2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Truth Decay

TITLE: Alive is Still Alive

Scripture: 1 Cor.15: 50-58

 I.        SERIOUSLY? HE ROSE?                               

Most recent survey: 66% say they believe the biblical accounts of the physical resurrection of Jesus are completely accurate, 20% disagree, 14% not sure.

One thing very good atheists and very good Christians have in common: the central issue for these diametrically opposed groups is the (resurrection of Jesus Christ).

Arguments against the resurrection:

1.      The (swoon) theory.

2.      The (fraud) theory.

3.      The (wrong tomb) theory.

4.      The (dogs ate it) theory.

II.        SERIOUSLY. HE ROSE!             

If you and I are to have any hope for the future, it must rest in the truth that Jesus rose from the dead.  {See 1 Cor. 14, 17, and 19}

The resurrection is a (crucial belief) of the church.

One of the major themes of the NT is (eternal life for the Christ-follower).

Next Week: Series:  “Truth Decay”

Title: Eternity is Still Eternity- Mt. 7: 24-27

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Truth Decay

TITLE: The Cross is Still the Cross

Scripture: Is. 52: 13-53:12; 2 Cor.5: 13-21; Heb.9:11-22

     I.        THE DELUSION OF DENIAL                               

The progressives are taking a different approach to denial than simply saying, “(He didn’t die on a cross).”  The overwhelming belief about the crucifixion is that it was (cosmic child abuse).  Another says God didn’t set up the sacrificial system. (Man did). One says nothing need be done to appease a (hostile God).

   II.        THE CERTAINTY OF CLAIM

Key term: (penal substitutionary atonement).

1.      Atonement- (payment) must be made.

2.      Penal substitution- someone was (substituted) to pay the price.

Why is this wrong?

1.      (Sin) must be dealt with.

2.      God (hates sin) and (what it has done).

God’s holiness demanded what sin demands-(the just punishment), the death penalty.

Next Week: Series:  “Truth Decay”

Title: Alive is Still Alive- I Cor. 15: 50-58

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Truth Decay

TITLE: Sin is Still Sin

Scripture: Rom 3: 1-20; Gen. 3:1; I Cor. 15: 21-22

I.        COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SIN      

Salvation is designed to take us back to our original state- (without sin).

According to the Bible, sin is a lot more than just the violation of some impersonal, arbitrary, heavenly traffic regulation with a heavenly cop monitoring it.  It is a (breaking of a relationship), and even more, it is a (rejection of God Himself)-a push back against God’s rule, care, authority and right to run our lives.

According to progressives (affirming people’s potential) is more important than reminding them of their (brokenness).

Lurking in the background is a much more insidious false teaching: the denial of the (substitutionary atonement of Christ).

II.        UNCOMMON TRUTHS ABOUT SIN           

Rom. 3:23 -> Rom. 6:23 -> Rom. 7: 14-20

A simple definition of sin is (missing the mark).

There has and always will be a struggle between the (old and new) nature.

I Timothy 1: 15 should be our (daily battle cry).

Next Week: Series:  “Truth Decay”

Title: The Cross is Still the Cross- Is. 52: 13-53: 12; 2 Cor. 5: 13-21; Heb. 9:11-22

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Truth Decay

TITLE: Jesus is Still Jesus

Scripture: Mt.16: 13-17; John 1: 1-5, 14 

    I.        WHO JESUS IS…SO THEY SAY        

To a progressive, essential Christian doctrines are (always up for grab). They are open to (reinterpretation).

What are some popular ideas about Jesus?

1.      An (angry social justice advocate).

2.      A (model for living) rather than an (object of worship).

3.      He is (not divine). He is not the same as (Christ), but even Christ is only as old as the universe.  Rohr

4.      See the end of this sermon for a series of questions in which I will give a brief “taste” of how modern religions see Jesus.

A short recap: Jesus is only a (created being). He died because of (his life and teachings), not for the (sin of the world).

   II.        WHO JESUS IS…SO THE BIBLE SAYS             

A quick survey of John’s words:

1.      Jesus was with God (in the beginning).

2.      Jesus was (with God).

3.      Jesus was (God).

Two important Scriptures to consider:

1)     John 1: 4-5

2)     John 8: 23-24

Next Week: Series:  “Truth Decay”

Title: Sin is Still Sin- Romans 3: 1-20; Gen. 3; I Cor. 15:21-22

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Truth Decay

TITLE: God is Still God

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-18, 23-24

God is still God even though there are efforts to (minimize) Him, (change) Him, and even (delete) Him.

I.    WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT GOD

What are they saying about God?

1. 1. 1. 1. Freud- (a crutch).
         2. Voltaire- (an invention of man).
         3. A (cosmic child abuser).
         4. A (mean, hateful entity) who delights in suffering and sending people to hell.
         5. A (moral monster).
         6. A culture of (confusion).

II.   WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT GOD            

“What you think about God shapes your whole relationship with Him. What you believe God thinks about you determines how close you will grow toward Him.” Ingram

2 non-negotiables:

1. 1. 1. 1. God is (not like us).
         2. God cannot (shrink to our level).

What does the Bible say?

1. 1. 1. 1. God is (sovereign).
         2. God is (good and powerful).
         3. God is (holy).
         4. God is (Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent).
         5. God is (loving).

Next Week: Series:  “Truth Decay”

Title: Jesus Still Jesus- Mt. 16: 13-17; John 1:1-5, 14

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Truth Decay

TITLE: The Truth is Still the Truth

Scripture: I Cor.1: 18-2:5

I.  THE BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWN                             

Some terms we need to clarify;

1. 1. 1. 1. Post-Modernism- I will decide what is truth (in my own eyes).  (Feelings) trump (truth).  Truth has (no boundaries). There are no (absolutes).
         2. Post-Truth- There is truth but leaves it to (personal preference).
         3. (Deconstruction)- “The process of systematically dissecting and often rejecting the beliefs you grew up with.  It has little do with objective truth, and everything to do with (tearing down) whatever doctrine someone believes is morally wrong.” (Childers)

II.   THE BATTLE LINES OBLITERATED            

What does the post-truth thought do to the church?

1. 1. 1. 1. Avoid uncomfortable discussions.  (No truth)
         2. Truth is used to bludgeon outsiders. (No love)

“Whatever Jesus says is unquestionably right, and if it were not, then following Him is a waste of time.” John Cooper

What does Paul say about truth? I Cor. 1

1. 1. 1. 1. Human wisdom is (inferior).
         2. God’s wisdom is (superior).
         3. Man’s wisdom will be (destroyed).

Next Week: Series:  “Truth Decay”

Title: God is Still God- Psalm 139: 1-18, 23-24

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Truth Decay

TITLE: The Bible is Still the Bible

Scripture: Psalm 19: 7-11; 2 Timothy 3: 16-17

If the Bible is not true-if it is not the (Word of God)- all else (crumbles).

I.    PEOPLE ARE SAYING WHAT?

The ultimate authority in progressivism is (what you believe), whether it is based upon the Bible or simply upon your (own opinions and feelings).

What the voices are saying:

1. 1. 1. 1. The Bible was put together to (suit an agenda).
         2. The Bible is basically a (forgery).
         3. The Bible doesn’t contain the (real words of God) after all.
         4. The Bible can’t seem to keep its own (story straight).
         5. The whole basis of Christianity is in (question).
         6. God doesn’t care. Maybe He (isn’t even there).
         7. We get to (choose and decided) what is authentic.

II.   THE BIBLE IS SAYING WHAT?

5 basic areas which prove the Bible’s authenticity:

1. 1. 1. (Science) backs up the Bible.
      2. (Miracles) show the supernatural.
      3. (Prophecy) has proven its truth.
      4. (The life of Jesus) is further proof.
      5. (Experience).

Psalm 19 tells us what the Bible says about itself:

1. 1. 1. The Bible is (perfect). [v.7a]
      2. The Bible is (sure). [v.7b]
      3. The Bible is (right). [v.8a]
      4. The Bible is (pure). [v.8b]
      5. The Bible is (clean). [v.9a]
      6. The Bible is (true). [v.9b]

Next Week: Series:  “Truth Decay”

Title: Truth is Still the Truth- I Cor.1: 18-2:5

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Against the Grain

TITLE: Adding the Exclamation Point!

Scripture: Daniel 9:1-20

“Give me a place on which to stand, and I will move the earth.” Archimedes

 “What an individual is in secret, on his knees before God, that he is and no more.” John Owen

I.        DANIEL’S SECRET                         

“I will always avoid prophesying beforehand, because it is a much better policy to prophecy after the event has already taken place.” Churchill

Daniel is reading in the midst of rebuilding and rubble. He is not reading building plans, but instead is reading (God’s blueprint for Israel).

“Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.” Ten Boom

Insights on prayer from Daniel:

· Insight #1- Daniel’s desire to pray came out of his (reading the Scriptures).

· Insight #2- Daniel’s prayer took him into (the presence of God).

II.        DANIEL’S SECRET INGREDIENTS  

The contents of Daniel’s prayer:

1.       (Concentration).

2.       (Humility).

3.       (Honesty).

Elements of Daniel’s prayer we need to have in ours:

1)      (Praise) (v.4)

2)      (Confession). (Vv.5-6)

3)      (Petition). (Vv.16-18)

Next Week: Series:  “Truth Decay”

Title: The Bible is Still the Bible- Psalm 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3: 16-17

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Against the Grain

TITLE: Hint: We Win

Scripture: Daniel 7

I.  WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

Daniel 7 moors us spiritually, and emotionally, in something beyond our optimism or our pessimism. It tells us that things (are far worse that we thought), but far better (than we’ve ever hoped).

“Apocalyptic” writing is used when normal words fail. This is especially true of Daniel and Revelation. What it says? It may not look like it but (God is on the throne) and the future is (securely in His hands).

It is not possible to understand Daniel 7 without recognizing there is a (devil), that he is (active and hostile), and there is a great spiritual battle going on between the (forces of evil) and the (forces of God). Check out Eph.6:12

II. THE KING OF THE JUNGLE

“Ancient of Days” is a description of God. “It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Heb. 10:31) “Our God is a consuming fire.” (Heb.12:29)

What is Daniel being shown?
1. He is (not alone).
2. The kingdom of man (starts to crumble) as the court sits in judgment..

Summary of vision: God (has won), and God (will win) and His people (will reign)-but the war is not over yet

Next Week: Series: “Against the Grain”
Title:  Adding the Exclamation Point – Daniel 9

2022 THEME: For Such a Time. . .

Series: Against the Grain

TITLE: Who’s Afraid of Big Cats?

Scripture: Daniel 6

Daniel is condemned to death in a most gruesome manner because he chooses (loyalty to God) over (obedience to the state).

     I.        BE FAITHFUL- (STAND YOUR GROUND)                          

120 satraps (overseers) -> 3 governors -> Darius

Daniel teaches us a very vital lesson here: (Be true to God) even when it may cost you.

There was no attempt by Daniel (to hide his faith).

Dynamic at work: (Evil men) will not stop at trying to entrap a (godly man).

   II.        BE FAITHFUL- (TRUST YOUR GOD)         

Why can we trust God?

1.       Because we can (rest in God’s plan). (16-18)

2.       Because we can be (certain of God’s power) (19-24)

Daniel’s words: “found innocent.” What do they mean? When the heat was applied (I chose God).

Next Week: Series:  “Against the Grain”

Title: Hint: We Win-  Daniel 7