How can you know that you are truly a child of God? One defining mark of the child of God is the mark of righteousness. In the message RIGHTEOUSNESS: A MARK OF THE CHILD OF GOD Pastor Paul Coleman explores this defining mark of the child of God.
Click here to hear an audio recording of this message.
This message was presented on 11-08-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, Branford, FL.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
AUDIO SERMONS ARE NOW ONLINE!
This week we have begun placing audio recordings of Sunday sermons online. Each week new posts will appear containing links to those recordings.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
CHILDREN OF GOD - 1 John 3:1-3
Children of God, those who have been "born again" into God's family, have wonderful benefits given by God. In the message, CHILDREN OF GOD, Pastor Paul Coleman explores three benefits of the Children of God, found in 1 John 3:1-3.
Click here to hear an audio recording of this message.
This sermon was presented on Sunday, 11-1-2009, at 11:00 a.m., to Hatch Bend Baptist Church, Branford, FL.
Click here to hear an audio recording of this message.
This sermon was presented on Sunday, 11-1-2009, at 11:00 a.m., to Hatch Bend Baptist Church, Branford, FL.
THE GLORY OF GOD - Psalm 19
In the message, THE GLORY OF GOD, Pastor Paul Coleman examines three testimonies to God's glory found in the 19th Psalm.
Click here to hear an audio recording of this message.
This message was presented on Sunday, 11-1-2009, at 6:00 p.m., to Hatch Bend Baptist Church, Branford, FL.
Click here to hear an audio recording of this message.
This message was presented on Sunday, 11-1-2009, at 6:00 p.m., to Hatch Bend Baptist Church, Branford, FL.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
DIVINE DELIVERANCE
We all need deliverance. David wrote about deliverance in Psalm 18. Like David, We May Have:
Refuge in God
Confidence: (vv. 1-2) David trusted God to be his “fortress” and “deliverer.”
Cry: (vv. 3-6) David cried out to God in his distress for deliverance.
Comfort: (vv. 7-18) God delivered David from the hands of his enemy (Saul and others).
You can go to God for refuge. He can and will meet every need you will ever have, if you will trust in Him.
Reward from God
Perks: (vv. 19-24) Deliverance. Delight. (19) Deeds. (20-24)
Principles: (vv. 19-29) Deliverance based on God’s delight. You reap what you sow in this life. (20-27) Strength is in God. (28-30)
Power: (vv. 28-45) God gives great power to those who serve Him faithfully. He gives the power to serve.
Although we do not deserve Gods blessing and rewards, He gives them to us because of His mercy and grace. Praise God for His grace and mercy He has shown to us.
Response to God
Adoring: (vv. 46-48) Blessing and praises to God.
Appreciative: (v.49) David thanks God for what He has done.
Audible: (vv. 49-50) “Sing praises” actually means to play on instruments and sing – music.
What a gift God has given us in Jesus Christ! How grateful we should be to Him!
To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.
To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.
This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 10-18-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Refuge in God
Confidence: (vv. 1-2) David trusted God to be his “fortress” and “deliverer.”
Cry: (vv. 3-6) David cried out to God in his distress for deliverance.
Comfort: (vv. 7-18) God delivered David from the hands of his enemy (Saul and others).
You can go to God for refuge. He can and will meet every need you will ever have, if you will trust in Him.
Reward from God
Perks: (vv. 19-24) Deliverance. Delight. (19) Deeds. (20-24)
Principles: (vv. 19-29) Deliverance based on God’s delight. You reap what you sow in this life. (20-27) Strength is in God. (28-30)
Power: (vv. 28-45) God gives great power to those who serve Him faithfully. He gives the power to serve.
Although we do not deserve Gods blessing and rewards, He gives them to us because of His mercy and grace. Praise God for His grace and mercy He has shown to us.
Response to God
Adoring: (vv. 46-48) Blessing and praises to God.
Appreciative: (v.49) David thanks God for what He has done.
Audible: (vv. 49-50) “Sing praises” actually means to play on instruments and sing – music.
What a gift God has given us in Jesus Christ! How grateful we should be to Him!
To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.
To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.
This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 10-18-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
THE LAST HOUR
Many people say we are nearing the end of this age. They say that the “signs of the times” are right for the end of this age to come. How can we know that the end is near? John the Apostle addressed this issue in 1 John 2:18-23. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he tells us that we are indeed in “the last hour.”
Three symptoms that we are living in the “last hour” are:
Sign of the Antichrists (v.18)
The Time of the Antichrists: John states that we are now living in the “last hour.” This last hour is a time of many antichrists in the earth. In fact, the appearance of these antichrists is the sign that we are in the last hour.
The Type of the Antichrist: These antichrists are types or shadows of the Antichrist who will come to power during the Great Tribulation.
Things may be bad now, but they are going to get much worse during the time of the Antichrist. The evil in the world today is just a sample of what is coming. The only way to be protected from the wrath to come is to be saved, to be a believer in Jesus Christ. Are you ready?
Separation of the Antichrists (v.19)
Dislocation: John wrote, “They went out from us…” These antichrists were once part of the church, but left.
Disunity: John wrote, “…but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us…” Even though they came from within the church, they were never really a part of the church. The church is composed of believers in Jesus Christ. These who have left the fold, who appear to stop being believers in Christ, were never really believers in Christ in the first place.
Disclosure: John wrote, “…but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” Because a real believer would not have left the faith, those who leave reveal themselves as never having been believers.
There are those who claim to be and appear to be believers in Jesus Christ, but over time they begin to separate from true believers in Christ, because they do not really believe in Christ. Jesus has not made a difference in their lives. Sometimes, they cause disunity within the church. Other times, they leave the church.True believers cannot loose their salvation. If you are a believer in Christ, you are secure. Not everyone who claims to be a believer in Christ is a believer in Christ. Just saying its true doesn’t make it true. If your walk doesn’t match your talk, you need to do some soul searching, and get things right with God.
Sin of the Antichrists (vv. 20-23)
Comprehension of Christians: John wrote, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” True believers are anointed by God. This anointing allows them to know the truth. The truth has no mixture of error in it.
Contradiction of Charlatans: John wrote, “Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.” Those who deny that Jesus is the Christ are antichrists; they are liars, because they deny the truth.
Consequences of Contradiction: John wrote, “Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” Those who deny Jesus are lost, even if they claim to believe in God. It all gets down to what a person believes about Jesus.
True believers know the truth. It is found in the Word of God. It is revealed to them by the Holy Spirit. Test any religious teaching you hear, from me or anyone else, with the Word of God. If that teaching does not match what the Bible says, disregard it.
The last hour before a big trip, final preparations are made for departure. The greatest trip in history is quickly approaching. Jesus is returning. Are you ready?
To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.
To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.
This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 10-18-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Three symptoms that we are living in the “last hour” are:
Sign of the Antichrists (v.18)
The Time of the Antichrists: John states that we are now living in the “last hour.” This last hour is a time of many antichrists in the earth. In fact, the appearance of these antichrists is the sign that we are in the last hour.
The Type of the Antichrist: These antichrists are types or shadows of the Antichrist who will come to power during the Great Tribulation.
Things may be bad now, but they are going to get much worse during the time of the Antichrist. The evil in the world today is just a sample of what is coming. The only way to be protected from the wrath to come is to be saved, to be a believer in Jesus Christ. Are you ready?
Separation of the Antichrists (v.19)
Dislocation: John wrote, “They went out from us…” These antichrists were once part of the church, but left.
Disunity: John wrote, “…but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us…” Even though they came from within the church, they were never really a part of the church. The church is composed of believers in Jesus Christ. These who have left the fold, who appear to stop being believers in Christ, were never really believers in Christ in the first place.
Disclosure: John wrote, “…but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.” Because a real believer would not have left the faith, those who leave reveal themselves as never having been believers.
There are those who claim to be and appear to be believers in Jesus Christ, but over time they begin to separate from true believers in Christ, because they do not really believe in Christ. Jesus has not made a difference in their lives. Sometimes, they cause disunity within the church. Other times, they leave the church.True believers cannot loose their salvation. If you are a believer in Christ, you are secure. Not everyone who claims to be a believer in Christ is a believer in Christ. Just saying its true doesn’t make it true. If your walk doesn’t match your talk, you need to do some soul searching, and get things right with God.
Sin of the Antichrists (vv. 20-23)
Comprehension of Christians: John wrote, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” True believers are anointed by God. This anointing allows them to know the truth. The truth has no mixture of error in it.
Contradiction of Charlatans: John wrote, “Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.” Those who deny that Jesus is the Christ are antichrists; they are liars, because they deny the truth.
Consequences of Contradiction: John wrote, “Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” Those who deny Jesus are lost, even if they claim to believe in God. It all gets down to what a person believes about Jesus.
True believers know the truth. It is found in the Word of God. It is revealed to them by the Holy Spirit. Test any religious teaching you hear, from me or anyone else, with the Word of God. If that teaching does not match what the Bible says, disregard it.
The last hour before a big trip, final preparations are made for departure. The greatest trip in history is quickly approaching. Jesus is returning. Are you ready?
To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.
To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.
This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 10-18-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
WONDERFUL WITNESS
It has been a joy to hear the reports and messages presented during the annual meeting this year. A recurring theme throughout all of them is a desire to spread the Gospel, a desire to be and to have a wonderful witness. The questions arise: What is a wonderful witness? How can I have a wonderful witness? How can I be a wonderful witness? I am so glad you asked.
We find a great example of a wonderful witness in Acts 4:13. Peter and John were standing before the Jewish rulers, elders, scribes and priests. Peter and John had been arrested by the temple authorities. The day before, as they were going into the temple, they encountered a lame man, whom Peter had healed in the name of Jesus. All of the people were amazed, wondering how this miracle happened. Peter decided to tell them, and preached a sermon. The temple authorities wanted to put a stop to all of this talk about Jesus. So, they arrested Peter and John, and brought them before the leaders the next day. When questioned about their teaching, Peter proceeded to preach to the leaders. After his sermon, we find this verse.
In this passage, we find four characteristics of a wonderful witness.
A Wonderful Witness is Strong
Notice, “they saw the boldness of Peter and John.” This boldness was powerful, confident, authoritative speech. This was not weak, or timid. Peter was not shy in sharing his faith. He spoke about Jesus everywhere he went. They couldn’t make him be quiet.
We need men and women today who will be strong witnesses for Christ, who are not intimidated, who will not back down, who will not give up, who will not quit! Are you a strong witness?
A Wonderful Witness is Supernatural
How did Peter and John become such bold witnesses?
Their boldness was not a natural skill. Peter had denied Jesus three times when He was on trial, scared by the accusations of a servant girl.
Their boldness was not a skill acquired through human achievement. Notice, “they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men.” They didn’t go to the institutions of learning in their day.
Their boldness came through an ongoing encounter with God. Notice, “…they had been with Jesus.” This encounter with Jesus changed them. The encounter did not end there. Verse eight tells us that Peter was “filled with the Holy Spirit.” Without the filling of the Holy Spirit, Peter would never have been so bold. Jesus installed the equipment. The Holy Spirit was the fuel. God hit the ignition and Peter was off like a rocket.
Without a filling of the Holy Spirit, we will sit, collecting dust. The Bible tells us three things that we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit:
Prayer: “…how much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13) We must ask God to fill us with His Holy Spirit.
Purity: Sealed – “In Him [Christ] you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise…” (Ephesians 1:13) When we receive Christ, our sins are forgiven and we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Sanctified – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30) Sin does not make you loose your salvation, but grieves the Holy Spirit and hinders His work in your life.
Praise: “And do not be drink with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.” (Ephesians 5:18-21) When we engage in God-honoring worship, united with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we invite the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Do not rely on your education, programs, training, buildings and money. Those things are good, but will never save a soul. Human effort does not save. God saves. Go to God and seek His face. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit. Worship Him together and see what He will do!
A Wonderful Witness is Surprising
Notice, “they marveled.” They were amazed and astonished. The Greek word (ethaumazon) carries the connotation of admiration. These Jewish leaders didn’t agree with Peter and John. They wanted to stop them any way they could, even if it meant killing them. They couldn’t help but admire their boldness.
When you boldly share your faith, filled with the Holy Spirit, people will be amazed. They may not agree with you, but they will respect your boldness.
A Wonderful Witness is Successful
You might be thinking, “This witness was not successful. No one got saved!” I beg to differ. This witness was successful, because “they realized that they had been with Jesus.” They clearly conveyed the message of Jesus to those men. They were witnesses. They gave first hand testimony of their encounter with Jesus.
We are witnesses of Jesus. If we are saved, we have had a personal encounter with Jesus. We simply tell others about Him.
We cannot save anyone. Only God can save. He doesn’t expect us to save anyone. Our job is to introduce people to Him. When we do that, we have been successful. Any time you share your faith, you have succeeded, no matter what the outcome! May God make each of us a wonderful witness.
To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.
To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.
This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 10-13-2009 at the Lafayette Baptist Association annual meeting, by Paul A. Coleman.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
We find a great example of a wonderful witness in Acts 4:13. Peter and John were standing before the Jewish rulers, elders, scribes and priests. Peter and John had been arrested by the temple authorities. The day before, as they were going into the temple, they encountered a lame man, whom Peter had healed in the name of Jesus. All of the people were amazed, wondering how this miracle happened. Peter decided to tell them, and preached a sermon. The temple authorities wanted to put a stop to all of this talk about Jesus. So, they arrested Peter and John, and brought them before the leaders the next day. When questioned about their teaching, Peter proceeded to preach to the leaders. After his sermon, we find this verse.
In this passage, we find four characteristics of a wonderful witness.
A Wonderful Witness is Strong
Notice, “they saw the boldness of Peter and John.” This boldness was powerful, confident, authoritative speech. This was not weak, or timid. Peter was not shy in sharing his faith. He spoke about Jesus everywhere he went. They couldn’t make him be quiet.
We need men and women today who will be strong witnesses for Christ, who are not intimidated, who will not back down, who will not give up, who will not quit! Are you a strong witness?
A Wonderful Witness is Supernatural
How did Peter and John become such bold witnesses?
Their boldness was not a natural skill. Peter had denied Jesus three times when He was on trial, scared by the accusations of a servant girl.
Their boldness was not a skill acquired through human achievement. Notice, “they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men.” They didn’t go to the institutions of learning in their day.
Their boldness came through an ongoing encounter with God. Notice, “…they had been with Jesus.” This encounter with Jesus changed them. The encounter did not end there. Verse eight tells us that Peter was “filled with the Holy Spirit.” Without the filling of the Holy Spirit, Peter would never have been so bold. Jesus installed the equipment. The Holy Spirit was the fuel. God hit the ignition and Peter was off like a rocket.
Without a filling of the Holy Spirit, we will sit, collecting dust. The Bible tells us three things that we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit:
Prayer: “…how much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13) We must ask God to fill us with His Holy Spirit.
Purity: Sealed – “In Him [Christ] you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise…” (Ephesians 1:13) When we receive Christ, our sins are forgiven and we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Sanctified – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30) Sin does not make you loose your salvation, but grieves the Holy Spirit and hinders His work in your life.
Praise: “And do not be drink with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.” (Ephesians 5:18-21) When we engage in God-honoring worship, united with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we invite the filling of the Holy Spirit.
Do not rely on your education, programs, training, buildings and money. Those things are good, but will never save a soul. Human effort does not save. God saves. Go to God and seek His face. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit. Worship Him together and see what He will do!
A Wonderful Witness is Surprising
Notice, “they marveled.” They were amazed and astonished. The Greek word (ethaumazon) carries the connotation of admiration. These Jewish leaders didn’t agree with Peter and John. They wanted to stop them any way they could, even if it meant killing them. They couldn’t help but admire their boldness.
When you boldly share your faith, filled with the Holy Spirit, people will be amazed. They may not agree with you, but they will respect your boldness.
A Wonderful Witness is Successful
You might be thinking, “This witness was not successful. No one got saved!” I beg to differ. This witness was successful, because “they realized that they had been with Jesus.” They clearly conveyed the message of Jesus to those men. They were witnesses. They gave first hand testimony of their encounter with Jesus.
We are witnesses of Jesus. If we are saved, we have had a personal encounter with Jesus. We simply tell others about Him.
We cannot save anyone. Only God can save. He doesn’t expect us to save anyone. Our job is to introduce people to Him. When we do that, we have been successful. Any time you share your faith, you have succeeded, no matter what the outcome! May God make each of us a wonderful witness.
To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.
To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.
This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 10-13-2009 at the Lafayette Baptist Association annual meeting, by Paul A. Coleman.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
REAL FELLOWSHIP IS PENITENT
We may fear confronting someone with a sin, for fear of offending him/her and damaging the friendship. In reality, gentle loving confrontation is the friendliest thing you could do for someone caught in sin. James writes of Christian fellowship that lovingly seeks to turn an erring brother back to a right relationship with God in James 5:19-20.
James speaks of real fellowship. Real Fellowship Recognizes:
The Reality of Relapse (v.19)
Christians may relapse. James wrote to “brethren.” They were Christians, fellow believers in Jesus Christ. Yet, they still were capable of falling into sin.
No one is immune. James wrote, “…if anyone among you wanders from the truth…” No human being is incapable of sin. Anyone can sin. We can never allow ourselves to think, “It will never happen to me.”
Straying from the truth is the cause. Notice, James wrote about those who wander “from the truth.” When we fall into sin, it is due to wandering from the truth. When a person does not understand, or rejects what God says about something in His word, he/she opens up the possibility of falling into sin.
Never think, “That won’t happen to me.” Good Christian people can get themselves into big trouble if they put themselves in compromising positions because they think that they are immune from temptation.
The Requirement of Reconciliation (vv. 19-20)
Reconciliation is expected. James wrote, “…if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back…” There is an expectation that someone in the church will try to turn him back. The biggest failure of the modern church is a failure to go after our wayward members and try to turn them back.
Reconciliation involves repentance. James wrote, “…and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his ways…” James wrote of turning the wayward brother back to the right way, and away from error. This is repentance. There can be no reconciliation without an acknowledgment and repentance from sin.
When a brother or sister in Christ wanders from the truth, we are obligated to go and find them, and do everything we can to bring them back.
The Rewards of Repentance (v.20)
Saving lives. One of the rewards of repentance is the knowledge that the one who helps an erring brother repent “will save a soul from death.” This does not mean that a Christian can loose his salvation. It is possible for a Christian to sin until God decides it is time to take them out of this world. (See 1 John 5:16-17; 1 Corinthians 11:27-32; Acts 5:1-11)
Covering sins. James wrote that the one who helps an erring brother repent will “cover a multitude of sins.” Many today relish uncovering sins for the sake of sensationalism; however, the Christian way is to cover sins – not to sweep them under the rug, but to put them away and stop re-living it when the person has repented. Repentance should be followed by restoration to fellowship.
No one wants to confront someone with a sin, but helping a brother or sister in Christ to get right with God again is worth it!
What can each of us do to help bring an erring brother or sister back into the fold? What can each of us do to keep from straying ourselves?
To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.
To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.
This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 10-11-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
James speaks of real fellowship. Real Fellowship Recognizes:
The Reality of Relapse (v.19)
Christians may relapse. James wrote to “brethren.” They were Christians, fellow believers in Jesus Christ. Yet, they still were capable of falling into sin.
No one is immune. James wrote, “…if anyone among you wanders from the truth…” No human being is incapable of sin. Anyone can sin. We can never allow ourselves to think, “It will never happen to me.”
Straying from the truth is the cause. Notice, James wrote about those who wander “from the truth.” When we fall into sin, it is due to wandering from the truth. When a person does not understand, or rejects what God says about something in His word, he/she opens up the possibility of falling into sin.
Never think, “That won’t happen to me.” Good Christian people can get themselves into big trouble if they put themselves in compromising positions because they think that they are immune from temptation.
The Requirement of Reconciliation (vv. 19-20)
Reconciliation is expected. James wrote, “…if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back…” There is an expectation that someone in the church will try to turn him back. The biggest failure of the modern church is a failure to go after our wayward members and try to turn them back.
Reconciliation involves repentance. James wrote, “…and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his ways…” James wrote of turning the wayward brother back to the right way, and away from error. This is repentance. There can be no reconciliation without an acknowledgment and repentance from sin.
When a brother or sister in Christ wanders from the truth, we are obligated to go and find them, and do everything we can to bring them back.
The Rewards of Repentance (v.20)
Saving lives. One of the rewards of repentance is the knowledge that the one who helps an erring brother repent “will save a soul from death.” This does not mean that a Christian can loose his salvation. It is possible for a Christian to sin until God decides it is time to take them out of this world. (See 1 John 5:16-17; 1 Corinthians 11:27-32; Acts 5:1-11)
Covering sins. James wrote that the one who helps an erring brother repent will “cover a multitude of sins.” Many today relish uncovering sins for the sake of sensationalism; however, the Christian way is to cover sins – not to sweep them under the rug, but to put them away and stop re-living it when the person has repented. Repentance should be followed by restoration to fellowship.
No one wants to confront someone with a sin, but helping a brother or sister in Christ to get right with God again is worth it!
What can each of us do to help bring an erring brother or sister back into the fold? What can each of us do to keep from straying ourselves?
To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.
To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.
This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 10-11-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
WHO DO YOU LOVE?
A person’s affections will affect his/her life in a profound way. Who you marry will greatly influence the quality of your life. A person’s attitudes toward material possessions will also greatly influence the quality of his/her life. Setting your heart on the things that matter is extremely important. John the Apostle wrote about love properly placed in 1 John 2:15-17. John tells us that who or what we love has a great effect on our lives. John’s words to Christians in his day still apply to believers today. Who, or What, Do You Love?
Do You Love the Cosmos?
John warned his readers about loving the “world.” The word that is translated “world” is the Greek word “kosmon,” another form of the word “cosmos.” The word originally referred to the material universe, or the world system.
Love of the Cosmos is Forbidden. (v.15) John wrote, “Do not love the world…” John’s words are very clear. We should not love this world system.
Love of the Cosmos is Faithless. (v.15) John wrote, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” When a person begins to get caught up into the things of the world, there is rarely any time left for God. When that happens, we place our faith in the things of the world, rather than the things of God. Jesus, Himself, said, “You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)
Love of the Cosmos is Futile. (v.17) John wrote, “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it…” This world is passing away. It will not last forever. Those who are consumed by a desire for the things of the world are wasting their time on things that will not last.
This world system is preparing the way for the Antichrist. It is moving increasingly away from God. This world will come to an end. We, as Christians are not called to be influenced by the world, but to be an influence upon our world for the cause of Christ. Don’t be changed by the world, change the world in Jesus’ name. At some point we must choose whom we will serve. Who do you love?
Do You Love the Carnal?
The Carnal is Unlovely. (v.15) John wrote, “Do not love…the things in the world.” The things in the world, things of the flesh, material things, are not what we are supposed to love.
The Carnal is Unveiled. (v.16) John reveals what the things in the world are. They are: “The Lust of the Flesh” – the desires of the flesh, things that appeal to our fleshly desires; “The Lust of the Eyes” – things that appeal to the eyes, things that look good; “The Pride of Life” – things that appeal to our sense of pride, status, prestige, etc. These three things have always been the three worst snares of mankind. These three things were used by the serpent to tempt Eve to commit the first sin in history. The account in Genesis reads: “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food [lust of the flesh], that it was pleasant to the eyes [lust of the eyes], and a tree desirable to make one wise [pride of life], she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:6 [bracketed material mine]) People still fall for these same temptations every day.
The Carnal is Ungodly. (v.16) John wrote, “For all that is in the world…is not of the Father but is of the world.” No matter how hard we try to justify it, loving the things of the world is ungodly. It is sin.
It is not a sin to possess and use the things of the world. It is a sin to put those things ahead of God and to love them. Who do you love?
Do You Love the Creator?
Love of the Creator is Exclusive. (v.15) John wrote, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Having a love for the world and the things of the world is a sign that there is no love for God. One excludes the other. If you love the world, you will not love God. If you love God, you will not love the world. God does not take second place.
Love of the Creator is Eternal. (v.17) John wrote, “but he who does the will of God abides forever.” Those who love God are those who have eternal life, the ones who will go to live with Him forever. Also, a true love for God will not fade over time. It will last forever. As Adrian Rogers said, “He is Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all.” He is either the Lord of your life, or He is not.
Who Do You Love?
Do you love the cosmos? Do you love the carnal? Do you love the Creator? The answer to those questions will determine your eternal destiny.
To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.
To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.
This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 10-11-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Do You Love the Cosmos?
John warned his readers about loving the “world.” The word that is translated “world” is the Greek word “kosmon,” another form of the word “cosmos.” The word originally referred to the material universe, or the world system.
Love of the Cosmos is Forbidden. (v.15) John wrote, “Do not love the world…” John’s words are very clear. We should not love this world system.
Love of the Cosmos is Faithless. (v.15) John wrote, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” When a person begins to get caught up into the things of the world, there is rarely any time left for God. When that happens, we place our faith in the things of the world, rather than the things of God. Jesus, Himself, said, “You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)
Love of the Cosmos is Futile. (v.17) John wrote, “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it…” This world is passing away. It will not last forever. Those who are consumed by a desire for the things of the world are wasting their time on things that will not last.
This world system is preparing the way for the Antichrist. It is moving increasingly away from God. This world will come to an end. We, as Christians are not called to be influenced by the world, but to be an influence upon our world for the cause of Christ. Don’t be changed by the world, change the world in Jesus’ name. At some point we must choose whom we will serve. Who do you love?
Do You Love the Carnal?
The Carnal is Unlovely. (v.15) John wrote, “Do not love…the things in the world.” The things in the world, things of the flesh, material things, are not what we are supposed to love.
The Carnal is Unveiled. (v.16) John reveals what the things in the world are. They are: “The Lust of the Flesh” – the desires of the flesh, things that appeal to our fleshly desires; “The Lust of the Eyes” – things that appeal to the eyes, things that look good; “The Pride of Life” – things that appeal to our sense of pride, status, prestige, etc. These three things have always been the three worst snares of mankind. These three things were used by the serpent to tempt Eve to commit the first sin in history. The account in Genesis reads: “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food [lust of the flesh], that it was pleasant to the eyes [lust of the eyes], and a tree desirable to make one wise [pride of life], she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:6 [bracketed material mine]) People still fall for these same temptations every day.
The Carnal is Ungodly. (v.16) John wrote, “For all that is in the world…is not of the Father but is of the world.” No matter how hard we try to justify it, loving the things of the world is ungodly. It is sin.
It is not a sin to possess and use the things of the world. It is a sin to put those things ahead of God and to love them. Who do you love?
Do You Love the Creator?
Love of the Creator is Exclusive. (v.15) John wrote, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Having a love for the world and the things of the world is a sign that there is no love for God. One excludes the other. If you love the world, you will not love God. If you love God, you will not love the world. God does not take second place.
Love of the Creator is Eternal. (v.17) John wrote, “but he who does the will of God abides forever.” Those who love God are those who have eternal life, the ones who will go to live with Him forever. Also, a true love for God will not fade over time. It will last forever. As Adrian Rogers said, “He is Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all.” He is either the Lord of your life, or He is not.
Who Do You Love?
Do you love the cosmos? Do you love the carnal? Do you love the Creator? The answer to those questions will determine your eternal destiny.
To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.
To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.
This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 10-11-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
REAL FELLOWSHIP IS PRAYERFUL
One thing that should be a central part of Christian fellowship is prayer. Churches are assemblies of people who share a common faith in Jesus Christ, and who work together to serve Him. To do so, we must stay in contact with Him. The primary way to do that is prayer.
James discussed the importance of prayer in Christian fellowship in James 5:13-18. The early church placed a great emphasis on prayer and experienced a mighty work of God in their day. James was an early leader of that church. We would do well to heed what he has to say about prayer as a part of Christian fellowship. In this passage, James lists two things that are included in prayerful Christian fellowship.
Prayerful People
Equality (vv. 13-17) The word “anyone” is used in verses 13 and 14. All believers were encouraged to pray and sing. In verse 16, all believers are encouraged to confess their trespasses to one another and pray for one another. In verse 17, Elijah is said to have “a nature like ours.” These words and phrases indicate an equality among believers. All believers are God’s children, sinners saved by grace with equal access to God through the blood of Christ.
Elders (v.14) James instructs believers who are sick to call for the elders to pray for them and anoint them with oil. (By the way, the elder won’t know to come unless someone calls.) Today, most Baptists would refer to elders as pastors. The terms ‘Elder,’ ‘Bishop,’ and ‘Pastor’ are used interchangeably in the New Testament. (Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:17, 28) In fact, most New Testament churches had more than one elder. Believers who were sick were encouraged to call on the elders/pastors of the church to come and pray for them and anoint them with oil. More on the oil later.
Ethics (v.16) Believers are encouraged to confess their trespasses to one another and pray for one another. The purpose is to set up a system of Christian accountability and support. A person would confess their sins to other Christians so that they could offer prayer and support to help the person overcome the temptation. Many people have accountability partners today for this purpose.
The deacons meet with me each Sunday morning to pray. We pray for the growth of the church and for prayer requests. The church gathers on Wednesday nights to pray. We have a prayer chain to pray for concerns that need immediate attention. I am sure that many of you pray on your own for the church and for prayer concerns. I believe God has answered those prayers, and is blessing our church.
Let’s continue to be a prayerful people. Let’s pray for each other, and with each other. Let’s pray like we’ve never prayed before, and see what God will do.
Prayerful Procedures
For the Suffering (v.13) James instructs the suffering to pray.
For the Sunny (v.13) James instructs the cheerful to sing psalms. Singing Christian music should be a prayerful experience.
For the Sick (vv.14-15) James instructs the sick to call for the elders to anoint them with oil and pray over them. The disciples anointed people with oil and prayed for them during the ministry of Jesus. (Mark 6:13) Some scholars believe that, since oil was used for medicinal purposes in that day, the reference to oil suggests that we should use modern medical methods as well as prayer. These scholars believe that oil should not be used today, since it has no significance beyond the medicinal value. Others believe that oil represents the Holy Spirit and somehow bestows some mystical power and should be used today. I believe that oil may be used if desired. The significance of anointing with oil is that it is an act of obedience to the word of God. It is not, however, necessary for healing, because James writes, “…the prayer of faith will save the sick…” The prayer of faith is the key to physical and spiritual healing. (v.15) Also, there were examples in the Bible in which prayers were offered for the sick, but there is no mention of oil. I only anoint with oil when requested by the individual.
For the Sinful (v. 16) As mentioned before, confession and prayer are prescribed for those who have sinned. Confession makes one accountable to others. Prayer for spiritual healing is important. Often we focus on physical healing and ignore spiritual healing. The more we focus on the things of the Spirit, the healthier we will be. Some might say, “That’s nobody’s business.” I understand the need for privacy, but it really is the church’s business. When one part of the body is infected, the entire body suffers. When one of our brothers or sisters is trapped in sin, the whole church will suffer, and we may not even know why. When we do everything we can to get rid of sin (not the sinner, we want to help him, we are sinners too.), we are all healthier for it.
For the Saints (vv. 16-17) The prayers of the righteous are powerful. (v.16) James lists the example of Elijah, whose prayers stopped and started the rain. The power is not in the prayer, but in the One to whom we pray. He honors the prayers of the righteous. Sin clogs up the lines of communication with God.
There are procedures for everything. To dial the phone you must hit the right numbers. To drive a car you must move the pedals, gear shifter and wheel properly. When we follow the proper procedures things work well. When we don’t, things work poorly, or not at all.
The same is true in our spiritual life. When we practice the procedures that James lists here, our Christian fellowship is enhanced. If we fail to follow these procedures, our Christian fellowship will suffer. Get real with God. Pray about everything.
The main question is, how is your prayer life? If it is not what you would like for it to be, begin to change it now – through prayer.
To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.
To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.
This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 10-4-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
James discussed the importance of prayer in Christian fellowship in James 5:13-18. The early church placed a great emphasis on prayer and experienced a mighty work of God in their day. James was an early leader of that church. We would do well to heed what he has to say about prayer as a part of Christian fellowship. In this passage, James lists two things that are included in prayerful Christian fellowship.
Prayerful People
Equality (vv. 13-17) The word “anyone” is used in verses 13 and 14. All believers were encouraged to pray and sing. In verse 16, all believers are encouraged to confess their trespasses to one another and pray for one another. In verse 17, Elijah is said to have “a nature like ours.” These words and phrases indicate an equality among believers. All believers are God’s children, sinners saved by grace with equal access to God through the blood of Christ.
Elders (v.14) James instructs believers who are sick to call for the elders to pray for them and anoint them with oil. (By the way, the elder won’t know to come unless someone calls.) Today, most Baptists would refer to elders as pastors. The terms ‘Elder,’ ‘Bishop,’ and ‘Pastor’ are used interchangeably in the New Testament. (Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:17, 28) In fact, most New Testament churches had more than one elder. Believers who were sick were encouraged to call on the elders/pastors of the church to come and pray for them and anoint them with oil. More on the oil later.
Ethics (v.16) Believers are encouraged to confess their trespasses to one another and pray for one another. The purpose is to set up a system of Christian accountability and support. A person would confess their sins to other Christians so that they could offer prayer and support to help the person overcome the temptation. Many people have accountability partners today for this purpose.
The deacons meet with me each Sunday morning to pray. We pray for the growth of the church and for prayer requests. The church gathers on Wednesday nights to pray. We have a prayer chain to pray for concerns that need immediate attention. I am sure that many of you pray on your own for the church and for prayer concerns. I believe God has answered those prayers, and is blessing our church.
Let’s continue to be a prayerful people. Let’s pray for each other, and with each other. Let’s pray like we’ve never prayed before, and see what God will do.
Prayerful Procedures
For the Suffering (v.13) James instructs the suffering to pray.
For the Sunny (v.13) James instructs the cheerful to sing psalms. Singing Christian music should be a prayerful experience.
For the Sick (vv.14-15) James instructs the sick to call for the elders to anoint them with oil and pray over them. The disciples anointed people with oil and prayed for them during the ministry of Jesus. (Mark 6:13) Some scholars believe that, since oil was used for medicinal purposes in that day, the reference to oil suggests that we should use modern medical methods as well as prayer. These scholars believe that oil should not be used today, since it has no significance beyond the medicinal value. Others believe that oil represents the Holy Spirit and somehow bestows some mystical power and should be used today. I believe that oil may be used if desired. The significance of anointing with oil is that it is an act of obedience to the word of God. It is not, however, necessary for healing, because James writes, “…the prayer of faith will save the sick…” The prayer of faith is the key to physical and spiritual healing. (v.15) Also, there were examples in the Bible in which prayers were offered for the sick, but there is no mention of oil. I only anoint with oil when requested by the individual.
For the Sinful (v. 16) As mentioned before, confession and prayer are prescribed for those who have sinned. Confession makes one accountable to others. Prayer for spiritual healing is important. Often we focus on physical healing and ignore spiritual healing. The more we focus on the things of the Spirit, the healthier we will be. Some might say, “That’s nobody’s business.” I understand the need for privacy, but it really is the church’s business. When one part of the body is infected, the entire body suffers. When one of our brothers or sisters is trapped in sin, the whole church will suffer, and we may not even know why. When we do everything we can to get rid of sin (not the sinner, we want to help him, we are sinners too.), we are all healthier for it.
For the Saints (vv. 16-17) The prayers of the righteous are powerful. (v.16) James lists the example of Elijah, whose prayers stopped and started the rain. The power is not in the prayer, but in the One to whom we pray. He honors the prayers of the righteous. Sin clogs up the lines of communication with God.
There are procedures for everything. To dial the phone you must hit the right numbers. To drive a car you must move the pedals, gear shifter and wheel properly. When we follow the proper procedures things work well. When we don’t, things work poorly, or not at all.
The same is true in our spiritual life. When we practice the procedures that James lists here, our Christian fellowship is enhanced. If we fail to follow these procedures, our Christian fellowship will suffer. Get real with God. Pray about everything.
The main question is, how is your prayer life? If it is not what you would like for it to be, begin to change it now – through prayer.
To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.
To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.
This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 10-4-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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