The Arkansas Traveler

GOD BECAME FLESH

John 1:1-18

INTRO: This beginning of John's gospel is one of the greatest statements of God's working. It brings Jesus from eternity past to the world where we live. As it reveals God to us, it calls us to follow Him. Each of us must decide.

THE ETERNAL ONE …

   The beginning – eternity past 

   "logos" = the word. Summation of all knowledge

      He was with God.

      He was God.

   He was the agent of creation.

   In Him was life and light for men.

… BECAME FLESH

   Dwelt among us

   Revealed the Glory of God

   He was full of grace and truth

   He has made the Father known.

   John the Baptist gave witness to Him.

HE DEMANDS A CHOICE

   He came to His own (Jews)

      His own rejected Him.

   Some received Him, believed in His name

      To them He gave the right to be children of God

         Not by man but by God's will.

THE CHOICE: As God comes to us today, we must make some choices. Our first choice is to choose Him as Savior. Then we choose Him as Lord, Master, Provider to follow in whatever life He chooses to lead us to live. Will you follow Him today?

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May 31, 2009, Greenville Southern Baptist Church

GIVING THAT PLEASES GOD

Luke 21:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

INTRO: Jesus watched the people put in offerings in the collection urns. He commended the widow who gave just a little. What are reasons He will commend us?

GOD CARES ABOUT OUR GIVING

   Some give because they think God needs it.

   We give in response to what God has done for us.

   Being generous reflects God's love in the world.

   Being generous involves trusting God.

GOD CARES ABOUT HOW WE GIVE

   The attitude of the heart makes all the difference.

      "… God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Cor. 9:7

   Giving that cost us pleases God.

      David said he would not give to God what cost him nothing

GOD CARES ABOUT HOW MUCH WE GIVE

   The rich gave of their abundance.

   The widow gave a little, but all she had.

   Jesus commended her above the rich.

Some one has said that giving is to be measured ---

not by its count, but its cost

not by its amount, but its percentage

not by what is given, but by what is kept

not by money, but by spirit

God leads us to give to support His work. More importantly, we give to express our gratitude. We give financially, but we also give of our time and our talents. All is to honor our God. Lets be generous, cheerful givers. To God's glory!

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Greenville Southern Baptist Church, May 24, 2009, Pastor Fred D. Kerr

KNOWING JESUS WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Luke 19: 1-24

INTRO: The account of the conversion of Zacchaeus and the parable of the 10 minas seem to be disconnected. But on further thought, they seem to fit. Let's consider:

ZACCHAEUS THE MAN

   Tax collector- Traitor- Possibly dishonest

   Curious about Jesus

   Determined to see Him

      Even to climbing the tree

ZACCHAEUS THE SOUGHT

   Why did Jesus stop under the tree?

   Possibly looking for someone willing to listen to Him

   Come Zacchaeus! I want you!

ZACCHAEUS THE CHANGED MAN

   Willing to repay 4fold anything he had gained dishonestly

   Gave ½ his wealth to help the poor

   Jesus said that salvation had come to this house.

      Why? Did the gifts bring salvation? No, they were a result

   As Jesus had shared with him, he found new meaning to life

   As such, his focus turned to others

THEN THERE ARE THE MINAS

   Each servant was entrusted with funds by the king

   At least two faithfully invested and received various returns

      They were commended and rewarded

   One buried his money for safe keeping

      Focus was on himself and possible loss

   Focus should be on master and others.

-------- As followers of Jesus Christ, our focus will be on Him and His people. We will trust Him and not be fearful about personal loss or needs. This is because we trust Him – not our own efforts. Are you trusting Jesus today? For salvation? For life? Why not?

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May 17, 2009, Greenville Southern Baptist Church

ARE YOU A PRODIGAL?

Luke 15:11-32

INTRO: In this chapter we have three parables about lost things. The central message is that God wants the lost to be found. He is patient in seeking and waiting for the lost to come to Him.

NOTE THE SETTING

   Lost things – sheep, coin, son

   The lost sheep and lost coin were sought and found.

      Celebration said to be like celebration in heaven over one    repentant sinner.

   The shepherd and the woman are symbols of God's seeking.

THE SON WAS A LITTLE DIFFERENT

   He was given his freedom. He chose to leave.

   The father waits and watches for his return.

   The son is given time to "come to his senses" (vs. 17)

   He comes to his father in repentance

   The father welcomes him with open arms as a son

   So God welcomes the repentant sinner. Celebration!!!

THREE KINDS OF LOSTNESS

   The younger son wasted the father's money

      He suffered for it. Suffered famine and hunger

      He missed the blessings of home.

   The older son stayed at home and served the father.

      Possibly out of a sense of duty – rather than love

      He did not take the joy the father could give

      Therefore he was not willing to forgive the brother.

   A third type is implied

      The younger son did not consider himself worthy.

      He was willing to be a slave w/o privilege of son

      What if he had rejected forgiveness and son ship?

      That's like us when we do not think we deserve forgiveness             and live without blessings of God.

--- Are you like one of these three? Are you enjoying all the joys and privileges of being a child of God? If not, why not?

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Presented at Greenville Southern Baptist Church, May 10,2009,

Pastor Fred D. Kerr

LESSONS FROM THE GOOD SAMARITAN!

Luke 10: 25-37

INTRO: Jesus' teachings brought forth many reactions. In this passage we find a religious leader seeking to justify himself. Jesus turns the tables on him.

FOUR QUESTIONS

   What must I do to inherit eternal life? (25)

   How do you understand the Law? (26)

   Who is my neighbor? (29)

   Who was neighbor to the man in need? (36)

FOUR GROUPS OF PEOPLE

   Robbers who took what they could.

   Man in need.

   Potential helpers. (Priest and Levite)

   A compassionate stranger. The Samaritan.

REASONS SOME WOULD NOT HELP

   Personal danger

   Blame the man. He should not have been there.

   Inconvenient delay

   Possibly make one unclean

THE CHALLENGE TO COMPASSION

   Whose neighbor can I be?

   What kind of neighbor am I?

   Love seeks the best for others, not for self.

   Make it personal. Who around you needs something?

      Will you be compassionate and help them?

      Or will you find some reason to pass by on the other side? 

Forgive me God, when I do not have time for your people!

When I trust Jesus for eternal life, He will change my life.

The bottom line: Ask whose neighbor can I be? Who can I help?

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May 3, 2009, Greenville Southern Baptist Chruch