Category: Sermon Notes

THEME: TRUTH

TITLE: Mercy

Scripture:  2 Cor. 4:1

I.    THE MERCY OF GOD EXPLAINED   

We are real good at (complaining); not so hot on (gratitude).

Grace is getting (what I don’t deserve); mercy is not getting (what I do deserve).

We are not in this thing called faith or the Christian life because (we are good). We aren’t in it because of our (proficiency) or our (wit) or our (aptitude). We aren’t in it because we are (more righteous) than someone else. We have been shown incredible mercy by a merciful God.

Please turn to I Timothy 1:12-16

II.   THE MERCY OF GOD EXTENDED

We are not meant to control our (Christianity); Christianity is meant (to control us).

Hebrew word for mercy-“to give help to the wretched, to rescue the miserable.”  The Greek word comes from the word which means benefactor.

What does God’s mercy do for us?

1.     God’s mercy (brings us peace).

2.     God’s mercy means (He has compassion for us).  Is.49:13: “For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.”

3.     God’s mercy is (displayed through us).

4.     God’s mercy has (an end).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Truth / Series: Faithful

Title: Setting the Standard- 2 Cor. 4:2; Mt. 5:8; 23:25-28

THEME: TRUTH

TITLE: Why Settle for Second?

Scripture:  2 Cor. 3:6-18

I.    DEFINING THE OLD COVENANT

What Paul learned is that a truly perfect, spotless righteousness-the perfect obedience demanded by the law- (was not possible). It isn’t that the law was (evil); it wasn’t. The problem lies with the (sinner), not the law.

The old covenant was the law given to Abraham and ultimately to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was the (rules and regulations) the people were required to fulfill and live by.

II.  DETERMINING THE SUPERIORITY OF THE NEW COVENANT

A comparison for you to see:

1.     Old=hundreds of detailed and demanding commandments. New=Christ.

2.     Old=Law of Moses. New=Promise of life in Christ.

3.     Old=could not provide righteousness. New=Christ provided it.

4.     Old=temporary.  New=permanent.

5.     Old=death and doom on sinners. New=life.

6.     Old=ministry of condemnation. New=ministry of righteousness.

7.     Old=what was coming to an end. New=what is permanent.

8 distinctive qualities of the new covenant:

1)     It gives (life).  (v.6)

2)     It produces (righteousness). (7a,8-9)

3)     It is (permanent). (7b,10-11)

4)     It brings (hope). (12)

5)     It is (clear). (13-14a)

6)     It is (Christ-centered). (14b-16,18a)

7)     It is energized by the (Spirit). (17)

8)     It is (transforming). (18b)

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Truth / Series: Faithful

Title: Mercy- 2 Cor. 4:1

THEME: TRUTH

TITLE: What is Truth?

Scripture:  Romans 1:16-17

I.   IS TRUTH REALLY THAT IMPORTANT?

Philosophy which made its way into American culture: (postmodernism).  The basic premise for postmodernism is there is (no absolute truth).  In effect it is saying we can (trust our feelings).

In Romans 1:16-17 Paul tells us what truth is. The truth is (the Gospel of Jesus Christ).  What is chilling is the effect of verse 18: whenever the truth of God is (suppressed), it always leads to (believing a lie).

When absolute truth departs, everything is up for grabs!!

“We (liberals) champion tolerance, except for conservatives and evangelical Christians. We want to be inclusive of people who don’t look like us-so long as they think like us.” Quote by liberal journalist Nicolas Kristof.  (Quoted in Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin)

II.  IS TRUTH A REALITY?   

Greek word for truth means “a reality that is firm, solid, binding.”  Represents the certainty upon which we can rely.

4 distinguishing marks of truth:

1.     Truth comes (from God).  Truth is (divine).

2.     Truth reigns (supreme).  Truth is (absolute).

3.     Truth is (a fact). Truth is (objective).

4.     Truth stands as (truth).  Truth never (contradicts) itself.

The Gospel is above all. If it isn’t, then it loses its ability to change lives. In fact, if it isn’t, it isn’t the gospel anymore.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Truth / Series: Faithful

Title: Why Settle for Second? 2 Cor.3:6-18

THEME: Unsinkable

TITLE: I Challenge You!

Scripture:  Various Scripture

I.    GOD AT A DISTANCE

Here’s a question for you: How religious do you want to be?

The background to the Scripture in Exodus 33:

·       God met Moses on the mountain

·       Moses comes down and breaks the tablets

·       Melts down idol and makes them drink it.

·       Issues a challenge.

II.   GOD IN THE PRESENT  

God says He can’t live in their midst. Why? (It was too dangerous for them).  Why? Because He would destroy them. His (holiness and justice for righteousness) would obliterate them.

The Tabernacle was a mobile tent. It contained several items vital to worship:

1.     An outer court where the Brazen Altar and Laver were located.

2.     There were 2 rooms in the Tabernacle itself:

3.     The Holy Place

1)     The Candlestick

2)     Table of Shewbread

3)     Altar of Incense

4.     Holy of Holies

1)     Ark of the Covenant

5.     These two rooms were separated by a veil which we are told was torn from top to bottom at the crucifixion.

Moses recognizes his own need for God’s presence. Exodus 33: 13-21

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Truth / Series: Faithful

Title: What is Truth?  Romans 1:16-17

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Don’t Miss It!!

TITLE: Don’t Miss Christmas

Scripture:  Various Scripture

I.     THE INNKEEPER (Preoccupied)
II.    HEROD (Fear)
III.  THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS (Indifference)
NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable  (The Finale)

Title: I Challenge You!  Exodus 17:8-16; 33

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Don’t Miss It!!

TITLE: Don’t Miss the Gifts!

Scripture: John 3:16: Luke 1:5-14; Luke 2:14

I.    DON’T MISS OUT ON LOVE            

Why love?

1.     Love covers (sin).

2.     Love (listens) to God.

3.     Love (believes) God.

4.     Love (obeys) God.

II.   DON’T MISS OUT ON JOY

We tend to “hang very heavy weights on thin wires.” Alexander Whyte

“You shall make known to me the path of life, in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

III.  DON’T MISS OUT ON PEACE

How can I not miss out on peace?

1)     I can have peace when I experience (conversion).

2)     I can have peace when I experience (confidence).  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil.4:6

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Don’t Miss It!!

Title: Don’t Miss Christmas! Various Scripture

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Don’t Miss It!!

TITLE: Don’t Miss the Announcement!

Scripture: Luke 2:9-19

I.    THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOOD NEWS     

Let’s take a look at the announcement:

1.     It was made to (shepherds).  This is so unusual because the shepherds were at the (bottom) of the food chain.

2.     It was made to those (who least expected it).

3.     It was laden with golden nuggets of (information).  He is bringing them (Good News). The (Savior) has been born in Bethlehem.

4.     The shepherds were instantly (curious and obedient).

5.     They told (whoever would listen) what they had (heard, seen, and found).

II.   THE PICTURE OF THE GOOD NEWS         

In Luke 2 Jesus is called by three names:

1)     He is called (Savior).

2)     He is called (Christ).  The OT counterpart of that name is (Messiah).  The name means anointed One.

3)     He is called (Lord). The word Lord is also the same word used for Yahweh.

In Matthew 1 Jesus is given two names:

1.     He is given the name (Jesus).

2.     He is given the name (Emmanuel).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Don’t Miss It!!

Title: Don’t Miss the Gifts- John 3:16; Luke 1:5-14; Luke 2:14

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Don’t Miss It!!

TITLE: Don’t Miss the Essential Truth

Scripture: John 1:1-14

I.   THE BACKSTORY BEHIND THE TRUTH

This story is so marvelous and so miraculous in every way it could have come from (the mind of God).

The Christmas story in short: God would take on (human flesh) and invade His sin-broken world with His wisdom, power, glory, and grace. He would do that in the (person of His Son, Jesus Christ), but He would not descend to a palace. He would, instead, come to a stable. And He would come for one purpose and one purpose only: (to save us).

The word advent means (coming).

II.  THE REVELATION OF THE TRUTH        

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” A.W. Tozer

Turn to Isaiah 9:2, 5-7

1.     If Jesus Christ is really Mighty God and Everlasting Father, you can’t just (like) Him.

2.     If Jesus Christ is the Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace, you should (want) to serve Him.

Wrap up thoughts:

1)     It means we are far more precious to God than we could (ever imagine).

2)     It means there is far more to celebrate than (we thought).

3)     It means we will (never be alone).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Don’t Miss It!!

Title: Don’t Miss the Announcement- Luke 2: 8-19

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Servants

TITLE: Saying Thanks

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

I.    THE STIGMA TO BE OVERCOME

The seed for what is happening can be seen in Matthew 4:23-24- “And he went throughout all Galilee…and healed them.”

The divine healings Jesus performed was never done for show or to get His name “out there.” They provided undeniable evidence of (His deity).  They gave evidence of His supernatural power supporting His claim to be (God Himself).

The two main problems leprosy caused:

1.     (Physical suffering)

2.     (Social stigma)

II.   THE STORY TO BE REVEALED

Take note of Leviticus 13:45-46

“Their disease was incurable; their situation hopeless; their lives miserable. Jesus offered their only chance for deliverance.” John MacArthur commentary

Several items stand out in this story:

1)     Jesus’ approach is (different).

2)     They asked for (mercy not healing).

3)     Their obedience was (tested).

4)     Only one returned to give thanks and he was a (foreigner).

5)     Giving thanks in not always (convenient).

“It’s not so much great faith in God that is required but faith in a great God.”

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Don’t Miss It!

Title: Don’t Miss the Essential Truth- John 1:1-14

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Servants

TITLE: No Fence/No Limits

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

I.    THE PURPOSE OF THE PARABLE                

Of all the questions which could be asked, this is the most important: (What shall I do to inherit eternal life?)

Words in verse 25 seem to tell us this request was not sincere: (Put him to the test).

“What is written in the Law?” This refers to Deut.6. It is called the (Shema).

II.   THE PERSONALITIES OF THE PARABLE  

Several points of reference concerning this parable:

1.     The road from Jerusalem to Jericho.

·       For a hint: This was called (The Red, or Bloody Way)

2.     This man fell among robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and left him for dead.

3.     Three men walked by:

·       Priest.  A servant of God, who offered sacrifices for the (people’s sins).

·       Levite. Assisted the priests. In the days of the Tabernacle, their main responsibility was (carrying the Ark) by poles.

·       Samaritan. Seen as half-breeds by Jews. Mix of Assyrians and Jews.

The Lesson: Only by continuously, perfectly loving God and every neighbor on every occasion-even his worst enemies- could the scribe satisfy the first and second commandments and (obtain eternal life).  Since that is an impossibility for him and for us, the word (GRACE) becomes big.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Servants

Title: Saying Thanks- Luke 17:11-19