Fourth Sunday Of Easter
Preaching
THE WESLEYAN PREACHING ANNUAL 2001--2002
WORSHIP HELPS
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Give thanks and praise to the Lord; call on His name.
Speaker 1: Tell everyone you meet what marvelous things He has done!
Choir: Sing Him songs; blast the air with hymns.
Choir Director: Translate His message into gospel music!
Speaker 2: Honor His holy habitat with hallelujahs.
Leader: Live a worthy life before Him.
Speaker 1: Keep your eyes and ears open for Almighty God.
Speaker 2: Be on the lookout for signs of His presence.
Choir: Remember the world of sound He has made.
Speaker 1: And the beauty of His creation.
Speaker 2: And the miracles He has performed.
Leader: Give thanks and praise to the Lord; call on His name!
All: Hallelujah!
OFFERING THOUGHT
Dear God, the magnitude of your mercy gives us an overwhelming feeling of joy. Amen.
BENEDICTION
May the Holy One of Israel bless the experiences of life this week with His presence, wisdom and guidance.
SERMON BRIEFS
I Don't Deserve This!
Acts 2:42--47; 1 Peter 2:19--25
Introduction
We all yearn for a pain--free life. Whether it's a splinter, or a divorce, we all endure pain. It would be grand if we could take a daily pill that would protect us from all grief!
I. Suffering is the common denominator of the human race.
All suffering is either merited or unmerited. My speeding ticket is merited suffering. I deserve this! When a vehicle slams into my parked car, that is unmerited suffering. I don't deserve this!
Read 1 Peter 2:19--25.
The Apostle Peter accepts suffering as normal and honors the person who is gracious "under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God" (1 Peter 2:19b). He further contends that it is of no credit to me if I suffer for doing wrong. But if we "suffer for doing good and endure it, this is commendable to God" (1 Peter 2:20b).
II. Unmerited suffering can come from nature, from ourselves, from satanic forces, or from others.
The Mexico City earthquake destroys the homes of saints and sinners. We can create our own cancer grief when we chew tobacco. We suffer in our struggle against "the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12b). Peter, however, focuses on unmerited affliction caused by those around us.
Though God is not the author of this suffering, He does apparently allow and control it. God "will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13b). "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9b).
III. Christ is the prime example of unmerited suffering. (1 Peter 2:22)
Jesus was innocent and sinless yet he endured the heartless crucifixion and was treated like a vile criminal.
How did he respond? "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). The carnal response is to trade insult for insult demanding an eye for an eye and we can all end up blind or toothless!
IV. He bore our punishment.
Our sins are ever before us. He was pure and sinless. "For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25). I deserve eternal condemnation yet he allows the painful consequence of my rebellion to fall on him! "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3).
V. Crucified with Christ we live for righteousness. (1 Peter 2:24)
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20a). The New Testament writers spoke of the sinful nature. The remedy is to put to death the anti--Christ sinful nature. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5:24). By his grace we are called to live to in righteousness and holiness.
Conclusion
By our wounds we heal our persecutors. "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps ... By his wounds you have been healed" (1 Peter 2:21, 24b).
Christ's loving wounds healed our rebellion. Now he calls us to love those who sin against us. If I retaliate I will not be an instrument of grace. By my Christ--like suffering my stripes can heal my tormentors. "Do not repay anyone evil for evil ... Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:17a, 19--21).
I don't deserve this grace! When I raise my small fist and demand justice I discover that I have earned the right to burn in hell but Christ offers me life instead.
I don't deserve this unmerited suffering! My Christ--response to persecution becomes a means of grace to those who cause me pain. By my wounds they can be healed!
Jerry D. Porter
Known By The Master
John 10:1--10
Introduction
In a state convention of a leading Christian denomination, there was an attempt by one of the delegates to get the body to once again reaffirm the historical position of their church. The resolution asked the delegates to approve a statement declaring that "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
The above motion was voted down by the body. "To accept this motion might offend some other religions and cast a shadow on the inclusiveness of our denomination" stated one of the delegates. As far as that denomination was concerned, Jesus is not the only way of salvation.
The issue of "inclusiveness" is fine if it means that the gospel is for everyone that will come. However, there is a serious problem of doctrine if it means that all religions are welcome and will be received on equal footing with Christianity and that historic Christianity is only one of many ways to get to God. Jesus addresses the issue of "inclusiveness" and "exclusiveness" very clearly in John 10. Jesus declares Himself to be the "gate" through which everyone must enter.
I. Jesus knows us by name. (v. 3)
A. He knows me without introduction. We do not need to be introduced to the omniscient God. Never once have I thought there was the need to tell God who I was because He knew me when I was in my mother's womb and has never forgotten my name.
B. He prays for me without my request. John 17:20 records Jesus' prayer for us long before we were ever born. And, Jesus said in Matthew 6:8, "Your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
C. He forgets my sin, but remembers me. Jesus does not say, "Oh, not you again." When He forgives our sin, a divine act of eternal deleting takes place. God forgives our confessed sins forever.
II. Jesus knows how to save us.
A. He is the way to salvation. By following Jesus, we will never be led astray from the truth. In John 14:6 Jesus describes Himself as "The Way."
B. He is the source of salvation. Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection from the grave became the means of our salvation. Through God's Holy Spirit we are instantaneously saved at the time of our acceptance of Christ as our Savior. Jesus is both our sacrifice and Savior.
C. He is the only salvation. Thieves and robbers are like any other persons or religious systems offering a way to God. There is only one gate into God's kingdom - Christ Jesus. Jesus used two different types of gates in John 10. The first gate was used when the sheep were brought into town at night and put in a large sheep fold. A gatekeeper watched over several flocks of sheep. When the individual shepherd wanted to graze his flock, he called his sheep and they followed him. The other gate was used when the sheep were in the field and the shepherd himself became the gate. At night time, the shepherd would gather his flock into a makeshift pen and then he personally laid across the entrance. The shepherd was the gate. Jesus used this latter sheepfold to describe Himself as the "gate" through which we all must enter.
III. Jesus knows where to lead us. (v. 9)
A. He leads - not sends - us out (v. 3). Since sheep are better led than driven, it is fitting that Jesus uses the example of leading his flock. Psalm 23 also expresses the leading concept when the good shepherd leads us beside cool water and into lush green pastures. Hebrews 4:15 also reminds us that Jesus was "tempted in every way and yet was without sin." He went through it all first.
B. He leads us with certainty (v. 5). Sheep, though surrounded by hundreds of sheep from other flocks, hear and follow their shepherd. The Christian believer knows the voice of God. The Holy Spirit indwells us and witnesses to our spirit that we are following God's way.
C. He leads us to fullness (vv. 9--10). Jesus came to give us a life of completeness. Certainly heaven is a major part of the meaning of this verse, but there is more. The numerous promises of answered prayer and divine assistance are evidence of a fullness that comes only from Christ. Furthermore, John 14 describes a peace that passes all human understanding. Peace in the midst of human pain and the difficulties of life is one of the hallmarks of the Christian faith.
Conclusion
We can walk through the door of Christ's kingdom, just as easily as we walk through the door of our home. It is a choice we must make. Jesus invites everyone to come in. The latch is opened by confessing our sins and asking to enter. Christ - with great delight and joy says, "Come in. I paid the price for you to be here. I am the gate by which you must enter."
Bill Hossler
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Give thanks and praise to the Lord; call on His name.
Speaker 1: Tell everyone you meet what marvelous things He has done!
Choir: Sing Him songs; blast the air with hymns.
Choir Director: Translate His message into gospel music!
Speaker 2: Honor His holy habitat with hallelujahs.
Leader: Live a worthy life before Him.
Speaker 1: Keep your eyes and ears open for Almighty God.
Speaker 2: Be on the lookout for signs of His presence.
Choir: Remember the world of sound He has made.
Speaker 1: And the beauty of His creation.
Speaker 2: And the miracles He has performed.
Leader: Give thanks and praise to the Lord; call on His name!
All: Hallelujah!
OFFERING THOUGHT
Dear God, the magnitude of your mercy gives us an overwhelming feeling of joy. Amen.
BENEDICTION
May the Holy One of Israel bless the experiences of life this week with His presence, wisdom and guidance.
SERMON BRIEFS
I Don't Deserve This!
Acts 2:42--47; 1 Peter 2:19--25
Introduction
We all yearn for a pain--free life. Whether it's a splinter, or a divorce, we all endure pain. It would be grand if we could take a daily pill that would protect us from all grief!
I. Suffering is the common denominator of the human race.
All suffering is either merited or unmerited. My speeding ticket is merited suffering. I deserve this! When a vehicle slams into my parked car, that is unmerited suffering. I don't deserve this!
Read 1 Peter 2:19--25.
The Apostle Peter accepts suffering as normal and honors the person who is gracious "under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God" (1 Peter 2:19b). He further contends that it is of no credit to me if I suffer for doing wrong. But if we "suffer for doing good and endure it, this is commendable to God" (1 Peter 2:20b).
II. Unmerited suffering can come from nature, from ourselves, from satanic forces, or from others.
The Mexico City earthquake destroys the homes of saints and sinners. We can create our own cancer grief when we chew tobacco. We suffer in our struggle against "the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12b). Peter, however, focuses on unmerited affliction caused by those around us.
Though God is not the author of this suffering, He does apparently allow and control it. God "will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13b). "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9b).
III. Christ is the prime example of unmerited suffering. (1 Peter 2:22)
Jesus was innocent and sinless yet he endured the heartless crucifixion and was treated like a vile criminal.
How did he respond? "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). The carnal response is to trade insult for insult demanding an eye for an eye and we can all end up blind or toothless!
IV. He bore our punishment.
Our sins are ever before us. He was pure and sinless. "For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25). I deserve eternal condemnation yet he allows the painful consequence of my rebellion to fall on him! "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3).
V. Crucified with Christ we live for righteousness. (1 Peter 2:24)
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20a). The New Testament writers spoke of the sinful nature. The remedy is to put to death the anti--Christ sinful nature. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5:24). By his grace we are called to live to in righteousness and holiness.
Conclusion
By our wounds we heal our persecutors. "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps ... By his wounds you have been healed" (1 Peter 2:21, 24b).
Christ's loving wounds healed our rebellion. Now he calls us to love those who sin against us. If I retaliate I will not be an instrument of grace. By my Christ--like suffering my stripes can heal my tormentors. "Do not repay anyone evil for evil ... Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:17a, 19--21).
I don't deserve this grace! When I raise my small fist and demand justice I discover that I have earned the right to burn in hell but Christ offers me life instead.
I don't deserve this unmerited suffering! My Christ--response to persecution becomes a means of grace to those who cause me pain. By my wounds they can be healed!
Jerry D. Porter
Known By The Master
John 10:1--10
Introduction
In a state convention of a leading Christian denomination, there was an attempt by one of the delegates to get the body to once again reaffirm the historical position of their church. The resolution asked the delegates to approve a statement declaring that "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
The above motion was voted down by the body. "To accept this motion might offend some other religions and cast a shadow on the inclusiveness of our denomination" stated one of the delegates. As far as that denomination was concerned, Jesus is not the only way of salvation.
The issue of "inclusiveness" is fine if it means that the gospel is for everyone that will come. However, there is a serious problem of doctrine if it means that all religions are welcome and will be received on equal footing with Christianity and that historic Christianity is only one of many ways to get to God. Jesus addresses the issue of "inclusiveness" and "exclusiveness" very clearly in John 10. Jesus declares Himself to be the "gate" through which everyone must enter.
I. Jesus knows us by name. (v. 3)
A. He knows me without introduction. We do not need to be introduced to the omniscient God. Never once have I thought there was the need to tell God who I was because He knew me when I was in my mother's womb and has never forgotten my name.
B. He prays for me without my request. John 17:20 records Jesus' prayer for us long before we were ever born. And, Jesus said in Matthew 6:8, "Your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
C. He forgets my sin, but remembers me. Jesus does not say, "Oh, not you again." When He forgives our sin, a divine act of eternal deleting takes place. God forgives our confessed sins forever.
II. Jesus knows how to save us.
A. He is the way to salvation. By following Jesus, we will never be led astray from the truth. In John 14:6 Jesus describes Himself as "The Way."
B. He is the source of salvation. Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection from the grave became the means of our salvation. Through God's Holy Spirit we are instantaneously saved at the time of our acceptance of Christ as our Savior. Jesus is both our sacrifice and Savior.
C. He is the only salvation. Thieves and robbers are like any other persons or religious systems offering a way to God. There is only one gate into God's kingdom - Christ Jesus. Jesus used two different types of gates in John 10. The first gate was used when the sheep were brought into town at night and put in a large sheep fold. A gatekeeper watched over several flocks of sheep. When the individual shepherd wanted to graze his flock, he called his sheep and they followed him. The other gate was used when the sheep were in the field and the shepherd himself became the gate. At night time, the shepherd would gather his flock into a makeshift pen and then he personally laid across the entrance. The shepherd was the gate. Jesus used this latter sheepfold to describe Himself as the "gate" through which we all must enter.
III. Jesus knows where to lead us. (v. 9)
A. He leads - not sends - us out (v. 3). Since sheep are better led than driven, it is fitting that Jesus uses the example of leading his flock. Psalm 23 also expresses the leading concept when the good shepherd leads us beside cool water and into lush green pastures. Hebrews 4:15 also reminds us that Jesus was "tempted in every way and yet was without sin." He went through it all first.
B. He leads us with certainty (v. 5). Sheep, though surrounded by hundreds of sheep from other flocks, hear and follow their shepherd. The Christian believer knows the voice of God. The Holy Spirit indwells us and witnesses to our spirit that we are following God's way.
C. He leads us to fullness (vv. 9--10). Jesus came to give us a life of completeness. Certainly heaven is a major part of the meaning of this verse, but there is more. The numerous promises of answered prayer and divine assistance are evidence of a fullness that comes only from Christ. Furthermore, John 14 describes a peace that passes all human understanding. Peace in the midst of human pain and the difficulties of life is one of the hallmarks of the Christian faith.
Conclusion
We can walk through the door of Christ's kingdom, just as easily as we walk through the door of our home. It is a choice we must make. Jesus invites everyone to come in. The latch is opened by confessing our sins and asking to enter. Christ - with great delight and joy says, "Come in. I paid the price for you to be here. I am the gate by which you must enter."
Bill Hossler
