Dr. Ray Pritchard --- Sermon Notes --- “Why God Picks Splendid Sinners and Lovable Losers†1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Overview of Malachi Malachi 1:1 God’s last Old Testament message to His earthly people Israel is directed to the remnant that returned from the Babylonian captivity. This remnant had totally failed during the decades after the return in their testimony for God. It is true that the Jews did no longer serve the idols as they did before the exile, but their moral condition was marked by indifference, despising of God and unbelief. Into this situation God declares His unchanging love for the people and points out their sins and their departure from His commandments (Mal. 1 – 2). But God also announces to the Jews that severe judgments will come upon them before he sends his next prophet to usher in the coming of Jesus Christ. (Mal. 3 – 4). Over the next couple months we will examine this ancient message and learn principles and commands that remain true today. The book of Malachi is truly an “Ancient Truth for Modern Timesâ€
"Obedience When Life Doesn't Make Sense" Joshua 6 1. The Reality (Joshua 6:1-5) 2. Our Responsibility (Joshua 6:6-14) * Certain Obedience * Faithful Obedience * Ruthless Obedience * Patient Obedience * Seasoned Obedience 3. God's Reward * God's Faithfulness * God's Glory * God's Partnership
Famous Last words "The Word of Victory" John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Tetelestai= This Greek word speaks of something being finished, completed, or accomplished. As we observe this cry from the cross we see: 1. Completion Christ was declaring that: * He had fulfilled the words foretold by the prophets. * He had finished the work of salvation. 2. Conquest On the cross Christ gained victory over: * Society * Sin * Satan 3. Commitment This involved Christ's: * Obedience to the Father
A Word of Suffering John 19:28 John 19:28-29 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." [29] A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. This cry from the cross should cause us to: 1. Realize the certainty of suffering. 2. Remain faithful to our calling to serve God. 3. Renew our commitment to Scripture. 4. Remember the work of Christ that brought salvation. 5. Recognize our own craving for sustenance.
The Word of Anguish Matthew 27:45; Mark 15:33-34 As we observe this cry from the cross we see: 1. A season of darkness. This darkness came as a result of: * Physical pain * Physiological ploys * A paternal purpose 2. A sudden desertion. The desertion of Christ teaches us about: * The purity of God · The penalty for our sin · The perseverance of Jesus 3. A spiritual deliverance. This deliverance involves: · The person of Christ. * The payment for sin · A promise to all people. Both: -Sinner -Saint
Words of a Family Man John 19:26-27 1. Jesus was a model son a. Jesus was about the business of saving the world, but he was not too busy for his family. b. The perfect man sets an example for children to honor their parents. c. Our spiritual responsibilities do not supersede our family responsibilities 2. If Jesus had time to honor his parents then so do you. a. No one is ever released from this sacred obligation. b. When you can't do anything else for the people you love, you can at least tell them, "I love you." c. No matter what you do in this life, you can hardly be considered a success if in your rapid climb to the top you neglect to care for your family. d. If you can't honor them while they are alive, you can remember them after they die. e. If you are unable to speak good about your parents, you can honor them by refusing to speak evil of them. 3. A disciple's responsibility: a. John deserted his Savior b. John returned to his Savior c. John was forgiven by his Savior Family Devotional Follow-Up: 1. In a practical sense, what does it mean to you to "honor your parents"? 2. Read Ecclesiastes 12. Why is it important to remember God when you are young? 3. Read Psalm 127. In what sense are children a "reward" from the Lord? Why is the person blessed whose "quiver" is full? 4. Do you agree that we are always called to honor our parents, even if we can't always obey them? How can this principle help us win our unbelieving parents who do not understand our faith in Christ? 5. Name three ways we can honor our parents after they have died. 6. If your parents are still living, take a moment and pray for them right now. If you have children, pray for them as well.
A Word of Salvation Luke 23:42 & 43 As we observe the story of the repentant thief we encounter: 1. The picture of all sinners. Just like the thief: * We revile God. * We are robbers. * We are ruined. 2. The path of salvation. This path to Christ involves your: · Change of heart. * Confession of guilt. * Commitment to faith in Christ. 3. The proclamation of the Savior. This proclamation regarding the afterlife: * Was rooted in a promise. * Involved a certain point in time. * Declared the presence of Christ. * Tells us of an eternal paradise.