Category: Sermon Notes

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: A Lifeboat

TITLE: Providence or Luck?

Scripture: Romans 8: 28-30

I.    WHAT MAKES UNDERSTANDING PROVIDENCE SO HARD?      

Providence- the events of our lives are not ruled by chance or blind fate but by our loving Lord and Savior, who works out His plan and His purposes in the lives of all His children.” Swindoll

Several reasons why we have trouble with providence:

1.      We have (control) issues.

2.      We have (selfishness) issues.

3.      We have (fear) issues.

4.      We have (pride) issues.

II.   WHAT ESSENTIAL TRUTH CAN HELP US UNDERSTAND?

Verse 28 broken down into 4 parts:

1)      The promise is based on (fact), not (feeling).

2)      The project is (God’s), not ours.

3)      God’s plan is (total), not (partial).

4)      God’s purpose is (good), not (evil).

All that happens in my life or yours is for His one desire for us: to be (conformed) to the (image of His Son).  Jesus is the (pattern); Christlikeness is the (goal).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Heroes

Title: Cooperation without Compromise- Daniel 1

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: A Lifeboat

TITLE: A Secure Mind

Scripture: Romans 8: 31-39

The most dangerous philosophy today is (humanism).

I.    WHAT SHALL WE THEN SAY?      

What are the “these things? Paul refers to in verse 31?

1)      There is now no (condemnation).

2)      Discussion of (sanctification).

3)      Lessons learned through (suffering).

4)      The idea of God’s (providence).

II.   QUESTION #1: WHO CAN OPPOSE US?    

Four words: (God is for us).   “The Lord is my life and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” Ps.27:1

III.  QUESTION #2: WHO SHALL ACCUSE US?

(God) is not one of our accusers: He is our (justifier).

IV.   QUESTION #3: WHO SHALL CONDEMN US?

Grace nullifies (opposition); grace silences (accusations); grace overrules (condemnation).

V.    QUESTION #4: WHO (WHAT) SHALL SEPARATE US?

Paul moves up ladder in intensity:

1)      Tribulation- (hard circumstances)

2)      Distress- situations that (confine and oppress) us.

3)      Persecution- People intent on our (harm)

4)      Famine- (helpless hunger)

5)      Nakedness- Poverty so harsh can’t (afford clothes)

6)      Danger- In danger of false (arrest), (trial), or being killed.

7)      Sword- (death)

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: A Lifeboat

Title: Providence or Luck? – Romans 8:28-30

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: A Lifeboat

TITLE: A Submissive Mind

Scripture: Romans 8: 18-30

“Physical suffering exposes the delusion of personal autonomy and self-sufficiency.” Tripp

I.    ONE INEVITABLE REALITY   

“Suffering is inevitable; misery is optional.”

What do we know?

1.      Suffering is (certain).

2.      Suffering has a (purpose).

3.      Suffering is (temporary).

The inevitable reality Paul wants us to see is that no matter what we go through here on earth, it pales in comparison to the glory waiting for us.

II.   THREE ESSENTIAL RESPONSES      

Three responses we should have toward suffering:

1)      (Groaning and longing).  [v.23]

2)      (Hoping and waiting).  [24-25]

3)      (Praying and searching) [v.26-27]

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: A Lifeboat

Title: The Secure Mind- Romans 8:31-39

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: A Lifeboat

TITLE: Being in Your Right Mind

Scripture: Romans 8: 12-17

I.    WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT ANYWAY?                                                        
 

Take a look at Romans 3:10. 3:20. 3:23

Let’s clear the air about sanctification:

1.      Sanctification is not (holy self-improvement).

2.      Sanctification does not mean (becoming sinless).

Sanctification comes from the word that means (to set apart).

An important truth to remember is that we have been set apart for God’s (purpose and use).  “We are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Eph.2:10

II.   WHAT DOES A RIGHT MIND LOOK LIKE?

Romans 8:12-13 provides us with the answer.

1)      Not (according to the flesh).

2)      But (to the Spirit).

How do we live this life? Some Scriptural help:

1.      Recognize the (presence of sin) in our flesh.  (Ref. Romans 7:21)

2.      Have a heart (fixed on God).

3.      Meditate on (God’s Word).  “I have stored up your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

4.      Communicate regularly with God (in prayer).

5.      Be (obedient).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: A Lifeboat

Title: A Submissive Mind- Romans 8:18-30

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Last Words

TITLE: Losing My Mind

Scripture: Romans 8: 1-11

I.    WHERE WE STAND                                                       
 

In 7:25 Paul tells us that the only thing which will set us free is the (atoning work of Jesus Christ).

Romans 8:1 tells us we are free. How is that a benefit?

1.      We are (eternally) free.

2.      We are (internally) free. [Verse 2]

3.      We are (positionally perfect). [Verses 3-4]

II.   WHAT WE CHOOSE                           
 

Two kinds of lives that will manifest themselves:

1.      Life according to the flesh. [5a,6a, 7-8]

1)      They have a fleshly (mindset).

2)      They have a deadly (future).

3)      They are hostile (toward God).

4)      They have an inability to (please God).

2.      Life according to the Spirit. [5b, 6b, 9-11]

1)      It has a (spiritual orientation).

2)      It has a (peaceful existence).

3)      It is empowered by (the Spirit).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: A Lifeboat

Title: Being in Your Right Mind- Romans 8:12-17

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Last Words

TITLE: Surrender and Victory

Scripture: Luke 23: 44-49

I.    HIS RESOLVE   

Other 6 sayings on the cross:

1)      A Plea for Forgiveness: “Father, forgive them…”

2)      A Promise of Salvation: “Today you shall be with me…”

3)      A Provision for His mother: “Woman, behold your son…”

4)      A Petition to the Father: “Why have you forsaken me?”

5)      A Pleading for relief: “I thirst.”

6)      A Proclamation of Victory: “It is finished.”

II.   HIS RESULT

6 possible scenarios or beliefs we must live with:

1.      Fatalism

2.      Skepticism

3.      Hedonism

4.      Deism

5.      Evolutionism

6.      Universalism

What is the alternative?

·         Truth #1: We are all sinners.

·         Truth #2: Jesus was buried in a tomb.

·         Truth #3: Jesus rose from the grave.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: A Lifeboat

Title: Losing My Mind- Romans 8:1-11

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Last Words

TITLE: I’m Done!

Scripture: John 19:28-30

Jesus fulfilled (332) distinct prophecies in the OT. The mathematical probability of one man fulfilling them is 1/84 with 97 zeroes.

I.        THE CRY FOR RELIEF    

Philosophy during Paul’s day called (Gnosticism).

Turn to Psalm 69:20-21. This is a psalm where the psalmist not only describes his own (pain and thirst), but also foretells the (Savior’s) pain and thirst.

Twice Jesus was offered something to drink.

1.     Before nailed to cross, he was offered wine mixed with gall, which had a (narcotic) effect.

2.     Sour wine which the OT called (vinegar).

 II.        THE CRY FOR COMPLETION                          

“My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work.” Jn.4:34

“For the works the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works I am doing, bear witness about me…” 5:36

“I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” 17:4

What did Jesus accomplish, complete, finish?  (Chuck Swindoll)

1.     Concerning the (Atonement).

2.     Concerning the (Scriptures)

3.     Concerning the (Law)

4.     Concerning the (Devil).

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Last Words

Title: Surrender and Victory- Luke 23:44-49

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Last Words

TITLE: Remembered and Forsaken

Scripture: John 19:25-27; Mt.27: 45-50

I.    HIS HEART FOR HIS MOTHER                                                    

A typical Jewish man in Jesus’ day wore five pieces of clothing: A (headpiece); (Sandals); an (outer garment); a (girdle); and (undergarment).

“Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”  Lk.2:34-35

Jesus’ words show his (love and honor) for His mother, but also an incredible amount of (forgiveness) for John.

II.   HIS HURT FOR HIS FATHER

Jesus was dying as a substitute for others. All our sin was put on Him. All the punishment for our sins was put on His shoulders. The very essence of that was an outpouring of God’s (wrath), something Jesus has (never) experienced before.  And in this lies the true meaning of the cross. The word used is (atonement).

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Cor.5:21

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us.” The $2 word for that act is (propitiation). It speaks of an offering made to satisfy God.

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Last Words

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: Last Words

TITLE: Sayings of Christ on the Cross

Scripture: Luke 23:32-43

The First Two Sayings: “Father, Forgive Them…” and “Today you will be with me in Paradise”

Saying #1 from the Cross: Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.

Two Important Truths from this 1^st Saying:

J1. esus’ words fulfill messianic prophesy from Isaiah – Jesus becomes our (Intercessor)

Isaiah 53:12; Hebrews 7:24-28 and 9:12-15

2. Jesus takes on the role of (Redeemer)

1 John 4:10 and Romans 3:22-26

J.I. Packer: In Christianity “God propitiates his wrath by his own action. He set forth Jesus Christ to be the propitiation of our sins.”

Father Forgive Us:

1. You can have assurance of the forgiveness that Christ died to obtain for you!
2. The experience of your forgiveness should feed your worship and fuel your passionate pursuit of the one who has supplied your forgiveness!
3. Offering forgiveness isn’t natural – it’s supernatural – like Christ.
4. The product of offering forgiveness to others is Freedom and Peace
5. Harboring unforgiveness is an insult to God’s mercy toward you.

Saying #2 from the Cross: I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.

 The Criminal’s Confession:

1. He acknowledges that he is (a guilty sinner)
2. He recognizes the uniqueness of Jesus
3. He realized his (eternal destiny) was enjoined to Christ and demonstrated faith in the coming kingdom of Christ

Four Practical Truths (From Charles Swindoll)

1. You are NEVER too far gone to become a Christian!
2. The printed page of God’s Word and the godly life are the two most effective tools for evangelism.
3. All the God wants and accepts is simple faith. We bring nothing to God except our faith in Him and in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
4. You are instantly accepted into God’s family when you open your heart to him.

Romans 10:13 – “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

THEME: Unsinkable

SERIES: An Anchor

TITLE: Stop Singing The Blues

Scripture: Psalm 77

I.    COMPLAINING ABOUT MY TROUBLES (1-9)                                                   
 

Strange idea going around churches these days: Being a follower of Christ will (exempt us from problems).

The important word for Asaph is the word (remember). He may be struggling, but he hasn’t (forgotten).

But while Asaph is not forgetting what God has done, he is also (feeling sorry for himself).

II.   CONQUERING MY TROUBLES (10-20)                        
 

Please turn to Deuteronomy 2.  What I will call “protected people groups.”  They all came from dubious circumstances:

1)      Esau disregarded his (birthright).

2)      Moab and Ammon were products of (incest).

It is easy to get overwhelmed and swamped and forget God’s goodness and promises. But here is why I can’t forget!  Verse 11

NEXT WEEK:   Theme: Unsinkable/ Series: Last Words (new series)

Title: Youth Pastor Ryan East preaching