The Arkansas Traveler

THE TRIUMPH OF CHRIST

Matthew 21: 1-17

INTRO: As I read this very familiar passage about Jesus coming into Jerusalem, I thought about how it reflects what should happen in our lives as we acknowledge Jesus as Savior and Lord.

THE DETAILS OF THE EVENT

   Planned procession

   Prophesy fulfilled

   Praise to the King

   Prayer house cleansed

   Priests complain

HOPED FOR EVENTS IN OUR LIVES

   Jesus acknowledged

      First as Savior

      Then, as Lord

   Praise and adoration

      We should be rejoicing in the grace of God

      We must exalt the savior

   Cleansing

      With Jesus as Savior we have been forgiven

         This involved both confession and repentance

      With Jesus as Lord we will be more alert to failures

      The Holy Spirit will be there to convict and convince

      God will be there to forgive, cleanse, and encourage

NOT ALL WILL BE HAPPY

   Satan will complain and try to lead us astray

   Friends will not understand

   We sometimes even get discouraged

IS THAT HAPPENING IN YOUR LIFE? REMEMBER IT IS THE CELEBRATION OF GOD'S GRACE AND VICTORY IN OUR LIFE. IT SHOULD CAUSE PRAISE TO GOD.

--------- Preached February 15, 2009, Greenville Southern Baptist Church,

                                         Greenville, California

LISTEN TO THE SHEPHERD

John 10:7-30

INTRO: This passage in John's gospel is a favorite of many. It reminds us of God's care and concern for us. It reminds us of His protection and provision for us. Let's first consider who this shepherd is and then consider some of the things He says.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

   He is caring. This is the very essence of a shepherd.

   He is committed. He is willing to sacrifice himself.

   He knows his sheep. He takes time to study and learn them.

   He seeks those to add to his fold.

LISTEN TO THE SHEPHERD

   I am the bread of life. John 6:35

       He is concern for our physical needs.

   I am the light of the world. John 8:12

       Light is convicting.

       Light is also cleansing and healing.

   I am the gate (door) for the sheep. John 10:8

   I am the good shepherd. John 10:11, 14.

      Who can fail to remember Psalm 23?

   I give abundant life. John 10:10

APPLICATION

   In these days we face days of uncertainty. We have earthly reasons to fear and be troubled. But when we remember what God has done for us, or wants to do for us, through Jesus Christ, we should turn to Him for every need. Instead, often we go in all directions to try to solve our problems.  Listen to the good shepherd and depend on Him in these uncertain days.

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Sunday, February 8, 2009

Greenville Southern Baptist Church

Pastor Fred D. Kerr

THE CHURCH COMMISSIONED

Matthew 16:13-19

INTRO: In this passage we see the commissioning of the church. In it we find our foundation and our builder. In it we find the source of our life and the mission we have in the world.

THE GREATEST QUESTION

   Who is Jesus?

      Some said: John the Baptist, Elijah, or other prophet

      Some say today: A good man. A good teacher. A myth

   The greatest question we must answer.

    Who is Jesus to you?

THE ANSWER

   The Christ, Son of the living God.

   The Messiah  ==  Savior , (See Luke 2:11)

   Recognizes a need of forgiveness.

THE COMMENDATION

   You are blessed Peter.

   Because God has revealed this to you.

   Only God can reveal Himself and His son to us.

   This is the work today of the Holy Spirit

THE CHURCH COMISSIONED

   Upon this Rock I will build My church

    Which Rock? Peter? The confession? Jesus himself?

   Keys entrusted to apostles and all believers.

   The church is responsible to proclaim the gospel. Mt 28:18

    The Holy Spirit (God) brings conviction.

    Jesus gives victory!

The question is individual. Each must answer. The commission is corporate. The church must bear the gospel?

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Preached in Greenville, CA, February 1, 2009