Third Presbyterian Church

Preparation for Worship - April 25

2010-04-23T06:48:00.000-05:00

The Call To Worship From Psalm 22 & 23

Leader: You who fear the LORD, praise Him!

People: For Kingship belongs to the LORD, and He rules over the nations.

Leader: We also know the LORD is our shepherd,

People: We shall not want.

God's Word

Isaiah 53:1-6
Leviticus 20:22-26
Hebrews 5:1-10
Sermon: "The Source of Eternal Salvation"

Hymns

Preparation for Worship - April 18

2010-04-15T22:33:00.002-05:00

Time of Meditation & Preparation Psalm 146:5

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.

The Call to Worship

Leader: The Lord will reign forever

People: Praise the Lord

Leader: The Lord upholds the widow and the fatherless

People: Praise the Lord our God

Leader: The Lord opens the eyes of the blind

People: We will praise the Lord as long as we live

Leader: The Lord brings the way of the wicked to ruin

All: Our God will reign forever and we are His people!

God's Word

Psalm 121:1-8
Psalm 111
Hebrews 4:14-16
Sermon: "Believers Have a GREAT High Priest, Jesus"

Hymns

Holy Week Schedule

2010-03-27T07:10:00.001-05:00

Join us for Holy Week at Third Presbyterian Church. For more information, call the church office at 322-1404.

Monday through Friday 3/29 - 4/02/10:

12:00 Noon - Holy Week Service
12:15 PM - Lunch

Maundy Thursday 4/01/10:

7:00 PM - Maundy Thursday Service

Resurrection Day Services 4/04/10:

8:00AM - Early Service
8;30AM - Breakfast
9:15AM - Sunday School Classes
10:25AM - Morning Worship Service
5:00PM - Evening Worship Service

Preparation for Worship - March 28

2010-03-27T07:07:00.000-05:00

Time of Meditation & Preparation (Luke 19:40)

I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out

The Call to Worship

Leader: When the days drew near for Jesus to be taken up, He set His face to go to Jerusalem

People: Blessed is the King who comes inthe name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.

Leader: Jesus explained that in Jerusalem He would be killed but would rise again on the third day.

All: God be merciful to us for we are sinners!

God's Word

Psalm 5 (Corporate Reading of Scripture)
Jeremiah 31:31-34
John 18:33-40
Sermon: The purpose of Jesus coming into the world

Hymns

Jesus' Purpose For Coming Into The World

2010-03-26T14:37:00.002-05:00

Answer this question before reading this lesson. "Why did Jesus come into the world?" Now that you have your answer turn to John 18:37 and read what Jesus said about His reason for coming into the world. In this passage Jesus is talking to Pilate and Jesus says,

"For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come
come into the world-to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who
is of the truth listens to my voice."

In the next verse Pilate asked the question, "What is truth?" And he turns away from Jesus instead of listening to what truth is. Are you and I like Pilate who expresses an interest in knowing the truth but turns our back on the very One who may reveal the truth to us?

Let us carefully examine the phrase, "To bear witness to the truth."

To bear witness means to make an emphatic declaration by
an existing authority.

Truth is defined as a true to fact statement.

Now turn to John 3:16-21 to see the truth that Jesus has revealed to us.

Verse 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten
Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but
have eternal life

Verse 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the
world, but in order that the world might be saved through
Him

In these two verses it is revealed that God loves people in every nation and
tribe and anyone believing in Him alone for salvation will be saved.

Verse 18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever
does not believe is condemned already, because he has not
believed in the name of the only Son of God

This clearly tells us that those without Jesus as Savior is condemned because of
not having personal faith in Jesus for salvation.

Verse 19 And this is the judgment; the light has come into the world,
and people loved the darkness rather than the light because
their works were evil

The word "loved" is agape which is a love of commitment, loyalty and choice by
one's will. They are as committed to spiritual darkness as the Believe is to
Jesus.

Verse 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and
does not come to the light,lest his works should be exposed

The person lost in sin does not want their desires and attitudes to be exposed.

Verse 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light,
so that it may be clearly seen that his works
have been carried out in God

The believer has nothing to hide but desires that everyone see Christ in them.

This is indeed the absolute truth as to the purpose for Jesus coming into the world. Many people honestly believe they will go to heaven due to their good works and that is a lie from hell. They do not know the truth of the Scripture. This is truth and I hope that you are trusting in Jesus alone for your salvation. If you are not these verses clearly reveal that you are condemned because of your unbelief. Please pray now and confess your sin to Jesus, repent and ask Him to forgive you and you will be saved.

God's Rest For His People

2010-03-11T14:13:00.002-06:00

Last week we studied Hebrews 3:1-4:5 in order to make sure that we would enter God's Rest. We saw the only way to enter God's rest is through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Today we are going to define "God's Rest For His People" by studying Hebrews 4:6-11.

Verses 6 and 11 make a complete thought with verses 7-10 being a parenthetical statement concerning those who will not enter God's Rest. Dr. Simon J. Kistemaker, in his commentary on the book of Hebrews, states, "Unbelief leads to willful disobedience, which results in an inability to come to repentance." Unless the Lord intervenes in the life of a non-believer they will continue to willfully disobey the Lord and will not enter into His Rest.

The first phrase in Hebrews 4:6 states, "Since therefore it remains for some to enter it", which refers to God's Rest. The promise from God is that those who turn to Him with a genuine repentant heart concerning their sin and ask for forgiveness will be forgiven and will enter His Rest.

The first phrase in Hebrews 4:11 states, "Let us therefore strive to enter that rest." Strive means to make every effort. This effort is clearly defined by Jesus in
Matthew 11:28. Jesus says, "Come to Me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Once again we see that the only way to enter the rest of God is through Jesus Christ.

Geerhardus Vos, in his book "Biblical Theology", defines Rest. "It stands for consummation of a work accomplished and the joy and satisfaction attendant upon this. Such was its prototype in God. In Genesis 1:31-2:3 God saw all the He had created and said it was very good and He rested on the seventh day. His "Rest" was to cease from the activity of creating and enter into another activity. This "Rest" is a spiritual rest that God intended for all mankind to experience on the seventh day. After the Fall of Mankind into sin this opportunity for spiritual rest was temporarily lost. But the promise for God's people to enter that rest was promised in Genesis 3:15.

Four aspects of the Rest of God are listed below.

Reconciliation: Romans 5:1-2 teaches we are reconciled with God and have peace
with Him through Jesus Christ. In Christ we are justified or declared not guilty
of sin because of our faith in Christ.

Forgiveness: Luke 7:44-50 Jesus has the authority to forgive the sin of people.
Upon pronouncing an individual "forgiven" the people are amazed that He has such
authority. Being forgiven by the Lord means He does not hold us accountable for
the sin that is in our hearts. This forgiveness is only given to those who
confess their sin and ask for forgiveness, 1 John 1:9.

Peace: John 14:27 Jesus gives His peace to us and it is totally different from
the peace the world offers. The peace the world offers is external. The peace
Jesus offers is internal because it is based on the forgiveness of sin which we
saw in Romans 5:1-2 and Luke 7:44-50. It is a peace which surpasses all
understanding, Philippians 4:7.

Unity with the Father: John 17:3 Since or sins are forgiven and we have been
declared not guilty of sin we are one with the Father through the Son. The Holy
Spirit lives in the heart of all Believers which unites us spiritually with the
heavenly Father, John 14:16-17.

God's Rest for His people is spiritual and we experience that Rest on a daily basis and especially on each Lord's Day as we gather to worship the Lord. As God rested on the seventh day after creating all things and then reflecting on them, so we are to do the same. The Lord's Day is for reflecting on the previous week of all the Lord has done for us, in us and through us. We praise Him for what He has accomplished. Then we are spiritually refreshed and renewed after being involved in spiritual warfare all week. This refreshes us and prepares us for the week ahead.

There is another aspect of God's Rest for His people which is recorded in Revelation
21:1-7. All the Lord's people will enter His eternal rest at their death or at His second coming. What a day of rejoicing that will be when we enter that eternal rest,
Matthew 25:34.

Are you tired and weary? Has life worn you down and you just do not if you can go on the way you are living? Read Matthew 11:28-30. Turn to the Lord Jesus Christ by confessing and repenting of your sin and ask Him to forgive you and He will. Then you will understand God's Rest for His people.

God's Rest For His People

2010-03-05T10:13:00.002-06:00

The author of Hebrews passionately confronts his readers to seriously consider their relationship with Jesus Christ lest they be deceived by sin and do not enter the rest God has for them, Hebrews 3:7-19. He continues this thought in Chapter 4:1-5 by pointing out the importance of personal faith in Jesus Christ.

In the first verse of chapter 4 the author points out the genuine concern Believers should have for church members who might not have faith in Christ alone for salvation. We Believers have a tendency to think everyone in the church has Christ as their Savior. Each one should be willing to give our testimony of faith in Christ whenever asked.

In the second verse we are told the people whom the Lord brought out of Egypt heard the same message as we yet it was not beneficial to them due to not believing. The phrase, "They were not united by faith with those who listen" is so important. The prepositional phrase "by faith" is the means of trusting in Jesus as our Savior, Ephesians 2:8-9. The phrase, "those who listen" instructs us that it is our personal faith in Christ that saves us. One must personally believe that Jesus is the Son of God who came into the world to die for their sin. By confessing their sin, repenting of their sin and asking Jesus for forgiveness one is forgiven and has eternal life, John 3:16.

The third verse states, "For we who have believed enter that rest." This is the assurance of our salvation. Calvin states, "The highest happiness of man is to be united to his God." The Lord gives us a peace of heart and mind which surpasses all understanding and the joy of Christ is in us. This is all spiritual and inward and the world does not understand us. The Believer personally experiences this each day and then the day will come when we will experience this totally when the Lord takes us from this life into His very presence.

However, in verses 4-5 there is a serious warning concerning those who do not have faith in Christ. The warning is, "They shall not enter my rest." This is a very serious warning since it is listed in Chapter 3 verses 11 and 18; and Chapter 4 verses 3 and 5. It is my prayer that those of you who are reading this lesson know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. If you are not sure then please confess your sin to Jesus, repent and ask Him to forgive you and you will be forgiven. Then you will experience the rest for God's people and will enter that eternal rest at your death.

Preparation for Worship - February 26

2010-02-26T22:20:00.000-06:00

Time of Meditation

And now we thank You, our God, and praise Your glorious name.

The Call to Worship

Leader: Stand up and bless the Lord your God from everlasting to everlasting

All: Blessed be Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. You are the LORD, You alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and You preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships You. You have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for You have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly. You are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Blessed be Your glorious name

God's Word

Romans 1:16-17
Psalm 46
Hebrews 3:7-19
Sermon: "Knowing my heart before God"

Hymns

God's Promises To Those Who Persevere

2010-02-18T10:06:00.002-06:00

In Hebrews 3:1-6 the author is reminding the readers that Jesus is superior to Moses. In verse 6 he states, "Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if we indeed hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope". What does this mean for Believers today? It means those who persevere in their faith will receive all the promises God has made to them.

We are going to look at chapters 2, 3 and 21 in the book of Revelation to see what those promises are.

As we begin this study there two phrases in each of the verses we will examine that need to be explained. The first phrase is "Let anyone who has an ear" which means anyone who is a Believer has the ability to discern spiritual truth. The second phrase is, "Let him hear what the Spirit says" which means the Believer has a willingness to listen to the Holy Spirit speak to him/her. With this in mind let is begin our study.

The promises given to us in the book of Revelation

2:7 To eat from the tree of life: eternal life will not be lost

2:11 Will not be hurt: Believers will never be separated from God nor face His
condemnation. That was satisfied by Jesus' death on the cross

2:17 Hidden manna: Jesus will sustain our lives in heaven for ever

2:26-27 I will give him authority over the nations: we will rule with Christ

2:28 I will give hi8m the morning star: we will share in Christ's royallty

3:5 Clothed in white garments: the righteous acts of the saints

I will never blot his name out o the book of life: eternal security

I will confess his name before My Father: Jesus will not deny us

3:12 Pillar in the Temple of God: the saints will be honored

I will write on him: sign of citizenship in heaven

3:21 I will grant him to sit with Me: rule with Christ

21:7 I will be his God and he will be My son: covenant promise

When the Believer arrives in heaven everyone of these promises and blessings will be for us and many more that we are not even aware of. This is why our hope is in the Lord and we are able to persevere in this life. We must never lose sight of God's faithfulness to us.

Preparation for Worship - February 14

2010-02-12T07:29:00.000-06:00

The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper will be observed this week

The Call to Worship

Leader: But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have seen saved.

People: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

All: Praise to the Lord, who has fearfully and wondrously, made us! Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!

The Opening Prayer

Father, we echo the words of Christ when He asked that we may be one even as You are one. Sanctify us in Your truth and keep us from the evil one as we await the day we will be with Christ and see the fullness of the glory You have given Him. We ask this in the name of Your Son and our Savior. Amen.

God's Word

1 John 5:1-5
Psalm 91
Hebrews 3:1-2
Sermon: "The Heavenly Calling"

Hymns

The Heavenly Calling

2010-02-11T14:20:00.002-06:00

What does it mean to have "The Heavenly Calling?" In Hebrews 3:1-2 we will find the answer to this question.

First of all, this heavenly calling is refers to Believers as "holy brothers". This means we have been set apart from the world by and for God. Since we have been set apart by God through the blood of Jesus Christ we have the right to enter into the presence of God who is holy, holy, holy. Secondly, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We are the children of God and joint heirs with Christ, Romans 8:15-16.

The next aspect of this calling is the fact that it originates from God. This means that this call will never be revoked, Romans 11:29.

Another truth concerning this call is that is comes through Jesus. The authors asks us to "consider Jesus" which means to think carefully about Him. Then we are informed that Jesus is the "Apostle". This tells us that He was sent by God and empowered to accomplish redemption for all His people, John 10:14-18.

He is also the High Priest who sacrificed Himself for us, Romans 8:1-3. And he lives
to make intercession on our behalf, Hebrews 7:23-25.

Our confession has two parts. One is subjective which is an inner commitment of loyalty to such a statement of allegiance that leads to a public confession. Once God effectually calls us we make a public confession of our faith. The second is objective which is a statement of allegiance expressing a binding assent to the public confession. I am going to be faithful to my commitment to my death.

In verse 2 Jesus gives us an example of faithfulness by His being obedient to the Father even death on the cross. John records the final words of Jesus prior to His death, "It is finished". The Greek word means, "paid in full". Our redemption is completed and we must accept it as a gift from the Lord, Ephesians, 2:8-9.

"The Heavenly Calling" means just as Jesus committed Himself to the Father by dying for our sins and being raised from the dead so we must also remain faithful to the Lord when we receive the gift of salvation by grace through faith. Therefore, "The Heavenly Calling" is a calling of commitment to Jesus Christ to our death. How faithful am I to the calling the Lord has so graciously given to me. Consider your heavenly calling.

However, if you do not have Jesus as your Savior, you do not have the heavenly calling. Confess your sins to Jesus, repent and ask Him for forgive you and then you will have your "Heavenly Calling".

Preparation for Worship - February 7

2010-02-05T13:27:00.000-06:00

Time of Meditation 2 Chronicles 6:14

O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You, in heaven or on earth.

The Call to Worship from 1 Chronicles 16

LEADER: Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples!

PEOPLE: Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!

LEADER: Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth;

PEOPLE: Amen! Our LORD is Holy and full of Grace!

Opening Prayer

Creator, You have called us to worship and we have come to seek Your presence. Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, and glory in Your praise. As we stand before the splendor of Your holiness, may You open our eyes that we may see wonderful things in Your law. Increase our desire for personal holiness and make us eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace so that we may reflect the light of Your holiness in this fallen world. This we ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. Amen.

God's Word

Lamentations 3:19-26
Isaiah 53:1-12
Hebrews 2:10-18
Sermon: "The Perfect Sacrifice"

Hymns

The Perfect Sacrifice For Sin

2010-02-05T09:50:00.002-06:00

Jesus is the perfect sacrifice for sin because He is God. However, there are other elements that also make Jesus the perfect sacrifice. In Hebrews 2:10-18 we are told what these elements are.

In verse 10 the first element of Jesus becoming the perfect
sacrifice is suffering. He suffered in His human nature as
is pointed out in verse 14.

The One who directed this suffering is the same One who calls
people to Himself and sanctifies them. This is the heavenly
Father, vs 11.

In verses 11b-13 we learn that Jesus is not ashamed to call us
"brothers," In verse 12 Psalm 22:22 is quoted referring to
the true spiritual children of God. In verse 13 Isaiah 8:17 is
quoted explaining how Jesus placed complete trust in His
Father. Finally, in verse 13 Isaiah 8:18 is quoted noting that
all believers are testimonies of God being real and faithful.

In verses 14-15 Jesus destroyed the devil thereby giving all who
believe in Him eternal life and freeing them from the control
the devil had over them, Colossians 1:13.

In verses 16-17 it is pointed out that it was not angels He
came to help but the offspring of Abraham. Therefore, He had
to experience suffering so He would be a merciful and faithful
high priest.

In verse 17b we are told that Jesus service to God as high priest
was to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Propitiation
means to forgive and to reconcile someone with the Lord. Once the
sin is forgiven then the relationship between the Lord and the person
is restored to full fellowship.

Verse 18 explains why Jesus is able to help Believers. He has suffered
the same temptation in His human nature that we have yet without sin,
Hebrews 4:15. Therefore, Jesus understands the intensity of the temptation
and He is merciful and faithful to help us overcome the temptation. We
must turn to Him when the temptations come to us.

Jesus is the perfect sacrifice for sin. He understands the power of sin and temptation and He has overcome that power. In doing so, He has freed His people from the bondage of sin and death and reconciled us with the heavenly Father. Therefore, we have fellowship with the Son and the Father and each other, 1 John 1:1-3.

If you have not confessed your sin and received Jesus as your Savior, I would encourage you to do so now. You will be freed from the bondage of sin and death and have eternal life in Jesus Christ. Then Jesus will be your perfect sacrifice and high priest.

The One In Charge

2010-01-31T07:28:00.003-06:00

There are times we are involved in an organization and we wonder, "Why in the world this person was chosen to be in charge?" Why was Jesus given the position He was given? The answer is easy; He is God the Son. But when we examine the way in which He became the one in charge we have a much better understanding. We will do this by studying Hebrews 2:5-9.

In the following verses we learn these facts concerning Jesus

Verse 5 The angels are not in charge of the world, Jesus is in charge

Verse 6 Jesus is mindful of everything concerning mankind. Read
Genesis 3:11-24 and we see that God knew about Adam and
the woman disobeying Him and what the consequences would be.
We also read in John 10:14 that Jesus knows His sheep

Verse 7 Jesus was made a little lower than the angels for a brief time

Verse 8 God put everything in subjection to Jesus

Nothing is outside of Jesus' control, Matthew 28:18

Verse 9 Jesus tasted death for all of His elect

Now we need to study Philippians 2:6-11 in order to understand all of the truth given to us in the passage in Hebrews

Philippians 2:6-22

Verse 6 Jesus is God and equal to the Father and the Spirit

Verse 7 Jesus took on the likeness of a servant. In that day the servant
could only do and posses what his master provided for him. Another
very important point is that the nature of man Jesus possessed did
not have any sin, 2 Corinthians 5:21

Verse 8 He was obedient to the Father's will even to dying on the cross. The
most humiliating and painful death one could possibly experience

Verse 9 The Father raised Him from the dead and exalted Jesus above every
creature on earth

Verses 10-11

At the name of Jesus: His character being God

Every knee should bow: This happens at the second coming

Every tongue confess: Not for salvation but it is true

Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father

The reason Jesus is our Lord is because He has redeemed us from the wrath of God and from our own sin. He has become our good Shepherd(John 10:14-18)and will protect, provide, heal and guide us throughout our entire life. Jesus is indeed in charge and all who believe in Him are truly blessed by having him as the one in charge.

Jesus becomes your leader by you acknowledging your sin, repenting and believing that Jesus died for your sin and was raised from the dead. Ask Him to forgive you and He will, 1 John 1:9. Commit your life to the Lord Jesus and He will indeed become your leader and good Shepherd.

Preparation for Worship - January 24

2010-01-21T20:51:00.000-06:00

Time of Meditation

“For He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.”

God's Word

Ezra 3:10-11
Psalm 146
Deuteronomy 7:6-11
Hebrews 2:1-4
Sermon: "Hearing or Listening to the Lord"

Hymns

Hearing or Listening to the Lord

2010-01-21T09:18:00.002-06:00

I need to ask myself this question, "Am I hearing the Lord or am I listening to the Lord?" Dr. William Hendriksen says, "To hear means to perceive sounds that do not necessarily require or create action. To listen is to pay thoughtful attention to sounds that enter the ear and then evoke positive results." In Hebrews 2:1-4 we are gong to determine if we are hearing or listening to the Lord's word.

Verse one begins with the word "therefore" which points our attention back to everything that is taught in chapter one which is the preeminence of Jesus Christ over all creation. The next phrase is "we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard." This is a very strong statement which should cause us to examine our degree of obedience to the Lord's word. Am I hearing or listening?

Verse two reveal the role of Angels in delivering the message of God to His people. The second part of this verse reminds us that "every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution." The Lord did not give His word to us for us to take it lightly or to ignore it. Am I hearing or listening?

Verses three and four asks each one of us a very penetrating question. "How shall we escape if we neglect such a salvation?" If I am hearing the Lord's word then I will not give much attention to the message. However, If I am listening to the Lord's word, then I will not neglect this salvation nor will I neglect the instruction I receive from the Lord's word by His Holy Spirit.

Preparation for WOrship - January 17

2010-01-16T07:52:00.000-06:00

Time of Meditation Romans 3:23

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

The Call to Worship From Isaiah 6, John 1, Psalm 72

LEADER: Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts.

PEOPLE: We are a lost people of unclean lips.

LEADER: Behold, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

PEOPLE: Blessed be His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory!

God's Word

Philippians 2:5-11
Psalm 145:1-9
Hebrews 1:5-14
Sermon: "My Savior and Lord"

Hymns

My Savior and Lord

2010-01-15T12:32:00.002-06:00

The lesson for today is taken from Hebrews 1:5-14. In this passage the author quotes from 7 Psalms and one passage from 2 Samuel. In quoting these passages he clearly shows that Jesus is much greater than the Angels. We are going to focus on verses 6,8 and 9 as we continue to study about Jesus Christ.

Verse 6 quotes Psalm 89:7 and refers to Jesus as "the firstborn". The significance of the firstborn is that the entire inheritance was entrusted to them. Our entire heavenly inheritance is kept for you and me in heaven by Jesus, 1 Peter 1:3-5. In this life many different things may happen to the inheritance our parents leave to us. But not so concerning our spiritual inheritance. The power of God keeps guard over our inheritance and us. We have eternal security in Jesus Christ.

Verses 8-9 quotes from Psalm 45:6-7. There are four aspects of Jesus in this text.

1. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. God is always on His throne and in
complete control of all that is going on. Nothing is left to chance; nothing
can come into our lives unless it is allowed by our heavenly Father.

2. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. The Lord rules His
Kingdom without partiality. There are not any shades of right and wrong but
only truth prevails and rules.

3. Hated wickedness. God hates all forms and kinds of wickedness. Even the
wickedness in His people He hates. Not hating us but the sin which so easily
entangles us. So much the more we should keep ourselves pure before the Lord.

4. Therefore, God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond
your companions. God has given the victory over sin to His Son Jesus and
through faith in Jesus we also share in that victory, 1 Corinthians 15:55-58.

As we meditate on these four characteristics of Jesus let us praise His holy name for who He is and all He has accomplished on our behalf.

The One Who Died For Me

2010-01-08T09:52:00.002-06:00

Today we are going to begin a study of the Book Of Hebrews. It is believed that this letter was addressed to Jewish Christians who might have lived in Rome. After suffering a period of persecution under Nero there was a period of about 22 years that persecution had ceased. During this time the Believers had become complacent and spiritually lazy. The author, who is unknown, is writing these Believers to renew their commitment which they had initially made to the Lord.

In Hebrews 1:1 the author begins by reminding the Believers how God had consistently revealed Himself and His will to the forefathers.

In verse 2 we are reminded that in these last days God has revealed Himself to us by His Son, through whom all things had been created and the Son had been appointed as heir of all things.

In verses 3-4 6 facts are given concerning the Son:

1. He is the radiance of the glory of God: Matthew 17:1-2

2. The exact imprint of His nature: see John 1:1-3

3. He upholds the universe by the word of His power: Genesis 1:1f

4. After making purification for sins: John 10:11-18

5. He sat down at the r right hand of Majesty on high: Ephesians 1:20-21

6. Superior to angels as the name He has inherited: John 8:58

Who is the One who died for me? He is God. Imagine the true and living God who is holy, holy, holy dying for the ungodly! And yet that is exactly what took place. The death of Jesus Christ is the greatest demonstration of love that God has for His own people. As a Believer, meditate on this truth and re-evaluate your personal commitment to Christ. Have I become spiritually lazy and complacent in my relationship with Him? Let him who has ears to hear, hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to you! Amen.

Adjusting My Life Style

2010-01-01T08:42:00.002-06:00

In the providence and grace of God we have entered an new year to love and serve Him. As we contemplate our lives we would do well to use Psalm 1 to see if we have allowed any sin to creep into our hearts and minds. Psalm 1 gives to us a very clear description of the two paths of life and the results of living them. Those two paths are the way of the wicked and the way of the righteous.

The Lord begins this Psalm by stating, "Blessed is the man". We are immediately presented with the truth that the depth of joy in one's heart and life will depend directly on the life style of the individual. He then describes this "Blessed" person in three phrases:

Who walks not in the counsel of the wicked: this is one who
does not seek nor conduct their life on the advice of the ungodly.

Nor stands in the way of sinners: the Believer would not "hang out"
with ungodly people.

Nor sits in the seat of scoffers: the Believer will not fellowship
with those who mock God or make light of the Holy Scriptures.

In verse 2 we are given two more characteristics of the Believer:

His delight: this literally means his joy and his treasure is
the word of God.

And on His law he meditates day and night: Meditate has two aspect
that one must know. The first may be described as eating and enjoying
a delicious meal. The second is like the reminiscing of a favorite
memory that is very meaningful to you.

The word "law" is the Hebrew word "Torah" which means divine instruction.
The pastor should not be teaching his opinion but explaining the word of
God so the people may understand the teaching. The real teaching is from
the Holy Spirit,John 14:26; 16:13. Therefore, it is divine instruction we
receive not human opinion or reason or philosophy.

In verse 3 the description of the righteous continues:

Like a tree planted by the streams of water: firmly planted
and spiritually nourished on a consistent basis.

Yields its fruit in due season: each Believer spiritually matures
and the fruit is produced in the life for the benefit of others,
1 Corinthians 12:7

It leaf does not wither: spiritual life never fades or dies

In all that he does, he prospers: this is not materially
prospering but bringing to a successful conclusion which
would be the glory of the Lord, 1 Corinthians 10:31.

In verses 4 and 5 the wicked are described. They are spiritually bankrupt and are not good for any purpose. They will be judged by God and spend eternity in hell experiencing the wrath of God, Matthew 25:46. This describes those who do not trust in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation.

In verse 6 we are told, "the Lord knows the way of the righteous", which means He watches over His children, Job 23:10. And once again the way of the wicked will perish.

One must ask themselves, "Have I confessed my sin to Jesus, repented of my sin and asked for Jesus to forgive me?" If you have not done this then at this point in your life you are one of the wicked and if you die without Jesus as your Savior then you will be an eternal recipient of God's wrath.

If Jesus is your Savior then your life must be like the one described in verses 1-3.
If you are not a Believer I hope you will ask Jesus to forgive you. If you are a Believer may you strive to live your life in accordance with verses 1-3.

Preparation for Worship - January 3

2009-12-30T11:48:00.000-06:00

Time of Meditation & Preparation Matthew 4:4

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

The Call to Worship From Psalms 135 & 136

LEADER: Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD, give praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing to His name, for it is pleasant! For we know that the LORD is great, and that our LORD is above all gods. Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.

PEOPLE: It is He who remembered us in our low estate, and gives food to all flesh. We give thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures forever. Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.

The Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we enter Your presence with goodly fear, awed by Your majesty, greatness, and glory, but encouraged by Your love. We are guilty and have nothing of our own with which to repay You, but we bring Jesus to You trusting His righteousness to appease Your wrath and satisfy Your justice according to Your promises. May Christ reign supreme in every thought, word, and deed and may His holy name be exalted as we worship together. We ask this in the name of Your Son, Amen.

God's Word

Matthew 5:2-12
Romans 6:12-14
Sermon: "Adjusting My Life Style"

Music

Jesus, Our Savior

2009-12-16T13:01:00.002-06:00

Our focus today is on the message the Angel of the Lord gave to the shepherds in the field. That message is recorded in Luke 2:11, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." We are going to look at the phrase, "Unto you" and the name "Savior" in order to understand the message as it applied to the Shepherds and to us today.

The phrase "unto us" means it is a personal message. Therefore, each of us should not think of this as a general message but as one specifically meant for each one of us.

The name "Savior" is one that we need to study. In the New Testament the name Savior means "an agent sent by God to bring deliverance." Base on this definition, we all need a savior and we also need to understand what we need to be saved from.

First of all, let us consider why we need a savior. Romans 3:10-11 explains that all who are without Jesus are not righteous, we do not understand God and we do not seek after Him. Ephesians 2:1 we are told that we are "dead in the trespasses and sins." This refers to the spiritual condition we are in without Jesus Christ as our Savior.

The next issue to consider is, "What do we need to be saved from?" John 3:36 tells us that the wrath of God abides on everyone who is not a Believer. This means anyone without Christ as their Savior has God's wrath on them all the time. Romans 1:18 instructs us that the wrath of God in going to be revealed against all ungodliness.

As we reflect on these four passages of Scripture, those without Jesus as their Savior has no hope of escaping God's condemnation an wrath. Since we are spiritually dead in sins that means we are unable to accomplish anything that would remove the sin and the wrath of God from ourselves.

Now let us look at what it means to have Jesus as our Savior. As soon as man fell into sin God promised to send a Savior, Genesis 3:15. This promise is given to God's people again in Isaiah 53:6. When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming to him for Baptism, John referred to Him as the "Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world, John 1:29. We see in this passage that when God makes a promise to us He fulfills that promise.

There is a cost to the deliverance the Savior provides for us. In Matthew 27:46 as Jesus was on the cross He endured and satisfied God's wrath on our behalf. Jesus took the punishment we should have taken for our own sin.

The final aspect of Jesus being our Savior is, "How long does our salvation last?" Jesus tells us in John 10:27-30 that our deliverance and salvation is good for eternity. Not only does God provides spiritual life and freedom from sin but it will last forever!

What each of us need to do now is to determine our spiritual condition based on the truth of Scripture. 1 John 5:12 tells us that whoever is a Believer has eternal life but whoever is not a Believer does not have life. Removing all our good works and church membership, what do you have left? The only way to have freedom from sin and eternal life is to trust in Jesus Christ alone for our salvation. Not one single good work will cause us to be forgiven of our sin. It is all by God's grace, Ephesians 2:8-10.

We need Jesus to be our Savior for there is no other. If Jesus is not your Savior then you need to confess your sin to Him and ask Him to forgive you. And Jesus will forgive you, 1 John 1:9.

Preparation for Worship - December 20

2009-12-15T15:11:00.000-06:00

Time Of Meditation

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear Him.

God's Word

Micah 5:1-5
Luke 2:1-20
Sermon: "Jesus Our Savior"

Music

Once in Royal David's City
Away in a Manger
Go Tell it on the Mountain
O Come All Ye Faithful (vs 3 for Doxology)
Silent Night

A Willing Servant

2009-12-10T08:30:00.002-06:00

Most Believers consider themselves to be a willing servant of the Lord. To what degree am I willing to serve the Lord? In Luke 1:26-38 we are going to see the willingness of Mary to serve the Lord to the point of losing Joseph and ruining her reputation. Let us examine this passage and determine our degree of willingness to serve the Lord.

In verses 26-27 the Lord communicates with Mary through the Angel Gabriel. He communicates with Believers today by His Holy Spirit and through the fellowship and counsel of other Believers.

In verses 28-29 we are told that Mary was "greatly troubled at the saying and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be". Sometimes it is difficult why the Lord, who is holy, would choose to use me in the work of His Kingdom. Yet, He has chosen to do just that with those who are of contrite heart and a humble spirit, Isaiah 57:15.

In verses 30-33 Gabriel reveals to Mary what the Lord is going to do with her. She is going to conceive by the Holy Spirit and give birth to a child who will be called holy-the Son of God. There are times the Lord works in and through us in ways we do not understand.

In verses 34-37 Mary asks the Lord how He is going to accomplish this task which is humanly impossible. When Timothy was not understanding the Lord's working in him and Paul reminded him that the Lord would give him understanding, 2 Timothy 2:7.

In verse 38 we have Mary's final response to Gabriel, which is ultimately to the Lord.

Behold, I am the servant of the Lord: I am your slave; owned by You

Let it be to me according to your word

Let it be: I do not fully understand what is going on

To me: personal involvement and commitment

According to your word: Your purpose for me

There are times we do not fully understand how the Lord works but we completely trust
Him in all things, Isaiah 55:8-9.

As I stated in the beginning of this lesson, we are willing servants but to what degree am I willing to be obedient to the Lord? Am I willing to obey regardless or just to a certain point? Mary was totally willing to be obedient to the Lord regardless of the consequences in her life. May we all be "A Willing Servant".

Jesus, Our Mighty God

2009-12-03T09:53:00.003-06:00

One of the names given to the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6 is "Mighty God". As you and I live our lives each day we need to understand the significance of Jesus being our "Mighty God".

As we begin our study we need to look at two passages of Scripture. The first one is Matthew 28:18 where Jesus tells us that He has all authority in heaven and earth. This means there is no one above Him in authority. The second passage is John 10:29-30 where we are informed that no one can snatch us from the Father and Jesus and the Father are one. This means Jesus is omnipotent and no one is more powerful. With this truth established let us look at the significance of this truth in our lives.

We are told in Philippians 1:6 that God has started a work in us and will continue that work until the day of Christ. Every day you and I live God is at work in our lives conforming us to the image of Christ, Romans 8:29. Each event in our lives is under the supervision of God to accomplish His purpose in us.

In Philippians 2:13 we learn that God works in us both to will and to do His good pleasure. The fist place the Lord works is changing our desires from ourselves to what He has for us. Only the Lord has the ability to change a desire of he heart. Not only does He change our desires but then He enables us to carry out the actions of our desires. We want to be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The next passage is Philippians 3:8-11 where Paul expresses his desire to know the Lord and the power of His resurrection. As we sense the Lord working in us we should have a growing desire to know Him better and to experience His power in our lives. This power is experienced daily in spiritual warfare, Ephesians 6:10-11. We are also encouraged when we understand our salvation and our souls are kept by the power of God, 1 Peter 1:3-5.

The final passage is Philippians 4:13. Whatever the Lord brings into our lives we will persevere because He strengthens us. We are not left to our own strength to deal with life situations.

In Luke 1:5-25 we have the account of the Angel Gabriel appearing to Zechariah while he was performing his duties in the Temple. He was told by Gabriel that his prayers had been heard and that he and Elizabeth was going to have a son. The response of Zechariah was basically, "I do not believe you". Do we have the same attitude of Zechariah concerning the passages in Philippians that we have just studied?

Preparation for Worship - November 29

2009-11-27T18:56:00.000-06:00

Call to Worship

Trio Sing: Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded, for with blessing in His hand, Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand.

People Sing: “Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, Lord Most High!”

God's Word

Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:18-25
Sermon: "God Is With Me"

Hymns

God With Us

2009-11-24T13:06:00.000-06:00

God with us. What does this promise from God mean to me on a daily basis?

First of all we are told in John 7:39 that all who believe in Jesus will receive the Holy Spirit. Then we learn in John 14:16 that the Holy Spirit is just like Jesus which means He is God also. Therefore, God truly dwells in the heart of each Believer.

The significance of God dwelling in me is found in the following passages.

John 14:17 refers to the Spirit as the Spirit of truth. God will never
lie to me or deceive me. Whatever I am taught by the Holy
Spirit will be truth, John 16:13

Ephesians 1:17-19 is a prayer that reveals what is available to each Believer.

Verse 17 The Spirit of Wisdom reveals to us God's purpose in our lives
and how the Believer will be enabled to fulfill that purpose.

Revelation in the knowledge of Him. God reveals Himself to us
by the Holy Spirit living in us, 1 Corinthians 2:9-10,12. The
knowledge given to us about God is most intensive and deep.

Verses 18-19

Having the eyes of your heart enlightened: this is God's work
in us as we have seen in 1 Corinthians 2:9-10,12

That you may know which is again a deep intimate knowledge.
There are three truths that we have the privilege of knowing.

a. What is the hope to which He has called you. We have been
called to experience eternal life where there will absolutely
no sin and death. Our fellowship with the Lord and each other
will be perfect

b. What are the riches of His glorious inheritance. We will never
face any form of sin again nor will we suffer death. Every need
that we will ever have will be provided without any worry or
anxiety on our part

c. What is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward the
Believing ones. Believers have the blessing of experiencing
God's power each day. The spiritual strength to overcome sin
and the temptations put before us by Satan. Not to mention the
wisdom and the ability to live holy to the Lord

According to the working of His great might. Working refers to the
power of God that is actually operating in each Believer. We are not
able to live on our own but completely by God's power. His great might
refers to His sovereign power and control over all circumstances in
life. Just think, everything in my life is under the control and power
of the true and living God

It is awesome to grasp the truth that the true and living God who created all things,
sustains all of life actually lives in me by His Holy Spirit. Paul states in Romans 8:31b, "IF GOD BE FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US? A-MEN!

Preparation for Worship - November 22

2009-11-20T22:02:00.001-06:00

Time of Meditation Psalm 140:13

Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence.

God's Word
Psalm 105:1-8
Psalm 100
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Sermon "The Attitude in My Heart"

Hymns

The Foundation of the Attitude of My Heart

2009-11-19T10:39:00.002-06:00

We all have attitudes and we all express them throughout the day. The foundation of our attitude may be joy, anxiety, thankfulness, anger, peace or many other emotions. At this time of the year we focus on joy, peace and thankfulness being the foundation of our attitudes. How is it possible to have such a foundation for the attitudes in our heart?

The first Scripture passage we need to look into is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. This one is important since we are instructed to rejoice always, to pray constantly and to give thanks for each circumstance in our lives.

As we reflect on Romans 8:26-39 we are reminded why the foundation of our attitudes are joy, peace and thankfulness.

In verses 26-27 we are reminded of the close relationship
the Believer has with the heavenly Father due to the Holy
Spirit living in our hearts and interceding for us in prayer

In verse 28 we see that everything the Lord brings into our
lives is for our good

In verse 29 we understand that God brings everything into
our lives to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ

In verse 30 we see how the Lord has sovereignly called
us, declared us not guilty of sin due to the death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ

Then, in verse 31 we are reminded, "If God be for us who
can be against us?"

Finally, in verses 32-39 we are told that nothing can
separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

As we take into account all these truths, regardless of what circumstances we are in
we can truly have as the foundation of our attitudes joy, peace and thankfulness. I would encourage each one of us to examine the foundation of our attitudes and if it is not what has been presented to us in these passages of God's Word then we need to move in correcting the foundation of our attitudes.

Discerning Spiritual Maturity

2009-11-12T10:19:00.002-06:00

The last two lessons have explained how God makes and develops a Saint. Today's lesson is discussing how the Saint may discern their own spiritual maturity. The Scripture for discerning Spiritual Maturity is Galatians 5:16-25.

The first truth I must be aware of is the necessity to conduct my life according to the direction given to me by the Holy Spirit, v. 16.

The second truth is being aware of the spiritual battle that is within me. This is mentioned in verse 17 and Paul gives further explanation in Romans 7:14-25.

The third truth is that I have been set free from the bondage and condemnation that comes from the law, verse 18.

The fourth truth is set in a negative fashion. In verses 19-21 the works of the flesh are listed and these are characteristics that should not be a part of the believers life. Concerning this passage, Calvin states, "If men knew themselves, they would not need this inspired declaration, for they are nothing but flesh; but such is the hypocrisy belonging to our natural state, we never perceive our depravity till the tree has been fully made known by its fruits."

The fifth truth is a familiar one to all believers, The Fruit of the Spirit, vs. 22-23. These characteristics should dominate the Believer's character.

Then in verse 24 we are challenged to determine if we have "crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

The final truth in this study is in verse 25, "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. In other words, does our walk match our talk.

As Believers we need to constantly discern our spiritual maturity and growth. Otherwise we remain babes in Christ thereby missing the close fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Preparation for Worship - November 15

2009-11-12T07:11:00.000-06:00

Time of Meditation & Preparation Revelation 4:8

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty.

The Call to Worship& Lord’s Prayer

The Opening Hymn 556* “Now Thank We All Our God”

1. Now thank we all our God With heart and hands and voices,

Who wondrous things hath done, In whom His world rejoices;

Who, from our mother’s arms, Hath blest us on our way

With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today.

2. O may this bounteous God Thro’ all our life be near us,

With ever joyful hearts And blessed peace to cheer us;

And keep us in His grace, And guide us when perplexed,

And free us from all ills In this world and the next.

3. All praise and thanks to God The Father now be given,

The Son, and Him who reigns With them in highest heaven,

The one eternal God, Whom earth and heav’n adore;

For thus it was, is now, And shall be evermore.

The Corporate Reading of God’s Word Psalm 1

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is I the law or the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

The Prayer for Physical Needs

Praise Hymn 560* “For the Beauty of the Earth”

1. For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies,

For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies;