Sun, 31 May 2015
Many have been the inventions that were meant for good but utilized for evil:
· Alfred Nobel created dynamite for constructive purposes, but it was used for explosives and ammunition in war and millions perished. · Google Earth can help us gain perspective, map journeys, and a thousand other good purposes. At the same time, terrorists can and have used it to plot and carry out sinister strategies. · The 3-D printer is a new invention that can print out an inexpensive new hand for an amputee or a new part for a broken engine. Criminals have wasted no time in discovering that functioning guns can be printed and exist on no registry.
Amazing that the same thing can be used for better or worse. Even a church gathering. Even the Lord’s Supper. Paul said it this way, “But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse” (I Cor. 11:17). The Corinthians were using God’s good gift in a way that highlighted divisions in the church and selfishness in the members. The end result was that their observance did not make their fellowship better, but worse! What a word for us!
This Sunday we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Leading up to it we will prepare our hearts by hearing afresh the instructions God gave us in 1 Corinthians 11 regarding the Lord’s Supper. It is meant for our good. God forbid that we conduct it in a way that makes things worse!
Pray that God will move in a great way among us. I believe that He will.
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Sun, 24 May 2015
Work as Worship “All Aboard!” Ephesians 2:8-10
1. Salvation is by grace “For by grace you have been saved . . .” (Eph. 2:8a). a. The ground of salvation b. The glory for salvation 2. Salvation is through faith “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Eph. 2:8b).
a. Faith is key b. Faith is free 3. Salvation is for good works “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10).
a. God’s art
b. God’s aim |
Sun, 17 May 2015
Work as Worship “Button, Button, Who’s Got the Button?” Colossians 3:22-4:1
1. The mandate to obey “Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters. . .” (Col. 3:22a). a. An expectation of obedience b. An exception to obedience 2. The manner to obey “. . . not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Col. 3:22b-23).
a. Eye service b. Excellent service 3. The motive to obey “. . . knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality” (Col. 3:24-25).
a. The future can bring rewards
b. The future can bring regrets |
Sun, 10 May 2015
Sermon Outline, May 10, 2015 - Istrouma Baptist Church
Perry Hancock, PhD, President & CEO
Mom’s Work as Worship | Redeeming the 24/7 Key Scripture: Proverbs 31
I. Mom’s service as worship
II. Mom’s support as worship
III. Mom’s sacrifices as worship
IV. The reason and results |