The Plowman

 

 A Deaconate Ordination Message and Charge [16:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (740)

This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church, on Sunday evening, August 26, 2007.

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Acts 6:1-7 (ESV)

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 3:8-13 (ESV)

 

 A Glimpse of Glory [33:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (677)

This Message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, August 26, 2007, and was taken from Mark 9:2-7.

As we left last week’s passage, Peter confesses Jesus to be the Christ, and Jesus reveals to his disciples his road to the cross, leaving the disciples greatly discouraged. This sets the mood for today’s message.

The Transfiguration
In the six days following all the bad news, the disciples have had plenty of time to think about what all that Jesus told them had meant. Then on the mountain top they get a brief glimpse of glory. This will sustain them through the dark days ahead. Nothing bolsters confidence and courage, like seeing Jesus for who he really is.

1. Jesus is seen as the unique and visible expression of the glory of God. Mark, in his economy of words simply says “And he was transfigured before them,” which means that just enough of his glory slipped out to reveal some of his divinity to Peter, James and John. Why did this unveiled glory take place? To declare to them that Jesus is God. We must preach this Christ without apology. He is without equal. He is our Savior, God himself.
2. Jesus is the ultimate message of God to the world. Elijah, and Moses, the two central figures in Israel’s history, signifying the Law and the Prophets, are seen at the transfiguration, speaking to Jesus. They were talking to Jesus about his “departure” or death on the cross. Why? Because this is symbolic of the fact that all of the Law and the Prophets were speaking about Jesus, who is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
3. Jesus is the only begotten son of the living God. Peter, James, and John are terrified at all they are witnessing. Mark records that they didn’t know what to say. Luke records that they didn’t know what they were saying. Peter, since he didn’t know what to say, said it. “Lord it’s really good that we are here. We can build a tabernacle to each one of you.” implying that all three are equal. Peter, obvious from his statement, doesn’t understand the significance of this scene. When God declares “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.” he is in effect telling Peter to stop talking and listen to Jesus, for he is God’s unique son. Our hope, trust, and peace is not based in a system, but in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 Play-Doh, Guidability and the Will of God [40:23m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (709)

This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, August 22, 2007.

This is message number six in the “Knowing God’s will series, and is based on the book “Discovering God’s Will” by Ray Pritchard.

 

 What Makes One a True Christian? [41:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (689)

This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, August 19, 2007, and was taken from Mark 8:27-38.

You can’t judge a book by its cover. It is increasingly true that you can’t judge a book by what it says. Often times people who profess to be a Christian don’t live like Christians. So, what’s involved in Christianity. What does it mean to be a true Christian, a genuine follower of Christ? We call it discipleship, and it’s costly. There is a price to pay. But many in our culture today expects so much from Christianity. “God owes me” they say. Is this a biblical view?

The text before us today marks the watershed moment in Mark’s gospel of the earthly ministry of Christ. To this point, Jesus has not disclosed the exact nature of his Messianic mission, his journey to the cross. This passage changes all that, as Jesus tells his disciples exactly what to expect in the near future. From this point on Jesus turns his attention away from the crowds and concentrates on his disciples. What do we learn from this passage about what it means to be a true Christian?

1. A Great Confession: “Who do people say that I am?” Jesus is not taking a poll, he is bringing his disciples along. Then he asks the second question, “But who do you say that I am?” This is the key question. A Christian is one who has been awakened to who Jesus is and boldly professes, confesses and claims the reality of this revelation. This is fundamental, and you cannot be called a Christian apart from this.
2. A Disturbing Proclamation: Jesus plainly announced to his disciples that the son of man must suffer, be rejected, crucified, and be raised. Apart from these four things there is no gospel, no good news, no Christianity. Peter’s response: It seemed impossible to Peter. He wondered how this could serve the purpose of God? A Christian is one who understands and commits himself to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. A Sober Revelation: You must deny self, take up the cross (”die”), and follow Jesus. That means you must denounce any right and claim to your own life. The language of Jesus’ words is a daily denial and death. A Christian is one who has chosen to deny self and die to self in order to follow Jesus.

These are costly things. If this is a reality in your life, it will cost you in your job, in your relationships, in your comforts. It will hurt. On the other side, there is nothing in this relationship that will cost you through loss and sacrifice that will even begin to compare with the great gains throughout eternity.

 

 God's Righteous Hatred of Sin [33:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (715)

This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, August 12, 2007, and was taken from Jeremiah 5:20-6:15.

Do you pay any attention to car alarms? We are too familiar with them because they are so common. When one goes off we pay them no mind. What about warning labels? We don’t bother to read those either. The same goes for severe weather bulletins on TV. That is exactly how it was for Jeremiah. The people had heard Jeremiah’s singular message for so long, and nothing happened, that they quit listening.

How is it for us today? Are we listening? In our post-modern post-Christian context it is important to understand God’s hatred for sin, and that He will come in judgment to deal with that sin. Our culture today no longer believes God is holy and that He will ever come in judgment. Even the church today acts as if this is the case.

Three truths are evident from the passage before us.

1. God’s righteous judgment is coming for those who refuse to heed his warning, and fail to give the reverence that is due Him (vs. 20-25).
2. God’s holy justice will overtake those who have grown fat on the backs of the poor and the oppressed (vs. 26-31).
3. The fire of God’s wrath will bring an end to all false prophets  and priests (vs. 5:31, 6:13-15).

These are sobering words worthy of our serious consideration. There is no question that God is coming, but are we prepared? “What will you do when the end comes (5:31)?

 

 Standard Podcast [32:06m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (693)

This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, August 12, 2007, and was taken from Mark 8:22-26.

His ways are not my ways and his thoughts are not my thoughts (Isaiah 55:8,9).
Jesus doesn’t always do things the way we expect. Jesus doesn’t fit well in a box, regardless of the shape or size of the box. Maybe a good thing for us to do is stop and stand amazed in his presence. Maybe we should stand in amazement by his wisdom, compassion, and grace. Then maybe we would be in a better position to understand what Jesus would do.

The miracle described in our text today is found only in Mark’s gospel, and is the only account of a “gradual” healing. Even though this account seems insignificant, and similar to other healings, there is still something to be learned from it:

1. Our lord graciously meets the hurting at the point of their need and at the level of their understanding. The faith of this group is exemplary, but somewhat superstitious. The man healed doesn’t appear to have any faith at all.
2. Our lord mercifully draws us from faith to faith. Where was this man’s faith when this all began? He didn’t have any. As Jesus leads him out of the village, the man is learning to trust Jesus.  With Jesus, healing is never the great work. In this gradual healing, Jesus is also building the man’s faith.
3. Our Lord overwhelms us with blessings beyond our expectations. He did more for this man than he, or his friends, ever dreamed of.

Look at the parallels in this passage and in Jesus giving spiritual life to the spiritually dead. Our only response should be “To God be the glory.”

 

 Was that a Sign, or Had the Meat Loaf Gone Bad? [32:09m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (735)

This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church, on Wednesday evening, August 8, 2007.

 

 A Nation on the Brink of Destruction [32:58m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (736)

This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, August 5, 2007, and was taken from Jeremiah 5:1-19

Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, look and take note!
Search her squares to see if you can find a man,
one who does justice and seeks truth, that I may pardon her.
Jeremiah 5:1 (ESV)

Nations rise and fall. As a nation comes to power and becomes satisfied with itself, corruption sets in and then collapses under its own weight of moral decay. What are the signs of a nation on the brink of destruction? In the passage before us this evening Jeremiah is given the task of finding just one individual who seeks justice and truth. God promises Jeremiah that Jerusalem will be spared destruction if he can accomplish this task.

1. A nation cannot long stand when it is marked by moral corruption at every level. Even a casual look at our own culture tells us we are in danger. Just ask yourself what are the kind of things that make us laugh. Are they the kind of things that anger God? Ask yourself just how easily you run to slander?
2. A nation is ripe for judgment when it is marked by false worship, open defiance, and is mired in depravity. In our passage before us the people would say “As the lord lives,” but their actions were wicked. They were misusing the name of God. Their lives did not match up with their lives. Does our lives match our words? Those who are in the greatest danger are those who are closest to the word of God; those under the regular preaching of the gospel.
3. Such a nations’ only hope is a truly righteous man. Jeremiah would be equally disappointed if he walked the streets of Tulsa today. Paul recognized this fact when, quoting the Old Testament, he states that there is none righteous, not even a single individual.

Thank God there is such a righteous man; Jesus Christ the truly righteous one. When we flee to Jesus there is forgiveness and protection from ultimate judgment. There is grace for nations as well as for individuals who turn and repent. Christ is our only hope.

 

 "Enough With These Miracles. Give Us a Sign. [34:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (715)

This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, August 5, 2007, and was taken from Mark 8:1-21.

This week we turn our attention to the eighth chapter of Mark’s gospel. Because of the things that Jesus has been saying and doing, tensions are beginning to mount. Jesus is loved and adored by the people, hated and despised by the establishment, and increasingly viewed with caution by the Roman empire. Many missed the gospel because of arrogance and unbelief, many because they were focused on the wrong thing. In today’s message we are going to see an amazing miracle, an astonishing response, and a disappointing performance from Jesus’ disciples.

1. An Amazing Miracle: Our Lord graciously reveals himself as the bread of life in the feeding of the 4000. This is not the retelling of the same feeding told in chapter six, but a separate event. We learn three lessons from this miracles:
   1. He is revealing that he is the bread of life. He is the second Moses.
   2. He is the bread of life, not just to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles. This second feeding was among the Gentiles.
   3. He supplies in abundance, and his supply meets and exceeds the demand.
2. An Astonishing Response: Blinded by arrogance and sin, Jesus’ enemies are blinded to the weight of this glorious miracle. In verse 11, the Pharisees ask for a sign, and Jesus turns away from them and leaves. The most terrifying judgment of God is when he turns his back on you.
3. A Disappointing Performance by Jesus’ Disciples: Jesus is disappointed with the response of his disciples. In our desire to understand the present, we fail to grasp the eternal. We often suffer from the tyranny of the lesser things. We are preoccupied with ourselves rather than with God.

Our greatest need is found only in Jesus Christ. Flee to Christ.

 

 The Terror and Wonder of the Gospel [40:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (731)

This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, July 29, 2007, and was taken from Jeremiah 4:5-31.

How do we share the gospel? There are those who say you need to be very careful, so as not to offend your hearers. Talk about life and meaning and purpose, and steer away from those negative things. Others say that you need to shake them out of their complacency. Some say avoid any mention of the judgment of God, while others think you should start off with the judgment of God. Which way is the right way? The answer is both. You need to have some understanding of who you are dealing with, and let God lead you as to how you should approach them.

We have just one gospel to proclaim, and we have no option but to proclaim all of it: Those who are outside of Christ are sinners. Sin incurs the wrath of a holy God. Unless one repents of their sins, and turns to the only way of salvation, Jesus Christ, they must stand before the righteous judge in the last day.

1. God’s grace does not cancel out his righteous judgment. While it is true that God is love, he is also fully holy and righteous. We must declare the full nature of God. Judgment is coming because God’s wrath abides upon the unrepentant; and judgment is coming because the people have rebelled against the Lord, repeatedly.
2. God’s judgment is devastating. See how it is described in verse 6 and 7. This is not a slap on the wrist. Look at vs. 23-27. The devastating destruction of God is so complete that Jeremiah describes the scene as an un-creation.
3. Even in the midst of this terrifying judgement, God holds out a ray of hope in the latter part of verse 27: “yet I will not make a full end.” How should one respond. The right response is tucked away in verse 14: “O Jerusalem, wash your heart from evil, that you may be saved.”

The Gospel warns against the coming judgement of God. Your only hope is to flee to Christ.