In Plain View

Sermon Outline for January 6th, 2008

Sermon Title:  Dealing With Unfamiliar People

Scripture:  Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV)

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
Mt 2:6 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.' "
Mt 2:7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

I. Background
A. Several months, perhaps two years, after the birth of Christ.
B. Magi were learned men from Persian, and Syria who studied the stars.
C. Thy were not Jews and they were not Christians.
D. We do not know their names, how many there were, nor whether they were really kings.

II. The Magi were strange, unfamiliar people who were seeking Christ.
A. Gentile – the nations outside of Israel.  ie: outsiders
B. Strange and unfamiliar dress, language, beliefs.
C. Unfamiliar with the customs and the politics of the region.
D. Seen by many as a threat or a sign of a coming threat.
E. Unfamiliar people seeking Christ in familiar ways.

III. God sought to reveal Christ to the world, including unfamiliar people.
A. Jews are the chosen people yet they broke their covenant with God and rejected His son as savior.
B. Jesus took his message first to the Jews but always was willing to minister to the needs of Gentiles.
C. The apostle Paul focused his life and ministry on taking the gospel to the Gentile world.
D. We are here today because God chose to reveal Christ to unfamiliar people.
E. The Magi were protected and guided at every step.  They could not fail as long as they kept seeking.

IV. Unfamiliar people require us to make adjustments.
A. Consider the faith and courage (adjustments) required for unfamiliar people to enter into worship with others.
B. Consider the humility (adjustments) required for Saul to become Paul.
C. Consider the love (adjustments) required for Jesus to leave his heavenly home and dwell among us and then die for us.

V. We should embrace unfamiliar people who are willing to embrace God.

A. We are God’s people by the same grace that He extends to others.
B. As God’s people, He expects us to have the heart of Christ, which is to love those whom he loves (God and others).
C. Our mission is to follow Christ and make him known to a world filled with unfamiliar people.

Getting Back to the Basics of Christmas

During this advent season I have been led to prepare sermons dealing with simple concepts that too often get overshadowed by the hectic frenzy that we have allowed to creep into our celebrations.  The angels outside Bethlehem proclaimed that peace was available to those who would receive it.  However it seems that peace is the farthest thing form our minds at Christmas.  The pressure of finding or receiving the perfect gift, preparing the perfect meal, decorating the perfect home and throwing the perfect party often overshadow and rob us of the true joy and peace that was intended with the birth of Christ.  Now don't start feeling too guilty, we all have responsibilities and obligations to family and others during this time.  You may not be able to remove the obligations, but let us be resolved to not let the perfect fulfillment of those obligations become so primary in our thinking that it begins to overshadow the true and basic message of Christmas.  May we all have a truly joyous celebration and at the same time make a conscience effort to keep Christ as the center of everything we think, say and do this Christmas.

Life Upgrade: Is It Right For You?

Sermon Outline for Sunday, January 7, 2007

I am excited about a new sermon series for the month of January entitled "Life Upgrade".  As we begin a new year, one of the things I believe God wants us to understand is that our lives can be better than they currently are.  Like an upgrade to a better rental car, theater seat or computer software version, the life upgrade God has planned for us requires us to accept the offer and then be prepared to make some changes in our plans.  Our theme verse for this series is John 10:10, and the first sermon in this series is entitled "Is It Right For You?"  Below are the main points and some of the scripture references from the first sermon.

There is something better than our current life. (John 10:10)

Having a better life requires us to be obedient followers of God. (Deuteronomy 28:1-14)

Making a choice for or against obedience to God cannot be avoided. (1 Kings 18:21), (Joshua 24:15)

Choosing obedience to God leads to blessing, but not choosing obedience to God leads to curses.  (Deuteronomy 28:15-20)

Now is the time to choose the upgraded life. (Deuteronomy 30:19)

If you or someone you know and love needs to upgrade their lives in 2007, then invite them to hear this sermon series.  For information about obtaining CD's or DVD's of this sermon or sermon series, contact Ernie Holder or call the church office at 910-892-7855.

Barriers to Christmas Joy, Part 1 – Conflict with Our Fellow Man

Message outline for Sunday, December 10, 2006

When we read the gospel accounts of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, we see that there were many sources of conflict that were delt with properly.  Because conflict was handled well, the joy of Chirstmas, the birth of Jesus into a safe and stable environment, was not prevented.

Often today, we fail to experience the true joy of Christmas because our lives are also filled with conflict.  We all have stress caused by concflict with family, betrayal of friends, hectic schedules, etc.  These things rob us of our joy at Christmas and every other day of the year. The point of this message and the next is that we can learn how to deal with the conflict that robs us of Christmas joy by following the example of the characters in the original Chrsitmas story.  I this first message, we deal with the conflict of man with his fellow man and next week we will deal with the conflict of man with God.

Scripture:
Mt 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Mt 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. (KJV)

I. Conflict with family, and friends - Joseph vs. Mary
Mt 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

Mt 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

A. Joseph and Mary were getting off to a very bad start as a couple.
B. Often we attempt to experience the joy of Christmas while harboring ill will in our hearts towards others.
C. When the angle appeared to the shepherds, they were given the promise of peace to everyone of good will.
D. If we want to remove barriers to Christmas joy, then we have to make peace with our families and friends.
E. Like Joseph, often we cannot reason our way into making peace, we must allow God to speak to our hearts.

II. Conflict with society - Joseph and Mary vs. public opinion
Mt 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. (KJV)

Mt 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife. (KJV)

A. For Joseph, Mary’s pregnancy was an embarrassment and a great source of emotional pain.
B. For Mary, the pregnancy meant that she could lose her future husband, her respect in the community and possibly even be stoned to death for adultery.
C. Often today we do things at Christmas and at other times of the year not necessarily because we want to, but because we think we have to for the sake of public opinion.
D. Like Joseph, we find that the joy of Christmas comes by striving to please God not by pleasing public opinion.

III. Conflict with government – Mary and Joseph vs. Cesar Augustus.
Lk 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Lk 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
Lk 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
Lk 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
Lk 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. (KJV)

A. I am sure that Mary and Joseph were not happy about the decree requiring them to travel to Bethlehem.
B. Often today, we feel treated and robbed by the policies of government that seem to threaten the observance of Christmas.
C. The joy of Christmas can never be taken away from us by outward forces.

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder (KJV)

IV. Conflict with our selves in the physical realm.
Lk 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Lk 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (KJV)

A. For Mary and Joseph, the final barrier was to overcome the physical limitations they encountered.
B. The travel, the finding of suitable lodging and the physical difficulty of child birth were barriers that would send most of us into spiraling emotional and mental breakdown.

C. Many of us today get so physically run down, that we lose the joy of Christmas.

The Joy of Giving

Sermon Outline for Sunday November 26, 2006
Scripture 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 (NIV)

The topic of giving is touchy for some people.  I guess the fear is that somehow judgments are being issued about the ability or willingness of others to give.  That is not the case with giving any more than it is with any topic.  The purpose of all messages, including messages on giving, is to present the word of God in a way that can be understood and applied to our lives in hopes that our lives will be enriched, now and for all eternity, as we learn to walk closer with the Master.

The Bible teaches that there is joy and blessing in giving.  If you are giving regularly, then I hope this message serves to confirm your decision.  If you are not giving regularly, then I hope this message will inspire you to begin making a plan that will lead you to know the "joy of giving" in the future.

We can be inspired by the giving nature of others. (v. 1)
The Corinthian church had a problem with a lack of giving.
The Macedonian church gave joyfully and sacrificially.
Paul used the example of the Macedonians to inspire the Corinthians to discover the power and the joy of giving.

Those who experience need often make more generous givers. (v. 2)
The Macedonian church was poor in money but rich in generosity.
The Macedonian church knew first hand of the pain and sorrow of want.
The were ready and willing to send help where needed, even outside their area.
The Corinthian church was more affluent yet they could not afford to support Paul’s ministry there much less the ministry in other places.

The joy found in giving inspires us to give beyond what seems logical. (v. 3-4)
We tend to put our money where it brings us the most comfort and joy.
In an effort to gain comfort and joy, we sometimes spend more than we are able.
The Macedonians enjoyed giving and were inspired to give more than they were able.
We should be careful about over spending, but we need not worry about over giving.

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NIV).

"Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God" (2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NIV).

God gives good gifts to the generous so that they can be more generous.

Failing to give is an indication that something is spiritually wrong. (v. 5)
Problems in the Corinthian church.
Problems with personal consecration.

Giving is something that we should teach and encourage in others. (v. 6)
Paul had sent Titus previously to organize a collection for the distressed church in Jerusalem.  The collection from Corinth had not been completed.
If giving is a blessing that brings joy, then we should encourage giving in others.
Rather than giving up on the untapped joy available to the Corinthians, Paul sends Titus back a second time.
We need to encourage giving.

Giving is something that cannot be ignored. (v.7)
If we excel at everything except giving, then we fail.
If we fail to give, it is due to some spiritual trouble in our church or individual life.
If we fail to give, we rob God of what is His and we rob ourselves of the joy of giving.

Application:
Pray and ask God to forgive us of keeping His money for ourselves.
Pray and ask God to give us hearts that are receptive to the blessing of giving.
Take account of where our money goes. - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21 NIV).
Agree with God on a plan to restore our finances to God’s authority.
Agree with God on the amount we should be presently giving, and by faith begin now.

Reasons Why We Forget to Say Thank You

Sermon Outline for Sunday, November 19, 2006
Scripture:   Luke 17:11-19

We tend to find comfort in living by certain rules.

We tend to allow our requests to degrade into demands.

We forget the simple principle of personal responsibility.

We fail to take accurate account of our changed circumstances.

We exhibit a degree of thanksgiving in life in reverse proportion to the amount of blessings we have received.

What Cause Is Worth Dying For?

Sermon Outline for Sunday, November 12, 2006

Scripture:  2 Corinthians 5:14-15

At the end of Star Trek II: 'The Wrath of Khan' the character totally logical Mr. Spock realizes the ship and its crew is doomed to destruction unless he goes into the radioactive engine room to make repairs.  He chooses himself because he recognizes that he was one of only a few capable of doing the job and that he could not ask anyone else because the laying down of ones life for another is a choice that one must be willing to make for ourselves.

With the job complete, the ship safely away, and Mr. Spock dieing from radiation poisoning, the stunned Captain Kirk bids an emotional farewell to his dearest friend Mr. Spock. You need not mourn, says Spock, for his sacrifice was logical. "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one" he says as he dies.

http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/series/MOV/002/synopsis/82.html

But all is not lost.  In the sequel, Captain Kirk discovers that Spock is alive and risks his reputation, career, ship and crew to rescue Mr. Spock, who questions why the captain and crew risked their lives and careers to rescue him. Then his friend Captain Kirk reminds him, sometimes the "needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many."

http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/series/MOV/003/synopsis/83.html

                           

I.       Logic and popular thinking does not always bring us to the right answers in matters of the value of life and death.

A.     Often we think of the heroic solider who gives up his life to save his platoon.  Is this action right?  Is his action logical?

B.     We are all inspired by movies like “Saving Private Ryan” where an entire platoon is called upon to save one man whose mother has lost all her other sons in battle.  Is this action right?  Is this action logical?

C.     Both can be right, but both cannot be logical because they are fundamentally the opposites of each other.

D.     So in the matter of the value of life and death, we cannot depend on logic and popular thinking to lead us to the right answer.

II.    We are willing to die for only that which we value and we value only that which we love.

III. The “love of Christ” is worth dieing for many times over.

A.     The phrase “love of Christ” has a possible double meaning.

1.      The love that Christ has for the world.

2.      The love that the church has for Christ.

3.      One love convinces us and the other love controls us.

B.     The love that Christ has for the world conveniences us.

^{RO 5:8} But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (NASB)

1.      The love that Christ had for us compelled Him to die for our sins so that we might live.

2.      Christ’s death demonstrates to us His love for us.

3.      By Christ’s sacrificial death we are convinced:

a.       We are convinced of His love because we know that only love is worth dieing for.

b.      We are convinced of our need. Christ would not have died for all if all were not in need.

c.       We are convinced to accept the free gift of Christ’s love.

d.      We are convinced to live for Christ.

C.     The love that we have for Christ controls us.

^{RO 6:5} For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,

^{RO 6:6} knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;

^{RO 6:7} for he who has died is freed from sin. (NASB)

1.      To live for Christ is to die to our old nature.

2.      As Christ died because of His love for us, we die to self because of our love for Him.

The Call to Spiritual Self-Examination

Sermon outline for Sunday, November 5, 2006
Scripture:  Psalm 19:12-14 (NIV)

Honest and accurate spiritual self-examination is difficult for most of us and for some of us it is almost impossible.
It involves admitting we are wrong and dying to self which is in opposition to human nature.
It involves a process that easily becomes an over simplified exercise in comparing ourselves to others.
It involves submitting to our individual consciences which can be varied and flawed.
1Co 4:4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. (NIV)
It involves doing battle with the old flesh nature that remains with us even after we are saved.
Gal 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. (NIV)

Honest and accurate spiritual self-examination is expected of us by God.
The excuse before God that “I didn’t know” will not be accepted.
Lev 5:2 “ ‘. . . if a person touches anything ceremonially unclean—whether the carcasses of unclean wild animals or of unclean livestock or of unclean creatures that move along the ground—even though he is unaware of it, he has become unclean and is guilty. (NIV)
When we come before God, in worship, prayer or in our final glory, we must examine ourselves honestly and accurately.

1Co 11:28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. (NIV)

God’s plan for honest and accurate spiritual self-examination.
The right standard of comparison in Jesus Christ.
2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? (NIV)

The Holy Scriptures as our rule and guide.
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
2Ti 3:17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV)

The Holy Spirit who is a constant companion who reminds us.
Jn 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (NIV)

Why Do We Baptize?

Sermon Outline for October 29, 2006

The word baptize comes from the Greek word baptizo which means “to dip or immerse in water.” In keeping with our Baptist tradition, we baptize by immersion which means that the candidate stands with the pastor in at least waist high water and then is baptized by being reclined by the pastor backwards into the water until the candidate is completely covered by the water. Then the candidate is lifted back to a standing position. What is it that compels churches and baptism candidates to subject themselves to being publicly dipped in water before a Sunday morning congregation? It is difficult to explain in terms of logic that a non-believer could understand and accept, but for the believer, one simple answer is because it pleases God. From the story of the baptism of Jesus found in Matthew 3:13-17 (KJV) we can glean the following points as we seek to understand the question of why do we baptize?

    

God’s spirit draws us to receive baptism. (v. 13)

Receiving baptism is the natural step following repentance. (v. 14)

Receiving baptism is an act of obedience to join into fellowship with other believers. (v. 15)

Receiving baptism is pleasing to God. (v. 16-17)

Are you one in whom God is well pleased?

Even Profits Get The Blues; Dealing With Depression

Sermon Outline for Sunday October 22, 2006

Mental illness is a sickness that everyone experiences, directly or indirectly, but few will admit, even to themselves, that they are affected. The most common form of mental illness is depression.  Many well known, successful people have suffered from sever depression:  Winston Churchill, Robert E. Lee, Abraham Lincoln, Lottie Moon, Charles Spurgeon and Martin Luther.

Many aspects of the effects of depression on the Christian life appear in John Bunyan’s classic allegory to the Christian Life, The Pilgrim’s Progress.

For a Biblical perspective on depression we can look at a period in the life of the profit Elijah from 1 Kings 19:1-13 (NIV).

I. Events that led to Elijah’s depression.

(A) Extreme stress from the battle and defeat of the 450 profits of Baal. (B) Extreme high point of his ministry put him on an emotional high with nothing else to do as a follow up.  (C) Lack of a new challenge to rise to led Elijah to focus too much on himself.  (D) Criticism and treats to his well being from the powerful Queen Jezebel.

II. Elijah’s symptoms of depression.

Those exhibiting for of the following symptoms may need to seek help. Elijah's symptoms were: (1) Loss of interest in his usual activities. (2) Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and hopelessness. (3) Loss of appetite and weight loss. (4) Depressed mood. (5) Lethargy  (6) Anxiety  (7) Slow thinking  (8) Suicidal thoughts.  Other symptoms could include: (1) Over eating and weight gain. (2) Crying  (3) Excessive increase in television viewing.  (4) Sleep disturbances  (5) Hyperactivity

III. God’s prescription for Elijah’s depression.

(A) Get up and take care of yourself.  (B) Look for ways to be helpful to others.  (C) Spend time in deep study, meditation and prayer.  (D) Set some new goals to work toward.  (E) Admit your limitations, seek and accept help from others.