Rivers of Joy Baptist Church | Sermons
HOW DO I SERVE THE LORD?
• Paul endeavored to impart depth into their lives and it’s a difficult task. Romans 1-11. Comforted together - encouraged together with: from sun = together, speaks of an intimate association + to encourage and strengthen by consolation, to comfort, to strengthen) means to call upon or invite or exhort at the same time or together. To be encouraged at the same time with someone else. o Each member of the church body should have some measure of spiritual knowledge to share with one another. o Let’s learn together I Peter 5:2-6 o Pride will keep you from really seeking to learn from others. Humbleness is you can allow someone else to feel important enough to talk to you about what you know more.
THE PRIVILEGES OF THE GOSPEL: 1:7
THREE PRIVILEGES BELIEVERS HAVE AS A RESULT OF THE GOSPEL 1 BELOVED OF GOD 2 CALLED TO BE SAINTS 3 SAINTS OF GOD
THE PERSON OF THE GOOD NEWS: JESUS CHRIST
Preaching which does NOT do the following is going to be bankrupt. For anything less than an exaltation of God in His glory, or the Son of God in His mercy, or the Spirit of God in His heavenly motions–anything less is the promotion of the earthly agenda of the preacher. Check out the videos and outlines on growbylearning.com
THE PROMISE OF THE GOSPEL
This Gospel is not something new. This message of the Gospel is not a change of God’s strategy. It was something that was promised long ago. It wasn’t a revolutionary new message. It was an Old Testament promise. Paul was being accused of being Anti-Jewish. That he was preaching a new message. Paul is saying this is not the new good news but the old good news.
The Good News of the Gospel of Salvation
THE PERSON OF THE GOOD NEWS: JESUS CHRIST God's Good News Concerning His Son Charles E. Whisnant, Pastor/Teacher October 04, 2009 Rivers of Joy Baptist Church Romans 1:1-4 • Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord... "...Was Declared the Son of God with Power by the Resurrection from the Dead, According to the Spirit of Holiness….” Notes for Verse 4— And declared <3724>-- literally, "marked off," "defined," "determined," that is, "shown," or "proved." To distinguish.” “To mark out the boundary, to decree, to appoint.” LKGNT. “And (as to His divine nature) according to the Spirit of holiness was openly designated the Son of God in power (in a striking, triumphant and miraculous manner) by His resurrection from the dead, even Jesus Christ our Lord (the Messiah, the Anointed One) or “And Jesus Christ our Lord was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised Him from the dead by means of the Holy Spirit. Then Wuest points out: “who was demonstrated in the sphere of power as Son of God so far as His divine essence was concerned by the resurrection of the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. “Horizon.” To mark out definitely. to be the Son of God -- Observe how studiously the language changes here. He "was MADE [says the apostle] of the seed of David, according to the flesh" (Rom 1:3); but He was not made, He was only "declared [or proved] to BE the Son of God." So John 1:1, 14, , "In the beginning WAS the Word . . . and the Word was MADE flesh"; and Isa 9:6, "Unto us a Child is BORN, unto us a Son is GIVEN." Thus the Sonship of Christ is in no proper sense a born relationship to the Father, as some, otherwise sound divines, conceive of it. By His birth in the flesh, that Sonship, which was essential and uncreated, merely effloresced into palpable manifestation. (See on Luke 1:35; Acts 13:32,33). with power – <1411> dunamis. (love that word) to be able, to have power, to achieve power. It refers to intrinsic or built-in power or inherent ability. Capacity to perform. The idea of effective, productive energy. Divine energy. according to the spirit of holiness the Holy Spirit," the reader would have thought he meant "the Holy Ghost"; and it seems to have been just to avoid this misapprehension that he used the rare expression, "the spirit of holiness." (1 Peter 1:11, 2 Peter 1:21, 2 Samuel 23:2, Rev. 19:10). It was the Holy Spirit working in CHRIST Who accomplished Jesus’ resurrection and every other miracle performed by Him or associated with Him. Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. BY THE RESURRECTION <386> FROM THE DEAD- A standing again. (Anastasis Gr.) One who has come back to life after having died. The indisputable manifestation that Jesus is the Son of God. It’s God’s “exclamation point” to the good news of resurrection life available in Christ Jesus through the Gospel. The most conclusive and irrefutable evidence of Jesus’ divine Sonship. Conquered death, a power belonging only to God Himself, the giver of life. Jesus was indeed God, the Son. Jesus Christ our Lord (lesou Christou tou kuriou hemon) JESUS: He will save. Jehovah saves. The Lord Jesus Christ His full name. Used 61 times in the New Testament. CHRIST: to anoint, rub with oil or consecrate to an office. “The anointed.” Old Testament: Messiah or the Anointed One. LORD: <2962> might, power. Give authority, confirm. Describes one who has absolute ownership and uncontrolled power, signifies sovereign power and authority. Jesus is referred ten times as SAVIOR, and some 700 times as Lord. OUR: Your Lord? Particularly, could someone tell that the Lord Jesus Christ “owns” you by watching the way you live? Preaching which does NOT do the following is going to be bankrupt. For anything less than an exaltation of God in His glory, or the Son of God in His mercy, or the Spirit of God in His heavenly motions–anything less is the promotion of the earthly agenda of the preacher This Gospel of God is the good news that Jesus Christ is Lord that Paul is speaking about has seven fundamentals that are part of his statement here in Romans 1:1-7. • The Preacher is Paul. Paul is used by God as the human means to transport the Gospel. The Promise we see in the O.T. of the goodness of God. The Person who will bring salvation is Jesus Christ the Lord. The Provision that comes with the good news is Christ’s riches. And we see the result of those who love the Son. Then the Proclamation, if you love the Son, you will tell others about the Son. And we will see three Privileges believers have as a result of the good news and the Purpose of the Good News of salvation Videos of this message on growbylearning.com. Outline cwhisna1947.spaces.live.com
Learning to have the same attitude as Jesus Christ
THE THEME OF THESE PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE TO THE PEOPLE AT PHILIPPI IN 62 A.D. The letter was written to the church at Philippi, one of the earliest churches to be founded in Europe. 1. The Doctrine of Christian Unity 2. The High Standard of Spiritual commitment 3. The Pattern of Unity in the Believer’s life.
Paul A Bond Slave of Jesus Christ
Paul was called to the ministry of preaching the Gospel. This message which is on video and outline. growbylearning.com. or cwhisna.blogspot.com and outline on sermon notes
Created in Image of God September 02 2009
So we are created in the image of God • Personhood • Relationship • Understanding of right and wrong • Morality or principles
The importance of Spiritual Tenacity
THE INTEGRITY OF LIVING IN CONSISTENCY OF T THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY The Characteristic Christians that is behaving itself in Christ's Spiritual Kingdom The importance of Spiritual Tenacity Philippians 1:27 August 16, 2009 Charles E. Whisnant A CHURCH THAT IS BEHAVING ITSELF: THE IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUAL TENACITY BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE SERMON NOTES A & CWhisna.blogspot.com
THE DEVIL AND HIS CROWD OUT TO GET, DISTRACT, AND CAUSE DOUBTS
Charles E. Whisnant August 09, 2009 Rivers of Joy Baptist Church I Thessalonians 2:17-20 (18) THE DEVIL AND HIS CROWD OUT TO GET, DISTRACT, AND CAUSE DOUBTS 17But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. 18Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20For ye are our glory and joy. Satan is out to get in the way of you getting on your way in the Christian life "In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." 2 Corin. 2:11 Satan's Scheme #1 - Drive us to despair. Satan's Scheme #2 - Tempt us to be proud, or to think more highly of ourselves than we should. Satan's Scheme #3 - Tempt us to feel perplexed, and to begin to doubt God when our prayers seem to go unanswered. Satan's Scheme #4 - Troubling the believer with blasphemous, impure, unbelieving thoughts. Satan's Scheme #5 - Tempting us by our carnal friends and relatives. Satan's Scheme #6 - Not tempting us at all, in order to "surprise" us when we least expect it. and yet Satan hindered us. (2:18b) A second reality that Paul understood well in his ministry and relationship with the Thessalonians was that he faced satanic opposition. He had the spiritual discernment and understanding to realize that God has allowed Satan to oppose the kingdom of God in a variety of ways. Scripture mentions many of them: the devil tempted Christ (Matt. 4:3–10); he opposes the gospel (Matt. 13:19; 2 Cor. 4:4); he performs counterfeit miracles (Ex. 7:11; Acts 8:9–24; 13:8; cf. 2 Thess. 2:9; Rev. 16:14); he seeks to deceive believers (2 Cor. 11:3, 14; Eph. 6:11); he perpetrates lies and murders (1 Kings 22:22; John 8:44); he attacks individual churches (Acts 5:1–11; Rev. 2:9,13, 24; 3:9); and he especially attacks spiritual leaders (Job 1:6–2:8; Luke 22:31–32; 2 Cor. 12:7–9; 1 Tim. 3:7). The New Testament reports that he was present at the churches of Jerusalem (Acts 5:1–10), Corinth (2 Cor. 2:1–11), Ephesus (1 Tim. 3:6–7), Smyrna (Rev. 2:9–10), Pergamum (2:13), Thyatira (2:24), and Philadelphia (3:9). Satan wants to thwart the progress of God's kingdom much as an army seeks to disrupt the advance of an opposing army. The word translated hindered is a military term referring to digging a trench or breaking up a road. One of the countermeasures an ancient army would take against the opposition was to dig a massive trench that would prevent enemy troops from reaching its men. Another way to frustrate the enemy's progress would be to tear up a brick or stone road so that he could not traverse it. Thus Paul depicted the powerful devil as supernaturally obstructing the apostle's strong desire to revisit Thessalonica. Paul did not state specifically how Satan thwarted his desire, but the hindrance could refer to the trouble at Jason's house and the pledge that Jason made ( Acts 17:9) Paul recognized that Satan (the adversary) is the real enemy behind all opposition to the gospel. Satan’s purpose is to hinder the work of God and stop the forward march of the Church. As the god of this world he blinds the minds of unbelievers, trying to keep out the light of the glorious gospel of Christ 2 Corin 4:4 SATAN WILL HINDER, GET IN THE WAY BY 1A SUGGESTING DOUBT 2A MAGNIFYING DIFFICULTIES 3A BY DISTRACTIONS 4A BY FRUSTRATING OUR PURPOSES 5A BY TEMPTING US TO DO THE OPPOSITE 6A BY ACCUSING US WRONGLY Whereas as Satan kept Paul out of Thessalonica for a time, this became a blessing because we have the epistle which Paul wrote, having words for us of comfort, warning and direction. 19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing.” Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? “For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” (2:19–20) Listen, Paul loved his people, he understood his enemy and he looked for his Lord’s coming. PAUL LIVED IN THE LIGHT OF THE RETURN OF THE LORD. PAUL ASKED THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS 1A WHO IS IT THAT WE HOPE TO SEE? 2A WHAT IS OUR CROWN? 3A WHERE IS OUR REJOICING? 4A WHO IS OUR HOPE? 5A WHO IS THE SOURCE OF OUR ETERNAL HAPPiNESS?
Satan Is Out To Shake You Up
Charles E. Whisnant August 02, 2009 Rivers of Joy Baptist Church I Thessalonians 2:17-20 (18) PAUL CARED ABOUT SEEING HIS SPIRITUAL PEOPLE. Satan is out to get you and your joy in Christ Vs. 18 “We want to come to you.” 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 1 Thess 2:18) • Faithful pastors or servants of the Lord can’t just dump the message on his people and split and come back to dump the next message and go about his merry way. He is concerned about individuals. He is concerned not only about what he says, but he is concerned about their response to what he says. • Paul desired to see their faces. Note he said “I” this time. He had sent Timothy, since he couldn’t go, but not because he didn’t want to go. • He wants to know their spiritual condition, not just to dump information on them, but to nurture their spiritual condition
THE SPIRIT OF MARTHA OR THE SPIRIT OF MARY
THE SPIRIT OF MARTHA OR THE SPIRIT OF MARY Pastor/Teacher Charles e. Whisnant Rivers of joy Baptist church- may 10, 2009 Luke 10:38-42 A list of thirty five women in the bible. 1a the conduct of two sisters: Luke 10:38-42 Question: Is there a lot of religious activity in your home, or in church life, but there is no worship. Just motion and not experienced in worship? • Religious activity is not worship. • Service without worship leads to anger and burnout, and outburst. Question: what would you do if Christ dropped by your house for a short visit? • Continue your house cleaning? • Stop and sit down and listen to the words of Jesus? • Get dinner ready? 1b The Story 1c Martha’s Distraction: 1d She was interested in the practical things, and she wanted to have a great dinner for the Lord. She was upset that Mary would not help her, And she made sure the Lord was aware of her feelings. “Lord do you approve of my sister just sitting in here listening to you while I slave in the kitchen making you dinner?” 2c what was Mary doing that Martha did not like? 1d Mary was reflective. She was full of thought. 2d She was sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to his words. Note: a balance of meditation and labor, Thought and activity 3c The Lord’s Reaction 1d He was kind to Martha, but said Mary has chosen the good part. Jesus was not saying Martha should not fix a meal. HE wanted her to know her service in fixing the meal was good, but she overreacted to Mary’s behavior. 4c why was Mary’s action in fellowship better than food? 1d love at leisure: 1e Leisure of love is not laziness—but to learn, to commune, to copy, to pray 2e Some people can’t sit long enough to listen to a thought. 2d love in lowliness 1e One who listens is one who is a receiver, one who has an acknowledgement of needing to learn. 3d love listening 1e One who sits at the feet of Jesus to study him, read his very heart, and desires to know him 2e Listening and not being disturbed about listening. 4d love is possession 1e In full enjoyment, in perfect satisfaction, in full assurance. 5c The Spirit of Martha and the Spirit of Mary 1d Martha’s spirit: is to serve the Lord in the flesh, and not spending time just listening to His words. Gets tied up with the work, not the spirit of the work. Fruits will ripen very quickly. Was right in her principles, but failed in carrying it out. 2d Mary’s spirit was to treasure every word of Jesus, and contemplate, worship, and grow in grace. Sees the work only as a means, it’s not work that brings joy, but the filling of her soul.
The Spiritual Leader
The moral fiber of a spiritual leader I THESSALONIANS 2:10-13 1CORINTHIANS 16:13-14, Joshua 1 Pastor/teacher Charles e. Whisnant April 26, 2009 Rivers of joy Baptist church Someone said God does more with those who fail than those who never try anything.. If I had quit after my first church as pastor, I might be driving a school bus. (Well, I have always being bi-vocational). Your soul, and mind believes you have been called by God to be in ministry of the Word. I am not made to quit. Beat up, down to nine in the count, but not out of the race, yet. Deut 31:1-6 6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 1 Corinthians 16:13 Act like men, men act with strength and courage, decisive, leaders. “When he walked into the locker room, you knew he was a leader.” • Leadership is based upon that strength of conviction, of character, of courage, that will not compromise. God gives a charge to Joshua: • Deut. 31:14-21, 23 And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: David, having given a charge to Solomon • 1 Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, 2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man; 1 Kings 2:1-2 He instructs Solomon in God's promises and his duty in building the temple 1 Chron 22:11-13 ‘ be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.” 1 Chron 22:13 As Sennacherib invades Judah, Hezekiah builds fortifications and encourages his people • 7 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed 2 Chron 32:7 OKAY. HOW CAN YOU BE STRONG, COURAGEOUS, AND NOT BE APPREHENSIVE? The Lord appoints Joshua to succeed Moses • Moses' minister -- that is, his official attendant, who, from being constantly employed in important services and early initiated into the principles of the government, would be well trained for undertaking the leadership of Israel. Joshua 1:2,6,7,9,18 • It is remarkable, however, that Joshua’s courage and hope of victory were made to depend (see on De 17:18) on his firm and inflexible adherence to the law of God, not only that regarding getting rid of the Canaanites, but the whole divine code But on what basis, where do I find staying power, stamina, resilience? 1 To deal with difficulty. 2 To face challenge. 3 To meet the enemy. 4 Contend with obstacles. 5 Bear the pain. 6 Press to a difficult goal. HERE ARE THE ANSWERS: • THE PRESENCE OF GOD: Joshua 1:5 “so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” • THE REASON WAS JUST: Joshua 1:6 for unto this people shall you divide for an inheritance the land, ) • THE TRUSTWORTHY POWER AND SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD: Joshua 7-8 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF: 1 Is it right? 2 Is the cause just? 3 Do I know that God is with me in this enterprise? 4 Do I have the promise of success because it is consistent with His Word? IF YOU LIVE BOLDLY BY THE WORD WITHOUT COMPROMISE, (IF YOU ARE LIVING FINANCIALLY FREE), YOU WILL BE WITHOUT THE PRESSURES OF LIFE. Many pastors and lay leaders recognize that they are in a superficially successful church, and that it's time to introduce the harder edges of the gospel. But how? How do we get comfortable people to listen to a gospel that includes a lot of discomfort? How do you deepen discipleship without introducing despair? How do you insist firmly on faithfulness without becoming legalistic? First the need to be right with God is important. If you have got yourself into fixes and messes and trouble, and all that, then don’t expect an easy time out. I mean, goodness. It will take time to work through it all.
"God: Creator and Redeemer"
‘OUR LORD, IS OUR CREATOR AND SAVIOUR RIVERS OF JOY BAPTIST CHURCH, MINFORD OHIO PASTOR/TEACHER CHARLES E. WHISNANT APRIL 22 ,2009 _____________________IS IMPOSSIBILITY: Evolution really cannot occur. ________ proves this. Science tries to tell us that evolution is a process called _____________. (atutmion) A ____(oslt) of existing information. And therefore it does not work toward an upward evolutionary process. THE MORE SCIENCE LOOKS AT _______ (eifl), THE MORE COMPEX IT BECOMES. EVOLUTION IS THE PRESENT-DAY EXPRESSION OF THE LONG _______ (arw) AGAINST GOD. SCRIPTURE WILL _________ (WHSO) US THAT WHAT IS IN GOD’S __________ (drlow) IS IN GOD’S ________ (DORW). HENRY MORRIS: • “The belief in evolution, permeates _________ (ERYEV) area of human thinking and has effected _________ (VEREY) area of human ________ (EILF) • “Evolutionary thought: is basically responsible for the mortally threatening political development and the chaotic _________ (LAROM) and _________ (LAICOS) disintegrations that has been accelerated everywhere.” EVOLUTION IS UNFILLED PHILOSOPHY. IT IS VAIN _____________ (ITCEDE) IT. IT IS DESIGNED TO ATTACK THE CREATOR AND HIS ___________ (RYLOG) The people in history of the world has always believed the deceiver: ________ (NAATS). • Romans 1:18, 19, “Reason is the ability to link things to__________ (GHTIR) conclusions.” • Romans 2:19, You can _____ (OOLK) at the creation of the world and see His invisible attributes. • Romans 2:20, You are without excuse if you don’t see God in (TIONEACR) Creation is intended to __________ (TNPOI) you back to a one-Cell thing in some ancient soup. Any progressive creationistic view, or theistic evolutionary view strikes a blow at the intention of God in creation to manifest His great _________ ( ERWPO). • Romans 2:21 Mankind has been given rationality and morality. To know God. • Romans 2:23 “They literally _______ (LEATS)l the glory of the incorruptible God.” • Romans 2:25 They exchanged the __________ (THTHU) of God and believe the lie. • Romans 2:28-32 And God gave them up to sexual ______ (INS), homosexuality and every other kind. GOD IS THE CREATOR OF EVERY THING: John 1:1-3 Bill Aldridge Hebrews 11:3 Bill Bower Colossians 1:16 Stephanie Oppy Deuteronomy 4:32 Linda Aldridge Psalms 104 Jimmy Grant Psalms 148 Dorothy Fields Isaiah 40:28 Peggy Hall Isaiah 42:5 Janet Ramey Isaiah 45:5 Mary Bower Malachi 2:10 Richard Lemaster Mark 10:4 Frankie Dawkins Mark 13:19 Charity Whisnant Ephesians 3:9 Bob Temple 1 Peter 4:19 Mandy Oppy Revelation 4,5,10, 14 Lois Grant Nehemiah 9:5 Pauline Lemaster Psalms 33 John Hall Acts 15:15 Some facts about GENESIS: • There are 165 passages in Genesis that are either directly quoted or clearly referred to in the New Testament
John 3:16 part three: God so loved the World
YOU AND I AND EVERYONE WILL PERISH IF WE DON'T TRUST CHRIST. WE ARE ALL PERISHING - APART FROM CHRIST. WHAT KIND OF WORLD DO WE LIVE IN? HOW CAN WE SAY THAT GOD LOVES THE WORLD? The world is God's creation, and those that are in the world. WHO IN THE WORLD DOES THE WORLD MEAN? wHO IS THE WORLD DOES THIS VERSE SPEAK T? HOW COULD GOD LOVE A PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD LIKE THE WE LIVE IN? THIS WILL SHOW THE KIND OF LOVE GOD HAS.
THE PASTOR’S DAY CARE CENTER
God’s Day Care Center: There is no substitute for the mother and father to be in the unit of the family. Surrogate care takers are not in view in this chapter. THE indispensable fundamentals OF SUCCESS IN PASTORAL MINISTRY
JOHN 3 16 Part two: GOD 'SO LOVED.' Outline.
In this series on John 3:16 I am going to teach at least eight message on the text. This is the second. in this message Charles E. Whisnant uses the phrase "SO LOVED>"
GUIDANCE FOR HEALTHIER SPIRITUAL LIVELIHOOD
I. HONOR IS BETTER THAN LUXURY (7:1a) A. "A GOOD NAME IS BETTER THAN PRECIOUS OINTMENT" 1. Here the Preacher is extolling the value of a good reputation - cf. Pr 22:1 2. The precious ointment is representative of luxury B. WHY THIS IS SO... 1. We have already seen the vanity of wealth
QUALITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY
I am subject to God’s examination, His eyes are upon my work, it is to Him that the final account is rendered. What motivates me in preaching? Its knowing God is listening. He is going to try, test, our pulse, for the state of our spirit.
THE TRUE PULPIT The Gospel, a Trust Committed to Us
THE TRUE PULPIT: MARKS OF PAUL’S MINISTRY The Gospel, a Trust Committed to Us Pastor/Teacher Charles E. Whisnant Rivers of Joy Baptist Church, Minford Ohio 1 THESS 2:2-4 In the book and movie the DaVinci Code, midway through the book there is a charge that the church has pulled off the greatest hoax in history. The contention in the book, movie (and now a host of copycat books) is that the Emperor Constantine “created†the Christian faith, as we know it. He suppressed any documents of the church he didn’t agree with; He elevated Jesus to the status of God; and he hid the fact that Jesus was really married and had descendents that are living today. If you do any checking of the facts, you find that all of these things are wrong. The books of the Bible were pretty much recognized by the time of Constantine. Additional “gospels†were not hidden, they were simply rejected as forgeries and as propaganda from a group called the Gnostics. As to the claim for the god-ness of Jesus; Jesus made those claims for himself in the earliest verses of the gospels. Archaeology has unearthed copies of those gospels that predated Constantine by decades. The idea of Jesus being married has no evidence to support it. The courage of the person who stands behind the pulpit must not be confounded with that audacity, self assurance which is so prevalent. It is the courage in God, and springs from: 1 LOVE FOR GOD’S CHARACTER 2 CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S GOSPEL. QUALITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY THAT MAKES THE PASTOR’S MINISTRY SUCCEED. The elder must be a spiritual physician who can capably apply biblical cures to those vices and heresies that might afflict members of his church. He also must be a tender shepherd who, while feeding the flock, also heals their wounds, calms their fears, protects them from spiritual dangers, and comforts them in their distresses. In short, he is to be a champion for biblical truth (2 Tim. 4:2), a provider of spiritual resources (1 Peter 5:1–2), a guardian and protector (Acts 20:28–31), and always a model of spiritual virtue (1 Tim. 4:12 for all of which he is directly accountable to his Lord Jesus Christ (Heb. 13:17 and James 3:1’ God’s definition of success and our definition of success are different. We look for worldly success; we look for financial profit, numerical growth, and the applause of men. God is looking for us to be faithful even when we don’t understand what He is doing. 1 Knowing What His Responsibilities Are 2 Having His Boldness in God, the Gospel, and the Word of God and Not in Himself 3 Having a right view of God HE HAD COOLNESS IN GOD’S POWER HE HAD COMMITMENT TO GOD’S TRUTH Thirdly, A necessary building block in Paul’s powerful impact was that the ministry given to him was approved by God. You would not have seen the result in paul’s ministry at the beginning, when he was leaving town. HE HAD A COMMISSION FROM GOD AND THAT GAVE HIM AUTHORITY. Vs. 4 4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 1 Thess 2:3-4. ALLOWED:<1381> “But, even as, we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel so we speak.†Divine authority. Delegated authority. A third and essential element in Paul's powerful impact was that his ministry was approved by God.{ from <G1384> (dokimos); to test (literal or figurative); by implication to approve :- allow, discern, examine, × like, (ap-) prove, try.} 1 Corinthians 9:16-17, I Timothy 1:11, 11 Corinthians 5:18-19, 1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Timothy 1:14 “Allowed†The passing as fit for election to a public office. Paul was tested, and then approved. Acts 9:1-18 (note 15), Paul was called. God trusted him. 1 Corinthians 7:25, 2 Corinthians 5:20, Ephesians 3:8. “PUT IN TRUST<4100> WITH THE GOSPEL†vs. 4 from <G4102> (pistis); to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ) :- believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with. Paul was entrusted with teaching the GOSPEL. The key to preaching: “The primary calling we have, folks, we who preach the Word of God, is to dispense that which we have been entrusted with.†Commissioned to preach, under divine authority to preach, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Eph 3:8, 1 Timothy 1:11-12, Titus 1:3. 1 Timothy 6:20 -21 ‘EVEN SO WE SPEAK.’ <2980> a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. utter words :- preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter.—Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary WE ARE CALLED TO SPEAK THE GOSPEL. Paul’s authority was to preach the Gospel.
EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP: KEEP THE TRUTH THE TRUTH
THE PRINCIPLES FOR AN EFFECTIVE MINISTRY (IN GOD'S POINT OF VIEW) PART THREE: WHAT IS THE TRUTH? 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-2 and selected scriptures as cf. Charles E. Whisnant, Pastor/Teacher Rivers of Joy Baptist Church, Minford, Ohio February 15, 2009 1A GOD'S TRUTH IS RATIONAL 1B RATIONAL: reasonable and sensible. Governed by, or showing evidence of, clear, and sensible thinking and judgment, based on reason rather than emotion or prejudice. 2B You cannot make the words mean anything you want them to mean, so that whatever suggestion we impose on the words becomes the Word of God. 3B Only the true interpretation of the text is the authentic Word of God, and any other interpretation is simply not what God is saying. t 4B Interpretation of the Scripture is hard work. It's a spiritual work. 1C I Corinthians 2:14, Ephesians 1:18, 4:23, 2 Timothy 1:7 2A TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH '•» 1B Biblical Christianity is all about truth. 2B When God's objective revelation the Bible is interpreted rightly it yields divine truth in perfectly sufficient measure. 2 Peter 1 3B Authentic Christianity: 1C JudeS 2C Christian faith is not subject to change or amendment. i 3C It is not nullified by changes in worldly opinion or standards 4C You don't need to redefine the Word for every new generation. 4B Yes, we as individual can have our understanding refined and sharpened by the study of the truth 5B The same truth Abraham, Moses, and David and Peter, James and John and Paul had is still truth for us. 1 Peter 1:25. 6B Here is the key point: You do not adapt our understanding to the truth of God's Word. You do not try to manipulate Scripture to harmonize it with the changing opinions of this world. 7B The truth of Scripture is so precious that we must be careful in our handling of it and closely guard it. I Timothy 6:20. 8B The truth is everything to a Christian. Thus we are called to 1C Refute error, defend the truth. 9B The truth we have is by conviction and that is indisputable. 10B Anyone who faithfully and correctly proclaims the Word of God will speak with authority. 1C 1 Peter 4:11 Instructs us to handle the biblical truth as the wise sayings of God. 3A SO WHY CAN'T WE JUST ALL GET ALONG? 1B Staunch intolerance of error is built into the very fabric of the Bible. i 2B Jesus affirmed the utter matchlessness of Christianity. John 14:6, Acts 4:12 3B Truth and error cannot be combined to yield something beneficial. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 4B We cannot say to the world, "This is truth, but whatever you want to believe is fine, too." 5B If we accept the actuality that Scripture is the objective, authoritative truth of God, we are bound to see that every other view is not equally or potentially valid. 6B Biblical Christianity by its very personality is totally incompatible with a position of uncritical broad-mindedness. 4B LET US MAKE IT PRACTICAL 1B We must not only study and teach it, we must live it, too. There is a thought. 2B We must allow the truth to permeate our life and ministry. Titus 1:16. Ezra 7:10. s.dt 3B It's called Biblical INTEGRITY. 1C WE MUST DECIDE AS ELDERS THAT WE SHOULD NOT ONLY PREACH THE WORD OF GOD; WE SHOULD EXPECT IT TO BE LIVED OUT IN THE CORPORATE LIFE OF THE CHURCH.
EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP Part TWO
1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 Part Two How can pastor/teachers have a genuine lasting spiritual impact on their charge as in Acts 20:28? Is there a path, the pattern set forth in scripture that will give direction to a ministry that is still going? Pastors/Elders are given the responsibility to champion the truth, defend the truth, and feed and lead and guide the flock that God has put in his charge. We are called to set the example so others will follow the Lord Jesus Christ. • Called, ordained, set apart, put into the ministry for the purpose of overseeing the flock. PRINCIPLES FOR AN EFFECTIVE MINISTRY How you live your life and how you effectively operate your ministry is in direct relationship to your view of God. PRINCIPLE ONE: THE COOL CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S POWER THAT GAVE HIM TENACITY.  “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you that it was not in vain: 2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.†1 Thess 2:2. “SUFFERING:†Treated shamefully, insulting outrageous treatment, publicly insulted. (Ac 16:11-40): a circumstance which would have deterred mere natural, unspiritual men from further preaching. “BOLDNESS:†to stick firmly to any decision, plan, or opinion without changing or doubting it. (Ac 4:29 Eph 6:20). Romans 1:1-2. “IN OUR GOD†OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD. The ground of our boldness in speaking was the realization of God as "OUR God†“TO SPEAK THE GOSPEL OF GOD†To continue to teach the truth of the Gospel. “CONTENTION†(argument, disagreement, debate, controversy, conflict, hostility, combative). That is, literally, as of competitors in a contest: striving earnestness (Col 1:29 Col 2:1). But here outward conflict with persecutors, rather than inward and mental, was what the missionaries had to endure (Ac 17:5, 6 Php 1:30). The ministry: There are times you want to bail out. Go easy. Soften the message. SO WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM PAUL? THE MARK OF VALUABLE MINISTRY.  You preach God’s gospel, what God has laid out for you to teach, not some other message. Do it not for popularity, but for the sake of the truth. And when the opposition comes, you do it in the power of God. 1. Count the cost. 2. Believe God is powerful. 3. Be true to the message. 4. Be true to your faith and God. PRINCIPLE TWO: PAUL WAS STEADFAST TO GOD’S TRUTH. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 1 Thess 2:3 or “for our exhortation, did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.†“EXHORTATION†The word implies an appeal. Persuasive discourse. Animating appeal or charge. Paul’s preaching was an exceeding dialogue. With power, to penetrate the heart with its warning, and encouragement, to arouse out of indifference. To overcome the resistance of the will. Roberston “WAS NOT OF GUILE†Deceit. Error. Untruth was not in his preaching. He wasn’t a charlatan, impostor, con. So Paul uses three distinctly different words to affirm the truthfulness of his ministry: expressing a contrast with what was characteristic of false teachers. He first asserted that his message (speak) was true and not erroneous or false. His “manner of life†was pure, not sexually wicked. His method of ministry was authentic, not deceptive. THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL AND FRUITFUL MINISTRY. We preach the truth. 2 Corinthians 4:2. “Our preaching was not persuasive appeal, arousing feeling. But instruction.†FF Bruce “Our preaching does not originate in a delusion of which we are the victim – the Gospel of God.†He was not under some illusion. PAUL GUARDED CAREFULLY THE TRUTH. THE KEY TO MINISTRY IS TO KEEP THE WORD OF GOD PURE. TO HAND THE TRUTH TO THE NEXT GENERATION WITHOUT ERROR. THIS IS A TOPIC CLOSE TO MY HEART…… GUARD THE TRUTH OF THE WORD OF GOD. When you are looking for a church, don’t look at the music, how good their children’s ministry is, there teen ministry is, how clever the preachers are. BUT ASK THIS QUESTION: “How well do they guard the truth. I Timothy 6:3-4 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 1 Timothy 6:3-5
A Leadership that is Enduring
1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 Part One verse 1 OUTLINE Overall in Christian ministry there seems to always be a crisis of true leadership. There seems to be always failure in ministry that comes from a failure of spiritual leadership. My concern is learning to have a genuine lasting effective leadership in this church. HOW CAN WE MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP? BUT FIRST< WHAT MAKES LEADERHIP SO CHALLENGING? Those of us who have been called to preach or pastor and called to be Elders of the church have an immense responsibility 1. Our responsibility is to administer the ordinances in such a way as to lead the people to renew their covenant of obedience and to confess their sin and to purify themselves from all filthiness of the flesh. 2. Our responsibility is to oversee the church, to govern its life including the rebuke of the disobedient and the strengthening of the faint. 3. Our responsibility is to train and to appoint teachers and workers so that they reach all of those who are in their care and are able in a diverse way to offer biblical counsel and example for resolving their doubts, their weaknesses, their fears, their difficulties, their sins and their anxieties. 4. The responsibility of the spiritual leader is also to be the physician who runs the hospital which cares for all their infections, whether vice or heresy and leads them to holy cures or expels them. 5. And the spiritual leader is responsible to be the tender shepherd who cares to see that all their needs are supplied and all their wounds are healed and all their distresses are resolved. 6. The spiritual leader is to champion the truth, defending it and its flock. And for all of that he must answer to Christ. And in all of it he is to be a model of spiritual virtue and is to live what he wants the people to become. WHO IS QUALIFED FOR SUCH A CALLING? I ask myself how, with all my weaknesses of the flesh, am I able to accomplish such God-given responsibilities. I live in fear of failure, and that is not so uncommon. Paul even struggled with his flesh, doing things he wanted to do. He too battled a thorn in the flesh. Yet we can learn from him how to succeed in leadership. 1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. 3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. 1 Thess 2:1-6 (KJV) In these marvelous six verses Paul shares with us the principles for a valuable ministry as God measures usefulness. BACKGROUND OF PAUL IN THE CHURCH: • One way to destroy the effectiveness of the pastor/teacher is to attack his integrity and sincerity and destroy the confidence of the man who God had to found the church. • Frauds (crime of cheating somebody) in Paul’s day was as rampant as they are today. Paul, Timothy, Silas were accused of wicked motives, intentions, as self-seeking fakers. PAUL THEREFORE WRITES THIS BOOK TO THE CHURCH. Paul recalls how he ministered to them, and states out the principles that made his ministry effective. Vs One: ¶ For <1063> yourselves <846>, brethren <80>, know <1492> (5758) our <2257> entrance in <1529> unto you , that it was not in vain <2756>: You know our ministry has not become empty, nor has it has been a failure or false. Preachers watch to see what will be the outcome of the work where he has pastured, to see if it succeeds and is not fruitless or ineffective. But the preaching was not feeble, void of earnestness, or energy. The impact was dynamic, in the Word of God and not pointless. This church was a successful church as we have seen in chapter one. SO HOW WAS PAUL’S MINISTRY FULL OF ENERGY AND EFFECTIVENESS? WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES TO EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP IN THE CHURCH? • “How you live your life and how you successfully operate your ministry, is in direct relationship to your view of God.â€