Author: Antioch Landmark Missionary Baptist Church

Job Part 22: Wisdom

by Antioch Landmark Missionary Baptist Church

Title: Wisdom

Text: Job 28

In 1849, News spread about gold in the American River, located in California,  and the Gold Rush began. People began sacrificing time, money, and resources to trying to strike it rich. Why?  Gold is Valuable, and it’s highly sought after.  However, there is something far more valuable than Gold. 

We are halfway through the book of Job now.  We have seen suffering and death for job as well as  Unearned shaming, accusation, and stubbornness from his friends.

At this point he and his friends refuse to agree on the innocence of Job.

NAC: The chapter is about wisdom, a topic touched on only randomly so far. As is characteristic of the wisdom literature of the Bible and other ancient Near Eastern writings, wisdom is described as elusive and precious, something that can only be had through “the fear of the Lord” (v. 28). Job would have been a wisdom book without this chapter, but its inclusion raises the value of Job to even loftier heights.

  1. Cannot Be Prospected or mined (1-12)
  2. Wisdom is very precious.  (1-4)
  3. Look at all men do to get the ore mentioned here! Oh that we would so seek wisdom with the same fervor!
  • Wisdom needs the refining of experience. (2)
  • Your parents and elders actually DO often know more than you!  they’ve EXPERIENCED more!!
  • Wisdom is enlightening. (3) When someone digs into the ground, the darkness of the depths give way to the light above.
  • This makes me think of how those who find wisdom put an end to the darkness of confusion and foolishness.
  • (4) The translation gets a bit confusing in this verse. As the Hebrew actually paints a picture of a man dangling down a shaft by rope.  The point is still well made, however, the ore doesn’t come to the miner, and it’s not easily found everywhere.  The miner has to search, and he has to go to where the ore is!
  • Wisdom doesn’t just happen.  We must diligently search for it. 
  • Thankfully we have the scriptures to show us God’s wisdom.
  • It still takes much study to “mine” that wisdom!
  •          (5-8)The birds can’t see it, predators don’t come close to it, but under the ground lies treasure!
  • Many won’t see the wisdom in scripture, but, like the miner, we know what’s buried deep within!
  • (9-11) Just like mining precious stone, finding wisdom takes hard work and much effort.
  1.  (12-19) Cannot Be Purchased
  1. (18) Oh that we would all realize the true value of wisdom!!
  1. Is Found in a Person! (20-28)
  1. The source of wisdom is not from men.
  2. (23-27) God, who is higher and more powerful than man knows wisdom.
  • Job 28:12 (JFB): Can man discover the Divine Wisdom by which the world is governed, as he can the treasures hidden in the earth? Certainly not. Divine Wisdom is conceived as a person (Job 28:12–27) distinct from God (Job 28:23; also in Pr 8:23, 27). The Almighty Word, Jesus Christ, we know now, is that Wisdom. The order of the world was originated and is maintained by the breathing forth (Spirit) of Wisdom, unfathomable and unpurchasable by man. In Job 28:28, the only aspect of it, which relates to, and may be understood by, man, is stated.

Conclusion:  Of all the most sought after commodities in the world, one of the most valuable is wisdom. Are you seeking it?

Job Part 16: MY REDEEMER LIVES!

by Antioch Landmark Missionary Baptist Church

Sermon 16

Title: My Redeemer Lives!

Text: Job 19

Intro:  All eyes were on Job, and the people were not expecting good things.  Thankfully, Job’s eyes weren’t on the people. They were on God!

I. An Unending Attack

     A. (2) How long, Job asked, is this to continue?

          1. Between the suffering and the pressure of the people, it sure seems Job would have given up by now if he had something to hide.  He, of course, did not.

           2. Did Job’s friends not know him enough to know that if he was truly in the wrong, he would have repented?!  He loved God, and AVOIDED evil!!

II. Emotional Unease

  1. (11) Did Job perhaps think God was angry with him?
  • The believer doesn’t face God’s Wrath, yet do we wonder at times the same?

III. Endless Loneliness

  1. (19) So many were against him!
  • Remember the pain.  Remember the enemies of his soul and how many and how persistent they were.  That’s important for what’s coming.

IV. The Eternal, Living God.

     A. Job 19:25 (YLT): That—I have known my Redeemer, The Living and the Last, For the dust he doth rise.

     B.  (25) Job seemed to know that when all was said and done, God would make things right.

       1. Even with all the mess, Job’s eyes were fixed on God!

       2. There, even after his pitiful life had ended, would be a resurrection.

  • This is something we need to remind ourselves of. Those who believe in Christ have a resurrection coming.   God will make things right!
  • The world may accuse us, but God knows the truth!
  • Our emotions may confound us, but God is greater than our hearts
  • All may abandon us, but Jesus said, “I will never leave…”
  • (28-29) Seems Job is warning them to be careful of their accusations, as they may find out they were the ones in sin, and later have to pay for them (by God not Job).

Conclusion:  In all the hardships of life, have we stopped to consider, to remember, our redeemer lives?!

Sermon Outline: The False Perspective of Segregation

by Antioch Landmark Missionary Baptist Church

Title:  The False Perspective of  Segregation

Text:  Acts 11.1-18

Intro:  While answering questions of a potential church calling, one of that church’s members asked me if I would ever allow a black person in that church.   I answered yes, they need Jesus too.  Another member then asked why God separated the cultures to their own parts of the World.

I explained that people grouped together will share characteristics. 

The questioning upset me very much, because a person’s race has nothing to do with whether they accept God or not.  It has to do with what they do with  Christ, and that’s all that truly matters.

The Jews had a similar problem with racism.  They didn’t want to accept that someone of another culture belonged in what they considered to be their world.  But the truth was that the no longer belonged to a different culture, as their culture and identity were now in Christ!

I. The False Perspective (1-3)

Acts 11:1-3 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

These Jews didn’t know why Peter went in with Gentiles!  They were appalled.

  1. While these had problem with someone going to another race, some today have problem of another race coming to them. (E.g. Church segregation happening still)
  2. In NT Times, As churches came about and gentiles were saved, they would all go to church together, based on the area in which they lived!
  3. Often someone’s opposition to the inclusion of another race is the result of perceptions being off.   There’s something in the bigger picture that the person isn’t getting. 
  4. God opened the path of salvation to ALL people!
  5. We are all the same people.  We all share Adam’s blood!
  6. This is also a situation where what others think about the issue shouldn’t matter: Only God. Peter messed up later on this one, and Paul actually had to set him straight. 

Galatians 2:11-12 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

  1. Here is an example of BOTH Jew and Gentile needing to worship together and neither one be forbidden!  Race didn’t matter, and it still shouldn’t!  Christ links us!

Ephesians 4:1-6 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

  • Some may attend services with their own race simply for the reason of God’s leadership to be there, worship style, location, perhaps even comfort.   Of course this is fine, so long as the reason isn’t because they aren’t WELCOME somewhere else!

II. The Testimony (4-17)

Acts 11:4-17 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house: And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

Peter told how the things that happened came to be. 

  1. Our testimonies can combat ignorance!
  2. Don’t  call common someone God has cleansed!
  3. Remember what he told the people in the event itself?

Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

  • “Could I withstand God?”  Peter reasoned with these people for the sake of the truth.

III. The Acceptance (18)

Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

 Once they learned the truth, they accepted the glorious fact that the gospel was for everyone!

  1. I think these people should be commended in that once they knew the truth, they not only accepted it, but rejoiced in it!
  2. If Christ would welcome someone, then his church had better welcome them too!

Conclusion:  Even today, the inability to accept the inclusion of other races is often out of ignorance.  Let us behold and share the truth of God, and shatter this ignorance.    Remember:  our identity isn’t in a skin color, but in Christ!

Sermon Outline: False Beliefs

by Antioch Landmark Missionary Baptist Church

Title:  The Problem With False Beliefs

Text:  Acts 14:7-28

Intro:

 I believe we would all agree that divorce rates in America are far too high.  I believe one of the problems would be that couples come to the table with the idea that love is an emotion, and if you stop feeling it then you stop loving. However, true love is a choice, made regardless of how someone feels. Remember, feelings can change, but marriages and the love that binds them together need  to be unwavering commitments.

This is only one example of the many times that false beliefs bring about a major problem.

A person under the influence of certain drugs may think he can fly. The problem is that in thinking so he may attempt to do so and discover he was wrong, the hard way.

The problem with false beliefs, you see,  is that they lead to incorrect actions.

I. Truth (7-10)

7 And there they preached the gospel.

8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: 9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. [1]

  1. Look back at v7.  The Gospel was their backing belief system.  They were grounded in truth, sharing the Gospel, and doing good work!
  2. The truth was how they could use God’s power to heal the man!

                B. Paul was confident, shouting loudly his command.

                      1. If we trust God  and his word, we too can be confident that we are right.

     C.  The man believed correctly, and now could walk!

           1. He got up confidently!  He leapt.

II. Error (11-13)

11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.[2]

     A. (11-12) A miracle misunderstood

     B. False beliefs bring about false conclusions.

           1. Not exclusively a pagan situation. Even Christians with misconceptions can fall into false conclusions.

           2. The worldview of a person shapes how he or she perceives reality.  However, reality does not change to that person’s whim.

     C. (12-13). False beliefs Bring about bad actions.

            1. Because these people thought Paul and Barnabas were pagan gods, they tried to make pagan sacrifices.

           2. Someone who doesn’t believe in God and ultimate judgment may very well act on any impulse, since, they feel, as long as they aren’t caught, they won’t have to pay any penalty.

III. Tribulation (14-25)

  1. (14-18) The first problem was stopping these guys from doing sacrifices to them!

14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.[3]

  • (14-18). Paul and Barnabas had to set the record straight.

1.  Even with the truth from the mouths of the preachers, it was hard to get them to stop the sacrifices.

  • (19) Next problem:  More opposition and violence. 

19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.[4]

  1. Influenced wrongly, the crowd stoned Paul.
  2. Watch out for bad influence.
  • (20).  The enemy failed!

20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.[5]

                 1. Interestingly, the reason Paul survived was because of a FALSE CONCLUSION that the people had, thinking he was dead!

  • (21).  They keep preaching no matter what!

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,[6]

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.[7]

  • (21-22)   They came back to where the problem was, encouraging and reminding that there would be persecution.
  • (23). They prayed for each other.

 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.[8]

  1. No matter what you are going through, prayer from a faithful friend can help!

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.[9]

IV. Homecoming (26-28)

     A. (26-28). They returned home and reported events.

          1. We do that today.  Think about our mission rallies, for example.

  1. It is often a blessing to touch base with Christian friends from before.  These are the people who BELIEVE as we do, who hold the truth in much high esteem!  We need these people in our lives!

CONCLUSION:  Remember: what we believe matters, because it influences all that we do. Are your beliefs correct? Let’s make sure that we are not influenced by false beliefs.         

[1] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

[2] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

[3] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

[4] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

[5] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

[6] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

[7] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

[8] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

[9] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

Sermon Outline: An Infant Saved to Save a Nation

by Antioch Landmark Missionary Baptist Church

Sermon: An Infant Saved to Save a Nation

Text: Ex 1.6- 2.10

Intro:  Change.  Many are resistant to change, yet change comes regardless. Some change is good, and some seems to be the worst thing imaginable.  How do we deal when the worst hits?  Where do we turn?  Does anyone have our back?

I. The Growth of Israel

     A. (6) No matter how good your life may have been, there will always come an end.  Joseph was prepared by trusting God. Are you?

     B. (7) Israel grew leaps and bounds.This is a prime example of Good change!

    C. (7)God was keeping his promise to Abraham and to Jacob

II. The Fear of Pharoah

     A. Change is inevitable.

     B. (8-11) Good times are great, but here on earth they won’t last. Problems will always arise.

     C. God has a solution to all problems.

        1. Some he solves, in his time, reminding us of his faithfulness! (Here God will save children, one in particular we will look more closely at)

         2.  Some he lets play out to teach and grow us. (This is the case here in the long term problem for the Children of Israel)

     D. (8-9) When we forget the past, we forget who has helped us (God, allies) and who has harmed us (Satan, enemies). 

     E. Unwarranted fear can make us do (or avoid) things we will regret later. 

              1. What are we afraid of today?

              2. Like Pharoah, are we letting our fear make us miss out on blessings, or worse —cause us hardship?

    F. Pharoah was making an enemy of the wrong side!

III. The Evil of Pharoah

      A. An evil plan of Pharoah for population control.

      B.  There are people today with similar evil intent. 

     C. (17)When evil men command evil things, God’s children obey God Rather  than men!

     D. (19) They basically said the Hebrew women had already delivered by the time they got there.

     E. (21) God blesses the midwives with large families.

IV. The Baby Moses

  1. Moses’ mother did all she could do, and now it was up to God to save the child!
  2. When we encounter problems, we often do not know what to do.  When our action is needed/required (due to responsibilities, etc), then we are to do our best, and let God deal with the rest.
  • There are also times where all we can do is wait on the Lord.
  • (2.6) God chose the right woman to find Moses. One with compassion, as well as one with some heavy influence in Egypt.
  • (2:7-8) For a time, Moses’s mother got her child back.  This was only part of God’s working, as he would do much more in the story of Moses before the end of it

Conclusion :  Good times are never permanent here on earth. Problems will arise. However, we have a God that knows all the problems, and he knows how to deal with every one to our best benefit.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ, then you need him. Perhaps God has brought you here to solve your biggest problem, sin!

Antioch 9-27-20

Sermon Outline: The Sin of Man and Sovereignty of God (Job 25-26)

by Antioch Landmark Missionary Baptist Church

Title: The Sin of Man and Sovereignty of God

Text: Job 25-26

Intro: Bildad might have actually gotten something right here.  His response is short so we look at Job’s first responses as well.

I. (2-3) The Awe of God

  1. (25.3 NAC) These two rhetorical questions underscore two divine attributes: God is powerful; he is the Lord of hosts. And second, his revelation of himself is universal (cf. Ps 19:1–6 [2–7]).

II. THE SIN OF MAN (4-6)

  1. The stars not pure?  Who says?!
  • Job 25.5 NAC:

Speaking cosmically and with hyperbole, Bildad faulted “the moon” and “stars,” created bodies incapable of sin, with failure to please God.

  • (6) Isaiah 64.6 does say our righteousness apart from Christ is filthy.
  • (6) His argument for the most part is a good one, consistent with Isaiah 64.6.  However, Job, like Abraham, believed God, and when God says you’re righteous, you’re righteous!!

III. Job’s Rejection of the Counsel (26.1-4)

  1. (2)This was a bit of sarcasm here.  An insult to Bildad.  We might have said something like:

“Oh thanks…that’s REAL helpful!”

  • (3) None of Job’s friends ever said anything helpful.  Their best was when they started off silent at the beginning
  • (4) NAC The gist of the question is like that of the second line—Whence came this information that is so lacking in profundity and so helpless in its effects? By these words Job rejected their counsel, their subtle accusations, and their neat and inflexible theology of retribution.

IV. The Sovereignty of God (26.5-14)

  1. (5) Not even the dead can hide from God.
  • 26.6 NAC Hebrews 4:13 interprets this verse: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
  • (26.7) It is amazing how God placed the Earth and it doesn’t stray.
  • NAC 26:8 Another advanced meteorological observation appears next. Clouds are water, but in the language of poetry they appear as overstuffed bags. Job was intrigued, knowing how heavy water was, that it did not always and immediately fall from the clouds.
  • 26.9 NAC Again the point of the verse is that God is in complete control of celestial phenomena, uncovering “the grave” in v. 6 but covering the “moon” in v. 9.
  • (11) God is powerful, and he is righteous.
  • NAC Verses 11–12 portray a storm, while v. 13 depicts the subsequent calm. As a servant quakes at the rebuke of his master, so the heavens thunder in subjection to God’s will.
  • (13 NAC) …“the skies became fair” because “his hand pierced the gliding serpent.”12 He put to death the source of the oceans’ agitation (cf. Mark 4:39).

      1 referred to Jesus calming the sea.

  1. God’s ways are higher and beyond our understanding.  We know what he has revealed to us, but that’s certainly not everything He knows!
  • Job also reminds us that what was mentioned is only a PART of God’s power!

Sermon Outline: Faces in the Mess (Job chapter 2)

by Antioch Landmark Missionary Baptist Church

Title:  Faces in the Mess

Text:  Job 2

Intro: When going through life, there are different people who will react differently to our struggles and the way we react to them.

  1. His Adversary (1-6)
  1. Another heavenly meeting where Satan tries again
  • Satan was roaming the earth!

A repeated theme from chapter 1 isn’t it!   He is doing it today as well

  • (3-4). Job still held On to Righteousness even after the first trials.
  • (5). Now Satan wants to hurt Job’s health
  • Satan does not give up easily!
  • He didn’t then, he doesn’t now!
  • (6) Again God placed limitations on Satan
  • God places limitations on him still.

II. His Wife (7-10)

  1. (7-8) Boils hurt!  Look at what he has to go through to try to get some relief!
  • (9) His wife gave bad advice
  • (10) Job asked, “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity” (HCSB)  GOOD POINT!!!

III. His Friends (11-13)

  1. (11) Job’s friends were also wealthy men.  They travelled far to get to Job.
  • (12-13) The friends did some things right. 
  • They mourned with him.
  • They sat with him.
  • Sometimes just being there and empathizing makes a big help.

Conclusion:  Let us always be like Job and trust God, not the naysayers. Satan May attack, but God is able to stop him when it’s time!

Sermon: Father’s Day 2017

by Antioch Landmark Missionary Baptist Church

Here is an outline from another missing recording.

Sermon: Fathers Day 2017

Title:  The Work of a Godly Father

Text: Eph 5.22 to Eph 6.4

Intro: 

A little girl followed her father as he carefully stepped through a new garden. She stepped exactly where he stepped and said, “Daddy, if you don’t get mud on your feet, I won’t get any mud on me!”[1]

A little boy, frightened by a thunderous lightning storm, called out one dark night, “Daddy, come. I’m scared.”

“Son,” the father said, “God loves you and he’ll take care of you.”

“I know God loves me,” the boy replied. “But right now I want somebody who has skin on.”

It is the role of the father to be and demonstrate God, with skin on.[2]

What happens if the ball is dropped however?  How important is it to get it right?

The story is told of a young man who stood before a judge to be sentenced for forgery. The judge had been a friend of the boy’s father, who was famous for his books on the law of trusts. “Young man,” said the judge sternly, “do you remember your father, that father whom you have disgraced?”

“I remember him perfectly,” the young man answered quietly. “When I went to him for advice or companionship, he would say, ‘Run away, boy, I’m busy.’ Well, my father finished his book, and here I am.”[3]

So we can see that Fatherhood is an URGENT matter! 

But What does it take to be a Godly father according to the Bible?  What does a Godly father do? 

Let’s take a look.

I. (22-24). Heads His  Household

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as iChrist is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. [4]

     A.  Marriage is a picture of Christ and the church.  As Christ is the head of the church, so the man is the head of the family. 

     B.  The trick here is, the head of Christ is the Father, as we saw while he was down here.  So the head of the fathers on earth should be Christ!  That will complete the picture in the proper way!

II. (25-33).  Loves His Wife

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

     A. (25-38) Love Sacrificially.  Christ loved his church so much that he died to pay for her, then rose again to give her victory.  He sacrificed ALL for his church.  Thus father’s should love sacrificially.

 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

     B. (28-30) Love as they love themselves.  Paul had a great illustration here, and it makes a lot of sense.  When husbands love their wives, they should love them just like they love themselves. 

 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so ylove his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.[5]

    C. (31-32) Love her over others.  She is to take a greater place in the husband’s lives than even his own parents!  Really, the only person that he should love MORE than her…is GOD! 

          1.  Remember, it did say for him to love her as he loves his own body!

D. (33). While it is the duty of the wife to respect and show that respect to her husband, it is the duty of the HUSBAND to be RESPECTABLE!

III. (6.1-4) Trains His Children

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.[6]

     A. (1-2)His children should obey him.

     B. (3) There are rewards for children obeying their parents!

     C. (4). Fathers should treat their children right.

             1. Not intentionally antagonizing them for no reason.

             2. Not abusive.

     D. Fathers need to raise their children in the ways of the Lord!

Conclusion:

All Father’s should strive to do as God wills, loving and heading their households and training their children in a way pleasing to God!

(Antioch, Father’s Day 2017)

[1] Michael P. Green. 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000. Print.

[2] Michael P. Green. 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000. Print.

[3] Michael P. Green. 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000. Print.

[4] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

[5] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

[6] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

Sermon Outline: A Series of Unseen Events

by Antioch Landmark Missionary Baptist Church

Here is another outline to a lost recording.


SERMON:  A Series of Unseen Events





Text:  Matt 10:34-39

{{34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. }}

Intro:  Some time back, there was a series of children’s books called A Series of Unfortunate Events, which chronicled a group of children who had to constantly avoid the trappings of a deceptive and evil man.   Since that time, a movie, and even a series has come based on those books.  It’s interesting to me to see all that those kids go through, only to be beset by that villain. 

As Christians, we too have a villain out to get us.  Also, Satan can be very deceptive, and often we don’t see the trouble lurking right under our feet.

Indeed, there are tragedies that happen day to day that have devastating consequences.  Most often, those they affect don’t even notice.

Transition:  For example, we could talk about….


I. The Mechanical Misconception (v34-36)

34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

     A. Too many get the idea that as Christians we should just live and let live, keep quiet. Christ had to clarify a point that many misunderstood and often still do to this day:   He was and is here to SAVE and CHANGE this world, not to condone it.  If the world was okay on its own, why did he have to come save it???? 


           1. Isaiah 64:6.  We are not ok on our own.

{{ 6.  But we are all as an unclean thing,
  And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;
  And we all do fade as a leaf;
  And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.


   35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.

     B.  (Matt 5:13)

{{13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. }}

  Salt stands out in food.  It burns in wounds, but that’s how it works!   If it didn’t, we wouldn’t use it.  It’d be useless.


     C. (Matt 5:14-16)
 
{{14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, sthat they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.

Light conflicts with darkness.  It doesn’t blend in.

TRANSITION:    Some fail to realize:  No salt, no light, no good!  You could call this person…

II. The Delusional Disciple.   (37-39)   

37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

     A. This kind of person thinks he can blend in with the world and still serve Christ. 
    
     B.  There is very little worse than a “Camo Christian.”
 
           1. Where is his light?   How is he any different from the world??

            2. We were not meant to merely blend in!   Christ came to change the world, and He expects that same difference in us as well!


     C. People are going to hate you for your stand.  John 15:18-20

{{18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.}}

  1. I’m not suggesting we look for a fight or act mean.  But as believers in Christ we have a certain distinction that SHOULD stand out!

TRANSITION:  So what?  What does all this mean to us as we live our daily lives?  Let’s take time to see the answer to avoiding the traps Satan has laid.  Let’s look at…

III. The Satisfactory Solution.

    A. Be Vigilant!   Don’t be a lazy Christian.  Work for Christ and witness to others!

         1.  Study.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.[1]

          2. Change your world.  Be salt.  Be light!  Use what talents God Gave you!

          3. In Eph 2.8-10, we see first that we are saved by Grace through Faith, not of works.  THEN we see v10.  We are saved to serve!

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.[2]

    B. Be a witness!  If someone asks you what you think on an issue, tell them what GOD THINKS instead!

I Peter 3:15

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and pfear:[3]

    C. Be watchful!  We must keep our attitudes and actions in check, making sure we don’t slip into idleness. 

I Peter 3:16

16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. [4]

CONCLUSION:  Don’t be caught off guard. These things could happen to you.    You may even be affected by them at this very moment.

[1] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

[2] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

[3] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.

[4] The Holy Bible: King James Version. Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009. Print.