Get Ready for the Impossible

by Rick Warren

“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth …” (James 1:18a NIV)

God wants to use his Word to give you a fresh start in life.

Without God’s Word, we could never be saved. We wouldn’t be headed for Heaven. We wouldn’t know about Jesus’ death on the cross. We wouldn’t know about God’s purposes for our lives.

Without the Bible, we can’t know God.

God wants to give you all of that — but it starts with his Word. Through the Bible, God recreates our life. When I feel like I’m at the end of my rope, God uses the Bible to give me a fresh start, a do-over. The Bible calls it being “born again.” In James 1:18, the Bible says, “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth …” (NIV).

Can believers fall away?

Luke 8:13

It would seem so, according to this verse. But some see another possibility: that this verse looks at how people appear, rather than their true spiritual condition. They suggest the appearance of falling away (that is, turning away from the faith entirely and decisively) reveals that the person never had true faith.

Others, however, say it’s possible to believe for a while. They say the New Testament warns believers to persevere in their faith—a warning different from that given to unbelievers. They say God gives people a free will—something they still have when they commit to Christ.

Prostituting Our Daughters

Scripture Passage : Leviticus 19:29

1. 
   
   
   

Introduction: We face a great battle today of which I am afraid we are ignorant. One by one our strengths are becoming weaknesses. We are waving the white flag and we don’t even know it. We have often discussed the importance of having Godly men who are strong in the faith, but I’m afraid that we have focused so strongly on other areas that we have neglected one of our greatest weapons. The future strength of this church as well as many others like ours is heavily dependent upon what we do as relating to this battle. This battle is the battle for our women and in particular our daughters. Satan has robbed the church blind of its daughters. Do names like Jessie Daniels, Kelly Clarkson, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Shelly King, and Britney Spears ring a bell? They all started out either going to Church as children or are in Church now. Who’s next? It may be that my daughter or your daughter is the next target of Satan. So what shall we do?

1. Recognize the value of Daughters
1. Old Testament battle plan
1. Pharaoh (Exodus 1:22
   )
2. Moses (Numbers 31:15-18
   )
3. The men of Israel (Judges 21:10-12
   )
2. Master’s female servants (Exodus 21:4
   , 7)
2. Recognize Satan’s plan for Daughters
1. Destroy man’s relationship with and worship of God (Exodus 34:16
   ; Numbers 25:1
   ;Judges 3:6
   )
2. To destroy a seed or a people (Genesis 6:1-2
   )
3. To get rid of the men of God (Mark 6:22-25
   )
3. Abstain from endangering our Daughters
1. Selling our daughters to the world (Genesis 19:8
   )
2. Surrounding them with the enemy (Genesis 34:1-5
   )
4. Recognize and teach God’s plan for Daughters
1. Don’t give the daughters to the world (Ezra 9:12
   ; Nehemiah 13:25
   ; Deuteronomy 7:3
   )
2. Virtue (Proverbs 12:4
   ; Proverbs 31:10
   )
3. To fear Him (Proverbs 31:30
   )
4. To be taught by the elder women and mothers (Ezekiel 16:44
   ; Titus 2:3-4
   )
5. Minister to Christ (Mark 15:40-41
   ; Matthew 27:54-55
   )
6. To be full of good works (Acts 9:36
   )
7. To worship Him (Acts 16:14
   )
8. To be holy in body and spirit (1 Corinthians 7:34
   )
9. To labour in the gospel (Philippians 4:3
   )

Conclusion: We are in an uphill battle. All of the odds are against us. The forces of Hell, Hollywood, Fashion, Schools, Family, Modern Churches are launching every attack known to them. Are you willing to deny yourself and fight the fight for your daughters? Are you willing to suffer persecution to spare your daughters? Are you willing to change the way you act, dress, talk and walk to rescue your daughters? If you are willing, God will both enable you to fight and reward you for fighting. THE QUESTION STANDS, ARE YOU WILLING?

Andrew Ray

http://www.learnthebible.org/sermon-outlines/prostituting-our-daughters.html

Bethlehem – the House of Bread

Scripture Passage  :  Genesis 35:15-20

INTRODUCTION : Genesis 35:19 is the first mention of Bethlehem in the Bible. The name means house of bread. This could mean a place where one could come and eat when hungry; a place of supply for the hungry (Isaiah 58:6-7). Historically, Bethlehem is just such a place. We will look at Bethlehem as a type of God’s supply for the hungry in five different incidents in the Bible. But first, let us visit the town of Bethlehem.

Bethlehem is located five miles south of Jerusalem (the distance from Antioch Baptist Church to downtown Knoxville). The mountains and valleys between the two cities make it impossible to see the one from the other. Bethlehem is located on a ridge one hundred feet higher than Jerusalem. It has a deep valley to its north and another to its south. This explains why the Philistines put a garrison there. 

To the east of Bethlehem, the land drops quickly down to the Dead Sea. To the west, there is a slightly milder drop to the Plain of Philistia. These slopes are known in ancient times for their terraced gardens. Bethlehem was normally a fairly small town. Biblically, it is the place of the death of Rachel, the birth of David and Jesus, and the marriage of Ruth and Boaz. We will see it as the house of bread.

1. A PLACE OF WEEPING
1. The Death of Rachel (Genesis 35:15-20
   )
2. The Weeping of Rachel (Matthew 2:16-18
   )
3. The Hope in Weeping (Jeremiah 31:15-17
   )
4. Jesus: the Rest for the Weary (Matthew 11:28-30
   )
2. A PLACE OF BLESSING
1. The Loss of All (Ruth 1:1-5
   )
2. The Return in Sorrow (Ruth 1:19-22
   )
3. The Blessing for Ruth (Ruth 2:1-12
   )
4. The Kinsman- Redeemer (Ruth 4:9-11
   )
5. Jesus: Making Us the Sons of God (John 1:10-13
   )
3. A PLACE OF ANOINTING
1. The Choice of a King (1 Samuel 16:1-3
   )
2. The Choice Not Expected (1 Samuel 16:6-13
   )
3. The Promise of a Seed (2 Samuel 7:8-13
   )
4. Jesus: the Son of David (Matthew 1:1
   ; Luke 1:31-32
   )
5. God’s Choice Today (1 Corinthians 1:26-29
   )
4. A PLACE OF REFRESHMENT
1. The Thirsty Soul (2 Samuel 23:14-15
   )
2. The Three Mighty Men (2 Samuel 23:16
   ); as the Trinity
3. Jesus: the Source of Water (John 4:10-14
   )
5. A PLACE OF SALVATION
1. A Place of Taxation (Luke 2:1-7
   )
2. The Birth of the Saviour (Luke 2:8-11
   )
3. Jesus: the Saviour of the World (John 4:42
   ; 1 Timothy 4:10
   )

CONCLUSION:

Are you weeping? Are you heavy?

Are you burdened down with sin?

Come to the town of Bethlehem

And let the Christ child in.

Are you thirsty? Are you hungry?

Seeking bread that satisfies?

Come to the town of Bethlehem

To Christ—the One who died.

Seeking purpose and direction;

Are you wandering in a maze?

Come to the town of Bethlehem

And let Christ show the way.

Have your dreams gone up in smoke?

Have you lost a loved one dear?

Come to the town of Bethlehem

Where Christ will make things clear.


by David F. Reagan

David Reagan

http://www.learnthebible.org/sermon-outlines/bethlehem-the-house-of-bread.html

Family Problems : Cain And Abel

Scripture Passage   :   Genesis 4:1-12

INTRODUCTION: Many families have problems with one member turning against another. This is the direct result of the coming of sin into the world. These problems began with the first family and they continue to this day. In fact, Jesus prophesied that a man’s foes would often be those of his own household (Matthew 10:34-36).

1. THE PROMISE OF A SEED (Genesis 3:15
   )
1. The Judgment for Sin was Great
2. But God Promised a Seed of a Woman that would Defeat Satan
2. THE BIRTH OF TWO BROTHERS (Genesis 4:1-2[1] And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.[2] And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.)
1. Eve Bore Cain and Abel
2. She Evidently Thought Cain was the Chosen Seed – “I have gotten a man from the LORD”
3. THE LIFE OF THE BROTHERS (Genesis 4:2
   )
1. Abel was a Keeper of Sheep
2. Cain was a Tiller of the Ground
3. Application: Family interests are varied. It is best to help children follow after occupations that fit their interests and abilities, for these are from the Lord.
4. THE OFFERINGS OF THE BROTHERS (Genesis 4:3-5)
1. Cain Brought an Offering
1. Of the fruit of his labors (Genesis 4:3
   )
2. The Lord did not respect his offering (Genesis 4:5
   )
2. Abel Brought an Offering (Genesis 4:4
   )
1. Of his flock of sheep
1. Of the firstlings
2. Of the fat
2. The Lord had respect unto his offering
3. Note: although we are not specifically told here, God usually showed His pleasure (respect) for an offering by sending fire from heaven to consume it. This probably happened with Abel’s offering but not with Cain’s.
4. Note: here we find that Cain and Abel were not only separated by interests and occupations, but also by spiritual perception. This often happens in families and is one of the most difficult problems in families.
5. THE HEART OF CAIN (Genesis 4:5-7)
1. He Did Not Repent of his Sin
2. He Blamed Others for his Rejection
1. He blamed God
2. He blamed Abel
3. He Rejected the Warning of the Lord (Genesis 4:7
   )
1. Well-doing will be accepted
2. Rebellion puts sin in charge
3. Obedience gives strength and authority (probably a reference to Abel)
1. His desire will submit to you
2. You will rule over him
6. THE HATRED OF CAIN (Genesis 4:8-9)
1. Cain Confronted his Brother (Genesis 4:8
   )
2. Cain Killed his Brother (Genesis 4:8
   )
3. Cain Denied Responsibility for his Brother (Genesis 4:9
   )
7. THE PUNISHMENT OF CAIN (Genesis 4:10-12)
1. He Bore the Guilt of his Brother’s Blood (Genesis 4:10
   )
2. He Could Not Pursue his Occupation (Genesis 4:11
   )
3. He Could Not Live in his Home Town (Genesis 4:12
   )
8. THE REPLACEMENT OF CAIN (Genesis 4:25-26)
1. God Gave Seth to Adam and Eve (Genesis 4:25
   )
2. Seth Replaced Abel who was Killed (Genesis 4:26
   )
3. Note: tragedies will occur in our families, but those who trust in the Lord and follow Him will be rewarded. Even Abel was used of God to give us a great message of truth (Hebrews 11:4
   ).

CONCLUSION: We are to love our family members and seek to lead them to the Lord. However, we are not told that they will understand our devotion to the Lord or that they will support our service to Him. However, God will give us new family in the Lord (Matthew 12:47-49; Ephesians 3:15
). We can serve with them while we continue to love our physical family.

David Reagan

http://www.learnthebible.org/sermon-outlines/family-problems.html