The Plowman

Introduction:
It’s a great hymn.  One of my favorites.  I especially like to sing it at funerals because it is such a confident affirmation of our faith.  “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!  O’ what a foretaste, of glory divine!  Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.”  There is no more comforting feeling than that of knowing you are secure.  To know that you are safe in the arms of a loving and gracious God who has promised to keep you forevermore.  But what if your assurance is a false assurance?  What if what you know to be true turns out to be false?  Have you ever known something only to find out it wasn’t true?  I mourned the loss of a classmate for years having been told of his tragic death only to run into one day at the doctor’s office some 10 years after his “death.”  It makes you wonder, “What else do I know that isn’t true?”  Then you start to look at your spiritual life.  Who hasn’t had the thought, “How could I be a real Christian and still do that?”  Then you read about those who will be surprised on the day of Judgment, “But Lord we preached the Gospel in your name, we cast out demons, we healed the sick” and He replies, “Depart from Me.  I never knew you.”  Questions.  Doubts.  Fears.  How are we to respond to them?   Are we to live in uncertainty?  Are we to push such thoughts away and blindly trust?  Are such thoughts always the work of the devil?  Are they all unhealthy?

We are Baptists.  We are those “once saved, always saved folks.”  How are we to respond to questions about our faith and the certainty that we belong to Christ?  Do you remember last week I said, “The problem with my questions is that when I come to Scripture and answer one - the answer creates five more?”  Last time we asked the question, “Is it possible to be a carnal Christian?”  I said the answer is no.  You are either saved or lost.  There is no third category.  A man whose walk is characteristically or habitually ungodly is not a “poor Christian” he is not a Christian at all.  Yes, Christians sin.  Christians can and do fall into great sin and it can be for an extended time but the man who lives in sin, without the conviction of the Holy Spirit; who has no desire for fellowship with Christ or His church; who lives without regard for the will of God has every reason to question whether he has ever been born of the Spirit of God.  I fear such a man will be in that “surprised” crowd on the day of judgment.

1. The Basis of Assurance
2. The Testing of Assurance
   • The doctrinal test - 1 John 2:22-23
   • The love test - 1 John 2:9-11
   • The test of obedience - 1 John 2:3-6
3. Conclusion

Introduction:
This morning we come to gather around the Lord’s Table.  As one of the two ordinances given to the Church it is a high and holy moment.  We as Baptists believe this to be a memorial meal.  It is a symbol of the body and blood of our precious Savior.  We do not believe that the bread or the juice is somehow transformed into the actual body and blood of the Lord but that it symbolizes both.  We also differ from some of our brothers and sisters in that we do not believe that grace is dispensed through the elements.  Partaking of the bread and the cup does not impart saving grace or any other grace.  Rather it is a time of remembrance and reflection.  It is a great mistake however to believe that it is a “mere” symbol.  It is not something to take lightly or carelessly.  This is to be a time of solemn remembrance.  It is also important to note that this is a “church” ordinance.  It is something to be done by the church gathered for worship.  It is not an individual act - it is a communal act.  We do this together as the church.

I know that the church has fallen on tough times.  Church attendance is down across the board and church loyalty is all but gone.  It seems many are of the mind that the church is no longer relevant.  Some seem to think that the church has run its course and its time for something else.  Well, the church has not “run its course” but perhaps our style of church has.  The church in the New Testament is describes as a body, a family, a temple, the habitation of the Spirit and even a marriage.  The modern church looks more like a cattle drive, a pageant, a circus and a Fortune 500 company!  The church, in the beginning, was not about programs, budgets, goods and services but rather about relationships.  It is was about living the faith together.  It was a sharing of life and growing in holiness.  This morning as we gather around the Table I want to take just a moment and reflect on what the church was meant to be.  To do that I want to explore Paul’s introduction in his letter to the Roman church.

Text: Romans 1:8-17
Paul writes to the church in an attempt to introduce himself and his doctrine.  He did not start the church in Roman but he had heard great reports about it.  He for some time had long to visit the church and have some ministry there.  So he writes this letter outlining the message given to him by God.  Here is the gospel.  He began by stating that he sees himself primarily as the slave of Christ.  One called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.  In this section he expresses his desire to come to Rome, his prayer on behalf of the Roman Christians, his indebtedness to all the world and his confidence in the power of the gospel.

If you look carefully at what he says I think we can see the church as God intends it. There are three things I want to call to your attention.

1. The church is to be a place of mutual encouragement and growth.  (1:8-13)
2. The church is to be consumed with a sense of indebtedness.  (1:14-15)
3. The church is to be emboldened by the wonder and the power of the Gospel.  (1:16-17)

The church is to be a place of mutual encouragement and growth.  A place consumed with a sense of indebtedness.  A place emboldened by the power and wonder of the Gospel.  Such a place is not outdated or irrelevant.  Far from it - it is desperately needed as we seek to live out our faith together.

Introduction:
I like things cut and dried.  Don’t you like things “in their place?”  Isn’t it great when you’re not left wondering why or how?  Especially when it comes to matters of faith.  It is so much easier if you can take biblical truth wrap it up in a pretty package put a bow on it and then sit it on the shelf and forget about it.  If I ever need it - I know where it is.  It I need to show it to someone I can get it down.  Oh, and I want everything clearly labeled.  And if you don’t mind, I’ll do the labeling.  The problem of course is that faith is not nearly as “cut and dried” as we would like for it to be.  It is, at times, messy.  It can be confusing.  No matter how hard I try - “He” just won’t fit into my box.  There are things about our faith that are clear and easily understood on the face of it.  There are other aspects that are mysterious and beyond our understanding.  And there are those things that are too clear and so we do our best to distort or reinterpret to ease our guilt.  Is it possible to know if a person is a Christian?  Can you tell who is and who isn’t?  Is it proper to even consider such things?  What about the relationship between a Christian and sin?  Is it possible to be free from sin?  Can you be a Christian and live in open sin?  Does the security of the believer mean “just trust Jesus and then live however you want to live?”  Is Christ’s life and death sufficient for salvation?  Is there nothing we bring to it?  What about the “Spirit-filled” life?  Questions I’m sure you have a lot of them - I know I do.  The problem with some of my questions is that when I go to the Scripture and find and answer - the answer creates more questions!  This evening we begin a series of messages on “questions.”

I want to begin this series by asking, “Is it possible to be a carnal Christian?”
This is a common teaching.  It is the notion that it is possible to be a genuine Christian and yet live a sinful life.  A life that does not reflect the will of God nor is interested in the things of God.

By genuine Christian I mean:

• You have genuinely repented of your sin.
• You have placed your faith and trust in Christ.
• You have been regenerated, made new by the working of the Holy Spirit.
• Christ lives in you through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Yet:

• You live without regard for Christ.
• You live without thought or concern for the will of God.
• You have no interest in His church.

The “carnal Christian” teaching says while not ideal, not really what God wants or expects of us, such a person can rest assured they belong to Christ and are therefore guaranteed a place in glory.

Can such a view be supported from the Scripture?  That’s what I want us to explore. I want to walk through 4 things in answering this question. I think it is important to walk through these steps to gain the best understanding.

1. First, let’s consider some amazing Scriptural declarations concerning genuine believers.
   • John 7:38
   • Romans 6:14
   • Romans 8:14
2. That brings us to some disturbing questions.
   • Considering the facts just mention, why is it some Christians do not sense the presence and power of the Holy Spirit?  How is it some Christians are dominated by sin?  How is it many do not recognize the leadership of the Holy Spirit?
   • Christians through the years have tried to answer the questions I’ve raised.  How is it a Christian’s life contradicts God’s promise?  Some answers have been better than others.  Many have concluded this is further proof that salvation can be lost.  It is obvious to many that you could not be a Christian and live such lifestyles.  Those who hold to eternal security, who believe that once God begins His work he will complete it - seek another solution.
3. That brings us to a common but less than adequate explanation.
   • Many have come to the conclusion the some Christians are not spiritual but rather “carnal” or worldly.  This is the carnal Christian doctrine.
   • This is a sober warning to us.
4. A word of caution.
   • So to answer the question - Christians often sin and often sin grievously.  Christians can fall into gross immorality.  But no, a Christian cannot habitually and characteristically live in sin and disobedience.  Such a life is a betrayal of a profession of faith.
   • Such a lifestyle demands a serious and careful examination of one’s soul.

Introduction:
I was in a meeting this past week with some other pastors.  We were talking and praying with one another.  We talked about our congregations, our needs, concerns and what was on our hearts so that we knew how to pray for each other.  One of the men said, “Our folks believe they just don’t obey.”  That struck me.  It struck me first because of its honesty.  He didn’t say it as an accusation or a complaint – he was just stating a reality.  It also struck me because it made me think about my own life and service.  I thought about how often the same could be said of me.  I believe - I just don’t obey.  I know what to do – I just don’t do it.  Those thoughts then sparked other questions.  “Why don’t you obey?”  “What keeps you from doing what you know to do?”  The Puritans were known for their commitment to self-inspection.  When you read them it seems they took it to the extreme in cases.  Too much navel gazing can lead to a depressed faith.  A constant feeling that you are worthless and that there is no progress in the gospel.  I don’t think the modern church is in any danger in that department!  Rather we could use some honest navel gazing.  A little self-examination would be good for us.  What motivates us?  What makes us tick?  Is obedience drudgery or a delight?  Does it drain us or empower us?
There is no question that we, as the people of God, are called to a life of obedience.  We not left to wonder if God would have us do as He says.  Is it the will of God that we grit our teeth and bear the burden of following Him?  After all Jesus said we must take up our cross and follow Him.  He spoke of our dying daily in order to following Him.  But are a long face, a heavy heart and a frustrated life what He had in mind?  I don’t think so.  It seems to me the message of the Scripture is that there is delight in service to God.  That there is a profound joy in following Him.  How is it the apostle Paul found the strength to sing and praise God from a prison cell?  How is it he could delight in being found worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus?  Why would he cry out, “O that I may know Him and enter into the joy of His suffering?”  We get some insight into his joy when we read his opening remarks to the church at Rome.  Our text this morning is found in Romans the first chapter.

Text: Romans 1:1-7
Without question Romans is one of the most powerful and influential “books” ever written.  Its affect on the history of the church is profound.  In turn it has shaped the western world.  St. Augustine was brought to faith after reading a few verses from Romans 13.  Martin Luther rediscovered the doctrine of salvation by faith through his study of this great book.  John Wesley the leading light in awakening of the 18th century was converted while listening to a man read from Luther’s preface to Romans.  Wesley said, “My heart was strangely warmed” and thus he came to faith.  John Bunyan, inspired by this book in turn wrote the Pilgrim’s Progress.  There is no question this book casts a lengthy shadow through the history of the church.

Kent Hughes said when approaching his study of Romans, “The study of it produces genuine excitement and genuine trepidation – excitement because of the possibilities its life-changing themes bring to us, and trepidation at reasonably expounding their massiveness.”  In other words there is joy and excitement because of its great power in presenting the gospel and great fear in handling such profound truths.  I share his sentiments!
Paul, probably from Corinth in 57AD, wrote this letter to Rome as an introduction.  It was his desire to come to Rome and to minister there (1:11-15).  Because he is not writing to a congregation he established and due to the fact he’s not addressing particular problems – Romans differs from his other epistles.

Some have referred to his writing as a treatise or doctrinal statement.  There are those who feel it is a systematic theology.  It is the most detailed teaching on salvation and the gospel that we possess in the biblical record.  Paul desired to come to Rome and this was a means of letting them know ahead of time, “This is the message that I’m preaching.”  This is the theme of my ministry.  But don’t get the wrong idea – this is no dry, lifeless theology text.  This is a warm, pastoral, and practical expression of the Gospel.
In his introduction or greeting we discover an important truth about the life of faith.  The weight of these opening verses gives some insight into what is to come.

From these 7 verses we learn that:
Thesis: Joyful and faithful service is the fruit of a grace-saturated life.

Keep in mind that this church does not know Paul.  Perhaps they know of him, there may be people in the church who know Paul but as a whole they do not know him.  So he wants to give them a little information about himself before he gets to the heart of his letter. It is this statement of who he is that I think is so important.?I believe it is critical to understanding how we remain faithful and joyful in service.? I want to point out three things as we make our way through the text.?These are three things that are the result of a life saturated with grace.

1. The grace-saturated life delights in being owned by God.  (1:1)
2. The grace-saturated life is a life consumed with the Gospel.  (1:1-4)
3. The grace-saturated life gladly acknowledges it is all of grace.  (1:5-7)

Introduction:
I have to admit it – nothing surprises me anymore.  I’ve really become jaded.  I used to blush and be shocked – but just when I thought it couldn’t possibly get worse – it did.  Sometimes I get the feeling you and I are the only sane folks left on the planet – and some of you are suspect!  I don’t watch it, and I hope you don’t either, but do you see these commercials for The Jerry Springer Show?  “My best friend’s mom is my girl friend on the next Jerry Springer show!”  There are sure some warped, twisted folks out there.  Things are outrageous and extreme today but it has been heading that direction for some time now.  Do you remember the movie Ordinary People?  Hailed as a wonderful movie, a compelling drama – several academy award nominations.  The movie was about a “typical” family living in the suburbs of Chicago.  The film begins after the older of the two sons has been killed in a drowning accident caused by his own foolishness.  The younger son is racked with guilt, so much so, that as the movie progresses he increasingly is unable to cope with life.  The mother is domineering.  The dad is weak in character.  In the end the younger son attempts suicide and the father leaves home.  It’s just your typical family – just ordinary people.

It was depressing! Utter helplessness.  No hope.  Nothing made sense. “This is real life” we were told. This is what is happening in the “real world”. I really couldn’t identify.  It was pretty much Leave It to Beaver around my house! The bad things were – you messed up dad’s best shirt and your brother said, “gee dad’s gonna kill yeh!”

The buzzword today is “dysfunctional”. “Oh he’s that way because he comes from a dysfunctional family.” No one is responsible for anything anymore – it is someone else’s fault. I’ve got news for you – we all come from dysfunctional families – because we are all warped by sin!

It’s nothing new – dysfunctional families have been around since the beginning (remember Cain and Abel?).

And if there was ever a poster family for the dysfunctional it would have to be that of Isaac and Rebekah.  You talk about one mixed up family – that was it.  Twin boys.  Mom and dad each had their favorite and openly demonstrated it.  Plotting, lying, scheming, stealing, hating – you name it – it went on inside that home.  And yet God’s hand was on that family.  God, sovereignly, providentially, directed the history of that family.  It is an incredible story and this evening we’ll explore another chapter in the life of a highly dysfunctional and yet blessed family.

Text: Genesis 27:41-28:9

It is increasingly clear to me that the dominant note sounded throughout the Genesis account is that God is indeed sovereign.  He is in charge.  He is in control of history – it is His story.  God is moving the story along to His determined end and nothing is going to stop His sovereign purposes.  It is also clear to me that the only thing keeping Him from wiping the human family off the face of the earth is that He is indeed gracious and merciful.

At this point in the story Jacob, thanks to his mother’s scheming nature, has just “stolen” the blessing belonging to his brother Esau.

Don’t forget God had already declared that the older would serve the younger (25:23). Why was this so? Because it pleased God to do so (Romans 9:10-15). Isaac sought to defy the revealed will of God. Rebekah remembered God’s word but sought to achieve God’s purpose through trickery. Isaac trembled in fear when he realized what had happened. That’s where we pick up the story – think there’s a little tension in the family about now?

As we reflect on this passage we’ll learn some lessons from a dysfunctional family. There are three abiding principles I want us to leave here with.

1. God’s will ultimately prevails.
2. Deception produces a bitter crop.
3. There is a better way.

Introduction
We all have those folks in our lives who have been there challenging us to better ourselves.  To do more, to achieve greater success.  They say, “Great.  Way to go!  Now let’s really do it.”  Bless their hearts – they mean well but they tick me off!  Do you remember those “president’s physical fitness test” in school?  They said they were intended to promote physical fitness – I know they were intended to humiliate those of us who were “gravitationally challenged.”  So many sit-ups, chin-ups and so forth.  I hated those days.  Mr. Robinson would say, “Okay Rodney it’s your turn.”  “Do I have to?”  As if wearing those “husky” jeans were not enough – I was paraded in front of the class to once again fail.  After considerable effort to getting me up to the bar – he would step back and say, “go!”  I would hang there for a few tenths of a second and then drop to the floor.  He would say, “Good effort.  I thought you were going to do one.  It was better than last time.”

Coaches who would slap you on the back and encourage you – then challenge you to reach a little higher – work a little harder.  Teachers who saw untapped potential and sought to bring it out.  Parents who knew you were capable of more.  But the great encourager is the Lord Jesus himself.  Who not only challenges to greater heights but enables us to reach them!

As we follow our Lord through the Gospels we find Him lovingly leading the disciples deeper in the walk of faith.  As He sets before them the great truths of the kingdom – He calls them to a deeper understanding and a more demanding commitment.  That is what I want us to note in our text this morning from Luke chapter 5.

Text: Luke 5:1-11

Doctor Luke is writing an orderly account of the life of Jesus for his friend Theophilus. Stories are already circulating and Luke wanted his friend to have an accurate account. So Luke the historian carefully researched the facts. His goal – demonstrate that Jesus is indeed the Messiah – the Savior of the world. Jesus is the savior of both the Jew and the Gentile. Luke spends the first two chapters giving us the background information. Information that demonstrates that this Jesus is indeed unique. Chapter 4 recounts the wilderness temptations and His early days in Galilee.

• His rejection in His hometown synagogue.
• That action-packed Sabbath in Capernaum.

As we approach our text we find a crowd around. There is nothing unusual about that.  Crowds followed Jesus everywhere in those days. This crowd was so large and people were elbowing and pushing their way so much so that the people were “pressing” in on Jesus.

The word literally means to “press down.” They were crowding Him – pushing Him into the water. He saw a couple of fishing boats – got into one and used it for a pulpit. We already know that He taught like no other man. People were amazed at His teaching. They could not believe what they were hearing from Him. But this text is not about His preaching – it is about what happened after the sermon.

Thesis: The Lord Jesus lovingly, graciously calls His followers to greater levels of love and commitment.

1. Our Lord lovingly challenges us to believe in spite of our doubt.  (5:1-5)
2. Our Lord graciously rewards our obedience with remarkable results.  (5:6-9)
3. Our Lord graciously calls us to a life of total commitment.  (5:10-11)