From Here to the World

“What we need is not bigger and longer cars, more of material goods, but a spiritual awakening.” Matt. 28:16-20 I: One world and one gospel: 1. 2,500,000,000 people. 2. Hiroshima made us to realize that we live in one world. 3. Christ included the whole world in the Christian witnessing. Acts 1:8 II: Organized for the job. 1. The local church and local field. 2. The associations and Judea. 3. The state convention and Samaria. 4. The convention and the whole world. III: Cooperating through the organization. 1. 23 State conventions cooperating. 2. Carrying out the great commission through: 30 hospitals, 6,000 beds, 2,000,000 patient days per yr. training over 3,000 nurses. a. 30 senior colleges and universities enrolling 33,000 students; 30 Jr. colleges...

Forgiveness

Matt. 18:125-17, 21-35 I: Jesus teaches forgiveness. 1. “But if your brother wrongs you.” 2. “Go and have it out with him at once” 3. “Just between the 2 of you.” 4. “If he will listen to you, you have won him back as your breother.” 5. “But if he will not listen to you.” 6. “Take 1 or 2 others.” 7. “If he still won’t pay any attention, tell the church.” II: Never forget to forgive: 1. Would 7 times be enough? 2. “The kingdom of heaven is life.” a. A king settling accounts. b. 1 owed thousands of dollars. c. 1 owed $20. d. But both begging to have mercy. e. One received but refused to remember. III: “For if you forgive other people.” Matt. 6 1....

Excuses

Luke 14:15-24, Isaiah 55:1-3 Context: This parable was spoken in the house of a wealthy man. It was an occasion of hospitality but they were watching him. I: Jesus watched and observed them. 1. He saw the man with dropsy. He knew why the man was there. 2. He was how pride made them seek the best seats. 3. He saw that the host had invited a choice crowd. 4. Then he healed the sick man, shamed the guest and criticized the host. 5. Some one saw in the words he spoke a picture of the Kingdom of God. II: Then Jesus told of a great supper. 1. Many were invited. 2. All the guests declined. 3. None said no, but all gave excuses. 4. What was the real reason? a. They didn’t like the host. b. They didn’t like the guest he might have. c. They were contented to go...

Demas has Forsaken Me

Timothy 2 4:10 I: Demas a fellow laborer. Philemon 24 1. A new convert happy in the work of the Lord. 2. Gladly sharing the burdens of the Lords work. 3. He was so busy following the lamb that he forgot to follow the goat. II: Demas is with me. Col. 4:14 1. Idleness is one step between service and forsaking. 2. “They lean to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.” Tim. 1 5:13. 3. “The idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” III: Demas has forshaken me. Tim. 2 4:10 1. The devil has been successful. 2. The devil worked on him while he was idle. 3. The majority of Church trouble comes from idle members. 4. His love for Christian labor gave...

Covenant for A New Year

Hebrews 8:1- The word Covenant is used over 260 times in the Bible. I: What is Covenant and How is it Made? 1. “Covenant is a contrast between Man and God or between Men and Men.” A Covenant is a promise made and received. 2. A Covenant is made by: a. Joining of hands. Ezekiel 17:18 (Abraham by an Oath). Genesis 21:31 (Abimaleck) b. A heap of stones. Genesis 31:46 (Jacob and Laban) c. A feast. Genesis 26:30 (Issac). d. Eating of salt. Numbers 18:19 3. Gods covenant with men: a. Ratified by signs, smoking furnace, or a burning lamp. b. By the shedding of blood. c. By the crucifixion of Christ. II: Gods covenant with Abraham. Gen. 12:1-3 1. “I will make of thee a great nation.” 2. “I will bless thee and make thy name great.” 3....