BEHOLD THE LAMB! Message Three
“THE PROCLAMATION OF THE LAMB ”
John 21:15-17
When I was just a child, I remember hearing those simple folks in a little country church sing, “What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. O, precious is the flow that makes me white as snow—no other fount I know. Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” That Gospel truth lodged in my heart and years later took root and I was saved.
It is still the only message we have to proclaim today: “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot…. Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:18-19,25b)
One of the central characters in our text today is the man who wrote that—Simon Peter. The events of the crucifixion and resurrection changed his life and led him to a commitment to the proclamation of the Lamb. Consider then:
1. THE METHOD OF OUR PROCLAMATION (21:1-14) These verses provide us with an illustration of the method we are to use to get the Gospel message out. In this fishing story is an illustration of how to fish for the souls of men. See first:
· FAILURE OF THE WRONG METHOD (v.1-5) These men had the experience and equipment needed to be successful fishermen, but they caught nothing. So the church today has more training and more tools to reach the world than ever before, yet many churches will go through an entire year without leading one soul to Christ. Closely examine the records of many “growing” churches and you find it is often transfer growth and not conversion growth. Someone has said that instead of being fishers of men, we have become keepers of the aquarium. We’re busy with activity. We toil all night. But activity is not accomplishment.
· FRUITFULNESS IN THE RIGHT METHOD (v.6-11) Just listen to Jesus and He will make you a fisher of men. What we see in the disciples is faith and obedience, which always leads to fruitfulness. They could have argued with Jesus, but they didn’t. We delay, we debate, we disobey and so the fish swim away.
· FELLOWSHIP WITH THE RIGHTEOUS MASTER (v.12-14) Jesus told us to abide in Him and we would bear much fruit. We need the strength that comes from feeding on His Word.
2. THE MOTIVE OF OUR PROCLAMATION (21:15-17) The great commandment is to love the Lord with all our being. This is the only motive that will be sufficient to get us off our couches into our cars and off to the community with the Gospel. We hear:
· A MOTIVE EXPRESSED (v.15) Not many days before, Jesus had told his disciples He would die and they would all run. Peter had protested he would stay true and stand tall, even if the others didn’t. But he ran too. Jesus reminds him as He asks, “Do you love Me more than these?” If we love Him, we’ll reach out to the lambs that are lost and feed the little lambs in the fold.
· A MOTIVE EXAMINED (v.16) Now, Jesus doesn’t ask Peter to compare his love with others, but zeroes in on Peter alone. Peter, examine your heart. If you love me, you will shepherd my sheep—guard them and guide them.
· A MOTIVE EVIDENCED (v.17) Peter, where is the evidence of your love? I have asked you three times because you denied me three times. Peter is broken hearted. He smells the charcoal fire on the beach like that in the courtyard where he warmed his hands when Jesus was on trial. But now Peter has another chance to show his love for Jesus by showing his love for the sheep. God can restore you. It’s not too late to serve Him.
3. THE MODEL OF OUR PROCLAMATION (21:18-25) One of the best ways to learn is by a model. Jesus is our perfect model and He calls us to follow Him. To follow Him speaks of:
· OUR TRIALS (v.18-19a) When Jesus calls us, He bids us come and die. As He carried a cross, following Him means we must take up ours. This would be a literal experience of Peter. Following Christ requires a personal Calvary, dying to self.
· OUR TASK (v.19b-23) We have a task assigned by Christ. Too often we’re worried about what someone else is doing or not doing (v.21). You’re not going to answer for me, or anyone else, but you are going to answer for you!
· OUR TESTIMONY (v.24-25) Being a steward means that we are to invest what God has given to us—to exchange our treasure, time and talent for something of eternal worth. But we are also stewards of our testimony. John’s investment is still paying dividends. God wants to use yours.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
BEHOLD THE LAMB! Message Two
“THE POWER OF THE LAMB ”
John 20:19-23
The author of the fourth Gospel wrote four other books—1,2,3 John and Revelation. Many view the last book of the Bible as predicting the program of the coming Kingdom. But when we begin to read we find that it is a presentation of the coming King. While it is true that we discover many details about the end of the age—that is not the major thrust. It commences with these words, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants..." (Rev.1:1). He is described in the first chapter as "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth." (1:5a); " 'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,' says the Lord, 'who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.' " (1:8); "and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, 'Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.' " (1:12-18). Time does not permit us to examine the various ways Jesus is portrayed in relation to the seven churches of chapters 2-3. The scene shifts from earth to heaven in chapters 4-5. A scroll is presented in 5:1-5. This scroll is the title deed to the universe. Only One is found worthy to receive it—the Lion. But suddenly the image changes and the Lion becomes a Lamb (v.6-7). There are 28 references to Jesus, the Lamb of God in the Revelation. We no longer see Him as a pitiful Lamb who is crucified, but a powerful Lamb who is crowned! (5:12-13).
This Lamb is worthy of worship for He has:
1. POWER TO CONQUER DEATH (20:1-10) Jesus came into this world as the Lamb to be slain for the sins of men. He was led as a Lamb to the slaughter. In meekness and without resistance the Lamb had His blood shed on the cross. On Calvary, death took the lungs of the Lamb of God and sucked out the last breath. He reached His icy fingers into His chest and stopped His beating heart. Then they sealed His limp, lifeless form in the sepulchre of stone. A massive rock was rolled over the entrance with guards posted. But as the hymn says, “Death could not keep his prey, Jesus, my Savior! He tore the bars away, Jesus, my Lord! Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o’er His foes; He arose a victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign; He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!” Peter said it this way. “But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.” What Peter saw that day in the tomb forever changed him from a man of cowardice to courage, liberated from the fear of death.
A missionary in Brazil discovered a tribe in a remote jungle. They lived near a large river. Disease was raging in the village with people dying daily. There was a hospital not far distant—but it was across the river. The Indians wouldn’t cross it because they believed it inhabited by evil spirits. The missionary explained that he had crossed it—but they weren’t impressed. He bent over and splashed some of the water on him— but they wouldn’t go in. He walked in waist deep—they still refused. Finally he dove under the water, swam across, unharmed he reached the other side and pumped his fist into the air, victoriously. Then the Indians broke into a cheer, and began to swim across. That's what Jesus did for us. He came into this world and encountered a funeral procession. In the presence of a grieving mother, He raised a little girl from the dead--but the people weren't impressed. He came to the tomb of Lazarus--dead four days--called him back to life, yet the people still didn't believe. Then Jesus dove into the river of death, came out triumphantly on the other side—and now, we need not fear!
2. POWER TO COMFORT DISCIPLES (20:11-18) Tears and tombs go together. What Mary felt has been the experience of many of you. Death is no respecter of persons—it comes to the old certainly, but also to the young. Rich and poor alike face this great inevitability. Saints and sinners gather at gravesides. But there is a difference. Paul said that we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. Mary’s sobs of despair gave way to shouts of delight--Jesus was alive! That changes everything. It certainly affects the way I prepare to preach a funeral. No matter how grief stricken the family may be, if we know their loved one had a personal relationship with Christ, there is hope and comfort.
During WWI a group of wounded men huddled together. One knew he had moments to live. A friend with him had lived a wicked life, been in prison, and would be arrested when he got home. The dying man took his dog tags, pressed them into hands of his buddy, pulled him close and said, “Listen, Dominic, you’ve lived a bad life…you are wanted by the police. But there are no convictions against me. My name is clear—take my dog tags, wallet and papers—my good name and give me yours and I’ll take your crimes away with me in death.” Jesus did that on the cross!
But it still would not have been enough if the grave were the end. A heroic death, a miscarriage of justice, a tragedy--but no salvation. But salvation was assured when three days later He rose from the dead. Paul said, “God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 4:24b-25 NIV)
3. POWER TO COMMAND DUTY (20:19-23) The Risen Lord has a duty He has commanded us to perform. We are to take the message of forgiveness to the ends of the earth in the power of the Holy Spirit. "For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: 'As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.' So then each of us shall give account of himself to God." (Rom.14:8-12). We call Him Lord—rightfully so—but are we living accordingly?
4. POWER TO CONVINCE DOUBTERS (20:24-31) Is it that important--to believe Christ actually rose from the dead? Barna Research says that 30% of those claiming to be born again Christians do not believe in the resurrection! Can you be a follower of Jesus Christ and deny this? No! We might struggle with doubt; we may have questions that vex us, but if we are sincere we find that there is abundant evidence for those who want to believe. Jesus patiently dealt with the doubting Thomas--but in the end his doubts gave way to a declaration, "My Lord and my God!" We must all come to that place for the Bible says, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9). Would you do that today?
“THE POWER OF THE LAMB ”
John 20:19-23
The author of the fourth Gospel wrote four other books—1,2,3 John and Revelation. Many view the last book of the Bible as predicting the program of the coming Kingdom. But when we begin to read we find that it is a presentation of the coming King. While it is true that we discover many details about the end of the age—that is not the major thrust. It commences with these words, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants..." (Rev.1:1). He is described in the first chapter as "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth." (1:5a); " 'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,' says the Lord, 'who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.' " (1:8); "and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, 'Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.' " (1:12-18). Time does not permit us to examine the various ways Jesus is portrayed in relation to the seven churches of chapters 2-3. The scene shifts from earth to heaven in chapters 4-5. A scroll is presented in 5:1-5. This scroll is the title deed to the universe. Only One is found worthy to receive it—the Lion. But suddenly the image changes and the Lion becomes a Lamb (v.6-7). There are 28 references to Jesus, the Lamb of God in the Revelation. We no longer see Him as a pitiful Lamb who is crucified, but a powerful Lamb who is crowned! (5:12-13).
This Lamb is worthy of worship for He has:
1. POWER TO CONQUER DEATH (20:1-10) Jesus came into this world as the Lamb to be slain for the sins of men. He was led as a Lamb to the slaughter. In meekness and without resistance the Lamb had His blood shed on the cross. On Calvary, death took the lungs of the Lamb of God and sucked out the last breath. He reached His icy fingers into His chest and stopped His beating heart. Then they sealed His limp, lifeless form in the sepulchre of stone. A massive rock was rolled over the entrance with guards posted. But as the hymn says, “Death could not keep his prey, Jesus, my Savior! He tore the bars away, Jesus, my Lord! Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o’er His foes; He arose a victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign; He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!” Peter said it this way. “But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.” What Peter saw that day in the tomb forever changed him from a man of cowardice to courage, liberated from the fear of death.
A missionary in Brazil discovered a tribe in a remote jungle. They lived near a large river. Disease was raging in the village with people dying daily. There was a hospital not far distant—but it was across the river. The Indians wouldn’t cross it because they believed it inhabited by evil spirits. The missionary explained that he had crossed it—but they weren’t impressed. He bent over and splashed some of the water on him— but they wouldn’t go in. He walked in waist deep—they still refused. Finally he dove under the water, swam across, unharmed he reached the other side and pumped his fist into the air, victoriously. Then the Indians broke into a cheer, and began to swim across. That's what Jesus did for us. He came into this world and encountered a funeral procession. In the presence of a grieving mother, He raised a little girl from the dead--but the people weren't impressed. He came to the tomb of Lazarus--dead four days--called him back to life, yet the people still didn't believe. Then Jesus dove into the river of death, came out triumphantly on the other side—and now, we need not fear!
2. POWER TO COMFORT DISCIPLES (20:11-18) Tears and tombs go together. What Mary felt has been the experience of many of you. Death is no respecter of persons—it comes to the old certainly, but also to the young. Rich and poor alike face this great inevitability. Saints and sinners gather at gravesides. But there is a difference. Paul said that we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. Mary’s sobs of despair gave way to shouts of delight--Jesus was alive! That changes everything. It certainly affects the way I prepare to preach a funeral. No matter how grief stricken the family may be, if we know their loved one had a personal relationship with Christ, there is hope and comfort.
During WWI a group of wounded men huddled together. One knew he had moments to live. A friend with him had lived a wicked life, been in prison, and would be arrested when he got home. The dying man took his dog tags, pressed them into hands of his buddy, pulled him close and said, “Listen, Dominic, you’ve lived a bad life…you are wanted by the police. But there are no convictions against me. My name is clear—take my dog tags, wallet and papers—my good name and give me yours and I’ll take your crimes away with me in death.” Jesus did that on the cross!
But it still would not have been enough if the grave were the end. A heroic death, a miscarriage of justice, a tragedy--but no salvation. But salvation was assured when three days later He rose from the dead. Paul said, “God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 4:24b-25 NIV)
3. POWER TO COMMAND DUTY (20:19-23) The Risen Lord has a duty He has commanded us to perform. We are to take the message of forgiveness to the ends of the earth in the power of the Holy Spirit. "For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: 'As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.' So then each of us shall give account of himself to God." (Rom.14:8-12). We call Him Lord—rightfully so—but are we living accordingly?
4. POWER TO CONVINCE DOUBTERS (20:24-31) Is it that important--to believe Christ actually rose from the dead? Barna Research says that 30% of those claiming to be born again Christians do not believe in the resurrection! Can you be a follower of Jesus Christ and deny this? No! We might struggle with doubt; we may have questions that vex us, but if we are sincere we find that there is abundant evidence for those who want to believe. Jesus patiently dealt with the doubting Thomas--but in the end his doubts gave way to a declaration, "My Lord and my God!" We must all come to that place for the Bible says, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9). Would you do that today?
THE BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE, Article One
The Scriptures
“The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.” (Baptist Faith and Message, 2000)
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
How do we know what we say we know is so? How can we be sure that what we believe is correct?
The God of truth has revealed Himself in a Book—a Book unlike any other—the Holy Bible. It is “holy” for God is holy and He is its source. The word, “holy” means to be “set apart” and clearly this Book is set apart from any other. While there are other religious writings that claim to be “holy” none bear up under scrutiny, and no book has ever been scrutinized like the Bible. Yet, though constantly under attack by skeptics, it still towers today above every other writing.
We do not deny that men wrote it. Many authors wrote it. It is actually a compilation of many books—a Divine Library, if you will. Over thousands of years, in many different places, with authors of vastly different backgrounds and circumstances, these books have been written and yet all contain a central message—a scarlet thread of redemption that binds them together. No human being or council of church leaders could bring about such a harmony of content; it was orchestrated by God—“divinely inspired.” This does not mean that God mechanically dictated the message to the writers (though there are some places in the Bible where God did instruct them to write a particular message), but it means that the Spirit of God moved in the hearts of the writers in such a way that what they wrote was not the word of men, but the Word of God.
While the Bible is accurate in every realm it touches upon—history, science, archeology, botany, etc., it is not a book of history, or science, but the revelation of God. It is God’s way of showing us Himself and His wonderful plan of salvation. The sacred history it contains is selective history—bypassing over some of what men would think are most significant events and focusing on what really matters—God’s self-disclosure in history.
It is a perfect treasure—an unerring guide to lead us to God. While there may be passages that are difficult to understand and some readers might point to apparent contradictions, we may be sure that there are answers to those questions and that the problems lie not in the Book, but with us. I find that what really bothers me are not the parts I don’t understand, but the parts that I do—to measure up to them and live by them—that’s the hard part!
We do not sit in judgment on the Bible. It sits in judgment on us.
Jesus said this,
“And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him— the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” (John 12:47-48 NKJV)
The Scriptures
“The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.” (Baptist Faith and Message, 2000)
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
How do we know what we say we know is so? How can we be sure that what we believe is correct?
The God of truth has revealed Himself in a Book—a Book unlike any other—the Holy Bible. It is “holy” for God is holy and He is its source. The word, “holy” means to be “set apart” and clearly this Book is set apart from any other. While there are other religious writings that claim to be “holy” none bear up under scrutiny, and no book has ever been scrutinized like the Bible. Yet, though constantly under attack by skeptics, it still towers today above every other writing.
We do not deny that men wrote it. Many authors wrote it. It is actually a compilation of many books—a Divine Library, if you will. Over thousands of years, in many different places, with authors of vastly different backgrounds and circumstances, these books have been written and yet all contain a central message—a scarlet thread of redemption that binds them together. No human being or council of church leaders could bring about such a harmony of content; it was orchestrated by God—“divinely inspired.” This does not mean that God mechanically dictated the message to the writers (though there are some places in the Bible where God did instruct them to write a particular message), but it means that the Spirit of God moved in the hearts of the writers in such a way that what they wrote was not the word of men, but the Word of God.
While the Bible is accurate in every realm it touches upon—history, science, archeology, botany, etc., it is not a book of history, or science, but the revelation of God. It is God’s way of showing us Himself and His wonderful plan of salvation. The sacred history it contains is selective history—bypassing over some of what men would think are most significant events and focusing on what really matters—God’s self-disclosure in history.
It is a perfect treasure—an unerring guide to lead us to God. While there may be passages that are difficult to understand and some readers might point to apparent contradictions, we may be sure that there are answers to those questions and that the problems lie not in the Book, but with us. I find that what really bothers me are not the parts I don’t understand, but the parts that I do—to measure up to them and live by them—that’s the hard part!
We do not sit in judgment on the Bible. It sits in judgment on us.
Jesus said this,
“And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him— the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” (John 12:47-48 NKJV)
Monday, April 10, 2006
BEHOLD THE LAMB! Message One
“THE PRESENTATION OF THE LAMB ”
John 12:12-15
On this Palm Sunday we gather as the family of God to partake of the Lord’s Supper. When Jesus instituted this memorial meal, He used the elements from another feast He had met with His disciples to observe—the Passover. It was a time God commanded the Jews to commemorate their deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. It was filled with symbolism. But the ultimate symbol was the lamb—the lamb whose blood was applied bringing Israel freedom from judgment. Throughout the centuries, countless lambs were sacrificed upon Israel’s altars—each one pointing prophetically to the ultimate Lamb—the Lord Jesus Christ. So He was identified by His cousin, John the Baptist, when He pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” The Apostle Paul would later write this divinely inspired comment, “Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” How did Jesus fulfill the symbolism of the Passover lamb?
1. A PUBLIC PRESENTATION (12:12-15) God decreed that four days before the Passover, the lamb was to be set apart to be sacrificed. Did you know that the very day Jesus made His public entrance into Jerusalem was the day the priests would set aside the Passover lamb for the temple sacrifice? He had been chosen as the Lamb of God set apart, marked for death—His mission to earth to shed His blood for our sins.
2. A PUBLIC EXAMINATION (18:12-14,19-24,28-37) The reason the Passover lamb was set aside was so it would be examined for several days to see that there was no sickness or other defect that would make the sacrifice unacceptable. Not just any lamb would do. It had to be a lamb that was without blemish or spot—a worthy sacrifice. So Jesus is shuttled from one trial to the next—facing judgment by the religious authorities among the Jews and judged by the government authority of the Jews—King Herod, and finally by the Gentile authority—Pontius Pilate. Following His examination we hear:
3. A PUBLIC DECLARATION (18:38; 19:4,6) Once the Passover Lamb was examined it was to be pronounced as an acceptable sacrifice. We hear Pilate say, “I find no fault in Him.” Three times He repeats this. There has only been one perfect Man to grace this planet and that is Jesus—the only Lamb that could take away the sins of the world.
4. A PUBLIC CONDEMNATION (19:14-18) On the Passover, God commanded Moses to have the Lamb slain. The day when that lamb was to be slain in the Temple was the day, the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus, was to be nailed to a cross—the day He would give His life for us. There He hangs, publicly condemned before the gawking, jeering masses.
5. A PUBLIC APPLICATION (19:38-42) Moses had been instructed to apply the blood of the Passover lamb above and on either side of the door. Wherever the blood was applied, that night when the death angel came through Egypt, he would pass over each home and spare them from judgment when he saw the blood. It was a public application.
It was time for Joseph and Nicodemus to come out of the closet as Christ followers. It was time to lay aside their fear and embrace faith. So, to follow Christ today means that His blood has been personally applied to your life. The Bible says, “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Christ, the Lamb of God has been sacrificed for you. The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic reminder of that truth. But this sacrifice must be personally applied. Have you done that? Here’s how: admit that you are a sinner—you need to be saved and only Christ can save you. Believe He died on the cross for you and that He rose again. Call on Him in prayer and confess Him publicly. Do it now!
“THE PRESENTATION OF THE LAMB ”
John 12:12-15
On this Palm Sunday we gather as the family of God to partake of the Lord’s Supper. When Jesus instituted this memorial meal, He used the elements from another feast He had met with His disciples to observe—the Passover. It was a time God commanded the Jews to commemorate their deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. It was filled with symbolism. But the ultimate symbol was the lamb—the lamb whose blood was applied bringing Israel freedom from judgment. Throughout the centuries, countless lambs were sacrificed upon Israel’s altars—each one pointing prophetically to the ultimate Lamb—the Lord Jesus Christ. So He was identified by His cousin, John the Baptist, when He pointed to Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” The Apostle Paul would later write this divinely inspired comment, “Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” How did Jesus fulfill the symbolism of the Passover lamb?
1. A PUBLIC PRESENTATION (12:12-15) God decreed that four days before the Passover, the lamb was to be set apart to be sacrificed. Did you know that the very day Jesus made His public entrance into Jerusalem was the day the priests would set aside the Passover lamb for the temple sacrifice? He had been chosen as the Lamb of God set apart, marked for death—His mission to earth to shed His blood for our sins.
2. A PUBLIC EXAMINATION (18:12-14,19-24,28-37) The reason the Passover lamb was set aside was so it would be examined for several days to see that there was no sickness or other defect that would make the sacrifice unacceptable. Not just any lamb would do. It had to be a lamb that was without blemish or spot—a worthy sacrifice. So Jesus is shuttled from one trial to the next—facing judgment by the religious authorities among the Jews and judged by the government authority of the Jews—King Herod, and finally by the Gentile authority—Pontius Pilate. Following His examination we hear:
3. A PUBLIC DECLARATION (18:38; 19:4,6) Once the Passover Lamb was examined it was to be pronounced as an acceptable sacrifice. We hear Pilate say, “I find no fault in Him.” Three times He repeats this. There has only been one perfect Man to grace this planet and that is Jesus—the only Lamb that could take away the sins of the world.
4. A PUBLIC CONDEMNATION (19:14-18) On the Passover, God commanded Moses to have the Lamb slain. The day when that lamb was to be slain in the Temple was the day, the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus, was to be nailed to a cross—the day He would give His life for us. There He hangs, publicly condemned before the gawking, jeering masses.
5. A PUBLIC APPLICATION (19:38-42) Moses had been instructed to apply the blood of the Passover lamb above and on either side of the door. Wherever the blood was applied, that night when the death angel came through Egypt, he would pass over each home and spare them from judgment when he saw the blood. It was a public application.
It was time for Joseph and Nicodemus to come out of the closet as Christ followers. It was time to lay aside their fear and embrace faith. So, to follow Christ today means that His blood has been personally applied to your life. The Bible says, “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Christ, the Lamb of God has been sacrificed for you. The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic reminder of that truth. But this sacrifice must be personally applied. Have you done that? Here’s how: admit that you are a sinner—you need to be saved and only Christ can save you. Believe He died on the cross for you and that He rose again. Call on Him in prayer and confess Him publicly. Do it now!
Monday, April 03, 2006
THE CHURCH GOD BLESSES, Message Eight
“WHAT TO DO UNTIL JESUS COMES”
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
What would you do if you knew for sure that Jesus was coming back tonight?
That question was posed to the noted Bible teacher, the late Dr. Harry Ironside. He had finished speaking to a group of students preparing for ministry when one asked, “Dr. Ironside, what would you do if you knew for sure that the Lord was coming back tonight?” Ironside answered, “I’d have something warm to drink in about an hour or so, and then I’d go to bed.” The young man was shocked and Ironside added, “Gentlemen, I try to live every day in light and hope of His coming. I would see no reason to change my usual routine.”
Could that be said of us?
They earn respect by their leadership (over you—the idea of guidance in wisdom). When church leaders make sound decisions that move the church forward in her mission, they are worthy of respect.
They earn respect by their lessons (admonish). Yet, we live in a culture where people don’t like to be told what to do. Since Eden we have been in rebellion against authority. One day we’ll answer for how we treated our leaders.
· BY LOVING (v.13) “very highly” is a double compound superlative adverb, abundantly beyond measure, as in “God is able to exceeding, abundantly above all…” (Eph.3:20). It means to have a deep love for the person that overflows respect for a position. The work they are doing merits recognition. That's why we recognize a Minister(s) of the Month. These are church leaders who are making a difference for the Kingdom and the Bible tells us to recognize them! While the major thrust of this text seems to be dealing with those we call the ordained pastors--the elders of the church--it would apply be extension to all leaders of the church, male or female, ordained or not.
Paul connects this issue of respect with being at peace among ourselves. The leaders and laity are to be at peace to impact a lost world. Many churches are crippled because of conflict between those who are in the pulpit and those in the pew. God calls us to love each other.
2. HELP THE LAITY AS THE CHURCH (v.14-15) Even the best leaders can’t do it all. Every member has a duty to help. When we speak of "laity" we mean the members of the church who are not ordained pastors. All of us have a responsibility to engage in ministry--not just the "paid professionals."
· OUR ACTIONS (v.14a) We are to be actively involved in the lives of church members. Three specific types need our help.
1) The disorderly: “unruly” is a military term for not staying in the ranks. They need to be confronted.
2) The discouraged. They need to be encouraged.
3) The dependent. They need to be assisted.
· OUR ATTITUDE (v.14b) Lit. “long-tempered” meaning to bear with, to put up with—not having a short fuse. Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight. We must not be impatient with others.
· OUR AIM (v.15) These Christians were suffering persecution. Yet, Paul challenges them not to retaliate. Contrast that with Islam where followers have rioted over cartoons published about Mohammed.
Jesus will get the last word, however. “Vengence is mine,” says the Lord. “I will repay.”
We are to overcome evil with good. This is our aim.
3. HALLOW THE LORD IN THE CHURCH (v.16-22) To hallow is to reverence the Lord, and we do it in the church through:
· PRAISE (v.16) This is not happiness for that depends on happenings. If outward stimuli are positive then I feel happy. But this is something deeper and better. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. We choose to rejoice. While I cannot always control things around me, I can control what is within me and I can choose to rejoice. The Thessalonians may have struggled with this for they were suffering persecution. They might have argued, "Paul, that's easy for you to say. You're not here and going through what we're facing." But Paul could have reminded them of his scars when he first came to them, still tender from the beating he received in the Philippian jail and reminded them how he lifted his hands, rattling with the chains attached to his wrists, and sand praises to God at midnight.
· PRAYER (v.17) Obviously, we cannot be on our knees 24/7 and cannot walk around with our eyes closed and mouth open in prayer. This is a river of fellowship with God flowing beneath the surface of our lives that gushes forth continually as need and opportunity arises in articulated prayer. I'll give you an example. As I was preaching this very message--in the very act of delivering it, I sensed a spiritual conflict--frankly, I was struggling. You didn't know it perhaps. But it was real to me and so was the prayer I offered several times on the nature of, "Lord, help me." "God speak through me." You didn't hear it, but I offered it in my mind--that's praying without ceasing.
· PERCEPTION (v.18) When we perceive things as God sees them we learn to be thankful in all situations. Paul doesn't say be thankful FOR everything, but be thankful IN everything. In good and bad, prosperity and adversity, we can always find something to be thankful for--if we believe Romans 8:28. One of my favorite Bible teachers, now in Glory, Alan Redpath told a story of a friend of his who read this verse and determined to apply it. He boarded a bus from Mobile, Alabama on a hot summer day for a day long trip. These were the days before air-conditioning was common. He arrived early and got on the Greyhound bus, securing a window seat. He remembered the verse and prayed, "Thank you, Lord, for letting me get a window seat where I can feel the breeze on this hot day!" The seat beside him remained unoccupied, even though the rest of the bus filled up and he prayed, "Thank you, Lord, for letting this seat be vacant so I can stretch out and relax on this trip." The door of the bus was closed and they were getting ready to pull out when a knock was heard. A passenger was arriving late--a very large woman with a four-year old in tow. She got on the bus, perspiring profusely, red hot as a blast furnace and took the seat beside the man and part of his as well! The child wasn't happy and began to kick and scream on the woman's lap--several kicks finding the man as well. Things got worse, when she lit a cigarette to calm her nerves, smoke enveloping the poor fellow, mingling with the body odor, making him nauseated. Then the kid calmed down, the cigarette smoldered and she fell asleep, leaning over on him, crushing him against the side of the bus. He tried to push her off, but she wouldn't budge and so there he was. He remembered the verse and his commitment, but thought, "Lord, what in the world in this situation could I possibly be thankful for?" Then it struck him--"Thank the Lord that you are not married to her!" We can always find a reason to be thankful!
· POWER (v.19) Fire is one of the emblems of the Spirit. We are not to smother the flame, but fuel it. In many the fire has gone out. How do we fuel the fire? Rejoice, pray, be thankful and by:
· PROCLAMATION (v.20) We need to hear and submit to the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. This fuels the flame of the Spirit's work in us.
· PURITY (v.21-22) But don’t just swallow everything you hear. There will be an increase of false prophets in these last days before Jesus comes. Test them. When you find good hold it as a drowning man to a life preserver. Then get cleaned up for the impending wedding—abstain from every form of evil. The church is to be robed in spotless white looking for the Bridegroom's appearance.
4. HUMBLE YOUR LIFE FOR THE CHURCH (v.23-28) In the final analysis, we need grace and that comes to the humble.
· IN SANCTIFICATION (v.23-24) The word means, "set apart." Those who hold back nothing from God find He holds back nothing from us. We are to be yielded to Him entirely.
· IN INTERCESSION (v.25) If a great champion of faith like Paul needed prayers, how much do we need them!
· IN EDIFICATION (v.26-28) The word edify means to build up. The church is built on:
1) true fellowship (v.26). In that culture a holy kiss was a standard greeting of friendship. In some parts of our world today, it still is--but not so much in America. Let me give you the Baptist version, "Hearty handshakes all around!" Pats on the back and a few hugs are OK too. If you insist on being totally literal just make sure it is a "holy kiss." Hey guys, if you come at me to kiss me, all it's going to do is make me very nervous! Here's the point: people need friends. We need human affection and attention. This is what the Bible calls fellowship and it is crucial.
2) discipleship (v.27). That builds the believer and as they mature the church grows. There is no substitute for Scripture.
By these means, God imparts grace (v.28).
Paul began this letter in 1:1 by referring to grace and now he concludes with it.
There is a grace that saves us. It comes to the humble--those who admit they are sinners and that Jesus is the only Savior. Have you received that amazing, saving grace?
There is a grace that sustains us. It comes to the humble--those who admit their weakness and that Jesus is their only source of strength. Have you rested in that amazing, sustaining grace?
“WHAT TO DO UNTIL JESUS COMES”
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
What would you do if you knew for sure that Jesus was coming back tonight?
That question was posed to the noted Bible teacher, the late Dr. Harry Ironside. He had finished speaking to a group of students preparing for ministry when one asked, “Dr. Ironside, what would you do if you knew for sure that the Lord was coming back tonight?” Ironside answered, “I’d have something warm to drink in about an hour or so, and then I’d go to bed.” The young man was shocked and Ironside added, “Gentlemen, I try to live every day in light and hope of His coming. I would see no reason to change my usual routine.”
Could that be said of us?
Paul had been challenging the Thessalonians to live in that hope. He closes with some final words. Here’s what to do until Jesus comes:
1. HONOR THE LEADERS OF THE CHURCH (v.12-13) One important way to prepare for that day is to begin to submit to authority—to be accountable to church leaders. We do so:
. BY LISTENING (v.12) All who labor in the Word of God and serve the church are worthy of honor. They have an authority as God’s spokesmen. Note “in the Lord”—His Lordship underlies our leadership. The church is not a dictatorship, where a pastor is the church boss. It is not a democracy, where majority rules. It is a theocracy—the Holy Spirit calls and sets people apart for leadership. We need to listen to them as ambassadors of Christ.
They earn respect by their leadership (over you—the idea of guidance in wisdom). When church leaders make sound decisions that move the church forward in her mission, they are worthy of respect.
They earn respect by their lessons (admonish). Yet, we live in a culture where people don’t like to be told what to do. Since Eden we have been in rebellion against authority. One day we’ll answer for how we treated our leaders.
· BY LOVING (v.13) “very highly” is a double compound superlative adverb, abundantly beyond measure, as in “God is able to exceeding, abundantly above all…” (Eph.3:20). It means to have a deep love for the person that overflows respect for a position. The work they are doing merits recognition. That's why we recognize a Minister(s) of the Month. These are church leaders who are making a difference for the Kingdom and the Bible tells us to recognize them! While the major thrust of this text seems to be dealing with those we call the ordained pastors--the elders of the church--it would apply be extension to all leaders of the church, male or female, ordained or not.
Paul connects this issue of respect with being at peace among ourselves. The leaders and laity are to be at peace to impact a lost world. Many churches are crippled because of conflict between those who are in the pulpit and those in the pew. God calls us to love each other.
2. HELP THE LAITY AS THE CHURCH (v.14-15) Even the best leaders can’t do it all. Every member has a duty to help. When we speak of "laity" we mean the members of the church who are not ordained pastors. All of us have a responsibility to engage in ministry--not just the "paid professionals."
· OUR ACTIONS (v.14a) We are to be actively involved in the lives of church members. Three specific types need our help.
1) The disorderly: “unruly” is a military term for not staying in the ranks. They need to be confronted.
2) The discouraged. They need to be encouraged.
3) The dependent. They need to be assisted.
· OUR ATTITUDE (v.14b) Lit. “long-tempered” meaning to bear with, to put up with—not having a short fuse. Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight. We must not be impatient with others.
· OUR AIM (v.15) These Christians were suffering persecution. Yet, Paul challenges them not to retaliate. Contrast that with Islam where followers have rioted over cartoons published about Mohammed.
Jesus will get the last word, however. “Vengence is mine,” says the Lord. “I will repay.”
We are to overcome evil with good. This is our aim.
3. HALLOW THE LORD IN THE CHURCH (v.16-22) To hallow is to reverence the Lord, and we do it in the church through:
· PRAISE (v.16) This is not happiness for that depends on happenings. If outward stimuli are positive then I feel happy. But this is something deeper and better. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. We choose to rejoice. While I cannot always control things around me, I can control what is within me and I can choose to rejoice. The Thessalonians may have struggled with this for they were suffering persecution. They might have argued, "Paul, that's easy for you to say. You're not here and going through what we're facing." But Paul could have reminded them of his scars when he first came to them, still tender from the beating he received in the Philippian jail and reminded them how he lifted his hands, rattling with the chains attached to his wrists, and sand praises to God at midnight.
· PRAYER (v.17) Obviously, we cannot be on our knees 24/7 and cannot walk around with our eyes closed and mouth open in prayer. This is a river of fellowship with God flowing beneath the surface of our lives that gushes forth continually as need and opportunity arises in articulated prayer. I'll give you an example. As I was preaching this very message--in the very act of delivering it, I sensed a spiritual conflict--frankly, I was struggling. You didn't know it perhaps. But it was real to me and so was the prayer I offered several times on the nature of, "Lord, help me." "God speak through me." You didn't hear it, but I offered it in my mind--that's praying without ceasing.
· PERCEPTION (v.18) When we perceive things as God sees them we learn to be thankful in all situations. Paul doesn't say be thankful FOR everything, but be thankful IN everything. In good and bad, prosperity and adversity, we can always find something to be thankful for--if we believe Romans 8:28. One of my favorite Bible teachers, now in Glory, Alan Redpath told a story of a friend of his who read this verse and determined to apply it. He boarded a bus from Mobile, Alabama on a hot summer day for a day long trip. These were the days before air-conditioning was common. He arrived early and got on the Greyhound bus, securing a window seat. He remembered the verse and prayed, "Thank you, Lord, for letting me get a window seat where I can feel the breeze on this hot day!" The seat beside him remained unoccupied, even though the rest of the bus filled up and he prayed, "Thank you, Lord, for letting this seat be vacant so I can stretch out and relax on this trip." The door of the bus was closed and they were getting ready to pull out when a knock was heard. A passenger was arriving late--a very large woman with a four-year old in tow. She got on the bus, perspiring profusely, red hot as a blast furnace and took the seat beside the man and part of his as well! The child wasn't happy and began to kick and scream on the woman's lap--several kicks finding the man as well. Things got worse, when she lit a cigarette to calm her nerves, smoke enveloping the poor fellow, mingling with the body odor, making him nauseated. Then the kid calmed down, the cigarette smoldered and she fell asleep, leaning over on him, crushing him against the side of the bus. He tried to push her off, but she wouldn't budge and so there he was. He remembered the verse and his commitment, but thought, "Lord, what in the world in this situation could I possibly be thankful for?" Then it struck him--"Thank the Lord that you are not married to her!" We can always find a reason to be thankful!
· POWER (v.19) Fire is one of the emblems of the Spirit. We are not to smother the flame, but fuel it. In many the fire has gone out. How do we fuel the fire? Rejoice, pray, be thankful and by:
· PROCLAMATION (v.20) We need to hear and submit to the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. This fuels the flame of the Spirit's work in us.
· PURITY (v.21-22) But don’t just swallow everything you hear. There will be an increase of false prophets in these last days before Jesus comes. Test them. When you find good hold it as a drowning man to a life preserver. Then get cleaned up for the impending wedding—abstain from every form of evil. The church is to be robed in spotless white looking for the Bridegroom's appearance.
4. HUMBLE YOUR LIFE FOR THE CHURCH (v.23-28) In the final analysis, we need grace and that comes to the humble.
· IN SANCTIFICATION (v.23-24) The word means, "set apart." Those who hold back nothing from God find He holds back nothing from us. We are to be yielded to Him entirely.
· IN INTERCESSION (v.25) If a great champion of faith like Paul needed prayers, how much do we need them!
· IN EDIFICATION (v.26-28) The word edify means to build up. The church is built on:
1) true fellowship (v.26). In that culture a holy kiss was a standard greeting of friendship. In some parts of our world today, it still is--but not so much in America. Let me give you the Baptist version, "Hearty handshakes all around!" Pats on the back and a few hugs are OK too. If you insist on being totally literal just make sure it is a "holy kiss." Hey guys, if you come at me to kiss me, all it's going to do is make me very nervous! Here's the point: people need friends. We need human affection and attention. This is what the Bible calls fellowship and it is crucial.
2) discipleship (v.27). That builds the believer and as they mature the church grows. There is no substitute for Scripture.
By these means, God imparts grace (v.28).
Paul began this letter in 1:1 by referring to grace and now he concludes with it.
There is a grace that saves us. It comes to the humble--those who admit they are sinners and that Jesus is the only Savior. Have you received that amazing, saving grace?
There is a grace that sustains us. It comes to the humble--those who admit their weakness and that Jesus is their only source of strength. Have you rested in that amazing, sustaining grace?
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