Category: Sermon Notes

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: More Than a Man

TITLE: Seriously?

Scripture:  Acts 2:29-36

“Neutrality is not an option. Either Jesus rose and rightly demands your attention, repentance, trust and obedience, or he stayed dead. If he only became a rotting corpse why should you follow Him?  (Quote by John MacArthur in Risen With Christ by Andrew Warnock-p.43)

I.    FICTION OVER FACT?           

Some of the theories put forth:

1) The disciples knowingly lied.
2) The disciples stole the body.
3) The authorities hid the body.
4) Jesus just swooned on the cross.
5) The disciples just hallucinated when they saw Jesus afterwards.

II.   FACT OVER FICTION?              

“The keys of death were hung on the inside of Christ’s tomb.” Piper

“The resurrection of Jesus is God’s gift and proof that His death was completely successful in blotting out the sins of His people and removing the wrath of God.” Piper

“The only possible reason why early Christianity began and took the shape that it did is that the tomb really was empty and that people really did meet Jesus, alive again.” N.T.Wright

Peter believed in and staked his life on the resurrection. See I P.1:3

Paul used the resurrection to describe what happens to those who are baptized. See Rom.6:4

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  Choose! Col.2:8-15

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: More Than a Man

TITLE: Why?

Scripture:  Isaiah 52:13-53:12

I.    THE CERTAINTY OF HIS DEATH          

Did Jesus really die? Some facts:

1. Jesus repeatedly said this would happen.
2. Pilate delivered Him to be crucified.
3. The Romans designed crucifixion to make sure the person was dead.
4. The Romans scourged Jesus within an inch of his life.
5. The centurion at the cross pronounced him dead.
6. They put Him in a tomb guarded by centurions.

II.   THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HIS DEATH              

Please turn to Acts 8 for an important exchange.

3 highlights found in our Scripture passage:

1) 52:13-15- Revealed Israel’s Messiah and King would both (suffer and be exalted).
2) 53: 4-6- Graphic description of Jesus’ suffering and death.  You are reading about a doctrine called (penal substitution). It is a fancy way of saying, “Jesus paid the penalty for our sin.”

• • • • • • The wrong perception in this verse: “by his stripes we are healed.”

3) 53: 7-10- Jesus was (submissive) to His Father in His death.

• • • • • • Check out I P.2:21b-24.

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: More Than a Man (2 weeks)

Title: Seriously? – Acts 2: 29-36

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: A Burden Worth Carrying

Scripture:  Colossians 2:1-7

I. THE INTENSITY OF THE BURDEN

Jesus is our example of (love for the church).

1) Acts 20:28
2) Ephesians 5: 25

Paul loved the church.

1) Phil.1:7
2) 2 Cor. 6:11
3) 2 Cor. 12:15

Paul’s love goes even deeper. [See 2:1] The word struggle is our word (agony).

II. THE FOCUS OF THE BURDEN

For us to grow in our faith, there must be two insights we have to acknowledge: an (increased
knowledge) of God’s Word and a (focus) upon Christ. What you think of Christ, your
perception of Him, is (everything).

What is Paul’s burden?

1. They will be (strong in heart). (v.2a)
2. They will be (united in love). (v.2b) See Ephesians 4:16
3. They will be (settled in their understanding). (v.2c)
4. They will not be (deluded). (v.4)
5. They will grow in their (walk in Christ). (6-7)

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: More Than a Man (2 weeks)
Title: – Isaiah 52:13-53:12

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: Why We Do What We Do

Scripture:  Colossians 1:19-29

I.    THE PURPOSE OF GOD        

No one else can say what Jesus says: He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, the preeminent one. He is the highest in rank. He is the first in everything. He is to have first place.

Look ahead to Colossians 2:9. All the (divine power and attributes) of God are in Christ.  To put it one way: Jesus Christ is the (exhaustion of God).

1. 1. 1. 1. In justification, the sinner stands before God guilty and condemned, but is (declared righteous).
         2. In redemption, the sinner stands before God as a slave, but is granted (freedom).
         3. In forgiveness, the sinner stands before God as a debtor, but the debt is (paid and forgotten).
         4. In adoption, the sinner stands before God a stranger, but is made a (son)
         5. In reconciliation, the sinner stands before God as an enemy, but become a (friend).

II.   THE PURPOSE OF MAN           

The positives in suffering:

1. 1. 1. 1. It (brought good) to the church.
         2. His suffering (filled up) what was lacking in Christ’s suffering.

Paul’s statement to what his purpose is: (proclaiming Christ).

Here is a non-negotiable: The Gospel is for all people for all time.

Next week: Theme: Truth/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  A Burden Worth Carrying- Colossians 2: 1-7

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: Above All

Scripture:  Colossians 1:15-19

I.    SUPREME IN RELATION TO GOD  

The Bible is supremely a book about Jesus.

1. The OT records the (preparation) for His coming.
2. The gospels present Him as (God in human flesh).
3. Acts shows us the spread of the message of (salvation).
4. The epistles give us our (theology) and show Christ in (His Body), the church.
5. Revelation presents Christ (triumphant).

Heresy definition: a bad idea about Jesus.

Paul’s powerful descriptions of Jesus:

1. The image of the invisible God.
2. The firstborn of all creation.

II.   SUPREME IN RELATION TO CREATION 

How is He supreme?

1. He is the (Creator).
2. He was (before all things).
3. He holds (all things together).

III.  SUPREME IN RELATION TO THE CHURCH 

The church is a (Body), and Christ is the Head of that Body. The church is not a (business); it is a (living organism) and it is inseparably tied together by the (living Christ). He controls (every part) of it and gives it (life and direction). As members of that Body, we are (totally dependent) upon the Head.

Jesus is what no one else can say: the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, the preeminent one. He is the source. He is the highest in rank. He is the first in everything.

Next week: Theme: Truth/ Series: Supremacy

        Title:  Why We Do What We Do- Colossians 1: 19-29

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: A Prayer for the Church!!

Scripture:  Colossians 1:9-14

I.    A PRAYER FOR KNOWLEDGE

The prevailing philosophy was called (Gnosticism). Taught Christ was a good place to begin but so much more.  Incorporated a system of passwords, rites, and initiations. What came along was the superior, (know-it-all) attitude.

Paul prayed for personal knowledge of (Christ and His will).

What is important about this knowledge is that it is not given to the follower of Christ in (inform) them, but to (transform) them.

II.   A PRAYER FOR WALKING WELL

4 marks of a pleasing walk:

1. It connects (knowledge and conduct).  (10a)   True spiritual knowledge means (action).
2. It produces (fruit). (10b)  Good fruit is the outgrowth of (God’s work) in our lives.
3. It increases our (knowledge). (10b)  The word for increases denotes (constant growth).
4. It builds our (strength). (11)

Next week: Theme: Truth/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  Above All- Colossians 1: 15-18

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Faithful

TITLE: Celebrate!!

Scripture:  Colossians 1:1-8

I.    CELEBRATING THE PAST  

The author of the book: (Paul) with a little bit of help from (Timothy).

More importantly: Why the book?  Jesus Christ is sufficient as our (Lord), our (Life), and our (Leader). It appears the young believers at Colossae still lacked the deep-rooted, mature faith in the (sufficiency of the person and work of Christ) that would enable them to stand against the onslaught of (worldly philosophies) and (man-made religions).

II.   CELEBRATING THE PRESENT         

What does Paul celebrate?

1. There is a celebration of (joy).  He calls them “saints and faithful brothers in Christ.”

2. There is a celebration of (thanksgiving).  He gives us sort of an “apostolic shorthand” for genuine Christianity.

1) He is thankful for their (faith) in verses 3-4a.
2) He is thankful for their (love) in verse 4.
3) He is thankful for this (hope) in verse 5.

3. There is a celebration of (the gospel).

Next week: Theme: Truth/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  A Prayer for the Church/ Colossians 1: 9-14

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Faithful

TITLE: Worth the Wait

Scripture:  2 Cor. 5:1-10

I.    THE UGLINESS OF HELL      

Some contemporary views of hell:

1)     (Deny the existence) of hell.

2)     (Universalism).

What does the Bible say about hell?

1.     Hell is a place of (punishment after judgment). Mt.25:31-46

2.     Hell is described in imagery of (fire and darkness).  Mt.13:30, 40-43. The hell Jesus describes is not a (hell-on-earth) that accompanies bad decisions during this life, nor is it the (never-ending party) that some seem to think it will be.

3.     Hell is a place of (annihilation or never-ending judgment).

4.     Hell is a place of (eternal separation) from God.

II.   THE BEAUTY OF HEAVEN

What are some thoughts we can glean from the Scriptures about heaven?

1.     Heaven is (where God lives). Is.57:15; Ps.103:9; Ps.2: 3-5

2.     Heaven is the home of (departed saints).

3.     Heaven is the home of (reunion)

“For the Christian, heaven is where Jesus is. We do not need to speculate on what heaven will be like. It is enough to know that we will be forever with Him.” Barclay

Next week: Theme: Truth/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  Celebrate! Colossians 1:1-8

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Faithful

TITLE: Suffering Happens

Scripture:  2 Cor. 4: 8-15

I.   THE INEVITABLE     

“When trouble comes, this does not mean that I am a bad Christian. Nor does it mean God is against me, although sometimes I may feel that way. In my trouble, it helped immensely to know that I was going through something that happens to most of God’s beloved children.” (Ryken-p.16)

“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” Phil.1:29

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” I P.4:12-13

“It is doubtful God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” Tozer

II.   THE LESSONS      

“Suffering is inevitable; misery is optional.”

What lessons can we learn about trials?

They are (inevitable).
They do have a (purpose).
They show us where our (true strength) lies.

When we die, He lives. When we lose, He wins. When we’re weak, He is strong. When we’re dependent, He is powerful.

Next week: Theme: Truth/ Series: Faithful

Title: Well Worth the Wait- 2 Cor.5:1-10

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Faithful

TITLE: Glorify Whom?

Scripture:  2 Cor. 4:6-7; I Cor. 3:1-9

I.    THE PURPOSE OF WORSHIP     

“When we stop long enough to think about it, we realize that our dilemma goes deeper than the shortage of time; it is basically a problem with priorities…We sense uneasily our failure to do what we really important. The winds of other people’s demands, our own inner compulsions, have driven us onto a reef of frustration.” Charles Hummel-Tyranny of the Urgent

By one author worship is called the (ultimate) priority. Another calls it the (irreplaceable) priority.

Worship is significant because it turn our (full attention to the only One worthy of it).

Worship does not refer to (external) actions.

The purpose of worship is to (honor, revere, magnify, and lift up and praise) God for who He is.

II.   THE PRIORITY OF WORSHIP        

Someone has suggested we actually worship in three dimensions:

1 .  There is an (outward) dimension.
2.   There is an (inward) dimension.  Ephesians 5:8-10
3.   There is an (upward) dimension. Hebrews 13:15-“Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips that acknowledge His name.”

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Truth / Series: Faithful

Title: Suffering Happens- 2 Cor.4:8-15