Sometimes people suffer because they do not realize a remedy for their malady is available. It is ashamed to die from a disease that could have been cured with medicine that is in a bottle in the medicine cabinet. When Jesus heals the leper in Matthew 8 he shows himself to be the available remedy for the deepest ailment of the human heart. Are you willing to approach this available Savior and speak to him regarding your need?

• TEXT: Matthew 8:1-4
• SERIES: The Gospel of Matthew
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: February 12, 2012

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Matthew 8:1-4 When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

INTRODUCTION: Overview of Matthew

1.  The Stage Is Set for Jesus’ Kingdom Ministry (1-4)

a.  The birth and childhood of Jesus (1-2)

b.  The baptism of Jesus (3)

c.  The temptation of Jesus (4:1-11)

 d.  The early ministry of Jesus (4:12-25)

2.  The Kingdom Ministry of Jesus Christ (5-25)

a.  DISCOURSE 1: The Principles of the Kingdom (5-7)

b.  Kingdom proof and the calling of disciples (8-9)

i.  First series (3 miracles over disease and a ministry overview)

ii.  Second series (3 miracles over the storm, demons and sin and a ministry   overview)

iii.  Third series (3 miracles over death, blindness, and deafness and a ministry overview)

c.  DISCOURSE 2: Instructs the Twelve Apostles (10)

d.  The King faces rejection (11-12)

e.  DISCOURSE 3: Explanation of the Kingdom with Parables (13)

f.  King Jesus in Kingdom Ministry (14-17)

g.  DISCOURSE 4: Humility is the mark of Kingdom Greatness (18)

h.  King Jesus Travels to Jerusalem and is Rejected (19-23)

i.  DISCOURSE 5: Preparation of His Disciples for the end of the Age (24-25)

3.  The Final Rejection of the King and the Vindication of Jesus Christ (26-28)

a.  Arrest (26:1-56)

b.  Trial (26:57-27:26)

c.  Crucifixion (27:27-66)

d.  Resurrection (28)

–A major theme of Matthew is the deeper identification of Jesus Christ. This story of the cleansed leper provides a sharpening effect to our understanding of Christ’s full identity.—

1.  Christ Is Available (1)

a.  Jesus made himself voluntarily available in Mosaic Fashion (Ex 19-34 Moses is the prophet / priest between God and the Israelites): “When he came down from the mountain”

b.  Many avail themselves of the availability of Christ: “Great crowds followed him.” But others do not (ILL – Opting out of SS)

c.  The availability of Christ helps us avoid Bad Theologies:

i.  Absolute Transcendence

ii.  Absolute Immanence

2.  Christ Is Approachable (2)

a.  Anybody can approach

i.  “And behold, a lepercame to him”

ii.  The worst of all cases can approach him – Leprosy is an outward picture of a wretchedly sinful heart

Hebrews 10:19-22 Therefore, brothers,since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,  and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

b.  How can Jesus be so approachable?

  i.  He cares (Mark parallel – “moved with pity”)

 ii.  He is eternal (plenty of time)

iii.  He is omnipresent (always accessible)

iv.  He is omniscient (plenty of knowledge)

  v.  He is omnipotent (plenty of power)

c.  Proper approach is needed: “Knelt before him”

d.  When you approach supplication can be made: “Saying, ‘Lord…’”

e.  Make sure you approach with knowledge

 i.  Approach with recognition of his power: “If you will”

ii.  Approach with recognition that he can save: “You can make me clean”

NEXT TIME:

Christ Is Able (3)

Christ Is Almighty (4)

• TEXT: Matthew 7:28-29
• SERIES: The Gospel of Matthew
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: February 5, 2012

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Matthew 7:28-29 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

INTRODUCTION: The Gospel of Matthew records the fact that Jesus often drew a “crowd” of people, and they often were “astonished” at him. “Astonished” – Imperfect Tense

What is it about Jesus that draws the crowd?

His “sayings”

• The words “sayings” and “teachings” indicates to us a body of doctrine that Jesus taught. (These can be collected | ILL-Politicians have “sayings”)
• Some “sayings” are extremely valuable.

Clinton received $10.7 million for 52 paid speaking engagements last year, a sizable increase from the 36 paid speeches he delivered in 2009 for a total of $7.5 million.

Bill Cosby Tickets – $250 floor or $50 balcony

His “authority”

• What is authority? Where does it come from? (“Am I 2nd in charge?” | Presidents, DTrump, BCox, and Pcorn vendors)
• How did Jesus get so much authority?

What is about Jesus that scatters the crowd?

His “sayings”

John 6:47-66 

His “authority”

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

• TEXT: Matthew 7:24-29
• SERIES: The Gospel of Matthew
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: January 29, 2012

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Matthew 7:12-29 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. 13 Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. 15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. 21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ 24 Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” 28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

INTRODUCTION: Houses, even well-built houses, are no match for the typical EF3. Likewise the “houses” of our lives are no match for the storms and collapse-agents that seek to cause our lives to fall with a Great Collapse.

Collapse-Agents Are Everywhere

“Rain”, “floods”, and “winds” will always come. Don’t let it surprise you – it is a fallen world.

Especially beware of the world (1 Jn 2:15-17; 4:1-9; 5:4-5), the flesh (Rom 7:5; 8:5), and the devil (Gen 3; 1 Pet 5:8; 1 Jn 3:8-10)

Running from collapse-agents doesn’t help. They must be confronted for what they are.

Collapse (Often) Happens Progressively

Drug abuse for example

Total Collapse in the next life: Hell

Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Collapse Can Be Avoided (v.24)

There is only one truly successful way to life: In Jesus

Some practical doctrine: Both are desperately needed: (1) Regeneration / Conversion and (2) Sanctification

APPLICATION: To Avoid Collapse…

1. Work really hard learning all you can about the Bible (Move yourself onto the highway God travels).
2. Speak with God about everything in your life.
3. Start making real changes (trust Jesus, confront a sin…do something that you can measure).

• TEXT: Matthew 10:1-14
• SERIES: The Gospel of Matthew (Built on the Rock)
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: January 22, 2012

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Matthew 10:1-14 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

9 Acquire no gold nor silver nor copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.”

INTRODUCTION: The desire and one of the main functions of church leadership (from an organizational / administrative standpoint) is to distribute the 5 resources to accomplish the 5 goals of RMLBC in the lives of the members.

People

People must be chosen / identified (1-4)

People must be empowered & trained(1; 5f)

Time

Time is short & should not be wasted (7; 14)

Time must be distributed wisely (12)

Space

Space must be identified for ministry (5-6; 11)

Space conflicts must be settled (13-14)

Supplies

The most important ministry supplies must be identified (10)

“Supplies” that hinder ministry need to be discarded (or donated) (“no bag”)

Money

Money can be very helpful to ministry (it opens up space and supplies)

Philippians 4:10-18 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

Money must be managed with extreme care (as good stewards)

Matthew 25:13-30 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.

Money can become an idol and false security (9)

• TEXT: Matthew 8:1; Acts 1:8; 13:46-49; others
• SERIES: The Gospel of Matthew (Built on the Rock)
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: January 15, 2012

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Matthew 7:24 – 8:3 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  ²⁵ And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  ²⁶ And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  ²⁷ And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”  ²⁸ And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,  ²⁹ for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. 8:1 When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him.  ² And behold, a lepercame to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”  ³ And Jesusstretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

INTRODUCTION

Plenty of Bible passages teach us that followers of Christ should do all within our power to spread the truth of the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 66:18-19; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 13:10; Acts 13:47; 2 Corinthians 10:16; etc). These are all powerful, convincing passages. So strong and numerous are they, that surely we cannot conceive of a biblical Christianity that does not include a desperate desire to move the Gospel to those who need to hear it.

In addition to these wonderful verses, we bring Matthew 8:1. It simply says “When he came down from the mountain.” This is a picture of our missionary God leaving the mountaintop, upon which he had preached the greatest sermon ever, and coming down to the masses to reach out to those who so badly need him.

If Jesus left the mountain for the masses, shouldn’t we His followers do the same?

Why Missions?

God commands missions

Acts 13:46-49 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘ I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.

Missions spreads knowledge of the glory of God

And thus knowledge of how / why human beings exist at all.

Colossians 1:9-10 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Missions spreads joy

Luke 2:10-11 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Missions is merciful (Mt 8:3)

Missions unifies a diversified humanity

MLK Day is a good time to celebrate this reality

Missions does not destroy the diversity however :

Revelation 7:9-10 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!

How Missions?

Prayerfully and biblically

2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brothers,pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored,as happened among you.

Local, regional, global

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.By sending and by going

Acts 13:2-3 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Short-term, mid-term, long-term

1. Short-term: no more than a month at a time with the goal of encouraging and building existing churches / ministries.
2. Mid-term: either staying up to 2 years, or returning for ongoing visits every 2 to 3 months.
3. Long-term: living there with the goal of planting a church (or churches) or participating in deep ministry projects such as orphan work, community renewal, etc.

Physical needs and evangelism

Mt 8:1-2

Matthew 15:30-32 And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, so that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel. Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.”

APPLICATIONS

1. Pray
2. Eat / Give
3. Go

• TEXT: Luke 1:51-55
• SERIES: Single Message
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: December 25, 2011

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Luke 1:51-55 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;  ⁵² he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;  ⁵³ he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away.  ⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,  ⁵⁵ as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.

Three Ways…

(1) Kill Pride (51-52)
God is strong we are not
Pride begins with “thoughts”
Jesus demonstrated astounding humility in His Incarnation (Phil 2)

(2) Be Fed (53)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
The hungry know best how to eat
The Lord’s Supper: a vivid reminder of our need to eat

(3) Find Help (54-55)
How-to help is available for all of life’s issues (parenthood, marriage, work, money, etc.)
PREREQUISITE: How-to help is available for salvation (repentance and faith)

• TEXT: Luke 2:16-20
• SERIES: Single Message
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: December 18, 2011

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Luke 2:16-20 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Haste – those with great need run toward hope

Mary– lowliness made great in the hand of God

Joseph – faithful leadership and protection despite the wonder of it all

Jesus – eternal divinity in infant form

Manger – a sign of loving humility and painful mission

Made known the saying– good news must travel

Wondered– everyone should wonder at Jesus

Treasured up…pondering them– but character is formed by treasuring and pondering

Shepherds returned– be missional in your life station

Glorifying and praising God – the only appropriate response to the Incarnation of Christ

• TEXT: Matthew 7:23
• SERIES: The Gospel of Matthew
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: December 4, 2011

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Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ [23] And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge is often defined as justified true belief. This definition relates to knowing the existence of an object or the occurrence of an event. But relational knowledge of a person should be thought of a bit differently (for example, if Page asked me “Do you know me,” and I said “I have a justified true belief that you exist” she would not be satisfied in the least with that answer).

It means that God has decided to know you first.

Paul’s direct statement in Galatians

Galatians 4:7-9 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?

John’s teaching on God’s initiating love and choice

1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

The wedding garment: Matthew 22:1-14

It means to know God directly and not simply about Him.

If you know about someone it means you have a set of facts about them.

If you know someone personally it means you interact with them and they with you (they know your name for example) – (This is why prayer / Bible study is one of the key confirmations of true salvation)

Keep in mind, we can’t know God exhaustively (since He is infinite), but we can know Him truly. [for example, I may never fully understand His Trinitarian nature, but I can know in truth that He is Trinity]

It means to personally trust Jesus Christ for salvation.

Philippians 3:8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

To truly know God in relationship, the roadblock of sin must be removed.

ILL) A wife cheats on her husband for 10 years at which point he declares, “I don’t even know you anymore.” What he means is that her infidelity is a roadblock to true personal knowledge.

It means to love God and keep His commandments.

1 John 2:3-6 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

1 John 4:8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

• TEXT: Matthew 7:21-23
• SERIES: The Gospel of Matthew
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: November 27, 2011

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Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ [23] And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

INTRO: The Kingdom of Heaven is the overwhelming theme of the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus Christ is the King of this Kingdom and has come to make a way of entrance for guilty sinners.

In this passage there are at least 5 vital truths about what it means to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

(1) Every person must decide to enter as an individual.

(2) The “Kingdom of Heaven” is the kind of thing that can be “entered.

Mt. 7:13 “Enter by the narrow gate”
Mt. 18:3 “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

(3) To enter the kingdom of heaven, there must be a saying (“Lord, Lord”) and there must be a doing (“does the will of my Father”).

Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

(4) There is a “Day” of judgment where the final separation of kingdom citizens from those under judgment will occur.

(5) Knowing Jesus Christ personally is the mark of distinction between Kingdom citizens and “workers of lawlessness.”

APPLICATION: Talk to God about your citizenship in His Kingdom.

• TEXT: Psalm 92:1-5
• SERIES: Single message
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: November 20, 2011

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Psalm 92:1-5 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep!

INTRODUCTION: People love the real thing. Fake things are sometimes enticing (because they can be shortcut) but people usually like the real thing. For example: Coca-cola (New Coke 1985), Money, Diamonds, and Autographs.
 

What is the difference between true thanksgiving and pseudo-thanksgiving?

True thanksgiving is good (for the soul)

• People are designed to be much like pipes. We have physical blood vessels for example. Spiritually, we are meant to take in the goodness, mercy, and love of God – which flows through us – and thanksgiving should be one of the things that flow from us in the process.
• Pseudo-thanksgiving is like a clogged pipe. Not good for the soul. It’s result is greed (since it collects only) and hypocrisy (since it fakes thanksgiving).

True thanksgiving requires a worthy recipient

• A forced “Thank you” is not the real thing. Just ask a child who is forced to say it to a sibling.
• Real thanksgiving will only be real if the one receiving thanksgiving is WORTHY of it.
• When we say “Thank you” to God we can know that He is ALWAYS maximally worthy of our gratitude. He is “Most High” He is “faithful.” His very being is what makes thanksgiving a real thing.

True thanksgiving only proceeds from a heart that has been made glad

• People can fake thanksgiving with a miserable heart, but nobody can be truly thankful without that gratitude overflowing from a heart that has been made glad.

What are some of His works that ought to fill you with joy?

• He created the world, Adam, and Eve
• He saved Noah and his family from the flood and made a covenant with all creation
• He called Abram out of Ur and made a covenant with him
• He saved Isaac by offering the ram as a substitute
• He allowed Joseph to ascend Egyptian politics and save the Hebrews
• He brought Israel out of slavery, through the Red Sea, and into the Promised Land
• He preserved the nation of Israel through sin, war, and exile
• At the perfect time He brought Jesus Christ into the world through the Virgin Mary
• Jesus taught the truth of God’s Kingdom while healing the sick to authenticate His claims
• Jesus (in God’s timing) suffered and died under Pontius Pilate
• Jesus rose from dead and ascended into Heaven were we await His coming
• God established His church on the authority of the Person and Work of Jesus Christ
• If you are a believer He revealed to you your sin, caused you to be born again, granted you faith to repent and believe, and gave you assurance of eternal life

Millions of other works could be listed…

APPLICATION: Gaze at Jesus until you are TRULY thankful

2 Corinthians 3:18  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.

• TEXT: Acts 2:41-47
• SERIES: Single message
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: November 13, 2011

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Acts 2:41-47 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awecame upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

INTRODUCTION: We need boundaries. They help us immensely.

• Roads, Sports, Property, Skin

But we are afraid of them because they seem hurtful or intolerant.

• But is it intolerant to have boundaries on roadways, out-of-bounds in sports, property lines, or our personal space?
• Is it intolerant for a band (let’s say the Beetles) to say we have 4 members of our band and nobody else is allowed to join?
• Is it intolerant for a sports team to limit the number of players on the roster?
• Is it intolerant for a company (let’s say Regions Bank) to say only certain people can be employees and others are “on the outside” of that boundary.

None of these things are mean or intolerant. We just understand the need for boundaries in these areas and how they work. The same is true for church membership. It is a NEEDED and HELPFUL boundary. It is not mean-spirited or intolerant.

Church Membership marks the difference between…

Believers and unbelievers

• v41 “So those that received this word…were added that day.” v47 “The Lord added to their number…those who were being saved.”
• The number 1 prerequisite to church membership is that the person trusts Jesus Christ as their Savior.
• How do we know? Two ways – (1) Profession of faith and (2) fruit of the Spirit.

Baptized and unbaptized

• v41 “…were baptized…”
• Baptism is the initiating ordinance of the church and is the outward picture of Christ’s salvation.
• A person CAN be a believer and NOT BE baptized (or a church member), but a person CANNOT be a church member if they have not been baptized (and they should not be baptized if they are not a believer).
• Church membership has to do with living in the community of Christ NOW as an organized body of inter-working parts (and baptism is the mark of that membership).

1 Corinthians 12:18; 26-27 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose…If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

The sharing fellowship and “all the people”

• v42 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” v45 “And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” v46-47 “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.”
• As a church we have limited resources for helping others (the need is much greater than our budget), so we are going to help our MEMBERS FIRST.

1 Timothy 5:3; 9-12 Honor widows who are truly widows…Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith.

APPLICATIONS

• Take your church membership very seriously – it is a covenant with fellow believers.
• Take the approval of church members very seriously. You are seeking to recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

• TEXT: Matthew 7:15
• SERIES: The Gospel of Matthew
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: November 6, 2011

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Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

WE ALL TRUST SOMEBODY –

In relation to the biggest questions in life

• Is God real? If so what is He like?
• What is a human being?
• Does life have (real) purpose?
• What is my biggest problem and can it be repaired? If so how?
• What happens when I die?

Some Trust In…

• Self-intuition
• Philosophical theory
• Scientific Discoveries
• Religious gurus

But Christians trust the Bible
as the Word of God

• This is because God saves us shows us it is true.
• Jesus rose from the dead to confirm its truth.

There are at least 3 more confirming reasons to believe it:

1. The Bible Has a Divine Edge

• It’s unity in spite of diversity

 

• It’s fulfilled prophecies

Daniel 2:28 But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these:

• It’s central organizing center (the Glory of God)

Revelation 21:10-11 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.

2. The Bible Corresponds to Reality

• Archeology

 

• Descriptions of human nature

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

3. The Bible Meets the Greatest Need of Humanity

This is the need for grace.

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, wehave peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faithinto this grace in which we stand, and werejoicein hope of the glory of God.

Who are you going to trust?

• TEXT: Matthew 7:15; 1 Timothy 6:2-4
• SERIES: The Gospel of Matthew
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: October 23, 2011

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Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

1 Timothy 6:2-4 Teach and urge these things. If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy…

INTRODUCTION

• The Five Solas of the Reformation
• False Prophets
• “Sola” excludes

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone Is the Foundation for Our Faith)

Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

Matthew 15:5-7 But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, What you would have gained from me is given to God, he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites!

Sola Christus (Christ Alone Is the Mediator Between God and Man)

1 Timothy 2:5-6 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

Sola Gratia (Grace Alone Is the Method God Uses to Save Guilty Sinners)

Romans 3:22-25 For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.

Sola Fide (Faith Alone Is the Means by which God Applies Grace)

Romans 3:25 …to be received by faith.

Hebrews 4:2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.

Sola Deo Gloria (The Glory of God Alone Is the Goal of Our Faith)

1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

HOW THE FIVE SOLAS HELP EXPOSE FALSE TEACHERS

CONCLUSION: Work carefully through your beliefs concerning the Five Solas and seek to refine your theology (understanding of God and His works). This will help you see if you still need salvation and it will protect you from the false teachers who would lead you astray.

 
• TEXT: Matthew 7:15-20
• SERIES: The Gospel of Matthew
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: October 23, 2011

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Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

1. We Will Recognize Them

a. “Will” not might

b. “Fruit” = life deeds

2. How We Can Recognize Them

1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

a. Their Motives

i. What are they ultimately after?

ii. Some possibilities: money, power, sex, suppression of the truth, help people

b. Their Masquerade

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

Article of Faith #8 (from Mormon.org): We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

Craig Branch: “I have studied Mormonism for almost 30 years and I have yet to find a doctrine that is essentially compatible with historical Biblical Christianity (Evangelicalism). Yet Mormons habitually posture themselves as “also Christians,” and they regularly either do not talk about their faith in a public setting, or they utilize soft cover-up tactics by never going very deep into their beliefs or historical studies. Often this is because most Mormons do not know much about their church’s history and many conflicting edicts given by their General Authorities (because the church covers them up), or because some doctrines are considered “sacred knowledge” (ie. secret).”

c. Their Master

Is your teacher driven by the text? Acts 17:10-12 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.

Craig Branch: Scientology’s founder L. Ron Hubbard’s writings and lectures (tapes) are considered to be infallible Scripture. He is known as the exclusive “Source” of the only truth to lead man to total spiritual freedom. Scientology’s spokeswoman Leisa Goodman writes, “Mr. Hubbard’s writings and lectures on the human spirit comprise the Scripture of Scientology religion…. As the sole source of the Scriptures, he has no successor” (L. Ron Hubbard, Founder of Dianetics and Scientology, p. 1). In addition, no one else is allowed to alter his issues. They are to remain intact. Only Hubbard can revise them (Scientology Policy Directive 19, 7 July 1982).

d. Their Mess

From form Mormon “Ralph” at http://exmormon.org: Independent research is highly discouraged. Members are told to view, read, and listen only to Church approved sources. The more I learned on my own, the more I believed that Mormonism is not the true religion of God. I was no longer bothered by the thought that I was going to the Telestial kingdom (the lowest of three worlds Mormons believe will exist in the afterlife) for casting away the true gospel. The discrepancies between the historical and Church versions were so wide that I started to get angry. All my life, I was taught to believe that Mormonism developed in a certain way, and now it was all wrong.

From an interview with Peter Gregerson: “Though he never had to face this unthinkable reality, he was often afraid of the possibility. His son David was known as a fast driver, and Peter would often imagine him in an auto accident in which his young son (Peter’s grandson) was injured and needed a blood transfusion or he would die. What would he do? What would he tell his son David to do? These nightmare scenarios made Gregerson confess, ‘I realized that in my fifty years I had never really done my homework.’”

Jim Jones: 909 dead

David Koresh: 76 dead

Marshall Applewhite: 40 dead

3. What Will be the End of Them

a. Because of their end truth will prevail

Mt 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

b. Because of their end we should seek to love and help them

John 3:9-10 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?”

• TEXT: Matthew 7:15-20
• SERIES: The Gospel of Matthew
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: October 16, 2011

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Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

INTRODUCTION

TWO SERMONS: This passage teaches us about both the reality of false prophets and how to recognize them. This morning, we will be looking at the reality of false prophets and Lord willing next Sunday how to recognize them.

TWO QUESTIONS ABOUT THE REALITY OF FALSE PROPHETS: (1) Why are there false prophets? (2) What do false prophets teach?

1. Why Are There False Prophets?

Answer 1: Narrow Truth = Narrow Teaching

If Truth itself is narrow then (think about it) the teaching of it is narrow as well. For example, 2+2=4 can only be taught in a narrow way.

If the truth is “Jesus died on the cross and physically rose from the dead, even eating fish to prove to His disciples that He was not a ghost, but had risen in His actually physical body,” then it would be false to teach, “Jesus died on the cross and His body rotted away, but He arose in a spiritual form.” You see, many people teach this, and to some it sounds good because it talks about Jesus rising from the dead. However, it contradicts the truth of the situation which makes it a false teaching.

James’ Wisdom: James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

Answer 2: Religion / philosophy sells and controls

These false prophets are described by Jesus as nothing less than “ravenous wolves.”

2 Peter 2:1-3 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

Here is how the problem works:

• God made people to depend on Him.
• People have fallen into sin, attempting to be self-sufficient, but still needing God.
• Certain people see this situation as an opportunity to make money and grow in power and so bring false teaching to people, raising money from them, and controlling them in the process.

False teacher L Ron Hubbard essentially admitted that this was the reason he founded Scientology:

One reporter says of Hubbard: “Whenever he was talking about being hard up he often used to say that he thought the easiest way to make money would be to start a religion.”

2. What Do False Prophets Teach?

Because falsehood is a broad path, that means there are many different types of false prophets and teachers out there. They come in lots of different stripes and species, and some of them are very different than others of them, but we need to be able to recognize them all.

Basically, anybody whose teaching is not consistent with the Scripture is to be a false prophet. Now I’m going to say more about being consistent with Scripture later, but for now, I want to show you to forms this might take: Non-Christian forms and Christian forms.

Answer 1: Non-Christian Forms of False Teaching

Naturalism: Anyone who says that the physical world is all there, and that no spiritual reality exists at all, is a false teacher. This is naturalism.

Don’t think that false prophets and teachers only speak of religious things. Those in the university setting, for example, who are teaching the naturalist worldview are preaching just as I am preaching this morning. They are bringing in the lives of students a message about the nature of the world and the nature of the human being, and they are leading their students onto the broad path.

Pantheism: Anyone who teaches that all of reality is one and that this oneness is pure spirit (that no physical, material world exists at all or just an illusion) is a false teacher.

Though these teachers may have very strong ethical teachings as well, the pantheistic worldview does not match with the narrow truth we find in the Bible about the nature of the world, the nature of God, and the nature of human beings and how they can be saved.

Pantheistic religions include both Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as the New Age Movement that is so popular now in the United States.

Islam: If anyone teaches that Jesus was not the final prophet of God, but was in a long line of prophets that actually ended sometime in 600 AD with Muhammad, then the person teaching this a false prophet.

Answer 2: “Christian” Forms of False Teaching

Matthew 24:24-25 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.

There are two basic ways you can appear to be teaching Christian doctrine, but actually be teaching something false and deeply contrary to Christian doctrine.

(a) Adding or Subtracting from Scripture (The Book of Mormon for example)

Revelation 22:18-19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

(b) Twisting Scripture

• Legalistic false teachers – twisting out grace

Galatians 1:6-7 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.

Galatians 5:2; 6 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you…For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

• Licensing false teachers – twisting out sin and its consequences

Romans 3:8 And why not do evil that good may come? – as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

CONCLUSION: Know (“beware!”) the truth (then the counterfeit will be easy to spot).

• TEXT: Matthew 7:11-14
• SERIES: The Gospel of Matthew
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: October 2, 2011

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Matthew 7:11-14 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!  ¹² So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

REVIEW: 1) Get Wise, 2) Get Started, 3) Keep Going

HOW DO PEOPLE ARRIVE?

Crossing the River of Death

1 Corinthians 15:35-36 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.

Rapture

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up [Greek: a`rpa,zw Latin: rapiemur] together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

Return to Earth With Jesus

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Revelation 19:11-14 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped inblood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.

Revelation 19:19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army.

WHAT HAPPENS TO PEOPLE WHO ARRIVE?

Their spirits reunite with their bodies and God raises them from the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:20-24 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.

1 Corinthians 15:35-38; 42 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.  And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body…So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.

WHAT WILL THE DESTINATION LOOK LIKE?

The New Heavens and New Earth

2 Peter 3:13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (See also Isaiah 66:17)

Revelation 22:1-5 Then the angelshowed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of lifewith its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servantswill worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

The Journey Continues…

Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.

 OUR RESPONSE:

1. Repentance / Faith
2. Worship
3. Thanksgiving
4. Course of Life

• TEXT:
• SERIES: Difficult Questions Christians Deal With
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: June 12, 2011

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Luke 6:33-36 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

INTRODUCTION

National debt = $14.4 trillion (nearly $47,000 per US citizen

Individual debt =

Consumer debt (does not include real estate) – $2.4 trillion (roughly $7,800 for every US citizen) – 33% is revolving credit

Mortgage debt = $14.3 trillion (US Census 2009)

1) Credit Is Biblically Permissible

a) “If you lend…and lend” (Lk 6:33-36)

b) Other texts:

i) Psalm 112:5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.

ii) Deuteronomy 15:6-8 For the LORD your God will bless you, as he promised you, and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow, and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you. “If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.

c) Why is it permissible?

People are intricately woven into a dependent society and thus basic exchange policies naturally arise in order to govern this reality. People are created in the Image of God which means our use of economic means should reflect Him. (Consider the economics of animals compared to private property issues as handled by humans)

2) Credit Must Be Carefully Regulated

a) Individual Regulations

i) Our story: school debt, computer, water filter, HELOC, lemon house, foreclosure, bankruptcy

ii) Three Wise Regulations in Personal Borrowing

(1) Don’t borrow as the result of materialism

Proverbs 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

(2) Only borrow if the money is borrowed to purchase / build a piece of property that will, rather quickly, pay for itself. Wisdom calls for the risk factor to be low, even very low, in these situation.

(3) Only borrow if your income is at a sufficiently high level to repay the debt.

b) Corporate Regulations — Credit always destroys societies when its motive is to take advantage of the poor

Exodus 22:25-27 If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him. If ever you take your neighbor’s cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.

3) Credit Must Be Understood in the Bigger Picture

a) Luke 6:35-36 – “For [God] is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” – Jesus is talking about us here. We are the ungrateful and evil ones.

b) Our sin debt is of the kind that we could not possible begin to pay for it. It is truly spiritual bankruptcy! It would take literally an eternity in Hell, without end, to pay our sin debt, since we have offended an infinite and perfectly holy being.

c) By through Christ, our sin debt has been forgiven. He evens the scales by pouring His wrath out upon His Son, rather than you.

CONCLUSION

• How are you doing with your basic personal economics?
• How are you doing with your spiritual economics?

• TEXT: 2 Peter 1:1-8
• SERIES: Single message
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: June 5, 2011

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2 Peter 1:1-8 SimeonPeter, a servantand apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:  May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.  His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us tohis own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,and virtue with knowledge, andknowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualitiesare yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in theknowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What is VBS?

VBS (at least at RMLBC) is 5 days of focused Bible study, designed especially to introduce children to Jesus Christ, and help them in early steps of discipleship. Music, crafts, and other activities are used to supplement the teaching, while allowing the children to enjoy themselves as they learn.

The last day is different. Families are invited and the Gospel is preached yet again, complete with a challenge to children and parents to follow Jesus Christ.

In 1923, Standard Publishing produced the first VBS curriculum. Today, the SBC, and many other denominations and independent churches, have used VBS successfully to preach the Gospel to children in an age-appropriate way. Here are some VBS stats from 2007:

• 2,876,877 children, teens, and adults participated in a Southern Baptist Vacation Bible School.
• Of those participants,  267,771 identified themselves as unchurched – many more are most likely unchurched in practice.
• Of those who identified themselves as unchurched, 37,888 enrolled in Sunday School following VBS.
• One of the most amazing statistics is one of every sixteen 1st – 6th graders was enrolled in an SBC VBS in 2007.
• VBS 2007 accounted for 88,097 professions of faith during the week of or immediately following VBS, resulting in 26% of all 2007 SBC baptisms.

Of course, these are statistics, and statistics have to be interpreted. For example, some churches may inadvertently be using VBS to preach a false gospel of works to children. Naturally, there are going to be questions and exceptions to a list of stats like this one. However, in spite of this reality, VBS has been used, and can be used in the right way to reach children and their families with the Gospel of Christ.

What is Baptism?

Baptism is the initiating ordinance of the church. In this sense, it corresponds to circumcision as the initiating ordinance of the Israelites.

Colossians 2:11-12 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Baptism should be understood as an outward picture of the salvation God has provided to our souls.

Romans 6:3-5 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Because it is such a strong picture of salvation, it is necessary to be baptized before a person is granted the privilege of Church Membership.

What is the Lord’s Supper?

The Lord’s Supper is the ongoing or continuing ordinance of the church. It is privilege that only baptized believers are allowed to enjoy through participation. For others, it can be especially powerful as others are observed taking it.

The Lord’s Supper has both a past and present element.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is foryou. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Additionally, the Lord’s Supper has a future element.

Revelation 19:7-9 “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;  it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure” – for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel saidto me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

What is the Connection Between VBS, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper?

VBS is a tool designed to introduce children to Jesus Christ. Once they have personally and consciously received His grace, they should be baptized in order to demonstrate that salvation the Lord has wrought in their hearts, and their connection to the body of Christ, the Church.

Once they have been baptized, they will be allowed to partake of the Lord’s Supper with the church, picturing the ongoing sustenance provided to the Church by the broken body and spilled blood of Jesus our Lord.

VBS is not an ordinance of the church given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ, but is a meager tool that God has used to help children understand the importance of and participate personally in the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Things to Do

1. Pray for VBS
2. Help with VBS
3. Follow up on VBS

• TEXT: 2 Samuel 11:1-23
• SERIES: Difficult Questions Christians Deal With
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: April 3, 2011

• TEXT: Colossians 3:16
• SERIES: Difficult Questions Christians Deal With
• SPEAKER: Jason Dollar
• DATE: March 27, 2011

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Some might ask, “Why not just preach the Gospel?”

What Exactly Is Music?

The Dictionary: The art of arranging sounds in time so as to produce a continuous, unified, and evocative composition, as through melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre.

But music is more than this, isn’t it? It has a way of moving into our hearts, and moving its content into our hearts. Music is something that is absorbed readily and quickly. It is something that sets our thinking in a certain direction. Music is one of the most powerful mediums of communication known to man because it is easy to remember and taps deeply into our emotional centers.

Psychologists tell us that music:

• Promotes memory (“Watch the Lamb,” “Bus Driver”)
• Evokes emotion (Cry – “Live Like You Were Dying,” Vent – “Live and Let Die,” Smile – “Don’t Worry Be Happy”
• Heals the sick

To make the point: Brad Paisley and Sara Evans – “New Again.”

1)     THE MAIN THING: Truth Conveying Music

• Psalm 51:6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
• Psalm 119:160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

2)     SECONDARY THINGS:

a)     Soft Music and Loud Music

1 Samuel 16:23 And whenever the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

1 Chronicles 15:28 So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, to the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and made loud music on harps and lyres.

b)     Old Music and New Music

Psalm 77:6 “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.”

Revelation 5:9-10 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

c)      Music aimed at God and Music about God

Psalm 101:1  I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music.

Deuteronomy 31:30 – 32:4  Then Moses spoke the words of this song until they were finished, in the ears of all the assembly of Israel:  “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.”

What about secular music?

The Dictionary: Secular pertains to the world and worldly things as opposed to spiritual or religious things.

Listening to the music a person produces offers a glimpse into the soul of the writer, and helps us understand and interpret culture. It would be foolish, therefore, to never listen and learn from secular music. But the Christian is a person who must listen thoughtfully.

Secular music is not all the same, and comes to us on a scale:

Some songs would line up with the biblical teaching on certain principles, like a song expressing love to one’s wife for example.

Other songs may not express a biblical doctrine, but do not contradict anything in teaching of the Bible – James Taylor “Carolina in Mind.” It is simply about a man who is homesick.

Still other songs promote a message that directly contradicts a biblical principle. For example, John Lennon’s “Imagine” reflects on a society that was not driven by thoughts of Heaven, Hell, or religion at all.

Another category of secular songs include those which do not overtly attack Christian principles, but that promote behaviors that are contrary to the Scriptures. One good example might be, “Love the One Your With.” Likewise, many Eminem songs provide a model of indulgent self-centeredness and disrespect for parents and other authority figures.

It also must be said that some secular songs overtly attack the Bible and the Christian worldview. Madonna’s song “Like a Prayer” would fit here. Or Marilyn Manson’s “Antichrist Superstar.”

When listening to secular music, Christians must be wise by asking and answering the following questions.

• What message does this music promote?
• By listening to / buying this music am I helping a secular artist promote an anti-Christian worldview?
• Does this music tear down or build up?
• Does this music affect my worship of God positively or negatively?

Recognize the power of music to move the soul.

Sing the Gospel as a regular part of your Christian experience, for the sake of worship, witness, and education.

]]> http://www.rmlbc.org/wp/2011/03/what-kind-of-music-are-we-suppose-to-worship-with/feed/ 0 0:46:31 Music is an incredibly powerful force in our lives. This is just as God intended it to be. The rhythm, melodies, and harmonies of music move our hearts like almost nothing else can. This being the case what kind of music should we worship with? [...] Music is an incredibly powerful force in our lives. This is just as God intended it to be. The rhythm, melodies, and harmonies of music move our hearts like almost nothing else can. This being the case what kind of music should we worship with?   TEXT: Colossians 3:16 SERIES: Difficult Questions Christians Deal With SPEAKER: Jason Dollar DATE: March 27, 2011 Subscribe to RMLBC Sermon Podcast     Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. INTRODUCTION Some might ask, “Why not just preach the Gospel?” What Exactly Is Music? The Dictionary: The art of arranging sounds in time so as to produce a continuous, unified, and evocative composition, as through melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre. But music is more than this, isn’t it? It has a way of moving into our hearts, and moving its content into our hearts. Music is something that is absorbed readily and quickly. It is something that sets our thinking in a certain direction. Music is one of the most powerful mediums of communication known to man because it is easy to remember and taps deeply into our emotional centers. Psychologists tell us that music: Promotes memory (“Watch the Lamb,” “Bus Driver”) Evokes emotion (Cry – “Live Like You Were Dying,” Vent – “Live and Let Die,” Smile – “Don’t Worry Be Happy” Heals the sick To make the point: Brad Paisley and Sara Evans – “New Again.” So What Kind of Music Should We Worship With? 1)     THE MAIN THING: Truth Conveying Music Psalm 51:6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Psalm 119:160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.   2)     SECONDARY THINGS: a)     Soft Music and Loud Music 1 Samuel 16:23 And whenever the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. 1 Chronicles 15:28 So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, to the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and made loud music on harps and lyres. b)     Old Music and New Music Psalm 77:6 “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Revelation 5:9-10 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” c)      Music aimed at God and Music about God Psalm 101:1  I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music. Deuteronomy 31:30 – 32:4  Then Moses spoke the words of this song until they were finished, in the ears of all the assembly of Israel:  “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” What about secular music? The Dictionary: Secular pertains to the world and worldly things as opposed to spiritual or religious things. Listening to the music a person produces offers a glimpse into the soul of the writer, and helps us understand and interpret culture. It would be foolish, therefore, to never listen and learn from secular music. But the Christian is a person who must listen thoughtfully. Secular music is not all the same, and comes to us on a scale: Some songs would line up with the biblical teaching on certain principles, like a song express[...] Sermons Jason Dollar no no