Introduction A. Because Jesus was unable to carry His cross the entire way to Golgotha (cf. Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26), a man named Simon was compelled to bear it behind Him (John 19:17). B. Jesus said that all who wish to come after Him must take up their crosses and follow Him (Luke 9:23). I. Jesus has asked us to deny ourselves. A. Jesus had to deny Himself in order to confess Himself (1 Timothy 6:13; Mark 14:61-62)...
A Living Sacrifice
Introduction A. When properly executed, the OT sacrificial system must have been a marvel, and yet Paul says it was only “a shadow of the good things to come” (Hebrews 10:1). B. These sacrifices required extensive preparation before they could be offered, and this holds true for our sacrifice as well. I. God prepared Jesus a body for the performing of His will. A. The OT sacrifices were prepared carefully according to the law prescribed...
Trust and Obey
Introduction
A. When everyone else lets us down, it is even more comforting to know that we can always trust in God (Psalm 22; Job 13:15).
B. It is easy to say we trust God when all is well, but it is during the trying times that we learn how much we really trust Him.
I. Why should we trust God?
A. We should trust Him because He never fails or forsakes (Joshua 23:14; 1 Kings 8:56; 1 Samuel 12:22; Psalm 9:9-10).
B. We should...
Trusting God to Supply Our Needs
Introduction
In a time when the economy is fragile and Social Security is nearing bankruptcy, we need to keep in mind the fact that God is really the One Who provides for us.
I. God knows and provides our physical needs.
A. God provides for the flowers and the fowl (Matthew 6:26-31).
B. Even in lean times He has always satisfied His children’s basic needs (Exodus 16:14-24; Genesis 45:5; 1 Kings 17:1-16).
C. We must...
Trusting God to Keep His Word
Introduction
A. Unlike those who serve Him, our God is always faithful (Lamentations 3:23; 1 Corinthians 10:13).
B. We can always know that God will keep His promises to us.
I. God has never failed to keep His word.
A. He kept His word to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-7; Numbers 1:46).
B. He kept His word to Israel (Joshua 23:15-16).
C. He kept His word to the saints of the early church (Matthew 26:32; 28:10; Revelation...
In God We Trust
Introduction
A. On July 30, 1956, President Eisenhower signed a legislation making the phrase “In God We Trust” the official motto of the U.S.
B. What does it really mean, however, if we imprint this on our currency but don’t make any effort to live by it?
I. The world puts its trust in all the wrong places.
A. It puts trust in earthly treasure (cf. Matthew 6:19; 1 Samuel 17:33-39).
B. The world puts confidence in the flesh...
Being Good Stewards of God’s Word
Introduction
A. Of all the gifts that God has entrusted to human hands, surely the Scriptures are chief among these (Romans 1:16; Psalm 119:105).
B. Are we being good stewards of this precious gift?
I. What is the conduct of a bad steward of God’s Word?
A. A bad steward often will not allow the Word into his heart in the first place (Matthew 13:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
B. A bad steward will allow other things to choke...
Being Good Stewards of Our Bodies
Introduction
A. God has fashioned billions of human bodies through the natural process He enacted, and each of them is unique.
B. There are many who are not happy with the bodies God gave them and go to great lengths to manipulate them.
C. Instead of letting society define beauty, why not let God?
I. What is the purpose of the human body?
A. Our bodies are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 3:16-17)...
Being Good Stewards of Our Money
Introduction
A. When we think about money, we must first realize that everything belongs to God (1 Chronicles 29:14; Psalm 50:10-12).
B. Will we give an account of the way we use the financial means God gives us here on earth? How should we be using them?
I. Money can be either a blessing or a curse.
A. Money can be good (1 Timothy 5:8; Proverbs 19:6-7).
B. It can also be dangerous (Ecclesiastes 5:10-12...
Being Good Stewards of Our Time
Introduction
A. Time is a precious thing. Once it is lost, it can never be recovered, and not one of us knows how much he is to receive.
B. In an age when time seems to come at a higher premium with each passing day, it is now more important than ever for us to be good stewards of the time God gives us.
I. There are some thieves that rob us of time when we let them.
A. One prolific thief is a lack of proper planning and...