LBC Sermons & Messages

Paul was living in the fact that the precepts he was preaching came from God himself. They were truth and worth living and dying for. Man’s words and wisdom only end in destruction and pain but in truth there is true freedom.

Paul also had to give his personal account. The liberals were lying about the truths of God and they were personally attacking Paul in an attempt to quiet him. However, the story of his conversion is wholly glorifying to God. It actually gives credence to Paul’s words. What is your story? Have you had an encounter with a just and loving God?

Paul then moves from his conversion into the wonderful transforming power of God. It is an amazing thing that God loves us, gives us His law to convict us, and then gives us grace and mercy when we cry out to Him.

The grace and mercy that is received at the beginning of salvation is the same grace and mercy that holds us in our relationship with God. This is the same grace that allows us to serve the Almighty. II Cor. 5:15-19 shows us what this grace will do. It will save us through faith and change our walk on this old earth. Grace will enable us to live a life to God and not ourselves. It is through grace that we can see that it is not about us and all about our Savior. It is through grace that we serve a living God and that our service to Him can be pleasing. So, this week use this grace not to sin but to serve and be well-pleasing to our great King.

Paul shows them his frustration and disappointment in their decision to leave God and the Truth. Then he shows them what confidence in the truth is. Do you have confidence in the truth or faith? The opposite of faith is disobedience and doubt. For an example of faith I think of David when he took on Goliath. Goliath was one who was spreading lies and no one would stand up to him. David knew the Lord would give him strength and watch over him so David went and stood for truth. When truth is attacked, valor must rise. Valor arose in David and truth was victorious.

Have you ever had times when truth was attacked? Maybe it was just a little and you thought it would not hurt anyone. What would you do if you were checking out at Wal-Mart and the cashier shorted you a dollar? It isn’t much and it would probably not hurt you but you would definitely say something and ask for a manager if the cashier would not give it to you. We must stand for unadulterated truth.

Then Paul tells what should happen to those who preach another gospel. This is righteous indignation. We need to be on the offensive against those who preach another gospel, Matt. 21:12, 13. Notice the fight is not over carpet, programs, music, or dress. These may be important to the church but the gloves only come off when the person and truth of Christ is compromised. May God give us boldness to stand against untruths and allow valor to rise in each of us.

Have you ever gone through a hard time? Are you going through a hard time now? If so, please dwell upon verse number four. At first glance, one may read that God promises to deliver or take us out of evil or hard times. However, this is not what it is saying at all. Once again, Christ has called us to follow Him and be like Him. He tells us that we will face persecution and hardships because the world hates Christ and it will hate us as well. No where in scripture does God promise to keep us from hardships. On the contrary, He promises we will have hardships. What verse four is telling us is that we will be released during times of persecution and hardships. Let me ask you, released to what or from what.

First, we are released to do the work of God. Our job is evangelism of the world and in Acts 1:8 Christ promises to be with us all the time even to the end of the world. No matter what happens, we can do that work which He has called us to do. We can be victorious. Also, we are released from the fear of hardships and persecution. In Philippians 4:19 God promises to supply all our need through His riches in glory. Again, it may not be easy, but we can rest assured that God will supply if we keep Him first.

God promises to release us in hardships from evil. Not from evil itself but from the hurtful influences of evil. Evil does not hold us or bind us down unless we allow it to. So, once again remember who it is that has called you and lets live victoriously in this evil age.

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.

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.

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?

If God is concerned about the heart and He loves a cheerful giver, is it better not to give if my heart is against it? You have probably thought this before. Is God honored if my giving is only out of duty? I would have to say yes because we are still being obedient but when our heart is not in it, we muzzle the hose of blessing.

This also brings up Faith Promise Mission which is sacrificial giving at its core. The Bible is clear that all Christians are to start by giving a tithe or tenth back to God, but there are many accounts of His children giving above and beyond, sacrificially, to supply for others and the church. We know it brings honor to God and gets His attention, Mark 12:42-f.f. It is not only about the amount of money we give but the sacrificial giving is what cries out to God.

Why do you think that sacrificial giving catches His attention so much? For one, it shows our total dependence on God. When you give sacrificially, you are not worrying about earthly things but you are investing in heavenly things and relying on God to supply.

Also, it shows your submission to God. He demands our obedience and when we give back what God tells us to, we are being submissive to Him. It shows the Lordship of Christ. He is King and deserves to be treated as such.

It also shows humility. Proverbs tells us many times that God will remember and bless the humble but reject and judge the proud. When we hoard money and do not give away what God wants us to, it is a proud act. We are telling God that we know what is best instead of trusting Him. I Peter goes on to tell us that God will lift up the humble. I say all of this to encourage you to seek God’s guidance on giving and ask if there is a role in Faith Promise and then follow in obedience.

Today is a special day and one of the most traveled days of the year, Happy Mother’s Day. I trust you know how important and appreciated you are. One thing that sets mothers apart is their ability to have relationships. It is a gift from God and the Bible has a lot to say about relationships. So, let us look at a few examples and apply the principles of stewardship.

First, remember that everything is God’s, He’s in control, and all must be used to bring honor to God. Relationships are a gift from God and need to be seen as such. Relationships do not just happen but are part of His divine purpose, He places people together for a reason, and we need to promote godliness in each other. Let me challenge you to search out scripture and see if you can find an instance where a relationship was built to win someone to Christ. Post your findings on our web site forum.

Four quick examples are David and Jonathan, I Sam. 18:1-4; 19:1-7; 23:14-18. This shows us the true purpose of a relationship is to strengthen each other in the Lord. Secondly, we see the passion found in a relationship when the focus is on Christ, II Sam. 12:1-13. Next, we see the power of relationships found in Christ, Dan. 2:12-19. Lastly, we see there is protection and security in relationships, Acts 19:31, 24:23, 27:3. God has created us for each other so let us remember that we are to be stewards of our God given relationships.

Since relationships are a gift from God that need to be stewarded, there are several characteristics of good friendships that we can work on. These principles were found in the Old Testament and reiterated in the New Testament just showing that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

First, no matter what day it is, no matter what the circumstances are, friends love at all times, Prov. 17:17, I Cor. 13:4-8. Also, nothing can tear friends apart for they are closer than a brother, Prov. 18:24, Eph. 4:1-3. A true friend also shows compassion in times of suffering, Ps. 35:13, Rom. 12:15. A friend never takes advantage of another when times are tough and emotions are high.

A friend also offers wise counsel even when it may be tough and painful, Prov. 27:9, Col. 3:16. A friend does not tear down at any time, Ps. 15:3, Eph. 4:29. Also, a friend does not seek its own but rather pushes the other to faithfulness regardless of self -interests, Job. 6:14, Col. 3:12-14.

In closing remember two more characteristics. One, a friend always intercedes for the other in prayer, Job 42:10, Eph. 6:18. Who are you praying for today? Lastly, a friend can always be trusted for they are seeking the well being of the other, not self, Prov. 27:6, Gal. 6:1, 2. Once again, a true friend is one in Christ and through Christ for He makes it all possible and relationships are a gift from God. Let‘s be good stewards of God’s gifts.

One of the first people that come to mind when I think of stewardship is Job. Job is known for his patience and perseverance but I would tell you it was all because he was a great steward of the blessings of God. In the end of the first chapter we learn that in all this, Job never once charged God foolishly. His response was, “naked came I out of the womb and naked shall I return. The Lord gave and He taketh away.”

What was Job saying? He was saying what every good steward would say. He understood that fact that all is God’s and He was just watching over it all and investing in it. When the Lord decides to take it away, that is His prerogative. Sure Job was in pain and upset, but his focus was correct.

Not only did Job understand that everything was God’s but he understood that God was in control and that He would receive the glory from it all. The problem is that our minds cannot comprehend God’s way and many times we think we can do it better, Is 55:8. God’s ways are not our ways so we need to just relax and let God do what is best. I am glad that God does not see things the way we see them. He can see it all and therefore always knows and does what is best and good, Phil. 2:13, II Cor. 9:8, Duet 28:63.

Joseph also comes to mind and we will discuss this further on line at our forums. This week, ask God to show you how to become a better steward of His blessings.