Introduction: Read Matt. 1:18-25. 1. There are many that balk at becoming a Christian at the story of the Birth of Jesus. 2. They “know” how things work and it’s easier to believe in an impure Mary than a Virgin Birth. 3. We are asked to believe based on the testimony of Mary and Joseph, […]
INTRODUCTION: Acts 9
1. The conversion of Saul is given a great deal of space in the New Testament. This speaks to its importance.
1) It shows us what conversion really means. How far do I go?
2) It shows us that God is no respecter of persons in conversion. An apostle had to trust and obey just like you.
3) It shows us that the proper response when one had sinned gravely is submission and not bemoaning that one has sinned too greatly to be saved.
4) It introduces us to the man through whom we would be given so much of the New Testament.
2. This cannot be a study of the life of Paul but must be limited to a study of the conversion of Saul.
Introduction: Matt. 11:28-30
1. An invitation from the Son of God, the Messiah, should certainly capture our attention.
1) One whose word is true.
2) Whose intent is pure.
2. This invitation compels us to make a choice.
1) We can reject it but where will we go for blessing?
2) We can accept it and receive the promised rest.
3. Jesus is specific in His invitation. His call is for those who labor under a heavy load.
Introduction: Matt. 5:13
1. It is impurities that cause salt to lose its taste.
2. Clay, sand, etc., might make the salt useless.
3. Impurities cause men to be useless or good for nothing.
4. Jesus is speaking of sin.
5. What makes us impure? 1 John 2:16.
DISCUSSION:
I. Lust of the Flesh
PROPOSITION: To set forth four sound reasons for the belief in a supreme being. OBJECTIVE: That the hearers might be strengthened in their faith and in their ability to defend the truth. INTRODUCTION: Concerning the text… 1. Read Hebrews 3:1-5. 2. Concerning the text… 1) The writer of Hebrews addresses himself to Christians “holy brethren”. […]
Introduction:
1. We are concerned with the genuine. Ask any Coke drinker if “New” Coke will do. We want the Real Thing, the genuine article.
2. Of all the religions on the earth one is real, approved by the Almighty.
3. How do we weed out the pretenders and the counterfeits?
4. If we want to know whether something is authorized, commended or approved by God we should look for an event. Something that happened in space and time that shows that God approves.
1. A situation arose at a joyful event that could have totally ruined it. (Reputations destroyed, scandal, tears, headlines.)
2. The bridegroom and the ruler of the feast had no solution. The concern and knowledge of Mary turned a disaster into a legendary event.
3. There are principles in this story that need to be noted and taken to heart.
I. God shows how He will be with you by showing how He was with others, v. 5. 1. Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20. 2. As He was with the apostles He will be with you. 2 Tim. 4:6-8 II. Be strong and courageous. God is with you, v. 6. 2 Kings 6:14-16; Acts 5:27-29; Acts […]
Sermon on the Tongue – Sermon outline by G. E. Watkins explaining how to control the tongue. From James 3:6.
INTRODUCTION: Read Matthew 2:1-12
1. There are events in a town, city or region’s history that cannot be forgotten.
1) In Austin it’s the Tower shooting, August 1, 1966.
2) Texas City remembers when the ship exploded in Galveston Bay in 1947.
3) Killeen will never forget the Luby’s shooting.
4) New Orleans will never forget Hurricane Katrina.
2. An unusual star guided the magi to Jerusalem and then to the exact spot in Bethlehem (6 miles south) where the new King of Israel lay.
INTRODUCTION: 2 Kings 6:8-17
1. Through the prophet the king learned what he could not see.
2. Through the prophet Gahazi learned what he could not see.
3. Through Jesus Christ we learn things we cannot see. Hebrews 1:1-2
Introduction:
1. Acts 7:38, oracles are what Moses received.
2. Rom. 3:2, oracles of God are what was committed to the Jews.
3. Heb. 5:12, oracles contain 1st principles.
4. 1 Pet. 4:11 contains a limitation prescribed by God.
1) Direction must be direction of oracles.
2) Example must be example of oracles.
3) Speaking must be lined up with the oracles of God.
5. If we need a motto or rallying cry let this be it.
Discussion:
INTRODUCTION: Who is Jesus Christ? 1. We all have to start somewhere when we want to learn about someone. 2. We can learn about Jesus the same way we’d learn about anyone else. 3. We will answer the question, “Who is Jesus Christ” by asking his friends and family, by inquiring of competent authority, and […]
Proposition: To teach how “all these things” shall be added.
Introduction: Matt. 6:24-33
1. In our day, as it was in the ancient world, a great deal of anxiety is felt about the physical things of life.
2. Untold millions of dollars are spent learning how to prosper (College education, self help books, investment journals).
3. Then there is the pile of money spent on treating the anxiety caused by wealth.
4. Jesus teaches the eradication of such anxiety by means of service to God.
1) He says you cannot serve God AND money, v. 24.
2) He teaches the great value of the individual to God, vv. 25-26.
3) He then teaches the utter (…)
Introduction: Rom. 2:7
1. We see in our text the importance of patience. It is a must.
2. We also see times in our lives when we fail to exhibit patience.
1) Stopped praying, 1 Thess. 5:17.
2) Grew weary in well-doing, Gal. 6:9.
3) Some even fail to remain faithful, Heb. 6:11.
3. We know we don’t always have patience, so how do we develop it? How do we acquire patience?
Love, when properly applied, governs our behavior for, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” One’s interactions would wholly benefit from a generous application. The trick is, of course, to take the list and apply it to every thought, word, and deed. Why do we not do this?
INTRODUCTION: Read 1 Cor. 2:4-5.
1. The world is full of smart men:
1) with higher degrees,
2) with proven track records,
3) that present their ideas well.
2. Men of proven qualities are sought out, desired for leadership positions.
3. The same was true in Corinth. There were:
1) men who spoke words of wisdom,
2) men that communicated,
3) men that “made sense.”
Introduction: 1 John 1:7 – 2:2
1. John is discussing the sin problem among Christians.
1) 1:7 Walk in the light … blood cleanses.
2) 1:8 We may be assured we have a sin problem.
3) 1:9 forgiven, cleansed if we confess sins.
4) 1:10 Assured again, we must deal with sin.
5) 2:1 John stresses where it is we must go if we are in sin.
6) 2:2 He is the hILASMOS, the propitiation for our sins.
Introduction: Read John 6:26 1. There is great folly in seeking from Jesus what He does not offer. 1) Vindication of your false doctrine. 2) Health and wealth, name it and claim it. 3) Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, non-judgmental, even “gay” Jesus, etc. 2. Jesus came with a particular purpose in mind, Luke 19:10 […]
Introduction: Read Acts 8:12
1. Pentecost (Acts 2) gives us a great example as to what to preach.
1) Every word designed to awaken faith in Jesus.
2) Then to motivate the audience to faithful obedience.
2. But did the next evangelists follow the same pattern? It is good to notice what the next evangelists preached because THAT’S what WE need to preach.
3. About the text:
1) Christians were scattered because of the persecution in Jerusalem (Stephen, Acts 7).
2) They didn’t scatter and hide, they scattered and preached (Acts 8:4), and so we find Philip in Samaria.
3) The Lord worked miracles through him so that the people would believe, John 20:30-31, Mark 16:20; Heb. 2:3-4.
4. The content of his preaching is critical
1) The things concerning the Kingdom of God.
2) The name of Jesus Christ.
5. When they heard these things they believed and obeyed.
6. Because we have been given the job of world evangelism (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47), just like Philip we ought to examine what the New testament has to say about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.