Introduction A. Why would a man repeatedly jeopardize his own life in order to take this message to people who apparently did not want it? B. People still do not understand what compels us to preach the Gospel to a world that thinks it has no need for it. I. We persuade men because of the “terror of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:11). A. If we refuse to persuade men, they have no hope (Romans 10:14). B. If we refuse to persuade men, we have no hope...
Repentance
Introduction A. There seem to be a lot of mistaken ideas about repentance. B. If it is necessary for each of us to repent in order to be saved (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30), isn’t it important for us to have a sound understanding of what repentance is and how it is done? I. Repentance leads us to salvation. A. We cannot be saved without it (Luke 13:3). B. There are, however, other requirements for salvation that must not be overlooked (Romans...
Hold That Line!
Introduction A. Every serious football fan knows that the backbone of a successful offense is in the offensive line. B. We need some men and women in the church who have the strength and willingness to “stand in the gap” (Ezekiel 22:30). I. The faithful had to hold the lines from the error. A. The Galatians had to hold against Judaism (Galatians 5:1-4). B. Paul charged Timothy to help hold the line in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:1-6). C. John told...
Sowing the Seed
Introduction In our discussion of sowing and reaping, it is imperative that we consider the evangelistic application of the seed principle as set forth in Jesus’ parable of the sower. I. There are some things that are prerequisite to effective sowing. A. The first thing one needs is good seed (Deuteronomy 22:9; cf. Matthew 13:25). B. We also need love for the proper motivation (Ephesians 4:14-15; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Philippians 1:15-17)...
Falling from Grace
Introduction A. There are many who believe that it is impossible for one to fall from the grace of God, but the Bible teaches quite to the contrary. B. It is comforting to know that God is willing to forgive if we do fall. I. Falling from grace is possible. A. Israel fell from God’s grace because of sin, and so can we (1 Corinthians 10:1-12; 9:24-27). B. An entire generation in Israel fell short of God’s promise, and we can also fall short (Hebrews...
Saving the Seed
Introduction A. Have you ever considered all of the things that had to fall into place in order for you to be here today? B. When you look at the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1), how unlikely does it seem that He would ever live? I. Even through turbulent times, God preserved the Seed. A. God made this promise to Eve (Genesis 3:15). B. Through some sixty generations and numerous crises, God was successful in preserving the precious...
The Significance of the Resurrection
Introduction A. Recent years have seen a steady rise in the number of critics who question the miracles recorded in the Scriptures. B. Since the early days, there have been false ideas about the greatest miracle of all—the resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:12; 2 Timothy 2:18). I. The resurrection of Jesus rests at the core of the Gospel message. A. The resurrection was part of OT prophecy (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). B. It is supported...
The Necessity of Christ’s Suffering
Introduction A. When Christ made His way to Calvary, He did so with a clear understanding of why it was necessary (Matthew 16:21). B. If no other reason had existed, it was necessary because the Lord had said that it would happen. I. “Thus it is written.” A. This was a point often emphasized by early evangelists like Peter (Acts 3:18) and Paul (Acts 17:3). B. Christ’s suffering was attested in the law (Exodus 12:3-7,19-20,46; cf. 1 Corinthians...
Division
Introduction A. You can find the phrase on bumper stickers and billboard all across the United States: “United we stand; divided we fall.” B. While we loath the thought of the division of this country, what about the church Jesus consecrated with His own blood? I. Division never begins with God. A. God hates division (Malachi 2:16; Proverbs 6:19). B. God is the Author of peace, not of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33; James 1:13-17)...
Calvary’s Contradictions
Introduction A. The accounts of the crucifixion abound with paradox and irony that create contrast surpassing anything in uninspired literature. B. These remarkable contrasts help bring into sharp relief the love, humility, and holiness of the One Who died for our redemption. I. On Calvary we see tremendous contrasts. A. We see purity contrasted with iniquity (Isaiah 53:9-12). B. We see humility contrasted with vanity (John 19:10; Isaiah 53:7...