I am in Los Angeles.
My wife and kids have been here for several weeks, visiting family and friends. I planned to come last week for two days. However, I decided last Wednesday to stay over the weekend with my family. I am glad I did.
When my friend and brother, George Hurtt, found out I would be in town over the weekend, he invited me… No, scratch that. He insisted that I preach for him Sunday morning.
Sunday morning, it was my great privilege and signal honor to minister to the word to the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles at the MSMBC. And I served as its pastor for almost eighteen years, until the last September. Most of my family and friends are here. And it was just good to worship and fellowship with them.
I preached two sermons from Philippians 1.
There are no words to explain what a blessing it is to be welcomed back to the place you have served after you have left. Of course, this says more about George Hurtt and the leadership and membership of Mt. Sinai than it does about me. But I am overwhelmed with gratitude, nonetheless.
I praise God for all that he is doing through Pastor George Hurtt and the Mt. Sinai Church family. May your dreams continue to be greater than your memories!
I really missed being in worship with the Shiloh family Sunday morning. It was my first Sunday away. And it was strange not being there. But I am glad that Lord blessed the services in my absence.
Thanks to Pastor A. Letson and Pastor M. Rodgers for their labor in ministering the word of God to the congregation.
Praise God for those who were baptized and added to the church.
Crystal and the kids will be heading home Tuesday afternoon. Pray for their safe arrival.
I will be heading home Wednesday morning. I look forward to being in worship and in my pulpit Wednesday night.
No comment.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
My First's Father's Day Sermon
June 17, 1989. It was a Saturday. I flew home from Detroit to Los Angeles, after preaching a youth revival all week. As I was in the air, the Lord called my father from earth to glory.
When I finally arrived home, it was crowded with people. Mercifully, several of my friends picked me up and got me out of the house for several hours. I really needed it. When I returned home, several leaders of the church my father had pastored for forty years were there. They were waiting to talk to me. They asked me to preach the 11 AM service the following day. Father’s Day. Without really thinking about what I was getting myself into, I consented.
I was up all night trying to determine what I would say to the church, who would just be getting the news that their longtime pastor had died. I was only sixteen-years-old. And even though I had preached many youth services by then, this was an entirely different ballgame. Nothing I had ever preached seemed appropriate for that Sunday’s assignment.
I stayed up all night, preparing myself mind to preach (a pattern that has not changed in twenty years). As I read the John’s Gospel in those early morning hours, I hit a speed bump at the miracle of the fish and the loaves in John 6. I had preached it before (The lad and his lunch makes a good youth sermon). But something different jumped out me. Jesus asked Philip where they would find bread to feed the hungry multitude. Then John 6:6 records a parenthetical statement: “But this he said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do” (KJV). That was my first Father’s Day sermon. I labeled it, “The Lord Knows What He Is Doing.”
Of course, that sermon had nothing to do with Father’s Day. I don’t think Father’s Day was even acknowledged in the worship services that day. Yet for years to come, I would associate Father’s Day with that sermon.
It may have been more than ten years before I preached another Father’s Day sermon. Mind you, I was called to my first pastorate in November of 1990. But I for most of the early years of my pastorate, I did not preach on Father’s Day. I could not preach on Father’s Day.
On Father’s Day 2000, I stood to preach without my father being on my mind at all. I was thinking about another H.B. – H.B. Charles III, my son. My son had been born the previous year. And on his first Father’s Day, I preached a message entitled, “A Father’s Desire for a Godly Legacy.” In the sermon, I envisioned my funeral. And I considered what I would want my son to say about me if was to give remarks. I concluded that I wanted my son to be able to say three things about me:
1. I know my father loved me unconditionally.
2. I know my father loved my mother unconditionally.
3. I know my father loved God unconditionally.
If I remember correctly, I only wrote one more fathers-oriented sermon after that. It was on Ephesians 6:4, where Paul exhorts father’s not to provoke their children to anger, but to bring them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. After that, however, I have not written another’s Father’s Day sermon. If I was not (conveniently) in a series, I would redo old work… if I preached at all. Several years ago, I did not even go to church on Father’s Day. Really not good.
The Father’s Day weekend was the twentieth anniversary of my father’s death. And in some ways, it was just as disorienting. First of all, Crystal and the kids were in Los Angeles visiting family and friends. It was my first Father’s Day without my family. Moreover, it was my first Father’s Day in Jacksonville, away from everyone and everything that is familiar to me.
I was really busy over the weekend. That helped. But the Lord also used his word to comfort my heart. My first Father’s Day sermon. For the record, I do not remember anything I actually said in that sermon twenty years ago. But I cannot forget that little verse from John and its all-important message: The Lord knows what he is doing.
When I finally arrived home, it was crowded with people. Mercifully, several of my friends picked me up and got me out of the house for several hours. I really needed it. When I returned home, several leaders of the church my father had pastored for forty years were there. They were waiting to talk to me. They asked me to preach the 11 AM service the following day. Father’s Day. Without really thinking about what I was getting myself into, I consented.
I was up all night trying to determine what I would say to the church, who would just be getting the news that their longtime pastor had died. I was only sixteen-years-old. And even though I had preached many youth services by then, this was an entirely different ballgame. Nothing I had ever preached seemed appropriate for that Sunday’s assignment.
I stayed up all night, preparing myself mind to preach (a pattern that has not changed in twenty years). As I read the John’s Gospel in those early morning hours, I hit a speed bump at the miracle of the fish and the loaves in John 6. I had preached it before (The lad and his lunch makes a good youth sermon). But something different jumped out me. Jesus asked Philip where they would find bread to feed the hungry multitude. Then John 6:6 records a parenthetical statement: “But this he said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do” (KJV). That was my first Father’s Day sermon. I labeled it, “The Lord Knows What He Is Doing.”
Of course, that sermon had nothing to do with Father’s Day. I don’t think Father’s Day was even acknowledged in the worship services that day. Yet for years to come, I would associate Father’s Day with that sermon.
It may have been more than ten years before I preached another Father’s Day sermon. Mind you, I was called to my first pastorate in November of 1990. But I for most of the early years of my pastorate, I did not preach on Father’s Day. I could not preach on Father’s Day.
On Father’s Day 2000, I stood to preach without my father being on my mind at all. I was thinking about another H.B. – H.B. Charles III, my son. My son had been born the previous year. And on his first Father’s Day, I preached a message entitled, “A Father’s Desire for a Godly Legacy.” In the sermon, I envisioned my funeral. And I considered what I would want my son to say about me if was to give remarks. I concluded that I wanted my son to be able to say three things about me:
1. I know my father loved me unconditionally.
2. I know my father loved my mother unconditionally.
3. I know my father loved God unconditionally.
If I remember correctly, I only wrote one more fathers-oriented sermon after that. It was on Ephesians 6:4, where Paul exhorts father’s not to provoke their children to anger, but to bring them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. After that, however, I have not written another’s Father’s Day sermon. If I was not (conveniently) in a series, I would redo old work… if I preached at all. Several years ago, I did not even go to church on Father’s Day. Really not good.
The Father’s Day weekend was the twentieth anniversary of my father’s death. And in some ways, it was just as disorienting. First of all, Crystal and the kids were in Los Angeles visiting family and friends. It was my first Father’s Day without my family. Moreover, it was my first Father’s Day in Jacksonville, away from everyone and everything that is familiar to me.
I was really busy over the weekend. That helped. But the Lord also used his word to comfort my heart. My first Father’s Day sermon. For the record, I do not remember anything I actually said in that sermon twenty years ago. But I cannot forget that little verse from John and its all-important message: The Lord knows what he is doing.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
God Is Bigger Than You Think
Last night, I concluded my brief study of the Old Testament book of Jonah with a message on chapter 4, entitled, "God Is Bigger Than You Think."
I have been stretched, challenged, and encouraged by studying Jonah over the past four weeks. And I pray that the saints of SMBC have been enriched and edified through the ministry of the word.
Here is the skeleton from last night's message:
Title: "God Is Bigger Than You Think"
Text: Jonah 4:1-11
Series: Jonah: God Won't Take No For An Answer
Theme: The Sovereign Mercy of God
Point: God is bigger than you think.
Outline:
I. God is bigger than what you think about him (4:1-4).
A. Jonah's angry prayer (vv. 2-3)
B. God's gracious response (v. 4)
II. God is bigger than what you think about yourself (4:5-8).
A. God appointed a plant (V. 6).
B. God appointed a worm (v. 7).
C. God appointed a strong east wind (v. 8)
III. God is bigger than what you think about other people (4:9-11).
A. A word about Jonah's anger (v. 9)
B. A word about Jonah's compassion (v. 10-11)
I have been stretched, challenged, and encouraged by studying Jonah over the past four weeks. And I pray that the saints of SMBC have been enriched and edified through the ministry of the word.
Here is the skeleton from last night's message:
Title: "God Is Bigger Than You Think"
Text: Jonah 4:1-11
Series: Jonah: God Won't Take No For An Answer
Theme: The Sovereign Mercy of God
Point: God is bigger than you think.
Outline:
I. God is bigger than what you think about him (4:1-4).
A. Jonah's angry prayer (vv. 2-3)
B. God's gracious response (v. 4)
II. God is bigger than what you think about yourself (4:5-8).
A. God appointed a plant (V. 6).
B. God appointed a worm (v. 7).
C. God appointed a strong east wind (v. 8)
III. God is bigger than what you think about other people (4:9-11).
A. A word about Jonah's anger (v. 9)
B. A word about Jonah's compassion (v. 10-11)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Service Driven life
This Sunday, I continued by study of the book of Philippians with a message on chapter 1, verses 22-26. Here is the sermon skeleton:
Philippians 1:22-26 is the final portion of Paul’s report to the Philippians about his personal circumstances and missionary work. In verses 12-18, Paul looks back and remembers what the Lord had done through his life and ministry. In verses 19-26, he looks ahead and anticipates what the Lord will do through his life and ministry. In verse 19-21, Paul speaks about the future with great confidence. Yet his confidence is tempered with uncertainty. In our text, verses 22-26, continues to address matters of life and death with this tension between confidence and uncertainty.
This text is a soliloquy, in which Paul muses over the possibilities of life and death. There are no commands or exhortations in this text. Paul speaks here for himself and about himself. Yet Paul writes this deeply personal letter in an open letter to the church at Philippi.Yet Paul does not write this passage to get some things off his chest. He writes this passage for the sake of the Philippians.
In the next passage, verses 27-30, Paul will exhort the church to live in unity and steadfastness. In chapter 2, Paul will emphasize the attitude of humble servanthood that is required for unity and steadfastness to take place in the church. But in our text, Paul makes this point, not by exhortation, but by testimony.
Title: "The Service Driven Life"
Text: Philippians 1:22-26
Series: Philippians: Partnership in the Gospel
Theme: A Christ-centered life of service to others
Point: Real Christian Service
Outline:
I. The service-driven life is marked by Christian devotion (1:21-22).
A. A devotion in life or death (1:21)
B. A dilemma about life or death (1:22)
II. The service-driven life is marked by Christian desire (1:23).
In verse 23, Paul makes three points about death from a Christian perspective:
A. To die is to depart.
B. To die is to be with Christ.
C. To die is far better.
III. The service-driven life is marked by Christian duty (1:24-26).
A. Our responsibility to serve others (1:24)
B. Our reasons for serving others (1:25-26)
1. The immediate reason (v. 25)
2. The ultimate reason (v. 26)
Philippians 1:22-26 is the final portion of Paul’s report to the Philippians about his personal circumstances and missionary work. In verses 12-18, Paul looks back and remembers what the Lord had done through his life and ministry. In verses 19-26, he looks ahead and anticipates what the Lord will do through his life and ministry. In verse 19-21, Paul speaks about the future with great confidence. Yet his confidence is tempered with uncertainty. In our text, verses 22-26, continues to address matters of life and death with this tension between confidence and uncertainty.
This text is a soliloquy, in which Paul muses over the possibilities of life and death. There are no commands or exhortations in this text. Paul speaks here for himself and about himself. Yet Paul writes this deeply personal letter in an open letter to the church at Philippi.Yet Paul does not write this passage to get some things off his chest. He writes this passage for the sake of the Philippians.
In the next passage, verses 27-30, Paul will exhort the church to live in unity and steadfastness. In chapter 2, Paul will emphasize the attitude of humble servanthood that is required for unity and steadfastness to take place in the church. But in our text, Paul makes this point, not by exhortation, but by testimony.
Title: "The Service Driven Life"
Text: Philippians 1:22-26
Series: Philippians: Partnership in the Gospel
Theme: A Christ-centered life of service to others
Point: Real Christian Service
Outline:
I. The service-driven life is marked by Christian devotion (1:21-22).
A. A devotion in life or death (1:21)
B. A dilemma about life or death (1:22)
II. The service-driven life is marked by Christian desire (1:23).
In verse 23, Paul makes three points about death from a Christian perspective:
A. To die is to depart.
B. To die is to be with Christ.
C. To die is far better.
III. The service-driven life is marked by Christian duty (1:24-26).
A. Our responsibility to serve others (1:24)
B. Our reasons for serving others (1:25-26)
1. The immediate reason (v. 25)
2. The ultimate reason (v. 26)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Notes from Sunday - Father's Day 2009
I woke up Sunday morning, thinking about my father. And the first question I asked myself was, “Do you really feel like going to church today?” No, I did not ask, “Do you feel like preaching?” I didn’t feel like going to church. Thank God I did not give my feelings an opportunity to answer that questions. By the time my day was over, my “bandwagon” feelings had jumped on board. It usually happens that way.
I praise God for the good man and faithful preacher that God blessed me with as a father – H.B. Charles Sr.
Saturday, we held our annual All-Male Round Up. This has been an annual event at Shiloh Church for thirteen or fourteen years. But it was my first. And I was so encouraged to be with the brothers to fellowship, study God’s word together, and eat! I spoke on “Building Hedges for Godly Living” from Proverbs 4:20-27. I cannot wait for next year’s Round Up. But I hope we get a better speaker!
Our Women’s Chorus led the singing in both services. And they were a great blessing. Their singing of Jonathan Greer’s somewhat old number, “He Worthy,” was great. And the young lady who led Kirk Carr’s, “I Believe God,” at the 10 AM service blessed our socks off. It was wonderful. Praise God!
Deacon Brinkley covered my New Members Class for the second week in a row, finishing a lesson on “How to Keep Your First Love.” I am grateful for his assistance. And I look forward to getting back at it in my class this week.
I resumed my study of the book of Philippians.
My text was Philippians 1:22-26. To me, it is one of the more difficult passages in Philippians to organize for preaching. In fact, I had been planning to preach a message a message from it I was calling “On Making Difficult Decisions.” But over the course of the weekend, it became obvious that the point of the message I was writing was somewhat different. The basic outline of the message was pretty much the same. But the thrust was different. I called it, “The Service-Driven Life.”
The point of my message could be succinctly stated in three words: Real Christians serve.
The idea taken up with the subject of “the service driven life” by a quote from the ESV Study Bible that I used in the introduction: “Paul is not merely musing on his own crisis; he is giving the Philippians a model of the service-driven life.” (Page 2282)
I am looking forward to the next section of Philippians – chapter 1, verses 27-30. My challenge this week will be whether I will paragraph in one or two message.
Praise God for those who were saved and added to the church in our services yesterday!
After church, I went home and slept off most of the rest of the day. I believe in spiritual warfare through long naps.
I really miss Crystal and the kids. And I cannot wait to see them this week.
I praise God for the good man and faithful preacher that God blessed me with as a father – H.B. Charles Sr.
Saturday, we held our annual All-Male Round Up. This has been an annual event at Shiloh Church for thirteen or fourteen years. But it was my first. And I was so encouraged to be with the brothers to fellowship, study God’s word together, and eat! I spoke on “Building Hedges for Godly Living” from Proverbs 4:20-27. I cannot wait for next year’s Round Up. But I hope we get a better speaker!
Our Women’s Chorus led the singing in both services. And they were a great blessing. Their singing of Jonathan Greer’s somewhat old number, “He Worthy,” was great. And the young lady who led Kirk Carr’s, “I Believe God,” at the 10 AM service blessed our socks off. It was wonderful. Praise God!
Deacon Brinkley covered my New Members Class for the second week in a row, finishing a lesson on “How to Keep Your First Love.” I am grateful for his assistance. And I look forward to getting back at it in my class this week.
I resumed my study of the book of Philippians.
My text was Philippians 1:22-26. To me, it is one of the more difficult passages in Philippians to organize for preaching. In fact, I had been planning to preach a message a message from it I was calling “On Making Difficult Decisions.” But over the course of the weekend, it became obvious that the point of the message I was writing was somewhat different. The basic outline of the message was pretty much the same. But the thrust was different. I called it, “The Service-Driven Life.”
The point of my message could be succinctly stated in three words: Real Christians serve.
The idea taken up with the subject of “the service driven life” by a quote from the ESV Study Bible that I used in the introduction: “Paul is not merely musing on his own crisis; he is giving the Philippians a model of the service-driven life.” (Page 2282)
I am looking forward to the next section of Philippians – chapter 1, verses 27-30. My challenge this week will be whether I will paragraph in one or two message.
Praise God for those who were saved and added to the church in our services yesterday!
After church, I went home and slept off most of the rest of the day. I believe in spiritual warfare through long naps.
I really miss Crystal and the kids. And I cannot wait to see them this week.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
We do not choose what we preach as ministers of the gospel. We do not have a choice of what we preach week by week. There are times in my study when I am absolutely overcome when I sense that God has spoken to me through his word for our people. Pulpits are not private platforms to espouse personal philosophies or political views. The only preaching God honors is "the message that I give you." In my pulpit I preach from the Bible for two reasons. First, I am not smart enough to preach anything else. If I were to preach on social issues, there are sociologists in my congregation who would know far more about them than I. If I were to preach on political issues, there are politicians who would know more than I do in that field. second, I am too smart to preach anything else because I know that God blesses his word and it will not return void. - O.S. Hawkins, Jonah: Meeting the God of the Second Chance, p. 90
God Wants To Give You Another Chance
Last night, I continued my exposition of the book of Jonah with a message on the entire third chapter. One more chapter to go.
Here is the skeleton from last night's message:
Title: "God Wants To Give You Another Chance"
Text: Jonah 3:1-10
Theme: The Mercy of God
Point: God wants to give you another chance.
Outline:
I. God wants to give you another chance to change your ways (3:1-4).
II. God wants to give you another chance to change the world (3:5-10).
A. God's word can change the world (vv. 3-4)
B. God's power can change the world (vv. 5-9)
1. The scope of Ninevah's conversion (vv. 5-6)
- The citizens of Nineveh were converted (v. 5)
- The king of Nineveh was converted (v. 6)
2. The seriousness of Nineveh's conversion (vv. 7-8)
3. The source of Nineveh's conversion (v. 9)
C. God's mercy can change the world (v. 10)
Here is the skeleton from last night's message:
Title: "God Wants To Give You Another Chance"
Text: Jonah 3:1-10
Theme: The Mercy of God
Point: God wants to give you another chance.
Outline:
I. God wants to give you another chance to change your ways (3:1-4).
II. God wants to give you another chance to change the world (3:5-10).
A. God's word can change the world (vv. 3-4)
B. God's power can change the world (vv. 5-9)
1. The scope of Ninevah's conversion (vv. 5-6)
- The citizens of Nineveh were converted (v. 5)
- The king of Nineveh was converted (v. 6)
2. The seriousness of Nineveh's conversion (vv. 7-8)
3. The source of Nineveh's conversion (v. 9)
C. God's mercy can change the world (v. 10)
Monday, June 15, 2009
We Rejoice in our Sufferings
Here is the sermon skeleton from the sermon I preached this past Sunday morning on Romans 5:3-5.
Title: “We Rejoice In Our Sufferings”
Text: Romans 5:3-5
Theme: The Christian Response to Suffering
Point: We rejoice in our suffering.
Outline:
I. The reality of Christian suffering
There are four major reasons why the Lord allows suffering in the lives of Christians:
A. An act of divine chastisement (Heb. 12:6-11)
B. A platform for God’s glory (John 9:1-4)
C. The result of spiritual warfare (Job)
D. The means of spiritual growth (Romans 5:3-5)
II. The response to Christian suffering
A. We rejoice in our sufferings
B. We rejoice because of what we know
III. The reason for Christian suffering
There are three Christian virtues God produces through our sufferings:
A. Suffering produces endurance
B. Endurance produces character
C. Character produces hope
Title: “We Rejoice In Our Sufferings”
Text: Romans 5:3-5
Theme: The Christian Response to Suffering
Point: We rejoice in our suffering.
Outline:
I. The reality of Christian suffering
There are four major reasons why the Lord allows suffering in the lives of Christians:
A. An act of divine chastisement (Heb. 12:6-11)
B. A platform for God’s glory (John 9:1-4)
C. The result of spiritual warfare (Job)
D. The means of spiritual growth (Romans 5:3-5)
II. The response to Christian suffering
A. We rejoice in our sufferings
B. We rejoice because of what we know
III. The reason for Christian suffering
There are three Christian virtues God produces through our sufferings:
A. Suffering produces endurance
B. Endurance produces character
C. Character produces hope
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Notes from Sunday -06/14/09
We had a good day in worship and fellowship at the Shiloh Church today.
We recognized our 2009 graduates in our 10 AM service today. And after the service, there was a luncheon for the graduates and their families. I was glad to attend.
We had quite a few guests in worship with us today. A family rejoice. A class reunion. And worship studies class members. It was a joy to have them fellowship with us in worship.
I missed my New Members Class today.
I ditched my study of Philippians this week and preached from Romans 5:3-5. I entitled the message, "We Rejoice in our Sufferings."
Romans 5:3-5 is a passage of scripture that means a lot to me personally. I was introduced to it at the age of sixteen, about two months after my father died. I was preparing to go home from Louisville, where I had been preaching. And I had bought of book that week that I skimmed as I waited for my flight. There was a reference to Romans 5:3-5 in it, entitled, "Blessed Fruit from a Bitter Tree." When I read that passage, I was both challenged and comforted by it at the same time. It has been dear to me every since.
Friday morning, my heart became heavy after receiving bad news. As I paced the floor, Romans 5:3-5 came to my mind. And I was not able to shake it all weekend. I really did not want to break my series. But I am glad that I was obedient and preached what the Lord placed on my heart.
I am really looking forward to getting back to Philippians next week - Philippians 1:22-26.
Praise God for those who received Christ and were added to the church today.
I said it. And I meant it. I do not believe you can be godly person if you rejoice in the downfall of a man of God.
I miss Crystal and the kids terribly.
Does anyone have enough faith to pick the Magic to win tonight?
We recognized our 2009 graduates in our 10 AM service today. And after the service, there was a luncheon for the graduates and their families. I was glad to attend.
We had quite a few guests in worship with us today. A family rejoice. A class reunion. And worship studies class members. It was a joy to have them fellowship with us in worship.
I missed my New Members Class today.
I ditched my study of Philippians this week and preached from Romans 5:3-5. I entitled the message, "We Rejoice in our Sufferings."
Romans 5:3-5 is a passage of scripture that means a lot to me personally. I was introduced to it at the age of sixteen, about two months after my father died. I was preparing to go home from Louisville, where I had been preaching. And I had bought of book that week that I skimmed as I waited for my flight. There was a reference to Romans 5:3-5 in it, entitled, "Blessed Fruit from a Bitter Tree." When I read that passage, I was both challenged and comforted by it at the same time. It has been dear to me every since.
Friday morning, my heart became heavy after receiving bad news. As I paced the floor, Romans 5:3-5 came to my mind. And I was not able to shake it all weekend. I really did not want to break my series. But I am glad that I was obedient and preached what the Lord placed on my heart.
I am really looking forward to getting back to Philippians next week - Philippians 1:22-26.
Praise God for those who received Christ and were added to the church today.
I said it. And I meant it. I do not believe you can be godly person if you rejoice in the downfall of a man of God.
I miss Crystal and the kids terribly.
Does anyone have enough faith to pick the Magic to win tonight?
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Don't Settle for Soup
I preached a youth service at Shiloh last night. I worked hard to prepare myself. An there was something specific on my heart to say. I preached a message entitled "Don't Settle for Soup" from Genesis 25:29-34.
Here is the sermon skeleton:
Title: "Don't Settle for Soup"
Text: Genesis 25:29-34
Theme: Do not negotiate the spiritual for the physical.
Point: Don't settle for soup.
Outline: Here are three reasons why you should not settle for soup.
I. It costs to much. (That bowl of soup was not worth Esau's birthright.)
II. You are not as hungry as you think you are. (Esau was not about to die!)
A. You just need self-control.
B. You just need patience.
C. You just need wisdom.
III. It doesn't really satisfy. (A few hours later, Esau was hungry all over again.)
Here is the sermon skeleton:
Title: "Don't Settle for Soup"
Text: Genesis 25:29-34
Theme: Do not negotiate the spiritual for the physical.
Point: Don't settle for soup.
Outline: Here are three reasons why you should not settle for soup.
I. It costs to much. (That bowl of soup was not worth Esau's birthright.)
II. You are not as hungry as you think you are. (Esau was not about to die!)
A. You just need self-control.
B. You just need patience.
C. You just need wisdom.
III. It doesn't really satisfy. (A few hours later, Esau was hungry all over again.)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The Prayer of Jonah
The story of Jonah is recorded in two acts. Jonah 2 is the second scene of the first act. Chapter 1 is the first scene of the first act, in which we see Jonah’s disobedience. In chapter 2, we see Jonah’s deliverance.
Verse 1 tells us that Jonah prayed to the Lord from the belly of the fish. And verse 10 tells us that the Lord commanded the fish to vomit Jonah onto the dry land. But sandwiched in between these two verses is a psalm in which Jonah gives thanks to the Lord for answering his prayer for deliverance. Some challenge the unity of the book of Jonah at this point, questioning how a psalm fits in the middle of a historical narrative. But there is no legitimate reason to question the place of this psalm. From a literary perspective, the place of this psalm may seem odd. But from a spiritual perspective, the place of this psalm is obvious. God the Holy Spirit moved Jonah to place this psalm of thanksgiving here in order to leave on record a word of hope, comfort, and encouragement for every other Jonah: There is nothing you are into that God cannot deliver you out of. God can deliver you!
Here is the sermon skeleton from last night’s message:
Title: “God Can Deliver You”
Text: Jonah 2
Theme: The prayer of Jonah
Point: There is nothing that you are into that God cannot deliver you out of.
Outline:
I. God can deliver you, if you pray (2:1-2).
II. God can deliver you, when there seems to be no hope (2:3-6).
A. God can reach you no matter how for you go (2:3-4).
B. God can reach you no matter how low you sink (2:5-6).
III. God can deliver you, before it’s too late (2:7).
IV. God can deliver you, but you must trust him alone (2:8-9).
IV. God can deliver you, because he is in charge of everything (2:10).
Conclusion: If God can speak to a fish and make it obey him, can he not speak to your situation and deliver you?
Verse 1 tells us that Jonah prayed to the Lord from the belly of the fish. And verse 10 tells us that the Lord commanded the fish to vomit Jonah onto the dry land. But sandwiched in between these two verses is a psalm in which Jonah gives thanks to the Lord for answering his prayer for deliverance. Some challenge the unity of the book of Jonah at this point, questioning how a psalm fits in the middle of a historical narrative. But there is no legitimate reason to question the place of this psalm. From a literary perspective, the place of this psalm may seem odd. But from a spiritual perspective, the place of this psalm is obvious. God the Holy Spirit moved Jonah to place this psalm of thanksgiving here in order to leave on record a word of hope, comfort, and encouragement for every other Jonah: There is nothing you are into that God cannot deliver you out of. God can deliver you!
Here is the sermon skeleton from last night’s message:
Title: “God Can Deliver You”
Text: Jonah 2
Theme: The prayer of Jonah
Point: There is nothing that you are into that God cannot deliver you out of.
Outline:
I. God can deliver you, if you pray (2:1-2).
II. God can deliver you, when there seems to be no hope (2:3-6).
A. God can reach you no matter how for you go (2:3-4).
B. God can reach you no matter how low you sink (2:5-6).
III. God can deliver you, before it’s too late (2:7).
IV. God can deliver you, but you must trust him alone (2:8-9).
IV. God can deliver you, because he is in charge of everything (2:10).
Conclusion: If God can speak to a fish and make it obey him, can he not speak to your situation and deliver you?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Why? Why do we do what we do? What is our ultimate goal? Why do we dress as we dress? Why do we allot time as we do in our services? Why do we preach as we preach? Why do we sing, and why do we sing it the way we do? Do we care about what the world will think of our activities? Where is God in all this? Do we seek to meet Him in His truth, begging the Spirit to use the word to reveal to us the depths of our on hearts so that we may be changed and made better servants of His? Do we think HE is lucky to have us around, or do we tremble at the thought of approaching Him, not out of fear of retribution or wrath (being in Christ), but because we stand in awe of his glory, His power, His condescension, His grace? Are we more concerned about making a misstep in our performance for the audience, or about the purity of the motives of our hearts before the God with whom we have to do? These are the questions that separate worship from entertainment? - James R. White, Pulpit Crimes: The Criminal Mishandling of God's Word, pp. 9394
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
True Deliverance
I am being greatly challenged by the study of Philippians. And it has been very convicting to preach the radical ideals of the Apostle Paul. Actually, Paul's thoughts here are not radical. They are Christian! However, many of us who follow Christ today (including and especially me) are so spoiled by the blessings of God that we do not really know what it means to live radically for the Lord Jesus Christ.
I praise God for all that I am learning in my studies. And I pray that congregation of SMBC is also being edified as we study "the Epistle of Joy."
Here is the sermon skeleton from Sunday's message:
Title: "True Deliverance"
Text: Philippians 1:19-21
Series: Philippians: Partnership in the Gospel
Theme: Rejoicing in Christ in the midst of life's uncertainties
Point: True deliverance is the ability to rejoice in spite of life's uncertainties, trusting that the Lord will cause your situation to work out for your good.
Outline:
I. The assurance of true deliverance (1:19)
A. The prayers of the saints: "through your prayers" (v. 19a)
B. The help of the Spirit: "the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (v. 19b)
II. The ambition of true deliverance (1:20)
A. May I never let Christ down: "as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed" (v. 20a)
B. May I always lift Christ up: "but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death" (v. 20b)
1. How? "with full courage"
2. When? "now as always"
3. Where? "in my body"
III. The advantage of true deliverance (1:21)
A. Christ is all in life: "For to me to live is Christ" (v. 21a)
B. Christ is all in death: "and to die is gain" (v. 21b)
I praise God for all that I am learning in my studies. And I pray that congregation of SMBC is also being edified as we study "the Epistle of Joy."
Here is the sermon skeleton from Sunday's message:
Title: "True Deliverance"
Text: Philippians 1:19-21
Series: Philippians: Partnership in the Gospel
Theme: Rejoicing in Christ in the midst of life's uncertainties
Point: True deliverance is the ability to rejoice in spite of life's uncertainties, trusting that the Lord will cause your situation to work out for your good.
Outline:
I. The assurance of true deliverance (1:19)
A. The prayers of the saints: "through your prayers" (v. 19a)
B. The help of the Spirit: "the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (v. 19b)
II. The ambition of true deliverance (1:20)
A. May I never let Christ down: "as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed" (v. 20a)
B. May I always lift Christ up: "but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death" (v. 20b)
1. How? "with full courage"
2. When? "now as always"
3. Where? "in my body"
III. The advantage of true deliverance (1:21)
A. Christ is all in life: "For to me to live is Christ" (v. 21a)
B. Christ is all in death: "and to die is gain" (v. 21b)
True Deliverance
I am being greatly challenged by the study of Philippians. And it has been very convicting to preach the radical ideals of the Apostle Paul. Actually, Paul's thoughts here are not radical. They are Christian! However, many of us who follow Christ today (including and especially me) are so spoiled by the blessings of God that we do not really know what it means to live radically for the Lord Jesus Christ.
I praise God for all that I am learning in my studies. And I pray that congregation of SMBC is also being edified as we study "the Epistle of Joy."
Here is the sermon skeleton from Sunday's message:
Title: "True Deliverance"
Text: Philippians 1:19-21
Series: Philippians: Partnership in the Gospel
Theme: Rejoicing in Christ in the midst of life's uncertainties
Point: True deliverance is the ability to rejoice in spite of life's uncertainties, trusting that the Lord will cause your situation to work out for your good.
Outline:
I. The assurance of true deliverance (1:19)
A. The prayers of the saints: "through your prayers" (v. 19a)
B. The help of the Spirit: "the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (v. 19b)
II. The ambition of true deliverance (1:20)
A. May I never let Christ down: "as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed" (v. 20a)
B. May I always lift Christ up: "but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death" (v. 20b)
1. How? "with full courage"
2. When? "now as always"
3. Where? "in my body"
III. The advantage of true deliverance (1:21)
A. Christ is all in life: "For to me to live is Christ" (v. 21a)
B. Christ is all in death: "and to die is gain" (v. 21b)
I praise God for all that I am learning in my studies. And I pray that congregation of SMBC is also being edified as we study "the Epistle of Joy."
Here is the sermon skeleton from Sunday's message:
Title: "True Deliverance"
Text: Philippians 1:19-21
Series: Philippians: Partnership in the Gospel
Theme: Rejoicing in Christ in the midst of life's uncertainties
Point: True deliverance is the ability to rejoice in spite of life's uncertainties, trusting that the Lord will cause your situation to work out for your good.
Outline:
I. The assurance of true deliverance (1:19)
A. The prayers of the saints: "through your prayers" (v. 19a)
B. The help of the Spirit: "the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (v. 19b)
II. The ambition of true deliverance (1:20)
A. May I never let Christ down: "as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed" (v. 20a)
B. May I always lift Christ up: "but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death" (v. 20b)
1. How? "with full courage"
2. When? "now as always"
3. Where? "in my body"
III. The advantage of true deliverance (1:21)
A. Christ is all in life: "For to me to live is Christ" (v. 21a)
B. Christ is all in death: "and to die is gain" (v. 21b)
Monday, June 08, 2009
Notes from Sunday -06/07/09
First Sundays! I love them. The celebration of the Lord’s Table and Baptism are always special times in the life of the church.
We showed a brief clip from our Make a Difference Day several months ago. And I continue to praise God for the way the Lord blessed us to be a blessing to others. May the Lord continue to use SMBC to be a lighthouse in our community and throughout the nations in these dark times. (Thanks to our media team for your work on the video.)
Members of the graduating class of Clara White Mission’s culinary school and janitorial service were present in worship with us. It was an honor to have them present. Thanks to Jacoby Pittman, president of Clara White, for choosing to worship with us.
In my New Member’s Class, I finished my lesson on how to pray effectively.
I continued my exposition of the book of Philippians with a message from Philippians 1:19-21, entitled, “True Deliverance.” My point: True deliverance is the ability to rejoice in the face of uncertain circumstances, trusting that God will work it out for your good.”
Hard work.
I plan to write a post one day on the futility of self-analysis. We really don’t know when and how the Lord is using us to be a blessing to others.
Next Sunday’s text: Philippians 1:22-26 – “On Making Difficult Decisions”
Praise God for those who were added to the church yesterday.
Hailey almost made it through 8 AM service. Almost.
The Magic need a miracle. And that’s I have to say about that.
I am ready for football season to begin.
We showed a brief clip from our Make a Difference Day several months ago. And I continue to praise God for the way the Lord blessed us to be a blessing to others. May the Lord continue to use SMBC to be a lighthouse in our community and throughout the nations in these dark times. (Thanks to our media team for your work on the video.)
Members of the graduating class of Clara White Mission’s culinary school and janitorial service were present in worship with us. It was an honor to have them present. Thanks to Jacoby Pittman, president of Clara White, for choosing to worship with us.
In my New Member’s Class, I finished my lesson on how to pray effectively.
I continued my exposition of the book of Philippians with a message from Philippians 1:19-21, entitled, “True Deliverance.” My point: True deliverance is the ability to rejoice in the face of uncertain circumstances, trusting that God will work it out for your good.”
Hard work.
I plan to write a post one day on the futility of self-analysis. We really don’t know when and how the Lord is using us to be a blessing to others.
Next Sunday’s text: Philippians 1:22-26 – “On Making Difficult Decisions”
Praise God for those who were added to the church yesterday.
Hailey almost made it through 8 AM service. Almost.
The Magic need a miracle. And that’s I have to say about that.
I am ready for football season to begin.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
10 Recommendations to Gospel Artists from a Loyal Fan and Concerned Pastor
I am a loyal Gospel Music fan. For years, I have joyfully collected Gospel CD recordings. More recently, I download music from iTunes. And I rarely go anywhere without my iPod. Keys, wallets, cell phone, and iPod - don’t leave home without them!
I love Gospel Music. Praise and worship. Traditional. Contemporary. Old school. New school. You name it. I like it, except for quartet music (Oops). Sorry.
Really, I just love music. But I especially love Gospel Music. However, most of the Gospel Music on my iPod, I would absolutely freak out to hear performed in an actual worship service on Sunday morning. The music may sell a lot of records. But it is not music that is appropriate for public, corporate, Christian worship services.
Gospel artists, know that you have my full support. I love your work. Many of your are very gifted and talented. And I pray that God will use your ministries to his glory. However, as a pastor, I am concerned about how your work shapes Sunday mornings in many local congregations.
Concerning music in worship, Paul exhorts, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16, ESV).
Note three things about this verse. A variety of music is acceptable in Christian worship. Music used in worship ought to teach and warn the saints in all wisdom. And the goal of music in worship is to cause the word of Christ to dwell in the hearts and minds of the saints more fully.
Even though you are performing music as a part of the music industry; as a Christian, you are not exempt from these instructions. The Lord will hold you accountable for the music you perform in his name, just as he will hold me accountable for the sermons I preach in his name. So sing, play, and write to the glory of God!
Here are ten recommendations you should consider as you strive for spiritual excellence in your music ministry:
1. Write and sing songs that exalt the Godhead, rather than songs to and about the congregation or audience.
2. In many instances, simple is better. But be careful not to dumb down worship by only writing and performing simplistic songs. 7-11 songs - where you keep saying the same seven words eleven times - are not edifying. Write a text. Make a point. Give us something grand about Christ and the gospel to listen to, sing, and think about.
3. Please stop doing so much talking before, during, and after the songs. Just sing. And let the lyrics speak for themselves.
4. Take the time to have a pastor or Bible teacher review your lyrics, to help you think through the theological, doctrinal, and textual implications of your lyrics. (Hopefully, it can be your pastor. You do have a pastor, don’t you?) Word of Faith teachers do not count.
5. Be sensitive to the fact that your recordings influence many local churches, music departments, and worship services - for better or for worse.
6. You may cause us to miss your point about how good God is if you are simultaneous trying to show us how good you can sing.
7. Do not give “shout-outs” during the songs to your record company, producers, fellow musicians, band members, home town, or... you get the point. What’s that about?
8. You dishonor the entire worship service and set a bad example when a pastor invites you to sing and you do your “set” and then leave.
9. Stop speaking in tongues on your recordings. Many of your listeners do not speak in tongues. And many who do believe that tongues should have an interpreter. Carefully study 1 Corinthians 12-14. And think about what you are communicating in a recording of worship music.
10. Stop addressing cities in your music. “Praise him, Detroit.” “Sing it with me, Houston.” You are not leading cities in worship. You are leading the congregation you are leading. Hopefully.
Here is one more recommendation for free:
11. Please remember that it is not about you.
I love Gospel Music. Praise and worship. Traditional. Contemporary. Old school. New school. You name it. I like it, except for quartet music (Oops). Sorry.
Really, I just love music. But I especially love Gospel Music. However, most of the Gospel Music on my iPod, I would absolutely freak out to hear performed in an actual worship service on Sunday morning. The music may sell a lot of records. But it is not music that is appropriate for public, corporate, Christian worship services.
Gospel artists, know that you have my full support. I love your work. Many of your are very gifted and talented. And I pray that God will use your ministries to his glory. However, as a pastor, I am concerned about how your work shapes Sunday mornings in many local congregations.
Concerning music in worship, Paul exhorts, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16, ESV).
Note three things about this verse. A variety of music is acceptable in Christian worship. Music used in worship ought to teach and warn the saints in all wisdom. And the goal of music in worship is to cause the word of Christ to dwell in the hearts and minds of the saints more fully.
Even though you are performing music as a part of the music industry; as a Christian, you are not exempt from these instructions. The Lord will hold you accountable for the music you perform in his name, just as he will hold me accountable for the sermons I preach in his name. So sing, play, and write to the glory of God!
Here are ten recommendations you should consider as you strive for spiritual excellence in your music ministry:
1. Write and sing songs that exalt the Godhead, rather than songs to and about the congregation or audience.
2. In many instances, simple is better. But be careful not to dumb down worship by only writing and performing simplistic songs. 7-11 songs - where you keep saying the same seven words eleven times - are not edifying. Write a text. Make a point. Give us something grand about Christ and the gospel to listen to, sing, and think about.
3. Please stop doing so much talking before, during, and after the songs. Just sing. And let the lyrics speak for themselves.
4. Take the time to have a pastor or Bible teacher review your lyrics, to help you think through the theological, doctrinal, and textual implications of your lyrics. (Hopefully, it can be your pastor. You do have a pastor, don’t you?) Word of Faith teachers do not count.
5. Be sensitive to the fact that your recordings influence many local churches, music departments, and worship services - for better or for worse.
6. You may cause us to miss your point about how good God is if you are simultaneous trying to show us how good you can sing.
7. Do not give “shout-outs” during the songs to your record company, producers, fellow musicians, band members, home town, or... you get the point. What’s that about?
8. You dishonor the entire worship service and set a bad example when a pastor invites you to sing and you do your “set” and then leave.
9. Stop speaking in tongues on your recordings. Many of your listeners do not speak in tongues. And many who do believe that tongues should have an interpreter. Carefully study 1 Corinthians 12-14. And think about what you are communicating in a recording of worship music.
10. Stop addressing cities in your music. “Praise him, Detroit.” “Sing it with me, Houston.” You are not leading cities in worship. You are leading the congregation you are leading. Hopefully.
Here is one more recommendation for free:
11. Please remember that it is not about you.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Facing Friendly Fire
I am having a ball preaching through Philippians!
I am still in Paul's missionary report to the church, where he discusses the advancement of the gospel. In verses 14-18, Paul describes how God worked through his difficult circumstances to advance the gospel. Now, in verse 15-18, Paul describes how God worked through his ministerial opposition to advance the gospel.
Some parents were not satisfied with the explanation they were given about their son's death in the Vietnam War. They continued to ask questions and demand answers, until the found out the truth. Their son was not killed by the enemy. Rather, he was accidentally killed by the artillery of a fellow-soldier. They called it "friendly fire." Unfortunately, it happens in the church, as well.
The matter that Paul discusses in this text was not doctrinal or moral. It seems to have been a purely personal issue that caused the church at Rome to divide into two camps: pro-Paul and anti-Paul. But Paul responds by concluding that all that matters is what they say about Christ. What they say about him is secondary.
Here is the sermon skeleton of the message:
Title: "Facing Friendly Fire"
Text: Philippians 1:15-18
Sermon Series: Philippians: Partnership in the Gospel
Theme: A Christ-centered response to interpersonal conflict
Point: There is joy in Christ that transcends how other people treat you.
Outline:
I. The humanity of the church's members (1:15)
A. The problem of sin in the church: "Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry" (v. 15a)
B. The power of sanctification in the church: "but others from goodwill" (v. 15b)
II. The motivation of the church's ministers (1:16-17)
A. God uses people whose motives are right: "The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel" (v. 16)
B. God uses people whose motives are wrong: "The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment" (v. 17)
III. The priority of the church's message (1:18)
A. How should I respond when I am mistreated? "What then?" (v. 18a)
B. How should I respond when Christ is magnified "Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice" (v. 18b)
I am still in Paul's missionary report to the church, where he discusses the advancement of the gospel. In verses 14-18, Paul describes how God worked through his difficult circumstances to advance the gospel. Now, in verse 15-18, Paul describes how God worked through his ministerial opposition to advance the gospel.
Some parents were not satisfied with the explanation they were given about their son's death in the Vietnam War. They continued to ask questions and demand answers, until the found out the truth. Their son was not killed by the enemy. Rather, he was accidentally killed by the artillery of a fellow-soldier. They called it "friendly fire." Unfortunately, it happens in the church, as well.
The matter that Paul discusses in this text was not doctrinal or moral. It seems to have been a purely personal issue that caused the church at Rome to divide into two camps: pro-Paul and anti-Paul. But Paul responds by concluding that all that matters is what they say about Christ. What they say about him is secondary.
Here is the sermon skeleton of the message:
Title: "Facing Friendly Fire"
Text: Philippians 1:15-18
Sermon Series: Philippians: Partnership in the Gospel
Theme: A Christ-centered response to interpersonal conflict
Point: There is joy in Christ that transcends how other people treat you.
Outline:
I. The humanity of the church's members (1:15)
A. The problem of sin in the church: "Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry" (v. 15a)
B. The power of sanctification in the church: "but others from goodwill" (v. 15b)
II. The motivation of the church's ministers (1:16-17)
A. God uses people whose motives are right: "The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel" (v. 16)
B. God uses people whose motives are wrong: "The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment" (v. 17)
III. The priority of the church's message (1:18)
A. How should I respond when I am mistreated? "What then?" (v. 18a)
B. How should I respond when Christ is magnified "Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice" (v. 18b)
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