LBC Sermons & Messages

Text: Romans 15:8-13

God is the God of the Jews. They are His chosen people and He is not finished with them yet. His promises and covenant to the Jews are still sure today. This afternoon we will discuss why the world has a deep-seated hatred for the Jews.

God is also the God of the gentiles. The Israelites rejected God and the Bible now says that He came to the gentiles. Although, God did come to gentiles in the Old Testament such as Rahab and the Centurion, Matthew, 8, the Jews are still His people. And we are grafted in.

Now we get to verse 13 and we see the God of hope. Remember, hope is not a wish but knowledge of a truth based upon the Word of God. Notice the first word, now. This means that hope comes only after being reconciled to God and each other. If we are not reconciled or at peace with God, there is no hope only a sure judgment and eternity apart from God in Hell, Heb. 9:27.

Also, notice that the hope is directly proportionate to the filling of the Spirit. In Acts 4 we see an account of Peter and John healing a man and then preaching. We see the ability to be bold based upon the hope they possessed in Christ.

Lastly, notice that the hope and the filling if based in the Holy Spirit not by our own power and might. Eph. 6:10-12 tells us to be strong in the Lord not in ourselves for we fight not flesh and blood but we fight in a spiritual battle. So, our power and hope comes from God and the praise and glory should go back to God. It is amazing how we like to claim praise for that which is not ours at all. In conclusion, God is a God of hope to all mankind.

So, let me pose the question, “Why does the world have a deep-seated hatred for the Jews today?” There is a hatred in the Arabic world that stems back to Ishmael and Isaac. They will never be at peace no matter how many treaties are signed and broken. As for the rest of the world, Judges 2:3 gives us the idea that because of disobedience, the Jews will be at odds with the world. They rejected God and the punishment as a nation is enmity with the world. I wonder if there could be a jealousy as well. Even though some may reject the truth, deep down they know the truth and it angers them.

Another question is why does God not use prophets like He used to? First, one would need to define what a prophet is. A prophet in the Bible was one who was given a piece of information from God to give to the people about the future. This is much more than making a prediction even if it is based in wisdom. One thought suggesting why God does not use prophets like that any more is because the Bible is complete. God gave us Genesis, the beginning all the way to Revelations, the end. In the middle is everything we need to know to live and please Him. If we know the beginning through the end, there is nothing else to foretell.

If someone comes on the scene and claims to be a prophet, we must keep a couple of things in mind. First, God is God. If He chooses to send another prophet, He can and will do it in truth. Second, I John 4:1 tells us that many false prophets will come. Satan is the master liar. Also, we need to try them to see if they are of God or not. Lastly, what ever they say, must not contradict the scripture. God’s Word is truth and is the barometer for every thought and belief. If you have more thoughts, please feel free to share on line in our forums.

Text: Romans 15:8-13

God starts off the next set of verses with reminding us that the Jews are His chosen people, vs. 8. Out of all the people on earth, God reached down and chose the Jews. In Gen. 12, God makes a covenant with Abram, the father of the Jews. God tells Abram that He will make a great nation from him and that He will bless them. He gives Abram a promise that their name will be great and that all nations shall reap for themselves blessing or cursing based upon the relationship with Israel.

If you study history, you will understand that the world hates the Jews especially the Arabic nations. Also, if you study the history of America you will see that the world hates us because we have always backed the Jews and stood by them. This gives more credence to the fact of America and its Christian foundation. America must always stand by Israel no matter how it looks to the rest of the world. The world will always hate the allies of Israel so we must remember that the world will hate us. We must pray for Israel and for God to redeem them back to himself.

In the next couple of verses, 9-12, God then shows the breadth of His grace in the fact that He is also the God of the gentiles. God has given us the ability to become companions with the Jews. This is the grace of God. Redemption not only reconciles us to an all loving God, but it also reconciles us to each other. Ecc. 4:9-12 details to us what happens when we stand together. The Bible tells us that a two strand cord is not easily broken. Now when you look at the surface, this makes much sense. Of course two are stronger than one. Upon further study, the word cord carries the meaning of not just being spun together but sewn together giving it a multiplicity of strength. When we are united in the Lord, our strength is in each other as well as our Savior. Remember, redemption is reconciling us to God and each other.

Lastly, let us look at the fact that all need the grace of God. It is easy at times to think that a certain individual is not deserving of God’s grace, but let me ask you who is? No one is deserving. That’s why it is called unmerited favor. Let me ask you when was the last time you thought about witnessing to a wild man, Mark 5? How about a prostitute, John 8? Christ went to the most undeserving and His grace made a difference in their lives. His love broke the chains of bondage and set them free. If you know the Lord, the same happened to you. You were once bound and headed for death until the Master entered and gave you freedom. We must not forget that God loves all, gives grace to all and can change all no matter what their past contained.

So, let us pray for Israel, support them personally and nationally, and let us praise the Lord for allowing us to be grafted into the family. Also, let us remember that we are sewn together and our reconciliation is to God and each other; and we must remember that God’s grace is truly sufficient for all.

Christian Principles and our Country

This country was founded upon Christ or biblical ideas. This has been argued only in the recent past because past generations knew it to be true. They were educated in our founding father’s writings and beliefs which cannot be said of most today. Until recent years, liberty and our founding documents were common dinner table discussions. Lord, help us to use our liberty and teach those around us.
We have discussed liberty, the main one, so I ask you, “What other Christian ideas was this nation founded upon?” If you read the Declaration of Independence, you cannot escape the belief in God as Supreme, Creator, and as Personal.

If He is supreme, we are accountable to Him, Rom. 14:11, 12. This is why they cried out to God to check their motives and bless them if they were right. In case you are wondering, God did. If you read any letters by our founding fathers to friends and family, you will see that they understood this wholly.

If He is Creator, then we are not our own. We have a job to serve those whom God places in our lives, John 13. I Cor. I Cor. 6:19, 20 tells us that we are not our own and we are indeed bought with a price. We live in a society that does not fear God any more and therefore does not understand this concept at all. Most Christians live contrary to this as well. Remember, we are not our own but we are God’s and we should be willing to serve Him at all costs.
If He is personal, we can know Him, I John 4:9-16, 5:20 . Also, He knows us, Luke 12:6, 7. Jerm. 17:9, 10 goes on to tell us that not only does God know us; He knows the content of our hearts. Yet, He still loves us and cares for us. What an amazing God.
Think of more and feel free to share them on line in our discussion forum.

Text: Romans 15:1-7

Last week, we discussed liberty and in our text today we are reminded that this idea is biblical in its very origin. Also, liberty does not mean that you can do what you want but rather you can do what you must to better others for the time present and generations to come, Rom. 15:1, 2. When we exercise our liberty, the whole body is strengthened. This task is one that must be accomplished together, not alone, Ex. 18:22, Numbers 11, I Cor. 10:13. God gives this task to the church as a whole and if we want to see this world turned around, we must work together.

Our example is Christ Himself, Rom. 15:3, 4. In John 13 we see Christ wash the disciple’s feet. At first it does not look like a big deal but in that day, it was a servant’s job because it was so filthy. Christ washed their feet and told them to do likewise. True leadership is servitude. I Pet. 2:21-24 reminds us that we are called to suffer with Christ. This is something that not many of us like to talk about and maybe rightfully so; however, we must not forget it. The example of Christ’s suffering shows us what liberty really is, “Father, forgive them…” Christ did not serve Himself; rather He served all of mankind and every generation.

Lastly, Christ is also our empowerment, Rom. 15:5-7. Again, this is evident and clear in our country’s founding documents. When it comes to serving others, aka liberty, Christ gave us an example and he empowers us to follow, Rom. 8:37, Phil. 4:13, II Pet. 1:3. We can do it. Where ever the Lord leads, we can follow. What ever the Lord asks, we can accomplish. Let us use our liberty for the Lord and for others.

Text: John 8:31-36

Recently, one of our fearless leaders was asked what her favorite word was. Her answer was foolish but let me pose the question to you. Think about it. My favorite word is … Liberty. It is not necessarily the word but the wonderful meaning. As an American, it rings even more true.

Liberty is not easy nor is it free. You should study, if you have not already, on what liberty cost those who went before us. Many of those who fought for American liberty lost everything. Children were killed in battle, home and fortunes were destroyed, personal savings were all used up. It cost all they had, but those who made it through were able to rebuild because of liberty. It was costly.

Spiritual liberty comes at even a higher price. Just as those who fought for liberty over 200 years ago, we were bound spiritually before liberty set us free, Eph. 2:1-5, Col. 2:13. We had to become a child of the King to know liberty. The bringer of liberty is Christ and Him alone, II Cor. 3:17, Rom. 8:2. We must be a citizen of heaven to know true liberty.

Once we are citizens of heaven, we can go back and dabble in bondage if we want, Gal, 5:1, Rom. 8:18-22. We do not loose our salvation, for that is unbiblical, but there is a great price to pay. We have the choice. Let me ask you, how foolish would it be for someone to taste freedom and liberty at its core, and then choose to go back into bondage? Why then are we so tempted to do so spiritually?

There are blessings to liberty if we stick with it and continue to fight for it. John 11:25, 26; John 8:30-36; James 1:25. We will have life and blessing as we journey through this world. There will still be hardships and tribulation, but we will have the Lord and we will be at peace with Him.

Because of liberty, we as Americans have a job to uphold and defend it. Spiritually we also have a job and there is no higher calling than to be a freedom fighter for Christ, Is. 61:1, II Peter 2:19-f.f., :Luke 4:18, Gal. 5:13. In these passages we see our job to Christian Liberty.

Liberty is not free and it costs dearly. The debt was paid years ago both as an American and as a Christian. However, liberty is constantly under attack. The enemy hates liberty and the freeing power that goes along with it. We have fallen asleep and liberty has been taken away. Now, God is calling his church to wake up both spiritually and physically. Will you heed the call or hit the snooze one more time. Will we get out of “bed” or toss and turn as the alarm is sounding. May men and women hear the call and rise with the Almighty to stand together against bondage for the cause of Liberty!

Text: Romans 14:19-f.f.

Have you ever played Simon Says? The kindergartners that I drove this year love to play and they watched like a hawk to see if anyone was cheating and not playing right. In a sense, God is playing
Simon Says with us and says, if you want peace you must follow.

God sets it all up by telling us to stand on truth and to push each other using truth. Then he tells us that God is Lord and the Spirit can do His job better than us. He also reminds us that we all will stand before God and give an account for what we did for Him.

Now God tells us, once you get the facts straight and put these concepts in motion, we must follow after these things which make for peace, Rom. 14:19. The word, follow means to pursue or press toward, Hosea 6, I Tim. 6:10, 11, II Thess. 3:7-9. Satan does not want us to be at peace so he will attack and we must fight.

Paul also discusses offences, vs. 20, 21. Offenses will come and once you offend, it is hard to recover, Prov. 18:19. We must be careful to not offend our brother and sister. However, when one walks with God, the offence is overcome by truth, John 15, 16. The more we know God, the less the offenses come.

On this issue, Paul goes on to encourage us to have our faith to God alone, vs. 22. We do not live and answer to each other but to God, Matt. 6. We also must be convinced in our faith with God, I Cor. 16:13, Gal 5. When we are convinced, we will not be easily offended.

Lastly, God tells us that if we knowing rebel and do something that will offend, we are damned, vs. 23. God goes on in James 4 to tell us that even if we know to do good and do it not, it is sin.

So, are you willing to follow God and press for peace?

Text: Romans 14:7-13

We have entered into a passage of scripture that sheds some light on the biblical command for judging. The first key is truth. When we base our judging on the Word, it is not us but the Word who does the judging.

In the next few verses, 7-13, we see the second key and that is to remember that we all will stand before God and give an account. In verses 7 and 8, we are given a picture of what true Christianity looks like. Those who have given their name to the Lord are not allowed to be self-seekers. The Spirit moves us to please God.

Then in verses 9-13 we see the fact that we all will stand on our own before our great King and give an account. I Cor. 3:1-15 shows us that we all have the opportunity to lay a godly foundation and live to God or lay a selfish foundation and serve self. Then all foundations will be tried by fire and self will be consumed.

In the parable of the servants and the talents, all three had to give an account for what they were given. The two who used their talents and invested them were pleasing to the master. The one who squandered his talent was very displeasing to his master. We will all one day stand before the King and give an account.

Lastly, God will settle the score. Our job is to be obedient and serve the great king. Ps. 75 tells us that God is judge and he raises up and puts down whom He desires. Rom. 12 tells us that God is the judge and He will sort things out. II Tim. 4:1 also reminds us that God is able to judge the quick and the dead. So, let us serve the King, judge each other with the Word and remember that we will give a personal account to the King.

Verse 7 also reminds us that the lives which we live are not ours and they do not affect just us. This is evident all throughout scripture. Generations reap the decisions of one person whether good or bad.

The first one that comes to mind is Adam. In Genesis, God gives Adam and Eve a clear command, to keep the garden but only do not eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. They were tempted by Satan and fell to his lies and now, generations later we are still reaping his decision. Mankind is now plagued with sin and must face destruction apart from Christ.

Joshua 22:20 gives us insight on the man named Achan, Josh 7. Achan sinned by taking a few little articles from Jericho when they defeated it. He hid them under his tent and when the armies went to take Ai, a much smaller town and less fortified, thousand of soldiers perished. In the end, Achan, his wife, children and all his possessions were stoned and destroyed. His one decision affected everyone around him.

II Chor. 27:1, shows us the other side of the spectrum. The mercy of God was touched because of the life of David. Many generations had passed, but because David was a man after God’s own heart, God had mercy upon the descendants of David.

Lastly, Christ is again the ultimate example. Mankind was doomed to a life in Hell. Christ was obedient to the Father and through the life he lived, gave, and now lives again, man can have freedom. Christ gave himself and has affected all of mankind.

So, the life which you and I live is not our own and the way in which we choose to live it affects everyone. It could possibly affect generations to come. Will we choose to live to Christ or will we bring God’s judgment on those around us because of our own selfishness?

Text: Romans 14:1-8

Paul starts off this chapter by talking about the weaker brethren and how we are to receive them but not to doubtful disputations, or meaningless babble. This means we are not to receive them based on nothing more than truth. Ps. 1:1, 2 tells us much about the Christian and truth.

Blessed is the man who stands on truth, blessed by God Himself not mere man. There is no greater foundation than that of truth. When one stands on truth, his footing is always sure and steady for truth changes not. So, what are you standing on? Those who live to Christ will stand on truth.

Then Paul gets into judging others. Let me ask you, according to scripture, who is supposed to judge. I have had many Christians tell me that we are not supposed to judge for we are sinners just like those we are judging. Well, scripture is clear about the issue. God is the judge, Heb. 10:30, 12:23. God is the great judge and He knows all and is wholly just and gracious. However, Matt. 7:1-5 and John 7:24 make it clear that we are to judge as well. The difference is that God is truth and we must use the truth. Remember, that one who judges must be standing on truth and it is the truth that judges not our opinions.

Back in Ps. 1 we see what happens to the one who stands on truth. They are consistent and unshakable. Christ is unchangeable and if we are to be like Him, we must be too. The only way to accomplish this is a life lived in the relentless pursuit and enactment of truth. When we stand on and live out truth, we will be like the tree planted by the river and we will be able to stand in our faith no matter what is going on around us. Choose truth and use truth.