LBC Sermons & Messages

Romans 1:8 - 15

Today, we start to up with Paul’s introduction to the Roman Christians. Let’s look first at his prayer in verse 8-12. Paul starts off by thanking God. What are you thankful for? We live in a very unthankful world and it has plagued the church for years.

Paul also says, that the church’s testimony of FAITH is known throughout the world. The phrase, throughout the whole world, most likely means the Roman empire. This still, however, is a great task. The way they lived their lives and the manner of their conversation was a testimony to the whole world. What is your testimony to the world? Do your neighbors even know that you are a Christian? Not that you go to church, but do they know the testimony of your faith?

Then, Paul prayers for the church that they may have power. He starts by praying without ceasing. When was the last time you prayed for someone else and sought God for their struggles and needs? I Thess. 5:17

Paul also prayed personally for them. We too many times pray very selfishly. We pray for our struggles and our needs and we totally forget about the hurting church around us. We must pray for each other and let me encourage you to pray right now for some in need in the church.

Paul also prays particularly for them. He prays for a prosperous journey. First of all, let me encourage you to pray specifically to God. He wants to have a relationship with us and wants to hear every little detail. Do not bore God and treat Him as a crutch by just rambling on about vague things. Be specific. Also, notice what Paul prayed for, a prosperous journey. If you read the New Testiment, you will see Paul had anything but a prosperous journey. Yet, Paul never once questioned God but rather gave Him glory through it all. What is your reaction if your plans do not line up with God’s and you get something other than what you prayed for?

Then Paul wraps up his prayer by requesting a gift. The gift was the ability to establish the church encourage them. Paul tells us that when you encourage the church, you get blessed in return. What are you doing for the sake of the church?

Romans 1:1-7

Using finger prints is a fairly new concept to place specific people at the scene of the crime. Up until the early 1900’s, nothing was known about fingerprints and their uniqueness. Now we understand that we each as individuals have our own fingerprints and they are the same as no one else. In Romans, Paul shows us the fingerprints of Christ. Was He truly the Messiah or was He simply a person who
happened to be in the right place at the right time?

First, Paul tells us in verse 2 we are told that the prophets gave very specific details concerning who the Messiah would be. For a person to fulfill just eight of the prophecies, his chances would be a one in a billion million. That is several times the total number of people who have ever lived. To fulfill all the prophecies would be one in a trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion. Christ fulfilled all the prophecies 100% making Him clearly the Messiah.

Secondly, Paul mentions the prophecy of being royal blood. If you follow Christ lineage in Matthew and in Luke, they are seemingly contrary to each other. One is the lineage traced through Mary, Christ’s earthly mother. This lineage goes straight back to David through Zerubbabel. If this was not enough to prove Christ’s royal line, the other account follows Joseph back to Zerubbabel then to David. This makes Christ heir to the throne both through the bloodline of Mary His mother and through Joseph His stepfather. When God does something, He does it all the way.

The third fingerprint of Christ is the most powerful of them all proving that He truly was the Messiah, the Son of the Most High God. Verse 4 tells us that Christ is declared the Son of God through the resurrection from the dead. No mere mortal could ever do this. Christ is the Messiah making His death, burial, and resurrection the only way to salvation. When we as a church partake of communion, we testify to the fact that Christ gave Himself and took the full wrath of the Father to bring all humanity to Himself. This is only possible because Christ alone is the one, true Messiah.

Romans 1

This week we are starting a study through the book of Romans. This study will take us some time as we will not be in a hurry to finish it and may take breaks as the Spirit directs. There are several thoughts we must keep in our minds as we work through Romans.

First, Paul the apostle wrote Romans while he was at Corinth around the year 54 A.D. Next, he wrote it to the Christians in Rome, verse 7, and to the church in general according to 16:5. In addition, the purpose of the book is to declare man’s sinfulness and to show forth God’s righteousness.

There are three key thoughts that we need to keep in mind. First, the key verses are 1:16-19, the key chapters are 6-9, and the key word is righteousness. Just like a well written symphony has a main melodic line woven throughout the song, so does Romans have righteousness throughout the entire book.

In verse number one Paul starts off by giving the Romans his credentials. He first states that he is a servant of God. We too should be servants of God but most have a hard time with surrendering to His will. We, like Paul have been born into this world as sinners being a servant of Satan Ps. 51:5, Eph. 2:3. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. However, we can become new creatures II Cor. 5:17. Most of the time, though, we do not crucify ourselves Matt. 16:24 and we try to serve two masters which is impossible Matt. 6:2.

Paul also tells us that he was called to be an apostle. Acts 26 gives us a look at Paul’s conversion and we are told that Christ tells him that he will be a minister to the gentiles. We are also given a mission by God in the Great Commission. I Peter 2 also tells us that we have a work to do. If you have repented and received Christ’s forgiveness, you have been given a specific work and we must be obedient.

Lastly, Paul tells us that he was sanctified to the gospel. Everywhere Paul went, he preached the gospel. Reaching people is at the heart of Christ. What is at your heart?

Luke 16:19-23

To go through the fire and come through as pure gold we must allow them to strengthen our relationship with God. When our relationship is strengthened, we are strengthened, we draw closer to Him, and God is glorified. Fires will come and the only aspect that we can control is our attitude, which then determines our altitude. So, the question is what can we do to help us have the right attitude?

First, we must be seeking God personally. Mankind is become increasingly lazy and it is infecting the church. We carve out a little time for God, come to church, expect Him to fill us for the week ahead, and then we leave. When we are not fed, we blame it on the pastor; however, it is not the pastor’s job to feed you. The shepherd leads the sheep to pasture but cannot force them to eat. They are right in the green pasture but they must do the eating. The same is true of the church.

Sheep also need to be fed daily. If your main and only source of sustenance comes from church, then you are most likely malnourished. We must practice preventative care and seek God personally and daily (Prov. 8:32 – f.f.).

Then, we must seek help and opportunity to help. When going through the fires, we are tempted to be isolationists. Satan knows that by ourselves he can keep us defeated and steal our joy. When this happens, we fail. Ecc. 4:7-12 gives us insight on why we need each other. In numbers, we accomplish more, we are stronger, and when one falls others lift. We cannot become reclusive and then blame the church. We must run to the church and not from it. The church, however, does need to be aware and seek out those who are faces trials.

Lastly, we must sanctify and serve God (I Peter 3: 14, 15). Shadrch, Meshack, and Abednigo are examples of this. They literally faced the fire and sanctified God. When Peter stood before the counsel that beat him and told him to stop preaching, he said he must obey God rather than man. Peter sanctified God in the fire. So, what will be the outcome when you come face to face with the fire?

Luke 16:19-23

What is your hope based on? Is it based upon the fact that God will get you through? Is it based upon the fact that God will never allow you to be temped above what you can handle? Is it based upon the fact that God will supply for our needs and give us strength for the day? All of these are true but should not be the bases of our hope.

If we only hope in the now and present we loose perspective. We forget what the big picture is all about and begin to place value upon earthly things. The Church has become predominately more materialistic due to a lack of hope for the future. We forget that we are not living for today but should be laying up treasures in Heaven.

We also are lulled to sleep. Our excitement for the things of God diminishes and sin does not upset us as it used too. When was the last time you were thrilled to witness to someone and allow God to work on his or her hearts? When was the last time you were excited about going to church and worshipping our Lord and Savior? Remember, church is for God not us so I do not care if you think it is boring or not. The question is whether God was glorified and happy with our services or not.

Then, we are robbed of our happiness and pleasure by the great deceiver. God has given us happiness and pleasure on earth as a foretaste of heaven and as an avenue to enjoy God. However, we miss this when pleasures do not satisfy because our hope is weak. The pleasures of the day should point us to our Maker. He knows us and knows what we like. He has given us desires and the ability to take pleasure in earthly things; however, we abuse these things because of a false hope. We strive for more and more because earthly things cannot satisfy. Once again, they are to point us to our Maker and give us a small taste of Heaven and should be enjoyed as such.

To regain proper hope and wake up we must be people of the Word, Romans 12:1, 2. We must also set our minds on heaven and meditate thereon, Colossians 3:2. Then, we must be active in corporate exercises. We must change our mindset, look to the end, and run the race for the finish not the cups of water along the way.

Luke 16:19-23

Last week we discussed the narrow and the broad way. To get on the narrow way which leads to life, one must enter by the straight gate which is Jesus Christ, our Lord. There is no other way.

This week, let us look at the hope that Lazarus had. First, let me ask you a question. Why does a runner train, beat their bodies and then race in a marathon? Is it for the water along the way? Certainly not. They run to win or at least finish the race. Thus is the Christian life.

What does a marathon have to do with hope? Let me ask you another question. What is your hope based on? Is it based upon the fact that God will get you through? Is it based upon the fact that God will never allow you to be temped above what you can handle? Is it based upon the fact that God will supply for our needs and give us strength for the day? All of these are true but should not be the bases of our hope.

The hope of the New Testament, the hope that Christ gives is based upon the fact that we have an eternal home in heaven no matter what happens here on earth. This is the hope based upon the finish work of Christ and it written throughout the Scriptures.

In Matthew 26 we are reminded of this truth in the words of Christ himself. He sets in order what we call communion, or Lord’s Supper. He first gives thanks for the bread, breaks it, and gives it to the disciples. This is to commemorate His death.

Then Christ pours the fruit juice, gives thanks, and tells them to drink. This commemorates His blood that was shed for the remission of sins. Apart from the shed blood of Christ, there can be no remission of sin.

The glorious reason for celebration is given in verse 29. Christ gives the promise that He will not eat this bread or drink this cup until He does it in heaven with all who call upon Him as Lord and Savior. This is the unshakable truth in which our hope is placed. All else will fail but this one truth will remain. Without hope for eternity, there can be no hope for today. Do you have this hope?

Luke 16:19-23; Matthew 7:13-20

In this portion of scripture, we have a familiar passage. One that is preached but not really understood. We see Christ talking of two ways. There are two distinct ways but both are in the same path. Let me explain.

Many will find a broad way. This is the way that we all are born onto and are all heading to a life and eternity of destruction without God as the rich man found out. Along on our journey we see Christ, the narrow gate, lifted up and we repent and enter into the narrow way, as did Lazarus.

The key to the narrow way is Christ. John 14 tells us that Christ said He is the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father, or inherit eternal life in heaven, accept by the blood of Jesus Christ. We all need Christ and once we are in the right relationship with Him, we need to show others that narrow gate.

Along the journey, some will try to walk in the narrow way but they did not enter by way of the strait gate vs. 21-24. Many will prophesy and do many wonderful works in the name of Christ, but they did not enter through Him. If we do not enter through Christ, we are not His. We will be cast into the lake of fire that burns forever and our torment will be unquenched. We must enter into the narrow way by
the strait gate.

The Christian life is not about doing “spiritual” things. It is about doing ministry which is living whole-heartedly for Christ and allowing Him to have free reign in our lives as we show others the way. It is not about doing things but it is rather about being a witness. Ministry in the Bible is only defined as leading people into a relationship with Him. We need the church cleaned, buses run, music lead, nursery offered, etc. But ministry is the work of evangelism.

In verses 16 and 20 we are told that those who enter into the narrow way properly through the strait gate will be known by their fruit. What is this fruit? Our fruit is the witness that we have in this lost world. Are you actively witnessing? If not, maybe you are not His. Maybe you are walking on the narrow way bit missed the strait gate. Make you election, or salvation, sure.

Luke 16:19-31

Today we will look at a familiar story. Many debate on whether this is a real life story or if it is a parable. Either way, there is a plethora of challenges to us all and unbelievable principles to follow. It is the account of the rich man and Lazarus.

The account start with details about the rich man. We are not even told his name. Just “the rich man.” He could afford to wear purple and fine linens every day. He also through banquets often. These were not just parties but lavish dinners. We are told that he fared sumptuously. He had no need by the worldly standards.

Then we are told about a poor man named Lazarus. We are told his name and it means, “whom God helps.” We will discuss this in another week are so.

Lazarus was carelessly dropped off at the rich man’s gate. He was so poor that the towns’ people dropped him off there in an attempt to get him help. He is also full of open sores that oozed and the dogs even liked them. He could not even go to see the doctor for help.

We are told that Lazarus desired crumbs from the rich man’s table. This sounds bad but it is much worse than it sounds. What they would do at these banquets is use the bread crust as napkins. When their fingers were dirty they would lick them, whip the remaining food and saliva onto the crust, and feed it to the dogs. This is what Lazarus desired.

Lazarus was totally destitute, as are we. We cannot do anything apart from the power and grace of God. Every heart beat is a gift. Every breath we take is a gift.

We need Christ for life. We need Christ for eternity. Apart from Christ, we face an utter eternity in a place prepared for Satan and his demons. We need Him.
Psalms 34:18, 51:17, 102:17, II Cor. 5:17, II Cor. 12:10, 13, Phil. 4:13

Matthew 10:16-28

God calls us sheep several times in the scripture. Sheep are dumb, weak, and dependent. They have no defenses and must be watched all the time or else they will wonder off and get into trouble. It is not very encouraging to be such an animal, but so it is. We are weak and can do nothing apart from God’s grace. We are dumb and need wisdom and constant guidance. We also have no defenses against the whiles of the devil. Like it or not, we are sheep.

In Matthew chapter 10, Christ tells us that He sends us out as sheep amidst the wolves. Wolves are a natural predator of sheep. They hunt in packs and are vicious. Sheep have no defense and will be torn apart by wolves and yet God sends us out as such.

I Peter 5:8 tells us that Satan is like a roaring lion seeking those he may devour. He is an enemy to the Christian. The moment you repent and turn to Christ for salvation, you become an enemy of Satan and he seeks to devour and destroy you.

Matthew 7:15 warns us of false prophets which will try to lead us down the broad path the leads to destruction. It says that they are like ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing. Christ is clear about the path to salvation and godliness. It is through Christ himself and His word alone. He completed the work on the cross and there is nothing that we can do to add to or take away from it. We simply accept this gift or reject it.

His Word is absolute truth and life. If you hear something on the contrary, it is from a false prophet. We are to mark such people and have nothing to do with them. They also use a message that is close to the truth. Satan is a wise serpent.

However, we need not fear because Christ is our shepherd. In John 10, we see that Christ is the door and it is He that gives His life. He guides us and protects us through His divine power. Verse 11 says that Christ gives His life for the Sheep. Not gave but gives. This is a promise that His life actively gives us a home in heaven as well as strength for everyday living. He is committed to us and will never leave us or forsake us. He is the Great Shepherd.

John 10:15-27

Sheep are dumb. They even run funny. If you Google dumb sheep you will see some videos that will make you shake your head and laugh. They also scare easily. You can scare a whole flock and they will all just roll over and lay there momentarily stunned. When was the last time you saw a sports team with a sheep as a mascot? You don’t because they are DUMB.

They are also weak. They have no defenses or hope if they are attacked. They are so weak that the shepherds have to still the water if it is too rough so the sheep can drink. They are WEAK.

Here in the Psalms 95:6, 7a we have some encouraging words. God calls us sheep. I do not know about you but we are nothing like sheep. We do not do dumb things. We do not follow other people no matter how ignorant they are. We are never scared and we are strong. Right? I want to be something like a bear or a lion. However, when I choose to not be a sheep totally dependent on God, I am living
in rebellion. Like it or not we are sheep!

The gospel of John gives us some more insight on how this works. Verse 27 tells us that God’s sheep, those of us who know have repented and know Him as Savior, hear His voice. The reason we do not hear is because we choose not too. He is always speaking and longing for us to hear. When was the last time that you have truly heard from God? Do you hunger after God and His Word? Psalms 107:1-9; 61:2; 19:6-10; 34:17, 18

We are also told that God’s sheep follow Him. We are dependent sheep but He is the great shepherd. What a blessing to know that our shepherd is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, etc.

When we follow God, He is right in front of us. This means that where ever God leads us, He is going before us. God will never call us or lead us to do anything or go anywhere in which He is not with us. We also have the Holy Spirit our parakletos or helper. He is continually with us no matter where we go. Psalms 95:7b, 8 encourages us to not harden our hearts. Be obedient!