We scheduled the Lord's Supper this week. As I was thinking of it in relationship to Thankgiving, it led to this sermon that I plan for November 14. I share it here for anyone who might come along. As always, I welcome dialog.

Pastor Fred D. Kerr

Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church

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THANKFULNESS AT THE LORD'S TABLE

Luke 22: 14-22

INTRO: Which ever account of the Last Supper we read, we are reminded of God's great love. When we come to the Lord's Table, we are reminded of His love and called to gratitude. Let's consider:

RECOGNITION OF OUR NEED

   We were lost in sin, till Jesus came to us.

   This caused a separation from God.

RECOGNITION OF GOD'S LOVING PROVISION

  God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.

   Jesus experienced death in our place.

     (Not just the physical agony, but the separation)

   We were called to accept the results of this great love.

RESPONSE OF GRATITUDE

   Humbly accept His forgiveness.

   Willingness to serve Him – Humility – Fidelity – Activity

GRATITUDE

   For his love and forgiveness

   For the freedom of worship

   For the privilege of service

   For the promise of the future

        It all started in the heart of God before the creation. It came to earth in the form of Jesus Christ. It came to a climax on the cross and at the empty tomb. The love of God that brings forgiveness of sins calls us to a life of thankfulness. But it is only possible as we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as savior and lord. Have you? You can today!

GOD'S SHADOW OF PROTECTION

Psalm 23

INTRO: The psalm starts out victoriously proclaiming God's provisions. Then the psalmist seems to remember that shadows sometimes came into the best life:

SHADOWS WILL COME (vs. 4)

   For the sheep this meant a dark canyon or crevice between two walls that led to green pastures.

   For us there are shadows of:    Sickness

                                                  Tragedy

                                                  Death – others /ours

   BUT GOD

      Walks with us     

      Comforts us

THE ENEMY IS REAL (vs. 5)

      Enemies of the sheep – wild beasts

      Enemies of the psalmist – nations

      Our enemy -- Satan

   BUT GOD

      Makes provision and protection

      Soothes injuries

GOD'S MERCY IS NOW AND FOREVER (vs. 6)

   God's goodness demands His care

      For this life – blessings and victory

   AND for eternity:

      To dwell is to put down roots. Permanent home

      House = HOME

      The LORD = merciful God!

            It is easy to trust God when all is going well. But life is not all lived on the mountain top. What do we do when the valley comes? Turn to God who has revealed Himself through His Son Jesus Christ. We must first trust Him as Savior, then we can trust Him to provide in the valleys of life. Have you? Will you? Today is the time to turn to Him – not when trouble comes!

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The above is the outline for the sermon for October 31, 2010

at Greenville Southern Baptist Church, Greenville, CA

Pastor Fred D. Kerr

CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP

I Peter 2: 9-17

INTRO: We are told here that we are citizens of heaven if we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ as savior. But now we are living in this world as aliens and strangers (vs. 11). What kind of life should we live?

SUBMIT TO AUTHORITIES (vss. 13-14)

   Submit to every authority

      For the Lord's sake

   They are sent by God:

       To punish wrongdoers

        To commend those who do right

   Honor and respect (Romans 13: 7)

WHAT ABOUT OPPOSITION?

    When authorities go against God

        Peter and John must obey God. (Acts 4:18-19)

     Contacts (letters, calls, etc) to express opinions

PRAY FOR LEADERS

     Pray for all men -- kings and all in authority. (1Tim. 2:1-2)

     Pray for prosperity for country (Jeremiah 29:7)

SEEK GOD'S FACE (2Chron. 7:14)

     God's people must:

          Humble themselves and pray

          And seek God's face

         Turn from wicked ways

     God will hear and heal the land.

CONCLUSION: We are pilgrims here in this world, but we are charged with seeking prosperity for the world. We do this by seeking always to be obedient to God, the creator who has a right to expect such obedience and disciplines those who do not obey.

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Sermon for July 4, 2010, Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church, by Pastor Fred D. Kerr

SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

John 7:37-39

INTRO: The Feast of Tabernacles was in the fall and was a time of celebration of the harvest. It looked back to the wilderness wanderings of their forefathers. Though not commanded in the OT, they had developed a ceremony of water during this week. They would bring water from the well that supplied water to the town. They would march to the temple and march around the altar. On this day they had marched around the altar 7 times. Jesus used this opportunity to give a great invitation for people to come to Him for life.

THE GREAT INVITATION

   The invitation was extended to the thirsty.

       Thirsty meant a desire of something.

        Mt 5:6 says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled."

   The invitation was to come to Jesus.

    Then they were to drink. – To receive life from Him.

THE RESULT

   They would have a stream of living water.

   It would spring up to eternal life.

   It is a stream, not a pool or pond.

   It is a reference to the Holy Spirit.

      It is for evangelism and,

                    edification.

TODAY: Jesus extends the invitation today. He is the source of life, The Holy Spirit brings conviction, then life, then strength for the work. Will we receive this life and pass on the life giving water?

QUESTION: Is your life a stream or a pool???

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Sermon for April 18, 2010, Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church

RECEIVING THE BREAD OF LIFE

John 6:51-69

INTRO: We have seen Jesus claim to be the bread of life. What are we to do with this? Here He promises eternal life to those who eat. What does this mean? How can we eat his flesh? There are some parallels between eating food and spiritual food.

RECEIVING THE BREAD OF LIFE

   Spiritual truth must be internalized to be beneficial.

   Eating is prompted by hunger.

   Eating makes food/spiritual food part of us.

   Eating involves trust – faith.

   Eating is personal. No one can eat for us!

PROMISED RESULTS OF RECEIVING THIS BREAD

   Life (vs. 53, 57) -- Without Jesus we were dead in sin.

   Eternal life (vs. 54, 58) – beyond death

   Christ will raise them up on the last day. (vs. 54b)

   They who eat/drink abide in Him. (vs. 56)

JESUS' PROMISES DEMAND A RESPONSE

   Some reject him outright. The Jews did not like the idea.

   Some seem to follow temporarily.

   Some will respond with truth faith.

THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL

   Jesus' words give life.

   Those whom God permits will believe.

   Each one has a choice. (vs. 67)

   Jesus has the words (source) of eternal life. (vs. 68)

   Those who follow …

            … have faith (have believed)

            … are faithful

---- Will you receive the Bread of life? Will you let him abide in you and you abide in Him? Is God calling you to Himself today? If so, will you come and eat?

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Sermon for Sunday, April 11, 2010

Greenville Southern Baptist Church

FROM THE CROSS

John 19: 16-30

INTRO: As we read the events of the last week of the earthly life of Jesus, we must stop to ask ourselves what the message means to us. What does it mean to me? That's what I want us to do with the words spoken from the cross. Arrangement is not certain because no gospel records all of them. Let's consider the words and then the application to us in the 21^st century:

FROM THE CROSS:

    A prayer for forgiveness. Luke 23:34.

    A pronouncement of forgiveness. Luke 23:43.

    Care for his mother. John 19: 26-27.

    Personal anguish. Matt 27:26; Mark 15:34.

    Physical anguish. John 19:28.

    A cry of triumph. John 19:30

    Commitment to the Father. Luke 23:46.

HOW ABOUT TODAY?

   Jesus in different ways told us that we needed to follow His leadership. We are to look to him and copy him. In light of that, what are some actions that we can do in response to Jesus speaking from the cross?

   Forgive those who misuse us, even though they don't ask.

   Forgive those who do ask.

   Be kind to all.

   It's ok to acknowledge pain and sorrow.

   It's ok to ask for needs.

   We must commit ourselves to the Father and trust Him.

            So how about it? Does this challenge you? Have you come to trust God through Jesus? Is Jesus your Savior? Do we follow him in ministry as well as life maintenance?

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This is my annual message for Palm Sunday, to be presented at Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church on March 28, 2010.

Dialog welcomed

God bless

THE BREAD OF LIFE

John 6:25-51

INTRO: Following the feeding of the 5000, the people sought after Jesus. He accuses them of having the wrong motives. But He goes ahead and offers them life through Him.

THE SEARCHING CROWD

   How/when did you get here??

   What must we do to do the works of God?

   What sign will you show us, that we might believe?

THE WORK OF GOD (29)

   Believe on the one He sent.

   Accept God's plan.

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE (35)

   Contrast to the manna from Moses

   The source of eternal life

   Gift of the Father

   Eternal life

IT MUST BE RECEIVED

   Believe

   The Father's will (40)

   The Father's choice

God reaches out to us through Jesus and calls us to Him. He offers us eternal life through Jesus. We must accept it. He chooses us and reaches out to us. Don't put Him off?

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Presented at Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church, March 14, 2010

Pastor Fred D. Kerr

WHEN GOD SAID "NO"

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

(Philippians 4:1-13)

INTRO: Paul had to deal with false apostles/teachers who were quick to attack him and build themselves up at his expense. He was tempted to do some bragging in turn. In this passage he finds a deterrent:

A THORN IN THE FLESH

   Probably Some physical ailment

      A messenger of Satan? (vs. 7)

   Paul repeatedly asked for healing.

      But God said "No."

DESERVING??

   In Luke 7:1-5 a centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant. The Jewish leaders said he was "deserving" because he loved their nation and built their synagogue.

   Paul was the greatest missionary of his day

   Surely he was deserving …

   But God said "No."

GOD DID GIVE AN ANSWER

   This will keep you humble. (vs. 7)

   "In your weakness my power will be known." (vs. 9)

   "My grace is sufficient for you."

WHEN TROUBLE COMES (Phil. 4:1-13)

   Rejoice in the Lord (vs. 4)

   Pray with thanksgiving. (6)

      The peace of God will guard your heart and mind. (7)

   Dwell on the positive, and the God of peace will be with you

   "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (13)

   Remember God and His strength in our weaknesses.

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Sermon for Sunday, February 28, 2010,

Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church

RESPONDING TO THE TRUTH

John 5:24-40

INTRO: I noticed a repeated word in my studies of John. That word is "truth". Today, I want to reflect on the teachingS about the "truth" in John.

WHAT / WHO IS THE TRUTH?

   John 5:33 says John testified of the truth – that is Jesus.

   In John 14:6, Jesus said "I am the truth, ….."

   In John 17:17, Jesus said, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."

WHAT WILL IT DO?

    The truth will make you free. John 8:32

            Free from sin

HOW? WHAT IS OUR PART?

   Hear His word. 5:24

   Believe in God who sent Jesus.

   Hold to the teachings of Jesus. John 8:31

   Study the scriptures and believe. John 5:39

RESULTS

   We are sanctified by God. John 17:17

   We have eternal life. John 5:24

   We have freedom from sin. John 8:32

   We reveal works of God. John 3:21

The TRUTH (Jesus) calls us to faith in Him. His word tells that over and over. But often we do not believe. What is your choice today? Believe in Jesus for eternal life, or reject Him and experience eternal separation from the Father?

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Sermon for February 21, 2010, Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church

JESUS MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!

John 2:1-11

INTRO: John tells us in chapter 20 that he wrote to help people know and believe Jesus as Savior. He chose 7 miracles which he called signs. Here is the first one, a wedding in Cana.

THE SCENE

   Wedding at Cana, this is near Nazareth

   Jesus mother is there and Jesus and disciples are invited

      Apparently a family situation

   A usual part of life

THE SITUATION

   Mary came and told Jesus they were out of wine.

      Jesus seems to dodge any responsibility.

   Mary simply told the servants to do whatever he said.

THE SUPPLY

   Six large water pots used for cleansing

   Jesus had them filled with water

   Then some was taken to the head waiter

   It became wine better than any other

THE SIGNIFICANCE

   Jesus made the difference

   The old (cleansing water) replaced with new

   He revealed His glory

   The disciples believed

   Best saved for last

            When we come to faith in Jesus, we find that He does indeed make the difference. He is concerned about our every need. Life with Him is better than any life without Him was or could be. The glory of the Father shines on our everyday lives!

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Presented Sunday, January 17, 2010, Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church

Pastor Fred D. Kerr    fred.kerr@frontier.com

Main outline from John MacArthur

JOHN THE BAPTIST

A MAN WITH PURPOSE

John 1:6-9; 19-23; 29-30; 3:22-30

INTRO: John the Baptist is a man who appears on the stage of history for a brief period. Even in that brief appearance he was a man with a purpose and went about doing it.

THE PURPOSE ANNOUNCED (John 1:6-9)

   A man (his humanity –vs.- divinity of Jesus)

   Sent from God (divine commission)

   To testify about the Life giving Light.

THE PURPOSE ACKNOWLEDGED (John 1:19-23)

   John's baptizing caught the attention of the Jewish leaders.

   They sent investigators out to see him.

   Who are you? Not the messiah!

            Elijah?  --  "I am not." Prophet? – "No."

   Then who are you?

            A voice crying in the wilderness ….

               "Prepare the way of the Lord"                           

THE PURPOSE FULFILLED (John 1:29-30)

   Baptism to prepare the way for Jesus to come.

   Pointed people to Jesus: "Behold the Lamb of God,

                                     Who takes away the sin of the world."

   He prepared people to receive Jesus. He pointed people to Jesus.

        Then he withdrew from the spotlight.

A CONTINUING PURPOSE (John 3:22-30)

   Two other events of John's life are mentioned.

   In John 3 we see his continuing ministry.

     Still pointing people to Jesus.

      "He must increase, I must decrease."

   In Matthew 11, we see the account of his arrest, imprisonment and eventually death.

   Sometimes it may seem that our ministry is past.

            Never! As long as we live we will continue having purpose as God places us where he wants.

            Our first purpose is to hear God's call and come to Him through Jesus Christ. – Then we must point others to Him.

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For delivery January 10, 2010, Greenville Southern Baptist Church

Pastor Fred Kerr