthusiastically knowing that in doing so He will cause us to grow spiritually. here will always be results in our own lives as we serve Him. As we serve God faithfully, God will give us greater challenges. David went from facing a bear and a lion to a giant. As we are faithful, God will develop the spiritual maturity in us to be used in even a greater way. he anticipation of what He is going to do should fill us with an enthusiasm for serving God.
As we serve Him faithfully, God will develop our character. Jesus turned unstable peter into a rock. John, a son of thunder, became an apostle of love. And looking back, we can see how we have either grown or become bitter toward life. As God builds character in us, we can serve with enthusiasm.
CONCLUSION:
We are never wasting our time serving God. Eternity will reveal the value of that service. let's just walk in the fullness of the Holy spirit and leave the results up to God.
INTRODUCTION:
Paul didn't have an easy time in Thessalonica. I realize that when we say this that Paul did see a goodly number of people saved there. Acts 17: 12 says, "Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few." It was from this group of converts that Paul established the church at Thessalonica. Today, when we see someone receive Jesus as Savior, we ought to rejoice. Some people faithfully serve God and never see great numbers of people saved. Noah preached for 120 years and didn't see anyone saved except for his immediate family. Jeremiah preached for over 50 years and faced rejection. The nation didn't turn to Christ but instead experienced judgment. Even though Paul saw people saved and a church constituted as a result, he still saw hardship at Thessalonica. For one thing, his ministry caused a public riot which led to his being run out of town. And, Paul was not in Thessalonica long before this happened. Today, we are not hurting the devil and his work enough to get him disturbed.
In spite of the hardships, Paul says here that his ministry was not in vain-- Paul hadn't wasted his time. None of us, no matter what field we are in, want to feel like we are wasting our time or our effort. Time is to valuable to waste it on a non-productive project that could be more useful doing something else. Even when we fail, and we do fail, we want to think that that failure was not a wasted effort. We like to think that we can learn from that failure to the point we can be productive in the future. Since we don't like to think that we are wasting time or effort in serving God, let us notice:
LET US NOTICE WHY TIME SPENT SERVING GOD IS NEVER WASTED TIME
Time spent serving God is never wasted time because God takes notice of what we are doing. So many times what we do may not be appreciated or even noticed by others. The attitude that others take towards what we do may make us feel like that what we are doing is unimportant. Many may develop the attitude that since no one cares or even notices what I am doing, then I am just wasting my time. In such a time, we meed to remember, God knows what we are doing. One of the principles of Christian service is that what is done in secret will be rewarded openly. This is plainly stated in Matthew 6 when it comes to our charitable giving, prayer and fasting. Hebrews 6: 10 also states: "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name. Our time spent serving God is never wasted because God notices what we are doing.
Time spent serving God is never wasted because God has a way of using that service even if we never see what He does. Sometimes what we do is the foundation others build on with the result that they see the results we wanted to see. Paul said that he planted and Apollos watered and then God gave the increase. Even though Paul didn't see the immediate results from his work, Apollos would have seen results if Paul hadn't planted. Even though others may be the ones who see the results from a work we started, our labor was not in vain. God did give an increase.
God may also use someone we influenced in a way that multiplies what we have done. Andrew led Peter to Jesus, but it was Peter who was greatly used. Andrew's service was not wasted, it was multiplied through Peter. Many a person who has been greatly used of God was won or influenced by someone we have never heard of. Yet, the one we never heard of didn't waste his time. God multiplied the results of his labor through the one we have heard of. I know we may never know the number of people we have influenced to serve God. This is why we can never afford to give up. God can be using us even when we don't realize it.
Time spent serving God is never wasted because of God's definition of success. We sometimes get to the point of thinking we are wasting our time because we have adopted the world's definition of success. In church work, the world measures success in terms of how many people are coming to Sunday School and Church. In church work, we measure success by how much money we are taking in. Success is also measured by what our buildings look like. Although it is good to have people coming to church to meet in a nice building, and although it is good for a church to be financially sound, these are not necessarily the criteria for what God would call success. God's criteria for success is in how faithful we have been. This is why Noah can be included in Hebrews 11 as a success for God even though he only saw 7 people saved in 120 years. This is why Jeremiah is a great man of God even though he was rejected by his people. I Corinthians 4: 2 gives us the standard for success, "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." If we are faithful in what God has called us to do, then we are successful. And that means we are not wasting our time.
HOW TO SERVE GOD ENTHUSIASTICALLY
We are to serve God enthusiastically by just serving God. We are to do what we do to please Him and not be shackled by what others think. Our service to Him should be motivated by (1) gratitude for what He has done for us, (2) The promise of reward (3) Knowing that He sees what we do and is well pleased. Knowing that our service to Him is not in vain should cause us to serve enthusiastically.
We are to serve God enthusiastically knowing that in doing so He will cause us to grow spiritually. here will always be results in our own lives as we serve Him. As we serve God faithfully, God will give us greater challenges. David went from facing a bear and a lion to a giant. As we are faithful, God will develop the spiritual maturity in us to be used in even a greater way. he anticipation of what He is going to do should fill us with an enthusiasm for serving God.
As we serve Him faithfully, God will develop our character. Jesus turned unstable peter into a rock. John, a son of thunder, became an apostle of love. And looking back, we can see how we have either grown or become bitter toward life. As God builds character in us, we can serve with enthusiasm.
CONCLUSION:
We are never wasting our time serving God. Eternity will reveal the value of that service. let's just walk in the fullness of the Holy spirit and leave the results up to God.
MIKE HONZELL, PASTOR
COLLEGE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
LEVELLAND, TEXAS
Monday, November 5, 2007
Dealing with stress
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Audio From October 28th 2007
If you missed Bro. Mikes sermon from last Sunday on reaching the end of the race you can download it here.
Or if you want to here his sermon on prayer you can download it here.
as always all files are 64kbps .mp3 files, and if you have a broadband internet connection you can listen to them on there Archive.org page.
Or if you want to here his sermon on prayer you can download it here.
as always all files are 64kbps .mp3 files, and if you have a broadband internet connection you can listen to them on there Archive.org page.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Turning to Christ
I Thessalonians 1: 9-10
INTRODUCTION:
Acts 17 tells us what Paul did when he got to Thessalonica. The Bible tells us that Paul reasoned out of the Scriptures, opening and alleging that Christ must have suffered and then be raised again and that this Jesus whom I preach unto you is Christ. Notice what Paul's message was one that came from the Scriptures. And, today, we are to reason with others and share the message that we find from the Scriptures. We are to go to the Scriptures because the Bible is God's Word. II Timothy 3: 16 says that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. The word inspiration literally means, God breathed. Because the Scripture came from the mouth of God, Jesus can tell us to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. I realize that God used men to record his words and bring the Scripture to us, but we need to remember what Peter said in II Peter 1: 21, "holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." God spoke through these holy men, but it was GOD speaking. And, God, Who is perfect, has given us a perfect Word. Because the Bible is God's Word, we can share it with the full confidence that it has no mistakes and that it is trustworthy.
We also reason out of God's Word because of the promise God has given us about His Word. In Isaiah 55: 11, God says this, "My Word shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the things whereunto I sent it." God says here that He will bless His word. We don't have to manipulate an audience to get results. We don't have to be great orators to move people. All we have to do is faithfully share God's Word and He will bless with His life changing power and accomplish that which he pleases. What we need to do is to share His Word and do so expecting God to bless.
We are also to reason out of the Scriptures because the Scripture tells us about Jesus. Here, in this passage, we see Jesus revealed to us in three ways.
JESUS IS OUR DELIVERER
He has delivered us from the wrath to come
There is a wrath to come for those outside of Christ. God is a God of love but He is also a God of wrath and judgment. God's wrath is real. Knowing that God's wrath is real, Paul wrote, "knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." Knowing that God's wrath is real, the writer of the Hebrews wrote, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." God's wrath is real and it will be exhibited in two ways. First, God is going to pour out His wrath on the earth in the very near future. This out pouring of His wrath will be due to this world's rejection of Him and the commands He has given us in His Word. The Bible calls this outpouring of his wrath the Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. During this time, God is going to allow Satan to rule this world through a one world government to show man the tragedy of a society without God. As a result of this Satanic rule, war, famine and disease will abound to the point that if Jesus does not come, no life will be saved. God will also judge this world by using plagues similar to the ones He used to judge Egypt during the time of the Exodus. This present evil world is headed down a path to face the wrath of God and a time of tribulation such as not be seen from the beginning of the world , to this time, no, nor ever shall be-- Matthew 24: 21.
God's eternal wrath will be exhibited in the Lake of Fire. One day, all lost humanity will stand before God at the Great White throne Judgment. There, they will be shown what Jesus did to save them and how they rejected his offer of salvation. Then, Jesus will say to them, "depart from Me, ye that work iniquity, for I never knew you." At that point, those who rejected Christ will be cast into the Lake of Fire. Satan, his angels, death and hell will also all be cast into the Lake of Fire. The Bible then calls this the second death. It will be God's eternal expression of His wrath concerning sin and rebellion.
But, notice the good news. Jesus came to deliver us from God's wrath. He did so by taking God's wrath for sin upon Himself. When Jesus died on the cross, He suffered on that cross what we would have suffered had we gone to hell. In Luke 16, we get a picture of one who died without Christ and then endured hell. The Bible says the rich man in hell suffered from torment as he burned without being consumed and then desired water he could never have. When Jesus died on the cross, he cried out, "I thirst." Jesus suffered from the fever, thirst and torment of hell for us as He paid for our sin. Hell is also a place of separation. It is a place of solitary confinement. It is also a place of separation from fellowship with God. On the cross, jesus cried our, "My God, why have you forsaken Me?" Jesus was separated from the Father as He suffered God's wrath for our sin. Hell is also a place of outer darkness. While Jesus hung on the cross, there was darkness on the face of the earth from noon until three in the afternoon. Jesus experienced the darkness of hell so we would never have to suffer the wrath of God. Hell is also a place of shame. The Bible says that Jesus despised the shame of the cross in order to pay for our sin. As Jesus suffered the wrath of God for us on the cross, the Bible says, God saw the travail of His soul and was satisfied. Jesus came to deliver us from the wrath of God.
We can be delivered from sin as we confess our sin. I John says, "If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to cleanse us from our sin and deliver us from all unrighteousness." We are delivered from sin as we acknowledge Jesus' work on the cross as being sufficient to pay for that sin. We must trust in Jesus' work and Jesus' alone to pay for sin. As we trust in what He did for us at the cross to pay for our sin, we must then turn from that sin and turn to Him in faith. This is what the Thessalonians did. Jesus will either be our deliverer or our judge.
JESUS IS OUR LIVING SAVIOR
Whom He raised from the dead
Jesus didn't just die on the cross, but He rose again. That resurrection transformed a group of fearful disciples into an army of evangelists who turned the world upside down. Because these men knew Jesus had overcome death, they were not afraid to go our and face death themselves. This is why the early church constantly stressed the resurrection in their teaching and preaching.
Notice what the risen Christ is doing today. Jesus is at the Father's right hand acting as our High Priest. He ever lives to make intercession for us. s our high Priest, He is presenting us before the throne of grace faultless so we can make our requests known unto the Father. Jesus is also acting as our Advocate, our defense attorney, to defend us against Satan's accusations.
Jesus is also awaiting word from the Father to come back and receive us unto Himself.
JESUS IS OUR COMING KING
To wait for His Son from heaven
Jesus is coming again. Jesus' coming has been prophesied throughout the Bible. Enoch said, "Behold, He comes with ten thousand of his saints." Isaiah foretold of the millennial kingdom. Zachariah said, "They shall see Him whom they have pierced." Jesus Himself told those who tried Him, "you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." Even the Lord's Supper carried the promise of Jesus' coming. Jesus said, "I will not drink it again until I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." When you look in the epistles, you see Paul, Peter, Jude and John all wrote of Jesus' return. Jesus is coming back as King of Kings to rule and reign and to be glorified as God.
To those of us who are saved, we await expectantly. We await a new and glorified body that He is going to give us when He comes. We await to be reunited with friends and family who have preceded us into heaven. We expectantly await our reward that Jesus is bring with Him. We are awaiting Jesus to deliver us from the wrath to come.
CONCLUSION:
As we think of the three fold picture of Jesus, we ought to love, worship and develop a grateful attitude toward Christ. What Jesus has done for us should also cause us to brag about Him. If you are lost, this picture should compel you to be saved.
INTRODUCTION:
Acts 17 tells us what Paul did when he got to Thessalonica. The Bible tells us that Paul reasoned out of the Scriptures, opening and alleging that Christ must have suffered and then be raised again and that this Jesus whom I preach unto you is Christ. Notice what Paul's message was one that came from the Scriptures. And, today, we are to reason with others and share the message that we find from the Scriptures. We are to go to the Scriptures because the Bible is God's Word. II Timothy 3: 16 says that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. The word inspiration literally means, God breathed. Because the Scripture came from the mouth of God, Jesus can tell us to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. I realize that God used men to record his words and bring the Scripture to us, but we need to remember what Peter said in II Peter 1: 21, "holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." God spoke through these holy men, but it was GOD speaking. And, God, Who is perfect, has given us a perfect Word. Because the Bible is God's Word, we can share it with the full confidence that it has no mistakes and that it is trustworthy.
We also reason out of God's Word because of the promise God has given us about His Word. In Isaiah 55: 11, God says this, "My Word shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the things whereunto I sent it." God says here that He will bless His word. We don't have to manipulate an audience to get results. We don't have to be great orators to move people. All we have to do is faithfully share God's Word and He will bless with His life changing power and accomplish that which he pleases. What we need to do is to share His Word and do so expecting God to bless.
We are also to reason out of the Scriptures because the Scripture tells us about Jesus. Here, in this passage, we see Jesus revealed to us in three ways.
JESUS IS OUR DELIVERER
He has delivered us from the wrath to come
There is a wrath to come for those outside of Christ. God is a God of love but He is also a God of wrath and judgment. God's wrath is real. Knowing that God's wrath is real, Paul wrote, "knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." Knowing that God's wrath is real, the writer of the Hebrews wrote, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." God's wrath is real and it will be exhibited in two ways. First, God is going to pour out His wrath on the earth in the very near future. This out pouring of His wrath will be due to this world's rejection of Him and the commands He has given us in His Word. The Bible calls this outpouring of his wrath the Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. During this time, God is going to allow Satan to rule this world through a one world government to show man the tragedy of a society without God. As a result of this Satanic rule, war, famine and disease will abound to the point that if Jesus does not come, no life will be saved. God will also judge this world by using plagues similar to the ones He used to judge Egypt during the time of the Exodus. This present evil world is headed down a path to face the wrath of God and a time of tribulation such as not be seen from the beginning of the world , to this time, no, nor ever shall be-- Matthew 24: 21.
God's eternal wrath will be exhibited in the Lake of Fire. One day, all lost humanity will stand before God at the Great White throne Judgment. There, they will be shown what Jesus did to save them and how they rejected his offer of salvation. Then, Jesus will say to them, "depart from Me, ye that work iniquity, for I never knew you." At that point, those who rejected Christ will be cast into the Lake of Fire. Satan, his angels, death and hell will also all be cast into the Lake of Fire. The Bible then calls this the second death. It will be God's eternal expression of His wrath concerning sin and rebellion.
But, notice the good news. Jesus came to deliver us from God's wrath. He did so by taking God's wrath for sin upon Himself. When Jesus died on the cross, He suffered on that cross what we would have suffered had we gone to hell. In Luke 16, we get a picture of one who died without Christ and then endured hell. The Bible says the rich man in hell suffered from torment as he burned without being consumed and then desired water he could never have. When Jesus died on the cross, he cried out, "I thirst." Jesus suffered from the fever, thirst and torment of hell for us as He paid for our sin. Hell is also a place of separation. It is a place of solitary confinement. It is also a place of separation from fellowship with God. On the cross, jesus cried our, "My God, why have you forsaken Me?" Jesus was separated from the Father as He suffered God's wrath for our sin. Hell is also a place of outer darkness. While Jesus hung on the cross, there was darkness on the face of the earth from noon until three in the afternoon. Jesus experienced the darkness of hell so we would never have to suffer the wrath of God. Hell is also a place of shame. The Bible says that Jesus despised the shame of the cross in order to pay for our sin. As Jesus suffered the wrath of God for us on the cross, the Bible says, God saw the travail of His soul and was satisfied. Jesus came to deliver us from the wrath of God.
We can be delivered from sin as we confess our sin. I John says, "If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to cleanse us from our sin and deliver us from all unrighteousness." We are delivered from sin as we acknowledge Jesus' work on the cross as being sufficient to pay for that sin. We must trust in Jesus' work and Jesus' alone to pay for sin. As we trust in what He did for us at the cross to pay for our sin, we must then turn from that sin and turn to Him in faith. This is what the Thessalonians did. Jesus will either be our deliverer or our judge.
JESUS IS OUR LIVING SAVIOR
Whom He raised from the dead
Jesus didn't just die on the cross, but He rose again. That resurrection transformed a group of fearful disciples into an army of evangelists who turned the world upside down. Because these men knew Jesus had overcome death, they were not afraid to go our and face death themselves. This is why the early church constantly stressed the resurrection in their teaching and preaching.
Notice what the risen Christ is doing today. Jesus is at the Father's right hand acting as our High Priest. He ever lives to make intercession for us. s our high Priest, He is presenting us before the throne of grace faultless so we can make our requests known unto the Father. Jesus is also acting as our Advocate, our defense attorney, to defend us against Satan's accusations.
Jesus is also awaiting word from the Father to come back and receive us unto Himself.
JESUS IS OUR COMING KING
To wait for His Son from heaven
Jesus is coming again. Jesus' coming has been prophesied throughout the Bible. Enoch said, "Behold, He comes with ten thousand of his saints." Isaiah foretold of the millennial kingdom. Zachariah said, "They shall see Him whom they have pierced." Jesus Himself told those who tried Him, "you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." Even the Lord's Supper carried the promise of Jesus' coming. Jesus said, "I will not drink it again until I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." When you look in the epistles, you see Paul, Peter, Jude and John all wrote of Jesus' return. Jesus is coming back as King of Kings to rule and reign and to be glorified as God.
To those of us who are saved, we await expectantly. We await a new and glorified body that He is going to give us when He comes. We await to be reunited with friends and family who have preceded us into heaven. We expectantly await our reward that Jesus is bring with Him. We are awaiting Jesus to deliver us from the wrath to come.
CONCLUSION:
As we think of the three fold picture of Jesus, we ought to love, worship and develop a grateful attitude toward Christ. What Jesus has done for us should also cause us to brag about Him. If you are lost, this picture should compel you to be saved.
MIKE HONZELL, PASTOR
COLLEGE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
LEVELLAND, TEXAS
Friday, October 26, 2007
Boatload of audio from Leland Yeary day.
This week was a little different here at college avenue baptist church for three reasons, 1st because we honored Bro. Leland Yeary for his years of service to the church, 2nd we called cale bridges as youth paster and 3rd because we are experimenting with recording the songs as well as the sermon.
So this week there is a bit more audio then normal, you can download Bro. Mikes sermon on being a servant here.
And you can download the mens quartet singing "When the role is called up yonder" here, and Monica and Francis singing "It is well (with my soul) here.
The sermon is a .mp3 file encoded at 64kbps, and the songs are .ogg files, you will need the codecs found here.
And as always if you have a broadband internet connection you can listen to them with out downloading anything on its archive.org page.
So this week there is a bit more audio then normal, you can download Bro. Mikes sermon on being a servant here.
And you can download the mens quartet singing "When the role is called up yonder" here, and Monica and Francis singing "It is well (with my soul) here.
The sermon is a .mp3 file encoded at 64kbps, and the songs are .ogg files, you will need the codecs found here.
And as always if you have a broadband internet connection you can listen to them with out downloading anything on its archive.org page.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Audio for 10/14/2007
Monday, October 8, 2007
What made paul thankful
I Thessalonians 1: 8-10
INTRODUCTION:
The Apostle Paul was a missionary. Because of that, he traveled a great deal and ministered in many places. Paul's method of ministry was to go where there was no church and plant a church there. Without an established church in the town, Paul's first priority in that town was evangelism. He went into these cities and began to share the gospel message of Jesus Christ. But, being a Jew, Paul often first went to the synagogue and preached the gospel there. This is how the church at Thessalonica was established. Acts 17: 2-3 says, "Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, This Jesus whom I preach unto you is the Christ." The Bible tells us that through Paul's preaching, many turned to Jesus and were saved. Paul then took these converts and trained and equipped them to go out and tell others about Jesus v. 8. But, what happened at Thessalonica is that Paul caused such a stir in the community that he was forced out of town.
But, in spite of being run out of Thessalonica, Paul had fond memories of the people there. Pastors today also have conflicting memories when we think about places we have been. There are some places we remember with sadness due to the rejection that the gospel found there. It is one thing to reject the messenger but it is another to reject the message. All pastors know of those who said, no, to Jesus. That saddens a pastors heart. There are also places that bring us joy because of the spiritual victories that were achieved. We can look back on places where people were saved and then Godly lives. We can look back on places where marriages were put back in place and where unruly children were restored. In any church, you will have good and bad memories, but it is what we hold on to that counts. If we just major on the bad, we can get bitter and be of little use to God. It is better to be like Paul and be grateful for the good things that have happened to us. In v. 9-10, Paul shares three things about this church that he was grateful for.
PAUL WAS GRATEFUL THAT THIS CHURCH TURNED TO GOD FROM IDOLS
Their turning came about as a result of seeing the futility of worshipping idols. What is an idol but the product of man's hand. Can an idol answer the prayers of it's worshipers? No! That is seen when Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mt. Carmel. The worshipers of Baal made an appeal to Baal but he answered not. When Elijah prayed, the God of heaven answered with fire. Jehovah God is a God who answers prayer-- not idols. An idol cannot give it's worshipper an answer to the problems of life. Neither can an idol spare it's worshipers the judgment of God. I realize that God has made us with an inward desire to worship, but when we turn to anyone but Him in worship, we find emptiness and futility. When the Thessalonians came to realize this, they turned from their idols.
They turned from their idols when they heard the gospel message of Jesus Christ 2: 13. Our problem today is that many have gotten used to church and hearing about Jesus that we have lost the awe and wonder of the gospel message. Let's notice a couple of things about the gospel. First, the gospel message is not a man made message. It is a message from God. Notice what Paul says in 2: 13, "For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works in you who believe." Peter also says in II Peter 1: 21, "for prophecy never came by the will of man, but the holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." The gospel message is a message from God to man. Second, the gospel message is also a life changing message. God will anoint this message with His power to the point that it can literally change a person's life. People today can be changed if they will listen to the gospel message and then respond to it. These people were saved as they responded to the word and turned from their idols to the living God.
PAUL WAS ALSO GRATEFUL BECAUSE THEY WERE SERVING THE LIVING AND TRUE GOD
Their conversion was evident by their outward actions. One thing they did following their conversion is that they publicly embraced Jesus. They did this by openly professing their love and commitment to Christ. They also publicly embraced Jesus by being baptized. Baptism signifies what Jesus did for us to save us. Jesus died for our sins, was buried and then rose again. As we go down into the water and come up again, our baptism is a picture of what Jesus did to save us. Baptism is also a testimony of what Jesus had done in our heart. Our old man is buried and Jesus has made us a new creature and raised us up in newness of life. Their conversion was also evident by the fact they began to share the life changing message they had received. In chapter 1, verse 4, it is said, they sounded forth the Word. The reason they did this is because the gospel message was real and dear to them. They sounded forth the word because they also believed that others needed what they had. When one is saved, that salvation will be evident to others by our actions.
Salvation also makes us the servants of God. Ephesians says we are His workmanship created unto good works. God saved us so we could honor Him with the works that came from his power. Jesus said we would know those that are His by the works we bear. We can be grateful for those who are serving the risen Christ.
PAUL WAS GRATEFUL FOR THOSE WHO WERE WAITING FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN
Jesus is coming again. That is the promise Jesus made to His disciples when He ascended unto the Father. "This same Jesus that you have seen go into heaven shall return in like manner." When Jesus comes, it will be a time of joy for those who know Him. When Jesus comes, it will be a time of reunion with loved ones who have passed on before us. It will also be a time of reward for the labor we have exerted in Jesus' name. It will be a time of change. when Jesus comes, he is going to change this vile body and give us a new, glorified, and sin free body. Jesus' coming should be a time we look forward to, not a time we dread or fear. The only problem we have with His coming is that we do not know when He is coming.
Those who await His coming will live differently from those who aren't looking for Him. Those who are awaiting his coming will love a holy life. I John 3: 3 says, "and anyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." Those who are awaiting Jesus' return don't want to be caught up in sinful activity when He comes. Those who are awaiting Jesus' return will also have a passion for lost souls. A holy and evangelistic church is enough to make any pastor grateful.
CONCLUSION:
Paul was grateful that these people were saved. He was also grateful that they were serving God and looking for Jesus' return. Are you saved? Are you serving God? Are you looking for Jesus' return?
INTRODUCTION:
The Apostle Paul was a missionary. Because of that, he traveled a great deal and ministered in many places. Paul's method of ministry was to go where there was no church and plant a church there. Without an established church in the town, Paul's first priority in that town was evangelism. He went into these cities and began to share the gospel message of Jesus Christ. But, being a Jew, Paul often first went to the synagogue and preached the gospel there. This is how the church at Thessalonica was established. Acts 17: 2-3 says, "Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, This Jesus whom I preach unto you is the Christ." The Bible tells us that through Paul's preaching, many turned to Jesus and were saved. Paul then took these converts and trained and equipped them to go out and tell others about Jesus v. 8. But, what happened at Thessalonica is that Paul caused such a stir in the community that he was forced out of town.
But, in spite of being run out of Thessalonica, Paul had fond memories of the people there. Pastors today also have conflicting memories when we think about places we have been. There are some places we remember with sadness due to the rejection that the gospel found there. It is one thing to reject the messenger but it is another to reject the message. All pastors know of those who said, no, to Jesus. That saddens a pastors heart. There are also places that bring us joy because of the spiritual victories that were achieved. We can look back on places where people were saved and then Godly lives. We can look back on places where marriages were put back in place and where unruly children were restored. In any church, you will have good and bad memories, but it is what we hold on to that counts. If we just major on the bad, we can get bitter and be of little use to God. It is better to be like Paul and be grateful for the good things that have happened to us. In v. 9-10, Paul shares three things about this church that he was grateful for.
PAUL WAS GRATEFUL THAT THIS CHURCH TURNED TO GOD FROM IDOLS
Their turning came about as a result of seeing the futility of worshipping idols. What is an idol but the product of man's hand. Can an idol answer the prayers of it's worshipers? No! That is seen when Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mt. Carmel. The worshipers of Baal made an appeal to Baal but he answered not. When Elijah prayed, the God of heaven answered with fire. Jehovah God is a God who answers prayer-- not idols. An idol cannot give it's worshipper an answer to the problems of life. Neither can an idol spare it's worshipers the judgment of God. I realize that God has made us with an inward desire to worship, but when we turn to anyone but Him in worship, we find emptiness and futility. When the Thessalonians came to realize this, they turned from their idols.
They turned from their idols when they heard the gospel message of Jesus Christ 2: 13. Our problem today is that many have gotten used to church and hearing about Jesus that we have lost the awe and wonder of the gospel message. Let's notice a couple of things about the gospel. First, the gospel message is not a man made message. It is a message from God. Notice what Paul says in 2: 13, "For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works in you who believe." Peter also says in II Peter 1: 21, "for prophecy never came by the will of man, but the holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." The gospel message is a message from God to man. Second, the gospel message is also a life changing message. God will anoint this message with His power to the point that it can literally change a person's life. People today can be changed if they will listen to the gospel message and then respond to it. These people were saved as they responded to the word and turned from their idols to the living God.
PAUL WAS ALSO GRATEFUL BECAUSE THEY WERE SERVING THE LIVING AND TRUE GOD
Their conversion was evident by their outward actions. One thing they did following their conversion is that they publicly embraced Jesus. They did this by openly professing their love and commitment to Christ. They also publicly embraced Jesus by being baptized. Baptism signifies what Jesus did for us to save us. Jesus died for our sins, was buried and then rose again. As we go down into the water and come up again, our baptism is a picture of what Jesus did to save us. Baptism is also a testimony of what Jesus had done in our heart. Our old man is buried and Jesus has made us a new creature and raised us up in newness of life. Their conversion was also evident by the fact they began to share the life changing message they had received. In chapter 1, verse 4, it is said, they sounded forth the Word. The reason they did this is because the gospel message was real and dear to them. They sounded forth the word because they also believed that others needed what they had. When one is saved, that salvation will be evident to others by our actions.
Salvation also makes us the servants of God. Ephesians says we are His workmanship created unto good works. God saved us so we could honor Him with the works that came from his power. Jesus said we would know those that are His by the works we bear. We can be grateful for those who are serving the risen Christ.
PAUL WAS GRATEFUL FOR THOSE WHO WERE WAITING FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN
Jesus is coming again. That is the promise Jesus made to His disciples when He ascended unto the Father. "This same Jesus that you have seen go into heaven shall return in like manner." When Jesus comes, it will be a time of joy for those who know Him. When Jesus comes, it will be a time of reunion with loved ones who have passed on before us. It will also be a time of reward for the labor we have exerted in Jesus' name. It will be a time of change. when Jesus comes, he is going to change this vile body and give us a new, glorified, and sin free body. Jesus' coming should be a time we look forward to, not a time we dread or fear. The only problem we have with His coming is that we do not know when He is coming.
Those who await His coming will live differently from those who aren't looking for Him. Those who are awaiting his coming will love a holy life. I John 3: 3 says, "and anyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." Those who are awaiting Jesus' return don't want to be caught up in sinful activity when He comes. Those who are awaiting Jesus' return will also have a passion for lost souls. A holy and evangelistic church is enough to make any pastor grateful.
CONCLUSION:
Paul was grateful that these people were saved. He was also grateful that they were serving God and looking for Jesus' return. Are you saved? Are you serving God? Are you looking for Jesus' return?
WHAT MADE PAUL THANKFUL
MIKE HONZELL, PASTOR
COLLEGE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
LEVELLAND, TEXAS
Audio For 10/07/2007
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