Book of Acts, Sermon #1

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->Unfinished Business<-

Acts 1:1-11 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Jesus began to do… Jesus Christ began something in His earthly ministry and His Mission it yet to be completed, Jesus Began to teach… The Lord Jesus taught and took a message to the world that has yet souls to be reached! If the church is ever to be what the Lord intended her to be she must first go back as see where Jesus left off, and begin THERE and get back to the unfinished business!!!

I. The INVESTMENT of the Lord

“all that Jesus began to do and to teach”

A. His Mission

Jesus began to do ~ Mission ~ The Lord Jesus Christ was committed to do the will of His Father that sent him and to finish His work. This mission would carry him all the way to the cross!

John 4:34-38 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

John 17:1-4 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

John 17:6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

John 19:28-30 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. 29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

B. His Message

Jesus began to teach ~ Message ~ The Lord Jesus preached a singular message, “ repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!

Luke 9:54-56 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

II. The INSTRUCTIONS of the Lord

A. Comforted together WITH THEM

Acts 1:4 “And being assembled together with them…”

Ephesians 2:14-22 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

B. Commanded to WAIT

Acts 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

*These that had already received the Holy Ghost (John 20:22) Would not only be indwelled by Him, but would also be endued with his power!!!*

C. Commanded to WITNESS

Acts 1:7-8 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

III. The IMPLICATIONS of His churches

A. Her Mission

John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

John 17:13-15 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

John 17:17-18 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

B. Her Message

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

John 17:20-21 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Phm 1:17-21 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; 19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. 20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

Ga 6:11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

Ro 16:22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. (Paul used an amanuensis)

Joh 5:46-47 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

I. The Personal Touch:

You cannot read through this little book of Philemon with any carefulness and not see the “personal touch” within the book. Paul had a personal friendship with Philemon, He had a personal relationship with Onesimus his son in the faith. He makes a personal appeal and takes personal responsibility to see the will of God be done in a hard (humanly speaking) situation. In my experience the hardest of situations that cause us the most trepidation are often the greatest victories and sweetest of memories when we follow through and do the will of God by faith in obedience! Paul wrote under the inspiration of God, “I Paul have written it with mine own hand.”

2Pe 1:12-21 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

I can’t help but think of the countless times I have heard the objection “The Bible was tainted by men!” This statement is made quite often as a blanket excuse for unbelieving people to justify their complete rejection of the Bible. However the Bible is unlike any other Book, even among religious tomes that claim the same authority of the Bible.

Imagine God used imperfect men, and did not gloss over their imperfections. He did not hide from us the fact that Moses murdered the Egyptian, or Joshua’s failure to pray, the sons of Samuel, or the sins of David. He did not hide the hatred and bigotry of his self-willed prophet Jonah, or Peter’s impetuous nature and tendency to put his foot in his mouth. Paul wrote a large portion of Romans 7 describing his own personal struggle with the old nature. What a wonderful and marvelous book the Bible is. There is no sugar-coating of the men used, they were men “of like passions such as we are” yet used mightily of God.

II. The Powerful Truth:

A. The Character of God’s Work:

Speaking to the greatness of God and the goodness of God, for He is good and desires to communicate with his creatures and yet great enough to provide this with his creatures in spite of their weaknesses!

God used imperfect men to produce His perfect Word!
God used fallible men to produce an infallible Book!
God used weak men to pen his powerful Bible!

“God . . . in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets.” is how God revealed Himself to mankind supernaturally. Little by little God has revealed Himself in many different ways and by many different means throughout the centuries. God’s revelation has come supernaturally in varying detail to varying individuals: to Abraham God spoke face-to-face (Gen. 12:1); to Jacob by dreams (Gen. 28: 12); to Moses face-to-face and by the Law (Ex. 20:1); to the prophets by inspiration and visions (Nah. 1:1); to Daniel by angels and dreams (Dan. 2:19, 10:10-13); to the high priest by Urim and Thummim (Num. 27:21).

God has handed down this revelation to us in book form (Jos. 1:8, II Ki. 22:8, Heb. 10:7), and it is contained in the pages of the Bible. God reaches out to men! God loves mankind! He has, at the greatest of costs to Himself, not only became man’s redeemer, but also reached out to man to reveal the way to Himself and a relationship with Him! God chose the means of a Book to reveal Himself to men of this age. He gave us the confidence that “It is written!”

B. The Character of God’s Word (God’s Book)

2Pe 1:12-21 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The Word of God is an incredible masterpiece that could have only come from the hand of God. Written by about 40 different human writers over a period of about 1600 years, miraculously the Bible is not contradicted of itself; it is one book! God has so sufficiently given us His Word that there it is absolutely no need for, and even warnings against adding to or taking away from its contents (Deut. 2:2; Rev. 22:18-19). God’s Word is perfect and complete (James 1:25). God’s Word is sure (II Pet. 1:18-19); it is truth and no error (Jn. 17:17; Ps. 119:40). God’s Word cannot be broken (Jn. 10:35).

III. The Present Trust:

Today the prevailing opinion amongst professing Christian peoples is that the Bible was inspired, infallible, and inerrant in the originals. These originals perished long ago with the animal skins and papyrus they were penned upon. There are no surviving originals, what remains is copies and translations. These that hold to original only do not believe that they have the inspired, infallible, inerrant Scriptures!

2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

A. The Charge of God’s People

2Ti 4:1-5 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

B. The Charge of God’s Men Preach the Word

1. Pressing Matter! “Be instant” (urgent!) In season, out of season…

2. Pointed Manner!

a. Reprove *Reprimanding Error ~ CORRECTION
b. Rebuke Sharp criticism or disapproval ~ CRITICISM
c. Exhort Strong encouragement or urging from the Latin meaning “thorough and encourage” ~ COMPELLING

3. Principled Manner!

a. Longsuffering: ~ Patient endurance
b. Doctrine

C. The Changing of God’s People The Time will Come

1. They will not endure
2. They will heap to themselves teachers
3. They shall turn away their ears from the truth
4. They shall be turned unto fables

Text: Jeremiah 36 Illustrates to us the process, the purpose, the proclamation, and the preservation of Inspired Scriptures

2Ti 3:14-16 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

I. The Process by Which the Word Came:

Jer 36:1-3 And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that this word came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2 Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day. 3 It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.

A. this word came unto Jeremiah from the LORD

B. take thee a roll of a book and write thereon

C. all the words that I have spoken unto thee

D. against Israel and Judah

II. The Purpose for Which the Word Came:

Jer 36:3 It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.

A. it may be/ Possibility and Potential

The Written word is a result of the burning in the heart of God for His People! The Burden of the Word of the LORD!

B. the house of Judah will hear

Ro 10:14-15 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

C. That they may return

Ps 119:59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

1Th 1:9-10 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

D. that I may forgive

Ro 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

1Co 10:11-12 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

III. The Proclamation of the Word:

*note verse 9 ~ The proclaimed piety of the perverse nation that fasts before the LORD*

Jer 36:9-10 And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month, that they proclaimed a fast before the LORD to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto Jerusalem. 10 Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the higher court, at the entry of the new gate of the LORD’S house, in the ears of all the people.

A. Proclaimed in the ears of the People

Jer 36:14-15 Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, unto Baruch, saying, Take in thine hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the roll in his hand, and came unto them. 15 And they said unto him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears. So Baruch read it in their ears.

B. Proclaimed in the ears of the Princes

1. Concern (vs. 16)

2. Curiosity (vs. 17)

*note verse 18 ~ Baruch’s testimony: He pronounced all these words unto me with his mouth and I wrote them with ink in the book*

3. Caution (vs. 19)

Am 7:12-15 Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there: 13 But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king’s chapel, and it is the king’s court. 14 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: 15 And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.

C. Proclaimed in the ears of the king

Jer 36:16 Now it came to pass, when they had heard all the words, they were afraid both one and other, and said unto Baruch, We will surely tell the king of all these words.

Jer 36:21-22 So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe’s chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes which stood beside the king. 22 Now the king sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him.

IV. The Preservation of the Word:

Ps 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Jer 36:23-25 And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth. 24 Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words. 25 Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.

A. The Word was Despised

“cut up and consumed in the fire”

B. The Word was not Destroyed!

Jer 36:28-29 Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned. 29 And thou shalt say to Jehoiakim king of Judah, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast burned this roll, saying, Why hast thou written therein, saying, The king of Babylon shall certainly come and destroy this land, and shall cause to cease from thence man and beast?

Jer 36:32 Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah; who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire: and there were added besides unto them many like words.

What will the results of this site be?  What has the Spirit of the Lord used it for?  Has any soul been saved?  Only eternity will tell!  If this site has been a blessing to you in anyway please let me know.  I would surely be encouraged to hear how the Lord has used these sermons, articles, and thoughts posted here over the past 2 years.

Special recognition goes out to my good friend Pastor Chris Teis that suggested this site in the first place and made the graphic for me at the top of each page.

Isa 55:7-11 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Pastor David Peterman

Christ Independent Baptist Church

Philadelphia, Pa

God really dealt with me at the conference!   Church Planters Conference at Heartland raised for Home Missions $181,490.00 given in one-time gifts and monthly support of $117,480.00 for a total of $298,970.00!

The monthly support would work out in one year to be $1,409,760.00!! Our church took on 5 church-planters for monthy support!

Below are the messages preached in my absence by Pastor Rivera and Pasto Mike Peterman.

As an inner-city church with all the hurdles that seem to always stand in our ways, some of these hurdles seem to be unique at least in their effectiveness to impede our cause as a church. We must be very careful that we do not get caught up in a “survival” mentality and become so concerned about our own that we lose sight of that which is of utmost importance!

Mt 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

I. How We shall be Satisfied!

Pr 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. ~ SHALL BE SATISFIED!

A. Contrasting Character:

1. The Backslider

2. The Good Man

B. Contradicting Directions:

1. “filled with his own ways” ~ introverted / self

2. “from himself” ~ extroverted /

C. Consequential Results:

1. “shall be” filled with his own ways

2. “shall be” satisfied from himself

II. How We shall our Treasures be Secure!

Mt 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ~ SHALL BE SECURED

Php 4:15-18 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Church Planters Conference at Heartland raised the for Home Missions: $181,490.00 given in one-time gifts & monthly support of $117,480.00 for a total of $298,970.00!

The monthly support would work out in one year to be $1,409,760.00!!

Our church gave 5 financial one time gifts and took on five church-planters for monthly support!

Kevin DeAngelo: Garden State Church Planting: Zion Baptist Church Keansburg, NJ

Steven Sullivan: Galilee Baptist Church, Boothbay, ME

Mike Newberger: Planting a church in Brooklyn NYC

Brent Givens: Crescent Baptist Church, New Orleans, LO

Victor Smith: Solid Rock Independent Baptist Church, OKC, OK

We also gave cash offerings to a preacher planting a church in Washington State, a preacher planting a church in Arkansas, as well as to the above church planters in Maine, and Brooklyn.

III. How We stall be Sustained and Supplied!

2Co 9:6-11 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. ~ Shall be SUSTAINED and SUPPLIED

A. The Past Commitment vs. 1-4

B. The Present Constraint vs. 5

C. The Powerful Consideration vs. 6-10

D. The Unspeakable Gift! vs. 11-15

The Great Commission

Let ‘s take a look this morning at that which is called the Great Commission. The Great Commission is the last orders received from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as He ascended to Heaven! These were His last orders, that have never been reversed or rescinded! As we consider this commission Biblically we are going to find out they are not orders to the individual, but orders to the church and to the individuals that make up the church! It is the Purpose and Passion of the Bible believing local church to carry out faithfully this commission that was laid upon them by the captain of our Salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ!

I. The POWER

Mt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mr 16:14-15 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Ac 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Jesus Commanded them to Tarry until they were endowed with Power!

These had already received the Holy Ghost

Joh 20:22-23 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

These were now to be endowed with His power!

Ac 1:7-8 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Jesus Commissioned them to Carry the Message of the Gospel to all the earth!

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II. The PURPOSE and PRESENCE

Mt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

A. The Scope of the Commission:

All nations (peoples)

All the world (places)

All things whatsoever I have commanded…

B. The Sense of the Commission:

~> Souls Saved, Coverts Baptized, Disciples Trained

C. The Simplicity of the Commission:

Simply was not… This commission simply was not given to individuals!

Simply was… This commission was given to the individuals that made up the whole of this first church!

These eleven men made up a part of the first church. These eleven men were tasked to take the gospel message to all people and all places. This was only part of the task. Converts were to be baptized, coverts were to be disciples.

Truly these men were to reproduce themselves, but this would not be possible without at the same time reproducing what they were a part of…they where the church of Jesus Christ, and thy as a church would need to reproduce themselves in churches!

III. The PRAYER

Deciphering the Purpose of the Church through the Prayers of Christ for Her!

John 17:5-8 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

John 17:12-15 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

John 17:16-18 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

Today there are literally HUNDREDS of English translations of the Bible.  This multiplicity of texts that are not the same by nature cause an atmosphere of confusion, contention, and conflict.  This post is a brief outline expressing my stand that the King James Bible is the infallible, inerrant, perfect, and inspired Scriptures to the English speaking world.  It is the ONLY literal word for word translation from the proper texts of Scripture.  It has been the Bible for the English speaking Christian world for almost 400 years.  I am unashamedly and irreversibly King James Only when it comes to the English Bible! 

2Ti 3:12-17 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

“God who at sundry times (various dispensations) and in divers manners (various means) spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets.” (Heb. 1:1). God spake . . .this is the truth behind the revelation God gave of Himself to man. “. . .at sundry times . . .”, God revealed this truth progressively (progressive revelation). Revelation simply means; making known truth that could in no other away be known. God’s revelation came in two ways; general and special revelation.

Heb 1:1-4 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

General Revelation:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.” (Ps. 19:1). General revelation or natural revelation is God given to man through creation and conscience. Through creation God has revealed His eternal power and Godhead (Rom. 1:19-20). God has revealed Himself in the conscience of men, for He has written His law on the hearts of men (Rom. 2:13-15). General revelation is not sufficient to bring men to salvation. It does, however, leave men without excuse (Rom. 1:20). There is therefore a need for God to reveal Himself supernaturally.

Ro 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Special Revelation:

“God . . . in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets.” Progressive revelation is how God revealed Himself to mankind supernaturally. Little by little God has revealed Himself in many different ways and by many different means throughout the centuries. God’s revelation (supernatural revelation) has come supernaturally in varying detail to varying individuals: to Abraham God spoke face-to-face (Gen. 12:1); to Jacob by dreams (Gen. 28: 12); to Moses face-to-face and by the Law (Ex. 20:1); to the prophets by inspiration and visions (Nah. 1:1); to Daniel by angels and dreams (Dan. 2:19, 10:10-13); to the high priest by Urim and Thummim (Num. 27:21).

“The Volume of the Book”

Ps 40:6-8 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

Heb 10:5-7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

God has handed down this revelation to us in book form (Jos. 1:8, II Ki. 22:8, Heb. 10:7), and it is contained in the pages of the Bible. Originally it was contained in the Masoretic Hebrew text (the text used by those God committed His oracles to: see Romans 3:1-2) and in the Greek Textus Receptus. Today God has preserved His Word in English in the King James Bible. I believe God has preserved His Word for us accurately and without error (Ps. 12:6-7, Matt. 5:16-17). All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (that is “God breathed”), and is profitable to us (II Tim. 3:16). God used men to record His Word, word perfectly (verbal plenary inspiration); this He did through the Holy Spirit (Matt. 4:4, II Pet. 1:21, Jn. 16:12-19).

2Pe 1:19-21 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The Word of God is an incredible masterpiece that could have only come from the hand of God. Written by about 40 different authors over a period of about 1600 years, miraculously the Bible is not contradicted of itself; it is one book! God has so sufficiently given us His Word that there it is absolutely no need for, and even warnings against adding to or taking away from its contents (Deut. 2:2; Rev. 22:18-19). God’s Word is perfect and complete (I Cor. 13:17-20). God’s Word is sure (II Pet. 1:18-19); it is truth and no error (Jn. 17:17; Ps. 119:40). God’s Word cannot be broken (Jn. 10:35).

The Completed Canon of Scripture:

The Scripture consists of 66 books. These books are divided into two main divisions: the Old and New Testaments. We need not to harken to religious councils of by gone days for the authority of the Scriptural Cannon. We can look to the Bible itself for this authority. The Holy Spirit tells us that Israel was the caretakers to whom the Oracles of God were committed (Romans 3:1-2). The Lord Jesus validated the Jew’s accepted Bible as Scripture (Luke 24:26-27;44-48). The Lord accepted the Jewish texts as Scriptures (Luke 4:14-21). See notably verse 21, “this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” Christ prophesied of the Holy Spirit moving the Apostle to write His Word in the Gospel and the Epistles (Jn. 14:26, Jn. 16:13-15). Peter the Apostle attested to Paul the Apostle’s writings as being Scripture (II Pet. 3:15-16). The risen Lord Jesus Christ commanded John to write the book of Revelation (Rev. 1:1-3; 1:19).

The Apocrypha and extra-Canonical writings:

As Bible Believers we reject extra-Canonical writings like The Book of Mormon, the Gospel of Thomas etc. as Scriptural and authoritative.

As Bible Believers we reject the Apocrypha as Scriptural and authoritative: See explanation below concerning the Apocrypha and the first printings of the King James Bible.

From Samuel Gipp, The Answer Book, Question #34

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Many critics of the perfect Bible like to point out that the original King James had the Apocrypha in it as though that fact compromises its integrity. But several things must be examined to get the factual picture.

First, in the days in which our Bible was translated, the Apocrypha was accepted reading based on its historical value, though not accepted as Scripture by anyone outside of’ the Catholic church. The King James translators therefore placed it between the Old and New Testaments for its historical benefit to its readers. They did not integrate it into the Old Testament text as do the corrupt Alexandrian manuscripts.

That they rejected the Apocrypha as divine is very obvious by the seven reasons which they gave for not incorporating it into the text. They are as follows:

1. Not one of them is in the Hebrew language, which was alone used by the inspired historians and poets of the Old Testament.

2. Not one of the writers lays any claim to inspiration.

3. These books were never acknowledged as sacred Scriptures by the Jewish Church, and therefore were never sanctioned by our Lord.

4. They were not allowed a place among the sacred books, during the first four centuries of the Christian Church.

5. They contain fabulous statements, and statements which contradict not only the canonical Scriptures, but themselves; as when, in the two Books of Maccabees, Antiochus Epiphanes is made to die three different deaths in as many different places.

6. It inculcates doctrines at variance with the Bible, such as prayers for the dead and sinless perfection.

7. It teaches immoral practices, such as lying, suicide, assassination and magical incantation.

If having the Apocrypha between the Testaments disqualifies it as authoritative, then the corrupt Vaticanus and Sinaiticus manuscripts from Alexandria, Egypt must be totally worthless since their authors obviously didn’t have the conviction of the King James translators and incorporated its books into the text of the Old Testament thus giving it authority with Scripture.

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God uses His Word to guide and direct His children (Ps. 119:49-50; 119: 105). God does this through illumination (the shedding of light and understanding of the Scripture) (Lk. 24:45; Jn. 2:27). The Word of God is to dictate to us our belief and the lifestyle in which we live (II Tim. 3:16-17; Ps. 119:59; 17:4). God’s Word is the rule and authority by which He will judge the world (Rev. 19:11-16). We ought to approach God’s Word reverently and carefully. God’s Word ought to conform us for His purpose, never are we to attempt to conform His to Word to fit ours! God’s Word is to be interpreted and understood literally (unless otherwise stated in context). This is called normal-literal interpretation (II Pet. 1:20, Isa. 28:9-10). We ought to reject such interpretations that leave the Scripture subject to men’s opinions, unscriptural definitions, and that fail to rightly divide the Word of Truth (II Tim. 2:15).

“Let God be true and every man a liar.”

Ro 3:3-4 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

See Related Messages Preached Here:

1.) Lost in Translation?

2.) Take Two of these and Call me in the Morning!

Phm 1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.

Grace has been explained this way:

God’s

Riches

At

Christ’s

Expense

2Co 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

I. Grace in our Beginnings with God! ~ Grace in our past!

Tit 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

A. Grace that brought Salvation

B. Grace that taught Sanctification

II. Grace in our “Right Now” with God!~ Grace in our present!

Eph 2:1-10 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

III. Grace in our presence before God~ Grace in our future!

1Pe 1:3-16 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 10 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. 13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 23,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 9 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.