Category: Sermon Notes

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Postcards

TITLE: To the Faithful Church

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Blanket statement: There is no (perfect church).

I.    THE DESCRIPTION OF THE CORRESPONDENT         

How He is described:

1.     The (holy One).  To say this is to say He is (absolutely flawless) and (unblemished).

2.     The (true One).  Top say this is to say He is (genuine), credible, dependable, (and real).

3.     The (key of David).  To say this is to speak to His (absolute authority).  “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we can be saved.” Acts 4:12

II.   THE DESCRIPTION OF THE CHURCH  

Four qualities of a faithful church:

1.     You have but (little power).

2.     You have kept (my word).

3.     You have not (denied my name).

4.     You have (patient endurance).

They had unprecedented opportunities:

1)     Jesus would humble (their enemies).

2)     Jesus would keep them from (maximum affliction).

3)     Jesus would make them (strong and secure).   “And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land…They will fight against you but not prevail against you.” Jer.1:18-19

4)     Jesus would give them a (new identity).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Postcards

Title: To the Lukewarm Church- Rev.3: 14-22

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Postcards

TITLE: To the Dead Church

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

I.    THE PICTURE OF DEATH      

Sardis was known as the city of (two locations). One was at the top of Mount Tmolus and the other in the fertile Hermus River valley.

Three different spiritual strands thrived in Sardis:

1.     The (Caesar) cult or emperor worship.

2.     Temple of (Artemis/Diana)

3.     Worship of Cybele, a local (nature goddess)

When is a church dead?

1)     When it is content to (rest on its past laurels).

2)     When it is more concerned with (form) than (spiritual reality).

3)     When it focuses more on (social ills) and (politics) than changing people’s hearts and minds through the life-changing message of Jesus.

4)     When it is more concerned with (material things) than (spiritual things).

II.   THE POSSIBILITY OF LIFE

5 moves they must make:

1.     (Wake up). [V.2a]

2.     (Strengthen) the remnant. [V.2b]

3.     Remember your (purpose)! [V.3]

4.     (Keep it). [V.3b]

5.     (Repent!) [v.3c]

Three promises made to a faithful remnant:

1)     The promise of (eternal life).

2)     The promise of a (place in heaven).

3)     The promise of (Jesus Himself).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Postcards

Title: To the Faithful Church- Rev.3: 7-13

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Postcards

TITLE: To the Tolerant Church

I.   THE COMMENDATION OF THE CHURCH

This is the only letter, and the only place in Revelation, that mentions the title of Jesus as (the Son of God). By using it Jesus immediately establishes His (authority).

The church was commended for three qualities:

1.     For their (works).

2.     For their (love, faith, service and patient endurance).

3.     For their (latter works) which exceeded the (first).

II.  THE CONDEMNATION OF THE CHURCH           

While He points out their love, faith, service and patient endurance there is no mention of (sound doctrine) here.

The church in Thyatira was an immoral cesspool. Their problem? They tolerated (Jezebel).

How did she seduce this church?

1)     One possibility is by using (Gnosticism). This taught that the physical universe was (evil) while the spiritual world was (good).

2)     Another possibility could be (antinomianism). This is a combination of two words: anti which means “no” and nomianism which mean “law.”

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Postcards

Title: To the Dead Church- Rev.3: 1-6

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Postcards

TITLE: The Letter to the Church at Pergamum

Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17

In a word: COMPROMISE. The letter to the church at Pergamum is a call to repentance from the compromises that the church and believers in the church should never have made.

The Description of the Judge: The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword – v 12

–        It is with this (sword) that Christ strikes down (compromise) within the church at Pergamum.

The Condition of the Church: Praiseworthy Actions

I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is…

–        “Satan’s throne” means (stronghold)! To be deserving of that title means it is a place that is more full of wickedness and idolatry than any other place.

Yet you hold fast my name and did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness…

–        We know (nothing more) of Antipas. He is only mentioned in this verse.

–        GREEK: (martus) or in English “martyr” – ESV translation: “witness”

The Condition of the Church: Strong Criticism

You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam…So also you have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

–        Balaam, Balak, the Midianites and Israel: Numbers 25

–        Nicolaitans: profess Christian faith, but claim Christians can (do whatever they please) with their bodies and that it is of no consequence.

–        The Balaamites and Nicolaitans are linked together here in the passage as compromisers. They seem to be Christians by profession of faith but not by lifestyle. They’ve embraced sin.

Repentance and Reward

Hidden Manna: symbol of restored fellowship with God

–        Christ will feed them the TRUE BREAD of heaven: (Himself) – See John 6:35

White Stone with a New Name: you are a new creation in Christ

–        Legal Practice – Jurors would cast their vote to (acquit) someone by dropping a white stone into an urn

–        New Name – A name was your identity. It was the verbal birthmark of your character. As a result of our repentance and perseverance, Jesus promises us a new name, a new identity.

Closing Thoughts on Compromise

1.      Compromise (occurs slowly).

2.      Compromise (lowers the standard).

3.      Compromise (is seldom offensive).

4.      Compromise (is often the first step toward disobedience).

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Postcards

TITLE: To The Persecuted Church

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

I.    THE TRADITION OF PERSECUTION  

Persecution doesn’t (destroy) the church; it makes it (strong).

“In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

2 Corinthians 11:24-28 (Turn there)

The name Smyrna means (myrrh).

They are commended for several strengths they exhibit:

1. 1. 1. 1. For their (tribulation).
         2. For their (poverty).
         3. For their (steadfastness).

II.   THE TREASURE OF PERSEVERANCE          

Turn to 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Two principles worth keeping in mind:

• • • • Remember that the Lord knows all about (your circumstances).
        • • Remember if things worse or stay the same, Jesus is (always with us).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Postcards

Title: To the Tolerant Church- Rev.2:18-29

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Postcards

TITLE: To The Loveless Church

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

I.    INTRODUCTION AND COMMENDATION

The city of Ephesus had several standout points:

1. 1. 1. 1. Primary harbor of Asia Minor
         2. Center of culture and entertainment
         3. Main attraction: Temple of (__________________________________ ).

The church was commended on several fronts:

1. 1. 1. 1. For its (______________________________________________________).
         2. Didn’t tolerate (_____________________________________________ ).
         3. Hated the works of the ( ____________________________________).
         4. For its (_____________________________________).

II.   COMMENDATION AND CORRECTION

“The Ephesians were the pit bulls of orthodoxy-guarding truth, chasing away false teachers. But in their zeal, they substituted knowledge for knowing, hating for loving.” Swindoll

They were going through the motions. They were rigid and right on with doctrine and calling an ace and ace and a spade a spade. But they were lacking in what mattered: ( _____________________________).

“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one died for all, therefore all have died.” 2 Corinthians 5:14

Three statements for correction:

1. 1. 1. (_____________________________________________)
      2. ( _________________________________________)
      3. (___________________________)

NEXT WEEK: Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Postcards

Title: To the Persecuted Church- Rev.2:8-11

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Postcards

TITLE: The Church – Capital C – The Bride of Christ

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18, Acts 2:42-47

I.    What the Church IS NOT…

1. 1. (A Model or Formula): The “HOW-TO” of a church does not define what “church” is!
   2. (A Program): The “WHAT WE DO” of a church does not define what “church” is!
   3. (A Building): This may be WHERE the church gathers, but it is not “the church.”
   4. (A Social Club): Reducing the church to a social gathering strips the church of its power, its position and its purpose.
   5. (A Pastor Following): DANGER ZONE! People are fallible! Put your pastor on a pedestal and you be disappointed, the pastor will be burned-out and the church will be without its spiritual power or influence!

II.    What the Church IS…

Charles Swindoll in The Church Awakening: “The church is a body of people called out from among the world for the distinct and unique purpose of glorifying their Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Minimalist Definition: “The Church is a ‘family’ of Christ-followers with a purpose: to make much of Christ!”

1. 1. FAMILY: not a blood family, but a spiritual family of 2.2 billion!
      1. Transcends all (divisions) and is totally (diverse)
      2. We are inseparably connected and in need of one another
   2. CHRIST-FOLLOWERS: we each individually relate to Christ!
      1. He is the (object of our faith)
      2. He is our (Savior)
      3. He is our (Lord)
      4. He is our (Greatest Treasure)
   3. WITH A PURPOSE: TO MAKE MUCH OF CHRIST!
      1. Through (Worship)
      2. Through (Obedience)
      3. Through (Evangelism)
      4. Through (Prayer)
      5. Through (Love)

Early Church Snapshot:  Acts 2:42-47

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Icebergs

TITLE: Perfect Timing

Scripture: Genesis 46-50

I.    THE REUNION WITH HIS FAMILY    

The extravagance of Pharaoh and the Egyptians

I see several good happenings:

1)     Joseph has (truly forgiven) his brothers.

2)     Joseph has totally wiped out the (favorite) tag.

3)     Joseph never lost (his love) for his father.

II.   THE REASSURANCE TO HIS BROTHERS        

Joseph is going to face some major challenges:

1.     The heartbreak of (losing his father).

In this exchange Jacob has Joseph put his hand under his thigh. That was an (oath-taking)   process.

2.     Joseph is overcome with emotion: he calls for the Egyptian embalmers. The process takes (40) days.

3.     Joseph was overcome with emotion; his brothers are overcome with (fear).

Joseph was led by grace. If you have not forgiven someone, it is time. If you have received someone’s forgiveness, it is time. If you have been the recipient of God’s forgiveness, now is the time to truly believe it.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Postcards

Title: Pastor Ryan East preaching

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Icebergs

TITLE: His Hardest Task

Scripture: Genesis 42-45:15

“To err is human, to forgive, divine-to forgive and forget supernatural.”

I.   THE TEST   

The famine had reached (Canaan), approximately (200) miles from Egypt.

A most interesting verse: Verse 9. “And Joseph remembered the dreams that he had dreamed of them.”

II.  THE BARGAIN    

Joseph offers to let them return to Canaan but they must leave one behind. He names (Simeon).

Three things worth taking note of:

1)     A seared conscience can come back to life. (No one is out of reach).

2)     Joseph is overhearing and understanding what they are saying. (Be careful what you say).

3)     They thought God was out to get them. (Guilt)

III. THE REVELATION

Who steps up to the plate this time? (Judah). Both at home and to Joseph.

How could Joseph respond as he did to his brothers? (“God sent me here”).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Icebergs

Title: Perfect Timing: Genesis 46-50

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Icebergs

TITLE: Prison Life

Scripture: Genesis 39:21-40:23

I.    LIFE IN PRISON           

What are some things that keep people in prison?

1)     (Circumstances)

2)     (Others’ expectations)

3)     (Guilt)

4)     (Pessimism)

II.   RISING ABOVE PRISON LIFE  

Cupbearer’s main responsibility? (Protect Pharaoh).

In many ways he was the (most trusted) man in the kingdom.

Baker’s main responsibility? (Bake), of course.

Joseph’s ability to minister to these two was because he was free from (bitterness).

Joseph’s response to the invitation from Pharaoh:

1.     (Dignity).

2.     (Humility).

3.     (Faith).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Icebergs

Title: His Hardest Task: Genesis 42-45:15