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Author:
• Sunday, April 28th, 2013

Sermon20130428

2 Corinthians 6:14 – 7:1 (NASB)
14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?
15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?
16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
17” Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE, “says the Lord.” AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you.
18 “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.
7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Introduction:

Theme: Three explicit commands for relating to unbelievers so you won’t be polluted by their sinful influence.

Command #1: Do not be yoked
together with unbelievers vs. 14a

Rhetorical basis for the command – Five Questions vv. 14b-16a

Question 1: What partnership righteousness and lawlessness? NONE

Question 2: What fellowship light with darkness? NONE

Question 3: What harmony Christ with Belial? NONE

Question 4: What part a believer with an unbeliever? NONE

Question 5: What agreement the temple of God with idols? NONE

Certain declaration: Christians are the temple of the Living God vs.16b
Scriptural basis for the declaration: Leviticus 26:11-12; Ezekial 37:27 vv 16c

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Author:
• Sunday, April 21st, 2013

Sermon20130421

2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (NASB)
1And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain —
2 for He says, “AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU.” Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION” —
3 giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited,
4 but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,
5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger,
6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love,
7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,
8 by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true;
9 as unknown yet well- known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death,
10 as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.
11 Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide.
12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections.
13 Now in a like exchange — I speak as to children — open wide to us also.

Introduction:

Theme: Five characteristics of effective gospel ministry so you will understand the devotion required of its servants

I. Gospel ministry requires that we work together with God for reconciliation vs.1a

II. Gospel ministry warns against receiving God’s grace in vain vs. 1b

III. Gospel ministry is conducted with a sense of urgency vs. 2

“The observation from the words that I would now insist upon is this.– ‘There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God.’ — By the mere pleasure of God, I mean his sovereign pleasure, his arbitrary will, restrained by no obligation, hindered by no manner of difficulty, any more than if nothing else but God’s mere will and in the least degree, or in any respect whatsoever, any hand in the preservation of wicked men one moment.”
Johnathan Edwards, Sinners in the hands of an Angry God

IV. Gospel ministry demands the utmost integrity and devotion from its servants vv3-10

A. God’s servants must not give offense vs.3
Offensive by our choices.
Offensive in poor habits.
Offensive by convictions to do right.

B. God’s servants must be fully devoted to the ministry vv.4-10
Triads of suffering:
Afflictions-Hardships-Distresses
Beatings-Imprisonments-Tumults
Labors-Sleeplessness-Hungers

Spiritual Qualities:
purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, Holy Spirit, genuine love, word of truth,

1. Three triads vv.4-5
a. General suffering
b. Opposition brought on by those hostile to his ministry
c. Voluntary toil and denial.

2. Two tetrads vv.6-7
a. Four basic Christian virtues, character traits
b. Two references to God and two central Christian principals

3. Nine experiences he underwent vv. 8-10
a. glory and dishonor
b. evil report and good report
c. Regarded as a deceiver , yet true
d. Unknown yet well known
e. Dying yet behold alive
f. Punished yet not yet put to death
g. Sorrowful yet always rejoicing
h. Poor yet making many rich
i. Having nothing yet possessing all things

V. Gospel ministry opens itself up in love vv. 11-13

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Author:
• Sunday, April 07th, 2013

Sermon20130407

2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (NASB)
1And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain —
2 for He says, “AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU.” Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION” —
3 giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited,
4 but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,
5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger,
6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love,
7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,
8 by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true;
9 as unknown yet well- known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death,
10 as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.
11 Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide.
12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections.
13 Now in a like exchange — I speak as to children — open wide to us also.

Introduction:

Theme: Five characteristics of effective gospel ministry so you will understand the devotion required of its servants

I. Gospel ministry requires that we work together with God for reconciliation vs.1a

II. Gospel ministry warns against receiving God’s grace in vain vs. 1b

III. Gospel ministry is conducted with a sense of urgency vs. 2

“The observation from the words that I would now insist upon is this.– ‘There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God.’ — By the mere pleasure of God, I mean his sovereign pleasure, his arbitrary will, restrained by no obligation, hindered by no manner of difficulty, any more than if nothing else but God’s mere will and in the least degree, or in any respect whatsoever, any hand in the preservation of wicked men one moment.”
Johnathan Edwards, Sinners in the hands of an Angry God

IV. Gospel ministry demands the utmost integrity and devotion from its servants vv3-10
A. God’s servants must not give offense vs.3
Offensive by our choices.
Offensive in poor habits.
Offensive by convictions to do right.

B. God’s servants must be fully devoted to the ministry vv.4-10
Triads of suffering:
Afflictions-Hardships-Distresses
Beatings-Imprisonments-Tumults
Labors-Sleeplessness-Hungers

Spiritual Qualities:
purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, Holy Spirit, genuine love, word of truth,

V. Gospel ministry opens itself up in love vv. 11-13

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Author:
• Sunday, March 31st, 2013

Sermon20130331

One reason to believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Bible tells us so !

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Author:
• Sunday, March 24th, 2013

Sermon20130325

Mark 11:1 – 13:37 (NASB)
1 As they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, 2 and said to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. 3” If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ you say, ‘The Lord has need of it’; and immediately he will send it back here. “4 They went away and found a colt tied at the door, outside in the street; and they untied it. 5 Some of the bystanders were saying to them,” What are you doing, untying the colt? “6 They spoke to them just as Jesus had told them, and they gave them permission. 7 They brought the colt to Jesus and put their coats on it; and He sat on it. 8 And many spread their coats in the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields. 9 Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting:” Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest! “11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking around at everything, He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late. 12 On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He became hungry. 13 Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 He said to it,” May no one ever eat fruit from you again! “And His disciples were listening. 15 Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves; 16 and He would not permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple. 17 And He began to teach and say to them,” Is it not written, ‘MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL THE NATIONS’? But you have made it a ROBBERS ‘DEN. “18 The chief priests and the scribes heard this, and began seeking how to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, for the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching. 19 When evening came, they would go out of the city. 20 As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. 21 Being reminded, Peter said to Him,” Rabbi, look, the fig tree which You cursed has withered. “22 And Jesus answered saying to them,” Have faith in God. 23 “Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,’ Be taken up and cast into the sea, ‘and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. 24” Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. 25 “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.”] 27 They came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him, 28 and began saying to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?” 29 And Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30” Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me. “31 They began reasoning among themselves, saying,” If we say,’ From heaven, ‘He will say,’ Then why did you not believe him? ’32 “But shall we say,’ From men ‘?” — they were afraid of the people, for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet. 33 Answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

12
And He began to speak to them in parables:”A man PLANTED A VINEYARD AND PUT A WALL AROUND IT, AND DUG A VAT UNDER THE WINE PRESS AND BUILT A TOWER, and rented it out to vine- growers and went on a journey. 2″ At the harvest time he sent a slave to the vine- growers, in order to receive some of the produce of the vineyard from the vine- growers. 3 “They took him, and beat him and sent him away empty- handed. 4” Again he sent them another slave, and they wounded him in the head, and treated him shamefully. 5 “And he sent another, and that one they killed; and so with many others, beating some and killing others. 6” He had one more to send, a beloved son; he sent him last of all to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 “But those vine- growers said to one another, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours!’ 8” They took him, and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 “What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vine- growers, and will give the vineyard to others. 10” Have you not even read this Scripture:’THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone; 11 THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES’? “12 And they were seeking to seize Him, and yet they feared the people, for they understood that He spoke the parable against them. And so they left Him and went away. 13 Then they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. 14 They came and said to Him,” Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll- tax to Caesar, or not? 15 “Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.” 16 They brought one. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” 17 And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him. 18 Some Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection) came to Jesus, and began questioning Him, saying, 19 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that IF A MAN’S BROTHER DIES and leaves behind a wife AND LEAVES NO CHILD, HIS BROTHER SHOULD MARRY THE WIFE AND RAISE UP CHILDREN TO HIS BROTHER. 20” There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no children. 21 “The second one married her, and died leaving behind no children; and the third likewise; 22 and so all seven left no children. Last of all the woman died also. 23” In the resurrection, when they rise again, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her. “24 Jesus said to them,” Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God? 25 “For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 26” But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, and the God of Jacob’? 27 “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken.” 28 One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; 30 AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’ 31” The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these. “32 The scribe said to Him,” Right, Teacher; You have truly stated that HE IS ONE, AND THERE IS NO ONE ELSE BESIDES HIM; 33 AND TO LOVE HIM WITH ALL THE HEART AND WITH ALL THE UNDERSTANDING AND WITH ALL THE STRENGTH, AND TO LOVE ONE’S NEIGHBOR AS HIMSELF, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. “34 When Jesus saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him,” You are not far from the kingdom of God. “After that, no one would venture to ask Him any more questions. 35 And Jesus began to say, as He taught in the temple,” How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? 36 “David himself said in the Holy Spirit, ‘THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD,” SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES BENEATH YOUR FEET. “‘ 37” David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; so in what sense is He his son? “And the large crowd enjoyed listening to Him. 38 In His teaching He was saying:” Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, 39 and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 40 who devour widows ‘houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation. “41 And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. 43 Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them,” Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on. ”
13
1 As He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down.” 3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew were questioning Him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. 6” Many will come in My name, saying,’ I am He! ‘and will mislead many. 7 “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. 8” For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. 9 “But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. 10” The gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11 “When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. 12” Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 13 “You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. 14” But when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. 15 “The one who is on the housetop must not go down, or go in to get anything out of his house; 16 and the one who is in the field must not turn back to get his coat. 17” But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 18 “But pray that it may not happen in the winter. 19” For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will. 20 “Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days. 21” And then if anyone says to you,’ Behold, here is the Christ ‘; or,’ Behold, He is there ‘; do not believe him; 22 for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 “But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance. 24” But in those days, after that tribulation, THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, 25 AND THE STARS WILL BE FALLING from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. 26 “Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN CLOUDS with great power and glory. 27” And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven. 28 “Now learn the parable from the fig tree:when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29” Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 30 “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31” Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. 32 “But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. 33” Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. 34 “It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert. 35” Therefore, be on the alert — for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning — 36 in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 “What I say to you I say to all,’ Be on the alert! ‘”

Introduction:

Theme:

Event #1:

Background: Triumphal Entry, Sunday.
Significance:
Lesson:

Event #2:

Background: Leaving Bethany, encounters fruitless fig tree, Monday morning.
Significance:
Lesson:

Event #3:

Background: Cleansing the Temple
Significance:
Lesson:

Event #4:

Background: Lesson from the cursed fig tree – Tuesday morning
Significance:
Lesson:

Event #5:

Background: Questions from the Jewish Leaders – Tuesday, day
11:27-33:
12:13-17:
12:18-27:
12:28-34:

Significance:
Lesson:

Event #6:

Background: Parable of the vineyard – Tuesday.
Significance:
Lesson:

Event #7:

Background: Jesus explains the mystery of how the Christ could be Lord and be descended from David
Significance:
Lesson:

Event #8:

Background: Warning against / condemning religious leaders.
Significance:
Lesson:

Event #9:

Background: Observing the widows gift to the treasury
Significance:
Lesson:

Event #10:

Background: The Olivet Discourse
Significance:
Lesson:

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Author:
• Sunday, March 17th, 2013

Sermon20130317

2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (NASB)
1And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain —
2 for He says, “AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION I HELPED YOU.” Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION” —
3 giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited,
4 but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,
5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger,
6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love,
7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,
8 by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true;
9 as unknown yet well- known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death,
10 as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.
11 Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide.
12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections.
13 Now in a like exchange — I speak as to children — open wide to us also.

Introduction:

Theme: Five characteristics of effective gospel ministry so you will understand the devotion required of its servants

I. Gospel ministry requires that we work together with God for reconciliation vs.1a

II. Gospel ministry warns against

receiving God’s grace in vain vs. 1b

III. Gospel ministry is conducted with a sense of urgency vs. 2

“The observation from the words that I would now insist upon is this.– ‘There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God.’ — By the mere pleasure of God, I mean his sovereign pleasure, his arbitrary will, restrained by no obligation, hindered by no manner of difficulty, any more than if nothing else but God’s mere will and in the least degree, or in any respect whatsoever, any hand in the preservation of wicked men one moment.”
Johnathan Edwards, Sinners in the hands of an Angry God

IV. Gospel ministry demands the utmost integrity and devotion from its servants vv3-10
A. God’s servants must not give offense vs.3
B. God’s servants must be fully devoted to the ministry vv.4-10

V. Gospel ministry opens itself up in love vv. 11-13

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• Sunday, March 10th, 2013

Sermon20130310

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NASB)
16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer.
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,
19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Introduction:
Death Bed Quotes of remarkable Atheists !

Theme: Five reasons why God uses us to restore sinners to Himself so that we will embrace this responsibility as our great privilege.

Review:

I. We know Christ as our Savior vs.16
A. The outward achievements of men do not impress us vs.16a
B. Our pre-Christian knowledge of Christ is irrelevant to us vs. 16b

II. We recognize the new status of every believer in Christ vs. 17

III. We are recipients of the ministry of reconciliation through Christ vv.18-19
A. A ministry through which we personally benefit vs.18a
B. A ministry through which we reconcile others to God vv.18b-19

Reconciliation:
Romans 5:10-11
Colossians 1:19-22
Ephesians 2:14-17

“Reconciliation does not happen when man decides to stop rejecting God but when God decides to stop rejecting man. It is a divine provision by which God’s holy displeasure against alienated sinners is appeased, His hostility against them is removed, and a harmonious relationship between Him and them established .” – John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 2Corinthians, 200

IV. We are ambassadors for Christ vs.20

V. We have become the righteousness of God in Christ vs.21

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• Sunday, February 24th, 2013

Sermon20130224

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• Sunday, February 17th, 2013

Sermon20130217

2 Corinthians 5:11-15 (NASB)
11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.
12 We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart.
13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;
15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

Introduction:

Review:

Theme: Three implications from judgement so you will live for Christ rather than yourself.

I. We know the fear of the Lord vs.11

II. We take take action vv.11-13
A. Persuasion in evangelism
B. Persuasion of sincerity

III. We are controlled by Christ’s love for us. vv.14-15
A. This love was demonstrated in a substitutionary atonement.

Note on the word “all”

1. All without
2. All without distinction

Understanding the word “all” in verses 14-15
The “all” who died is a direct consequence of Christ’s death for them.

His death was physical, ours is figurative.
Our death took place when He died.

Three provisions of the death of Christ for those condemned to hell.

1. The death of Christ serves to establish His Lordship
2. The death of Christ provides for a genuine offer of the Gospel for all people
3. The death of Christ provides a stay of execution

B. This love leads to living for Christ.

Two categories of people

1. They who live for themselves
2. They who live for their Savior

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• Sunday, February 10th, 2013

Sermon20130210

2 Corinthians 5:11-15 (NASB)
11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.
12 We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart.
13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;
15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

Introduction:

Review:

Theme: Three implications from judgement so you will live for Christ rather than yourself.

I. We know the fear of the Lord vs.11

II. We take take action vv.11-13
A. Persuasion in evangelism
B. Persuasion of sincerity

III. We are controlled by Christ’s love for us. vv.14-15
A. This love was demonstrated in a substitutionary atonement.
B. This love leads to living for Christ.

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