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The Lord's Baptist Church
11102 Yakima Aveenue South
Tacoma, WA. 98444
We've seen many blessings over the years since TLBC was organized. We organized four churches through the ministry of this local church. We presently have two full time Missionaries working under the authority of TLBC in Ireland and the Philippines. Come grow with us as we renew our strength in the Lord and PRAY for us if you can not join in and meet with us locally.
Pastor: Larry J. Killion
Join us in worshiping God in Spirit and in Truth at 11102 Yakima Avenue South. See Directions Page.
Please sign our Guestbook .
Beacon of Truth Radio Program
8:45AM Sunday
KLAY 1180AM
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SERVICE TIMES: |
Sunday School: 10:00AM
Morning Worship: 11:00AM
Noon Meal: 12:30PM
Afternoon Service: 1:30PM
Wednesday Prayer Time: 7:00PM
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Do you know the story behind our national anthem? Pastor cannot hardly listen to the following link without watery eyes. See if YOU can: Star Spangled Banner
What do we know about the charter members of the Lords Baptist Church in Tacoma, WA? Were they just a bunch of believers who decided they wanted to call themselves a church? No, they were scripturally baptized members in good standing of a sound New Testament church who were lettered out for the purpose of organizing another church of like faith and order. Click on Letter of Authority
Would you like to see a clear and proper record of how this New Testament church came into existance? Click on Organization Minutes
For doctrinal statement on what we briefly believe the Bible teaches, Click on Articles of Faith
God is not the author of confusion and would have all things done decently and in order.
Click on Constitution to see how we attempt to keep ourselves in order.
If you like PINK and GILL you'll love this Two of the great ones among Baptists.
Need some SPURGEON? They called him the prince of preachers.
KING JAMES BIBLE This is the Word of God for
the English speaking people of the world.
The Trail of BLOOD A brief history of the Lord's true churches since the days of Christ.
T. P. Simmons Theology Book Out of Print see it here.
For an email Bible Study of the Five Points of the Doctrine of Grace, CLICK HERE.
Make sure you click on the confirmation link in the confirmation email so we know it was YOU that requested the Bible Study.
This is VERY handy.
If you go to this link http://www.instaverse.com/ you can download a nice little program for free that will let you instantly see the KJV scripture reference in any article you read on your computer simply by moving and holding your mouse curser over the top of it. Use it on the sermon outlines below.
Pastor Killion.
To visit some other churches of like faith, Pastor has a page called "Larrys Links" Click Here.
Pastors Latest Sermon Outlines
Our Gathering Together Unto Him
2Thessalonians 2:1-2.
It has been said that this chapter is the best chapter in the Bible to use as a text for discussion and/or debate regarding the things of the end times. If that is so, and it may well be, let us look at it for a few moments. This is not to be considered a challenge or acceptance of a challenge to debate. There may be different interpretations of what is said in this chapter and our desire is to simply put forth a view that we believe is true and consistent with the whole of Gods word.
I. WE BESEECH YOU, BRETHREN.
1. Paul is the writer and he says he and those with him, perhaps his traveling Missionary companions but especially the indwelling Spirit of Christ, urgently plead with them using an instrument that should make the plea effectual.
2. Compare this to the language in Romans 12:1-2. His urgent plea then was using the mercies of God. His urgent plea here uses the Rapture.
II. THE COMING OF THE LORD AND OUR GATHERING UNTO HIM.
1. There are many things that are involved with the coming of the Lord (Greek parousia, Strongs 3952) but the text narrows it down to that aspect of the coming that involves our gathering unto Him (Greek episunagogeis, Strongs 1997). The Greek literally means a gathering together in one place especially a Christian assembly. That is the next great event to happen in Bible prophecy.
2. So the instrument used to urge the brethren in this urgent plea is the Rapture.
III. DONT BE SHAKEN OR TROUBLED.
1. The Thessalonians and we are told to not be shook up, rattled, frightened or alarmed by false teaching on the second coming of Christ. There are certain preachers that have a knack for getting you stirred up about this if you dont watch out. Dont get stirred up. Trust in the Lord and rest in Him.
2. Apparently some were teaching that the Day of the Lord had already arrived and it was time to start the millennium. These false teachers claimed spirit and apostolic authority for their teachings. (By spirit, word or letter as from us)
IV. THE DAY OF CHRIST AT HAND.
1. Some say that the day of Christ and the day of the Lord should be distinguished from one another. This is a valid point but there is a controversy with textual criticism here in this verse.
2. Looking into the Greek manuscripts of this verse we see that in some of them the word Lord is used (Greek kurios, Strongs 2962). This is the Master controller with supreme authority. It is the corrupted Wescott and Hort texts that use this word here. WE, however, only use the KJV that is translated from the Greek text known as the received text or the textus receptus. THIS text uses the word Christ here (Greek christos, Strongs 5547). It refers to the anointed Messiah.
3. Jesus is Lord and the saved will know that for sure when they are raptured at our gathering together in the air (the first stage of His second coming) and seven years later when we come back to the earth with Him as Lord of Lords, He is also King of Kings in the Messianic sense and He will establish His millennial reign at that time (the second stage of His second coming).
V. DONT BE DECEIVED.
1. The purpose of Pauls letter to the Thessalonians was to assure them that the rapture would happen before the day of the Lord. Someone told them that Paul was saying that the day of the Lord had begun and they thought that their trials and tribulations were those of the Great Tribulation.
2. If the Day of Christ were at hand the Great Tribulation trials would indeed be upon us but we are urged by the comfort of the rapture not to be troubled. Some say this is a false hope. I say it is a happy hope according to this chapter.
3. Paul affirms that two things will happen before the Great Tribulation, so that the Day of Christ could be at hand. First, THE falling away is done and second, THE man of sin shall be revealed.
4. Both of these prerequisites of the Great Tribulation are spoken of with the definite article THE (Greek hay, ho, Strongs 3588). This means that they are not just any falling away or any man but they are THE one falling away and THE one man in particular that precede the tribulation and the Day of Christ.
5. The man of sin is obviously THE Antichrist. The most obvious revelation of THE Antichrist will be the abomination of desolation. Matt. 24:15. Another more subtle revelation of this man will be when he makes a covenant with the Nation of Israel for 7 years. Daniel 9:27. He does the abomination 3 years into the agreement and then all hell breaks loose on earth after that.
6. But THE falling away(Greek apostasia, Strongs 646) can be understood a couple of ways. The first and most obvious is a doctrinal apostasy or departure from the truth. We have seen this for many years but the Lord has not returned. Another interpretation for THE departure given by some is the rapture. It is scoffed at but there is really no sound reason to rule out this interpretation as feasible.
VI. AFTER THE DEPARTURE HE OPPOSETH ALL THAT IS CALLED GOD.
1. It is the spirit of Antichrist to oppose the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.
2. Many of the fastest growing religions in the world today do that. This world is ripe for the reign of the man of sin and son of perdition.
3. Verse four is the same old satanic lie that started in the Garden of Eden. Many False Cults and New Age leaders are saying basically the same thing.
VII. THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY IS ALREADY AT WORK BUT IS HINDERED.
1. Paul already told them of these things and now they knew that the evil could not come unless God permitted it. Everyone knows that the powers of darkness are at work in this world. The only thing that hinders the Devil from having full reign is the power of God in Holy Spirit indwelled believers.
2. Only after the rapture will the Antichrist be able to do Satans will as he pleases. There is so much that could be said about this man. He is indeed Satans man but he is destined to defeat at the word of the Lord on the Day of Christ at the end of the Great Tribulation.
Conclusion: This chapter in Gods word does indeed set things in order nicely. We are in the last days that is for sure but the day of Christ is not at hand because there are two things that must happen before that day. Number one there must be THE DEPARTURE. After that THE Antichrist will be revealed by making a seven year treaty with the Nation of Israel and 3 years into it he will break it with the abomination of desolation (Dan. 9:27). Oh how horrible it is to think of all the terrible things that this world is in for under the reign of the Man of Sin. Millions of unsaved souls will perish in eternal fire with the hyena from hell all because they would not receive the love of the truth. How about YOU? While the wrath of God is being poured out on a Christ rejecting world, where will YOU be? The redeemed of all prior ages will be singing a new song in heaven and receiving their eternal rewards in readiness for the marriage supper of the Lamb. II Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. (KJV) AMEN.
Four Kinds of Saved People
Romans 5: 6-11, (v. 9-10)
I preached recently on Four Kinds of Lost People the hostile, the indifferent, the deceived, and the seeking. Today we want to give equal time to the save. Matt. 1:21 and Luke 19:10. There is a critical difference between the LOST and the SAVED. All mankind falls into one of the two basic groups. You are either saved or unsaved. Among the unsaved there are those who fit the criteria for one of the four types of lost souls. If you know that you are lost, that is a good sign because it is God that has revealed this to you and you may learn from Gods word how to remedy your lost condition. If you are saved, the question follows, What Kind of a Saved Person are you? Let us consider for a few moments four kinds of saved people.
I. THE BABY CHRISTIAN.
1. Not physically but spiritually. Infant baptism never made a Christian.
2. Saved but ignorant of the word. Not grounded in the truth.
3. Needs to grow and mature. 1Pet. 2:1-3, 2Pet. 3:17-18, 1Pet. 5:10, Heb. 6:1-3. 2Tim. 3:16-17.
II. THE CONSECRATED CHRISTIAN.
1. Sold out for God. Biblically separated. 2Chron. 29: 27-31.
2. Spirit led and Bible fed. Rom. 8:8-14.
3. Eager and faithful in service. Teachers, Tithers, Testifiers, Workers and Warriors. 2Cor. 8:1-4, 2Tim. 1:7-9, 2:1-3, James 2:10-12, 17-20.
III. THE BACKSLIDDEN CHRISTIAN.
1. Not lost but miserable. No saved person can continually live in sin and be happy. 1Jn. 3:6-10, Rom. 6:12-18, James 4:17.
2. Too submissive to carnal appetite. Rom. 8:7, 1Cor. 2: 12-14.
3. Too much neglect of spiritual things.
A. Prayer. 1Thess. 5:17.
B. Bible Study. 1Tim. 2:15.
C. Church and Christian fellowship. Heb. 10:25.
D. Witnessing. Matt. 28:18-20.
IV. THE LUKEWARM CHRISTIAN.
1. Sadly, this is the acceptable norm of modern Christianity. But consider: 2Tim. 3:12, Eph. 6:12-17.
2. These are comfortably in between consecrated and backslidden but they are NOT pleasing to God. Rev. 3:15-19.
3. Revival is needed. 2Chron. 7:14.
CONCLUSION: Are you saved or not? If you are unsaved, do you see that you are LOST? If you see that you are Lost and in need of a Savior, we point you to Christ. He is the one and only way of salvation and we urge you to lay all your cares and burden on Him and trust Him to save you. He is able to save you. If you are SAVED and have trusted Christ as your personal Savior, dedicate your heart and life to Him. Openly and publicly declare your faith in Him and your love for Him by following Him in scriptural baptism and serve Him in a true NT church. Dont stay a babe in Christ but grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord. Be a dedicated, consecrated Christian. If you sense that you have backslidden, repent and make it right. If you have grown lukewarm in your love and service to God, GET ON FIRE for Him. Do it NOW. AMEN. 1/83, 10/88, 6/99 W.Milton, 8/08.
God is God
Psalms 50:21.
Luther wrote to Erasmus, Your thoughts of God are too human. Too many (even of professed Christians) are ignorant of the God of the Bible. Is He moved by sentiment or principle? If He purposes a plan can it be changed man or by angels, or does He work it out His way? Is Gods will restricted lest He infringe on the free will of man or not? Does the atonement of Christ actually redeem everyone for whom it was made or is it only a remedy to be offered for man to use or not use as man sees fit? Let me remind you today that God is God. Ps. 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
I. GOD IS GOD RIGHT NOW.
1. Dan. 4:35, 1Chron. 29:11-12, 2Chron. 20:6.
II. GOD IS GOD IN THE MILLENNIUM.
1. Ps. 2:1-9.
III. GOD IS GOD IN THE OLDEST BOOKS OF THE BIBLE.
1. Job 23:13, 42:2.
IV. GOD IS GOD WITH INANTIMATE MATTER.
1. Red Sea Ex. 14:21, Earth Num. 16:31-32, Sun Josh. 10:12-13.
V. GOD IS GOD WITH IRRATIONAL CREATURES.
1. Ravens 1Kings 17:4-6, Lions Dan. 6:16-22. Whale Jonah 1:15-17, 2:10.
2. Donkey Num. 22:28. Mama cows 1Sam 6:10-12.
VI. GOD IS GOD IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.
1. Wind and Sea Mk. 4:39, Wild Colt Jn. 12:14-15,
2. Rooster crow Lk. 22:60-62, Fish in net Lk. 5:4-6,
3. Water to wine and healing miracles of Christ Jn. 4:46.
VII. GOD IS GOD IN ALL THINGS.
1. Eph. 1:11, Ps. 135:6, Rom. 11:36.
CONCLUSION: It is a great comfort to know that God is God. Ps. 31:15, 37:7a, Prov. 16:9. Listen to what the word of the Lord says and do not be presumptuous. It is not mans will that is important. It is what God says that is the important thing. James 4:12-15. Romans 9:16. AMEN. 11/91, 9/96, 9/99 NW Conf., 9/99 Portland, 8/08.
Four Kinds of Lost People
2Cor. 4:1-5.
Most people in the world are unsaved. God has a people that He has chosen to save by His sovereign grace. Jn. 6:37. Many of those chosen to salvation are still outside the safety of Christ. Jn. 10:16. We refer to these as the Lost. Being Lost is a terrible condition to be in but the Bible says that Jesus came to seek and to save the Lost. Lk. 19:10. The gospel is described as The Power of God Unto Salvation. Rom. 1:16. As believers, we should desire to get lost people to be gospel believers. When it comes to this, we realize that each case is an individual case but most lost people can be categorized into one of these four basic groups: Hostile, Indifferent, Deceived, or Seeking. Now, we have all met or known someone in each of these four different groups. Let us look for a few moments at these four kinds of lost people.
I. THE HOSTILE LOST PERSON.
1. Not likely to be in church. Leans toward atheism. Argumentative & Combative.
2. Deep within, they know God is real. Rom. 1:18-22.
3. Jesus can save them. Acts 9:1-6.
II. THE INDIFFERENT LOST PERSON.
1. Not likely to be in church. Not abusive but other things are more important.
2. Most of the lost say, You do your thing and Ill do mine. Jn. 3:31-36.
3. These need the Gospel. Until the Lord saves them by the means of the Gospel, they are His enemies. Matt. 10:32-38, Rom. 8:5-8.
III. THE DECEIVED LOST PERSON.
1. Sometimes found in church but a hypocrite. Lk. 18:9-14.
2. Often the hardest to reach for Christ. Matt. 7:21-23.
3. These will show hostility or indifference to the gospel and of course the hostile and indifferent lost people are also deceived. 2Cor. 4:3-4.
4. Thank God salvation is by grace. Tit. 3:5, Eph. 2:8-9, Gal. 2:16, Rom. 4:5, 6:6-8, 8:28-30, 1Tim. 1:15.
IV. THE SEEKING LOST PERSON.
1. God is dealing with them. Rom. 3:11, Matt. 5:6. Rom. 2:4b.
2. They are often found in church but have no assurance. 1Jn. 5:13.
3. They see God as Holy and Just. Ps. 3:23.
4. They see self as hell deserving. Rom. 3:23.
5. They need to be pointed to Christ only & encouraged to repent and believe the gospel and to confess Christ as Lord and Savior. Rom. 10:10-11.
CONCLUSION: If you are a seeking lost person, someone who is saved has prayed for you and theyve ask God to touch your heart and give you the grace you need to hear and believe the gospel. Why not now? Come by faith! AMEN. 1-83, 10-88, 6-89 Ont. CA, 6-99 W. Milt. OH. 8-08.
Harvest Men Wanted
Matt. 9: 37-38.
Today is a National Day of Prayer by several Baptist Churches in the land. There are many churches in our country that are in need of a Pastor. We want to be in special prayer for them today and for our Nation as we think of the shortage of men who will stand in the gap and proclaim, Thus saith the Lord. We have some church sponsored preacher schools like; Antioch Baptist College, John Leland Baptist College, Illinois Baptist College and a few others but there is a shortage of young men who are burdened to prepare for a life of serving God in the Ministry. (List of Churches needing a Pastor) I remember several years ago when I was very burdened about the lack of men standing for the truth here in the Great Northwest. I went to my Pastor, Elder Glen Tweet and expressed my concern and he simply answered by giving todays text in reply. It is still a good plan. Pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers. We need revival.
I. PRAY FOR THE SALVATION OF LOST SINNERS. 1Cor. 2:12-14.
1. The Christ-less religions of the world have no salvation.
2. The Cults have no salvation. Rom. 1: 1-4.
3. The Chaos of Catholicism VS Protestantism also often misses the mark.
4. The Christ of the gospel is the only salvation for sinners. Acts 4:11-12.
II. PRAY FOR THE SANCTIFICATION OF LOVING SAINTS. 2Chron. 7:14.
1. Revival comes to the saved with pious humility. 1Pet. 5:5.
2. Revival comes to the saved with prayerful seeking God. Acts 17:24-27.
3. Revival comes to the saved with purifying repentance.
4. Revival comes to the saved with preaching of the word of God. Acts 4:31.
III. PRAY FOR THE SEPARATION OF LEARNED SOLDIERS. 1Tim. 3:1-7.
1. God calls men that are saved. 1Cor. 11:23a
2. God calls men that are Scripturally baptized. Acts 1:22.
3. God calls men that are sound in doctrine. Titus 1:9.
4. God calls men that are straight on moral qualifications. Blameless.
CONCLUSION: Pray ye the Lord of the harvest that He might send forth laborers. There are fields that need to be harvested and there is a lot of gleaning to be done. We need men in our churches that will stand in the gap and pray and preach and sing and work in what ever way that they can for the honor and glory of our Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ. If you are not saved, NOW is the time to turn from your sins and by FAITH receive the Lord as your personal Savior. Those that are saved need to follow the Lord in scriptural baptism and start serving the Lord the New Testament way in a New Testament Church. Pray for the revival of Gods people in our nation. Pray that we will turn from our wicked ways. Pray that God would work in our midst once again. AMEN. 8-08
Paying Your Dues
Romans 13:7-14.
Our text begins in verse seven with instruction to pay our dues. This is not a message on salvation. This is a message on how we ought to live our lives. Both the saved and the unsaved should pay their dues when it comes to living our daily lives in the world. The saved should be more motivated to do the right thing in this area of their life because they have the indwelling Holy Spirit of God guiding them according to the inspired word of God. The text says that paying your dues has to do with Tribute, Custom, Fear, and Honor.
I. RENDERING TRIBUTE.
1. Tribute ordinarily has to do with taxes and governmental expenses. Very few ever get away without paying up in this area. The Child of God however is instructed in verse eight to owe nothing. This has to do not only with your taxes but also with all areas of your life.
2. The only area where believers should never feel paid up is in the area of love. Im not talking about romance here. Im talking about always doing the right thing with the right heart attitude. That is true Christian love.
II. RENDERING CUSTOM.
1. Custom usually has to do with moving things from one country to another or perhaps dealing with different customs graciously. The best way to prove your love to others anywhere according to verse nine is to keep the moral law of God.
2. Gal. 5:13-14, Matt. 22:34-40.
III. RENDERING FEAR.
1. Fear is a thing that we all can relate to. It has to do with being afraid of possible hurt to yourself or your loved ones or property. This kind of fear we need the grace of God to help us in. The Bible says we can have victory over this fear but there is another kind of fear too. This is a fear we should be ready to render.
2. Matt. 10:28. The other kind of fear is that which shows reverence and respect. This fear we should always show the Lord. It never hurts to love. Rom. 13:10.
IV. RENDERING HONOR.
1. Honor has to do with distinction, recognition and reputation. It is something we give to acknowledge value and admiration. It requires a sharp alertness and full consciousness when it is given properly.
2. Rom. 13:11. As we pay our dues we need to remember that Jesus is coming soon. I started expecting the rapture many years ago and now it is closer than it has ever been before.
3. After you wake up, you should get out of your pajamas and dress right.
Gal. 5:16-25, Eph. 5:8-16, 6:11, 14-17.
CONCLUSION: Gal. 3:26-27. The best way to be found faithful when it comes to paying your dues is to put on Christ. Rom. 13:12-14. First of all, repent of your sins and by faith receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Secondly, after you trust Christ as your Savior, follow Him in scriptural baptism and identify with Him and His people in His church. Come today. AMEN. 7-76 Hopville, 5-88, 7-08.
Castaways and Christ
1Cor. 9:18-27.
Verse 27 is our text. We want to consider the subject Castaways and Christ. The Apostle Paul is the writer and he is dealing with the subject of methods and rewards for Christian service. This is important to remember because the word castaway in v.27 does not teach in any way that one can lose his salvation, as some would have us to believe. The word comes from the Greek adokimos. It simply means disapproved. Paul and all other true believers need never worry about losing salvation. Believers can never be castaways concerning salvation. But it appears that they can be castaways in regard to other things. Let us consider three kinds of castaways in the Bible: The Unsaved, the Un-rewarded, and the Unashamed Castaways.
I. THE UNSAVED CASTAWAY.
1. This is one who never experiences true repentance and faith.
2. Rom. 1:18-32, Titus 1:15-16, Rev. 20:10-15.
3. ALL who are not savingly joined to Christ shall be castaways forever. Only Christ can make the difference. Do you know Him today?
II. THE UNREWARDED CASTAWAY.
1. This is the one referred to in our text. He is not disapproved of regarding salvation. That is taken care of by Christ. But his service for Christ is in effect null and void because of some deficiency. How? One way is by losing his testimony. 1Cor. 3: 13-15.
2. Stick to the word of God and stay in the way of holiness lest you become a castaway in the service of the Lord. 2Tim 2: 1-5, 19-22, 1Cor. 3:8.
3. How are you doing? Serve Him faithfully in a true church. Heb. 10:23-25.
III. THE UNASHAMED CASTAWAY.
1. This is one like the Apostle Paul who is not a castaway from the Lord in any way but rather is a castaway from the world. Rom. 1:16, 2Tim. 1:7-13, 4:1-8.
2. Are you looking for His soon return? Matt. 24: 44-46.
3. Do you love Him enough to suffer if need be? 2Tim. 3:12.
CONCLUSION: It is my prayer that God might speak to our hearts today. If you are not saved, hear the gospel of your salvation. If you have trusted Christ but have not yet followed Him in scriptural baptism, now is the time to make that right. If you are a baptized believer but have not been as faithful as you should be in your Christian service, now is the time to make it right. If God is dealing with you now, come now and submit to His will for your life. Come now and consecrate your life by faith. Come now and dedicate yourself to Christ. AMEN.
6-80, 10-84, 12-91, 1-96, 6-99 W. Milton, 7-08.
How to see the good hand of God upon You
Ezra 7:9-10.
Verse nine of our text tells us that the good hand of God was upon Ezra and verse 10 tells us some reasons why that was so. We should want the good hand of God upon us. If that is so, perhaps we can learn some things from Ezra. There are at least four things we need if we are to have the good hand of God upon us.
I. HAVE A PREPARED HEART.
1. A believing heart opened by the Holy Spirit. Rom. 10:9-10, Acts 16:13-15.
2. A consecrated heart. Dan. 1:8, 2Chron. 31:20-21, Jer. 20:9.
3. A tested heart. Ps. 26:1-5, 27:3, 28:7.
II. SEEK THE LAW OF GOD.
1. Gods word is our only safe guide.
A. Not conscience. 1Tim. 4:1-2.
B. Not church. Col. 3:1-2.
C. Not creeds. Col. 2:8.
D. Not commentaries. Col. 2:20-22.
2. Do not discredit the KJV. 2Tim. 2:15, 3:15-17, 2Pet. 1:20-21.
3. Attend worship where the emphasis is the word of God. Lk. 8:5-11.
III. DO IT.
1. After salvation comes baptism, and a fitting life for Christ. Rom. 6:1-10.
2. With a private testimony. (family) Eph. 5:22-25, 6:1-3.
3. With a public testimony. (church) Eph. 4:17-29.
IV. TEACH IT.
1. To the unsaved. Relatives, friends, neighbors, and strangers. Matt. 5:13-16.
2. To the believers. The doctrine of grace and church truth. Heb. 10:23-25.
3. As led by the Holy Spirit. Matt. 10:16.
CONCLUSION: If you wish to have the good hand of God upon you, you must prepare your heart by receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Eph. 3:14-19. After your salvation experience you must seek, do and teach the truth of God in a true New Testament Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Eph. 3:20-21. AMEN.
2-79, 1-81 So.Pk, 10-84, 11-92, 7-08.
Building a House of God
Ezra 2:68-3:13.
Back in December of 79 before we organized into a church, I preached a message with this title. We know that the Bible teaches in the New Testament that Jesus Christ built HIS church during His earthly ministry and THAT is the only true house of God now. We believe our church is a true church of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have the right head and founder, the right heritage, the right doctrine and practice. God has blessed us in many ways but we still long to see this work grow and prosper in everyway that it can. We are still in the business of building a House of God. For us to remain serious in this business we need at least five things that Ezra had in his day when he was building the Temple in Jerusalem.
I. THE WORKERS. Ezra 2:68-69.
1. Men who will be the head of their homes and offer freely for the house of the Lord. Women and children who take their proper place in the family and public worship services are a great asset in any work for God.
II. THE WARM HARMONY OF UNITY. Ezra 2:70 & 3:1.
1. Teamwork is needed among ministers, singers, woodcutters and water boys. We must work together as one. This is the way it is to be in the local church and it can also be this way among sister churches. There is really no need for any other organizations when true churches start to work together in harmony.
III. THE WORSHIPERS. Ezra 3:2-4.
1. We need worshipers who will be faithful and consistent in attendance and in living for God everyday even in the face of hostility.
IV. THE WILLING GIVERS. Ezra 3:5-7.
1. Even when no progress is visible we still need meat, drink and oil and we will NOT do it with government money. If things keep going the way they are going there will come a day when all the Faith Based Humanitarian Agencies in our land will be required to do what the government says rather than what the Bible says because the government will have total control of all their purse strings.
IV. THE WORK OF PRAISE. Ezra 3:8-13.
1. There is a time and a place for singing, praying, preaching, shouting and dinner on the grounds. We have had some wonderful meetings in the past. We ought to long for those things here again. Not just on special occasions but wouldnt it be great to have a full house every Lords day? AMEN! We should work to that end.
Conclusion: Let us remember to maintain our separation and purity because there are adversaries out there. Ezra 4:1-4. We must demand that our members be born again and Scripturally baptized. We must stay doctrinally straight and morally straight. How is it with you? Are you in the kind of spiritual shape you should be? Now is the time to get your heart right with God and help us in our Building a House of God here in this place and time. AMEN. 12/84, 6/90, 11/97, 7/08.
Things We Can Know For Sure
Luke 1:1-4.
Our text shows that there were some things most surely believed among the 1st century Christians. The writer is Luke and the addressee is Theophilus. Theophilus means Lover of God so if you consider yourself a lover of God you may consider these words as written especially for you. If you are saved I know that you love God. How could you not? 1Jn. 4:8-10. Praise God for His great love. The purpose of Luke writing these things was that the lover of God might know the certainty of those things wherein he is instructed from Gods word. Let us consider 10 things we can know for sure.
I. THE VERBAL INSPIRATION OF SCRIPTURE. Lk. 1:3.
1. Greek word anothen from the very first = from above.
2. Hear say but writing inspired words. Like Paul in 1Cor. 11:23.
II. THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF CHRIST. Lk. 1:26-35.
III. THE DIETY OF CHRIST. Lk. 2:10-14.
1. See how the angels announced His birth; another proof of His Godhood.
IV. TRUE BAPTISM IS BAPTIST BAPTISM. Lk. 3:1-3.
1. Scriptural actor is needed, a believer. Lk. 3:7-8.
2. Scriptural act is needed, immersion in water. Lk. 3:16 and Matt. 3:13-17.
3. Scriptural aim, as a picture of the saving gospel. 1Pet. 3:21, Rom. 6:4-5.
4. Scriptural authority, Christ in His local church. Lk. 3:21-23.
A. John the Baptist was the only one with authority to baptize at first. Then Christ organized His church and commissioned her to evangelize, baptize and catechize. Jn. 1:6-8, 29-34, 3:27-30, and Matt. 28:18-20.
V. CHRIST WAS TEMPTED BUT WAS SINLESS. Lk. 4:1-2, 13.
1. Heb. 4:15-16. We all have common trials. 1Cor. 10:13.
VI. CHRIST DID TRUE MIRACLES. Lk. 4:16-21, 40.
VII. CHRIST CALLED AN ELECT FEW AND ORGANIZED HIS CHURCH.
1. Lk. 6:12-13. 1Cor. 12:28.
VIII. CHRIST WAS CRUCIFIED. Lk. 23: 13-21, 33.
IX. CHRIST WAS BURIED. Lk. 23: 50-53.
X. CHRIST AROSE. Lk. 24:1-6.
CONCLUSION: Luke closed his gospel with the ascension. Lk. 24:51. Luke is also the writer of the book of Acts and there he continues from where he left off in his gospel with the promise of Christs 2nd coming. Christ will continue to do and to teach through His church until His return. Acts 1:1. These are some things we can know for sure. God is real, His word is true, and Salvation is given freely in Christ Jesus our Lord. AMEN. 12-77 Landmark MBC, Ill, 5-79, 4-80 Youth, 6-83, 7-89, 11-94 Philippines, 6-08.
The Holy Call of Saul
Acts 9:1-31.
Our text is a lengthy read for a Sunday morning service but it is only 31 verses and is needed so that we can understand the context of our subject, The Holy Call of Saul. After his conversion Saul became known as Paul and he is one of my favorite heroes of the faith. Next to Jesus and John the Baptist, I believe he is the 3rd greatest preacher in the world. (Lk. 7:28) Paul was a pattern for those who would be saved after him. (1Tim. 1:16) With this in mind, consider five things about The Holy Call of Saul.
I. THE HATRED OF SAUL.
1. Acts 9:1-2 and 8:1-3.
2. All the un-regenerated are the enemies of God.
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