WALK THE WALK

Phil.3:17-21

Nov.20^th, 2022

Intro - Don't just talk the talk but walk the walk. This was said of those who talk like a Christian but seldom live like one.

I. Live your life in obedience to God's word.

A. Follow Paul's example.  2Cor.6:3-10, 2Cor.4:8-13

B. He stayed focused on his work. Phil.3:8, 11-14, Phil.1:21

II. Some say they are Christians but don't live a Christian life.

A. They refuse to do anything that might make life difficult for themselves.  Jn.12:42

B.  More worried about living life here than winning others for Christ. Lk.12:4-5, Ps.118:6

C.  Their "glory is their shame" big is not always better. Many churches are big because they are not preaching and teaching the "whole" counsel of God. Acts 20:20, 27 Jer.8:11, Matt.7:21-24 

III. Live expectantly!

A. He expected to live a victorious Christian life for Christ.  Phil.4:10

B. He understood who he was, a citizen of heaven. (20)  Eph.2:19

C. He looked forward to the Lord's return. (21) Heb.9:28, Rom.8:25

Con. - How about you, are you just a talker or a walker?

BELIEVE THE WORD

John 6:46-54

November 6^th 2022

Intro - Jesus had just come from Samaria where we are told many believed because of His word (Jn.6:41). To not believe the bible is to not believe Jesus. Jn.1:1, 14

I. Believers by faith believe the Bible is God's word.

            A. Every part is inspired by God. 2Tim.3:16, Lk.4:21

            B. Man cannot pick and choose what he thinks is inspired by God. Matt.4:4, Mt.5:18, Mt.24:35

            C. Nothing can be added or taken away from God's word. Rev.22:18-19

II. The royal official believed Jesus.

            A. The title suggest he worked for King Herod. Lk.8:3, Acts 13:1

            B. He came and made his request. Is.55:6, 1Pet.5:7

            C. He believed the word. Heb.11:6, 2Tim.1:12

III. Godly leaders lead others to faith in Christ.

            A. He shared his faith with his household. vs 53

            B. Best way to lead your children to faith is to have faith yourself. Prov.22:6

            C. Unbelieving leaders try to get people to doubt God's word. James 3:1

Con. - Your eternal life depends on whether or not you believe the Bible. Only those who believe will repent and call on Jesus for salvation.

FORGIVE

Matt.18:23-36

Nov.13^th, 2022

Intro - Forgiveness is as necessary to salvation as repentance. Jesus said, "unless you repent you will perish."

          And He also said, "If you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions" (sins).  Jesus spoke this parable to teach us about forgiveness.

I. The King (Jesus) hold everyone accountable for what they owe.

            A. We owe a debt for sin, death is the payment for sin. Rom.6:23

            B. God will hold all of us accountable. Rom.14:11-12, 1Pet.4:3-5, Rev.20:12

            C. The servant begs for mercy.  Mercy is not getting what you deserve, grace is getting what you don't deserve.

II. The King showed mercy and grace to him.

            A. The King forgave his debt and set him free. Rom.8:1, 1Thess.5:9, Jn.8:32, 14:6, 8:36, Rom.4:8

            B. The slave refused to do the same.

III. We should forgive the way Jesus forgave us.

            A. He forgave the debt without being asked. Rom.8:3, 1Jn.2:2, 1Jn.4:10

            B. He set him free. Jesus frees you from sin and gives you eternal life. 1Jn.1:9, Rom.6:23

            C. You should treat others the way Jesus has treated you. Eph.4:32 (33)

Con - Are you forgiving others the way Jesus has forgiven you?

INVITED BUT UNPREPARED

Matthew 22:1-14

October 30^th, 2022

Intro - It was an occasion where you had to be dressed properly but to refuse to come would be an insult because the one giving the wedding feast provided the attire that needed to be worn.

I. The first group that was invited. (3)

            A. Represents the Jewish nation.  Deut.7:6, Is.43:10

            B. The Messiah (bridegroom) would come through them. Gen.12:3, Amos 3:2

            C. They rejected the bridegroom (Messiah).  (5-6)

            D. They were punished for their rejection. (7) But not forgotten. Rom.11:25, 28-29

II. The second group invited.  (9)

            A. Is represented by the gentiles. Acts 13:47, Gal.3:8, Hosea 1:10, 2:23

            B. They do accept Jesus as the Messiah.  Acts 11:18, 13:46, 28:28

III. Some came without the proper attire. (11)

            A. Wedding robes were provided. He apparently didn't think it was necessary.

            B. Christ invites us to the marriage feast of the Lamb and offers the clothing we need.  Is.61:10

Con. To reject God's plan of salvation is to be lost forever.  Jn.14:6