First Sunday After Christmas
Preaching
THE WESLEYAN PREACHING ANNUAL 2001--2002
WORSHIP HELPS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 148 adapted)
Men: Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights above! Praise Him, heavenly creatures; praise Him, everyone.
Women: Praise Him, moon and stars! Praise Him, waters deep and heavens highest!
Leader: Let all creatures praise their creator! He has established life now and forever more!
Choir: Let the earth praise the Lord ... the mountains, trees, lakes, and streams. Let all of earth's habitation give glory and honor to the Mighty God!
Men: Kings and queens, governments and rulers of the world! Young and old alike join together.
Women: Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His glory reigns above heaven and earth.
All: He has raised up a Savior for all His people, praise Him for his faithfulness! Praise Him for His closeness. Praise the Lord.
OFFERING THOUGHT
He gave out of love. We give out of love. The gift is in love.
BENEDICTION
"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen. (Revelation 22:21)
SERMON BRIEFS
The Perfect Older Brother
Hebrews 2:10--18
From birth my older brother and I have been in conflict. He wrote the book on how to torment one's younger brother and get away with it! The text reminds us that not all older brothers are like mine. For all who have experienced forgiveness of sins, there is a perfect older brother named Jesus.
The writer to the Hebrews reveals that the Perfect Older Brother is one who offers help to His younger siblings. According to the text how does He help us?
I. Our perfect older brother helps us to become holy. (v. 11)
Without the help of our Older Brother this would be unthinkable. History shows that apart from God sin has made us animals. Left to our own devices humankind kills, maims, and destroys. We wallow in a sea of selfishness. Contrary to the optimistic tone of the New Age movement, the Bible states the facts, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
But the Older Brother has turned things around. On the cross He paid our sin debt. As we seek forgiveness and live as God instructs, we are on the road to holiness. Being on the road means that we are seeking to become totally set apart for God's use. The journey begins with salvation (initial sanctification), intensifies with the moment of full consecration (entire sanctification), and culminates with death (final sanctification). All of this can happen only because our Older Brother has extended His helping hand to us.
II. Our older brother helps us as we face death. (vv. 14--15)
My mother had been in the hospital Intensive Care Unit for thirty days. Finally, we knew the end was near. When the moment of death came many would have expected terror to descend upon the family gathered around the bed. Instead, it was as though Christ entered into the room and took her hand to lead her gently home. Our Older Brother helps us in the moment of death.
How is this possible? It is possible because our Older Brother faced death but victoriously rose from the dead. He destroyed "him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil ..." (v. 14). When this happened verse 15 states that the hearts of those imprisoned by the fear of death have been set free. Those who are forgiven of their sins can face death confidently because the Older Brother destroyed the power of sin and death.
The old preacher asserted that "our people live well but they also die well." This is not to deny that the transition from life to death is often marked with intense and emotional pain. But in the end, the Older Brother is there at our side ready to take our hand.
III. Our older brother helps us as we face temptation. (v. 18)
At first glance it seems that the writer to the Hebrews has thrown in a subject that is almost trivial. He has talked about becoming holy and about overcoming death. Why now does he throw into the passage the subject of temptation? The answer is found in remembering that unless we overcome temptation we can forget about becoming holy persons. Unless we find a way to be victorious in tempting moments, we will face death with justified terror. With that in mind, the writer of Hebrews has done us a great service by reminding us that, at all costs, we need to stand tall against temptation.
We can face temptation confidently because our Older Brother, in His humanity, experienced firsthand the agony of temptation. When we face temptation and place our hand in Christ's hand, we are grabbing the hand of a winner. We may be weak and uneducated in the art of beating temptation, but Christ is the winner. Hold tightly to His hand and He will lead you to victory. He will give you strength and guidance that will be beyond yourself.
Jesus Christ is the Perfect Older Brother. Learn to trust Him. When you tightly clasp His hand you will overcome temptation, victoriously face death, and ultimately stand perfected in His presence!
Randall Hartman
Let's Praise Him!
Psalm 148
Introduction
A while back my oldest daughter sent me a letter telling me how much I had impacted her life and her spiritual journey. Those are special moments. Moments that bring tears and melt any hurts from the past. It was a time of praise for her dad. Now, I have failed her many times, but she remembered the good times and the times I positively influenced her.
Psalm 148 talks about praise too. The difference is we are to praise our heavenly Father who is worthy of our praise. He never fails us and provides for everything we need. Psalm 148 asks us not to sing a solo of praise but to join the mass choir of praise. Praise Him!
I. The locations of praise (vv. 1, 7)
We usually receive praise from people through a phone call, a letter, or an e--mail, or in some public fashion such as a testimonial.
God gives us a couple of locations from which He can be praised (vv. 1, 7).
He is to be praised from the heavens and the heights and from the earth. He is to be praised everywhere! There is not a location from which God cannot and should not be praised!
II. Who should praise Him (vv. 2--5a, 7a--12)
We usually receive praise from family members, friends, colleagues, co--workers or acquaintances. What a joy it is to know that God has used you to love other people!
God desires our praise and He tells us in this psalm who He wants to praise Him. The list is quite impressive. Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts. Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars. Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do His bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children.
God is clear. Everyone and everything is to praise Him! God deserves our praise and even gives us the reasons for praise.
III. Reasons for praise (vv. 5--6, 13--14)
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded and they were created. He set them in place for ever and ever; He gave a decree that will never pass away. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
He has raised up for His people a horn, the praise of all His saints, of Israel, the people close to His heart. Praise the LORD.
The reason the heavens and the heights praise Him is because He created them and sustains them. We are to praise His name and splendor (who He is). His name is LORD. He is the only One worthy of praise. There is no other. His splendor of love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and care cause us to praise.
John Phillips says: "To display His wisdom and power God merely had to create; to manifest His love He had to redeem. To do the one He simply had to speak; to do the other He had to suffer."
So often we fear Him but the truth is we are to contemplate His name and His character and praise Him! His kindness is what draws us (Romans 2:4; Jeremiah 31:3). Do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? (Romans 2:4). Stop - Praise Him - Now!
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving--kindness" (Jeremiah 31:3).
Conclusion
God is worthy of our praise and desires to hear from everywhere and everyone! Let's praise with song, instrument, pen, voice and our lives for He is worthy. Praise His name!
Brian B. Delbridge
Wesleyan Movement: Preaching the practical,
powerful, and life--changing life of love.
CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 148 adapted)
Men: Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights above! Praise Him, heavenly creatures; praise Him, everyone.
Women: Praise Him, moon and stars! Praise Him, waters deep and heavens highest!
Leader: Let all creatures praise their creator! He has established life now and forever more!
Choir: Let the earth praise the Lord ... the mountains, trees, lakes, and streams. Let all of earth's habitation give glory and honor to the Mighty God!
Men: Kings and queens, governments and rulers of the world! Young and old alike join together.
Women: Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His glory reigns above heaven and earth.
All: He has raised up a Savior for all His people, praise Him for his faithfulness! Praise Him for His closeness. Praise the Lord.
OFFERING THOUGHT
He gave out of love. We give out of love. The gift is in love.
BENEDICTION
"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen. (Revelation 22:21)
SERMON BRIEFS
The Perfect Older Brother
Hebrews 2:10--18
From birth my older brother and I have been in conflict. He wrote the book on how to torment one's younger brother and get away with it! The text reminds us that not all older brothers are like mine. For all who have experienced forgiveness of sins, there is a perfect older brother named Jesus.
The writer to the Hebrews reveals that the Perfect Older Brother is one who offers help to His younger siblings. According to the text how does He help us?
I. Our perfect older brother helps us to become holy. (v. 11)
Without the help of our Older Brother this would be unthinkable. History shows that apart from God sin has made us animals. Left to our own devices humankind kills, maims, and destroys. We wallow in a sea of selfishness. Contrary to the optimistic tone of the New Age movement, the Bible states the facts, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
But the Older Brother has turned things around. On the cross He paid our sin debt. As we seek forgiveness and live as God instructs, we are on the road to holiness. Being on the road means that we are seeking to become totally set apart for God's use. The journey begins with salvation (initial sanctification), intensifies with the moment of full consecration (entire sanctification), and culminates with death (final sanctification). All of this can happen only because our Older Brother has extended His helping hand to us.
II. Our older brother helps us as we face death. (vv. 14--15)
My mother had been in the hospital Intensive Care Unit for thirty days. Finally, we knew the end was near. When the moment of death came many would have expected terror to descend upon the family gathered around the bed. Instead, it was as though Christ entered into the room and took her hand to lead her gently home. Our Older Brother helps us in the moment of death.
How is this possible? It is possible because our Older Brother faced death but victoriously rose from the dead. He destroyed "him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil ..." (v. 14). When this happened verse 15 states that the hearts of those imprisoned by the fear of death have been set free. Those who are forgiven of their sins can face death confidently because the Older Brother destroyed the power of sin and death.
The old preacher asserted that "our people live well but they also die well." This is not to deny that the transition from life to death is often marked with intense and emotional pain. But in the end, the Older Brother is there at our side ready to take our hand.
III. Our older brother helps us as we face temptation. (v. 18)
At first glance it seems that the writer to the Hebrews has thrown in a subject that is almost trivial. He has talked about becoming holy and about overcoming death. Why now does he throw into the passage the subject of temptation? The answer is found in remembering that unless we overcome temptation we can forget about becoming holy persons. Unless we find a way to be victorious in tempting moments, we will face death with justified terror. With that in mind, the writer of Hebrews has done us a great service by reminding us that, at all costs, we need to stand tall against temptation.
We can face temptation confidently because our Older Brother, in His humanity, experienced firsthand the agony of temptation. When we face temptation and place our hand in Christ's hand, we are grabbing the hand of a winner. We may be weak and uneducated in the art of beating temptation, but Christ is the winner. Hold tightly to His hand and He will lead you to victory. He will give you strength and guidance that will be beyond yourself.
Jesus Christ is the Perfect Older Brother. Learn to trust Him. When you tightly clasp His hand you will overcome temptation, victoriously face death, and ultimately stand perfected in His presence!
Randall Hartman
Let's Praise Him!
Psalm 148
Introduction
A while back my oldest daughter sent me a letter telling me how much I had impacted her life and her spiritual journey. Those are special moments. Moments that bring tears and melt any hurts from the past. It was a time of praise for her dad. Now, I have failed her many times, but she remembered the good times and the times I positively influenced her.
Psalm 148 talks about praise too. The difference is we are to praise our heavenly Father who is worthy of our praise. He never fails us and provides for everything we need. Psalm 148 asks us not to sing a solo of praise but to join the mass choir of praise. Praise Him!
I. The locations of praise (vv. 1, 7)
We usually receive praise from people through a phone call, a letter, or an e--mail, or in some public fashion such as a testimonial.
God gives us a couple of locations from which He can be praised (vv. 1, 7).
He is to be praised from the heavens and the heights and from the earth. He is to be praised everywhere! There is not a location from which God cannot and should not be praised!
II. Who should praise Him (vv. 2--5a, 7a--12)
We usually receive praise from family members, friends, colleagues, co--workers or acquaintances. What a joy it is to know that God has used you to love other people!
God desires our praise and He tells us in this psalm who He wants to praise Him. The list is quite impressive. Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts. Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars. Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do His bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children.
God is clear. Everyone and everything is to praise Him! God deserves our praise and even gives us the reasons for praise.
III. Reasons for praise (vv. 5--6, 13--14)
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded and they were created. He set them in place for ever and ever; He gave a decree that will never pass away. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
He has raised up for His people a horn, the praise of all His saints, of Israel, the people close to His heart. Praise the LORD.
The reason the heavens and the heights praise Him is because He created them and sustains them. We are to praise His name and splendor (who He is). His name is LORD. He is the only One worthy of praise. There is no other. His splendor of love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and care cause us to praise.
John Phillips says: "To display His wisdom and power God merely had to create; to manifest His love He had to redeem. To do the one He simply had to speak; to do the other He had to suffer."
So often we fear Him but the truth is we are to contemplate His name and His character and praise Him! His kindness is what draws us (Romans 2:4; Jeremiah 31:3). Do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? (Romans 2:4). Stop - Praise Him - Now!
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving--kindness" (Jeremiah 31:3).
Conclusion
God is worthy of our praise and desires to hear from everywhere and everyone! Let's praise with song, instrument, pen, voice and our lives for He is worthy. Praise His name!
Brian B. Delbridge
Wesleyan Movement: Preaching the practical,
powerful, and life--changing life of love.
