John Bunyan wrote a whole book about it Easy to forget who God really is and What God has really done Very, very important to understand 6:37 Three assurances include: I. A GIVING V.37A “Gives” = to give freely of one’s own accord Father gave a people to God the Son All merits of their salvation placed on Him II. A COMING V.37 “will come” = to become a follower Will believe and repent Whosoever will may come III. A KEEPING V.37 This is the good part “by no means” = never, ever by no means NO ONE who comes will ever be cast out!

No more beautiful passage in all of Scripture Been read over cradles and cribs Been prayed in many closets It ministers to every sorrow A song to sing in the darkness I. THE LORD WHO LIVES V.1 Burning Bush in Exodus 3:13-14 He is everything —— even without us Speaks of the eternity of God II. THE LORD WHO LEADS VV.2-5 Notice WHO does all this Leads in paths of righteousness Leads us THROUGH the valley III. THE LORD WHO LOVES V.6 Speaks of security & benefits & blessings Dwell where? in the house of the Lord

Bible addresses many subjects Some in great detail; others just a little We are to use truth, reason and common sense Bible doesn’t talk much about cremation Everyone must choose for themselves I. RISING POPULARITY OF CREMATION A pragmatic, economical thing to do Why so popular? II. REDEMPTIVE PURPOSE OF THE BODY 1. Creation must be considered Man was made in the image of God? 2. Revelation of God - He chose a Body! John 1:1-3 and 14-17 Body of Jesus was buried. Why not burned? 3. Resurrection of the Body I Cor.15:12-24 4. Regeneration or New Birth I Cor. 6:19-20 5. Rewards for things done in your Body II Corinthians 5:8-10 III. REASONABLE PURSUIT OF A CHOICE YOU have a choice to make What role will the Bible play in that decision?

Connection between graveyard and churchyard Context of Philippians 1 Paul was quite confident that Dying in Christ is better than living Verse 21 is the key verse To die is “gain” = profit, advantage I. IMMEDIATE GAIN IN LIVING FOR CHRIST Spiritual life, relationship with God through Christ Member of God’s family, abundance of grace II. GREATER GAIN IN DYING Everybody wants to go to heaven But nobody wants to die How is dying better than living? Ten great reasons: innumerable blessings III. EVERLASTING GAIN Death may be fearful & painful Results are far more glorious

Story of A. W. Tozer Read as much of him as you can The Pursuit of God; Knowledge of the Holy Lived and died according to these 5 truths Context of Matthew 6:33 I. DEAL THOROUGHLY WITH SIN Never excuse it or deny it II. NEVER OWN ANYTHING God alone has the right to take it Note on "Cowboy Logic" III. NEVER DEFEND YOURSELF I Peter 3:8-17 IV. NEVER HURT OTHERS Ephesians 4:30-32 V. NEVER ACCEPT ANY GLORY Only God is worthy of glory

Hymn written by Augustus Montague Toplady 1740 - 1778 — died of TB at age 38 Hid in the rocks during a fierce storm Inspired by that experience to write the hymn Rock speaks of security and safety That Rock is none other than Jesus Christ Ps. 18:46; I Cor. 10:1-4 I. HE IS A ROCK OF STRENGTH V.1 “Rock" = a craggy rock. a large rock, immoveable Christ is our source of strength II. HE IS A ROCK OF SAFETY V.2 “Fortress" = a place of safety, a stronghold A refuge from the storm Ps. 46:1; 62:7-8 III. A ROCK OF SALVATION V. 2B “Deliverer" = to rescue, to save from danger, distress Greatest need is deliverance from sin This deliverance is found only in Christ

The men are ready; supplies are plentiful But the LORD always provides deliverance Ever asked the question: where is God in war? Where is God when bad things things? Is He asleep? Disinterested? Busy? The question is fair and tough and universal Complex and complicated question The answer is quite simple I. THE LORD SEES IT Job 14;5;, 28:24; Psalm 139:1-6; Proverbs 5:21-23 II. THE LORD KNOWS IT Acts 15:18 ; Acts 17:24-27; Romans 11:33-36; Present, past and future III. THE LORD WILL AVENGE IT Judgment Day is on its way The Judge is coming Every sin without exception will be paid for by the one who committed it OR Christ’s death and atonement will pay for it forever!

Jesus often expressed truth by asking questions He asked many great questions The Psalmist in Psalm 8 asked one as well What is man? Who is man? We must understand the gravity of sin I. A HUMBLE DOCTRINE Many do not want to hear the truth Rather hear about the goodness of man II. A NEGLECTED DOCTRINE Seldom heard; rarely comprehended “Everybody is saved” mindset prevails III. AN ILLUMINATING DOCTRINE Key to understanding a wicked society Must open our eyes and see the truth IV. A NECESSARY DOCTRINE We are blinded to this truth V. A GLORIOUS TRUTH VV.5-8

You are thinking: what in the world does that mean? Penal = disciplinary, corrective action retribution for crime committed Substitution = in the place of to take the place of No salvation with penal substitution! I. ITS DECLARATION IN THE BIBLE It is Biblical Closely related to propitiation Romans 3:25 Hebrews 2:17 I John 2:1-2 I John 4:8-19 II. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXPIATION AND PROPITIATION Expiation means only 1/2 of propitiation III. THE DEMANDS OF PROPITIATION 1. It is the work of God Himself 2. It was made by the death of Christ 3. It manifests the righteousness of God Thank God for penal substitution!

This message focuses on the design of the Atonement What was its purpose and its intent? Stated another way: did Jesus Christ die for All the sins of all people? All the sins of some people? or Some of the sins of all people? Some Baptist history …. Three truths we all agree on: 1. The value of the death of Christ 2. Benefits that flow from the Cross 3. Universal salvation is not an issue Unfair to cherry pick some verses I. THE UNITY OF THE TRINITY 1:2 Was it EVER God’s design to save everybody? God doesn’t need your help or defense II. THE VERACITY OF SCRIPTURE 1:2 When does “all" mean "all without exception?” III. THE REALITY OF THE CROSS Did the Atonement actually save anybody? Or only potentially a possibility to save everybody? What a glorious truth — that God would save anybody!

Psalmist saw the prosperity of the wicked And he did not understand How blessed they seemed to be So happy and joyful Yet …. he was struggling. Life wasn’t fair Have you ever thought like that? Ever been there? His steps nearly slipped …. UNTIL he went Into the sanctuary of God I. RECONSIDERED HIS PERSPECTIVE VV. 16-17 God will do that, you know II. REALIZED HOW GREATLY BLESSED HE WAS VV.23-24 Is God good to you? How so? III. RECOGNIZED THE FLEETING PROSPERITY OF WICKED What else, who else do you need besides God? Is anything any better than God?

What ended World War II ... Context of the Corinthian church Constantly pointing them to the Cross I. THE PREACHING OF THE CROSS V.18 Preaching = message, word, logos Christ died for sinners only “Foolishness” to many “Power” to the believer II. THE PERSHING OF THOSE WHO REJECT “perish” = to destroy, to cut off entirely A consequential thing to reject the Gospel III. THE PERVERSION OF THE CROSS Verses 22-23 - Jews wanted a sign Greeks wanted wisdom Both found in Christ alone! IV. THE PERMANENCE OF THE CROSS Verses 24-25 Christ is the power and wisdom of God Forever central to the heart of God!

I love the Gospel of John The 7 “I AM” sayings It is a life changing, life transforming book Those who truly met the Messiah were changed I. THE GRIEF EXPERIENCED VV.1-5, 28-35 Jesus was a people person Grieving the loss of a loved one is natural But it is also a process II. THE TRUTH STATED VV.24-25 Jesus doesn’t give life; He is life Do “resurrection” and “life” mean the same thing? III. THE QUESTION POSED VV.26-27 No so much … can Jesus raise the dead? But "can I, will I raise … you?" IV. THE DEAD RAISED VV.38-44 Remove the stone Jesus prayed and called Lazarus by name The dead arose!

Easy to exalt one doctrine to the exclusion of another Is it possible that we preach so much about grace that we forget the resurrection? In preaching the cross do we downplay the resurrection? Why is that? Afraid of liberals and skeptics? If the resurrection isn’t true — then I. NOT EVEN CHRIST IS RAISED VV.12-13 II. PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL IS USELESS V.14 III. FAITH IN CHRIST IS WORTHLESS V.17A IV. EVERY WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION IS A LIAR VV.5-8 V. ALL OF HUMANITY IS STILL IN ITS SIN VV.17B-18 VI. CHRISTIANS ARE A PATHETIC PEOPLE V.19 But NOW —— Christ is risen! Body never located or found! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!

Some churches are known for specific ministries Luke 16 is a true story, not a parable It teaches us many truths Today, I mention only four: I. A REALIZATION OF THE AWFULNESS OF HELL V.23 This man wasn’t joking about Hell He was “in torments” II. A REVELATION OF THE BLESSEDNESS OF HEAVEN V.23 Saw Lazarus in “Abraham’s bosom” Heaven is a place III. A RECOGNITION OF NO CHANCE AFTER DEATH V.26 A great gulf, a great divide — no purgatory An insurmountable division > ‘fixed” IV. A RESTORATION OF AN EVANGELISTIC SPIRIT VV.27-31 He pleaded for the lives of his brothers Gospel that saves us compels us to go!

OT is filled with many role models Male and female role models One of the lesser known women is Hannah Mother of Samuel Story is as much about the character of God as it is Hannah I. WOMEN OF FAITH ENDURE REAL PROBLEMS 1:1-5 Women face all kinds of challenges today Distinguishing factor > our response II. WOMEN OF FAITH EXTEND VIBRANT PRAYERS 1:10 Look at how she prayed “ fervently, persistently" III. WOMEN OF FAITH EXPERIENCE GOD’S PROVISION 1:19-20 Sometime He gives us what we want He always gives us what we need IV. WOMEN OF FAITH EXCEL IN KEEPING PROMISES 1:22 God has no pleasures in fools who do not keep their vows V. WOMEN OF FAITH EXPRESS THEIR PRAISE 2:1-10 With great joy in her heart!

Value of the book of Proverbs Filled with truth and wisdom Also filled with warnings & questions Verse six contains one of those questions I. THE CONTEXT VV.1-4 Alcohol, civil authority, laziness II. THE CONTRAST V.6 What a question! Most men do what? Loquacious? Faithful = trustworthy, reliable, dependable Proverbs 19:23; 20:7; 20:13 Why are so many churches struggling? III. THE CHARACTER V.6 Look at Christ > I Tim. 2:5-6; Rev. 1:4-6 The ONLY Mediator Aren’t you glad He was faithful? I Cor. 4:2 > a requirement, not an option!!!

Many today are searching for something but they don’t know who or what Hungry and thirsty for God but don’t know it People today want and need a Big God Quote of John Piper I. ALL HEARERS ARE HUNGRY FOR GOD AND NEED TO EAT Isaiah 55:1-3 The Great Street Vendor is quite clear Stray and you starve II. PREACHERS HUNGER FOR GOD AND NEED TO KEEP EATING I should be the biggest eater in the church But you can never eat too much III. GOD’S PEOPLE NEED TO EAT AND KEEP EATING Tastiness of a delicious Sunday meal - no dessert for now Must absolutely feed our own souls IV. FULL SATISFACTION IS COMING Compare Isaiah 55 with Revelation 22:17 Very last invitation of the Bible is “to come"

A fascinating and incredible story Name of God is not mentioned Jewish nation rescued from extinction Rescue was led by Mordecai and Esther Explains the Feast of Purim I. SELECTION OF ESTHER 2:15-18 Mordecai was Esther’s uncle Encouraged her to enter the beauty contest II. THE DETECTION OF HAMAN 3:2-5 Haman wanted to kill all the Jews Mordecai discovered Haman’s plan Esther decided to confront the King III. THE PROTECTION OF THE JEWS 7:1-9 Haman’s plan was thwarted Jews were saved because of Esther’s courage Importance of the third day!

Country singer Travis Tritt & trouble To live life = to experience trouble Everybody has or will have trouble Trouble becomes a donor — for good Every trouble has a blessing, a calling And an invitation Quite of A. W. Tozer Context of Romans 5 I. TROUBLE PRODUCES PERSEVERANCE V.3 II. TROUBLE MAKES YOUR SPIRIT HUMBLE V.4 III. TROUBLE MAKES YORU CHARACTER PURER V.4 IV. TROUBLE MAKES YOUR HOPE BETTER V.4B-5 Hope in the resurrection of the dead Poem by Raymond Edman

I Peter 3:15 issues a strong challenge Must be ready to give an answer … Quote of John Newton Context of Colossians 3:8-11 Christ is all in relationship to 5 truths: I. GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE Where was Christ … before time? II. GOD’S ETERNAL BOOK Isaiah 40:8 > story of redemption III. GOD’S ETERNAL SALVATION It is truly a Gift IV. GOD’S ETERNAL GLORY A conclave of the angels V. GOD’S ETERNAL JUDGMENT It is real. Certain. Eternal consequences!

Jewish believers were being persecuted It was because of their Christian faith Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Christ More to be gained in Christ Than to be lost in Judaism I. THE LORD IS WITH EVERY CHRISTIAN APART FROM HIS DESERVINGS AND FEELINGS Psalm 139:7-12 II. THE LORD DWELLS IN THE CHRISTIAN Holy Spirit indwells your spirit Your spirit is in your body III. THE LORD NEVER LETS HIS CHILD GO Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 8:31-39 IV. THE LORD MAKES INTERCESSION FOR HIS SAINTS Hebrews 7:24-27; I John 2:1-2 V. THE LORD GUARANTEES OUR ETERNAL SECURITY Hebrews 13:5-6

Many people reject the Lord Jesus And they do so for many reasons There are some obstacles to overcome I call them "spiritual monsters" I. NOT IN THE LACK OF NECESSARY FACULTIES Born physically alive but spiritually dead We have the same faculties as Adam did after the Fall II. HIS INABILITY IN HIS CORRUPT NATURE Born with a sin nature Nature of a pig is to wallow in mud III. THE DARKNESS OF MAN’S MIND Confused and defiled Rom. 3:11, Ephesians 4:17-19; 5:8 IV. THE COMPLETE CORRUPTION OF HIS AFFECTIONS Why are people not flocking to the House of God? Love self and pleasure more than God V. THE TOTAL DEPRAVITY OF HIS WILL John 5:40 Man is not willing! Must be a coming to Christ! How so?

Are you a patriotic person? What do you think when you sing or her “God Bless America?” God’s greatest blessings are spiritual Legislation is great but spiritual transformation is better Most Americans want the favor of God but not God Himself Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord Look at context a verse 12 Verse 1-3 = will rejoice in its God Because of: I. HIS OMNIPOTENCE VV. 6, 9 Nothing He cannot do II. HIS OMNISCIENCE VV.10-15 Nothing can surprise Him III. HIS OMNIPRESENCE VV.13-15 No place He doesn’t exist All three attributes seen at the Cross!

Do you have any “go to” authors or friends? I have a few favorite authors (friends) Most frequently I turn to the Word of God for encouragement and assurance I find comfort and assurance in Jude 1-2 I. INTRODUCTIONS MATTER V.1 Importance of our relationship to Christ He was a “bondservant” II. EVERY WORD MATTERS V.1 1. Called = 2. Beloved = 3. Kept = III. ETERNAL PRIORITIES MATTER VV.3-4 To protect from heresy and false teaching IV. GOD’S LOVE MATTERS V.1 More than anything in the world V. GOD’S MATH MATTERS V.2 “Multiplied” =

Many Christians are content to stay in the kiddie pool Just splash around a little bit Refuse to learn and grow and commit Context of Luke 9 The focus is on Christ > me, me, my, my I. THE CENTRALITY OF CHRIST Colossians 1:15-19; Ephesians 1:19-23 Christ is central to His church: Head II. BASIC TO THE CHURCH Colossians 2:9-10 Don’t need to add anything to Christ Jesus Christ is enough III. THE PRIORITY OF THE CHURCH I love that old hymn “Satisfied with Jesus” Question: is He satisfied with us? Is Jesus Christ alone … enough? What else could you possibly need?

Culture is saturated with informational overload Literally bombarded from all sides How do we navigate all this information? By looking to the Word of God How do you respond to the Word you hear? Context of James 1 Six types of hearers: I. THE BLIND HEARER II. THE FEARFUL HEARER III. THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS HEARER IV. THE PESSIMISTIC HEARER V. THE PARTIAL HEARER VI. THE WISE HEARER V.25 He “continues” … Not forgetful He is a “doer” He is “blessed” Matthew 7:26