Saturday, September 26, 2009
LIVING BY GRACE
LIVING BY GRACE
Ephesians 2:1-10
INTRO: This is the classic passage about grace. We want to examine it and two other passages which talk about grace in different situations.
GRACE FOR SALVATION (Ephesians 2:1-10)
Former life described: worldly lifestyle
Dead in sin
But God: rich in mercy
Because of his great love
Made us alive together with Christ
And raised us with Christ
And seated us in heavenly places
Saved us by grace --- not works
GRACE FOR ROUTINE LIFE (Hebrews 4:14-16)
We were created for good works (Eph 2:10)
We have a great high priest
Who understands our temptation and weakness
We can draw near to Him for mercy and grace for life.
GRACE FOR CHALLENGES (Matthew 11:28-30)
To the weary and heavy laden, Jesus promises rest.
We are to be joined to Him.
He promises rest and an easy load
This comes when we are joined to Him in faith and trust.
CONCLUSION: Life brings various challenges to us. If we are joined to God through Jesus Christ, He will see us through life because of His grace and mercy. Without Him we are helpless and hopeless.
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Sermon for September 27, 2009 at Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church
Pastor Fred D. Kerr, fred.kerr@gmail.com
Saturday, September 12, 2009
WORSHIP
WORSHIP
Isaiah 6:1-8
INTRO: Why did you come to church today? Habit? Pressure? Fellowship? Hurting? Entertainment? Maybe several of these, but hopefully we have come to worship. Isaiah gives us a picture of what worship does.
WORSHIP HONORS GOD
Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD Almighty
Isaiah came to the temple to see God.
WORSHIP LEADS TO FEELING OF AWE
Isaiah stood in awe with the seraphs
He recognized God as the One he needed.
WORSHIP BRINGS AN AWARENESS OF SIN
Woe is me! I am a man of sin!
I live among sinful people.
WORSHIP BINGS A SENSE OF JOY
One of the seraphs brought a live coal
Isaiah's sins were forgiven
God's forgiveness should bring joy to us
WORSHIP WILL CALL PEOPLE TO SERVE GOD (vs.8)
Whom shall I send? God said
Isaiah said, "Here am I. Send me!"
We should go away willing to do whatever God wants!
WORSHIP WILL ATTRACT PEOPLE TO GOD
Jesus said they will know us by our love.
They will know us by what is important in our lives.
As we come into the presence of the Lord, He reminds us of who He is and what He wants to do for us. He also will lead us to minister to those around us. When we worship Him, we will want to share Him with others as we share any good news!
-------Outline adapted from the late Pastor Glenn Weekly, FBC,
Saturday, September 05, 2009
SERVANTHOOD
SERVANTHOOD
I Corinthians 4:1-21
INTRO: I was reminded this week somewhere that life should all be about God. We so often focus on what God will do for us in such a way that the focus is on His blessings. Rather the focus needs to be on HIM. Thus we speak of servanthood!
SERVANTHOOD:
INVOLVES FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP (vs. 1-5)
God expects faithfulness.
Authentic servants are faithful to do what God wants.
INVOLVES HUMBLE MINISTRY (vs. 6-8)
Don't take pride.
What do you have that you did not receive?
Servants minister with humility.
INVOLVES WILLING SACRIFICE (vs. 9-13)
Servants willing sacrifice where needed.
They return good for evil. (vs. 13)
INVOLVES PARENTAL LIKE LOVE/CONCERN (14-15)
His rebuke is not to shame, but to correct.
Reflects loving concern like a father.
INVOLVES EXEMPLARY LIVING (16-17)
Paul called them to follow him.
He proposed to be living as Christ and as he teaches.
INVOLVES SPIRITUAL POWER (18-21)
We serve in the power of God, not personal power.
Jesus said that HE came to be a servant. We should also serve. We serve God as we serve others. He is to be our central concern. Let's worship Him daily. Let's SERVE HIM.
---Outline adapted from Dr. Ron Meeks,
