An exposition of Psalm 116:1-19. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, March 10, 2010. [We apologize in advance for the low volume/poor quality of this recording.]
A Wednesday-eveining Bible study from Psalm 137:1-9, delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on March 3, 2010.
An exposition of
Jonah 1:1-16. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, March 7, 2010.
Introduction
As the family set around the table following Sunday dinner, talk turned to Sunday School. Little Johnny, the 7-year old, was asked what he had learned that day. “We learned about the children of Israel fleeing Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea.” Smiling approved dad said, “Why don’t you tell us the story son.” Johnny took a deep breath and said, “Well, the children of Israel made it as far as the Red Sea when the Egyptian army was gaining on them. Old Pharaoh had decided it was a mistake to let them go. The people were real scared but Moses called in some engineers and they built these pontoon bridges that allowed the people to get across the Sea. Moses made sure that the last group across were special forces soldiers and they planted explosives on the bridges and waited for the Egyptians. When the Egyptians got on the bridges they set off the explosions and killed the entire Egyptian army!” The whole family was stunned. Mom finally said, “Is that what they taught you this morning in Sunday School?” Johnny, bowing his head in shame, said, “No, but I knew you would never believer the whopper they told us!”
There are those stories that seem unbelievable. Those biblical accounts that stand out as just too incredible to be true. And I understand natural minds struggling to believe. I understand people who begin by saying, “Miracles do not happen because miracles cannot happen” have difficulty accepting the miraculous. But if you begin with a God who spoke and worlds came into being - then it’s not a problem. A God who created everything that exists by the power of His word has no trouble parting the Red Sea. He is not hinder in causing the walls of Jericho to come “tumbling down.” And He has no problem causing a fish to swallow a man only to spit up on dry ground three days later. This evening we begin a quick look at the book of Jonah. The story of Jonah is a familiar tale. If you’ve been around church awhile you’ve heard the story many times. Jonah is one of the “Minor Prophets.” So named not because they are unimportant but because their books are generally shorter than the other prophets. Jonah, for instance, is just 4 chapters. The story is told in a straightforward manner. Through the years some have suggested that it be read as an allegory or a parable. The problem with that view is that is doesn’t read like a parable. There are too many details and historical references. In addition there is nothing in the text to indicate that it should be read anyway other than literal. In fact Jesus refers to it in a historical sense in Matthew 12:39-40.
We know from a reference in 2 Kings 14:25 that Jonah was from Gath-hepher, a small village 3 miles north of Nazareth in Galilee. Further we know that he ministered to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II (782-753 B.C.). Most likely the events recorded in the book of Jonah happened around 760 during a time of mild decline in the power of the Assyrian empire. It was also following a time of earthquakes, drought and famine. Looking at the book as a whole it could be broken down by 4 words - Rebellion (1), Repentance (2), Revival (3) and Regret (4). It is an interesting tale of God’s sovereignty and mercy; of His judgment and His grace. This evening we consider the drama of chapter 1.
Text: Jonah 1:1-16
As we work our way through the chapter keep your eye on…
The surprising, fearful and often severe grace of God.
I’ve chosen those words carefully. I think they’re important because I fear we have a limited understanding of grace. We tend to think simplistically - law = bad, grace = good. We think of grace only in terms of “good things” rather than understanding grace is God’s working for our good. And sometimes the gracious thing is a hard thing. Sometimes the gracious thing is a painful thing. Jonah is a great example of what I’m talking about.
There are four acts to the drama of chapter 1.
- Act 1 - A Sovereign and Gracious Call - (1:1-2)
- Act 2 - An Arrogant and Doomed Rebellion - (1:3)
- Act 3 - A Response of Severe Grace - (1:4-15)
- Act 4 - A Surprising Revival - (1:16)
Conclusion:
So what do we learn? You can resist God’s will. You can pay the fare and head your own direction but His surprising, fearful and often severe grace will track you down for your good and His glory.
An exposition of 
Romans 10:1-21. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, March 6, 2010.
Introduction
I’ve learned through the years that balance is pretty important. Due to surgery to remove an acoustic tumor in ’95 I’ve had difficulty with uneven surfaces. If I get on even a slight incline I’m very unsteady. I remember getting up on my roof taking a few steps and learning very quickly that was not a good idea. It was then I gave up my dream of joining the circus as a tightrope artist. At the same time, as I’ve grown older and hopefully a little wiser, I’ve learn the value of theological balance. Anytime we emphasis one truth to the detriment of another we get into trouble. For instance if we emphasize the love of God to the point we obscure the doctrine of God’s holiness we distort the nature of God. The result is a warped understanding of God that leads to an abuse of His kindness by presuming upon His grace. Such thinking excuses sin by saying, “God will forgive me.” On the other hand if we focus on God’s wrath to the point we neglect His love we are left with a vengeful God who is the God of the great big stick. The result is that we live in fear of retribution without knowing the joy of fellowship with a loving, gracious Father. We need balance. God is love and God is holy. He is to be feared and yet He is to be trusted. There is judgment but there is also love and forgiveness. There is wrath and there is mercy. These truths must be kept in balance if we are to faithfully live in His presence. In Romans 9 we are confronted with some difficult truths. Truths that often disturb and bother folks. We are confronted by God’s sovereignty in election. The fact that God chooses to save some but not all. The fact that He will have mercy on whom He will have mercy and He will harden whom He will harden. We may not like that or be comfortable with that but we must allow God to be God. He doesn’t owe salvation to any of us. It is by grace that we are saved through faith. But the truths of Romans 9 must be balanced with the truths of Romans 10. Romans 9 says salvation is God’s business. Romans 10 says we’re responsible! Which is it? Is it God’s doing or our doing? It is both.
This is part of the mystery of our faith. Can I fully explain it? No. Do I believe it? Yes. Why? Because this is what God has revealed. This is where balance comes in. Yes God is sovereign and I cannot, I would not come to salvation apart from the work of His grace and yet I still choose. I must respond to His grace. I must repent and believe. It is not a contradiction it is a mystery. Years ago a friend who had attended Moody Bible Institute in the 40s talked about Wilbur Smith lecturing for weeks on the doctrine of divine election. When he finally reached the end of his lecture series and had managed to convince a bunch of students to reluctantly embrace this doctrine of sovereign election he said, “Now let’s stand and sing, Whosoever Will as we are dismissed.” That’s it. It’s mysterious. I’ve yet to come across anyone who adequately explains how that can be. I heard one try by saying, “God’s sovereign election and our freely choosing are two parallel lines that meet in eternity.” That has a nice ring to it but parallel lines don’t meet in eternity or anywhere else. If they do they are not parallel!
What is clear with an honest reading of Romans 10 is…
Thesis: The biblical doctrine of salvation demands personal accountability.
Our text this morning is found in the tenth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians.
Text: Romans 10:1-21
Do you remember how this section began?
Romans 9:1-6 - Paul was burdened over the “lostness” of his kinsmen.
Which led to the question - “Has God failed?”
Is God to blame for their being lost?
- The first part of the answer is in chapter 9 - “No, God is not to blame - it is only by His grace anyone is saved.”
- The second part of the answer is in chapter 10 - “No, God is not to blame - Israel is without excuse.”
There are three things I want to point out as we work our way through this 10th chapter.
- Zeal, passion and sincerity are sorry substitutes for truth. (10:1-4)
- Saving faith is profoundly simple. (10:5-15)
- Ultimately you are responsible for your accepting or rejecting the gospel. (10:16-21)
Questions #13. 
This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, February 28, 2010.
Introduction:
If you’ve ever read the Puritan writers you know they seemed to have been obsessed with the question of assurance. They were intense naval gazers! Introspection was a hobby. Constantly questioning their own motives and thoughts. Contrast that with the vast number of folks who today boldly, with great certainty claim to be saved in spite of the fact their life gives no evidence of it. I’ve met scores of people who recall with great fondness and detail how they “walked the aisle” and “gave their heart to Jesus” years ago but have no interest in the church or the things of God today. They rest in the assurance of their “decision” or their “baptism” but are unrepentant of their unbiblical lifestyle and their lack of involvement in the things of God. “Houston, we have a problem.”
There is great comfort in knowing that God is at work in His people. That the God who saves is the God who delivers. That the One who began the good work in you, will complete His work. In spite of our weakness and failings, in spite of our faults and unbelief we are stumbling towards glory and by God’s grace we will get there. But that is only true for those who are genuinely born of the Spirit of God. I understand that I cannot stand as anyone else’s judge and determine conclusively whether they are in or out of God’s Kingdom but I can and must speak the truth of the Scripture. And the Scripture warns of “false” professions of faith. Last time we talked about assurance, I want to follow up on that this evening. Specifically I want to talk about how we know we belong to Christ.
Salvation on God’s Terms
The place to begin is to ask what are the terms of salvation? What is required of those who are saved? This assumes what the Scripture says about man, his creation by God, his fall and the consequences of that fall.
Recap:
- Creation in the image and likeness of God.
- Perfection in the Garden.
- Adam & Eves relationship and their relationship with God.
- The temptation of the Serpent.
- The rebellion.
- The cost.
- The curse.
- God’s remedy.
What is abundantly clear throughout Scripture is that we come to God on His terms. We do not come to God in a manner of our choosing. We are the offenders. We are guilty. What must we do to restore things, to make things right? God, as Sovereign and as the offended party, sets the terms.
So what is it He requires?
Jesus himself came preaching, “Repent and believe the gospel…” Mark 1:15.
We find the same thing from the apostle Paul the other New Testament writers.
Repent and believe.
This means two things:
- The man who has been born of God will hate sin and turn away from it (repent).
- The man who has been born of God will love righteousness and truth.
Paul expresses it this way: But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13
It must also be noted that these are not one time events.
This is not a matter of saying, “I once repented and believed.”
This is on-going.
It is a lifetime of repenting and believing.
In other words it is something you do and continue to do.
The Lasting Result of Such a Salvation
What is it that happens to those who repent and believe?
The Bible is clear - they are sanctified.
When we think about a person being a saint we think - moral perfection.
But that is not its primary meaning.
The primary meaning is “set apart” or “set aside for a specific purpose.”
In the OT when a pot was “sanctified” it was set apart for a sacred use. When it is set aside for that sacred use it is not used for anything else. It was, from that time on, devoted to God alone.
In salvation God’s men and women are set apart for God alone.
Unlike the men and women around them who serve other gods - they serve God alone.
This setting aside is done by God, not by the individuals.
This is critical - when God sets us apart He gives us new hearts.
This new heart results in a complete change of “heart” toward sin.
What we once loved, we now find repulsive.
We develop a growing disdain for sin and unrighteousness.
This disdain for sin is not because it harms us but because it is offensive to God.
Sin was once a delight for us (because it satisfied a desire/longing) now it is a burden.
This new heart also causes us to love truth and despise false teaching.
We say, along with the apostle Paul, “Let God be true, and every man a liar” (Ro. 3:4).
God’s truth becomes more important to us than anything else.
To the point we are willing to die for the truth.
- Paul
- Peter
- The early martyrs
- The Reformers
Now understand this “truth” is not just a bundle of doctrinal affirmations.
John 14:6 - it is Christ himself.
If a man does not trust and love the Lord Jesus, that man is not a Christian regardless of his testimony or what he professes.
You must ask yourself - “Do I truly love Christ?”
“Am I certain that I have believed in Jesus?”
But wait, isn’t it wrong to question? NO!
Listen to Peter:
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9
Peter is saying cultivate these things, grow in these characteristics.
Then note what he says next:
Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-11
Peter is not talking about how to be saved.
He is telling us that there is a way to confirm to ourselves that we belong to Christ.
This is about determining whether my conviction is sound or delusional.
How can I know I belong to Christ?
Not by asking if I’ve “made a decision.”
Not by turning to my baptism certificate.
Multitudes will claim but of those and wind up in hell.
Rather I must apply the tests of Scripture.
That is the things Peter talks about here and what John says in 1 John.
- The doctrine test - 1 John 2:22-23
- The love test - 1 John 2:9-11
- Test of obedience - 1 John 2:3-6
We are to strive toward holiness. We will not achieve perfection but we ought to progress in godliness.
Consider John 14:21, 23-24:
Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.
Jesus answered him, If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.
Some Tough Yet Vital Questions
Do you live to please God or to please yourself?
Do you hate sin and love righteousness?
Do you hate sin because it offends God or because it hurts you or people you love?
Is there a clear distinction between your life and the lifestyle of unbelievers?
Do you trust Christ or truths about Christ?
Are these questions unsettling? If so that’s good. Not because I want to create doubt or confusion but because it is necessary to test gold to insure it is genuine. Gold is not placed in the fire to destroy it but to purify it. The same is true of our faith.
Do you want God’s way in your life? Do you trust Him to work His way in you?
Do you truth Him with your circumstances?
Ask yourself, “Do I want what God wants, even when I don’t know what it is?” Or do you need to know what God wants to do because you can say, “yes”?
Don’t answer that quickly. Think through the implications and then respond.
Our Comfort
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. John 6:37
An exposition of 
Romans 9:1-33. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, February 28, 2010.
Introduction
Can you believe the weather we’ve had this year? Oklahoma weather has always been crazy but this year seems to take the cake. One day the sun is shining, it’s warm, flowers are blooming and the next day we are covered with snow and ice! Just last week I was in my office near the end of the day. I had come back from lunch about 3 hours earlier and it was nice and warm outside. I didn’t even bother to wear a jacket. After working at my desk for a couple of hours I looked out the window. The sun was behind the clouds, I could see the tree limbs bending to the wind. When I stepped outside I wondered, “Where is my coat?” Temperature had dropped at least 20 degrees and I was in shock. That’s not unlike the experience one has moving from Romans 8 to Romans chapter 9. Chapter 8 is all sunshine. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” No condemnation, no separation and in between - no defeat! What a glorious word. What comfort. What encouragement. What peace. Then comes the dark clouds of chapter 9. Paul’s heart is broken over the lostness of his brethren, according to the flesh. He is burdened to the point he could wish himself accursed, damned, for the sake of the Jews. As you work your way through the chapter there are questions about God’s faithfulness and justice, teaching on sovereign election and God’s sovereignty in showing mercy to some and hardening others. Romans chapter 9 is not for the faint of heart!
As I worked my way through the text trying to outline the chapter here is what I came up with:
- A burdened and broken heart - 9:1-5
- A somber and troublesome question - 9:6-13
- An even more disturbing answer - 9:14-29
- An undeniable conclusion - 9:30-33
While this is a theologically heavy chapter don’t let that frighten you away. This is a wonderful chapter affirming God’s power and sovereignty which are essential to our having any hope or confidence. At the heart of chapter 9 is the question of God’s faithfulness. In responding Paul appeals to God’s sovereignty as the basis of our hope. The truth of the matter is that if God is not faithful to His word, we cannot count on Romans 8 being true!
Once again there is the danger of focusing on the question of election and missing the larger truth. I’m not saying it is nonessential or unimportant. I’m saying too often we focus on the wrong aspect of the truth and neglect other applications. At the heart of this chapter is the question of salvation and how it is we come to faith in Christ. I’m afraid there is the tendency to analyze such passages to death. We want to dissect this doctrine, analyze its particulars and methodically explain it when it is intended to inspire worship and adoration! I’m convinced this is a text that ought to inform our understanding of the gospel and evangelism. Far from discouraging evangelism, the truths of this passage ought to inspire it. Rather than distract us it ought to empower us.
As we work our way through this chapter I want you to keep this in mind…
Thesis: Biblical evangelism demands a full-orbed Gospel.
Full-orbed means a well rounded, complete and faithful, taking everything into consideration.
Text: Romans 9:1-33
There are 3 things I want to point out, in light of this text.
- A full-orbed gospel understands “lostness” and knows the pain of a broken and burdened heart. (9:1-5)
- A full-orbed gospel boldly grapples with the weighty issues of theology in seeking to be faithful in applying the biblical text. (9:6-29)
- A full-orbed gospel comes to rest on the doctrine of salvation by faith because of God’s mercy and grace. (9:30-33)
What then shall we say? What are we to conclude?
Those who didn’t pursue righteousness - found it.
Those who did pursue it - never did.
Why? How?
Because salvation is by grace because of faith.
A look at Psalm 59:1-17. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, February 24, 2010.
An exposition of Romans 8:28-39. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, February 21, 2010.
Introduction
According to the Scriptures we are to be a “peculiar” people. That doesn’t mean “strange” or “weird.” It means that we stand out as different. A people “marked off” as belonging to some unique group or a particular identity. It means that we think differently than those around us. We have another way of interpreting the world, of assessing value, and determining what matters and what does not. Our faith is not just a set if ideas or concepts that we believe to be true but a life that we embrace. We embrace truth and that truth affects the way we live. We actually believe there is a God and that belief impacts how we live our lives. We actually believe that there is a heaven and a hell; that sin is more than an attempt to define evil; that Jesus really was the Son of God who came to save us from the wrath of God; and those beliefs are cherished and “lived out.” Because of that we look, act and think differently.
One of the things that ought to stand out, and stand out even more as the days grow more wicked, is our optimism and hope. Of all the people on the planet we ought to face the future with confidence and courage because we know where this is heading! We know that history is going somewhere. That there is a person who is directing this show and it will end at His throne and it will bring Him glory. I’m not talking about a shallow, superficial, pollyanna kind of optimism but rather a deep and abiding confidence that all things work together for our good and His glory. Our text this morning is found in Romans chapter 8 beginning with verse 28.
Text: Romans 8:28-39
This is a comforting and yet disturbing passage.
Comforting because it so powerfully assures us of God’s presence and work.
Yet disturbing because it uses a word that is bothersome - “predestination.”
What I hope to show you is that this is a very comforting passage assuring us a some wonderful truths. Truths that will provide shelter in times of storm. Truths that will anchor your soul in times of doubt, heartache and turmoil. This is another of those “mountain peak” passages in Scripture. Do you remember I said, a couple of weeks ago, that this passage is set off with “no condemnation” on one side and “no separation” on the other? We’ve talked of the comfort from knowing there remains no condemnation for those who are in Christ - now we are assured that nothing will ever separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
As we work our way through this text we are reminded that…
Thesis: As the people of God we are to be marked by an unshakable confidence and an abiding comfort.
Let me point out two things from this text.
- Our confidence rests in God’s sovereign and gracious work. (8:28-29)
- Our comfort is born of God’s preserving love. (8:31-39)
Our confidence rests in God’s sovereign and gracious work.
Our comfort is born of God’s preserving love.
Thus we are marked by an unshakable confidence and an abiding comfort.
A look at Luke 10:25-37. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, February 17, 2010.
Questions #11. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, February 10, 2010.
Introduction
It is a natural question and one worth asking. If, as God’s people, we to be about His business then it is worth asking, “Who is doing the work of God today?” If we are to determine who is doing the work of God must we look to the New York Times best sellers list? Or perhaps we turn to our own Baptist Messenger. A few weeks ago the Messenger featured two articles one naming those who have the most influence on Southern Baptist another naming 10 pastors who should be watched as rising stars within the convention. But what of those who didn’t make either list? Are they having any impact on the Kingdom of God? What about that young couple who turns their back on family, friends and fortune and give their all to an obscure place on the other side of the world where they will labor for decades and see a meager harvest and may even be modern day martyrs? What are we to say of than dedicated layman who quietly serves behind the scene maintaining the building and doing a thousand things no one even notices? What of that faithful woman who rocks and loves babies in the nursery? Or the deacon who stands outside the hospital room and weeps with a family following the death of their loved one? Which of these is doing the work of God?
We suffer under a great delusion born of our modern culture, “If it’s bigger it must be better.” The man preaching to millions through radio, television and the internet must be doing a great work. The one who is a household name around the world must be considered great in the Kingdom of God. According to who’s standard? What is the criteria for determining greatness in God’s sight? We must not forget His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Let me give you a list of activities and I want you to rank them in order of importance:
- Mopping a dirty floor
- Wiping a runny nose
- Winning a soul to Christ
- Giving an honest days work to your employer
- Praying for a missionary
Now obviously there are things on this list that are of greater importance. Certainly winning a soul for Christ and wiping a runny nose do not have the same importance in light of eternity. Would you put mopping a dirty floor on the same level as praying for a missionary? Let me ask you to hold off on making your list and let’s think about the big picture for a minute.
Maybe in answering the question about what is most important we should ask the question a little differently. Perhaps we should ask, “What is the most important thing for me to do right now?” Asking the question in that way recognizes that you need to consider your ability in the context of your immediate circumstance. At the same time we must remember the biblical injunction to do all that we do for the glory of God. Wherever I am, whatever I do - I’m to do it for God’s glory. I am to do it in service to Him. If at this moment there is a runny nose that needs wiping, I need to do that and I need to do it for the glory of God.
To do something for God’s glory is to do it for the purpose of pleasing Him. The man who is seeking to please God is doing the most important thing a creature can do. It is doesn’t matter if men see what he is doing as being important or not.
Here is the principle: You are doing the work of God when you seek to please Him. You are not doing the work of God if your goal is not to please Him.
What we do is not the most important thing. You may be praying for a missionary or you may be giving your employer an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. The act is secondary. Aiming to please God is the important thing.
Some Examples:
- The example of Mary - Mark14:3-9.
- Consider the story of Naaman the leper - 2 Kings 5.
- 2 Kings 5:2,3
- 2 Kings 5:11
- One last example - Dorcas - Acts 9:39-42
Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying you should not pray for missionaries, or hand out tracts or witness to your neighbors. You are to do all of that. But I am saying, broaden your understanding. You are to do all that you do for the glory of God.
What is your job for God? I don’t know. But I can tell you its not hard to figure out. Where did God put you? In an office? Aim to please Him, and your office work becomes the work of God. A classroom? Aim to please Him and your classroom becomes the work of God. A shop? A home? A sales rout? Just keep before you the fact that you are serving God not man. Your day to day chore is Christian work when you aim to please Him in all that you do.
.gif){kind=small}
