Sunday Morning, Sept. 20, 2009
THE COMMON PEOPLE HEARD HIM GLADLY
Mark 12:37

Introduction
Common: general, universal, usual, ordinary; a prostitute, lewd. Of no rank or superior excellence.

Calling someone common can be considered vulgar. Jer 26:23 what an insult to a king
Act 10:14-15

There are some advantages to common: Lev 4:27 common people sin through ignorance.
The common people heard Christ gladly. This tells me that to hear the words of Christ you:

I. Don’t Have To Be Wealthy
Pro 19:4
Pro 13:11 nothing wrong with having wealth, as long as the wealth doesn’t have you
The excuse that people make: if I only had the money to…
You don’t have to possess wealth to hear the Lord Jesus Christ, to serve Him.

II. Don't Have To Be Educated
1 Cor 8:1 knowledge puffeth up
Do your best…don’t let your schooling get in the way of your education.

III. You Must Be Humble
Success can sometimes dazzle you in the achieving, but there’s usually someone around to help you keep perspective. TV newsman Tom Brokaw has a story about that:
Brokaw was wandering through Bloomingdale’s in New York one day, shortly after he was promoted to cohost on the “Today” show. That show was a pinnacle of sorts for Brokaw after years of work, first in Omaha, then for NBC in Los Angeles and Washington, and he was feeling good about himself. He noticed a man watching him closely. The man kept staring at him and finally, when the man approached him, Brokaw was sure he was about to reap the first fruits of being a New York television celebrity.
The man pointed his finger and said, “Tom Brokaw, right?”
“Right,” said Brokaw.
“You used to do the morning news on KMTV in Omaha, right?”
“That’s right,” said Brokaw, getting set for the accolades to follow.
“I knew it the minute I spotted you,” the fellow said. Then he paused and added, “Whatever happened to you?”

A newspaper reporter was interviewing an old rancher and asked him to what he would attribute his success as a rancher. With a twinkle in his eye the man replied, “It’s been about 50 percent weather, 50 percent good luck, and the rest is brains.”

Conclusion
The Lord Jesus Christ is an uncommon God, who became a common man, went into a common hall (Mt 27:27) died a cruel but common death, to take us out of the common prison (Act 5:18) by providing a common salvation Jude 3. Amen!

Sunday Evening, Sept. 20, 2009
JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER
Mark 5:21-43

Introduction
There are quite a bit of sermons/lessons on “how to…” you know, improve your life, improve your relationships, improve your finances…etc. That’s all fine and dandy, however you don’t find too much on what I am going to show you tonight. We are going to talk about the Second Coming of Christ. It’s pictured all throughout your Bible:
Moses going into Egypt to get Israel out
David setting up this throne after Saul’s destruction
The Lord Jesus walking on water to His disciples in the 4th watch of the night

Here’s story that gives you the first coming and second coming separated by a woman.

I. The Daughter Is A Type of Israel, Mark 5:22-24 (The first coming of Christ)
A. Mk 5:42 the girl was 12 years old, twelve is a number associated with Israel
1. Jacob had twelve sons
2. They became the 12 tribes of Israel
3. Twelve pearly gates associated with the New Jerusalem
4. The walls of the city had 12 foundations, 12 apostle's names
B. Israel is called a daughter
1. Isa 1:8
2. Ps 9:14
3. Lam 1:6-8
C. Notice she’s at the point of death
1. It’s a desperate situation
2. Who's the only one who can help? The Son, so the Jairus the "Father" sends
for the Son.
The Lord Jesus summoned to the 12 year old girl is the 1st Coming, then look at what happens before He gets to her, he runs into a woman

II. The Woman, Mark 5:25-34 (Pictures the church)
A. The woman is diseased, she’s plagued, Lev 15:25-31
a. She’s defiled
b. Whatever she touches is defiled
c. This has been ongoing for twelve years
d. I don’t expect men to understand this too much, you ladies can understand
I've had patients with this issue and it is embarrassing, uncomfortable, and
life threatening.
B. She desperately tried to get well
a. She sought the physicians, but not the Lord 2 Chron 16:12
b. They were of no value, Job 13:4
c. She spent all she had on these “doctors,” Mk 5:26
d. Gen 50:2 they are good for embalming
e. Eph 2:11-12 she was without hope and without God, but then the Master
came
1. One sat alone beside the highway begging, His eyes were blind, the light he could not see;He clutched his rags and shivered in the shadows, Then Jesus came and bade his darkness flee.
o When Jesus comes the tempter's pow'r is broken; When Jesus comes the tears are wiped away.He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory, For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.
2. "Unclean! unclean!" the leper cried in torment, The deaf, the dumb, in helplessness stood near;The fever raged, disease had gripped its victim, Then Jesus came and cast out every fear.
3. So men today have found the Savior able, They could not conquer passion, lust and sin;Their broken hearts had left them sad and lonely, Then Jesus came and dwelt, Himself, within.
She was "saved" by faith, just like we the church are today.

III. The Death of The Girl Is The Condition of Israel, Mark 5:35-40 (At Christ's Second Coming)
A. Israel rejected God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit
B. They committed adultery, Ezk 16:44-49
C. They needed a raising from the dead

IV. The Rising of The Girl Is Israel Born Again, Mark 5:41-43 (The Millennial Kingdom)
A. Ezk 37:1-11 the house of Israel brought back to life
B. At the Second Coming!

Conclusion
Time is short, He’s almost here, why don’t we get busy?

Sermon Outlines for Sunday September 14, 2009

Morning: The Great Name of God, Malachi 1:6-11
Notice v11--"...for my name shall be great among the heathen..." We have been entrusted with the great name of God and we need to ensure that God's name is great among the heathen. They may not believe in God, but they should believe that your God is real, that your God is great. They can see that when:
A. You Have The Right Worship, Mal 1:7-9; Jn 4:24
B. You Have The Right Fear, Honor, Reverence, Mal 1:6
C. You Have The Right Devotion, Mal 1:11
D. You Have The right Offering, Mal 1:7-10, Rom 12:1-2

Sunday Evening: Wounded, Zechariah 13:6
What should we do when we get wounded in the house of our friends? What do we do when people we love betray us, criticize us, mock us, etc.? (Note: Personally when I receive a criticism I take a step back and get a panoramic view of the criticism. Remember, God spoke to Balaam through the mouth of an ass, so He can speak to us through the mouth of an ass [no pun intended]. For example, the most recent criticism/accusation I've received was that I was too proud. So, I took a step back and realized that if we are honest about it we all have a pride issue that we should make every effort to put down. Therefore I asked the person if he had an example of when my ugly pride had reared its ugly head, since I am attempting to keep that pride down. He could not come up with one single example. I gave him an opportunity to come before the church, but he refused. He left the church. Last I heard he was back boozing and drugging.)
A. Don't Get Bitter, Heb 12:15. Don't lose a wink of sleep over it. If you're right with God, it doesn't matter what the criticism is. And if the criticism has validity, then get right with God, then get some rest, ha!
B. Finish The Job, Mat 26:65-67. When the Lord Jesus was spit on, He didn't quit but went to the cross and finished His work. Someone pointed out an interesting observation to me: most, not all, but most of the people that have come through the Lord's work in Rialto and left have jumped from church to church to church. They have never been stable in one church long enough to make a commitment. They've stayed one to two, maybe three years, then move because the Lord has "moved" them. They didn't make a commitment and were never loyal to any work. "A double minded man..." you know the rest. What do you do? Finish the job, don't quit, keep moving forward!
C. Look For The Promise, Heb 11:32-40. When it is all done, it won't matter. Look for the promise of His coming...Amen!

Sunday July 12, 2009

Sunday Morning
The All's of Seperation
2 Kings 23:24-25

King Josiah seperated himself. 2 Cor 6:14-18 seperation. 1 Thes 1:9 repentance is turning to God, by doing that you'll be going away from idols.

Josiah
1. Put Away ALL The Abominations, v24
2. Turned To The LORD With ALL--Soul, Spirit, and Body, v25
3. Turned With ALL Fidelity To ALL The Scripture, v25
4. Turned With ALL Perserverance, 2 Chron 34:33
5. Turned And Influenced ALL The People, v21

Sunday Sermon Outlines, July 5, 2009

A Wasted Life
2 Samuel 18:9-17, 31-33
Sunday, July 5, 2009; A.M. Service
Introduction
Up to this point in David’s life he had lost 2 children before Absalom: he lost a baby that Bathsheba gave birth to, and he lost Amnon. Amnon was killed by Absalom his brother for going in to Absalom’s sister Tamar. Tragedy in David’s life.

The name Absalom means Father of Peace. He was the third son of David, son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. Not only was Absalom of royalty from his father’s side, but also his mother. It would stand to reason that Absalom, son of a king, stood in a path to inherit the throne.

He was a charming man, a good looking man, He was an eloquent man.
But Absalom threw away his life.

We can learn at least two things from Absalom’s life.
Rom 14:7 our life as well as our death affects more than just you
Pro 5:22-23 his own iniquities

His malady was drugs. I’m quite certain that when he first experimented with the drug world he thought he was in complete control. It’s like the Arab, who was sleeping in the tent. A camel stuck his head in…by the end the camel was completely in the tent, and the Arab could no longer sleep. Look at Heb 11:25, sin is pleasurable, but that won’t last long.

I see parallels in my brother-in-law's life with that of Absalom’s. Absalom had many opportunities to change course, much like my brother-in-law.
1. When Absalom killed Amnon, he fled three years in Geshur
2. After three years, his father the king, sent for him, however King David didn’t want to see him
3. But then he saw him, 2 Sam 14:32-33 what an opportunity to change course, but he didn’t and his death was a result of a traitorous act when he assumed the king from David.

My brother-in-law got saved in Oct 1995, and what an opportunity he had, but his change didn’t last long as the tentacles of his addiction grabbed hold on him once again. Despite the efforts of family, he was consumed by that camel who initially just wanted a place to put his head.
He got saved, but didn’t change. We can learn from his wasted life. I want to encourage you all to make a decision. You are alive and breathing. You can make that change. Here’s what brought down Absalom:

I. His All Absorbing Egotism
2 Sam 14:32 what cockiness, what egocentricity, what a haughty spirit.
He never said I’m sorry
He was never able to take orders.

II. His Practical Godlessness
Oh, Absalom went to church. He believed in God. But that didn’t make him a Christian, anymore than sticking a wheel barrel in a garage makes it a car.
Jam 2:19

III. His Glory
Absalom new he had some talent, he was charming, he was eloquent.
2 Sam 14:25-26
Very personable. Sometimes that’s your downfall. We’ve got to realize we are nothing without Christ.

Conclusion
By the way, let me conclude with this. Although my brother-in-law’s life ended prematurely, although his life was chaotic, unstable, and criminal, he’s in heaven! Remember the thief on the cross? He’s in the sweet by and by, while we are still in the nasty now and now. But he no longer has any opportunity to live a life for God. You and I do.

A Life For Christ
2 Tim 3:15-17
Sunday Evening Service

Introduction
This morning we preached on a wasted life. Some people get saved, but never become Christians. Let's look at examples of people who did:

I. Timothy, 2 Tim 3:15-17
From a child. The best testimony are those who received Christ as children and never looked back. Alcohol and tobacco have never poisoned their bodies; pornography has never tainted their heart. John the Baptist had this testimony; so did Samuel.

II. The Thief On The Cross, Luke 23:39-43
He got saved, and did not have a chance to serve. However, his influence is still being talked about nearly 2,000 years later. He became a new creature in Christ!

III. Paul, 1 Tim 1:13-15
Most fit this one. Wicked, sinful life; educated or not. But grace came and change occured, amen!

IV. Philip
Act 6:5 a deacon
Act 8:26-40 a soul winner
Act 21:8 an evangelist

V. John Mark
Act 12:12 introduced
Act 12:24-25 taken on a missionary trip
Act 15:37-41 backslid, failed the apostle Paul
2 Tim 4:11 Paul saw fit, later on, to reinstate this man. John Mark didn't give up.

Conclusion
Stay in the fight.

Sunday Evening, June 28, 2009
IMPLEMENTING CHANGE
2 Cor 5:17-21

Introduction
This morning we looked at why saved people don’t change. Another way of putting it is why saved people don’t become Christians.

Now by God’s grace I want to talk about how to implement that change. It’s pretty simple if you just take the opposites of these 5 points:
1. See a need to change
2. Cast off the old man
3. Give it a greater and better effort
4. Quit hanging around those who drag you down
5. Christ’s blood is precious

That seems simple enough, doesn’t it? In addition to those things, we need to keep in mind some principles if we are to allow the Lord to perfect His work

I. Watch Out For Distractions
Eph 6:5 singleness of your heart; singleness means The state of being one only or separate from all others; purity of heart
Col 3:22 singleness of heart
1 Chron 12:33 there was a reason they were experts: they were not of
double heart
A. Television—Ps 101:3 I will “set” as in T.V. set
B. Internet
C. Worthless books
D. Friends—Amnon had a friend
How about a church service?
Why Sit Near the Front?
Question: When you buy a ticket to a concert, theater or a sporting event, do you ask for the seat farthest away? I have come to the conclusion that you will never be motivated to sit toward the front until you convince yourself of the value of doing so. Here are some of the reasons for sitting up front that you might consider.
1. Because it is considerate of other people. People who come in late, especially visitors, want to be seated as quickly as possible. If they have to walk to the front of the auditorium to find a seat it is quite embarrassing.
2. There are fewer distractions during worship. By sitting toward the front, I avoid a lot of distractions that disrupt my concentration during worship. I do not see the latecomers filing in, nor the darling baby perched on mother’s shoulder. My mind is clear to marvel at the cross of Christ during the Lord’s Supper and to sing with “understanding!”
3. The singing is more enjoyable. Sitting up front means that all the voices are pointed in your direction. You are surrounded by the sound of harmonious voices singing praise to God. I am stirred to sing more enthusiastically myself.
4. The preaching is better. I am serious. You miss a lot in the back of the auditorium. The expression on the face of the speaker (and the song leader) adds depth to the message being communicated. I feel more a part of the message, as if the speaker were talking directly to me.
5. It makes a positive statement about my interest and involvement in what is happening.

II. See Failure As A Learning Experience
A. Failure is only failure if you stay down.
B. Failure shows that you are doing something, you are going to fail at times
Gen 4:1-8
Cain failed, he should have used it as a learning experience
1. He should have used God’s feedback, since it is perfect, to change
2. He should’ve used it as an opportunity to develop a sense of humor (what an idiot I am!)
3.He should’ve taken the opportunity to practice and perfect; but most practice and perfect how not to get caught again
4. Do you know how to see failure as a learning experience? Commit to the cause.
Total Commitment
The difference in a contribution and total commitment is usually the difference in failure and success.
III. Set Some Goals
Do you have a list of goals that you are working on at this moment? Goals place you in a small group of achievers. If you do not have goals for your life, let me share some basic reasons why you need to set goals.
1. Goals will provide a clear target for your life. I press toward the mark, Phil 3:14
2. Goals will help you develop a plan of action for reaching your goals. God gave Moses plans on the tabernacle.
3. Goals are exciting because they keep you active. Work is a sure way to success and happiness. Pro 10:16; 13:11
4. Goals produce results. They are not just exercises in futilities.
5. Goals help keep you young and interested in life. There is hope and expectation in the future.
6. When you work on your goals you help to encourage others to do the same. When Nehemiah began work on the wall, they were all encouraged by everyone doing work.
7. Good goals help you know where you are at each month. You have planned your journey in life. You have a map to check each action by.
8. When you set meaningful goals you are following the pattern of all great leaders who have gone before. They work.
10. Goals get us involved in the present. The steps to accomplishment must be taken today.
11. Goals provide a procedure for doing things decently and in order. It eliminates the “hit-and-miss” approach to life.

IV. Submit
Gen 16:7-9 submit to her
1 Cor 16:15-16 submit to those who are addicted to the ministry; an addict is someone who applies himself habitually; to devote time and attention by customary or constant practice; sometimes in a good sense.
You need to submit to those type.
No harm will come to you, you’ll be spared.

Conclusion
Watch out for distractions
Use failure as a learning experience
Set some goals
Submit

Sunday Morning, June 28, 2009
WHY THE SAVED DON’T BECOME CHRISTIANS
2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Introduction
I have often wondered why is it that when a person gets saved, or at the least makes a profession of salvation, there is no change, or at the minimum an evidence of change.
Our text tells us that we are new creatures.
Rom 8:5-8 then the things of the flesh should no longer be a concern to us 2 Cor 5:1 the tabernacle is our body (2 Pet 1:13-14 tells us that),
Pro 14:11 so it can flourish; Act 11:26 because a disciple is called a Christian, for he was Christ-like. So why don’t saved people become Christ-like? Christ is in you, according to 1 Cor 6, and Col 1:27. You can become like Him, Phil 1:6 a good work performed in you; 1 Thes 2:13 effectually worketh in you; so why don’t saved people change?
Let’s look at one more, Rom 6:6-7 now you have the power to become Christ-like, so why don’t you?

I. Don’t See The Need To Change, 2 Cor 5:15
A. Quite a bit of people are not happy with there situation
1. But are not willing to attempt anything different
2. Insanity—doing the same thing expecting different results
B. A new creature doesn’t give us the assurance that we won’t be
tempted and fall into that temptation, but rather gives us the assurance
that before we had no choice in the matter, we were going to serve sin,
but now through the power of Christ we don’t have to
II. Don’t Want The Old Man To Be Dead, 2 Cor 5:16
I’ve got news for you: he’s already dead! You’re carrying around a corpse!
III. Tried It, But It Didn’t Work, 2 Cor 5:18-19
A. God has committed to us the word of reconciliation
B. To reconcile is to bring back into union.
C. So you “tried” this church thing, here’s what you have to ask yourself
a. Did I really try? Did I give it a heartfelt effort?
b. If it didn’t work, is it the Bible, or is it me?
If you really want to succeed, form the habit of doing the things that people who are failures don’t like to do.

IV. Hang Around Those Who Don’t Want You To Change, 2 Cor 5:20
A. We are ambassadors now, a saved person represents the dignity and
Power of the Lord Jesus Christ
B. You are now a dignitary, why do you hang around commoners?
C. You should be hanging around those who also hold the same status, 2 Cor 6:14-18

V. They See No Value In Christ, 2 Cor 5:14, 21
Wow, and you see no value in what Christ did? He became a serpent for you and me!
Rom 8:35-39 do you know why many Christians of yesteryear, and today, are suffering torture? They see value in Christ. 1 Pet 1:18-19 it is precious
You don’t change because church is just something to do, it is not part of your life like football is, or baseball, or basketball, or your job!

Conclusion