Deception is a possibility. 2 Corinthians 4:3

Is Christ in you or on you?

2 Thessalonians 2:9; Proverbs 4:19; 2 Corinthians 5:17 - a new creature

1. The first proof of salvation is forsaking. - Old things are passed away.

You have to turn from your sin. Moses forsook Egypt.

2. There is a turning to - followship. John 10:27; 1 Thessalonians 1:9

The Thessalonians turned from idols to God.

A drawing to the precahing John 3:19-21; Acts 8:4

3. Fruit Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:2, 15-16

4. Faith Hebrews 11:1; Ephesians 2:8; James 2:17-18

5. Fellowship

6. Friendship

1 Peter 5:8 - Satan is our adversary.

Ecclesiastes 8:8 - There is no discharge from this war.

1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3 - Endure hardness.

2 Corinthians 10:2-3

Ephesians 6:17-18

In battle, the enemy won't lower the bar.

Don't lower the standard; bring the men up to the standard.

Psalm 78:9, 41 - Don't limit God by fleeing the battle.

2 Corinthians 6:14; Matthew 28:11

Only one yoke can be worn at a time. A yoke was not created for play. 2 Timothy 2:4; John 8:29

1. We must make a clean break with the world.

2. We must be men of might. Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 6:10

Our strength is in submission, not independence.

3. We must be skillful with our weapons.

A. God's Word

B. Prayer Matthew 18:18-19; 1 John 5:14

We must not be intimidated by the enemy.

Courage - bold as lion, not fearless

Esther

Job

Judges 8:20

swift: responding quickly, moving with velocity

Acts 2:42

We must be on solid ground to stand firm.

1. To prove is to put to the test

- Faith

- Obedience

Our responsibility is to please God.

2. To prove is to illustrate the correctness of something.

- A good testimony

People don't just need to hear God's Word; they need to see the evidence.

3. To prove is to put forth indisputable evidence.

John 3:36; Acts 4:12

Rejecting the facts doesn't change anything.

Genesis 6:3

Neglect is to brush something aside. Acts 24:25

A convenient time will never come. 

Some let others turn them aside. 

Hebrews 3:7-8

"Escape" denotes urgency.

One day it will be too late.

People did not believe Noah until it came to pass.

"Salvation" denotes urgency.

Someone saving your physical life is not the same as Jesus saving you for eternity.

2 Corinthians 6:2 - "NOW"

We have no promise of tomorrow! 

Proverbs 27:1; Isaiah 1:18

The composition of life - We start out with strength.

The coming of sorrow - Sorrow comes to all.

Some are soon cut off. James 4:13-14

2 Timothy 3:15; Proverbs 3:20

Everyone has peer pressure; we can choose from whom the pressure comes.

Sources of wisdom:

1. In print

2. In prayer

3. In being separated from the wrong crowd

Number our days.

Apply our hearts to wisdom.

Don't waste your years.

Eph. 5:15-16 - "redeeming the time"

Wallowing over past failures or reveling in past victories only wastes the present.

Luke 5:10 - "henceforth" - from this point forward

Romans 6:6 - unto - pointed toward

"as long as I live" - Job 27:6

2 Timothy 4:6-7

Paul was faithful to the fight.

Paul was faithful to the faith.

Paul was faithful to the finish.

Psalm 104:33 - Keep singing praises; don't become bitter.

Psalm 22:3

Judah means "praise." Judah always led into battle.

Acts 16:25 - Paul and Silas praised God.

Give your all in the last days; don't give up!

I. Accept

II. Adapt

III. Advance

Examples of those who gave not their life to the death:

*John Bunyan

*Patrick Henry

*Those who stood during Communism

*Those who stand to Islam

*James Calvert

We need "no road" missionaries.  Be willing to go regardless of the conditions.

A tree falls in the direction it is leaning.  Which direction are you headed?

Acts 1:8

- If sacrifice doesn't hurt, it isn't sacrifice!

How can we get to the point of loving not our life to the death?

1. By faith in the Word of God - Take up your cross and follow Christ. Die to self daily.

2. By fearing the warnings of the Word of God - Hebrews 11

Acts 1:8

Hannah had a barren womb. - She was broken. 1 Samuel 1:7; She wept bitterly.

Jeremiah 9:1

Many have lost their burden for sinners.

Our churches are barren but not broken.

Revelation 4:11

Sarah was barren, but millions would come from her.

2 Chronicles 16:9; 1 Peter 3:12

"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God." - William Carey

I. Expect great things from God.

We are the limiting power.

What do you expect? What is your vision?

Jeremiah 33:3; 29:12; Deuteronomy 4:7; Isaiah 65:24; John 14:15

Pray believing!

Psalm 2:8 - Are you asking God for the heathen?

Make a list of your expectations. How big is your God?

II. Attempt great things for God. - "stretch out, enlarge..."

Romans 12:2

attempt: to essay, to try

1. Jesus was influenced by the grace of God as a twelve year old boy.

2. Jesus had a sincere interest in the things of God.

3. Jesus was passionate about His Heavenly Father's business.

4. Jesus was in submission to His earthly parents.

I. Jacob's beloved child

A. Joseph was a delight to his father.

B. Joseph was despised by his brothers.

C. Joseph was a dreamer.

II. Joseph's beloved coat

Things are not always as they appear to be.

A. A statement of despair

B. A statement of deceit

C. A statement of defeat

Jacob began operating according to His senses and not by the Spirit.

Jacob refused to be comforted.

Walking by sight leads to disillusionment, defeat, discouragement, despair, and death.

What dreams has God given you?

How much have you invested in your Joseph?

III. Jehovah's blessed care

A. The providence of God

B. The promise of God fulfilled Genesis 45:25

God loves lost sinners. God loves saved sinners more. God loves the Father more.

I. There are things the blessed man abstains from.

A. Ungodly counsel

B. Standing in the way of sinners Psalm 32:8

C. The seat of the scornful - those who act in defiance Matthew 12:31-32

II. There is something the blessed man adheres to - the law of the Lord. Joshua 1:8

III. There are some things the blessed man acquires.

A. The water - The Word of God

The biggest trees are by the river bank.

B. Green leaves - Faithfulness

C. Fruit

D. Prosperity

Philippians 3:14; Psalm 142:4; 2 Timothy 4:7

Your attitude determines your altitude.

Luke 14:16-24 - What weights are keeping you from serving?

Proverbs 23:7

1. We get a bad attitude about the track we are on. - Don't complain about where God has you.

2. We get a bad attitude toward the trainer.

3. We get a bad attitude toward the daily tasks.

4. We get a bad attitude toward the timing.

Don't jump the gun! Don't get ahead of God.

Taking your eyes off of Jesus ends in tragedy:

1. Lot

2. Samson

3. Achan

4. Demas

Peter fell when he took his eyes off of Jesus, but he looked back to Jesus.

I. Look to Jesus for salvation. Acts 4:10

II. Look to Jesus for security. John 10:27

III. Look to Jesus for submission to authority.

IV. Look to Jesus for strength. Philippians 4:13

V. Look to Jesus for your supply. Philippians 4:19

VI. Look to Jesus for the Second Coming. Acts 1:11

disciple: a learner, a follower

Three qualifications of New Testament disciples:

I. Identification with Jesus - Matthew 14:15: 8:11

A. Jesus was the teacher; the followers were the pupils.

B. The followers submitted to His authority.

C. They followed His steps.

II. Instructions by Jesus - John 1:1

A. Revolutionary concepts John 14:1-3

B. Radical conditions Matthew 8:18-20

Die to self; put Jesus first. Matthew 16:24; Luke 14:25

C. Revealing circumstances - irritated, incensed

III. Involvement for Jesus

Be in His plan. Do you answer when God calls?

A. It requires prayer. Matthew 9:37

B. It requires propegation of the gospel. We must get it out. Matthew 28:19

C. It requires portrayal of love. John 13:35

D. It requires producing fruit. John 15:5; 10:27; Luke 4:46

Joshua 1:8

Don't be a cafeteria Christian, choosing to do only what you want to do.

Psalm 1:1

I. Faith in God Deuteronomy 11:1; Hebrews 11:6

God is bigger than our problems; why don't we trust Him?

Deuteronomy 11:11

II. Family in service for God Joshua 24:15

The whole family needs to be involved.

III. Fellowship

IV. Financial responsibility to God and the local church

Be honest. Deuteronomy 12:5

Where you spend your money is where you are spending your life.

V. Forsake those opposed to God and His work. Deuteronomy 12:2

There are some places where you should not be.

Psalm 1:1 - Don't seek counsel from the ungodly.

1. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee.

2. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.

3. Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord.

4. Honor the Lord with thy substance.

5. Despise not the chastening of the Lord.

6. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom.

7. Have confidence in God.

8. Don't withhold good.

9. Devise not evil against thy neighbor.

10. Envy not the oppressor.

Do we even realize that we need to look for the King?

Philippians 3:10

Jesus is the only thing worth searching for, living for, etc.

God can be found!

1. Lot looked with his eyes. - He did not look to God.

2. Joseph chose to flee temptation. Genesis 37:18; 39:8

3. Cain chose to kill Abel. Genesis 4

4. Judas chose to betray Jesus.

5. Demas chose to forsake Paul for the world. 2 Timothy 4:10

a. We can choose to have a prayer life. 1 Thessalonians 5:7

b. We can choose Bible reading. 2 Timothy 2:15

c. We can choose to be a witness. Matthew 9:37

d. We can choose to love and help others. 1 John 3:23

e. We can give. 2 Corinthians 9:7; Luke 6:38

Daniel 1:8

Philippians 2:9-11; John 1:1-5, 10

A Christian life must be settled on the Foundation.  Exodus 25:40

God loves holy things. Exodus 3:5

God loves righteousness, and He is righteous. Psalm 11:17

God is much sought after. Romans 6:23

Jesus' strength is shown at the cross.

We serve a living Savior. Revelation 3:20

He is the Lord of Hosts. Revelation 7:9-10

Am I doing the will of God?  The Word of God shows us what the will of God is. 2 Peter 3:9

I. Salvation - Repentance is a change of mind. Matthew 7:21

II. Sanctification - Being set apart begins in your heart. 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Romans 12:2

III. Service Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 2:10

Joseph did not live in the limelight, but he was faithful. 

Joseph was a just man; he kept himself for marriage. Luke 3:23

God gave directives to the husband.

Joseph was looked down on in society because people thought he was the father of Jesus out of wedlock. Luke 3:23; 2:4

Joseph let God lead him.

1. I have fought a good fight.

2. I have finished my course.

3. I have kept the faith.

I. Acknowledge your sin. v. 3

II. Confess your sin. - Confess the sin to God.  Tell your authorities - parents, pastor, etc.

III. Trust that God has forgiven you.

- This does not mean that there will not be any consequences for your sin.

IV. Seek after the truth. v. 6

- We blow it because we get away from the Bible.

V. Live the Christian life the way God intends it to be lived.

Many have Christ "on" them but not "in" them.

Romans 8:1-2; 12:5; 16:3; 1 Corinthians 15:22

I. I have a fresh start. 2 Corinthians 5:17

II. I have a forgotten past. Jeremiah 31:34

III. I have a forever salvation. John 10:27

The evidence of a true believer - who are you following?

IV. I have a forgiving Savior. John 4:7-29

V. I have a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24; Romans 8:35-39

VI. I have a foundation to stand on. Deuteronomy 32:4

He brought us up, sets us up, and tunes us up.

VII. I have a final authority. John 1:1

VIII. I have a financial supply. Philippians 4:19

IX. I have a Father's will.

X. I have a fantastic sight to behold one day.

XI. I have a ferocious foe.

XII. I have a future home prepared.

Jesus knew what was coming, but He did not despair.  He still tried to encourage others.

1. Jesus was present with them.

2. Jesus promised to go prepare a place.

3. Jesus said He would come again.

1. Josiah used his head. He listened to the law and learned.

2. Josiah used his heart. His heart was touched.

3. Josiah used his hands. He put it into action.

Biblical praise never focuses on the one doing the praise but on the Lord.

Biblical praise is the recognition of who God is and what God does.

Genesis 29:31-35

1. It takes your eyes off of your trouble and puts your eyes on God.

2. It helps to defeat the enemy. 2 Chronicles 20:1-23

3. It reminds us that God is with us. 1 Chronicles 15:24; Psalm 24:1-10

4. It encourages us to dwell in the center. Exodus 28:15-24; Revelation 4:1-3

I. Wonderful - takes the dullness away

II. Counsellor - takes the decisions away

III. The Mighty God - takes demands away

IV. Everlasting Father - takes care of all of the dimensions in our life

V. Prince of Peace - takes care of distress

Jesus is the Name above all names!

I. Does the tithe apply to us today?

   A. Genesis 14:20 - Before the law, they were tithing.

   B. Matthew 23:20 - It is sanctioned by Christ.

II. What is the purpose of the tithe?

   A. It teaches us to fear God.

   B. It supports the church and ministires.

   Deuteronomy 14:22; Malachi 3:5

III. To whom should the tithe be given? The local church Malachi 3:10

IV. When should a person tithe? At the next church service 1 Corinthians 16:2

V. Does your tithe apply to more than money? Luke 11:42; Proverbs 3:9

VI. Should you tithe if you are in debt? Yes! Matthew 6:33

We must be obedient to God's commands. Malachi 3:11; Luke 6:38

James 4:7; John 10:10

I. Don't give the devil certain people in your life.

- Be sure your children are fellowshipping with the right people.

- Amnon's friend persuaded him to do wrong.

- Many people fall because of wrong friends.

II. Don't give the devil certain provisions in your life.

- Die to the flesh daily.

- We need a transformed tongue.

III. Don't give the devil certain places in your life.

A. Eve

- When things seem to be too good to be true, they usually are.  Watch out for smooth talkers!

B. David - He tarried. He "hung out." 1 Corinthians 7:29

C. Joseph - He fled from a dangerous situation.

IV. Don't give the devil permission to determine your future.

We need counsel. Matthew 4:8

Respect your parents.

Submit yourselves to God. Matthew 4:10

I. Lot - Lot is a type of the carnal Christian. People probably questioned his Christianity.

Lot was in good company - Abraham.

A. Lot propsered with Abraham.

B. Lot paired up with Abraham.

C. Lot parted from Abraham.

D. Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom.

E. Lot propsered in Sodom for a season.

F. The predicted doom of Sodom

G. Lot preached to his children, but he seemed as one who mocked.

H. The passing of Lot's wife - She looked back and turned into a pillar of salt.

Lot ended up in a cave committing incest with his two daughters.

II. The prodigal son

A. He developed an attitude - "Give it to me now!"

B. He left. - He departed to a far country.

C. He lost his inheritance with riotous living.

D. He labored with the pigs.

III. Moses Exodus 3:10

A. He was protected by God when he was born.

B. He was provided for by Pharaoh's daughter and his own mother.

C. He protected a Hebrew by killing an Egyptian.

D. He was picked by God to lead Israel after forty years as a fugitive.

E. He is permanently listed in Hebrews 11 in the hall of faith.

IV. The rich man

A. He was constantly reminded of his position by a beggar.

B. He was constantly reminded that he needed to repent.

C. After his death, he cried out for mercy from hell.

They all got to where they were because they made a choice.

I. Eve got what she wanted, but it resulted in sorrow in childbirth, cursed ground, thorns, sweat, etc. Genesis 3:1-19

II. Lot got Sodom, but he lost his family. His wife looked back. Gensis 13; 19:14, 37-38

The most dangerous Christian is one who straddles the fence.

III. Dinah got to see the world, but she ended up defiled. Genesis 34:1

Dinah was Jacob's daughter; she probably grew up with restrictions.

defile: to make dirty or foul, polluted, violated

IV. Achan got a garment, silver, and gold; but he and his family lost their lives. Joshua 7:21

V. Elimelech got what he wanted, but he lost his life and his sons' lives.

VI. Ananias and Sapphira kept their finances, but they lost their lives.

VII. David got the flesh he wanted, but the sword never departed from his house. 2 Samuel 12; Proverbs 6:32

VIII. Amnon got what he wanted, but he got killed because of it.

Those who will cheat with you will cheat on you.

The best things are worth waiting for.

IX. The prodigal son wanted the world, but he found himself in the pigpen.

December 7, 1941

September 11, 2001

infamy: a total loss of reputation; a complete disgrace

I. The day of public dismissal from the Garden of Eden Genesis 3:23-24

II. The day of public disgrace in David's life 2 Samuel 12:9-12

- We must die to the flesh daily.

- The scars of sin remain even after sin has been confessed and forgiven.

III. A day of public denial Matthew 26:69-75

A. Public

B. Profane

C. Prophetically

IV. A day of public departure Matthew 26:36-56; John 6:66

V. A day of public doom Revelation 20:11

A. Testimony

B. Throwing away

VI. A day of public deliverance Phil. 2:7; Isaiah 53

We found grace through His disgrace.

The most important thing a Christian has is a Bible.

The most important thing for a lost person is a Christian's testimony.

The world is watching you.  What we do is so important.

Children look to their parents and will follow them.

I. Get up. Proverbs 6:9

Jonah had to be woken up.

II. Show up.  Ecclesiastes 3:17

Be early. - You will show up early when it is something you want to do.

III. Hurry up. Colossians 3:23

When you finish your work, look for other things to do.

IV. Shut up. Proverbs 14:23

A. Don't talk negatively about how much you earn.

B. When scolded, take it.

C. Don't complain.

V. Grow up. 1 Corinthians 13:11; Ecclesiastes 9:10

Don't waste your boss's time.

Get your hands out of your pockets.

VI. Push up.

VII. Move up. Proverbs 12:24

Your work ethic reflects what you think of God.

1. Be a cheerful giver.

2. Be consistent.

3. Be a compassionate giver. - Look for those who have a need.

4. Be a complete giver - in word and deed.

5. Be a cooperating giver.

We prove the reality of our faith. What you are will show in what you do.

I. Thanksgiving is associated with sacrificial offering. Psalm 107:22

II. Thanksgiving is associated with prayer and praise. Psalm 27; Philippians 4:6

III. Thanksgiving is associated with keeping vows.

A. Marriage

B. Ministry

C. Morality

IV. Thanksgiving is associated with singing. Psalm 69:30: 95:1; 147:7

It chases away the devil.

V. Thanksgiving is associated with temple worship. Psalm 100

Come to church with a thankful heart.

VI. Thanksgiving is associated with salvation. Romans 12:1

I. It is great because of Who gave it.

II. It is great because of who it was given to - the church.

III. It is great because of who it includes - everyone.

IV. It is great because of the good it accomplishes.

V. It is great because of the results if it is ignored. 1 Peter 1:10

I. The fate of the heathen

A. Who cares for the heathen? Psalm 142:4

We care about our home, health, hair, etc.

B. God cares about the heathen. 1 John 4:14; John 20:21

Concern leads to action. - We are missing compassion.

II. The financial responsibility Romans 1:14; 2 Corinthians 8:12

III. The future of Central Baptist Church

IV. Fruit that remains

V. Facing Jesus

In Acts 13, we see a local church missions conference in motion.

1. It was in the church. vs. 1

2. God called men to missions. vs. 2

3. They took them on for support. vs. 3

4. They left for the field. vs. 4

*The great commission is a great commandment.

I. The number one purpose is to exalt and glorify Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:31

The best way to please God is obedience.  We need to obey in every area. Psalm 28:2

Psalm 118:20 *to exalt: to raise high

II. We want to encourage the missionary. Acts 13:3; 1 Corinthians 16:15-18

Be a servant.

Send them away in prayer and provision.

III. We must exhort our members to continue to go forward.

2 Corinthians 10:15-16 - When your faith is increased, you will give more.

IV. Will we enlist new members in touching the ministry to the saints?

We will give an account of our stewardship.

The purpose of the church is to glorify God as we reach the lost with the gospel.

The pastor preaches to help your joy.

What will help your joy?

- Separated living

- Sacrificial giving

I. The power of God

Prayer - Pray for more laborers.

II. The presence of faith Hebrews 11:6

A. Faith is demanded.

B. Faith is defined.

C. Faith is demonstrated. Romans 4:18-21

Abraham believed God - strong faith, sacrificial faith.

*God does not want your Isaacs; He just wants to make sure you are willing.

III. The performance of giving

A. Plan your giving.

B. Proportionate giving

C. Provisional giving

Faith should affect our:

1. Walk

2. Witness

3. Worship

4. Wallet

I. The personal responsibility

A. The challenge

B. The consideration

"Missions is not optional but essential." Matthew 28:18-20

II. The practical reasoning

A. Faith promise giving is Biblical. 2 Corinthians 8-9

B. Faith promise provokes others to give. 2 Corinthians 9:2

C. Faith promise is blessed. Acts 20:35

1. It blesses God.

2. It blesses you.

III. The proven results

A. It is successful.

B. It is satisfying.

1. Personal involvement

2. Partnership

3. Prayer connection - Pray for particular needs.

I. Revival

*Revival is hard to get, difficult to maintain, but easy to lose.

A. We need revival to increase our giving.

B. We need revival to increase our fervency.

*Revival means "to come alive."

II. Rejoicing

A. Rejoicing improves our service.

B. Rejoicing increases our spiritual strength.

I. God in His grace is bringing the Jews back to their promised land.

II. The Bible tells us what God will do with the Jews in the future.

Ezekiel 37:14; Romans 11:25; Zechariah 12:10

*God told us to support the Jews!

I. It is right for God to leave me behind at the Rapture. Matthew 25:10-13

*If we are trying to earn our own way, we deserve to be left behind.

II. It is right for God to give me up to reprobation. Romans 1:18-28; Hebrews 12:16-17

*When the Holy Spirit quits talking to you, watch out!

III. It is right for God to cast me into hell. Revelation 20:15

*In Bible times, when people got serious about God, they fell on their faces before Him.

Why is there such a lack of surrender amongst God's people?

I. Apathy

A. Apathy is a lack of feeling; a calmness of mind incapable of being ruffled by pain, pleasure, or passion.

B. Apathy comes from no surrender.

C. Apathy keeps you from feeling the conviction of the Holy Ghost.

II. Self-justification

A. We make excuses for ourselves.

B. We compare ourselves to others instead of measuring up to God.

C. We excuse our sin because it is not as bad as someone else's sin.

III. We have a form of religion without the power of God.

We have become mechanical.

IV. A lack of surrender leads to a hard heart.

*We have to be broken before we can be used.

*The devil steals the seed in that we try to second-guess the preacher. Matthew 13:18

*God does miracles for us on a regular basis, but we blame Him when hard times come.

*Thank God for the miracles and the hard times too.

I. The flesh likes to attack right after a victory. 1 Samuel 15:1-22; 2 Samuel 1:4-14

II. The flesh wants to steal our rewards.

III. The flesh has no fear of God.

IV. The flesh wants to destroy us, but it does not stop there.

V. The flesh wants to destroy God's perfect will. Esther 3:1

Romans 5:8 (commendeth: to show, to exhibit); Ephesians 5:25; Revelation 2:4; Deuteronomy 10:12

How much love do you have for Christ?  If you love Him, you will serve Him.

I. A love for God will change your vision.

II. A love for God will change your desires. - You will want different things.

III. A love for God will change your actions.

*A friend is a priceless treasure.  Proverbs 18:24

Characteristics of a true and godly friendship:

1. Encouraging one another

2. Loving one another at all times - Proverbs 17:17

3. Laying your life down for another - John 15:13

4. Showing kindness in affliction - Job

5. Telling someone when they are wrong

1 Peter 1:10

*Prophecy fulfilled is 20/20.  We have an imperfect knowledge of unfulfilled prophecy. Ezekiel 22:30

Israel committed spiritual fornication against God.

A wife (or the bride of Christ) is to love, obey, and dote on her husband.

We as Christians today are doing the same.

- We love others more than God. James 4:1-4

- We are not ashamed of what we watch on television.

- We are not ashamed of immodest dress.

- We laugh when our children do wrong and do not discipline them.

- We lust after things we would like to have. 1 John 2:15

We cannot serve two masters! What are you living for?

Genesis 9:20-27

In the Old Testament before the Levitical priesthood, the patriarch (the father) of each family was both priest and prophet.

Be careful what you do; what you have sown may be repaed in the next generation or two.

Genesis 10:1; Acts 16:6-9; Matthew 21:33-43

2 Chronicles 7:14; Revelation 3:14-15; 2 Peter 3:9

*A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.

People despise the Word of God because . . .

I. It exposes their sin. John 3:19-20; Acts 7:7

*Sermons should be for enlightenment not enjoyment.

People hate preaching against:

A. Drinking alcoholic beverages

B. Dancing - ballroom, bar, or civic center

C. Gambling

D. Astrology - occult, tattoos

E. Immorality - shacking up, adultery

F. Worldly clothes

G. Long hair on men

H. Bible perversions - NIV, ASV, NKJV

I. Gossip, criticism, complaining

J. Causing division

K. Questionable things

L. Faithfulness, tithing, etc. 2 Timothy 4:2-3

II. It enlightens the saints. John 3:21

A. It is the light of salvation. Acts 16

B. It is the light of separation. Ephesians 5:8

C. It is the light of service. Acts 9:6

III. It exalts the Savior. John 12:32

What is your response to preaching?

1. Accept

2. Attack

3. Ignore

*forgive: to send forth, to lay aside, to omit

Micah 7:19; Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 38:17

There is no sin too great for God to forgive.

I. Acknowledge that you have sinned. - Be specific about it. Psalm 32:5; 51:3

*God knows what you did, but you need to be honest with yourself.

II. Confess to God that you have sinned. 1 John 1:9

God loves us so much because He continually forgives us. Psalm 130:4

III. Turn from your sin. 2 Chronicles 7:14

IV. Believe that God can and will forgive you. Psalm 130:4

V. Forgive others their trespasses. Luke 6:37

What will you do when your faith is tested - when your family forsakes you, your friends forsake you, and your physical health breaks?

I. Stay focused on God.

*Everything that we do should focus on God. Hebrews 12:1-2; Matthew 14:30

II. Stay faithful to God.

A. When David lost focus, he became unfaithful with another man's wife.

B. When Demas lost focus, he became unfaithful with the world.

C. When Achan lost focus, he becmae unfaithful with forbidden wealth.

Psalm 12:1; Ezekiel 33:30-32

III. Stay in the fight with God. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

What is the biggest thing you have ever asked God for?

Why not ask for something supernatural, something only God can accomplish?

Caleb was eight-five when he asked God for that mountain. Caleb had a mountain-moving faith. Matthew 17:20; Psalm 2:8

"Give me Scotland lest I die." - John Knox

"I want the heathen." - Bob Hughes

"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God." - William Carey

What is required for a signuature ministry?

I. A faith that believes that God can - Psalm 78:17-41

Example: The parting of the Red Sea

II. A few faithful folks that are willing to follow God's plans Matthew 7:7

James 1:27

Malachi 3:8-11

*Those who had a lot gave a little; those who had a little gave a lot.

What is the motive for your giving?

What level of sacrifice do you act upon?

We ought to give because we love God, not because we are required to give.

God rewards openly those who give privately.

Give cheerfully.

I. He gravitates to the Word of God. v. 2; John 3:21; Psalm 119:11; Matthew 5:6

II. He gives way to others. - He puts others first - "preferring one another." Genesis 13:9

III. Gracious speech Colossians 4:6

"You are the only Bible some will ever see."

Think before you speak. - Will it hurt someone? Does it need to be said?

IV. Gathering together as believers - Hebrews 10:25; Luke 4:16

You will gather with what you are. Luke 15:13-15; Acts 9:6, 18

The prodigal son hung with rebels.

Paul was with the disciples.

Psalm 73:17

"A faith that can't get you to church won't get you to Heaven." - Mrs. Cooper

V. Going to a lost and dying world John 4:28

VI. Giving

VII. Getting involved in the work of God

VIII. Gratitude